US3811668A

US3811668A - Pipe holding attachment for c-clamps and vises

Info

Publication number: US3811668A
Application number: US00126471A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Kotter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-22
Filing date: 1971-03-22
Publication date: 1974-05-21
Anticipated expiration: 1991-05-21

Abstract

Utilization and attachment of two V-type units, oppositely positioned onto a conventional C-clamp, a machinist''s vise, a woodworker''s vise and other clamping devices, enables positive clamping of cross-sectionally curved objects, such as pipe and tubing. Two cross-sectionally curved objects may be positioned and positively held at any angle with respect to each other by use of alternate embodyment of invention.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Kotter 1451 May 21, 1974 PIPE HOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR C-CLAMPS AND VISES [22] Filed: Mar. 22, 1971 [21] Appl. No: 126,471

[52] US. Cl. 269/258, 269/276 [51] Int. Cl B25b l/24, B25b 5/16 [58] Field of Search 269/8, 249, 268, 143, 276, 269/258 [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 2,284,449 5/1942 Rodess 269/261 5/1960 Blomme 269/268 8/1960 Sloboda et a1. 269/276 X Primary Examiner-Roy Lake Assistant Examiner-E. F. Desmond Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Burns, Doane, Swecker & Mathis [5 7] ABSTRACT Utilization and attachment of two V-type units, oppositely positioned onto a conventional C-clamp, a machinists vise, a woodworkers vise and other clamping devices, enables positive clamping of cross-sectionally curved objects, such as pipe and tubing. Two crosssectionally curved objects may be positioned and positively held at any angle with respect to each other by use of alternate embodyment of invention.

2,399,714 5/1946 -Wasi1ewsk I 269/249 2,485,876 10/1949 Guest 269/268 X 1 2 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures Pmmmwz I 3,811,668

sum 1 an:

iLKOTTER a'AIENTEDMAY 2 1 1974 'srmunra PIPE HOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR C-CLAMPS AND VISES This invention relates to a method and mechanical apparatus which provides a means for conventional C- clamps, machinists and woodworkers vises, and other clamping devices to positively hold cross-sectionally curved objects, such as pipe tubing shaft, cams, et cetera.

More specifically, it relates to a method and apparatus which provides a means for easy attachment to conventional C-clamps, machinists and woodworkers vises, wherein its grasping surfaces, by virtue of their respective angularity and relative position, positively hold curved objects, such as pipe, etc.

Still more specifically, the invention provides a means for two cross-sectionally curved objects such as pipe, tubing, rod, et cetera to be positioned and firmly held at any angle with respect to each other for various shop operations such as welding, brazing, gluing, et cetera.

The use of the term curved objects in presenting and describing this invention is intended to mean any material having cross-sectionally circular, ellipitical, spherical, non-uniformly curved, etc., configurations, for example, pipe, tubing, shafting, dowel, ball, cams, curved extrusions, etc.

To those skilled in the art of and familiar with auto,

machine, welding, plumbing, pneumatic, hydraulic, woodworking and furniture shop equipment and practices, it is well known that conventional machinists and woodworkers vises will not positively hold and maintain exact positioning of curved objects when relatively high force is applied on the object, for example as in threading, drilling, filing, screwing, bolting, removing or installing fittings, etc. Thus, it is necessary for all shops to install pipe vises and/or vises equipped with pipe jaws.

Positive holding of curved objects with conventional C-clamps has heretofore been impossible.

It is an object of this invention to provide attachable means for conventional C-clamps, machinistss and woodworkers vises and other clamping devices to positively hold curved objects such as pipe, rod, tubing, cylinders, cams, shafts, dowels, etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide easily attachable, self-supporting means for conventional C- clamps machinists and woodworkers vises, wherein sufficient holding surfaces are angularly positioned and opposed, to lock curved objects into a stationary position, when screw mechanism of the C-clarnp, machinists and woodworkers vise is tightened.

Another object of the invention is to provide a holding means wherein two curved objects such aspipes, tubes, rods, dowels, etc., can be positioned and positively held at any angle relative to each other by means of swivel connection incorporated into alternate embodyment of invention for vise-jaw attachment.

Another object of this invention is to provide greater contact or holding areas than conventional pipe clamps.

Another object of this invention is to provide four contact holding surfaces, two on each side of the curved object resulting in balanced holding forces.

Another object of this invention is to provide a means for greatly reducing marring and distorting curved objects caused by conventional clamping means.

The invention utilizes two V-type units with their respective V-type clamping surfaces opposed to each other. By virtue of their, respective clamping surface angularity, relative position, and increased contact area, they provide positive balanced clamping means which greatly reduces marring and distortion, commonly caused by many conventional clamping devices. The V-type units have attaching and securing means, such as, a high strength magnet in the base of each unit, set-screws protruding internally from its recessed base,

etc.

To convert a C-clamp into a curved object clamping device, the V-type unit of this invention (embodiment for a C-clamp) is placed and positioned on the flat surface of the screw terminal, usually swivel mounted, and the other V-type unit of invention is placed oppositely onto the fiat matching surface of the C-clamp. Tightening of the clamps screw mechanism assures positive holding of curved objects.

To utilize the invention on a machinists vise, the V- type unit (embodiment for a machinists vise) is placed and attached to each jaw of the vise, by securing means, such as, a high strength magnet in the base of each unit, set screws held in and protruding internally from its recessed base, etc. Tightening of the vises screw mechanism assures positive holding of a curved object.

To utilize the invention on a woodworkers vise, V- type unit (embodiment for a woodworkers vise) is placed and attached to each flat jaw of the vise, by securing means, such as, magnetic attraction provided by high strength magnets in the base of each unit. Tightening of the vises screw mechanism assures positive holding of a curved object.

Two curved objects such as, pipes, tubes, rods, etc., can be positioned and positively held at any angle relative to each other by means of a swivel mount incorporated into the V-type units, as alternate embodiments of the invention for attachment on machinists and woodworkers vise-jaws. This aspect of the invention can also be attached to a C-clamp. However, if used with a C-clamp, the swivel terminal of the C-clamp should not pivot.

Although the invention is specifically described herein for use with C-clamps, machinists and woodv workers vises, it is by no means so limited. The invention can be attached to, or be built into and become part of any of the clamping devices mentioned herein and other clamping devices such as woodworkers and machinists clamps.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specifications, drawings, and claims set forth herein.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 through 8 depicts the embodiment of the invention for attachment on a C-clamp.

FIGS. 9 and It) depicts an embodiment of the invention for attachment onto a machinists vise.

FIG. 1] depicts embodyment of the invention for attachment onto a woodworkers vise.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 depict embodyment of invention incorporating a swiveling V-type holding means for attachment to a vise-jaw.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a C-clamp, phantom lined with V-type units of the invention attached and holding a curved object. One V-type unit is in full view; the other is in cross-section.

FIG. 2 is a full view of a V-type unit of this invention showing extended V-type clamping surface.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, illustrating an alternate method of constructing V-type units according to the invention for magnetic attachment on a C-clamp.

FIG. 4 is a three-dimentional view, illustrating an alternate method of constructing V-type units for magnetic attachment on a C-clamp.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, illustrating another alternate method of constructing V-type units according to the invention for magnetic attachment on a C- clamp.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention incorporating retractable spring loaded cylindrical lips.

FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of a typical cylindrical lip with slots to govern its travel.

FIG. 8 is a view, partly in section, illustrating one of two similarly constructed V-type units with a portion cut away to show its cross-section; an alternate method of constructing V-type units for mechanically attaching the device to a C-clamp.

FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional view showing the jaws of a machinists vise with V-type units of the invention attached.

FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a V-type unit according to the invention for attachment on a machinists vise.

FIG. 11 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a V-type unit according to the invention for attachment on a woodworkers vise.

FIG. 12 is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of this invention with swiveling means, and having extended V-type clamping surfaces.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the V-type unit shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of another V-type unit of invention with swiveling means; unit is of the type with integral base and clamping surfaces.

Referring to the drawings:

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, similarly constructed V-

type units

11 and 12 of invention are shown holding .curved object 38. Base 13 of unit 12 is circularly flat clamping surface 16 of C-clamp l8 and unit 11 is held magnetically to C-clamp 18. Side slippage is likewise prevented by its similar construction.

Into recessed opening 15, wafer type, permanent magnet 22, such as, high strength alnico, cobaltsamarium, etc., is fitted and attached by any convenient expedient such as glue, press-fit, bolt, etc.

V-

type clamping surfaces

23 and 24 of unit 12, are attached to base 13 at

areas

25 and 26. Attachment of V-type clamping surfaces 23 and 24 may be accomplished by any appropriate method, such as welding, bolting, riveting, etc. V-

type surfaces

23 and 24 may extend beyond perimeter of circular base 13. This construction provides a larger clamping area, for example,

to prevent marring and distorting curved objects of relatively soft material such as, wood, plastic, copper, aluminum, etc.

Referring once more to FIG. 1, the included angle 0 generated between clamping

surfaces

23 and 24 may range from 60 to Clamping

surfaces

23 and 24 with an included angle of 0=90, have been used experimentally and have proven to be very satisfactory.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, base 13 and clamping

surfaces

23 and 24 form integral V-type unit 11. V-type clamping surfaces 23 and 24 are circularly recessed at opening 27. Into opening 27, permanent magnet 22 is fitted and attached by any convenient expedient such as glue, press-fit, bolt, et cetera.

The method of constructing this embodiment of invention is used when large clamping areas are not necessary, for example on such material as steel, cast iron, etc. This type construction method also may be used when clamping softer materials if a large clamping force is not exerted or if marring the object is not objectionable.

Referring to FIG. 5, in this embodiment of invention, V-

type units

11 and 12 have recessed opening 28, adjacent recessed opening 14.

Recessed opening 14, of circular lip 19, has a circular wedge-shaped inner surface 37, to accommodate various diameter flat clamping surfaces of C-clamps.

Into opening 28 wafer type, permanent magnet 22, is fitted and attached similarly as previously described. To prevent high compressive loads from concentrating on face 29 of magnet 22, the diameter of recessed opening 28, is smaller than the diameter of recessed opening 14. Magnet 22 is slightly less in thickness than the depth of recessed opening 28. Compressive loading from a C-clamp, such as C-clamp 18 is transmitted either through flat circular surface 30 or wedge-shaped face 37 of recessed opening 14.

Referring to FIG. 6; In this alternate embodiment of invention, base 13, is circularly recessed at opening 150, to provide housing for coiled compression springs x, y and z, cylindrical partitions 151 and 152, and

cylindrical lips

153, 154 and 155. Compression spring 1 corresponds in diameter and thickness to cylindrical lip 153. Compression spring y corresponds in diameter and thickness to the diametrically larger cylindrical lip 154. Compression spring 2 corresponds in diameter and thickness to the diametrically larger cylindrical lip 155. Coiled compression springs x, y and z, and

cylindrical lips

153, 154 and 155 are separated by cylindrical partitions 151 and 152.

Pins

156 and 157 are pressfitted into base 13 through in-line holes 158 and 159, 160 and 161 respectively.

Pins

156 and 157 prevent escape of partitions 151 and 152, and provide a means for

cylindrical lips

153, 154 and 155 to slide inwardly toward and outwardly from inner circular surface 164 of base 13, without disengagement from base 13. The details of construction of one of the cylindrical lips 153 are shown in FIG. 7.

Pins

156 and 157 are shown affixed through longitudinal slotted openings 162 and 163.

Referring to FIG. 6 and 7; after compression springs x, y and z, and cylindrical partitions 151 and 152, are inserted into recessed opening of base 13,

cylindrical lips

153, 154 and are inserted forcing springs x, y and 2 respectively to slightly compress between inner

circular surfaces

165, 166 and 167 of

respective lips

153, 154 and 155 and circular surface 164 of base 13.

Pins

156 and 157 are then pressed into corresponding

holes

158, 159, 160 and 161. Stored energy of slightly compressed springs x, y and 2: force cylindrical lips 153, .154 and 155 outwardly to typical inner stops 168 and 169 of slots 162 and 163 of typical cylindrical lip 153, (reference FIG. 7).

This type construction of V-type units permits attachment to C-clamps possessing various diameter flat clamping surfaces.

Although the embodiment described herein depicts three coiled springs x, y and z, three retractable

cylindrical lips

153, 154 and 155, two cylindrical partitions 151 and 152, and two

pins

156 and 157, more or fewer of these items can obviously be used in practicing the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, all embodiments of V-

type units

11 and 12 thus far described, are held to C-clamp 18 by magnet 22 in close proximity to magnetically

attractable surfaces

16 and 17, of clamp 18.

An alternate method of attaching V-type unit 12 to C-clamp 18, as shown in FIG. 8, is by means of

setscrews

31, 32 and 33, which respectively engage threads of tapped

holes

34, 35 and 36, in lip 19 of base 13. Protruding internally from lip 19, set

screws

31, 32 and 33 contact and firmly hold the unit on clamping surface 17 when tightened. V-type unit 11 is similarly constructed and is likewise attached to C-clamp 18.

Although securing of the unit to C-clamp 18 is not imperative for the invention to be operative, inadvertant removal or dislocation of V-

type units

11 and 12 is prevented, and ease of clamping and unclamping curved object 38 is provided.

In FIG. 9, there is shown another embodiment of the invention wherein two similarly constructed V-

type units

40 and 41 are attached to vise-

jaws

42 and 43 of a machinists vise 44.

Referring to FIG. 11; V-type unit 80 is one of two similarly constructed V-type units for use with a woodworkers vise (not shown). V-type unit 80 construction is similar to V-

type unit

40 and 41 construction for machinists vise 44 with exception of its base 81 configuration. Base 81 of V-type unit 80 has flat surface 82 for magnetic attachment to large flat jaw area of woodworkers vise, (not shown). Base 81 also has countersunk

holes

83 and 84 for insertion of

flat head bolts

85 and 86 and it is attached to clamping block 87 by

flat head bolts

85 and 86, as previously described.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, base support 90 is rectangularly shaped and longitudinally recessed to form slot 91 for ease of attachment to a machinists vise as shown in FIG. 7. An integral part of base support 90, is centrally located stubshaft 92, which is circularly recessed, groove 89, to hold retaining ring 93. Base support 90 is drilled and counter-sunk at locations A and B, to provide for attachment to magnet holding blocks 94 and 95, by flat head screws 96 and 97. Magnet holding blocks 94 and 95, are drilled and tapped at loca- Referring to FIG. 9 and 10; base 45 of V-type unit 41 v is rectangularly shaped and recessed to form longitudinal slot 46, for easy insertion of either opposing flat clamping surfaces 47 and 48 of

respective vice-jaws

42 and 43 of machinists vise 44.

Contact surface 49 of base 45 contacts flat clamping surface 48 of vise-jaw 43 and V-type unit 41 is held magnetically to machinists vise 44.

Lips

50 and 51, of base 45, stabilize V-type unit 41 when loosening or tightening the screw mechanism (not shown) of machinist's vise 44.

Similarly, contact surface 52 of base 53 of V-type unit 40 contacts flat clamping surface 47 of vise-jaw 42, and is held magnetically to machinists vise 44. V-type unit 40 is likewise stabilized by its similar construction. Clamping block 55 of V-type unit 41 is recessed longitudinally to form compartment 56 for

permanent magnets

57, 58 and 59. Clamping block 55 is drilled and tapped at

hole location

60 and 61 for respective insertion of

bolts

62 and 63, through countersunk

holes

64 and 65, of base 45. Base 45is attached to clamping block 55 by

bolts

62 and 63. Any other suitable fastening means may be employed such as, riveting, welding, etc. Ends 66 and 67, of base 45 are shaped to fit snugly intocompartment 56 of clamping block 55 to prevent escape of magnets 57 and 59 respectively. When bolted together,

flat surfaces

68 and 69 of clamping block 55 meet

flat surfaces

70 and 71 respectively, of base 45, to form V-type unit 41, for use with machinists vise 44. Similarly, V-type unit 40 is constructed likewise for use with machinists vise 44.

Magnets 104 and 105 are housed and encased between base support 94 and magnet holding blocks 94 and 95 respectively.

Circularly shaped V-type clamping unit 106 is mounted rotatably on stub-shaft 92 of base support 90.-

Base 107, of circularly shaped V-type clamping unit 106 is circularly recessed at opening 108 and it is circularly opened therethrough at boredopening 109. A sliding fit is held between bored opening 109 and stub shaft 92.

Coiled compression spring 110 fits around stub-shaft 92 and its circular load-bearing

surfaces

111 and 112, contact circularly, base support 90, at area 113 and base 107, at area 114 of V-type clamping unit 106.

Base 107 is attached to V-type clamping surfaces 115 and 116 by any suitable means, such as welding, riveting, bolting et cetera. A recessed opening 117, greater in diameter than bored opening 109, is provided in V- type clamping surfaces 115 and 116, and terminates at circular face 118 of base 107. The diameter of recessed circular opening 117 is larger than bored hole 109, by an amount slightly greater than twice the thickness of retaining ring 93.

Magnet holding blocks 94 and 95 have circularly

curved faces

120 and 121 respectively, forming a sliding fit between circularly shaped base,107, of V-type unit 106.

Sections

120 and 121 are support surfaces for base 107 when positioning and swiveling a curved object (not shown) in V-type unit 106.

To assemble swivel V-type clamping unit 106 onto base support 90, the compression spring 110 is placed on stub-shaft 92, reference FIG. 13. Then the V-type clamping unit 106 is placed on stub-shaft 92 forcing compression spring 110 to slightly compress. Retaining ring 93 is placed into groove 89 of stub shaft 92. Retaining ring 93 maintains circular contact with circular face 118 when no compressive force is exerted on swivel V-type clamping unit 106. Retaining ring 93 prevents disengagement of clamping unit 106 from stub-shaft 92 and base support 90, and permits V-type clamping unit 106 suspended by coiled compression spring 110, to swivel.

When jaws of a vise (not shown) approach closing position, V-type clamping unit 106 forces spring 110 to compress and circular face 119, of base 107 to contact base support 90. All compressive forces are therefore transmitted from

faces

115 and 116 through base 107 to base support 90 and ultimately to vise-jaws, not shown.

Each of two curved objects such as pipe, not shown, placed into swiveling V-type clamping units, such as unit 106, attached to vice-jaws, (not shown) may be rotated to any desired angle with respect to themselves and positively held in this position by tightening of vises screw mechanism.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternate type construction of swiveling V-type unit; circular base 121 and clamping

surfaces

122 and 123 are an integral V-type unit 124. Recessed circular opening 125 is larger in diameter than bored hole 126, by an amount slightly greater than twice the thickness of retaining ring 93. Base 121 has circular recessed opening 127 with circular terminal surface 128, which contacts compression spring 110. When jaws of a vise, (not shown) approach closing position, V-type clamping unit 124 forces spring 110 to compress and circular face 129, of integral V-type unit 124, to contact base support 90. All compressive forces are therefore transmitted from clamping

surfaces

122 and 123 through integral unit 124 to base support 90 and ultimately to vise-jaws (now shown).

Although throughout the presentation and description of the invention, the clamping surfaces of the invention have been referred to as having a V-type configuration, the invention is by no means so limited to this type clamping configuration. The clamping means of the invention may confonn to the curvature of various curved objects such as the many varieties of pipe and tubing sizes. Each clamping unit of the invention may be slightly less than semi-circular, matching the outside diameter of the curved object to hold the object firmly when the screw mechanism of the C-clamp, the

machinists or the woodworkers vise is tightened. This type clamping configuration is especially useful in holding soft tubular material such as copper, aluminum, plastic, et cetera.

As used in this specification and claims, the word clamp is defined to encompass all clamping devices, such as, the C-clamp, the machinists and woodworkers vises, the machinists clamp, and other devices of a similar nature.

I claim:

1. A holding device for attachment to each of opposed jaws of a clamp or vise and capable of selfalignment in at least one plane, said device comprising:

a. a support member contoured to fit over a jaw of a clamp or vise;

b. a magnet secured to the support member and so located as to hold said support member upon said aw;

c. a pair of planar members joined to form a V- configuration; and

d. means connecting the planar members to the support member for rotatably mounting said planar members at their vertex on a side of the support member remote from the jaw on which said device is mounted, and capable of rotation through 360, said planar members including between then an angle of from 60 to said means for rotatably mounting the planar members on the support member comprising:

1. a stationary cylindrical extension of the support member,

2. a cylindrically recessed base member secured to the planar members at their vertex, said cylindrically recessed base member loosely fitting over said stationary cylindrical extension to form an annular space therebetween,

3. resilient compression means in said annular space normally urging said base member away from said support member, and

4. means for retaining said resilient compression means within the annular space to maintain said base member rotatably mounted on said support member, whereby said planar members, in cooperation with corresponding planar members on a similar device mounted on an opposing jaw of a clamp or vise will securely hold an object between them at any desired angle when said jaws are urged together.

2. A holding device for attachment to each of opposed jaws of a clamp or vise and capable of selfalignment in at least one plane, said device comprising:

a. a support member contoured to fit over a jaw of a clamp or vise; b. a magnet secured to the support member and so located as to hold said support member on said jaw;

c. a contoured face member comprising a portion of a hollow cylindrical body generating a face arc of less than 180 conforming to the curvature of the surface of a cylindrical body to be held; and

(1. means connecting the contoured face member to the support member for rotatably mounting said contoured face member on the support member remote from the jaw on which said device is mounted, said means for rotatably mounting the contoured face member on the support member comprising:

1. a stationary cylindrical extension on the support member,

2. a cylindrically recessed base member secured to the contoured face member, said cylindrically recessed base member loosely fitting over said stationary cylindrical extension to form an annular space therebetween, resilient compression means in said annular space normally urging said base member away from said support member, and means for retaining said resilient compression means within the annular space to maintain said base member rotatably mounted on said support member, whereby said contoured face member in cooperation with a corresponding contoured member on a similar device mounted on an opposing jaw of a clamp or vise will securely hold a cylindrical object between them at any desired angle when said jaws are urged together.

Claims

1. A holding devicE for attachment to each of opposed jaws of a clamp or vise and capable of self-alignment in at least one plane, said device comprising: a. a support member contoured to fit over a jaw of a clamp or vise; b. a magnet secured to the support member and so located as to hold said support member upon said jaw; c. a pair of planar members joined to form a V-configuration; and d. means connecting the planar members to the support member for rotatably mounting said planar members at their vertex on a side of the support member remote from the jaw on which said device is mounted, and capable of rotation through 360*, said planar members including between then an angle of from 60* to 120*, said means for rotatably mounting the planar members on the support member comprising: 1. a stationary cylindrical extension of the support member, 2. a cylindrically recessed base member secured to the planar members at their vertex, said cylindrically recessed base member loosely fitting over said stationary cylindrical extension to form an annular space therebetween, 3. resilient compression means in said annular space normally urging said base member away from said support member, and 4. means for retaining said resilient compression means within the annular space to maintain said base member rotatably mounted on said support member, whereby said planar members, in cooperation with corresponding planar members on a similar device mounted on an opposing jaw of a clamp or vise will securely hold an object between them at any desired angle when said jaws are urged together.

2. A holding device for attachment to each of opposed jaws of a clamp or vise and capable of self-alignment in at least one plane, said device comprising: a. a support member contoured to fit over a jaw of a clamp or vise; b. a magnet secured to the support member and so located as to hold said support member on said jaw; c. a contoured face member comprising a portion of a hollow cylindrical body generating a face arc of less than 180* conforming to the curvature of the surface of a cylindrical body to be held; and d. means connecting the contoured face member to the support member for rotatably mounting said contoured face member on the support member remote from the jaw on which said device is mounted, said means for rotatably mounting the contoured face member on the support member comprising: