AU7033101A

AU7033101A - Clamping apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU7033101A
Application number: AU70331/01A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Darryl Wilson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-09-12
Filing date: 2001-09-12
Publication date: 2002-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-12
Also published as: AU784899B2

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: DARRYL WILSON Invention Title: CLAMPING APPARATUS The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 A CLAMPING DEVICE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a clamping device.

In one form the invention relates to a clamp for attaching an object to a structure in order to mount the object to the structure and will primarily be described with reference to this context. It should be remembered, however, that the invention has broader use in clamping applications for all manner of objects, in order to provide temporary or permanent clamping to other objects or structures.

Background Art Adjustable apparatus for clamping an object or objects is known in the art. For example, a G-clamp can provide an adjustable distance between two gripping members. Such clamps usually can only provide temporary physical attachment to an object, structure or surface.

20 AU59136/94 discloses a bar clamp for gripping an object. In this clamp a trigger operated actuation mechanism causes a moveable jaw to be only moved away from a fixed jaw. Further, the mechanism is complex and reliant on the movement of various internal parts and, in order to be fastened in position, the device is reliant on the frictional interactions between a sliding member and a support.

Summary of the Invention 30 The present invention provides a clamping device including: a base element including a first clamping adaptation; a moveable member including a second clamping adaptation; and r- -"r7ld~ i~ "I:li: 3 an actuating mechanism including an arm mounted for pivoting about the base element and couplable to the moveable member such that pivoting of the arm in opposite directions causes the moveable member to move the second clamping adaptation respectively towards and away from the first clamping adaptation.

In use the actuating mechanism of the invention can provide a simplified way of adjusting the distance between the clamping adaptations to enable engagement with one or more objects placed therebetween. Such an arrangement does not rely on the frictional engagement of various operating parts in order to provide secure tightening, as shown in the devices of the prior art.

Preferably the arm is couplable to the moveable member by a coupling member which is pivotally mounted at one end to the arm intermediate its ends and is pivotally mounted at its other end to the moveable member.

Preferably the moveable member is telescopically extendable from within the base element.

Preferably the second clamping adaptation extends in line and then laterally from the moveable member. Most preferably the second clamping adaptation is moveable eoe. within the moveable member to vary the distance between the first and second clamping adaptations independently of the actuating mechanism.

In this regard, preferably the second clamping adaptation is securable to the moveable member in various recessed positions therewithin. Preferably the second 30 clamping adaptation includes an externally threaded shank portion that is screwable into/from an internally threaded bush located at the moveable member, such that screwing the shank into the moveable member progressively recesses the shank therein and vice versa. Most preferably the shank external thread is fitted with a fastening nut in use to secure the second clamping member against screw rotation in 4 the moveable member when the nut abuts the bush.

Preferably a support element is positionable at the base element to project outwardly between the first and second clamping adaptations. This enables two objects to be clamped in the device, one on either side of the support element and between the first and second clamping adaptations.

Preferably the support element is slidably moveable along the base element so as to vary the distance between the support element and each of the first and second clamping adaptations.

Preferably the support element includes a sleeve having a laterally projecting T-shaped member located between the first and second clamping adaptations.

Preferably when the first and second clamping adaptations are moved closest towards one another, the actuating mechanism can be secured against movement by a securement adaptation.

Preferably the pivoting arm is mounted to the base element at a flange extending outwardly therefrom, and the securement adaptation includes an adaptation of the flange to receive an external locking device which, when fitted, prevents the arm from pivoting. Most preferably the adaptation of the flange is a hole for receiving the external locking device therethrough.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a clamping device including: a base element including a first clamping adaptation; 30 a moveable member including a second clamping adaptation; a support element positionable at the base element to project outwardly between the first and second clamping adaptations; and an actuating mechanism operable between the base 5 element and the moveable member to cause the second clamping adaptation to move towards and away from the first clamping adaptation.

Preferably the support element, base element, moveable member, actuating mechanism and first and second clamping adaptations are as defined for the first aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of a clamping device in an open position, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 when in a closed position.

i ~Figure 3 shows another side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 when viewed in the direction of the arrow

X.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a side view of a further embodiment of *eea clamping device in an open position, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 when in a closed position.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 when in a closed position around two elongate 30 objects.

Figure 8 shows an underside plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 when in a closed position around two elongate objects.

Figure 9 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 when in a closed position around two elongate objects.

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6 Modes for Carrying out the Invention Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a clamping device 10 is shown in Figures 1 to 4 which includes a base element in the form of a first sleeve 12 of rectangular cross-section which has a first clamping adaptation in the form of flange 14 extending laterally therefrom and supported by web section 13. The device also has a moveable member in the form of a second sleeve 16 of rectangular cross-section that is telescopically slidable within the first sleeve 12. The second sleeve 16 includes a second clamping adaptation in the form of a hooked upper section 18 extending from a threaded shank The shank 20 is screw mounted so that it can be screwed into and out of the second sleeve 16.

The device 10 further includes an actuating mechanism in the form of a side lever mechanism 22 connected to and operable between the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 16. In use the lever mechanism 22 operates on the first 12 20 and second 16 sleeves to cause the second sleeve 16 to slide telescopically in and out of the first sleeve 12.

This has the effect of moving the flange 14 and hooked section 18 either toward or away from each other. This movement can clamp or release the clamping device 10 into or out of an engaged position. In the engaged position the flange 14 and hooked section 18 can grip against any object(s) located therebetween; some non-limiting typical examples of objects which can be gripped therein include planks of wood, ladders, loose items of equipment etc.

30 In the preferred embodiment, the lever mechanism 22 includes an arm 24 which is pivotally joined to the first sleeve 12 via a rivet 25 and a web section 26 which extends laterally out from the first sleeve 12, on a side opposite to the flange 14. The arm 24 is then pivotally connected to a second arm 29 via a rivet 27 positioned on the arm 24.

The second arm 29 is then connected at its opposite end via N N N Nz 7 a rivet 30 to a box flange 31 which extends laterally out from the second sleeve 16 and on the same side as the web section 26.

In use, when the arm 24 is pivoted upwardly about the rivet 25 at the web section 26, it causes the second arm 29 to be urged upwardly and rotated about rivet 30 at the box flange 31. This in turn causes the second sleeve 16 to be moved upwardly and out from within the first sleeve 12.

The dimensions of the lever mechanism 22 and sleeves 12, 16 are adjusted such that at least a portion of the second sleeve 16 remains inside of the first sleeve 12 at the uppermost extent of movement of the arm 24 so that the device 10 does not fall apart.

The hooked section 18 is extendible up and down with respect to the second sleeve 16 by means of the threaded shaft 20. This movement is independent of the action of the lever mechanism 22. The shaft 20 is screwable into and out of the second sleeve 16 at an internally threaded *:support bush 32 located at the upper end of sleeve 16 (eg.

welded thereto). The shaft 20 is also fitted with fastening nut 33 which can secure the shaft 20 in any position with respect to the sleeve 16, thereby preventing any rotation of the shaft 20. In this regard the nut 33 is screwed down to abut with the bush 32.

In further embodiments of the invention, the shaft can be slidable into and out of the second sleeve 16 via a support bush located at the upper end of the second sleeve 16. Instead of a fastening nut, in such embodiments the shaft can be fitted with holes or recesses into which pins 30 can be located to secure the shaft at a particular extended length.

To prevent actuation of the lever mechanism 22 when the pivoting arm is moved to an engaged position (ie. where the flange 14 and the hooked section 18 are moved closest towards one another to grip an object therebetween), the web section 26 includes a hole 36 for receiving an external A9 8 locking device such as a keyed padlock to secure the arm 24 against movement with respect to the first sleeve 12. When the clamping device 10 is locked against release, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the objects which are gripped cannot be readily detached or removed, reducing the risk of theft.

In further embodiments of the device, to prevent actuation of the lever mechanism it is possible to fit laterally protruding flanges on a side of the first sleeve 12 and the arm 24 so that these protruding flanges become aligned when the pivoting arm is moved into the engaged position. If each protruding flange has a hole defined therein, a keyed padlock can also be inserted to secure the arm 24 against movement relative to the first sleeve 12.

There are many uses of such a clamping device. The device can be adjustably fitted to clamp all manner of sized objects by varying the distance between hooked section 18 and flange 14. This can be accomplished by moving the shaft 20 into or out of the second sleeve 16.

~The hooked upper section 18 can be of any shape to allow gripping engagement in a particular application, since it does not form part of the mechanism of the device. For example section 18 may be curved to the shape of pipes or conduits to allow their clamping to the frame of a trademan's truck, in use to allow transportation of such goods without dislodgment as well as to prevent theft.

Similarly, the flange 14 can be of any particular size and shape to allow clamping of the device to various shapes of structures or surfaces.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 9, an alternative embodiment of the clamping device is shown which employs all of the same features of the first embodiment including a base element, a moveable member and an actuating mechanism in order to move a first and second clamping adaptation towards and away from one another. For ease of reference, like parts are referred to by using the same part numbers as in the first embodiment.

9 The device 50 shown in Figures 5 to 9 finds use in situations where it is desireable to clamp two objects of generally similar shape together using one fastener. A typical example is the provision of a working floor area for builders or painters in situations raised off the ground where a single plank is gene'rally used to form a working support floor. For safety reasons it is desirable to provide a wider support floor for the worker to stand on, but the problem with using two parallel planks is that when the weight of the worker is placed on one plank, that plank can bow whilst an adjacent plank does not bow, thereby presenting a trip hazard due to an uneven working floor surface. Use of a clamp device 50 as illustrated in Figures 5 to 9 prevents one plank bowing with respect to an adjacent plank.

The first sleeve 12 this time has a first clamping adaptation in the form of end flange 54 that extends orthogonally from the end of the first sleeve 12. All of the remaining features of the apparatus are the same with the exception that the second sleeve 16 includes a second clamping adaptation in the form of an end flange 58 that extends orthogonally from the end of the threaded shank Importantly, however, a support element in the form of a slidable sleeve 60 is located on the exterior of the first 25 sleeve 12, the slidable sleeve having an outwardly orthogonally projecting T-shaped member 62 which is arranged to project between the end flanges 54 and 58.

.o Because the slidable sleeve 60 can be moved along the first sleeve 12, the objects that are gripped respectively 30 between the T-shaped member 62 and the end flange 54 and q the T-shaped member 62 and the end flange 58 need not be of identical breadth. In use, the typical objects gripped between these flanges include planks 66 (shown in crosssection in phantom in Figures 6 to 9; the planks do not form part of the device The device 50 includes an actuating mechanism in the :s 10 form of a side lever mechanism 22 connected to and operable between the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 16 with an identical pivotal connecting arrangement to that described for the first embodiment.

In use the device 50 is fitted to an underside of the adjacent planks so that the lever mechanism 22 and the clamp device itself does not present a trip hazard. Only a portion of the flanges 54, 58, 62 will protrude above the working floor surface atop the planks.

In use the externally operable pivoting actuating mechanism of the invention can provide a simplified method of adjusting the distance between the clamping adaptations to enable engagement with one or more objects placed therebetween. Such an arrangement does not rely on the frictional engagement of various operating parts in order to provide secure tightening, as shown in the devices of the prior art.

The devices 10, 50 can be made a sturdy material such as metal or strong plastics to enable heavy goods to be 20 supported or suspended, as well as to resist breakage if theft of the clamped goods is attempted. A sturdy device can also find use in permanent as well as temporary applications.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference 25 to preferred embodiment it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is

.Q

o referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common 30 general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other Scountry. country.

Claims

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arm is couplable to the moveable member by a coupling member which is pivotally mounted at one end to the arm intermediate its ends and is pivotally mounted at its other end to the moveable member.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the moveable member is telescopically extendable from within the base element.
4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second clamping adaptation extends in line and then laterally from the moveable member. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second clamping adaptation is moveable within the moveable member to vary the distance between the first and second clamping adaptations independently of the actuating mechanism. 0 12
6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second clamping adaptation is securable to the moveable member in various recessed positions therewithin.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second clamping adaptation includes an externally threaded shank portion that is screwable into/from an internally threaded bush located at the moveable member, such that screwing the shank into the moveable member progressively recesses the shank therein and vice versa.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shank external thread is fitted with a fastening nut in use to secure the second clamping member against screw rotation in the moveable member when the nut abuts the bush.
9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims *i wherein a support element is positionable at the base element to project outwardly between the first and second clamping adaptations. o00e A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the support element is slidably moveable along the base element so as 25 to vary the distance between the support element and each of the first and second clamping adaptations. *e
11. A device as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the support element includes a sleeve having a laterally 30 projecting T-shaped member located between the first and second clamping adaptations. 13
12. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein when the first and second clamping adaptations are moved closest towards one another, the actuating mechanism can be secured against movement by a securement adaptation.
13. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the pivoting arm is mounted to the base element at a flange extending outwardly therefrom, and the securement adaptation includes an adaptation of the flange to receive an external locking device which, when fitted, prevents the arm from pivoting.
14. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the adaptation of the flange is a hole for receiving the external locking device therethrough.
15. A clamping device including: a base element including a first clamping adaptation; a moveable member including a second clamping adaptation; S• a support element positionable at the base element to project outwardly between the first and second clamping adaptations; and an actuating mechanism operable between the base element and the moveable member to cause the second clamping adaptation to move towards and away from 30 the first clamping adaptation.
16. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the base element, moveable member, support element, actuating mechanism and first and second adaptations are, respectively, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14. N .1 14-
17. A clamping device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 12th day of September 2001 DARRYL WILSON By his Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK