Device for clamping the edge of a table

A device for clamping the edge of a table top comprising:

• a clamping block having a substantially vertical inside face for abutting the side surface of the table top;
• a first jaw means connected to the clamping block having a substantially horizontal first inner face for abutting one of the top and bottom surfaces of the table top;
• a second articulatable jaw means having an outer plate connected to the clamping block and an inner plate movably attached to the outer plate, the inner plate having a substantially horizontal second inner face spaced from the first inner face for abutting the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the table top;
• a vertical bore in the outer plate aligned along a vertical axis;
• a vertical edge surface on the inner plate offset from the vertical axis;
• an actuating means for moving the inner plate along a substantially circular arc between a clamping position in which the inner plate engages the table top and an open position in which the inner plate is spaced from the table top, the actuating means comprising at least one dual pivot link having an outer pivot point at which the link and outer plate are pivotally connected and an inner pivot point at which the link and inner plate are pivotally connected, a vertical shaft means rotatable in the bore of the outer plate on the vertical axis, a vertical pin extending from the shaft means and disposed adjacent the offset edge surface on the inner plate, and a lever arm extending from the shaft for rotating the shaft on the vertical axis and causing the offset pin to move horizontally and engage the offset edge for pushing horizontally on the inner plate, wherein the pivot link transforms the horizontal force applied by the pin to a combined horizontal and vertical motion of the inner plate along a circular arc having a center defined by the outer pivot point.