A Hold-Down Toggle Clamp with a Sideway Pivoting Function for Confined Spaces and Method Thereof

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Title: A Hold-Down Toggle Clamp with a Sideway Pivoting Function for Confined Spaces and Method Thereof The present disclosure proposes a hold-down toggle clamp (100) with a sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) comprises a base member (102), a handle (110), a V-shaped guide rail (116), a coupler (118), a guide rod (124), a clamping arm (128), a holding member (136), a screw member (138) and a pair of sleeves (140). The hold-down toggle clamp (100) reduces user fatigue and facilitates easy operation in both industrial and small workshop environments. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) simplifies installation and adjustment processes, allowing for quick setup and efficient clamping without specialized tools or skills. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) is designed for adaptable use with various workpiece materials and dimensions, ensuring consistent performance across applications.

Specification

Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of mechanical clamps, in specific, relates to a hold-down toggle clamp with a sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical.
Background of the invention:
[0002] Toggle clamps are essential in many industrial, woodworking, and assembly settings, where they hold materials or workpieces securely in place, enhancing precision and safety. These clamps typically feature a handle that users rotate to engage a clamping mechanism, locking the workpiece and allowing for stable processing. However, standard toggle clamp designs often require adequate space for effective operation, making them challenging to use in confined or restricted areas.

[0003] In such limited spaces, operating a conventional toggle clamp can restrict movement, leading to difficulties in securing or releasing the workpiece. The limited space not only complicates the handle's movement but also causes operational inefficiencies in workflows that require frequent repositioning of the clamp. This issue is especially problematic in assembly lines, tight manufacturing setups, or applications that need fast, reliable, and ergonomic operation under spatial constraints.

[0004] Although there is modified toggle clamps designed for different environments, most still require some level of handle maneuvering space. This dependence on space restricts their usability, and existing solutions may still require significant operator effort to engage or disengage the clamp in confined areas. This can lead to physical strain, reduced efficiency, and ergonomic challenges, especially for workers who use these clamps frequently.

[0005] There is a clear need for a more user-friendly toggle clamp design tailored specifically for confined spaces. Such a clamp should be ergonomic, easy to operate, and capable of providing the required clamping force without relying on extensive handle movement. This would make it possible to use toggle clamps efficiently in tight spaces, reducing physical effort, enhancing productivity, and expanding usability in various industrial applications.

[0006] By addressing all the above-mentioned problems, there is a need for a hold-down toggle clamp with a sideway pivoting function, enabling effective clamping in confined and limited spaces where conventional clamps are impractical. There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that enhances user convenience by allowing easy-handle operation without obstructing the workspace, improving efficiency in restricted areas. There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that improves safety by providing a stable hold-down force while minimizing hand strain and reducing risks of unintentional release.

[0007] There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that reduces user fatigue and facilitates easy operation in both industrial and small workshop environments. There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that simplifies installation and adjustment processes, allowing for quick setup and efficient clamping without specialized tools or skills. Further, there is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp for adaptable use with various workpiece materials and dimensions, ensuring consistent performance across applications.

[0008] By addressing all the above-mentioned problems, there is a need for a hold-down toggle clamp with a sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical. There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that enhances user convenience by allowing easy-handle operation without obstructing the workspace, improving efficiency in restricted areas. There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that improves safety by providing a stable hold-down force while minimizing hand strain and reducing risks of unintentional release.

[0009] There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that reduces user fatigue and facilitates easy operation in both industrial and small workshop environments. There is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp that simplifies installation and adjustment processes, allowing for quick setup and efficient clamping without specialized tools or skills. Further, there is also a need for a hold-down toggle clamp is designed for adaptable use adaptable use with various workpiece materials and dimensions, ensuring consistent performance across applications.
Objectives of the invention:
[0010] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp with a sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp that enhances user convenience by allowing easy-handle operation without obstructing the workspace, thereby improving efficiency in restricted areas.

[0012] The other objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp that operates in confined spaces where traditional toggle clamps are difficult or impossible to use, thereby eliminating the need for vertical or horizontal clearance, making it ideal for tight environments.

[0013] The other objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp that reduces strain on a user by eliminating the need for awkward upward or downward handle movements and leads to more comfortable and efficient operation, minimizing the risk of injury or fatigue during repetitive tasks.

[0014] The other objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp that ensures more controlled and precise operation for reducing the risk of incomplete clamping or release and enhancing safety by ensuring that the workpiece is securely held in place during use.

[0015] The other objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp that improves safety by providing a stable hold-down force while minimizing hand strain and reducing risks of unintentional release.

[0016] The other objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp is designed for adaptable use with various workpiece materials and dimensions forensuring consistent performance across applications.

[0017] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp that reduces user fatigue and facilitates easy operation in both industrial and small workshop environments.

[0018] Further objective of the invention is to provide a hold-down toggle clamp that simplifies installation and adjustment processes, thereby allowing for quick setup and efficient clamping without specialized tools or skills.
Summary of the invention:
[0019] The present disclosure proposes a hold-down toggle clamp with a sideway pivoting function for confined spaces and method thereof. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0020] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a hold-down toggle clamp with a sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical.

[0021] According to one aspect, the invention provides a hold-down toggle clamp for confined spaces. The hold-down toggle clamp comprises a base member, a handle, a V-shaped guide rail, a coupler, a guide rod, a clamping arm, a holding member, a screw member and a pair of sleeves. In one embodiment, the base member having a fulcrum pin. The base member is adapted to be securely mounted on a fixed surface, thereby preventing unwanted movements.

[0022] In one embodiment herein, the handle having a fulcrum slot is rotatably positioned over the fulcrum pin of the base member. The one end of the handle is equipped with the V-shaped guide rail, which is perpendicularly mounted on the one end of the handle. The other end of the handle having a gripping member to ensure a secure hold for the user while handling the hold-down toggle clamp. The fulcrum pin of the base member having a threading portion to secure the handle through a fastener. The fulcrum slot and the coupler are secured over the threading portion of the fulcrum pin of the base member through the fastener.

[0023] In one embodiment, the guide rod is movably positioned within the V-shaped guide rail of the handle. The one end of the guide rod is pivotally connected to the coupler, which is movably coupled over the fulcrum pin of the base member. The one end of the guide rod having a pivot slot, which is pivotally secured between a pair of connecting arms of the coupler through a connecting pin.

[0024] In one embodiment, the clamping arm having a groove. The clamping arm is operatively connected to the other end of the guide rod, which is guided through the V-shaped guide rail of the handle. The clamping arm is adapted to be raised and lowered based on the position of the guide rod within the V-shaped guide rail of the handle. The holding member is positioned within the groove of the clamping arm through the pair of sleeves.

[0025] In one embodiment, the pair of sleeves are affixed to an upper portion and a lower portion of the clamping arm, respectively. The each sleeve having an opening for accommodating the holding member through a screw member. The holding member is configured to receive the clamping force from the handle through the clamping arm and evenly distribute the clamping force across the surface of the workpiece, thereby ensuring a secure and stable hold without causing damage to the workpiece.

[0026] In one embodiment herein, the clamping arm is configured to receive a clamping force and an unclamping force from the handle through the guide rod via the coupler. The clamping arm is provided with a flange having an inlet to accommodate the other end of the guide rod. The hold-down toggle clamp enables the user to move the handle in at least one sideway direction for actuating the holding member via the clamping arm in a controlled linear direction, thereby securely clamping and unclamping a workpiece with precise clamping and unclamping forces.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for operating the hold-down toggle clamp. At one step, the user rotates the handle in the at least one sideway direction around the fulcrum pin to initiate the radial movement upon securing the base member on a fixed surface. At one step, the position of the guide rod is changed within the V-shaped guide rail of the handle from the center portion to the upper portion, thereby moving the clamping arm in the upward direction. At one step, the holding member disengages with the workpiece upon receiving the unclamping force from the handle through the guide rod via the coupler, thereby performing an unclamping operation.

[0028] At one step, the user rotates the handle in the at least one sideway direction i.e., an initial position around the fulcrum pin. At one step, the position of the guide rod is changed within the V-shaped guide rail of the handle from the upper portion to the center portion, thereby moving the clamping arm in the downward direction. At one step, the holding member engages with the workpiece upon receiving the clamping force from the handle through the guide rod via the coupler, thereby performing the clamping operation.

[0029] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a hold-down toggle clamp, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the hold-down toggle clamp, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the hold-down toggle clamp, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the hold-down toggle clamp at an initial position, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic view of the hold-down toggle clamp at an initial position, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the perspective view of the hold-down toggle clamp while clamping a workpiece, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 5A illustrates the top view of the hold-down toggle clamp while moving a handle in at least one sideway direction, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 5B illustrate the schematic view of the hold-down toggle clamp while moving a handle in the at least one sideway direction, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates the perspective view of the hold-down toggle clamp while unclamping the workpiece, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a hold-down toggle clamp, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0041] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0042] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a hold-down toggle clamp with a sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical.

[0043] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGs. 1A-1B refer to isometric and perspective views of a hold-down toggle clamp 100, respectively. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 with a sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 improves safety by providing a stable hold-down force while minimizing hand strain and reducing risks of unintentional release. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 is designed for adaptable use with various workpiece materials and dimensions, ensuring consistent performance across applications. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 comprises a base member 102, a handle 110, a V-shaped guide rail 116, a coupler 118, a guide rod 124, a clamping arm 128, a holding member 136, a screw member 138, and a pair of sleeves 140.

[0044] In one embodiment herein, the base member 102 having a fulcrum pin 106. The base member 102 is adapted to be securely mounted on a fixed surface, thereby preventing unwanted movements, as shown in FIG. 1A. The base member 102 having an aperture 104 at both ends, allowing it to be securely mounted to a fixed surface by inserting fasteners into the apertures 104, as shown in FIG. 1B. In one embodiment herein, the handle 110 is rotatably positioned over the fulcrum pin 106 of the base member 102, as shown in FIG. 1A. The one end of the handle 110 is equipped with the V-shaped guide rail 116, as shown in the FIG. 1B.

[0045] In one embodiment herein, the guide rod 124 is movably positioned within the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110. The one end of the guide rod 124 is pivotally connected to the coupler 118, which is movably coupled over the fulcrum pin 106 of the base member 102. The fulcrum pin 106 is configured to accommodate the handle 110 and guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby enabling coordinated movement of both the handle 110 and guide rod 124. So, the guide rod 124 is adapted to move between the center portion and at least one upper portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116, based on a sideway linear movement of the handle 110.

[0046] In one embodiment herein, the clamping arm 128 is operatively connected to the other end of the guide rod 124, which is guided through the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110. The clamping arm 128 is adapted to be raised and lowered based on the position of the guide rod 124 within the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110. The holding member 136 is connected to the clamping arm 128 through the pair of sleeves 140 using the screw member 138.

[0047] In one embodiment herein, the clamping arm 128 is configured to receive a clamping force and an unclamping force from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 enables the user to move the handle 110 in at least one sideway direction for actuating the holding member 136 via the clamping arm 128 in a controlled linear direction, thereby securely clamping and unclamping a workpiece 10 with precise clamping and unclamping forces, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG 6, respectively.

[0048] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to an exploded view of the hold-down toggle clamp 100. In one embodiment herein, the base member 102 is adapted to be securely mounted on a fixed surface, thereby preventing unwanted movements. The base member 102 includes the apertures 104 at both ends, allowing it to be securely mounted to the fixed surface by inserting fasteners into the apertures 104. The fulcrum pin 106 is perpendicularly mounted at a center portion of the base member 102. The fulcrum pin 106 is integrated with a threading portion 108. The handle 110 is secured over the threaded portion 108 of the fulcrum pin 106 of the base member 102 using a fastener 142 The coupler 118 and the fulcrum slot 112 of the handle 110 are secured over the threading portion 108 of the fulcrum pin 106 of the base member 102 using the fastener 142.

[0049] In one embodiment herein, the handle 110 is rotatably positioned over the fulcrum pin 106 of the base member 102 upon inserting the fulcrum slot 112 on the fulcrum pin 106. In one embodiment herein, one end of the handle 110 incorporates the V-shaped guide rail 116 featuring a V-shaped structure, which includes distinct upper portions and a center portion. In particular, the center portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116 serves as the primary path for the guide rod 124, providing a stable base for movement. This central alignment ensures that the guide rod 124 can navigate smoothly within the V-shaped guide rail 116, minimizing any potential misalignment during operation.

[0050] In one embodiment herein, the upper portions of the V-shaped structure extend from the center portion, creating angled surfaces that assist the movement of the handle 110 and change the position of the guide rod 124 within the V-shaped guide rail 116. These upper portions are designed to accommodate the lateral movement of the handle 110, allowing it to pivot or shift sideway while maintaining a secure connection with the guide rod 124. The V-shape effectively channels this movement, ensuring that the handle 110 and the guide rod 124 operate in tandem without unwanted friction or interference. In one embodiment herein, the other end of the handle 110 having a gripping member 114 to ensure a secure hold for the user while handling the hold-down toggle clamp 100.

[0051] In one embodiment herein, the guide rod 124 is movably positioned within the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110. The one end of the guide rod 124 having a pivot slot 126, which is pivotally secured between a pair of connecting arms 120 of the coupler 118 through a connecting pin 122. So, the guide rod 124 is pivotally to connected the coupler 118, which is movably coupled over the fulcrum pin 106 of the base member 102. The clamping arm 128 is provided with a flange 130 having an inlet 132 to accommodate the other end of the guide rod 124.

[0052] The fulcrum pin 106 is configured to accommodate the handle 110 and guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby enabling coordinated movement of both the handle 110 and guide rod 124. So, the guide rod 124 is adapted to move between the center portion and at least one upper portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116, based on the sideway linear movement of the handle 110.

[0053] In one embodiment herein, the clamping arm 128 is operatively connected to the other end of the guide rod 124, which is movably detached through the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110. The clamping arm 128 is adapted to be raised and lowered based on the position of the guide rod 124 within the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110. In one embodiment herein, the clamping arm 128 having a groove 134. The holding member 136 is positioned within the groove 134 of the clamping arm 128 through the pair of sleeves 140. The pair of sleeves 140 are affixed to an upper portion and a lower portion of the clamping arm 128, respectively. The each sleeve 140 having an opening 141 for accommodating the holding member 136 through the screw member 138. So, the holding member 136 is connected to the clamping arm 128 through the pair of sleeves 140 using the screw member 138.

[0054] In one embodiment herein, the clamping arm 128 is configured to receive the clamping force and the unclamping force from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 enables the user to move the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction for actuating the holding member 136 via the clamping arm 128 in the controlled linear direction, thereby securely clamping and unclamping the workpiece 10 with precise clamping and unclamping forces.

[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGs. 3A-3B refer to a top view and schematic view of the hold-down toggle clamp 100 at an initial position, respectively. In one embodiment herein, the base member 102 is mounted on the fixed surface through the apertures 104 using the fasteners. The user needs to place the workpiece 10 on the fixed surface, positioned beneath the holding member 136

[0056] In one embodiment herein, the fulcrum pin 106 is configured to accommodate the handle 110 and the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby enabling coordinated movement of both the handle 110 and guide rod 124. So, the guide rod 124 is adapted to move between the center portion and at least one upper portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116, based on the sideway linear movement of the handle 110. Initially, the guide rod 124 is positioned at the one of at least one upper portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116 before clamping the workpiece 10. Initially, the handle 110 is in an inclined position. So, the user needs to rotate the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction around the fulcrum pin 106 to initiate the radial movement upon securing the base member 102 on the fixed surface, thereby changing the handle 110 to a straight position from the inclined position, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0057] In one embodiment herein, the position of the guide rod 124 shifts from the one of the upper portions to the center portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116 when the handle 110 is moved from the inclined position to the straight position, as shown in FIG. 3B. The clamping force is transmitted to the clamping arm 128 from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby moving the clamping arm 128 in the downward direction for performing the clamping operation.

[0058] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 refers to a perspective view of the hold-down toggle clamp 100 while clamping the workpiece 10. The user needs to rotate the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction around the fulcrum pin 106 to initiate the radial movement upon securing the base member 102 on the fixed surface. The position of the guide rod 124 shifts from the one of the upper portions to the center portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116 when the handle 110 is moved from the inclined position to the straight position. The clamping force is transmitted to the clamping arm 128 from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby moving the clamping arm 128 in the downward direction. In one embodiment herein, the holding member 136 is connected to the clamping arm 128 through the pair of sleeves 140 using the screw member 138. So, the holding member 136 engages with the workpiece 10 upon receiving the clamping force from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby performing the clamping operation. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 securely holds the workpiece 10, thereby allowing the user to perform desired operations.

[0059] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGs. 5A-5B refer to the top view and schematic view of the hold-down toggle clamp 100, respectively, while moving the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction. In one embodiment herein, the user needs to unclamp the workpiece 10 after completing the desired operations. In one embodiment herein, the guide rod 124 is positioned at the center portion of the V-shaped guide rail 116 upon clamping the workpiece 10. The handle 110 is in the straight position. So, the user needs to rotate the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction around the fulcrum pin 106 to initiate the radial movement, thereby changing the handle 110 to the inclined position from the straight position, as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0060] In one embodiment herein, the position of the guide rod 124 shifts from the center portion to the one of the upper portions of the V-shaped guide rail 116 when the handle 110 is moved from the straight position to the inclined position, as shown in FIG. 4B. The unclamping force is transmitted to the clamping arm 128 from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby moving the clamping arm 128 in the upward direction for performing the unclamping operation.

[0061] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 6 refers to the perspective view of the hold-down toggle clamp 100 while unclamping the workpiece 10. The user needs to rotate the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction around the fulcrum pin 106 to initiate the radial movement, thereby changing the handle 110 to the inclined position from the straight position. The position of the guide rod 124 shifts from the center portion to the one of the upper portions of the V-shaped guide rail 116 when the handle 110 is moved from the straight position to the inclined position. The unclamping force is transmitted to the clamping arm 128 from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby moving the clamping arm 128 in the upward direction. In one embodiment herein, the holding member 136 is connected to the clamping arm 128 through the pair of sleeves 140 using the screw member 138. So, the holding member 136 disengages with the workpiece 10 upon receiving the unclamping force from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby performing the unclamping operation. The workpiece 10 is unclamped from the hold-down toggle clamp 100 after completing the desired operations, ensuring no damage occurs.

[0062] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7 refers to a flowchart 700 of a method for operating the hold-down toggle clamp 100. At step 702, the user rotates the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction around the fulcrum pin 106 to initiate the radial movement upon securing the base member 102 on a fixed surface. At step 704, the position of the guide rod 124 is changed within the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110 from the center portion to the upper portion, thereby moving the clamping arm 128 in the upward direction. At step 706, the holding member 136 disengages with the workpiece 10 upon receiving the unclamping force from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby performing an unclamping operation.

[0063] At step 708, the user rotates the handle 110 in the at least one sideway direction i.e., an initial position around the fulcrum pin 106. At step 710, the position of the guide rod 124 is changed within the V-shaped guide rail 116 of the handle 110 from the upper portion to the center portion, thereby moving the clamping arm 128 in the downward direction. At step 712, the holding member 136 engages with the workpiece 10 upon receiving the clamping force from the handle 110 through the guide rod 124 via the coupler 118, thereby performing the clamping operation.

[0064] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure a hold-down toggle clamp 100 with a sideway pivoting function for confined spaces is disclosed. The proposed invention provides the hold-down toggle clamp 100 with the sideway pivoting function for efficient clamping in confined and restricted spaces where conventional clamps are impractical. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 enhances the user convenience by allowing easy handle operation without obstructing the workspace, improving efficiency in restricted areas. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 improves safety by providing a stable hold-down force while minimizing hand strain and reducing risks of unintentional release.

[0065] The hold-down toggle clamp 100 reduces user fatigue and facilitates easy operation in both industrial and small workshop environments. The hold-down toggle clamp 100 simplifies installation and adjustment processes, allowing for quick setup and efficient clamping without specialized tools or skills. The hold-down toggle clamp 10 is designed for adaptable use with various workpiece materials and dimensions, ensuring consistent performance across applications.

[0066] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
I/We Claim:
1. A hold-down toggle clamp (100) for confined spaces, comprising:
a base member (102) having a fulcrum pin (106) adapted to be securely mounted on a fixed surface, thereby preventing unwanted movements;
a handle (110) having a fulcrum slot (112) rotatably positioned over the fulcrum pin (106) of the base member (102), wherein the fulcrum slot (112) is configured to accommodate the fulcrum pin (106) of the base member (102),
wherein one end of the handle (110) is equipped with a V-shaped guide rail (116);
a guide rod (124) movably positioned within the V-shaped guide rail (116) of the handle (110), wherein one end of the guide rod (124) is pivotally connected to a coupler (118), which is movably coupled over the fulcrum pin (106) of the base member (102);
a clamping arm (128) having a groove (134) operatively connected to the other end of the guide rod (124), which is guided through the V-shaped guide rail (116) of the handle (110), wherein the clamping arm (128) is adapted to be raised and lowered based on the position of the guide rod (124) within the V-shaped guide rail (116) of the handle (110); and
a holding member (136) positioned within the groove (134) of the clamping arm (128) through a pair of sleeves (140), wherein the clamping arm (128) is configured to receive both clamping and unclamping forces from the handle (110) through the guide rod (124) via the coupler (118),
whereby the hold-down toggle clamp (100) enables the user to move the handle (110) in at least one sideway direction for actuating the holding member (136) via the clamping arm (128) in a controlled linear direction, thereby securely clamping and unclamping a workpiece (10) with precise clamping and unclamping forces.
2. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fulcrum pin (106) of the base member (102) having a threading portion (108) to secure the handle (110) through a fastener (142).
3. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fulcrum slot (112) and the coupler (118) are secured over the threading portion (108) of the fulcrum pin (106) of the base member (102) through the fastener (142).
4. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping arm (128) is provided with a flange (130) having an inlet (132) to accommodate the other end of the guide rod (124).
5. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one end of the guide rod (124) having a pivot slot (126), which is pivotally secured between a pair of connecting arms (120) of the coupler (118) through a connecting pin (122).
6. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the V-shaped guide rail (116) is perpendicularly mounted on the one end of the handle (110).
7. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the other end of the handle (110) having a gripping member (114) to ensure a secure hold for the user while handling the hold-down toggle clamp (100).
8. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding member (136) is configured to receive the clamping force from the handle (110) through the clamping arm (128) and evenly distribute the clamping force across the surface of the workpiece (10), thereby ensuring a secure and stable hold without causing damage to the workpiece (10).
9. The hold-down toggle clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of sleeves (140) are affixed to an upper portion and a lower portion of the clamping arm (128), respectively,
wherein the each sleeve (140) having an opening for accommodating the holding member (136) through a screw member (138).
10. A method for operating a hold-down toggle clamp (100), comprising:
rotating, by a user, a handle (110) in at least one sideway direction around a fulcrum pin (106) for initiating a radial movement upon securing a base member (102) on a fixed surface and clamping a workpiece (10);
changing, a position of a guide rod (124) within a V-shaped guide rail (116) of the handle (110) from a center portion to at least one of the upper portions of the V-shaped guide rail (116), thereby moving a clamping arm (128) in an upward direction;
disengaging, a holding member (136) with a workpiece (10) upon receiving an unclamping force from the handle (110) through the guide rod (124) via the coupler (118), thereby performing an unclamping operation;
rotating, by the user, the handle (110) in the at least one sideway direction i.e., an initial position around the fulcrum pin (106);
changing, the position of the guide rod (124) within the V-shaped guide rail (116) of the handle (110) from the upper portion to the center portion, thereby moving the clamping arm (128) in a downward direction; and
engaging, the holding member (136) with the workpiece (10) upon receiving a clamping force from the handle (110) through the guide rod (124) via the coupler (118), thereby performing a clamping operation.

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