Rail clamp

A clamp for attaching support apparatus onto a side rail of the type having exterior side surfaces formed along common edges comprising, in combination:

• a clamp body having an attachment portion adapted for coupling engagement with support apparatus, a fixed jaw member projecting from said clamp body for engaging said side rail, and having a cavity for receiving a compression member;
• said fixed jaw member having a first flange portion projecting transversely with respect to said clamp body, and having a second flange portion attached to said first flange portion and projecting transversely thereto;
• said clamp body having a planar surface for engaging a major exterior side surface of said side rail, and said first flange portion having an inside planar surface joining said clamp body planar surface substantially at a right angle, and said second flange portion having an inside planar surface inclined with respect to the planar surface of said clamp body for engaging an edge portion of said rail;
• a compression member being mounted within said clamp body cavity for movement away from said fixed jaw member to an open, retracted position allowing positioning of said fixed jaw member and said compression member about opposite exterior side surfaces of said rail, and for movement from the retracted position to an extended position allowing confinement and engagement of said rail on opposite exterior side surfaces thereof by said fixed jaw portion and said compression member;
• said compression member being mounted on said clamp body for pivotal movement to and from its extended and retracted positions, said compression member comprising a cam for engaging said drive means and a jaw carried by said cam having an inside planar surface for engaging an edge portion of said side rail;
• and,
• means coupled to said clamp body for driving said compression member from its open, retracted position to its extended position.