Bar clamp

A bar clamp has a slide bar supporting a movable jaw assembly. The slide bar is supported in a fixed jaw assembly. The fixed jaw assembly includes a drive mechanism for moving the slide bar relative to the fixed jaw assembly. Mechanisms for expanding the capacity of the bar clamp including the use of straps and two slide bars. Specialized jaws are provided where the jaws may be removable from the jaw assemblies. Additional clamping jaws are provided in addition to the movable and fixed jaw assemblies for varying the clamping force applied to a workpiece.

BACKGROUND

Bar clamps typically comprise a housing that supports a fixed jaw, a bar that carries a movable jaw and that is supported by the housing/fixed jaw for reciprocating movement such that the movable jaw can be moved towards and away from the fixed jaw. The housing further supports a drive and brake mechanism for controlling the movement of the bar. The drive mechanism typically comprises a handle extending from the housing/fixed jaw and an actuator lever or trigger mounted for pivoting movement. The actuator lever is operatively connected to the bar to incrementally advance the bar every time the actuator lever is pulled. In a preferred arrangement of the bar clamp the actuator lever is formed as part of a “pistol grip” with the handle and is located just in front of the handle such that the bar clamp can be easily and comfortably operated with one hand. Typically the jaws comprise relatively small rectangular pads that may be made of an elastomeric material that apply the clamping force to the article. A brake mechanism is provided to hold the bar in position relative to the housing/fixed jaw and to prevent the jaws from spreading from the clamping position. A brake release lever is provided to release the brake mechanism to allow the jaws to be spread.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a bar clamp are described where the bar clamp comprises a slide bar supporting a movable jaw assembly. The slide bar is supported in a fixed jaw assembly. The fixed jaw assembly includes a drive mechanism for moving the slide bar relative to the fixed jaw assembly. In some embodiments the slide bar comprises a first slide bar connected to a second slide bar by a releasable connector that expands the capacity of the bar clamp. In some embodiments an edge clamp is mounted on the slide bar between the fixed jaw assembly and the movable jaw assembly comprising a movable jaw movable in a second direction transverse to the direction of movement of the slide bar. In some embodiments an accessory mounting system is provided for releasably mounting a plurality of accessories to the bar clamp. The mounting system may comprise a rail and a channel repositionable on the rail. A locking mechanism may fix the position of the accessory relative to the rail. In some embodiments removable jaw attachments are mounted on the jaw assemblies. The jaw attachments may comprise deck board engagement members, a wood splitter, and corner jaws. In some embodiments a strap may be attached to the movable jaw assembly and the fixed jaw assembly to increase the capacity of the clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” or “top” or “bottom” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, component or region to another element, component or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Referring to the figures various embodiments of bar clamps are shown. The basic structure and operation of the bar clamp will be described that is generally applicable to all of the disclosed embodiments. Referring, for example, toFIG. 8, bar clamp10includes a movable jaw assembly12connected to a slide bar14. The slide bar is slidably supported in a slot which passes through a handle/grip assembly18. The handle/grip assembly18includes a body19through which the slide bar14passes, a handgrip20attached to the body19on one side of the slide bar, and a fixed jaw assembly22attached to the body19on the other side of the slide bar. A trigger or actuator lever24is pivotably mounted to the body19. The movable jaw assembly12includes a jaw12ahaving a jaw face12bthat opposes a jaw face22bon the jaw22aof the fixed jaw assembly22such that the jaws can be moved toward one another to clamp a workpiece.

The actuator lever24is squeezed toward the handgrip20to incrementally advance the slide bar14with its attached movable jaw assembly12toward the fixed jaw assembly22. When the actuator lever24is squeezed by a user's hand (not shown) toward the handgrip20, the actuator lever24pivots about a pivot point in body19. Movement of the actuator lever24causes a driving lever to bind against the surface of the slide bar14. Further motion of the actuator lever24causes the slide bar14to translate in the direction of the arrow44. Due to the binding interference between the driving lever and bar14, the bar14and its connected movable jaw assembly12are advanced toward the fixed jaw assembly22. When the actuator lever24is depressed, a spring in body19is compressed such that upon release of the actuator lever24, the spring causes the actuator lever24and driving lever to return to the original position. Additional strokes may be applied to the actuator lever24of any magnitude until the jaw assemblies12,22come together, or a workpiece is firmly gripped between them. Different bar clamps may have different driving mechanisms than that specifically described including variable force drive mechanisms, variable length of travel drive mechanisms and the like.

A braking lever46is provided where one end of the braking lever46is pivotably captured in the body19such that the braking lever46may bind on the slide bar14and may be pivoted out of engagement with the slide bar14by a user. A spring biases the free end of the braking lever46away from the actuator lever24. The biased position of the braking lever46is limited by the binding interference between the braking lever46with the slide bar14. In the standby position. the braking lever46is engaged with the slide bar14such that if a force is applied to the movable jaw assembly12in the direction indicated by the arrow44, the slide bar14is free to move. Because the braking lever46is free to pivot against the bias of the spring when force is applied on the movable jaw assembly12in the direction of the arrow44, the braking lever46presents no obstacle to this motion of the slide bar and the movable jaw assembly12may be advanced continuously toward the fixed jaw assembly22. However, if a force is applied to the movable jaw assembly12in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow44, the braking lever46binds against the slide bar14and it is not possible, without further action, to move the movable jaw assembly12away from the fixed jaw assembly22. Depression of the braking lever46releases the binding engagement between the braking lever46and the slide bar such that the slide bar14and movable jaw assembly12may be moved away from the fixed jaw assembly22. With the braking lever46depressed the slide bar14is free to slide in either direction.

While one such drive mechanism for a bar clamp has been described it is to be appreciated that the drive mechanism for a bar clamp may vary from that described and that numerous different types of drive mechanisms for a bar clamp are known. Suitable example drive mechanisms for a bar clamp are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,926,722, 5,009,134, 5,022,137 and 6,367,787, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-6, in one embodiment of a slide bar14apertures52,57are formed at either end of the bar that may be engaged by a laterally movable connector50on the movable jaw assembly12such that the movable jaw assembly12may be mounted to either end of the bar14. When the movable jaw assembly12is configured as shown inFIG. 1the bar clamp functions as a clamping tool. When the movable jaw assembly12is mounted to aperture52the bar clamp may function as a spreading tool.

A connector55is provided that may engage the apertures at the end of the slide bar. The connector55may engage a first aperture57at the end of a first slide bar14and a second aperture59at the end of a second slide bar14asuch that the bars14and14amay be releasably connected together. The movable jaw12is mounted at the opposite end of the second slide bar14aat aperture61to form an extended size bar clamp. The two slide bars14and14amay be of the same length or they may be of different lengths. The connector55of the invention uses the apertures that are typically formed at the end of a slide bar to connect two or more slide bars together. The connector55and second slide bar14amay be used to increase the clamping distance between the jaw assemblies12,22. Two or more connectors55may be used to connect three or more slide bars if desired. The clamp allows larger size articles to be gripped between the jaws12aand22awhen two or more slide bars14,14aare used while allowing the bar clamp to be used with a single slide bar for smaller articles.

The connector55may comprise slots49for receiving the ends of the first and second slide bars14,14a. A first laterally movable pin56may engage the aperture57on the first slide bar14and a second laterally movable pin58may engage the aperture59on the second slide bar14a. The slots49in the connector55hold the slide bars14,14ain-line with one another and the engagement of the pins56,58with the apertures57,59prevent the bars14,14afrom separating when a clamping force is applied to an article. The movable pins56,58may be secured in various ways. In one embodiment the distal ends56a,58aof the pins may include screwthreads that engage mating threaded holes47in the connector55. The pins56,58may be biased laterally by a spring (not shown) to disengage the pins from the slide bars14,14awhen the screws are unthreaded from the connector55. In other embodiments the pins56,58may be secured by a ball/detent arrangement, friction fit, snap-fit connector or the like. In some embodiments the distal end of the pins56,58may extend through the connector and be secured by a separate fastener such as a nut engaging screwthreads on the pins, a cotter pin43(FIG. 6) or the like. The pins56,58may be released to remove the connector55and second slide bar14a. When the second slide bar14ais removed the movable jaw assembly12may be removed from second slide bar14aand reattached to the end of the first slide bar14at either aperture57or aperture52. Because the connector55uses the apertures commonly found on bar clamps for securing the movable jaw assembly12, the connector may be sold separately and a user may remove the slide bar from a second bar clamp and add it to a first bar clamp. The connector55may also be sold with a second slide bar14aas a kit where the second slide bar may be provided in various lengths.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-6two slide bars14,14aare connected by connector55as previously described. However, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 4-6the second slide bar14ais mounted in a second handle/grip assembly18and fixed jaw assembly22rather than supporting a movable jaw assembly12as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 1A. In this arrangement the jaw assemblies22may be advanced toward one another using either handle/grip assembly18. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 4-6only one of the handle/grip assemblies18may include a brake release lever if desired.

FIG. 7shows a bar clamp where each of the movable jaw assembly12and the fixed jaw assembly22are provided with two jaws12a,13aand22a,23arespectively. The jaws on each jaw assembly12and22are spaced from one another such that two work pieces1and1amay be clamped at the same time using the same clamping pressure. In the illustrated embodiment the opposing jaws12aand22aare positioned above the slide bar14and the opposing jaws13aand23aare positioned below the slide bar. In other embodiments the jaws may be positioned on opposite lateral sides of the slide bar. A common jaw face70may be provided that extends between the upper jaws12a, and lower jaw13aand between the upper jaw22aand the lower jaw23asuch that both jaws apply force to the common jaw faces70. The jaw faces70may comprise a relatively soft material such as an elastomer and the jaw faces70may be connected to one jaw at a connection72and may extend over, but not be connected to, the second jaw. In some embodiments the jaw face70may be connected to both jaws12a,13aand22a,23a. The jaw faces70may comprise an aperture71for receiving the slide bar14such that the slide bar may extend through the jaw faces and freely move relative to the jaw faces. In some embodiments each of jaws12a,13a,22aand23amay have separate jaw faces rather than the common jaw faces70.

FIG. 8shows a bar clamp with an edge clamp80. The edge clamp80may comprise a body84having a slot85that receives slide bar14such that the edge clamp80may be movably mounted on the slide bar14. The edge clamp80may be repositioned along the length of the slide bar14between jaw assemblies12and22. The edge clamp80comprises a movable jaw82that may be moved perpendicularly to the direction of movement of slide bar14. In one embodiment the clamp80is a screw clamp where a screw86is threadably engaged with a threaded bore on body84such that rotation of handle88moves the jaw82. The screw may be laterally offset from slide bar14such that the screw86and slide bar14do not interfere with one another. The movable jaw82may extend over the slide bar14such that a force may be applied to an article being clamped between jaws12and22along the center line of the slide bar. Other mechanisms for moving the clamp may be used. The edge clamp80is arranged such that jaw82may apply a clamping force to a workpiece that is substantially perpendicular to the clamping force applied by the jaws12aand22a. In this manner a lateral force may be applied to a workpiece1that is clamped between the jaws12aand22a. When the edge clamp80is engaged with a workpiece the clamping force exerted on the edge clamp will bind the edge clamp80against the slide bar14such that the edge clamp does not move relative to the slide bar.

FIG. 9shows a bar clamp having an adjustable depth jaw assembly90. The adjustable depth jaw assembly90comprises a jaw92mounted on an elongated member94that is supported in a slot91formed in one of the movable jaw assembly12and/or the fixed jaw assembly22. In the illustrated embodiment the jaw92is mounted in the fixed jaw assembly22. The elongated member94is movable in the slot91relative to the jaw assembly22in a direction that is approximately parallel to the direction of movement of slide bar14such that the jaw92may be positioned at adjustable spacing from movable jaw assembly12. The position of the elongated member94in jaw assembly22is fixed when a clamping pressure is exerted on the jaw92when a workpiece is clamped between the jaw92and the moveable jaw assembly12. When pressure is applied to the jaw92, the elongated member94is pivoted slightly about the engagement point between one of the notches96with a transverse locking surface98such as a pin in the slot91in the fixed jaw assembly22. When the elongated member94pivots an upper edge of the member94is brought into binding engagement with a second surface of the slot91. The binding engagement locks the elongated member94in position relative to the fixed jaw assembly22. When pressure on the elongated member94is removed the adjustable depth jaw assembly90may be easily and freely moved relative to the fixed jaw assembly22. The adjustable depth jaw assembly90allows the gross spacing between the opposing jaws to be quickly and easily set.

FIG. 10shows a bar clamp where units of measurement100are provided on the slide bar14. The units of measurement100may comprise length units and may be English, metric or other units. Moreover, one standard unit of measurement may be provided on one side of the slide bar14and a second unit of measurement may be provided on the opposite side of the slide bar14. Alternatively, two different units of measurement may be applied to the same side of slide bar14. Moreover, the units of measurement may be application specific. The units of measurement may be used to set the spacing between the jaw assemblies22and12, to measure the workpiece between the jaws or for other uses. The units of measurement may be applied in any convenient manner such as paint, by application of a film or the units may be formed as part of the slide bar14such as by being stamped into the slide bar. In one embodiment the units of measurement begin in-line with the face12bof the jaw12asuch that, for example, the zero point is located in the plane of the face12b.

FIG. 11shows a bar clamp having an adjustable pressure clamp assembly102. The adjustable pressure clamp assembly102comprises a movable jaw104that may be moved parallel to the direction of movement of slide bar14and may be mounted on one of the movable jaw assembly12and/or the fixed jaw assembly22. In the illustrated embodiment the clamp assembly102is mounted on the fixed jaw assembly22. The clamp assembly102may comprise a screw clamp where a screw106is threadably engaged with a threaded bore on body19such that rotation of handle108moves the jaw104toward and away from jaw assembly12. Other embodiments of a clamp may be used. The clamp assembly102is arranged such that the jaw104may apply an adjustable clamping force that is substantially parallel to the clamping force applied by the movement of the slide bar14. The movable jaw assembly12may be moved toward the adjustable pressure clamp assembly102to clamp a workpiece between jaw12aand jaw104. The screw106may then be rotated to adjust the clamp pressure on the workpiece. In some embodiments the end of the handle108may have a tool engagement structure111such as female socket or a male square that may be engaged by a ratcheting torque wrench (not shown) or similar tool. The wrench may be used to apply a desired force on the workpiece.

FIGS. 12 and 13show a bar clamp having an adjustable pressure clamp assembly112similar to the adjustable pressure clamp assembly102ofFIG. 11. Like reference numerals are used to identify like components previously described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 11. A ratcheting function may be built into the handle114such that the separate ratchet wrench used with the embodiment ofFIG. 11may be eliminated. The handle114may comprise a torque gauge116,FIG. 13, such that a user can determine and control the amount of force applied to the work piece by clamp assembly112. The torque gauge116may provide a visual or audible signal when a preset load is reached.

FIG. 14shows a bar clamp having a lock down jaw115. The lock down jaw115may be moved in a direction approximately parallel to the direction of movement of slide bar14and may be supported on one of the movable jaw assembly12and/or the fixed jaw assembly22. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock down jaw is mounted on the fixed jaw assembly22. The jaw115is arranged such that the jaw115may apply a clamping force that is substantially parallel to the clamping force applied by the movement of the slide bar14. The movable jaw assembly12may be moved toward the lock down jaw115to clamp a workpiece between jaw12aand jaw115. The lever116may then be rotated to move the lock down jaw115toward the movable jaw12ato apply a clamp pressure on the workpiece. The lever116may be connected to the jaw115by an over-center linkage117such that the pressure may be released only upon the release of the lever116.

FIG. 15shows a bar clamp where the opposing jaws12aand22aof the traditional bar clamp are replaced by mounting plates120and122. The plates120,122are oriented such that a mounting surface120a,122aof each of the plates120,122is parallel to the direction of movement of slide bar14. The mounting surfaces120,122are coplanar and the plane of the surfaces is outside of the jaw assemblies12and22. The mounting plates120,122include apertures that receive screws124such that the plates120,122may be secured to a face of the workpieces1,1a. The bar clamp operates as previously described to bring the jaw assemblies12,22toward one another to clamp the workpieces1,1atogether. The arrangement ofFIG. 15allows the clamp to be used with workpieces of virtually any size. In a traditional bar clamp the workpieces must fit between the opposed jaws12aand22asuch that the size of the workpieces is limited to the space between the jaw assemblies as determined by the length of the slide bar14. In the clamp ofFIG. 15virtually any size workpieces may be clamped because the workpieces do not have to fit between the jaw assemblies12and22. While screws124are shown that engage apertures in the mounting plates120,122and are screwed into the workpieces1,1a, the connection method may comprise any mechanism that is able to engage the workpiece without the workpiece having to be positioned between the jaw assemblies such as clamps, magnets or the like. The jaw assemblies12and22may also include opposed jaws12aand22asuch as are found in a traditional bar clamp in addition to the mounting plates120,122where the mounting plates may be mounted to the top of the jaw assemblies12and22such that the bar clamp may be used to clamp either in a traditional manner or as shown inFIG. 15.

FIGS. 16-18show a bar clamp where the movable jaw assembly12of the traditional bar clamp is replaced by mounting plate125. The plate125is oriented such that a mounting surface125aof the plate125is perpendicular to the direction of movement of slide bar14and faces the fixed jaw assembly22. The mounting plate125includes apertures123that receive screws127such that the plate125may be secured to a face of a workpiece. The bar clamp operates as previously described to move the plate125toward the fixed jaw assembly22to clamp a workpiece. The mounting plate125may be releasably secured to the slide bar14using a housing that fits over the end of the slide bar14and holds a removable pin121that engages the aperture57formed at the end of the slide bar14. The screws127may secure the bar clamp to a workpiece. The screws may also be used to secure the bar clamp to the underside of a worktable or other platform. While screws127are shown that engage apertures123in the mounting plate125, other connection methods may be used.

FIGS. 19 and 20show a bar clamp where straps130are attached to each of the opposing jaw assemblies12,22. The term “straps” may include straps, cords, wires, cables or other relatively strong flexible elongated members. The straps130have a mounting structure attached to the distal ends thereof. The effective length of the straps between the jaw assemblies and the mounting structures is adjustable. To adjust the length of the straps130apertures136may be formed in the jaw assemblies12and22where the straps130may be laced through the apertures136and the proximate or distal end of the straps may be pulled to shorten or lengthen the effective length of the straps. A locking mechanism such as a knurled locking member may hold the straps in the desired position and may be released by release button137. The length of the straps may be adjusted using other adjustment mechanisms such as reels that wind the straps, buckles, a pin on the jaws that engages apertures on the straps or other suitable adjustment mechanisms. In other embodiments the length of the straps may be adjusted away from the jaw assemblies. For example, the straps may comprise adjustable straps such as winch straps, ratchet straps, buckle straps or the like. As shown inFIG. 20the mounting structure may comprise mounting plates131similar to the mounting plates ofFIG. 15where the plates define mounting surfaces131aand are attached to the workpieces using fasteners such as screws138. In one embodiment the mounting structure may comprise brackets such as C-channel brackets132that engage the ends of the workpieces1,1a. In other embodiments other mounting structures may be used such as brackets having shapes other than the illustrated C-channel, adjustable clamps or the like. In one embodiment the distal ends of the jaw assemblies12and22are formed with coplanar flat support surfaces133and135that define a plane disposed outside of the jaw assemblies12and22. The workpieces being clamped may be supported on the support surfaces133and135to stabilize the workpieces during the clamping operation. As shown, the clamp may rest on the workpieces in an inverted position during use if desired. The bar clamp operates as previously described to bring the jaw assemblies12and22toward one another. As the jaw assemblies12and22are moved toward one another the straps130, which are mounted on the jaw assemblies, pull the workpieces1,1atoward one another to clamp the workpieces1,1atogether. The arrangement ofFIGS. 19 and 20allows the clamp to be used with workpieces of virtually any length. In a traditional bar clamp the workpieces must fit between the opposed jaws such that the size of the workpieces is limited to the space between the jaw assemblies as determined by the length of the slide bar14. In the clamp ofFIGS. 19 and 20virtually any length workpieces may be clamped because the workpieces do not have to fit between the jaw assemblies12and22. The mounting structure may comprise any mechanism that is able to engage the workpieces without the workpiece having to be positioned between the jaw assemblies. The clamp assemblies12,22may also include opposed jaws12aand22asuch as are found in a traditional bar clamp.

FIG. 21shows a bar clamp where a single strap140is attached to both of the opposing jaw assemblies12and22. The strap140has an adjustable length and a mounting structure attached thereto. As previously described, to adjust the effective length of the strap140between jaw assemblies12and22apertures136may be formed in the jaw assemblies12and22where the strap140may be laced through the apertures136and the strap may be pulled to shorten or lengthen the strap. A locking mechanism such as a knurled locking member may hold the strap140in the desired position and may be released by release button137. The length of the strap140may be adjusted using other adjust mechanisms such as reels that wind the strap, buckles, a pin on the jaws that engages apertures on the strap or other suitable adjustment mechanisms. In other embodiments the length of the strap140may be adjusted away from the jaw assemblies. For example, the strap140may comprise an adjustable strap such as winch strap, ratchet strap, buckle strap or the like. The strap140has an adjustable length and a corner supports142mounted along the length thereof. While four corner supports142are shown a greater or fewer number of supports may be used depending on the application. The mounting structure may comprise corner supports142that are adjustably mounted on strap140such that the corner supports may be mounted at any position along the length of the strap140. The corner supports142engage the corners of the workpiece to clamp the sides of the work piece together. The illustrated clamp is intended to be used with a rectangular workpiece having four corners where each corner support142defines a right angle channel. In other embodiments the corner supports may have other shapes and sizes. For example three corner supports may be used each defining a 120 degree channel. Moreover the corner supports may have a universal or adaptable shape where the flanges142aof the corner supports142pivot relative to one another at a pivot143. The bar clamp operates as previously described to bring the jaw assemblies12and22toward one another. As the jaw assemblies12and22are moved toward one another the strap140, which is mounted on the jaw assemblies, surrounds the workpieces and compresses the workpieces to clamp the workpieces together. The arrangement ofFIG. 21allows the clamp to be used with workpieces of virtually any size. The jaw assemblies12and22may include opposed jaws12aand22asuch as are found in a traditional bar clamp. The ends of the jaw assemblies12and22may be provided with flat support surfaces133and135, respectively, such that the clamp may rest on or abut the workpieces. The mounting structure may comprise mounting plates similar to the mounting plates ofFIG. 15where the plates define mounting surfaces and are attached to the workpieces using fasteners such as screws138. In other embodiments the mounting structures may be removed and the strap may encircle the workpieces and apply the clamping force directly to the workpieces.

FIG. 22shows a bar clamp having adjustable angle brackets150mounted to the jaw assemblies12and22. The angle brackets150comprise a support member152that is mounted to the jaw assemblies such that the support members152may rotate relative to the jaw assembly about a pivot axis154. The pivot axis154may be disposed perpendicular to the direction of movement of the slide bar14and the support members152may be arranged to define a variable angle therebetween. The support members may be locked in position relative to the jaw assemblies by any suitable lock mechanism including a ratcheting mechanism, ball and detent, removable pins or the like. A clamp157such as a small bar clamp, screw clamp or other clamp may be mounted on the support member152to hold a workpiece on the support member. The bar clamp operates as previously described to bring the jaw assemblies12and22toward one another. As the jaw assemblies12and22are moved toward one another, the adjustable angle brackets clamp workpieces1,1atogether at the angle set by the angular position of support members152.

FIGS. 23 and 24show a bar clamp comprising an accessory mounting system180that allows a variety of accessories to be releasably mounted on the bar clamp. In one embodiment, the mounting system180comprises a first attachment mechanism182mounted on at least one of the movable jaw assembly12and/or the fixed jaw assembly22. In the illustrated embodiment, a first attachment mechanism182is mounted on both of the movable jaw assembly12and the fixed jaw assembly22, with two first attachment mechanisms being mounted on the movable jaw assembly12. The first attachment mechanism182may be mounted elsewhere on the bar clamp provided that it doesn't interfere with the operation of the clamp. A second attachment mechanism184is provided on an accessory200where the second attachment mechanism may releasably engage the first attachment mechanism182. In one embodiment the first attachment mechanism182comprises a rail186where the second attachment mechanism184may be positionable along the length of the rail186such that the position of the accessory200on the rail186may be adjusted and selected by the user. In one embodiment the attachment system may be similar to a Picatinny rail system or a Weaver rail system. The rail186may comprise a pair of extending flanges188that create a generally T-shaped rail. The flanges include a plurality of spaced grooves or recesses190. The attachment mechanism184on the accessory200comprises a C-shaped channel194that fits over the rail186such that the channel194may slide over the rail186. A locking mechanism operatively coupled with the channel194releasably engages the grooves or recesses190to fix the position of the accessory200relative to the rail186. The locking mechanism may comprise a movable lever196that moves an engagement structure into engagement with the grooves or recesses190when the lever is moved from an unlocked position (dashed lineFIG. 24) to a locked position (solid lineFIG. 24). The engagement structure may comprise an end of the lever196that operatively engages the rail, a movable locking member such as a sprig biased ball, a cam or the like. The locking mechanism may comprise other mechanisms such as bolts, thumbscrews or the like that engage the rail. In other embodiments the components may be reversed where the jaw assembly may comprise a channel and the accessory may comprise a slide that fits into the channel. The mating first attachment mechanism182and second attachment mechanism184may have a variety of shapes and sizes that allow the accessory to be movably mounted on the bar clamp.

FIG. 25shows an embodiment of the accessory mounting system where the accessory200comprises a level202. The level202may comprise a plurality of bubble vials204. The bubble vials may be arranged to read horizontal, vertical and 45 degrees. As used herein the terms “horizontal, vertical and 45 degrees” mean parallel to the slide bar, perpendicular to the slide bar and at a 45 degree angle relative to the slide bar. The bubble vials may be replaced by an electronic level device.

FIG. 26shows an embodiment of the accessory mounting system where the accessory200comprises a storage device210such as a container, tray or case for retaining small items such as screws, nails, bolts, small tools or the like. The storage device210may comprise a magnetic tray212. In other embodiments the container may be a covered case or a specialized storage device such as a drill bit holder, tool holder or the like.

FIG. 27shows an embodiment of the accessory mounting system where the accessory200comprises a timer220. The timer may be used, for example, to time curing time for adhesives or the like. In this and in other embodiments of the invention the various accessories may be combined in a single unit. For example, a single accessory may comprise the timer220and level202.

FIG. 28shows an embodiment of the accessory mounting system where the accessory200comprises a stand230. The stand230may comprise a support surface232that is dimensioned to support the bar clamp in an upright position on a surface. In one embodiment the support surface232may comprise a flat surface as shown. In other embodiments the support surface232may comprise legs such as a tripod, a clamp or the like. The support surface232may be disposed at an angle relative to the second attachment mechanism184such that when the stand230is mounted on the rail186the support surface232may be supported on a surface231where the clamp is disposed at a desired upright orientation such as vertical, horizontal or other angle. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 30, a stand230is provided on both the fixed jaw assembly22and the movable jaw assembly12where the support surfaces232of the stands are coplanar and operate together to support the clamp in an upright position.

In addition to the accessories shown in the drawings, the accessories may comprise other devices. For example, the accessories may comprise a small clamp, a note pad, a white board, a rag holder, a light such as an LED light, a cell phone holder, a welding splatter guard or the like.

FIGS. 31-36show a bar clamp comprising removable jaw attachments. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 31-36the jaw attachments comprise pads238. The jaw assemblies12and22comprise an attachment mechanism for releasably attaching a variety of pads to the jaw assemblies. In one embodiment the attachment system comprises a first attachment mechanism242mounted on the jaw assemblies12,22. A second attachment mechanism244is provided on the pads238where the second attachment mechanism244may releasably engage the first attachment mechanism242. In one embodiment the first attachment mechanism242may comprise a generally T-shaped jaw member246comprising a pair of extending flanges250. The attachment mechanism244on the pads comprises channels252that fit over the member246such that the pads may be slid onto the member246. A locking mechanism may be provided to temporarily fix the pads238to the jaw members246. For example the pads238may be secured to the jaw members246using a friction fit, snap-fit connector, separate fasteners such as screws, a ball and detent or the like. The pads238may comprise a variety of different types or styles of pads including different shapes and sizes, materials or the like. As illustrated the pads may be relatively larger, smaller, taller, shorter, wider or narrower. The pads may comprise a rigid member254that includes the second attachment mechanism244. The rigid member254may be covered by a cover256that may comprise an elastomer or other specialized surface. The surfaces may be different for different types of the pads.FIG. 31shows pads that are dimensioned to conform in area to the size of the jaw members246of the jaw assemblies.FIG. 32shows pads that are relatively wider than the jaw members246.FIG. 33shows pads that are relatively taller than the jaw members246.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 34-36the jaw12ais pivotably mounted to the jaw assembly12at pivot310. The jaw attachment312, that is mounted to the movable jaw assembly12, extends to the slide bar14and includes an aperture314for receiving the slide bar14to prevent the jaw attachment312from pivoting about pivot310during a clamping operation. The movable jaw assembly12may be removed from the bar14, the jaw attachment312may be attached to the jaw12aand the slide bar14may be inserted through the aperture314of the jaw attachment312and mounted to the movable jaw assembly12. A screw50that engages the aperture at the end of the slide bar14may be used to removably mount the jaw assembly12to the slide bar14. The jaw attachment318, that is mounted to the fixed jaw assembly22, extends to just above the slide bar14. A spacer320may extend from the jaw attachment318that abuts the jaw assembly22to maintain the attachment318in a vertical position if a clamping force is applied to the bottom of the attachment318. A similar spacer322may extend from the jaw attachment312that abuts the jaw assembly12to maintain the attachment312in a vertical position if a clamping force is applied to the bottom of the attachment312. The jaw12amay be secured to the jaw attachment312and the jaw22amay be attached to the jaw attachment318using the mating attachment mechanisms242and244as described with respect toFIG. 31. As shown inFIGS. 34-36jaw pad316supported on jaw attachment312and318extends from adjacent the slide bar14to beyond the distal end of the jaw assemblies to provide a relatively large clamping face.

FIGS. 37-44disclose embodiments of jaw attachments that may be used for specialized functions. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 37-44the jaw attachments may be removably mounted on the jaw assemblies in the same manner as the pads ofFIGS. 31-36such that a single bar clamp may be modified for different specialized uses. In other embodiments the jaw attachments may be permanently part of the jaw assemblies such that the clamp is dedicated to a specialized use.

FIGS. 37-40show jaw attachments that may be used for decking. The jaw attachments may include a first jaw attachment260having a C-channel262for engaging a deck board and a second jaw attachment264that includes a planar member266that extends perpendicularly to the slide bar and that may engage a side of the board and may fit between adjacent boards.FIGS. 38-40disclose a similar decking clamp where both jaw attachments include planar clamping members266that extend perpendicularly to the slide bar and that may fit between adjacent deck boards. The jaw attachments may be formed with stop surfaces267that are perpendicular to the plannar member266that operate to abut the deck boards to stabilize the clamp in an inverted position. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 38-40, the jaw attachment is pivotably mounted to the jaw assembly12at pivot310. The jaw attachment330mounted to the movable jaw assembly12may extend to the slide bar14and include an aperture332for receiving the slide bar14to prevent the jaw attachment from pivoting about pivot310during a decking operation. The movable jaw assembly12may be removed from the slide bar14, the jaw attachment330may be attached to the jaw assembly and the slide bar14may be inserted through the aperture332in the jaw attachment and mounted to the movable jaw assembly. A screw50that engages the aperture at the end of the slide bar may be used to removably mount the jaw to the slide bar.

FIG. 41discloses an embodiment of a jaw attachment that may be used for splitting wood. The jaw attachments may include a first attachment280having a rigid blade282for engaging a board. The blade282defines a relatively sharp edge282aand a second attachment284that includes a planar member286that may engage the opposite end of the board. The blade may be formed as a wedge such as a chisel or mawl edge. A board may be secured between the jaw attachments such that as the jaws are brought toward one another upon actuation of the trigger24the blade282splits the wood.

FIGS. 42-44show a bar clamp comprising corner jaw attachments. The corner jaws comprise a first jaw330having jaw faces330aand330bdefining an external corner support for engaging the external corner of a workpiece and a second jaw332having jaw faces332aand332bdefining an internal corner support that may engage the internal corner of the work piece. The jaw faces extend generally transverse to the slide bar14such that the corners between the faces are disposed vertically; however, the faces may be arranged such that the corners are disposed horizontally if desired. The jaw attachments may be relatively rigid members and the jaw faces may be covered in elastomeric pads. The jaw faces330a,330band332a,332bare arranged at 90 degrees in the illustrated embodiment although other angular relationships may be used. Because the jaw attachments are removable, the jaw assemblies12and22may each support an internal corner support332or each may support an external corner support330.