Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for clamping a belt with a quick clamping action. The apparatus and method employ an impact force applied to a clamping device that causes a clamping portion of the clamping device to be driven into clamping engagement with the belt received in a housing for the clamping device. In one form, the clamping device has a clamp actuator that includes an impact receiving end preferably disposed outside the housing and a clamp member in the housing that is driven into clamping engagement with the belt by the actuator. The preferred belt clamp has the actuator and clamp member configured so that during belt pulling operations, the clamp also self-locks onto the belt to increase the clamping force applied thereto. In another aspect, the housing preferably has wall portions of varying thickness to provide increased strength where needed while keeping the weight thereof to a minimum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for clamping a belt with a quick clamping action. The apparatus and method employ an impact force applied to a clamping device that causes a clamping portion of the clamping device to be driven into clamping engagement with the belt received in a housing for the clamping device. In one form, the clamping device has a clamp actuator that includes an impact receiving end preferably disposed outside the housing and a clamp member in the housing that is driven into clamping engagement with the belt by the actuator. The preferred belt clamp has the actuator and clamp member configured so that during belt pulling operations, the clamp also self-locks onto the belt to increase the clamping force applied thereto. In another aspect, the housing preferably has wall portions of varying thickness to provide increased strength where needed while keeping the weight thereof to a minimum.