Quick-connect clamp and method for using the same

Abstract

This invention provides a load bearing quick-base that is applied directly to the adjustable-height slot structure of a modular frame upright that is also used ubiquitously to support adjustable-height accessory brackets. By employing a set of upper (or “first”) tabs and a set of spaced-apart, lower (or “second”) tabs, the clamp can be firmly secured to the upright's front, slot-containing face as needed at any desired height in the same manner as a shelf bracket. The clamping system provides a clamp frame adapted to support a load, such as a swing arm support, that depends therefrom. The clamp frame has a first (or “upper”) tab structure with a first tab assembly including a first tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member (such as a slotted upright) adjacent to a first slot structure on the base member. There is also provided a movable (or “lower”) tab structure that is pivotally and slidably mounted with respect to the clamp frame. This second movable tab structure includes a second tab assembly having a second tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member adjacent to a second slot structure on the base member. The second tab structure is served by a locking member, which can be a spring-loaded, rotating bale, which selectively locks the movable tab structure against movement relative to the frame so as to retain the second tab shoulder and the first tab shoulder in a fixed relationship.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to adjustable bracket systems and more particularly to heavy duty, releasable clamp for supporting items. [0003] 2. Background Information [0004] Modular frame and bracket systems are used frequently in home, office and industrial applications for organizing storage of articles and workspaces. A common technique for supporting shelves and cabinets and other accessories at a suspended location above a floor or work surface is to provide a set of freestanding or wall-mounted uprights. The uprights are typically elongated beams having a U-shaped channel cross section or a rectangular (fully-enclosed) cross section. [0005] In a typical shelving implementation, an upright includes slots formed in a line along the elongated length of the upright's front face. For heavy duty applications, a plurality of side-by-side lines of slots can be formed on the upright face. These slots are adapted to receive ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] This invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing a load bearing quick-base clamp that is applied directly to the adjustable-height slot structure of a modular shelving upright that is also used ubiquitously to support adjustable-height shelf brackets. By employing a set of upper (or “first”) tabs and a set of spaced-apart, lower (or “second”) tabs, the clamp can be firmly secured to the upright's front, slot-containing face as needed at any desired height in the same manner as a shelf bracket. Using an inventive locking mechanism, the clamp can be firmly and quickly locked against inadvertent disengagement, ensuring that heavy and valuable items, such as displays, are not dropped. When adjustment is needed, however, the clamp can be quickly disengaged, without resort to loosening of screws or bolts, by a unique release lever or bale.

[0012] To attach the clamp to the upright or other frame member, a user unlocks the bale by spreading the ends. This can be accomplished by rotating the bale so that its sides reside in the recesses of a pair of splayed-apart spreader wings at the end of the clamp frame. This causes the bale's ends to withdraw from aligned holes in the movable tab structure, thereby allowing the movable tab structure to rotate and slide freely within the clamp frame slots on the through-pin. The first or upper tabs are inserted into the selected first slots of the upright (at a desired location thereon) while the clamp is at an acute angle relative to the upright. The shoulders are moved to underlie the interior face of the upright and the clamp frame is rotated toward the upright upon the first tabs. The unlocked movable tab structure is then manipulated by sliding and rotating so that the second or lower tabs are brought into contact with a spaced-apart set of second slots at a predetermined spacing below the first slots. The second tabs are inserted into the second slots and their shoulders are moved so as to overlie the interior of the upright. The clamp frame is then rotated into a confronting relationship with the slot-containing face of the upright so as to cause the movable tab structure to slide and rotate (via the through-pin) within the slots of the enveloping clamp frame. In a confronting orientation, the holes of the movable tab structure are again aligned with the ends of the bale. The bale may then be rotated off the spreader wings to cause the ends to spring into the holes and thereby lock the movable tab structure in place. This prevents the two sets of shoulders from moving out of interfering contact with the interior of the upright adjacent to their respective slots.

Problems solved by technology

These mounting assemblies typically require significant mechanical activity to attach to, and detach from, the upright.

Conventional mounting assemblies take time to mount, and are not readily adjusted for new conditions (e.g. a taller worker).

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