Clamping assembly

Abstract

A clamp assembly for connecting a rudder to an aquatic device having a body with a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A clamp having a screw connected to a pivot pin disposed within a clamp head is removably connected to the top of the body for selectively applying a clamping force on the body. The clamp handle in some bodies tapering to an end to allow placement within a retaining slot of a fin box.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clamp assembly for securing a rudder to an aquatic device, comprising:
 a body having a first end, a second end, a top, and a bottom;   a slot in the body that extends from the first end toward the second end; and   a clamp having a clamp handle operatively connected to the top of the body, wherein the clamp handle is configured to transition such that a clamping force is applied by reducing a height of the slot in the body.   
     
     
         2 . The clamp assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a cutout in the bottom. 
     
     
         3 . The clamp assembly of  claim 2  further comprising a post operatively connected to the clamp at one end and connected to nut at the other end. 
     
     
         4 . The clamp assembly of  claim 3  wherein the nut is configured to be received and fit within the cutout with close tolerances such that when received in the cutout the movement of the nut is limited. 
     
     
         5 . The clamp assembly of  claim 1  further comprising the clamp handle having a parallel portion and a tapered portion. 
     
     
         6 . The clamp assembly of  claim 1  wherein the parallel portion extends from a clamp head to the tapered portion and the tapered portion extends from the parallel portion to an end of the clamp handle. 
     
     
         7 . A clamp assembly for securing a rudder to an aquatic device, comprising:
 a body having top portion and a protuberance that are configured in a T-shape;   the top portion having a first end, a second end, a top, and a bottom;   a bore extending through the body;   a post connected to a clamp at one end and a connector at the other end; and   the clamp having a clamp handle operatively connected to a recess on the top portion, wherein the clamp handle is configured to transition such that a clamping force is applied by reducing a distance between the body and the connector.   
     
     
         8 . The clamp assembly of  claim 7  wherein the protuberance is configured to be received within a retaining slot of a fin box and the top portion is configured to engage a top surface of the fin box. 
     
     
         9 . The clamp assembly of  claim 7  wherein the top portion is 0.70 inches. 
     
     
         10 . A handle of clamp assembly for securing a rudder to an aquatic device, comprising:
 a clamp handle having a parallel portion and a tapered portion, wherein the parallel portion extends from a clamp head to the tapered portion and the tapered portion extends from the parallel portion to an end of the clamp handle.