Patent Publication Number: US-8991801-B2

Title: Clamping device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to tools and devices that aid in the assembly of certain material structures and in particular to a clamping device for magnetically clamping non-magnetic material objects. One particular possible use of the disclosed clamping device is as a model building tool to facilitate the assembly of model train structures (e.g., scale buildings) or the like by temporarily holding in place model pieces during model assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Subject of this disclosure are certain improvements over a prior clamping device. In particular, the prior clamping device comprises two clamp members, i.e., an inner and an outer clamp member. Each of the clamp members is made of an opaque material and each further comprises two magnets. The outer clamp member is L-shaped and comprises two interior straight edge surfaces whose respective longitudinal axes are perpendicular to each other. The inner clamp member comprises two exterior straight edge surfaces. The two clamp members are adapted to magnetically and removably couple to each other, wherein the magnetic coupling is capable of clamping at least one non-magnetic material object. 
     The prior clamping device is primarily used by model builders to assemble model structures, such as for example, architectural models, scale buildings for use in model train displays and dioramas, doll houses, art projects, etc. In particular, the prior clamping device is used to temporarily hold in place pieces of the model structure in order to permanently affix the model pieces to each other. How the pieces are permanently affixed to each other will depend on the particular type of material. Common model materials are plastic, wood, cardboard, etc. which would commonly be affixed to each other by the appropriate type of adhesive (liquid or semi-liquid). The prior clamping device attempts to free the modeler&#39;s hands from having to hold the model pieces during assembly by magnetically holding the model pieces in place, facilitating alignment of the model pieces and the application of the adhesive to the model pieces. 
     However, the prior clamping device has a number of shortcomings and disadvantages that limit its practicality and usefulness. Selected exemplary shortcomings of the prior clamping device are set forth below. 
     Because of the narrow design of the prior art clamping device (i.e., the outer clamping member) it does not securely support itself in an upright position when placed on a work surface but will tip on its side unless held in place by the modeler. This is particularly undesirable when model pieces to be assembled are positioned on the clamping device. To illustrate, a modeler using the prior clamping device will typically perform the following steps: (1) while supporting the outer clamp member with one hand, with the other hand placing the model pieces on the outer clamp member, (2) while supporting the outer clamp member (and the model pieces) with one hand, with the other hand lining up the inner clamp member with the outer clamp member to magnetically couple the clamp members with the model pieces in between them, (3) while supporting the clamping device with one hand, with the other hand aligning the model pieces to ensure proper assembly, and (4) while supporting the clamping device with one hand, with the other hand applying the adhesive to the appropriate areas of the model pieces. Finally, while the adhesive works to bond the model pieces together the modeler must either: (1) tolerate that the clamping device and the model pieces tip to one side during the bonding of the adhesive, (2) hold the clamping device with the model pieces until the bonding process has sufficiently advanced to prevent the model pieces from shifting relative to each other, or (3) use at least a second prior clamping device to hold the model pieces together, whereby the second clamping device prevents the setup from tipping on its side. 
     Furthermore, the outer and inner clamp members of the prior clamping device are made of an opaque material, which limits the modeler&#39;s view of the model pieces clamped in the device during assembly. In addition, the inner clamp member of the prior clamping device has no openings that would allow a modeler to insert, for example, an applicator for adhesives. 
     Another substantial shortcoming of the prior clamping device is its lack of any visual or tactile markings indicating the correct alignment of the outer and the inner clamp members with regard to the respective polarity of the magnets disposed therein, an issue necessitated by the basic principle that unlike magnetic poles attract, while like magnetic poles repel each other. This is a problem because the modeler must rely on trial and error to correctly align the clamping members so that the bringing together of unlike magnetic poles result in an attraction, i.e., coupling of the two clamp members. An incorrect alignment of the clamp members, i.e., bringing together like magnetic poles, would result in their repelling each other. The repelling forces may cause unwanted shifting of the clamping device itself and/or any material pieces located on it. 
     Thus, there exists a need for an improved clamping device to remedy at least the shortcomings described above. In particular, it would be desirable to have a clamping device that has a support member allowing the tool to support itself and to more securely position the clamping device on a work surface. 
     It would also be desirable for the clamping device to provide at least one opening in at least one of the clamp members so as to allow a user to insert an elongated glue applicator if desired. 
     It would further be desirable for at least a part of at least one clamp member to be made of a transparent instead of an opaque material, so as to provide the user with better visibility of the area being worked on. 
     Furthermore, it would be desirable for the clamping device to comprise visual and/or tactile markings indicating to the user the correct alignment of the clamp members with regard to the respective polarity of the magnets disposed therein so as to facilitate that unlike poles of the respective magnets are aligned to each other in a way that causes the clamp members to magnetically couple to each other based on the magnetic attraction of the respective magnets. 
     The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a clamping device for magnetically clamping non-magnetic material objects which comprises a first clamp member having at least a first straight edge surface, the first clamp member having at least a first magnet disposed therein; a second clamp member having at least a second straight edge surface, the second clamp member having at least a second magnet disposed therein; wherein the first straight edge surface of the first clamp member and the second straight edge surface of the second clamp member are adapted to magnetically and removably couple the first and second clamp members, wherein the magnetic coupling is capable of clamping a non-magnetic material object in between the first and second straight edge surfaces; and a support member for securely positioning the clamping device on an underlying substantially level surface. 
     According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a clamping device for magnetically clamping non-magnetic material objects which comprises a first clamp member having at least a first straight edge surface, the first clamp member having at least a first magnet disposed therein; a second clamp member having at least a second straight edge surface, the second clamp member having at least a second magnet disposed therein; wherein the first straight edge surface of the first clamp member and the second straight edge surface of the second clamp member are adapted to magnetically and removably couple the first and second clamp members, wherein the magnetic coupling is capable of clamping a non-magnetic material object in between the first and second straight edge surfaces; wherein at least one of the clamp members is at least partially transparent proximate to the respective straight edge surface; and a support member for securely positioning the clamping device on an underlying substantially level surface. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a clamping device for magnetically clamping non-magnetic material objects which comprises a first clamp member having at least a first straight edge surface, the first clamp member having at least a first magnet disposed therein; a second clamp member having at least a second straight edge surface, the second clamp member having at least a second magnet disposed therein; wherein the first straight edge surface of the first clamp member and the second straight edge surface of the second clamp member are adapted to magnetically and removably couple the first and second clamp members, wherein the magnetic coupling is capable of clamping a non-magnetic material object in between the first and second straight edge surfaces; and wherein the first and second clamp members each comprise a marking indicating the correct alignment of the first and second clamp members with respect to each other so as to ensure that the poles of the respective magnets disposed in the clamp members are aligned in a way that they attract each other, resulting in a magnetic coupling of the clamping members. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the prior art clamping device; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the prior art clamping device; 
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are perspective views of one embodiment of the present disclosure of an improved clamping device, in particular of the outer clamp member and the inner clamp member; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure of an improved clamping device showing the device with its outer and inner clamp members magnetically coupled to each other; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure of an improved clamping device showing the device with its outer and inner clamp members magnetically coupled to each other, whereby the device has been rotated clockwise by 90 degrees relative to the view provided in  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present disclosure of an improved clamping device showing the device with its outer and inner clamp members magnetically coupled to each other thereby clamping material objects between them. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a detailed side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure of an improved clamping device illustrating the positive stop included in the device. 
         FIG. 7   b  is a detailed side view of the prior clamping device illustrating in the effect of the missing positive stop. 
         FIG. 8   a  is a detailed side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure of an improved clamping device illustrating the improved alignment of material objects using the device. 
         FIG. 8   b  is a detailed side view of the prior clamping device illustrating possible bending of material objects during assembly using the prior clamping device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT 
     Turning to the Figures and to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, the prior art clamping device  100  is shown. In particular, the prior clamping device  100  comprises two clamp members, i.e., an inner clamp member  110  and an outer clamp member  120 . Each of the clamp members  110  and  120  is made of an opaque material (i.e., opaque plastic). Inner clamp member  110  also comprises magnets  111  and  112  and outer clamp member  120  comprises magnets  121  and  122 . Outer clamp member  120  is L-shaped and comprises two interior straight edge surfaces  123  and  124  along their respective longitudinal axes  125  and  126  which are perpendicular (i.e., 90 degree angle) to each other. Straight edge surface  123  terminates into recess  127  at surface step  128 . Straight edge surface  124  terminates into recess  127  at surface step  129 . Inner clamp member  110  further comprises two exterior straight edge surfaces (not shown) also along their respective longitudinal axes which are perpendicular to each other. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , inner and outer clamp members  110  and  120  are adapted to magnetically couple to each other. The functionality and shortcomings of prior art clamping device  100  have been described above. 
       FIGS. 3-6  show one embodiment of an improved clamping device  200  subject of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 3   a  depicts outer clamp member  210  and  FIG. 3   b  depicts inner clamp member  230 . Outer clamp member  210  is shown to include straight edge surfaces  211  and  212 . Straight edge surface  211  terminates into recess  218  at surface step  221 . Straight edge surface  212  terminates into recess  218  at surface step  222 . 
     In the embodiment of clamping device  200  shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , both outer clamp member  210  and inner clamp member  230  are entirely made of a uniformly transparent material (e.g., plastic), but could also at least partially be transparent proximate to straight edge surfaces  211  and  212  so as to provide the user with better visibility of the area being worked on. Outer clamp member  210  further includes magnets  213  and  214 . Magnet  213  is disposed within outer clamp member  210  at a location near straight edge surface  211 , while magnet  214  is disposed at a location near straight edge surface  212  to facilitate magnetic coupling with inner clamp member  230 . 
     In other embodiments of the present disclosure (not shown), only a single magnet or more than two magnets may be disposed within outer clamp member  210 . For example, only a single magnet may be disposed within outer clamp member  210 , whereby the single magnet could be positioned within the base of the L-shaped outer clamp member  210 . Furthermore, the exact location of the magnet(s) is not a limitation of the present disclosure so long as the desired magnetic coupling of the clamp members is achieved. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 3   b , inner clamp member  230  is shown to include straight edge surface  231  and straight edge surface  232  as well as lateral surface  233  and lateral surface  234 . Straight edge surface  231  terminates into recess  240  at surface step  243 . Straight edge surface  232  terminates into recess  240  at surface step  244 . 
     The embodiment of inner clamp member  230  shown in  FIGS. 3-6  is entirely made of a uniformly transparent material (e.g., clear plastic) but could also at least partially be transparent proximate to straight edge surfaces  213  and  214  so as to provide the user with better visibility of the area being worked on. Inner clamp member  230  further includes magnets  235  and  236 . Magnet  235  is disposed within inner clamp member  230  at a location near straight edge surface  231 , while magnet  236  is disposed at a location near straight edge surface  232  to facilitate magnetic coupling with outer clamp member  210  and in particular with the corresponding straight edge surfaces  211  and  212  and the respective magnets  213  and  214  of outer clamp member  210 . 
     When outer clamp member  210  and inner clamp member  230  are magnetically coupled to each other, as best shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the coupling is such that it creates flush connections between straight edge surfaces  211  and  231  and straight edge surfaces  212  and  232 , respectively. As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the magnetic coupling of outer clamp member  210  and inner clamp member  230  is capable of clamping non-magnetic material objects  250  and  251  in between clamp members  210  and  230 . 
     As described above, because of the straight edge surfaces  211 ,  212 ,  231  and  232 , clamping device  200  is particularly adapted to clamp non-magnetic sheet-type material objects, such as for example, plastic or wood wall segments for architectural models, scale buildings for use in model train displays and dioramas, doll houses, art projects, etc. However, it is not required that the straight edge surfaces  211 ,  212 ,  231  and  232  are smooth, as long as they are straight relative to their respective longitudinal axes  216 ,  217 ,  237  and  238 . For example, to provide enhanced grip when clamping material objects with a soft surface, at least a part of at least one of the straight edge surfaces could have a rough, grooved, or otherwise enhanced surface. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3   a  and further to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , clamping device  200 , and in particular outer clamp member  210 , further includes support member  215 , which in this embodiment is disposed on the outer clamp member  210  as shown. In particular, support member  215  is positioned on the outer base of L-shaped outer clamp member  210  so as to allow two alternative placements of outer clamp  210  on a work surface. In a first possible placement of outer clamp member  210 , as best shown in  FIG. 4 , straight edge surface  211  and its respective longitudinal axis  216  are aligned parallel to the an underlying work surface, and straight edge surface  212  and its respective longitudinal axis  217  are perpendicular to the underlying work surface. In a second possible placement of outer clamp member  210 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 , straight edge surface  212  and its respective longitudinal axis  217  are aligned parallel to the an underlying work surface, and straight edge surface  211  and its respective longitudinal axis  216  are perpendicular to the underlying work surface. 
     The presence of a support member  215  increases the footprint of clamping device  200  and in particular of outer clamp member  210  so as to prevent clamping device  200  from tipping over when placed on a substantially level work surface. Support member  215  further allows a modeler to potentially only use a single clamping device to assemble two material objects, as no second clamping device is required to prevent tipping of the device and any material objects clamped therein. Although the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-6  includes only a single support member  215  disposed on outer clamp member  210 , additional support members may be included and at varying locations of outer clamp member  210  and/or inner clamp member  230 . Furthermore, support member  215  may be permanently or removably coupled to clamping device  200 . 
     The embodiment of clamping device  200  depicted in  FIGS. 3-6 , and as described above, comprises outer clamp member  210  having straight edge surfaces  211  and  212 , whereby straight edge surface  211  extends along a longitudinal axis  216  and straight edge surface  212  extends along a longitudinal axis  217 . In this embodiment, as best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the longitudinal axes  216  and  217  are perpendicular to each other (i.e., longitudinal axis  216  and longitudinal axis  217  intersect at a 90 degree angle) resulting in an overall L-shape of outer clamp member  210 . Correspondingly, inner clamp member  230 , has a straight edge surface  231  extending along longitudinal axis  237  and a straight edge surface  232  extending along longitudinal axis  238 , whereby the longitudinal axes  237  and  238  are also perpendicular to each other (i.e., longitudinal axis  237  and longitudinal axis  238  intersect at a 90 degree angle) in order to align with the corresponding straight edge surfaces  211  and  212  of outer clamp member  210 . 
     Additional variations of this embodiment are envisioned (but not shown) wherein the straight edge surfaces of the outer and inner clamp members intersect at different corresponding angles, so as to allow for the assembly of material objects at angles other than 90 degrees. For example, when the outer clamp member comprises straight edge surfaces having longitudinal axes that intersect at an interior angle of 45 degrees, the corresponding inner clamp member would need to comprise straight edge surfaces having longitudinal axes that intersect at an exterior angle of 135 degrees in order to provide for a flush connection when clamped together. 
     Further referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , and in particular to  FIG. 3   b , inner clamp member  230 , inner clamp member  230  may further comprise at a least one opening  239  extending from lateral surface  233  to opposite lateral surface  234 , whereby opening  239  is physically confined on all of its sides (e.g., a cut-out, bore, etc). For example, opening  239  allows a user to insert an elongated glue applicator if desired. 
     Alternatively, another embodiment of inner clamp member  230  is envisioned that is generally L-shaped, corresponding to the L-shape of outer clamp member  210  as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . Such an alternative embodiment may further provide a grip section, enabling a user to more easily grip and manipulate the inner clamp member. 
     Further referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , and in particular to inner clamp member  230 , inner clamp member  230  may further comprise recess  240  located between surface steps  243  and  244 , so as to provide an opening extending from lateral surface  233  to opposite lateral surface  234 , whereby recess  240  may be in the form of a cut-away as best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Recess  240  eliminates any areas where the clamping device itself or a part of it blocks the view of or access to material objects  250  and  251 , thereby allowing for the continuous application of adhesive to the material objects (i.e., the junction of material objects  250  and  251 ) clamped in clamping device  200  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , and in particular to outer clamp member  210 , outer clamp member  210  comprises a recess  218  located between surface steps  221  and  222  (approximately at the intersection of longitudinal axis  216  and longitudinal axis  217 ) so as to provide an opening extending between the two lateral surfaces of outer clamp member  210 , wherein recess  218  allows for a longitudinal overextension of a material object placed on straight edge surface  212  if desired. In other words, a material object placed on straight edge surface  212  may be moved passed surface step  222  into recess  218  along longitudinal axis  217 . This may facilitate alignment of material objects (e.g., model pieces) placed into clamping device  200 . Recess  218  further allows the modeler to apply adhesives without parts of clamping device  200  obstructing access to the material objects, and in particular to the area where the material objects come into contact with each other. Recess  218  (in conjunction with recess  240 ) eliminates any areas where the clamping device itself or a part of it blocks the view of or access to material objects  250  and  251 , thereby allowing for the continuous application of adhesive to the material objects (i.e., the junction of material objects  250  and  251 ) clamped in clamping device  200  (see also  FIG. 6 ). 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1  and the prior clamping device  100  depicted therein, straight edge surfaces  123  and  124  are both terminated by recess  127  located at the inner base of L-shaped outer clamp member  120  (i.e., between surface steps  128  and  129 ), thereby allowing material objects to be placed on either straight edge surface  123  or  124  to overextend past surface steps  128  and/or  129  and past the respective virtual extensions of straight edge surfaces  123  and/or  124  into recess  127 . In contrast, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , recess  218  of improved clamping device  200  only allows overextending a material object (not shown) past surface step  222  and into recess  218  along longitudinal axis  217 , if the object is placed on straight edge surface  212 . A material object placed on straight edge surface  211  may be moved past surface step  221  however, straight edge surface  212  provides a positive stop, preventing a (rigid) material object to move beyond straight edge surface  212  along longitudinal axis  216  and into recess  218 . 
     In addition, recess  218  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , and in particular  FIG. 7   a , extends between surface step  221  and surface step  222 , whereby recess  218  is shaped so that straight edge surface  212  extends along its longitudinal axis  217  to surface step  222  and whereby straight edge surface  212  further provides a positive stop for material object  250  placed along perpendicular straight edge surface  211 . In other words, recess  218  is shaped so that (rigid) material object  250  placed parallel along perpendicular straight edge surface  211  cannot be moved past surface step  222  and into recess  218 . In contrast, and as described above, the prior clamping device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 7   b , includes recess  127  which terminates both perpendicular straight edge surfaces  123  and  124  at surface steps  128  and  129 , respectively, so that material object  150  placed along straight edge surface  123  may be moved past surface step  128  into recess  127 . 
     Furthermore, and with particular reference to  FIG. 8   b , prior clamping device  100  does not prevent unintentional bending (flexing) of material object  151  placed on straight edge surface  124  and moved passed surface step  129  into recess  127 . In particular, material object  151  aligned with material object  150  for assembly as shown in  FIG. 8   b , may experience a downward force that may cause a portion of material object  151  to bend. 
     The embodiment of clamping device  200 , as best shown in  FIG. 8   a , is configured to prevent such unintentional bending. In particular, surface step  222  of straight edge surface  212  is positioned so that material object  251  placed on straight edge surface  212  cannot bend downward due to any force applied by material object  250  placed along perpendicular straight edge surface  211 . 
     Another embodiment of clamping device  200  comprises visual and/or tactile markings  219 ,  220 ,  241  and  242 , indicating to a user of the device whether outer clamp member  210  and inner clamp member  230  are correctly aligned with regard to the particular location of the north and south poles of the respective magnets  213 ,  214 ,  235  and  236  when attempting to magnetically couple outer  210  and inner clamp member  230  to each other so as to ensure that the unlike poles are properly aligned resulting in the desired magnetic attraction to create the coupling of the clamp members.  FIGS. 3-6  show markings  219 ,  220 ,  241  and  242  in the form of visual markings (here, triangle). However, this disclosure is not limited to a particular kind of visual marking, i.e., a particular shape, number, color or even location of the markings or any particular way of affixing the visual markings to the clamping device, as long as the markings facilitates the desired correct alignment of the clamp members  210  and  230 . It is further envisioned the markings  219 ,  220 ,  241  and  242  may be integrally formed (e.g., recessed or protruding, etc.) into outer  210  and/or inner clamp member  230 . 
     The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an improved clamping device for magnetically clamping non-magnetic material objects. The above description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. While this disclosure contains descriptions with reference to certain illustrative aspects, it will be understood that these descriptions shall not be construed in a limiting sense. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments without departing from the true spirit, central characteristics and scope of the disclosure, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any such changes and modifications will be recognized by those skilled in the art as an equivalent to one or more elements of the following claims, and shall be covered by such claims to the fullest extent permitted by law.