GB2534139A

GB2534139A - Self tensioning clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2534139A
Application number: GB1500449.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thompson Andrew; Martin Bramley Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-12
Filing date: 2015-01-12
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Also published as: GB201500449D0

Abstract

A self tensioning quick release clamp for telescoping poles 5, 6 comprises a generally cylindrical clamp body with two ends, a lower end 1 and a higher end 2. The lower end 1 of the clamp body is bonded to outer pole 6, and the higher end 2 of the clamp body applies a radial compression force which grips the inner pole and prevents it from sliding. The higher end 2 of the clamp body has a slot (7, figure 3), and an asymmetric or cam lever 3 can be pivoted about an axis 4 into a position in which the lever prises the upper end 2 of the clamp body open to widen the slot 7 (see figure 4), so lessening the grip and allowing pole 5 to slide. The clamp body is preferably formed of rubber, such as M rubber. A steel spring band 2 preferably encircles the upper end 2 of the clamp body, with the cam end of the lever preferably bearing against an end of the spring band to prise open the upper end 2 of the clamp body.

Description

Title of the Invention: Self Tensioning Clamp. Description.

This invention relates to a self tensioning quick release clamp for clamping the outside surfaces of tubes, such as poles. The self tensioning quick release clamp is used in clamping the outside surface of one or more poles, in assemblies.

The pole assemblies can be individual or telescopic pole assemblies in which smaller diameter poles extend internally within a larger diameter pole, several of these can be assembled together to form one long telescopic pole assembly. The telescopic pole assemblies need to be clamped in place either at the returned at the closed position, partially extended or fully extended to achieve the required length of pole.

The self tensioning clamp uses Ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber for the body, stainless steel sprung clamp and nylon for the asymmetric lever.

Alternative common clamps.

Clamps known in and used to secure tubular objects generally function by applying a radially compressive force to the outer surface of the tubular object. Quick release damps function in the same way, whilst incorporating means for enabling the user to engage and disengage the clamp as quickly and as effortlessly as possible. For example, the clamp may be tightened or released by the movement of a single arm or lever. Various quick release pole clamping assemblies are known and are commercially available. These pole assemblies generally have locking clamps with several components of nuts, bolts, screw fittings, compression springs and fibre reinforced polymer, in particular glass-fibre reinforced nylon which constantly require adjustment and cause heavy wear to the pole sections. Because of the materials these clamps are made of, heavy wear, constant adjustment and component failures are common when the upper sections collide with the lower sections.

None of the clamps are self tensioning.

Claims

Claims.1. A self tensioning quick release clamp assembly which comprises of the following; A clamp body of two ends with the higher end of the clamp for applying radial compression force to the outside area of a pole that slides internally of a larger diameter outer pole, the lower end is bonded to the outer pole. These now form a telescopic pole assembly.A stainless steel spring band is bonded to the clamp body.An asymmetric lever actuator on a robust pivot point opens the clamp and allows the internal pole section to extend or retract with little friction or wear.When the asymmetrical lever is moved to the closed position the higher part of the clamp body grips the internal pole section extremely tight.As the main body of the clamps are made of rubber they are shock resistant, very durable, -45° to + 100°, tear resistant and the gripping motion is very strong with little wear.With the nature of the materials used in its construction the clamp is self tensioning should any wear arise to the pole or clamp it will self tighten continuously.Should the clamp be required to be changed then it is easily removed and the pole does not need to be 'cut down' to allow replacement of the clamp.Each internal pole section has a 'double Teflon bearing' on the lower end of the section to assist smooth movement of the internal pole sections.See diagrams; Figure 1 Self tensioning clamp closed.Figure 2 Self tensioning clamp open.Figure 3 Self tensioning end section clamp closed.Figure 4 Self tensioning end section clamp open.
2. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, the clamp body (1)in Figure 1 is made of Ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber, using this material almost eliminates wear on the pole section and clamp, and makes an extremely tight clamp area.The performance advantages of Ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber include ozone resistance, excellent electrical insulation, long service life in extreme environmental conditions and sustained flexibility.
3. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, a stainless steel spring band (2) Figure 1,2,3,4 is bonded to the higher end of the clamp body.
4. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, a robust pivot (4) Figure land 2 for the asymmetrical lever is fixed to the sprung band clamp.
S. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, an asymmetrical lever 3 in Figure 1,2,3,4 is set screwed onto the robust pivot, to open and close the self adjusting clamp.
6. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, the movement of the asymmetrical lever (3) of only 90° allows full opening and closing of the radial clamping area in Figure 2 and 4. This opens the gap (7) in figure 3 and 4 from clamp closed figure 3 to clamp open figure 4.

This allows free movement of pole section (5) within pole section (6)
7. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, the sprung band clamp (2) in figure 1 and 3 at rest is under high tension thus exerting a constant and powerful clamping force on the higher end of the self adjusting clamp gripping the internal pole section (5) tightly.
8. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, if any wear takes place either on the pole section or the self adjusting band clamp (2) then the sprung band still has tension to take up any wear that may have taken place.
9. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, with the main body of the clamp (1) being made of rubber, when the upper sections of a pole collides with the lower sections of the poles the rubber clamps act as shock absorbers so helping to eliminate any damage to the clamps when closing at an uncontrolled speed.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows Claims es 1. A self tensioning quick release clamp assembly which comprises of the following; A clamp body of EPDM rubber comprising of two ends with the higher end of the clamp when mounted on a pole applies a radial compressing force on a smaller diameter pole when operated together to create a telescopic pole, the lower end of the clamp body would be bonded to larger diameter pole than the pole section passing within, the clamp is actuated by a lever pivoting on a sprung stainless steel band bonded to the clamp body to open the clamp body to allow the smaller diameter pole to move when the locking tension is removed, when the asymmetric lever is returned to its closed position the higher end of the clamp body automatically grips the smaller diameter pole section extremely tight and any wear between the clamp and pole material is automatically taken up by the tension obtained from the stainless steel ring spring on the higher end of the clamp body, the clamp as a whole utilises fewer moving parts and uses the materials it is constructed from to provide the locking forces required to create a telescopic pole.* irei. . * * * . * O0. * * . * 00 * * * * ** * * * * * **2. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, the clamp body (1)in Figure 1 is made of Ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber, using this material almost eliminates wear on the pole section and clamp, and makes an extremely tight clamp area.The performance advantages of Ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber include ozone resistance, excellent electrical insulation, long service life in extreme environmental conditions and sustained flexibility.3. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, a stainless steel spring band (2) Figure 1,2,3,4 is bonded to the higher end of the clamp body.4. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, a robust pivot (4) Figure land 2 for the asymmetrical lever is fixed to the sprung band clamp.S. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, an asymmetrical lever 3 in Figure 1,2,3,4 is set screwed onto the robust pivot, to open and close the self adjusting clamp.6. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, the movement of the asymmetrical lever (3) of only 90° allows full opening and closing of the radial clamping area in Figure 2 and 4. This opens the gap (7) in figure 3 and 4 from clamp closed figure 3 to clamp open figure 4.This allows free movement of pole section (5) within pole section (6) 7. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, the sprung band clamp (2) in figure 1 and 3 at rest is under high tension thus exerting a constant and powerful clamping force on the higher end of the self adjusting clamp gripping the internal pole section (5) tightly.8. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, if any wear takes place either on the pole section or the self adjusting band clamp (2) then the sprung band still has tension to take up any wear that may have taken place.9. The self tensioning clamp assembly according to claim 1, with the main body of the clamp (1) being made of rubber, when the upper sections of a pole collides with the lower sections of the poles the rubber clamps act as shock absorbers so helping to eliminate any damage to the clamps when closing at an uncontrolled speed.