GB2176530A - Clamping devices and assemblies incorporating such clamping devices - Google Patents

Clamping devices and assemblies incorporating such clamping devices Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2176530A
GB2176530A GB08612596A GB8612596A GB2176530A GB 2176530 A GB2176530 A GB 2176530A GB 08612596 A GB08612596 A GB 08612596A GB 8612596 A GB8612596 A GB 8612596A GB 2176530 A GB2176530 A GB 2176530A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
parts
another
clamping
clamping device
bear against
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB08612596A
Other versions
GB2176530B (en
GB8612596D0 (en
Inventor
John Philip Hancock
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
British Alcan Aluminium Ltd
Original Assignee
British Alcan Aluminium Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by British Alcan Aluminium Ltd filed Critical British Alcan Aluminium Ltd
Publication of GB8612596D0 publication Critical patent/GB8612596D0/en
Publication of GB2176530A publication Critical patent/GB2176530A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2176530B publication Critical patent/GB2176530B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
    • B62D33/04—Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains
    • B62D33/044—Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains built up with profiles of constant elongated shape, e.g. extruded, mechanically interconnected by coupling members, e.g. by clamping, riveting or bolting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
    • F16B7/044—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship
    • F16B7/048—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof
    • F16B7/0493—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof forming a crossed-over connection

Abstract

The clamping device, in particular for use in the construction of vehicle body assemblies, is in two identical parts (1, 2) each having a clamping surface and a raised ridge (4) at one edge of the clamping surface; the parts being disposed with their clamping surfaces in face-to-face relationship with one of the parts being turned at right angles relative to the other so that only end portions (9) of their ridges (4) are in contact with one another. This constitutes a fulcrum and releasable means comprising a nut and bolt assembly (3) is disposed inwardly of the fulcrum to urge the parts towards one another, the nut and bolt assembly not passing through the two members to be clamped together. A groove (7) is provided in each part to engage the lip of a respective member. The construction also has application in, for example, the building trade. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to clamping devices and vehicle body assemblies incorporating such clamping devices This invention relates to clamping devices and to vehicle body assemblies incorporating such clamping devices.
Conventional commercial vehicle bodies are usually constructed on the chassis of a vehicle using the chassis as a jig. Such a construction can incorporate chassis runners of C-shaped channel section which are bolted to the chassis by angle brackets at places along the chassis, the chassis runners extending along and above the longitudinally-extending runs of the chassis frame on either side of the vehicle. Further body components such as wall panel uprights or cross members are then bolted or riveted to the chassis runners. Because of strength considerations, conventionally it is important to secure the cross members close to the mounting points of the chassis runners to the chassis itself.
In the course of developing a unitised approach to building box van bodies, the need to build a simple floor structure with evenly spaced cross bearers clashed with the very varied spacing of chassis mountings. These mounting points obviously vary from one make of vehicle to another but they are in any case not equally disposed along any given vehicle chassis.
Furthermore, the flanges of C-type channel sections, i.e. the side walls of the runners, are their most highly stressed areas when bending loads are applied and any hole drilled through them acts as a stress raising area for fatigue loads. It is therefore structurally undesirable to drill holes and either bolt or rivet adjacent flanges of the channel sections together where they cross over the top of one another.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device comprising two parts each having a clamping surface and a raised ridge at one edge of the clamping surface; the parts being disposed with their clamping surfaces in face-to-face relationship; one of the parts being turned relative to the other so that end portions only of their ridges are in contact with one another to constitute a fulcrum and there being releasable means disposed inwardly of the fulcrum to urge the parts towards one another.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device to clamp a first member to a second member, the device comprising two parts and releasable means to urge the two parts towards one another with said first and second members clamped between them, each part comprising first and second clamping surfaces in different, substantially parallel planes; a portion of said first clamping surface of one of said parts being arranged to bear against a portion of said first clamping surface of the other of said parts and constituting a fulcrum remote from said releasable means; another portion of said first clamping surface of said one part being arranged to bear against one surface of said first member; another portion of said first clamping surface of said other part being arranged to bear against one surface of said second member; and said second clamping surface of said one part being arranged to bear against another surface of said second member and said second clamping surface of said other part being arranged to bear against another surface of said first member.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device to clamp a first member to a second member, the device comprising two parts and releasable means to urge the two parts towards one another with said first and second members clamped between them, each part comprising a block which is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and having an underside with a profile which extends between one side and the opposite side, said profile when viewed from said one side presenting from the third side edge to the fourth side edge a first flat portion spaced from the top of the block, a portion rising towards the top of the block, a second flat portion, a groove and a third flat portion which is higher than said first flat portion, the two blocks being intended to be secured together with their undersides facing one another and one being turned relative to the other so that only parts of their first flat portions bear against one another thereby constituting a fulcrum remote from said releasable means.
The two parts may be identical to one another.
The releasable means to urge the two parts together can comprise a nut and bolt assembly extending through aligned apertures in the two parts.
The two parts may be made from aluminium or an aluminium alloy.
The two parts may be extruded or they may be cast.
Each member with which the clamping device is intended to be used may be in the form of a channel member with inwardlyfacing lips on the edges of its flanges or side walls; in other words, each member may be of a C-section channel.
The two parts may be secured together in such a way that they lie face to face but at right angles to one another with the two members extending between them at right angles to one another.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction comprising two cross members clamped together by a clamping device which is essen tially in accordance with the first and/or second and/or third aspects of the invention.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle body including cross members clamped together by clamping devices which are each essentially in accordance with the first and/or second and/or third aspects of the invention.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the clamping device, Figure 2 is a plan view of the clamping device shown in Figure 1 with two C-section channel members clamped therebetween, and Figure 3 is a view taken at right angles to the view shown in Figure 2.
The clamping device shown in the drawing comprises a first part 1 and an identical second part 2 with means in the form of a nut and bolt assembly 3 passing through aligned apertures in the parts 1 and 2 to secure the two parts together. Each part 1 and 2 is in the form of a block, preferably of cast or extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy, which is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and having an underside with a constant profile which extends from one side to the opposite side, this profile when viewed from the side 1A or 2A, for example, presenting from the third side edge to the fourth side edge of the block a first flat portion 4 spaced at a maximum depth from the top of the block, then a portion 5 rising towards the top of the block, and then a second flat portion 6 which is spaced closer to the top of the block than the flat portion 4.Proceeding further towards the fourth edge, adjacent the flat portion 6 is a groove 7 cut into the underside of the block and this is followed by a third flat portion 8 which is also spaced closer to the top of the block than the first flat portion 4.
In the example illustrated, the flat portion 8 is also closer to the top of the block than the flat portion 6.
The result of this configuration is that, when the two parts 1 and 2 are placed one on top of the other with their undersides facing one another and with the parts turned through a right angle with respect to one another, the configuration illustrated in the drawing is achieved, with only portions 9 of their first flat portions 4 bearing against one another. A gap 10 therefore exists underneath the second flat portion 6 of the part 1 and a corresponding gap exists on top of the second flat portion 6 of the part 2. A further gap 11, of wider spacing than the gap 10 exists between the third flat portion 8 of the part 1 and the underside of the part 2 and a corresponding gap 11 exists above the third flat portion 8 of the part 2. For clarity, only the underside of the part 1 is illustrated in hatched lines in Figure 1.
The construction is such that the parts 1 and 2 each have a clamping surface with a raised ridge formed by the flat portions 4 at one edge of the clamping surface, the parts 1 and 2 being disposed with their clamping surfaces in faceto-face relationship with one of the parts (1) being turned relative to the other (2) so that only the end portions 9 of their ridges are in contact with one another to constitute a fulcrum as will be hereinafter explained.
Figures 2 and 3 show two C-shaped channel section members 12 and 13 with inwardly-facing lips (the lips 1 3A being marked on the member 13), which members are clamped by the clamping device tightly against and at right angles to one another. Taking the channel member 13, it will be seen that one of its side walls is fitted in the gap 11 so that the lip of the member 13 lies in the groove 7 of the part 2. The inside of the wall in question is clamped against the third flat portion 8 of the part 2 and the outside of the wall in question is clamped partly by the ridge formed by the first flat portion 4 of the part 1 and partly against the outside of one of the walls of the channel section member 12 which is above it.Similarly, the inside surface of that wall of the member 12 is clamped by the third flat portion 8 of the part 1 and the lip on that wall engages in the groove 7 of the part 1.
It will be seen that the single nut and bolt assembly 3 passes through the two parts 1, 2 whilst avoiding the members 12, 13 and generates a clamping force on each part 1 and 2 which holds the adjacent side walls of the channel members 12 and 13 tightly in contact. The clamping force tends to act diagonally across the parts 1 and 2, using the contacting parts of the flat portions 4 as a fulcrum so that the parts 1 and 2 tend to be drawn together at the corner marked A. The common cross-section of the two parts 1 and 2 lips over the lipped edges of the channel section members thereby producing a locking effect in one plane of movement. Thus, the parts 1 and 2 of the clamping device each oppose movement but at right angles to each cther, thereby effectively locking movement of the members 12 and 13 in both planes. Accordingly, the present clamping device can be placed at will along the lengths of the channel members and avoids the need for fitting channel section members together with drilled holes and bolts or rivets which have to be carefully positioned to avoid stress raising situations or the need for complex pedestal supports performing the same function.
The clamping device can be incorporated in a vehicle body structure and it is possible to use the floor of a vehicle as a jig rather than the chassis. For example, the underneath floor, perhaps of plywood, can be edged with C-shaped channel section members such as the member 12 and the present clamping devices can then be arranged to join other Cshaped channel section members such as the member 13 to them with the members 12 on the floor acting as runners for eventual securing to a chassis. Spacing of the clamping devices can be chosen at will and does not rely on the eventual positioning of the mounting points to the chassis.
It will be appreciated that unit construction of a vehicle is simplified because the floor unit, wall units and the roof unit can all be assembled, perhaps by a customer, without the vehicle being present. It follows that vehicle bodies can be interchanged.
It is envisaged that the present clamping device could have various other applications, for example, in the building trade.

Claims (17)

1. A clamping device comprising two parts each having a clamping surface and a raised ridge at one edge of the clamping surface; the parts being disposed with their clamping surfaces in face-to-face relationship; one of the parts being turned relative to the other so that end portions only of their ridges are in contact with one another to constitute a fulcrum and there being releasable means disposed inwardly of the fulcrum to urge the parts towards one another.
2. A clamping device to clamp a first member to a second member, the device comprising two parts and releasable means to urge the two parts towards one another with said first and second members clamped between them, each part comprising first and second clamping surfaces in different, substantially parallel planes; a portion of said first clamping surface of one of said parts being arranged to bear against a portion of said first clamping surface of the other of said parts and constituting a fulcrum remote from said releasable means; another portion of said first clamping surface of said one part being arranged to bear against one surface of said first member; another portion of said first clamping surface of said other part being arranged to bear against one surface of said second member; and said second clamping surface of said one part being arranged to bear against another surface of said second member and said second clamping surface of said other part being arranged to bear against another surface of said first member.
3. A clamping device to clamp a first member to a second member, the device comprising two parts and releasable means to urge the two parts towards one another with said first and second members clamped between them, each part comprising a block which is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and having an underside with a profile which extends between one side and the opposite side, said profile when viewed from said one side presenting from the third side edge to the fourth side edge a first flat portion spaced from the top of the block, a portion rising towards the top of the block, a second flat portion, a groove and a third flat portion which is higher than said first flat portion, the two blocks being intended to be secured to.- gether with their undersides facing one another and one being turned relative to the other so that only parts of their first flat portions bear against one another thereby constituting a fulcrum remote from said releasable means.
4. A clamping device according to claim 3, wherein said flat portions lie in parallel planes.
5. A clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two parts are identical to one another.
6. A clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said releasable means to urge the two parts towards one another comprises a nut and bolt assembly extending through aligned apertures in the two parts.
7. A clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said part has a groove therein adjacent its second clamping surface, in which groove a lip of a lipped wall of a said member can be accommodated.
8. A clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two parts are made from aluminium or an aluminium alloy.
9. A clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two parts are extruded parts.
10. A clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two parts are cast pieces.
11. A clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two parts are secured together in such a way that they lie face to face but at right angles to one another with the two members being intended to extend between them at right angles to one another.
12. A clamping device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
13. A construction comprising two cross members clamped together by a clamping device which is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
14. A construction according to claim 13, wherein each cross member has a lipped wall which is clamped by the clamping device.
15. A construction according to claim 14, wherein each cross member is in the form of a C-section channel runner.
16. A vehicle body including cross members clamped together by clamping devices which are each as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.
17. A vehicle body according to claim 16, wherein each cross member is in the form of a C-section channel runner.
GB8612596A 1985-05-29 1986-05-23 Improvements in or relating to clamping devices and vehicle body assemblies incorporating such clamping devices Expired GB2176530B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB858513506A GB8513506D0 (en) 1985-05-29 1985-05-29 Clamping devices

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8612596D0 GB8612596D0 (en) 1986-07-02
GB2176530A true GB2176530A (en) 1986-12-31
GB2176530B GB2176530B (en) 1989-07-05

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Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB858513506A Pending GB8513506D0 (en) 1985-05-29 1985-05-29 Clamping devices
GB8612596A Expired GB2176530B (en) 1985-05-29 1986-05-23 Improvements in or relating to clamping devices and vehicle body assemblies incorporating such clamping devices

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB858513506A Pending GB8513506D0 (en) 1985-05-29 1985-05-29 Clamping devices

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0566528A1 (en) * 1992-04-14 1993-10-20 Alusuisse-Lonza Services Ag Platform for utility vehicle
EP0784004A1 (en) * 1996-01-15 1997-07-16 Vereniging Verenigde Carrosseriebouwers Body assembly

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB660318A (en) * 1949-04-27 1951-11-07 Norman Mckinnon Wood Improvements in or relating to adjustable clamp
GB910887A (en) * 1957-11-28 1962-11-21 Evald Horberg Improvements in clamping beans to posts
GB1134025A (en) * 1965-11-16 1968-11-20 Choquenet Fond Atel Filter press plate
GB1405586A (en) * 1971-06-02 1975-09-10 Cox Ltd William Geodesic structures
GB1410621A (en) * 1971-07-22 1975-10-22 Slater Steel Ind Ltd Cable dampers
GB1478173A (en) * 1973-09-19 1977-06-29 Videon Sa Device for adjusting the position of a displaceable element
GB1544265A (en) * 1977-03-23 1979-04-19 Dracol Prod Ltd Device for supporting a load on a ladder
GB2093519A (en) * 1981-01-15 1982-09-02 Anthes Equip Ltd Clamp

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB660318A (en) * 1949-04-27 1951-11-07 Norman Mckinnon Wood Improvements in or relating to adjustable clamp
GB910887A (en) * 1957-11-28 1962-11-21 Evald Horberg Improvements in clamping beans to posts
GB1134025A (en) * 1965-11-16 1968-11-20 Choquenet Fond Atel Filter press plate
GB1405586A (en) * 1971-06-02 1975-09-10 Cox Ltd William Geodesic structures
GB1410621A (en) * 1971-07-22 1975-10-22 Slater Steel Ind Ltd Cable dampers
GB1478173A (en) * 1973-09-19 1977-06-29 Videon Sa Device for adjusting the position of a displaceable element
GB1544265A (en) * 1977-03-23 1979-04-19 Dracol Prod Ltd Device for supporting a load on a ladder
GB2093519A (en) * 1981-01-15 1982-09-02 Anthes Equip Ltd Clamp

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0566528A1 (en) * 1992-04-14 1993-10-20 Alusuisse-Lonza Services Ag Platform for utility vehicle
EP0784004A1 (en) * 1996-01-15 1997-07-16 Vereniging Verenigde Carrosseriebouwers Body assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8513506D0 (en) 1985-07-03
GB2176530B (en) 1989-07-05
GB8612596D0 (en) 1986-07-02

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19920523