US20200011461A1 - Pipe Attachment Clamp - Google Patents
Pipe Attachment Clamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200011461A1 US20200011461A1 US16/575,203 US201916575203A US2020011461A1 US 20200011461 A1 US20200011461 A1 US 20200011461A1 US 201916575203 A US201916575203 A US 201916575203A US 2020011461 A1 US2020011461 A1 US 2020011461A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- collar
- distal end
- proximal end
- lever
- clamp
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- 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
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/04—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
- F16L23/06—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane connected by toggle-action levers
-
- 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
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
- F16L2201/20—Safety or protective couplings
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority the U.S. Non-Provisional patent application of same title that was filed on Apr. 7, 2016, having application Ser. No. 15/092,951, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present application also claims the benefit of priority the U.S. Provisional patent application of same title that was filed on Apr. 8, 2015, having application Ser. No. 62/144,546, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The field of invention is clamps for the removable attachment of flanged pipe or closing the end of flanged pipe.
- Flange terminated pipes can be removably attached with clamps that secure opposing flanges together under compression by an annular collar. The collar has an inner annular groove to receive the mating pipe flanges.
- The compression force can vary with the means used to secure the collar. A typical collar has two opposing C-shaped sections that are joined at one end by a hinge. The other end is secured by a screw attached clamp. The compression will vary with the degree to which the screw is tightened, which would require a torque wrench. In many settings, the screw can be over tightened. The threads can wear over time and generate debris. For flanges that are opened and closed in cyclic production processes, the debris can contaminate the flange surface forming leaks, or contaminate the vessel contents. Screws can come loose over time with repeated use, misuse and vibrations, particularly if the threads are stripped or worn down.
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to have such a collar style clamp that avoids the periodic tightening of screw at the clamping ends of the C-shaped members.
- It would also be desirable to have such a collar style clamp in which the compression load of the flanges can be set without a torque wrench, in which the compression load is not capable of being tampered with.
- It would also be desirable to have such a collar style clamp with multiple safety features, including a tamper proof sealing means.
- It would also be desirable to have such a collar style clamp suitable for pressure vessels.
- It would also be desirable to have such a clamp that is stamped and certified to meet the rules of the ASME Section VIII, Division 1, which is a much more stringent requirement than being made “in accordance with the ASME code”.
- It would also be desirable if the clamp mechanism provides a minimum non-adjustable level of clamping force, with minimum particulate generation, which is a critical characteristic for systems where material contamination from such particulate can ruin the product.
- The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- In the present invention, the first object is achieved by providing a pipe attachment clamp comprising a pair of collars having an inner annular channel for receiving a pair of opposing flanges of pipes to be coupled, a hinge coupling a distal end of each collar to the distal end of the other collar, in which the collars are disposed primarily in a first plane, an adjustable coupling for connecting the proximal end of each collar, the adjustable coupling being formed by a:a first radial abutment from the proximal end of the first of the pair of collars, the first radial abutment being shaped to provide a latch receiving means, a second radial abutment from the proximal end of the second of the pair of the collars including; a hinge, an armature having a proximal end and an opposing distal end and that is connected to the hinge at the proximal end to rotate in the first plane via the hinge, a lever connected at a proximal end to the distal end of the armature and having a distal end opposing the proximal end, a latch having a proximal end for extending over the first radial abutment and engaging the latch receiving means, wherein the latch is connected in rotary engagement to the lever to secure the first and second radial abutments in a closed position when the distal end of the lever is pivoted toward the second collar to a latched position to secure each collar to the other at the proximal ends thereof, a pair of eyelets capable of overlapping in which a first eyelet is disposed on the collar having the hinged lever and the second eyelet is disposed on the lever to overlap with the first eyelet for receiving a locking pin for securing the latched position of the lever, a locking pin for insertion in the overlapping first eyelet second eyelet.
- A second aspect of the invention is characterized by the pipe attachment clamp wherein the locking pin is attached with a flexible leash to the clamp.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by any such pipe attachment clamp wherein the locking pin is coupled to a ring for grasping and removal.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by any such pipe attachment clamp wherein the locking pin is attached with a flexible leash to the clamp at the ring.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by a pipe attachment clamp comprising a pair of collars having an inner annular channel for receiving a pair of opposing flanges of pipes to be coupled, a hinge coupling a distal end of each collar to the distal end of the other collar, in which the collars are disposed primarily in a first plane, an adjustable coupling for connecting a proximal end of each collar, the adjustable coupling being formed by; a first radial abutment from a proximal end of a first collar of the pair of collars, the first radial abutment being shaped to provide a latch receiving means, a second radial abutment from a proximal end of a second collar of the pair of the collars including; a hinge, an armature having a proximal end and an opposing distal end and that is connected to the hinge at the proximal end to rotate in the first plane via the hinge, a lever connected at a proximal end to the distal end of the armature and having a distal end opposing the proximal end, a latch for engaging the latch receiving means to secure the first and second radial abutments in a closed position to secure each collar to the other at the proximal ends thereof, a pair of eyelets capable of overlapping in which a first eyelet is disposed on the collar having the hinged lever and the second eyelet is disposed on the lever to overlap with the first eyelet for receiving a locking pin for securing the latched position of the lever.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by such a pipe attachment clamp wherein each of the first and second radial abutments has a distal end opposite a connection with the first and second collar, in which the latch comprises an elongated member coupled to pivot about the distal end of one radial abutment so that a central portion of the elongated member extends into a channel in the distal end of the other radial abutment and the elongated member is adapted to be clamped in the channel in which the elongated member is coupled proximal to the distal end of the radial abutment.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by any such pipe attachment clamp in which the elongated member is a rod having a threaded end for attaching a nut, in which the threaded portion extents past one of the radial abutments.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by any such pipe attachment clamp in which the latch comprises a rigid wire loop.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by any such pipe attachment clamp wherein the latch receiving means is a receiving notch in a side of the first radial abutment that is opposite from the second radial abutment.
- Another aspect of the invention is characterized by any such pipe attachment clamp wherein the latch receiving means is a receiving notch in a side of the first radial abutment that is opposite from the second radial abutment and a distal end of the rigid wire loop engages the receiving notch to secure the first and second radial abutments in a closed position.
- The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive collar clamp. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof. -
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view thereof. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive collar clamp. -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof. -
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view thereof. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive collar clamp. -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view thereof at section line 9-9 inFIG. 8 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 9 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved Pipe Attachment Clamp, generally denominated 100 herein. - In accordance with the present invention the
Pipe Attachment clamp 100 comprises a first 110 and second 120 C-shaped or semi-circular collar in hinged engagement at a distal end that is configured for clamped engagement at the proximal end via alatch lever 130, which is the primary clamping means for closing the C-shaped collars and applying a fixed clamping pressure. In the most preferred embodiment, theprimary latch 130 meets the requirements of ASME section VIII, Division 1-Mandatory Appendix (M.A). The first and second C-shaped collar have an innerannular groove 105 for receiving mating pipe flanges or ferrules. The collars can have other external shapes and present the innerannular groove 105. This inner annular channel orgroove 105 formed by the closed C-shaped bodies has a cross sectional shape adapted to urge the mating annular flanges of adjacent pipes or a pipe and a closure disk toward each other. Such flanges may optionally include a compliant seal member, such as a rubber gasket, or be simply closed by contact of smooth planar flange faces. Thecollars FIG. 9 . - The
hinge 140 may comprise abar 141 in pivoting engagement with first 110 and second 120 C-shaped collars, viapins locking tab 150 to engage against a receivingnotch 115 formed in a radial abutment at theproximal terminal member 111 of the first C-shaped collar 110. This radial abutment at theproximal terminal member 111 extends in the general outward radial direction from a geometric center of theclamp 100. Likewise, the second 120 C-shaped collar has a similarly extending outward terminalradial abutment member 121 at the proximal end. Thesecond abutment 121 is preferably forked to accommodate a pivoting support to thelatch lever 130 at itsproximal end 131. The pivotal support is via rod likeelongated member 160 that is in hinged connection to afirst pin 151 that extends through abore 135 inradial abutment member 121. The locking tab orlatch 150 preferably is in pivoting or hinged connection to thelever 130 at abore 133 between the proximal 131 anddistal end 132 thereof. When thelocking tab 150 is a rigid loop of wire or rod with a circular cross-section, it need only extend throughbore 133 to form the pivoting connection. When thedistal end 132 of thelever 130 is urged toward the second 120 C-shaped collar, thecollars distal end hinge 140 so that pipe flanges in theannular groove 105 will be pressed together with a predetermined clamping force. The predetermined clamping force can be modified by the shape of thegroove 105 and geometric bias provided by the length of thelever arm 130. Thelatch 150 can have other shapes and the receivingnotch 115 can be shaped to engage and securely receive the shape deployed at the distal end of the latch. - In another aspect of the most preferred embodiment, the first 110 and second 120 C-shaped collars are fabricated from an ASME Section IIA material, other than plate material that is prohibited by ASME Section VIII-Division 1, Appendix 24.
- The
clamp device 100 preferably includes various additional means for securing the closed position of thelever 130 from accidental displacement. Such securing means is provided to prevent the lever from being urged to the open position that would disengage the loop or lockingtab 150 from thenotch 115 and allow theclamp 100 to open. - One such additional securing means are overlapping
eyelets lever 130 and thecollar 120 respectively that are connectedly engaged by anotherpin 190 or wire loop when inserted through botheyelets FIG. 1 , thepin 190 can terminate at an upper end with aring 191 for grasping and removal. Thepin 190 is preferably also attached with a flexible leash to theclamp device 100 so it is not lost during storage, transport or installation. More preferably, lockingpin 190 is attached with a flexible lanyard or slidingleash 192 to theclamp 100, which can be optionally at thering 191, with an opposing side or loop in the leash being attached to thelever 130. - The embodiment of
FIG. 4-6 has an additional securing means via a direct coupling of the first and secondradial abutments terminals collars security lock 180 comprises a hinged rod, shaft or otherelongated member 181 that is threaded at thedistal end 182 that projects beyond theproximal terminal member 111 of the first C-shapedcollar 110 via a channel formed in the distal portion of the secondradial abutment 120. The opposing or proximal end ofrod 181 is in hinged connection in the channel formed by the arms of the 124 and 125 of the terminalradial abutment 121 of the second C-shaped collar. The end ofrod 182 preferably has a 0.5 inch diameter to comply with the bolt requirements of ASME Section VIII, D1, and M.A. 24. Hence,rod 181 pivots about theaxial pin 127 that extends through the proximal end of thebore 184. Theaxial pin 127 can be held in place betweenarms arms nut 183 is attached to the distal end after theclamp 100 is closed. After installing theclamp 100 the pivoting movement ofrod 181 swings the distal ends 182 ofrod 181 behind theproximal terminal member 111, where it would preclude the movement of thelocking tab 150 when held in place by tightenednut 183. Thenut 183 when placed on the distal end ofrod 182, being wider than the receiving groove in theradial abutment 120 fixes therod 181 therein, and thus provides a secondary latch or clamp means to secure the C-shapedcollars elongated member 181 that is threaded at thedistal end 182 can be coupled in hinged engagement at the proximal end with eitherradial abutment member 181 can be captured by the nut in the channel formed in the other abutment. - It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other hinges and locks for
rod 181 can be deployed, as well as a wire loop that can extend through thebore 184 and a pair of vertically overlapping bores or eyelets formed inarms arms eyelets loop 150 or thelever 130. Hence, other embodiments of the invention include blocking the movement of both theloop 150 and thelever 130 as illustrated inFIG. 4 . - The embodiment of
FIG. 7-9 omits the illustration of the wire loop to better illustrate a preferred shape for a terminalradial abutment 111 of the first C-shapedcollar 110. The radial abutment at theproximal terminal member 111 is widened in the tangential direction with respect to C-shapedmember 110 to accommodate thenotch 115. Further, thehandle 130 in hinged engagement with the secondradial abutment 121 is bent at the mid-section circareference line 137 so the distal portion between 137 anddistal end 132 is closer to C-ring 120 than in the other embodiments. -
FIG. 8 also illustrates that as the most preferred embodiments of the inventive clamp have been approved by ASME, each clamp also bear an ASME stamp, unique ASME serial no. corresponding to a signed ASME (U2) report that is certified by the ASME representative and a representative of the manufacturer, which is at this time the applicant, signifying the materials of construction are compliant with ASME section IIA, to meet the stress values per ASME section IID. The stamp and serial no. are on theradial abutments - Features, elements, methods and configurations described above with respect to one embodiment are not precluded from combinations and sub-combination with different features, elements, methods and configurations of other embodiments.
- While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/575,203 US20200011461A1 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2019-09-18 | Pipe Attachment Clamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562144456P | 2015-04-08 | 2015-04-08 | |
US15/092,951 US10422455B1 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2016-04-07 | Pipe attachment clamp |
US16/575,203 US20200011461A1 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2019-09-18 | Pipe Attachment Clamp |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/092,951 Continuation US10422455B1 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2016-04-07 | Pipe attachment clamp |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200011461A1 true US20200011461A1 (en) | 2020-01-09 |
Family
ID=67988732
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/092,951 Active 2037-07-13 US10422455B1 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2016-04-07 | Pipe attachment clamp |
US16/575,203 Abandoned US20200011461A1 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2019-09-18 | Pipe Attachment Clamp |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/092,951 Active 2037-07-13 US10422455B1 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2016-04-07 | Pipe attachment clamp |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US10422455B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD1006609S1 (en) * | 2021-04-19 | 2023-12-05 | Ceco Environmental Ip Inc. | Clamp |
CN116624674B (en) * | 2023-07-11 | 2023-09-29 | 中国二十二冶集团有限公司 | Pipeline butt joint node fixing device |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1646463A (en) * | 1925-05-08 | 1927-10-25 | Stokesberry Horace | Pipe coupling |
US2752174A (en) * | 1953-06-16 | 1956-06-26 | Victaulic Co Of America | Hinged pipe coupling and method of making the same |
US3574862A (en) * | 1968-05-31 | 1971-04-13 | Agonic Engineering Inc | Connector for diver{3 s helmet |
US3705737A (en) * | 1971-04-23 | 1972-12-12 | Forms Const | Pipe coupling with releasable connector |
FR2578593B1 (en) * | 1985-03-08 | 1987-04-17 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | TELEMANIPULABLE CLAMP |
US5645303A (en) * | 1994-10-27 | 1997-07-08 | Eg&G Pressure Science, Inc. | Compact pipe coupling device |
FR2730550B1 (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1997-04-25 | Serap Industries | CONNECTION DEVICE FOR QUICK CONNECTION OF TWO PIPES |
ES2419305T3 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2013-08-20 | John Julian Henry | A pipe coupling clamp |
US7290805B2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-11-06 | Highlight Tech. Corp. | Pipe clip |
US8371623B2 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2013-02-12 | Herve′ X. Bronnert | Cam clamp assembly |
GB201016016D0 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2010-11-10 | Rolls Royce Plc | Circumferential clamp and latching assembly |
US8220113B2 (en) * | 2010-11-19 | 2012-07-17 | Hitco, Ltd. | Smart clamp device for connecting tubing |
-
2016
- 2016-04-07 US US15/092,951 patent/US10422455B1/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-09-18 US US16/575,203 patent/US20200011461A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US10422455B1 (en) | 2019-09-24 |
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Owner name: TERMINAL MANUFACTURING CO., LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MELLINGER, STEVEN JOHN;REEL/FRAME:050421/0157 Effective date: 20190918 |
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