GB2499210A

GB2499210A - Clamping device especially for corrugated construction panels

Info

Publication number: GB2499210A
Application number: GB1202165.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Golding
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-08
Filing date: 2012-02-08
Publication date: 2013-08-14
Also published as: GB201202165D0

Abstract

A clamping device for securing a panel to a rope has two spaced apart clamp walls with at least one inner face is disposed in use to mimic or conform to the panel. The inner face may have an elongate wave profile corresponding to an elongate corrugated panel such as a roofing sheet. The inner face may include a resilient deformable material such as silicone or rubber. A tightening mechanism such as a bolt may be provided. The clamping device may be moved along a rope and engaged with the top edge of a panel (fig. 6) after the bottom edge of the panel has been engaged with a bottom block.

Description

A CLAMPING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a clamping device, more particularly but not especially for corrugated construction panels.

Background

Increasing numbers of people are commissioning improvement work on their homes or commercial or industrial premises.

Often for example the premises may have a roof that is due for repair, such as tiling that needs replacing, due to health or age reasons.

Furthermore some premises or buildings will be expanded or reroofed with metal sheeting roofs or other standard commercial premises roofing solution.

In summary, in many cases it may be necessary for temporary or permanent purposes, to use corrugated sheeting for roofing. Consequently said sheeting or similar will need to be transported to a building's roof.

Standardly the premises will need to be elevated from the ground using scaffolding erected about the building, for example either manually or with winches or ginnies. Depending on conditions this can be hazardous, for example where excessive winds blow.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following:

Ukrainian patent application UA 28 157 (SHABALDAK et al) discloses a gripping device for sheet material contains a clamp, which is made from two C-shaped jaws. C-shaped jaws of clamp are rigidly fastened between them along external and internal contour by cover plates. Between C-shaped jaws of clamp by hinged axle a clamp, in which one end is connected to the axle for mounting of the wire rope sling of load-lifting device. The clamp consists of two elements, which are connected together by cover plates. The free end of the clamp is rigidly connected to the support. The mechanism of fixation of clamp is made from two brackets, which are freely secured by one end on the hinged axle between C-shaped jaws of the clamp. The free ends of the brackets from one side are rigidly connected to the counterweight, and from another side it is hingedly connected to the roller. Crossbeam is rigidly secured under hinged axle between C-shaped jaws of clamp. The cuts are made in the plane of C-shaped jaws of the clamp.

Japanese patent application JP 2006 282 291 (SUGANO) discloses a building panel suspender that is possible to be efficiently attached/detached and capable of safely hoisting an object to be held without damaging it, wherein in this building panel suspender for suspending a building panel, a presser part formed into the same shape with a groove part, in which a fixture formed in an upper end of the building panel is to be fitted, and a presser piece formed in a lower end of the presser part are integrally formed to form a pinching part. This building panel suspender is also provided with a pinching receiver part formed opposite to the pinching part, an opening/closing mechanism for moving at least one of the pinching part and the pinching receiver part to pinch the panel, a hoisting part having a nearly inverted U-shaped cross section for connecting the pinching part to the pinching receiver part and hoisting them upward. An assist support plate to be positioned between the pinching part and the pinching receiver part to restrict deformation of the panel is arranged in at least one of the hoisting part, the pinching part and the pinching receiver part.

Granted United States patent application US 7 156 436 (NGUYEN) discloses a clamping device suitable for lifting and handling of sheet like-objects, comprising: a rigid frame configured to straddle an edge region of sheet-like objects, the frame including a stationary jaw and a frame housing defining a gap between the stationary jaw and the frame housing in which the sheet-like object may be received, the stationary jaw providing a first clamping surface; a movable jaw supported at the

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frame within the gap for movement towards and away from the stationary jaw, the movable jaw providing a second clamping surface; at least one linkage arm pivotably mounted to the rigid frame for supporting the movable jaw such that the movable jaw is movable in an arc relative to the rigid frame; an actuating carriage arranged to receive a lifting force and to transmit a clamping force, the carriage being located between the movable jaw and the frame housing for reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis; actuator tracks for the actuating carriage provided on the movable jaw and on the frame housing, the actuator tracks having an inclined portion relative to the longitudinal axis which, when the actuator carriage is caused by the lifting force to be raised along the inclined portion, causes biasing movement of the movable jaw toward the stationary jaw through pivoting movement of the linkage arm; whereby, when the clamping device straddles the sheet-like object and the lifting force is applied, the lifting force brings the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface in contact with opposite faces of the sheet-like object, thereby frictionally clamping the sheet-like object.

Granted United States patent US 7 490 882 (NGUYEN) discloses a clamping device suitable for lifting and handling of sheet like-objects, having a rigid frame with a fixed jaw that provides a first clamping surface, a movable jaw that provides a second clamping surface that is substantially parallel to the first clamping surface, the movable jaw being supported at the frame for reciprocating, linear movement towards and away from the fixed jaw, and an operating mechanism arranged to bias the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw in response to an actuating force being exerted on a tensile force transmitting member of the operating mechanism, thereby to abut the respective clamping surfaces onto opposite faces of an object received between the jaws and frictionally clamping same against displacement, characterised in that the movable jaw comprises a sliding plate on which the second clamping surface is provided, the sliding plate being inclined at an angle of about 8 to 12 degrees with respect to the first and second clamping surfaces and being supported at the frame to maintain said angle during movement to and from the fixed jaw, and in that the tensile force transmitting member is guided and supported at an upper location of the sliding plate that substantially aligns with or overhangs the second clamping surface.

Granted European patent EP 0 815 048 (CORBETT) discloses a device suitable for lifting or handling sheet, panel or slab material the device comprising: a frame

having: first and second generally vertical rigid sides arranged in spaced and opposed relation to one another, each of said sides having an upper and a lower portion, a substantially horizontal cross-member rigidly joining said upper portions of said sides together, and the lower portion of the first side shaped so that it diverges outwardly and downwardly away from the second side.

United States patent application US 5 098 143 (HILL) discloses a device for attaching to elongated flexible load lifting cables for grasping the edges of a weight to be lifted by an associated hoisting mechanism comprising: a U-shaped elongated member for receiving an edge of a weight to be lifted and comprising means for securing said edge of the weight in said U-shaped member, an arcuate member mounted at least partially around the length of said U-shaped member and providing an outer arcuate surface for receiving a cable of an attached sling partially therearound, and a pair of C-shaped flanges one mounted to said U-shaped elongated member at each end thereof with the opening of each of said C-shaped flanges aligning with the opening of said U-shaped elongated member, said flanges forming a channel with said arcuate surface of said arcuate member to guide an associated cable extending over said arcuate surface and to maintain it thereon, said means for securing said edge of the weight comprising at least a pair of bolts extending through one side of said U-shaped elongated member and against an edge of the weight.

In contrast the present invention provides a safe means of clasping or grasping a sheet of material, or panel, in a manner that minimises movement in a plurality of directions, with minimal pressure being needed to be placed on the material, and with minimal preparation.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a clamping device for a panel, having two clamp walls spaced apart, said walls having inner faces, wherein at least one inner face is disposed in use to mimic the panel.

In preferred embodiments said disposal consists of contouring. Preferably both inner faces are disposed suchwise that is each inner face of each inner wall is contoured to mimic the panel.

In this way the device is enabled to form a substantially improved grip on a plurality of different panels. For example and according to a second aspect of the present invention, the inner face or faces are contoured to accept elongate corrugated panels, having a corresponding elongate wave contour or cross-sectional profile.

This therefore ensures that minimal movement is allowed orthogonal or contrary to the elongate contour. Consequently less pressure is needed to grip the panel.

Typically both inner faces are provided with this profile, in order that the panel is well gripped and less liable to movement. In some embodiments however only one inner face is provided with such a profile, the other being ideally yielding or resiliently deformable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the inner faces are therefore formed in resiliently deformable material, such that the inner faces are well disposed to grip the panel, when under tension or pressure.

Typically said deformability is created by use of silicone, plastic, rubber or other elastomer. This deformability ensures that in tandem with increased pressure and in particular the mimicking face profile, the panel is subjected to maximum grip, wherein for example irregularities in the panel are accepted and anticipated.

Said pressure in some embodiments is provided by a tightening mechanism, wherein said mechanism acts to pull or push the inner faces and/or walls, together.

Such a mechanism is likely to be embodied in a screw threaded part and /or spring, wherein said part allows a user to tighten it and accordingly pull the faces together, when in use for example, closing on the panel and gripping it.

Typically the device is maintained on a rope, string, wire, or cord, wherein the device travels on this cord in use. Furthermore according to a fourth aspect of the present invention the device is equipped to travel freely on a cord. In some embodiments it may be enabled to tighten onto the cord in use, so as to hold the panel to a specific point on the cord.

The tightening mechanism operable on the panel may in some embodiments be capable of tightening onto the cord also, wherein for example a screw threaded part may be tightenable through the walls and faces and onto the cord.

In other embodiments a separate mechanism may be provided for prevention of movement of the device and/or panel, for example a knot may be created in the cord below the device in use in order to prevent device movement.

To permit this tightening mechanism to also function contemporaneously with gripping the panel, it may be envisaged for example that the faces of the device extend beyond, or below in use, the mechanism.

In other embodiments the tightening mechanism may be automatic. For example in some embodiments the mechanism may rely on the panel's weight when in the device to tilt and close a cam, said cam operating onto the cord and gripping or clasping it.

In other embodiments the face or faces profile, contour or material may allow the user to insert the panel into the device and the device automatic grips the panel. For example the material of the face or faces may be sufficiently deformable to deform so as to allow insertion, and sufficiently resilient so as to revert and thereby create a sufficiently strong grip on the panels.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention the device is used simultaneously with a second device; wherein preferably the two devices are embodied in different manners, in order that is to reduce cost, and ideally to reduce set-up, clamping or panel insertion user time.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent

relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of two preferred embodiments of devices;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the first preferred embodiment, without a fixing bolt;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the second preferred embodiment;

Figures 4 show two end views of the first preferred embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a view from above of the second preferred embodiment;

and

Figure 6 shows the two preferred embodiments of the device forming a system in use with a corrugated sheet on a cord.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment of two embodiments of the device use, creates a system that allows scaffolders to securely and safely elevate sheets of corrugated steel from the ground to the top of a scaffold frame in order to temporarily roof a building.

The system provides an arrangement of clamps that secure a corrugated sheet to a rope that is set up in a ginny wheel, allowing scaffolders working at height to get said

sheets to the top of the scaffolding with minimal safety risk to themselves and fellow workers.

The two device embodiments form a bottom block and top brace. The bottom block is preferably aluminium or nylon with inner faces consisting of profiled pads holding the corrugated sheets in place in use. The pads could be produced from recycled car tyres or similar materials.

The top brace would adapt to the majority of gauges of rope used by construction workers and scaffolders.

The inner faces of the top brace are preferably coated with silicone or rubber to provide extra grip for holding the corrugated steel sheets being lifted.

In use, the user clamps the roofing sheets in the top brace by tightening a 7/16 bolt through the top brace that in turn holds itself in position on the rope that is threaded through the brace.

The embodied system is designed to carry standard sized 8 x 3.5ft corrugated roofing sheets.

The user places a corrugated roofing sheet into the bottom block and interlocks the profile of the sheet with the profile of the rubber blocks.

To help secure the sheet in place, the construction worker or scaffolder slides the top brace down the rope and slots it over the top of the corrugated sheet.

To hold the corrugated steel sheet in place, the user uses a 7/16 spanner or socket tool (used throughout scaffolding construction) to tighten up the top brace.

This therefore secures a corrugated sheet to a rope that is setup in a ginny wheel.

In some embodiments secured metal cording and two pulleys may be used.

In further embodiments to secure the sheet more devices, such as plural braces, blocks or corner located cups may be used, wherein the user slides bottom corner cups onto bottom corners of the corrugated sheet.

A top device may then be slipped down over a top edge of the sheet and devices on the side and bolted right around the cable.

In some further embodiments the top brace, bottom block, or embodiments of the device cover the corrugated sheet's full width to cover sharp corners wherein as a user pulls on looped ropes, the corner cups get pulled in tight and the weight of the sheet on the ropes holds everything in place.

The devices could have bolts, top and bottom, to adjust and allow more than one sheet to be lifted at the same time. A central device may hold ropes together and two cups may be held together by single lengths of rope. Top devices or cups may be held in place by ropes that come down and round, through the devices and up to an attachment point for a rope on a pulley.

Claims

1. A clamping device for a panel, having two clamp walls spaced apart, said walls having inner faces, wherein at least one inner face is disposed in use to mimic the panel.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one inner face is contoured to accept elongate corrugated panels, having a corresponding elongate wave profile.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one inner face includes resiliently deformable material.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the device is equipped to travel freely on a cord.

5. A device according to any preceding claim where a tightening mechanism is included.

6. A system including at least two devices according to any preceding claim.

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•.'????.• INTELLECTUAL

*.*. .V PROPERTY OFFICE

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Application No: GB 1202165.5 Examiner: Mr Karl Whitfield

Claims searched: 1 to 6 Date of search: 8 March 2012

Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17

Documents considered to be relevant: