Clamping Unit

Abstract

A clamping unit comprising a base having a first jaw and a spike and the spike extends from the first jaw, and the first jaw has a first jaw spring recess. There is a second jaw having a second jaw spring recess. A torsion spring positioned in the first and second jaw spring recesses and attached to the first jaw and the second jaw, such that the torsion spring is disposed internal to the clamping unit. The first jaw has a crest and the second jaw has a trough and the crest of the first jaw is receivable in the trough of the second jaw and the torsion spring is for forcing the first and second jaws into a closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND

Outdoor activities often call for the use of a blanket, towel, mat or throw rug for people to sit on. For example, people often relax on a beach towel while spending a day at a beach. Or, people may place a blanket on the ground and sit on the blanket and have a picnic. In addition, campers may place a canvas on the ground at their campsite.

A problem exists, however, when the wind blows. The wind is capable of lifting the towel and folding the towel over on itself, or the wind may even blow the towel away. In addition, when people walk on the towel their feet may accidentally kick the towel up off the ground, and the towel has to be re-positioned and spread out on the beach. To deal with these problems some people have resorted to placing rocks or sticks on the towel in order to hold the towel to the ground. Although such weights may hold the towel down, they simultaneously create a tripping hazard to anyone walking on or off the towel, especially at night or in other low light conditions. Such weights are especially dangerous to infants and children, and are not pleasing to look at.

Thus, it would be desirable if there were an easy to use, lightweight device for holding down towels, blankets, etc.

SUMMARY

A clamping unit comprising a base having a first jaw. The base has a spike that extends from the first jaw and the first jaw has a first jaw spring recess. There is provided a second jaw having a second jaw spring recess. A torsion spring positioned in the first and second jaw spring recesses and attached to the first jaw and the second jaw to hold the clamping unit together. The first jaw has a crest and the second jaw has a trough and the crest of the first jaw is receivable in the trough of the second jaw. The torsion spring is for forcing the first and second jaws into a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a clamping unit in a closed position.

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the clamping unit.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the taken along line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the clamping unit.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a second jaw of the clamping unit.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a first jaw of the clamping unit.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of a torsion spring.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the torsion spring.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the torsion spring.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the clamping unit in an open position.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the clamping unit in a closed position and clamping a towel.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the second jaw of another embodiment.

FIG. 12. is a top plan view of the first jaw of another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a clamping unit 20 of the present invention. The clamping unit 20 includes a base 22 having a first jaw 24 and a spike 25, and the spike 25 is joined to and extends from the first jaw 24. The first jaw 24 and spike 25 are, in one of the preferred embodiments, a one piece body. In other preferred embodiments the first jaw 24 and spike 25 may be two pieces that are threaded together. The spike 25 has ground engaging fins 27, and as shown in FIG. 2 there are four such fins 27. Each fin 27 is substantially perpendicular to an adjacent fin 27. The spike 25 has a spike tip 29. In other preferred embodiments, there may be more or less than four fins 27, and the spike 25 may have different cross sections.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first jaw 24 has an exterior surface 35. The first jaw 24 has clamping end 26 and an opposed gripping end 28, and a clamping portion 30 that meets with a first gripping portion 31. Moving to left to right in FIGS. 3 and 5, the clamping portion 30 has a first jaw clamping surface 32 with a wavy pattern 33. The first jaw clamping surface 32 has a crest 34 that extends to a trough 36, that extends to a substantially flat portion 38. The crest 34 and trough 36 extend across the width, designated W in FIG. 5, of the first jaw 24. Adjacent the substantially flat portion 38 is a first jaw spring recess 40 that spans the width W of the first jaw 24. The gripping portion 31 has a sloped surface 42 that extends in a direction toward the spike tip 29. The first jaw 24 has an opening 46 proximal the gripping end 28 that extends through the first jaw 24. In other preferred embodiments, the opening 46 may be replaced with a recess that extends into the first jaw 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the clamping unit 20 further includes a second jaw 54 having an exterior surface 55. The second jaw 54 has a clamping end 56 and an opposed gripping end 58, and a clamping portion 60 that meets with a second gripping portion 61. Moving to left to right in FIGS. 3 and 4, the clamping portion 60 has a second clamping surface 62 that has a wavy pattern 63. The second clamping surface 62 has a trough 64 that extends to a crest 66, that extends to a substantially flat portion 68. The trough 64 and crest 66 extend across the width, designated W1 in FIG. 4, of the second jaw 54, and the width W1 of the second jaw 54 is the same as the width W of the first jaw 24. Adjacent the substantially flat portion 68 is a second jaw spring recess 70 that spans the width W1 of the second jaw 54. The gripping portion 61 has a sloped surface 63 that extends in a direction away from the second jaw spring recess 70. The second jaw 54 has an opening 72 proximal the gripping end 58 that extends through the second jaw 54, and in another preferred embodiment the opening 72 may be replaced with a recess that extends into the second jaw 54.

FIGS. 6-8 show a torsion spring 80 (also referred to herein as spring 80) that connects the first jaw 24 and the second jaw 54. In other preferred embodiments, other suitable spring devices may be used. The torsion spring 80 works by torsion or twisting, and when it is twisted it stores energy. The amount of force a torsion spring 80 is capable of exerting is proportional to the amount the torsion spring 80 is twisted. Torsion springs are well know to those having ordinary skill in the art. The torsion spring 80 has a coiled portion 82 with opposed first and second ends 86, 88, respectively. A first leg 83 extends from the first end 86, and a second leg 84 extends from the second end 88, as shown. The first leg 83 has an first leg extension 90 that extends in a direction toward the second end 88 of the torsion spring 80. The second leg 84 has a second leg extension 92 that extends in a direction toward first end 86 of the torsion spring 80.

To assemble the clamp device 20, the coiled portion 82 of the torsion spring 80 is positioned in the first jaw spring recess 40 formed in the first jaw 24. The first leg extension 90 of the first leg 83 is positioned in the opening 46 in the first jaw 24. Then, the second jaw 54 is aligned with and moved adjacent to the first jaw 24, such that the crest 34 and trough 36 of the first jaw 24 are adjacent to the trough 64 and crest 66 of the second jaw 54, and the second jaw spring recess 70 is adjacent the torsion spring 80 such that the torsion spring 80 may be received therein. The first and second jaws 24, 54 are moved together, and a force is applied to the second leg extension 92 of the second leg 88 of the torsion spring 80 causing it to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3 and store energy. The second leg extension 92 is rotated until it is aligned with the opening 72 in the second jaw 54. The second leg extension 92 is moved into the opening 72 in the second jaw 54, such that the first and second jaws 24, 54, are connected to one another by the torsion spring 80, and the spring 80 securely positioned in the first and second jaw spring recesses 40, 70. After installation of the spring 80, the first and second legs 82, 84, and associated first and second leg extensions 90, 92, apply a force on the first and second jaws 24, 54. In particular, the crest 34 and trough 36 of the first jaw 24 are forced into and abut against the trough 64 and crest 66 of the second jaw 54 due to the force applied by the spring 80. In this manner the clamping unit 20 is maintained in a closed position 98 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10.

The torsion spring 80 is positioned internal to the assembled clamping unit 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the spring 80 is positioned a spring distance designated D in FIG. 1, from the gripping ends 28, 58, of the first and second jaws 24, 54. The first and second jaws 24, 54, pivot on the torsion spring 80. This advantageously provides for increased clamping force applied to the clamping ends 26, 56, of the first and second jaws 24, 54, as compared to the clamping force that would be applied to the clamping ends 26, 56, if the same torsion spring 80 were to be mounted, for example in the space defined between the gripping portions 31, 61. In addition, the torsion spring 80 is interlocked to the first and second jaws 24, 54, which advantageously reduces the possibility of the torsion spring 80 working its way out of the clamping unit 20 after repeated use. In addition, because the torsion spring 80 is positioned in the first and second jaw spring recesses 40, 70, the crest 34 and trough 36 of the first jaw 24 is advantageously in complete abutting contact with the trough 64 and crest 66 of the second jaw 54.

The clamping unit 20 is preferably plastic, but may comprise metal, wood, fiberglass, composites, and combinations thereof, except for the torsion spring 80 which in one of the preferred embodiments is spring steel or other suitable metal or metal alloy.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in use the spike 25 of the clamping unit 20 is forced into the ground 100 (also referred to herein as sand 100). The spike 25 may be introduced into the ground or sand 100 until the first jaw clamping surface 32 is flush with or slightly elevated above the surrounding ground/sand 100. Of course, the clamping device 20 will function if introduced deeper into the sand/ground 100, but surrounding soil/sand may move between the first and second jaws 24, 54, as they are opened and closed. The user may step on the exterior surface 55 of the second jaw 54 to introduce the spike 25 into the ground 100. It is pointed out that the clamping unit 20 may be constructed and have sufficient strength such that it may be pounded into the ground 100 with a hammer or mallet and not be damaged in the process. After the clamping unit 20 has been introduced moved into the ground 100 it is in a closed position 98 as shown in FIG. 1. Then, the user manually grips the first and second gripping portions 31, 61, and applies a compressive force designated by the arrows F in FIG. 9, to each such that the second jaw 54 rotates away from the first jaw 24 in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow designated C. The torsion spring 80 resists the opening of the first and second jaws 24, 54. The clamping unit 20 is in an open position 99 as shown in FIG. 9. An article, for example a blanket 102, is moved into a gap 104 defined between the open first and second jaws 24, 54, in the direction of arrow B. The user then releases the first and second gripping portions 31, 61, and the second jaw 54 closes on the first jaw 24 and the clamping unit 20 is in the closed position 98. The blanket 102 is then compressed between the first and second jaws 24, 54, and held in position by friction forces and compressive forces. To release the blanket 102 from the closed position 98, the user manually grips the first and second gripping portions 31, 61, and applies a force, designated F in FIG. 9, to each such that they the second jaw 54 rotates away from the first jaw 24, and while the claming device 20 is in the open position 99, the user pulls the blanket 102 out of the clamping unit 20. It is pointed out that the user may use as many clamping units 20 as needed to hold the blanket 102 to the ground 100. For example, four clamping units 20 with one being used at each corner of the blanket 102 may be sufficient, but if the blanket 102 is large and there are high winds, additional clamping units 20 may be used to secure the blanket 102 to the ground. The clamping unit 20 is reusable. In addition, the clamping unit 20 may be clamped to the blanket 102 before it is introduced into the ground/sand 100, and the introduction of the spike 25 into the ground/sand 100 may stopped when the blanket 102 is flush with the surrounding ground/sand 100.

In addition, the crest 34 and trough 36 of the first jaw 24, and the trough 64 and crest 66 of the second jaw 54 advantageously provide for increased surface area for enhanced holding of the blanket 102, as compared to, for example flat jaws. And, in one of the preferred embodiments, the crest 34 and trough 36 of the first jaw 24, and the trough 64 and crest 66 of the second jaw 54 are smooth so that the blanket 102 is not damaged when held by the first and second jaws 24, 54. This advantageously prevents the blanket 102 from snagging on the first and second jaws 24, 54, in the event the user applies a strong pulling force on the blanket 102 inadvertently, or intentionally while picking up the blanket 102. In other preferred embodiments, the crest 34 and trough 36 of the first jaw 24, and the trough 64 and crest 66 of the second jaw 54 may have a textured surface 109. For example protrusions 110 with smooth or rough surfaces may extend therefrom, for enhancing the frictional engagement of the first and second jaws 24, 54, with the blanket 102 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in a non-damaging manner.

It is to be understood that in other preferred embodiments the first jaw 24 may have more than one crest 34 and trough 36 and the second jaw 54 may have more than one trough 64 and crest 66, so long as the crests 34 are received in the troughs 64, and the crests 66 are received in the troughs 36.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the exterior surface 55 of the second jaw 54 in one of the preferred embodiments has the shape of a clam shell, but may be otherwise shaped in other preferred embodiments.

While the clamping unit has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamping unit comprising:

a base having a first jaw and a spike and wherein the spike extends from the first jaw and the first jaw has a first jaw spring recess;

a second jaw having a second jaw spring recess;

a torsion spring positioned in the first and second jaw spring recesses and attached to the first jaw and the second jaw; and

and wherein the first jaw has a crest and the second jaw has a trough and the crest of the first jaw is receivable in the trough of the second jaw and the torsion spring is for forcing the first and second jaws into a closed position.

2. The clamping unit according to claim 1 wherein the first jaw has a first gripping portion and the second jaw has a second gripping portion such that when the first and second gripping portions are compressed the second jaw rotates on the torsion spring a direction away from the first jaw to open the clamping unit.

3. The clamping unit according to claim 1 wherein the first jaw has a gripping end and a clamping end and the second jaw has a gripping end and a clamping end and wherein the torsion spring is positioned a spring distance from the gripping ends of the first and second jaws and the spring distance is for maximizing the clamping force applied at the clamping ends of the first and second jaws.

4. The clamping device according to claim 1 wherein the spike has fins that are substantially perpendicular to one another.

5. The clamping unit according to claim 1 wherein the spike and the first jaw are one piece.

6. The clamping unit according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the crest and trough of the first jaw has a textured surface for enhancing the engagement made between the clamping unit and an article clamped.

7. The clamping unit according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the crest and trough of the second jaw has a textured surface for enhancing the engagement made between the clamping unit and an article clamped.

8. The clamping unit according to claim 1 wherein the torsion spring has a coiled portion with opposed first and second ends and a first leg extends from the first end and a second leg extends from the second end, and the first leg has an first leg extension and the second leg has a second leg extension and wherein the first leg extension of the first leg is positioned in an opening in the first jaw, and the second leg extension of the second leg is positioned in an opening in the second jaw such that the first and second jaws are connected to one another.

9. The clamping unit according to claim 8 wherein the first jaw has opposed clamping and gripping ends and the second jaw has opposed second jaw clamping and gripping ends and the torsion spring for forcing the clamping ends together.

10. A method of making a clamping unit comprising:

providing a base having a first jaw and a spike and extending the spike from the first jaw, and defining a first jaw spring recess in the first jaw;

providing a second jaw and defining a second jaw spring recess in the second jaw;

providing a torsion spring and positioning the torsion spring in the first and second jaw spring recesses and attaching the first jaw and the second jaw with the torsion spring; and

providing the first jaw with a crest and the second jaw with a trough and positioning the crest of the first jaw in the trough of the second jaw and using the torsion spring for forcing the first and second jaws into a closed position.

11. The method of making a clamping unit according to claim 10 further including providing the first jaw with a first gripping portion and providing the second jaw with a second gripping portion such that when the first and second gripping portions are compressed the second jaw rotates on the torsion spring in a direction away from the first jaw to open the clamping unit.

12. The method of making a clamping unit according to claim 10 further including providing the first jaw with a gripping end and a clamping end and providing the second jaw with a gripping end and a clamping end and positioning the torsion spring a spring distance from the gripping ends of the first and second jaws and the spring distance is for maximizing the clamping force applied at the clamping ends of the first and second jaws.

13. The method of making a clamping unit according to claim 10 further including providing the torsion spring with a coiled portion having opposed first and second ends and extending a first leg from the first end and extending a second leg from the second end, and providing the first leg with a first leg extension and providing the second leg with a second leg extension and positioning the first leg extension of the first leg in an opening in the first jaw, and positioning the second leg extension of the second leg in an opening in the second jaw such that the first and second jaws are connected to one another.

14. The method of making a clamping unit according to claim 13 further including providing the first jaw with opposed clamping and gripping ends and providing the second jaw with opposed second jaw clamping and gripping ends and using the torsion spring for forcing the clamping ends together.

15. The method of making a clamping unit according to claim 10 wherein further including providing at least one of the crest and trough of the first jaw with a textured surface for enhancing the engagement made between the clamping unit and an article clamped.

16. The method of making a clamping unit according to claim 10 further including providing at least one of the crest and trough of the second jaw with a textured surface for enhancing the engagement made between the clamping unit and an article clamped.