Clamping device

A temporary securing device for plate-like work pieces comprising a first body including at least two body sections maintained in an operable aligned configuration against a laterally outward bias by a limiting portion and a second body having a second passage;

• the least two body sections each having a first end region and a second end region;
• the second body portion having a cross-sectional dimension greater than the diameter of an opening located in the work piece;
• the at least two body sections each having a peripheral lateral surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a portion of a central cavity with a central opening located near the second end region;
• the first and second body portions being provided in an arrangement so as to align the second passage and the central opening for receiving respectively therethrough and therein a threaded member for engaging a first threaded passage located in an anchor portion operably maintained between the at least two body sections near the second end region;
• a compressible biasing portion being operably maintained between the respective inner surfaces near the first end regions of the at least two body sections and being provided so as to laterally outwardly bias the first end regions;
• the at least two body sections each having an engagement portion located near the first end;
• the engagement portion having an operative surface to engage an outer surface on a first outer work piece;
• the threaded member being rotationally operational so as to draw the at least two body sections toward the second body and to outwardly laterally move the first end regions in the direction of the bias.

A method of machining plate-like work pieces comprising:

• assembling individual plate-like work pieces into a stack;
• clamping an outer region of the plate-like work pieces in a manner so as not to interfere with a subsequent machining operation;
• drilling at least one hole through the stack;
• providing a device for securing the plate-like work pieces, the device comprising a first body and a second body, the first body including at least two opposed body sections, a resiliently compressible biasing portion arranged to allow an outer diameter of the first body to contract so as to allow passage within the at least one hole and a restraining portion for preventing the first body from expanding beyond an operable expanded orientation, the first body including a segment of an engagement portion near a first end thereof, the engagement portion including an operative surface for engaging a first outer surface on a first plate-like work piece of the stack, the first body having a second end and a threaded inner support extending between the opposed body sections, the second body being operable to engage a second outer surface on another plate-like work piece opposing the first plate-like work piece of the stack, the second body including a passage to receive a threaded member to engage the threaded inner support, the threaded member being rotationally operational to draw the first body toward the second body;
• manipulating the device to laterally a contracted orientation and inserting the first body within the at least one hole such that the engagement portion extends beyond the first outer surface of the first plate-like work piece of the stack;
• rotating the threadable member to draw the first body and the second body together so as to engage the engagement portion with the first outer surface and the second body with the second outer surface;
• machining the stack;
• releasing the device from the stack;
• and
• disassembling the plate-like work pieces from the stack.