Plastics clamping element for lateral expansion - has three tapered sections connected by pliable walls designed to give wedge action

摘要

A plastics extrusion is designed so that two triangular strips are joined to a central triangular wedge section by pliable walls. The bases of the triangles form two parallel outside faces of the extrusion, their opposite corners pointing towards the centre. When the clamping element is installed, it is placed in a rectangular slot together with the component which is required to be clamped. The wedge is then driven between the two triangular sections so that they are forced apart, thus producing a clamping force. Thin hinge strips join the triangular sections so that the wedge assembly is ready for use with the components held in the correct alignment.