Abstract:
An adjustable clamp system and method for extending the jaw opening of an adjustable clamp are presented. The adjustable clamp system includes a first slide-adjustable clamp and a second slide-adjustable clamp, with each clamp having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The system further comprises, for each of the slide-adjustable clamps, a rail, along which the movable jaw travels. The ends of the rails of the two adjustable clamps, relieved subsequent to the removal of the fixed jaw member, are engaged. Upon engagement of the rails, a coupling member suitably aligns and secures them, so as to maintain the joining thereof. The jaw opening of the adjustable clamp is formed by the jaw member movably attached to the first rail and the jaw member movably attached to the second rail, being substantially increased thereby.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is based on and claims priority to provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/729,572, which was filed on Oct. 24, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This subject application is directed to a fastening or tightening arrangement and, more particularly, to an arrangement for clamping various materials, such as wood, metal, PVC, and the like. More particularly, this invention is directed to an adjustable clamp system and a method for extending a jaw opening of an adjustable clamp by combining two quick-release clamps into a single clamp with an extended jaw opening.  
         [0003]     Adjustable clamps are commonly used in today&#39;s construction and home improvement industry. An adjustable clamp, such as a quick-release or slide clamp, typically employs a fixed portion, attached to an elongated rail. The remaining end of the rail is engaged by a movable portion, which is secured to the rail using a tensioned lever against a portion of the rail. However, the typical adjustable clamp is limited in size, which in turn limits the opening between the movable portion and fixed portion. This equates to a limitation on the size of the materials, such as wood, metal, PVC, and the like, for which the typical adjustable clamp is applicable, since the materials may have a width greater than that of the jaw opening of the clamp.  
         [0004]     Thus there is a need for an adjustable clamp with an extended jaw opening.  
         [0005]     There is also a need for a method for extending the jaw opening of an adjustable clamp.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0006]     In accordance with the subject application, there is provided an adjustable clamp system with an extended jaw opening.  
         [0007]     Further, in accordance with the subject application, there is provided a method for extending a jaw opening of an adjustable clamp.  
         [0008]     Still further in accordance with the subject application, there is provided a method for combining two adjustable clamps into a single clamp with an extended jaw opening.  
         [0009]     In accordance with one aspect of the subject application, there is provided an adjustable clamp system, including a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The first clamp member includes a first transition member having a first end and a second end. The first transition member also includes an opening disposed on its first end. The first clamp member further includes a first jaw member movably attached to the first transition member. The second clamp member includes a second transition member having a first end and a second end. The second transition member further includes an opening disposed on its first end. The second clamp member further includes a second jaw member movably attached to the second transition member. According to the invention, the first end of the first transition member fixedly engages the opening of the second transition member, wherein the first end of the second transition member fixedly engages the opening of the first transition member.  
         [0010]     In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable clamp system further includes a first dowel pin disposed on the first end of the first transition member offset from the opening. The adjustable clamp also includes a second dowel pin disposed on the first end of the second transition member offset from the opening. In this embodiment, the first end of the first transition member engages the opening of the second transition member by virtue of the first dowel pin. Further, the first end of the second transition member engages the opening of the first transition member by virtue of the second dowel pin.  
         [0011]     Preferably, the adjustable clamp system of the subject application further includes a first detent member coupled with the first jaw member and a second detent member coupled with the second jaw member. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first detent member and the second detent member are adapted each for maintaining a corresponding jaw member in a given position with respect to a corresponding transition member.  
         [0012]     In another preferred embodiment, the adjustable clamp system further includes a coupling member adapted for securing the fixedly engaged first ends of the first and second transition members. Preferably, the coupling member is further adapted for aligning the first and second transition members. A skilled artisan will appreciate, that the coupling member is further adapted for enveloping at least partially the engaged first ends of the first and second transition members. Preferably, the coupling member includes a cylinder body.  
         [0013]     In accordance with another aspect of the subject application, there is provided an adjustable clamp system, including a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The first clamp member includes a first transition member. The first transition member has a first end and a second end, and includes an opening disposed on its first end. The first clamp member also includes a first jaw member movably attached to the first transition member. The second clamp member includes a second transition member. The second transition member has a first end and a second end, and includes an opening disposed on its first end. The second clamp member further includes a second jaw member movably attached to the second transition member.  
         [0014]     Further included in the adjustable clamp system is a third transition member having a first end and a second end. The third transition member includes an opening disposed on its first end, and an opening disposed on its second end. In accordance with the subject application, the first end of the first transition member fixedly engages the opening disposed on the first end of the third transition member. In addition, the first end of the second transition member fixedly engages the opening disposed on the second end of the third transition member.  
         [0015]     In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable clamp system further includes a first dowel pin disposed on the first end of the first transition member offset from the respective opening, and a second dowel pin disposed on the first end of the second transition member offset from the respective opening. In this embodiment, the first end of the first transition member engages the opening disposed on the first end of the third transition member by virtue of the first dowel pin. The first end of the second transition member engages the opening disposed on the second end of the third transition member by virtue of the second dowel pin.  
         [0016]     In accordance with another aspect of the subject application, there is provided a method for extending a jaw opening of an adjustable clamp. The adjustable clamp includes a first transition member having a first end and a second end, a jaw member movably attached to the first transition member, and a jaw member fixedly attached to the first end of the first transition member. The method commences by removing the fixedly attached jaw member from the first transition member. Next, a fixedly attached jaw member is removed from a second transition member. The second transition member is part to another adjustable clamp. The second transition member has a first end and a second end, wherein the other adjustable clamp further includes a jaw member movably attached to the second transition member. The fixedly attached jaw member of the other adjustable clamp is attached to the first end of the second transition member.  
         [0017]     In accordance with the method of the subject application, a coupling member is then engaged with the first transition member. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, that the coupling member is slidable with respect to the first transition member. Next, the first end of the first transition member is fixedly engaged with the first end of the second transition member. Preferably, a dowel pin, relieved on the first end of the first transition member subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member, is inserted into an opening, relieved on the first end of the second transition member subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member. Also, a dowel pin, relieved on the first end of the second transition member subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member, is inserted into an opening, relieved on the first end of the first transition member subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member.  
         [0018]     The fixedly engaged first ends of the first and second transition members are then secured by virtue of the coupling member. Preferably, the fixedly engaged first ends of the first and second transition members are aligned by means of the coupling member. Thus, the jaw opening of the adjustable clamp is formed by the jaw member movably attached to the first transition member and the jaw member movably attached to the second transition member.  
         [0019]     Still other objects and aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes suited for to carry out the invention. As it will be realized by those skilled in the art, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the present application. Accordingly, the drawings and description will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of separate components of the adjustable clamp system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the first and second transition members of the adjustable clamp system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the first and second transition members of the adjustable clamp system in an engaged position in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the adjustable clamp system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is illustrates the coupling member of the adjustable clamp system in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  illustrates the method for extending a jaw opening of an adjustable clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     The present invention is directed to an adjustable clamp system with an extended jaw opening. More particularly, the present invention is directed to system and method for extending a jaw opening of an adjustable clamp by combining two quick-release clamps into a single clamp with an extended jaw opening.  
         [0027]     In the preferred embodiment, as described herein, the adjustable clamp system employs a quick-release clamp, suitably adapted to include a removably secured member at the distal end of a slide rail and a movable member, slidably engaged around the slide rail and suitably equipped with a detent member, such as a tension-based braking mechanism, so as to prevent the movable member from moving unless such mechanism is in the relaxed position. However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that other types of clamps are equally capable of employing the methods described herein, without departing from the spirit of the instant invention. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the fixed member is removably secured using suitable dowel pins and openings corresponding thereto, suitably disposed on the fixed member and the respective end of the slide rail, as will be explained in greater detail below.  
         [0028]     As illustrated in the attached figures, the adjustable clamp is any commercially available clamp known in the art and which includes a slide rail along which one jaw of the clamp slides to engage items between the fixed jaw and the movable jaw. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that as used herein, the term “fixed jaw” refers to the secured member of an adjustable clamp, which is capable of being removed by the user, whereas the term “moving jaw” refers to the movable member of the adjustable clamp. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the slide rail is representative of the transitional member of an adjustable clamp. The transitional member is suitably capable of being implemented, for example and without limitation, as a long screw, a smooth rectangular member, or any other connecting means known in the art suitably adapted for use with adjustable clamps.  
         [0029]     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a side perspective view  100  of a first clamp member  102  and a second clamp member  104  in accordance with the present invention. The first clamp member  102  includes a first transition member  106  having a first  108  end and a second end  110 . The first transition member  106  also includes an opening  112  disposed on its first end  108 . The first clamp member  102  further includes a first jaw member  114  movably attached to the first transition member  106 .  
         [0030]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the second clamp member  104  includes a second transition member  116  having a first end  118  and a second end  120 . The second transition member  116  further includes an opening  122  disposed on its first end  118 . The second clamp member  104  further includes a second jaw member  124  movably attached to the second transition member  116 . Preferably, the adjustable clamp system of the subject application further includes a first detent member  126  coupled with the first jaw member  114  and a second detent member  128  coupled with the second jaw member  124 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first detent member  126  and the second detent member  128  are adapted each for maintaining a corresponding jaw member  114 ,  124  in a given position with respect to a corresponding transition member  106 ,  116 . Also disposed on respective first ends  108 ,  118  of the first and second transition members  106 ,  116  are dowel pins  130 ,  132 , respectively, illustrated specifically in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0031]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a side perspective view  200  of a first transition member  202  and of a second transition member  204  in accordance with the present invention. Disposed on the first end  206  of the first transition member  202  is an opening  208 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a first dowel pin  210  offset from the opening  208 , is also disposed on the first end  206  of the first transition member  202 . Disposed on the first end  212  of the second transition member  204  is an opening  214 . A second dowel pin  216  is also disposed on the first end  212  of the second transition member  204  offset from the opening  214 . Also shown in  FIG. 2  is a coupling unit  218 , engaging the first transition member  202 . As will be evident to those skilled in the art, the coupling member  218  is suitably capable of being comprised of a high-density plastic, resistant to breakage. In an alternate embodiment, the coupling member  218  is comprised, for example and without limitation, of a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminum, or the like. The coupling member  218  is illustrated in greater detail in  FIG. 5 , referred to as a coupling member  500 .  
         [0032]     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a side perspective view  300  of the first and second transition members  302 ,  304  of the adjustable clamp system in an engaged position in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first end  306  of the first transition member  302  engages the opening  308  of the second transition member  304  by virtue of the first dowel pin  310 . Further, the first end  312  of the second transition member  304  engages the opening  314  of the first transition member  302  by virtue of the second dowel pin  316 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a coupling member  318 , engaging the first transition member  302 . As will be evident to those skilled in the art, the coupling member  318  suitably corresponds to the coupling member  218  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The configuration of the coupling member  318  is advantageously illustrated in  FIG. 5  with reference to the coupling member  500 .  
         [0033]     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a side perspective view of the adjustable clamp system  400  in accordance with the present invention. The adjustable clamp system  400  includes a first clamp member  402  and a second clamp member  404 . The first clamp member  402  includes a first transition member  406  having a first end  408  and a second end  410 . The first transition member  406  also includes an opening disposed on its first end  408  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). The first clamp member  402  further includes a first jaw member  414  movably attached to the first transition member  406 .  
         [0034]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second clamp member  404  includes a second transition member  416  having a first end  418  and a second end  420 . The second transition member  416  further includes an opening disposed on its first end  418  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). The second clamp member  404  further includes a second jaw member  424  movably attached to the second transition member  416 . Preferably, the adjustable clamp system  400  of the subject application further includes a first detent member  426  coupled with the first jaw member  414  and a second detent member  428  coupled with the second jaw member  424 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first detent member  426  and the second detent member  428  are adapted each for maintaining a corresponding jaw member  414 ,  424  in a given position with respect to a corresponding transition member  406 ,  416 . Also disposed on respective first ends  408 ,  418  of the first and second transition members  406 ,  416  are respective dowel pins (not shown in  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0035]     As will be recognized by a skilled artisan, the first end  408  of the first transition member  406  engages the opening of the second transition member  416  by virtue of the first dowel pin. Further, the first end  418  of the second transition member  416  engages the opening of the first transition member  406  by virtue of the second dowel pin. The adjustable clamp system  400  of  FIG. 4  further includes a coupling member  430  adapted for securing the fixedly engaged first ends of the first and second transition members. Preferably, the coupling member  430  is further adapted for aligning the first and second transition members  406 ,  416 . A skilled artisan will appreciate, that the coupling member  430  is further adapted for enveloping at least partially the engaged first ends  408 ,  418  of the first and second transition members  406 ,  416 . Preferably, the coupling member  430  includes a cylinder body and will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling member  430  further provides for stability and alignment of the movable jaws  414 ,  424 , so as to enable the combined adjustable clamp  400  to secure two or more materials, such as wood, plastic, steel, and the like, between the two movable jaws  414 ,  424 .  
         [0036]     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a side perspective view of a coupling member  500 . The coupling member  500  includes a cylinder body  502 . The interior of the cylinder body  502  of the coupling member  500  further includes first and second opposing grooves  504 ,  506  extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder body  500 . The first and second opposing grooves  504 ,  506  are positioned such that the first and the second dowel pins (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) fit into corresponding first and second opposing grooves  504 ,  506 . Preferably, the interior of the cylinder body  502  of the coupling member  500  further includes third and fourth opposing grooves  508 ,  510  extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder body  502 . Those skilled in the art will recognize, that the third and fourth opposing grooves  508 ,  510  are positioned such that the engaged first ends of the first and second transition members (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) fit into the interior of the cylinder body  502 .  
         [0037]     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a side perspective view  600  of two adjustable clamps, namely, of adjustable clamp  602  and adjustable clamp  604 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the adjustable clamp  602  includes a first transition member  606  having a first end  608  and a second end  610 . The adjustable clamp  602  also includes a jaw member  612  movably attached to the first transition member  606 , and a jaw member  614  fixedly attached to the first end  608  of the first transition member  606 .  
         [0038]     The adjustable clamp  604  includes a second transition member  616  having a first end  618  and a second end  620 . The second adjustable clamp  604  also includes a jaw member  622  movably attached to the second transition member  616 , and a jaw member  624  fixedly attached to the first end  618  of the second transition member  616 .  
         [0039]     In accordance with another aspect of the subject application, the adjustable clamp system includes a third transition member (not shown in the drawings). In this embodiment, the third transition member includes an opening disposed on its first end, and an opening disposed on its second end. In accordance with the subject application, the first end of the first transition member fixedly engages the opening disposed on the first end of the third transition member. In addition, the first end of the second transition member fixedly engages the opening disposed on the second end of the third transition member. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, engaging of the first and third transition member, as well as engaging of the second and third transition member, is performed analogous to that described in detail above, with reference to engaging of the first and second transition members.  
         [0040]     Turning now to the method for extending a jaw opening of an adjustable clamp in accordance with the present invention, the method will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The method begins with removing the fixedly attached jaw member  614  from the first transition member  606 , and removing the fixedly attached jaw member  624  from the second transition member  616 . A coupling member, such as the coupling member  500  shown in  FIG. 5 , is then engaged with the first transition member  606 . As will be recognized by a skilled artisan, the coupling member  500  is slidable with respect to the first transition member  606 .  
         [0041]     This step is illustrated by  FIG. 3 , where the coupling member  318  is shown being engaged with the first transition member  302 . Next, with respect to  FIG. 6 , the first end  608  of the first transition member  606  is fixedly engaged with the first end  618  of the second transition member  618 . This step is illustrated by  FIG. 3 , where the first end  306  of the first transition member  302  is shown fixedly engaged with the first end  312  of the second transition member  304 . Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the dowel pin  308 , relieved on the first end  306  of the first transition member  302  subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member (which is the jaw member  614  in  FIG. 6 ), is inserted into the opening  310 . The opening  310  is relieved on the first end  312  of the second transition member  304  subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member (which is the jaw member  624  in  FIG. 6 ). Also, the dowel pin  314 , relieved on the first end  312  of the second transition member  304  subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member (the jaw member  622  in  FIG. 6 ) is inserted into the opening  318 . The opening is relieved on the first end  3306  of the first transition member  302  subsequent to the removal of the fixedly attached jaw member (the jaw member  612  in  FIG. 6 ).  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the fixedly engaged first ends  408 ,  418  of the first and second transition members  406 ,  416  are then secured, such as encased, by virtue of the coupling member  430 . Preferably, the fixedly engaged first ends  408 ,  418  of the first and second transition members  406 ,  416  are aligned by means of the coupling member  430 . Thus, the jaw opening of the adjustable clamp  400  is formed by the jaw member  414  movably attached to the first transition member  406  and the jaw member  424  movably attached to the second transition member  416 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the combined jaw opening formed by the jaw member  414  movably attached to the first transition member  406  and the jaw member  424  movably attached to the second transition member  416 , has an increased dimension with respect to the jaw opening of the initial clamp. The latter is illustrated by  FIG. 4 .  
         [0043]     The skilled artisan will further appreciate that the instant example, that of the slide-adjustable clamp, is for illustration purposes, and other adjustable clamps are equally capable of being implemented in accordance with the present invention. For example, and without limitation, a screw-adjusted clamp is equally capable of being adapted in accordance with the present invention so as to increase the jaw opening of the adjustable clamp. Other types of clamps, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, are also capable of employing the present invention.  
         [0044]     The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to use the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.