Rotating dovetail connection for materials testing

Abstract

A rotating dovetail connection is provided in order to attach jaw faces to grips in materials testing. The connection includes a machined tongue on the jaw face and a corresponding groove on the jaw face holder. A ball plunger within the holder serves to center the jaw face and to retain the jaw face in the holder. The jaw faces can be installed an removed without the use of tools or loose parts. The rotating dovetail facilitates a secure connection between the jaw face and the grip while allowing the jaw faces to rotate.

1 . A connection for materials testing within a material testing accessory compromising:
 a holder including a bore and a latching mechanism; and   a gripping mechanism having a tongue insertable into said bore in said holder, said tongue being at least partially rotatable within said bore, and a detent configuration for engaging said latching mechanism.   
   
   
       2 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said gripping mechanism is held in place by said latching mechanism. 
   
   
       3 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said bore of said holder is at least partially cylindrical and wherein said gripping mechanism is free to rotate throughout a range within said bore of said holder. 
   
   
       4 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said tongue includes at least one sloped surface to ease installation into said bore of said holder. 
   
   
       5 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said bore includes a cross cut pathway sized to allow said tongue on said gripping mechanism to slide through. 
   
   
       6 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said tongue includes an undercut which is sized to allow said tongue on said gripping mechanism be held securely in said holder. 
   
   
       7 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said latching mechanism is a spring loaded ball plunger passing through a central longitudinal aperture in said holder. 
   
   
       8 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said gripping mechanism is a removable jaw face. 
   
   
       9 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said material testing accessory is a pneumatic, hydraulic, or screw-action grip. 
   
   
       10 . The connection as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said tongue includes lateral flat surfaces.