Structure for reducing locking distance in ratcheting devices

摘要

The present invention relates to ratcheting thread clamping devices and the use of multiple interleaved thread structures on one or more of the segments of the ratcheting device. It is shown how the use of such multiple threads reduces locking distance when the ratcheting device is moved in the ratcheting direction along a single-threaded rod, that is, reduced locking distance is achieved with an improved thread clamping device without the necessity of any changes to the threaded rod to which the device clamps. Multiple thread structures thus reduce locking distance in prior art devices typically having frustoconical segment surfaces as well as in more recent devices having nut segments with planar surfaces.

主权项

1. A ratcheting thread clamping device comprising:
a plurality of movable nut segments wherein each of said movable nut segments has a threaded inner surface suited for engaging a single-threaded rod, and wherein said threaded inner surface of at least one of said movable nut segments has a multiple thread structure, and wherein each of the interleaved threads comprising said multiple thread structure has substantially the same helix angle as the threads of said single-threaded rod, thereby reducing the ratcheting distance of said ratcheting thread clamping device when engaged with said single-threaded rod.