clamp locking mechanism

Abstract

A clamp release mechanism is provided. The clamp includes a body, a shaft slidably coupled to the body, a fixed jaw, and a movable jaw coupled to the shaft. A locking member is actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the locking member biases the shaft to remain stationary relative to the body. The clamp includes a fixed member pivotally coupled to the locking member and a biasing element that biases the fixed member toward the shaft.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 115,347, filed November 18, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to apparatus for securing objects to workpieces. Specifically, it relates to locking mechanisms for clamping devices, and more particularly to clamping devices for holding laser levels.

[0004] Fixtures are typically used to attach devices (such as laser levels) to workpieces (such as tables). Generally, a fixture includes a mechanism that engages the fixture with the workpiece and releases the fixture from the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a laser level system including a laser level and a clamp. The laser level is configured to emit a laser in a predetermined orientation relative to gravity. The clamp includes a coupling interface configured to be coupled to the laser level; a body coupled to the coupling interface; a shaft extending along a first axis; a fixed clamp extending from the body; a movable clamp coupled to one end of the shaft; a locking member configured to engage with the shaft; a fixing member pivotally coupled to the locking member; and a biasing element biasing the fixing member toward the shaft. The shaft is slidably coupled to the body and configured to slide relative to the body along the first axis. The movable clamp is configured to slide toward and away from the fixed clamp along the first axis. The locking member is configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, it engages with the shaft to bias the shaft relative to the body and remains stationary; when the locking member is in the unlocked position, it is not engaged with the shaft. The retaining member is configured to be circumferentially actuated about the shaft.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamp. The clamp includes: a body including a recess having a first end and a second end; a shaft extending along a first axis; a coupling interface coupled to the body; a fixed clamp extending from the body; a movable clamp coupled to one end of the shaft; and a locking member configured to engage with the shaft. The shaft is configured to slide relative to the body along the first axis. The coupling interface includes a platform extending perpendicular to the first axis away from the shaft, and the platform is configured to engage with a laser level. The movable clamp is configured to slide along the first axis toward and away from the fixed clamp. The locking member is configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, it engages with the shaft to bias the shaft to remain stationary relative to the body. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, it is not engaged with the shaft. The locking member includes a protrusion extending within the recess. When the protrusion is located at the first end, the locking member is in the locked position, and when the protrusion is located at the second end, the locking member is in the unlocked position.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamp. The clamp includes: a coupling interface configured to be rotatably coupled to a laser level such that the laser level rotates relative to the coupling interface about a first axis; a body coupled to the coupling interface; a shaft extending along a second axis; a fixed clamp coupled to the body; a movable clamp coupled to the shaft; a locking member configured to engage with the shaft; and a fixing member pivotally coupled to the locking member. The shaft is slidably coupled to the body and configured to slide relative to the body along the second axis. The locking member is configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, it engages with the shaft to bias the shaft so that it remains stationary relative to the body. The fixing member is configured to be circumferentially actuated in a first direction when the locking member changes from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the fixing member is configured to be circumferentially actuated in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the locking member changes from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamp comprising: a body; a shaft extending along an axis and slidably coupled to the body and configured to slide relative to the body along the axis; a first clamp extending from the body; a movable clamp coupled to one end of the shaft and configured to actuate relative to the body along the axis toward and away from the first clamp; a locking member configured to engage with the shaft; a fixing member pivotally coupled to the locking member; and a biasing element biasing the fixing member toward the shaft. The locking member is configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, it engages with the shaft to bias the shaft to remain stationary relative to the body. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, it is not engaged with the shaft. The fixing member is configured to be circumferentially actuated about the shaft.

[0009] In several different embodiments, the biasing element includes a magnet. In several different embodiments, the shaft includes a threaded outer surface, and the locking member includes a threaded inner surface that engages with the threaded outer surface of the shaft. In several different embodiments, the threaded outer surface of the shaft and the threaded outer surface of the locking member are helical.

[0010] In several different embodiments, the body includes a recess that receives a protrusion extending from the locking member. In several different embodiments, the recess includes a first end and a second end. When the protrusion is located at the first end, the locking member is in a locked position, and when the protrusion is located at the second end, the locking member is in an unlocked position. In several different embodiments, the first end is spaced a first distance from the axis, and the second end is spaced a second distance from the axis, the second distance being greater than the first distance. In several different embodiments, the recess includes a first portion and a second portion. When the protrusion is located in the first portion, the locking member is in the locked position, and when the protrusion is located in the second portion, the locking member is in the unlocked position.

[0011] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and those skilled in the art will readily understand from this description or recognize in part by practicing the embodiments as described in the included written description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the general description above and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of several different embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements, as shown in the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a fixture connected to a tool and a workpiece according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the fixture.

[0016] Figure 3 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the fixture.

[0017] Figure 4 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A virtual 3D model of the fixture.

[0018] Figure 5 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A virtual 3D model of the fixture.

[0019] Figure 6 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A detailed virtual 3D diagram of the fixture.

[0020] Figure 7 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of each component of the fixture.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a fixture according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of a clamp locking mechanism is illustrated. Clamps are commonly used to attach equipment parts to workpieces. For example, a clamp can be used to attach a laser level to a table. This application provides a locking mechanism for a clamp that is easy to lock and unlock and operates effectively in any orientation of the clamp.

[0023] The fixture includes a shaft coupled to a movable clamp. The movable clamp can be actuated toward and away from a fixed clamp to engage or disengage the fixture from a workpiece (e.g., a table). The fixture includes a locking member engaged with the shaft to hold the shaft in place relative to the fixture body. The fixture also includes a retaining member pivotally coupled to the locking member. A biasing element (e.g., a magnet) biases the retaining member against the shaft. The biasing element holds the retaining member against the shaft such that the fixture locking mechanism operates regardless of the fixture's orientation.

[0024] The locking member includes a protrusion that slides along a recess within the body. In use, when the shaft is rotated clockwise, the retaining member rotates clockwise about the shaft, thus pulling the locking member clockwise. As will be explained, clockwise rotation of the locking member actuates the locking member against the shaft. In a specific embodiment, the shaft includes a threaded outer surface, and the locking member includes a threaded inner surface, such that when the shaft engages with the locking member, the locking member prevents the shaft from sliding relative to the body. When the shaft is rotated counterclockwise, both the retaining member and the locking member rotate counterclockwise. Counterclockwise rotation of the locking member actuates the locking member away from the shaft, thereby allowing the shaft to slide relative to the body.

[0025] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The image illustrates a laser level system 6 according to an exemplary embodiment. The laser level system 6 includes a fixing device (shown as a clamp 10) and an orientation measuring device (shown as a laser level 8) configured to emit a laser in a predetermined orientation relative to gravity. The clamp 10 includes a coupling interface 13 coupled to a body 12 and configured to be coupled to the laser level 8, for example by configuring the coupling interface to be rotatably coupled to the laser level 8 such that the laser level 8 rotates about a first axis 9 relative to the coupling interface 13. The clamp 10 includes a body 12, a shaft 14, a first clamp (shown as a fixed clamp 18), and a movable clamp 20. In several different embodiments, the fixed clamp 18 extends from the body 12. The shaft 14 is slidably coupled to the body 12 and extends along an axis 16. The shaft 14 slides relative to the body 12 along the axis 16. A coupling platform 15 is configured to be coupled to the laser level 8. In several different embodiments, the laser level 8 is coupled to the coupling platform 15 and is configured to rotate relative to the body 12 about an axis 9 perpendicular to axis 16. In several different embodiments, the coupling platform 15 extends from the body 12 in a direction perpendicular to axis 16. The inner end 22 of the shaft 14 is coupled to a movable clamp 20, and the outer end 24 of the shaft 14 is coupled to a handle 26. In several different embodiments, the movable clamp 20 is configured to slide along axis 16 toward and away from the fixed clamp 18. In use, the clamp 10 can be used to hold tools, equipment, and / or objects (shown as laser level 80) to a workpiece (shown as table 82).

[0026] Locking member 30 is pivotally coupled to fixing member 34 and pivots relative to fixing member 34 about axis 36. Locking member 30 is configured to engage with shaft 14. Locking member 30 is configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When locking member 30 is in the locked position, locking member 30 is engaged with shaft 14 to bias shaft 14 to remain stationary relative to body 12, and when locking member 30 is in the unlocked position, locking member 30 is not engaged with shaft 14. Fixing member 34 is pivotally coupled to locking member 30 such that fixing member 34 pivots relative to locking member 30 about axis 36. In other words, locking member 30 is relative to fixing member 34 about axis 36. In several different embodiments, axis 36 is parallel to axis 16. Fixing member 34 is configured to be circumferentially actuated about axis 14. Bias element (shown as magnet 38) biases fixing member 34 toward axis 14 (e.g., because shaft 14 is formed of ferrous metal). In one embodiment, the retaining member 34 abuts against the outer surface 28 of the shaft 14. In other embodiments, the biasing element is a spring that biases the retaining member 34 toward the shaft 14. The magnet 38 holds the retaining member 34 against the shaft 14 such that the locking member 30 abuts against the shaft 14 regardless of the orientation of the clamp 10.

[0027] In use, the user manipulates the handle 26 to rotate the shaft 14, thereby moving the handle to the unlocked position. Figure 2 ) and locked position ( Figure 3 The locking member 30 is actuated between the locking member 30 and the shaft 14. To move the locking member 30 to the locked position, the user rotates the handle 26 clockwise 56. In a specific embodiment, friction between the retaining member 34 and the shaft 14 applies a force to the retaining member 34, causing it to rotate clockwise 56 as well. Because the locking member 30 and the retaining member 34 are pivotally connected, the clockwise rotation of the retaining member 34 pulls the locking member 30 to rotate clockwise 56 as well. As will be explained below, the clockwise rotation of the locking member 30 abuts against the shaft 14, engaging the locking member 30 such that the inner surface 32 of the locking member 30 abuts against the outer surface 28 of the shaft 14.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the outer surface 28 of the shaft 14 and the inner surface 32 of the locking member 30 each include a threaded configuration that abuts against each other. In another embodiment, the threaded configuration of each of the outer surface 28 of the shaft 14 and the inner surface 32 of the locking member 30 is helical; in this case, the shaft 24 has a helical threaded outer surface 28, and the locking member 30 has a helical threaded inner surface 32. For example, in several different embodiments, the shaft 14 includes a helical thread abutting the inner surface 58 of the fixing member 34. In several different embodiments, the inner surface 58 of the fixing member 34 includes a flat surface abutting the shaft 14, such as a curved surface or a planar surface without protrusions or threads. In several different embodiments, the fixing member 34 is configured to be circumferentially actuated along a first direction 56 when the locking member 30 changes from a locked position to an unlocked position, and the fixing member 34 is configured to be circumferentially actuated along a second direction opposite to the first direction 56 when the locking member 30 changes from an unlocked position to a locked position.

[0029] refer to Figures 4 to 7 The image illustrates several different aspects of the clamp 10. The body 12 of the clamp 10 includes a groove or recess 42. A protrusion 40 extends from the locking member 30 and extends within the recess 42. In several different embodiments, the locking member 30 includes the protrusion 40.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, the recess 42 includes an S-shape. As the locking member 30 rotates clockwise 56, the engagement between the protrusion 40 and the shape of the recess 42 pivots the locking member 30 toward the shaft 14 until the locking member 30 engages with the shaft 14. When the locking member 30 rotates counterclockwise in the opposite direction to 56, the locking member 30 pivots away from the shaft 14 until the locking member 30 is no longer engaged with the shaft 14.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, when the locking member 30 is in the locked position, the locking member 30 is connected to the shaft 14, thereby biasing the shaft 14 so that it does not slide relative to the body 12. In a specific embodiment, when the locking member 30 is in the unlocked position, the locking member 30 is not connected to the shaft 14.

[0032] Go to Figure 6The recess 42 includes a first end 44 and an opposite second end 46. The first end 44 is spaced 48 from the axis 16 of the shaft 14, and the second end 46 is spaced 50 from the axis 16, the second distance being greater than the first distance 48. When the protrusion 40 is located and / or near the first end 44 of the recess 42, the locking member 30 is in a locked position. When the protrusion 40 is located and / or near the second end 46 of the recess 42, the locking member 30 is in an unlocked position. The locking member 30 extends a distance 37 from the shaft 14. The distance 37 between the locking member 30 and the shaft 14 varies as the locking member 30 is actuated between the locked position (when the distance 37 is zero in several different embodiments) and the unlocked position (when the distance 37 is greater than zero in several different embodiments).

[0033] Similarly, when the protrusion 40 is within the first portion 52 of the recess 42, the locking member 30 is in the locked position. When the protrusion 40 is within the second portion 54 of the recess 42, the locking member 30 is in the unlocked position. In several different embodiments, the engagement between the protrusion 40 and the recess 42 provides precise movement between the locked and unlocked positions and serves to stabilize the locking member 30 within the housing during operation of the clamping mechanism.

[0034] In several different embodiments, the retaining member 34 includes an inner surface 58 that abuts against the shaft 14. In a particular embodiment, the inner surface 58 of the retaining member 34 is a flat surface. Therefore, if sufficient force is applied to the shaft 14 to overcome the friction between the retaining member 34 and the shaft 14, the shaft 14 can slide relative to the body 12 along the axis 16.

[0035] In a specific embodiment, the locking member 30 includes a protrusion 64. In this embodiment, the protrusion 64 is axially aligned with and extends away from the protrusion 40. The engagement between the protrusion 64 and the recess 62 is similar to the engagement between the protrusion 40 and the recess 42.

[0036] Figure 8 A clamp 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, clamp 100 is substantially the same as clamp 10. Clamp 100 has a fixed clamp 118 and a movable clamp 120. The fixed clamp 118 has an outer surface 122 angled inward toward the movable clamp 120. The movable clamp 120 includes a rear surface having a plurality of openings 124. The fixed clamp 118 includes two recesses (shown as channels 126) that are shaped and positioned to receive a protrusion 130 of the movable clamp 120. In several different embodiments, one of the fixed clamp 118 and the movable clamp 120 includes a recess (shown as channels 126), and the other of the fixed clamp 118 and the movable clamp 120 includes a protrusion 130 received within the recess (shown as channels 126).

[0037] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0038] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification should be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications can be made (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements; variations in parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in terms of the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of several different exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method described herein is intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a specified order. Accordingly, the absence of a specific order in which the method claims do not explicitly list the order in which the steps should be followed, or where the claims or description do not specifically state that the steps should be limited to a particular order, shall not imply any particular order can be inferred. Furthermore, the article “a” used herein is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be construed as referring to only one. As used herein, “rigid connection” means two parts connected in a manner such that these parts move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to force.

[0040] The various embodiments of this disclosure relate to any combination of any features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0041] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" means that two components are directly or indirectly linked together. Such a connection may be inherently stationary or inherently movable. Such a connection may be achieved by forming a single entity from which two components and any additional intermediate components are integrally formed, or by attaching two components or two components and any additional components to each other. Such a connection may be inherently permanent or alternatively inherently removable or releasable.

[0042] Although specific combinations of features are recited in the appended claims, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such a combination is currently claimed), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

Claims

1. A laser level system, the laser level system comprising: A laser level, configured to emit a laser in a predetermined orientation relative to gravity; as well as The fixture includes: A connection interface configured to connect to the laser level; The main body is connected to the connection interface; A shaft extending along a first axis, the shaft being slidably connected to the body and configured to slide relative to the body along the first axis; A retaining clamp that extends from the body; A movable clamp is connected to one end of the shaft and is configured to slide closer to and further away from the fixed clamp along the first axis; A locking member configured to be connected to the shaft, the locking member being configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member is connected to the shaft to bias the shaft to remain stationary relative to the body, and wherein when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member is not connected to the shaft; A fixing member, pivotally connected to the locking member, wherein the fixing member is configured to be circumferentially actuated about the axis; and A biasing element that biases the fixed component toward the axis; Specifically, when the shaft moves along the first axis in a first direction, the shaft actuates the locking member to the locked position, and when the shaft moves along the first axis in a second direction, the shaft actuates the locking member to the unlocked position.

2. The laser level system of claim 1, wherein the locking member pivots relative to the fixing member about a second axis parallel to the first axis.

3. The laser level system as described in claim 1, wherein, The biasing element includes a magnet.

4. The laser level system of claim 1, wherein the fixing component includes an inner surface abutting the shaft.

5. The laser level system of claim 4, wherein the shaft includes a helical thread abutting the inner surface of the fixed component.

6. The laser level system of claim 5, wherein the inner surface of the fixed component includes a flat surface.

7. The laser level system of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a threaded outer surface, and the locking member includes a threaded inner surface that engages with the threaded outer surface of the shaft.

8. The laser level system as described in claim 7, wherein, The outer threaded surface of the shaft and the inner threaded surface of the locking component are each helical.

9. The laser level system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, One of the fixed clamp and the movable clamp includes a recess, and the other of the fixed clamp and the movable clamp includes a protrusion received within the recess.

10. The laser level system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The laser level rotates relative to the body about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

11. The laser level system of claim 10, wherein the connection interface includes a platform extending perpendicular to the first axis away from the axis, wherein, The platform is configured to connect to the laser level.

12. A clamp comprising: The body includes a recess, which includes a first end and a second end; A shaft extending along a first axis, the shaft being configured to slide relative to the body along the first axis; A connection interface is attached to the body, the connection interface including a platform extending perpendicular to the first axis away from the axis, the platform being configured to be attached to a laser level; A retaining clamp that extends from the body; A movable clamp is connected to one end of the shaft and is configured to slide closer to and further away from the fixed clamp along the first axis; as well as A locking member configured to engage with the shaft and actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member engages with the shaft to bias the shaft to remain stationary relative to the body, and wherein when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member is not engaged with the shaft. The locking member includes a protrusion extending within the recess, the protrusion being movable along the recess between a first end and a second end, such that when the protrusion moves toward the first end of the recess, the locking member is actuated to the locked position, and when the protrusion moves toward the second end of the recess, the locking member is actuated to the unlocked position.

13. The clamp of claim 12, further comprising: A fixing component, which is connected to the locking component and abuts against the shaft; as well as A biasing element that biases the fixed component toward the axis.

14. The clamp as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The fixed component is configured to actuate circumferentially around the axis.

15. The clamp of claim 13, wherein the locking member pivots relative to the fixing member about a second axis parallel to the first axis.

16. The clamp as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The laser level rotates relative to the body about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

17. A clamp comprising: A connection interface configured to be rotatably connected to a laser level, such that the laser level rotates about a first axis relative to the connection interface; The main body is connected to the connection interface; A shaft extending along a second axis, the shaft being slidably connected to the body and configured to slide relative to the body along the second axis; A retaining clamp is attached to the body; A movable clamp, which is connected to the shaft; A locking member configured to engage with the shaft, the locking member being actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member engages with the shaft to bias the shaft so as to remain stationary relative to the body; and A fixing member pivotally connected to the locking member, wherein the fixing member is configured to be circumferentially actuated in a first direction when the locking member is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position, and wherein the fixing member is configured to be circumferentially actuated in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the locking member is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position; When the shaft moves along the second axis, it actuates the locking component between the locked position and the unlocked position.

18. The clamp of claim 17, wherein the locking member pivots relative to the fixing member about a third axis parallel to the second axis extending along the axis.

19. The clamp of claim 17, wherein the shaft includes a helical threaded outer surface, and the locking member includes a helical threaded inner surface that engages with the helical threaded outer surface of the shaft.

20. The clamp of claim 17, further comprising a magnet that biases the fixing member toward the axis.

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