GB2239298A

GB2239298A - Wide-band clip for connecting pipes and process for the production thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2239298A
Application number: GB9025875A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Willi Stichel
Original assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
Current assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
Priority date: 1989-12-21
Filing date: 1990-11-28
Publication date: 1991-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2010-11-28
Also published as: SE9003885L; GB2239298B; SE9003885D0; GB9025875D0; DE3942284C1

Abstract

A wide-band clip for connecting two pipes or the like comprises a clamping band (1), to the end portions of which, on the outside thereof, are secured clamping jaws (5) having flanges (9) which are bent away from the clamping band and which can be pulled towards each other by means of a screw connection (12), and limbs (7) extending over a part of the periphery of the clamping band. Each limb (7) forms with the end portion bearing thereagainst a positive connection in which a tongue (15) which is delimited by a respective substantially U-shaped incision in the end portion (3) extends through at least two transverse slits (16) in the clamping jaw limb (7). The length of the transverse slits (16) and the width of each tongue (15) are at least a quarter of the clamping jaw width. That provides a connection between the clamping jaws (5) and the clamping band (1), which is highly resistant to a tensile force applied thereto. In the production of the wide-band clip, prior to the introduction of the tongue (15) into the transverse slits (16), the web portions (27, 32) which are defined by the transverse slits are pressed alternately out of the plane of the limb above the one surface of the limb. The tongue (15) is then introduced into the transverse slits (16) and then the web portions (27, 32) are pressed back into the plane of the limb again, causing deformation of the tongue. <IMAGE>

Description

1 WIDE-BAND CLIP AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION M M OF The invention

relates to a wide-band clip for connecting two pipes of the like comprising a clamping band, to the end portions of which, on the outside thereof, are secured clamping jaws having flanges which are bent away from the clamping band and which can be pulled towards each other by means of a screw connection, and limbs extending over a part of the periphery of the clamping band, wherein each limb forms with the end portion bearing thereagainst a positive connection in which at least one tongue is delimited by a respective substantially U- shaped cut in one of the two connected parts of the limb and the end portion extends through a transverse slit in the other part towards the free end of the clamping band, and a process for the production of such a wide-band clip in which the thickness of the clamping jaws which comprise sheet metal is a multiple of the thickness of the clamping band.

In a known wide-band clip of the kind disclosed in DE 33 26 070 C2 the substantially U-shaped cuts are provided in the limbs of the clamping jaws, with tongues a few millimetres in width. They extend in the plane of the limbs and are f itted into bulge portions of the clamping band, which in turn are received by a cutout embracing a respective tongue. With that design configuration there is the risk that the narrow tongues tear open the thin-walled bulge portions when high clamping forces are involved, either due to the clamping force component which acts tangentially in relation to the periphery of the clip or due to the clamping force component which acts radially because of the torque applied to the flanges of the clamping jaws about an axial axis of rotation. As the securing effect in respect of the clamping jaws, which is provided by the tongues and bulge portions, is operative only in a peripheral direction, that arrangement has an additional securing means in the form of an abutment portion in the clamping band, which is formed by stamping and which is bent approximately outwardly and which engages into an opening in the respective limb of the clamping jaw.

The invention is based on the problem of providing a wide-band clip of the general kind set forth, which can withstand high clamping forces.

in accordance with the invention that problem is solved in that the substantially U-shaped cuts are provided in a respective one of the end portions of the clamping band and each limb of the clamping jaw has at least one further transverse slit through which the respective tongue is also passed. Additionally the length of the transverse slits and the width of each tongue are at least a quarter of the width of the clamping band.

With that design configuration, after it has been introduced into the transverse slits, as viewed in the axial direction of the clip, each tongue is of a substantially wave-like form so that it is held in the slits by frictional engagement and by positive engagement The connection between the tongue and the clamping jaw withstanding very high clamping forces, either in the tangential or the radial direction, and also the tongue itself is capable of carrying a very high tensile stress without tearing by virtue of its large width. As the clamping force is distributed to the edges of a plurality of slits, the risk of the slits tearing is also slight, in particular when the thickness of the material of the clamping jaws is a multiple of the thickness of the clamping band.

The number of transverse slits in each limb of the clamping jaws may be at least three, in order to carry even higher clamping forces than when using only two transverse slits.

t 3 The transverse slits may then be of a substantially arrowshaped angled configuration. The wavy configuration of the tongue which is introduced into the transverse slits is then also arrowshaped in the peripheral direction so that it exhibits a higher degree of flexural stiffness to resist the tongue being pulled out of the transverse slits when the clip is tightened.

In particular the edges of the transverse slits may be of a configuration in the plane of the 1. The wavy edges then engage deeper into the material of the tongue, in a similar manner to teeth, so that that arrangement provides an even better positive connection between the tongue and the clwping jaw.

It my further be provided that both flanges of the cLmping jaws are bent back in a substantially semi-cylindrical configuration on to the 1 of the clamping jaws, and that the screw connection 15 is passed with a clearance transversely through the me flange and a first cylinder which bears against the inward side of said me flange, and with clearance transversely through the other flange and a second cylinder which bears against the inward side of said other flange. In that way the screw connection is flexible relative to the two clamping jaws and can therefore adapt to different degrees of opening of the clip better than in the case of a rotary pivot which is provided on the part of only one cl amp ing jaw, without excessively loading the flanges in respect of bending by virtue of a displacement of the connecting location an the part of the clamping jaw which does not co-operate with a rotary pivot. Thus, in the known wide-band c11p referred to in the opening part of this specification, the location of contact between the head of a clamping screw and the one clamping jaw flange which projects substantially radially away from the periphery of the clip my move radially when the clip is tightened because the angular position of the clamping screw alters relative to that flange so that, depending an the width of opening of the clip.

1 4 that flange is subjected to a greater or lesser loading in respect of bending.

The screw connection can be ea ily screwed transversely into the second cylinder.

The screw connection may then comprise a single screw with a head, that simplifies the tightening operation and in addition is less expensive than-when using two clamping screws.

The cylinders may be in the form of hollow cylinders, which is also less expensive in term of material than using a solid cylinder.

In that arrangement the hollow cylinders may simply comprise tubes which g bent from a sheet metal strip.

It can then be provided that the one flange extends aver the entire width of the clamping band and has a centralslot which extends in its - wa direction and through which the shank of the screw passes and the length of which is greater than the diameter of the shank of the screw. The other flange also extends over the entire width of the clamping band and has a central peripheral slit through which the shank of the clamping screw passes. With that configuration, on the one hand the flange has a very high level of flexural stiffness e m the other hand the clamp can be completely opened by simple disengagement of the second cylinder frcrn the flange which bears thereagainst, and by radially outwardly directed pivotal movement of the clamping screw.

In addition the me cylinder may extend avex approximately half the width of the clamping jaw bearing thereagainst and the other cylinder may extend over almost the entire width of the clamping jaw bearing Uxtreagainst. If the wide-band clip is used for connecting the ends of two pipes, the diameters of which are scnt different, with the result that the clamping jaw flanges would be disposed in an inclined position substantially in the radial direction of the clip, that is to say they would be pivoted about a radial axis, in order for the clip to adapt to the different diameters of the pipes, then that configuration affords the advantage that that inclined positioning would be facilitated by the shorter cylinder because the shorter cylinder facilitates the above-mentioned pivotal movement or inclined positioning of the clamping jaw flange bearing thereagainst, together with the end portion to which the associated clamping jaw is secured.

It is desirable for at least the clamping jaw which bears against the shorter cylinder to have beads which extend around the axis of curvature of the clamping jaw flange over at least the curved region which blends into its liffib. The beads contribute to stiffening at least the flange which bears against the shorter cylinder as that flange is exposed in its axially central region to a higher pressure (force In relation to unit of surface area) and would therefore be more exposed to deformation by the clamping force, than the other flange.

Preferably, disposed adjacent to each end of the shorter cylinder is a respective rib formed by beads of the flange which bears thereagainst. In that arrangement, upon inclined positioning of the cylinder relative to the flange bearing thereast, the beads are dlú substantially in the region of the flange which is subjected to the heaviest loading. At the same time the ribs prevent axial displacement of the cylinder.

It can then be provided that at least one of the web portions defined by at least one of the transverse slits in the limbs has a bead which extends in the longitudinal direction of said web portion and which projects m the side of the web portion which is away from, the tongue bearing thereagainst. That arrangement also provides a stiffening effect in respect of the respective web portion, to resist bending under the loading due to the tongue bearing thereagainst. Tberefore the tongue remains cl in the transverse slits with a 6 higher degree of security, in relation to even higher clamping forces.

In &kUtion at least one web portion disposed between the tx Lwerse slits in the liffibs may have at least me projection which fits into a hole in the tongue. Such a projection affords an additional security factor to resist the tongue being pulled out of the slits.

If the substantially U-shaped cuts are in the form of Incisions, the tongues afford the nklximum width and tensile strength without loss of material, as mould be the case if the cuts were in the form of cutouts.

The process according to the invention for the production of a wide-band clip of the kind indicated, wherein the thickness of the clamping jaws which comprise sheet metal is a multiple of the clamping band thickness, is distinguished in that, prior to the introduction of the respective tongue into the transverse slits In the respective clamping jaw limb, the web portions which are defined by the transverse slits are pressed alternately over their entire length out of the plane of the limb by at least the thickness of the clamping band, above the one surface of the limb, then the tongue which has been pressed out of its clamping band end portion is introduced into the transverse slits and then the web portions which have been pressed out are pressed back Into the plane of the Unib again, cawing deformation of the tongue. That process permits the respective tongue to be easily introduced into the transverse slits in the respective clamping jaw limb without substantial frictional forces hwAng to be overcome or without bending mcments having to be applied to the tongue.

The invention and developmts thereof will be described in ter detail hereinafter with reference to the drawing 819 preferred =a 11ments, in which:

1 7 Figure 1 is an axial side view of an embodiment of a wide-band clip according to the invention, Figure 2 is a radial side view of the wide-band clip shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a radial plan view on to theclosure portion of the wide-band clip atxm in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a-view in cross-section an an enlarged scale of the part indicated at X of the clip s in Figure 1, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a part of a scnt modified second embodiment, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a part of a somat modified third embodiment, Figure 7 is a perspective view of a part of a somewhat modified fourth embodiment, Figure 8 is a perspective view of a part of a sant modified fifth embodiment of a wide-band clip according to the invention, and Figures 9 to 11 show parts of the first embodiment prior to, during and after assembly.

The wideband clip shmm in Figures 1 to 4 has a clamping band 1 which is =rparatively wide in relation to the nominal diameter of the pipes to be connected. Thus, the width may be about 75 mm, with a r=inal pipe diameter of about 100 mm. The clamping band embraces a rubber sleeve 2, the inside diameter of which is scnt smaller than the n=inal diameter of the pipes to be connected and which serves for sealing off the junction gap between the ends of the pipes. Clamping jaws 5 and 6 are fixed on the outward side of the end portions 3 and 4 of the clamping band 1, which overlap in the peripheral direction when the clip is closed. The clamping jaws 5 and 6 have 1 7 and 8 which extend over a part of the periphery of the clamping band 1, mid flanges 9 and 10 which are bent back substantially in a semicylindrical configuration away from the 8 clamping band 1 and towards the clamping jaw limbs 7 and 8 respectively. The flanges 9 and 10 can be pulled together by a screw connection In the form of a single clamping screw 11 with a head 12 and a shank 13 having a screwthread.

Each lirrb 7 and 8 forms with the end portion 3 and 4 respectively of the clamping band, which bears thereagainst, a positive and frictional-engagement connection. in which a tongue 15 defined by a substantially U-shaped cut in the fonn of an incision 14 in the respective end portion 3 or 4 extends through three transverse slits 16 in the respective limb 7 and 8 towards the free end of the clamping band. It is however also possible to provide only two or mre than three transverse slits 16. While the 1 7 and 8 extend almost over the entire width of the clamping band 1, the length of the transverse slits and the width of each tongue 15 Is greater than half the width of the clamping band. The clamping band screw 11 is passed with a clearance transversely through the one flange 9 and a cylinder 17 which bears against the inward side of said flange 9, and with clearance through the other flange 10 and a cylinder 18 which bears against the inward 20 side of the other flange 10, wherein the cylinder 17 has a bore 19 without screwthread, which extends transversely through the cylinder 17, and the cylinder 18 has a bore with screwthread, extending transversely through the cylinder 18, into which the screwthreaded s 13 is screwed. while the one flange 9 has a central slot which extends in its peripheral d=ection and through which the screw shank 13 passes and the length of which is greater than the screw shank diameter, the other flange 10 has a central peripheral slot 22 through which the screw shank 13 also passes. Both flanges 9 and 10 also extend practically over the entire width of the clamping band 1. 30 The cylinders 17 and 18 are hollow cylinders and for the 9 of sinplicity are tubes which are bent frcxn a sheet metal strip. The f z 9 cylinder 17 against which the head 12 of the clamping screw bears extends aver approximately half the width of the respective cing jaw 5 against which it bears, while the other cylinder extends aver almost the entire width of the clamping jaw 6 against which it bears. The clamping jaw 5 which bears against the shorter cylinder 17 has beads 23 which extend around the axis of curvature of the flange 9 of the clamping jaw, beyond the curved region which blends into the 11mb 7 thereof. The beads 23 form a respective rib m the inward side of the flange 9, which is of the smal- ler radius of curvature. and a groove on the other side, with the ribs each being disposed adjacent a respective end of the cylinder 17. Instead of the two beads 23, the 1 orrangement may also have further beads axially outside the region of the clamping jaw which bears against the cylinder 17, which beads may also extend over the entire peripheral length of the Mirb 7. The flange 10 my also be provided with beads which extend aver its periphery but the ribs of which should project m the radially outward side of the flange 10 in order to pravide that the contact of the cylinder 18 against the flange 10 is over the nk-w possible surface area. The shorter cylinder 17 makes it easier to expand the clip on the part of the me pipe when the latter is of a larger outside diameter then the other pipe, in which case the cylinder 17 assumes an inclined position relative to the axial direction or is pivoted about an axis of rotation,diich is radial with respect to the clip. In that nuagetien the beads 23 provide a stiffening effect for the flange 9 to resist the flange 9 being bent open at one side if the cylinder 17 only bears against the flange 9 by way of one end of the cylinder. At the same time, in that arrangement the beads 23 prevent axial displacement of the cylinder 17. In addition the peripheral edges 24 of both clamping jaws 5 and 6 are bent round substantially at a right angle away fiat the clamping band 1 aver the flanges 9 and 10 and at least a part of the limbs 7 and 8, in order additionally to stiffen the flange 9 to resist its tending to epen by bending the clip is tightened.

The bent configuration of the flanges 9 and 10, in conjunction with the cylinders 17 and 18, facilitates pivotal movement of the clamping screw 11 in a radial plane of the clip, more particularly independently of the respective width of opening of the clip when it is used for pipes In a predetermined range of naminal diameters so that it mould have to be closed or opened to different degrees.

The periffieral edges of the clip band 1 are bent aver radially inwardly, with the bent-over edge portions 25 being provided with radial V-shaped incisions 26 in order to facilitate bending of the clamping band when opening and closing the clip.

The fact that the tongues 15 are passed through the transverse slits 16 of the respective clamping jaw limb 7 and 8 respectively so that the tongues 15 are bent and are of a substantially trapezoidally wavy configuration while they each bear against two edges of the respective slits, as is more clearly shown in Figure 4, provides a positive and force-locking connection which can withstand very high clamping forces. The tongues 15 can also withstand high tensile forces without tearing although the clamping band thickness is only about 0.4 rrm while the thickness of the clamping jaw material, at about 1.5 mn, Is allmst four times that size.

The eiment shown in Figure 5 differs fran the first embodunent shown In Figures 1 to 4 only in that a web portion 27 which is disposed between two transverse slits 16 has a bead 28 which extends in its longitudInal direction and which projects in the form of a rib on the side of the web portion 27 which is facing away fzcxt the tongue 15 bearing thereagainst, as can be clearly seen at the area which is broken away in the middle of the web portion 27. The web portion 29 which is disposed closer to the free end of the limb 8 and which is also, defined by two allts 16 is provided with a radially z l i. 1 11 outwardly pressed projection 30 which fits into a hole 31 in the tongue 15 so that the connection between the tongue 15 and the limb 8 can withstand even clamping forces. The projection 30 my also be a rivet which engages into the hole 31 so that the web portion 29 and the tongue 15 are riveted. Instead of mi one projection 30 and only one hole 31, the arrangeiment may also have a plurality thereof. Instead of the projection 30 and the hole 31, the web portion 29 may also be provided with a bead which corresponds to the bead 28 but which projects radially inwardly in order also to increase the flexural stiffness of the web portion 29, as well as that of the web portion 27. Corresponding measures as in the case of the web portions 27 and 29 may also be provided in relation to the web portion 32 which Is only defined by one transverse slit 16 and which is disposed at the outermost end of the llirb 8.

The edge portions 25 which are bent over radia inwardly are provided with a wavy or corrugated configuration 33, the axial amplitude of which decreases from the radially inward peripheral edge of the edge portion 25 in a radially out direction.

In the enbodiment a in Figure 6, the slits 16a and 20 therewith also the web portions 27a, 29a and 32a which are delimited the are of a substantially arrow-abaped angled configuration so that the arrow tip is directed in opposite relationship to the clanping force which is applied to the web portions by way of the tongue 15. That fom of the web portions and transverse slits affords the advantage that the web portions, in a similar fashion to a ridge or saddle roof, can withstand a higher loading than straight veb portions, sindlarly to a flat roof. The flexural stiffness of the tongue 15 is also correspondingly higher, and likewise in regard to the frictional engagement between the tongue 15 and the web portions, in particular because the points of the web portions 27a, 29a and 32a can mre easily penetrate into the rmterial of the tongue 15. The 1 12 arrow tips of the web portions 27a, 29a and 32a may also be directed towards the free end of the limb of the clamping jaw.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the transverse slits 16b, and likewise the edges defined thereby of the web portions 27b, 29b and 32b, are wavy or corrugated in the plahe of the limb of the clamping jaw 6. That design configuration also increases the flexural stiffness of the tongue 15 and the frictional engagement between the tongue 15 and the wavy edges of the web portions.

The embodiment shown in Figure 8 represents a ccrnbination of the entodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, that is to say the transverse slits 16c and the web portions 27c, 29c and 32c delimited thereby are not only of a substantially arrow-shaped angled configuration but they are also wavy at the edges, with the wavy configurations extending not in q:)pwite relationship but in the same relationship, that is to say parallel, both in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and also in the effibodiment shown in Figure 8.

Modifications may be made in all the embodiments, for example to the effect that the tongues 15 are subdivided (split) into narrower tongues by slits extending in the peripheral direction of the clip, with the transverse slits 16, 16a-16c being bridged aver by narrow -web portions or subdivided into short transverse web portions, in which case each narrower tongue is introduced into parallel g)rt r transverse slits. The length of the shorter transverse slits and the width of the narrower tongues mould then be about a quarter to a third of the width of the clamping jaw. In that way the transverse web porticns can be subjected to a correspondingly higher loading.

Reference will now be made to Figures 9 to U showing parts of the first embodiment 11111 trated in Figures 1 to 4 prior to (Figure 9), during (Figure 10) and after (Figure 11) assembly, to describe in greater detail hereinafter the process according to the invention for 13 the production of the wide-band clip. After the tongue 15 has been pressed out of its end portion 4 of the clamping band 1 substantially parallel to the clamping band 1 by rather rrore than the thickness of the associated clamping jaw limb 8, into the position shown in Figure 9, and the odd-number web portions 27 and 32 have been pressed radially outwardly over their entire length out of the plane of the limb by at least the thickness of the clanping band, beyond the one surface of the limb, into the position s in Figure 10, the tongue 15 is introduced in the outwardly pressed position slxm in Figure 9 into the transverse slits 16. as illustrated in Figure 10. The outwardly pressed web portions 27 and 32 are then sed back into the plane of the limb again, at the same time causing defolTration of the tongue 15, as shown in Figure 11. It is ttedly also possible for the tongue 15 to be introduced into the transverse slits 16 successively, without the web portions 27 and 32 being pressed out of the plane of the limb, but the process as described can be carrisd out in a simpler fashion and in particular by machine.

Claims

CLAIMS is 1. A wide-band clip for connecting two pipes or the like

comprising a clamping band, to the end portions of which, on the outside thereof, are secured clamping jaws having flanges which are bent away from the clamping band and which can be pulled towards each other by means of a screw connection, and limbs extending over a.part of the periphery of the clamping band, wherein each limb forms with the end portion bearing thereagainst a positive connection in which at least one tongue, which is delimited by a respective substantially U-shaped cut in one of the two connected parts of the limb and the end portion, extends through a transverse slit in the other part towards the free end of the clamping band, wherein the substantially U-shaped cuts are provided in a respective one of the end portions of the clamping band nd each limb of the clamping jaws has at least one further transverse slit through which the respective tongue is also passed, and the length of the transverse slits and the width of each tongue are at least a quarter of the width of the clamping band.
2. A wide-band clip according to Claim 1, wherein the number of transverse slits in each limb of the clamping jaws is at least three.
3 A wide-band clip according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the transverse slits are of a substantially arrow-shaped angled configuration.
4. A wide-band clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the edges of the transverse slits are of a substantially wavy configuration in the plane of the limbs.
5. A wide-band clip according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein both flanges of the clamping jaws are bent back in a substantially semicylindrical configuration on to the limbs of the clamping jaws, and the screw connection is passed with a clearance transversely through the one flange and a first cylinder which bears against the inward side of said one flange, and with clearance transversely through the other flange and a second cylinder which bears against the inward t 1 1 - is - side of said other flange.
6. A wide-band clip according to Claim 5, wherein the screw connection is screwed transversely into the second cylinder.
7. A wide-band clip according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the screw connection comprises a single screw with head.
8. A wide-band clip according to any one of Claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein the cylinders are hollow cylinders.
9. A wide-band clip according to Claim 8, wherein the hollow cylinders comprise tubes which are bent from a sheet metal strip.
10. A wide-band clip according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the one flange extends over the entire width of the clamping band and has a central slot which extends in its peripheral direction and through which the shank of the screw passes and the length of which is greater than the diameter of the shank of the screw, and the other flange also extends over the entire width of the clamping band and has a central peripheral slit through which the shank of the clamping screw passes
11. A wide-band clip according to Claim 10, wherein the one cylinder extends over approximately half the width of the clamping jaw bearing thereagainst and the other cylinder extends over almost the entire width of the clamping jaw bearing thereagainst.
12. A wide-band clip according to Claim 11, wherein at least the clamping jaw which bears against the shorter cylinder has beads which extend around the axis of curvature of the clamping jaw flange over at least the curved region which blends into its limb.
13. A wide-band clip according to Claim 12, wherein disposed adjacent each end of the shorter cylinder is a respective rib formed by beads of the flange which bears thereagainst.
14. A wide-band clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the peripheral edges of the clamping jaws are bent over radially outwardly at a substantially right angle beyond the flanges and at least a part of the limbs.
A wide-band clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the web portions defined by at least one of the transverse slits in the limbs has a bead. which extends in the longitudinal direction of the web portion and which projects on the side of the web portion which is away f rom the tongue bearing thereagainst.
16. A wide-band clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one web portion disposed between transverse slits in the limbs has at least one projection which fits into a hole in the tongue.
17. A wide-band clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the substantially U-shaped cuts are in the form of incisions.
18. A process for the production of a wide-band clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, in which the thickness of the clamping jaws which comprise sheet metal is a multiple of the thickness of the clamping band, wherein that prior to the introduction of the respective tongue into the transverse slits in the respective clamping jaw limb the web portions which are defined by the transverse slits are pressed alternately over their entire length out of the plane of the limb by at least the thickness of the clamping band, beyond the one surface of the limb, then the tongue which has been pressed out of its clamping band end portion is introduced into the transverse slits and then the web portions which have been pressed out are pressed back into the plane of the limb again, causing deformation of the tongue.
19. A wide-band clip, substantially as described with reference to the drawings.
20. A process for the production of a wide-band clip, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Published 1991 at 7he patent Office. State House. (36171 High Holborn. London WC1 R 47P. Further copies rnay he obtained from Sales Branch. Unit 6. Nine Mile Point Cwmrclinfach. Cross Keys. Newport. NPI 7114 Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd. St Mary Cray. Kent.