GB2402137A - Gravestone clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A clamp intended for use in stabilising gravestones or like monuments comprises two ground engaging threaded rods, each of which has a first and second brackets moveably attached thereto. The first brackets have a hooked upper edge, which in use hook over an upper surface of a plinth. The second brackets have flanges at their upper edges which in use locate against the underside of the plinth. The first and second brackets are drawn together to clamp around the plinth and are secured in place on the ground engaging rods with nuts or the like. The second brackets may be formed as a unitary piece, or the first and second brackets may be further secured together by a nut and bolt.

Description

GA\7ES of TE cTUAlV' l'ms invention relates to a device that supports

gravestones and stops thein from being either overturned accidentally or intentionally by vandals.

Headstone memorials Carl be clamped by this invention so that they do not collapse when subjected to overturning forces. The clamps can be used to support new gravestones or existing gravestones that are pulsate arid a potential risk to visitors to graveyards and cemeteries.

Many accidents hay-e occurred in cemeteries arid graveyards when visitors to graves have risen from a kneeling/praying position by pulling on the headstone. Often this has caused the headstone to fall on therll. Several fatalities have occurred in the UK.

Also vandals have caused great damage in graveyards by pushing over insecure headstones.

A niildnuin of' two clamps is needed to support each headsiorle. Each clamp has an upper and lower bracket that attach to a single rod that has been firmly driven into the ground. A coupling pin collects the two brackets via the slotted holes in 'the latter-.

Alternative designs for the lower bracket can be used to suit differing ground conditions arid these are described on the drawings attached.

A clamp works by mobilising the rod's resistance to being pulled out of the ground or being pushed further into it. 'these resisting forces stabilise the headstone against overturning forces.

l'he rods that are driven by haled into the ground are in stainless steel arid are threaded externally to allow the connection of stainless steel nuts. The clamps are also made Tom stainless steel and have slotted ends to go over the rods and are fastened in place by tightening the steel nuts. The clamps are made from flat plate approximately 3.5mm thick.

l'o describe the clamp in detail reference must be made to the drawings nunbered 1 and 2.

Drawing No. i shows r'igues 1 & 3.

Figure 1 shows the side view of the clamp arrangement; Figure shows an isometric view of tile clamp arrangement; Figure 3 shows Alternative bottom bracket A; Drawing No. shoves Figure 4.

Figure 4 shows Alternative combined bracket B. flue i'ixing of the clamps to the piinti, of the headstone is as follows: Refer to Drawing No. 1 Figure l: Assuming the headstone is in position at the grave. 'l'wo holes are dug at the mid- length position of the plinth to a suitable depth- one at the front and one at the back.

Lois creates working space below existing ground level. u each of tle holes a threaded stainless steel rod of diameter 12mm is driven by hand (sledge hammer) down to firm ground. Firm grouted is usually encountered at a depth between and 2 metros. The headstone is then wedged up under its ply using timber wedges to align it vertically and horizontally. Lower nut "X" is now screwed down the threaded rod.

Refer to drawing No. i, Figure a: The upper bracket is then placed on top of the plinth of the headstone and the slotted end placed over the rod. 'i'he lower bracket is ther1 placed to support the underside of the plinth and the slotted end placed over the rod. The two brackets are then connected in position using the 5nrn diameter coupling pin. 'i'he upper nut 'Y'' is now screwed down the threaded rod.

lthe lower and upper nuts are then tightened to cimnp the plinth in a stable configuration.

L)rawing No. shows Figure 4.

Figure 4 shows the Alternative combined bracket B. Bracket "i''' attaches two brackets without the need of a coupling pin.

Claims (6)

1. A gravestone clamp comprising two shaped brackets connected together either by a pin or locating lugs to form a single unit capable of being drawn together, as a clamp, by nuts on a threaded ground driven support rod to which the unit attaches via slotted ends in each bracket.

2. A gravestone clamp as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a slot is provided in the upper bracket to allow relative movement of the brackets as they are tightened together.

3. A gravestone clamp as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, where, as an alternative to the slot provision of Claim 2, lugs are provided on the upper bracket to allow relative movement of the brackets as they are tightened together.

4. A gravestone clamp as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each bracket is shaped and proportioned to the profiles referenced in Figures 1 - 4.

5. A gravestone clamp as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from metal, plastic materials or any other material that is fit for purpose.

6. A gravestone clamp substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Drawings No. 1 and No.2.