摘要 |
A retaining device comprises a holder for receiving an object and a clamp 4. The holder comprises a cylindrical sleeve 1 with three longitudinal cut-out slits 3 spaced 120 DEG apart and a base 2 secured at one end. The inner surface of the clamp 4 has three lobes 11,12,13 also spaced 120 DEG apart. The portions midway adjacent lobes contact the portions of the sleeve midway adjacent slits 3, resulting in a symmetrical force being applied to the circumference of the sleeve 1 when the clamp 4 is tightened. The clamp 4 is free from the base 2 of the holder and is not rigidly attached to the sleeve 1 and thus does not apply unequal forces to the holder when the clamp is tightened. Alternatively the sleeve 1 may have a thin continuous wall which deforms when forces are applied to it by the clamp 4. The object inserted into the sleeve may have a spherically shaped portion to allow is to be angularly adjusted in the sleeve before the clamp is tightened. <IMAGE> |