Slide actuated holding clamp

A holding clamp apparatus for use in connection with an actuating device having a controllably linearly extendable and retractable actuating element, for holding a connector stationary while a push test or pull test is performed on at least one conductor secured to said connector, said clamp apparatus comprising:

• a main body portion having a bore extended at least partially therethrough and a recessed opening formed therein in communication with said bore;
• a locking member disposed within said opening in said main body portion, said locking member including a locking shoulder portion adapted to engage said connector, and means for coupling said locking member to said main body portion to allow said locking member to be moved generally linearly within said opening when said actuating element is moved in a first linear direction;
• said locking member being movable into first and second locked positions in response to movement of said actuating element in said first direction;
• an actuating member pivotally coupled to said locking member and said actuating element, said actuating member causing said locking member to be moved in a first pivotal direction when said actuating element is urged in said first linear direction;
• said means for allowing said locking member to be moved generally linearly within said recessed opening causing said locking member to be urged in said first linear direction into a second locked position as said actuating element is moved in said first linear direction, thereby causing said locking shoulder portion of said locking member to exert a positive clamping force on said connector prior to one of said pull test and said push test being performed on said connector;
• said means for allowing said locking member to be moved generally linearly within said opening comprising at least one elongated opening in said locking member and a locking pin for captively securing said locking member within said recessed opening of said main body portion;
• said actuating member including a sloped portion;
• said locking pin abuttingly engaging said sloped portion as said actuating member is moved in said first linear direction to cause said actuating member to urge said locking member into said first locked position, wherein said locking shoulder portion protrudes outwardly of said recessed opening of said main body portion;
• and
• a clevis for pivotally coupling said actuating member to an end portion of said actuating element.