NZ623526B2 - Improved clamps for panels - Google Patents
Improved clamps for panels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ623526B2 NZ623526B2 NZ623526A NZ62352612A NZ623526B2 NZ 623526 B2 NZ623526 B2 NZ 623526B2 NZ 623526 A NZ623526 A NZ 623526A NZ 62352612 A NZ62352612 A NZ 62352612A NZ 623526 B2 NZ623526 B2 NZ 623526B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- clamp
- halves
- clamping
- panel
- clamps
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 61
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 61
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 14
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005495 investment casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920004142 LEXAN™ Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004418 Lexan Substances 0.000 description 1
- 240000000233 Melia azedarach Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920005439 Perspex® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 101150085091 lat-2 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/41—Connecting devices specially adapted for embedding in concrete or masonry
- E04B1/4107—Longitudinal elements having an open profile, with the opening parallel to the concrete or masonry surface, i.e. anchoring rails
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/181—Balustrades
- E04F11/1851—Filling panels, e.g. concrete, sheet metal panels
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/54—Fixing of glass panes or like plates
- E06B3/58—Fixing of glass panes or like plates by means of borders, cleats, or the like
- E06B3/585—Fixing of glass panes or like plates by means of borders, cleats, or the like adjustable, e.g. for accommodating panes of various thickness, or with provisions for altering the clamping force on the pane
- E06B3/5857—Fixing of glass panes or like plates by means of borders, cleats, or the like adjustable, e.g. for accommodating panes of various thickness, or with provisions for altering the clamping force on the pane the fixing being adjustable, e.g. in one of several possible positions
- E06B3/5864—Fixing of glass panes or like plates by means of borders, cleats, or the like adjustable, e.g. for accommodating panes of various thickness, or with provisions for altering the clamping force on the pane the fixing being adjustable, e.g. in one of several possible positions with adjusting screws, wedges or cams
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, 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
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, 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
- F16B2/065—Clamps, 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 using screw-thread elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, 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
- F16B2/10—Clamps, 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 using pivoting jaws
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, 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
- F16B2/12—Clamps, 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 using sliding jaws
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Abstract
support clamp for panels of glass or similar includes two clamping halves (9000) each having a clamping surface (9001) and a locating component such as a tapered pin interlocking the two halves. Each of the two clamping surfaces are brought together by movement of the locating component through a range of positions, preferably lengthwise along axis 9003, such that oppositely facing return portions 9002 of each half are urged apart thus pressing together the clamping surfaces and securing the panel. To ensure that the halves remain aligned during the clamping process each half is provided with match up surfaces 9014 and 9008 that are forced into sliding contact as the clamping surfaces are forced together. range of positions, preferably lengthwise along axis 9003, such that oppositely facing return portions 9002 of each half are urged apart thus pressing together the clamping surfaces and securing the panel. To ensure that the halves remain aligned during the clamping process each half is provided with match up surfaces 9014 and 9008 that are forced into sliding contact as the clamping surfaces are forced together.
Description
IMPROVED CLAMPS FOR PANELS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention described here relates to improved clamps for panels,
with particular reference to clamps for use in fences and barriers.
OUND
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a n of a fence 1 that comprises a
plurality of panels 2 arranged end—to—end with small gaps 3 therebetween,
each panel being held in a vertical plane by two clamps 4, with clamps 4
being set into a supporting surface 5. Fences of this type, typically with panels
2 being made of glass or a transparent plastic (for example those sold under
the trade marks Lexan and Perspex), are widely used as security fences for
ng pools, to mark boundaries of eating areas of restaurants and in like
applications. They have sometimes been used as balustrades on buildings.
The appearance and the speed and ease of on of fence 1 are
dependent in part on the design of the panel-supporting clamps 4, as of
course is the ural integrity and safety of fence 1. Clamps applicable to
such fences, and to certain other fences also, are described below. These are
believed to be useful additions to the choices available to designers, when
judged by the combination of appearance, erection ease and speed, and by
the safety and integrity they offer.
The clamps disclosed herein can avoid or limit the obtrusive sight of
fasteners on the clamps’ exteriors. By way of example, a prior art clamp
having externally visible fasteners is disclosed by Austin in international
Patent ation No. WOO3/091516.
There are r provided clamps that have improved means for
holding together their main parts so that they can be assembled in more
accurate alignment with each other.
SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTlON
Throughout this specification, clamps for panels are described that
comprise two main parts, each of which has a clamping surface that in use
bears directly or via a spacer or gasket against a face of a panel that is
clamped. For clarity conciseness and convenience each such part will be
referred to, throughout this specification including in the appended claims. as
a “clamp half”. It is not intended to imply that such a “clamp half” necessarily
constitutes half of a clamp, and indeed all of the clamps bed herein
include two “clamp halves” and other parts.
In a first invention, there is provided a clamp for panel—shaped
members comprising:
a first clamp half comprising a first clamping surface;
a second clamp half comprising a second clamping surface; and
a locating component,
wherein said first and second clamp halves and said locating component in
use interlock with each other so that said first clamping surface and said
second clamping surface are positioned to press tively against
opposing faces of a panel positioned therebetween,
and r wherein:.
said first clamp half has a first surface that faces generally in a direction
opposite to the first clamping surface and said second clamp half has a first
surface that faces generally in a direction opposite to the second clamping
surface so that urging apart of said first surfaces by the locating ent
urges the clamping surfaces of the clamp halves towards each other;
the ng ent is e of nt through a range of
positions relative to said first surfaces until a final position is reached in which
position the locating component lies between and urges apart the first
surfaces so as to urge said first and second clamping surfaces against
opposing faces of the panel therebetween;
the first clamp half comprises a first guide surface and the second
clamp half ses a second guide surface;
the said first surfaces of the first and second clamp halves are so
oriented relative to the locating component as to urge together the first and
second guide es during at least a part of said movement of the locating
component, whereby to at least partially guide the relative nt of the
first and second clamping means during such movement.
Further according to the first invention, there is provided a clamp for
panel-shaped members comprising:
a first clamp half having a first clamping surface;
a second clamp half having a second clamping e; and
an elongate locating component having a tapered portion,
wherein:
the first clamp half comprises a first formation and the second clamp
half comprises a second formation;
the locating component is movable lengthwise during assembly of the
clamp so that the tapered portion moves between the first and second
components whereby to urge them portions of them apart so that the first and
second clamping surfaces are urged towards each other so as to clamp a
panel between the first and second clamping surfaces;
and further wherein:
the first clamp half comprises a first guide surface and the second
clamp half comprises a second guide surface which guide es when held
in abutment with each other during movement of the first and second
clamping surfaces towards each other prevent at least in their vicinity relative
movement of the first and second clamp halves in a plane perpendicular to
the nts of both the clamping es and the locating component;
the urging apart of the portions of the first and second formations
moves the guide es into abutment and subsequently holds the guide
surfaces in abutment.
In a second invention, there is provided a clamp for clamping panel—
shaped members, comprising:
a first clamp half having a first ng surface;
a second clamp half having a second clamping surface;
means for securing the first and second clamp halves together with a
panel-shaped member clamped between the first clamp e and the
second ng surface,
and wherein:
the first clamp half comprises a flange with a first opening for a fastener
n said first opening oriented so that a fastener extending through the
first opening can secure the flange to a first support surface;
the second clamp half comprises a portion with at least one second
opening for a fastener therein said second opening oriented approximately
perpendicular to the first opening, so that a fastener extending through the or
a said second opening can secure the portion to a second support surface
that is approximately perpendicular to the first t surface.
It is red that the said portion have a face oriented to in use abut
said second surface.
It is further red that a panel—shaped member clamped in the
clamp lie parallel to and be at least approximately co—planar with the face
oriented to in use abut said second surface.
A clamp according to this second invention may be adapted to be
mounted on a right-angled corner of a ure, such as a te slab
forming a balcony or the like.
It is particularly preferred to provide a clamp according to this second
invention is a clamp that accords with the first invention mentioned above, in
respect of the way in which the first and second clamp halves are connected
to each other. Such an embodiment of this second invention is sed
herein by reference to Figures 23 to 31.
There is further provided herein a third invention applicable to clamps
for panel—shaped members by means of which third invention a fastener used
either to hold parts of a clamp together or to secure the clamp to a structure
can be concealed by a cover plate that is readily removable when required.
This third invention provides, in a clamp for panel—shaped members,
the improvement wherein:
a n of a fastener holding together parts of the clamp or securing
the clamp to a structure is received within a recess;
the recess is in use of the clamp covered by a cover plate that is
received close—fittingly in the ;
the recess contains one or more lands t which one or more
lands the cover plate abuts when in its installed position and to which the
cover plate can be adhered so as to secure the cover plate within the recess;
the lands are so proportioned and so positioned within the recess that
a first portion of the cover plate can be moved inward into the recess by
application to the cover plate of a force directed outside a periphery of the one
or more lands whereby a second portion of the cover plate emerges from the
recess.
A preferred embodiment of the second invention is disclosed herein
that also es this third invention.
Everywhere in this specification, the word “comprise” and tives
thereof such as “comprising” and “comprises” when used in relation to a set of
elements integers features or steps are to be taken to indicate that the
elements integers features or steps are present, but are not to be taken to
preclude the possibility of other elements integers features or steps being
present also.
No reference in this specification to a particular patent or other
publication or to prior art is to be interpreted as conceding that the contents of
that patent or puboocatlon, or that piece of prior art are a part of the common
l knowledge in anyjurlsdlctlon.
Preferred embodiments of the inventions will be r described in the
following detailed description, by reference to the attached s, of which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a fence having clamps of
a type disclosed ;
Figure 2 is a side view of a prior art clamp, supporting and clamping a
glass panel;
Figure 3 is a front view of the clamp shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of two identical clamp halves of
the clamp shown in Figure 2 together with a nut—and—bolt assembly of that
clamp;
Figure 5 is a side view of the clamp shown in Figure 2, showing hidden
lines;
Figure 6 is a front view of one of two identical clamp halves of the
clamp shown in Figure 2 and is aligned vertically with Figure 5;
Figure 7 comprises five cross—sections marked (a) — (e) of the clamp
half shown in Figure 6, the sections being taken at the stations marked (a),
(b), (c ), (d) and (e) respectively extending between Figures 5 and 6;
Figure 8 is a cross section through a modified version of the clamp
shown in Figure 2, the n being equivalent to that of Figure 7(b);
Figure 9 is a cross section (not to scale) through a further modified
version of the clamp shown in Figure 2, the section being equivalent to that of
Figure 7(b);
Figure 10 is a cross section h a modified version of the clamp
shown in Figure 2, the section being equivalent to that of Figure 7(b);
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a clamp half according to the
invenflon;
Figure 12 is a further perspective view of the clamp half shown in
Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a detail (“A”) of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a side view of portion of a component shown in Figure 4,
modified according the present ion;
Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view through the prior art clamp
as shown in Figure 5 taken at station “X—X” and between stations (a) and (b)
with the clamp parts shown being ed according to the t invention;
Figure 16 is a fied and schematized cross—section of a clamp
made using two clamp halves of the type shown in Figure 11;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a deck—mountable clamp made
according to the invention;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of the clamp of Figure 17 with some
parts removed;
Figure 19 is a view of the clamp of Figure 17 looking in the direction of
arrow “R”;
Figure 20 is a view of the clamp shown in Figure 17 looking in the
direction of arrow “P”;
Figure 21 is a view of the clamp shown in Figure 17 looking in the
direction of arrow “”,Q the clamp being mounted to a deck;
Figure 22 is a ctive view of one clamp half of the clamp shown in
Figure 17;
Figure 23 is a perspective view of a further clamp according to the
invenfion;
Figure 24 is a view of the clamp of Figure 23 seen looking in the
direction of arrow “U”;
Figure 25 is a view of the clamp of Figure 23 seen looking in the
ion of arrow “”T, the clamp being shown mounted to a slab edge;
Figure 26 is a view of the clamp of Figure 23 seen looking in the
direction of arrow “8” with a cover plate removed;
Figure 27 is a view of the clamp of Figure 23 seen looking in the
direction of arrow “W”;
Figure 28 is a view of the clamp of Figure 23 seen looking in the
direction of arrow “”,V and with a cover plate removed;
Figure 29 is a perspective view of one clamp part of the clamp shown
in Figure 23 with a portion shown as an enlarged detail;
Figure 30 is a sectional view of the clamp as shown in Figure 24, the
section being taken at the station “1 19 — 119”;
Figure 31 is a perspective view of another clamp part of the clamp
shown in Figure 23 with a portion shown as an enlarged detail;
Figure 32 comprises two views of a clamp made with two clamp halves
of the type shown in Figure 11, and a section of that clamp with an enlarged
detail of that section;
Figure 33 is an exploded perspective view of a still further clamp
according to the invention;
Figure 34 is a partial sectional view of the clamp shown in Figure
33, the section being taken at station “123-123” of Figure 33;
Figure 35 is an elevation of a clamp secured to a glass panel, g
in a direction normal to the panel, with one clamp half in angular misalignment
relative to the otherclamp half;
Figure 36 is an elevation of a clamp secured to a glass panel, looking
in a direction normal to the panel, with one clamp half in lateral misalignment
relative to the other clamp half;
Figure 37 is a cross—section of two of the clamp halves of the type
shown in Figure 13, with some hidden lines omitted, in the ve positions
they would occupy in an assembled clamp, the cross—section of each clamp
half being taken at n “J — J” and looking in the direction of arrow “K”;
Figure 38 is an identical view to Figure 37, of two assembled clamp
halves, with one difference namely that the two clamp halves shown are
modified versions of those shown in Figure 13;
Figure 39 is an identical view to Figure 37, of two assembled clamp
halves, with one difference namely that the two clamp halves shown are
modified versions of those shown in Figure 13;
Figure 40 is a l cross—sectional view of the assembly of two clamp
halves shown in Figure 39, the cross—section being taken at n “L — L”.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Clamps will be described below that are suitable for use as the clamps
4 in fence 1, using glass, transparent plastics or other sheet-type materials for
the panels 2. Purely for convenience, glass panels only will be discussed, but
this is not intended to imply any limitation on the panel materials to which any
of the clamps may be applied. An important class of extra but d
application for at least some of the clamps to be described is to the securing
of hand— and other rails to panels of glass and other materials of balustrades
and the like.
The approach taken is to firstly be a prior art clamp 1910 and
then describe an improvement to that type of clamp according to the present
invenflon.
There will first be described a clamp 1910 that uses the principle of two
clamp halves (between which a panel may be clamped) that are held in
relative positions for clamping by means of a further component that interlocks
with both parts.
Figures 2 and 3 show clamp 1910 led and supporting a glass
panel 1912. Clamp 1910 has two cal clamp halves 1914 and 1916, and
these areheld together (i.e. to interlock) in use of clamp 1910 by a nut and
bolt assembly 1918 of which only bolt 1920 is visible. Bolt 1920 may be used
to secure clamp 1920 to a structure or to a suitable ground anchor (not
shown), or its lower part (shown protruding in Figures 2 and 3) may itself have
an anchoring function if for example clamp 1920 is grouted into a hole (not
shown) in a ground mass (not shown) or the like.
Panel1912 is held between c pads 1922 and 1924 that lie against
opposing faces of panel 1912 and t clamping faces 1926 and 1928 of
clamp halves 1914 and 1916 respectively. Below panel 1912 is an elastic pad
1930.
Figure 4 shows clamp half 1914. A cavity 1.932 is formed in an upper
portion of clamp half 1914 to reduce the clamp weight and the quantity of
metal required to make it, although cavity 1932 is optional. (Clamp halves
1914 and 1916 may be made by g, possibly investment casting, in
stainless steel or other suitable material, although this is not to preclude the
possibility of other manufacturing methods being used).
A lower portion 1940 of clamp half 1914 has a face 1936 that on
assembly of clamp 1910 faces the corresponding face of identical clamp half
1916. A cavity 1938 is defined within lower portion 1940. An approximately
semicircular cutaway 1942 is defined in a bottom wall 1944 of lower portion
1940.
Within cavity 1938 there is a formation 1946 whose function when
clamp 1910 is assembled is to prevent rotation of nut 1921 of assembly 1918.
At the top of cavity 1938 a ion 1948 extends outward beyond face
1936. Seen from above, formation 1948 has a shape like a hook or a ng
wave, and a surface 1949 s a wave-trough shape in front thereof, as
can best be seen in cross—sections (a) and (b) of Figure 7. (Note that these
cross—sections are as seen by an observer looking downwards, as indicated
by arrows on the dotted lines showing the sectioning stations (a) — (e)
extending between s 5 and 6.
When clamp halves 1914 and 1916 are led together, the two
formations 1948 nest together as shown in cross—sections (a) and (b) of
Figure 7, each of the two formations 1948 being received in the trough-like
recess defined by a surface 1949 of the other part, and on assembly of clamp
1910 together define an approximately circular-section opening 1951 between
them. Opening 1951 decreases in diameter from the bottom of formations
1948 to the top of formations 1948 so that when a tapered n 1952 of bolt
1920 advances into opening 1951 those parts of formations 1948 on opposite
sides of portion 1952 move in opposite directions thus pulling faces 1926 and
1928 towards each other (and therefore clamping therebetween the panel
1912).
To assemble clamp 1910, lt assembly 1918 is engaged in one of
the clamp halves (1914 for e) with bolt 1920 passing through cutaway
1942 and the two parts 1914 and 1916 are then positioned one against the
other, tapering porting 1952 being received between the two formations 1948. it
Nut 1921 is located between and against the two formations 1946 which
prevent it rotating as bolt 1920 is screwed upward (in the orientation shown in
the Figures). The result is that as ions 1948 are urged outwardly by
taper section 1952, faces 1926 and 1928 are drawn together, compressing
pads 1922 and 1924 and ng panel 1912. An external locknut (not
shown) may if required also be provided on bolt 1920, to be tightened against
the outer surface of wall 1944.
To balance the cy of the upper ends (i.e. the ends remotest from
formations 1948) of parts 1914 and 1916 to splay outwards, there is in
assembled clamp 1910 compressive contact between parts 1914 and 1916 at
their lower ends and/or between parts 1914 and 1916 and bolt 1920 and/or
between nut 1921 and formations 1946.
The clamp 1910 as described above was disclosed by the t
applicants in PCT International Publication No. . In that
publication, several schemes were described by which the interlocking of
parts 1914 and 1916 described above could be achieved. Afirst scheme, the
one incorporated in clamp 1910 as shown in Figures 2 to 6, is shown in Figure
7 (a) and (b). item number 1950 refers to an area on the “crest” of formation
1948. It is possible with suitable proportioning of parts 1914 and 1916 to
e that area 1950 of one formation 1948 actually ts the trough
surface 1949 of the other part, so that once a certain degree of engagement
of portion 1952 of bolt 1920 is achieved, the two parts 1914 and 1916 look
together. There may be gaps 1947 at the sides of the assembled clamp. With
this , the spacing n faces 1926 and 1928 can be very precisely
specified and held, so that overtightening of the clamp on panel 1912 can be
avoided.
Another possible scheme can be described by reference to Figure 8.
Figure 8 shows a section through a clamp 1910a having parts 1914a and
1916a corresponding to parts 1914 and 1916 of clamp 1910. (Similarly, an
item number in Figure 8 with a suffix “a” denotes a part equivalent to an
element of clamp 1910 with the same item number excluding the”a”.) Figure 8
is intended to be directly equivalent to Figure 7(b) although not to scale.
Clamp 1910a has a different interlocking arrangement, inasmuch as each
surface 1950a remains clear of nt e 1949a. Bolt portion 1952a
pushes formations 1948a apart, but movement together of parts 1914a and
1916a ceases when there is contact at points 1964. In this scheme,
ions 1948 are subject to bending stress once the clamp 1910a is
assembled, and parts 1914a and 1916a press against each other at points
1964. As with clamp 1910, the spacing of the clamping faces (not shown) can
be ely specified and held.
Still another possible interlocking scheme can be described by
reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a section through a clamp 1910b, with a
third interlocking . Clamp 1910b is generally the same as clamps 1910
and 1910a except for this third interlocking scheme, and the suffixes “b”
indicate parts corresponding to equivalent parts similarly numbered (except
without the “b”) in the description of clamp 1910. In this interlocking scheme,
portion 1952b pushes formations 1948b apart as before, but surfaces 1949b
and 1950b remain apart upon assembly and also there are gaps 1951
between parts 1914b and 1916b. In this scheme, the distance between the
clamping faces is not precisely set, but instead the clamping force on a panel
such as 1912 held between parts 1914b and 1916b depends on the distance
to which bolt portion 1952b enters into the space between formations 1948b.
This arrangement is not preferred as overtightening is possible, and this is
particularly ant where glass panels are to be clamped.
A fourth possible interlocking scheme can be described by reference to
Figure 10. Figure 10 shows a section through yet another clamp 19100, with a
fourth ocking scheme. Clamp 19100 is generally the same as clamps
1910, 1910a and 1910b except for its interlocking scheme, and the suffixes
“0” indicate parts corresponding to equivalent parts similarly numbered
t t the “0”) in the description of clamp 1910. In this interlocking
scheme, portion 1952c pushes formations 19480 apart as before, and
surfaces 19490 and 19500 remain apart. However, surfaces 1966 on the
formations 19480 and surfaces 1967 abut each other, er with surfaces
1965. This scheme leaves formations 19480 under bending stress when
portion 19520 is fully home, but this is believed able for such materials
as stainless steel (for example) which do not exhibit icant creep over
time and under load. This scheme was developed to provide improved
alignment of the two clamp halves such as 19140 and 19160 after clamp
assembly on completion of the assembly of the two parts.
However, each of these schemes has proven in practice to be only
partly actory, in each case for at least one of two reasons, namely ease
of manufacturing and the ability to assemble a clamp with two clamp halves
accurately in registration with each other and without distortion or unwanted
displacement of any gaskets used between the clamping faces and a panel
being clamped. What is meant by registration is that if two identical clamp
halves (such as 1914 and 1916 of clamp 1910) are assembled together in
perfect registration, a drawing that is an ion of the assembled clamp
when seen looking in a direction normal to a clamped glass panel would show
only one clamp half, the other being precisely obscured so as not to appear in
the elevation. Figures 35 and 36 are ions of clamp 1910 d to a
panel 1912, looking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of panel 1912,
where registration is not correct. Angular misalignment is shown in Figure 35
and would mean that at least one wedge—shaped part of the further clamp half
(here 1916) would be visible in the elevation and lateral misalignment, shown
in the similar view of Figure 36, would mean that some of the r clamp
half (here again 1916) would be visible along the whole of its length. Lack of
correct registration means that there is some ation of l and
angular misalignment of the clamp halves on opposite sides of the panel that
clamp the panel (1914 and 1916 in these examples).
The scheme of Figure 10 has been found able to give good registration
of the two clamp halves when they are in their final ons. However,
during the assembly s, in which the two clamp halves 1914c and 19160
are assembled together with member 19520 and moved into ment with
a panel to be clamped, any initial gnment of the two clamp halves may
not be corrected until very late in, or the very end of, the process of their
movement towards each other. The result may be distorting of rubber (or
other) gaskets or spacers between the panel and the clamp halves 1914c and
19160 notwithstanding accurate final registration of the two halves. This can
be very difficult to fix.
A surprisingly effective way in which this problem can be alleviated in
clamps of the above described general type will now be bed. Figure 11
shows a first clamp half 9000 of two identical clamp halves that can be used
in a clamp similar in its principle of operation to clamp 1910, so that separate
explanation of a clamp made using clamp halves 9000 is not required, except
as set out below. Figures 12 and 13 show further partial views of clamp half
9000. Face 9001 is a clamping surface analogous to face 1926 in clamp 1910
and 9003 is an axis along which an elongate locating component, such as a
bolt with a tapered portion (not shown in Figure 11, but analogous to bolt
1920) moves during ly and extends in the assembled clamp. Clamp
half 9000 has a wave- or hook— shaped first formation 9002. This first
formation and an identical second formation of the identical second clamp half
perform the same function as formations 1948 in clamp 1910: that is, as the
locating component is moved lengthwise during assembly of the clamp the
tapered portion moves between the first (9002) and second formations
whereby to urge portions of them apart so that the first clamping surface 9001
and the second clamping surface comprised in the second clamp half move
towards each other whereby to clamp a panel between them. On completion
of this process, clamp hlaf 9000 and the second clamp half arrange
themselves generally as shown in Figure 8 for clamp 1910, namely with
formation 9002 and its identical counterpart clear of each'other generally as
shown in Figure 8 and contact between pairs of side wall es 9019.
However according to the first invention there is one important difference
between clamp 1910 and a clamp made using two clamp halves 9000, set out
below.
A recess 9004 is formed in outer sloping face 9006 of formation 9000
and has a flat surface 9008 that is at least approximately parallel to bolt axis
9003 and precisely or nearly perpendicular to the face of a glass panel that is
held between the two faces 9001 by the assembled clamp. Also provided is a
triangular ion 9010 upstanding from a surface 9012. ion 9010
has a flat surface 9014 that is precisely or nearly parallel to wall 9008.
Further, formation 9010 and recess 9004 are so positioned and proportioned
that the ion 9010 of each clamp half is received in the recess (the same
as 9004) of the other clamp half when two clamp halves 9000 are assembled
together for use. es 9014 and 9008 act as guide surfaces while a panel
is being clamped. Provided a surface 9008 of one clamp half abuts the
surface of the other half corresponding to surface of 9014 during the ng
process, relative displacement in one ion of the two clamp halves from
their intended positions is prevented at least in the vicinity of those guide
surfaces 9014 and 9008. That one direction is perpendicular to the
movements of both the clampingrsurfaces and the locating component is
ted at least in the vicinity of those guide surfaces.
it will be realized that relative movement in the opposite direction is not
prevented by such guide surface abutment. However, with suitable choice of
the ry of the two formations 9002 and a tapered bolt 9025 pushing
them apart, a degree of sideways force is developed either continuously as
ion 9002 and its counterpart in the other clamp half are urged apart, or
if there is lateral misalignment. This pushes surfaces 9008 and 9014 into
contact and so long as that force exists, holds them in contact. In this way,
movement of the two clamp halves 9000 out of registration in either direction
in the plane of formations 9010 and recess 9004 is prevented or alleviated, at
least in the vicinity of the guide surfaces 9008 and 9014. This is explained
further below.
Also shown in Figure 11 are a male formation 9020 and female recess
9022 so positioned and proportioned that the female recess 9022 of one
clamp half 9000 receives the male formation 9020 of another clamp half 9000
when two clamp halves 9000 are assembled together. With suitably close
fitting of formations 9020 in recesses 9022, these too can assist in providing
good registration and ent of two assembled clamp halves 9000.
However, it is believed that having cooperating formations 9010 and recesses
9004 longitudinally at or close to the formations 9002 and working together
due to the side force developed between formation 9002 is more important to
good ration and alignment of thye two clamp halves.
Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle involved in a
clamp 9500 made on the principle described above by reference to clamp half
9000. It is a much—simplified and schematized cross-section normal to the
length of elongate locating component (eg bolt) 9025 serving the e that
is served by bolt 1920 in clamp 1910. The section shows what is happening at
the on tudinally along the length of component 9025) of the two
formations 9002 (represented by items 9002a and 9002b) in a clamp 9500
assembled from two clamp halves 9000 (represented by items 9000a and
9000b). Similarly to the arrangement shown for clamp 1910 in Figure 8,
formations 9002a and 9002b are urged apart by a bolt 9025 tapered in a
direction normal to the page (i.e. longitudinally of the clamp 9500). The effect
of this urging apart is to draw clamp halves 9000a and 9000b together, with
contact occurring at mating surface pairs 9019a (corresponding to sidewalls
9019 of clamp half 9000) and at mating surface pairs 9501, which is intended
to tically ent the two pairs of mating surfaces 9014 and 9008 of If
clamp half 9000. ing on the angle “a”, a ys—directed thrust is.
developed that urges the mating surfaces 9501 together, so that during
assembly of clamp 9500, registration of the two clamp halves 9000a and
9000b is maintained due to sliding abutment of the guide surface pairs 9501.
Formations equivalent to 9020 and 9022 (not shown in Figure 16, and at a
different longitudinal location on clamp 9500) assist in maintaining registration
and alignment of the two clamp halves 9000a and 9000b. The side thrust can
be varied by suitable choice of angle “a” and by suitable g the
formations 9002a and 9002b and controlling their arcs of contact with bolt
9025 as set out below. More detailed ation on ing the side thrust
to maintain registration during clamp assembly is now given, by reference to
Figures 37 — 40.
Figure 37 is a cross—section of two of the clamp halves 9000, with some
hidden lines omitted, in the relative positions they would occupy in an
assembled clamp, the cross-section of each clamp half being taken at station
“J — J” and looking in the direction of arrow “K” shown in Figure 13. Figure 38
is the same in content and viewpoint as Figure 37 except that clamp halves
9000e the same as clamp halves 9000 except for modified versions 9002e of
formations 9002 are shown.
Figure 39 is also the same as the same in content and int as
Figure 37 except that clamp halves 9000f that are the same as clamp halves
9000 except for further modified versions 9002f of formations 9002, are
shown. The arrangement of Figure 39 is treated first. An elongate locating
component 9070f, seen in section, is shown schematically only, as two
circles representing the larger and smaller diameters at the ends of a linearly
tapered end n 9071f. Each formation 9002f has a flat surface 9072f. The
two flat surfaces converge in the direction of advance of locating component
9070f shown by arrow 9073f (Figure 40), and are ed to the mating side
surfaces 9019f (corresponding to surfaces 9019 of clamp half 9000) as shown
by angle “Q” n a perpendicular to the surface 9072f and that plane.
If angle “Q” were to be 90 degrees, then as component 9070f
advanced, the contact forces between it and surfaces 9072f would be
perpendicular to the plane of surfaces 9019f and, although the two clamp
halves 9000f would be drawn together as required, there would be no urging
together of the pairs 9008f and 9014f of guide surfaces. Hence any l
lateral misalignment between clamp halves 9000f (i.e. across the page as
Figure 39 is drawn) would not be corrected. However, if “Q” is less than 90
s as shown, a side thrust is generated and the guide surface pairs
9008f and 9014f are drawn er and held together as component 9070f
advances towards its final position. As the surfaces 9072f move apart, the
lines of contact between them and tapered portion 9071f move also.
Although usable, the arrangement in Figures 39 and 40 is not preferred
as there is line contact between surfaces 9072f and tapered portion 9071f of
component 9070f.
In Figures 37 and 38, locating component 9070 is omitted, but the
larger and smaller diameters of the ends of its linearly tapered portion are
shown in dotted lines. Formations 9002 have l surfaces 9076, that
when ent 9070 is advanced to its final position are designed to abut
the tapered conical surface of component 9070. That is, line contact (as in the
arrangement of Figure 39) is avoided in favour of contact over significant
surface area. It is t that before this final state is reached, when
component 9070 is advancing between, and pushing apart, formations 9002
the point (or line) of contact between each surface 9076 and component 9070
will vary according to the remaining gap between mating pairs of surfaces
9019 and any lateral misalignment, but that sidethrust will be generated and
guide surface pairs 9008 and 9014 urged into abutment, so long as the
t e 9076 is mostly on the side of the axis 9077 of ent
9070 that is closer to the recess 9004 that contains guide surface 9008. This
appears to apply even if the conical surface extends more than 90 degrees
(as shown by angle “R” in Figure 37) around component 9070 from the plane
of planes 9019.
However, it is preferred that angle “R” be equal to or less than 90
degrees, as shown by the angle “8” in Figure 38. This is not only to ensure
that any sidethrust generated by contact between component 9070 (or 9070e Tf:vfi:a:,xxtimt..zm4.211376%?
in the arrangement of Figure 38) is in the direction required to bring the guide
surface pairs (9008/9014, 9008e/9014e) into abutment, but also because it
has been found that values of “R” less than 90 degrees make initial assembly
of clamp halves such as clamp halves 9000 and a matching locating
ent easier.
Of course the conical surfaces 9076, 9076e, must extend sufficiently
far around component 9070 or 9070e to ensure the thrust required to close
the clamp on a panel is also generated.
Calculating the contact points (or lines) n a d locating
component such as 9070 or 9070e and two l surfaces such as 9076 or
9076e for specified degrees of misalignment and separation requires only
geometry, and does not require any inventive step. By such means, the
necessary angular extent of the conical surfaces can be determined for any
practical clamp half design.
The sizes and proportions of recess 9004 and formation 9010 are
desirably chosen so that the two clamp halves 9000 are forced into such good
alignment and registration during assembly and before the two clamps assu
me their final positions, and preferably before any icant distortion or
lateral movement of gaskets (not shown) between the panel being clamped
and faces 9001 (not shown) can occur.
Formations 9010 are not intended to “bottom” in recesses 9004 in use,
i.e. face 9011 of formation 9010 is not intended to t face 9017 of recess
9004. Rather, it is intended that completion of ly together of two clamp
halves 9000 be characterized by contact between side surfaces 9019.
2O The combination of this locking scheme and the use of formations 9010
and recesses 9008 is surprisingly advantageous not only because of the
assembly advantages described above, but e it has manufacturing
advantages also, compared to the schemes described by reference to Figures
8, 9 and 10. it has been found difficult to obtain satisfactorily accurate
assembly with normal manufacturing tolerances, including those applicable to
investment casting, which can be used for the clamp parts. Specifically, with
the scheme of Figure 10, getting accurately simultaneous contact between
surfaces 1966 and 1967 as well as surfaces 1965 has been difficult. And with
the scheme of Figure 9, getting satisfactorily small gaps 1951 has been
3O ult. The scheme of Figure 7 proved similarly difficult to implement.
Despite the advantage of clamp half 9000 in this respect (it is similar
for manufacturing purposes to the simple scheme of Figure 8) some final
adjustment after casting (If that forming method is chosen) using a grinder,
possibly hand held, may nevertheless be required, but this is not particularly
ult as the formation 9010 in particular is readily accessible. Material can
be ground off it easily if required, or it can be tapped with a hammer or the like
to make a burr, effectively ly changing its shape.
An alternative approach to proving improved registration and ent
of two clamp halves would be to provide on clamp half 9000, instead of
formation 9010 and recess 9004, male and female locating formations (not
shown) that are similar to formations 9020 and 9022 but located longitudinally
near the “hook” formations 9002. The male locating formation of one clamp
half would have only limited lateral clearance (hence freedom to move
laterally) in its receiving female locating formation, so as to force two such
clamp halves into registration at the locations of the ions 9002.
However, in practice the need to provide some manufacturing clearance
would limit the effectiveness of this scheme compared to that of clamp half
9000, including during the s of engagement of the two clamp halves,
before they reach their final positions.
A further improvement may be incorporated in clamps such as clamp
1910 and clamps based on clamp halves such as clamp half 9000. This is
explained here by reference to clamp 1910, but without any intended limitation
to that clamp only. If the surfaces of formations 1948 that form opening 1951
and the surface 1952 of bolt 1920 are straight tapered, i.e. conical, in the
parts that are engaged by bolt 1920 in use, contact between bolt 1920 and
formations 1948 tends to be point contact, or at best line t over short
lengths, during engagement of the bolt 1920 in opening 1951, as there can be
only one point at which accurate mating of male and female conical es
occurs. This can make for unpredictable movement during assembly. To
alleviate this, the male surface 1952 of bolt 1920 that in use enters opening
1951, may be given a ly “barrel” shape as shown in Figure 14, instead of
a simple conical shape. Alternatively, those parts of the female surfaces that
form opening 1951 may be shaped with a correspondingly slight inward bulge
along their . This is shown at item 7067 in Figure 15, where either of
these es is believed to offer more line contact and a better “feel”
during assembly. This improvement could be applied to clamp half 9000. A
bolt 9025 made to be used in assembling clamp halves 9000 could
incorporate the improvement described above by reference to Figure 14.
A further example of application of the new locking arrangement set out
above will now be given.
Figure 23 shows a clamp 7000 that can be mounted on an edge of a
concrete slab 7001, or deck, beam or like structure, being secured by bolts or
screws (not shown, and by way of example) to both an upward facing
(typically ntal) surface 7002 of that structure and a side face 7004 of
that structure as shown in Figure 25. Clamp 7000 has two clamp halves7006
and 7008 that clamp together using the scheme described above in relation to
clamps made using clamp halves 9000 and that hold a panel (not shown) in a
gap 7003. Clamp halves 7006 and 7008 are identical in t of the parts
that effect their clamping together (see below) but ise differ from each
other. Clamp half 7006 has a flange 7010 that extends laterally and that in
use is placed immediately above surface 7002 (possibly with a gasket (not
shown) or layer of sealant interposed between the surface 7002 and the
flange 7010), whereas clamp half 7008 has a depending portion 7012 that in
use lies against the side face 7004 (again with the possibility of a gasket or
layer of sealant (not shown) being interposed).
2O Referring to Figures 29 and 31, the following items correspond to parts
of clamp half 9000 as listed below:
9004 corresponds to items 7026, 7027;
9010 corresponds to items 7024, 7025;
9002 ponds to items 7028, 7029
9020 corresponds to items 7030; 7031
9022 corresponds to items 7032, 7033.
The locking arrangement for two clamp halves 9000 having been
described above, it need not be repeated here.
One modification shown is ribs 7036, 7037 in clamp halves 7006 and
3O 7008 respectively, which both strengthen the structure generally and act to
prevent rotation of the nut (not shown, corresponding to nut 1921 of clamp
1910) on bolt 7022.
To secure clamp 7000 in place on slab 7001 (for example), suitable
fasteners (such as bolts or , not shown) are passed horizontally
through holes 7014 in depending part 7012, and others are passed vertically
through slots 7016 in flange 7010, all being secured within slab 7001.
For enhanced appearance, clamp half 7008 is provided with a cover
plate 7018 that once secured in place on clamp half 7008 lies flush with the
surface of clamp half 7008 and conceals heads (not shown) of the fasteners
that pass through that clamp half into slab 7001. Clamp half 7006 is also
shown as provided with a cover plate 7020 that once secured in place on
clamp half 7006 lies flush with the upper surface of flange 7010 and conceals
heads (not shown) of the fasteners that pass through flange 7010 downward
into slab 7001.
Figure 30 shows the two clamp halves 7006 and 7008 assembled,
using a bolt 7022 that serves the same purpose as bolt 1920 in clamp 1910.
Bolt 7022 must be, and is, shorter than bolt 1920 so as to lie above a surface
(such as 7002) on which clamp 7000 is d. it may have an Allen key—
type recess (not shown) or a simple transverse slot to enable rotation by an
Allen key or river when assembling the clamp halves 7006 and 7008
together. The clamp halves 7006 and 7008 are generally assembled together
before mounting to the slab 7001 (or other structure).
Clamp 7000 has the age that it can increase the room ble
on a balcony deck or the like by allowing secure installation of panels at the
very edge of the balcony or deck. Clamp 7000 is for at least this reason
considered inventive in itself and may be provided not only with the new
locking ement described herein, but any of the earlier ones described
above.
It will be apparent that two clamp halves 7006 could be used to provide
a clamp 8000 suitable for deck mounting. Such a clamp 8000 is shown in
Figures 17 to 21, with two such clamp halves 7006a and 7006b. Cover plates
7020a and 7020b corresponding to cover plate 7020 of clamp 7000.are
shown in Figure 17 and are left off in Figure 18. Clamp 8000 is shown
mounted to a deck or slab surface 8001 in Figure 21.
The principle described above by reference to Figures 14 and 15 is
illustrated in Figure 32, which shows a clamp 9700 made with two clamp
halves 9000 and a bolt 9077. In the detail section two formation 9002 are
shown and are “barreled” on surfaces 9762 rather than straight tapered.
As described above, clamps 7000 and 8000 have cover plates (7020
and 7018 in the case of clamp 7000 and 7020a and 7020b in the case of
clamp 8000) that in use conceal fasteners by which these clamps are secured
to surfaces or structures. A practical m with such cover plates is that
once secured in place, they can be ult to remove if the need arises. If
they fit closely in their recesses and if their al es are truly (or
nearly) flush with surrounding clamp surfaces, as is desirable for tive
appearance, there is nothing to grip to enable prising out of the plate if its
removal is required.
There is now disclosed an improvement to clamps that addresses this
problem. It is considered applicable not only to clamps of the types 7000 and
8000 described above, but generally to clamps for panels where a cover plate
is provided to conceal fasteners, whether those fasteners hold the clamp
together or hold it to a structure. For example, in the “A” publication of
Australian patent application No. 2006251996 (which is orated herein in
its entirety by reference) clamps are described with er—concealing cover
plates — see for example the cover plate designated item 38 of the clamp
designated item 30 in that publication. The improvement described below is
applicable to clamps such as these also, and more generally to clamps for
panels having fasteners that it is desirable to conceal behind one or more
cover plates. More specifically, e this improvement is independent of
the scheme by which the two clamp halves are secured to each other and a
panel, it can be applied to clamps the same in general arrangement as
clamps 7000 and 8000 but with the earlier locking schemes bed by
reference to Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10.
3O The general principle of the ement will be described by
reference to a clamp similar to clamp 8000. Referring to Figure 18, showing
clamp 8000, recesses 7933a and 7933b are provided to receive the cover
plates 7020a and 7020b respectively so as to conceal heads of fasteners (not
shown) that are installed through holes 7935a and 7935b. Lands 7937a and
7937b extend around openings 7935a and 7935b respectively. Cover plates
7020a and 7020b are placed in recesses 7933a and 7933b respectively and
secured on lands 7937a and 7937b respectively using an ve such as
for example a ne—type adhesive. The completed ance shown in
Figure 17 is thus obtained. The difficulty is to remove cover plates 7020a and
7020b when required.
Figure 33 shows a clamp 8001 that is a modified version of clamp 8000
incorporating the ement. Figure 34 is a partial sectional view of clamp
8001, taken at station “122 — 122” in Figure 33. Clamp 8001 has recesses
8003a and 8003b that, just as recesses 7933a and 7933b receive cover
plates 7020a and 7020b, receive cover plates 8005a and 8005b. Using recess
8003b as an example that is entative also of recess 8003a, it has a first
land 8007b that is similar to land 7937b except that it extends only partway
around fastener opening 8009b within recess 8003b. A second land 8011b
extends the rest of the way around opening 8009b and intersects land 8007b
at a small angle. The intersection between lands 8007b and 8011b forms a
slight ridge 8013b. Land 8007b is oned and proportioned such that cover
plate 8005b can be positioned on, and adhered to, land 8007b so that
external surface 8013b of cover plate 8005b is flush with surrounding surfaces
of clamp 8001 in the same way as cover plate 7020b is flush with surrounding
surfaces of clamp 8000. To install cover plate 8005b, adhesive is placed on at
least one of plate 8005b (specifically its inward facing surface) and land
8007b and plate 8005b is then placed in position in recess 7933b. Plate
8005b then adheres to land 8007b, but there is a shaped clearance
8015b between plate 8005b and second land 8011b within recess 8003b. If it
is required to remove plate 8005b, plate 8005b can be pressed inward at such
a location that the bond between plate 8005b and land 8007b is broken or at
least plate 8005b and land 8007b can be pulled apart, and plate 8005b
rotates on ridge 8013b, the clearance 8015b between plate 8005b and
second land 8011b being reduced. The effect is that an edge 8023b of plate
8005b leaves recess 8003b far enough for plate 8005b to be easily gripped
and removed from recess 8003b. Figure 34 shows a force (represented by
arrow 8017) applied to cover plate 8005b on an opposite side of ridge 8013b
from land 8007b (that is, outside the periphery of the land 8007b) so as to
rotate plate 8005b from its normal installed position (shown both in solid lines)
to a position (shown in chain—dotted lines) from which it can be removed).
It will be appreciated that second land 8011b is strictly not necessary,
and the function of first land 8007b could be served by l r lands
in combination. (The term “land” normally refers to a surface, but the term is
here intended also to include very small areas that act in effect as contact
points.) What is essential to this improvement to clamps is that there be one
or more such lands within a recess against which land or several lands in
combination a cover plate abuts when in its installed position and to which the
cover plate can be adhered to secure the cover plate within the recess, with
those surfaces being so proportioned and so positioned within the recess that
a first portion of the cover plate can be moved inward into the recess by
application to the cover plate of a force directed e the a periphery of the
land or lands whereby a second portion of the cover plate emerges from the
recess.
This improvement is ered an invention in its own right and,
allthough described by reference to a clamp of the type shown as item 8000
(clamp 8001 simply being a clamp incorporating the improvement but
otherwise identical to clamp 8000), could also be applied to a clamp such as
clamp 7000 to make cover plates 7020 and also 7018 more easily removable.
Similarly, the improvement could also be applied to other clamps in which
cover plates are used to disguise parts such as fasteners, such as for
example clamps otherwise similar to clamp 30 of the “A” publication of
lian patent application No. 2006251996.
Still other ments and variations, within the scope of the
described ion, will in the light of the above description readily suggest
themselves to persons skilled in the art.
Claims (2)
- CLAIMS “112?
- 2.52? 3127 51’2"? (QM; {4% WL’IKQ {QIOQ Sig?
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2011903654 | 2011-09-08 | ||
AU2011903654A AU2011903654A0 (en) | 2011-09-08 | Clamps for Panels | |
AU2011904258 | 2011-10-10 | ||
AU2011904258A AU2011904258A0 (en) | 2011-10-10 | Improved Clamps for Panels | |
AU2012903448A AU2012903448A0 (en) | 2012-08-10 | Improved Clamps for Panels | |
AU2012903448 | 2012-08-10 | ||
PCT/IB2012/001740 WO2013034973A1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2012-09-10 | Improved clamps for panels |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ623526A NZ623526A (en) | 2016-05-27 |
NZ623526B2 true NZ623526B2 (en) | 2016-08-30 |
Family
ID=
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