Patent Publication Number: US-10307893-B2

Title: Clamping apparatus and method

Description:
RELATED MATTERS 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/266,822, filed Dec. 14, 2015, entitled “Clamping Apparatus and Method,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/289,487, filed on Feb. 1, 2016 entitled “Clamping Apparatus and Method,” the disclosures of which being herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to clamps. More particularly, the subject matter relates to a high strength and high speed clamp. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Existing clamps are limited in strength relative to the size and dimensions of the clamp. Many clamps are difficult to compress or clamp, especially when they are designed for high strength applications. Moreover, clamps designed for high strength applications are also difficult to compress or clamp at high speeds. Rather, high strength clamps often have very slow tightening processes. Moreover, safety concerns and clamp strength concerns preclude existing clamps from being compressed or clamped with facilitation from power tools. 
     Thus, a clamp which has higher speed and/or higher strength would be well received in the art. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     According to one embodiment, a clamping apparatus comprises: an upper jaw structure having a hinge end and a clamp end; a lower jaw structure having a hinge end and a clamp end; a hinge located at the hinge ends of the upper and lower jaw structures, the hinge providing for rotation of upper jaw structure with respect to the lower jaw structure; and an elongated element threadably attached to the first and second upper jaw structures between the hinge end and the clamp end of each of the first and second upper jaw structures, wherein rotation of the elongated element in a first direction causes the clamp end of the upper jaw structure to move closer to the clamp end of the lower jaw structure, wherein the elongated element includes an end having a hexagonal shape configured to receive a tool configured to facilitate the rotation of the elongated element, the tool selected from the group consisting of a hand wrench, an impact wrench, and a ratchet. 
     According to another embodiment, a clamping apparatus comprises: a first upper jaw having a hinge end and a clamp end; a second upper jaw having a hinge end and a clamp end, the second upper jaw fixedly coupled to the first upper jaw such that the second upper jaw is spaced apart from the first upper jaw; a first lower jaw having a hinge end and a clamp end; a second lower jaw having a hinge end and a clamp end, the second lower jaw fixedly coupled to the first lower jaw such that the second lower jaw is spaced apart from the first lower jaw; a hinge located at the hinge ends of the first and second upper jaws and the first and second lower jaws, the hinge providing for rotation of the first and second upper jaws with respect to the first and second lower jaws; a first internal plate located between and attached to at least one of: each of the first upper jaw and the second upper jaw; and each of the first lower jaw and the second lower jaw; and an elongated element threadably attached to the first and second upper jaws between the hinge end and the clamp end of each of the first and second upper jaws, the elongated element threadably attached to the first and second lower jaws between the hinge end and the clamp end of each of the first and second lower jaws, wherein rotation of the elongated element in a first direction causes the clamp ends of the first and second upper jaws to move closer to the clamp ends of the first and second lower jaws. 
     According to another embodiment, a clamping apparatus comprises: an upper jaw structure having a hinge end and a clamp end; a lower jaw structure having a hinge end and a clamp end; a hinge located at the hinge ends of the upper and lower jaw structures, the hinge providing for rotation of the first and second upper jaws with respect to the first and second lower jaws; an elongated element threadably attached to the first and second upper jaw structures between the hinge end and the clamp end of each of the first and second upper jaw structures, wherein rotation of the elongated element in a first direction causes the clamp end of the upper jaw structure to move closer to the clamp end of the lower jaw structure, wherein at least one of the upper jaw structure and the lower jaw structure includes a C-shaped profile that widens in a middle, wherein if the C-shaped profile is included in the upper jaw structure: a curved inner edge of the C-shaped profile includes a center of curvature located farther from the lower jaw structure than the curved inner edge of the C-shaped profile, and wherein if the C-shaped profile is included in the lower jaw structure: a curved inner edge of the C-shaped profile includes a center of curvature located farther from the upper jaw structure than the curved inner edge of the C-shaped profile. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a clamp in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp of  FIG. 1  in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 1-2  in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of an opposite side of the clamp of  FIGS. 1-3  in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp of  FIGS. 1-4  in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a side view of a clamp load gauge of the clamp of  FIGS. 1-5  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  depicts another side view of the clamp load gauge of  FIG. 6  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of another clamp in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIG. 8  in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of another clamp in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of another clamp in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIG. 12  in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a cross sectional and enlarged view of a turnbuckle drive of the clamp of  FIGS. 11 and 12  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a side view of another clamp in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a side view of the clamp of  FIG. 14  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a side view of the clamp of  FIGS. 14-15  in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a side view of the clamp of  FIGS. 14-16  in a misaligned state that would occur if the “aligner” was not working correctly in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a front perspective view of another clamp in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a back perspective view of the clamp of  FIG. 18  in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  depicts a front perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 18-19  in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 21  depicts a back perspective view of the clamp of  FIG. 18-20  in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  depicts a cutaway perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 18-21  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  depicts a cutaway perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 18-22  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  depicts a cutaway perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 18-23  in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  depicts a side view of another clamp in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIG. 25  in the open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 25-26  in the open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 28  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 25-27  in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  depicts a side view of the clamp of  FIGS. 25-28  in the closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 30  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 25-29  in the closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 31  depicts a cutaway view of the clamp of  FIGS. 25-30 , taken at arrows  31 - 31  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 32  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 25-31  operated by a ratchet in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 33  depicts a side view of a clamp having a safety stop in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 34  depicts a cutaway view of the clamp of  FIG. 33  in an open state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 35  depicts a cutaway view of the clamp of  FIGS. 33-34  in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 36  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 33-35  in a partially open state in accordance with one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 37  depicts a perspective view of the clamp of  FIGS. 33-36  in the partially open state operated by a powered impact wrench in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. 
     A first embodiment of a clamp  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1-7  having a first jaw  12  and a second jaw  14 . The first and second jaws  12 ,  14  are attached in a pivotable manner at a hinge  30  located at a first end of the first and second jaws  12 ,  14 . The first and second jaws  12 ,  14  may have a horizontal length L between its ends that may be between two, three, four or even five or more times their vertical height H. The first jaw  12  may include a first clamping jaw member  16  providing a clamping surface from which to clamp an object. The second jaw  14  may include a second clamping jaw member  18  providing a second clamping surface from which to clamp the object there between. 
     The clamp  10  may include a clamping mechanism  24  including a housing attached to an outside of each of the first and second jaws  12 ,  14 . The clamping mechanism  24  may be located proximate the first end located at the hinge  30 . The clamping mechanism  24  may exert a clamping force on the first and second jaws  12 ,  14 , to move the first and second clamping jaw members  16 ,  18  into a clamped state. The clamping mechanism  24  may include a spring biasing element  28  that is configured to put a constant anti-clamping force between the first and second jaws  12 ,  14 . The spring biasing element  28  may be upwardly biased against the first jaw  12  by a spring element  26 . The clamping mechanism  24  may include a receiving element  25  located above the first jaw  12  for threadably receiving a drive screw  22 . The drive screw  22  may be turnable by a handle  20  in order to clamp the first and second jaws  12 ,  14  together. 
     The housing of the clamping mechanism  24  may include a vertical opening  33  through which a pin  35  may extend. The pin  35  may slide along the vertical opening  33  as the drive screw  22  is driven into the top first jaw  12  during clamping. The vertical opening  33  may be disposed on the housing of the clamping mechanism  24  in a slightly diagonal angle which may ensure the spring biasing element  28  and the drive screw  22  remain properly positioned against the first jaw  12 . 
     The clamp  10  may further include a load gauge  32 . The load gauge  32  may be located on the top jaw  12  in the manner shown in the Figures. Alternatively, the load gauge  32  may be located on the bottom jaw  14  in a similar manner. The load gauge  32  may be configured to determine load by measuring the flex in the jaw  12 ,  14  upon which it is attached. The load gauge  32  may be attached at one end  36  of the jaw  12  in the embodiment shown. The load gauge  32  may include measuring indicia  34 . A pointed end of the gauge  32  may be directed at the measuring indicia  34  in order to determine the load on the clamps  12 ,  14 . For example, the maximum load position is shown in  FIG. 7  while a no-load position is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     In one embodiment, the distance between the clamping end  16 ,  18  and the clamping mechanism  24  (i.e. the clamping reach) may be over 8 inches while the maximum clamping load may be at least 1250 pounds at the clamping end  16 ,  18 . In some embodiments, the clamp  10  may include a clamping reach of 10 inches or more. The longer the clamping reach, the wider the device that may be clamped between the jaws  12 ,  14  may be. The clamp  10  may be made of a particularly stiff material that is resistant to permanent deformation in order to provide for such a large clamping reach with simultaneously high clamping loads. For example, materials such as High Low Alloy Steel (e.g. ASTM A514) or other like materials may be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9 , another clamp  100  is shown according to another embodiment. The clamp  100  may include a similarly large clamping reach as the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and may include a first jaw  112  and a second jaw  114  made of similar materials as the first and second jaws  12 ,  14  described hereinabove. While the embodiment shown includes a clamp reach of 8.7″ and a max grip of 5.26″, these dimensions are exemplary and may be greater or smaller depending on the embodiment. 
     Unlike the clamp  10  described hereinabove, the clamp  100  may include a turnbuckle drive  131  for driving the first and second jaws  112 ,  114  together rather than the clamping mechanism  24 . The turnbuckle drive  131  may be quickly turned in order to expand the threaded elongated elements  128 ,  130  which are attached to the first and second jaws  112 ,  114 , respectively, at the rotatable attachment elements  124 ,  126 . The first jaw  112  may include extension plates  122  extending toward the second jaw  114 . The second jaw  114  may include similar extension plates  120  extending toward the first jaw  112 . The extension plates  120 ,  122  may be connected at a rotation point about which the first and second jaws  112 ,  114  may be configured to rotate. The extension plates  120 ,  122  may extend from a midpoint of the first and second jaws  112 ,  114 , proximately closer to the end having the turnbuckle drive  131  and not the clamping end having the first and second clamping elements  116 ,  118 . Similar to the clamp  10 , the clamp  100  may include a load gauge  132  which may come to a point  134  which may point to indicia (not shown) located on the jaw  112  configured to determine the load at the clamp  116 ,  118 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another clamp  200  is shown. The clamp  200  may include a similarly large clamping reach as the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and may include a first jaw  212  and a second jaw  214  made of similar materials as the first and second jaws  12 ,  14  described hereinabove. Further, the clamp  200  may include a hinge  230  located at a first end of each of the first and second jaws  212 ,  214 . Similar to the clamp  10 , the clamp  200  may include a load gauge  232  pointed at indicia located on the upper first jaw  212 . The clamping jaws  212 ,  214  may further each include clamping ends  216 ,  218 , respectively. 
     Unlike the clamp  10 , the clamp  200  may include a turnbuckle drive  232  extending between the first and second jaws  212 ,  214  at a mid-point along the first and second jaws  212 ,  214  proximate the end with the hinge  230 . The turnbuckle drive  232  may include rotatable attachment mechanisms  224 ,  226  for attaching threaded elongated elements  228 ,  229  respectively. The turnbuckle drive  232  may be configured to expand and contract the threaded elongated elements  228 ,  229 . In clamp  200 , the turnbuckle drive may be a tension curing load application. As a result, the buckling stabilization features may not be necessary. Otherwise the turnbuckle provides the same benefits as in clamp  100 . 
     Another clamp  300  is shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . This embodiment may be similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . Thus, the clamp  300  may include a first jaw  312  and a second jaw  314  (similar or the same as the jaws  112 ,  114 ), first and second clamping elements  316 ,  318  (similar or the same as the elements  116 ,  118 ), and lower extension plates  320  extending from the second jaw  314 . The clamp  300  may include a turnbuckle drive  331  similar to the turnbuckle drive  131 , including rotatable attachment elements  324 ,  326 , and threaded elongated elements  328 ,  330 . However, unlike the clamp  100 , the clamp  300  may include a solid projection  322  projecting from the upper first jaw  312  to interact with the lower extension plate  320  to provide a pivot or fulcrum. Thus, the clamp  300  shows that one or both of these projections  320 ,  322  may be integrally fabricated as a portion of the jaws  312 ,  314 . In other respects, the clamp  300  may be the same as or similar to the clamp  100 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 13 , rapid opening and closing of the clamp  300  may be performed by running ones hand and forearm along the turnbuckle  331  to induce spinning. Rubber or other outer layer  352  may be provided on the turnbuckle  331  to promote the rapid spinning. Once the desired jaw opening is reached, a wrench may be used on one or more of the turnbuckle hexes  360  to fully tighten the clamp  300 . Being in compression during tightening, several features shown in  FIG. 13  have been included in the turnbuckle  331  design to reduce the risk of buckling and thread binding during tightening. A large diameter thread  350  has been chosen for improved buckling stability. The thread  350  locks into the yoke via a tight radial fit and a wide axial shoulder is provided. Both features may hold the screw in axial alignment under wench loads. It should be understood that the turnbuckles  131 ,  232 ,  331  and the turnbuckle  431  (described hereinbelow) may work in accordance with the above described principles. 
     Still another clamp  400  is shown in  FIGS. 14-17 . This embodiment may be similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-9 and 11-13 . Thus, the clamp  400  may include a first jaw  412  and a second jaw  414  (similar or the same as the jaws  112 ,  114 ), first and second clamping elements  416 ,  418  (similar or the same as the elements  116 ,  118 ). The clamp  400  may include a turnbuckle drive  431  similar to the turnbuckle drive  131  and the turnbuckle drive  331 , However, unlike the clamp  100  and the clamp  300 , the clamp  400  may include a single link  450  extending between the upper arm  412  and the lower arm  414  at a midpoint along the upper arm  412  and the lower arm  414 , the midpoint being closer to the turnbuckle drive  431  than the first and second clamping elements  416 ,  418 . It should be understood that the link  450  may be two or more attached links in other embodiments. An aligner element  452  may extend from the turnbuckle drive  431  and the link or links  450 . The aligner element  452  may be configured to rotate about the turnbuckle drive  431  so that the aligner element  452  does not rotate with respect to the jaws  412 ,  414  when the turnbuckle drive  431  does rotate with respect to the jaws  412 ,  414 . The link  450  may include a plurality of pins  454  configured to retain the aligner element  452  in a stationary vertical location along the link  450  during movement of the turnbuckle drive  431 . This may prevent the misalignment state that may otherwise occur, shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     Other embodiments are contemplated that are similar but may include different features than what is shown in the embodiments from  FIGS. 1-17 . For example, a clamp is contemplated having jaw profiles shown in the clamp  100  but having the turnbuckle  232  of the clamp  200 . In this embodiment, the turnbuckle  131  may be removed and replaced with a solid non-expanding element. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18-24 , another embodiment of a clamp  500  is shown. The clamp  500  may include a similar large clamping reach as the embodiments described hereinabove, and may include a pair of upper jaws  512   a,    512   b  and a pair of lower jaws  514   a,    514   b  made of similar materials as the jaws described hereinabove. Further, the clamp  500  may include a hinge  530  located at a first end of each of the pairs of upper and lower jaws  512   a ,  512   b,    514   a,    514   b.  The clamp  500  may further include first and second clamping jaw members  516 ,  518  located at the second ends of each of the pairs of upper and lower jaws  512   a,    512   b ,  514   a,    514   b.    
     Unlike the clamps described hereinabove, the clamps  512   a,    512   b,    514   a,    514   b  may be parallel plates instead of singular components. The pairs of upper jaws  512   a,    512   b  may be thin to create an open space there between which may provide room for the turnbuckle drive  534 . For example, the upper jaws  512   a,    512   b  may be parallel plates. Similarly, the lower jaws  514   a,    514   b  may be parallel plates. Further unlike the previous clamps, the first and second clamping jaw members  516 ,  518  may be held between the jaw plates  512   a  and  512   b,  and the jaw plates  514   a  and  514   b.  The first and second clamping jaw members  516 ,  518  may be held between the jaw plates  512 ,  514  by hinge members  517 ,  519 . The hinge members  517 ,  519  may be cylindrical elements extending between the jaw plates  512 ,  514  and through the clamping jaw members  516 ,  518  at the second end. 
     Further, the clamp  500  may include a turnbuckle drive  534  extending between the pairs of upper and lower jaws  512   a,    512   b,    514   a,    514   b  at a mid-point along the pairs of upper and lower jaws  512   a,    512   b,    514   a,    514   b  proximate the end with the hinge  530 . The turnbuckle drive  534  may be quickly turned in order to expand the threaded elongated elements  528 ,  529  which are attached to the top and bottom jaw plates  512   a,    512   b,    514   a,    514   b,  respectively, using T-bolts  536 ,  538 , respectively. The T-bolts  536 ,  538  may be configured to rotate with respect to the pairs of upper and lower jaws  512   a,    512   b,    514   a,    514   b  to allow for opening and closing of the pairs of upper and lower jaws  512   a,    512   b,    514   a,    514   b.  The turnbuckle drive  534  may be configured to expand and contract the threaded elongated elements  528 ,  529 . In the clamp  500 , the turnbuckle drive  534  may be a tension curing load application. 
     The turnbuckle drive  534  may be driven with a permanently attached two way ratchet  532 . An operator may use a leverage extending handle  550  for leverage against the clamp  500  to facilitate rotating the turnbuckle drive  534  with the ratchet  532 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , the ratchet  532  may be two way, and may include a switch  533  which may be rotated to provide for ratcheting in both directions to both expand and contract the clamp  500 . Within the ratchet  532  may be a gear  535  that provides for interaction with the switch  533  and the ratchet  532 . Thus, the turnbuckle drive  534  may provide for easy and quick opening and closing of the clamp  500  and may provide sufficient leverage for extremely high pressure clamping. Further, the ratchet  532  may be detachable in embodiments where the clamp  500  may be operable in tight spaces. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25-32 , another embodiment of a clamping apparatus  600  is shown. The clamping apparatus  600  may include a similar large clamping reach as the embodiments described hereinabove. The clamp  600  may include an upper jaw structure  602  and a lower jaw structure  604 . The upper jaw structure  602  may include a first upper jaw  612   a  and a second upper jaw  612   b.  The lower jaw structure  604  may include a first lower jaw  614   a  and a second lower jaw  614   b.  The first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  may be parallel plates having a generally C-shaped profile. The first and second lower jaws  612   a,    612   b  may be parallel plates having a generally C-shaped profile. In other embodiments, the upper and lower jaw structures  602 ,  604  may each include only a single structural component or frame. Like the clamps described hereinabove, the upper and lower jaws  612   a,    612   b,    614   a,    614   b  may be made of a stiff material that is resistant to permanent deformation in order to provide for large clamping reach with simultaneously high clamping loads. For example, materials such as High Strength Low Alloy Steel or other like materials may be utilized. Other metals and steels are also contemplated. 
     The upper jaw structure  602  may include a hinge end  605  and a clamp end  607 . Each of the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  may include a hinge end  606   a,    606   b  and a clamp end  607   a,    607   b,  respectively. The lower jaw structure  604  may include a hinge end  608  and a clamp end  609 . Each of the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  may also include a hinge end  608   a,    608   b  and a clamp end  609   a,    609   b,  respectively. The thickness of the upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  and the lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  may vary depending on the embodiment and the loading required of the clamp  600 . 
     The profile of the upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  may be C-shaped and may widen in a middle  610  location. The upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  may each include an outer edge  650   a,    650   b  and an inner edge  651   a,    651   b.  The inner edges  651   a,    651   b  may each include a curve or bend  654   b ,  655   b,  respectively, at the middle  610  that includes a center of curvature (not shown) located farther from the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  than the inner edges  651   a,    651   b . The inner edges  651   a,    651   b  may each be curved having a first bend  654   a,    655   a,  a second bend  654   b ,  655   b,  and a third bend  654   c,    655   c.  The first bends  654   a,    655   a,  the second bends  654   b,    655   b , and the third bends  654   c,    655   c  may create a wave shaped profile along the inner edges  651   a ,  651   b . The second bends  654   b,    655   b  may be each curved in a different direction than the first bends  654   a,    655   a,  and the third bends  654   c,    655   c.  This particular profile may be configured to add strength to the upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  to prevent buckling under high clamping forces or pressures. 
     The profile of the lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  may also be C-shaped and may widen in a middle  611  location. The lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  may each include an outer edge  652   a,    652   b  and an inner edge  653   a,    653   b.  The inner edges  653   a,    653   b  may each include a curve or bend  656   b,    657   b,  respectively, at the middle  611  that includes a center of curvature (not shown) located farther from the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  than the inner edges  653   a,    653   b . The inner edges  653   a,    653   b  may each be curved having a first bend  656   a,    657   a,  a second bend  656   b,    657   b,  and a third bend  656   c,    657   c.  The first bends  656   a,    657   a,  the second bends  656   b ,  657   b,  and the third bends  656   c,    657   c  may create a wave shaped profile along the inner edges  653   a,    653   b.  The second bends  656   b,    657   b  may be each curved in a different direction than the first bends  656   a,    657   a,  and the third bends  656   c,    657   c.  This particular profile may be configured to add strength to the lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  to prevent buckling under high clamping forces or pressures. 
     The first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  and the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  may be hingedly attached at a hinge  630 . The hinge  630  may be located at the hinge ends  605 ,  608  of the upper and lower jaw structures  602 ,  604 . The hinge  630  may be located at the hinge ends  606   a,    606   b  of the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  and at the hinge ends  608   a,    608   b  of the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b.  The hinge  630  may be a cylindrical pin that provides for rotation of the upper jaw structure  602  with respect to the lower jaw structure  604 . 
     The clamping apparatus  600  may further include an elongated element  628  threadably attached to the upper jaw structure  602  between the hinge end  605  and the clamp end  607 . In particular, the elongated element  628  may be located between the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b.  The elongated element  628  may further be located between the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b.  The elongated element  628  may extend between the upper jaw structure  602  to the lower jaw structure  604 . The elongated element  628  may be attached to the upper jaw structure  602  at or close to the middle  610  of the upper jaw structure  602 . The elongated element  628  may be attached to the lower jaw structure  604  at or close to the middle  611  of the lower jaw structure  604 . The elongated element  628  may include a circular cross section with a lower threaded end  682  and an upper threaded end  684 . The elongated element  628  may be made from a metallic material that is resistant of deformation at the loading capacity of the clamping apparatus  600 . The threads of the threaded ends  682 ,  684  may also be strong enough to resist stripping when the elongated element  628  is rotated under high clamping loads. The elongated element  628  may extend above the upper jaw structure  602  and the lower jaw structure  604  when the clamp ends  607 ,  609  are closed together, as shown in  FIGS. 28-32 . When the clamp ends  607 ,  609  are separated, the elongated element  628  may not extend from the upper jaw structure  602  and the lower jaw structure  604 , as shown in  FIGS. 25-27 . 
     Rotation of the elongated element  628  in a first direction R 1  (shown in  FIG. 32 ) may cause the clamp end  607  of the upper jaw structure  602  to move closer to the clamp end  609  of the lower jaw structure  604 . Rotation of the elongated element  628  in a second direction R 2  that is opposite to the first direction R 1  may cause the clamp end  607  of the upper jaw structure  602  to separate from the clamp end  609  of the lower jaw structure  604 . The elongated element may further include an end  680  configured to receive a tool  699 . The end  680  may have, for example, a hexagonal cross section. The tool  699  may be, for example, a hand wrench, as shown. In other embodiments, the tool  699  may be an impact wrench, a ratchet or the like. The tool  699  may be configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated element  628  with respect to the clamp apparatus  600  and the upper and lower jaw structures  602 ,  604 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , a cross sectional view of the clamping apparatus  600  is shown taken at arrows  31 - 31  from  FIG. 30 . The cross section view is taken at plane that extends midway between the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  and the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b.  Holding the elongated element  628  between the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  and the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  are a top circular nut  670  and a bottom circular nut  672 . The top circular nut  670  and the bottom circular nut  672  may each be metallic components. 
     The top circular nut  670  may have a circular cross section that extends between the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b.  The top circular nut  670  may be attached to each of the first and second upper jaws  612   b,    612   b  with bosses  638 . The bosses  638  may be integral to the top circular nut  670 . The bosses  638  may also be bolts, bars, pins, rods, screws, or the like. The top circular nut  670  may include a vertically disposed threaded opening  671  extending through the entirety of the top circular nut  670  configured to receive the upper threaded end  684  of the elongated element  628 . The threaded opening  671  may include non-binding threads which are configured to integrate with the metallic material of the elongated element  628  to allow for non-binding rotation. 
     The bottom circular nut  672  may be similar or the same in structure to the top circular nut  670  in one embodiment. The bottom circular nut  672  may have a circular cross section that extends between the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b.  The bottom circular nut  672  may be attached to each of the first and second lower jaws  614   b,    614   b  with bosses  636 . The bottom circular nut  672  may include a vertically disposed threaded opening  673  extending through the entirety of the bottom circular nut  672  configured to receive the bottom threaded end  682  of the elongated element  628 . The threaded opening  673  may include non-binding threads which are configured to integrate with the metallic material of the elongated element  628  to allow for non-binding rotation. 
     The first upper jaw  612   a  may be fixedly coupled to the second upper jaw  612   b  such that the first upper jaw  612   a  is spaced apart from the second upper jaw  612   b.  Likewise, the first lower jaw  614   a  may be fixedly coupled to the second lower jaw  614   b  such that the first lower jaw  614   a  is spaced apart from the first lower jaw  614   b.  This spacing may correspond to the width of the hinge  630 , long with the spacing of a first upper internal plate  660 , a second upper internal plate  662 , a first lower internal plate  664  and a second lower internal plate  665 . 
     Located between the first upper jaw  612   a  and the second upper jaw  612   b  may be the first upper internal plate  660  and the second upper internal plate  662 . The first upper internal plate  660  and the second upper internal plate  662  may be attached to each of the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b.  Located between the first lower jaw  614   a  and the second lower jaw  614   b  may be the first lower internal plate  664  and the second lower internal plate  665 . The first upper lower plate  664  and the second lower internal plate  665  may be attached to each of the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b.  The first upper internal plate  660  may be located between the hinge end  605  of the upper jaw structure  602  and the elongated element  628 . 
     The second upper plate  662  may be located between the clamp end  607  of the upper jaw structure  602  and the elongated element  628 . The first lower internal plate  664  may be located between the hinge end  608  of the lower jaw structure  604  and the elongated element  628 . The second lower plate  665  may be located between the clamp end  609  of the lower jaw structure  604  and the elongated element  628 . The first and second upper internal plates  660 ,  662  may be configured to reduce buckling of the first upper jaw  612   a  and the second upper jaw  612   b  during clamping. The first and second lower internal plates  664 ,  665  may be configured to reduce buckling of the first lower jaw  614   a  and the second lower jaw  614   b  during clamping. 
     The clamping apparatus  600  may further include first and second clamping jaw members  616 ,  618  located at the clamping ends  607 ,  609 , respectively. The first clamping jaw member  616  may be held between the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b.  The second clamping jaw member  618  may be held between the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b . The first and second clamping jaw members  616 ,  618  may be held between the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  and the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b,  by hinge members  617 ,  619 . The hinge member  617  may be a cylindrical element or pin extending between the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  and the first clamping jaw member  616 . The hinge member  619  may be a cylindrical element or pin extending between the first and second lower jaws  614   a ,  614   b  and the second clamping jaw member  618 . The clamping jaw members  616 ,  618  may be configured to rotate about the respective hinge members  617 ,  619 . 
     The clamping apparatus  600  may further include an elongated leverage handle  651  attached to and extending from at least one of the upper jaw structure  602  and the lower jaw structure  604 . In the embodiment shown, the elongated leverage handle  651  extends from the first upper jaw  612   a  of the upper jaw structure  602 . The elongated leverage handle  651  may extend through each of the first upper jaw  612   a  and the second upper jaw  612   b  through prefabricated openings in each of the upper jaws  612   a,    612   b.  The elongated leverage handle  651  may be configured to provide an operator (not shown) with a place to hold in order to create leverage when the operator is rotating the elongated element  628  through operation of the tool  699 , for example. Each of the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  may be fabricated with openings  690  in a mirrored location as to where the elongated leverage handle  651  extend through the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b.  This may be because the first and second upper jaws  612   a,    612   b  may be the exact same dimensions as the first and second lower jaws  614   a,    614   b  and may be fabricated using the same template. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 33-36 , another embodiment of a clamping apparatus  700  is shown. The clamping apparatus  700  may be similar to the clamping apparatus  600  and may share many of the same features as the clamping apparatus  600 . For example, the clamping apparatus  700  may include an upper jaw structure  702  having a first upper jaw  712   a  and a second upper jaw  712   b,  a lower jaw structure  704  having a first lower jaw  714   a  and a second lower jaw  714   b,  a hinge  730 , an elongated element  728  having an upper threaded end  784 , a lower threaded end  782  and an end  780  configured to receive a tool, an elongated leverage handle  751 , clamping jaw members  718 ,  716 , upper internal plates  760 ,  762 , and lower internal plates  764 ,  765 . The various features described hereinabove with respect to the clamp  600  may be incorporated into the clamp  700 . 
     In addition to those shared features, the clamp  700  may include a first nut  770  configured to receive the upper threaded end  784  of the elongated element  728 . The clamp may include a second nut  772  configured to receive the lower threaded end  782  of the elongated member. Rather than having circular cross sections, the first and second nuts  770 ,  772  may each include an elongated structure having a widened portion closer to the outer edges of the upper and lower jaw structures  702 ,  704 . The nuts  770 ,  772  may include threads closer to the inner edges of the upper and lower jaw structures  702 ,  704 . Within the widened portion of the nuts  770 ,  772 , there may be an opening  791  that may be included. The opening  791  may be a bore, hollow, gap, void or the like. The opening  791  may be configured to receive a safety stop  790 . The safety stop  790  may be a widened cross sectional portion having a greater radius than the rest of the elongated element  728 . The safety stop  790  may operate in conjunction with the opening  791  and the second nut  772  in order to prevent the upper jaw structure  702  from separating from the lower jaw structure  704  beyond a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount may provide for a distance D between the elongated element  728  and the hinge  730 . This distance D may be greater than one inch, for example, in order to prevent a person holding the elongated element from crushing a finger during opening of the clamping apparatus  700  with a power tool such as an impact wrench  799 , shown in  FIG. 37 . 
     In operation, a method may include placing, by an operator of the clamping apparatus  700 , an object between the clamping jaw members  718 ,  716  while the clamping apparatus  700  is in an open state. The method may include placing the barrel of the impact wrench  799  onto the hexagonally shaped end  780  of the elongated element  728 . The method may include holding the elongated leverage handle  751  with one hand and pressing the trigger on the impact wrench  799  with the other by the operator. The method may thereby include placing a high powered torque on the elongated element  728  and quickly rotating the elongated element in a rotational direction configured to cause high speed clamping or moving together of the upper and lower clamping structures  702 ,  704 . During clamping, the method may include preventing buckling by the curved profile of each of the first and second upper jaws  712   a,    712   b  and the first and second lower jaws  714   a,    714   b.  The method may further include preventing buckling by the upper internal plates  760 ,  762  and the lower internal plates  764 ,  765 . 
     Once clamping is accomplished, when it is time to unclamp the object, the method may include once again placing the barrel of the impact wrench  799  onto the hexagonally shaped end  780  of the elongated member  728 . The method may include holding the elongated leverage handle  751  with one hand and pressing the trigger on the impact wrench  799  with the other by the operator. The method may thereby include placing a high powered torque on the elongated element  728  and quickly rotating the elongated element in a rotational direction configured to cause high speed separating of the upper and lower clamping structures  702 ,  704 . The method may include stopping, by the safety stop  790  of the elongated element  728  coming into contact with the boundary of the opening  791  of the nut  772 , the over opening or separating of the clamping jaw members  716 ,  718 . The method may thereby include preventing the careless crushing of fingers of the operator during the opening, separating or unclamping of the clamping apparatus  700 . 
     Elements of the embodiments have been introduced with either the articles “a” or “an.” The articles are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “including” and “having” and their derivatives are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed. The conjunction “or” when used with a list of at least two terms is intended to mean any term or combination of terms. The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish elements and are not used to denote a particular order. 
     While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, it should be understood that the present invention may include any combination of the components, hierarchy and methodology described herein.