Irwin-industrial Tool Company

Anthony B Fuller

Thomas M Chervenak

Chris W Cicenas

Charles R McKean

Matthew R Shute

Ralf Strauβ

Scott Daniel Springer

A method of operating a clamp () that includes a first clamping jaw (), a support element () to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle () pivotably mounted to a clamp body (). The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.

Increased and variable force and multi-speed clamps

The assembly method of the invention uses a cartridge that is separate from the housing of the device being manufactured. The cartridge is configured such that the location of the various components is defined and the components are easily accessed. The cartridge and its components may be assembled off of the main assembly line. Once the cartridge is assembled, the cartridge and assembled components can be placed in the housing. The assembly of the device can then be completed.

Assembly method and apparatus

A method of operating a clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle pivotably mounted to a clamp body. The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.

A clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a clamp body having a first slot through which the support element passes along a first direction and an opening that faces in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A handle grip attached to the clamp body, a braking lever and a brake actuator that contacts the braking lever and includes an engagement element that extends through the opening.

Bar clamp with side-activated braking lever

A clamp body is provided with a channel formed in the clamp body and a retainer is movably mounted in the clamp body. A jaw is mounted on the clamp body and an end cap blocking one end of the channel.

Growing community of inventors

Mooresville, NC, United States of America

Anthony B Fuller