Clamp

Abstract

One exemplary embodiment can be a clamp for securing a tray in a vessel. The clamp may include a jaw. Generally, the jaw has a first offset position with the tray unsecured, and a second aligned position with the tray secured in the vessel.

1 . A clamp for securing a tray in a vessel, comprising:
 1) a jaw having:
 a) a first offset position with the tray unsecured; and 
 b) a second aligned position with the tray secured in the vessel. 
   
   
   
       2 . The clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the jaw forms an aperture there-through, and the clamp further comprises:
 a mechanical fastener extending through the aperture having a head at one end and a shaft extending there-from wherein the shaft terminates in an end adapted to be manipulated with a tool.   
   
   
       3 . The clamp according to  claim 2 , wherein the terminated end comprises a beveled portion. 
   
   
       4 . The clamp according to  claim 3 , further comprising a nut and a washer coupled proximate to the beveled portion of the shaft. 
   
   
       5 . The clamp according to  claim 4 , further comprising a spring positioned between the head of the mechanical fastener and the washer for tensioning the jaw. 
   
   
       6 . The clamp according to  claim 1 , further comprising a preloading member for adjusting the jaw to a first elevation at the first offset position and a second elevation at the second aligned position. 
   
   
       7 . The clamp according to  claim 6 , wherein the preloading member forms a substantially crescent-shape. 
   
   
       8 . The clamp according to  claim 6 , wherein the preloading member further comprises at least one spacer coupled to the tray. 
   
   
       9 . The clamp according to  claim 8 , wherein the jaw forms an elbow with a lower arm substantially horizontal, and an upper arm substantially vertical, and the upper arm terminating in an end adapted to abut the at least one spacer at the first offset position. 
   
   
       10 . A method of clamping a member to an internal structure of a vessel, comprising:
 1) coupling a clamp to the member wherein the clamp comprises a tensioned jaw and a mechanical fastener adapted for manipulation with a tool wherein the clamp has a first position disconnected with the internal structure and a second position engaged with the internal structure; and   2) manipulating the mechanical fastener to move the jaw from the first position to the second position to engage the internal structure.   
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the member comprises a tray and the clamp further comprises a nut and a washer, wherein the nut and washer are positioned on the mechanical fastener near an end and above the tray, and the mechanical fastener is coupled to the tray. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the clamp further comprises a spring positioned between the washer and the tray wherein the spring tensions the jaw. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the clamp further comprises a preloading member secured underneath the tray. 
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the preloading member is a substantially crescent-shape, wherein positioning one end of the jaw abutting the preloading member is the first position and abutting the tray is the second position. 
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the preloading member comprises a spacer, wherein the method further comprises:
 coupling the spacer to the tray before coupling the jaw to the tray.   
   
   
       16 . A vessel, comprising:
 A) an enclosure defining an interior volume;   B) at least one internal structure;   C) a tray; and   D) a removable clamp securing the tray to the internal structure; wherein the removable clamp comprises:
 1) a jaw; and 
 2) a mechanical fastener; 
   
     wherein the jaw forms an aperture for receiving a mechanical fastener there-through, and the mechanical fastener is adapted to be manipulated with a tool to position the jaw in a first offset position and a second aligned position to clamp the tray to the internal structure. 
   
   
       17 . The vessel according to  claim 16 , wherein the removable clamp further comprises a spring for tensioning the jaw to clamp the tray in the second aligned position. 
   
   
       18 . The vessel according to  claim 16 , wherein the removable clamp further comprises a preloading member. 
   
   
       19 . The vessel according to  claim 18 , wherein the preloading member forms a substantially crescent-shape. 
   
   
       20 . The vessel according to  claim 18 , wherein the preloading member comprises at least one spacer coupled to the tray.