Thread clamping device
OwnerRonald A. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release, and including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.
Claims5
A thread clamping device comprising:
- a) a top end housing and a bottom end housing surrounding a plurality of movable nut segments wherein each of said movable nut segments has a threaded inner surface suited for engaging a threaded rod;
- and,
- wherein a substantially planar outer segment surface of each of said movable nut segments engages a substantially planar inner bearing surface of said bottom end housing making planar contact therewith;
- and,
- wherein a substantially planar inner sloping surface of each of said movable nut segments engages a substantially planar top housing ramp making planar contact therewith;
- and,
- wherein said substantially planar inner sloping surface is substantially parallel to said inner bearing surface;
- and
- b) at least one spring circumferentially disposed around said nut segments, flexibly directing said nut segments against said threaded rod;
- and,
- wherein said thread clamping device moves axially along said threaded rod in a first direction without rotation and does not so move in a second opposite direction without rotation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.