Abstract:
A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section; a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section; a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and, a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to clamps for gripping objects, such as tubular-shaped bars. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to clamps which can be locked into a singular fixed position and unlocked for repositioning or removal. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various forms of clamps exist for gripping different surfaces or objects. One clamp, sold under the brand name VICE-GRIP™, provides for a locking and unlocking mechanism using a lever. There are also various types of clamps or gripping devices used to grasp a bar, such as a weightlifting bar, to prevent objects slidingly mounted on the bar from moving. Such bar gripping devices often require the use of two hands to lock, unlock and reposition the device. During a weightlifting exercise regimen a lifter frequently needs to add or remove weights to or from the bar. It would be desirable to have a locking clamp operable using just one hand. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The present disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0004]    One aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section; b) a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section; c) a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and, d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a notch formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position. 
         [0005]    Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a first insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) a curved latch having a notch formed therein and extending from said first handle, and, v) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, iii) a second insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, v) a pintle extending from said second handle; c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking lever having i) a first portion including a curved end, said curved end dimensioned to be in a sliding relationship with respect to said pintle during operation, ii) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch and said notch, iii) a second portion depressible by a user to unlock said latch from said locking lever; and, a spring associated with said second handle and contacting said locking lever first portion for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position. 
         [0006]    A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch extending from said first handle and having an aperture formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a press plate section, (2) an angled section, (3) a fulcrum section having a pivot mechanism, and (4) an angled pin section at least a portion of which can engage said aperture in said curved latch, iii) a base member having a pivot mechanism which pivotably engages said pivot mechanism of said fulcrum section, a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position whereby said locking lever can pivot so that said angled pin section engages said aperture in said curved latch so as to maintain said first jaw and said second jaw in a fixed relationship. 
         [0007]    An additional aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a stud extending from said curved latch, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion having a projection, and (4) a third portion for pivoting said locking lever, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position. 
         [0008]    Other features will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of several exemplary embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a clamp according to a first exemplary embodiment in the locked position and engaging a weightlifting bar. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a exploded schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , showing the clamp with the jaws open. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , showing the clamp with the jaws closed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a first variation of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , showing a clamp suitable for clamping to a bar having a square cross-sectional shape. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a second variation of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , showing a clamp suitable for clamping to a bar having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a third variation of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , showing a clamp suitable for clamping to a bar having a triangular cross-sectional shape. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention incorporating a lever locking mechanism. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the second exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 7  showing a detail of the lever locking mechanism. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a rear elevational view of the second exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 7  showing a detail of the lever locking mechanism. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention incorporating a spring locking mechanism with a fixed pin. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the third exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a rear elevational view of the third exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The clamp as described herein may be used to securely grip a bar  5 , such as a conventional weightlifting bar, which may hold a number of weights  7 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Such bars typically have one of two different diameters (known as regular and Olympic), but, bars or other shapes of various diameters are able to be gripped by the clamps of the exemplified embodiments described herein. In one exemplary embodiment of a clamp, shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , a clamp  10  generally comprises a first handle  12 , a second handle  14 , a pin  16  and a locking mechanism  18 . The clamp  10  may be made of any generally rigid, durable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, ceramic, alloy, composite, wood, combinations thereof, and the like. 
         [0024]    The first handle  12  has a hand gripping section  20 , a middle section  22  and a curved clamping section or jaw  24 . The clamping section  24  has a recessed portion  26  which can accommodate an insert  28  having a gripping surface  27 . The insert  28  preferably has at least one, and, preferably, a plurality of wedge-shaped protrusions  29  can snap fit into the recessed portion  26 . The first handle  12  also has a finger or latch  30 , which is preferably curved. The finger  30  is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-section, but, alternatively can have a circular, square, elliptical or other cross-sectional shape. The finger  30  has a notch  31 . The notch  31  can be an angled cutout or may be curved, channeled or other shape. A sleeve or bearing  32  extends from the middle section  22  and has a bore  34 . The clamping section  24  has an interior wall  36  and an exterior wall  38 . 
         [0025]    The second handle  14  has a hand gripping section  40 , a middle section  42  and a curved clamping section  44 . The clamping section  44  has a recessed portion  46  which can accommodate an insert  48  having a gripping surface  47 , and having wedge-shaped protrusion(s)  29  similar to those part of the insert  28 . The clamping section  44  also has an interior wall  50  and an exterior wall  52 . 
         [0026]    The inserts  28  and  48  may be made of or incorporate a cushioned, compressible, deformable, rubber-like, tacky, roughened surface or other material which can grip the bar  5 . The inserts  24  and  28  may snap-fit into the recessed area of the clamping sections  24 ,  44 , respectively. Alternatively, the inserts  24  and  28  may be affixed by adhesive into the recessed areas  26  and  46 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the second handle  14  has a bore  60  passing through the middle section  42  and which accommodates the sleeve  32 . The pin  16  (which could alternatively be a bolt or screw) has a head  62  and a shaft  64 . The sleeve  32  fits in the bore  60  and the pin shaft  62  fits at least partially within the bore, such as by pressure fit, adhesive, threads, a nut (not shown) or the like, to maintain the first handle  12  in a pivotable relationship with the second handle  14 . The second handle also has a tab or pintle  70  extending from the outside portion of the middle section  42 . The tab  70  may have a notch  72  and a lip  74 . The tab  70  also may have a pin portion  76 . A spring  78  or other resilient member (e.g., rubber, foam, padding, thin plate, or the like) can be partially accommodated within a recess  79  in the gripping section  40 . Alternatively, the spring  79  may be attached or associated with the second handle  14  by fitting over a protrusion (not shown) extending from the handle  14 . 
         [0028]    A locking lever  80  has a first portion  82 , a second portion  84 , a first end  86  and a second end  88 . The second portion  84  includes a slot  90 . The slot  90  is show as generally rectangular, but can alternatively be circular, elliptical, square or other shape. The slot  90  can slidingly accommodate the finger  30  when assembled. The notch  31  can engage with the slot  90  to lock the finger  30  in a fixed position and, accordingly, lock the clamp  10  in a gripping position. It is to be understood that the clamping sections  24  and  44 , which are shown as curved so as to be able to grip a tubular-shaped bar, can have a different shape to grip other geometric surfaces. For example, the clamping sections  24  and  44  can have a shape that when in the clamped position form a square, rectangle, triangle, ellipse, hexagon, or other regular or irregular shape to accommodate a bar or other structure shape. Several possible configurations are shown in  FIGS. 4-6  where the clamping sections  24  and  44  have interior walls  36 ,  50  with different shapes.  FIGS. 4-5  show variations in which the exterior walls  38 ,  52  of the clamping sections  24  and  44  have a generally curved shape.  FIG. 6  shows a configuration in which the exterior walls  36 ,  50  have the same general shape as the interior walls  36 ,  50 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A and  3 B, the clamp may be operated by positioning the clamping sections  24 ,  44  around a portion of a bar or pipe. A user grasps the gripping portions  20 ,  40  and squeezes the two portions toward each other. The finger  30  slides within the slot  90  of the lever  80  until the notch  31  engages the edge of the slot  90 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . The spring  78  biases the lever  80  to remain in position and to continue to engage the notch  31  by having one end of the spring  78  abut the lever  80  and the other end reside within the recess  79 . The second end  88  of the lever  80  engages the lip  74  and the notch  72  of the tab  70 . In this clamped position the first portion  86  of the lever  80  is biased away from the second handle  14  gripping portion  40 . The clamp  10  may be disengaged from the bar by pressing the lever  80  to urge the first portion  82  toward the gripping section  40  of the second handle  14 . This causes the lever  80  to pivot and the edge of the slot  90  to disengage from the notch  31 . 
         [0030]    While a bar  5  can be gripped by the clamp  5  as described hereinabove by the gripping surfaces  27  and  47 , the clamp in the embodiments described in the present disclosure may also or alternatively grip an object by clamping section tips  92  and  94  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0031]      FIGS. 7-9  show a clamp  100  in a second exemplary embodiment in which basic components illustrated are as those described hereinabove are incorporated, but with the finger  30  and locking mechanism composed as follows. 
         [0032]    The clamp  100  has a finger  102  associated with the first handle  12 . The finger  102  has an aperture  104  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). The clamping mechanism comprises a second lever  110  having a press plate section  112 , a middle section  114 , and a pin section  116 . The middle section  114  has an aperture  118  which accommodates a pivot pin  120 . A base member  122  is attached to the second end  88  of the lever  80 . In this embodiment the lever  80  and tab  70  are may be eliminated. 
         [0033]    When the clamp  100  is engaged (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) and the finger  102  is engaged within the slot  90  in the lever  80 , the pin section  116  is urged by the biasing action of a spring  124  or other resilient member (e.g., rubber, foam, padding, thin plate, or the like) into the aperture  104  so as to hold the finger  30  in a fixed relation to the second lever  110  and, accordingly, the handles  12  and  14  in a gripping relationship around the bar. To disengage the clamp  100  the user presses the press plate section  112 , which causes the second lever  110  to pivot about the pivot pin  120  and to lift the pin section  116  out of the aperture  104 , thereby allowing the finger  102  to move and the handles  12 ,  14  to separate. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 10-12  show a clamp  200  in a third exemplary embodiment in which the same basic components describes hereinabove (with respect to  FIGS. 1-6 ) are incorporated, but with the finger  30  and locking mechanism being composed as follows. 
         [0035]    A lever  202  comprises a first portion  204  having a first end  205  and a second portion  206 . The second portion  206  has a protrusion  208  defining a notch or recessed area  210 . The second portion  206  terminates in a second end  212 , which is preferably curved. A finger  214  has an orthogonally projecting pin or stud  220 . The stud  220  can be on one side of the finger  214 , or, alternatively, can be on both sides of the finger  214 . Similarly, the protrusion  208  can be on one side or extend across the entire width of the lever  204 . A tab or pintle  70  extends from the second handle  14 . A spring  78  can be partially located within a recess  79  or otherwise associated with the handle  14  as described hereinabove (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0036]    The clamp  200  may be operated as follows. The lever  202  is initially in the unlocked position, shown in  FIG. 10  by the letter “A”. The lever  203  is in the locked position as shown by the lever noted by the letter “B”. In the locked, engaged position the handles  12 ,  14  are closed and the second end  212  of the lever  202  engages the tab  70  as described hereinabove with respect to the first exemplary embodiment. The lever  202  pivots around the pin  220 . When the clamp  200  is to be disengaged, the user presses the first portion  204  of the lever  202  and the second end  212  disengages from the tab  70 . Notch  210  disengages from the pin  220  and, simultaneously, the second end  212  pushes against the tab  70  in the opposite direction causing first handle  12  and second handle  14  to separate and open. 
         [0037]    Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. It should further be noted that any patents, applications and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.