Patent ID: 8746029

Claim:
In a metal forming die of the type having at least one gas spring mounted between first and second reciprocating die members, the improvement of a gas spring retainer assembly, comprising: a one-piece, split clamping ring having a generally ovate plan shape with first and second spaced apart axes of symmetry, and defined by: a generally circular, resilient clamping portion disposed generally about said first axis of symmetry and shaped to receive a body portion of said gas spring body therein; a hook shaped end portion disposed generally about said second axis of symmetry and shaped to receive a fastener therein for attaching said clamping ring to said first die member; a resilient free end portion positioned operably between said clamping portion and said hook shaped end portion, and spaced radially from said second axis of symmetry to define an actuator space between said resilient free end portion and said hook shaped end portion; and a mounting screw having a threaded shank portion configured for anchoring in said first die member and a tapered head portion with at least a portion thereof having an outside diameter that is greater than said actuator space between said hook shaped end portion of said clamping ring and said resilient free end portion of said clamping ring, whereby tightening of said mounting screw into said first die member engages said tapered head portion of said mounting screw against said hook shaped end portion of said clamping ring and shifts the same radially outwardly away from said second axis of symmetry thereby pulling said clamping portion of said clamping ring constrictingly against said gas spring body, engages said tapered head portion of said mounting screw against said resilient free end portion of said clamping ring and shifts the same radially inwardly away from said second axis of symmetry and toward said first axis of symmetry, thereby further pulling said clamping ring constrictingly against said gas spring body, and securely, yet detachably, attaches said gas spring retainer assembly and said gas spring retained therein to said first die member.