GB2587638A - Clamp - Google Patents

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Publication number
GB2587638A
GB2587638A GB1914230.6A GB201914230A GB2587638A GB 2587638 A GB2587638 A GB 2587638A GB 201914230 A GB201914230 A GB 201914230A GB 2587638 A GB2587638 A GB 2587638A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
base
cap
clamp
arm
panels
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1914230.6A
Other versions
GB201914230D0 (en
Inventor
Tuthill James
Paul Johannes
Nicholls Simon
Windham William
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hebe Studio Ltd
Original Assignee
Hebe Studio Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hebe Studio Ltd filed Critical Hebe Studio Ltd
Priority to GB1914230.6A priority Critical patent/GB2587638A/en
Publication of GB201914230D0 publication Critical patent/GB201914230D0/en
Priority to EP20797033.6A priority patent/EP4040949A2/en
Priority to US17/794,189 priority patent/US20230083124A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2020/077567 priority patent/WO2021064125A2/en
Publication of GB2587638A publication Critical patent/GB2587638A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B21/00Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
    • F16B21/06Releasable fastening devices with snap-action
    • F16B21/08Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the stud, pin, or spigot has a resilient part
    • F16B21/086Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the stud, pin, or spigot has a resilient part the shank of the stud, pin or spigot having elevations, ribs, fins or prongs intended for deformation or tilting predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/03Housing for domestic or laboratory animals
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/03Housing for domestic or laboratory animals
    • A01K1/031Cages for laboratory animals; Cages for measuring metabolism of animals
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/03Housing for domestic or laboratory animals
    • A01K1/032Rabbit-hutches or cages
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/03Housing for domestic or laboratory animals
    • A01K1/033Cat or dog houses
    • A01K1/034Dog-kennels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K31/00Housing birds
    • A01K31/06Cages, e.g. for singing birds
    • A01K31/08Collapsible cages
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/06Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
    • F16B5/0607Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
    • F16B5/0621Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
    • F16B5/065Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship the plates being one on top of the other and distanced from each other, e.g. by using protrusions to keep contact and distance
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/06Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
    • F16B5/0607Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
    • F16B5/0621Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
    • F16B5/0664Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship at least one of the sheets or plates having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Birds (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

A clamp 10 for connecting a plurality of wire mesh panels together comprises a base 14, a cap 12 releasably attachable to the base, and a plurality of arms 18a, 18b, 18c provided between the base 14 and the cap 12 to define a plurality of channels within the clamp 10. Each channel is configured to accommodate a portion of a loop of a respective one of the plurality of panels to connect the panels together. The panels may be joined to produce a cage such as an animal cage. The cage may be in the form of a geodesic dome.

Description

CLAMP
Field
This disclosure relates to clamps, for example to clamps for coupling together wire mesh panels of an animal cage. In one illustrative arrangement, the clamp may be used to enable users to construct an animal cage in the form of a geodesic dome.
The clamps disclosed below are described with particular reference to their use in connection with the assembly of an animal cage, but it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the clamps disclosed herein may be used in a variety of other applications, and hence that the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited only to the use of such clamps in the assembly of animal cages.
Background
It has previously been proposed to keep animals in wire mesh cages. Due to packaging constraints, such wire mesh cages may be provided as a number of separate wire mesh panels, which are then assembled together to form a cage.
In our UK Patent No. 2563317 we have disclosed a geodesic dome animal cage comprised of a plurality of hexagonal and pentagonal panels. We have also disclosed, in our European Patent No. 3211251, a ring clip that can be used (inter alia) to couple the aforementioned panels of the geodesic dome together.
Whilst the clip disclosed in our European Patent does enable the panels to be coupled together to form a geodesic dome, it can be time consuming for users -particularly those who are assembling the cage on their own -to assemble the cage as panels that are coupled together by such a clip can pivot relative to one another. US Patent No. 3323820 discloses a clamp that prevents clamped elements from moving relative to one another, but this arrangement is not suitable for use with wire mesh panels.
The clamps disclosed herein have been devised with the foregoing in mind.
Summary
In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a clamp for connecting a plurality of wire mesh panels together, the clamp comprising a base; a cap releasably attachable to the base, and a plurality of arms provided between the base and the cap to define a plurality of channels within the clamp; wherein each said channel is configured to accommodate a portion of a loop of a respective one of said plurality of panels to connect the panels together.
The clamp may comprise a plurality of spacers provided between the base and the cap and arranged so that each arm has a spacer to either side of the arm in a circumferential direction. In one implementation each said arm co-operates with spacers to either side of the arm in a circumferential direction to define a said channel.
The base may be releasably attachable to the cap by means of a snap fit mechanism. The snap fit mechanism may comprise a resilient protrusion defined in the base or the cap and an aperture defined in the other of the base and the cap.
The arms may include a ramped radially inwardly extending and radially outwardly facing face.
The base and the cap may be releasably attachable by means of a threaded connection. The arms may include radially reinforcing walls. The clamp may comprise three spacers, the three spacers extending axially from the base or the cap. The three spacers may extend axially to the same extent as the three arms. Each spacer may be provided adjacent an arm and each arm and spacer is separated circumferentially by a distance d, the distance d being larger than a diameter 0 of the portion of the loop of the panel. Each arm and/or each spacer may terminate in at least one circumferential tab, such that each arm and each spacer is also separated circumferentially by a distance c, wherein the distance c is between 1 and 1.2 times the diameter 0 of the portion of the loop of the panel.
The base may comprise a minor base portion and a major base portion, a resilient bias being provided between said major and minor base portions so that said major base portion can move towards said minor base portion against said bias.
The clamp may include a fixing for coupling said minor base portion to said cap, the fixing extending through said resilient bias and said major base portion.
In one implementation, wherein tightening the fixing draws the minor base portion and the major base portion towards the cap and compresses the resilient bias.
In one aspect there is provided a wire mesh cage including a plurality of panels coupled together by a clamp of the type described herein. The panels may form a geodesic dome. The geodesic dome may include a plurality of hexagonal and/or pentagonal panels. The cage may further comprise a base that is configured to be coupled to the cage to form an enclosure.
Another envisaged arrangement provides a clamp for connecting three wire mesh panels the clamp comprising a base and a cap, the base being releasably attachable to the cap, the base defining three arms extending axially between the base and the cap such that a portion of a loop of each of the three panels may be arranged to pass between the base and the cap and around a respective one of each of the three arms, so as to clamp together the three panels.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a clamp according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is an alternate exploded isometric view of the clamp of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the clamp according to a second embodiment; Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the clamp of Fig. 1 assembled; Fig. 5 is a rear view of the base of the clamp of Fig. 1, arranged with three wire mesh panels; Figs. 6A to 6C are rear views of the clamp of Fig. 1 attached to one panel, two panels and three panels respectively; Fig. 7 is an exploded isometric view of the clamp according to a third embodiment; Fig. 8 is a cross-section through the cap of the clamp of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the base of the clamp of Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is an alternate side elevation of the base of the clamp of Fig. 7; Fig. 11 is an enlarged alternate side elevation of the base of the clamp of Fig. 7; Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the base of the clamp of Fig. 7 assembled on three wire-mesh panels; Fig. 13 is a rear view of the arrangement depicted in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the clamp of Fig. 7 assembled on three wire-mesh panels; Fig. 15 is an exploded isometric view of the clamp according to a fourth embodiment; Figs. 16 and 17 are front and rear isometric views, respectively, of a clamp according to a fifth embodiment in a secured configuration; Figs. 18 and 19 are front and rear isometric views, respectively, of the clamp depicted in Figs. 16 and 17 is a partly released configuration; Fig. 20 is an exploded isometric view of the clamp shown in Figs. 16 to 19; Figs. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views of the clamp in a secured configuration along the lines A-A and B-B respectively; Figs. 23 and 24 are cross-sectional views of the clamp in a partly released configuration along the lines C-C and D-D respectively; Fig. 25 is a plan view of the underside of the base of the clamp shown in Figs. 14 to 22 Fig. 26 depicts a panel assembly comprising a plurality of panels that have been attached to one another by a plurality of clamps; and Fig. 27 depicts a geodesic animal cage assembled from a plurality of panels that have been attached to one another by a plurality of clamps.
Detailed Description
With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 6C there is depicted a first embodiment of a clamp 10 for connecting three wire mesh panels. The clamp 10 has a cap 12, and a base 14. The cap 12 and the base 14 are releasably attachable to one another by means of a snap fit mechanism 20.
The base 14 is a substantially disc-shaped body 15, having an inner surface 15a, an outer surface 15b and a circular outer edge 24. The base 14 has a mid-point.
The cap 12 is a substantially disc-shaped body 13, having an inner surface 13a, an outer surface 13b and a circular outer edge 30. The cap 12 has a mid-point.
When the clamp 10 is assembled via the snap fit mechanism 20, the base 14 and the cap 12 are arranged such that the base midpoint and the cap midpoint are aligned along longitudinal axis 32. Furthermore, the base outer edge 24 and the cap outer edge are also aligned.
The base has three arms 18a, 18b, 18c, and three spacers 26a, 26b and 26c extending from the inner surface 15a.
The three arms 18a, 18b, 18c on the base 14 are located at the outer edge 24 of the base disc 15. Each arm 18a, 18b, 18c is located an equal distance away from the base disc midpoint 32. Each arm 18a, 18b, 18c is equally spaced away from the other respective arms 18a, 18b, 18c so that the base 14 has rotational symmetry of 120°. When the clamp is assembled, the three arms 18a, 18b, 18c extend from the base disc 15 towards the cap disc 13.
The three arms 18a, 18b, 18c are substantially identical, such that only the structure of first arm 18a shall be described in detail. First arm 18a is substantially wedge shaped, with a rectangular footing extending away from the base disc 15, and terminating in a smaller rectangular apex, parallel to the rectangular footing. A slanted face extends from the base disc outer edge 24, connecting the rectangular footing to the rectangular apex.
The three spacers 26a, 26b and 26c on the base 14 are located at the outer edge 24 of the base disc 15. Each spacer 26a, 26b and 26c is located an equal distance away from the base disc midpoint 32. Each spacer 26a, 26b and 26c is equally spaced away from the other respective spacers 26a, 26b and 26c so that the base 14 has rotational symmetry of 1200. Upon alignment or attachment of the base 14 and the cap 12, the three spacers 26a, 26b and 26c extend from the base disc 15, parallel to the midpoint axis 32, towards the cap disc 13.
The three spacers 26a, 26b, 26c are substantially identical, such that only the structure of the first spacer 26a shall be described in detail. The first spacer 26a is substantially cuboid. The first spacer 26a has an outer face, an inner face, a top face and two side faces. The outer face is curved and aligned with the base outer edge 24.
The inner face is curved and parallel to the outer face. Each side face has a radiused corner connecting with the base 14 inner surface 15a.
The arms 18a, 18b, 18c and spacers 26a, 26b, 26c are arranged in an alternating sequence along the outer edge 24 of the base disc 15. Each spacer 26a, 26b, 26c extends further axially from the base disc 15 than the arms 18a, 18b, 18c.
There is a clearance between each spacer 26a, 26b, 26c and each adjacent arm 18a, 18b, 18c in which a loop of a panel can be received. There is clearance between each arm 18a, 18b, 18c and the protrusion 16 in which a loop of a panel can be received.
In a second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the base is provided with an opening 19. The clamp 10 shown in Figure 2B is the same as the clamp 10 shown in Figure 2, with the exception that the cap 14 of the clamp 10 shown in Figure 2B has the opening 19. The opening 19 comprises a circular cavity, and three slots extending radially from the circular cavity. The opening 19 aids alignment of the wire mesh panels, by giving a visual indication of where the wire mesh panels should be aligned. The three slots extend radially towards three respective midpoints defined by the three arms 18a, 18b, 18c. The three slots extend respectively towards the three spacers 26a, 26b, 26c, that is respective circumferential mid-points between the adjacent arms 18a, 18b, 18c. The opening 19 extends through the snap fit mechanism 20, such that the snap fit mechanism 20 defines three axial slots. The three axial slots aid visual alignment of the wire mesh panels with the base 14 during attachment. Furthermore, a greater flexibility in the snap fit mechanism 20 is provided by the slot, resulting in a snap fit mechanism that resiles with a lower axial force.
The base 14 (of both Figs. 2 and 3) is a single moulded piece comprising the arms 18a, 18b, 18c, the spacers 26a, 26b, 26c and the protrusion 16.
The snap fit mechanism 20 is a resilient protrusion 16 on the base 14 and an annular lip 21 on the cap 12. The protrusion 16 consists of three sections; 16a, 16b, 16c.
The three sections 16a, 16b, 16c extend axially from the inner surface 15a of the base 14, and are arranged in a circle. Each section 16a, 16b, 16c has a stem and a head. Each head is tapered. Each head extends radially away from the longitudinal axis 32, such that the heads overhang the respective stems.
The annular lip 21 is defined by a cylindrical wall 23 extending from the inner surface 13a of the cap 12. An annular rim 25 extends radially from the aperture wall 23 towards the longitudinal axis 32, so that a plane defined by the annular rim 25 and a plane defined by the cap disc 13 are substantially parallel. The annular rim 25 defines a circular aperture 22.
Upon attachment of the base 14 and the cap 12, the base 14 and the cap 12 are pushed together along longitudinal axis 32. Upon contact of the aperture rim 25 and the protrusion sections 16a, 16b, 16c, and as the base 14 and cap 12 continue to be pushed together, the protrusion sections 16a, 16b, 16c resile towards longitudinal axis 32 until the rim 25 of the aperture moves over the overhanging lip of the heads of the section.
At this point, the sections snap back to their resting position as described above and are in an assembled position (see Fig. 4). Upon attachment of the base 14 and the cap 12, the rim 25 of the aperture 22 is fitted around the stems of the sections 16a, 16b, 16c, and the aperture wall 23 is fitted around the heads of the sections 16a, 16b, 16c.
Upon attachment of the base 14 and the cap 12, the spacers 26a, 26b, 26c completely bridge the base 14 and the cap 12. Upon attachment of the base 14 and the cap 12, the arms do not completely bridge the base 14 and the cap 12. The spacers 26a, 26b, 26c prevent rocking of the cap relative to the base when the clamp is assembled.
The first and second embodiments are configured to capable of connecting three panels 40a, 40b, 40c with three respective loops 41a, 41b, 41c in two different ways.
In a first way of connecting the panels, the base 14 and the three loops 41a, 41b, 41c of three respective panels 40a, 40b, 40c are assembled (see Fig. 5). The three loops 41a, 41b, 41c are placed between the central protrusion 16 of the base 14 and each respective arm 18a, 18b, 18c. The cap 12 is then aligned with the base 14 and pushed onto the base 14, until the snap-fit mechanism is pushed into an assembled position. In the assembled position the rim 25 of the aperture 22 is fitted around the stems of the sections 16a, 16b, 16c, and the aperture wall 23 is fitted around the heads of the sections 16a, 16b, 16c.
In the second method, (see Figures 6A to 60) the base 14 and the cap 12 are pushed together into the assembled position as per Figure 4. A loop 41a of a first panel 40a is then pushed between the base 14 and the cap 12, radially towards the longitudinal axis 32 until it is between the protrusion 16 and one of the arms 18a, 18b, 18c. The slanted face of the wedge-shaped arm 18a assists with locating the loop 41a of the first panel 40a. A loop 41b of a second panel 40b is then pushed between the base 14 and the cap 12, radially towards the longitudinal axis 32 until it is between the protrusion 16 and one of the other arms 18a, 18b, 18c. A loop 41c of a third panel 40c is then pushed between the base 14 and the cap 12, radially towards the longitudinal axis 32 until it is between the protrusion 16 and the remaining arm 18a, 18b, 18c. Permutations of the above two methods are possible. For example, the first method may be used to secure a first panel, and the second method may be used to secure the second and third panel.
In the assembled position, the arms 18a, 18b, 18c are arranged to secure each loop of a panel so that each panel cannot be easily removed from the clamp 10. Upon assembly of the clamp 10 and the panels 40a, 40b, 40c, the panels are able to pivot. This enables the panels 40a, 40b, 40c to be connected either substantially in the same plane, or substantially out of the same plane.
As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the arms each co-operate with immediately adjacent spacers, to either side of each arm, to define a channel for the receipt of a loop of a wire mesh panel. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, arm 18a cooperates with adjacent spacers 26a and 26c to define a channel that is open at both ends, namely at a first end consisting of a space between spacer 26a and arm 18a and a second end consisting of a space between spacer 26c and arm 18a. Each channel, as described above, is configured to accommodate a loop of a wire mesh panel.
In the embodiments aforementioned, and indeed in the embodiments mentioned hereafter, the clamp is configured for coupling three panels together. In other envisaged arrangements, the clamp may be configured for coupling less than three or more than three panels together.
A third embodiment provides a clamp 110 as depicted in Figures 7 to 14. Similar reference numerals have been used for features similar to those described in relation to clamp 10, pre-fixed with a "1" to indicate those features as being in relation to clamp 110.
The clamp 110 has a base 114, a cap 112 and a threaded connection arrangement 120.
The base 114 is a substantially disc shaped body 115, having an inner surface 115a, an outer surface 115b and a circular outer edge 124. The base 114 has a mid-point.
The cap 112 is a substantially disc shaped body 113, having an inner surface (113a), an outer surface 113b and has a circular outer edge 130. An annular rim 131 extends from the inner surface at the circular outer edge 130. The cap 112 has a midpoint.
The cap 112 has an inner wall 170, as shown in Figure 6B. The inner wall 170 is circular. The inner wall 170 is aligned so as to be concentric with the rim of the cap. The inner wall 170 is located so as to allow receipt of the arms and/or spacers of the base 114 between the inner wall 170 and the rim 131 of the cap 112.
The base 114 and the cap 112 are releasably attachable by means of the threaded connection arrangement 120.
Upon attachment of the base 114 and the cap 112 via the threaded connection arrangement 120, the base 114 and the cap 112 are arranged such that the base midpoint and the cap midpoint are aligned along longitudinal axis 132.
The base 114 has three arms 118a, 118b, 118c, three spacers 126a, 126b, 126c and three central walls 127a, 127b, 127c, all extending orthogonally from the inner surface 115a. As with the earlier embodiments, each arm co-operates with adjacent spacers to define a channel for the receipt of a loop of a wire mesh panel.
The three arms 118a, 118b, 118c of the base 114 are located at the outer edge 124 of the base disc 115. Each arm 118a, 118b, 118c is located an equal distance away from the base disc midpoint. Each arm 118a, 118b, 118c is equally spaced away from the other respective arms 118a, 118b, 118c so that the base 114 has rotational symmetry of 120°. Upon alignment or attachment of the base 114 and the cap 112, the three arms 118a, 118b, 118c extend from the base disc 115, parallel to the longitudinal axis 132 towards the cap 112.
The three arms 118a, 118b, 118c are substantially identical, such that only the structure of the first arm 118a shall be described in detail. With reference to Figures 6A and 8, the first arm 118a has three walls; an outer wall and two supporting walls 119. The outer wall is curved and extends part of the way along the outer edge 124 of the base disc 115. The outer wall has three ridges extending away from the longitudinal axis 132. The three ridges are substantially parallel and define a thread of the threaded connection arrangement 120. The outer wall also has two circumferentially extending tabs 141, 142. The circumferentially extending tabs 141, 142 extend from an upper region of the outer wall. Each circumferentially extending tab has a radiused outer edge 143. The two supporting walls join at a point between the outer wall and the longitudinal axis 132. The supporting walls together define a V-shape when the base 114 is viewed from above.
The three spacers 126a, 126b, 126c of the base 114 are located at the outer edge 124 of the base disc 115. Each spacer 126a, 126b, 126c is located an equal distance away from the base midpoint 132. Each spacer 126a, 126b, 126c is equally spaced away from the other respective spacers 126a, 126b, 126c so that the base 114 has rotational symmetry of 1200. Upon alignment or attachment of the base 114 and the cap 112, the three spacers 126a, 126b, 126c extend from the base disc 115, parallel to the midpoint axis 132, towards the cap 112.
The three spacers 126a, 126b, 126c are substantially identical such that only the structure of the first spacer 126a shall be described in detail. With reference to Figures 6A and 9, the first spacer 126a has two circumferentially extending tabs 151, 152. The circumferentially extending tabs 151, 152 extend from an upper region of the spacer 126a. Each circumferentially extending tab 151, 152 has a radiused outer edge 153. The three central walls 127a, 127b, 127c extend from the three spacers 126a, 126b, 126c, towards the longitudinal axis 132. The three central walls 127a, 127b, 127c join at the longitudinal axis 132. Each central wall 127a, 127b, 127c has a height h. The height h is a function of the distance from the respective spacer 126a, 126b, 126c towards the longitudinal axis 132. The height h decreases from a maximum at the respective spacer 126a, 126b, 126c to a minimum at the central axis. Each central wall 127a, 127b, 127c is the same shape.
Each central wall 127a, 127b 127c is oriented with respect to the other central walls 127a, 127b, 127c so that the base 114 has rotational symmetry of 120°.
The three central walls 127a, 127b, 127c, act to reinforce the spacers 126a, 126b, 126c.
Each spacer 126a, 126b, 126c is arranged between two of the three arms 118a, 118b, 118c along the outer edge 24 of the base disc 115. Each spacer 126a, 126b, 126c extends the same distance axially from the base disc 109 as the arms 118a, 118b, 118c.
There is a clearance between each spacer 126a, 126b, 126c and each adjacent arm 118a, 118b, 118c in which a loop of a panel can be received. The clearance is restricted where the circumferentially extending tabs 143, 153 of the arms and spacers are adjacent in the form of a constriction. The base comprises a total of three constrictions.
There is a clearance between each arm 118a, 118b, 118c its two adjacent central walls 127a, 127b, 127c in which a loop of a panel can be received.
The base 114 is a single moulded piece comprising the arms 118a, 118b, 118c, the spacers 126a, 126b, 126c and the central walls 127a, 127b, 127c.
Upon alignment of the base 114 and the cap 112, the annular rim 131 extends between the base 114 and the cap 112. The rim 131 has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has a spiral groove into which the threaded ridges of the arms 118a, 118b, 118c of the base 114 are adapted to fit. The outer surface of the rim 124 has a series of axial grooves 131. The axial grooves 131 allow cap 112 to be more easily rotated and screwed onto the base 114.
Upon attachment of the base 114 and the cap 112, the spacers 126a, 126b, 126c completely bridge the base 114 and the cap 112. Upon attachment of the base 114 and the cap 112, the arms completely bridge the base disc 115 and the cap disc 113.
This embodiment of the present invention is configured to connect three panels 140a, 140b, 140c with three respective loops 141a, 141b, 141c -although as mentioned previously, it is envisaged to provide a clamp that can connect less than or more than three panels together.
In order to assemble the base 114 and the three loops 141a, 141b, 141c of three respective panels 140a, 140b, 140c, each loop 141a, 141b, 141c of each panel 140a, 140b, 140c is pushed axially into a channel defined by one of the three arms 118a, 118b, 118c, two of the three spacers 126a, 126b, 126c and two of three central walls 127a, 127b, 127c. The constrictions prevent the loops 141a, 141b, 141c from being removed without force. In this position, the panels 140a, 140b, 140c are able to pivot but cannot be separated without force.
The cap 112 is then aligned with the base 114 and screwed onto the base 114, until the cap provide sufficient clamping forced to secure the panels 140a, 140b, 140c. In this position, the panels 140a, 140b, 140c are secured into position and have limited movement, but may be arranged in different orientations.
In the assembled position, the arms 118a, 118b, 118c are arranged to secure each loop of a panel so that each panel cannot be removed from the clamp 110 without un-screwing the cap 112 from the base 114.
In a fourth arrangement there is provided a clamp 210, the base 214 and cap 212 of which are depicted respectively in Figure 15. Similar reference numerals have been used for features similar to those described in relation to clamp 10, pre-fixed with a "2" to indicate those features as being in relation to clamp 210. Only the principle differences shall be described in detail.
The clamp 210 has a base 214, a cap 212 and a snap fit mechanism 220.
The base 214 has three spacers 226a, 226b, 226c. The three spacers 226a, 226b, 226c extend past the outer edge 224 of the base 214.
The cap 212 defines a cap disc 213, three cap arms 222 and a ring 242. The three cap arms 222 bridge the cap disc 213 and the ring 242, defining three arced cavities. The three arced cavities are adapted to each receive a portion of a loop of a panel.
The ring 242 of the cap 212 has three indentations 237. The three indentations 237 are adapted to receive an outer portion of the three spacers 226a, 226b, 226c of the base 214. In use, the three indentations 237 are aligned with the three arms 222 of the cap 212, and interlock as the cap 212 and base 214 are brought together.
The ring 242 of the cap 212, the cap disc 213 and the cap arms 242 together define three openings 271. The three openings 271 are each adapted to receive a portion of a loop of a panel into a channel defined by an arm and two adjacent spacers. Three channels in total are provided in the particular arrangement depicted in Fig. 15, but it will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of channels could readily be provided if desired.
Figs. 16 to 25 depict a fifth arrangement of a clamp 310. Similar reference numerals have been used for features similar to those described in relation to clamp 10, pre-fixed with a "3" to indicate those features as being in relation to clamp 310. Only the principle differences shall be described in detail.
One principle difference between the clamp 310 of this embodiment and clamps of earlier embodiments is that in this arrangement the base 314 is a two-part assembly comprising a minor base portion 314a, a major base portion 314b and a resilient bias 350, for example a helical spring, provided therebetween so that the major portion 314b can move axially relative to the minor portion 314a when the clamp is in a partly released configuration as depicted in Figs. 18 and 19.
As best shown in Fig. 20, a releasable fixing 352 On this particular example, a screw) extends through the minor base portion 314a, the major base portion 314b and engages with the cap 312 to couple the base 314 to the cap 312 with the resilient bias captured between the minor base portion 314a and the major base portion 314b.
When the fixing is tightened, as depicted in Figs. 16 and 17, the minor base portion 314a is held by the fixing 352 against the major base portion 314b, the resilient bias 350 is compressed, and the major base portion 314b is held against the cap 312. When the fixing is loosened as depicted in Figs. 18 and 19, the minor base portion 314a is driven by the resilient bias 350 away from the cap 312 so that the major base portion 314b can move axially (along axial line 354, Fig. 20) away from the cap 312 to compress the resilient bias 350.
As with the clamp of earlier embodiments, the base 314 includes (in this particular example) three arms 318a, 318b, and 318c circumferentially equidistant from one another around the periphery 324 of the base 314. The arms in this embodiment are generally V-shaped and ramped towards the cap 312 (i.e. the arms extend from a larger base adjacent the major base portion 314b to a smaller face that is spaced from the major base portion 314b, and have a radially inwardly inclined and radially outwardly facing surface over which a loop of a wire mesh panel can slide).
Spacers 326a, 326b and 326c are coupled to the major base portion 314b and arranged so that each spacer is located circumferentially between two of the aforementioned arms. The spacers 326a, 326b and 326c each include a radially inwardly directed notch 356a, 356b and 356c that function as a seat for the cap 312 when the fixing 352 is tightened to draw the base 314 against the cap 312.
The minor base portion 314a includes three legs 358a, 358b and 358c that pass through associated apertures 360a, 360b and 360c (see Fig. 25) in the major base portion 314b to co-operate, respectively, with the arms 318a, 318b and 318c when the minor base portion 314a is drawn against the major base portion 314b by tightening the fixing 352.
Each of the legs includes a radially outwardly extending tab 362a, 362b and 362c and the tabs co-operate with a ledge (not visible) formed by a radially outward edge of each of the associated apertures 360a, 360b and 360c to loosely couple the minor base portion 314a to the major base portion 314b in the absence of the fixing 352. This reduces the chance of the clamp spontaneously disassembling if a user should inadvertently over-loosen the fixing 352.
As with earlier embodiments, the clamp provides a plurality of channels in each of which a loop of a wire mesh panel can be received. In this instance, for a given arm (say, arm 318a), each channel opens at one end between the arm (318a) and a spacer (326a) adjacent one side of the arm, extends inwardly behind the arm, and opens at the other end between the arm and a spacer (326b) adjacent the other side of the arm. As shown in Fig. 25, in this particular embodiment the clamp is configured to provide three channels 500 in each of which a loop of a wire mesh panel may be received.
In an envisaged arrangement, as depicted in Figs. 21 to 24, a radially inward face of each arm may be radially inclined from the base towards the cap so as to enhance retention of the loops in the channels.
Referring now to Figs. 23 and 24, with the fixing 352 loosened, a loop of a wire mesh panel can be pushed against the ramped arm 318a to lift the major base portion 314b towards the minor base portion 314a against the resilient bias 350, until the loop can pass over the arm 318a. In this position, the loop is separated from an adjacent loop of another wire mesh panel by the spacer 326b.
Once a wire mesh panel has been engaged with each of the arms (assuming that one wishes to couple, in this particular example, three panels together), the fixing can be tightened, as shown in Figs. 21 and 22, to draw the minor base portion 314a against the major base portion 314b to compress the resilient bias 350, and the major base portion 314b against the cap 312. In this position, removal of the respective loops from their channels is resisted.
Referring now to Figs. 26 and 27, the clamps disclosed herein can be employed to clamp -in this particular example -a hexagonal wire mesh panel 41 to neighbouring trapezium-shaped panels 411. A geodesic dome 421 as disclosed in our UK Patent No. 2563317 can then be constructed by coupling pentagonal panels 423 between adjacent hexagonal panels. The dome may then be coupled to a base.
It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of clamps have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, whilst the various clamps disclosed herein are configured to enable three panels to be coupled together, the principles disclosed may readily be employed to devise a clamp for coupling two or more than three panels together. In addition, whilst it is preferred for the clamp to include spacers, it is envisaged that the spacers could be omitted. Lastly, whilst in the embodiments disclosed the spacers Of provided) and arms extend from the base, it is envisaged that they could extend from the cap, or that one of the arms and the spacers could extend from the base and the other extend from the cap.
It should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.
Finally, it should be noted that any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for" performing a specified function, or "steps for' performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, par. 6. In particular, the use of "step of" in the claims appended hereto is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, par. 6.

Claims (20)

  1. CLAIMS1. A clamp for connecting a plurality of wire mesh panels together, the clamp comprising a base; a cap releasably attachable to the base, and a plurality of arms provided between the base and the cap to define a plurality of channels within the clamp; wherein each said channel is configured to accommodate a portion of a loop of a respective one of said plurality of panels to connect the panels together.
  2. 2. A clamp according to claim 1, the clamp comprising a plurality of spacers provided between the base and the cap and arranged so that each arm has a spacer to either side of the arm in a circumferential direction.
  3. 3. A clamp according to Claim 2, wherein each said arm co-operates with spacers to either side of the arm in a circumferential direction to define a said channel.
  4. 4.. A clamp according to any preceding claim, in which the base is releasably attachable to the cap by means of a snap fit mechanism.
  5. 5. A clamp according to claim 4, in which the snap fit mechanism comprises a resilient protrusion defined in the base or the cap and an aperture defined in the other of the base and the cap.
  6. 6. A clamp according to any preceding claim wherein said arms include a ramped radially inwardly extending and radially outwardly facing face.
  7. 7. A clamp according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base and the cap are releasably attachable by means of a threaded connection.
  8. 8. A clamp according to claim 7, in which the arms include radially reinforcing walls.
  9. 9. A clamp according to any of claims 14, 15 or 16, further comprising three spacers, the three spacers extending axially from the base or the cap.
  10. 10. A clamp according to claim 9, in which the three spacers extend axially to the same extent as the three arms.
  11. 11. A clamp according to claim 10, in which each spacer is provided adjacent an arm and each arm and spacer is separated circumferentially by a distance d, the distance d being larger than a diameter 0 of the portion of the loop of the panel.
  12. 12. A clamp according to claim 11, in which each arm and/or each spacer terminates in at least one circumferential tab, such that each arm and each spacer is also separated circumferentially by a distance c, wherein the distance c is between 1 and 1.2 times the diameter 0 of the portion of the loop of the panel.
  13. 13. A clamp according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said base comprises a minor base portion and a major base portion, a resilient bias being provided between said major and minor base portions so that said major base portion can move towards said minor base portion against said bias.
  14. 14. A clamp according to claim 13, comprising a fixing for coupling said minor base portion to said cap, the fixing extending through said resilient bias and said major base portion.
  15. 15. A clamp according to Claim 14, wherein tightening the fixing draws the minor base portion and the major base portion towards the cap and compresses the resilient bias.
  16. 16. A wire mesh cage including a plurality of panels coupled together by a clamp according to any preceding claim.
  17. 17. A wire mesh cage according to claim 16, wherein the panels form a geodesic dome.
  18. 18. A wire mesh cage according to Claim 17, wherein said geodesic dome includes a plurality of hexagonal panels.
  19. 19. A wire mesh cage according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein said geodesic dome includes a plurality of pentagonal panels.
  20. 20. A wire mesh cage according to any of claims 16 to 19, further comprising a base that is configured to be coupled to the cage to form an enclosure.
GB1914230.6A 2019-10-02 2019-10-02 Clamp Withdrawn GB2587638A (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1914230.6A GB2587638A (en) 2019-10-02 2019-10-02 Clamp
EP20797033.6A EP4040949A2 (en) 2019-10-02 2020-10-01 Clamp
US17/794,189 US20230083124A1 (en) 2019-10-02 2020-10-01 Clamp
PCT/EP2020/077567 WO2021064125A2 (en) 2019-10-02 2020-10-01 Clamp

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1914230.6A GB2587638A (en) 2019-10-02 2019-10-02 Clamp

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201914230D0 GB201914230D0 (en) 2019-11-13
GB2587638A true GB2587638A (en) 2021-04-07

Family

ID=68538852

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1914230.6A Withdrawn GB2587638A (en) 2019-10-02 2019-10-02 Clamp

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2587638A (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170122350A1 (en) * 2015-10-29 2017-05-04 Precision Pet Products, Inc. Pet barrier fastener
GB2563317A (en) * 2017-01-23 2018-12-12 Hebe Studio Ltd Improvements relating to animal enclosures

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170122350A1 (en) * 2015-10-29 2017-05-04 Precision Pet Products, Inc. Pet barrier fastener
GB2563317A (en) * 2017-01-23 2018-12-12 Hebe Studio Ltd Improvements relating to animal enclosures

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