Clamping device for lifting and transfer objects

A clamping device comprising

• a clamp bar comprising a first end portion;
• a first jaw fixedly coupled to the first end portion;
• a jaw assembly,
• wherein the jaw assembly comprises a jaw support,
• wherein the jaw support is configured to be movable along the clamp bar,
• wherein the jaw support is configured to be secured to the clamp bar at discrete locations,
• wherein the jaw assembly comprises a second jaw,
• wherein the second jaw is flexibly coupled to the jaw support so that the second jaw is coupled to the jaw support but is able to move away from the jaw support at a distance at least equal to a distance between two adjacent locations of the discrete locations,
• wherein a first surface of the jaw support and a second surface of the second jaw are configured to face each other to form a cavity,
• wherein the cavity comprises a dimension between the second jaw and the jaw support that is larger at a location farther from the clamp bar than at a location nearer the clamp bar,
• a limiting element coupling the second jaw to the jaw support or to the clamp bar or to the first jaw, wherein the limiting element is configured to allow limited sliding movements of the second jaw with respect to the jaw support;
• a pulling element,
• wherein the pulling element is disposed in the cavity formed between the second jaw and the jaw support,
• wherein one end of the pulling element comprises rollers, wherein one or more first rollers of the rollers are configured to roll on the first surface, wherein one or more second rollers of the rollers are configured to roll on the second surface,
• wherein a diameter of the rollers is larger than a dimension of a portion of the pulling element nearer the clamp bar.

A method comprising

• placing an object between a first jaw and a second jaw of a clamping device, wherein the second jaw is flexibly coupled to a jaw support so that the second jaw is configured to move toward or away from the jaw support, wherein the first jaw is fixedly coupled to a clamp bar, wherein the jaw support is movably coupled to the clamp bar, wherein the jaw support is configured to be fixed coupled to the clamp bar at discrete positions;
• moving the jaw support along the clamp bar;
• fixedly coupling the jaw support to the clamp bar;
• pulling on a pulling element of the clamp device to secure the object between the first and second jaw, wherein the pulling element is coupled to the second jaw assembly, wherein the coupling between the pulling element and the second jaw assembly comprises a slanting interface, wherein the slanting interface is configured so that when a force is applied to the pulling element in a direction comprising a vertical direction, a second force is generated pushing the second jaw in a direction comprising a direction from the second jaw to the first jaw;
• pulling on the pulling element to lift the object.