Patent ID: 8733147

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, clamping band having a generally U-shaped plan configuration with a central axis of symmetry, and defined by: a generally arcuate medial portion disposed generally about said central axis of symmetry, shaped to receive a body portion of said gas spring therein, and configured for resilient shifting between clamped and unclamped conditions; first and second enlarged end portions, having associated first and second through apertures oriented generally parallel with said central axis of symmetry and defined by first and second sidewalls shaped to receive associated fasteners therein for attaching said clamping band to said first die member; a first mounting screw having a threaded shank portion extending through said first through aperture in said clamping band and anchored in said first die member, and an enlarged head portion engaging said first enlarged end portion of said clamping band in said clamped condition; a second mounting screw having a threaded shank portion extending through said second through aperture in said clamping band and anchored 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 second through aperture in said clamping band; a first threaded retainer aperture in said first die member disposed concentric with said first through aperture in said clamping band and anchoring said shank portion of said first mounting screw therein, whereby tightening of said first mounting screw securely mounts said first enlarged end portion of said clamping band on said first die member; and a second threaded retainer aperture in said first die member disposed in said unclamped condition laterally offset from said second through aperture in said clamping band and anchoring said shank portion of said second mounting screw therein, whereby tightening of said second mounting screw engages said tapered head portion of said second mounting screw against said sidewall of said second through aperture and shifts said second enlarged end portion of said clamping band laterally toward said first enlarged end portion of said clamping band, thereby pulling said medial portion of said clamping band constrictingly against said gas spring body to securely, yet detachably retain said gas spring on said first die member in said clamped condition.