JP2015523507A - Rail clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rail clamp that allows the installation rail to be clamped to the installation bracket using a rail connection connection structure that also supports the installation rail. The present invention provides that the pivoting movement of the base about the pivot plane pivots the installation rail, which is interengaged with the rail connection during use, onto the installation bracket, thereby freeing the installation rail and the installation bracket. It can be seen that a rail clamp is provided that allows the ends to be installed, thereby pivoting the mutually engaged connecting structures relative to each other to produce a torsional clamping action. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates generally to clamps, and more specifically to clamps for use with installation rails.

  The present invention applies to any type of rail clamp, but for convenience, but not limited thereto, is supported on a solar panel device or solar heating device installed on a roof or the like. The rail clamp used to provide

  Solar panel components or solar heating components are installed in an area of a building, such as a house roof. In such devices, the installation bracket is typically secured to an underlying roof support structure, such as a cabin set. The mounting bracket then allows the component to be supported by the roof support structure.

  Conventional fastener configurations used to secure components to an installation bracket can be difficult to handle. These configurations include a large number of small parts to achieve fastener retention or require nut tightening. In addition, electrical components such as solar panels are often relatively large and heavy, thus requiring multiple support points on the roof support structure. It is difficult to achieve effective attachment over multiple points using conventional fastener configurations.

  In particular, in general, the clamps need to be slid from the end of the rails to hold the clamps on the rails, and therefore all the rails and clamps need to be installed in the correct position before installing the solar panel on the rails . A full measurement is required before installing the panel, and any variations in panel size, calculation errors, or troublesome problems at the installation site cannot be adjusted at that time.

  Thus, conventional fastener configurations are easy to handle on the one hand to ensure secure attachment and, on the other hand, to be ready for adjustment to properly position on the roof prior to securing the component in place. Is inappropriate to provide.

  Therefore, there is a need to improve the fastener configuration when securing components on the roof.

  The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome or at least ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative.

  According to the invention, a rail clamp for use with an installation rail having at least one connection structure, comprising a body having a base portion and a rail connection portion supported by the base portion, the base portion being a base portion The rail connection portion includes a central connection receiving portion for receiving connection means for installing the base plate on the installation surface or the installation bracket, and the rail connection portion includes a pivot surface on the lower surface of the base portion of the central connection receiving portion on the other side. Includes one or more outwardly extending connection structures configured to be interengageable with at least one connection structure of the installation rail, wherein the pivot surface forms a pivot axis and the central connection A pivot connection of the rail connection around the receiving part is enabled, the rail connection being configured to provide support to the installation rail through the connection structure, the connection means, Is capable of being actuated through the pivot surface to provide a clamping action to install the location rail body, the rail clamp is provided.

  The connecting means may be a fastener for holding the central connection receiving part on the installation surface or the installation bracket. This can be a bolt and nut type fastener, and the central connection receptacle includes a hole or slot for holding the central connection receptacle on the installation surface or installation bracket.

  Preferably, the connection means further comprises a biasing member, which allows a limited partial pivoting of the base part about the pivot surface, so that during use the rail connection part The connecting structure is configured to pivot relative to the installation rail, thereby creating a clamping action with the mutually engaged structures to install the installation rail to the body.

  In one form, a rail clamp according to the present invention includes at least two connection structures, the rail clamp being configured to be able to interengage with at least two connection structures of an installation rail during use. A rail connection including at least two connection structures, wherein the biasing member pivots the base portion at least partially about the pivot plane so that the connection structure of the rail connection is in use during use. It is configured to pivot with respect to the rail, thereby creating a clamping action with the mutually engaged structures for mounting the installation rail to the body.

  The rail connection can extend at a perpendicular angle from the base.

  The connection structure of the rail connection and the connection structure of the installation rail are preferably complementary to each other. The rail connections have corresponding connection structures for each of the installation rail connection structures. Each of these rail connections has a constant cross section and extends along the rail connection so that a pivot arc movement around the connection means of the rail connection relative to the pivot surface forms a hook that fits together. Each of the installation rails can have a mutually spaced connection structure that fits in a hook configuration with each other.

  In one form, the connection structure of the rail connection portion is in the form of a rib, the connection structure of the installation rail is in the form of a groove, and each rib is slidably engaged in a state of being engaged with the groove, This allows the rail connection to be slid along the length of the installation rail.

  The pivot surface may be formed by an end of the base portion that is bent with respect to the rest of the base portion. In another form, it has a protrusion on the lower surface.

  The biasing member is preferably a spring, and may be a compression spring. The compression spring is fitted into a fastener that is used to secure the body to the support structure. The support structure is an installation rail.

  The rail clamp is for securing the rail clamp to the installation bracket during use, the pivot surface is bounded by a pair of spaced shoulders, and the shoulder is positioned on both sides of the installation bracket. Thus, the main body is installed so that the main body does not move laterally with respect to the installation bracket, and the pivot arc of the main body around the pivot surface is limited to a plane that is linearly aligned with the installation bracket in order to increase the clamping force.

  The rail connection can have at least three connection structures to a mounting bracket supported by the base portion and having a rail connection extending from the base portion at a vertical angle, the base portion mounting the pivot surface and the body to the mounting bracket And at least three installation rails, wherein the rail connection is configured to be complementary and mutually engageable with a connection structure of the installation rail. And, in use, the fastener attaches the body to the mounting bracket and the compression spring pivots the base at least partially about the pivot surface, thereby During use, the connection structure of the rail connection part is pivoted with respect to the rail, so that the installation rail is installed on the body Clamping action of the engaged structures together to occur.

The present invention is also a method of fixing an installation rail to an installation surface or an installation bracket using a rail clamp,
a) connecting the base portion of the rail clamp to the bracket body of the installation bracket so that the base portion can pivot about the pivot surface of the base portion;
b) connecting the installation rail to the rail clamp by mutually engaging the connection structure of the rail connection of the rail clamp with the connection structure of the installation rail;
c) The base part is pivoted through the operation of the biasing member of the base part, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection part with respect to the connection structure of the installation rail, whereby the installation rail is installed in the installation bracket Clamping the installation rail on the installation bracket by creating a clamping action between the connecting structures engaged to each other to lock to
Providing a method.

The method is
i. Connecting the base part of the rail clamp to the bracket body of the installation bracket so that the base part can pivot about the pivot surface of the base part;
ii. Connecting the installation rail to the rail clamp by engaging the connection structure of the rail connection portion of the rail clamp with the connection structure of the installation rail; and
iii. The base part is pivoted through the operation of the biasing member of the base part, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection part with respect to the connection structure of the installation rail, thereby locking the installation rail to the installation bracket Clamping the installation rail on the installation bracket by creating a clamping action between the mutually engaged connecting structures to
Can be included.

  In use, a rail clamp assembly, including a rail clamp including a body including a base portion and a rail connection extending from the base portion, and an installation bracket, the base portion including a pivot surface and a biasing member; A rail clamp is attached to the mounting bracket so that the actuating member actuates the base pivoting about the pivot plane, and the rail connection is used in many connection structures of the mounting rail during use. The pivoting movement of the base part about the pivot plane pivots the installation rail, which is interengaged with the rail connection, in use onto the installation bracket. This provides a rail clamp assembly that provides a clamping action to secure the installation rail to the installation bracket.

A rail clamp used with an installation device, wherein the installation rail has many connection structures,
i. A base part;
ii. A rail connection supported by the base,
iii. Including body,
Including
iv. The rail connection includes a number of connection structures configured to be able to engage each other with the connection structure of the installation rail during use;
v. The base is
vi. A pivot surface,
vii. A biasing member;
Including
viii. The biasing member pivots the base portion at least partially about the pivot plane, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection relative to the rail during use, thereby causing the installation rail to be Torsional clamping action between structures engaged with each other for installation.

A method of locking the installation rail to the installation bracket using a rail clamp,
a. Connecting the base part of the rail clamp to the bracket body of the installation bracket so that the base part can pivot about the pivot surface of the base part;
b. Connecting the installation rail to the rail clamp by engaging the connection structure of the rail connection portion of the rail clamp with the connection structure of the installation rail; and
c. The base part is pivoted through the operation of the biasing member of the base part, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection part with respect to the connection structure of the installation rail, thereby locking the installation rail to the installation bracket Clamping the installation rail on the installation bracket by creating a torsional clamping action between the connecting structures engaged to each other;
Including a method.

Rail clamp assembly
a. A rail clamp including a body including a base portion and a rail connection extending from the base portion;
b. A mounting bracket;
Can include
c. The base includes a pivot surface and a biasing member;
d. A rail clamp is attached to the mounting bracket so that actuation of the biasing member allows pivoting of the base about the pivot surface;
e. The rail connection includes a number of connection structures that can interengage with a number of connection structures of the installation rail during use;
f. The pivoting movement of the base about the pivot plane pivots the installation rail, which is interengaged with the rail connection during use, onto the installation bracket, thereby allowing the free end of the installation rail and installation bracket to be installed. This causes the mutually engaged connection structures to pivot relative to each other, creating a torsional clamping action.

  The present invention provides that the pivoting movement of the base about the pivot plane pivots the installation rail, which is interengaged with the rail connection during use, onto the installation bracket, thereby freeing the installation rail and the installation bracket. It can be seen that a rail clamp is provided that allows the ends to be installed, thereby pivoting the mutually engaged connecting structures relative to each other to produce a torsional clamping action.

  In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments of the present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view which shows the schematic of the rail clamp installed in the installation bracket based on the principle of this invention. It is a side view which shows the schematic of the rail clamp of FIG. It is an end view which shows the schematic of the rail clamp of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the schematic of only a rail clamp. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a schematic view of the rail clamp of FIG. 4. It is a side view which shows the photograph expression of the rail clamp in use. It is a side view which shows the photograph expression of the rail clamp in use. It is a side view which shows the photograph expression of the rail clamp in use. It is a side view which shows the photograph expression of the rail clamp in use. It is a side view which shows the photograph expression of the rail clamp in use. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a variation of a rail clamp according to the principles of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the schematic of the rail clamp of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of the rail clamp of FIG. 1 supported by a variation of the installation bracket according to the principles of the present invention.

  Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a rail clamp 10 according to the principles of the present invention. The rail clamp is supported by a bracket main body of the installation bracket 12, and the installation bracket 12 is fixed to a roof support structure such as a cabin set 14.

  The rail clamp 10 is attached to the installation bracket 12 with a fastener 16. The fasteners are fitted through the slots 18 with the fasteners being able to move to both ends of the slot in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the slot allows the position of the rail clamp 10 to be adjusted to a limited range with respect to the installation bracket.

  The rail clamp 10 is shown in considerable detail in FIGS. The rail clamp includes a body 22 having a base portion 24 and a rail connection portion 26 supported by the base portion and extending substantially perpendicularly from the base portion. The rail connection includes a number of connection structures 28 that are shaped to hook together. The base includes a pivot surface 30. A hole is formed in the base to accommodate the fastener 16.

  Pivot surface 30 includes a pair of shoulders 32 spaced apart. The shoulder is located on both sides of the installation bracket 12, thereby installing the main body so that the main body does not move laterally with respect to the installation bracket. The pair of shoulders 32 limits the pivot arc A of the body 22 around the pivot surface 30 to a plane that is linearly aligned with the installation bracket to increase the clamping force. Thus, the shoulder pair permits longitudinal movement of the fastener within the slot 18 with substantially no lateral movement of the rail clamp 10 relative to the mounting bracket 12.

  6-10 show the rail clamp 10 in use. Although not shown in these figures, during use, the mounting bracket 12 is first secured to the cabin set 14 with a suitable fastener.

  When the installation bracket 12 is fixed to the cabin set, the rail clamp 10 is fitted to the installation bracket 12. The fastener 16 is aligned with the hole in the base portion 24 and the slot 18 in the mounting bracket before the fastener nut 34 is secured to the threaded shank of the fastener bolt 36. A biasing member or compression spring 38 is fitted around the threaded shank of the bolt so that the compression spring operates between the nut 34 and the base portion 24. In the example shown, the nut is shown above the base portion 24, but it should be noted that the nut and bolt configuration can be reversed if desired. The present invention should not be understood as being limited in this regard.

  As best seen in FIG. 8, the pivot surface 30 is on the mounting bracket 12 such that the base portion 24 is initially tilted relative to the mounting bracket. However, the compression spring 38 allows the base to pivot relative to the mounting bracket about the pivot surface 30. Thus, compression of the compression spring is achieved when the rail connection 26 is moved in the direction 40.

  Movement of the rail connection 26 allows the connection structure 28 to be moved from the mounting bracket to the position substantially shown in FIG. This allows the connection structure 42 of the installation rail 44 to be moved under the connection structure 28 of the rail connection 26 as shown in FIG. The connection structures 28 and 42 are mutually engageable and complementary. Movement of the rail connection 26 by the compression spring 38 causes the connection structure 28 to be clamped on the connection structure 42 as shown in FIG. The nut 34 can then be fastened on the bolt 36 to secure the rail clamp 10 on the installation rail 44.

  The rail connection 26 can thus provide support to the installation rail 44 through the connection structure 28 and can be actuated through the pivot surface 30 to provide a clamping action to install the installation rail to the body 22. is there.

  In addition, the compression spring 38 at least partially pivots the base portion 24 about the pivot surface 30, thereby pivoting the connection structure 28 of the rail connection 26 relative to the installation rail during use. Thus, the clamping action of the mutually engaged structures is configured to install the installation rail on the body.

  In the illustrated example, the rail connection 28 has three surface matching structures 28. The installation rail 44 has a number of connection structures 42. The connection structure provides three channels 48 facing upward to allow the connection structure 28 to be clamped.

  The configuration of the connection structures 28 and 42 allows the rail connection 26 to slide along the length of the installation rail 44. The rail connection 26 is moved in the arc direction A to at least partially release the clamping action achieved through the compression spring 38. This allows the installation rail 44 to be slid relative to the rail clamp 10 to adjust the position of the rail clamp on the installation rail 44.

  The pivot surface 30 is formed by a base end 50 that is bent against the rest of the base. The pivot surface is configured to allow the base portion 24 to extend substantially parallel to the mounting bracket when the nut 34 is fastened to the bolt 36 as shown in FIG. This facilitates an equal distribution of the clamping force across the rail connection through the connection structures 28 and 42.

  Prior to fastening the bolt, the body 22 is capable of limited pivoting relative to the mounting bracket 12. The biasing force of the compression spring 38 mounts the installation rail 44 to the rail clamp through the clamping action achieved by the interconnected connection structures 28 and 42.

  The rail clamp 10 is therefore installed using the rail clamp by first connecting the base portion 24 of the rail clamp to the mounting bracket so that the base portion can pivot about the pivot surface 30 of the base portion. A method of locking the rail 44 to the mounting bracket 12 can also be provided. Thereafter, the installation rail is connected to the rail clamp by engaging the connection structure 28 of the rail connection 26 with the connection structure 42 of the installation rail 44. Then, the base part is pivoted through the operation of the base part biasing member 38, thereby pivoting the rail connection part connection structure relative to the installation rail connection structure, thereby being engaged with each other. The clamping action between the connected connecting structures locks the installation rail to the installation bracket, whereby the installation rail 10 is clamped on the installation bracket.

  11 and 12 show a rail clamp variation 10A according to the principles of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used to represent similar components between rail clamps 10 and 10A.

  The rail clamp 10A includes a pivot surface 30A in the form of a shoulder protruding from the base portion 24A of the main body 22A. The shoulder is on the mounting bracket 12 to allow pivoting of the base about the pivot plane.

  Further, the cross-sectional thickness 58 of the surface matching structure 28A is such that it fits into the channel 48 formed by the connecting structure 42 of the installation rail 44 with the surface matching structure fitting substantially intimately. is there. This close fit creates a torsional clamping force between the mutually engaged connection structures 28A and 42 when the rail connection 26A is pivoted toward the installation rail. The rail clamp 10 allows some degree of rotational movement of the connection structure 28 in the channel 48. However, in rail 10A, the close fit of connection structure 28A in the channel substantially prevents rotational movement of the connection structure in the channel. Thus, the side of the installation rail facing the rail clamp 10A is thus locked to the rail connection. The opposite free end of the installation rail leans against the installation bracket 12 when the rail connection pivots about the pivot surface 30A. When the free end of the installation rail is on the installation bracket, additional rotational force on the rail connection will cause a torsional clamping force by the mutually engaged connection structures 28A and 42. This increases the force to install the installation rail 44 to the rail clamp 10A.

  FIG. 13 shows a variation 60 of the installation bracket. The mounting bracket 60 is formed from two portions 62 and 64 that are slidably connected to each other through a fastener 66. Portion 64 includes a slot that allows adjustment of the position of fastener 66 relative to portion 64. Thus, movement of the fastener 66 along the slot allows adjustment of the height of the rail clamp 10 relative to the portion 62.

  The present invention can thus also provide a rail clamp that allows the installation rail to be clamped to the installation bracket using a rail connection connection structure that also supports the installation rail. The rail connection 26 extends substantially perpendicular to the base 24 of the rail clamp, thereby providing vertical support for the installation rail. The rail clamp includes a biasing member or a compression spring that enables pivoting of the base portion about the pivot surface. The natural restoring force of the compression spring biases the rail connection towards the installation rail, which causes the clamping action of the connection structure 28 of the rail connection on the connection structure of the installation rail. The rail clamp connection structure can also be sized to produce a torsional clamping force.

  Accordingly, the present invention also provides a rail clamp that pivots, thereby clamping the installation rail supported by the clamp through the pivot movement of the rail clamp relative to the rail.

  While specific embodiments of rail clamps are described herein, other embodiments of the present invention include any number of the aforementioned features, combinations of the aforementioned features, and any one of the foregoing features. It is further recalled that it can also be presented. However, it will be understood that any variations and modifications that can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (24)

A rail clamp for use with an installation rail having at least one connection structure,
A main body having a base portion and a rail connecting portion supported by the base portion;
Including
A central connection receiving portion that receives connection means for installing the base portion on an installation surface or an installation bracket, and the rail connection portion is on the lower surface of the base portion of the central connection receiving portion on the other side. And pivot face of
The rail connection includes one or more outwardly extending connection structures configured to be mutually engageable with the at least one connection structure of the installation rail;
The pivot surface forms a pivot axis and enables pivot arc movement of the rail connection around the central connection receptacle, the rail connection providing support to the installation rail through the connection structure Configured so that the connecting means can be actuated through the pivot surface to provide a clamping action to install the installation rail to the body.
Rail clamp.   The rail clamp according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is a fastener for holding the central connection receiving portion on an installation surface or an installation bracket.   The rail clamp according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is a bolt and nut type fastener, and the central connection receiving portion includes a hole or a slot for holding the central connection receiving portion on an installation surface or an installation bracket. . Connecting means having a biasing member, wherein the biasing member allows limited partial pivoting of the base portion about the pivot surface, thereby allowing the rail connection portion during use. Pivoting with respect to the installation rail, and thereby configured to produce a clamping action with the interengaging structure to install the installation rail to the body.
The rail clamp according to claim 1. Including at least two connecting structures, the rail clamp comprising:
i. The rail connection comprising at least two connection structures configured to be mutually engageable with the at least two connection structures of the installation rail during use;
Including
ii. The biasing member at least partially pivots the base portion about the pivot surface, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection portion with respect to the rail during use. Configured to produce a clamping action with the mutually engaged structures to install the installation rail to the body,
The rail clamp according to claim 1.   The rail clamp of claim 1, wherein the rail connection extends at a perpendicular angle from the base.   The rail clamp according to claim 1, wherein the connection structure of the rail connection portion and the connection structure of the installation rail are complementary to each other.   The rail clamp according to claim 1, wherein the rail connection has a corresponding connection structure for each of the connection structures of the installation rail.   The rail connecting portions each have a constant cross section and extend along the rail connecting portion, and form a hook in which pivot arc movements around the connecting means of the rail connecting portion with respect to the pivot surface fit together The rail clamp of claim 1, further comprising a spaced apart connection structure that fits together in a hook configuration with each of the fitting structures that fit into each other of the installation rail.   The connection structure of the rail connection portion is in the form of a rib, the connection structure of the installation rail is in the form of a groove, and each rib is slidably engaged with the groove, The rail clamp according to claim 1, which enables the rail connection to be slid along the length of the installation rail.   The rail clamp of claim 1, wherein the pivot surface is formed by an end of the base portion that is bent relative to the rest of the base portion.   The rail clamp according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a spring.   The rail clamp according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a compression spring.   The rail clamp of claim 1, wherein the compression spring is fitted to a fastener used to secure the body to a support structure.   The rail clamp of claim 1, wherein the support structure is an installation rail.   The rail clamp is for securing the rail clamp to an installation bracket during use, the pivot surface being bounded by a pair of spaced shoulders, the shoulders being on opposite sides of the installation bracket So that the body does not move laterally relative to the installation bracket, and the installation of the pivot arc of the body about the pivot surface to increase the clamping force. The rail clamp according to claim 1, wherein the rail clamp is limited to a plane that is linearly aligned with the bracket. The rail connection comprises at least three connection structures to an installation bracket having a rail connection supported by the base and extending at a perpendicular angle from the base;
i. The base includes the pivot surface and a compression spring fitted to a fastener used to secure the body to an installation bracket;
ii. A connection structure for each one of the at least three connection structures of the installation rail, wherein the rail connection is configured to be complementary and mutually engageable with the connection structure of the installation rail; ,
iii. In use, the fastener attaches the body to the mounting bracket, and the compression spring at least partially pivots the base portion about the pivot surface, thereby, in use, the rail connection. Pivoting the connecting structure with respect to the rail, thereby causing a clamping action with the mutually engaged structures to install the installation rail on the body,
The rail clamp according to claim 1. A method of fixing an installation rail to an installation surface or an installation bracket using a rail clamp,
a) connecting the base portion of the rail clamp to the bracket body of the installation bracket so that the base portion can pivot about the pivot surface of the base portion;
b) connecting the installation rail to the rail clamp by mutually engaging a connection structure of a rail connection portion of the rail clamp with the connection structure of the installation rail;
c) pivoting the base part through operation of the biasing member of the base part, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection part with respect to the connection structure of the installation rail, thereby Clamping the installation rail onto the installation bracket by creating a clamping action between the mutually engaged connection structures to lock the installation rail to the installation bracket;
Including a method. A method of fixing an installation rail to an installation bracket using a rail clamp,
i. Connecting the base portion of the rail clamp to the bracket body of the installation bracket so that the base portion can pivot about the pivot surface of the base portion;
ii. Connecting the installation rail to the rail clamp by engaging the connection structure of the rail connection portion of the rail clamp with the connection structure of the installation rail; and
iii. The base part is pivoted through operation of the biasing member of the base part, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection part with respect to the connection structure of the installation rail, and thereby the installation rail. Clamping the installation rail onto the installation bracket by creating a clamping action between the mutually engaged connection structures to lock the installation bracket to the installation bracket;
Including a method. A rail clamp assembly comprising:
i. A rail clamp including a body including a base portion and a rail connecting portion extending from the base portion;
ii. A mounting bracket;
Including
iii. The base includes a pivot surface and a biasing member;
iv. The rail clamp is attached to the mounting bracket such that actuation of the biasing member allows pivoting of the base about the pivot surface;
v. The rail connection includes a number of connection structures that can interengage with a number of connection structures of the installation rail during use;
vi. The pivot movement of the base portion about the pivot plane pivots the installation rail, which is engaged with the rail connection during use, onto the installation bracket, thereby causing the installation rail to move to the installation bracket. Causes a clamping action to be fixed to the
Rail clamp assembly. A rail clamp used with an installation device, wherein the installation rail has a number of connecting structures,
i. A base part;
ii. A rail connection supported by the base;
iii. Including body,
Including
iv. The rail connection includes a number of connection structures configured to be able to engage each other with the connection structure of the installation rail during use;
v. The base portion is
vi. A pivot surface,
vii. A biasing member;
Including
viii. The biasing member at least partially pivots the base portion about the pivot surface, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection portion relative to the rail during use, thereby Configured to cause a torsional clamping action between the mutually engaged structures to install the installation rail to the body;
Rail clamp. A method of locking the installation rail to the installation bracket using a rail clamp,
a. Connecting the base portion of the rail clamp to the bracket body of the installation bracket so that the base portion can pivot about the pivot surface of the base portion;
b. Connecting the installation rail to the rail clamp by engaging the connection structure of the rail connection portion of the rail clamp with the connection structure of the installation rail; and
c. The base part is pivoted through operation of the biasing member of the base part, thereby pivoting the connection structure of the rail connection part with respect to the connection structure of the installation rail, and thereby the installation rail. Clamping the installation rail onto the installation bracket by creating a torsional clamping action between the mutually engaged connection structures to lock the installation bracket to the installation bracket;
Including a method. A rail clamp assembly comprising:
a. A rail clamp including a body including a base portion and a rail connecting portion extending from the base portion;
b. A mounting bracket;
Including
c. The base includes a pivot surface and a biasing member;
d. The rail clamp is attached to the mounting bracket such that actuation of the biasing member allows pivoting of the base about the pivot surface;
e. The rail connection includes a number of connection structures that can interengage with a number of connection structures of the installation rail during use;
f. The pivot movement of the base portion about the pivot plane pivots the installation rail, which is engaged with the rail connection portion during use, onto the installation bracket, thereby providing the installation rail and the installation bracket. The free ends of the two, thereby pivoting the mutually engaged connecting structures relative to each other to produce a torsional clamping action;
Rail clamp assembly.   A rail clamp substantially as described in the above claims with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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