GB2584514A

GB2584514A - Enclosure means/clamp for pipes and cables

Info

Publication number: GB2584514A
Application number: GB1919112.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Beech David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-06-04
Filing date: 2019-12-21
Publication date: 2020-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-21
Also published as: GB201919112D0; GB201909351D0; GB2584514B; GB201907927D0

Abstract

This invention relates to an enclosure means comprising of one or more elongated housings, wherein the housings comprise of a semi-circular cutaway portion at opposite distal ends of the housing halves, of a diameter to securely engage and grip around a pipe, exhaust or electrical cable, joined together by a hinge and a fastening means.

Description

Enclosure Means/Clamp for Pipes and Cables

Field of the invention

Primary use: The present invention relates to an enclosure means/pipe, exhaust or cable clamp comprising of a housing(s) for the use on pipes carrying liquids, air, steam and gasses which can temporarily or permanently repair a fractured, burst, ruptured, damaged or pitting pipeline, hose, exhaust or fitting. The invention also relates to an enclosure means/clamp that can be used with, incorporate, or have applied, either manually or mechanically, other substances such as but not limiting resin, gels, wraps glues and puttie can also be used in accordance with the enclosure means/clamp.

Other uses: Wherein the enclosure means/clamp can be used to freeze a section of pipe work to enable the system to be worked on safely without having to drain. For example a domestic central heating system wherein a section of pipe work has to be cut out and replaced, or replacing a radiator valve on an open vented system, wherein bunging the system is not suffice. This is only to show an example and not limiting to its uses and industries. When utilised as an enclosure means/clamp for freezing this will be used with one or more foam inserts and appropriate freeze sprays.

The enclosure means/clamp can also be used to effect a temporary or permanent electrical repair on damaged wiring or to be used as a permanent enclosure around terminal strip connectors. The use of other substances such as but not limiting to resins, gels, wraps, glues and putties can also be used in accordance with the housing(s).

Background to the invention

Pipes carrying substances or liquids such as water, air, oil and steam from domestic through to industrial and commercial premises can fracture, burst, rupture or begin to pit, causing seepage and damage into the surrounding environment. Reasons for this can be due to the environment the pipe work is installed, poor installation, age, damage and extreme weather conditions. Presently current methods of repair a leaking pipe include mechanical means such as that of using a nut and bolt to close the fitting to apply compression. This method is generally used as a permanent repair. Temporary solutions comprise of a housings consisting of a fastening means comprising of a camming action operated by a lever. Other methods such as applying a repair putty which are not always very effective, require to be manipulated before applying and for the best results draining the system/pipe is usually needed. In domestic premises this can particularly pose a problem as the emergency isolation valve to turn off the water supply can at times prove difficult to locate. This can be due to being covered by boxing when new kitchens and bathrooms are installed, or in some circumstances the method of turning the supply off can be located outside or in another dwelling. Isolating the main water supply to a property to try and stop or stem the leaking pipe work is also only effective in a scenario where the leak is on the mains and will not provide a temporary solution if the source of the leak is on a central heating system, as this would have to be drained. On a larger scale systems, such as that found in commercial and industrial premises, it is not always a viable option to shut down and drain the pipe line as this can have a serious impact on how the company operates. This is not only due to cost from shutdown of operations, but can also affect safety, for instance if the pipe supply is used for cooling. This type of scale leak normally has to be planned in advance to factor in the effects of having to shut down the pipeline. An alternative means to effect and appropriate permanent pipeline repair can also be made by applying a device which can be used to freeze and isolate a section of damaged pipe or leaking fitting. This prevents the system from having to be completely drained and an appropriate repair can take place, this is also particularly useful when a requirement to change a radiator valve on an open vented system central heating system. Current methods comprise of using freeze sprays in accordance with a freeze jacket or clamp, there are also electric freezing methods available. The effect of having to deal with a leaking pipe or fitting can have a major impact not only to the people and companies involved but insurance companies who have to pay out millions in claims. It It is also known that on existing wiring systems within domestic, commercial and industrial premises can become damaged, this can be due to external works carried out nearby the location of the enclosed wiring within walls and floors, or it can also be damaged by vermin biting and chewing on the cable. It is also known that on older wiring systems in particular, methods to connect/join wires together via a terminal connection can be left without means of an appropriate enclosure to prevent accidental electrical contact. The proposed invention can also be used as an enclosure means to effect an electrical repair or enclose around terminal connectors to provide and appropriate housing to prevent accidental electrical contact or being a fire hazard.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is an enclosure means/clamp comprising of one or more elongated housings with a semi-circular cutaway portion at opposite distal ends of the housing halves, of a diameter to securely engage around a pipe or cable, joined together by a hinge and a fastening means, wherein the fastening means is in the form of one or more fastening clips which engage by overlapping and securely locking with each other via one or more fastening means pushing over, or under another, clamping together to form one complete housing/enclosure. Wherein the enclosure means/clamp can be used in conjunction with a pipe, hose, exhaust, fitting, cable, wire or connector to effect an appropriate repair or to provide a suitable housing, wherein the housing can be used to prevent accidental electrical contact or become a fire hazard, or wherein the housing can also be used to freeze a section of pipe via freeze sprays or an electric means.

The enclosure means/clamp can also incorporate substances such as resins, gels, glues and or putties to aid further in providing a permanent repair. Resins, gels, glues and or putties could be incorporated into the housing at the manufacturing stage and would require an air tight seal in which the user would remove before applying. It could also be applied afterwards by means of mixing beforehand and applying into the housing. Resins, gels and glues could also be applied by being injected into the housing and in this circumstance the housing would require an injection port and air vent. The housing can also be used with a wrap, or bandage which would be applied to the exterior housing face afterwards.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention enclosure means/pipe, exhaust or cable clamp will now be described solely by the way of example (not limited to), with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments: Most preferably the enclosure means/clamp figure 1 comprises of two elongated cylindrical housings (5a, 5b) which are rigid in form and attached together via a hinge (14a) to form one complete housing, see figure 1. The elongated cylindrical housings (5a, 5b) comprise of a semicircular cutaway portions (10a, 10b) at opposite distal ends of the housings (5a. 5b) and of a diameter which can be of a metric or imperial size to engage and grip around a pipe (5c) or cable securely. The semi-circular cutaway portions at distal ends of the housing (10a, 10b) can also be comprised of a thinner material (15a) of the same height and size of the semi-circular cutaway portion (10a, 10b) which can be cut to the size of the pipe or cable being contained rather than being a complete cutaway portion within the housing (10a, lob). The semi-circular cutaway portions (10a, lob) can also be an additional insert which are fixed in to the housing(s) and can alter the diameter, size or shape to the component being retained. The bottom housing (5b) comprises of a recess channel which follows the internal profile of the housing (12d) in which to house and securely retain an elongated 0-ring type seal/gasket, see figure 11. The recess channel (12d) runs horizontally on the inner profile of the housing (12e), the recess channel at the distal ends of the housing curve (12c) to follow the profile of the housing. The recess channel is of a size in which to securely house and retain an elongated 0-ring type seal/gasket, see figure 11. The recess channel (12d) is positioned at the bottom of the housing at a location in which provides the most effective seal arrangement when using an elongated 0-ring seal/gasket, see figure 11, to engage with pipe (5c) or cable to provide and air, liquid or gas tight seal around a damaged, fractured, burst or pitting pipe or a damaged cable. Depending on the industry used and application the housing may require a secondary seal arrangement which would run in parallel to the first. The bottom housing (2b) also comprises of a central cavity (12f) of a size in which to securely house a fractured, damaged and burst pipe. The cavity (12f) is elongated and rectangular in form with semi-circular ends. The cavity (12f) can extend outwards from the main housing (7a) to aid with enclosing around large fractured pipes. This also aids with retaining both pipe, exhaust and electrical fittings and connectors. The recess channels (12d) in which to house and retain a seal/gasket, see figure 11, can also be comprised on the outer profile/edge of the housings in which to provide a 360* sealed enclosure. The bottom housing (2a) comprises of two fastening clips (12g) which are triangular in form (4a) and comprise of a radius edge (4b) to aid with clipping both housing halves together. The bottom housing (2b) also comprises of an elongated rectangular fastening handle (1c) in which the user can grip to provide leverage and aid with closing and clipping both housings together when engaged and clamped around a pipe or cable, see figure 5. The fastening handle (1c) is located centrally in between both fastening clips (12h) this is to aid with releasing the housing when not required to be engaged with a pipe, exhaust or cable, see figure 5. The top housing (5a) can comprise of one or more semi-circular compression ribs (lob) which are of the same diameter as the semi-circular cutaway portions, which are at opposite distal ends of the housing (10a). These act as an additional means to provide even compression on the elongated 0-ring seal, see figure 11, when both housings are clipped together to provide a sealed joint there between, see figure 1. Alternatively these can be removed and provide a cavity/central cutaway portion which follow the cylindrical profile of the housing (15b). Depending on the housing design the cutaway portion/cavity (15b) shape can alter in form. By removing the compression ribs (lob) in preference to a cavity (15b) allow the housing to retain and contain pipes which are severely deformed and will allow the housing halves to engage around the damaged, fractured and burst pipe more easily than if it had compression ribs (15b), as less force would be required to close and fasten together. The top housing (5a) can alternatively also comprise of the same internal features as described in the bottom housing (5b). Both housings (5a, 5b) can also comprise of a central cavity (15b) which follows the profile of the housing (5a, 5b), in which to provide an alternative seal arrangement. The alternative seal arrangement would comprise of a flat faced or waffle type elongated gasket seals, which is inserted in to the housing cavity (15b). Having the enclosure means comprising of a cavity (15b) in both housings (5a, 5b) also allows it to be ustilised with a foam insert if the enclosure means was to be used for freezing a section of pipe (5c). The foam inserts would be of a size designed to fit the cavity (15b). The foam insert acts as a means to retain and absorb the freeze spray which would be utilised. The cavity (12f) would also allow the housing to securely retain fittings and connectors. The cavity (12f) can also be utilised to house additional inserts which can be comprised within the top and bottom housing, in which to alter the diameter, size or shape. The additional inserts can also comprise of a recess channel, seal arrangement (12d) or as alternatively described to form a 360* sealed enclosure and cavity (12f or 15b), as described within the description of the top and bottom housings (5a, 5b). When both housing halves (5a, 5b) comprise of cavity (12f) which follows the profile of the housing, this can also be used with a seal arrangement which follows the outer profile of the housing. If the enclosure means, see figure 1, is designed just to be used as a freezing application in accordance with using freeze sprays, the housing can also comprise of a seal arrangement wherein consists of a recess channel (12d) within the semi-circular cutaway portions that are at distal ends of the housings (10a, 10b). This recess channel can then be used to securely retain a semi-circular seal. The seal would prevent the freezing liquid/substance from leaking out when applied to a vertical pipe. Alternatively the enclosure means can be used with an enclosed refrigerant operable by electrical means to aid with reducing temperature. This would require the housing comprising of a fastening means in which to attach the freeze pipes. The Top housing (5a) comprises of an elongated rectangular portion of material that runs horizontally along the length of the elongated cylindrical housing (2c), starting at the distal point of the semi-circular housing (4d). The elongated rectangular portion (2c) is formed on the front outer profile of the top housing to ensure the top and bottom housings (5a, 5b) can clamp together without clashing and overlap, see figure 1. The elongated portion of material comprises of two fastening clips at a location distal to the clamp housing (4a). The fastening clips are as described for the bottom housing (12g). When fastening the two housings together to securely engage around a pipe, exhaust or cable to provide an enclosure means, see figure 5, the top housing fastening clip, see figure 4, pushes over the bottom housing clip, see figure 12, overlapping to securely lock, fasten and clamp together to provide a joint, see figure 1. The elongated portion (2c) also comprises of a rectangular handle with a radius edge which is centrally positioned on the housing (lb). The user can then utilise both the top and bottom handles (lb, 1c) to close and clip/ clamp the housings together when engaging around a pipe, exhaust or cable, see figure 5. The elongated portion also can comprise of two cutaway rectangular portions (2d) to allow the user to see that both fastening clips have securely engaged and locked in position. The housings also comprise of an additional locking means (12a) in which to secure the enclosure means once engaged with a pipe or cable to prevent re-opening, these also act as a tamper means. The locking means are in the form of four rectangular components positioned at the sides of the housing (2b). The locking means comprise of a central cutaway portion (12b) in which to allow a tie wrap or nut and bolt through. The design could also be that of a cylindrical component. The additional locking means could also comprise of a threaded joint in which to secure a screw. Alternatively it could be a cylindrical cutaway in which a self-tapping screw could be used. The housing (5a, 5b) can also comprise of one or more injection port (16c) and may also comprise of vent relief (16c) within the top and/or bottom housing (5a, 5b), this would be utilised to apply freeze sprays, resins, glues and gels, see figure 16. The injection and vent relief ports (16c) can comprise of different means but preferably will be of a cylindrical hole (162) within the housing. The hole (16a) can comprise of a recess channel (16b) in which for the nozzle/tube to lock into position. The injection and vent ports (16c) can also comprise of a seal. The injection and vent ports (16c) can also comprise of a thread. The injection and vent ports (16c) can also be appropriately sealed after use by means of a cap, plug or bug.

Seal: Preferably the seal/gasket, see figure 11 is of an elongated 0-ring type wherein of a size and diameter in which to provide a secure liquid, air and gas tight seal when engaged with a pipe, exhaust or cable. The elongated 0-ring seal/gasket is linear (11a) with curved distal ends (11b) which follow the profile of the housing and recessed channel (12c). The seal/gasket distal curved ends (11b) are at an angle (11c) to follow the outer profile of the bottom housing, see figure 12.

Hinge: Preferably the hinge (14a) is formed as part of both enclosure means housings (Sa, 5b), comprising of a bar/pin (9b) and hooked clip (8b). The bar/pin (9b) is clipped into the semi-circular hooked clip fastenings (8b) allowing the bar/pin (9a) to rotate so that the housings (5a, 5b) can open and close on a fixed axis. The top housing hinge, see figure 9, is formed into the rear of the housing (5a) comprising of two side walls/supports (9a) which are joined to the housing (9e) and an elongated cylindrical bar/pin (9b). The size and diameter of the bar/pin (9b) can alter to provide more strength. The side wall/supports (9a) can also alter in size and thickness to provide more strength. The side walls/supports (9a) extend from the housing (5a) and are at an angle and distance from the housing (5a) in which to allow the housing halves (5a, 5b) to open and close freely. The side walls/supports (9a) follow the outer profile of the curved housing (9e) and are curved at the distal end (9d) and linear on the outer face (9c). The bottom housing hinge, see figure 12, comprises of elongated semi-circular clips (13d) which are formed into the rear of the housing (5b) comprising of additional bracing supports (8a) which follow the outer profile of the housing (5b) and extend outwards, to aid with strengthening the hinge clips. The clips (13d) comprise of an elongated semicircular cutaway portion (13c) of a size in which to securely retain the top housing hinge bar/pin (9b). The cutaway portion (13c) comprises of hooked ends (13b) to aid with securely clipping together and retaining the bar/pin (9b). The clips are joined to the main housing (5b) and extend outwards (13e). Depending on the pressure being contained if the enclosure means is to be used as a pipe repair clamp, the hinge components (14a) could be changed to be elongated cylindrical housing comprising of a cylindrical cutaway portion and would be formed in both the top and bottom housings (5a, 5b). An additional component/metal or plastic bar/pin not formed as part of the hinge housing would be inserted into the hinge housing to fasten both top and bottom housing together allowing to rotate and open and close on a fixed axis. The top housing hinge side walls/supports (9b) can alternatively also comprise of a cylindrical hole in which to insert and securely retain and hold an additional component/ metal or plastic bar/pin.

Fastening Means: The enclosure means/clamp, see figure 1, preferably comprises of elongated clip type fastening means (12g) which are triangular in form (4d) comprising of a gradient which decreases towards the outer edge which is most distal from the housing. The fastening clips comprise of a linear outer face and a radius edge/tip to aid with closing and releasing. The bottom of the fastening clips comprises of a flat base in which to allow both fastening clips to securely engage and lock when clamped/clipped together. The fastening operates by one clip fastening pushing over another overlapping, locking and clamping/clipping together to provide a secure joint. The top housing fastening clips comprise of releasing tabs which extend outwards from the main housing to provide space for the user to place their fingers underneath to pry open the two halves when no longer required to be fastened and engaged around a pipe, exhaust or cable. The fastening tabs are at a position distal from the rectangular portions and angled as such to provide leverage. The fastening tabs are rectangular in form with a radius edge and a flat face. The fastening clips are rigid in form but alternatively the top or bottom housing fastening clip could be flexible to allow the top or bottom housing to clip and lock together more easily. This would be if a more secure joint was required to retain higher pressures, as the size of the fastening clip could be greater and allow for a larger overlap. The fastening clips could also comprise of a spring in which to aid with the fastening process and would push in when one half is engaging with another and would spring back out and lock in position once engaged. If this method of fastening clip was used the additional feature of a button could be utilised to release the fastening. Preferably the fastening means is that of where comprises of fastening clips wherein one pushes over or under another, but alternatively this could be as such wherein the housing design allows for one half to push into another housing.

Uses: Most preferably the enclosure means is designed and used to effect secure pipe repair wherein one or more of the housings comprises of a seal arrangement in which when the enclosure means is engaged and clamped together around the fractured, damaged, burst or pitting pipe provide a sealed joint there between, suitable of retaining a minimum of 3 bar pressure. The enclosure means is preferably designed and used to enclose around leaking or damage fittings. The enclosure means is preferably designed and used to freeze pipe. The enclosure means is more preferably used to house and retain damaged cables and wire. The enclosure means is preferably designed to be used to house and retain electrical fittings and connectors. The enclosure means can be designed to be used to effect a repair on exhaust pipes or enclose around exhaust fittings. The enclosure means is not limited for the uses as described and only by example of the preferences.

The enclosure means may also be designed and comprise of the following. Housing design: * It can comprise of one or more elongated semi-circular housings joined by a hinge.

* It can comprise of one or more square housings joined by a hinge.

* It can comprise of one or more elongated rectangular housings joined by a hinge.

* It can comprise of one or more housing comprising of one or more shapes.

* It can comprise of a means to fasten to an external sealed electric refrigerant freezing device, via a coupling, bayonet fixing or threaded opening within the housing(s) in which to attach the freeze pipe(s).

* Can comprise of one or more fastening handles which can be fixed or removable.

* Wherein the housings can comprise of a cavity of a size in which to accommodate an internal insert, fractured pipe, joint, fitting, connector, flat faced or waffle type seal or foam insert.

* Wherein the additional insert can comprise of a recessed channel in which to house a seal.

* Wherein the additional insert can alter the diameter, shape and or size of the housing.

* Wherein the housings can comprise of a cavity of a size in which to accommodate an electrical cable, joint, fitting or connector.

* Wherein the housings comprise of a semi-circular cutaway portion at distal ends of the housing in which to engage around a pipe or cable.

* Wherein the cutaway portions at opposite distal ends of the housing can comprise of 3 or more sides.

* Wherein at distal ends of the housing comprises of a semi-circular portion of material or a portion of material comprising of 3 or more sides, which is thinner than the main housing material and can be cut to the size of the cable being housed.

* Wherein the portion of material within the distal ends is pre-designed and can be snapped off at different sizes, so not to require cutting.

* Wherein the semi-circular cutaway portion distal ends can be an additional component/ inserts and can be changed to alter the diameter/ size or shape of the housing(s), wherein the shape could be but not limited to 3 or more sides comprising of different angles.

* Wherein the housing comprises of fixing pins in which for terminal connections to be located.

* Wherein the housings can be rigid.

* Wherein the housings can be flexible.

* Wherein the hinge can comprise of a living type.

* Wherein the hinge can comprise of a hooked clip.

* Wherein the hinge can cylindrical housing comprising of a central cutaway portion.

* Wherein the hinge can comprise of a bar/pin and side wall supports.

* Wherein the hinge can be of an additional component such as a bar/ pin, wherein the bar/pin can be inserted afterwards.

* Wherein the side wall/supports for the hinge pin comprise of a cylindrical cutaway portion in which to securely retain a bar/pin.

* Wherein the hinge can be flexible.

* Wherein the hinge can comprise of a ball type joint to allow to pivot and or rotate on an axis.

* A housing which can be comprised in 45° or 90° angles. The hinge mechanism is only required on one side, to permit the housing member(s) to open and close.

* Can comprise of a housing(s) which are flexible that can alter to suit a varied range of angles and are not fixed to one positon.

* Can comprise of a housing which incorporates one or more recess channels in which to house a seal(s) * Wherein comprises of more than one recess channel, these can run parallel to each other.

* Wherein the seal recess can form a central cavity in one half of the housing in which to encapsulate a burst pipe or damage cable. This can form but not limiting to an elongated 0-ring type shape.

* Wherein the seal recess runs on the outer profile of the housing(s) wherein the housing halves join and provide to effect a 360* repair.

* Wherein the seal recess is only comprises on the distal ends of either side of the housing.

* Wherein the seal can be formed in one housing.

* Wherein the housing half not comprising a seal, can comprise of one or more compression ribs.

* Wherein the housing can comprise of an additional insert(s) to change the size, shape or diameter.

* Wherein the insert is an enclosure means.

* Wherein the insert(s) can comprise of a recessed channel in which to house a seal.

* Wherein the insert can comprise of a seal.

* Wherein the insert is a rubber formed seal.

* Wherein the insert is a foam material in which to absorb freeze sprays.

* Wherein the insert in metal.

* Wherein the insert is plastic.

* Wherein the insert is rubber.

* Wherein the housing can comprise of an injection port and vent relief.

* Wherein the injection port and vent relief are a cylindrical hole within the housing.

* Wherein the injection port and vent relief are of a size in which to securely engage a nozzle or tube.

* Wherein the injection port and vent relief are a cylindrical hole comprising of a recess channel around the outer circumference to further aid with securing the nozzle or tube * Wherein the injection port and vent relief can comprise of a thread.

* Wherein the injection port and vent relief can be sealed with a cap, bug or plug * Wherein the housing can comprises of a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorised tampering and to act as an additional fastening means.

* Wherein the Locking means can be a tie wrap.

* Wherein the locking means can be a nut and bolt.

* Wherein locking means can be used with a screw which can be tightened into a preformed thread or be of a self-tapping type wherein the locking means does not require to be threaded.

* Wherein the housing can comprise of an insert to alter the shape, size and or diameter.

* Wherein the insert can comprise of a recess channel in which to retain and house a seal.

* Wherein the insert can be a rubber formed seal of a size to securely retain a fractured, burst or damaged pipe or cable.

* Wherein the housing and inserts can be made from plastics / composite plastics.

* Wherein the housing and inserts can be made from metal.

* Wherein the housing and inserts can be made from Rubber.

* Wherein the housing can be made from a combination of materials.

* Wherein the material choices for housing and seal are to meet but not limiting to meet water, electrical and building regulations.

* Wherein the housing(S) can be Injection molded.

* Wherein the housing(s) can be cast.

* Wherein the housing can be fire resistant.

* Wherein the housing can be chemical resistant.

* Wherein the housing can be bomb proof.

* Wherein the housing can be armored.

Fastening Means Design: * The fastening means can be of a clip type wherein one pushes over another to effect a joint * Wherein the clip fastening can be but not limiting to triangular in form.

* Wherein the clip fastening can comprise of a radius edge to aid with fastening and releasing.

* Wherein in one or more fastenings clips can be used to reduce the size of the housing or in which to provide more compression.

* Wherein the clip type fastening pushes over another, one half of the clip fastening can also comprise of release tabs to provide leverage to re-open.

* The fastening clips can be rigid.

* One of the fastening clips can be semi rigid and flex to aid with fastening.

* One of the fastening clips can comprise of a spring to allow with fastening. As one housing fastening pushes over the spring clip, the clip pushes in and then springs back out to provide a secure joint/fastening.

* Wherein one fastening can comprise a releasing mechanism such as a button.

* Wherein the fastening can also be as such that it pushes into another housing to clip together.

* Wherein the clip type fastening pushes into another housing it can comprise of a spring release mechanism wherein the clip forms a button, or comprise of a clip that can flex and can be pressed to release.

* Can Incorporate clip fastenings on one or more sides of the device and in this circumstance would not have to incorporate a hinge.

* Can comprise of fixed or detachable leverage handles to aid in closing. Seal

* Can be one or more 0-ring type seals * Can be an elongated 0-ring type seal.

* Wherein the seal can be positioned in one half of the clamp as described in the product design.

* Wherein the seal can be positioned on the outer profile of both clamp halves as described in the product design.

* Wherein the 0-ring type seal/ or gasket can be designed to follow the clamp profile.

* A seal(s) or gasket that can wrap around the entire inside of the housing cavity.

* Can be positioned in one or both halves of the housing.

* Can be flat faced or of a waffle type.

* One or more seals that can join.

* A seal(s) that is not deformable.

* A seal(s) that can be heat resistant or expands with heat.

* A seal(s) that can be fire resistant.

* A seal(s) that can contain the (but not limited to) substance, gas, or fluid.

* A seal(s) that can prevent substances coming into contact with the source being contained.

* Can comprise of one or more seals to provide a secondary barrier.

* Seals which can comprise of a face that is rounded, flat or both.

* Wherein the seal can be of different shore strengths.

* Wherein the seal can be of a rubber material.

The enclosure means can be used in different industries such as Motor, Aerospace, Oil and Gas, Nuclear, Pharmaceuticals, Food Industry, Marine and not limited to Domestic Heating, Plumbing and Electric Industry. Therefore when used on industrial and commercial projects the product materials used and slight design changes will reflect this when being scaled up or down in size.

Claims

Claims 1: An enclosure means, clamp comprising of one or more elongated housings of a size suitable to securely retain and contain a fractured, damaged, pitted and/or leaking pipe and/or exhaust pipe and/or electrical cable and/or a pipe, exhaust pipe, and/or electrical cable fitting, connector or terminal means, wherein the housings comprise of a semi-circular cutaway portion at opposite distal ends of the housing halves, of a diameter to securely engage and grip around a pipe, exhaust pipe or electrical cable, joined together by a hinge and a fastening means, wherein the fastening means is in the form of one or more fastening clips which engage by overlapping and securely locking with each other via one or more fastening means pushing over, or under another, clipping together to form one complete enclosure means/clamp housing, wherein the fastening clips are triangular in shape.

2: Wherein the enclosure means as claimed in claim 1 is used to contain and temporarily repair a leaking, burst, fractured, ruptured, damaged or a pitting pipe or leaking fitting.

3: Wherein the enclosure means as claimed in claim 1 is used to contain and permanently repair fractured, ruptured, damaged or a pitting pip or leaking fitting.

4: Wherein the enclosure means as claimed in claim 1 is used to freeze a section of pipe.

5: Wherein the enclosure means as claimed in claim 1 is used to contain and temporarily repair a damaged electrical cable.

6: Wherein the enclosure means as claimed in claim 1 is used to contain permanently repair a damaged electrical cable.

7: Wherein the enclosure means housings as claimed in claim 1 are semi-circular in form.

8: Wherein the enclosure means housings as claimed in claim 1 are rectangular in form.

9: Wherein the enclosure means housings as claimed in claim 1 comprise of one or more recessed channels.

10: Wherein the recessed channels as claimed in claim 9 are to retain one or more seals.

11: Wherein the enclosure means housings as claimed in claim 1 comprise of a central cavity.

12: Wherein the cavity as claimed in claim 11 is of a size to house a fractured, ruptured, damaged or a pitting pipe.

13: Wherein the cavity as claimed in claim 11 is of a size to retain fittings or connectors.

14: Wherein the cavity as claimed in claim 11 can be used to house a seal, gasket.

15: Wherein the cavity as claimed in claim 11 can be used with an insert.

16: Wherein the insert as claimed in claim 15 can alter the size, shape and or diameter of the housing.

17: Wherein the insert as claim in claim 16 can comprise of a seal.

18: Wherein the insert as claimed in claim 15 can be of a rubber material.

19: Wherein the insert as claimed in claim 15 can be a foam material in which to be utilised with freeze sprays.

20: Wherein the enclosure means housings as claimed in claim 1 can comprise of a handle.

21: Wherein the handles as claimed in claim 20 are formed as part of the housing.

22: Wherein the handles as claimed in claim 20 are formed are removable.

23: Wherein the enclosure means as claimed in claim 1 comprises of 0-ring seals.

24: Wherein the 0-ring seals are of a shape which match the recessed channels claim 9.