Patent ID: 8523923

Claim:
A two-piece clamping element comprising two separate opposing first and second clamping jaws each having a recessed surface extending along a first axis forming a laterally open expandable cavity extending between first and second outer surfaces of each clamping jaw to receive a rod-shaped element, with each clamping jaw having a bore aligned with one another, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity allowing the two opposing clamping jaws to come into contact with one another, wherein the pivot bearing comprises at least one set of complementary pivot bearing surfaces portions wherein the set of complementary pivot bearing surfaces portions are pivotally engaged and comprise a protrusion with a part-cylindrical convex surface in the first clamping jaw and a complementary groove with a part-cylindrical concave surface in the second clamping jaw, the part-cylindrical surfaces of the protrusion and complementary groove of the pivot bearing each extend across the entire distance between the first and second outer surfaces of the clamping jaws along an axis parallel to the first axis, the convex and concave part-cylindrical surfaces are in contact and pivot against one another as the laterally open cavity expands.