Abstract:
A clamp has an open state for inserting an object from a front end and a closed state for holding the inserted object relative to a back end. The clamp includes a frame as well as a first arm and a second arm that is positioned within the frame. At least one of the first or second arms is pivotable relative to the other along a range of motion that traverses an open position corresponding to the open state of the clamp and a closed position corresponding to the closed state of the clamp. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second arms are shaped to position the object between a front end and a back end when the clamp is in the closed state such that a pressure exerted by insertion of the object to the backend causes the front end to move along the range of motion to the closed position. A locking mechanism locks the clamp to the closed state when the front end reaches the closed position and unlocks the clamp to the open state by allowing the front end to move along the range of motion to reach the open position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a clamp for single-handed operation. More particularly, the present invention relates to single-handed operation for both closing and opening while still constraining the object after release to prevent accidental fallout. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    Most conventional clamps require a person to have both hands available to secure an object within the clamp or to open the clamp to release the object, which is not always convenient or a viable option at the time of use. More specifically, conventional clamp mechanisms typically require a person to use one hand to open or close the clamp while the other hand is needed to hold or otherwise control the object being placed into the clamp or being removed from the clamp. If only one hand is available to secure the object within the clamp, the object may fall out of the clamp after it has been placed into the clamp with one hand when that same hand must release the object in order to secure the clamp mechanism so it securely holds the object. Similarly, while the clamp is being opened by one hand that same hand is not able to hold onto the object, so that object may fall out of the clamp. 
         [0003]    Because such conventional clamps completely release an object when opened, a person is forced to use one hand to control the object when a clamp is in an open clamp state, transitioning from an open clamp state to a closed clamp state, or transitioning from a closed clamp state to an open clamp state. But, in certain applications, two hands are not available for placing an object into or removing an object from a clamp. 
         [0004]    Conventional clamps that do allow single-handed operation, such as various types of clamps used to hold handles of brooms, mops, and of various types of tools, typically do not have a means for locking the clamp in its closed clamp state and do not perform well in overhead applications where the weight of an object placed into such a clamp can cause it to fall out of the clamp, in particular in an application where another object to which the clamp is attached is jarred suddenly. For example, such conventional clamps for single-handed operation would not be desirable in an application where a heavy object needs to be attached to the roof of a vehicle traveling across rough terrain or secured within a spacecraft. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there is a need for an improved clamp for single-handed operation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]    Briefly, according to the present invention, a clamp has an open state for inserting an object from a front end and a closed state for holding the inserted object relative to a back end. The clamp includes a frame as well as a first arm and a second arm that are positioned within the frame. At least one of the first or second arms is pivotable relative to the other along a range of motion that traverses an open position corresponding to the open state of the clamp and a closed position corresponding to the closed state of the clamp. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second arms are shaped to position the object between a front end and a back end when the clamp is in the closed state such that a pressure exerted by insertion of the object to the backend causes the front end to move along the range of motion to the closed position. A locking mechanism locks the clamp to the closed state when the front end reaches the closed position and unlocks the clamp to the open state by allowing the front end to move along the range of motion to reach the open position. 
         [0007]    According to some of the more detailed features of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a detent mechanism inserted between the back end of the first arm and the back end of the second arm when the front end reaches the closed position. In one embodiment, the detent mechanism is pull-able to allow the front end to move along the range of motion to reach the open position. 
         [0008]    According to still other more detailed features of the invention, at least one spring that is supported by the frame inserts a force against the first or second arms for moving the front end to the closed position. An elastic mechanism such as an elastomer like rubber cane be integrated into an inside portion of at least one of said first arm or second arm. The elastic mechanism can be molded to conform to the shape of an object to be held by said clamp. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]    The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 1A-1F  depict a first exemplary clamp for single-handed operation and components of the first exemplary clamp in accordance with the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  depicts arms of the exemplary clamp in a first position corresponding to a closed clamp state; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  depicts arms of the exemplary clamp in a second position corresponding to an open clamp state; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2C  depict exemplary arcs of the open and closed positions of the left arm within the frame of the exemplary clamp; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2D  depicts placement of an exemplary detent pin in between the back ends of the two arms thereby maintaining the closed clamp state; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 3A-3G  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the frame of the clamp of  FIGS. 1A-1F ; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4A-4C  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the arm of the clamp of  FIGS. 1A-1F ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A-5G  depict a second exemplary clamp for single-handed operation and components of the second exemplary clamp in accordance with the invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A-6G  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the frame of the clamp of  FIGS. 5A-5G ; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-7D  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the arm of the clamp of  FIGS. 5A-5G ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the elastic mechanism of  FIGS. 5A-5G ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict a third exemplary clamp for single-handed operation in accordance with the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10A  depicts an exemplary clamp having a control system and rod used to engage and disengage a spring detent mechanism; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10B and 10C  depict an exemplary clamp having a control system and rod having a detent pin in the unlocked and locked positions; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10D  depicts an exemplary clamp having a pulley system used to change the direction and location from which a pull mechanism is pulled relative to the detent mechanism; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10E  depicts another exemplary pulley system used to change the direction and location from which a pull mechanism is pulled; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict another exemplary elastic mechanism formed to hold on to a square object; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11C  depicts yet another exemplary elastic mechanism that can be activated and formed to fit around an object; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 12A-12G  depict an exemplary square shaped object being moved into two arms designed to hold onto square objects in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13A  depict use of three quarter moon-shaped detent pin to keep the arms of  FIGS. 12A-12G  in their closed state; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13B  depicts use of set screws that can be used to control spring forces; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 14A-14G  depict the exemplary clamp of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  being used to secure various objects in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15A-15C  depict exemplary use of multiple clamps to hold a cylindrical object and other similar objects that might be held using multiple clamps; and 
           [0033]      FIGS. 16A-16C  depict exemplary scenarios where clamps in accordance with the present invention might be used to secure objects. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]    The present invention will now be described more fully in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0035]    The present invention provides a clamp for single-handed operation. The invention allows a person to place an object into the clamp with one hand. The clamp will transition from a closed clamp state to an open clamp state when an object is pressed against the outside of the clamp. The object will then continue into the clamp while the clamp is in its open clamp state. Once inside the clamp, the object will engage the back of the inside of the clamp thereby causing the clamp to transition from the open clamp state to a closed clamp state such that the clamp will maintain control of the object when the person releases the object. The same hand can then be used to lock the clamp in its closed clamp state. The invention also allows a person to remove a secured object from the clamp with one hand where the person uses the hand to unlock the clamp. After unlocking, the clamp maintains in its closed state and the person can then use the same hand to grasp the object and pull the object from the clamp to remove it. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1A-1F  depict a first exemplary clamp  100  for single-handed operation and components of the first exemplary clamp  100 . Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1F , the clamp  100  includes a frame (or base)  102  having a first side  104   a  and a second side  104   b.  The frame can be made of metal, plastic, wood, or any other desirable material and may be solid or a mesh, may be clear or opaque, may be painted, etc. A space  106  is between the first side  104   a  and the second side  104   b.  The first side  104   a  has a first frame hole  108   a  and a second frame hole  108   b.  The second side  104   b  has a third frame hole  108   c  and a fourth frame hole  108   d.  The first frame hole  108   a  and the second frame hole  108   b  that line up with the third frame hole  108   c  and the fourth frame hole, respectively. A first arm  110   a  having a first front end  112   a,  a first back end  114   a,  and a first arm hole  116   a  is placed into the space  106  and, as shown, a first attachment mechanism  118   a  is passed through the third frame hole  108   c,  through the first arm hole  116   a,  and through the first frame hole  108   a  enabling the first arm  110   a  to pivot relative to the frame  102  about the first attachment mechanism  118   a  and about a first axis. Similarly, a second arm  110   b  having a second front end  112   b , a second back end  114   b,  and a first arm hole  116   b  is placed into the space  106  and a second attachment mechanism  118   b  is passed through the fourth frame hole  108   d,  through the second arm hole  116   b,  and through the second frame hole  108   b  enabling the second arm  110   b  to pivot relative to the frame  102  about the second attachment mechanism  118   b  and about a second axis. One skilled in the art will recognize that the first attachment mechanism could be passed through the first frame hole, through the first arm hole, and through the third frame hole to enable the same pivoting of the first arm and the second attachment mechanism could be passed through the second frame hole, through the second arm hole, and through the fourth frame hole to enable the same pivoting of the second arm. Like the frame, the two arms can be made of metal, plastic, rubber, wood, or any other desirable material. The arms may be solid or a mesh, may be clear or opaque, may be painted, etc. 
         [0037]    As depicted, both the first attachment mechanism  118   a  and the second attachment mechanism  118   b  have threads that screw into respective screw lock helical inserts  120   a    120   b.  Four additional screw lock helical inserts  120   c - 120   f  are inserted into four frame attachment holes (not shown) located in the bottom of the frame  102 , which enable four additional threaded attachment mechanisms to be used to attach the clamp to another object, for example, a surface of a vehicle. One skilled in the art that various other types of attachment mechanisms could be used to enable the first arm and second arm to pivot about their respective axes. For example, a clevis pin and cotter pin could be employed. 
         [0038]    A detent mechanism  122  (e.g., a detent pin) including a spring  124  and a pull mechanism  126  is shown external to the frame  102  in  FIG. 1F  and inserted into a detent hole (not shown) inside a detent guide  123  in  FIG. 1E . When inserted into the detent guide  123 , the detent mechanism  122  will fit into a space  127  between the two arms  110   a    110   b  thereby preventing them from pivoting and locking the clamp in its closed clamp state. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 1D  an arm spring hole  128  and a corresponding frame spring hole (not shown) enable a compression spring  130  to be placed into a given arm  110  and the frame  102 . As such, as depicted in  FIG. 1E , each arm  110   a    110   b  has associated with it at least one compression spring  130   a    130   b  that is between the arm  110   a    110   b  and the frame  102 . One or more compression springs  130  can be located between the attachment mechanism  116  and the back end  114  of the arm  110  to produce an open clamp force(s) that causes the arm to pivot towards an open clamp position. Alternatively, one or more compression springs  130  can be located between the attachment mechanism  116  and the front end  112  of the arm  110  to produce a close clamp force(s) that causes the arm  110  to pivot towards a closed clamp position. Furthermore, one or more compression springs  130  can be located between the attachment mechanism  116  and the back end  114  of the arm  110  to produce open clamp force(s) and one or more compression springs  130  can be located between the attachment mechanism  116  and the front end  112  of the arm  110  to produce closed clamp force(s), where the open clamp force(s) and closed clamp force(s) oppose each other. Such opposing forces can enable a clamp to remain in the closed clamp state and to hold and maintain control of an object even though the detent mechanism  122  is in the open position (i.e., outside the space  127  between the two arms), whereby an object being held by the clamp can be pulled strongly enough so as to overcome the close clamp force(s) so that the clamp will achieve an open clamped state and the object can be removed from the clamp. One skilled in the art will recognize that the springs can be tailored such that desired open clamp forces and/or open clamp forces are produced. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the present invention can be practiced using multiple first arms, multiple second arms or with a combination of one first arm with multiple second arms or one second arm and multiple first arms. The clamp can also be practiced with one or more fixed first arms and one or more pivoting second arms, or one or more fixed second arms and one or more pivoting first arms. Moreover, the width of a given arm can be of any desired width, for example, several inches wide so as to clamp along several inches of an elongated cylinder such as a rifle barrel. Furthermore, two or more clamps can be configured to work together to hold an object. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2A  depicts arms of the exemplary clamp in a first position corresponding to a closed clamp state. Referring to  FIG. 2A , a first arm  110   a  and a second arm  110   b  are able to pivot about holes  116   a    116   b  and are in a closed position such that there is a space  127  between the two back ends  114   a    114   b  of the two arms. There is also a second space between the two front ends  112   a    112   b  of the two arms  110   a    110   b  that is sufficiently wide so as to partially receive an object. This second spacing enables the object to be placed against the two front ends of the two arms causing them to pivot such that the second space grows larger until the object causes the arms to fully open such that the clamp is in an open clamp position corresponding to an open clamp state. As depicted in  FIG. 2A , lines extend from the two arms as if originating at their respective pivot points corresponding to their arm holes  116   a    116   b  and crossing to the opposing arm such that they cross at a first location  202   a  that is generally in the center of the opening between the two arms. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2B  depicts arms of the exemplary clamp in a second position corresponding to an open clamp state. Referring to  FIG. 2B , the two arms  110   a    110   b  are shown such that the space  127  between the two back ends  114   a    114   b  is substantially gone and the second space between the two front ends  112   a    112   b  is fully opened. When fully opened, the two lines of  FIG. 2A  now cross at a location  202   b  midway between the two front ends of the two arms but generally near the two front ends of the two arms. When the object has passed through the second space between the two front ends and encounters the two back ends  114   a    114   b,  it causes the two arms to pivot to their closed positions corresponding to the closed clamp position depicted in  FIG. 2A . 
         [0042]      FIG. 2C  depicts exemplary arcs of the open and closed positions of the left arm within the frame of the exemplary clamp. Referring to  FIG. 2C , a cross-section of the frame  102  is shown having a first frame hole  108   a    108   c  and a second frame hole  108   b    180   d  and a detent hole  206 . When the first arm  110   a  is placed into the frame  102 , the first arm hole  116   a  of the first arm  110   a  aligns with the first clamp holes  108   a    108   c  of the two sides of the frame, and the second arm hole  116   b  of the second arm  110   b  aligns with the second clamp hole  180   b    108   d  of the two sides of the frame. When the first arm  110   a  is in a closed position corresponding to a closed clamp state, the back of the arm lies along a first arc  204   a  about the first location  202   a.  When the first arm  110   b  is in an open position corresponding to an open clam state, the back of the arm  110   b  lies along a second arc  204   b  about the second location  202   b.    
         [0043]      FIG. 2D  depicts placement of an exemplary detent pin in space  122  between the back ends of the two arms thereby maintaining the closed clamp state. As shown in  FIG. 2D , the detent mechanism  122  prevents the back end  114   a  of the first arm  110   a  from moving any closer to the back end  114   b  of the second arm  110   b  thus preventing the second spacing between the front ends  112   a    112   b  from opening regardless of whether an object is pushed against either of the two front ends  112   a    112   b.    
         [0044]      FIGS. 3A-3G  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the frame of the clamp of  FIGS. 1A-1F . Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3G , various views of the frame  102  of the clamp  100  are provided and show features of the frame  102  not previously described in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1F . Such features include optional recessed circular regions  302   a    302   b  about the third and fourth frame holes  108   c    108   d,  respectively, which receive a portion of the first and second attachment mechanisms  118   a    118   b,  respectively. Also shown are the four frame attachment holes  308   a - 308   d  that receive the four additional screw lock helical inserts  120   c - 120   f  previously depicted in  FIG. 1F , where the screw lock helical inserts interact with the outside threads of the two attachment mechanisms. Additionally, two frame spring holes  310   a    310   b  are depicted which receive portions of the two compression springs  130   a    130   b  previously shown in  FIG. 1E . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 4A-4C  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the arm of the clamp of  FIGS. 1A-1F . 
         [0046]      FIGS. 5A-5G  depict a second exemplary clamp  500  for single-handed operation and components of the second exemplary clamp  500  in accordance with the invention. The second exemplary clamp  500  is similar to the first exemplary clamp  100  described in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1F  but has a few variations that one skilled in the art will recognize are the result of design choices. For example, the second exemplary clamp has springs  130   a - 130   d  on both sides of the arm holes  116   a    116   b  that are recessed into four corresponding spring holes  310   a - 310   d.  The clamp also has different attachment mechanisms  118   a    118   b  and has only two clamp attachment holes  308   a    308   b  having two corresponding screw lock helical inserts  120   c    120   d.  Additionally, the shape of the frame is designed such that the clamp will receive an object at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the surface to which the frame of the clamp is attached. 
         [0047]    The exemplary clamp  500  includes two elastic mechanisms  502  intended to protect an object being held by the clamp from wear and tear and to reduce vibration effects resulting from movement of the object to which the clamp is attached (e.g., a military vehicle moving across rough terrain). Under one arrangement, each elastic mechanism  502   a    502   b  comprises an elastomer, for example rubber. Such elastomers may include thermosets and may be thermoplastic. As shown, each elastic mechanism  502   a    502   b  includes two studs  504   a    504   b  that are received by two elastic mechanism attachment holes  506   a    506   b,  respectively, that are located in recessed areas of the two arms  110   a    110   b.  An elastic mechanism  502   a  may be formed to conform to a predefined object shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) as part of a manufacturing process or may be formed by a user of the clamp mixing a moldable elastomer, for example a two-part silicone elastomer such as DMR-503 Replication Putty by Dynamold, Inc., to conform to the shape of an object the user desires the clamp to hold. For example, the handle of a tool a user wants to be held by the clamp might be hexagonally shaped. The user of the clamp would mix the two-parts of the silicone elastomer, place the tool into the clamp, and allow the elastomer to set after which the elastic mechanism  502  would provide a custom fit for holding the tool. One skilled in the art will recognize that any of various elastomer molding techniques can be employed to enable a user of the clamp to mold an elastic mechanism  502  to fit an object&#39;s shape. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 6A-6G  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the frame of the clamp of  FIGS. 5A-5G . Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6G , various views of the frame  102  of the clamp  500  are provided and show one additional difference of the frame  102  not previously described in relation to  FIGS. 5A-5G . Specifically, the optional recessed circular regions  302   a    302   b  on the first side  104   a  of the frame  102  depicted in  FIGS. 3A-3G  are no longer present. Instead, optional beveled recessed circular regions  602   a    60   b  are shown on the second side  104   b  of the frame  102  about the two frame holes  108   a    108   b.  As depicted, the two attachment mechanisms  118   a    118   b  pass through the first side  104   b  of the frame  102 , through the respective arms  110   a    110   b,  and through the second side  104   a  of the frame  102 , where the two screw lock helical inserts  120   a    120   d  are placed into two frame holes  108   c    108   d  on the first side  104   b  of the frame  102  such that they will interact with the inside threads of the two attachment mechanisms  118   a    118   b.    
         [0049]      FIGS. 7A-7D  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the arm  110  of the clamp  500  of  FIGS. 5A-5G . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict exemplary engineering drawings of the elastic mechanism  502  of the clamp of  FIGS. 5A-5G . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict a third exemplary clamp  900  for single-handed operation in accordance with the invention. The third exemplary clamp  900  has features of both the first exemplary clamp  100  and the second exemplary clamp  500 . The third exemplary clamp  900  has a frame like that of the first exemplary clamp  100  but has attachment mechanisms, four compression springs, and elastic mechanisms like that of the second exemplary clamp  500 . The third exemplary clamp  900  also has three frame attachment holes  308   a - 308   c.    
         [0052]      FIG. 10A  depicts an exemplary clamp  1000  having a control system  1004  and rod  1002  used to engage and disengage a spring detent mechanism  122  within the detent guide  123  so as to lock and unlock the clamp  1000 .  FIG. 10B  and IOC depict another exemplary clamp  1006  also having a control system  1004  and rod  1002  having a detent pin  122  used to engage and disengage a spring detent mechanism  122  within the detent guide  123 , where  FIG. 10B  depicts the rod  1002  in an unlocked position and  FIG. 10C  depicts the rod  1002  in a locked position. A control system can be used to automatically control one or more such clamps so as to control whether associated objects within them are releasable or not. For example, a series of such clamps controlled by a control system might be used to maintain control over rifles in an armory, whereby an automated control would lock the clamps to secure the rifles or unlock the clamps enabling soldiers to remove the rifles from the clamps. Similarly, a control system might lock and unlock clamps holding bars of prison or zoo cells; lock and unlock clamps holding pallets having cargo on a ship, plane, or train; lock and unlock clamps holding missiles or other munitions to be fired by a weapon system; lock and unlock clamps holding objects as part of a manufacturing or assembly process; etc. Generally, an automated control system can be used with clamps in accordance with the invention to control when objects can be inserted into or removed from such clamps. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10D  depicts an exemplary clamp  1008  having a pulley system used to change the direction and location from which a pull mechanism is pulled relative to the detent mechanism. Referring to  FIG. 10D , the exemplary clamp  1008  includes a pulley system  1010  comprising a first pulley  1012   a  and a second pulley  1012   b.  A wire (or rope, cable, belt, or chain)  1014  passes through the two pulleys  1012   a    1012   b  and is attached at one end to a pull mechanism  126  and is attached at the other end to a pulley wire attachment device  1016  that is attached to the detent mechanism residing within the detent guide. One skilled in the art will recognize that pulleys in addition to or instead of changing the direction of pulling by a user, pulleys can be used to reduce the amount of pull force a user must apply to manipulate the detent mechanism. As depicted, a user pulling the pull mechanism  126  away from the front ends of the arms of the clamp  1008  causes the detent mechanism  122  to be lifted upward. 
         [0054]      FIG. 10E  depicts another exemplary pulley system used to change the direction and location from which a pull mechanism is pulled. As depicted, the wire  1014  is connected to the pulley wire attachment mechanism  1016  and passes through a first pulley  1012   a  and a second pulley  1012   b  and up an extension device  1018 , which could be part of a robotic assembly, a hand held extension device, or any other extension device enabling control of the location and locked or unlocked state of the clamp. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a second exemplary elastic mechanism  1102  formed to hold on to a square object. Referring to  FIG. 1A and 1B , the second exemplary elastic mechanism  1102  resembles the elastic mechanism  502  previously described except it is formed to receive a square shaped object instead of a round object. 
         [0056]      FIG. 11C  depicts yet another exemplary elastic mechanism  1104  that can be activated and formed to fit around an object. Referring to  FIG. 11C , the elastic mechanism  1104  includes a first compartment  1106   a  and a second compartment  1106   b.  The first and second compartments  1106   a    1106   b  contain two respective parts of a two-part formable elastomer such as previously described. A user of the elastic mechanism can break the divider  1108  between the first and second compartments  1106   a    1106   b  in each of two such elastic mechanisms  1104  as installed in a clamp thereby allowing the two respective parts of the two-part formable elastomer to mix in both elastic mechanisms. After each of the two elastic mechanisms has achieved its formable state, an object can be placed into the clamp and the clamp closed until the two elastic mechanisms solidify to achieve their custom shape that conform to the shape of the object placed in the clamp. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 12A-12G  depict an exemplary square shaped object being moved into two arms designed to hold onto square objects in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 12A-12G , the square object  1202  is placed against the two front ends  112   a    112   b  of the two arms  110   a    110   b  of the clamp when it is in a closed clamp state (where the clamp frame is not shown). As force is applied to the square object  1202 , the two arms  110   a    110   b  will pivot about respective pivot points corresponding to the arm holes  108   a    108   b  used to attach them to the frame of the clamp. As such, as the object is moved into the clamp, the two arms pivot causing the spacing between the front ends  112   a    112   b  of the two arms to open wider and the spacing between the back ends  114   a    114   b  of the two arms to close so as to achieve an opened clamp state. After the square object  1202  has passed through the front ends  112   a    112   b  of the two arms it encounters the back ends  114   a    114   b  of the two arms causing the arms to again pivot about the arm holes  108   a    108   b  thus causing the two arms to close about the square object and achieve a closed clamp state. One skilled in the art will recognize that different shaped arms can also be used to produce clamps intended to control objects having corresponding shapes. 
         [0058]      FIG. 13A  depict use of three quarter moon-shaped detent mechanism  1302  to keep the arms of  FIGS. 12A-12G  in their closed state. One skilled in the art will recognize that many different shapes can be used for detent mechanisms to maintain a closed clamp state for a given clamp having arms of a given shape. 
         [0059]      FIG. 13B  depicts use of set screws  1304  that can be used to control spring forces. One skilled in the art will understand that such set screws  1304  can be turned with a screwdriver or other tools so as to tighten or loosen them thereby increasing or decreasing the force produced by corresponding compression springs. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 14A-14G  depict the exemplary clamp  900  of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  being used to secure various objects in accordance with the present invention. FIG.  14 A shows the clamp  900  being used to secure a cylindrical object  1402 , for example, a pipe.  FIGS. 14B and 14C  depict two views of a fire extinguisher  1404  being held by the clamp  900 .  FIG. 14D  depicts a handgun  1406  held by the clamp  900 .  FIG. 14E  depicts a diver&#39;s oxygen tank  1408  being secured by a clamp  900  having wide arms  1410 .  FIG. 14F  depicts a rifle barrel being held by a first clamp  900   a  and the stock of the gun being held by a second clamp  900   b.    FIG. 14G  depicts a tool (e.g., a shovel)  1414  being held by a clamp  900 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 15A-15C  depict exemplary use of multiple clamps to hold a cylindrical object and other similar objects that might be held using multiple clamps. Referring to  FIG. 15A , a first clamp  900   a  and a second clamp  900   b  are oriented to work together to hold a cylindrical object, for example, a pipe. 
         [0062]      FIG. 15B  depicts an exemplary log  1502  that might be held by multiple clamps  900   a    900   b  and  FIG. 15C  depicts an exemplary missile  1504  that might be held by multiple clamps  900   a    900   b.    
         [0063]      FIGS. 16A-16C  depict exemplary scenarios where clamps in accordance with the present invention might be used to secure objects. Referring to  FIG. 16A , clamps in accordance with the present invention can be used to produce a frame  1608 , for example a tent frame. Referring to  FIG. 16B , such clamps can be used to secure sports equipment  1610 , for example a basketball goal, to a pole  1612 . Referring to  FIG. 16C , such clamps can be used to secure equipment  1614 , for example an electrical transformer, to a utility pole  1616 . Generally, one skilled in the art will recognize that the clamp for one handed operation of the present invention lends itself for many different applications where it is desirable that a clamp maintain control of an object while it is in the clamp, the clamp can be locked or unlocked with one hand, and object can be inserted into or removed from the clamp using one hand. 
         [0064]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.