Clamping device

A clamping device, embodiments of which are well suited to securing the tail of a fish, is provided. The device includes one or more clamp arms with actuation bars fixed thereto for causing the clamp arms to pivot when the actuation bars are pushed against an object to be clamped. A locking mechanism locks the clamp arms into the clamped position.

FIELD

The present technology relates to clamping devices. More particularly, the present technology relates to, in some embodiments, devices for clamping a fishtail to assist with safe handling of the fish.

BACKGROUND

For both private and commercial fishing operations, the primary method of immobilizing fish that have been hooked, but that are too large to land with a net or that have an excess of energy, is to use a gaff hook or tail-rope to secure the fish. These methods pose significant risks of injury to people and damage to the equipment involved. By way of example and without limiting the technology, certain species of relatively large fish, such as sharks, tuna, and swordfish, can be difficult to immobilize and often require tools like gaffs and ropes to immobilize the tail or to inflict sufficient injury to the fish such that the fish loses its ability to fight.

Personal injury or equipment damage is a major concern. When large fish are “green” and still loaded with energy, they can damage the boat, or injure a person attempting to land the fish if brought up too soon. One method of dealing with a “green” fish is to create distance between you and the fish by letting the fish swim away with the hook in its mouth, forcing it to expend more energy in multiple rounds of fighting. Unfortunately, this also presents a risk of losing the fish. The longer the fish is in the water, the higher the chance of losing the fish with a split hook, propeller or rudder entanglement, or tangled lines.

One common practice is to gaff hook and then rope (lasso) the fish during the erratic and dangerous display of tail flapping. In some cases, a metal pole with a wire rope arranged in an open lasso position is used. The user is required to maneuver the device around the fish tail (assuming that the fish is not spooked or the target missed during the erratic thrashing). Almost immediately after lassoing, the user is required to cinch the wire rope tight around the base of the fish tail and turn the pole to release the tightened lasso. This is a three-step process that does not resolve the dangers and difficulties of immobilizing fish with lots of energy left or while in rough waters.

Further, existing gaff technology is often harmful to the fish. A hook is stabbed into the fish, which shocks the fish into erratic behavior from rapidly released adrenaline, pain, and blood loss. Not only does the hook damage the meat, it also initiates the release of adrenaline, which also has a negative effect on the taste of the meat.

Gaff hooks also present significant danger to the anglers on the boat, who are handling the extremely sharp 4-8″ hook on a listing boat and slippery deck in a possibly rough seas. Many human injuries occur from this activity. Additionally, the hook can damage the boat while the fish remains at the side of the boat thrashing around and hitting the boat with the large heavy hook now lodged in its body.

A “tail cuff” can be described as an existing gaff hook modified to include two spring loaded metal gates that trap the fish tail, preventing the fish from escaping. The tail cuff presents difficulties for the user, though, because it requires a tricky two step motion: (1) down to position the cuff under the tail, and (2) up, ripping it up to land on the narrowest spot of the tail. A difficult feat in calm seas and with a tired fish, never mind rough seas and a green fish thrashing around. The tail cuff is also often too narrow for many fishtails, such as mako sharks, thresher sharks, swordfish, and generally any other larger variety of fish. Even in cases when the tail fits, with a large tail enclosed the gates are pinned in the open position—preventing the gates from returning to the locked and closed position, rendering the device useless and risking the fish maneuvering out of the device. Without complete gate closure, the device does not immobilize the fish. To release a large tail that does somehow fit, the arms would need to pass back through the fishtail in order to release the device from the tail—resulting in an angler needing to cut the tail off to remove the device for larger fish.

What is needed, therefore, is a device for clamping the tail of a fish that involves a simple engagement motion that can consistently be executed under a variety of conditions. What is also needed is a device for clamping the tail of a fish that can be easily disengaged. What is further needed is a device for clamping the tail of a fish that can safely accommodate fish tails of a variety of sizes.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present technology at least partially address these needs by providing, in one embodiment, a clamping device, comprising: a first clamp arm, comprising a first actuation bar and pivotable about a first pivot point and; a second clamp arm, positioned opposite the first clamp arm, and comprising a second actuation bar and pivotable about a second pivot point; and a base, relative to which the first and second clamp arms are adapted to pivot about the first and second pivot points, respectively, and that comprises at least a portion of a locking mechanism adapted to substantially restrict the first clamp arm to pivoting in a first pivot direction and to substantially restrict the second clamp arm to pivoting in a second pivot direction. In some embodiments, the first actuation bar is disposed between the first and second clamp arms and is adapted such that a force applied to the first actuation bar having at least a component in the first pivot direction causes the first clamp arm to pivot in the first pivot direction. In some embodiments, the second actuation bar is disposed between the first and second clamp arms and is adapted such that a force applied to the second actuation bar having at least a component in the second pivot direction causes the second clamp arm to pivot in the second pivot direction. In some embodiments, the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm are pivotable independently of each other relative to the base.

In some embodiments, the first and second clamp arms comprise an open position and define a clamping area between them, and wherein the first and second actuation bars each extend across substantially the entire clamping area.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a frame to which the first and second clamp arms are pivotably mounted at the first and second pivot points respectively, and to which the base is slidably mounted such that the base is able to slide relative to the frame and the first and second clamp arms.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a first ratcheting system between the base and the first clamp arm and a second ratcheting system between the base and the second clamp arm.

In some embodiments, the first ratcheting system comprises a first ratcheting surface on the base and a corresponding first pawl surface on the first clamp arm and the second ratcheting system comprises a second ratcheting surface on the base and a corresponding second pawl surface on the second clamp arm.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one spring biasing the base against the first and second clamp arms, wherein the spring is disposed and exerts a force between the frame and the base.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a first clamp spring adapted to bias the first clamp arm in the open position and a second clamp spring adapted to bias the second clamp arm in the open position.

According to another embodiment of the technology, a clamping device is provided that comprises: a first clamp arm, comprising a first actuation bar and adapted to pivot about a first pivot point; a second clamp arm, comprising a second actuation bar and adapted to pivot about a second pivot point, and disposed opposite the first clamp arm such that the first and second clamp arms define a clamping area between them; and a base, relative to which the first and second clamp arms are adapted to pivot, and comprising at least a portion of a first locking mechanism adapted to substantially restrict the pivoting of the first clamp arm to a first pivot direction when the base is in an engaged position and at least a portion of a second locking mechanism adapted to substantially restrict the pivoting of the second clamp arm to a second pivot direction when the base is in the engaged position. In some embodiments, the first actuation bar is fixed relative to the first clamp arm such that a force on the first actuation bar having at least a component in the first pivot direction causes the first clamp arm to pivot in the first pivot direction. In some embodiments, the second actuation bar is fixed relative to the second clamp arm such that a force on the second actuation bar having at least a component in the second pivot direction causes the second clamp arm to pivot in the second pivot direction. In some embodiments, the first and second clamp arms have an open position in which the first and second actuation bars extend across substantially the entire clamping area between the clamp arms.

In some embodiments, the first pivot point is different from the second pivot point.

In some embodiments, the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm are adapted to pivot independently of each other.

In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism is a ratcheting system comprising a first ratchet surface on the base and a corresponding first pawl surface on the first clamp arm; and the second locking mechanism is a ratcheting system comprising a second ratchet surface on the base and a corresponding second pawl surface on the second clamp arm.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a frame, comprising: a first mounting point to which the first clamp arm is pivotably mounted; a second mounting point to which the second clamp arm is pivotably mounted; and at least one third mounting point to which the base slideably mounted.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises: a first spring that biases the first clamp arm in an open position; a second spring that biases the second clamp arm in an open position; and at least one third spring that biases the base into the engaged position.

In some embodiments, the frame further comprises a stock portion adapted for mounting on a pole.

According to another embodiment, a clamping device is provided, comprising: a first clamp arm, comprising a first actuation bar and pivotable about a first pivot point; a second clamp arm, positioned opposite the first clamp arm, and comprising a second actuation bar and pivotable about a second pivot point; and a base, relative to which the first and second clamp arms are adapted to pivot about the first and second pivot points, respectively, and that comprises at least a portion of a locking mechanism adapted to substantially restrict the first clamp arm to pivoting in a first pivot direction and to substantially restrict the second clamp arm to pivoting in a second pivot direction. In some embodiments, the first actuation bar is fixed with respect to the first clamp arm, is disposed between the first and second clamp arms, and is adapted such that a force applied to the first actuation bar having at least a component in the first pivot direction causes the first clamp arm to pivot in the first pivot direction; In some embodiments, the second actuation bar is fixed with respect to the second clamp arm, is disposed between the first and second clamp arms, and is adapted such that a force applied to the second actuation bar having at least a component in the second pivot direction causes the second clamp arm to pivot in the second pivot direction. In some embodiments, the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm are pivotable independently of each other relative to the base. In some embodiments, the first and second clamp arm have an open position in which the first actuation bar and the second actuation bar extend across substantially the entire clamping area between the clamp arms.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a frame, comprising: a first mounting point to which the first clamp arm is pivotably mounted; a second mounting point to which the second clamp arm is pivotably mounted; and at least one third mounting point to which the base slideably mounted.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a first ratcheting system between the base and the first clamp arm and a second ratcheting system between the base and the second clamp arm; and the first ratcheting system comprises a first ratcheting surface on the base and a corresponding first pawl surface on the first clamp arm and the second ratcheting system comprises a second ratcheting surface on the base and a corresponding first pawl surface on the second clamp arm.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a first spring that biases the first clamp arm in an open position; a second spring that biases the second clamp arm in an open position; and at least one third spring that biases the base into the engaged position.

Some embodiments of the present technology provide a clamping device that will clamp an object as a result of a single downward motion of the device. When used to secure the tail of the fish, clamping arms according to some embodiments of the device pass over the tail and simultaneously close around the tail without injuring the fish, damaging the meat, or startling the fish, and also lock in place using a locking mechanism. Once the clamping action is complete, in some embodiments, the user pulls the pole up and away from the fish, leaving a clinched fishtail connected to a rope on the device (in embodiments in which a rope is provided. Such a rope may then be connected to a boat cleat, rendering the fish completely immobile and unharmed.

Some embodiments of this technology provide a more effective, safer, and more efficient way to immobilize a fish, especially when the intention is not to kill or fatally injure the fish. Some embodiments of the technology provide a simple and effective way to clamp other objects. Some embodiments of this technology provide an improvement over other non-lethal tools for immobilizing fish.

Additional details about embodiments of the technology will not be described in connection with attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present technology relate to devices for clamping objects. Some embodiments permit the use of a single top-down motion, as opposed to a bottom-up motion, to securely clamp on to the object. This simple, top-down motion greatly simplifies the act of securing an object in environments in which the platform from which a user is attempting to secure the object is shifting, unsteady, or where there is significant movement between the user and the object to be clamped. In some embodiments, this involves immobilizing the tail of a fish by clamping a device according to an embodiment of the technology onto the fish tail. Although many embodiments of the technology are particularly helpful for clamping the tail of the fish, many embodiments of the technology are useful for clamping objects of a variety of types, especially floating or partially submerged objects that need to be secured by a user on an adjacent boat.

FIG. 1shows a first embodiment of the technology in the form of a clamping device100. The device100comprises a first clamp arm2aand a second clamp arm2b.Clamp arms2are sometimes referred to as “claws.” Each clamp arm comprises, in this embodiment, an actuation bar4a,4b, and each clamp arm is pivotable about a separate pivot point located at7aand7bin this embodiment. In some embodiments, the clamp arms2are shaped such that they each pivot about a single, shared pivot point. InFIG. 1, the clamp arms are shown in an open position.

The clamp arms are positioned opposite to each other and form a clamping area10between them. The clamp arms are positioned and sized so that the clamping area is sized appropriately to receive the object to be clamped—in some embodiments, the tail region of a fish.

Clamping device100, in this embodiment, further comprises a base3(sometimes referred to as a “stopper”). In this embodiment, the clamp arms2pivot relative to the base3, and the base comprises at least a portion of a locking mechanism8. The locking mechanism8is adapted to substantially restrict the clamp arms to pivoting in a single, selected direction. The selected pivoting directions are indicated by the arrows14and15inFIG. 4. In some embodiments, only one of the clamp arms is able to pivot, while the clamp arm on the opposite side of the clamping area has a fixed position.

The first and second actuation bars4aand4bare arranged so as to be disposed between the clamp arms2aand2b.In this embodiment, the actuation bars are fixed relative to their respective clamp arms, i.e., the first actuation bar4ais attached to the clamp arm2asuch that the actuation bar does not move relative to the clamp arm2a,and the second actuation bar4bis attached to the clamp arm2bsuch that the actuation bar does not move relative to the clamp arm2b.Thus, when a force is applied to the first actuation bar4athat has at least a component in the direction in which the clamp arm2ais able to pivot, such a force causes the clamp arm to pivot in that pivot direction. Likewise, when a force is applied to the second actuation bar4bthat has at least a component in the direction in which the clamp arm2bis able to pivot, such a force causes the clamp arm to pivot in that pivot direction.

FIG. 4shows the device100in a clamped, or closed, position in which both clamp arms2aand2bhave been pivoted from their open positions. This view shows the closed position that results from driving the device onto an object oriented roughly in line with the center of the device. In such a case, both actuation bars4aand4bare acted upon by essentially equal forces such that the clamp arms2aand2bare pivoted by roughly the same amount. The broken lines11and12show exemplary objects against which the actuation bars4aand4bwere pushed in order to pivot the clamp arms to the closed position shown.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the clamp arms2aand2bare pivotable independently of each other relative to the base. In other words, one of the clamp arms2aor2bcan be pivoted from its open position without the other clamp arm moving at all relative to the base.

FIG. 5shows the device100in a clamped position, but one in which the clamp arms have pivoted different amounts because they can move independently of each other. InFIG. 5, clamp arm2bhas been pivoted to a greater degree than clamp arm2a.This is the result of clamping down on an object (shown in broken lines13) that was oriented off-center. As a result, the object13pivoted the actuation bar4b(and therefore the clamp arm2b) through a greater angle than it pivoted the actuation bar4a(and therefore clamp arm2a).

In this embodiment, the feature of the clamp arms being independently pivotable helps enable the device100to clamp on to objects that are off center with respect to the device. This feature helps enable use with a much wider margin for error to help accommodate a thrashing fish, rough seas, or any other factor that may be causing the object to be clamped to move relative to the device100.

Also as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the first and second actuation bars4aand4beach extend across substantially the entire clamping area10between the clamp arms. This feature also helps widen the margin of error for off-center objects. As a result of the actuation bars extending across substantially all of the clamping area, no matter where an object makes contact with the device between the clamp arms, it will actuate the closing action of one or both of the clamp arms. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, both actuation bars extend substantially to the opposite clamp arm, and the actuation bars overlap across the entire clamping area. In other embodiments, only one of the actuation bars extends across substantially the entire clamping area, while the other actuation bar is shorter. In such embodiments, the clamp arm with the longer actuation bar will pivot more often and/or through a larger angle than the clamp arm associated with the shorter actuation bar when off-center objects are clamped.

In this embodiment, the closing action of the clamp arms or claws2is initiated by the downward motion of the device upon the top of the object to be clamped, such as the tail of a fish.

The embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-5includes a frame1, to which the base3and the clamp arms2a,2bare mounted. In the embodiment shown, the frame is an open fixed fork-type frame. The clamp arms are pivotably mounted to the frame1at their respective pivot points. In the embodiment shown, the clamp arms each comprise a circular hole through which a pivot pin7extends, connecting each arm to the frame1. In this embodiment, the actuation bars are designed to pass over the frame1as the bars are pivoted and the clamp arms closed.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the base3is slidably mounted to the frame1. The frame includes pins9, which run through slots14formed in the base3(SeeFIG. 6). The slots14allow the base to slide up and down relative to the frame1and the first and second clamp arms2from an engaged position, in which the base is against the clamp arms2aand2b,to a released position.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-5, the locking mechanism8comprises a first ratcheting system between the base3and the first clamp arm2aand a second ratcheting system between the base3and the second clamp arm2b.The ratcheting system8comprises opposed teeth in the form of ratcheting surfaces8cand8don the base that correspond to and interact with a first pawl surface8aon the first clamp arm2aand a second pawl surface8bon the second clamp arm2b.The ratcheting surfaces on the base correspond to the pawl surfaces so that the clamp arms can pivot in the directions indicated by arrows14and15inFIG. 4. The ratcheting surfaces restrict pivoting of the clamp arms2in the directions opposite to the arrows14and15whenever the locking mechanism is engaged, i.e., whenever the base is engaged against the clamp arms. Other types of locking mechanisms are used in other embodiments.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5, springs16are used to bias the base3against the clamp arms2a,2b.The springs16are disposed in the slots14of the base and bear against the pins9of the frame1and the base3. In this way, the springs16are disposed between and exert a force between the frame1and the base3. The spring force bias from springs16ensures that the locking mechanism8keeps the clamp arms2aand2bfrom moving to their open position unexpectedly.

After one or both of the clamp arms2aand2bhave been moved to a clamped or closed position, the locking mechanism can be disengaged by pulling on the handle18at the top of the base3. A force that pulls the base3upward against the springs16will release the ratcheting system.

In this embodiment, two clamp springs6aand6bare provided that bias the clamp arms toward an open position. In this embodiment, the springs6aand6bdo not provide enough force to overcome the force of the ratcheting and pawl surfaces so that unwanted and unexpected movements of the clamp arms are avoided, but the springs6aand6bhelp ensure that the clamp arms will return to their open position when the locking mechanism is released by pulling up on the handle18.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10, the frame1comprises a stock5, which is adapted to have a pole or post, or other type of handle, mounted thereon. This embodiment is connected to an elongated pole via the male cylindrically-shaped stock5that slides into a female receiver end of the pole, permitting a user to safely immobilize the fish from a boat. In some embodiments, the stock5is differently shaped, such as rectangular or hexagonal. In other embodiments, the stock5is female for receiving a male end of a pole. The stock5is formed of a metal material in some embodiments, and other materials in other embodiments. The use of a pole or other extended handle improves the usefulness of the device by increasing the reach a user can have with the device.

FIG. 6shows a perspective view of the base3of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. The base3in this embodiment has two slots14, two ratcheting surfaces8cand8d,and a handle18. In this embodiment, the base3is formed of a high density polyethylene, as are other components of this embodiment of the technology. In other embodiments, acrylic, other high strength polymer or composite materials, or metals such as aluminum and/or steel are used for components of the device. Polymer and composite materials are chosen for many embodiments to lengthen the serviceable life of the device, and to help limit damage to a boat's gel-coat finish when the device is used for fishing. In some embodiments, carbon fiber materials and composite materials are used for some or all of the components of the device. The method by which devices according to the present technology are manufactured varies depending on the specifics of the embodiment and the materials used. For example, components of embodiments formed in HDPE and other polymer materials are often molded using appropriate molding techniques. Metal components are often machined or cast.

FIG. 7shows a perspective view of a clamp arm2, which an actuation bar4attached. The clamp arm2has a circular hole19through which a pin is placed to mount the arm to the frame. The circular hole19, therefore, forms the pivot point about which the arm pivots. Like the base3, the clamp arm2and the actuation bar4are formed of aluminum in the embodiment shown, and are formed of stainless steel in other embodiments. The actuation bar4is fixedly attached to the arm. In some embodiments, the clamp arms are reversible so that one clamp arm design can be used for both opposing clamp arms.

FIG. 8shows a perspective view of a clamp spring6. In the embodiment shown, the spring is made of stainless steel. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the spring are as follows: wire diameter=0.035 inches, outer diameter of the coil=0.510 inches, inner diameter of the coil=0.440 inches, number of active coils=2.750, length of leg1=0.900 inches, length of leg2, 1.400 inches, rate per degree=0.007 In-Lbs/Degree, spring rate per 360 degrees=2.394 In-Lbs/360 Degrees, maximum torque possible=0.835 In-Lbs, maximum safe travel=125.6280 degrees.

FIG. 9shows a close-up side view of the area of the clamping device100where a clamp spring is mounted, andFIG. 11shows a perspective view of this area. The long arm of the clamp spring bears against an edge of the clamp arm position on the outside of the device, while the short arm of the spring6bears against an inner edge of the frame1. This relationship is also shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. This arrangement biases the clamp arms into an open position.

FIG. 10shows a perspective view of the frame1. The frame1includes the pins7aand7bto which the clamp arms2are pivotably mounted, and the pins9to which the base3is slideably mounted in this embodiment. A plate20is shown, which serves as a connection for the stock5and to prevent contact between an object to be clamped and the base3(not shown inFIG. 10). In this embodiment, the frame is comprised of two separate layers between which the base and clamp arms are disposed.

FIG. 12shows an alternative embodiment of a clamping device200according to the present technology. In this embodiment, the components include selective material eliminations to reduce the weight of the device.

FIG. 13shows an alternative frame component301. The alternative frame301uses less material in some embodiments to reduce weight.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16show another alternate embodiment of a device400according to the present technology. In this embodiment, the clamp arms402and actuation bars404are rods attached to a U-shaped frame401. The locking mechanism in this embodiment comprises ratchets408aand408bthat interact with pawls408cand408d.A stock405permits connection to a pole or other handle.

FIGS. 17 and 18show another alternate embodiment of a device500according to the present technology. In this embodiment a frame501holds a spring506and two clamp arms502aand502b.A force trigger508ahas an arm and a plate inside the device that protrudes down and holds the clamp arms in an open, retracted position as shown inFIG. 17. When the lower portion508bof the trigger is pressed against an object to be clamped, the trigger slides upward relative to the rest of the device. This frees the clamp arms so that the spring pushes them out to a closed, extended position as shown inFIG. 18. On one side of the device500, the spring is a two-phase spring design. The device500also includes travel stops530to prevent the clamp arms from falling out of the frame501.

In other embodiments, a spring-loaded manual pull or push button trigger is used. In some embodiments, the manual trigger mechanism is similar to the force trigger508a,but the manual trigger includes a pull tab or button incorporated into the pole or handle. In some embodiments, the trigger is intended to be pulled using a rope or wire to activate the trigger.

FIGS. 19aand 19bshow an alternative embodiment of a device600according to the present technology. In this embodiment, the clamp arms602are shaped to include actuation surfaces604that are integral with each respective clamp arm.FIG. 19ashows the device600in an open position, andFIG. 19bshows the device600in a clamped or closed position. In this design, the construction of the clamp arms is simplified.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features, and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. For example, the components and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the size, shape, or materials shown in the drawing figures or expressed within this application, but are adaptable to a variety of sizes, shapes and materials.