GB2388153A

GB2388153A - Clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2388153A
Application number: GB0210098A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Clarence Barton; Stephen Paul Barton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-02
Filing date: 2002-05-02
Publication date: 2003-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-02
Also published as: AU2003229988A1; US20060065805A1; WO2003093685A1; GB2388153B; EP1504196A1; GB0210098D0

Abstract

A clamp 1, 100 is formed by spaced limbs 2, 3; 102, 103; such that a mounting rod 12, 112, extending through the clamp 1, 100 provides a stable structure despite formation from sheet material. Essentially, the mounting rod 12, 112 reinforces the clamp in order to present a clamping mechanism 6, 106. Different embodiments of clamp are provided in which overlapping edges are created through which the drop or mounting rod 12, 112 extends in order to provide reinforcement for the clamp. Thus, a body portion of the clamp may simply be formed with overlapping ears in which drop rod apertures 17, 18 are provided which, when aligned, receive a mounting or drop rod 12. Alternatively, saddle members 20 (figure 7) may be provided which extend across the spaced limbs 102, 103 in order to present apertures 30 in which the mounting or drop rod 112 is located.

Description

GB 2388153 A continued (74) Agent and/or Address for Service: Swindell &

Pearson 48 Friar Gate, DERBY, DE1 1GY, United Kingdom

r ( 2388 1 53

Clamp The present invention relates to clamps and more particularly, but not exclusively, to clamps used to clamp mounting assemblies for pipework and cabling to beams at elevated positions in a building.

There is a requirement to securely clamp mounting assemblies to beams or girders in a building in order to provide resilient support structures for pipework and cabling. Typically, the clamps are secured to the beam or girder with a displaceable screwthread element brought into robust engagement with the beam or girder and a drop or mounting rod extending downward from the clamp upon which a mounting can be secured to support the pipework or cabling. Traditionally, clamps to be secured to girders or beams have comprised cast elements which are appropriately drilled and tapped in order to accommodate the drop rod and a clamp mechanism to secure the clamp to the beam or girder. Such cast assemblies are expensive to form and manufacture.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to provide sufficient strength in the clamp such that it will not distort during installation and in operation whilst supporting pipework or cabling.

. In accordance with the present invention is provided a clamp for overhead assemblies, the clamp comprising two spaced limbs formed from a base end and supporting a clamp mechanism on an opposed clamp end opposite the base end with a mounting rod projecting in use between the spaced limbs to hold them in a desired association with each other...DTD: Preferably, the limbs have overlapping flaps or ears at their respective edges with the mounting rod passing through them to hold the limbs in association. Typically, the overlapping flaps or ears will reinforce the clamp.

Possibly, the overlapping flaps will extend at the top and bottom sides of the

two spaced limbs between the ends. Additionally, saddle members are provided in order to further reinforce the clamp.

Preferably, the clamp mechanism extends on a screwthread from one side of the clamp end to the other. Alternatively' the clamp mechanism comprises respective clamp members secured on screwthreads to extend from respective sides of the clamp end. Possibly, the clamp members are cone pointed screw and nuts.

Alternatively, the clamp end extends from one of the spaced limbs with a distal end of that one of the spaced limbs formed to received the clamp mechanism. Typically, that one of the spaced limbs is shaped for reinforcement and/or appropriate presentation of the clamp end within the clamp.

Possibly, the spaced limbs may be flared at their top edge in order to engage with reinforcing saddle members. Advantageously, the reinforcing saddle members engage and lock the clamping mechanism at the clamp end of the clamp.

Preferably, the spaced limbs are press formed to approximate the desired association. Typically, a pivot bend is provided at the clamp or base end to facilitate, possibly with hand pressure, achievement of the desired association and allow projection of the mounting rod between the spaced limbs.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of making a clamp comprising forming a main component body by a pressing and/or rolling process such that a jaw aperture is defined with a substantially U shape, forming the top and bottom of the clamp with respective U sections either side of the jaw aperture within which ears or flaps are bent and holes provided which overlap and define a passage therethrough, securing a clamp mechanism in the jaw aperture and a drop rod through the passage in order to hold the clamp together.

Preferably, the ears or flaps are pressed into a right angled and slightly over-bent configuration. Preferably, a saddle member is formed to overlay the U sections defined either side of the jaw aperture in order to reinforce the clamp.

Typically, the clamp mechanism and/or the drop rod are secured in the clamp through a locking nut. Where included, the saddle member will typically include a slot aperture to allow adjustment of the saddle member in use.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a clamp in accordance with a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is an end view of the clamp depicted in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of spaced limbs in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with a shoulder member; Fig. 4 is an end view of the spaced limbs as shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the spaced limbs depicted in Figs. 3 and 4; Fig. 6 is a cross-section of a clamp including a saddle member to lock the clamping mechanism; Fig. / is a cross-section of the clamp illustrated in Fig. 6 providing greater detail of flaring between the saddle member and spaced limbs; Fig. 8 is a plan view of a saddle reinforcement member; Fig. 9 is a cross-section of an alternative clamp in accordance with the present invention; and, Fig. 10 is a plan cross- section of the clamp illustrated in Fig. 9.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 illustrating a clamp 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The clamp 1 comprises two spaced limbs 2,3 which extend from a base end 4 to a clamp end 5. The clamp end 5 is opposite the base end 4 and accommodates a clamp mechanism 6. The clamp mechanism 6 typically comprises displaceable clamp members 7, 8 which are displaceable on a screwthread in order to engage in use a beam or girder 9 such that the clamp 1 is securely held upon that beam 9. Normally, the members /,8 will be cone pointed screw nuts. The clamp members 7,8 include a screwthread to allow displacement of the members 7, 8 towards the beam 9 through rotation achieved by actuation on nut heads 10,11.

A drop or mounting rod 12 projects through the clamp 1 between the spaced limbs 2,3 in order to hold the spaced limbs in a desired association. The clamp mechanism 6 is appropriately presented at the clamp end 5 as required.

The drop rod 12 includes a screwthread to enable nuts 13,14 to lock the rod 12 to the clamp 1. Thus, the rod 12 will extend downwardly to enable a piping or cabling support mounting to be secured to that rod 12. In such circumstances, the clamp 1 secured to the beam 9 ensures adequate presentation of the mounting or drop rod 12 at the desired position for supporting pipework or cabling at elevated positions in a building.

The rod 12 effectively provides a robust and stabilising element in the clamp l to ensure that the clamp 1 resists distortions as a result of pipe weight supported through the drop rod 12 and during installation of the clamp 1 in to clamped location on the beam 9. In such circumstances, the clamp 1 with regard to the spaced limbs 2,3 can be made from relatively thin steel materials.

Furthermore, and more importantly, by utilising the strength and stability of the rod 12, the spaced limbs 2,3 can be press formed rather than cast such that manufacturing cost is significantly reduced. The spaced limbs 2,3 will be bent around the clamp end 5 into an approximation of the desired association for presentation of the clamping mechanism 6. This desired association will normally comprise the spaced limbs 2,3 in parallel configuration. The clamping mechanism 6 is then secured at the clamping end 5. The bend formed at the

( clamp end 5 will allow a degree of pivot such that, typically under hand pressure, final adjustment of the spaced limbs 2,3 can be achieved in order to locate the mounting or drop rod 12 projecting between the spaced limbs 2,3 and so hold the spaced limbs 2,3 in the desired association.

The spaced limbs 2,3 include overlapping flaps or ears 15,16 at the top and bottom sides with respective holes 17,18. It is through these flaps that the rod l 2 projects in order to hold the limbs 2,3 in the desired association. These overlapping flaps 15,16 also further reinforce the clamp 1 to provide a more robust structure and resistance to distortion in use and at installation.

As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 2 a flap or hole can be provided in the base end 4 in order to provide a further mounting point upon which generally light weights such as cabling can be secured. This flap or hole 19 can be formed in the clamp 1, and in particular the component from which the spaced limbs 2, 3 are formed, whilst that component is a flat work piece and so is more easily achievable. The clamp 1 is made from mild steel. Typically, the clamp 1 is manufactured as a pressing in that the shape is blatted out then forming an aperture 22 for the jaws of the clamp and four rectangular ears or folds that are then folded or bent at right angles so that the pressing can then be formed into a U shape or box structure. The ears or folds at right angles interlock with each other in order to provide an enclosure with substantial strength. Generally, four holes (for example 11 millimetres in diameter) are cut in the folds or ears when the component is made or when the pressing is formed into the enclosure. These holes are arranged either side of the clamp such that a drop rod can penetrate between one pair of holes and be appropriately secured whilst , the other holes can accommodate the clamping mechanism or additional! mounting points. Normally, the drop rod will pass substantially through the centre of the clamp and therefore provide a robust resistance to distortion. As indicated previously, the clamping mechanism typically comprises at least one cone pointed screw and nut which extends downwardly. At the bottom of the

clamp a further cone pointed screw and nut can be arranged to project upwardly and so engage a beam from either side or a fixed anvil clamp seat can be provided to engage the beam against the engagement pressure from the clamp member on the other side.

The drop rod 12 will extend below the clamp for a desired length dependent upon the pipe or cabling position required.

The present clamp 1 can also incorporate a hole in the base through i which a rivet or other fastener can pass in order to accommodate a universal joint upon which when installed further equipment can be supported. Similarly, on the back of the clamp, a flap can be provided which is raised at right angles upon which further fittings can be provided to secure other equipment. For I example, a simple hook clip could be secured through a hole in the clamp 1.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 5 in which the spaced limbs 2, 3 depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 are shown in more detail along with saddle members 20. Thus, the limbs 2,3 are formed as described previously by a pressing operation in which the flaps 15, 16 are formed as well as a folding or bending operation about the clamp end 4. Holes in each of the flaps 15,16 are brought into alignment in order to create a passage 21 through which a drop or mounting rod (not shown) is projected between the spaced limbs 2, 3 in order to secure these limbs 2,3 in the desired association and the clamp mechanism (not shown) can be secured at the clamp end 5. Normally, the clamp end 4 is rounded and provides a pivot such that during the pressing process the spaced limbs 2,3 are brought into approximate position consistent with the desired association and then through application of an appropriate pressure, which will normally be achievable by hand, the final adjustment necessary to allow the drop rod (not shown) to pass through the passage 21 will be achieved. Ideally, no final adjustment will be necessary as the pressing operation will be sufficiently accurate to ensure creation of the passage 21 by the holes in the flaps 15,16. In any event, the rounded nature of the end 4 is configured to accommodate the clamping mechanism 6.

( A jaw recess 22 in both limbs 2,3 allows in use the clamping mechanism 6 to extend across that recess 22 from one side to the other to allow clamping of the clamp to a beam or girder. Clearly, the extent of the recess 22 will be determined by the necessity of maintaining an adequate degree of strength in the clamp for performance both during installation and whilst supporting pipework, etc as required. Nevertheless, when a drop rod is secured through the passage 21 it will be appreciated that the clamp is substantially reinforced.

The limbs 2,3 are made from a mild steel of an appropriate structural grade. The clamp and in particularly the limbs 2,3 are formed such that the ears or overlapping flaps with holes align during the pressing and folding/bending operation. In such circumstances, it will be appreciated that the overlapping ears or Haps create a material thickness double that of the individual material thickness. Typically, 3 millimetre sheet steel is used providing a thickness of 6 millimetres. However, where greater strength is required 4 or 5 millimetre sheet material can be used such that there is a doubling in material thickness and so reinforcement.

In order to further reinforce the clamp saddle members 20 can be provided across the spaced limbs 2,3 to reinforce the assembly as required.

Figs. 6 to 8 illustrate clamp 1 with reinforcing saddle members 20. The saddle members will include lips which extend over the edge of the respective spaced limbs 2,3 and include an aperture consistent with the passage 21 such that in use a drop rod passes through that aperture in addition to the passage 21 in order that these saddle members 20 provide additional reinforcement and resistance to twist deformation of the clamp. The saddle members 20 are held in place by nuts 13,14. These saddle members 20 may also extend such that a leading edge of each saddle member 20 in use can engage a nut or other portion of the clamping mechanism in order that in use the saddle member 20 will lock that clamping mechanism 6 to prevent rotation of the nut and so secure the position of the clamping mechanism 6 within the clamp as required.

Reinforcement provided by the saddle members 20 further increases the thickness of the clamp in association with the drop rod. In such circumstances,

the drop rod acts as a spine-member between spaced lateral members which extend from the base end to the clamp end of the clamp with the drop rod and clamp mechanism secured by nut engagement on screwthreads associated with the drop rod and clamp mechanism.

Typically, the spaced limbs 2,3 will be made from mild steel with a thickness in the range 3 to 5 millimetres. As indicated previously, the drop or mounting rod will extend through the clamp between the opposed spaced limbs 2,3 to provide reinforcement. Normally, the drop rod will have a 10 millimetre diameter and a screwthread to allow nut engagement either side of the clamp for further reinforcement strength and to position the drop rod. Typically, the clamp will be approximately 50 millimetres from the base end 4 to the clamping end 5 with a depth of approximately 60 millimetres between the top and bottom of the clamp. The recess 22 will extend inwardly from the clamping end 5 by approximately 28 millimetres and will have a width also of approximately 28 millimetres centrally located between the top and bottom of the clamp.

Where necessary, an appropriate stirrup mounting may also be provided which comprises a loop or sling with respective mounting apertures through which the stirrup mounting can be secured to the clamp to allow support of a cable or other light weight conduits.

Typically, the passage 21 will be arranged approximately such that its centre is 15 millimetres from the base end 5 in order to accommodate the drop rod. A hole 22 in each of the spaced limbs 2,3 and near to the base end 4 can be provided in order to allow accommodation of the stirrup mounting or sling for cabling as described previously.

In order to manufacture a clamp in accordance with the present invention there are essentially three stages. Firstly, a main component body is formed with a jaw aperture which is U shaped. Then the top and bottom of the clamp are pressed to form two U sections which define the base end and with right angled ears or flaps slightly over bent with holes formed to overlap and define passage 21 between top and bottom along with appropriate apertures to

( accommodate the clamp mechanism. Finally, the clamp mechanism is secured in its aperture and a drop rod 12 passed through the passage 21 in order to hold the clamp together. A clamp in accordance with the present invention can be used for relatively light duty or heavy duty dependent upon principally the thickness of the material used, i.e. 3 millimetre thick mild steel for light duty and 4 or 5 millimetre thick mild steel for heavier duty applications. The saddle member used to reinforce the clamp may extend partially along the top and bottom edges of the clamp or fully in order to engage the clamp mechanism and in particular the locking nut of that clamp mechanism. Typically, the saddle member will include a slot aperture 30 which will allow the saddle member to slide along the top or bottom edge of the clamp in order to engage the beam appropriately. The drop rod will pass through the slot 30 whilst the clamping mechanism can move in and out dependent upon the width of the beam. As shown in Fig. / over bending of the saddle member provides appropriate engagement with flared top and bottom edges of the limb members 2,3 for further appropriate association and configuration in the clamp.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10 showing an alternative clamp in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. A clamp 100 again comprises two spaced limbs 102, 103 formed such that a passage 121 is provided through which a drop rod 112 is positioned in order to hold the clamp 100 in an appropriate reinforced association. In fabrication, the spaced limbs 102, 103 are formed and folded to provide overlapping ears or flaps within which holes are drilled in order to create the passage 121 for the drop rod 112.

One of the limbs 102 provides at one end 105 a pivot corner or edge about which the clamp 100 is bent, pressed and folded in order to create the second limb 103 along with flaps or ears in an enclosed or boxed configuration reinforced in use with a drop rod 112 passing through the passage 121. From the limb 102 the clamp extends in order to form at a clamp end 105 a structure typically in the form of a collar which defines an aperture in which a clamping mechanism 106 is secured. The aperture 130 is such that a cone pointed bolt and nut can be driven downwardly and/or upwardly in order to engage a beam

109. The drop rod 112 as previously provides a major stabilising structure within the clamp 100 such that the clamp itself can be formed from relatively thin and cheaper structural steel. The drop rod 112 is secured to the clamp 100 through locking nuts 113, 114 such that there is a desired length of drop rod 112 extending from the clamp for appropriate presentation in order to support through a support member piping or cabling, etc. As indicated above, the clamp end 105 extends from an end of the limb 102 and as shown in Fig. 10 is typically shaped to provide substantially in line presentation between the passage 121 and the collar aperture 130 to respectively accommodate the drop rod 112 and the clamp mechanism 106.

This shaping of the clamp between the limb 102 and the clamp end 104 is achieved in the pressing operation as described previously.

The clamp 100 in the portion extending from the limb 102 includes a jaw recess 122 to allow the beam 109 to be gripped either side by the clamp mechanism 106. The size and depth of the jaw recess 122 will be determined to enable sufficient depth of engagement with the beam 109 whilst retaining sufficient strength in the clamp 100 for performance during installation and operation under load while supporting pipework, etc. The clamp 100 in the form of the enclosure or box structure defined by the limbs 102, 103 with side panels 131, 132 along with the extension of limb 102 to form the clamp end 104 will be achieved through appropriate pressing, folding and bending then the clamping mechanism 106 will be secured in the collar aperture 130 with locking nuts 133, 134 and the drop rod 112 secured through the passage 121 and locked in place with an appropriate length of drop rod for presentation of the support mounting for pipework using locking nuts 113, 114. The clamp 100 can then be taken to its elevated position and secured to the beam 109 through the clamping mechanism 106 to leave the drop rod 112 extending downwardly in order to support pipework, etc. Typically, a universal joint will also be provided between the drop rod 112 and the support

( mounting for the pipeworl, etc. In the enclosure or box structure formed between the limbs 102, 103 the flaps or ears will generally extend at right angles from each limb 102, 103 with respective holes therein such that these holes are all aligned to provide the passage 121 through which the drop rod 112 extends in order to hold the limbs 102, 103 in the desired association for reinforcement and presentation of the clamp 100.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Thus, the embodiment described above may be modified by provision of an anvil or limpet element on one side of the recess 22 whilst a single displaceable clamp member is brought towards that anvil or limpet element in order to clamp a beam or girder between them.

Furthermore, generally the clamp end 5 may be bent into a coned configuration but alternative simple round cross-sections could be provided where acceptable.

Alternatively, the base end 4 may be a pivot bend and the clamp end 5 boxed.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to

those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims

n A clamp for overhead assemblies, the clamp comprising two spaced limbs formed from a base end and supporting a clamp mechanism on an opposed clamp end opposite the base end with a mounting rod projecting in use between the spaced limbs to hold them in a desired association with each other.
a. A clamp as claimed in Claim wherein the limbs have overlapping flaps or ears at their respective edges with the mounting rod passing through them to hold the limbs in association.
3. A clamp as claimer1 in Claim wherein the overlapping flaps or ears will reinforce the clamp.
4. A clamp as claimed in Claim or Claim 3 wherein the overlapping flaps will extend at the top and bc ttom sides of the two spaced limbs between the ends.
5. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim wherein saddle members are provided in order to further reinfr,, cc the! lamp
6. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clamp mechanism extends on a screwthrear1.frarr, One side of the clamp end to the other.
7. A clamp as claimed in any claims to 5 wherein the clamp mechanism comprises respective clamp members securecl on screwthreads to extend from respective sides of the clamp end.
8. A method of reals ng a clamp substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures to st of the accompanying drawings.

t9. A method of nab: fig a clamp substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 9 and i n the accompanying drawings.

go. Any novel subject netter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.

8. A clamp as claimed in claim 7 wherein the clamp members are cone pointed screw and nuts.

9. A clamp as claims d in any preceding claim wherein the clamp end extends from one of the spaced limb.,ith a distal end of that one of the spaced limbs formed to received the clamp mechanism.

to. A clamp as claimed ir ant; preceding claim wherein that one of the spaced limbs

is shaped for reinforcement and/or appropriate presentation of the clamp end within the clamp. As. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the spaced limbs are flared at their top edge in order to engage with reinforcing saddle members.

Ad. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim wherein reinforcing saddle members engage and lock the clamp) a, mechanism at the clamp end of the clamp.

t3. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the spaced limbs are press formed to approximate the;'esired association.

t4. A clamp as claimed in claim t3 wherein a pivot bend is provided at the clamp or base end to facilitate r;ssihly with hand pressure, achievement of the desired Citing:n1 Low nrri'inn of the mounting rod between the spaced limbs.

_ _, 5. A clamp substantially as}'ereinbefore described with reference to figures to 8 of the accompanying draw a,;.

Ad. A clamp substanti all i as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 9 and to of the accompanying draw, t7. A method of making a clamp comprising forming a main component body by a pressing and/or rolling -, r' less such that a jam aperture is defined with a substantially U shape, forming the top ant' bottom of the clamp with respective U sections either side of the jaw aperture within which ears or flaps are bent and holes provided which overlap and define a passage the-' through, securing a clamp mechanism in the jaw aperture and a drop rod through the passage in order to hold the clamp together.