CLAMP FOR A WEIGHTLIFTING BAR
A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section; a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section; a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and, a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position.
The present disclosure relates to clamps for gripping objects, such as tubular-shaped bars. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to clamps which can be locked into a singular fixed position and unlocked for repositioning or removal.
BACKGROUNDVarious forms of clamps exist for gripping different surfaces or objects. One clamp, sold under the brand name VICE-GRIP™, provides for a locking and unlocking mechanism using a lever. There are also various types of clamps or gripping devices used to grasp a bar, such as a weightlifting bar, to prevent objects slidingly mounted on the bar from moving. Such bar gripping devices often require the use of two hands to lock, unlock and reposition the device. During a weightlifting exercise regimen a lifter frequently needs to add or remove weights to or from the bar. It would be desirable to have a locking clamp operable using just one hand.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section; b) a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section; c) a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and, d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a notch formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a first insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) a curved latch having a notch formed therein and extending from said first handle, and, v) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, iii) a second insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, v) a pintle extending from said second handle; c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking lever having i) a first portion including a curved end, said curved end dimensioned to be in a sliding relationship with respect to said pintle during operation, ii) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch and said notch, iii) a second portion depressible by a user to unlock said latch from said locking lever; and, a spring associated with said second handle and contacting said locking lever first portion for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch extending from said first handle and having an aperture formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a press plate section, (2) an angled section, (3) a fulcrum section having a pivot mechanism, and (4) an angled pin section at least a portion of which can engage said aperture in said curved latch, iii) a base member having a pivot mechanism which pivotably engages said pivot mechanism of said fulcrum section, a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position whereby said locking lever can pivot so that said angled pin section engages said aperture in said curved latch so as to maintain said first jaw and said second jaw in a fixed relationship.
An additional aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a stud extending from said curved latch, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion having a projection, and (4) a third portion for pivoting said locking lever, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
Other features will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of several exemplary embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which:
The clamp as described herein may be used to securely grip a bar 5, such as a conventional weightlifting bar, which may hold a number of weights 7, as shown in
The first handle 12 has a hand gripping section 20, a middle section 22 and a curved clamping section or jaw 24. The clamping section 24 has a recessed portion 26 which can accommodate an insert 28 having a gripping surface 27. The insert 28 preferably has at least one, and, preferably, a plurality of wedge-shaped protrusions 29 can snap fit into the recessed portion 26. The first handle 12 also has a finger or latch 30, which is preferably curved. The finger 30 is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-section, but, alternatively can have a circular, square, elliptical or other cross-sectional shape. The finger 30 has a notch 31. The notch 31 can be an angled cutout or may be curved, channeled or other shape. A sleeve or bearing 32 extends from the middle section 22 and has a bore 34. The clamping section 24 has an interior wall 36 and an exterior wall 38.
The second handle 14 has a hand gripping section 40, a middle section 42 and a curved clamping section 44. The clamping section 44 has a recessed portion 46 which can accommodate an insert 48 having a gripping surface 47, and having wedge-shaped protrusion(s) 29 similar to those part of the insert 28. The clamping section 44 also has an interior wall 50 and an exterior wall 52.
The inserts 28 and 48 may be made of or incorporate a cushioned, compressible, deformable, rubber-like, tacky, roughened surface or other material which can grip the bar 5. The inserts 24 and 28 may snap-fit into the recessed area of the clamping sections 24, 44, respectively. Alternatively, the inserts 24 and 28 may be affixed by adhesive into the recessed areas 26 and 46.
Referring to
A locking lever 80 has a first portion 82, a second portion 84, a first end 86 and a second end 88. The second portion 84 includes a slot 90. The slot 90 is show as generally rectangular, but can alternatively be circular, elliptical, square or other shape. The slot 90 can slidingly accommodate the finger 30 when assembled. The notch 31 can engage with the slot 90 to lock the finger 30 in a fixed position and, accordingly, lock the clamp 10 in a gripping position. It is to be understood that the clamping sections 24 and 44, which are shown as curved so as to be able to grip a tubular-shaped bar, can have a different shape to grip other geometric surfaces. For example, the clamping sections 24 and 44 can have a shape that when in the clamped position form a square, rectangle, triangle, ellipse, hexagon, or other regular or irregular shape to accommodate a bar or other structure shape. Several possible configurations are shown in
Referring to
While a bar 5 can be gripped by the clamp 5 as described hereinabove by the gripping surfaces 27 and 47, the clamp in the embodiments described in the present disclosure may also or alternatively grip an object by clamping section tips 92 and 94 (see
The clamp 100 has a finger 102 associated with the first handle 12. The finger 102 has an aperture 104 (shown in
When the clamp 100 is engaged (as shown in
A lever 202 comprises a first portion 204 having a first end 205 and a second portion 206. The second portion 206 has a protrusion 208 defining a notch or recessed area 210. The second portion 206 terminates in a second end 212, which is preferably curved. A finger 214 has an orthogonally projecting pin or stud 220. The stud 220 can be on one side of the finger 214, or, alternatively, can be on both sides of the finger 214. Similarly, the protrusion 208 can be on one side or extend across the entire width of the lever 204. A tab or pintle 70 extends from the second handle 14. A spring 78 can be partially located within a recess 79 or otherwise associated with the handle 14 as described hereinabove (see
The clamp 200 may be operated as follows. The lever 202 is initially in the unlocked position, shown in
Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. It should further be noted that any patents, applications and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Claims
1. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising:
- a) a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section;
- b) a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section;
- c) a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and,
- d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a notch formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and iv) a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
2. The clamp of claim 1, further comprising a retaining member comprising a pin and a head for maintaining said first handle pin in a pivotable relationship with said second handle.
3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.
4. The clamp of claim 3, wherein said spring is disposed at least partially within a recess defined in said second handle.
5. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said
6. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said lever engaging member comprises a post extending from said second handle and a pin extending from said post.
7. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first jaw includes a flat portion at a distal end and said second jaw includes a flat portion at a distal end, said flat portions being able to grip an object.
8. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally circular shape.
9. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally square shape.
10. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally hexagonal shape.
11. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally triangular shape.
12. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally polygonal shape.
13. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising:
- a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a first insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) a curved latch having a notch formed therein and extending from said first handle, and, v) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle;
- b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, iii) a second insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, v) a pintle extending from said second handle;
- c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship;
- d) a locking lever having i) a first portion including a curved end, said curved end dimensioned to be in a sliding relationship with respect to said pintle during operation, ii) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch and said notch, iii) a second portion depressible by a user to unlock said latch from said locking lever; and,
- e) a spring associated with said second handle and contacting said locking lever first portion for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
14. The device of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said insert comprises a compressible material.
15. The device of claim 8, wherein said insert snap-fits to either said first handle or said second handle.
16. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising:
- a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle;
- b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and,
- c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship;
- d) a locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch extending from said first handle and having an aperture formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a press plate section, (2) an angled section, (3) a fulcrum section having a pivot mechanism, and (4) an angled pin section at least a portion of which can engage said aperture in said curved latch,
- iii) a base member having a pivot mechanism which pivotably engages said pivot mechanism of said fulcrum section,
- iv) a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position whereby said locking lever can pivot so that said angled pin section engages said aperture in said curved latch so as to maintain said first jaw and said second jaw in a fixed relationship.
17. The clamp of claim 16, further comprising a first insert associated with a portion of said first jaw and a second insert associated with a portion of said second jaw.
18. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising:
- a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle;
- b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and,
- c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship;
- d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising
- i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a stud extending from said curved latch,
- ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion having a projection, and (4) a third portion for pivoting said locking lever,
- iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and
- iv) a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
19. The clamp of claim 18, further comprising a first insert associated with a portion of said first jaw and a second insert associated with a portion of said second jaw.
20. The clamp of claim 18, wherein said first jaw has a first gripping section and said second jaw has a second gripping section, such that, when said clamp is in a closed position, said first and second gripping sections form a generally polygonal shape.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 27, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 31, 2009
Inventor: Hugh Michael Miskel (Marietta, GA)
Application Number: 12/163,373
International Classification: A63B 21/06 (20060101);