1. A clamping mechanism for releasably interconnecting two structural components having radially outwardly reaching clamping
surfaces of rotational symmetry, said clamping mechanism comprising a plurality of clamping elements, at least one tensioning
member holding said clamping elements together, said clamping elements comprising a radially inwardly facing clamping groove
adapted for cooperation with said clamping surfaces of said structural components, said at least one tensioning member comprising
a first end and a second end, a first connecting eye secured to said first end of said at least one tensioning member, a second
connecting eye secured to said second end of said at least one tensioning member, and at least one tensioning assembly comprising
a mounting, first and second tensioning levers and two separate hinges, each separate hinge operatively securing one of said
first and second tensioning levers to said mounting for tensioning said at least one tensioning member, a locking mechanism
secured to said mounting between said first and second tensioning levers for locking said first and second tensioning levers
in a tensioned position, said first tensioning lever comprising a first guide, a first journal bolt securing said first connecting
eye to said first tensioning lever in said first guide for movement relative to said first tensioning lever, said second tensioning
lever comprising a second guide, a second journal bolt securing said second connecting eye to said second tensioning lever
in said second guide for movement relative to said second tensioning lever, and retarding means operatively interposed between
said mounting and each tensioning lever of said first and second tensioning levers for slowing down an opening motion of said
first and second tensioning levers.
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