GB2169340A

GB2169340A - Clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2169340A
Application number: GB08500047A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Tempest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-01-03
Filing date: 1985-01-03
Publication date: 1986-07-09
Also published as: GB8500047D0

Abstract

A clamp has two bevelled collars around a centre pin 12. When placed in position, for example on a ladder, the use of a formed plate 16 is required. The end of the pin can be hooked to pass around a bar 24, or shaped in such a way that the end of the pin can be fixed permanently. The top collar is secured by the pin 18, and the bottom collar rotated until the steps on the collars interlock. This tensioning of the centre pin clamps the plate to the bar. Extra clamping pressure can be applied by introducing an extra set of two bevelled collars around the pin, above the initial set of bevelled collars. To release the clamp the tension between the top collar and the pin is released by unlocking the top collar from the pin, allowing the whole unit to be removed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Clamping and locking device This invention relates to a general purpose clamping and locking device.

Much time is wasted and great difficulty experienced in securing and releasing objects to and from frames, racks, bars or places of safety. Usually this is accomplished with the aid of ropes, chains, rubber bands or nuts and bolts.

Ropes are time consuming to use, especially in wet frosty weather, rubber bands lose their elasticity in cold weather or with constant use. Chains and locks are awkward to use, nuts and bolts again are time consuming and require tools in their operation. With the exception of chains and locks none of these items provide any degree of safety from thieves.

According to the present invention there is provided a clamping device comprising a formed plate to prevent removal by turning with a pin passing through a hole or slot in the plate. The pin being fashioned at one end to facilitate the securing of the pin end.

Around the pin, above the plate is a flexible device. Above the flexible device around the pin is a collar with one bevelled face with a step fashioned into the top edge of the bevel.

The face of the step on a line radiating from the centre of the pin to the outer edge of the collar at the highest part of the bevel. The flat face of the collar to sit on top of the flexible devcie. Provision is made for a handle or similar device in order that the collar may be rotated about the pin. A similar collar, bevelled and stepped in identical manner to be placed around the pin so that the two bevelled faces coincide. A hole from the egde of the collar to centre of the collar, to allow a releasable locking device to be inserted to secure this collar to the pin. This locking device to be made itself lockable or removable to prevent unauthorised persons from releasing this collar from the pin.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the clamp lock in position on a ladder, sitting on a bar; Figure 2 shows a method of locking the uppermost collar to the pin; Figure 3 shows the method of activating the clamp until the collars are locked together; Figure 4 shows the release of the clamp; Figure 5 shows a method of locking the clamp to prevent its release; Figure 6 shows a method of increasing the pressure of the clamp lock with the addition of two extra bevelled collars and stabilising pin.

Referring to the drawing the clamp lock comprises two bevelled collars stepped to lock when activated 28-30 around a pin 12 with a flexibile device 14 under the collars.

The flexible device resting on a plate 16 the pin passing through a hole or slot in the plate.

A locking device 18 to secure the top collar to the pin.

To use the device the unit is placed upon the item or items to be secured Fig. 1 and the pin secured 24. The top collar is then secured to the pin by locking device 18. Pressure is then applied by rotating the bottom collar by a lever 20 until the steps interlock 22. The locking device 18 to be itself locable Fig 5 to prevent the clamp lock being released by unauthorised person. To release the clamp lock the locking device 18 locking the top collar to the pin is released allowing all but the pin to be removed or allowing the whole device including the pin to be removed. The bottom collar is then rotated in reverse in preparation for reuse of the clamp lock.

Should it be necessary to increase the amount of pressure between the plate and object or objects to be secured, an identical set of bevelled collars 32-34 would be placed around the pin above and on top of the initial set of bevelled collars 28-30. The locking device 18 would then be applied to the top bevelled collar 34 and a stabilising pin inserted in the top bevelled collar 30 of the initial set of bevelled collars 28-30 Fig. 6.

The clamp lock would then be operated in exactly the same way but with two levers 20-36.

1. A clamp lock comprising a plate, formed to prevent movement of the plate. Means of securing the plate to a point in order to secure objects placed between the plate and the point, and means of securely clamping and locking objects to prevent temporary or permanent removal of the object or objects.

2. A clamp lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein a tension device is provided on the plate co-operable with the plate to induce pressure to the plate.

3. A clamp lock as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 wherein an additional tension device is provided to be co-operable with the initial tension device.

4. A clamp lock as claimed in claim 2 and 3 wherein a hole is provided to allow the passage of a pin through the tension device.

5. A clamp lock as claimed in claim 3 and claim 4 wherein a locking device is adapted to secure the tension device to a pin.

6. A clamp lock as claimed in claim 4 and claim 5 wherein a locking device is provided to the tension device to prevent the releasing of pressure between the tension device.

7. A clamp lock as claimed in claim 5 and claim 6 wherein a flexible device is provided to the tension devices.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Clamping and locking device This invention relates to a general purpose clamping and locking device. Much time is wasted and great difficulty experienced in securing and releasing objects to and from frames, racks, bars or places of safety. Usually this is accomplished with the aid of ropes, chains, rubber bands or nuts and bolts. Ropes are time consuming to use, especially in wet frosty weather, rubber bands lose their elasticity in cold weather or with constant use. Chains and locks are awkward to use, nuts and bolts again are time consuming and require tools in their operation. With the exception of chains and locks none of these items provide any degree of safety from thieves. According to the present invention there is provided a clamping device comprising a formed plate to prevent removal by turning with a pin passing through a hole or slot in the plate. The pin being fashioned at one end to facilitate the securing of the pin end. Around the pin, above the plate is a flexible device. Above the flexible device around the pin is a collar with one bevelled face with a step fashioned into the top edge of the bevel. The face of the step on a line radiating from the centre of the pin to the outer edge of the collar at the highest part of the bevel. The flat face of the collar to sit on top of the flexible devcie. Provision is made for a handle or similar device in order that the collar may be rotated about the pin. A similar collar, bevelled and stepped in identical manner to be placed around the pin so that the two bevelled faces coincide. A hole from the egde of the collar to centre of the collar, to allow a releasable locking device to be inserted to secure this collar to the pin. This locking device to be made itself lockable or removable to prevent unauthorised persons from releasing this collar from the pin. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the clamp lock in position on a ladder, sitting on a bar; Figure 2 shows a method of locking the uppermost collar to the pin; Figure 3 shows the method of activating the clamp until the collars are locked together; Figure 4 shows the release of the clamp; Figure 5 shows a method of locking the clamp to prevent its release; Figure 6 shows a method of increasing the pressure of the clamp lock with the addition of two extra bevelled collars and stabilising pin. Referring to the drawing the clamp lock comprises two bevelled collars stepped to lock when activated 28-30 around a pin 12 with a flexibile device 14 under the collars. The flexible device resting on a plate 16 the pin passing through a hole or slot in the plate. A locking device 18 to secure the top collar to the pin. To use the device the unit is placed upon the item or items to be secured Fig. 1 and the pin secured 24. The top collar is then secured to the pin by locking device 18. Pressure is then applied by rotating the bottom collar by a lever 20 until the steps interlock 22. The locking device 18 to be itself locable Fig 5 to prevent the clamp lock being released by unauthorised person. To release the clamp lock the locking device 18 locking the top collar to the pin is released allowing all but the pin to be removed or allowing the whole device including the pin to be removed. The bottom collar is then rotated in reverse in preparation for reuse of the clamp lock. Should it be necessary to increase the amount of pressure between the plate and object or objects to be secured, an identical set of bevelled collars 32-34 would be placed around the pin above and on top of the initial set of bevelled collars 28-30. The locking device 18 would then be applied to the top bevelled collar 34 and a stabilising pin inserted in the top bevelled collar 30 of the initial set of bevelled collars 28-30 Fig. 6. The clamp lock would then be operated in exactly the same way but with two levers 20-36. CLAIMS

8. A clamp lock is claimed in all previous claims wherein a lever is provided to the initial tension device to activate the tension device.

9. A clamp lock as claimed in all previous claims wherein a lever is provided to the secondary tension device to activate the tension device.

10. A clamp lock as claimed in all previous claims, wherein accommodation is made to secure or lock the clamp lock to prevent removal of the clamp lock or any part thereof.

11. A clamp lock substantially described herein with reference to Figs. 1-6 of the accompanying drawings.