Abstract:
A foldable clamp suitable for use in a mounting system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the foldable clamp comprises a base member, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is connected to the base member using a first hinge. The second jaw is connected to the base member using a second hinge and a ratchet. A mount for selective interconnection is provided on either the first jaw, the second jaw, or the third jaw.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/783,937, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/045,692, filed Oct. 3, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to mounting systems and methods. Some embodiments of the present invention employ a clamp that can be used for selective interconnection to and support of a device, such as a light, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, camera, etc. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is often desirable to use an electronic device such as a light, a mobile phone, tablet computer, a camera, etc. in a “hands-free” mode. This is often accomplished by attaching the device to a table, a pole, etc. Examples might include: 1) attaching a global positioning systems (GPS) unit to a handle in a car; 2) attaching a tablet computer to a headboard of the bed so the tablet computer can be used in a hands-free manner; 3) attaching a lamp to a stage pole; and 4) attaching a tablet computer to a pole or table. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a clamp for use with a device mounting and supporting system. The mounting and supporting system may be selectively adjustable to allow for the device to be positioned in several ways. In one embodiment, the clamp comprises a first jaw and a second jaw selectively interconnected to a rack of a ratcheting mechanism. Further, the first jaw may be hingedly interconnected to the rack. The second jaw is connected to the rack by way of a carrier that is slidingly associated with the rack. The lower jaw may be hingedly interconnected to the carrier. The carrier is also associated with a pawl that operatively engages rack teeth, i.e., gears, in a ratcheting fashion. The two jaws are configured to attach to flat objects such as table tops, round objects such as light poles, or objects of other geometric profiles and orientations 
     A connector for selective interconnection to the device mount or support system may be provided on either the first jaw or the second jaw. Although shown extending from an upper surface of the upper jaw, the connector may be recessed within the upper jaw without departing from the scope of the invention. More specifically, the connector is adapted to interconnect to the supporting and mounting system that selectively accommodates an electronic device. The connector can be placed on any portion of the clamp, and not limited to the upper jaw. In some embodiments of the present invention the connector is placed on the side of the jaws. In other embodiments, the connector is operatively interconnected to a track such that the connector can be selectively moved to accommodate the user&#39;s desires. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that the clamp may provide multiple connectors to further expand the connection possibilities the clamp provides. 
     It is a related aspect of some embodiments of the present invention that the clamp can support the weight of various items. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a lower jaw having an outward extent that is positioned outward from an outward extent of the upper jaw. The extended lower jaw increases the force supported by the lower jaw which facilitates securing heavier objects. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that the lower jaw may also be expandable such that its outer extent can be further separated from the rack to support heavier loads. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention include an upper jaw having fingers. The fingers engage a surface and create frictional loads that help secure the clamp to an object. When the clamp is interconnected to a vertical surface or a tubular member, the fingers also help to react to loads. Fingers of some embodiments are selectively adjustable wherein the angle between the fingers may be expanded to spread out reactive loads or enhance frictional interactions. In some other embodiments, the fingers telescope outwardly such that the outer extent of the upper jaw is greater than the lower jaw, which facilitates interconnection of the clamp in an upside down configuration wherein the upper jaw is placed under a table, for example. 
     Still further, some embodiments of the present invention employ upper jaws and lower jaws that are spring-loaded or that employ a leaf spring such that when the upper jaw or lower jaw are engaged tightly onto surface, the activated spring firmly secure the jaws to the surface or object to which they are connected. Spring-loaded jaws also help seat the pawl into the rack. 
     It is also contemplated that the upper jaw and lower jaw are configured to interconnect with curved, flat, or uneven surfaces. To this end, the upper jaw and lower jaw may include a curved or triangular profile to accommodate a round or cylindrical surface as provided by a bar or pole, for example. A soft or compliant pad associated with the upper jaw or the lower jaw may be provided that helps protect the surface to which the clamp is interconnected, to provide additional fictional interaction between the jaws and the surface, as well as allow compression in the system to aid in generating the clamping forces needed. 
     In operation of one embodiment, the upper jaw of the clamp is engaged onto the surface, such as a tabletop. The lower jaw is then moved to operatively engage the lower surface of the table. Movement of the lower jaw along the rack will also move the spring-biased pawl along the rack teeth. The shape of the teeth and the shape of the pawl allow the pawl to move upwardly along the rail with the teeth moving the pawl over successive teeth. The spring associated with the pawl forces the pawl to return to and indent provided between each tooth. The lower jaw is prevented from moving away from the upper jaw by the pawl&#39;s interaction with the rack teeth. The carrier is also associated with a crank which employs a cog that also selectively engages the rack. More specifically, actuation of the crank engages the cog into space between another set of rack teeth. Successive motion of the crank engages the cog onto the rail and causes the pawl to move one or more teeth. When the crank returns to its undeflected position by way of a spring, the pawl is firmly engaged onto the rack and is prevented from sliding. Successive crank motion will cause the carrier to move along the rack towards the upper jaw to tighten the jaws. A pawl release is depressed to remove the pawl from the rack, which allows the lower jaw to be separated from the upper jaw. The unique shape of the cog and its relation to the rack and crank allow for an interaction that allows the cog to reset with every crank pull and avoid contact with the rack inner teeth and associated jamming. The cog, which has three teeth in some embodiments, is curved relative to at least three planes, and yet moldable. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a clamp that can be folded for storage and transport. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention provide an upper jaw that is hingedly interconnected to the rack and a lower jaw that is hingedly interconnected to the carrier. After the upper jaw is moved away from the lower jaw, the upper jaw and lower jaw are rotated inwardly towards the rack inner surface to configure the clamp for storage. 
     One of skill in the art will appreciate that the clamp described may be selectively scaled in size to suit the needs of the application to which is it is intended. Further, the clamp may be made of metal, plastic, a combination of plastic and metal, or any other suitable material. 
     The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the a clamp of one embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a detailed view of  FIG. 3  showing the position of components when a crank is in the home position; 
         FIG. 3B  is a detailed view of  FIG. 3  showing the engagement of cog teeth with the rack teeth as the crank is moved; 
         FIG. 3C  is a detailed view of  FIG. 3  showing the position of the components at the end of the range of travel of the crank; 
         FIG. 3D  is a detailed view of  FIG. 3  showing the position of the cog as the crank moves back towards the home position; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of  FIG. 1  showing the crank moved which actuates the cog that urges a lower jaw closer to an upper jaw; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the clamp interconnected to a horizontal surface; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 6  showing the crank moved outwardly to further bias the lower jaw against a horizontal surface; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the clamp interconnected to a table and interconnected to devices, supports, and mechanisms adapted to secure an electronic device; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing the clamp of  FIG. 1  in a folded position of use; 
         FIG. 9  is another perspective view showing the clamp of  FIG. 1  in a folded position of use; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows a crank of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  shows a carrier of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12B  shows another view of the carrier of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 13  shows a drive cog of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows a rack of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  shows a lower jaw assembly of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  shows an upper jaw of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  shows an upper pad of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  shows a pawl of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a movable connector in a first position of use; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a movable connector in a second position of use; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a movable connector in a third position of use; 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention that employs selectively foldable and deployable arms; 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention that employs selectively foldable and deployable arms; 
         FIG. 24  is a top perspective view of the embodiment shown  FIG. 22 , wherein upper arms are angled and extended; 
         FIG. 25  is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown  FIG. 22 , wherein lower arms are angled and extended; and 
         FIG. 26  is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22 , wherein the upper arms and lower arms are angled and extended. 
     
    
    
     To assist understanding of an embodiment of the present invention, the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Clamp 
               
               
                 6 
                 Upper jaw 
               
               
                 10 
                 Lower jaw 
               
               
                 14 
                 Rack 
               
               
                 18 
                 Carrier 
               
               
                 22 
                 Crank 
               
               
                 26 
                 Cog 
               
               
                 28 
                 Cog teeth 
               
               
                 30 
                 Inside surface 
               
               
                 34 
                 Pawl 
               
               
                 38 
                 Outside surface 
               
               
                 42 
                 Pawl end 
               
               
                 46 
                 Pawl Teeth 
               
               
                 50 
                 Pawl spring 
               
               
                 54 
                 Stop 
               
               
                 58 
                 Pawl release 
               
               
                 62 
                 Inner teeth 
               
               
                 66 
                 Spring 
               
               
                 70 
                 Elastomeric member 
               
               
                 74 
                 Elastomeric member 
               
               
                 78 
                 Connector 
               
               
                 82 
                 Keys 
               
               
                 86 
                 Table 
               
               
                 100 
                 Collar 
               
               
                 104 
                 Flexible member 
               
               
                 108 
                 Suction dock 
               
               
                 112 
                 Electronic device 
               
               
                 116 
                 Crank pin 
               
               
                 120 
                 Cog pin 
               
               
                 124 
                 Crank spring 
               
               
                 128 
                 Lower jaw pin 
               
               
                 132 
                 Cap 
               
               
                 136 
                 Upper jaw pin 
               
               
                 140 
                 Retaining screw 
               
               
                 144 
                 Washer 
               
               
                 148 
                 Pawl pin 
               
               
                 152 
                 Fingers 
               
               
                 156 
                 Track 
               
               
                 200 
                 Clamp 
               
               
                 206 
                 Upper jaw 
               
               
                 210 
                 Lower jaw 
               
               
                 212 
                 Upper arm 
               
               
                 216 
                 Lower arm 
               
               
                 220 
                 Extension 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain Instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , a clamp  2  of one embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes an upper jaw  6  and a lower jaw  10 . The upper jaw  6  is interconnected to a rack  14 . The lower jaw  10  is connected to a carrier  18  that is operatively engaged to the rack  14 . The carrier  18  also rotatably supports a crank  22  that includes a cog  26  selectively and operatively interconnected to the inside surface  30  of the rack. The carrier  18  further employs a pawl  34  and that is operatively interconnected to an outside surface  38  of the rack  14 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper jaw  6  is rotatably interconnected to the rack  14  and the lower jaw  10  is rotatably interconnected to the carrier  18 , which will be described in further detail below. 
     Referring specifically now to  FIG. 3 , the pawl  34  has an end  42  that selectively engages a space between adjacent teeth  46  of the outer surface  38  of the rack  14 . The teeth  46  are shaped to allow movement of the pawl  34  in one direction and to prevent movement of the pawl  34  in an opposite direction. Thus, the interaction of the pawl  34  and the teeth  46  maintain the distance between the upper jaw  6  and the lower jaw  10  such that the carrier  18  cannot be moved along direction A when the pawl  34  is engaged. However, pressure from below the carrier  18  or below the lower jaw  10  along direction B will move the lower jaw  10  towards the upper jaw  6 . The pawl  34  is biased by a spring  50  wherein pressure along direction B will selectively move the end  42  along the rack  14  incrementally over successive teeth  46  falling into the spaces between adjacent teeth in a ratcheting manner as it moves. The carrier  18  is prevented from sliding from the rack  14  by a stop  54  at the end of the rack  14 . To expand the lower jaw  10  from the upper jaw  6 , a pawl release  58  is actuated, which moves the end  42  of the pawl  34  from the rack  14 , allowing the carrier  18  to move along the rack  14 . 
     The carrier  18  also accommodates a crank  22  that includes a cog  26  that operatively engages teeth  62  on the inside surface  30  of the rack  14 . The crank  22  is rotated away from the rack  14  along arc C (see pg 4), which engages the cog  26  onto the teeth  62  to incrementally urge the lower jaw  10  towards the upper jaw  6 . The cog  26  is also biased by a spring  66  such that when pressure is removed from the crank  22 , it will return to a relaxed position away from the rack  14 . In the relaxed position, the cog  26  is separated from the teeth  62  wherein only the pawl  34  holds the carrier  18  in place. Interaction between the cog  26  and the crank helps move the crank to a position adjacent the rack when pressure is released. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate the operation of the cog  26  of one embodiment of the present invention. When the crank  22  is in a neutral, non-deflected position ( FIG. 3A ), the cog  26  and its teeth  28  are not engaged onto the inner teeth  62  of the rack  14 . Movement of the crank  22  along arc C will rotate the cog teeth  28  into engagement with the rack inner teeth  62  ( FIG. 3B ). The cog teeth  28  will then engage the rack inner teeth  62  and urge the carrier  18  upwardly along direction B as shown in  FIG. 3 . As the carrier is moved upwardly, the pawl end  42  will transition over a tooth  46 . Further movement of the crank  22 , as shown in  FIG. 3C , will completely engage the cog teeth  28  onto the inner rack teeth  62 , which incrementally moves the carrier  18 . After the pawl end clears the outer tooth  46 , the pawl spring will bias the pawl end  42  into engagement with the rack between adjacent teeth  46 . Release of the crank  22  ( FIG. 3D ) allows the cog  26  to rotate back to a neutral position along arc D, such rotation being facilitated by a cog spring  66 . After the crank  22  returns to its neutral, non-deflected position, the pawl end  42  maintains the position of the carrier  18 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper jaw  6  and the lower jaw  10  include elastomeric members  70 ,  74  that allow them to engage surface without damaging the same. Elastomeric members  70 ,  74  also increase the friction between the jaws and the surface to which the clamp is interconnected which enhances the connection. 
     As mentioned above, the clamp  2  may also include a connector  78 . The connector  78  may include four keys  82  that received a supporting device with a corresponding bayonet fitting. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show the clamp  2  of one embodiment of the present invention interconnected to a horizontal surface  86 , such as a table. Initially, the upper jaw  6  is placed on an upper surface of the table. Next, the carrier  18  is slid upwardly and the lower jaw (not shown) is engaged to the lower surface of the table  86 . Alternatively, the crank  22  may be used to incrementally move the lower jaw towards the lower surface of the table  86 . When the lower jaw is engaged to the lower surface of the table, the clamp may still be somewhat loose. If so, the crank  22  is rotated outwardly along direction C (see  FIG. 2 ) to incrementally move the lower jaw into a tight engagement with the lower surface of the table. The clamp force is also reacted by the upper jaw  6  engaged to the upper surface of the table. 
       FIG. 7  shows how the crank  20  receives and supports additional items. Here, a collar  100  and flexible member  104  are interconnected to the clamp  2 . The claim  2  may have a bayonet style interconnection device or any other connection mechanism known in the art to receive and secure a corresponding connection mechanism of the desired support or mounts. The flexible member  104  is interconnected to another collar  100  and a suctioning dock  108  that secures an electronic device  112 . Although, flexible positioning members and suctioning mounts are shown, those of skill in the art will appreciate that other selectively adjustable or static supporting systems may be interconnected to the clamp without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 2, 8, and 9  illustrate how embodiments of the present invention are folded. More specifically, the upper jaw  6  is rotatably interconnected to the rail  14  and may be selectively rotated along an arc D. The lower jaw  10  is rotatably is rotatable along arc E. In this way, the clamp  2  can assume a low profile storage configuration. 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the clamp and  FIGS. 11-18  are representations of the components in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 11  shows a crank  22  is a U-shaped injection molded part made of about 30% long-fiber glass filled nylon. Receiving holes are provided for pins that allow the crank  22  to interface with other components. The other end of the crank  22  is covered by a polyurethane rubber over-molded grip. The crank  22  serves as the force input to the folding clamp. When the user applies a force to the u-shaped end of the crank  22 , it rotates about a crank pin  116  forcing the cog  26  to mesh with the corresponding teeth on the rack  16 . The force transmitted through the cog  26  pushes the lower jaw  10  towards the upper jaw  6 . The crank  22  interfaces with the carrier  18  via a crank pin  116 . The crank  22  also interfaces with the cog  26  via the cog pin  120  and a cog spring that returns the cog  26  to a relaxed position. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  show the carrier  18  which may be an injection molded part made of about 30% glass filled nylon. It is geometrically complex with three sets of mounting holes and a large channel in the center. The carrier  18  holds the crank  22 , pawl  34 , and lower jaw  10  in the correct position relative to each other. Additionally, the carrier  18  slides along the rack  16  in response to force input through the crank  22 , for example, which allows the clamp jaws to be pushed together. 
       FIG. 13  shows the cog  26  of one embodiment that is a small aluminum die cast piece with curved gear teeth along the bottom side and a lateral mounting hole. The cog may also be injection molded in glass-filled (GF) Nylon. The cog  26  transmits the input force of one end of the crank  22  onto the rack  14  forcing the carrier  18  to push the lower jaw  10  towards the upper jaw  6 . As the crank  22  is rotated away from its home position, the curved teeth on the lower side of the drive cog  26  mesh with corresponding teeth on the rack  14 . With the teeth meshed, further motion of the crank  22  moves the carrier  18  along the rack  14  and moves the lower jaw  10  towards the upper jaw  6 . As the crank  22  rotates from the fully extended position toward its home position, the cog  26  rotates so its teeth rotate past the teeth on the rack  14 . Repeated motion of this incrementally moves the pads together. 
       FIG. 14  shows the rack  14  of one embodiment made of 30% glass filled nylon piece overmolded onto a stamped steel insert. In some embodiments of the present invention, the rack  14  is stiff but flexible such the rack  14  will bow when the upper jaw and the lower jaw are firmly engaged onto a surface. The bowed rack will tend to recoil, i.e. attempt to return to its non-deflected state, which further biases the top jaw towards the bottom jaw to increase clamping force. The rack  14  has a generally rectangular profile with gear teeth on either side. Both of the sets of gear teeth may have a curved profile. Curved teeth allow for a larger surface area and disbursement of forces that allows for a stronger structure in a reduced envelope. The top of the rack  14  has a boss with a hole for a mounting pin. The bottom of the rack  14  has two longitudinal blind holes. The stamped steel insert protrudes out of the rack  14  on one of the large faces near the rack bottom. The rack  14  provides the running surface that allows the two jaws of the clamp to move together. As the carrier  18  slides along the rack  14 , the lower jaw  10  moves relative to the upper jaw  6 . Additionally, the rack  14  has teeth that allow the ratcheting action that creates and maintains force between the lower jaw  10  and the upper jaw  6 . 
       FIG. 15  shows the lower jaw assembly of one embodiment that comprises an injection molded lower jaw  10  with an overmolded elastomeric lower pad  74  on one side. The lower jaw  10  is made of 30% glass filled nylon and the overmolding  74  is polyurethane rubber. The lower jaw assembly has a large (about 25 mm) hole in its center and a pin hole running laterally through one end. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the upper jaw  6  is a generally round part made of 30% glass filled nylon that is overmolded onto an M6 threaded brass insert. The upper jaw  6  has a laterally oriented hole for a mounting pin. There are two features, i.e., fingers  152 , on the bottom side of the upper jaw  40  that provide a clamping face. The primary functions of the upper jaw  6  provide a clamping surface opposite the lower jaw assembly and to provide a mounting surface for attachment to external elements, such as those shown in  FIG. 7 . One side of the upper jaw  6  has two 10 mm wide fingers  152  with a flat face on either side of a cylindrical face, allowing them to clamp both flat and round objects. Each finger  152  receives an elastomeric member  70 . The elastomeric members  70  are polyurethane rubber pieces with a 60A durometer. As the two jaws of the clamp move together the elastomeric members compress providing feedback to the user about the level of force applied. Once the clamp is in position over an object, such as the table, the elastomeric material of the elastomeric members maintain their compression, which helps maintain a clamping force. The elastomeric members also have a tread pattern for increased grip on rough surfaces. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the pawl  34  is an injection molded part made from 30% glass filled nylon. It has a lateral pin hole with a lever on one side and a gear tooth on the other. There may be a round feature at the end of the lever on the pawl  34  that acts as a button. There are also two small cuts on the underside of the pawl  58  to allow for pawl springs. The pawl  34  contributes to the ratcheting action of the clamp by preventing motion of the carrier that would allow the jaws to spread apart. The geometry of the pawl end  42  and the corresponding teeth on the rack allow the pawl  34  to be dragged over teeth on the rack when the jaws are moving closer, but prevents the jaws from spreading apart. When the button on the pawl  34  is depressed, the pawl end  42  rotates away from the rack and the jaws may open. 
       FIGS. 19-21  show a clamp  2  of another embodiment of the present invention that includes an upper jaw  6  that provides the ability to change location of the connector  78 . More specifically, the upper jaw  6  includes a track  156  that operatively receives the connector  78 . The connector  78  can be placed at or near the outward extent of the upper jaw ( FIG. 19 ), on the upper surface of the upper jaw  6  ( FIG. 20 ), at or near the inward extent of the upper jaw  6  ( FIG. 21 ), or various positions therebetween. This embodiment thus provides the user a multitude of connector  78  orientation options which further enhances their ability to position an electronic device, for example. Once in a desired position, the connector  78  is will locked in place. Further, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the track  156  may be positioned transverse to, or at an angle relative to, the track shown and that a plurality of tracks may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 22-26  shows a clamp  200  of yet another embodiment of the present invention that employs deployable arms. More specifically, the upper jaw  206  and/or the lower jaw  210  may include arms  212 ,  216  that flair out from their respective jaws to increase the contact footprint of the jaws onto a surface. Here, the arms  212  of the upper jaw  26  are angled outwardly, which helps react transverse clamp loads emanating from the connector  78 , for example. Similarly, the arms  2  and  16  of the lower jaw  210  react transverse loads and increase the load footprint, which helps react longitudinal loads emanating from the connector  78 . In this example, “longitudinal” refers to the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper jaw  206  and generally parallel to a side surface of the clamp  200 , and “transverse” refers to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Although shown angled symmetrically, one of skill in the art will appreciate the arms  212 ,  216  may be independently rotated. Further, some embodiments of the present invention include extensions  220  that operatively increase arm length and thus influence the contact influence and stability of the clamp  200 . 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.