US 4,576,501 AGranted

Telescoping rod clamp

OwnerBernard E. McConnellinventor

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Abstract

A clamping or coupling apparatus for clamping an extension rod telescopically extendable from a tubular member includes two separate and independent clamping adjustments. The clamping apparatus is adapted to rotate freely relative to the tubular member, yet is prevented from axial movement relative to the tubular member. The extension rod is adapted to extend linearly relative to the clamping apparatus, but is prevented from rotating relative to the clamping apparatus. In this manner, a first clamping adjustment inhibits the axial movement of the extension rod relative to the clamping apparatus, so that the extension rod is prevented from axial movement and rotational movement relative to the clamping apparatus. A second clamping adjustment prevents the clamping apparatus from rotating relative to the tubular member. By selecting either of these clamping adjustments, the extension rod may (1) freely, linearly extend from the tubular member while being prevented from rotation relative to the tubular member or (2) freely rotate relative to the tubular member while maintaining constant a particular extension relative to the tubular member.

Claims9

Dependent claims

Clamping apparatus for use with a tubular member having an extension member telescopically extendable therefrom, said apparatus for retaining said extension member in a fixed position relative to said tubular member, said apparatus comprising:

a main body member having
a first bore for receiving therein an end of said tubular member;
and
a second bore concentric with said first bore, the diameter of said second bore being less than the diameter of said first bore, said second bore for receiving telescopically therein said extension member;
first means for attaching said body member to said tubular member in a manner to permit rotation of said body member relative to said tubular member, yet prevent removal of said body member from said tubular member;
second means for preventing rotation of said extension member relative to said body member, yet permit telescopic extension of said extension member relative to said body member;
third means for selectively preventing rotation of said body member relative to said tubular member, independent of axial movement of said extension member relative to said body member;
and
fourth means for selectively preventing axial movement of said extension member relative to said body member, independent of rotational movement of said body member relative to said tubular member.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.