Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
Compact Clamping Cartridge for Panel-Tyrpe Products
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a clamping apparatus for holding and positioning a
plurality
of items and, more particularly, a clamping cartridge for releasably clamping
a
plurality of generally planar objects.
Back4round of the Invention
There are numerous instances where a series of sheet or panel-type products
need
be transported and/or stored. When all such items are identical, there is
usually no
need to be concerned over loading and unloading sequences. However, when the
items are not identical, any sequenced access must be predetermined which
usually
entails predetermined loading strategies and, furthermore, random access may
simply not be possible. Moreover, where the items vary in thickness, group
clamping typically requires individual (i.e. time-consuming) adjustment of
respective
clamping mechanisms.
Existing solutions are either cumbersome, inefficient and/or unable to address
all of
the user-defined requirements. These requirements and the challenges were,
mainly, the following:
the ability to load a variety of panel sizes and thicknesses within a given
packaging unit, for example in a custom metal rack;
the ability to access, remove or replace any one or all panels individually,
without affecting the rest of the panels;
the ability to grip and hold the parts (panels) during transport and storage;
user-friendly operating sequences;
reliability and ease of maintenance; and
cost effectiveness.
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CA 02470290 2004-06-08
U.S. Patent No. 2,946,453 describes a supporting rack for automobile
windshields
having a plurality of pairs of posts, half of which are fixed while the other
half are
associated with a movable frame so as to enable the movable posts to be moved
in
unison against the fixed posts to provide a clamping action therebetween.
U.S. Patent No. 2,953,253 illustrates a windshield carrier having a pair of
fixed
parallel slotted frames for receiving windshields therein. Clamping is
effected either
by an associated pair of movable parallel frames having corresponding slots
therein
(Fig. 1) or a series of pressure elements movable through a linkage (Fig. 8).
The
devices of both of these patents have unitary movement of all clamping
elements,
but the fixed spacing structure will only function to clamp the thickest of a
plurality
of planar articles of variable thicknesses.
U.S. Patent No. 4,093,251 discloses a windshield carrier having a plurality of
posts
in two rows. A rotatable friction element is disposed atop each post which can
be
rotated into engagement with the surface of a windshield disposed between
adjacent
posts. The friction elements are individually rotatable. This device has the
capacity
to accommodate a plurality of planar articles of variable thicknesses, but
each
clamping mechanism must be operated independently.
U.S. Patent No. 4,202,452 shows a supporting rack for breakable articles
comprising
a plurality of spaced apart posts in parallel rows. An inflatable tube is
provided on
the exterior of each post and, thus, between adjacent posts. The tube is
inflatable
to contact the articles disposed between the posts in a secure and safe
fashion. This
apparatus has the capacity to accommodate a plurality of planar articles of
variable
thicknesses and is operable to close and release all clamps in unison.
However, the
apparatus requires the hydraulic/pneumatic system to be operating/pressurized
at
all times when clamping is required. Thus, if the system fails, the clamping
function
ceases.
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U.S. Patent No. 4,785,936 illustrates a device for holding flat objects, such
as circuit
boards, wherein a plurality of slots are provided in a tray having cooperating
blocks
with ridges moveable relative thereto. In order to accommodate a variety of
thicknesses of boards, resilient cushions are disposed between the ridges
which
compress to the extent necessary. The device is spring biased in the open
position.
This device has the capacity to accommodate a plurality of planar articles of
variable
thicknesses and is operable to close and release all clamps in unison. Like
with U.S.
Patent No. 4,202,452, this apparatus is open in its relaxed state.
Summary of the Invention
A clamping cartridge is provided which comprises a plurality of clamping
mechanisms
spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally
oriented perpendicular to their direction of spacing, meaning that the
clamping
motion of all the clamps is in the direction of spacing so that panel-type
products
can be clamped in parallel to one another (which is perpendicular to the
direction of
spacing of the clamps). The clamping mechanisms are normally biased in a
closed
position or biased against opening and are openable in unison by way of an
actuation mechanism in order to permit insertion of an edge of one or more
articles
to be clamped. While the clamps are also closeable in unison, they are
individually
self-adjusting so the extent of closure for each clamp is dependent on the
thickness
or presence of an inserted article.
Preferably, the clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of
relatively movable jaws which are biased towards one another such that they
resist
opening and which return to a closed or substantially closed condition in the
absence
of external forces.
In one embodiment, the jaws are openable by levers which are connectable to or
integral with the jaws such that when the end of the levers distal the jaws
are
moved relatively toward one another, the jaws are caused to open. The
actuation
levers extend through the frame where they engage a camming mechanism which
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is operable to urge together respective pairs of levers of each clamping
mechanism
so as to cause the plurality of clamping mechanisms to open in unison and to
permit
the respective pairs of levers of each clamping mechanism to separate so as to
cause the jaws of the plurality of clamping mechanisms to close or clamp
against
one or more objects which may have been placed therebetween.
The camming mechanism may comprise a shaft supported by the frame in the
direction of spacing of the clamping mechanisms and having thereon a plurality
of
cam wheels which are fixed to rotate with the shaft. The cam surfaces are
disposed
on the radial sides of the cam wheels rather than on the circumferential or
perimetric edge. The cam surface varies in the axial direction with the
revolution of
the wheel. A pair of oppositely oriented cam surfaces are provided for each
pair of
levers of each clamping mechanism. The pair of cam surfaces engage the distal
ends of the pair of levers of a clamping mechanism. As the shaft is rotated,
the cam
surfaces rotate causing the distance between respective pairs of cam surfaces
at
which the distal ends of the levers are engaged to decrease or increase,
thereby
actuating the ends of the pair of levers inwardly or outwardly respectively to
open
and close the jaws of the clamping mechanism.
Advantageously, the cam surfaces between adjacent clamping mechanisms can be
provided on a single cam wheel for economy of manufacture.
One embodiment of the clamping mechanisms of the invention comprises a
flexible
split cylinder-like spring clamp, assembled with two rigid arms that are
wider, flat
and covered with a protective material (typically rubber dipped) at one end
and
narrower at the other end. The wider ends are designed to grip the product
edge,
while the narrow ends are designed to interface with the cam surface.
The clamps are spaced out for a convenient density and mounted on a support
frame. A plurality of tapered cylindrical cams are placed underneath the
clamps,
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inside the frame and on one side of each pair of arms. The cams are mounted on
a
keyed shaft that can be rotated by a handle, wrench or the like.
The rotation of the shaft turns the cams and thus moves the narrow ends of the
arms against the springiness (bias) of each clamp, opening it. The distance
between
the two gripping ends of each pair of arms is at maximum (opening) when the
cams
have the widest section engaged.
The products) can then be introduced. The product is not designed to be seated
onto the clamping system, but on a separate structure, that will only support
the
panels vertically, without any horizontal grip.
The clamp cartridges) are usually mounted under the floor level of a larger
pack,
or rack, or similar storage system. Only the gripping arms are extended upward
and
above the floor level.
Once product is inserted between the gripping ends of the opened arms, the
shaft
is rotated 180 degrees and the narrowest portions of the cams are positioned
between the arms, thus relaxing the springiness of the clamp to a mere touch.
The gripping ends of the arms naturally move to grip the product, whatever its
width. If product is not present, the gripping ands of the arms will move to a
light
touch (relaxed position). Although the individual clamps are individually
biased
towards a closed position, the device itself may or may not be normally biased
to a
closed position.
The operating mechanism of the clamping cartridge, i.e. the opening/closing
mechanics, can be implemented in a variety of ways to permit unitary opening
of the
individual clamps while not restricting the clamps to close in an identical
manner.
In this regard, an alternate embodiment of the clamping cartridge is disclosed
herein
in which the actuating means for opening and closing the jaws of the clamps is
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located at least in part within the clamps themselves and not below the bottom
the
clamps, resulting in a much more compact design.
In the alternate embodiment, the clamping cartridge still comprises a
plurality of
spaced-apart clamping mechanisms oriented generally perpendicular to their
direction of spacing. This means that the clamping motion of all the clamps is
in the
direction of spacing so that panel-type products can be clamped in parallel to
one
another (which is perpendicular to the direction of spacing of the clamps).
The
clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of relatively
movable
jaws which are normally biased towards one another such that they resist
opening
and which return to a closed or substantially closed condition in the absence
of
external forces.
The alternate clamping cartridge still uses a series of rotatable tapered
cylindrical
cam wheels disposed on a rotatable cam shaft to ultimately effect opening and
closing of the clamps. However, by disposing the cam wheels generally within
the
clamps and by providing apertures or slots in the jaws of the clamps to
accommodate the cam shaft, a considerable reduction in the height of the
cartridge
can be realized. The cam shaft is rotatably supported in bearings and a
detachable
handle is provided with which the shaft can be rotated.
Besides being more compact, this embodiment significantly reduces the number
of
components and simplifies the operation of the clamps. Furthermore, it reduces
the
amount of rotational input required to effect opening and closing of the
clamps. The
cartridge is operational to cause the clamps to open in unison and to permit
the jaws
of the clamps to close or clamp independently against one or more objects
which
may have been placed therebetween.
The main features and advantages of the clamping cartridges according to the
invention are: versatility in typo-dimensional product sequencing and access
patterns, simplicity of operation and ease of maintenance.
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The operating principles that are believed to be unique to this invention are
described by a normally closed or substantially closed, spring based clamping
action,
self-adjusting grip strength proportional to the product thickness and
simultaneous
action on all cartridge clamps, regardless of product presence.
While minimum panel spacing depends clamp-to-clamp open position geometry
which is a function of maximum thickness and flatness of the panels expected
to be
accommodated, the overall applicability is only limited by scale factors, as
they
relate to industrial means of transport and logistics.
In summary of the foregoing, there is provided in one aspect of this invention
a
clamping cartridge for releasably clamping a plurality of panel-type articles
in
generally parallel spaced-apart manner comprising:
a plurality of spaced-apart clamps, said clamps being generally oriented
perpendicular to their direction of spacing and each having a pair of
relatively
movable jaws;
actuation means operable in association with said clamps for causing the jaws
of all said clamps to move in unison relative to one another, said actuation
means
comprising a cam operable between the jaws of each clamp whereby movement of
the cam causes the relative movement of said jaws;
said jaws being normally biased so as to be individually self-adjusting to the
presence of an edge of one or more panel-type articles placed therebetween.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the
following description and drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. lA is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge according to the
preferred
embodiment of the invention in its closed/clamping position. Fig. 1B is an
elevational
view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A. Fig. iC is a plan view of the
clamping
cartridge of Fig. 1A. Fig. 1D is an end view of the clamping cartridge of Fig.
1A;
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Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge according to the
preferred
embodiment of the invention in its open/released position. Fig. 2B is an
elevational
view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 2A. Fig. 2C is a plan view of the
clamping
cartridge of Fig. 2A. Fig. 2D is an end view of the clamping cartridge of Fig.
2A;
Fig. 3A is a plan view of the spring body of one of the clamping mechanisms
shown
in the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A. Fig. 3B is a bottom view of the spring
body of
Fig. 3A. Fig. 3C is an elevational view of the spring body of Fig. 3A. Fig. 3D
is an
enlarged end elevational view of the spring body of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 4A is a side elevational view of one of the clamp arms of one of the
clamping
mechanisms shown in the clamping cartridge of Fig. lA. Fig. 4B is an end
elevational
view of the clamp arm of Fig. 4A. Fig. 4C is a plan view of the clamp arm of
Fig. 4A;
Fig. 5A is a plan view of the support frame of the clamping cartridge of Fig.
lA. Fig.
5B is a side elevational view of the support frame of Fig. 5A. Fig. 5C is an
end
elevational view of the support frame of Fig. 5A;
Fig. 6A is a perspective view of one of the cam wheels of the clamping
cartridge of
Fig. 1A. Fig. 6B is an elevational view of the cam wheel of Fig. 6A. Fig. 6C
is a plan
view of the cam wheel of Fig. 6A. Fig. 6D is a side elevational view of the
cam wheel
of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 7A is a plan view of the cam shaft of the clamping cartridge of Fig. lA.
Fig. 7B
is an elevational view of the cam shaft of Fig. 7A. Fig. 7C is an end view of
the cam
shaft of Fig. 7A. Fig. 7D is an elevational view of an alternate cam shaft
having a
different mechanism for its rotation. Fig. 7E is an end view of the alternate
cam
shaft of Fig. 7D;
Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge according to the
preferred
embodiment of the invention in which a number of panel-type articles have been
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retained. Fig. 8B is an elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 8A.
Fig. 8C
is a plan view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 8A. Fig. 8D is an end view of
the
clamping cartridge of Fig. 8A;
Fig. 9 is an elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the clamping
cartridge
according to the invention, shown in its closed/clamping; and
Fig. 10 is an elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the clamping
cartridge
of Fig. 9 but shown in its position open/released position.
Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of the compact clamping cartridge
according to
the alternate embodiment of the invention, shown in its closed condition;
Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of the compact clamping cartridge of Fig.
11,
shown in its open condition;
Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the compact clamping cartridge, shown in
its
closed condition;
Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of the compact clamping cartridge, shown in
its
open condition;
Fig. 15A is a perspective view of one of the clamping mechanisms of the
clamping
cartridge of Fig. 11; Fig. 15B is a view of the clamp of Fig. 15A as laid on
its side.
Fig. 15C is sectional view of the clamp taken along lines C-C of Fig. 15B;
Fig. 16A is a perspective view of one of the retainers of a pair used to
secure and
position the clamps in spaced-apart fashion; Fig. 16B is a plan view of the
retainer;
Fig. 16C is an elevational view of the retainer; and Fig. 16D is an end view
of the
retainer;
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Fig. 17A is a perspective view of one of the cam wheels of the clamping
cartridge of
Fig. 11; Fig. 17B is an elevational view of the cam wheel of Fig. 17A; Fig.
17C is a
plan view of the cam wheel of Fig. 17A; and Fig. 17D is a side elevational
view of the
cam wheel of Fig. 17A;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the cam shaft of the compact clamping
cartridge;
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of one of the pair of bearing blocks used to
support the
cam shaft of the compact clamping cartridge;
Figs 20, 21 and 22 are elevational views of the compact clamping cartridge,
with the
clamp retainer in the foreground removed for the purposes of illustrating the
operation of the compact clamping cartridge;
Figs. 23A-23B and 24A-24B are schematics showing the principles of operation
of
the camming mechanism on the clamps of the alternate embodiment;
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a transportation/storage rack illustrating
the use of
the clamping cartridge of Fig. lA;
Fig. 26 is an alternate perspective view of the rack generally opposite to
that shown
in Fig. 25;
Fig. 27 is a close-up of one of the rack's side clamping cartridges;
Fig. 28 is a close-up of one of the rack's bottom clamping cartridges; and
Fig. 29 is a close-up, perspective end view of the lower portion of the rack.
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring to Figs. 1A-1D, there is shown an exemplary arrangement of the
clamping
cartridge 10 according to the invention. The clamping cartridge 10 comprises a
plurality of spaced apart clamping mechanisms 12 arranged on a chassis or
frame
14. The clamping mechanisms 12 (hereinafter referred to as clamps 12) have a
pair
of clamping arms 16 which cooperate with a spring clip 18 which urges the
upper
ends 20 of arms 16 toward one another in a jaw-like fashion. The lower ends 22
of
the clamping arms 16 project through the frame 14 and act as levers which when
moved relatively toward one another overcomes the spring force of the spring
clip
18 thereby causing the clamp 12 to open (as seen in Fig. 2B). The resiliency
of the
spring clip 18 biases the clamp 12 toward a closed position.
The clamping cartridge 10 also includes means to actuate (open/close) the
clamps
12 which preferably comprises a series of rotatable cam wheels 24, each of
which
having a cam surface 26 in contact with the lower end 22 of a clamp arm 16.
The
cam wheels 24 are disposed on a rotatable cam shaft 28. Advantageously, the
cam
wheels 24 can be provided with a cam surface 26 on each side, allowing the cam
wheels 24 to be interdigitated between adjacent arms 22a of adjacent clamps
12.
Accordingly, for any number N of clamps 12, only N+1 cam wheels 24 are
required.
The cam shaft 28 includes an extension 30 which can be used to rotate the cam
shaft 28 and thus cam wheels 24. The extension 30 may be provided with means
to facilitate rotation of the cam shaft 28, such as a knob or handle, or may
include
a lug which can be engaged by a wrench or similar tool. In the embodiment
shown
in Figs. lA and 2A, a handle 31 is insertable into a transverse aperture 29
(see
Figs. 1B and 2B) to effect leveraged rotation of shaft 28.
The cam surface 26 of the cam wheels 24 is axially and rotationally inclined
such
that by rotating the cam wheels 24, the point of contact with the lower end 22
of
clamp arm 16 effectively translates axially. The cam surface 26 can be that
which
effectively results from an oblique cutting of a circular cylinder (i.e. a
generally
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elliptical surface) as is the case in the preferred embodiment or could be a
helical
surface spiraling oppositely from both ends of the cam wheel (not shown).
As shown in particular in Figs. 6A-6D, the cam surfaces 26 are such as to
provide
the cam wheels 24 with a thinner section on one side 32 and a thicker section
on the
opposite side 34. As seen in Fig. 1B, the thinner sections 32 of the cam
wheels 24
are disposed between the adjacent lower ends 22a of clamping arms 16
permitting
maximum opening between the lower ends 22 of each clamp 12 and thus minimizing
the distance between or closing (depending on the spatial relationships) the
upper
ends 20 of each clamp 12. The outermost cam wheels 24a are disposed adjacent
the lower end 22b of the outermost clamp arm 16a on outermost clamps 12a.
While
it is not necessary that the outermost surface 26a of outermost cam wheels 24a
be
a cam surface, manufacturing efficiencies are achieved in producing a single
or
minimum number of cam wheel configurations.
Referring to Figs. 2A-2D, when the cam shaft 28 is rotated such as by handle
31,
the cam wheels 24 rotate so as to cause an increasingly thicker section
thereof to
wedge between adjacent lower ends 22 of adjacent clamps 12, thereby actuating
the clamping arms 16 and thus opening the clamps 12' in unison. Preferably,
the
amount of rotation of cam shaft 28 to effect full opening and closing of the
clamps
12 is 180° (or less). If the cam surface 26b,26c on both halves with of
the cam
wheel 24 is generally the same (i.e. the cam surface 26 is symmetrical about a
vertical plane P as shown in Fig. 6D) then such a design will permit rotation
of the
cam wheel 24 in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) with the same
effect.
A transverse chamfer 36 may be provided at the thickest section 34 in which
the
respective lower ends 22 of clamping arms 16 will center and seat when the
clamps
12' reach their fully open position. This allows the clamps to "lock" at or
near their
fully open position to permit items to be inserted into the clamps 12' or
removed
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therefrom. The chamfer also permits closer spacing of the clamps 12, 12' and
serves to reduce pressure on the cam wheels 24.
Details of the components of the clamping cartridge 10 are shown in Figs. 3A
to 7D.
Figs. 3A-3D show the spring clip 18 the purpose of which in general is to
provide
biasing which urges the clamp 12 toward a closed or clamping position. The
spring
clip 18 has a generally U-shaped cross-section as shown in Fig. 3D having a
pair of
spring arms 40 separated by a bight 42. It will be appreciated that the spring
clip
18 can be made in a variety of cross-sectional shapes.
The spring clips 18 are fastened to the frame 14 by any conventional means. In
embodiment shown, and pair of holes 44 are provided in the bight 42 while
corresponding holes 44 are provided in frame 14 (see Fig. 5A) through which
appropriate fasteners 48 (see Figs. 1B, 2B and 2C) are used to secure the
spring
clip 18 to the frame 14.
The spring clips 18 are provided with a pair of slots 50 which correspond
generally
with pairs of slots 52 in frame 14 (see Fig. 5A). The slots 50 accommodate and
help
retain spring arms 16 while the slots 52 permit the spring arms 16 to extend
through the frame 14 (as shown best in Fig. 1B). Preferably, the tips 54 of
the
spring arms 40 are sufficiently close such that when both clamping arms 16 are
disposed within slots 50, the upper ends 20 of the clamping arms 16 are biased
together. In Fig. 1B, the upper ends 20 of the clamping arms 16 are shown
slightly
separated. This is due to the fact that the insertion of the thinner sections
32 of the
cam wheels 24 causes a slight pressure on the lower ends 22 of the clamping
arms
16, thus causing the slight separation. Preferably, the spring clips 18 are
made from
known elastic materials such as spring steel.
Figs. 4A-4C show one of the spring arms 16 of the clamp 12. The upper ends 20
may be relatively wider than the lower ends 22 to provide extended
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clamping/gripping support along a portion of the product edge. In this regard,
the
upper ends 20 may be covered or coated with a protective, high-friction
material to
reduce possible damage to the product to be clamped and to increase the
clamp's
gripping capability. For example, the upper ends 20 may be dipped in a liquid
settable rubber compound. The lower ends 22 are designed to interface with the
cam surface and thus may be provided with a rounded edge 56 to enable slippage
to a certain extent. Preferably, the spring arms 16 are made from relatively
stiff
materials, such as stamped steel, so as to reduce the amount of bending over
the
force range expected to be encountered.
The frame 14 is shown in detail in Figs. 5A-5C. The frame 14 provides the
basic
supporting structure for the clamps 12 and cam shaft 28 (as shown in Fig. 1B).
Thus the frame 14 may be conveniently made by bending an appropriate sheet
material into a three sided, rectilinear configuration having an elongated
central
section 60 and two end sections 62. As aforesaid, the central section 60
includes
holes 44 by which the clamps 12 are affixed thereto by fasteners 48 and slots
50
through which the clamping arms 16 of the clamps 12 extend. The end sections
62
each include an aperture 64 in which the cam shaft 28 can be journaled or in
which
a bearing for the cam shaft 28 can be provided. The frame 14 may also include
mounting flanges 66 which include holes 67 for mounting the cartridge 10 where
desired. While the preferred frame 14 has been shown with open sides 68 which
reduces material costs and facilitates manufacturing thereof, the sides 68 can
be
closed where it is desired to restrict access to the cam wheels 24 or to
inhibit ingress
of dust and other foreign matter into the working components of the cartridge
10.
The cam wheel 24 is shown in detail in Figs. 6A-6D. When viewed along its axis
(Fig. 6D), the cam wheel 24 has an outer circular configuration. The cam wheel
24
includes a central bushing 70 and an aperture 72 by which the cam wheel 24 can
be
mounted on the cam shaft 28. The aperture 72 includes a keyway 74 for
accommodating a key 76 (see Fig. 1B) associated with the cam shaft 28 to
prevent
the cam wheels 24 from rotating relative to the cam shaft 28. The cam angle 8
is
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CA 02470290 2004-06-08
generally a function of the diameter of the cam wheel 24 and the desired
longitudinal movement of the lower ends 22 of the clamping arm 16 (to effect a
correspondingly opposite proportional movement of its upper end 20 and hence
an
opening of the clamp 12).
Preferably, the cam wheels 24 are individual and identical for greater
manufacturing
efficiency and flexibility. Depending on the length of bushing 70, a cam wheel
24
may abut the bushing 70 of an adjacent cam wheel 24 (as shown in Fig. 1B) or
may
be relatively free to move along the keyed cam shaft 28, there being a certain
degree of self-centering/alignment on account of the clamping arms in the
latter
case. Still, if spacing between cam wheels becomes significant, (required by
panel
separation and/or clamp size), washers may be introduced, as a precaution or
as a
visual enhancement, although they may not be required for the operability of
the
device. Alternatively, the cam wheels may be made integrally with one another.
The cam wheels 24 may be made from any suitable material such as metal (steel,
aluminum, etc.), hard plastics, TefIonT"', etc. and they can be machined,
stamped,
injection molded, or any other suitable method of manufacture. The material
should
provide mechanical robustness, and a reasonable life-time under friction. The
materials for the cam wheels 24 and the contacting portion of the clamping
arms 22
can be chosen to have a sufficiently high coefficient of friction such that
the cam
wheels 24 will remain in whatever position they are in when rotation of the
shaft is
stopped (which may or may not be at top or bottom dead center). Alternatively,
the
chosen materials can have a sufficiently low coefficient of friction whereby
the
pressure exerted by the clamping arms 22 on the camming surfaces 26 causes the
cam wheels 24 to rotate toward the clamp closed position, thereby resulting in
a
clamping cartridge which is normally biased in the closed position.
Lastly, the cam shaft 28 is detailed in Figs. 7A-7C. The shaft 28 has two
annular
grooves 80 spaced apart slightly greater than the distance between end
sections 62
of frame 14 for accommodating retaining rings 82 (as shown in Fig. iB). The
shaft
28 has a keyway 84 which cooperates with key 76 (as shown in Figs. 1B and 1D)
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CA 02470290 2004-06-08
enable rotation to be imparted from the shaft 28 to the cam wheels 24.
Alternatively, a splined shaft could be provided with the apertures in the cam
wheels
being correspondingly splined. The shaft 28 may be made from any suitable
material typically used for shafts.
Figs. 7D and 7E illustrate an alternate mechanism for assisting in the
imparting of
rotational movement in the form of a lug 29' which is provided on the
extension 30'
of alternate shaft 28'. A wrench (not shown) is engageable with the lug 29'
for
rotating the shaft 28'. Any other known mechanism could likewise be employed
for
manual rotation of the shaft or a power-driven device could easily be
substituted.
Referring to Figs. 1B, 2B and 8A-8D, to operate the clamping cartridge 10, the
cam
shaft 28 is rotated by the handle means 31, which causes the cam wheels 24
which
are keyed to the cam shaft 28 by key 76 to rotate. As the section of the cam
wheel
24 disposed between adjacent clamps increases in thickness, relatively
speaking, or
alternatively, as the distance between the upper ends of adjacent cam wheels
24
decreases, the clamps 12 are urged toward an open position 12' but remain
biased
against the force of the spring clips 18. As the cam shaft 28 rotates to
180°, the
lower ends 22 of the clamping arms 16 self-center against the chamfered edge
36
of the cam wheel 24, thereby retaining the clamping cartridge 10 in its open
position. In the cartridge's open position as shown in Fig. 2B, the individual
clamps
12' are open to receive a portion of the edges) 90 of the panel-like objects)
92
(shown schematically). One or more panels 92 (having a total thickness less
than
the design width of the open clamp 12') are positioned in one or more of the
open
clamps 12' and the cam shaft 28 is again rotated (either through to
360° or back to
0°) to close the clamps 12 against the inserted panels) 92. Since each
of the
clamps 12 are individually biased toward a closed position, the clamps 12 will
naturally adjust to the thickness of the retained panels) 92 as shown best in
Fig.
8B. Accordingly, the clamping cartridge 10 can accommodate a series of
different
panels comprising panels of different thicknesses 92a,92b and/or a varying
number
of panels 92c,92d of same or different thickness within each clamp 12, as
shown in
16
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
Figs 8A-8D. This will permit variability in loading or unloading (i.e. random
access)
and typo-dimensional sequencing for products retained within the clamping
cartridge
10. When release or removal of one or more panels 92 is desired, the cam shaft
28
is rotated 180° in the same manner as aforesaid to open the clamps 12
in unison.
When the desired panels have been removed, the cam shaft 28 can be actuated
again to close clamps 12 against the remaining panels.
The individual biasing of the clamps 12 can be achieved in a number of ways.
The
embodiments shown herein employ a clip-type spring although this is not to be
considered limiting. The positioning of the spring clip 18 in the
aforementioned
embodiments is shown to be above the frame 14. However, depending on the
nature of the spring or biasing mechanism being used, positioning can be
varied just
so long as the function remains.
Instead of having the jaws of the clamp used to clamp the article and the
clamping
arms (levers) bearing on the camming surface of the cam wheels, the clamps can
be reversed such that the jaws engage the opposed camming surfaces of the cam
wheel and the articles are then clamped between adjacent clamping arms of
adjacent clamps as shown in the alternate embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9
and 10.
The alternate clamping cartridge 120 shares many of the same components as the
clamping cartridge 10 of Fig. lA, such as the cam shaft 28 and associated cam
wheels 24. The frame 122 is similar but its dimensions may require alteration
to
accommodate the clamps 124 in their reverse orientation. The clamps 124 are
disposed such that their spring clips 126 are beneath the frame 122 and with
their
arms 128 extending thereabove through the slots 130 in the frame 122. The thin
section 32 of the cam wheels 24 are positioned between the jaws 132 of the
clamps
124 such that the tips 134 of the clamping arms 128 engage the opposed camming
surfaces 26 of the cam wheels 24. As the shaft 28 is rotated, the portion of
the cam
wheels 24 between the jaws 132 becomes increasingly thicker, relatively
speaking,
causing the distal ends 136 of the arms 128 of each clamp 124 to move
relatively
toward one another and hence away from the distal end 136 of the adjacent arm
17
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
128 of the adjacent clamp 124. Continuing the rotation to 180° as shown
in Fig. 10,
the jaws 132 over-center onto the chamfers 36 to "lock" into an opened
position.
Panels 140 which may have been disposed between adjacent arms 128 of adjacent
clamps 124 are then removable. Alternately, panels 140 may be situated between
adjacent arms 128 of adjacent clamps 124 whereupon rotation of the shaft 28
(either through to 360° or back to 0°) returns the thinner
section 32 of the cam
wheels 24 to between the jaws 132, relaxing/reducing the tension on the spring
clips
126, and reducing the distance between the distal ends 136 of the adjacent
arms
128 of the adjacent clamps 124, which effectively permits them to act as
clamps.
The outermost clamps 124a,124b as shown in Fig. 9, may include only one
clamping
arm 128a,128b, respectively, as an outermost clamping arm 128c, shown in
phantom, would be unnecessary in this arrangement. However, an outermost arm
128c could be provided. It can be seen that the alternate clamping arrangement
120 requires the same number of clamps 124 as cam wheels 24. However, the
number of cam wheels 24 is still one greater than the number of clampable
articles
140 as the clamping function is based on the spacings between adjacent clamps
124.
Referring to Figs. 11-22, there is shown an alternate, more compact clamping
cartridge 210 according to the invention which employs a similar camming
mechanism to effect unitary opening and closing of the individual clamps.
Cartridge 210 comprises a plurality of spaced apart clamping mechanisms 212
(detailed in Figs. 15A-15C) arranged transversely on a supporting chassis 214.
The
clamping mechanisms 212 (hereinafter referred to as clamps 212) have a pair of
clamping arms or jaws 216 which are normally inwardly biased (for example, if
made
of spring steel or the like) so that the tips 217 thereof converge together so
as to
close or substantially close the clamp 212 in the absence of external forces.
The
individual clamps 212 are secured to the chassis 214 by means of a pair of
retainers
248 (detailed in Figs. 16A-16D) and suitable fasteners 249, such as screws or
bolts,
18
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
which secure the bight 242 of the clamp 212 to the chassis 214 as will be
described
in more detail hereinafter.
The actuating means for opening and closing the jaws 216 of the clamps 212 is
located at least in part within the clamps 212 themselves and not below the
bottom
or bight 242 of the clamp 212, resulting in a much more compact design. The
clamping cartridge 210 still uses a series of rotatable tapered cylindrical
cam wheels
224 (detailed in Figs. 17A-17D) disposed on a rotatable cam shaft 228 (similar
to
cam wheels 24 and cam shaft 28 in the Fig. 1 embodiment). However, by
disposing
the cam wheels 224 within the clamps 212 and by providing apertures or slots
243
in the jaws 216 of the clamps 212 to accommodate the cam shaft 228, a
considerable reduction in the height of the cartridge 210 can be realized.
The cam shaft 228 (detailed in Figs. 18A-18D) is rotatably supported in
bearings 264
within bearing blocks 262 (detailed in Figs. 19A-19D) which are mounted to
chassis
214 by suitable fasteners 263, such as screws or bolts. A detachable handle
231 is
provided which is engageable with shaft 228 to effect leveraged rotation
thereof.
Details of the components of this alternate embodiment are illustrated in
Figs. 15-
19. The preferred configuration of the clamp 212, which is shown in Figs. 15A-
15C,
comprises a modified spring clip, typically made from spring steel. The clamp
212
has a central bight 242 from which a pair of jaws 216 extend therefrom so that
their
tips 217 converge towards one another. With these clamps 212, the width of the
bight 242 is greater than the expected width of the panels to be accommodated
within the clamps 212. The tips 217 may be covered or coated with a protective
and/or frictional material 219 (typically rubber dipped). The slots 243 extend
in
from corresponding sides of the jaws 216 and are of suf>=ICient width to
accommodate the cam shaft 228 during rotation. Corresponding through holes
could be used in lieu of slots 243, however, slots are preferred for ease of
assembly.
In their relaxed configuration, these clamps 212 have a generally triangularly
19
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
configured cross-section which is well-adapted to accommodate the shape of the
tapered cylindrical cam wheels therein as seen in Fig. 11 or Fig. 20.
The clamps 212 are held in position on the chassis 214 by a pair of retainers
248,
as detailed in Figs. 16A-16D. Each retainer is securable to the chassis 212 in
any
convenient manner, but as shown, holes 251 are provided through which
fasteners
249 (shown in Figs. 11-14) can be inserted. The retainer 248 is provided with
a
plurality of spaced-apart tabs 253, each of which being insertable into an
open end
of a clamp 212 so that together with the opposed retainer's corresponding tab
253,
the clamp 212 can be held in place on the chassis, as shown best in Fig. 14.
To this
end, the shape of the tab 253 may be configured, and particularly the
underside
255, to conform to the shape of the bight 242 of the clamp 212 as shown in
Fig. 16C. The tabs may also have a bevelled upper edge 257 to enable the tabs
253
to be inserted further into the clamp 212 without interfering with the cam
wheels
224. The spacing of the tabs 253 corresponds with the desired spacing of the
clamps 212.
The cam wheels 224, detailed in Figs. 17A-17D, are similar to the cam wheels
24 of
the Fig. 1 embodiment. When viewed along its axis (Fig. 17D), the cam wheel
224
may have a circular/cylindrical configuration of its outer surface 281, for
ease of
manufacture. The cam wheel 224 includes an aperture 272 by which the cam wheel
224 can be mounted on the cam shaft 228. The shape of the aperture 272 and the
matching cross-section of the cam shaft 228 are selected so as to enable
rotation
to be imparted from the shaft 228 to the cam wheels 224. As shown, the square
configuration will serve to prevent the cam wheels 224 from rotating relative
to the
cam shaft 228. The aperture may be centrally located but may also be
effectively
offset, the purpose of which will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.
The longitudinal ends of the cam wheels 224 are provided with angled surfaces
226,
resulting in the cam wheel 224 having a tapered transverse shape as shown in
Fig. 178. The taper angle aW of the cam wheel 224 is preferably the same as
the
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
included angle a~ of the clamp 212 when in its relaxed state, which will allow
maximum initial contact surface area between the cam wheel 224 and the
interior
wall 221 of jaw 216. However, taper angle aW can be greater or less than
included
angle a~, depending on the opening requirements of the clamp 212. To provide
maximum openability, the width W of the wider side 273 of cam 224 should
extend
substantially to the interior walls 221 of the jaws 216 of clamp 212 near its
bight
242 when the clamp 212 is in its closed position. Preferably, the angled
surface 226
does not extend entirely to the wider side 273 of cam 224, thereby providing a
flat
cam surface area 275, which appears "bevelled" in Fig. 17A, to permit greater
pressure distribution as the cam surface 275 moves relative to the interior
wall 221
of the jaw 216 when the cam wheel 224 is rotated to open and close the clamp
212.
One cam wheel 224 is provided for each clamp 212, which, when compared with
the
clamping cartridges 10 or 120, reduces the number of cam wheels by one for any
given number of clamps. The cam wheels 224 may be made from any suitable
material such as metal (steel, aluminum, etc.), hard plastics, TeflonT"', etc.
and they
can be machined, stamped, injection molded, or made by any other suitable
method
of manufacture. The material should provide mechanical robustness, and a
reasonable life-time under friction. The materials for the cam wheels 224 can
be
chosen to have a sufficiently high coefficient of friction relative to the
clamp material
such that the cam wheels 224 will remain in whatever position they are in when
rotation of the shaft 228 is stopped. Alternatively, the chosen materials can
have
a sufficiently low coef>=ICient of friction whereby the pressure exerted by
the clamping
jaws 216 on the cam surfaces 275 causes the cam wheels 224 to rotate toward
the
clamp-closed position, thereby resulting in a clamping cartridge 210 which is
normally biased in the closed position.
The details of the cam shaft 228 are shown in Fig. 18. The shaft 228 has a
central
section 229 on which the cam wheels 224 are disposed. As indicated above, the
central section 229 has a cross-sectional shape, in this case generally
square, to
sufficiently match the apertures 272 in the cam wheels 224 to prevent relative
21
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
rotation therebetween yet enable the cam wheels 224 to be slidably positioned
at
selective locations corresponding to the clamp spacing. The inwardly biasing
forces
of the jaws 216 against the cam wheel 224 will cause the cam wheel 224 to be
substantially self-centering with respect to the clamp 212, so there is no
requirement to rigidly secure the cam wheels 224 to the shaft 228 or to be
overly
concerned about spacing tolerances during assembly. The shaft 228 may be made
from any suitable square stock material whose ends 233, 235 are turned to
accommodate bearings 264 for rotationally supporting the shaft 228 within
bearing
blocks 262 (see Fig. 19). A lug 237 may be provided at one end 233 of the
shaft
228 which is engageable by a handle 231, as shown in Figs. 11-14, to enable
rotation of the shaft 228 and, hence, cam wheels 224 for the opening and
closing
of the clamps 212. The bearing block 262 has a shouldered recess 265 to
accommodate a bearing 264 as seen best in Fig. 14, and, in the case of at
least one
of the bearing blocks 262, an aperture 267 through which the end 235 and/or
the
lug 237 can extend so that the lug 237 can be engaged by the handle 231. The
bearing blocks 262 are provided with means by which they can be secured to the
chassis 214, in this case via holes 269 through which fasteners 263 can be
inserted
as shown for example in Fig. 14.
Referring to Figs. 11-14 and 20-22, to operate the clamping cartridge 210, the
cam
shaft 204 is rotated by actuating handle 231, which causes the cam wheels 224
which are affixed to the cam shaft 228 to rotate. The rotation of the cams 224
causes the wide side 273, which is nearest the bight 242 of the clamp 212 when
in
the clamp-closed position as shown in Figs. 11, 13 and 20, to move in a
circular
contact path, thereby forcing the cam surface 275 against the interior walls
221 of
the jaws 216 of clamp 212 and thus causing their opening as shown in Figs. 12,
14
and 21.
Preferably, the cam shaft 228 is positioned off-center with respect to the
clamps so
that when the clamps are in their open condition as seen in Fig. 14, the cam
surface
275 of cam wheel 224 is positioned in a substantially balanced location
(generally
22
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
centrally) with respect to the clamp 212, resulting in the jaws 216 of the
clamp 212
being substantially in parallel when in their open condition. Depending on the
stiffness of the clamp's spring material, the jaws 216 may or may not remain
substantially parallel, but regardless, this does not affect the overall
operability of
the device. The off-centered positioning of the shaft 226 also reduces the
extent to
which the slots 243 extend into the jaws 216 of the clamps 212, thereby
reducing
the affect the missing material might have on the jaws' movement.
Provided the width W of the cam wheel 224 is maximized within the clamp
geometry
as explained above, the maximum opening of the clamps 212 can be achieved with
about only 90° of rotation of the handle, although it has been found
that maximum
opening usually occurs within a 100-110° rotation. This is considerably
less than the
approximate 180° rotation requirement of the cartridges 10 and 120.
Figs. 11, 13 and 20 show the compact cartridge 210 in its relaxed, normally
closed
condition. For better illustration, the foremost retainer clamp retainer has
been-
removed in Figs. 20-21. At the fully rotated position of handle 231 shown in
Figs. 12, 14 and 21, the jaws 216 of clamps 212 are fully opened to receive
therebetween (or release for a Fig. 22, Fig. 21, Fig. 20 sequence) a portion
of the
edges) of the panel-like objects) 292 (shown schematically). The handle 231
may
then be reversely rotated to cause the wide side 273 of the cam wheels 224 to
return to its lowermost initial position near the bight 242 of the clamp 212,
thereby
relaxing the bias-overcoming force and eventually retaining the panel-like
objects
292 between the jaws 216 of the clamp 212 as shown in Fig. 22.
Since each of the clamps 212 are individually biased toward a closed position,
the
clamps 212 will naturally self-adjust to the thickness of the retained panels)
292.
Accordingly, the clamping cartridge 210 can accommodate a series of different
panels comprising panels of different thicknesses and/or a varying number of
panels
of same or different thickness (the total thickness being less than the
designed
maximum opening width of the clamp) within each clamp 212 as shown in Fig. 22.
23
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
This will permit variability in loading or unloading (i.e. random access) and
typo-
dimensional sequencing for products retained within the clamping cartridge
210.
When release or removal of one or more panels 292 is desired, the cam shaft
228
is rotated in the same manner as aforesaid to open the clamps 212 in unison as
shown in Fig. 21. When the desired panels have been removed, the cam shaft 228
can be actuated again to close clamps 212 against the remaining panels 292, if
any.
The principles of operation of the camming mechanism of the alternate
embodiment
are shown schematically in Figs. 23A-23B and 24A-24B. In Figs. 23A-23B, a
clamp
212 having a tapered generally cylindrical cam wheel 224 within its relaxed,
i.e
~~closed", angled jaws 216 is shown. There is a relative overlap (transverse
to the
axis of rotation of the cam wheel) between the wider side 273 of the cam wheel
224
and the angled jaws 216. When the cam wheel 224 is rotated, the wider side 273
traces a circular path of rotation 291. Where the path of rotation 291
intersects with
the angled jaws 216 of the clamp 212, contact between the wider side 273 of
the
cam wheel 224 and the interior walls of jaws 216 occurs. Continued rotation
causes
the wider side 273 of the cam wheel 224 to force the jaws 216 away from one
another (as shown in Fig. 23B), thereby overcoming the inward bias of the
clamp
212. Generally, the spacing 293 between the wider side 273 of the cam wheel
224
and the angled jaws 216 affects the amount of rotation of the cam wheel 224
before
initial contact occurs and the extent to which the jaws 216 can be opened. The
maximum extent to which the jaws 216 can open depends on the configuration of
the components and of the various geometries involved. Although the examples
shown in the drawings have the cam wheels at "bottom dead center" which
illustrates the spacing 293, if any. However, where there is a spacing 293,
there is
no reason the initial rotational position of the cam wheels 224 cannot be at
the point
of initial contact between cam wheels 224 and the jaws 216 (or beyond
depending
on the minimum desired opening) to further reduce the required rotational
input to
go from the "closed" condition to the "open" condition. in this regard, stops
could
be employed to limit the extent of rotation of the cam wheels 224, cam shaft
228
or handle 231.
24
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
As can be seen in arrangement in Figs. 24A and 24B, the relaxed jaws 316 of
this
clamp 312 angle divergently from the bight 342 as opposed to the convergent
angling of the jaws 216 from the bight 242 as seen in Fig. 23A. However,
provided
the cam wheel 324 is oriented such that there is a relative overlap
(transverse to the
axis of rotation of the cam wheel) between the wider side 373 of the cam wheel
324
and the angled jaws 316, the path of rotation 391 will still intersect the
angled jaws
316 and they will be forced to move under the camming contact as shown in Fig.
24B. Thus, various geometries of the components may be selected to achieve the
desired extent of opening and closing of the clamps in the particular
application.
The expression "closed" as used herein to describe the state of the clamp does
not
necessarily imply that the jaws of the clamps or their tips contact each other
so as
to render the clamp physically closed. Rather, it is used to describe the
steady state
condition of the clamp absent any external forces. Thus, the clamps may be of
the
type which are pre-tensioned so that the tips press against one another with a
predetermined amount of force or in which the tips of the jaws do not touch
when
in the clamp is in its relaxed state (such as shown in Figs. 23A and 24A). The
choice
as to which to employ will depend on the application and may include such
considerations as the expected minimum/maximum thicknesses of the panels to be
clamped and the desired clamping force therefor.
The clamping cartridges 10, 120, 210 can be used in a variety of storage
and/or
packaging systems. The cartridges can be used in a variety of containers like
hard
(plastic) bins, totes, wooden and even paper (cardboard) structures, as well
as on
carts, cars, dollies, elevators, conveyors, or in fixed applications (on
walls, on floors,
on structures of any kind). In one such application shown in Figs. 25-29, a
glass-panel storage rack 300 is realized comprising a frame 302 to which a
generally
horizontal bottom support 303a and a generally vertical side support 303b are
attached. At least one clamping cartridge 10 (as shown, or clamping cartridge
120
or 210) is preferably provided in association with each support 303a,303b such
that
the clamping mechanisms 12a of the horizontal support cartridges) l0a align in
the
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
same plane with the corresponding clamping mechanisms 12b of the vertical
support
cartridges) 10b. The clamping cartridges 10a,10b can then be opened as
aforesaid
so as to enable the edges 304a,304b of glass panels 305 to be positioned
within the
clamps 12a,12b, respectively. The clamping cartridges lOa,lOb can then be
closed
as aforesaid so as to clampingly retain the glass panels 305 within the rack
300.
When any one of the glass panels 305 is to be removed, the clamping cartridges
10a,10b are opened and the panels 305 can be removed as desired. Although when
the clamping cartridges lOa,lOb are opened, all of the clamping mechanisms
release, the edges 304a,304b of glass panels 305 are still bounded by the
clamping
arms 16 (jaws) and thus the panels 305 should remain in place until removed.
However, it may be desirable to incline the rack 300 to take advantage of
gravity to
ensure the panels 305 stay in the rack 300 when the clamping cartridges
10a,10b
are opened. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 25-29, the frame 302 is
maintained
generally upright while the bottom and side supports 303a,303b are tilted as
shown
by angle a in Figs. 25, 26 and 29.
The rack 300 may also include separate seating/supporting devices 306 (shown
best
in Figs. 27, 28 and 29) for the panel whereby the weight of the panels is
supported
thereby. The clamping cartridges 10a,10b are positioned such that the jaws 20
are
engageable with the edge portion 304a,304b of the panels 304 without the
panels'
weight resting on or abutting against the bight 42 of the clamps 12 as shown,
for
example, in Fig. 27. In this regard, the rack 300 separates the
gripping/clamping
task/function from the gravitational, supporting functions. The use of
separate
seating/supporting devices 306 reduces the need for more robust clamps and
provides more economical cushioning and surface distribution capability versus
having it built into the clamps. As shown, the seat/supports 306 have a
multiple-U-
shaped cross-section seen best in Fig. 29, which is attachable to convenient
locations on the bottom and side supports 303a,303b, wherein the parallel
channels
308 are aligned generally with the clamps 12 of the clamping cartridges 10.
The
seat/supports may also be built directly onto the cartridge. In the case of
the lower
26
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
seat/supports 306a on the bottom support 303a, the edge bearing surfaces 310
extend above the bights 42 of the clamps 12 of the cartridges l0a but not
above the
upper ends of the arms 20, whereas the edge bearing surfaces 310 of the side
seat/supports 306b on the side support 303b, extend inwardly of the bights 42
of
the clamps 12 of the cartridges 10b but not beyond the upper ends of the arms
20.
Depending on the arrangement of clamping cartridges 10 and seat/supports 306
in
a given rack 300, it may be possible to use the rack 300 to store or transport
not
only a plurality of identical articles, but also differing articles. As can be
seen in
Figs. 25 and 26, different sets of glass panels 305a,305b,305c are retained in
the
rack 300 although only three of the four clamping cartridges 10 are used, only
two
of which are common to all sets of glass panels 305a,305b,305c. Fig. 28 shows
how
the seat/supports 306 cradle the remote (from the clamps) edges 304c of the
glass
panel 305c. Depending on the clamping strength and the article to be clamped,
it
may only be necessary to employ one clamp 12 per article (hence a single
clamping
cartridge 10) and, where necessary, utilize one or more aligned seat/supports
306
to support and prevent movement of non-clamped edges.
The seat/supports 306 can be made of any appropriate material bearing in mind
the
articles expected to be transported or stored in the rack 300. As shown, the
seat/supports 306 are made from an extruded plastics material.
Advantageously, the bottom and side supports 303a,303b can comprise a
plurality
of slats 312 on which the clamping cartridges and seat/supports 306 are
mounted.
By having the slats 312 moveable/adjustable with respect to the frame 302 and
hence the spacing between adjacent clamps, the rack 300 can readily be adapted
to accommodate a wide variety of articles.
Depending on the number of clamping cartridges employed in any one rack and
their
accessibility, it may be advantageous to provide a linkage mechanism (not
shown)
to operate them simultaneously or to utilize power-driven shafts with an
associated
27
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
control unit (not shown) to selectively rotate the shafts individually or
simultaneously.
Since the clamping cartridges 10, 120, 210 function in the same general
manner,
their use in a rack 300 would be the same as explained above with clamping
cartridge 10. However, since the actuating mechanism for opening and closing
the
clamps 212 is contained substantially within the height of the clamp 212 from
the
bight 272 to the tips 217 (with the exception of the removable handle 231), a
much
more compact clamping cartridge is realized which can serve to reduce the size
of
the rack 300 for given panel sizes. Due to the placement of the cams 224
within the
clamps 212, there may be a loss in the depth to which a panel 292 can be
inserted,
depending on clamp dimensions. This is not thought to have a signii=ICant
effect on
the clamping capability of the cartridge since by design it is normally only
the tips
217 that engage the edge of the panels 292. Preferably, separate
seating/supporting devices 306 (as shown in phantom in the leftmost clamp in
Figs. 21 and 22) are employed to support the panels 292. Where the cam wheel
224 is designed to support the panel 292 (as shown in the rightmost clamp 212
in
Figs. 21 and 22), the outer surface 281 is preferably cylindrical (or at least
the
portion of the surface over which contact occurs) and the aperture 272 is
centrally
located to avoid inducing motion to the panels while clamping/unclamping.
Otherwise, where separate seating/supporting devices 306 are employed, the
outer
surface can be suitably shaped such as shown by phantom line 279 in Figs. 17D,
20
and 21 to increase the effective depth of the clamp 212.
While there has been shown and described herein a clamping cartridge for panel-
type products and a rack for its application, it will be appreciated that
various
modifications and or substitutions may be made thereto without departing from
the
spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the compact clamping
cartridge 210 has been illustrated as being affixed to a chassis 214, the
various
components could be bolted directly to predetermined locations in on the
shipping
rack. Furthermore, the separate seating/supporting devices 306, if used to
support
28
CA 02470290 2004-06-08
the weight of the panels in the rack 300, can be attached directly to the
cartridge
and aligned with the corresponding clamps for a complete "bolt & go" solution
within
the rack.
29
