AU2390399A - Improved clamp - Google Patents

Description

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P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 *r

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

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Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Details of Associated Application No: ROY LEONARD JOHN HOWETT Roy Leonard John Howett

INTELLPRO

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 7, Reserve Bank Building 102 Adelaide Street BRISBANE, QLD, 4000 (GPO Box 1339, BRISBANE, 4001) "Improved Clamp" New Zealand Patent Application No. 330241 filed 21 April 1998.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to an improved clamping device, and is applicable particularly, but not exclusively, to the use of such a clamping device where conventional clamping devices cannot be used because of the shape, size and/or configuration of the article or articles being clamped together.

BACKGROUND

There have been many examples in the past of various clamping devices, some of which are commonly referred to as clamps or "H"IT' clamps. These types of clamps have proven extremely successful for clamping or holding together numerous types of articles such as 0 blocks of wood, floorboards etc., or where it is necessary to firmly grip two objects together, for example, in use with scaffolding or the like.

Generally such clamps are manufactured in a variety of sizes to ensure the clamp is simply big enough such that the article being clamped may easily be accommodated to fit between the clamping surfaces of the device. A secure and firm grip is achieved by bringing together the clamp's two clamping faces, which are normally aligned in a substantially linear fashion immediately under one another, thereby firmly "trapping" the article between the clamping faces.

Irrespective of the size of conventional clamping devices, they often cannot be used as effectively where the shape or configuration of the article being clamped does not allow the device's two clamping faces to be brought together in the usual way. For example, this may T327x4.199:CR/cr be because the configuration or shape of the article precludes the use of a traditional clamp which has its two clamping faces substantially directly underneath one another.

There is an absence of an effective and simple improved clamping device which solves a number of these problems.

OBJECT

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved clamping device, or one which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

*o STATEMENT OF INVENTION Accordingly in one aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of an improved 10 clamping device having a main member, a primary clamping member adapted for relative movement at an angle to said main member, and a secondary clamping member adapted for relative movement along or parallel to said main member.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a clamping device having a main member, a first clamping member movably connected to said main member and adapted for movement relative, to said main member, and a second clamping member movably connected to said main member and adapted for movement relative to said main member.

Conveniently the main member has a longitudinal axis.

T327x4.199:CR/or Preferably the first clamping member is adapted for substantially perpendicular movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the main member, and the second clamping member is adapted for movement along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main member.

Conveniently one end of the main member is configured such that it is adapted to receive and retain the primary clamping member whilst permitting the substantially perpendicular movement of the primary clamping member relative to the longitudinal axis of the main member.

Preferably a first clamping body is provided relative to one end of the first clamping member.

Preferably the first clamping body comprises at least one clamping face.

Preferably the said at least one clamping face is either fixed to, or capable of limited movement relative to, the first clamping member.

Preferably the second clamping member is positioned substantially parallel to the first clamping member, and substantially perpendicular to the main member.

Preferably the second clamping member has a proximal end and a distal end.

Conveniently the proximal end of the second clamping member is so configured such that it is adapted to receive and retain the main member whilst permitting the movement of the second clamping member along the main member, either towards or away from the first clamping member.

T327x4.199CR/cr Preferably a second clamping body is provided substantially at or near the distal end of the second clamping member.

Preferably the second clamping body comprises at least one clamping face positioned substantially at the distal end of said second clamping body.

Conveniently the orientation of the clamping faces of the first clamping body and the second clamping body are such that the clamping faces of each clamping body substantially face each other.

Preferably the clamping face of the second clamping body is either fixed to, or capable of limited movement relative to, the second clamping body.

a Preferably the second clamping member has means for moving the clamping face relative to the second clamping member towards or away from the second clamping member.

Preferably the distal end of the second clamping member contains a threaded chamber through which a threaded portion of the second clamping body can pass, such that the clamping face of the second clamping body can be moved either towards or away from the second clamping body.

Preferably an engagement area is provided at the distal end of the second clamping body such that the threaded portion of the second clamping body lay between the said engagement area and the clamping face of the second clamping body.

Conveniently the engagement area may comprise a handle.

T327x4.199:CR/cr -6- In yet another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a method of using an improved clamp as aforementioned, wherein an object is positioned between the clamping faces of the first and second clamping bodies, following which the clamping face of the first clamping body is brought into contact with a surface of the object by the movement of the first clamping member relative to the said main member, following which the clamping face of the second clamping body is brought into close proximity with another surface of the object by the movement of the second clamping member relative to the member, at which time the pressure exerted by the clamping faces on the aforementioned surfaces of the object can be increased to the desired level by the engagement of the clamping face of the second 10 clamping body towards and into contact with the surface of the object.

a To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any 15 sense limiting.

a

DRAWINGS

One preferred form of the invention, which will be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a clamp as herein described by the accompanying specification; and T327x4.199:CR/cr -7- Figures 2a, 2b and 3 show side elevations of the clamp shown in figure 1 in use.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In Figure 1 a clamp 1 is shown.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention it is expected the clamp will be able to be used in relation to objects or articles where, due to the configuration or shape of the objects or Sarticles, it is not possible to use a traditional clamp having a configuration of two clamping 0 faces positioned substantially directly underneath one another.

00 In the preferred embodiment of the invention the clamp will be constructed of a sturdy and 10 resilient material such as stainless or mild steel or the like, or perhaps a combination of 0 resilient plastic composites and stainless steel.

*o The clamp has a main member 2.

To ensure the user enjoys a firm grip whilst using the clamp, a suitable gripping material such as rubber or the like can be applied if desired to the base portion of main member 2.

For example, such a rubber grip can be specifically shaped to mimic the configuration of the user's hand. To ensure a firm grip whilst the clamp is being carried or being manipulated into position.

A primary clamping member 3 is provided. Clamping means 4 are provided at one end of primary clamping member 3. This can comprise a clamping face 5, which may be fixed to T327x4.199:CR/cr the primary clamping member or ideally capable of limited movement relative to the primary clamping member 3. For example, a ball and socket configuration can be used to provide limited movement in the clamping face relative to its connection to primary clamping member 3.

It is desirable to be able to move primary clamping member 3 relative to main member 2, thereby moving the clamping face 5 either towards or away from main member 2. To achieve this an aperture is provided at 6 through main member 2 which is adapted to allow the body of primary clamping member 3 to pass through the aperture if necessary. A flange 7 or the like can be provided at the non-clamping end of primary clamping member 3 to 10 prevent this end of the primary clamping member 3 from passing completely through the aperture. In another embodiment of the invention it may be desirable to allow the primary clamping member to be able to be completely removed from the main member, perhaps to replace the primary clamping member with another arm of different configuration. In addition, the portion of main member 2 through which the primary clamping member 3 15 passes via the aperture at 6 can be configured to contain a small hole, sufficient to accommodate a ball-bearing or the like embedded in one or both sides of primary clamping member 3. This would allow the user of the clamp to always be able to find a "home" position for the primary clamping member relative to the main member.

A secondary clamping member 8 is provided. In the preferred embodiment it is desirable for the secondary clamping member 8 to be able to move relative to main member 2, thereby allowing the secondary clamping member to be moved towards or away from the primary clamping arm. To achieve this, an aperture is provided at 9 at the non-clamping end of T327x4.199:CR/cr secondary clamping member 8, through wich main member 2 may pass. The aperture facilitates the movement of the secondary clamping member up and down main member 2.

Again, a flange or the like could be provided at the base of main member 2 to prevent the entire removal of the secondary clamping member 8 from main member 2.

Secondary clamping member 8 has a clamping body 10 positioned substantially at one end.

The clamping body may have a traditional configuration as with other clamps. For example, secondary clamping member 8 has a threaded chamber 11 into which a threaded member 12 may pass. A clamping face 13 is provided at the top of threaded member 12. Again clamping face 13 can be configured similarly as other clamping devices, comprising a 10 circular or otherwise shaped flat face atop member 14, attached to threaded member 12 by means of a fixed connection 15. Alternatively, it may be desirable to allow clamping face 13 the ability to pivot to some degree relative to the clamping body 10, and therefore connection .1 15 may be replaced with a ball and pivot joint as mentioned above.

A handle 16 is provided at the base of threaded member 12 such that the user of the clamp an 15 thread clamping body 10 either towards or away from the primary clamping member 3.

In another example of the invention, a hole can be provided through handle 16. This allows the user to obtain increased leverage whilst engaging or disengaging clamping body 10. or example, the blade of a screwdriver or the like could be passed through the hole, allowing the use of the handle 16 and the screwdriver in combination to provide increased leverage whilst turning handle 16.

T327x4.199:CR/cr In figure 2, the device is shown in use. In figUre 2a, the clamp is shown realigning a bow or warp in a double lintel by exercising a downward force via the clamp's primary clamping member, and an upwards force via the clamp's secondary clamping member. This use of the clamp shows how the primary clamping arm can be extended from the clamp's main member in order to achieve the desired results.

Alternatively, figure 2b shows how the primary clamping member can be retracted to achieve a desired result. In this example of a use of the invention, the device is used to clamp a purlin to a rafter.

Finally, figure 3 shows use of the invention where the primary clamping member is adapted S 10 for angles movement relative to the clamp's main member.

VARIATIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In another example of the invention, the functions of the primary clamping member 3 and the secondary clamping member 8 can be reversed such that the primary clamping member 3 is incapable of extension away from or towards the body of main member 2, but can move up and down the body of main member 2, whereas the secondary clamping member 8 is capable of extension away from or towards the body of main member 2.

Both the primary and secondary clamping members can have adjustable portions. The means for moving the clamping faces of the clamping members is preferably a screw-jack, but other means such as hydraulic, electrical or mechanical could be used.

T327x4.199:CR/cr -11- In a further example of the invention, main imiember 2 is configured in such a way that the positions of primary clamping member 3 and secondary clamping member 8 are interchangeable.

In yet a further example of the invention, the configuration of handle 16 can be such that another tool, such as a crescent spanner or the like, can be applied to the handle to provide increased leverage whilst turning the handle. For example, the handle could have flat sides, offset from one another in a hexagonal or similar configuration, such that the jaws of a S* crescent spanner may easily engage with and grip the handle.

Finally, various alterations or modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing 10 from the scope of this invention.

**o T327x4.199:CR/cr

Claims (4)

1. A clamping device having a main member, a primary clamping member adapted for relative movement at an angle to said main member, and a secondary clamping member adapted for relative movement along or parallel to said main member.

2. A clamping device having a main member, a first clamping member movably connected to said main member and adapted for movement relative to said main member, and a :000%second clamping member movably connected to said main member and adapted for movement relative to said main member.

3.Acapn eiea camdi li ,werieh*mi. ebr hs lniuia A ws n adfrs lmigmme isaatdfrsbtntal epniua

34. A clamping device as claimed in an fclaim s 2, toe3,nh hrein oembe d has anitdmin -amisng membe wls permitpg nthe~ subsadtat rediular movemen of sai pimr movementmbe relative to said longitudinal axis of said main member. adscn mebe is aaped for movementealng orim paren to fth lngtuinal aodiso saoide manrembtier. n n fsi irtcapn ebr T227x4. 199:CR/cr -M 0 M 13 6. A clamping device as claimed 5, wherein said first clamping body comprises at least one clamping face. 7. A clamping device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one clamping face is either fixed to, or capable of limited movement relative to, said first clamping member. 8. A clamping device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second clamping member is positioned substantially parallel to said first clamping member, and substantially perpendicular to said main member. 9. A clamping device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second clamping member has a proximal end and a distal end. 9 10 10. A clamping device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the proximal end of said second 9 .1 clamping member is so configured such that it is adapted to receive and retain said main S* member whilst permitting the movement of said second clamping member along said main member, either towards or away from said first clamping member. *9 11. A clamping device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second clamping body is provided substantially at or near the distal end of said second clamping member. 12. A clamping device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second clamping body comprises at least one clamping face positioned substantially at the distal end of said second clamping body. T327x4.199:CR/cr -14- 13. A clamping device as claimed in claim" 12, wherein the orientation of the clamping faces of said first clamping body and said second clamping body are such that the clamping faces of each clamping body substantially face each other. 14. A clamping device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said clamping face is either fixed to, or capable of limited movement relative to, said second clamping body. A clamping device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said second clamping member has means for moving the clamping face relative to the second clamping member towards or away from said second clamping member. 6 16. A clamping device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the distal end of said second S clamping member contains a threaded chamber through which a threaded portion of said 6 second clamping body can pass, such that the clamping face of said second clamping body can be moved either towards or away from said second clamping body. 17. A clamping device as claimed in claim 16, wherein an engagement area is provided at the distal end of said second clamping body such that the threaded portion of said clamping body lay between said engagement area and said clamping face of said second clamping body. 18. A clamping device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said engagement area comprises a handle. 19. A method of using a clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an object is positioned between the clamping faces of said first and second clamping bodies, T327x4.199:CR/cr following which the clamping face of:said first clamping body is brought into contact with a surface of the object by the movement of said first clamping member relative to the said main member, following which the clamping face of said second clamping body is brought into close proximity with another surface of the object by the movement of said second clamping member relative to the said main member, at which time the pressure exerted by the said clamping faces on the aforementioned surfaces of the object can be increased to the desired level by the engagement of the clamping face of said second clamping body towards and into contact with the surface of the object. 0S eg 0O 0~ 0 S 0 0 S 6 0 S 0 10 00 e g. 00 0e SO C S 6 0@ 0 S 0 20. A clamping device substantially as described herein by the accompanying specification. 21. A clamping device substantially as herein described herein with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. T327x4.199:CR/cr