GB2450232A

GB2450232A - A clamp arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2450232A
Application number: GB0810428A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Keith Middleton
Original assignee: MIDDY TACKLE INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: MIDDY TACKLE INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2007-06-16
Filing date: 2008-06-09
Publication date: 2008-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-09
Also published as: GB0810428D0; GB0711688D0; GB2450232B

Abstract

A clamp arrangement for mounting an arm 21 to an elongate member 24 comprises a collar 23 with jaws to grip the member 24 and a stub element 31 to engage the arm. The arm 21 can be adjusted about the stub element 31 and then held against rotation by engaging interference elements 33, 34 and operating a locking screw member 27 to enter a groove 36. The clamp can be formed in two parts and can have an insert to engage the member 24. Both ends of the arm 21 can be engaged by clamp arrangements. The device is particularly suitable for mounting onto the frame members of an angler's seat box.

Description

A Clamp Arrangement The present invention relates to clamp arrangements

and more particularly to a clamp arrangement utilised with respect to angler's seat boxes.

Anglers require equipment to aid and add pleasure to their activity. In particular in order to facilitate comfort and provide assistance it is desirable to provide a collapsible seat and positioning of equipment within easy reach.

One item of equipment is a so called angler's seat box which is provided by a chassis upon which a seat and foot support as well as storage and other facilities are provided. These other facilities include supports for rods and bait tins and otherwise. In order to provide the supports the chassis is associated with arms upon which the items will be presented and supported. The arms extend from elongate members which may have open access at their ends or be closed by a seat, box or otherwise.

It is known to provide connections and junctions to secure support arms to angler's seat box chassis'. Furthermore, these arms can be adjustable along the elongate length of the chassis components forming the seat box to jut out laterally. It would also be desirable to allow angular presentation of the arms for supporting arms but without too complicated a mechanism adding to cost and reducing reliability in use as well as complication during assembly.

In accordance with first aspects of the present invention there is provided a clamp arrangement comprising a collar to present an adjustment stub to an adjustable arm, the adjustment stub having a selectable interference association with an interference end of the adjustment arm, the adjustment arm rotatable about the adjustment stub and the interference end having a lock stud to engage the adjustment stub to retain a relative position of the adjustment arm upon the adjustment stub.

Typically, the interference association is provided by an interference surface. Generally, interference surfaces are about a base portion of the adjustment stub. Typically, the interference surface comprises a grooved or toothed or serrated feature about the side of the adjustment stub.

Typically, the interference end incorporates features which reciprocate the interference surface.

Possibly, the interference end is laterally displaceable to facilitate rotation of the adjustment arm about the adjustment stub. Possibly a lock stub is arranged to inhibit lateral displacement of the interference end.

Possibly, the lock stub is radially displaceable to engage the adjustment stub.

Possibly, the adjustable arm has a polygon cross section and the interference end comprises an insert for association with the adjustment stub.

Possibly, the insert is replaceable for different adjustment stub dimensions.

Possibly, the adjustment stub includes a groove to receive the lock stub. Possibly, the groove extends about a wall surface of the adjustment stub.

Also in accordance with second aspects of the present invention there is provided a clamp arrangement comprising a collar to present a stub, the collar defined by jaw elements extending away from the stub with distal ends of the jaw element displaceable towards each other to provide a grip between grip surfaces of the jaw elements.

Typically, the grip surfaces include grooved or toothed or serrated features to retain angular edges of a polygon cross section member across them. Alternatively, the grip surfaces comprise a compressible sleeve to retain angular edges of a polygon cross section member across the jaw elements.

Possibly, the distal ends of the jaw elements are flared to provide a greater displacement range for the grip between the grip surfaces.

Possibly, the collar is formed by two parts having an entrant association between them to retain position for the jaw elements.

Generally, the entrant association is provided by a dovetail combination with one part of the dovetail in one part of the collar and the other part of the dovetail in the other part of the collar. Possibly, the entrant association includes pegs and rebate apertures.

Typically, the two parts of the collar are secured together through a nut and bolt extending between them. Typically, the nut is retained in a recess.

Possibly, the collar has a lining insert. Possibly, the lining insert has two or more parts. Advantageously, the lining insert has location ribs or a recess to engage reciprocal parts of the collar. Possibly, the lining insert is presented upon a slidable association with the collar.

Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a clamp arrangement combining both the first aspects and the second aspects of the invention as defined above.

Embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example and reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a clamp arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 provides a number of schematic illustrations of adjustment states provided by an adjustable arm in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic front perspective view of a clamp arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 4 is a top rear side perspective view of the clamp arrangement depicted in figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an insert secured to an adjustable arm in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 6 is a front perspective view illustrating the insert depicted in figure 5 associated with an adjustment stub in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 7 is a side perspective view showing a locking stud in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 8 provides schematic plan illustrations of clamps possibly utilisable in accordance with further aspects of the present invention; Figure 9 provides schematic illustrations of adjustable arms in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 10 provides an exploded view of an alternative collar arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the collar arrangement as depicted in figure in an assembled state; Figure 12 is a perspective plan view of one half of the collar as depicted in figures 10 and 11; Figure 13 illustrates a lining insert for a collar as depicted in figures 10 to 12; Figure 14 is a plan perspective view of an alternative lining insert in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and, Figure 15 is a plan view of one collar part.

As indicated above aspects of the present invention particularly relate to a clamp arrangement utilised with a so called angler's seat box or chair.

Figure 1 provides a schematic illustration of a typical angler seat box configuration. Thus, the seat box 1 comprises a chassis formed from a number of elongate members 2, 3 extending vertically and laterally respectively. These members 2, 3 define a chassis upon which a box 4 can be secured at one end and a seat define at another end upon a base 5 typically formed by a canvas or similar material sheet and a back rest formed by part of the box 4. The angler's box seat can be located near to a river bank or shore line to enable the angler to sit in relative comfort for long periods of time, Of particular interest with regard to aspects of the present invention is a desire to provide arms 6 which extend outwardly from the elongate members 2, 3 forming the chassis of the angler's seat. These arms 6 will typically be configured to provide support for equipment or bait boxes or otherwise.

Provision of the arms 6 in terms of lateral height along the elongate members 2 and angular Outward orientation is achieved through clamp arrangements 7. It will be understood that these clamp arrangements 7 must accommodate for the cross section of the tubing typically from which the elongate members 2, 3 are formed. This tubing may be circular or have a polygon section such as a square cross section for rigidity, strength and to provide an angular edge against which rotational presentation of the arm 6 relative to the clamp 7 can be achieved. Respective aspects of the present invention relate to allowing rotation about the longitudinal axis of the arm 6 as well as the presentation of the arms by the clamp arrangement 7 on the elongate members 2, 3.

Figure 2 provides schematic illustrations of first and second aspects of the present invention. As indicated above rotation about a longitude axis X-X of adjustable arm 21 is desirable. This will enable angular presentation of a cup to support equipment, bait or food. In figure 2a this rotation with regard to the adjustable arm 21 is shown relative to the longitudinal axis X-X and possible rotation in the direction of arrowheads 22.

As will be described later the arm 21 is secured upon an adjustment stub (not shown) as part of a collar 23 secured about an elongate member 24. This elongate member 24 as described above will be part of a chassis which in terms of the particular described embodiment to the present invention defines an angler's seat box. The clamp arrangement utilised in order to provide rotational about the axis X-X provides first aspects of the present invention.

The second aspects of the present invention relate to provision of the clamp collar 23 in terms of allowing rotation about the elongate member 24 in the direction of arrowheads 25.

Generally, the adjustable arm 21 will be located to extend away from the clamp collar 23 with a far end 26 including an appropriate mechanism or mounting to allow as indicated a cup or other fixing for equipment to be located.

In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention as indicated the adjustable arm 21 is located about the collar 23 upon an adjustment stub (not shown but described later) through a lock stud mechanism 27 after the arm 21 is pushed onto the stub in the direction of arrowhead 28. The stud 27 secures location of the arm 21 upon the adjustment stub but should the arm require removal then the lock stud 27 will be released. The lock stud 27 generally acts in a radial direction towards and away from the adjustment stub projected from the collar 23. In view of the above it will be appreciated that association of the arm 21 with the collar 23 in accordance with aspects of the present invention is simple and easy. With the adjustment stub acting as a spigot upon which the arm 21 is secured.

The collar 23 as part of a clamp arrangement* in accordance with aspects of the present invention provides a secure location relative to the elongate member 24. Thus the adjustment stub extending into, or alternatively about, the arm 21 can resiliently present that arm 21 in use.

Clearly, the arms 21 can be of variable lengths and therefore the degree of reinforcement and projection by the stub as well as secure location by the collar 23 are tailored to particular requirements. It will be understood a long arm 21 with a relatively heavy weight at the far end 26 will present a significant lever force at the point of attachment, that is to say at the collar 23 upon the elongate member 24. In such circumstances to provide a sufficiently resilient presentation the adjustment stub in accordance with aspects of the present invention will generally extend significantly into the arm 21. Lower loadings will require potentially less robust and extensive associations.

Figure 3 and figure 4 respectively provide front and rear perspective views of a clamp and in particular the collar 23 associated with an adjustment stub 31 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The adjustment stub 31 has an interference association with an interference end 32 of an adjustable arm (not shown). In the embodiment depicted this interference end is provided by an insert secured to the arm.

The adjustment stub 31 is presented from the collar 23 with an interference surface 33 (figure 3). In the embodiment depicted this interference surface 33 is presented generally around a base part of the stub 31. In such circumstances the end 32 can be displaced forwards and rearwards such that a reciprocal interference surface 34 enters into selective interference association with the surface 33. It will be understood through the interference between the surfaces 33, 34 the stub 31 and so the collar 23 is positioned as required. The stub 31 is retained and therefore an associated adjustable arm secured to the end 32 will also be adjusted in terms of position. The forwards and rearwards displacement of the end 32 is depicted by arrowheads 35. When retracted, the surfaces 33, 34 are not in engagement with each other so it will be appreciated that the end 32 can be rotated with its associated adjustable arm about the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the stub 31. Once a desired rotational angle is achieved the end 32 will then be pushed back such that there is an interference association between surfaces 33, 34 and that position retained. Generally as will be describe later association between the surfaces 33, 34 and therefore the interference end 32 and the stub 31 will be secured and retained through a lock stud 27 (figure 2). The stud 27 will enter a groove 36 in the stub 31 and therefore prevent disengagement between the surfaces 33, 34 and so retain position.

In a preferred embodiment the interference surfaces 33, 34 generally take the form of portions having grooved or toothed or serrated features for reciprocal engagement to retain position. However, it will also be appreciated that gritted or otherwise high friction surfaces may be provided, possibly on overlapping cone elements of the respective adjustment stub or stem and the interference end, and other interference association mechanisms may be used. Of most importance is that the interference end and the adjustment stub allow relative rotation about the axis of the stub for adjustment of position and then that position can be retained by an appropriate mechanism.

Generally, the adjustment stub or stem 31 in accordance with aspects of the present invention will be substantially cylindrical and have a round circumference to facilitate rotation and presentation to an interference surface 33. However, it will also be understood that alternative cross sections may be possible provided the angular adjustment of the interference association and retention can be achieved.

As indicated above generally the interference end of the adjustable arm will be provided by an insert. This insert will typically be formed from a plastic material and as indicated incorporate a reciprocally shaped interference surface for association with the interference surface of the stub 31. In such circumstances a generally square cross section elongate member can incorporate an insert 32 to present an appropriately shaped and typically circular interference surface 34 to the adjustable stub 31. Figure 5 illustrates location of the insert 32 in an interference end 51 of an adjustable arm in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The insert 32 includes ribs 52 to engagement inner surfaces of the end 51 for appropriate location of the insert 32. Inserts 32 may be substantially permanently located within the ends 51. In such circumstances matching between the ends in terms of the insert 32 and in particular its interference surface 34 with a reciprocal sized adjustment stub or stem and interference surface can be achieved. Such an approach will allow matching in terms of the capability of the clamp to support an adjustable arm in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Such an approach may also facilitate assembly in that such associations may limit choices with regard to the combination of the adjustable ends and adjustment stubs which can be provided so that the wrong djustable arms can not be assembled to the wrong adjustment stub and vice versa. Furthermore, such incorrect assembly may be prevented where a long adjustable arm which will require a long adjustment stem or stub for appropriate support may not be combined with a short adjustment stub.

As indicated above strength in terms of robustness of the presentation of the adjustment arm may be achieved through having an adjustment stub which extends for a significant proportion of length of the adjustment arm in order to present an appropriate association as indicated by correct matching between the interference ends and the adjustment stubs provided. A number of interference ends in terms of inserts 32 may be provided to allow as indicated preferred association or ensure that such desired characterisations of association are achieved.

In terms of assembly the insert 32 will typically be secured in the end 51 by a pressing action in direction of arrowheads 53. Similarly as depicted in figure 6 and figure 7 the insert 32 will be initially associated with the end 51 by a pressing action in the direction of arrowheads 53. The direction 53 is also consistent with a direction 61 for insertion of an adjustment stub 31 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The stub 31 will pass through an aperture 62 defined by the surface 34 and as indicated rotation allowed for the adjustable arm 21 to a desired orientation. In such I0 circumstances the interference surface 34 and interference end 33 (figure 3) will be in association. Retention of position will be achieved through presenting a locking stud 80 through an aperture 63. This aperture 63 will typically incorporate a screw thread or other mechanisms such that the stud 80 can be really inserted and displaced towards the groove 36 to retain association between the stub 31 and the end 51. In such circumstances the interference surfaces 33, 34 will be retained in engagement and therefore the rotational angular position of the adjustable arm 21 retained. With the locking stud 80 engaging the groove 36 it will be appreciated that withdrawal of the adjustment stub 31 is prevented in the direction of arrowheads 61. However, in order to release engagement between the interference surfaces generally the stud 80 will only need to be withdrawn a few millimetres and out of the groove 36. Thus, the arm can then be moved laterally and turned to a new angular presentation before return for re-association of the interference surfaces and re-deployment of the stud 80 into the groove for retention of that association.

Rotational angular presentation of the adjustable arm 21 is provided as indicated in accordance with first aspects of the present invention. In order to provide fuller presentation of the arm 21 it will be appreciated that rotation about the elongate member 24 in the direction of arrowheads 25 is particularly advantageous. Unfortunately, some elongate members for various reasons including rigidity and for convenience tend not to have a circular cross section.

In such circumstances as depicted in figure 2 the elongate member 24 has a substantially square cross section. In accordance with second aspects of the present invention the collar 23 is defined by two jaw elements 71, 72 extending away from a stub, typically acting in accordance with first aspects of the present invention for rotary adjustment of the arm 21. The jaws 71, 72 in a relaxed state extend outwardly in the direction of arrowhead 72. Thus, the jaws 71, 72 envelop a substantial proportion of the elongate member 24.

The jaws 71, 72 define jaw surfaces 74 which engage the elongate member 24 and in particular angular edges or corners of the cross section of that elongate member 24. These edges 75 are engaged by grooved, toothed or serrated features of the surface 74 such that orientation and configuration of the collar 23 relative to the elongate member 24 is retained.

In order to provide grip the jaws 71, 72 are compressed inwardly against the natural bias that is to say opposite to the direction of the arrowheads 73. This inward compression of the jaw 71, 72 is provided by a compression mechanism typically comprising a screw thread adjuster 76 turned in order to force distal ends of the jaws 71, 72 closer together and therefore constricts the jaws 71, 72 in the area of the grip surfaces 72. In such circumstance the associations of the angular corners and edges 75 with the grooved, toothed or serrated features of the surface 74 are retained.

Figure 8 provides a schematic plan view of clamps and in particular collars in accordance with second aspects of the present invention. Thus, as previously an adjustment stub 31 is provided incorporating a groove 36 and an interference surface 34 in the embodiment depicted in figure 8a is particularly suited for square cross section elongate members. In such circumstances jaws 71, 72 extend away from the stub 31 with a grip surface 74 provided. The surface 74 as indicated previously incorporates grooved, toothed or serrated features to engage angular shoulders or edges of a square or other polygon cross section elongate member. Distal parts of the jaws 71, 72 as illustrated in figure 8a are flared outwardly from each other such that when a compressive force is applied in the direction of arrowheads 81 a gripping action is provided between the surfaces 74 for location of the collar 23 about an elongate member. In such circumstances the collar is robustly presented upon the elongate member and therefore the adjustment stub or stem 31 is also appropriately presented to allow presentation of an adjustable arm in accordance with first aspects of the present invention.

A particular advantage of providing a star shape to the grip surface 74 with raised surfaces in a serrated or grooved configuration is that the collar can be loosened to an extent whereby the grip surface disengages from the elongate member. In such circumstances, the collar 23 can be rotated about the elongate member and then arranged to re-engage the elongate member through the grip surface at a newly rotated angle. The nature of a grip surface with toothed or grooved or serrated surfaces ensures that even with a square or otherwise polygon cross-section elongate member a wide variety of rotational angular positions for the collar and therefore an associated arm in accordance with aspects of the present invention can be achieved. It would be understood that the angular edges of the elongate member will nest between the upper surfaces of the grooves or teeth or serrated surfaces and so when the jaws are compressed grip about and across those edges in order to robustly secure the collar 23 in use. In such circumstances even though the elongate member through its square or polygon cross section does not lend itself to rotation of the collar thereabout by provision of the grip surface with serrations or grooves or teeth such rotation can still be achieved.

In terms of the number of rotational angles to which the collar and therefore the arm can be presented it will be understood that this will depend to a certain extent on the spacing of the teeth or serrations or grooves in the grip surface. The wider or coarser the grip surface then the smaller the number of acceptable gripped rotational positions for the arm whilst finer spacing of the teeth or grooves or serrations in the grip surface will allow a wider number of rotational angles to be achieved but with the possible detnment of less secure positioning and possibly wear of the edges of the grooves or serrations or teeth.

Figure 8b and figure 8c respectively illustrate alternative embodiments of adjustment stubs or stems with collars 93, 94 comprising jaws which extend away from the adjustment stub or stem. The grip surfaces 95, 96 are provided by insert elements located between the jaws of the collars 93, 94 and retained appropriately through mechanical interaction or an adhesive.

These inserts allow different dimension patterns for the collars such that the collars 93, 94 can again be associated with elongate members which may be tubular or have an angular aspect, that is to say a polygon cross-section.

In order to accommodate an angular aspect the inserts to provide the grip surfaces 95, 96 will be have an elastomeric compressible nature to envelop and so grip angular elongate members as required with a gripping force provided by compression of the jaw members together as described previously.

As indicated above adjustable arms in accordance with aspects of the present invention may cantilever from elongate members providing the chassis for an angler's seat box configuration. In such circumstances one end of the adjustable arm is secured whilst the other end is relatively free. As indicated such an approach has advantages but there is also potential for a long lever length which may result in unstable presentation. In such circumstances as depicted in figure 9 adjustable arms in accordance with aspects of the present invention may comprise a clamp arrangement at each end of the arm. Thus, in figure 9a interference ends 100, 101 are provided to enable an adjustable arm 102 to be secured between respective elongate members as described above. Central mountings 103 are provided so that a cup or other means for presenting equipment or otherwise are provided upon thearm 102.

Figure 9b provides a further refinement in comparison with figure 9a in that a longer adjustable arm 202 is provided whereby several mountings 203a, 203b can be provided between clamp arrangements in accordance with aspects of the present invention. These arrangements will again be provided at distal interference ends 200, 201 of the adjustable arm member 202. In such circumstances the ends 100, 101; 200, 201 can be secured through clamp arrangements in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Clearly, as the adjustable arms 201, 202 extend between elongate members rotation about those elongate members is constricted but nevertheless through the collars described above appropriate positioning along their length can be achieved. Through the adjustable stubs or stems in accordance with aspects of the present invention the arms 201, 202 can be turned along the rear axis to orientate equipment located through mountings 103, 203 appropriately.

It will be appreciated that flexibility with regard to presenting arms with respect to an angler's seat box is advantageous. By aspects of the present invention it will be understood that the arms can be rotated about a mounting collar and the mounting collar itself can be rotated about the elongate member. In such circumstances it wifi be understood that great flexibility is achieved. The collar can be moved upwards and downwards on the elongate member and rotated about that elongate member through a collar as described above with respect to the second aspect of the present invention so giving two axes of adjustment. Through the first aspect of the present invention desired rotation of the arm extending from the collar about the axis of that arm can be achieved providing further adjustability. In such circumstances it is preferable that a mounting arrangement is provided which combines both the first and the second aspect of the present invention.

It will be noted from the above that the collars described generally require access to one end of the elongate member to allow the jaws to be secured about that elongate member, It will be understood that as the jaws embrace the elongate member it is necessary that the jaws forming the collar are robustly associated. In such circumstances provision of an integral unit has benefits. However a requirement for an open end to the elongate member upon which the collar and therefore the arm is secured may be inconvenient. For example, the elongate member may form a leg of a chair closed by a reinforcement spar part-way along its length or a closed back frame of a seat or chair. In such circumstances it would be advantageous to provide a collar arrangement which could be split into two parts to allow easy association around a closed part of an elongate member.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate a collar 300 formed by two parts 301, 302. In such circumstances as depicted in figure 10 in an exploded view the parts 301, 302 can be separated to allow the collar 300 to be locatedaround an elongate member such as a closed chair leg.

In order to ensure that the collar remains robust and integral in use, despite the lever pressures applied to the arms supported (see previously) through a stub 303 as well as the pressures created by the jaws 304, 305 used to embrace the elongate member, it will be understood that a resilient construction is required. Such robust construction is achieved through an entrant association between the parts 301, 302.

The entrant association as depicted particularly with regard to figure 10 comprises respective dovetail parts 306, 307 (figure 15). By the entrant association created by the dovetail parts 306, 307 it will be understood that robust association is created between the parts 301, 302 to ensure the assembly is sufficiently resilient for purpose. It will be understood to further improve such association further entrant portions comprising pegs 308 will also generally enter and engage reciprocal apertures in the other collar part 301 for location. The whole assembly will be secured through an appropriate fastener such as a nut 309 and a bolt 310. Generally, the nut 309 will be located within a suitably shaped aperture or recess in the part 302 to stop rotation as the bolt 310 is tightened.

To improve resilience and strength it will be understood that a washer or spacer sheet may be provided between opposed surfaces 311, 312 to create by compression a resilient bias holding the parts 301, 302 together.

Furthermore, the collar parts 301, 302 and in particular in the opposed surfaces 311, 312 may be formed from materials which may add a resilient bias. More particularly, generally the entrant association created by the dovetail parts 306, 307 as well as the pegs 311 and reciprocal apertures can be sized such that as the fastener formed by the nut and bolt 309, 310 is tightened the association by interference engagement becomes more restrictive. In such circumstances there may be a taper with regard to the dovetail parts 306, 307 as well as the pegs 308 which compress into each other as the fastener is tightened. By such an approach essentially and effectively an integral collar 300 is created capable of achieving the necessary performance in presentation of the stub 303 and the jaws 304, 305 for utilisation in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

It will be noted that although the parts 301, 302 can be split to allow association round a closed section of elongate member the serrations of the star positioning elements 314 are not split such that these interference surfaces 314 are not compromised in association with reciprocal parts of an arm to be supported by the collar 300. It will be understood that a flat association between two collar parts would be unacceptable and would not provide sufficiently robust location for presentation of the stub 303 as well as achieve the jawed collar operation for embracing an elongate member in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Splitting the interference serrations created by the star grip would also present difficulties in terms of strength of the stub 3 and accurate positioning of the arm on the stub 303.

Figure 12 provides a plan schematic view of the collar part 302 illustrating a recess 320 to receive the nut 309 (figure 10) and a further recess 321 for utilisation with regard to the fixings to close the jaw 305 in use such that a central part 322 is deflected inwardly to embrace the elongate member in accordance with aspects of the present invention. It will be noted that the parts 301, 302 incorporate reinforcement elements 330 for additional strength.

Generally, the collar parts 301, 302 will be formed from an appropriate plastics material using a moulding process. Each part 301, 302 will generally incorporate grooves 340, 341 to receive and locate lining inserts. These lining inserts as described above generally provide the facilities with regard to engagement of the angular member.

Figure 13 provides an illustration of a first liner insert comprising two parts 401, 402. These lining insert parts 401, 402 respectively include ridges 403, 404 which engage the reciprocal grooves 340, 341 respectively to locate the lining insert in use. In such circumstances the liner insert is appropriately located and secured within the parts 301, 302 with the reciprocal ribs and grooves engaging each other in order to prevent rotation of the lining insert in use. In such circumstances the lining insert can embrace and engage the elongate member as described above in order to achieve appropriate position along the elongate member.

The embodiment depicted in figure 13 comprises essentially a smooth inner surface and in such circumstances may be suitable for utilisation with a cylindrical elongate member. The surface in such circumstances may include grit or ribs to facilitate grip around the elongate member.

As illustrated in figure 13 in use the two halves 402, 403 of the lining insert will be brought together in the direction of arrowheads 406 by the action of the jaws 304, 305 (figure 10) being brought together to embrace the elongate member.

Figure 14 provides an illustration of a second embodiment of a lining insert in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Thus, a first lining insert part 501 and a second lining insert 502 are associated together typically about a pivot joint 503 which will tend to be towards the stub 303 end of a collar in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In such circumstances under the influence of the jaw action the parts 501, 502 will be brought together in the direction of arrowheads 504 to embrace and engage an elongate member in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

The embodiment depicted in figure 14 includes serrations or teeth 505 which are configured to engage the angular portions of a polygon cross-section elongate member such as a square tube. The number of teeth and spacing of the serrations will depend upon the particular number of rotational angles desirable as well as the particular elongate member cross-section to be used.

Figure 15 provides a plan view of the collar part 301. As can be seen the part 301 is centred along an axis Z-Z. This axis defines the centre of rotation for an arm in accordance with aspects of the present invention to rotate around the stub 303. It will also be noted that the interference or stargrip part 314 is also arranged to define positions about the axis Z-Z. It will be noted that the jaw 304 is offset from the axis Z-Z. In such circumstances in use the jaw 304 and its opposed jaw 305 (figure 10) will be displaced in the direction of arrowheads 350 by an appropriate fixing mechanism in order that a central part 351 is similarly displaced with a lining insert (not shown) to embrace the elongate member. It will be understood by providing a lining insert which is located through reciprocal ribs and slots different insert linings can be provided dependent upon the particular elongate member to which the collar is to be secured. Furthermore, as the lining inserts may wear in use replacement can be easily secured in position. In order to secure a new lining in position generally the grooves and ribs will be aligned and the lining simply slid downwards. In such circumstances as depicted in figure 13 and figure 14 an end or header flange 410, 510 is provided to engage a top part of a respective part of the collar 301, 302 to ensure the lining is presented in an appropriate position.

Whilst endeavoring 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. I.

Claims

Claims 1. A clamp arrangement comprising a collar to present an

adjustment stub to an adjustable arm, the adjustment stub having a selectable interference association with an interference end of the adjustment arm, the adjustment arm rotatable about the adjustment stub and the interference end having a lock stud to engage the adjustment stub to retain a relative position of the adjustment arm upon the adjustment stub.
2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interference association is provided by an interference surface.
3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein interference surfaces are about a base portion of the adjustment stub.
4. An arrangement as claimed in anyof claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the interference surface comprises a grooved or toothed or serrated feature about the side of the adjustment stub.
5. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the interference end incorporates features which reciprocate the interference surface.
6. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the interference end is laterally displaceable to facilitate rotation of the adjustment arm about the adjustment stub.
7. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a lock stub is arranged to inhibit lateral displacement of the interference end.
8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein the lock stub is radially displaceable to engage the adjustment stub.

S
9. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the adjustable arm has a polygon cross section and the interference end comprises an insert for association with the adjustment stub.
10. An arrangement as claimed in claim 9 wherein the insert is replaceable for different adjustment stub dimensions.
11. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the adjustment stub includes a groove to receive the lock stub.
12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the groove extends about a wall surface of the adjustment stub.
13. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collar is formed by two parts having an entrant association between them to retain position for the jaw elements.
14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein the entrant association is provided by a dovetail combination with one part of the dovetail in one part of the collar and the other part of the dovetail in the other part of the collar.
15. An arrangement as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the entrant association includes pegs and rebate apertures.
16. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the two parts of the collar are secured together through a nut and bolt extending between them.
17. An arrangement as claimed in claim 15 wherein the nut is retained in a recess.
18. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collar has a lining insert.
19. An arrangement as claimed in claim 18 wherein the lining insert has two or more parts.
20. An arrangement as claimed in claims 18 or 19 wherein the lining insert has location ribs or a recess to engage reciprocal parts of the collar.
21. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the lining insert is presented upon a slidable association with the collar.
22. A clamp arrangement comprising a collar to present a stub, the collar defined by jaw elements extending away from the stub with distal ends of the jaw element displaceable towards each other to provide a grip between grip surfaces of the jaw elements.
23. An arrangement as claimed in claim 22 wherein the grip surfaces include grooved or toothed or serrated features to retain angular edges of a polygon cross section member across them.
24. An arrangement as claimed in claim 22 wherein the grip surfaces comprise a compressible sleeve to retain angular edges of a polygon cross section member across the jaw elements.
25. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24 wherein the distal ends of the jaw elements are flared to provide a greater displacement range for the grip between the grip surfaces.
26. A clamp arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.