Abstract:
A clamp assembly is disclosed which includes a first clamp half-piece and a second clamp half-piece. In one example, the clamp half-pieces are identically shaped. In one example, each of the clamp half-pieces has at least one integral pin and at least one aperture. The first and second clamp half-pieces are pivotally connected to each other via a first snap-fit interface in which the integral pin of the first clamp half-piece snap-fits into the at least one aperture of the second clamp half-piece. The clamp assembly can also include a link arm connected to the first clamp half-piece via a second snap-fit interface. A lever arm can also be included that is pivotally connected to the link arm via a third snap-fit interface. The clamp assembly does not require separate link pins or other parts and only includes four components: the clamp half-pieces, the link arm, and the lever arm.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/252,022, filed Nov. 6, 2015, and titled “Clamping Device,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Enclosures are commonly provided to house telecommunications equipment, for example fiber optic enclosures. Some enclosures include removable covers that can be secured to a base by a clamp assembly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one aspect of the disclosure, a clamp assembly is disclosed. The clamp assembly can include first and second clamp half-pieces, each of which has a generally semi-circular body that extends along a curved path between first and second ends. The clamp half-pieces can be pivotally connected to each other at their first ends at a first snap-fit interface that does not include any loose pins separate from the first and second clamp half-pieces. The first and second clamp half-pieces can be pivotally movable relative to one another about a pivot axis located at the snap-fit interface between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In one aspect, the first and second clamp half-pieces cooperate to define a generally circular shape centered about a central clamp axis. The first and second clamp pieces can define channels having open sides that face toward the central clamp axis when the clamp is in the closed configuration. The channels can have transverse cross-sectional profiles that gradually narrow as the transverse cross-sectional profiles extend from the open sides of the channels radially outwardly from the central clamp axis. 
         [0004]    The clamp assembly can also include a latch arrangement for drawing the second ends of the first and second clamp half-pieces together to move and secure the clamp into the closed configuration. The latch arrangement can include a first latch component unitarily formed with the second end of the second clamp half-piece. The first latch component can include a first over-the-center cam surface. The latch arrangement can also include a link arm having a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the first clamp half-piece by a second snap-fit interface that does not include any loose pins. The latch arrangement may further include a lever arm pivotally connected to a second end of the link arm by a third snap-fit interface that does not include any loose pins. The lever arm can include a second over-the-center cam surface that engages the first over-the-center cam surface to draw the second ends of the first and second clamp half-pieces toward each other and into a secured, locked configuration. 
         [0005]    A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a first perspective view of a clamp assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a second perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a third perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a first side view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a second side view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a third side view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a fourth side view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a first perspective view of a clamp half-piece of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a second perspective view of the clamp half-piece shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the clamp half-piece shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a first side view of the clamp half-piece shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a second side view of the clamp half-piece shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is a third side view of the clamp half-piece shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a fourth side view of the clamp half-piece shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is a transverse cross-sectional view of the clamp half-piece shown in  FIG. 9 , taken along the line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a first perspective view of a latch arm of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a second perspective view of the latch arm shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the latch arm shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  is a bottom view of the lever arm shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 21  is a first end view of the lever arm shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 22  is a second end view of the lever arm shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a link arm of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 24  is an end view of the link arm shown in  FIG. 23 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 25  is a first side view of the link arm shown in  FIG. 23 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 26  is a second side view of the link arm shown in  FIG. 23 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , but in an open position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , with the clamp assembly in a closed, fully unlatched position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , with the clamp assembly in a closed, partially latched position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 30  is a front cross-sectional view of the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , with the clamp assembly in a closed, latched position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 31  is a side view of a telecommunications enclosure utilizing the clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 32  is a front view of a second example of a clamp assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , a clamp assembly  10  for a telecommunications enclosure is presented. One example of a telecommunications enclosure  1  is shown at  FIG. 31  in which the clamp assembly  10  secures a dome portion  2  to a base portion  4 . The telecommunications enclosure shown at  FIG. 31  is further shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,989,550 issued on Mar. 24, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. As shown, the clamp assembly  10  is formed about a central clamp axis  12  by a pair of clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  (generally referred to as half-piece  20 ) that are pivotally connected to each other. In the embodiment shown, the clamp half-pieces are identical to each other. However, the clamp half-pieces can be non-identically shaped. Each clamp half-piece  20  has a body  22  extending along a semi-circular curved path between a first end  26  and a second end  28 . 
         [0040]    In one aspect, the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  are pivotally connected to each other at a snap-fit interface  40  proximate the second end  28 . The snap-fit interface  40  allows the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  to rotate with respect to each other about a pivot axis  16  of the snap-fit interface  40 . The snap-fit interface  40  is formed by providing each clamp half-piece  20  with a base  42  from which channel defining members  44 ,  46 ,  48  extend to form a first channel  50  and a second channel  52 . The third member  48  is provided with a first pin projection  48   a  and a second pin projection  48   b  while the first and second members  44  and  46  are respectively provided with apertures  44   a ,  46   a . The apertures  44   a ,  46   a  of one clamp half-piece  20   a / 20   b  are for receiving the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  of the other clamp half-piece  20   a ,  20   b . In the embodiment shown, the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b ; the channel defining members  44 ,  46 ,  48 ; and the base  42  are all integrally formed as a single component with the clamp half-piece  20 , thereby removing the necessity to have a separate pin or attachment structure for joining the two clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  together. As shown, the channel defining member  44  is provided with a domed or mushroom shaped outer surface to add material at the location of the aperture  44   a  for the purpose of reducing stresses. 
         [0041]    The pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  extend a distance further away from the third member  48  than the dimension of space defined between the members  44  and  46 . To facilitate insertion of the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  in the space between the members  44  and  46 , each of the members  44  and  46  is also respectively provided with a slot structure  44   b ,  46   b  extending from the apertures  44   a ,  46   a  in a direction away from the central axis  12  and to a distal end  44   c ,  46   c  of the members  44 ,  46 . As most easily seen at  FIG. 14 , the slot structure  44   b  is defined by a pair of side walls  44   d ,  44   e  extending from an end wall  44   f . Similarly, the slot structure  46   b  is defined by a pair of side walls  46   d ,  46   e  extending from an end wall  46   f.    
         [0042]    The end walls  44   f ,  46   f  each angle towards the channel  50  as they approach the apertures  44   a ,  46   a . As the end walls  44   f ,  46   f  are disposed opposite each other, they give the slot structure a tapering or narrowing shape in a direction towards the apertures  44   a ,  46   a . Additionally, sidewalls  44   d  and  44   e  each angle towards each other as they approach the apertures  44   a ,  46   a  while sidewalls  46   d  and  46   e  also angle towards each other as they approach the apertures  44   a ,  46   a . Thus, the slot structure narrows not only in the direction between the end walls  44   f  and  46   f  but also in the direction between walls  44   d  and  44   e  and between walls  46   d  and  46   e.    
         [0043]    During assembly, when the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  of one half-piece  20  are introduced into the slot structures  44   b ,  46   b  of the other half-piece, the pins projections  48   a ,  48   b  are guided by the side walls  44   d / 44   e  and  46   d / 46   e  and engage against the end walls  44   f ,  46   f . The distance between the end walls  44   f ,  46   f  adjacent the distal end  44   c ,  46   c  is the same or greater than the distance between the ends of the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  and tapers to a distance that is less than the distance between the ends of the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  at a location adjacent the apertures  44   a ,  46   a . Similarly, the distance between the sidewalls  44   d / 44   e  and  46   d / 46   e  tapers or narrows from the distal end  44   c  to a distance that is less than the width of the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b.    
         [0044]    Due to this configuration, the members  44  and  46  gradually deflect away from each other by force of the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  until the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  are fully received into the apertures  44   a ,  46   a . Simultaneously, the sidewalls  44   d / 44   e  and  46   d / 46   e  gradually deflect, deform, and/or compress until the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  are fully received into the apertures  44   a ,  46   a . Once the pin projection  48   a ,  48   b  are fully receive d , the members  44  and  46  snap back into their relaxed state. In this manner, a pivotal snap-fit type connection is formed between the two clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  such that the clamp  10  can be rotated between a closed position ( FIGS. 1-8 and 28-30 ) and an open position ( FIG. 27 ). To aid in insertion, the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  may also be provided with a tapered or frustoconical shape. 
         [0045]    In the example shown, the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  have a first snap-fit connection in a first direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  (i.e. axis  16 ) and a second snap-fit connection in a second direction that is orthogonal to this axis. In this manner, a pivotal double action snap-fit type connection is formed between the clamp half pieces  20   a ,  20   b . As the snap-fit connection between the clamp half pieces  20   a ,  20   b  is formed in two different directions, the force required to remove the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  from the apertures  44   a ,  46   a  is significantly increased. In some examples, the removal force achievable with the disclosed double action snap-fit connection exceeds the material strength of the pin projections  48   a ,  48   b  an d /or the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b.    
         [0046]    Each of the clamp half-pieces  20  is also provided with a pair of stop members  54  proximate the second end  28 . As shown, the stop members  54  are integrally formed with the body  22 . As the clamp assembly  10  is moved into a fully opened position, the stop members  54  are brought into contact with each other to limit any further rotation of the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b . In the embodiment shown, the stop members  54  are configured such that the clamp half-pieces are allowed to rotate about 180 degrees, or slightly less, relative to each other from the closed position before being prevented from further rotation towards the open position by the stop members  54 . The stop members  54  can be configured to allow for any desired maximum opening angle, including angles less than 180 degrees. 
         [0047]    As shown, each of the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  is provided with a latch component  56  located proximate the first end  26 . The latch component  56  is formed integrally with the body  22 . The latch component  56  is configured to pivotally connect to a link member  80  (see  FIGS. 23-26 ) via pin projections  84   a  and  84   b  of a main body  82 . The latch component  56  is also configured to engage with a lever arm  100  pivotally connected to the link member  80  via pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  of the link member  80 . Each of these functions is separately performed on one the half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  such that the latch component  56  of one of the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  will pivotally connect to the link member  80  while the latch component  56  of the other clamp half-piece  20   a ,  20   b  will engage with the lever member  100 . Taken together, the latch component  56 , the link arm  80 , and the lever arm  100  form a latch arrangement. 
         [0048]    The latch component  56  is provided with a first member  58  and a second member  60  that together define a slot or channel  62  through which a link member  80  can pass. The first and second members  58 ,  60  are each provided with an aperture  58   a ,  60   a  for receiving pins  84   a ,  84   b  of the link member  80 . The latch component  56  is further provided with a slot structure  66  extending transversely through the first and second members  58 ,  60  from a second end  56   b  of the latch component  56  towards a first end  56   a  of the latch component  56  which coincides with the first end  26 . As shown, the slot structure is defined by sidewalls  66   a  and  66   b  extending from an end wall  66   c  in the first member  58  and by sidewalls  66   d  and  66   e  extending from an end wall  66   f.    
         [0049]    The end walls  66   c ,  66   f  each angle towards the channel  62  as they approach the apertures  58   a ,  60   a . As the end walls  66   c ,  66   f  are disposed opposite each other, they give the slot structure  66  a tapering or narrowing shape in a direction towards the apertures  58   a ,  60   a . Additionally, sidewalls  66   a  and  66   b  each angle towards each other as they approach the apertures  58   a ,  60   a  while sidewalls  66   d  and  66   e  also angle towards each other as they approach the apertures  58   a ,  60   a . Thus, the slot structure  66  narrows not only in the direction between the end walls  66   c  and  66   f  but also in the direction between walls  66   a  and  66   b  and between walls  66   d  and  66   e.    
         [0050]    During assembly, when the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  of the link member  80  are introduced into the slot structure  66 , the pins projections  84   a ,  84   b  are guided by the side walls  66   a / 66   b  and  66   d / 66   e  and engage against the end walls  66   c ,  66   f . However, it is noted that the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  are not completely round and instead have opposite flat sides defining a width w 1  which is the same or slightly less than a width w 2  of the slot structure  66 . Accordingly, the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  can only be received by the slot structure  66  when the link member  80  is sufficiently aligned such that its longitudinal axis  81  is generally parallel to the length of the slot structure  66  (i.e. generally parallel to an axis  67  of the slot structure  66 , generally parallel to the walls  66   a / 66   b / 66   d / 66   e , or generally orthogonal to axis  14 ). 
         [0051]    It is additionally noted that the distance between the end walls  66   c ,  66   f  adjacent the second end  56   b  is the same or greater than the distance between the ends of the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  while the distance between the sidewalls  66   a / 66   b  and  66   d / 66   e  adjacent the second end  56   b  is the same or greater than the distance between the flat sides or width of the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b . The distance between the end walls  66   c ,  66   f  tapers or narrows from the second end  56   b  to a distance that is less than the distance between the ends of the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  at a location adjacent the apertures  58   a ,  60   a . Similarly, the distance between the sidewalls  66   a / 66   b  and  66   d / 66   e  tapers or narrows from the second end  56   b  to a distance that is less than the width of the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b.    
         [0052]    Due to the above described configuration, once the link member  80  is properly aligned and inserted into the slot structure  66 , the members  58  and  60  gradually deflect away from each other until the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  are fully received into the apertures  58   a ,  60   a . Simultaneously, the sidewalls  66   a / 66   b  and  66   d / 66   e  gradually deflect, deform, and/or compress until the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  are fully received into the apertures  58   a ,  60   a . Once the pin projection  84   a ,  84   b  are fully received the members  58  and  60  snap back into their relaxed state, as do the end walls  66   a / 66   b  and  6   d / 66   e , the link member  80  becomes rotatable with respect to the clamp half-piece  20  about a pivot axis  11 . 
         [0053]    In the example shown, the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  have a first snap-fit connection with the slot structure  66  in a first direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  (i.e. axis  11 ) and a second snap-fit connection in a second direction that is orthogonal to this axis. In this manner, a pivotal double action snap-fit type connection is formed between the link member  80  and the latch structure  56  of the clamp half-piece body  22 . As the snap-fit connection between the link member  80  and the slot structure  66  is formed in two different directions, the force required to remove the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  from the apertures  58   a ,  60   a  is significantly increased. In some examples, the removal force achievable with the disclosed double action snap-fit connection exceeds the material strength of the link member  80  and/or the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b.    
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 to 22 , the lever arm  100  is presented in greater detail. As mentioned previously, the lever arm  100  is pivotally connected to the link arm  80 . As shown, the lever arm  100  has a main body  102  defining a handle portion  104  and first and second members  106 ,  108 . The first member  106  and the second member  108  together define a slot or channel  110  through which the link member  80  can pass. The first and second members  106 ,  108  are each provided with an aperture  106   a ,  108   a  for receiving pins  86   a ,  86   b  of the link member  80 . The lever arm main body  102  is shown as being formed with internal structures  103 , such as ribs and spokes which allow for the shape of the lever arm  100  to be created with a minimum of material while providing sufficient structural strength. 
         [0055]    The lever arm  100  is further provided with a slot structure  166  extending transversely through the first and second members  106 ,  108  from a bottom portion  102   a  of the lever arm  100  towards a top portion  102   b  of the lever arm  100 . As shown, the slot structure  166  is defined by sidewalls  166   a  and  166   b  extending from an end wall  166   c  in the first member  106  and by sidewalls  166   d  and  166   e  extending from an end wall  166   f . The end walls  166   c ,  166   f  each angle towards the channel  110  as they approach the apertures  106   a ,  108   a . As the end walls  166   c ,  166   f  are disposed opposite each other, they give the slot structure  166  a tapering or narrowing shape in a direction towards the apertures  106   a ,  108   a . Additionally, sidewalls  166   a  and  166   b  each angle towards each other as they approach the apertures  106   a ,  108   a  while sidewalls  166   d  and  166   e  also angle towards each other as they approach the apertures  106   a ,  108   a . Thus, the slot structure  166  narrows not only in the direction between the end walls  166   c  and  166   f  but also in the direction between walls  166   a  and  166   b  and between walls  166   d  and  166   e.    
         [0056]    During assembly, when the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  of the link member  80  are introduced into the slot structure  166 , the pins projections  86   a ,  86   b  are guided by the side walls  166   a / 166   b  and  166   d / 166   e  and engage against the end walls  166   c ,  166   f . However, it is noted that the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  are not completely round and instead have opposite flat sides defining a width w 1  which is the same or slightly less than a width w 3  of the slot structure  166 . Accordingly, the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  can only be received by the slot structure  166  when the link member  80  is sufficiently aligned such that its longitudinal axis  81  is generally parallel to the length of the slot structure  166  (i.e. generally parallel to an average or approximate axis  112  of the slot structure  166 , or generally parallel to walls  166   a / 166   b / 166   d / 166   e ). 
         [0057]    It is additionally noted that the distance between the end walls  166   c ,  166   f  adjacent the bottom portion  102   a  is the same or greater than the distance between the ends of the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  while the distance between the sidewalls  166   a / 166   b  and  166   d / 166   e  adjacent the bottom portion  102   a  is the same or greater than the distance between the flat sides or width of the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b . The distance between the end walls  166   c ,  166   f  tapers or narrows from the bottom portion  102   a  to a distance that is less than the distance between the ends of the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  at a location adjacent the apertures  106   a ,  108   a . Similarly, the distance between the sidewalls  166   a / 166   b  and  166   d / 166   e  tapers or narrows from the bottom portion  102   a  to a distance that is less than the width of the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b.    
         [0058]    Due to the above described configuration, once the link member  80  is properly aligned and inserted into the slot structure  166 , the members  106  and  108  gradually deflect away from each other until the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  are fully received into the apertures  106   a ,  108   a . Simultaneously, the sidewalls  166   a / 166   b  and  166   d / 166   e  gradually deflect, deform, an d /or compress until the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  are fully received into the apertures  106   a ,  108   a . At this point, the members  106  and  108  snap back into their relaxed state, as do the end walls  166   a / 166   b  and  166   d / 166   e , and the lever arm  100  is rotatable with respect to the link arm  80  about a pivot axis  17 . In this manner, a pivotal snap-fit type connection is formed between the link member  80  and the lever arm  100 . 
         [0059]    In the example shown, the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  have a first snap-fit connection with the slot structure  166  in a first direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  (i.e. axis  17 ) and a second snap-fit connection in a second direction that is orthogonal to this axis. In this manner, a pivotal double action snap-fit type connection is formed between the link member  80  and the lever arm  100 . As the snap-fit connection between the link member  80  and the slot structure  66  is formed in two different directions, the force required to remove the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  from the apertures  106   a ,  108   a  is significantly increased. In some examples, the removal force achievable with the disclosed double action snap-fit connection exceeds the material strength of the link member  80  an d /or the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b.    
         [0060]    The first and second members  106 ,  108  of the lever arm  100  are each further provided with an over-the-center cam surface  106   b ,  108   b  configured to slidably engage against a corresponding over-the-center cam surface  58   b ,  60   b  of the first and second member  58 ,  60  on the latch component  56 . The over-the-center cam surfaces allow for the lever arm  100  to be rotated about the pivot axis  17  to draw the first and second clamp-half pieces  20   a ,  20   b  together in a secured position. Referring to  FIG. 28 , it can be seen that the lever arm  100  is held above the latch component  56  such that the link arm  80  can be rotated about the pivot axis  11  within clamp half-piece  20   b  to bring the lever arm  100  over to the clamp half-piece  20   a .  FIG. 29  shows the lever arm  100  having been moved in this fashion until the over-the-center cam surfaces  58   b / 60   b  are engaged against the over-the-center cam surfaces  106   b / 108   b.    
         [0061]    From the position shown in  FIG. 29 , the lever arm  100  can be rotated about pivot axis  17  until the lever arm  100  is adjacent to the clamp half-piece  20   a . As the lever arm  100  is rotated about pivot axis  17  from the position shown in  FIG. 29  to the position shown in  FIGS. 1-8 and 30 , the distance between the pivot axes  11  and  17  is increased. This effect is enabled because the over-the-center cam surfaces  106   b / 108   b  are each formed as an eccentric curve about the center of the apertures  106   a / 106   b  (i.e. pivot axis  17 ). Accordingly, as the lever arm  100  is moved towards the latched position, a tension force on the link arm  80  is developed which draws the first ends  26  of the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  together. 
         [0062]    With the lever arm  100  against the outer surface  30  of the first clamp half-piece, the clamp assembly  10  is in a closed, latched position. To further secure the clamp assembly  10  in the latched position, the lever arm  100  can be provided with a latch member  114  and a lock aperture  116  while the clamp half-piece  20   a ,  20   b  can be provided with a securing feature  70  having a latch aperture  72  and a lock aperture  74 . As configured, once the lever arm  100  is moved into the fully latched position, the latch member  114  snaps into the latch aperture  72  and the lock apertures  74  and  116  become aligned. Once aligned, a lock or other securing device can be passed through the lock apertures  74  and  116  to prevent movement of the lever arm  100  out of the latched position. The latch member  114  can be disengaged from the latch aperture  72  by laterally deflecting the lever arm  100  away from the latch aperture  72 . 
         [0063]    The clamp assembly  10  can also be provided with ear structures  118  located on the lever arm  100  that interact with pin projections  57  located on the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b . One purpose of the ear structures  118  is to provide additional reach such that an unclosed clamp assembly  10  can be drawn into the closed position where the ends  26  from the two half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  are a certain distance away from each other. The ear structures  118  and pin projections  57  also help in opening a closed clamp assembly since they provide a lever  100  that makes this operation easier. This type of configuration is shown and disclosed in European Patent EP 0 824 468 B1, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. In the embodiment shown, the ear structures  118  are integrally formed with the lever arm  100  while the pin projections  57  are integrally formed with the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b.    
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 30 , it can be seen that the specific orientation of the slot structures  66  and  166  and the pin projections  84   a / 84   b  and  86   a / 86   b  is such that the link arm  80  is securely held in place, even during periods of maximum tension. As the lever arm  100  is being moved into the latched position, the link arm  80  is completely aligned with the slot structure  66  (i.e. axes  67  and  81  are generally aligned) such that any tension on the link arm  80  will only act to draw the link arm  80  further into the slot structure  66 . Likewise, as the lever arm  100  is being moved from the unlatched position to the latched position, the average or approximate axis  112  of the slot structure  166  is rotated from being generally aligned with the link arm axis  81  to being about orthogonal to the link arm axis  81 . Accordingly, tension in the link arm  80  is unable to generate a significant component force that would draw the link arm  80  out of the slot structure  166 . 
         [0065]    Furthermore, the sidewalls  166   e ,  166   b  are shown as being provided with a curved or radiused shape. In the example shown, the sidewalls  166   e ,  166   b  are provided with a constant radius that intersects a tangent line  113  of the apertures  106   a ,  108   a . This configuration is such that the pin protrusions  86   a ,  86   b  would have to travel (initially along tangent line  113  and against sidewalls  166   e ,  166   b ) away from the pin projections  84   a ,  84   b  in order for the pin protrusions  86   a ,  86   b  to move out of the slot structure  166 . As the link arm  80  is relatively rigid, the link arm  80  prevents such movement and thus the curved sidewalls  166   e ,  166   b  add a further measure of protection against the pin projections snapping out of the apertures  106   a ,  108   a.    
         [0066]    The link arm  80  is further secured to the lever arm  100  in the latched position due to the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  being rotated such that the flat sides are generally orthogonal to the sidewalls  166   a / 166   b  and  116   d / 166   e  of the lever arm  100 . As the outer dimension of the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  is larger than the distance w 3  between the sidewalls  166   a / 166   b  and  116   d / 166   e , the pin projections  86   a ,  86   b  are unable to travel through the slot structure  166 . Accordingly, the link arm  80  is prevented from separating from the lever arm  100  even if the snap-fit connection alone was insufficient to hold the parts together. 
         [0067]    As most easily seen at  FIG. 11 , the first end  26  of the clamp half piece  20  is disposed at a slight inward angle a 2  to the centerline axis  14  of the clamp  10 . Similarly, the second end  28  is disposed at a slight inward angle a 3  to the centerline axis  14 . In one example, the angles a 2  and a 3  are about 1 degree. By disposing the first and second ends  26 ,  28  at the angles a 2 , a 3 , the ends  26 / 26  and  28 / 28  are disposed at an angle to each other when the clamp  10  is initially placed in the closed position such that primarily only the radially outward portion of the ends  26 / 26  and  28 / 28  are in contact with each other with a gap  15  (see  FIG. 30 ) existing at the radially inward portion (i.e. portion nearest axis  12 ). As the clamp pieces  20   a ,  20   b  are clamped together as the lever arm  100  is drawn into a locked position, the radially inward portion of the ends  26 / 26  and  28 / 28  are drawn towards each other to either partially or fully close the previously existing gap such that the ends  26 / 26  and  28 / 28  are fully or partially flush with each other. By providing this initial gap, a self-tensioning spring-like action is achieved in which the stresses in the clamp half-pieces  20   a ,  20   b  are distributed about the entire main body  22  of each half-piece  20   a ,  20   b.    
         [0068]    As can be seen at  FIG. 32 , the clamp half pieces  20   a ,  20   b  can alternatively be configured in a clamp assembly  10 ′ such that the first ends  26  of the half pieces  20   a ,  20   b  are not brought into contact with each other as the lever arm  100  is placed into the latched position. The clamp assembly  10 ′ in  FIG. 32  is similar to clamp assembly  10  in every respect except for the provision of a whole gap  15  in the assembly  10 ′. This configuration completely ensures that the stress in the system will be carried by the half pieces  20   a ,  20   b . Additionally, the resulting gap  15  ensures that the natural creep occurring within the half pieces  20   a ,  20   b  will be automatically compensated as the lever arm  100  and link arm  80  will continue to exert a closing force onto the half pieces  20   a ,  20   b . It is noted that the feature of providing a partial or fully formed gap  15  is not limited to use with the clamp of the embodiment shown and can be used with other clamp designs, for example clamp assemblies that are assembled together with separate pins. 
         [0069]    In one aspect, the body  22  defines an outer surface  30  that extends around an interior channel  32 . The outer surface  30  is shown as having a curved or radiused transverse cross-sectional shape, but may be provided with other shapes as well, such as a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment shown, the bottom portion  102   a  of the lever arm  100  is provided with a complementarily shaped concave curved surface such that the bottom portion  102   a  closely follows the convex curved shape of the outer surface  30  in both directions. Thus, the lever arm  100  bottom portion  102   a  is curved from front-to-back to match the longitudinal arc of the body  22  (i.e. the major dimension of the body  22 ) and is curved from side-to-side to match the transverse curvature of the body  22  (i.e. the minor dimension of the body  22 ). The combination of the rounded outer surface  30  and the corresponding curved surface of the lever arm bottom portion  102   a  allows for a more compact arrangement and also allows for material reduction in the design of the clamp assembly  10 . This configuration also allows for a more ergonomic handle for an installer to grasp. 
         [0070]    As most easily seen at the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 16 , the interior channel  32  of the body  20  is defined by a pair of sidewalls  34 ,  36  extending from an end wall  38 . As shown, the sidewalls  34 ,  36  are formed at an angle a 1  to the end wall  38 . As shown, the angle a 1  is an obtuse angle, for example about 94 degrees. The angle a 1  is provided such that the channel  32  has a transverse cross-sectional profile that gradually narrows as the transverse cross-sectional profile extends from the open side of the channel  32  radially outwardly from the central clamp axis  12 . By providing a channel  32  with narrowing or tapering sidewalls  34 ,  36 , the clamp  10  is able to exert a greater and greater closing force onto the flanges of the enclosure as the clamp  10  is moved from the open position and secured into the closed position. This feature also allows for a wider acceptance area of the clamped components when they are initially introduced into the channel  32 . 
         [0071]    Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.