Patent Publication Number: US-2012045276-A1

Title: Twist-lock T-clamp

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to T-clamps for connecting to a T-slot, and in particular to quick release T-clamps having a substantially automatic locking mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     T-clamps for connecting to a T-slot are generally well-known. However, known T-clamps are limited in their ability to efficiently provide quick and reliable interlocking with a T-slot, as well as quick and easy unlocking and disconnecting from the T-slot. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a quick release T-clamp having an efficient assembly and interlocking mechanism, as well as a quick and easy unlocking and disassembly mechanism. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a novel quick release twist-lock T-clamp having an efficient assembly and interlocking mechanism, as well as a quick and easy unlocking and disassembly mechanism. 
     According to one aspect of the invention the novel quick release twist-lock T-clamp is formed of a housing having spaced base and crown portions with a keel projected from the base thereof, and an aperture communicating between the base and the crown along an operational axis extending therebetween. An anchor is formed with a pair of opposing flukes extended outwardly therefrom adjacent to one end thereof. The anchor is moveable within the aperture of the housing relative to the operational axis. An axial drive mechanism is coupled between the anchor and the aperture of the housing. The axial drive mechanism is operable for moving the flukes of the anchor between an undeployed installation/removal configuration substantially aligned with the keel and spaced away from the base of the housing, and a deployed interlock configuration substantially crosswise of the keel and adjacent to the base of the housing. 
     Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an example of the twist-lock T-clamp for operation with a conventional T-slot; 
         FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  illustrate installation/removal of the twist-lock T-clamp with a conventional T-slot; 
         FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  illustrate the twist-lock T-clamp with an anchor portion thereof in an undeployed installation configuration with its flukes configured in an installation orientation; 
         FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  illustrate the twist-lock T-clamp with its anchor portion in a deployed interlock configuration having its flukes configured in an interlock orientation; 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of the twist-lock T-clamp having a rudder portion removed for clarity and showing an end view of the flukes configured in an installation orientation; 
         FIG. 9  illustrate the twist-lock T-clamp with its anchor in the undeployed installation configuration with its flukes in the installation orientation; 
         FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  illustrate the anchor oriented in subsequent stages of deployment between the undeployed installation configuration and a fully deployed interlock configuration; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the twist-lock T-clamp with its the anchor oriented in its fully deployed interlock configuration; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an axial drive mechanism of the twist-lock T-clamp; 
         FIGS. 14-18  illustrate various aspects of the axial drive mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a novel twist-lock T-clamp  10  for operation with a conventional T-slot  12  formed in a rail (shown) or other plate. T-slot channel  12  is formed as a T-shaped lengthwise cavity that has an opening  14  to a mounting surface  16  formed between opposing spaced apart T-arms  18  spread out from a shallow stem  20  about the same width as opening  14 . T-clamp  10  includes a housing  22  molded of a substantially rigid material, for example, an injection moldable plastic, composite or metal material, and having a mount  23  projected therefrom. Housing  22  of T-clamp  10  is formed with a substantially planar base  24  and a crown  26  spaced away from base  24 . A keel  28  is formed along base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  and is sized to be received through opening  14  into T-slot  12  between spaced apart T-arms  18 . Optionally, keel  28  may extend into stem  20  of T-slot  12 . A rudder  30  is formed on base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  in a position spaced away from keel  28  and is also sized to be received through opening  14  into T-slot  12  between spaced apart T-arms  18 . Optionally, rudder  30  also may extend into stem  20  of T-slot  12 . T-clamp housing  22  is further formed with an axial bore or aperture  32  communicating between its base  24  and crown  26  along an operational axis  34  passing between keel  28  and rudder  30  of housing  22 . 
     A substantially rigid twist-lock anchor  36  is coupled for motion relative to operational axis  34  extended through T-clamp housing  22  and passing between keel  28  and rudder  30  thereof. Twist-lock anchor  36  is coupled for linear motion (arrow  38 ) relative to axis  34  responsive to rotational motion (arrow  40 ) thereof about axis  34 . For example, anchor  36  is responsive to operation of a handle or other grip mechanism  42  coupled thereto for rotational motion (arrow  40 ) about operational axis  34  which results in linear motion (arrow  38 ) along same axis  34 . 
       FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  illustrate installation of T-clamp  10  into T-slot  12  and removal therefrom. As illustrated, keel  28  and rudder  30  on base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  are installed into or removed from T-slot  12  along direction (arrows  44 ,  46 ) of axis  34 . During installation, base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  is brought into contact with mounting surface  16  adjacent to T-slot opening  14 . Anchor  36  is formed with a barrel-shaped stock portion  48  having a smaller shank  50  extended therefrom substantially along axis  34 . Two or more flukes  52  are rigidly extended outwardly from shank  50  substantially crosswise of axis  34  in positions external of T-clamp housing  22  and substantially diametrically opposite one from the other. Each fluke  52  is sized to be received into T-slot  12  through opening  14  and into opposing T-arms  18  on either side of T-slot stem  20 . Flukes  52  are movable in a rotational motion (arrow  54 ) substantially about axis  34  responsive to rotation (arrow  40 ) of anchor  36  about axis  34 . Additionally, rotation (arrow  40 ) of anchor  36  causes linear motion (arrow  56 ) of flukes  52  relatively toward and away from base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  as a function of linear motion (arrow  38 ) of anchor  36  along axis  34 . During installation and removal, each fluke  52  is rotated (arrow  54 ) into an undeployed configuration (shown) that is substantially aligned between keel  28  and rudder  30  on base  24  of T-clamp housing  22 . 
       FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  show T-clamp  10  configured in the installation state with flukes  52  of anchor  36  oriented in the undeployed configuration. This relative orientation of anchor  36  and flukes  52  is achieved as a function of an axial drive mechanism by rotation about operational axis  34 , as by operation of handle or other grip mechanism  42  coupled thereto. For example, grip  42  is rotated (arrow  58 ) toward a register  60  formed on T-clamp housing  22 . Register  60  effectively stops anchor  36  with flukes  52  oriented in the undeployed configuration for configuring T-clamp  10  in the installation state. Accordingly, this configuration of flukes  52 , keel  28 , rudder  30  and anchor  36  permits T-clamp  10  to be inserted through opening  14  into T-slot  12  until base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  is seated against mounting surface  16 . This same configuration of flukes  52  permits keel  28 , rudder  30  and anchor  36  permits T-clamp  10  to be withdrawn through opening  14  for removal from T-slot  12 . 
     Here, keel  28  is embodied as a small pin projected from base  24  of T-clamp housing  22 . 
       FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  show T-clamp  10  configured in an interlock state with flukes  52  of anchor  36  oriented in a deployed interlock configuration (shown) substantially crosswise of axis operational  34  between keel  28  and rudder  30  and pulled adjacent to base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  along axis  34 . This relative orientation of anchor  36  and flukes  52  is achieved as a function of the axial drive mechanism by opposite rotation about operational axis  34 , as disclosed herein. For example, grip  42  is rotated (arrow  62 ) away from register  60  on T-clamp housing  22 . Rotation (arrow  62 ) opposite of installation direction (arrow  54 ) effectively orients anchor  36  and flukes  52  in the deployed interlock configuration for configuring T-clamp  10  in the interlock state. Accordingly, this configuration of flukes  52 , keel  28 , rudder  30  and anchor  36  effectively interlocks T-clamp  10  into T-slot  12  with base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  firmly seated against mounting surface  16 . This same configuration of flukes  52  permits keel  28 , rudder  30  and anchor  36  resists T-clamp  10  withdrawal through opening  14  and removal from T-slot  12 . 
       FIG. 8  is an end view of T-clamp  10  having rudder  30  removed for clarity and showing an end view of flukes  52  of anchor  36 . Here, flukes  52  of anchor  36  oriented in the undeployed configuration (shown) substantially aligned with between keel  28  and rudder  30  and spaced away from base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  along operational axis  34 . Flukes  52  optionally pitched to include an upper interlock surface  64  that is rotated at a small ramp angle  66  about a fluke axis  67  that is oriented substantially crosswise of operational axis  34  similarly to a fan blade or screw thread. When anchor  36  is rotated (arrow  54 ) about operational axis  34 , a leading edge  68  of each fluke  52  distal from base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  first engages an upper surface  18   a  of arm  18  of T-slot  12 . As rotation of anchor  36  progresses, rotated upper interlock surface  64  continues to engage upper surface  18   a  of arm  18  drawing base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  closer to mounting surface  16  of T-slot  12 , until a trailing edge  70  of fluke  52  adjacent to base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  finally engages upper surface  18   a  of arm  18 . Accordingly, base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  is drawn nearer to mounting surface  16  of T-slot  12  by rotated upper interlock surface  64  during rotation (arrow  54 ) of anchor  36  between its undeployed installation configuration and its deployed interlock configuration (shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 ). In the fully deployed interlock configuration of anchor  36 , T-clamp  10  is compressively interlocked with T-slot  12  by flukes  52  extended into each of opposing T-arms  18 . 
       FIG. 9  shows T-clamp  10  configured in the installation state with flukes  52  of anchor  36  oriented in the undeployed installation configuration (shown) substantially aligned with between keel  28  and rudder  30  and spaced away from base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  along axis  34 . This relative orientation of anchor  36  and flukes  52  is a function of the axial drive mechanism being rotated (arrow  58 ) about axis  34  toward the register  60 , as by operation of grip  42  coupled thereto. 
       FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show grip  42  being rotated (arrow  62 ) away from register  60  on T-clamp housing  22 , whereby flukes  52  of anchor  36  are oriented in subsequent stages of deployment between the undeployed installation configuration (shown in  FIG. 9 ) and a fully deployed interlock configuration (shown in  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 12  shows anchor  36  in its interlock configuration with its flukes  52  in a fully deployed interlock configuration oriented substantially crosswise of keel  28  and rudder  30  of T-clamp housing  22  and withdrawn into a position adjacent to its base  24 . Anchor  36  is thereby rotated (arrow  54 ) about axis  34  and withdrawn linearly (arrow  56 ) substantially along axis  34  toward base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  such that flukes  52  are oriented in the fully deployed interlock configuration. 
     When anchor  36  in its interlock configuration with its flukes  52  in a fully deployed interlock configuration, T-clamp  10  is compressively interlocked with T-slot  12  with shank  50  of anchor  36  extended through opening  14  and flukes  52  extended into each of opposing T-arms  18 . Accordingly, base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  is effectively compressed against T-slot mounting surface  16  adjacent to opening  14  of T-slot  12 . 
       FIG. 13  shows T-clamp  10  with handle or other grip mechanism  42  removed to show stock portion  48  of anchor  36 . An axial drive mechanism  72  is structured for driving rotational motion (arrow  54 ) of anchor  36  as disclosed herein. Axial drive mechanism  72  is formed of a rotational joint structured between stock portion  48  of anchor  36  and aperture  32  communicating between its base  24  and crown  26  of housing  22  along operational axis  34 . 
     Axial drive mechanism  72  is operable for moving anchor  36  along operational axis  34  as a function of anchor  36  being rotated relative to T-clamp housing  22 , whereby flukes  52  of anchor  36  are alternately movable between: i) the undeployed installation configuration, wherein flukes  52  are arranged substantially aligned between keel  28  and rudder  30  of housing  22  and spaced away from base  24  of housing  22 , and ii) a deployed interlock configuration, wherein flukes  52  are oriented substantially crosswise of the keel and keel  28  and rudder  30  of housing  22  and adjacent to base  24  of housing  22 . 
     As illustrated here, axial drive mechanism  72  includes a housing installation drive surface  74  structured as a pair of diametrically opposed spiral ramp surfaces formed on interior wall surface  75  of aperture  32  and aligned along operational axis  34  and inclined relative thereto. Axial drive mechanism  72  also includes an installation drive pin  76  fixed crosswise to anchor  36  and cooperating with spiral housing installation drive surfaces  74 . For example, drive pin  76  is fitted into a slot  78  formed crosswise to anchor  36 . Drive pin  76  is structured to interact with spiral housing installation drive surfaces  74  along operational axis  34 . 
     Spiral drive surfaces  74  are molded or otherwise formed in T-clamp housing  22  within interior of aperture  32  and substantially aligned along operational axis  34 . Stock portion  48  of anchor  36  is sized to rotate within aperture  32  of T-clamp housing  22  between spiral drive surfaces  74  and slide therebetween along axis  34 . Drive pin  76  is fixed in stock  48  and extends beyond stock  48  to engage axial drive surfaces  74 . Rotation (arrow  40 ) of anchor stock  48  causes drive pin  76  to move slidingly along inclined spiral axial drive surfaces  74  for moving (arrow  38 ) anchor  36  linearly upwardly along operational axis  34 . Axial drive mechanism  72  includes handle or grip  42  for generating rotational motion (arrow  54 ) of anchor  36 . 
     In operation, drive pin  76  is responsive to rotation (arrow  40 ) of anchor  36  for sliding upwardly (arrow  38 ) of operational axis  34  along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces  74  and thereby causing flukes  52  of anchor  36  to move upwardly (arrow  38 ) along axis  34  from the undeployed installation configuration, wherein flukes  52  are arranged substantially aligned between keel  28  and rudder  30  of housing  22  and spaced away from base  24  of housing  22 , and into the deployed interlock configuration, wherein flukes  52  are oriented substantially crosswise of the keel and keel  28  and rudder  30  of housing  22  adjacent to base  24  thereof and in forced contact with upper surface  18   a  of arm  18  of T-slot  12  of housing  22 , whereby base  24  of T-clamp housing  22  is forced into contact with mounting surface  16  adjacent to T-slot opening  14 . 
     Optionally, axial drive surfaces  74  are interrupted with anti-rotation “keeper” means  80  where drive pin  76  is retained in a rotated orientation. For example, the spiral drive surfaces  74  extend at their maximum elevation relative to an extension or “shelf” portion that is formed either level surfaces formed substantially perpendicular to operational axis  34 , or canted at a slightly negative inclination relative to respective spiral drive surfaces  74 . 
       FIG. 14  shows cross-section of T-clamp housing  22  and axial drive mechanism  72  taken along operational axis  34  through anchor  36 . Optionally, axial drive mechanism  72  further includes a rotational biasing member  82  for urging anchor  36  into rotation (arrow  40 ) about axis operational  34  for sliding rotation drive pin  76  upwardly away from mounting surface  16  of T-slot  12  along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces  74 . Biased rotation (arrow  40 ) of anchor  36  about axis  34  thereby moves anchor  36  linearly upwardly (arrow  38 ) along axis  34  from the undeployed installation configuration into the deployed interlock configuration. For example, rotational biasing member  82  is a coiled spring configured for torsional urging of anchor  36  in rotation (arrow  40 ) about operational axis  34 . Accordingly, rotational biasing member  82  is torsionally coupled between anchor  36  and aperture  32  of housing  22  for substantially automatically rotating anchor  36  from the undeployed installation configuration thereof toward the deployed interlock configuration. 
       FIG. 15  shows cross-section of T-clamp housing  22  and axial drive mechanism  72  having anchor  36  removed for more clearly illustrating inclined spiral axial drive surfaces  74 . Optionally, axial drive mechanism  72  includes a stop or brake  84  at its lower extreme for limiting angular motion of drive pin  76  relative to T-clamp housing  22 . Brake  84  thereby limits rotation of anchor  36  for arranging flukes  52  in the undeployed installation configuration substantially aligned between keel  28  and rudder  30  of housing  22 , whereby T-clamp  10  is configured for installation into or removal from T-slot  12 . 
     Here, coiled spring rotational biasing member  82  is formed with an outward tang  86  positioned for mating with a cooperating slot  88  in aperture  32  of T-clamp housing  22 . An inward tang  90  is positioned for mating with a cooperating slot  92  in stock  48  of anchor  36 . 
       FIG. 16  shows axial drive mechanism  72  including handle or other grip mechanism  42  coupled to stock portion  48  of anchor  36 . For example, one or a pair of screws  94  are threaded into anchor stock  48  for securing grip  42 , which also operates to secure drive pin  76  in slot  78 . Grip  42  optionally includes a skirt  96  sized to loosely engage aperture  32  for centering grip  42  therein. 
       FIG. 17  shows cross-section of T-clamp housing  22  and axial drive mechanism  72  taken crosswise of axis  34  through anchor  36 . Here, anchor  36  is twisted (arrow  94 ) about axis  34  against installation rotation (arrow  40 ) for sliding rotation drive pin  76  downwardly toward mounting surface  16  of T-slot  12  along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces  74 , and thereby moving anchor  36  linearly downwardly (arrow  38 ) along axis  34  away from the deployed interlock configuration into the undeployed installation configuration (shown). Such twisting against installation rotation (arrow  40 ) thus winds torsional rotational biasing member  82  into a coiled state for urging anchor  36  into rotation (arrow  40 ) about axis  34  upon release. 
       FIG. 18  shows anchor  36  rotated about operational axis  34  along installation rotation (arrow  40 ) for sliding rotation drive pin  76  upwardly away from mounting surface  16  of T-slot  12  along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces  74 . Anchor  36  is thereby moved linearly upwardly (arrow  38 ) along operational axis  34  away from the undeployed installation configuration into the deployed interlock configuration (shown). Such installation rotation (arrow  40 ) of anchor  36  about operational axis  34  is responsive to torsional unwinding of rotational biasing member  82  from its coiled state. 
     While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.