U.S. patent application number 16/718649 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-23 for clamp.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pridgeon & Clay, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Pridgeon & Clay, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Bostwick, Gregory S. Cowham, Mathews Goveas, Chad D. Ham, Michael D. Kozal, Pete R. Wojtas.
Application Number | 20200123961 16/718649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59360335 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-23 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200123961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cowham; Gregory S. ; et
al. |
April 23, 2020 |
CLAMP
Abstract
A clamp for use in joining conduit segments comprising a ring
sector and a radially projecting channel sector having first and
second straps, first and second compression members, a central
compression member, and a fastener wherein upon tightening the
fastener, axial forces along the fastener are transferred into
clamping forces around the clamp in order to seal the conduit
segments.
Inventors: |
Cowham; Gregory S.; (Alto,
MI) ; Kozal; Michael D.; (Caledonia, MI) ;
Goveas; Mathews; (Grand Rapids, MI) ; Bostwick;
Daniel J.; (Grandville, MI) ; Wojtas; Pete R.;
(Grand Rapids, MI) ; Ham; Chad D.; (Hudsonville,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pridgeon & Clay, Inc. |
Grand Rapids |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pridgeon & Clay, Inc.
Grand Rapids
MI
|
Family ID: |
59360335 |
Appl. No.: |
16/718649 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15477146 |
Apr 3, 2017 |
10563561 |
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16718649 |
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15288587 |
Oct 7, 2016 |
9976678 |
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15477146 |
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62281366 |
Jan 21, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 2470/02 20130101;
F01N 13/1855 20130101; F01N 2450/24 20130101; F16L 21/002 20130101;
F01N 13/1805 20130101; F16L 21/065 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01N 13/18 20060101
F01N013/18; F16L 21/06 20060101 F16L021/06; F16L 21/00 20060101
F16L021/00 |
Claims
1. A clamp for compressing a junction of a first conduit and a
second conduit to seal the junction, the clamp comprising: a ring
sector and a radially projecting channel sector; the radially
projecting channel sector having first and second straps, each of
the first and second straps extending outwardly from the ring
sector at an angle defining a pinch point, and defining a proximal
gap between the pinch points less than a distal gap between ends of
the first and second straps; a wedge shaped spacer between the
first and second straps; first and second compression members
adjacent to and opposite the first and second straps from the wedge
shaped spacer, each compression member having a tab with a first
knuckle and an overlapping ear with a second knuckle, the first and
second knuckles at least partially aligned, and each ear having a
portion thereof disposed at a pinch point; each of the first and
second compression members, the first and second straps, and the
wedge shaped spacer having an aperture in registry with each other;
a bolt extending through the apertures and having a head bearing
against one of the first and second compression members; and a nut
on the bolt and bearing against the other of the first and second
compression members; wherein when the nut is tightened on the bolt
with the ring sector around a junction of a first outer conduit and
a second conduit, the first and second compression members will be
drawn toward each other such that the drawing of the first knuckle
toward the second knuckle urges the pinch points toward each other
thereby drawing the ring sector around the first and second
conduits in compression.
2. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the tab is arranged proximate to
the wedge, and the ear is arranged overlapping the tab opposite the
wedge.
3. The clamp of claim 2 wherein the first and second knuckles are
radially offset such that the tightening of the nut on the bolt
urges the second knuckle radially inward.
4. The clamp of claim 3 wherein the each of the first and second
compression members is an extension of the respective first and
second straps.
5. The clamp of claim 4 wherein each extension has an abutment end
that bears against the pinch point, and wherein the tightening of
the nut on the bolt urges the abutment end toward the pinch
point.
6. The clamp of claim 5 wherein the abutment end include an
embossment.
7. The clamp of claim 6 wherein the embossment is configured to
resist at least one of a bending, a buckling, or a deforming of the
abutment end, in response to the tightening of the nut on the
bolt.
8. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the ear include an embossment.
9. The clamp of claim 8 wherein the embossment extends along the
entire length of the ear.
10. The clamp of claim 8 wherein the embossment is configured to
resist at least one of a bending, a buckling, or a deforming of the
ear, in response to the tightening of the nut on the bolt.
11. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the wedge shaped spacer is a
U-shaped spacer between the first and second straps and having
spaced arms extending from a web, wherein the web includes an
embossment and wherein each of the spaced arms has an aperture in
registry with the other apertures to receive the bolt, and wherein
the web is disposed opposite the bolt from the proximal gap and the
spaced arms bear against the first and second straps.
12. The clamp of claim 11 wherein the embossment is configured to
resist at least one of a bending, a buckling, or a deforming of the
web, in response to the tightening of the nut on the bolt.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/477,146, filed Apr. 3, 2017, which is a continuation in
part of U.S. patent application No. 15/288,587, filed Oct. 7, 2016,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/281,366,
filed January 21, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a clamp for use in joining
tubular members. Band clamps are commonly used for connecting
pipes, hoses, and other tubular members together, such as exhaust
pipes of an automotive exhaust system. Such connections may be in a
telescopic overlap joint or in an end-to-end butt joint of two
tubular members. To be effective, the connection between the
tubular members should provide a suitable fluid-tight seal to
prevent leakage. The connection should also have a high degree of
mechanical strength and be capable of easy disassembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a clamp for
compressing a junction of a first conduit and a second conduit to
seal the junction, the clamp including a ring sector and a radially
projecting channel sector, the radially projecting channel sector
having first and second straps, each of the first and second straps
extending outwardly from the ring sector at an angle defining a
pinch point, and defining a proximal gap between the pinch points
less than a distal gap between ends of the first and second straps,
a U-shaped spacer between the first and second straps and having
arms extending from a web, wherein the web includes an embossment,
first and second compression members adjacent to and opposite the
first and second straps from the U-shaped spacer and having a
portion thereof disposed at a pinch point, each of the first and
second compression members, the first and second straps, and the
U-shaped spacer having an aperture in registry with each other, a
bolt extending through the apertures and having a head bearing
against one of the first and second compression members, and a nut
on the bolt and bearing against the other of the first and second
compression members. When the nut is tightened on the bolt with the
ring sector around a junction of a first outer conduit and a second
conduit, the first and second compression members will urge the
pinch points toward each other thereby drawing the ring sector
around the first and second conduits in compression.
[0004] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a clamp for
compressing a junction of a first conduit and a second conduit to
seal the junction, the clamp including a ring sector and a radially
projecting channel sector, the radially projecting channel sector
having first and second straps, each of the first and second straps
extending outwardly from the ring sector at an angle defining a
pinch point, and defining a proximal gap between the pinch points
less than a distal gap between ends of the first and second straps,
a wedge shaped spacer between the first and second straps, first
and second compression members adjacent to and opposite the first
and second straps from the wedge shaped spacer, each compression
member having a tab with a first knuckle and an overlapping ear
with a second knuckle, the first and second knuckles at least
partially aligned, and each ear having a portion thereof disposed
at a pinch point, each of the first and second compression members,
the first and second straps, and the wedge shaped spacer having an
aperture in registry with each other, a bolt extending through the
apertures and having a head bearing against one of the first and
second compression members, and a nut on the bolt and bearing
against the other of the first and second compression members. When
the nut is tightened on the bolt with the ring sector around a
junction of a first outer conduit and a second conduit, the first
and second compression members will be drawn toward each other such
that the drawing of the first knuckle toward the second knuckle
urges the pinch points toward each other thereby drawing the ring
sector around the first and second conduits in compression
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the drawings:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a clamp joining two pipes
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of the clamp of FIG. 1 in its open
state.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of a radially projecting channel
sector of the clamp of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of the clamp of FIG. 1 in its closed
state.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of a clamp in its open state according
to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of a radially projecting
channel sector of the clamp of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of the clamp of FIG. 5 in its closed
state.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a clamp according to a third
embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 9A-9D are partial cross-sectional side views of a
clamp ring in the clamp of FIG. 8.
[0015] FIGS. 10A-10B are additional views of a U-shaped wedge in
accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a zoomed cross-sectional view of another set of
straps in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the set of straps of FIG.
11, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side view of assembling the clamp of FIGS.
11-12 with the U-shaped wedge of FIGS. 10A-10B, in accordance with
the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a clamp 10 according to the
invention may be used to form a joint between a first pipe end 11
and a second pipe end 12. The clamp 10 and pipe ends 11, 12 can
comprise a portion of a larger assembly, such as a vehicle exhaust
system comprising an exhaust manifold, a muffler, a tailpipe, and
other components which are not germane to the invention and are not
shown in the drawings. The clamp 10 is seated over the joint
between the pipe ends 11, 12. In one example the joint could be a
telescopic overlap joint, in which case the first pipe end 11 could
be a male pipe end and the second pipe end 12 could be a female
pipe end. In another example the pipe ends 11, 12 could be joined
using a butt joint. Aspects of the disclosure can be included
wherein a third pipe can be disposed, positioned, telescoped, or
the like, within at least one of the first or second pipe ends 11,
12.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2, the clamp 10 comprises a ring
sector and a radially projecting channel sector. The ring sector
comprises a clamp ring 15 having an interior surface 16 and
exterior surface 17 while the channel sector comprises a first
strap 20, a second strap 21, a wedge shaped spacer 25 positioned
between the first and second straps 20, 21, a first compression
member 30, a second compression member 31, a bolt 40, and a nut 45.
Each of the first and second straps 20, 21 comprises a tab 50 and
an ear 51. Each of the first and second compression members 30, 31
can be extensions of the first and second straps 20, 21 formed in a
generally triangular shape having three sides wherein an end of a
third side forms an abutment end 52 that contacts a first side.
[0021] Turning to FIG. 3, the tab 50 of each strap 20, 21 extends
outwardly from the clamp ring 15 at an angle .theta. defining a
pinch point 53 at a curved transition 54 between the clamp ring 15
and either of the first or second straps 20, 21. A distal gap 55 is
formed between each ear 51, a proximal gap 56 is formed between the
two pinch points 53, and the proximal gap 56 is smaller than the
distal gap 55. The wedge shaped spacer 25 comprising a U-shaped
spring 60 having a web 61, arms 62, and ends 63 is positioned with
its ends 63 adjacent the curved transitions 54. Further, apertures
100 in each of the first and second straps 20, 21 are formed with a
tab skirt 70 and ear skirt 71 that each begin on the ear 51 or tab
50 and extend into the interior volume bounded by the ear 51 and
tab 50. Additional apertures 200 can be formed through the arms 62
of the U-shaped spring, and the apertures 100, 200 can be in
registry with each other for the slidable receipt of a fastener
such as the bolt 40. The apertures 100, 200 can also be keyed for
engagement with the bolt 40.
[0022] It can be contemplated that in all embodiments, the bolt 40
comprises a head 41 and a shank 42 having a knurled portion 43 and
a threaded portion 44 wherein the knurled portion 43 can contain at
least one spline or a plurality of splines along its length, and
the splines can be formed in a parallel or cross-hatched pattern as
shown in FIG. 2. The diameter of the head 41 is larger than that of
the shank 42, and the diameter of the shank 42 is smaller than that
of any aperture described herein to allow for the slidable receipt
of the bolt 40 through that aperture. It is preferred to make the
diameter of the shank 42 as large as possible to allow for
engagement between any aperture and either or both of the knurled
portion 43 or threaded portion 44 while maintaining the ability of
the bolt 40 to slide through that aperture. In addition, the length
of the bolt can be greater than the width of the channel sector
such that the nut 45 can be threaded onto the threaded portion 44
of the bolt 40 while the clamp 10 is in an open state.
[0023] In order to tighten the clamp 10 of FIG. 2, a relative
torque is applied between the nut 45 and the bolt head 41 such that
the nut is threaded further onto the bolt 40 as shown in FIG. 4.
During the tightening process, the head 41 of the bolt 40 bears
against the ear 51 of the first strap 20 while the nut 45 bears
against the ear 51 of the second strap 21, causing the tabs 50 to
compress the arms 62 of the U-shaped spring 60. In addition, each
abutment end 52 can fit into the space between the tab skirt 70 and
the clamp ring 15 at the curved transition 54 such that they aid in
closing the clamp 10 at the pinch point 53. The knurled portion 43
of the bolt 40 can engage the arms 62 of the U-shaped spring 60 at
the apertures 200, and can also engage at least one strap 20, 21 at
the apertures 100, in order to prevent spinning between these
members during the tightening process.
[0024] Once fully tightened, the abutment ends 52 can remain in
contact with the curved transitions 54 adjacent the tab skirts 70.
In addition, the tab skirt 70 and ear skirt 71 of each strap 20, 21
can come into contact in order to support each strap 20, 21 against
collapse. Further, the web 61 of the U-shaped spring 60 can provide
additional support for the straps 20, 21 against collapse, and a
gap can be maintained between the ends 63 of the U-shaped spring
60.
[0025] It should be appreciated that for the purposes of this
invention, "fully tightened" or "fully closed" can be understood to
mean the clamp 10 has provided a clamping force sufficiently large
so as to prevent the second pipe end 12 from moving with respect to
the first pipe end 11 as well as to maintain a sealed interior
environment such that materials moving through the pipes do not
leak out of the pipes' interior volume at their junction.
[0026] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and
6. The first strap 20 and second strap 21 each comprise the tab 50
and ear 51 wherein a substantially perpendicular junction 72 exists
between the tab 50 and ear 51 at a distal portion of the tab 50,
and each ear has an end 73. The wedge shaped spacer 25 comprising a
center wedge 80 is positioned between the first strap 20 and the
second strap 21. The center wedge 80 comprises a distal face 81,
proximal face 82, and two lateral faces 83 as shown in FIG. 6. The
first and second compression members 30, 31 are positioned adjacent
to each of the first and second straps 20, 21. The apertures 100
are formed through each of the first and second straps 20, 21, the
aperture 200 is formed through the center wedge, and each of the
first and second compression members 30, 31 has an aperture 300
through its width. All apertures 100, 200, 300 can be in registry
with each other for the slidable receipt of a fastener such as the
bolt 40, and can also be keyed for engagement with the threaded
portion 44 or knurled portion 43 of the bolt 40. The bolt 40 is
illustrated in FIG. 5 with its head 41 bearing against the first
compression member 30. The nut 45 is illustrated in FIG. 5 as being
threaded onto the bolt 40 and bearing against the second
compression member 31. In addition, a curved transition 54 can
exist at the junction of the clamp ring 15 and each tab 50 forming
a pinch point 53, where the distal gap 55 is formed between each
ear 51, the proximal gap 56 is formed between the two pinch points
53, and the proximal gap 56 is smaller than the distal gap 55.
Further, a portion 84 of each compression member 30, 31 can be
disposed at each pinch point 53 as shown in FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows the clamp 10 of FIG. 5 in a fully closed state.
In order to close the clamp 10, a relative torque is applied
between the bolt head 41 and the nut 45 such that the nut 45 is
further threaded along the bolt 40. During the tightening process,
the head of the bolt 40 bears against the first compression member
30 which comes into contact with the first strap 20. At the same
time, the nut 45 bears against the second compression member 31
which comes into contact with the second strap 21. Meanwhile, the
center wedge 80 comes into contact with both the first strap 20 and
the second strap 21. In addition, the portion 84 of each of the
first and second compression members 30, 31 can bear against the
clamp ring 15 at the pinch point 53 to aid in closing the clamp.
Further, the ends 73 of the ears 51 may come into contact, and
bending is possible at the junction 72 to allow for continued
closing of the clamp 10 after the ends 73 come into contact. Once
the clamp 10 is fully closed, the ends 73 may be in contact with
each other or there may be a gap between them. Further, the minimum
proximal gap 56 can be limited by the width of the proximal face 82
of the center wedge 80, while the minimum distal gap 55 can be
limited by the width of the distal face 81 of the center wedge
80.
[0028] When compared with the prior art, the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 5-7 is better able to transfer axial
forces from the bolt 40 into clamping forces around the ring 15.
During the tightening process, the portions 84 of the first and
second compression members 30, 31 can bear against the pinch point
53 and aid in closing the clamp 10. As a result, less applied
torque is required to bring the clamp 10 into a fully tightened
position; in one example, data showed that the second embodiment of
the clamp 10 was able to be closed with an applied torque of 30 Nm
compared to a closing torque of 74 Nm for a prior art clamp. In
addition, lowering the amount of applied torque can reduce the
chance of a material failure occurring in the bolt 40, and this
could allow for the use of less expensive materials in constructing
the bolt 40. Once the clamp 10 is fully tightened, the portions 84
of the first and second compression members 30, 31 can reinforce
the curved transition 54 and help concentrate clamping forces near
the pipe surface.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the invention wherein the
clamp ring 15 having an interior surface 16 and exterior surface 17
can have at least one dimple 90 formed into the interior surface
16. It is also contemplated that a group of dimples 90 can
uniformly cover a portion or all of the interior surface 16 of the
ring 15.
[0030] FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate possible options for the dimples 90
in the clamp ring 15 illustrated in FIG. 8. The dimple may extend
into the interior clamp surface 16 creating a central low point 93
as shown in FIG. 6A. There may be an annular portion 92 that is
taller than the interior surface 16 and surrounds the central low
point 93 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and the dimple 90 may have a
protrusion 94 extending out of the exterior clamp surface 17 (FIG.
9B). The central low point 93 can also be a flat surface parallel
to the interior surface 16 and extending the full width of the
dimple 90, as shown in FIG. 9C. The dimple 90 may also be formed as
a central high point 95 extending out of the interior clamp surface
16 as shown in FIG. 9D.
[0031] The dimples 90 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A-9D can have the
effect of reducing the surface area of the clamp ring 15 in contact
with the second pipe end 12. The reduced surface area contact could
cause a reduction in frictional forces between the interior clamp
ring surface 16 and the second pipe end 12; with less friction
between these members, the applied torque required to fully tighten
the clamp 10 can be further reduced. In addition, the dimples 90
can be formed in the clamp ring 15 of any embodiment in the current
invention, or in any clamp in the prior art having a ring
sector.
[0032] FIG. 10A illustrates another wedge shaped spacer 325
according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The wedge
shaped spacer 325 is similar to the wedge shaped spacer 25;
therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals
increased by 300, with it being understood that the description of
the like parts of the wedge shaped spacer 25 applies to the wedge
shaped spacer 325, unless otherwise noted. One difference is that
the wedge shaped spacer 325 includes a U-shaped spring 360 having
an embossment 364 extending along the web 361. As illustrated, the
embossment 364 can include a body 359 that extends toward the
distal ends 363 of the U-shaped spring 360.
[0033] FIG. 10B illustrates a cross section of the wedge shaped
spacer 325 taken along line XB of FIG. 10A. As shown, the
embossment 364 can include or be formed, molded, machined, or the
like, by way of a depression in the web 361. Aspects of the
disclosure can be included wherein the embossment 364 extends along
a portion of, or the full length of the web 361. The embossment 364
can be included to provide additional or increased structural
support or rigidity along the web 361 of the U-shaped spring 360,
that is, in the direction of the view of FIG. 10B.
[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates another clamp 410 according to another
aspect of the present disclosure. The wedge shaped clamp 410 is
similar to the clamp 10; therefore, like parts will be identified
with like numerals increased by 400, with it being understood that
the description of the like parts of the clamp 10 applies to the
clamp 410, unless otherwise noted. One difference is that the clamp
410 includes additional embossed aspects on each of the first and
second straps 420, 421. In one non-limiting aspect, each first and
second strap 420, 421 can include an embossment or first knuckle
466 in the tab 450 and an embossment or second knuckle 468 in the
ear 451.
[0035] As shown, at least one of the first knuckle 466 or second
knuckle 468 can include a substantially semi-spherical
configuration or semi-circular cross section, wherein convex
portions 457 extend toward each other. Substantially semi-spherical
configurations, or semi-circular cross sections are merely one
non-limiting example of contoured configurations of the respective
first and second knuckles 466, 468, and additional configurations
are envisioned. For instance, in another non-limiting aspect, at
least one of the first or second knuckles 466, 468 can include a
substantially flat interface knuckle, wherein the flat interface
can be straight or angled relative to the opposing knuckle 466,
468. In another non-limiting aspect, one of the first or second
knuckles 466, 468 can be dissimilar than the opposing knuckle 468,
466 (e.g. a flat knuckle 466 and a semi-spherical knuckle 468).
Additional examples or combinations can be included. Each of the
first knuckle 466 and second knuckle 468 can include or be formed,
molded, machined, or the like, by way of a depression in the
respective tab 450 and ear 451, and extend inwardly toward the
opposing tab 450, ear 451, or knuckle 466, 468.
[0036] Also illustrated is that the first knuckle 466 is offset
vertically relative to the second knuckle 468 (or vice versa). In
one non-limiting aspect, the second knuckle 468 can be configured,
arranged, disposed, or the like, lower (i.e. closer to the abutment
ends 452, the pinch point 453, or the curved transition 454)
relative to the first knuckle 466. Aspects of the disclosure can be
included wherein the first knuckle 466 and the second knuckle 468
can otherwise be axially aligned, except for the second knuckle 468
lower relative to the first knuckle 466, as described.
[0037] Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can also be included
wherein at least a portion of the ear 451 can include embossments
467 along at least a portion of, or the entire length of, the ear
451. In one instance, embossments 467 can be disposed along the
length of the ear 451 toward abutment end 452. The embossments 467
can extend inwardly from the base of the ear 451 toward the tab
450, or in the example of the abutment ends 452, extend away from
the abutment end 452 toward the aperture 100. Further non-limiting
aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein the abutment ends
452 also include embossments 467. In one non-limiting aspect, the
embossments 467 can be similar to the embossments 364 of FIG. 10A,
or the forming thereof. In another non-limiting aspect, the
embossments 467 can be smaller or shallower depressions, compared
with embossments 364.
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the clamp 410,
better showing the embossments 467. As shown, a set of embossments
467 can extend along at least a portion of the ear 451, a portion
of the abutment ends 452, or a combination thereof. The embossments
467 can further be disposed offset of, or not aligned with the
apertures 100, the first knuckles 466, the ear knuckles 488, or a
combination thereof. In this sense, the set of embossments 467 can
continuously extend along at least a portion of the ears 451. The
isometric view further illustrates a non-limiting aspect of the
disclosure wherein the embossments 467 can be formed from
deformations in at least one of the ear 451 or the abutment ends
452. As shown, the deformation of at least one of the ear 451 or
abutment ends 452 causing the embossments 467 can correspondingly
cause a matching set of depressions 465 on the opposing side of the
ear 451 or abutment ends 452.
[0039] The embossment 467, the depressions 465, or a combination
thereof, can be included to provide additional or increased
structural support or rigidity along the ear 451 of the clamp 410.
Additionally, the embossment 467, the depressions 465, or a
combination thereof, can be included to provide additional or
increased structural support or rigidity along the abutment ends
452 of the clamp 410.
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates one non-limiting aspect of assembling
the wedge shaped spacer 325 of FIGS. 10A and 10B with the clamp 410
of FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown, the wedge shaped spacer 325 can be
received between the first and second straps 420, 421 of the clamp
410, and tightened by way of a nut 45 and bolt 40, as explained
herein. During the tightening process, the compressive force
experienced by each of the first and second straps 420, 421 draws
the ear 451 and tab 450 toward each other. As the ear 451 and tab
450 approach each other, the second knuckle 468 and first knuckle
466 will contact each other, and the interaction between the first
and second knuckles 468, 466, in response to the compressive force,
can urge, direct, redirect, or angle the second knuckle 468 or the
ear 451 lower relative to the first knuckle 466. Again, "lower" as
used refers to closer to the abutment ends 452, the pinch point 53,
or the curved transition 53, relative to the first knuckle 466.
Thus, as the ear 451 is drawn toward the tab 450 by the compressive
force, the second knuckle 468 and ear 451 are urged or forced lower
or downward, such as indicated by arrows 469. In one non-limiting
aspect, the movement of the ear 451 in the direction of arrow 469,
relative to the tab 450, can enable, operably effect, urge, or
ensure the abutment end 452 of the ear 451 engages the clamp ring
15, and is directed to space between the tab skirt 70 and the pinch
point 53, or between the tab skirt 70 and the curved transition
54.
[0041] Also during the tightening process described herein, the
ears 451 are operably drawn toward the tabs 450. The drawing of the
ears 451 and tabs 450 can cause deformations to occur in at least
the ears 451, wherein the ears 451 can bend, buckle, or deform
inward, that is, toward the tab 450. The inclusion of the
embossments 467, the depressions 465, or a combination thereof,
extending along at least a portion of the ear 451 can ensure,
enable, or operably resist the deformation of the ear 451 during
the tightening process.
[0042] In yet another aspect of the tightening process, the
abutment ends 452 are operably compressed toward the tabs 450,
between the tab skirt 70 and the pinch point 53, or between the tab
skirt 70 and the curved transition 54. The compression in the
direction of the length of the abutment ends 452 can cause
deformations to occur wherein the abutment ends 452 bend, break, or
buckle in response to the tightening process. The inclusion of the
embossments 467, the depressions 465, or a combination thereof,
extending in the direction of the compressive force can ensure,
enable, or operably effect the compression of the abutment ends 452
without bending, buckling, or deformation, of the abutment ends
452. In another or alternative aspect, inclusion of the embossments
467, the depressions 465, or a combination thereof, extending in
the direction of the compressive force can ensure, enable, or
operably effect the compression of the abutment ends 452 with less
bending, buckling, or deformation, of the abutment ends 452,
compared with corresponding deformation of abutment ends 452
without the embossments 467 or depressions 465. Thus, aspects of
the disclosure can be included wherein the set of embossments 467,
set of depressions 465, or combination thereof ensures resists
compressive or deformation in response to the tightening
process.
[0043] In yet another aspect of the tightening process described
herein, the tabs 50 operably compress the arms 362 of the U-shaped
spring 360. The web 361 can be exposed to this compressive force as
well, during the tightening process. The inclusion of the
embossment 364 extending in the direction of, or substantially in
the direction of, the compressive force can ensure, enable, or
operably effect the compression of the arms 362 without bending,
buckling, or deformation, of the web 361. Thus, aspects of the
disclosure can be included wherein the embossment 364 ensures
expected deformation of the arms 362 of the U-shaped spring 360,
while providing compressive or deformation resistance at the web
361, against the tabs 50.
[0044] For all embodiments described herein, it should be
understood that the nut and bolt can bear against either of the
first or second compression members. It is also contemplated that
any or all of the first and second compression members, the center
wedge, and the U-shaped spring can be formed of an incompressible
material such as steel. Further, while the clamps are shown as
generally circular in cross-section, other cross-sectional
geometries can be contemplated.
[0045] Many other possible embodiments and configurations in
addition to that shown in the above figures are contemplated by the
present disclosure. For instance, the aspects of the wedge shaped
spacer of FIGS. 10A-10B can be combined with any of the clamps
described herein. Likewise, aspects of the clamp of FIGS. 11-12 can
be combined with any of the other aspects described herein. To the
extent not already described, the different features and structures
of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each
other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of
the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but
is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of
the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to
form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are
expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features
described herein are covered by this disclosure.
[0046] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible
within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without
departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the
appended claims.
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