U.S. patent application number 10/513460 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for clamp.
Invention is credited to Peter Clarence Barton, Stephen Paul Barton.
Application Number | 20060065805 10/513460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9935975 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060065805 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barton; Peter Clarence ; et
al. |
March 30, 2006 |
Clamp
Abstract
A clamp is formed by spaced limbs such that a mounting rod
extending through the clamp provides a stable structure despite
formation from sheet material. Essentially, the mounting rod
reinforces the clamp in order to present a clamping mechanism.
Different embodiments of the clamp are provided in which
overlapping edges are created through which the drop or mounting
rod extends in order to provide reinforcement for the clamp. Thus,
a body portion of the clamp may simply be formed with overlapping
ears in which drop rod apertures are provided which, when aligned,
receive a mounting or drop rod. Alternatively, saddle members may
be provided which extend across the spaced limbs in order to
present apertures in which the mounting or drop rod is located.
Furthermore, cap members may be provided in which apertures receive
a mounting or drop rod in order to secure the clamp and present a
clamping mechanism.
Inventors: |
Barton; Peter Clarence;
(West Midlands, GB) ; Barton; Stephen Paul; (West
Mildlands, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH-HILL AND BEDELL, P.C.
16100 NW CORNELL ROAD, SUITE 220
BEAVERTON
OR
97006
US
|
Family ID: |
9935975 |
Appl. No.: |
10/513460 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
May 2, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB03/01935 |
371 Date: |
November 2, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/317 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 2/065 20130101;
B25B 5/101 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/317 |
International
Class: |
A47H 1/10 20060101
A47H001/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 2, 2002 |
GB |
0210098.0 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. A clamp for overhead assemblies, the clamp comprising two
spaced limbs formed from a base end and supporting a clamp
mechanism on an opposed clamp end opposite the base end with a
mounting rod projecting in use between the spaced limbs to hold
them in a desired association with each other.
29. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein the limbs have
overlapping flaps or ears at their respective edges with the
mounting rod passing through them to hold the limbs in
association.
30. A clamp as claimed in claim 29 wherein the overlapping flaps or
ears will reinforce the clamp.
31. A clamp as claimed in claim 29 wherein the overlapping flaps
will extend at the top and bottom sides of the two spaced limbs
between the ends.
32. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein saddle members are
provided in order to further reinforce the clamp.
33. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein the clamp mechanism
extends on a screwthread from one side of the clamp end to the
other.
34. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein the clamp mechanism
comprises respective clamp members secured on screwthreads to
extend from respective sides of the clamp end.
35. A clamp as claimed in claim 34 wherein the clamp members are
cone pointed screw and nuts.
36. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein the clamp end extends
from one of the spaced limbs with a distal end of that one of the
spaced limbs formed to received the clamp mechanism.
37. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein that one of the spaced
limbs is shaped for reinforcement and/or appropriate presentation
of the clamp end within the clamp.
38. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein the spaced limbs are
flared at their top edge in order to engage with reinforcing saddle
members.
39. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein reinforcing saddle
members engage and lock the clamping mechanism at the clamp end of
the clamp.
40. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein the spaced limbs are
press formed to approximate the desired association.
41. A clamp as claimed in claim 40 wherein a pivot bend is provided
at the clamp or base end to facilitate, possibly with hand
pressure, achievement of the desired association and allow
projection of the mounting rod between the spaced limbs.
42. A clamp as claimed in claim 28 wherein a cap member is provided
to extend between the two spaced limbs.
43. A clamp as claimed in claim 42 wherein there are two cap
members, one either side of the spaced limbs.
44. A clamp as claimed in claim 42 wherein the cap member is
secured to the spaced limbs by a rivet or slot detent.
45. A clamp as claimed in claim 42 wherein the cap member
reinforces the clamp.
46. A method of making a clamp comprising forming a main component
body by a pressing and/or rolling process such that a jaw aperture
is defined with a substantially U shape, forming the top and bottom
of the clamp with respective U sections either side of the jaw
aperture within which ears or flaps are bent and holes provided
which overlap and define a passage therethrough, securing a clamp
mechanism in the jaw aperture and a drop rod through the passage in
order to hold the clamp together.
47. A method of making a clamp as claimed in claim 46 wherein cap
members are located across the main component body and secured
thereat whereby the clamp mechanism and the drop rod pass through
apertures in those cap members in order to form the clamp.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to clamps and more
particularly, but not exclusively, to clamps used to clamp mounting
assemblies for pipework and cabling to beams at elevated positions
in a building.
[0002] There is a requirement to securely clamp mounting assemblies
to beams or girders in a building in order to provide resilient
support structures for pipework and cabling. Typically, the clamps
are secured to the beam or girder with a displaceable screwthread
element brought into robust engagement with the beam or girder and
a drop or mounting rod extending downward from the clamp upon which
a mounting can be secured to support the pipework or cabling.
[0003] Traditionally, clamps to be secured to girders or beams have
comprised cast elements which are appropriately drilled and tapped
in order to accommodate the drop rod and a clamp mechanism to
secure the clamp to the beam or girder. Such cast assemblies are
expensive to form and manufacture. Nevertheless, it is necessary to
provide sufficient strength in the clamp such that it will not
distort during installation and in operation whilst supporting
pipework or cabling.
[0004] In accordance with the present invention is provided a clamp
for overhead assemblies, the clamp comprising two spaced limbs
formed from a base end and supporting a clamp mechanism on an
opposed clamp end opposite the base end with a mounting rod
projecting in use between the spaced limbs to hold them in a
desired association with each other.
[0005] Preferably, the limbs have overlapping flaps or ears at
their respective edges with the mounting rod passing through them
to hold the limbs in association. Typically, the overlapping flaps
or ears will reinforce the clamp. Possibly, the overlapping flaps
will extend at the top and bottom sides of the two spaced limbs
between the ends. Additionally, saddle members are provided in
order to further reinforce the clamp.
[0006] Alternatively, a cap member is provided to extend between
the two spaced limbs. Normally, there are two cap members, one
either side of the spaced limbs. Possibly, the cap member is seared
to the spaced limbs by a rivet. Alternatively, the cap member is
secured by a defect engagement between them. Generally, the cap
member reinforces the clamp.
[0007] Preferably, the clamp mechanism extends on a screwthread
from one side of the clamp end to the other. Alternatively, the
clamp mechanism comprises respective clamp members secured on
screwthreads to extend from respective sides of the clamp end.
Possibly, the clamp members are cone pointed screw and nuts.
[0008] Alternatively, the clamp end extends from one of the spaced
limbs with a distal end of that one of the spaced limbs formed to
received the clamp mechanism. Typically, that one of the spaced
limbs is shaped for reinforcement and/or appropriate presentation
of the clamp end within the clamp.
[0009] Possibly, the spaced limbs may be flared at their top edge
in order to engage with reinforcing saddle members. Advantageously,
the reinforcing saddle members engage and lock the clamping
mechanism at the clamp end of the clamp.
[0010] Preferably, the spaced limbs are press formed to approximate
the desired association. Typically, a pivot bend is provided at the
clamp or base end to facilitate, possibly with hand pressure,
achievement of the desired association and allow projection of the
mounting rod between the spaced limbs.
[0011] Also in accordance with the present invention there is
provided a method of making a clamp comprising forming a main
component body by a pressing and/or rollng process such that a jaw
aperture is defined with a substantially U shape, forming the top
and bottom of the clamp with respective U sections either side of
the jaw aperture within which ears or flaps are bent and holes
provided which overlap and define a passage therethrough, securing
a clamp mechanism in the jaw aperture and a drop rod through the
passage in order to hold the clamp together.
[0012] Preferably, the ears or flaps are pressed into a right
angled and slightly over-bent configuration. Preferably, a saddle
member is formed to overlay the U sections defined either side of
the jaw aperture in order to reinforce the clamp.
[0013] Typically, the clamp mechanism and/or the drop rod are
secured in the clamp through a locking nut. Where included, the
saddle member will typically include a slot aperture to allow
adjustment of the saddle member in use.
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a clamp in accordance with a first
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an end view of the clamp depicted in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of spaced limbs in accordance with the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a shoulder member;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an end view of the spaced limbs as shown in FIG.
3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the spaced limbs depicted in FIGS.
3 and 4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a clamp including a saddle
member to lock the clamping mechanism;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the clamp illustrated in FIG. 6
providing greater detail of flaring between the saddle member and
spaced limbs;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a saddle reinforcement member;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of an alternative clamp in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a plan cross-section of the clamp illustrated in
FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a cap member;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view of the cap member depicted in FIG.
11;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a clamp member configured to
accommodating the cap member depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12; and,
[0028] FIG. 14 is a side view of a clamp including the clamp member
and cap members as depicted respectively in FIG. 13 and FIGS. 11
and 12
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating a clamp 1 in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The
clamp 1 comprises two spaced limbs 2,3 which extend from a base end
4 to a clamp end 5. The clamp end 5 is opposite the base end 4 and
accommodates a clamp mechanism 6. The clamp mechanism 6 typically
comprises displaceable clamp members 7,8 which are displaceable on
a screwthread in order to engage in use a beam or girder 9 such
that the clamp 1 is securely held upon that beam 9. Normally, the
members 7,8 will be cone pointed screw nuts. The clamp members 7,8
include a screwthread to allow displacement of the members 7,8
towards the beam 9 through rotation achieved by actuation on nut
heads 10,11.
[0030] A drop or mounting rod 12 projects through the clamp 1
between the spaced limbs 2,3 in order to hold the spaced limbs in a
desired association. The clamp mechanism 6 is appropriately
presented at the clamp end 5 as required. The drop rod 12 includes
a screwthread to enable nuts 13,14 to lock the rod 12 to the clamp
1. Thus, the rod 12 will extend downwardly to enable a piping or
cabling support mounting to be secured to that rod 12. In such
circumstances, the clamp 1 secured to the beam 9 ensures adequate
presentation of the mounting or drop rod 12 at the desired position
for supporting pipework or cabling at elevated positions in a
building.
[0031] The rod 12 effectively provides a robust and stabilising
element in the clamp 1 to ensure that the clamp 1 resists
distortions as a result of pipe weight supported through the drop
rod 12 and during installation of the clamp 1 in to clamped
location on the beam 9. In such circumstances, the clamp 1 with
regard to the spaced limbs 2,3 can be made from relatively thin
steel materials. Furthermore, and more importantly, by utilising
the strength and stability of the rod 12, the spaced limbs 2,3 can
be press formed rather than cast such that manufacturing cost is
significantly reduced. The spaced limbs 2,3 will be bent around the
clamp end 5 into an approximation of the desired association for
presentation of the clamping mechanism 6. This desired association
will normally comprise the spaced limbs 2,3 in parallel
configuration. The clamping mechanism 6 is then secured at the
clamping end 5. The bend formed at the clamp end 5 will allow a
degree of pivot such that, typically under hand pressure, final
adjustment of the spaced limbs 2,3 can be achieved in order to
locate the mounting or drop rod 12 projecting between the spaced
limbs 2,3 and so hold the spaced limbs 2,3 in the desired
association.
[0032] The spaced limbs 2,3 include overlapping flaps or ears 15,16
at the top and bottom sides with respective holes 17,18. It is
through these flaps that the rod 12 projects in order to hold the
limbs 2,3 in the desired association. These overlapping flaps 15,16
also further reinforce the clamp 1 to provide a more robust
structure and resistance to distortion in use and at
installation.
[0033] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 a flap or hole can be
provided in the base end 4 in order to provide a further mounting
point upon which generally light weights such as cabling can be
secured. This flap or hole 19 can be formed in the clamp 1, and in
particular the component from which the spaced limbs 2, 3 are
formed, whilst that component is a flat work piece and so is more
easily achievable.
[0034] The clamp 1 is made from mild steel. Typically, the clamp 1
is manufactured as a pressing in that the shape is blanked out then
forming an aperture 22 for the jaws of the clamp and four
rectangular ears or folds that are then folded or bent at right
angles so that the pressing can then be formed into a U shape or
box structure. The ears or folds at right angles interlock with
each other in order to provide an enclosure with substantial
strength. Generally, four holes (for example 11 millimetres in
diameter) are cut in the folds or ears when the component is made
or when the pressing is formed into the enclosure. These holes are
arranged either side of the clamp such that a drop rod can
penetrate between one pair of holes and be appropriately secured
whilst the other holes can accommodate the clamping mechanism or
additional mounting points. Normally, the drop rod will pass
substantially through the centre of the clamp and therefore provide
a robust resistance to distortion. As indicated previously, the
clamping mechanism typically comprises at least one cone pointed
screw and nut which extends downwardly. At the bottom of the clamp
a further cone pointed screw and nut can be arranged to project
upwardly and so engage a beam from either side or a fixed anvil
clamp seat can be provided to engage the beam against the
engagement pressure from the clamp member on the other side.
[0035] The drop rod 12 will extend below the clamp for a desired
length dependent upon the pipe or cabling position required.
[0036] The present clamp 1 can also incorporate a hole in the base
through which a rivet or other fastener can pass in order to
accommodate a universal joint upon which when installed further
equipment can be supported. Similarly, on the back of the clamp, a
flap can be provided which is raised at right angles upon which
further fittings can be provided to secure other equipment. For
example, a simple hook clip could be secured through a hole in the
clamp 1.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 in which the spaced limbs 2, 3
depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown in more detail along with
saddle members 20. Thus, the limbs 2,3 are formed as described
previously by a pressing operation in which the flaps 15, 16 are
formed as well as a folding or bending operation about the clamp
end 4. Holes in each of the flaps 15,16 are brought into alignment
in order to create a passage 21 through which a drop or mounting
rod (not shown) is projected between the spaced limbs 2,3 in order
to secure these limbs 2,3 in the desired association and the clamp
mechanism (not shown) can be secured at the clamp end 5. Normally,
the clamp end 4 is rounded and provides a pivot such that during
the pressing process the spaced limbs 2,3 are brought into
approximate position consistent with the desired association and
then through application of an appropriate pressure, which will
normally be achievable by hand, the final adjustment necessary to
allow the drop rod (not shown) to pass through the passage 21 will
be achieved. Ideally, no final adjustment will be necessary as the
pressing operation will be sufficiently accurate to ensure creation
of the passage 21 by the holes in the flaps 15,16. In any event,
the rounded nature of the end 4 is configured to accommodate the
clamping mechanism 6.
[0038] A jaw recess 22 in both limbs 2,3 allows in use the clamping
mechanism 6 to extend across that recess 22 from one side to the
other to allow clamping of the clamp to a beam or girder. Clearly,
the extent of the recess 22 will be determined by the necessity of
maintaining an adequate degree of strength in the clamp for
performance both during installation and whilst supporting
pipework, etc as required. Nevertheless, when a drop rod is secured
through the passage 21 it will be appreciated that the clamp is
substantially reinforced.
[0039] The limbs 2,3 are made from a mild steel of an appropriate
structural grade. The clamp and in particularly the limbs 2,3 are
formed such that the ears or overlapping flaps with holes align
during the pressing and folding/bending operation. In such
circumstances, it will be appreciated that the overlapping ears or
flaps create a material thickness double that of the individual
material thickness. Typically, 3 millimetre sheet steel is used
providing a thickness of 6 millimetres. However, where greater
strength is required 4 or 5 millimetre sheet material can be used
such that there is a doubling in material thickness and so
reinforcement.
[0040] In order to further reinforce the clamp saddle members 20
can be provided across the spaced limbs 2,3 to reinforce the
assembly as required. FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate clamp 1 with
reinforcing saddle members 20. The saddle members will include lips
which extend over the edge of the respective spaced limbs 2,3 and
include an aperture consistent with the passage 21 such that in use
a drop rod passes through that aperture in addition to the passage
21 in order that these saddle members 20 provide additional
reinforcement and resistance to twist deformation of the clamp. The
saddle members 20 are held in place by nuts 13,14. These saddle
members 20 may also extend such that a leading edge of each saddle
member 20 in use can engage a nut or other portion of the clamping
mechanism in order that in use the saddle member 20 will lock that
clamping mechanism 6 to prevent rotation of the nut and so secure
the position of the clamping mechanism 6 within the clamp as
required.
[0041] Reinforcement provided by the saddle members 20 further
increases the thickness of the clamp in association with the drop
rod. In such circumstances, the drop rod acts as a spine-member
between spaced lateral members which extend from the base end to
the clamp end of the clamp with the drop rod and clamp mechanism
secured by nut engagement on screwthreads associated with the drop
rod and clamp mechanism.
[0042] Typically, the spaced limbs 2,3 will be made from mild steel
with a thickness in the range 3 to 5 millimetres. As indicated
previously, the drop or mounting rod will extend through the clamp
between the opposed spaced limbs 2,3 to provide reinforcement.
Normally, the drop rod will have a 10 millimetre diameter and a
screwthread to allow nut engagement either side of the clamp for
further reinforcement strength and to position the drop rod.
Typically, the clamp will be approximately 50 millimetres from the
base end 4 to the clamping end 5 with a depth of approximately 60
millimetres between the top and bottom of the clamp. The recess 22
will extend inwardly from the clamping end 5 by approximately 28
millimetres and will have a width also of approximately 28
millimetres centrally located between the top and bottom of the
clamp.
[0043] Where necessary, an appropriate stirrup mounting may also be
provided which comprises a loop or sling with respective mounting
apertures through which the stirrup mounting can be secured to the
clamp to allow support of a cable or other light weight
conduits.
[0044] Typically, the passage 21 will be arranged approximately
such that its centre is 15 millimetres from the base end 5 in order
to accommodate the drop rod. A hole 22 in each of the spaced limbs
2,3 and near to the base end 4 can be provided in order to allow
accomodation of the stirrup mounting or sling for cabling as
described previously.
[0045] In order to manufacture a clamp in accordance with the
present invention there are essentially three stages. Firstly, a
main component body is formed with a jaw aperture which is U
shaped. Then the top and bottom of the clamp are pressed to form
two U sections which define the base end and with right angled ears
or flaps slightly over bent with holes formed to overlap and define
passage 21 between top and bottom along with appropriate apertures
to accommodate the clamp mechanism. Finally, the clamp mechanism is
secured in its aperture and a drop rod 12 passed through the
passage 21 in order to hold the clamp together. A clamp in
accordance with the present invention can be used for relatively
light duty or heavy duty dependant upon principally the thickness
of the material used, i.e. 3 millimetre thick mild steel for light
duty and 4 or 5 millimetre thick mild steel for heavier duty
applications. The saddle member used to reinforce the clamp may
extend partially along the top and bottom edges of the clamp or
fully in order to engage the clamp mechanism and in particular the
locking nut of that clamp mechanism. Typically, the saddle member
will include a slot aperture 30 which will allow the saddle member
to slide along the top or bottom edge of the clamp in order to
engage the beam appropriately. The drop rod will pass through the
slot 30 whilst the clamping mechanism can move in and out dependent
upon the width of the beam.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 7 over bending of the saddle member
provides appropriate engagement with flared top and bottom edges of
the limb members 2,3 for further appropriate association and
configuration in the clamp.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 showing an alternative clamp in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. A
clamp 100 again comprises two spaced limbs 102, 103 formed such
that a passage 121 is provided through which a drop rod 112 is
positioned in order to hold the clamp 100 in an appropriate
reinforced association. In fabrication, the spaced limbs 102, 103
are formed and folded to provide overlapping ears or flaps within
which holes are drilled in order to create the passage 121 for the
drop rod 112. One of the limbs 102 provides at one end 105 a pivot
corner or edge about which the clamp 100 is bent, pressed and
folded in order to create the second limb 103 along with flaps or
ears in an enclosed or boxed configuration reinforced in use with a
drop rod 112 passing through the passage 121. From the limb 102 the
clamp extends in order to form at a clamp end 105 a structure
typically in the form of a collar which defines an aperture in
which a clamping mechanism 106 is secured. The aperture 130 is such
that a cone pointed bolt and nut can be driven downwardly and/or
upwardly in order to engage a beam 109.
[0048] The drop rod 112 as previously provides a major stabilising
structure within the clamp 100 such that the clamp itself can be
formed from relatively thin and cheaper structural steel. The drop
rod 112 is secured to the clamp 100 through locking nuts 113, 114
such that there is a desired length of drop rod 112 extending from
the clamp for appropriate presentation in order to support through
a support member piping or cabling, etc.
[0049] As indicated above, the clamp end 105 extends from an end of
the limb 102 and as shown in FIG. 10 is typically shaped to provide
substantially in line presentation between the passage 121 and the
collar aperture 130 to respectively accommodate the drop rod 112
and the clamp mechanism 106. This shaping of the clamp between the
limb 102 and the clamp end 104 is achieved in the pressing
operation as described previously.
[0050] The clamp 100 in the portion extending from the limb 102
includes a jaw recess 122 to allow the beam 109 to be gripped
either side by the clamp mechanism 106. The size and depth of the
jaw recess 122 will be determined to enable sufficient depth of
engagement with the beam 109 whilst retaining sufficient strength
in the clamp 100 for performance during installation and operation
under load while supporting pipework, etc.
[0051] The clamp 100 in the form of the enclosure or box structure
defined by the limbs 102, 103 with side panels 131, 132 along with
the extension of limb 102 to form the clamp end 104 will be
achieved through appropriate pressing, folding and bending then the
clamping mechanism 106 will be secured in the collar aperture 130
with locking nuts 133, 134 and the drop rod 112 secured through the
passage 121 and locked in place with an appropriate length of drop
rod for presentation of the support mounting for pipework using
locking nuts 113, 114. The clamp 100 can then be taken to its
elevated position and secured to the beam 109 through the clamping
mechanism 106 to leave the drop rod 112 extending downwardly in
order to support pipework, etc. Typically, a universal joint will
also be provided between the drop rod 112 and the support mounting
for the pipework, etc.
[0052] In the enclosure or box structure formed between the limbs
102, 103 the flaps or ears will generally extend at right angles
from each limb 102, 103 with respective holes therein such that
these holes are all aligned to provide the passage 121 through
which the drop rod 112 extends in order to hold the limbs 102, 103
in the desired association for reinforcement and presentation of
the clamp 100.
[0053] FIGS. 11 to 14 depict a further alternative embodiment of
the present invention. Essentially, an end cap 200 is provided upon
a clamp 201 whereby the end cap 200 extends across spaced limbs
202, 203 in order to provide reinforcement and structural stability
within the clamp 201. The clamp 201 has previously is pressed
formed to accommodate a clamping mechanism 206 in the form of a
clamping member with a clamping bolt 207, a locking nut 208 and a
locking nut 209 all secured on a screw thread 210 extending through
a clamping body 211 incorporated the limbs 202, 203. Normally, cap
members 200 are provided inner side of the body 211 across the
limbs 202, 203. As indicated previously, these cap members 200 act
and reinforce the clamp 201 and improve structural integrity.
[0054] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a plan view and a side view of a
typical cap member 100. Thus, as can be seen, the cap member 200
includes apertures 120, 121 respectively for the clamping mechanism
206 (FIG. 14) and a drop or mounting rod (not shown). The cap
member 200 includes flange sides 223 which overlap with edge
proportions of the limbs 202, 203 in order to provide location and
reinforcement. In a similar fashion to saddle member 20 (FIGS. 6 to
8) the cap members 200 improve strength and ability to support the
clamping mechanism 206 and allow association with the drop or
mounting rod (not shown).
[0055] The cap members 200 can be secured to the limbs 202, 203 in
a variety of manners. Lateral holes 224 may be provided through
which rivets are located to secure each cap member 200 to the limbs
202, 203. Alternatively, slots may be provided (shown in broken
line 225) through which detents 226 shown in FIG. 13 protrude in
order to provide an interference latch for location of the cap
member 200 upon limbs 202, 203. Furthermore, the cap member 200 may
be secure to the limb 202, 203 through an adhesive between the edge
portions of the limbs 202, 203 and the overlapping parts 223 of the
cap members 200. In such circumstances, the cap members 100 on
either side of the limbs 202, 203 act to form a block structure
whereby the limbs are held together by the overlapping relationship
between the parts 223 and the upper and lower edge portions of the
limbs 202, 203. The drop rod (not shown) passes through the
apertures 221 in order to reinforce and further secure the cap
members in position through locking nuts either side of the cap
members 200 on the drop or mounting rod (not shown) in order to
create a stable clamp in which the clamping mechanism 106 can be
appropriately presented through the apertures 220.
[0056] As previously, the clamping mechanism 206 may comprise as
shown a simple displacement screw arrangement against an anvil
structure (not shown) formed upon a lower jaw portion 226 of the
clamp body 211. Alternatively, the clamping mechanism may comprise
screw threads which inwardly project from either side of the jaws
created by the clamp.
[0057] In manufacture as described previously with regard to other
embodiments, the clamp body 211 would initially be press cut or
formed as a flat sheet and then bent around the mounting mechanism
end in order to provide a substantially U shaped formation with
spaced limbs 202, 203. The clamp members 200 will then be brought
into position so that the side parts 223 overlap edge portions of
the limbs 202, 203 in order to form the clamp 201. Generally, in
such configuration, the clamp mechanism 106 end will be rounded
with the limbs 202 spaced and substantially parallel to each other
extending away from that clamp mechanism and of the clamp 201. The
clamp mechanism 206 and the drop on mounting rod (not shown) will
then be located in their respected apertures 220, 221 and secured
in position in order to create a robust and strong clamp 201
comprising a substantially box form of the body 211 and cap members
200 through which at least the drop rod extends in order to provide
reinforcement in addition to that provided by the overlapping
engagement by the cap members 200 and the body 111 through the
limbs 202, 203.
[0058] As indicated previously, the cap members 200 may be secured
to the edge proportions of the limbs 202, 203 utilising a number of
techniques including riveting (224) slot detent engagement (225),
adhesive or a welding technique.
[0059] The cap members 200 will generally be formed by a press
fabrication technique in order to present the side 223 for overlap
with the limbs 202, 203 in order to form the clamp 201. Clearly,
the size of the clamp 201 in principle dictates the size of the cap
members 200.
[0060] Normally, the clamping mechanism 206 as illustrated will be
secure between locking nuts 208, 209 in order to appropriately
present a clamping mechanism in the clamp 201. Similarly, the drop
or mounting rod which extends through apertures 221 will also be
secured by locking nuts either side of the cap members 200. These
locking nuts will further reinforce the rigid box structure
provided by the present clamp 101.
[0061] Normally, clamps in accordance with the present invention
will be made from a metal such as steel appropriately pressed
formed in order to create the clamp but it will be appreciated that
clamps could also be made from moulded or shaped plastics materials
where operational performance of such clamps would allow these
materials to be used.
[0062] Alternative embodiments of the present invention will be
readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Thus, the
embodiment described above may be modified by provision of an anvil
or limpet element on one side of the recess 22 whilst a single
displaceable clamp member is brought towards that anvil or limpet
element in order to clamp a beam or girder between them.
Furthermore, generally the clamp end 5 may be bent into a coned
configuration but alternative simple round cross-sections could be
provided where acceptable. Alternatively, the base end 4 may be a
pivot bend and the clamp end 5 boxed.
[0063] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw
attention to those features of the invention believed to be of
particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant
claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or
combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in
the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed
thereon.
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