Patent ID: 6981816

Claim:
A clamping mechanism for releasably interconnecting two structural components having radially outwardly reaching clamping surfaces of rotational symmetry, said clamping mechanism comprising a plurality of clamping elements, at least one tensioning member holding said clamping elements together, said clamping elements comprising a radially inwardly facing clamping groove adapted for cooperation with said clamping surfaces of said structural components, said at least one tensioning member comprising a first end and a second end, a first connecting eye secured to said first end of said at least one tensioning member, a second connecting eye secured to said second end of said at least one tensioning member, and at least one tensioning assembly comprising a mounting, first and second tensioning levers and two separate hinges, each separate hinge operatively securing one of said first and second tensioning levers to said mounting for tensioning said at least one tensioning member, a locking mechanism secured to said mounting between said first and second tensioning levers for locking said first and second tensioning levers in a tensioned position, said first tensioning lever comprising a first guide, a first journal bolt securing said first connecting eye to said first tensioning lever in said first guide for movement relative to said first tensioning lever, said second tensioning lever comprising a second guide, a second journal bolt securing said second connecting eye to said second tensioning lever in said second guide for movement relative to said second tensioning lever, and retarding means operatively interposed between said mounting and each tensioning lever of said first and second tensioning levers for slowing down an opening motion of said first and second tensioning levers.