Patent Abstract:
A clamp assembly for installation at any position along the length of a slot defined by surfaces of a host structure or other structure. The clamp assembly either can receive a mounting rod for supporting objects or can itself include a mounting rod for supporting objects. In one embodiment the clamp assembly includes a two-piece clamp body composed of a pair of opposing substantially mirror-image jaws each having an inner surface with an arcuate channel and a tooth juxtaposing the arcuate channel. The arcuate channels cooperate to accept and frictionally engage a mounting rod to be affixed to the host structure, and the teeth are for entering into a slot defined by surfaces of the host structure. A tightening member is provided for forcing the jaws together. In an alternate embodiment the clamp assembly includes a one-piece clamp body and a mounting rod. The one-piece clamp body includes engagement tabs for entering into a slot defined by surfaces of the host structure and a threaded hole for receiving a threaded end of the mounting rod, which serves as a tightening member.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of Ser. No. 09/398,970 filed Sep. 17, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,262, which is a division of Ser. No. 09/276,879 filed Mar. 26, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,317. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is for a clamp assembly. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a clamp assembly which has utility especially in conjunction with display system of the type which include a host structure which supports objects to be displayed, the host structure including surfaces defining a slot and the clamp assembly including structure enabling it to be readily and easily mounted to the slot. The clamp assembly can receive a mounting rod or can itself include a mounting rod; and the mounting rod can support any type of structure, as required. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Clamp assemblies used in prior art display systems or other systems have usually been dedicated to a single purpose, have lacked adjustability, and have not been readily and easily installed into a slot structure on a host structure. In other words, prior art clamp assemblies for display systems or other systems were intended for a single use, were not easily or readily installed, and allowed little, if any, adjustability. 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a clamp assembly which is versatile and is readily adjustable and installable by utilizing opposing jaws or a pair of engagement tabs which can secure at a location anywhere along a slot in a host structure, such as an extruded geometrically configured tube. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a clamp assembly which can be readily and easily installed in a slot in a host structure or other structure at any position along the slot, including at the top or at the bottom of the slot, and which is versatile and adjustable. 
     The host structure can be of numerous shapes and forms, but is herein exemplified by an extruded geometrically configured tube having a slotted surface. The host structure can have any number of slots, and in the example herein illustrated four slots are provided. Each slot is defined by a portion of the surface of the extruded geometrically configured tube, opposed struts extending outwardly from the surface, and opposing segmented arcuate portions supported on the ends of the struts. 
     According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided for installation in a slot of the host structure a clamp assembly which includes a two-piece clamp body composed of a pair of opposing substantially mirror-image jaws each having an inner surface with an arcuate channel and a tooth juxtaposing the arcuate channel. The arcuate channels are for cooperating to accept and frictionally engage a mounting rod to be affixed to the host structure by the clamp assembly, and the teeth are for entering into a slot of the host structure. The clamp assembly further includes a tightening member, such as a thumbscrew, which extends through a body hole in one of the jaws and engages into a threaded hole in the other of the jaws. When a mounting rod is received by the arcuate channels in the jaws, the teeth of the jaws lie to one side of the mounting rod and the tightening member lies to the opposite side of the mounting rod. So positioned, the mounting rod serves as a fulcrum, and upon rotating the tightening member, the inner surfaces of the jaws on the tightening member side of the mounting rod are forced together, whereas the teeth on the opposite side of the mounting rod expand or move away from each other and come into frictional engagement with the segmented arcuate portions of the host structure, thus affixing the clamp assembly and mounting rod securely to the host structure. 
     According to an alternate embodiment, there is provided for installation in a slot of the host structure a clamp assembly which includes a one-piece clamp body and a mounting rod which serves as a tightening member. The one-piece clamp body includes engagement tabs for entering into a slot of the host structure and a threaded hole for receiving threads located at one end of the mounting rod. By placing the engagement tabs of the one-piece clamp body into a slot of the host structure and then turning the threads of the mounting rod into the threaded hole in the one-piece clamp body, the engagement tabs are brought into frictional engagement with the segmented arcuate portions of the host structure, thus affixing the alternate embodiment clamp assembly securely to the host structure. 
     Significant aspects and features of the present invention include a clamp assembly which features mid-slot installability, adjustability, versatility, and which is not limited to one particular geometrical orientation. That is, the extruded geometrically configured tube or other host structure which supports the clamp assembly and other devices, such as a mounting rod, can either be vertical, horizontal, or at an angle, and of any length, as there is no limit as to the length of an extrusion in theory. The mounting rod which is supported by the clamp assembly or which forms a part of the clamp assembly can take any type of geometrical configuration, can support any object, and can have any type of geometrical structure secured thereto. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that once a host structure such as an extruded geometrically configured host tube is positioned, such as on a base, vertically or horizontally, the clamp assembly can be engaged and disengaged easily and effectively at any time. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a clamp assembly having opposing jaws operated about a pivot or fulcrum rod where outward ends of the jaws are forced apart to engage a slot. 
     Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a clamp assembly having jaw ends which are rounded to promote jaw self-positioning during the initial installation step. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a clamp assembly constructed of two jaws which are held together, in part, by one or more spring-like sponge rubber pads. 
     Having thus described embodiments and significant aspects and features of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a clamp assembly which has exceptional versatility and which can be readily and easily installed to a slot in a host structure or other structure at any position therealong. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a host structure with two different styles or embodiments of clamp assemblies each constructed according to the present invention installed thereon, one of the clamp assemblies (first embodiment) supporting a mounting rod to which is attached an identical clamp assembly supporting an auxiliary mounting structure, and the other of the clamp assemblies (alternate embodiment) itself including a mounting rod; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the first embodiment clamp assembly; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the first embodiment clamp assembly; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional top view of the first embodiment clamp assembly; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the first step of fastening the first embodiment clamp assembly along with a mounting rod to a host structure; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the final step of fastening the first embodiment clamp assembly along with the mounting rod to the host structure; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the alternate embodiment clamp assembly; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the first step of fastening the alternate embodiment clamp assembly to a slot in a host structure; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the final step of fastening the alternate embodiment clamp assembly to a slot in the host structure; 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the first embodiment clamp assembly securing a mounting rod to an auxiliary mounting structure; and, 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of both embodiments of clamp assemblies consistent with the teachings of the present invention secured to a host structure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a clamp assembly  10  constituting a first embodiment of the present invention and a clamp assembly  10 A constituting an alternate embodiment of the present invention both installed on a host structure, which in this case for the purpose of example and illustration is an extruded geometrically configured tube  14 . The extruded geometrically configured tube  14  can be supported or mounted in a variety of manners but, for the purpose of example, is shown to be slidingly secured over and about a post  16  extending vertically upwardly from a base  17 . The extruded geometrically configured tube  14  includes, as would other host structures, one or more slots, in the present instance four slots, for the accommodation and engagement of one or more -piece clamp body, described in detail later, that functions to secure a mounting rod  12 , which is separate from the clamp assembly itself, to the host structure. The mounting rod  12  can assume various geometrical attributes and shapes to accommodate a variety of items for display or to accommodate yet other devices. As shown, the mounting rod  12  is angular and has a horizontal portion to which is secured another clamp assembly  10  which in turn supports an auxiliary mounting structure  18  having a slot located therein which replicates the essential shape and geometry of those slots in the host structure, but which is not limited to that precise shape and geometry. The clamp assembly  10 A, in contrast to the clamp assembly  10 , involves a one-piece clamp body rather than a two-piece clamp body, and itself includes a mounting rod for the accommodation of various items for display. The mounting rod can assume various shapes and forms, but for purposes of example and illustration is depicted as a cylindrical construction. Clamp assembly  10 A is described in detail later. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the clamp assembly  10 . The clamp assembly  10  includes a two-piece clamp body composed of opposing left and right jaws  24  and  26 , respectively, substantially being mirror images of each other and including engagement means in the form of teeth  42  and  64  for entering into a slot defined by surfaces of a host structure. Tightening means such as a screw member, herein shown as a thumbscrew including a shaft  50  (FIG. 3) and a knurled actuating knob  28  at one end of the shaft  50 , extends through the left and right jaws  24  and  26 , respectively, to draw together and mutually position the left jaw  24  with respect to the right jaw  26  to secure the clamp assembly  10  to a rod, such as mounting rod  12 , and to bring the teeth  42  and  64  into tight engagement with the surfaces of the host structure defining the slot to thereby affix the clamp assembly  10  securely to the host structure. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the clamp assembly  10 . The right jaw  26 , substantially a mirror image of the left jaw  24 , is now described. The right jaw  26 , which can be an extrusion preferably of steel, aluminum, hard plastic or any other such suitable material, includes an inner planar surface  30  having an arcuate channel  32 , which is less than a 180° arc, oriented vertically thereupon and extending between a top planar surface  34  and a bottom planar surface  36 . The right jaw  26  also includes an outwardly facing planar end surface  38  and an exterior planar surface  40 , best shown in FIG.  4 . An engagement means in the form of a tooth  42  having a rounded profile juxtaposes the arcuate channel  32 . The tooth  42  is supported by a strut  44  which comprises one side of the arcuate channel  32 . A groove  46  is located between the tooth  42  and the strut  44 . A threaded hole  48  extends through the inner planar surface  30  and into the body of the right jaw  26  to accommodate a tightening means, here shown as a thumbscrew having a threaded shaft  50  which extends from an actuating knob  28 . With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 and other figures herein, the opposing left jaw  24  is similarly configured to include an inner planar surface  52 , an arcuate channel  54 , which is less than a 180° arc, a top planar surface  56 , a bottom planar surface  58 , an outwardly facing planar end surface  60 , an exterior planar surface  62 , an engagement means in the form of a tooth  64 , a strut  66 , a groove  68 , and a body hole  70  through which the threaded shaft  50  passes. Optional sponge rubber pads  72  and  74  are held with adhesive to the inner planar surface  30  of the right jaw  26  at a location outward from the arcuate channel  32  and to a corresponding position on the inner planar surface  52  of the left jaw  24 . The sponge rubber pads  72  and  74  function to (1) secure the left jaw  24  to the right jaw  26  to keep the jaws mutually attached to each other so that the person operating the clamp assembly does not end up with a handful of loose parts, and (2) provide a spring bias action to force the teeth  42  and  64  together during placement of the clamp assembly  10  in a slot. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional top view of the clamp assembly  10 . Illustrated in particular is the separated alignment of the left jaw  24  to the right jaw  26 . Attention is also called to the arcuate channels  32  and  54  in that the arcs described by each are less than 180° and are of an appropriate radius to accommodate and to contact a greater portion of the circumference of the mounting rod  12  on a partial circumference basis, thus allowing spaces to be maintained between the teeth  42  and  64 , and more importantly, between the inner planar surfaces  30  and  52 . Undercuts of slightly larger radius are also provided on the arcuate channels  32  and  54  to provide one or more gripping edges  69  and  71  for enhanced frictional engagement of the jaws  26  and  24  to the mounting rod  12 . 
     MODE OF OPERATION 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the first step of fastening the clamp assembly  10  and securing a mounting rod  12  to a host structure. The host structure, in this case the extruded geometrically configured tube  14 , includes segmented arcuate portions  80   a - 80   n  secured to a central cylindrical structure  82  by struts  84   a - 84   n . Slot  86   a  is formed, in general and for example, between the ends of segmented arcuate portions  80   a  and  80   n , by struts  84   a  and  84   n , and the portion of the cylindrical structure  82  therebetween. In the example, the slots  86   a - 86   n  assume an arc-like profile, and any suitably shaped slot can be used against which and into which the teeth  42  and  64  and corresponding grooves  46  and  68  are inserted, engaged and secured. The insertion is initiated by loosely inserting the mounting rod  12  in the arcuate channels  32  and  54  in the jaws  26  and  24  while the actuating knob  28  is rotated to back out the threaded shaft  50  to allow angular flexing of the jaw  26  and  24  with respect to one another about the mounting rod  12 , which acts as a fulcrum or pivot. The teeth  42  and  64 , each having a round-like profile, are inserted into the slot  86   a  to a position as illustrated. The round-like profile presented by the teeth  42  and  64  can, if not already touchingly positioned, impinge the outwardly located ends of the corresponding segmented arcuate portions  80   a  and  80   n  to maneuver the teeth  42  and  64  into close mutual proximity or even into intimate contact to provide a minimum profile so that passage of the teeth  42  and  64  into the slot  86   a  can be readily and easily accomplished. The body hole  70  in the left jaw  24  is sized to allow sufficient rotation of the left jaw  24  about the mounting rod  12  without interference of the threaded shaft  50 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the final step of fastening the clamp assembly  10  and the mounting rod  12  to the host structure extruded geometrically configured tube  14 . The actuating knob  28  is turned to reposition the left jaw  24  and the right jaw  26  in opposition about the mounting rod  12 , which acts as a pivot and as a fulcrum. The actuating knob  28  is brought to bear against the exterior planar surface  62  of the left jaw  24 , thus imparting a counterclockwise movement of the left jaw  24  about the mounting rod  12 , thereby positioning the groove  68  against one end of the segmented arcuate portion  80   n  of the extruded geometrically configured tube  14 . At the same time, the rotation of the threaded shaft  50  repositions the right jaw  26  in a clockwise direction about the mounting rod  12 , thereby positioning the groove  46  against one end of the segmented arcuate portion  80   a  of the extruded geometrically configured tube  14 . Further tightening of the knob  28  ensures positive engagement of the jaws  24  and  26  with the slot  86   a  and also increases pressure across the jaws  24  and  26  to ensure suitable frictional engagement of the jaws  24  and  26  to the mounting rod  12  therebetween. 
     ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment, illustrates an isometric view of the clamp assembly  10 A. The clamp assembly  10 A includes a one-piece clamp body  20  and a mounting rod  22 . The one-piece clamp body  20  includes a block member  92  having engagement means in the form of mirror-like similarly configured upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96  extending outwardly therefrom for entering into a slot defined by surfaces of a host structure. The mounting rod  22  serves both as a tightening means for bringing the upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96  into tight engagement with the surfaces of the host structure defining the slot thereof, to thereby affix the clamp assembly  10 A securely to the host structure, and as a support upon which various items can be mounted for display or other purposes. The mounting rod  22  and one-piece clamp body  20  can be fashioned of aluminum, steel, hard plastic or the like. The upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96  are fashioned to engage a slot, such as slot  86   c  of the host structure  14  or other such slot. The upper engagement tab  94 , being similar in design and function to the lower engagement tab  96 , is supported by a strut  98  extending outwardly from the block member  92 . The strut  98  includes opposing curved sides  100  and  102  which intersect opposing flat surfaces  104  and  106 , respectively, of the upper engagement tab  94  (FIG. 8) to subsequently form angular access grooves  108  and  110  which are instrumental during the initial engagement step in the securing of the upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96  to a slot. Opposing angled tabs  124  and  126  located at the edges of a planar surface  128  of the upper engagement tab  94  are utilized to contact the ends of segmented arcuate portions, such as the ends of segmented arcuate portions  80   b  and  80   c,  as illustrated in FIG.  9 . The structure of the lower engagement tab  96 , which is identical to the upper engagement tab  94 , is not described for purpose of brevity. A horizontally aligned threaded hole  112  extends partially through the block member  92  to accommodate threads  114  located at one end of the mounting rod  22 . A recess  116  (FIG. 8) aligns concentrically to the threads  114  to accommodate the largest radius of the mounting rod  22 . A small radius protrusion  118 , having an optional plastic tip element  120  fastened thereto, extends from the region of the threads  114 . A groove  122  is provided at the outward end of the mounting rod  22  to accommodate an external attachment fixture. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the first step in securing the c;amp assembly  10 A to a slot such as slot  86   c  of the extruded geometrically configured tube  14 . The mounting rod  22  is not shown as being engaged with the threaded hole  112  during the initial engagement, but may be so engaged, if desired, for initial insertion. The one-piece clamp body  20  is first positioned canted off center, as illustrated. The access grooves on the same sides of the upper and lower engagement tags  94  and  96 , such as access groove  108 , are positioned at an angle into the slot  86   c  and then brought to bear against the near end of the adjacent segmented arcuate portion  80   c.  This allows the geometry of the upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96 , which at this time are canted, full subsequent access to the interior of slot  86   c.  Once the upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96  are positioned thusly, the one-piece clamp body  20  can be rotated fully into direct alignment within the slot  86   c,  as shown in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the final step of fastening the clamp assembly  10 A to a slot  86   c  of the extruded geometrically configured tube  14 . After repositioning the one-piece clamp body  20  into full and direct alignment in the slot  86   c,  the mounting rod  22  is turned to advance the plastic tip element  120  (rod end) into engagement with the cylindrical structure  82 . This action forces the block member  92  outwardly from the center and along the threads  114  to outwardly position the angled tabs  124  and  126  of the upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96  into tight engagement against the appropriate ends of the segmented arcuate portions  80   b  and  80   c.  The upper and lower engagement tabs  94  and  96  are thusly positioned in frictional engagement to lock the clamp assembly  10 A composed of the one-piece clamp body and the mounting rod  22  to a slot structure. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the clamp assembly  10 , the present invention, securing a mounting rod  12  to an auxiliary mounting structure  18 , having a slot  130  having attributes which allow attachment of the clamp assembly  10 , as well as the clamp assembly  10 A, thereto. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of both the clamp assembly  10  and the clamp assembly  10 A secured, according to the teachings of the invention, to a slotted structure  140  having a plurality of slots  142   a - 142   n  distributed thereabout. The present invention can be incorporated in attachment to any suitable slot on any structure. 
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope hereof. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PARTS LIST 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 clamp assembly 
               
               
                   
                 10A 
                 clamp assembly 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 mounting rod 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 extruded 
               
               
                   
                   
                 geometrically 
               
               
                   
                   
                 configured tube or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 host structure 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 post 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 auxiliary mounting 
               
               
                   
                   
                 structure 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 one-piece clamp body 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 mounting rod 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 left jaw 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 right jaw 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 actuating knob 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 inner planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 arcuate channel 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 top planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 bottom planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 planar end surface 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 exterior planar 
               
               
                   
                   
                 surface 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 tooth 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 strut 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 groove 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 threaded hole 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 threaded shaft 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 inner planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 arcuate channel 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 top planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 bottom planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 planar end surface 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 exterior planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 tooth 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 strut 
               
               
                   
                 68 
                 groove 
               
               
                   
                 69 
                 gripping edge 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 body hole 
               
               
                   
                 71 
                 gripping edge 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 sponge rubber pad 
               
               
                   
                 74 
                 sponge rubber pad 
               
               
                   
                 80a-n 
                 segmented arcuate 
               
               
                   
                   
                 portions 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                 cylindrical structure 
               
               
                   
                 84a-n 
                 struts 
               
               
                   
                 86a-n 
                 slots 
               
               
                   
                 92 
                 block member 
               
               
                   
                 94 
                 upper engagement tab 
               
               
                   
                 96 
                 lower engagement tab 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 strut 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 curved side 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 curved side 
               
               
                   
                 104 
                 flat surface 
               
               
                   
                 106 
                 flat surface 
               
               
                   
                 108 
                 access groove 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 access groove 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 threaded hole 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 threads 
               
               
                   
                 116 
                 recess 
               
               
                   
                 118 
                 protrusion 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 plastic tip element 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 groove 
               
               
                   
                 124 
                 angled tab 
               
               
                   
                 126 
                 angled tab 
               
               
                   
                 128 
                 planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 slot 
               
               
                   
                 140 
                 slotted structure 
               
               
                   
                 142a-n 
                 slots

Technology Classification (CPC): 8