GB2535437A

GB2535437A - Pipe clip

Info

Publication number: GB2535437A
Application number: GB1422812.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Trevor Felstead Paul; Michael Jones Darren
Original assignee: Avon Automotive UK Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Akwel Chippenham UK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-19
Publication date: 2016-08-24

Abstract

A fastening clip 100 for a pipe has a hole for the pipe formed by a body portion 1 of the clip. A spacer is mounted on the inner surface 2 of the body portion 1 and has a gripping surface 8 which lies radially inward from the inner surface 2 and extends over only a part of the inner surface2 . The spacer also has a securing portion 10, connected to the gripping surface 8, which is detachably engaged in a channel 6 in the inner surface 2 to secure the spacer to the clip. This enables a clip to be formed which can be adapted to a range of pipes of different sizes and which can deliver a range of clamping forces to the pipe. Various aspects of the clip, feature modular construction, wherein at least clip units connect together via male and female connection parts on their ends to form the clip and define the hole for a pipe. In additional aspects, the outer surface of the clip units have male and female connecting members for connecting to other clip units to form a connected piece of multiple clips (fig. 8d).

Description

PIPE CLIP

This invention relates to clips and clip units for pi.pes. The invention also relates to a. series of interconnected clips, and to kits of parts including the Clips..

Fastening &lips fox pipes or tubes deliver.. a Clamping fo:cce onto a pipe to inhibit Or restrict movement of the pipe, and/or to connect: or mount further components to the pipe. Twinning or mounting clamps with a multitude of designs and methods of 'attachment to pipes are known: For polymeric mechanical attachments With Moulded "gripper Profries as in US: 7,712,708 B2, whose FIG. 7 is reproduced here as FIG. 1(a), and US 8,733,709 B2, whose FIG, 12 is reproduced here as FIG. 1(b)) deliver restricted rotational and longitudinal movement. They are suitable for high interference against plastic/rubber tube assemblies, but are not suitable for use with metal pipes. In particular, the plastic load profile 746 of the attachment of US 7,712,708 B2 has a small surface area and low force so will easily twist/slip on a metal pipe. The rubber moulding of the attachment of US 8,733,709 B2 will hold or rest a metal pipe but does not deliver a rotational/longitudinal force on a pipe, so cannot inhibit movement. Also known are metal twinning brackets, which are either welded or braised onto metal tubes. These are useful for nesting the tubes or mounting of other components. Metal brackets may be mechanically attached to polymeric housings for mounting aPplications, and are used with polymer tubes.. Alternatively, plastic over-mouldings are used on metal tubes for twinning and adding brackets,. 01....0,ttm with rubbe±, linings are also known, for twinning metal tubes or mechanical mounting_ These deliver. "soft" clamping loads.. 'POPPET" modular clips are known as a suitable pipe-joining route, but. these allow rotation, and have low mechanical Strength.

Current: , twinning/mounting clamps or clips have a multitude of different designs and methods of 1_5 attachment, to pines. usually, they are for "soft mounting materials such as rubber hoses, and they are net optimised for use with hard pipe * materials' metal or hard plastic) . They ar.e.. usually specific and have a limited flexibility in application. Further, known clips rely on the mounting object, to deliver the reaction force for clamping. The strength of the known clips, is limited, and 0000 rotational/longitudinal Motion remains, Problems exist with the current clips result, in relaxation, twist and location. drift on the routing. application. Current designs do not deliver -a modular option which is optimized, for assembly giving inhibited ibtationeqijonginh04nE44 pipe movement, The present invention has been devised in order to address E at least one Of the above problems. Preferably, the present. invention reduces, ameliorates, avoids or overcomes at least, one of s the above problems.

The present invention. is concerned with clips for pipes,.... especially automotive pipe systems. in a general way, the clips of the j"n7SentiOn. proviao, good grip clamping force) between the clip.

IQ and pipe, and/or inhibit movement (e.g, lateral or rotational movement) of the pipe.

in a first general aspect, the present invention provides an adaptable clip capable of being adapted to fit against a range, of pipes with different sizes, and capable of delivering a range. of clamping forces to a clamped. pipe. Broadly, the clip is adapted. to house..(secure) a spacer, so that in use the pipe contacts 4. gripping surface Of the spacer, 20. Accordingly, in a. first preferred aspect, the invention provides a clip having a hole for receiving a pipe so that.. the clip surrounds. the pipe, the clip having a body portion having an inner surface defining 25 said hole; a spacer mounted. on the inner surface, the spacer having a gripping surface for gripping the pipe, wherein the::gripping surface lies radially inwards from the inner surface and extends over only a part of the inner surface, the spacer also t having a securing portion connected to the gripping surface; a channel in the inner surface for securing the s spacer to the clip, and wherein the securing portion is detachably engaged in the channel for securing the spacer to the clip.

The detachably engageable spacer is a spacer that can be securely-fitted to the clip, and can also be disengaged from the clip if desired, e.g. to replace one spacer with another, Advantageously, the clip can be adapted to suit the particular pipe dimension or to suit the particular force required by choosing the spacer thickness. For example, if a greater force is needed, a thicker spacer can be chosen. if a larger Pipe is to be clamped, a thinner spacer can be chosen. The user can replace the spacer in the clip with a spacer having a more suitable thickness and correspondingly more suitable grip can be provided.

Preferably, the gripping surface of the spacer is more resilient than the inner surface. This helps to improve the grip of the spacer against the pipe, which in turn advantageously inhibits e.g, rotational movement of the pipe. in some examples, e.g. where the body portion and inner surface are made from the same material, the gripping surface of the spacer is Mete resilient than the body portion.

In a second preferred: aspect, the invention. provides a clip having a hole for receiving a Rite so that the Clip surrounds the pipe, the clip having a body portion having an inner...surface defining said hole, a. spacer secured. to the inner surface arid 1.0 having a gripping surface for gripping the pipe, wherein the gripping surface., lies radially, inwards.. from the inner surface and extends over only part of the inner surface, and wherein the gripping surface, is more resilient than the inner is surface..

The spacer which i8 more resilient than the inner surface of the elip advantageously helps to improve the grip of the spacer against the pipe, which in turn advantageously inhibits, e,".g.

rotational movement of the pipe:. In some examples, e.g.. where the body portion, and inner. surface are made, from the same 'material, the gripping surface. of the spacer is more resilient: than the body portion.

Preferably, the clip of the first and/or second.

preferred aspects has a spacer that is more compressible than the body portion. Greater compressibili...-. may increase the grip. that can be delivered to a pipe.

Preferably, the clip of the first. and/Or second aspects has more than one Chattel_ in the inner surface for securing the spacer, to the clip. Advantageously this may provide further means of s engaging the spacer to the clip., so that the clip is fastened more securely. Correspondingly, the grip to a pipe may be improved.

Preferably, the clip of the first.. and/or second aspects has a plurality of spacers, the plurality.

Ia of spacers including the said spacer' so that the said spacer is one of a plurality of spacers, the plurality of spacers being arranged around the inner surface/ wherein each 0.:Ef the epaCere, is secured to the inner surface and has a gripping surface for gripping a pipe, each gripping surface lying radially inwards from the inner surface, and wherein each gripping surface extends Over only part of the inner surface. That theclipmay have more than one of the above-described spacers.

Advantageously, this may provide greater grip between the clip and the pipe,: thereby further limiting the 'ability of the, pipe, to move.

in a second general aspect, the invention provides a clip that is made up of (assembled from) interlockable modular clip units. The form of interieckability confers, the general advantage that the clip units,: cannot readily be unlocked once they are.,. asseMbled.(locked together) to form a clip that can surround a pipe. By inhibiting the detachment of a clip.. from a. pipe, a more constant or bettergri0 can be achieved, thereby reducing movement of a pipe: e.g. by Maintaining the pipe position for longer. Sometimes, the clip units will be assembled by a user around a pipe to be clamped,: ACOOrdingly, in a' third preferred aSpeCt the invention provides acaiP having a hole for receiving a pipe so that the clip surrounds the pipe, the clip comprising two modular clip units interlocked so as, to define, an inner: surface defining-said hole, wherein the (1.111) units are joined at respective ends by looking connections, the locking connections each comprising a male and a female locking portion, and wherein the male locking portion of at least one of the locking connections has an elongate member, the elongate Member' comprising a grip surface which is in alignMent with the inner surface so that the grip surface forms part: of the inner surface defining said * hole. Generally, the location of the grip surface of the male lbeking portion prevents or inhibits the se.paratton of the clip units, once the clip has 25 received a pipe..

Preferably, the clip units are joined at respective ends by corresponding: locking portions:. Preferabay, the male locking portion has a projection extending away from the Inner surface': at an angle and the female locking portion has a corresponding void space., that receives, the projection_ Advantageously, this locking arrangement. allows the user to easily recognise s when the clip Unite are properly interlocked, and inhibits or prevents their separation when a pipe is received by the clip.

Preferably, the clip consists. of the two modular clip Units, though. the" clip may be 1.0 comprised of more than two InterlOckable Units. Advantageously, the user can more easily interlock two clip units around a pipe compared to the ease 0t interlocking' more than two clip units, so that the clip is easily assembled. Further is advantageously, the manufacturer may minimise the number of components needed to form the d.,".74.), reducing costs.

Preferably, the two modular clip units are substantially identical. That is, the modular clip units have the samestructural features they are the same, Shape. Advantageously, the manufacturer may further minimise the number of components needed to form the clip, thereby reducing oasts:, The user additionally can assemble the clip from the two modular unite without needing to decide which, way around the units must be positioned.

In a third general aspect, the invention provides a clip having means, for connection to other clips with corresponding connections. This inter-clip contectability is generally useful when maintaining the spatial arrangement of a number of pipes e.g. a pipe system.

Accordingly, in a fourth preferred aspect, the present invention provides a clip having a hole for receiving a pipe so that the clip surrounds the pipe, the clip having a body portion having an inner surface defining said hole, and an inter -clip coupling assembly having adjacent elongate members extending away from the inner surface it a first direction, the assembly having a first face extending between a first set of two adjacent members, and a second face extending between a second set of two adjacent members, wherein the first face includes a female fastening portion and the second face includes a male fastening portion.

Preferably, one of the members of the tirst set 20 of two adjacent members is also one of the members of the second set of two adjacent members, so that the first and second sets of adjacent members has three adjacent members in total. Put differently, the first and second sets of two adjacent members 25 share a common member. Advantageously, the shared member minimises the number of components required for the assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Preferably, the male and female fastening portions of the clip of the fourth preferred aspect are complementary to one another, That is, in principle, the male and female fastening portions of the assembly are designed to fasten together, though of course the configuration of the assembly prevents the male and female fastening portions of the same assembly from being fas tenable.

Preferably, the assembly has a further member located on an outermost elongate member, the further member also extending away from the inner surface in the first direction; and wherein the further member extends further in the first direction than the elongate member on which it is located. This further member advantageously provides a further engagement surface, capable of engagement with an elongate member of the assembly of a second clip coupled to the first clip. The further member therefore provides further inhibition of the movement of a pipe in relation to other pipes in an assembly due to this additional engagement of the further member with a corresponding elongate member, Preferably, the clip of the fourth preferred aspect has a second assembly extending away from the inner surface in a second direction, the second assembly being complementary to the said assembly. In this way, multiple clips can be attached together e.g. in a chain. The second direction may be substantially opposite to the first direction, or may be in some other direction e.g. perpendicular to the first direction.

Preferably, the male fastening portion comprises two barbed prongs, the barbs together having a maximum width; and the female fastening portion comprises a hole, the hole dimensioned to be narrower than the maximum width of the barbs of :L0 the prongs. Advantageously, the relative dimensions of the barbs and the hole prevent the separation of the fastening portions, so that interlocked clips and by extension, pipes coupled through the clips) cannot be readily separated.

is This allows the relative positions of the pipes to be maintained, and accordingly the movement of the pipes in the system is inhibited or substantially prevented.

In a fifth preferred aspect, the oresent invention provides a series of clips comprising a first clip according to the fourth preferred aspect coupled to a second clip according to the fourth preferred aspect, wherein the or one of the tnter -clip coupling assemblies of the second clip is complementary to the or one of the inter-clip coupling assemblies of the first clip; and wherein the first and second clips are coupled together by the complementary inter-clip coupling assemblies. The advantages of having clips 11.2 coupled together for maintaining the relative positions of pipes in a pipe system thereby inhibiting their movement are discussed. above.

Preferably, the said complementary inter-clip coupling assembled through which the first and second clips are coupled together are substantially identical. That is, it is preferable that the inter-clip coupling assemblies of the first and second clips have the same structural features i.e. the same overall shape. Advantageously, this reduces the manufacturing costs because only a Single type of clip is needed to form the series. It is also more simple for a user to form a series from the clips if the clips are the same.

In a general way, the clips of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth preferred aspects may separately comprise (be assembled from) two modular clip units. The clip units may themselves have the features ascribed to the clips of the preferred aspects.

in a sixth Preferred aspect, the Present invention. provides a clip unit suitable for being interlocked with one or more further clip units to assemble a clip having a hole for receiving a pipe so that the clip can be positioned to surround the pipe, the clip comprising two of the clip units being interlockable so as to define an inner surface defining said hole, the clip unit having a body portion having an inner surface portion defining only a part of said hole, wherein. respective ends of the inner surface portion terminate in a male or female locking s portion for forming a locking connection for.

joining the clip units; and the unit also has (i) a spacer having a gripping surface for gripping the pipe that lies radially inwards from the inner surface portion and extends over only a part of the inner surface portion, the spacer also having a securing portion connected to the gripping surface, the clip unit having is channel in the inner surface portion for securing the spacer to the clip unit, wherein the securing portion is detachably engaged in the channel; and/cr' (n) a spacer secured to the inner surface portion and having a gripping surface for gripping the pipe, wherein the gripping surface lies radially inwards from the inner surface portion and extends over only a part of the inner surface portion, and wherein the gripping surface is more resilient than the inner surface portion; and the clip unit optionally also has ":"5 an inter -clip coupling assembly having adjacent elongate members extending away from the inner surface portion in a first direction, the assembly having a first face extending between a first set of two adjacent members, and a second face extending between a second set: of two adjacent members, wherein the first face includes a female fastening...portion and the second face includes a male fastening portion. Accordingly, s in a general way, there is provided a clip, unit having the interlockability features of the clip units deSeribed, for the Clip of the third preferred aspect, and' the spacer described for the clip of the first and/or second:. preferred. aspects, and *optionally the inter -clip coupling assembly as described for the clip of the fifth preferred aApect-In particular, the clip 14hJit, of the sixth preferred aspect advantageously allows a clip to be formed which clip has the advantages of the is clip of each of the first, second and third: preferred aspects, and optionally the advantages described above for the clip of the fourth preferred In a seventh preferred aspect, the present invention provides a clip comprising a first clip unit according to the sixth, preferred aspect interlocked with a 'second clip unit according to the sixth preferred aspect, the two clip units being.. substantially identical. That is, the clip units forming the clip of the seventh aspect of the invention have the same, structural features; that is, they are the same shape. Advantageously,. this minimises the manufacturing costs and: allows straightforward assembly.

In an eighth preferred aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising (i) a clip having a hole for receiving a pipe so that the clip surrounds the pipe, the clip having a body portion having an inner surface defining said hole, and a channel in the inner surface for securing a spacer to the clip; (ii) at least one spacer having a gripping surface for gripping the pipe, the spacer also having a securing portion connected to the gripping surface, wherein the securing Portion. Is detachably engageable in the channel so that the gricpang surface lies radially inwards from the inner surface and extends over only a part of the inner surface.

Preferably, the kit comprises a vluralitY of spacers, wherein the spacers have different thicknesses. This advantageously allows the user to adapt the clip of the it to a range of circumstances e.g. a range of pipe sizes or a range of required forces or possibly a range of pipe positions.

In a ninth preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of partscomprising (I.) at least two modular clip units, the modular clip units being interlockable so as to assemble a clip having an inner surface defining a hole for receiving a pipe so that the clip can be positioned to surround the pipe, the clip units having a body portion and an inner surface portion, the inner surface portions of the clip units together defining the inner surface, :of the clic:, Wherein. the clip Unite are joinable at respective ends by locking connections, the locking connections each comprising a male and a female locking. portion, Wherein.. the male locking. portion of at least one of the locking connections le has an elongate member, the elongate member comprising surface which is in aiLignment with the inner surface portion so that the grip surface forms:. part of the inner; surface defining said hole, as the clip unit having a channel in the, * inner surface portion for securing a spacer to the Clip; and (1i) a spacer, the spacer having a gripping surface for gripping a pipe, the gripping surface 20 being capable of extending over only a part of the inner surface portion, the spacer also having a securing portion connected to the gripping surface, the spacer being detachably engageable in the channel so that the gripping surface lies radially inwards from the inner surface portion.

In a further preferred aspect, there is provides a use of the clips, clip units or kits of any one or more of the preferred aspects to clamp a pipe.

in a further' preferred. aspect, there is provided a method of making the clips Enr clip units according to Any One or more of the first to Sixth preferred aspeCtS.. In some embodiments, there is provided. a method of forming the clip or cljp unit. according to at least the first, second and sixth preferred aspects, or any of those :L0 septets combined, with another aspect, wherein the spacer is formed in the Channel e.g, by 0. moulding process stach as an over-moulding process, or by an injection process such as a bi-iniection process. Advantageously, this allows, the spacer that is formed to precisely match the shape::of the channel Of the C110 or clip Unit. In preferred eMbodiments, the. (flip. comprises four cannel8 and so tour spacers are formed, one in each diaanneJ, using the over--moulding or bi--injection process.

Advantageously, forming the spacer in the channel may:simplify assembly because the spacer can be left in the clip in which it is formed, and therefore cost may also potentially be reduced, Secondary injection is also versatile, since it 25:allows:: the use of various materials and can provide. spacers of a particular gauge thickness having a -7445.TH properties e*5-44,....:<#1-e$0 or grip. Once: the clip or clip unit, has been made, the spacer may he formed in the channel in a subsequent step.

It should be noted that the features of each of the above aspects can be combined with any of the features of any one or more of the other above aspects. In particular, the features of the first and second general aspects can be combined, the features of the second and third general aspects can be combined, and the features of the first and third general aspects can be combined. Preferably, the features of the first and second. preferred aspects or of the first and third preferred aspects or of the first and fourth preferred aspects or of the first and fifth preferred aspects can be combined. Preferably, the features of the second and third preferred aspects or of the second and fourth preferred aspects or of the second and fifth preferred aspects can be combined. Preferably, the features of the third and fourth preferred aspects or of the third and fifth preferred aspects can be combined, Preferably, the features of the fourth and fifth preferred aspects can be combined. Most preferably, the features of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth preferred aspects can be combined.

While the invention will now be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth below are considered to be illustrative and not limiting.

Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

It is to be noted. that the options and preferences described can be combined and are io combinable with all the options and preferences described.

Where values are described as "at most" or "at least, it is understood that any of these values can be independently combined to produce a range.

All references referred to are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 shows (a) a known fastener clip as shown in US 7,712,708 32 and (b) a known two shot tube retention fastener with anti material peeling 20 feature as shown in US 8,733,709 32.

FIG. 2 shows (a) -(d) photographs and (e) -(f) schematic drawings of known colvmeric mechanical attachments with moulded "gripper" profiles.

FIG. 3 shows (a) -(b) schematic perspective 25 drawings and (c)-(d) photographs of known metal twinning brackets welded or braised onto metal tubes.

FIG, 4 shows photographs of known plastic over moulding on metal tubes.

shows a schematic perspective diagra showing a metal bracket. mechanically attached to a polymeric housing..

FIG,. 6 8httits photographs of known 3,2". clamps, with fUbber FIG. shows pictographs of known modular "P6.-PVET clips.

FIG. shows schematic (a) perspective view of an assembled and spacer according to an embodiment of the invention; (b) perspective view of spacers for use with a. Clip according to an embodiment of the invention; (c) s -on and (ii) perspective views of a spacer secured to a clip. or clip unit according to an embodiment of 15 the invention; and (d) a cross-aectional drawing of assembled clip' units and epacQTe' according to an embodiment of FIG. shows (a) perspective and (b) Cross-sectional views of a clip unit according to an 20 embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows (ai side-on, perspective and (c) cross- mai views of ip unit according Yo an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows (a) crc Ss sectional; (b) face-on 25 and (c) perspective views of assembled clip units according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 ShOWS PerSPctiYe w of assembled clip units according art embodimenbE of the invention; ( a mounting bracket for use with a clip or clip unit according to an embodiment of the invention; (c) cross-sectional view of (a). FIG. 13 shows a close view of an assembly of two clip units according to an embodiment of the 5 invention, FIG. 14 shows (a) a side-on view of two connected clip units, one around a pipe, according to an embodiment of the invention; and (h) a top-down view of three connected clip units, two around a pipe, according to an embodiment of the invention.

The clip described herein is suitable for use on a range of different types of pipe. For example, it can be used with a coolant pipe, or an automotive pipe. Preferably, the clip is suitable for use With metal pipes. The clip. is suitable for use with rigid or semi-flexible pipes e.g. pipes made of metal or Plastic. In particular, they are envisaged for use with pipes used to carry fluid, where the fluid may be e.g. air, fuel or coolant.

As used herein, the word "pipe" is intended to include structures such as tube or rail or hose.

A clip as used herein may extend fully around a 25 surface e.g. the external surface of a pipe. In general, the clip has a hole capable of receiving a pipe, so that the pipe extends through the clip and the clip surrounds.. th.e pipe. The hole if be circular, but is not necessarily and other bole shapes may be more appropriate depending on the pipe to be gripped e.g, square or other polygonal shape. The clip generally has an inner surface defining the hole. The inner surface can in s certain circumstances contact e.g. grip or clamp against the surface, e.g. the external surface, of a pipe. However, the inner surface may not always contact the pipe in use, as will be described later.

A clip unit as used herein is intended to refer to a part of a clip e.g. a modular clip unit that may be assembled with other clip units to form a clip. That is, a clip unit usually indicates that the unit cannot extend. fully around a pipe but extends only part way around a pipe. The clip unit may commonly extend approximately half-way around a pipe (so that two clip units are regired to assemble the clip), though of course other proportions may be used e.g. a third or a quarter of the way around a pipe (so that three or four clip units are required to assemble the clip).

In general, it is preferable that two clip units are used to assemble a clip for ease of use for the user assembling the clip. In particular, it Is preferable that two substantially identical clip units are used for assembling a clip for manufacturing simplicity and cost -efficiency. As used herein, "substantially identical" is intended to mean having the same structural features i.e. having the same shape (e.g. overall shape). Identity of incidental features such as colour or material are not intended.

An example of the invention will now be s described with reference to FIGS. 8-12.

An exemplary clip 200 is made up of two clip units 100. Preferably, the clip unit 100 comprises or is formed of plastic material. Suitable materials from which the clip unit 100 may be formed include various plastics such as polyamides or polyesters or polycaprolactams. In particular, nylon-based materials may be suitable. Examples of suitable materials include e.g. PA 6, 6 GLASS FILLED, PPA, HT GLASS FILLED and PA 12.

Each clip unit 100 has a body portion 1 which has an inner surface 2. The inner surface 2 of each clip unit 100 can extend around a portion of a surface (e.g. the external surface) of a pipe. The inner surface 2 of each clip unit 100 has an approximately semi-circular shape, so that the clip 200 has a circular hole for receiving a pipe, the inner surface 2 of the clip 200 defining the hole. Clip units 100 with different inner surface 2 shapes may be used, resulting in a differently-shaped hole when the clip units 100 are assembled into a clip, e.g. square, triangular or some other polygonal shaped holes may be desirable.

The inner surface 2 of the clip 200 can, in principle, contact or grip or clamp against the external surface of a pipe of appropriate diameter received in the hole. of the clip. 2"..60. The clip. 200 in this example is made up of two clip units 106, though the clip 206, could he assembled from three or more appropriately-dimensioned modular' clip units. In some aspects of the invention, a unitary clip may be used. Clip units 1610 having different dimensions e.g. capable of receiving. different. diameter pipes might comprise one or more different colours an order that the skilled' person can easily distinguish tnern, e.g. in a kit of parts having a plurality of clip units 106.' The size of the clip unit 100 is expected to vary depending on the size, of the pipe., to be clamped....

is With reference to FIG, 2, a spacer 4 may be attached to (e.g. releaa.b.iy or detachably ensaged. with) the body portiph. I of a clip. unit 100 via channel.:. 6. That is, the clip unit 106 may be formed without the spacer 4 (see e.g. FIGS. 2(b), 10..(b) and 11(c)).... In particular, the clip' unit 100 Or the clip 200 may not contain, any.spacer 4. The channel 6, of the clip, unit 100 would in such a case, be unoccupied.

The channel 6 is a means of securing the spacer 28 4 to a clip unit 100 making up, the clip 200, so' that the spacer 4 can be securely attached to the body portion 1. Tha spacer 41148 4:thickness allowing it to project radially inwards from the inner surface 2, e.g. towards a pipe as discussed' elow, So, the inner surface 2 may sometimes iu contact the external surfa.c.e of a pipe. For example, where a plurality of spacers 4 are used the pipe surface may be contacted instead solely by'spacers 4.

The spacer 4 general has a gripping portion and the gripping portion 8 generally has a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be capable of contacting, gripping or clamping against the external surface of an appropriately-dimensioned pipe received in e hole of the clip example is more and more The whole the gripping portion 8.3 the who spacer le of the 4 is more resilient the inner surface 2 and the body portion 1. In other examples, less of the spacer 4,e,g. only the gripping portion 8 may be more resilient than one or both of the inner surface 2 and body portion 1. Similarly, in this example the gripping surface, the gripping pJ_';.: ion c and, the whole spacer 4 may be more compressible than the inner surface 2 or the body portion 1; in other examples, only some of the spacer 4 may be more compressible than one or both of the inner surface 2 or body portion That is, the surface of the gripping portion 8 that in use abuts against a pipe (i.e. the most radially inward surface) may be more resilient and/or 0. The resilient resilient gripping surface of this than the inner surface 2 than the body portion.

compressible than the inner surface 2 of the body portion 1 of the clip.. In other examples, the spacer 4 or a part of the spacer 4 e.g, the gripping portion 8 may be coated or partially coated in a suitably. resilient or compressible material_ In some examples, the spacer 4 may be formed:from:a suitably., resilient, or compressible material.. In this example, the spacer 4 is formed from rubber. Other suitably resilient and/or compressible materials suitable for use as described above include e.g. various rubber based polymer formulations, or thermoplastic eiastomer.

In this way, the gripping portion 8 has surface that can efteCtively grip or ciamp againet a pipe to be clamped. In particular, a compressibae material like: rubber can provide good grip. and clamping., force against a pipe received. in the hole of the clip 200. The spacer's compressibility permits high friction, thereby preventing rotation/slip of a pipe mounted, in the clip, 200, So, the use of such a spacer 4 in the clip prevents or inhibits movement, e.g. rotational movement....." of a. clamped pipe in use. Tilese, resilience and compressibility properties of the spacer 4 further advantageously confer' increased grip or clamping force to a pipe compared with the,.grip or clamping force provided by a clip 200 without, a spacer 4-The gripping portion 8 can be of any suitable shape and thickness favourable for providing a clamping force against a pipe. In this example, the gripping portion 6 is uniformly thick across its length; in other examples the thickness may vary across its length. The clip 200 of the present invention is usefully adaptable compared to known clips because the rubber interference insert (the spacer 4) can be tailored to deliver a compressive and anti-movement interface between. the assembled clip and a pipe received in the hole of the clip 200. Advantageously, the clip 200 can grip a wide range of pipe sizes simply by changing the thickness of the gripping portion. 8. For is example, it is considered that a clip 200 according to the example may allow flexibility of up to 4 mm in terms of pipe size (e.g. outer diameter) using different gauge spacers 4. In the case of a clip having more than one spacer 4, spacers 4 may be the same or different e.g. they may have the same or different thickness of gripping portion 8, or they may have the same or different shape. A clip 200 according to the invention therefore may have improved adaptability 25 and utility, and accordingly costs can be saved by providing a variety of spacer units 4 with a single clip 200 instead of a plurality of clips with different inner surface dimensions. Spacers having different thicknesses might have different colours, so that the user can quickly distinguish the desired spacer thickness in e.g. a kit of parts having a plurality of spacers. The thickness of the spacer 4 is expected to vary depending on the particular application desiree4 but May be for example leaS, than about 2.5,, MM, less than 2.0 mm, less than 1.5 mm, It may be more than about mm, more than about 0.7 nit, more than about 1. 0 mm. In particular, it may 10 have a thickness' of about 1.2 MM.

The securing portions 10 secure the spacer 4 to the clip unit. 100 through. the channels 6. So, the securing portion 10 of the spacer 4 and the channel 6 should correspond to one another so that the spacer. 4 may be secured to the clip 200, by the channel 6. Securing of the spacer to the daiP naY be achieved in a number of ways. In this example, the gripping portion $ Of the:spacer 4, is located between two securing portions 10 i.e. the securing portions 10, are at either end pf the gripping portion S. So, a first channel 6 is located at an outer edge, of the body portion I inner surface 2 (i.e. the channel 6 is open at one side and not open, at the other sdde), A second channel 6 is located at the other outer edge of the bodv, portion 1 inner surface. 2, in line with the frs...t., channel 6. Two are thus EE available for receiving the securing portions 10 of a single spacer 4-Other configurations may be used, the channels 6 tray be provided at other inner surface 2 positions so long as the spacer securing portions - -10 correspond. For example, a single securing channel and a single securing Portion may s be used, or three or more spacer-receiving channels and securing portions, or a securing portion may be provided at a different location, or the channel may extend only part -way through the body portion between the inner surface and 10 external surface.

Generally, the spacer securing. portion 10 may have a which has a shape having a narrower section and a wider section, the narrower section being located nearer the gripping portion 8 than the 17) wider section_ The wider section may take any useful shape such as circular or spherical or rectangular or the like. In the exemplified clip unit 100, each spacer securing channel 6 extends from the inner surface 2 to the outer surface 12.

The securing channel 8 is narrower at the inner surface 2, and wider at the external surface 12. The securing channel 6 may extend a short way along the inner surface 2 of the body portion 1 to aive an approximately square shape on the inner surface 2. Similarly, the shape of the channel 6 at the outer surface 12 may be approximately square, although the square of the channel 6 is usually larger at the external surface 12 than at the inner surface 2. Other shapes at the inner 2 and outer 12, surfaces, may be used, and the channel 6 may have a different shape at the inner.. surface 2 to the shape.. at the outer surface-12. The exetialiftad channel 6 has a generally T-shape cross seCtion as shown. in FTC._ 8(c),(1), with the narrower part of the opening at the inner surface 2, and the wader part 14 opening at the external surface 12. The Channel 6 Width at the outer aarfaca., 12 may,r_Se two or three or four tames the width of the channel 6 at the inner surface 2. Preferably, the width ofthe. channel 6 at the outer surface 12 is twice the width of the channel at the inner surface 2-The channel 6 dimensions are eitpeeted to vary,. depending on the size of the clip. ZOO, Usually, it is thought that the channel 6 will have a width at the inner 2 and cuter 12 surface which.. is of the order of mm, less than 4::.0 mm, less than 10 mm or less than 5 mm. Generally, the Width Of the channel. 6 at the inner 2 and outer 12 surfaces may be greater than 0.1 mm, greater than.. 0.5 mm. In some examples, the width of the channel 6, at the inner surface 2 will be around 1 mm, and at the outer surface 12 around 2 mm.

The securing. portion 10 of the spacer 4 has shape: generally corresponding to that of the securing portion 10, It is noted that spacer 4 could be moulded in situ in order to provide a corresponding shape. Overall, the T-shaped securing portions 10 and the generally rectangular gripping portion 8 of the spacer 4 in FIG. 8(b) gives the appearance of a "dumbbell" shape.. An seen in FIG. :8:(a), the narrower part of the of s the spacer. 4 next to the gripping portion B can be bent or:folded over and it extends through the channel 6 SO that the wider part, of the spacer securing portion 10 is Seated. (secured) in the wider part 14 of the channel 6 of theclip unit 10 100. In this way, the spacer 4 is secured under tension to the boAY. portion 1. and the gripping portion S extends above the inner surface 2 towards a pipe surface so that " the gripping surface can contact an appropriately-sized As can be determined from FIG. 8(c), the securing portion 10 may take some shape other than the shape of a T e.g. a circular end.. of the securing portion 10 is exemplified. For the exatolified shape of the Oharl.1).e:i. 6, any shape which has a wider pert at the end e.g. a circular portion with a diameter widef than the narrow part of the channel 6 may be suitable to achieve the advantage of connecting the spacer 4 to the body portion 1 and minimising movement of the spacer 4, so that a pipe can be appropriately grasped by the clip. 200.

Consenuently, straightforward as well as secure mechanical attachment of the spacer 4 to the clip unit' 100 is an advantage, of the clip of the invention. For example, bending of the securing portion 10 around and through the channel 6 so that the spacer 4 is secured under tension to the clip is not intended to be especially difficult or s awkward tor the user. In some preferred examples, once a clip 200..s assembled from clip units 100, the spacer 4 may be locked in position due to the compression load of the assembled clip 200. That is, once the assembled clip units 100 are locked together the spacer 4 may be locked Into a compression mode so that it Cannot be removed unless the assembly. 200 is broken into units 100. Thus the inclusion of spacer(s) 4 ensures rotational and longitudinal (including latitudinal) restriction of pipe movement.

FIG. 8 exemplifies a clip where two spacers 4 may be accommodated per clip unit so that four spacers 4 may be accommodated in a fully-assembled clip (FIG. 8(d)). A clip unit may have one or more than two ce.g.. three Spacers 4 if wanted, or a clip may be formed with means for securing only a single spacer 4. In this example, the spacers 4 are located equidistant from one another around the inner surface 2 of the assembled clipi the spacers 4 may be distributed less evenly around the inner surface 2 in other examples.

The gripping portion 8 in the exemplified clip is designed to be seated on the inner. surface 2 of the clip unit 100 between the channels 6. The gripping portion 8 may alternatively be partially seated in the body portion e.a. it may exte part -way between the inner surface 2 and the outer surface 12 in some examples. Where the gripping surface extends radially inwards from the inner surface 2, the effects of the invention may he achievable.

As will be explained with reference to FIG. 9, a modular clip unit according to an example of the invention also has an intra -clip locking mechanism that is easy to engage and difficult to disengage. The body portion 1 of the clip unit 100 to rmina.tes in one part (a male 20 or female 22 portion) of a locking connection. Tn this example, one end of is the clip unit 100 has a male locking portion. 20 and the other end has a female locking portion 22. In eneral, the male 20 and female 22 locking portions are arranged so that those of a clip unit 100 cannot be interlocked togetherbut they can be interlocked with complementary locking portions 20, 22 portions of a second clip unit 100. Thus a clip comprising multiple clip units 100 may be assembled that extends fully (e.g. 360°) around a pipe. In this example the inner surface 2 of the clip unit 100 has a semi-circular cross -section so that two clip units 100 needed to form the whole clip 200. it can be envisaged that the inner surface 2 could have an arc cros -section, the arc being a fraction which.

is less than half of a circle, so that more than two clip units 100 e,q, three or four clip units 100 are needed to form the fully assembled clip 200, as discussed above. In such cases, the clip units 100 may terminate in two female locking portions 22 or two male locking portions 20, or one male 20 and one female 22 locking portion, as appropriate or desired to form a clip 200.

In this example, the male 20 and female 22 2_0 locking portions are complementary to one anothel. That is, the inner surface 2 terminates at one end in a male locking portion. 20 and at the other end in a complementary female locking portion 22. in other examples, the locking portions 20, 22 of a as single clip unit 100 need not be complementary, because other clip units 100 may he provided having locking. portions 20, 22 capable of mating with the single clip unit 100" A clip unit 100 terminating in complementary male 20 and female 22 locking portions are preferred for ease of manufacturing and assembly. Where a clip is to be assembled from more than two clip units 100, the ands of each clip unit 100 may be complementary or non-complementary as appropriate or desired.

The male locking portion 20 of the present example has an elongate member 24 which has a grip surface 24a. that is in alignment with the inner surface 2 so that the grip surface 24a forms part of (extends along) the inner surface 2 of the body portion. 1 defining the pipe-receiving hole. Since the grip surface 24a. forms part of the inner surface 2. of the ciao 200, the grip surface 24a is able to grip a pipe of appropriate size. So, it is difficult to unlock, the clip units. 100 when a pipe is received because each clip unit 100 is gripping the pipe. The grip surface 24a may be made from a different. e,g, more resilient material than the rest of the elongate., member 24, or it may be made from the same. material. The grip: surface 24a may be made from the 8ame, material as the inner surface.. 2, or from a different material e.g. a more resilient materiaa. In some examples:, elongate, member 24 and grip, surface': 24a are made is from the:same, material. Preferably, the grip surface 24a is made from the same material OS the inner surface... 2. In some examples, the clip unit 100 ia made from one material. In this example, the grip' surface 24a of the elongate member 24 has a rectangular shape' (see., e.g. FIG. li(c)), though the shape can be different in other examples e.g. triangular according to the dimensions of the female, locking portion 22. The male locking portion 20 also has a hook, or barb projection 26.

This projection. 26 extends away from the inner surface 2 and away from the terminus of the locking portion 20 at an angleback in the direction of the external surface 12: of the body portion.; I, 3(=, The female locking-portion 22 forms a latch and has a void space 28 into which the male locking portion 20 can be inserted (see FIG. 11(a)). There is a Portion-in the inner surface 2 in the R region of the female locking portion 22 where the grip surface 24a of the male locking portion 20 will form part of the inner surface 2 (see e.g. FIG. 11(c)). The location and locking of each modular clip unit 100 on the pipe is via.

engagement of the male hook 26 into the female latch 22. The hook 26 may be elastically deformable in order to insert the male locking portion. 20 into the latch of the female locking portion 22. It may revert back to its original shape once through. In other examples, the latch of the female locking portion 22 may he able to elastically deform in order to accommodate the male locking portion 20. In other examples, the latch of the female locking portion 22 may he shaped to accommodate the male locking portion. 20 without elastic deformation. In this way, the engaged portions 20, 22 cannot be easily disengaged, because the angled nature of the hook 26 prevents their disengagement.

In a cross-section (viewing roughly perpendicular to the diameter of the pipe receiving hole of the clip), the female locking portion 22 of this example has an asymmetric shaped terminus. A first part extends approximately-perpendicular to the tangent of the inner surface 2 and a second part is angled and extends generally away from the body portion 1. The first and second parts loin around half-way between the inner 2 and outer 12 surfaces (i.e. about half-way through the thickness of the arching portion of the clip unit 100). The other end of the clip unit 100 has a corresponding shape where the elongate member 24 of the male locking portion 20 meets the rest of the clip unit 100. A void 30 in the external surface 12 in use cooperates with the hook 26 of the male locking portion 20, inhibiting the unlocking of portions 20, 22. Accordingly, the clip units 100, once assembled into a clip around a pipe, are difficult to separate into clip units 100 again. The elongate member 24 of the male locking portion 20 has a grip surface 24a which forms cart of the inner surface 2 of the clip, so that it provides some of the clamping force in use. It is not necessary for each male locking portion 20 to have such a grip surface 24a. Preferably, each male locking portion 20 of each locking connection has such a grip surface 24a, as in the present 2s example, so that the clamping force is evenly distributed around the pipe.

The exemplary clip unit 100 having a body portion 1 with an inner surface 2 for defining only a part of the hole also has an inter-clip coupling assembly 40 which extends generally away from the inner surface 2 towards a second clip unit (see also FIG, 8(d), FIG. 11, and FIG. 12(a), (c)), The assembly 40 has a male fastening portion 42 and a female fastening portion. 44. The male 42 and female 44 fastening portions are arranged generally so that those of a single clip unit 100 cannot be fastened together (even if complementary, as in the exemplified clip unit 100), but can be fastened (mated) with complementary fastening portions 42, 44 of a second clip unit 100 in an assembly-to-assembly arrangement. The assembly 40 is advantageously connected attached to (e.g, formed with.) the body portion 1 in at least two places. Preferably, as shown in the exemplified clip unit 100, there are three attachment places (46, 48, 50) along the external surface 12. These attachment places 46, 42, 50 are approximately equidistant from one another. This provides a stable assembly 40 configuration.

The inter clipcoupling assembly 40 is generally provided at a surface of the clip unit 100 opposite to the inner surface 2. The assembly 40 may comprise three substantially parallel elongate members, as shown. That is, three elongate members extend in the same direction away from the inner surface 2. There may be more than three elongate members e g. four or five elongate members. The elongate members may have the same or different lengths. The dimensions of the assembly 40 are expected to vary depending o:n the particular application. intended. In some examples it is expected that the approximate dimension of the joint to the tangent of the half circumference clip may be in the mm region, e.g. more than 2 mm, more than 3 mm or more than 4 mm. In some cases, it may be less than 10 mm, less than 6 mm or less than 5 MM, CT about 4.5 mm. The height of the two half-circumference clips in the joint region can be e.g. about 17' mm for an assembly of pipes of outer, diameters of 18 to 20 mm. As can be seen in FIG,. 13E, for a pipe.. assembly with an 18E-18 mm outer diameter (OM, the joint thickness 84. at the tangent may be around 4-5. Mt, e g 4 25 Mt, Ti distance 82 between. an elongate member and the male fastenincr. portion 42 may be between. Q.5 mm, such as between mm e.g. 1.1 mm. The distance 82 May be between a barbed prong 54 -discussed below --and an elongate member. Two of the elongate members form a first Set. of two elongate members. A first face, extends.. between the first set of two elongate members. Another two of the elongate members form a second set of two elongate members. A second face extends between the seOPTIO, set of two elongate Met111,001. The first-and second sets E of two elongate: members may share a common member, as exemplified, so that the total number of elongate members in the sets is three. In other examples, the two sets of two elongate members may not share a common member (so that there are more than three elongate members in the first and second sets of two elongate members). It is preferable to have three elongate members as shown, for ease of manufacturing. It is preferable that one of the elongate members of each of the first and second gcda of two are an outermost elongate member. In general, the outer surfaces of the elongate members (i.e. those directed away from the face extending between the set of two) are capable of engagement with corresponding outer surfaces of a second clip unit assembly 40. Such engagements can be seen in e.g. FIG, 11.

In the exemplified clip unit 100, one of the first and second faces comprises the male fastening portion 42 and the other comprises the female fastening portion 44. These faces are approximately perpendicular (e.g. at 85-95°) to the elongate members, and are substantially straight. Curved faces and elongate members can alternatively be envisaged. As shown in FIG. 10 (b) , the exemplified arrangement of elongate members and faces of the assembly 40 results an approximate half -T shape. Put another way, the assembly 40 has a stepped structure. The face of the assembly 40 that has the female fastening portion 44 is located further from the inner surface 2 than the face of the assembly 40 that has the male fastening portion 42. However, the terminus, of the male fastening portion 42. that is not connected to the face extends approximately the same distance as the part of the assembly 40 with the female fastening portion 44, so that the end of the male fastening portion. 42 is substantially in line with the female fastening portion 44. In other examples, the male and female fastening portions 42, 44 may extend different lengths so that they are not in line with each other. In general, the faces having the male 42 and female 44 fastening portions engage with corresponding male 42 and female 44 fastening portions of a second blip Unit assembly 40. So, the faces and fastening portions 42, 44 may generally have complementary (matable) shapes).

In this example, the male fastening portion 42 has two prongs 52 that are connected at one end to the assembly 40 and at the other end terminate in barbs or hooks 54. These may alternatively be called male sprung "arrow head" spigots. In other examples, a single prong 52 may be used. One or more than two barbs 54 may also be used. The barbs 54 are angled compared to the prongs 52 and they point in roughly opposite directions to each other.. The female member 44 may be a generally circular or polygonal hole in the assembly 40.

The female member 44, is dimensioned. so as to be able. to accommodate the prongs 52 and to permit the barbs 54 to extend over the face accommodating the female fastening portion 44, i.e. the maximum width of the prongs 54 is greater than the width of the hole. In this example, the prongs 52 are separated from one another by a suitable gap. In other examples, there may be one prong 54 or no gap between multiple prongs 54. In FIG, 13, it lo can be seen that the prong 54 extends slightly downwards from its maximum height by a distance 80. The distance 80 is for a typical pipe assembly having an CD of 18-19 mm, between around 0.1-1 mm, between around 0.1-0.5 mm e.g. 0.3 mm.

is The distance 86 between the prong 54 and an adjacent, connected clip unit may be between about 0.5-2 mm, between. around 1-1,3 mm. e.g. 1.1 mm. In use, the second clip unit is brought towards the first, and the barbs 54 may bend sufficiently to allow them to pass through the female portion 44 or the prongs 52 may come together sufficiently to allow the barbs 54 to pass through the female portion 44. That is, one or more of the prongs 52 and one or more of the barbs 54 are sufficiently 25 elastically deiormable so as to allow mating with the female member 44. Alternatively or additionally, the female member 44 may be capable of such elastic deformation. Once in a fastened position, the barbs 54 and/or the prongs 52 may 4") revert back to their original state. In this way, the clip units 100 may be secured together because the angled nature of the barbs 54 does not permit the male fastening portion 42 to readily pass back through the female fastening Portion 44 (e.g. without a user deliberately unclipping them), That is, the location and locking of the fastening portions 42, 44 around a pipe is via the engagement of the make barbs 54 into the female hole which results in two clip units 100 being coupled together.

The provision of two distinct locking portions 42, 44 on the exemplified coupling assembly 40 means that when assembled the clip 200 has two distinct coupling locations. This provides secure attachment and helps prevent separation forces in use. Furthermore, once two clips or clip units 100 are coupled together through the coupling assembly, the parallel faces of the joint ensures the joint system has additional restrictions against rotation and lateral disjointing forces. Advantageously, the twinning design also permits bespoke brackets/mounting pieces to be used, as discussed further below.

As shown in e.g. FIG, 10, the assembly 40 is further provided with a further member 56 located on an outermost elongate member. The exemplified engagement projection 56 is located on the member having. the face housing the male fastening portion 42 (arid extending from attachment region 50). In other examples, a. corresponding projection 56 could be located.. on the outer member connected, to the face housing the female fastening portion 44.

In other examples, a plurality Of such members 56 Could be provided. Further member 56E has a fal e 58 that in use engages with a face 60 of the elongate member of a second assembly 40 extending from attachment region 46 (i.e. the member nearer the female portion 44 than the male portion 42). This engagement can be seen in FIG. 11, The substantially parallel faces of the elongate member and the further member 56 when engaged provides further restriction against rotation and any disjointing forces along an axis extending between the connections 46, 50.

The exemplified clip 200 has two inter-clip coupling assemblies 40. The second assembly 4:0 iS located opposite to the first assembly 40. It is inverted compared to the first.

The elongate members provide the assembly 40 with three substantially parallel surfaces (i.e., three surfaces that extend in the same direction away from the inner surface 2) These surfaces are capable of engagement with an assembly 40 of another clip unit 100, as discussed above, Three clip units according to an example of the invention are shown connected in sequence in FIG. 11. The rightmost two clip units 200 are locked together. through male 20 and female 22 locking. portions to form an. assembled clip which has a circular inner. surface 2 that can be used to clamp against a pipe's surface. A third c;j4, Unit 100, shown on the far left, is connected to the middle clip: unit through the assembly40 It can be clearly seen that having such an array of clip units advantageously allows the location of several pipes to be controlled with respect to one another, as well as inhibiting the movement of the pipes with respect to the assembled clip.

Furthermore, it should be noted from FIG. 11 the alternating nature of the clip units 100. Specifically, the asymmetrical clip units 100 are effectively identical in shape. The central clip unit: in the arrangement of three is inverted (i.e. upside-down) relative to the other two clip units on either side. Accordingly, it is possible to take advantage of the asymmetrical nature of the clip unit in order to easily assemble three essentially identical clip units 100 into one -and -a -half clips as shown. Advantageously, this minimises the number of shapes of clip unit 100 required down to one, and provides for straightforward mechanical assembly and manufacture. In this example, the second clip unit is effectively rotated through 180° compared to the first and third clip units 100 in. order to achieve a configuration capable of either being attached. via the locking portions 20, 22 to create a fully assembled clip 200 (intra -clip coupling) and/or via the external assembly 40 (inter-clip coupling).

In FIG. 11, spacers 4 are not shown, though two channels 6 are provided per clip unit (six channels 6 are shown in total for the three clip units) and spacers 4 may be added if wanted. The perspective view in FIG, 11(c) shows clearly that part of the channel 6 extends from the inner surface 2 to Phe outer surface 12. Spacers 4 can he secured to the clip units 100 so that e.g. the pipes to which the clips 200 are clamped may be of different sizes without loss of grip. The arrangement of the further member 56 of the clip unit 100 with respect to a neighbouring clip unit 100 can also be seen in FIG. 11 as mentioned above.

FIG. 12(a) and (c) shows three modular clip zo units 100 according to the invention assembled with spacers 4 included and further including a mounting bracket 110 (shown in more detail in FIG. 12(b)).. There is a circular void 111 for attachments in the portion of the bracket 110 extending away from the section that connects the bracket 110 to the clip unit 100. A lip 113 is provided around the void 111. The mounting bracket 110 has a female portion 144 corresponding to female portion 44 of the assembly 40, and male portion 142 in the same fashion as the male portion 42 of the assembly 40. Further, engagement projection 156 is located on bracket corresponding to the Position of further member 56 on the assembly 40 of the clip unit 100, face 160 is aligned with the lower face engagement Projection: 56 of a clip unit 10..0., so that the two faces can engage: in the same way E as the engage in the assembly 40 of two connected clip units, 100. In this way, it is straightforward to attach further components having* desired functionality, such as but not limited to, mounting bracket 110, or fir tree C clips or bespeke, modules to the clip unit 100 Of the invention, In the example discussed above, a single asymmetric, modular clip unit design 100 is provided that can be block, built (assembled). to deliver a final clip, 200 for application. The clip unit: 100 incorporates: a high strength housing with compressible rubber lacking, spacers 4 (inserts), Multiple clip units 100 can be combined as needed, and the body portions is housing is pipe can be locked together to 101.141pdt or prevent rotational and/or longitudinal (including latitudinal) movement of the pipe in use Furthermore, the modular System: may permit. mechanical attachment., of suitable brackets 11.0 or other mounting/attachment pieces to tailor to The upper 58 of the particular applications. The assemblies 40, channels 6 and locking connections 20, 24 by which the clip units 100 are coupled together, by which the spacers 4 are secured to the body portion 1, s and by which the clip units 100 are locked to form a clip 200, respectively, are mechanical and employ advantageously straightforward processes. The present invention offers an effective alternative to current welding or braising options iü used with metal pipes, and an optimised compressive rubber option for semi-flexible pipe (such as those made from plastic) as a method of joining and/or routing two or more pipes in e.g. a pipe assembly. Accordingly, any rigidjsemi rigid pipe configuration, e.g. metal or plastic or metal and plastic combination routing can be achieved with the clips 200 or clip units 100 according to the example of the invention. There is no or minimal damage to the metal or plastic pipe to which the clip unit is applied. The single asymmetrical clip unit 100 described herein is a modular building block capable of linking further units 100, 110. In this way, pipes can easily be joined together as a nested set, and/or pipe systems can be fixed in place. The external linking assembly 40 permits modules other than clip units 100 (e.g. mounting bracket 110) to be added. Alternatively, bespoke mounting brackets/attachments can be used which provides additional adaptability. ' ?.se brackets can be specifically designed to allow for the cliP(s) or clip unit(s) 100 to be securely attached to e.g. an engine compartment location. T modular clip unit 100 of the example described herein allows for a fast responsive solution for twinning or tracking metal or Dlastic rails. In Particular, the des:' n versatility enables assembly solutions or mount positions to be verified and/or modified for functionality of clip location and/or twinning and/or routing plus any associated mounted bracket or component.

Any of the clip units 100 detailed above may be prepared by one or more moulding processes, In some examples, initial clip design can be tested using prototype produced. components. The desiun can then be robustly converted into a modular moulded finished component produced from e.g. a production tool standard injection moulding. As mentioned above, the spacer 4 may be formed in situ i.e. on the clip, in the channel, by an over-moulding or a bi -injection Proc--ss'.