Rollable Magnetic Clamp

Abstract

A magnetic clamping device which uses rollers or wheels to create an air-gap between the clamping edges and a ferromagnetic work-piece, thereby reducing friction so that the clamp is able to be rolled or easily moved upon the surface or surfaces to which it is clamped.

1 . A magnetic clamping device of the type having two or more ferromagnetic pole plates with a magnetizing element between them, having rollers or wheels of preferably non-magnetic material such as aluminium or brass or plastic fixed rotatably between the pole plates at several points around the perimeter of the device and of such diameter and location that the perimeter of the rollers always provides a small air-gap between the edges of the pole plates and any surface upon which the clamp is placed for the purpose of clamping.  
     
     
         2 . A magnetic clamping device of the type having two or more ferromagnetic pole plates with a magnetizing element between them, having rollers or wheels of preferably non-magnetic material such as aluminium or brass or plastic fixed rotatably on the outer side of the pole plates at sveral points around the perimeter of the device and of such diameter and location that the perimeter of the rollers always provides a small air-gap between the edges of the pole plates and any surface upon which the clamp is placed for the purpose of clamping.  
     
     
         3 . A magnetic clamping device of the type having two or more ferromagnetic pole plates with a magnetizing element between them, having rollers or wheels of ferromagnetic material fixed rotatably either between or on the outer side of the pole plates at several points around the perimeter of the device and of such diameter and location that the perimeter of the rollers always provides a small air-gap between the edges of the pole plates and any surface upon which the clamp is placed for the purpose of clamping.  
     
     
         4 . A magnetic clamping device of the type having two or more ferromagnetic pole plates with a magnetizing element between them, having non-rotatable elements fixed as for any of the above claims so as to provide a small air-gap between the edges of the pole plates and any surface upon which the clamp is placed and to provide decreased friction between the clamp and the surface upon which it is clamped.  
     
     
         5 . A magnetic clamp as described in  claims 1  to  4  where the element to provide an air-gap between the clamping edges of the clamp and the surface to which it clamps is a magnetic or non-magnetic and non-rotatable skid or protrusion.  
     
     
         6 . A magnetic clamp as decribed in  claims 1  to  3  where the rotating rollers or wheels are of a type that enables movement in more than one direction.