Abstract:
An improved locking clamp device having independently extendable jaws and interchangeable quick release clamping members, said clamping members configured in unlimited variations of shape, texture, and hardness and optionally being moveable relative to the jaws of the device. The improvements allow increased flexibility of the device over traditionally configured locking clamps with regard to use of the device with difficult work pieces and environments. The interchangeable clamping members allow a single device to be used for multiple applications, thereby making the invention a low cost and convenient alternative to multiple special purpose tools, as well as permitting quick and inexpensive replacement of wear elements.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority to a provisional application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/714,030, filed Sep. 2, 2005, entitled Locking Clamp Device, by Tyler, Terence P., which is hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Technical Field 
   The invention relates generally to the field of hand tools. More specifically, the invention is directed to an improved locking clamp device suitable for use with difficult work pieces and environments. 
   2. Description of Prior Art 
   Locking clamps are well-known in the art. Vise-Grip™ brand locking pliers are an example. Such clamps include a handle mechanism, a clamping mechanism manipulated by the handle mechanism, and a locking mechanism suitable for retaining the clamping mechanism in a fixed position relative to a work piece. There many different known methods for implementing these basic structures, for which myriad patents have been issued. The great majority of these prior patents involve various improvements or modifications to the locking mechanisms. See Kramer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,479 (Aug. 5, 2003), SELF ADJUSTING LOCKING PLIERS, disclosing one-handed locking pliers; Wrigley, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,458 (Mar. 13, 2001), LOCKING PLIERS, disclosing locking pliers with internal springs to provide tension and a thumb catch for locking/unlocking the tool. Other patents disclose mechanisms for adjusting the angle of the jaws of the clamping mechanisms to accommodate different sizes of work pieces to be gripped. See Whiteford, U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,724 (Jun. 25, 2002), SELF ADJUSTING PLIER-LIKE LOCKING TOOL, disclosing locking tool adjustable to different sized work pieces. Other patents involve tools having jaws which move in relation to the handle mechanisms. See Troudt, U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,966 (Mar. 23, 2004), ADJUSTABLE C-CLAMP, disclosing clamping mechanism with telescoping functionality to widen the distance between the jaws; Chou, U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0015072 (Jan. 23, 2003), VARIABLE PIVOT LOCKING PLIERS, disclosing locking pliers having parallel jaws; Chou, U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0157507 (Oct. 31, 2002), AUTOMATIC AND VARIABLE GRIP LOCKING PLIERS, disclosing locking pliers that will automatically reset the jaws to accommodate different sized work pieces; Galea, U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,273 (Nov. 30, 1999), ADJUSTABLE LOCKING PLIERS, disclosing a tool with pivotally mounted jaws which move relative to the handle. 
   Other patents are closer in concept to the present invention, though remain distinguishable. Stahle, U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,597 (Oct. 30, 2001), for LOCKING DEVICE FOR A HAND TOOL, discloses a locking clamp having interchangeable clamping surfaces in the form of collet jaws. These are described as having a rib which fits into a channel formed into the end of the jaw of the clamp; the various collet jaws may be slid into and out of the channel to quickly change the function of the clamp. The collect jaws may also pivot. This differs from the present invention in that the collet jaws are not variously shaped or contoured to accommodate different work piece surfaces, they cannot be rotated relative to the jaws, and they cannot be used to simulate spot welding marks. Moreover, Stahle does not disclose extendable jaws. Bogert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,661 (Jan. 30, 1990), for MULTI PURPOSE ORTHOPEDIC RATCHETING FORCEPS, discloses locking surgical forceps having readily interchangeable tips, said tips able to be rotated along the axis of the arm. However, the clamping tips cannot pivot and are not resilient or contoured, and the jaws are not extendable. Hopper, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,179 (Mar. 1, 2005), for CLAMP DEVICE, discloses clamping surfaces which may be removed from the jaws. These removable clamping surfaces are designed as wear items and are not intended to be interchanged with different clamping surfaces during use to accommodate different work pieces. Hopper, et al., does not teach the use of differently shaped clamping surfaces, variable materials for clamping surfaces, or the concept of positional clamping surfaces. Reiter, U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,108 (Dec. 18, 1973), for CLAMP, discloses a variation of a spring clamp, with gripping surfaces pivoting in one dimension and with the arms of the jaws themselves rotating. The Reiter clamp also discloses resilient pads covering the clamping surfaces. These are not interchangeable, however, nor are the clamping surfaces of diverse shapes. Finally, the Reiter clamp discloses extendable arms, but the extension is lateral, perpendicular to the handles, thereby only providing for a wider grip, and not for extending axially from the handles. Barbosa, U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,219 (Sep. 18, 2001), C-CLAMP PLIER WITH SUPPORT EXTENSION ARM, discloses an extendable arm attachment to be used in combination with a clamp. It is distinct from the telescoping extendable jaws concept of the present invention in that it has an independent extension arm to be placed on an existing jaw of the clamp, plus a counter-pressure point below the jaw. 
   Other patents disclose individual concepts similar to the present invention, but represent inferior solutions. Swanstrom, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,830 (Jun. 15, 2004), for THREADED GRIPPING BAR PLIERS INSERT, discloses replaceable clamping surfaces. However, these clamping surfaces are replaced only as wear items, are fixed when in use, and are not intended for quick release or interchangeability during use. Domenge, U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,578 (Jun. 11, 2002) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,936 (May 21, 2002), for HAND TOOL HAVING PIVOTING HANDLES, disclose pliers with pivoting contact elements on the jaws. These are fixed onto the jaws, and designed to grip only six-sided fasteners. Tally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,993 (Oct. 24, 2000), for PLIERS WITH ADJUSTABLE JAWS, discloses pliers with jaws that may be oriented in various positions relative to the handles. This patent discloses soft clamping surfaces, though these are in fact simply vinyl jaw covers placed over the gripping surfaces to protect the work piece. They are not designed to be readily interchanged for use with different types of work pieces. Wolff, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,210 (Aug. 11, 1998), for SPRING-TENSIONING PLIERS, discloses pivoting clamping surfaces, similar to the pivoting clamping surfaces disclosed in Reiter. However, the clamping surfaces are not interchangeable and pivot in one dimension only. Shin, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,519 (Jan. 9, 1979), for VISE WITH SELECTABLE JAW FACES, discloses the use of interchangeable clamping surfaces to be used with different types of work pieces. However, the mechanism for changing the clamping surfaces is a disk which is rotated to position the desired clamping surface for use. This is limited to just a few different clamping surfaces. Moreover, the mechanism is not suitable for use in a hand tool. 
   None of the disclosed prior art offers all of the functionality disclosed in the present invention. Moreover, the implementation of similar individual concepts in earlier patents differs significantly with the implementation of the present invention. Thus none of the disclosed prior art anticipates the present invention. 
   It is an objective of the present invention to provide a useful, improved locking clamp device with independently extendable jaws to provide for improved access to difficultly situated work pieces and for offset clamping. 
   It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a useful, improved locking clamp device with quick release interchangeable clamping members. 
   It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a useful, improved locking clamp device with clamping members moveable relative to the jaws to better accommodate work pieces. 
   It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a useful, improved locking clamp device with variously shaped clamping members suitable for use with difficultly situated work pieces. 
   It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a useful, improved locking clamp device suitable for creating simulated spot welds in metal work pieces. 
   Other objectives of the present invention will be readily apparent from the descriptions that follows. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention is an improved locking clamp device having a handle assembly, suitably adapted to be held and manipulated by a human hand; a clamping assembly having a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, with the jaw portions comprised of two or more arms slidably moveable along each other&#39;s respective longitudinal axes such that the jaw portions may be lengthened or shortened as needed; a first clamping member removably attached to the first jaw portion and a second clamping member removably attached to the second jaw portion, with the clamping members suitably adapted to engage with a work piece; and a locking means intergrated with the respective handles, adapted to hold the clamping assembly in a fixed position relative to a work piece. In this embodiment the clamping members may pivot or may rotate along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding jaw, to provide greater flexibility in gripping difficultly shaped work pieces. The clamping members also are configurable in any number of shapes, textures, and hardnesses. 
   Other features and advantages of the invention are described below 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of the locking clamp device depicting the basic components of the handle assembly and the clamping assembly. 
       FIG. 2A  is a plan view of one embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism, with ghost lines depicting obscured portion of distal arm of first jaw portion. 
       FIG. 2B  is an exploded perspective view of the same embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 3A  is a plan view of another embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism, with ghost lines depicting obscured portion of distal arm of first jaw portion. 
       FIG. 3B  is an exploded perspective view of the same embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 4A  is a plan view of yet another embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism, with ghost lines depicting obscured portion of distal arm of first jaw portion. 
       FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view of the same embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 5A  is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism, with ghost lines depicting obscured portion of distal arm of first jaw portion. 
       FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the same embodiment of the jaw assembly and first arm securing mechanism shown in  FIG. 5A . 
       FIG. 6A  is a plan view of one embodiment of the jaw assembly, with ghost lines depicting obscured portion of distal arm of first jaw portion. 
       FIG. 6B  is an exploded perspective view of the same embodiment of the jaw assembly shown in  FIG. 6A . 
       FIG. 7A  is a plan view of one embodiment of the jaw assembly, with ghost lines depicting obscured portions of distal and intermediate arms of first jaw portion. 
       FIG. 7B  is an exploded perspective view of the same embodiment of the jaw assembly shown in  FIG. 7A . 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first attachment component employing a ratchet mechanism. 
       FIG. 8B  is a plan view of the embodiment of the first attachment component together with a rear view of an embodiment of the first clamping member as shown in  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view of one embodiment of the clamping members adapted to replicate the appearance of a spot weld. 
       FIG. 10  shows various configurations of the clamping members, including clamping members with clip-on clamping surfaces. 
       FIG. 11  shows various configurations of the clamping members, including clamping member extension adapters for use with multiple clamping members. 
       FIG. 12  shows an alternative embodiment of the locking clamp device comprising a third holding arm. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to an improved locking clamp device  1 . 
   The locking clamp device  1  comprises a handle assembly  100 , a clamping assembly  200 , and a locking means  500 . See  FIG. 1 . The handle assembly  100  is held by and manipulated by a human hand in order to actuate the clamping assembly  200  between an opened or a closed position, such that the clamping assembly  200  may sufficiently engage a work piece when in the closed position to hold the work piece securely within the locking clamp device  1  or to hold the locking clamp device  1  securely to the work piece, and the locking clamp device  1  may sufficiently disengage the work piece when in the opened position to permit removal of the work piece from the locking clamp device  1  or to permit removal of the locking clamp device  1  from the work piece. The locking means  500  is adapted to retain the locking clamp device  1  in the closed position. The locking means  500  may be any appropriate locking means known in the art suitable for accomplishing the stated function, for example the locking means employed by the Vise-Grip™ brand locking pliers. 
   The handle assembly  100  has a first handle portion  110  and a second handle portion  112 , said handle portions suitably adapted to be held and manipulated by a human hand. The two handle portions are pivotally in connection with each other. The clamping assembly  200  is attached to and integrated with the handle assembly  100 . It is comprised of a first jaw portion  300  and a second jaw portion  400 . See  FIG. 1 . Manipulation of the handle assembly  100  causes the jaw portions  300 , 400  of the clamping assembly  200  to move relative to each other, in that moving the first handle portion  110  towards the second handle portion  112  causes the first jaw portion  300  to move towards the second jaw portion  400 , and moving the first handle portion  110  away from the second handle portion  112  causes the first jaw portion  300  to move away from the second jaw portion  400 . The locking means  500  allows the first jaw portion  300  to be retained in a fixed position relative to the second jaw portion  400 . There are many different configurations for such a handle assembly/clamping assembly/locking means combination which embody the above-described characteristics, all well known in the art, and all applicable to the present invention. 
   One embodiment of the present invention comprises a two-part first jaw portion  300  and a two-part second jaw portion  400 . The two parts of the first jaw portion  300  are designated the proximate arm  320  and the distal arm  330 , with the proximate arm  320  located closer to the handle assembly  100  and the distal arm  330  located further from the handle assembly  100 . See  FIG. 1 . The proximate arm  320  and the distal arm  330  are suitably adapted to movably engage each other along their respective longitudinal axes. As a result, the first jaw portion  300  may be lengthened or shortened depending on the positions of the proximate arm  320  and the distal arm  330  in relation to each other. The end of the distal arm  330  furthest from the proximate arm  320  is designated the clamping end  310  of the first jaw portion  300 . The second jaw portion  400  is similarly configured. This configuration of the two jaw portions  300 , 400  of the clamping assembly  200  gives the present invention the unique ability to be manipulated according to the work to be performed, either by lengthening or shortening the reach of the two jaw portions  300 , 400  to the same degree to accommodate various types and sizes of work pieces or to give the user improved access to work pieces, or by lengthening or shortening the reach of the two jaw portions  300 , 400  to different degrees to permit offset clamping of work pieces. 
   In the first jaw portion  300  in this embodiment, the distal arm  330  may be mechanically secured in a desired position relative to the proximate arm  320  by an arm securing mechanism. In one configuration the arm securing mechanism may comprise an elongate aperture  356  in the proximate arm  320 , the elongate aperture  356  passing completely through the proximate arm  320 ; an elongate aperture  360  in the distal arm  330 , the elongate aperture  360  passing completely through the distal arm  330  and being at least partially aligned with the elongate aperture  356  of the proximate arm  320 ; a threaded bolt  362  that may be inserted into and through the elongate apertures  356 , 360  of the proximate arm  320  and the distal arm  330 ; and a nut  364  suitable to be secured to the threaded bolt  362 . See  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The threaded bolt  362  may be tightened and loosened relative to the nut  364  by being rotated by a human hand, so that when tightened the threaded bolt  362  securely secures the proximate arm  320  to the distal arm  330  in a fixed position relative to each other. The second jaw portion  400  may have a similarly configured arm securing mechanism. 
   Alternatively, the proximate arm  320  of the first jaw portion  300  may have a threaded aperture  354 , with the threaded bolt  362  suitably adapted to be inserted into and through the threaded aperture  354  of the proximate arm  320  and into the distal arm  330 . See  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The force of the threaded bolt  362  against the surface of the distal arm  330  holds the distal arm  330  in a fixed orientation to the proximate arm  320 . In such a configuration there is no need for a nut to secure the threaded bolt  362 . As before, the second jaw portion  400  may have a similarly configured arm securing mechanism. 
   In yet another alternative, the distal arm  330  of the first jaw portion  300  may have multiple threaded apertures  358 , each threaded aperture  358  alignable with an aperture  351  in the proximate arm  320 , with a threaded bolt  362  suitably adapted to be inserted into and through the aperture  351  of the proximate arm  320  and into one of the threaded apertures  358  of the distal arm  330 . See  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In such a configuration there is no need for a nut to secure the threaded bolt  362 . Again, the second jaw portion  400  may have a similarly configured arm securing mechanism. 
   In the preferred alternative, the proximate arm  320  of the first jaw portion  300  has an elongate aperture  356 , the elongate aperture  356  passing completely through the proximate arm  320 ; the distal arm  330  has a threaded aperture  358  passing completely through the distal arm  330  and being alignable with the elongate aperture  356  of the proximate arm  320 ; and a threaded bolt  362  suitably adapted to be inserted into and through the elongate aperture  356  of the proximate arm  320  and into the threaded aperture  358  of the distal arm  330 . See  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In such a configuration there is no need for a nut to secure the threaded bolt  362 . In a similar fashion the second jaw portion  400  may have a similarly configured arm securing mechanism. 
   In another embodiment of the clamping assembly  200  having two-part jaw portions  300 , 400 , the proximate arm  320  of the first jaw portion  300  may be substantially hollow and have an aperture  322  at the end further from the handle assembly  100 , with the distal arm  330  of the first jaw portion  300  fitting within this aperture  322  in a telescoping manner, such that the distal arm  330  is slidably positionable relative to the proximate arm  320 . See  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The distal arm  330  may be frictionally secured in a desired position relative to the proximate arm  320 . Alternatively, the distal arm  330  may be mechanically secured in a desired position relative to the proximate arms  320  using an arm securing mechanism. If the distal  330  and proximate arms  320  are mechanically secured, one embodiment of the arm securing mechanism comprises a threaded aperture  354  in the surface of the proximate arm  320 , the threaded aperture  354  passing completely through the surface of the proximate arm  320 , together with a threaded bolt  362  suitably adapted to be inserted into the threaded aperture  354  and tightened and loosened by being rotated by a human hand, such that when tightened the threaded bolt  362  passes through the surface of the proximate arm  320  to securely engage the distal arm  330 . This configuration is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The proximate  420  and distal arms  430  of the second jaw portion  400  may be similarly configured to operate in a telescoping manner relative to each other. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, the clamping assembly  200  comprises multi-part jaw portions  300 , 400 . As before, the first jaw portion  300  comprises a proximate arm  320  and a distal arm  330 , but in this configuration positioned between the proximate arm  320  and the distal arm  330  are one or more intermediate arms  340 . The proximate arm  320 , the distal arm  330 , and the one or more intermediate arms  340  are suitably adapted to movably engage each other along their respective longitudinal axes, to permit the first jaw portion  300  to be lengthened or shortened depending on the positions of the proximate arm  320 , the one or more intermediate arms  340 , and the distal arm  330  in relation to each other. The proximate arm  320 , the one or more intermediate arms  340 , and the distal arm  330  may be held in fixed relation to each other by any of the arm securing mechanisms described above. 
   In one embodiment of the multi-part jaw portion configuration the proximate arm  320  is substantially hollow and has an aperture  322  at the end further from the handle assembly  100 . Each intermediate arm  340  is also substantially hollow and has an aperture  342  at the end further from the handle assembly  100 . Each intermediate arm  340  and the distal arm  330  fit within the proximate arm  320  in a telescoping manner, with the distal arm  330  being the innermost of the arms, such that each of the intermediate arms  340  and the distal arm  330  are slidably positionable relative to each other and to the proximate arm  320 . See  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In this configuration the intermediate arm(s)  340  and the distal arm  330  may be frictionally secured in a desired position relative to each other and to the proximate arm  320 . By using one or more intermediate arms  340  the first jaw portion  300  may be lengthened to a further degree than in the two-part jaw portion configuration. The second jaw portion  400  may be similarly configured with one or more intermediate arms operating in a telescoping manner together with the proximate  420  and distal arms  430 . 
   In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the clamping assembly  200  comprises a first clamping member  370  and a second clamping member  470 , with each clamping member  370 , 470  suitably adapted to engage with a work piece. See  FIG. 8A . The end of each jaw portion  300 , 400  of the clamping assembly  200  further from the handle assembly  100  is designated the clamping end  310 , 410 , and each clamping member  370 , 470  is removably attached to the clamping end  310 , 410  of the respective jaw portion  300 , 400  by an attachment component. The ability to remove the clamping members  370 , 470  from the jaw portions  300 , 400  of the clamping assembly  200  allows for the interchangeability of clamping members  370 , 470  to suit different purposes. In the present invention the first attachment component  365  is suitably adapted to function as a “quick release” mechanism to allow for the removal and attachment of clamping members  370 , 470  quickly and easily without the need to use tools. One embodiment of the first attachment component  365  is an aperture formed into the clamping end  310  of the first jaw portion  300 , said aperture suitably adapted to accommodate the attachment end  375  of the first clamping member  370 , said attachment end  374  suitably adapted to be inserted into said aperture. In an alternative embodiment, multiple clamping members may be used with each jaw portion  300 , 400  by use of a clamping member extension adapter  380 . See  FIG. 11 . The clamping member extension adapter  380  is interposed between the clamping end  310  of the jaw portion  300  and the clamping member  370 , and has multiple attachment points to accommodate multiple clamping members  370 . 
   In one variation of this embodiment of the present invention one or both of the clamping members  370 , 470  pivots relative to its respective clamping end  310 , 410  of the jaw portions  300 , 400  of the clamping assembly  200 . The pivoting motion may be in one direction only, such as up and down or side to side, as may be achieved by use of an axle configuration, or the pivoting motion may be in multiple directions, such as may be achieved by a ball joint. The pivoting motion may also be achieved by any other suitable means known in the art. 
   In another variation of this embodiment of the present invention the first clamping member  370  rotates relative to the clamping end  310  of the first jaw portion  300  of the clamping assembly  200 . Rotation is along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first jaw portion  300  of the clamping assembly  200 . One embodiment of this variation has the attachment component comprising a ratchet mechanism  390  formed into the clamping end  310  of the first jaw portion  300  of the clamping assembly  200 . See  FIG. 8A . The ratchet mechanism  390  has an inner cavity  392  and a toothed ring  394 , with the toothed ring  394  suitably adapted to rotate within the inner cavity  392  of the ratchet mechanism  390 . In this embodiment the first clamping member  370  has a clamping surface  372  suitably adapted to engage with a work piece and an attachment end  374  opposite the clamping surface  372 . The attachment end  374  of the first clamping member  370  is inserted into the inner cavity  392  of the corresponding ratchet mechanism  390 , with the toothed ring  394  of the ratchet mechanism  390  securing the attachment end  374  of the first clamping member  370 . Rotation of the toothed ring  394  within the ratchet mechanism  390  effects the relative rotation of the first clamping member  370 . The attachment component of the second jaw portion  400  and the second clamping member  470  may likewise be similarly configured. 
   In a further variation the attachment end  374  of the first clamping member  370  may have an inner shaft  376  and an outer shaft  378 . The inner shaft  376  has substantially hexagonal sides and a greater diameter than the outer shaft  378 , which is substantially cylindrical and centered on and coaxial with the inner shaft  376 . Other appropriate shapes for the sides of the inner shaft  376  are also contemplated. Located behind the inner cavity  392  of the ratchet mechanism  390  is a cylindrical blind hole  379  formed into the clamping end  310  of the first jaw portion  300 . The blind hole  379  has an inner diameter suitably dimensioned to snugly accommodate the diameter of the outer shaft  378  of the attachment end  374  of the first clamping member  370 . The inner cavity  392  of the ratchet mechanism  390  is suitably dimensioned to accommodate the diameter of the inner shaft  376  of the attachment end  374  of the first clamping member  370 . When the attachment end  374  of the first clamping member  370  is inserted into the ratchet mechanism  390 , the outer shaft  378  of the attachment end  374  fits within and may rotate within the blind hole  379 , and the inner shaft  376  of the attachment end  374  is maintained in a fixed position relative to the toothed ring  394  of the ratchet mechanism  390 . See  FIG. 8B . This configuration provides stability to and a more secure fit of the first clamping member  370  to the first jaw portion  300 . Other elements known in the art, such as ball detents, o-rings, and the like, may be integrated into the attachment end  374  of the first clamping member  370  and/or the ratchet mechanism  390  to improve the security of the attachment while preserving the quick release functionality of the invention. The attachment component of the second jaw portion  400  and the second clamping member  470  may likewise be similarly configured. 
   In yet a further variation the ratchet mechanism  390  of the first attachment component  365  comprises a three-position switch  398 , with the first position of the switch  398  permitting the ratchet mechanism  390  to rotate 360° in a first direction, the second position of the switch  398  permitting the ratchet mechanism  390  to rotate 360° in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the third position of the switch  398  locking the ratchet mechanism  390 , preventing rotation. In yet a further variation the ratchet mechanism  390  comprises a two-position switch, with the two positions corresponding to the first two switch positions described above. The attachment component of the second jaw portion  400  may be similarly configured with either three-position or two-position switches in the ratchet mechanism. (If the two-position switch configuration is used, rotation of the clamping members  370 , 470  may be locked when the clamping assembly  200  is in the closed position if both the first and second attachment components have ratchet mechanisms and the ratchet mechanism switches of the two attachment components are set to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other.) 
   The clamping members  370 , 470  in this embodiment may have clamping surfaces  372 , 472  of various hardnesses, textures, and shapes. The clamping surfaces  372 , 472  may be made of a hard, inflexible material, such as tempered steel, or a soft, flexible material, such as a polymer plastic. The clamping surfaces  372 , 472  may be substantially planar. The clamping surfaces  372 , 472  may be substantially concave. The clamping surfaces  372 , 472  may be substantially convex. The clamping surfaces  372 , 472  may be irregularly shaped. See  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The clamping surfaces  372 , 472  may be constructed of a non-stick compound to better enable the device  1  to be used with adhesives. The two clamping members  370 , 470  need not have clamping surfaces  372 , 472  with the same hardness, texture, or shape. The clamping members  372 , 472  may further comprise removable clamping surfaces  372 , 472 , whereby the clamping surfaces  372 , 472  may be clipped on and off the clamping members  370 , 470 . See  FIG. 10 . This embodiments permits reusable clamping surfaces  372 , 472  for applications where they are prone to damage or wear. The ability to interchange clamping members  370 , 470  having various hardnesses, textures, and shapes allows the locking clamp device  1  to be used in a wide range of applications. One such application is for automobile body work, where the various body panels of the automobile have different shapes. Clamping members  370 , 470  may be designed to fit specific body panels from various automobile manufacturers so that the panels may be held securely and without damage. 
   In one embodiment the clamping members  370 , 470  are a matched pair, with the first clamping member  370  having a substantially convex clamping surface  372 , being substantially circular, and the second clamping member  470  having a substantially concave clamping surface  472 , also substantially circular. The concavity of the clamping surface  472  of the second clamping member  470  has a diameter just slightly greater than a diameter of the convexity of the clamping surface  372  of the first clamping member  370 , such that the concavity of the clamping surface  472  of the second clamping member  470  accommodates the convexity of the clamping surface  372  of the first clamping member  370 . See  FIG. 9 . When the locking clamp device  1  is placed onto a body panel and the clamping assembly  200  is placed in the closed position, the force of the clamping surfaces  372 , 472  of the first and second clamping members  370 , 470  on the panel replicates the appearance of a spot weld. Body panels may then be bonded together with adhesives rather than welding and held together with the locking clamp device  1 , providing a simple, improved, and cost-efficient alternative to welding while retaining the traditional appearance of welding, which is much desired in the field of automobile restoration. 
   The potentially unlimited range of shapes, textures, and hardnesses of the clamping surfaces  372 , 472  of the clamping members  370 , 470  provides virtually unlimited uses for the present invention. 
   In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking clamp device  1  comprises the clamping assembly  200  with both the extendable jaw portions  300 , 400  and the quick release, interchangeable clamping members  370 , 470 . This combination gives the present invention a flexibility and usefulness not found in any comparable tool. 
   In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the user may be assisted in manipulating the handle assembly  100  by the inclusion of an electro-mechanical or pneumatic device integrated with the handle assembly  100 . Such devices are well-known in the art and are frequently integrated with hand tools used in the automobile repair industry. 
   In yet another embodiment of the present invention a third holding arm  600  is attached to the clamping assembly  200 . See  FIG. 12 . The third holding arm  600  is suitably adapted to work in conjunction with the jaw portions  300 , 400  to hold a work piece or to attach the device  1  to a structure in order to better accommodate a work piece. Clamping members  371  may be used with the third holding arm  600 , as clamping member extension adapters  380 . The third holding arm  600  may be adjustable. 
   Modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments of the invention without departing from the subject or spirit of the invention.