WO2004085899A1

WO2004085899A1 - A mounting block

Info

Publication number: WO2004085899A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2004/000059
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roderick Francis Galantai
Original assignee: Galantai (Plastics) Group Limited
Priority date: 2003-03-27
Filing date: 2004-03-25
Publication date: 2004-10-07

Abstract

A transit assembly or subassembly composed of blocks (1, 2) having flanks, and flanking components (6) which engage or associate with the block flanks. The assembled blocks define a transit passageway (15) for piping, conduits and the like, which may optionally include a bush (8). At least one of the pairs of flanking components is adapted to therethrough a tie (14) which bears directly on the flanking members to provide a force which in turn acts on the blocks and thereby holds or retains the pipes, conduits, or the like to substantially prevent their movement.

Description

A MOUNTING BLOCK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to transit assemblies, components for such assemblies, related modular transit forming kits and related means and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art examples include by way of example of pipe links are those such as disclosed in New Zealand Registered Design 21793 where pre-formed components are held together by bolts and nuts acting through the mating components, the bolts extending transversely of the transit axes. Such an arrangement however is reliant on the exact size of the transit openings defined by the individual components and they have a fixed relationship insofar as multiple passageways are concerned.

Another prior art type of construction is that disclosed in US Patent 4919372 reliant on matching components that are moulded and can be brought together to provide a lead - through transit, for cables or pipe, reliant on a frame into which they can be clamped.

The present invention is directed to a transit assembly, components thereof or kits therefor ("transit assembly" being used herein as representative of all such pipe, cable or the like supporting arrangements) which will at least offer the public a useful choice and preferably a modularity of componentry thereby allowing a convenient amalgamation of components (optionally with some degree of pre-assembly).

In preferred forms of the present invention, the present invention has as an object the provision of components assemblable with a degree of modular pre-assembly which allow similar usages irrespective of the particular modules utilised. BMEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention consists in a transit assembly (or components for such a transit assembly) (hereafter "a transit asssembly") which comprises or includes at least a first block having first and second flanks, a second block having first and second flanks, a first pair of flanking components, a second pair of flanking components, a third block having third and fourth flanks, a fourth block having third and fourth flanks, and a third pair of flanking components, wherein said first and second block in use in assembly defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a first transit passageway, and the third block and the fourth block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a second transit passageway, and wherein each flanking component of a pair is, or is to be, associated with a flank of a block such that

(i) each flanking component of said first pair of flanking components is, or is to be, each on a first flank of one or other of said first and second blocks,

(ii) each flanking component of said second flanking components is, or is to be, on a second flank of one or other of said first or second blocks as well as a third flank of one or other of said third or fourth blocks, and

(iii) each flanking component of the third pair of flanking components is, or is to be, each on a fourth flank of one or other of said third or fourth blocks.

Preferably there is a bush for location in use or located in at least one of the two transit passageways.

Preferably at least each of said first and third pair of flanking components includes adaptation to receive or to have received a tie therethrough adapted, by direct or indirect bearing of the tie on the receiving flanking components, to provide force on the flank block. Preferably said tie plate members are adapted to sandwich the transit assembly and a pair of ties adapted to tie through, in one case, the first pair of flanking components one tie plate to the other and in the case the third pair of flanking components one tie plate to the other. In one aspect the present invention consists In a transit assembly (or componente for such an assembly) which comprises or includes a first moulded block, and a second moulded block, the two blocks each being adapted by virtue of their peripheral profile to define with the other a transit passageway, wherein each block defines at least one engagement face on each respective flank for a flanking member.

As used herein the term "transit assembly" includes any lead through block or other assembly, modular or otherwise, which will allow the passage through said passageway, whether sleeved, bushed or otherwise. Preferably each block defines on each respective flank a form capable of being interference fit (preferably slide) engageable by a complementary moulded flanking member.

By way of example but without limitation, preferably there can be provided a pair of opposed substantially parallel surfaces capable of being engaged by complementary convergent surfaces of a flanking member (or vice versa) thereby to provide not only an interference fit but a capability of providing some component of force through the engagement that holds or urges the two block members at or to the passageway forming condition.

Preferably said transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) includes a bush adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for that elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly. In other forms no bush use may be intended.

Preferably said bush is a split bush. Preferably said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary of part of said peripheral profile of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block thereby to redefine the transit passageway. Preferably said transit assembly or components for such an assembly includes a plurality of flanking members each adapted to be interference engageable with the at least one engagement face on a flank of a block.

Preferably said flanking members are paired so as to provide a prospect of either a pathway through each for a tie (e.g. a bolt) and/or a predetermined spacing to another block pair, each block of which is to be flanked by the opposite side of a flanking member.

By way of example but without limitation, preferably in a situation where there are a mixture of smaller width block pairs with larger width block pairs, the flanking members ("width adjustment flanking members") engaged with the smaller width block pairs are of a width such that when engaged with the smaller block pair the resulting assembly is the same width as the larger block.

Preferably said width adjustment flanking members presents an engagement face, once engaged with a block, substantially similar to the engagement face of a block, for example but not limited to for further engagement with a flanking member. Preferably the interengagement of each flanking member with a block is reliant upon a sliding in wedging effect, e.g. caused by parallel or other faces receiving complementary convergent surfaces.

Preferably each said flanking member includes a peripheral feature adapted to be received in a peripheral recess about part of a flank of a block, said peripheral feature faces each adapted to co-act with an engagement face of the block, at least one or some being adapted to co-act to provide (e.g. by wedging) an interference fit thereby to allow preassembly. Preferably said peripheral features of a flanking member are repeated on either side thereof such that each flanking member can be adapted to be interposed between blocks of two sets of blocks.

Alternatively there are flanking members that have on one side thereof a peripheral feature adapted to be received in a peripheral recess about part of a flank of a block, and on the other side there is a similar said engagement feature to that of said block.

Preferably said alternative flanking members can be interposed between a block and a normal flanking member. Preferably there is visual indication of the size and/or form of the component.

Preferably said visual indication is by colour coding the differing size components.

Preferably said blocks are of a form substantially as hereinafter described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. Preferably said flanking members or pairs of flanking members are substantially as hereinafter described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in an assemblage of components adapted to provide one or more transit passageways by use of paired blocks (which need not be identical in appearance), the assemblage allowing the assembly of at least one transit assembly of the present invention.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which comprises or includes a first moulded block, a second moulded block, the two blocks each being adapted by virtue of its peripheral profile to define with the other a transit passageway, and a bush; wherein each block defines at least one engagement face on each flank, and wherein said bush is adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for a suitable elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly. Preferably said bush is a split bush.

Preferably said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary of said peripheral profile of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which comprises or includes modular components being a first moulded block, a second moulded block, the two blocks each being adapted by virtue of its peripheral profile to define with the other a transit passageway, a bush locatable between the blocks to define a reduced cross section of the passageway, and a plurality of flanking members each interference, wedge or like engageable to a flank of a block such that four such flanking members are in pairs and one pair can be tied by a tying member and/or link to another block pair. Preferably a tie plate or other member (tie plate) is provided to sandwich the transit assembly and at least one tie member ties at least one pair of flanking members and thus said blocks together by tying such tie members together.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which comprises or includes a first block, a second block, a first pair of flanking components, and a second pair of flanking components, wherein each block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a transit passageway, and wherein each flanking member of said first pair of flanking members can be associated with a flank of a block, and each flanking member of the second pair of flanking members can be associated with a block on the other flank, and wherein

(i) at least one pair of flanking members is adapted by each bearing on an abutment face of its block of providing resistance to separation away from the other block and/or to provide an urging force there towards, and/or

(ii) at least one of the pairs of flanking members is adapted to receive therethrough a tie (such as a bolt) adapted by direct or indirect bearing on the flanking members of providing a force which in turn acts on the blocks.

As used herein "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. Preferably there are tie plates to be tied together by said tie(s) of (ii).

Preferably one or more bushes may be included.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) (hereafter "A transit assembly") which comprises or includes at least: a first block having first and second flanks, a second block having first and second flanks, a first pair of flanking components, and a second pair of flanking components, wherein each block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a transit passageway, and wherein each flanking component of said first pair of flanking components can be associated with a said first flank of a block, and each flanking component of the second pair of flanking components can be associated with a said second flank of a block, such that each block is flanked by one flanking component from each pair; and wherein

(i) in use in assembly, at least one pair of flanking components on the same flank of the two blocks is adapted, if held from mutual separation or urged mutually together, by each bearing on its block of

(a) providing resistance to block from block separation, and/or

(b) providing an urging force mutually together of the blocks, and/or

(ii) at least one of the pairs of flanking components is adapted, in use in assembly, to receive or to have received a tie therethrough adapted by direct or indirect bearing on the flanking members of providing a force which in turn acts on the blocks.

Preferably each block and each flanking component has an abutment face adapted to interact in assembly to provide an abutment one against the other for the purpose of (i) and/or (ii). Preferably the engagement of each flanking component with a block is reliant upon a sliding in wedging effect caused by parallel or other faces receiving complementary convergent surfaces.

Preferably there is provided, on at least one said block flank, a first pair of block faces substantially perpendicular to said flank and divergent to each other from the top of the block down towards the transit passageway defining region ("bottom of block"), for association by wedging effect with a first complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

Preferably there is provided, on at least one said block flank, a second pair of block faces, parallel to each other and angled away from the bottom of the block into the block for association by a second complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

Preferably there is at least one abutment face as a shoulder between said block faces. Preferably any of said face, faces, shoulder or shoulders is able to transmit force between the block and its associated flanking member.

Preferably said transit assembly includes a bush adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for an elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly.

Preferably said bush is a split bush.

Preferably there are block pairs of less frontal width that can share the same ties of those of above, or below, of greater frontal width by association with differing width flanking members. Preferably said first pair of block faces present outwards from the block and one another, as opposed to presenting in towards the block and each other.

Preferably the front and back of the block lie outside of the second pair of block faces and the first pair of block faces lie inside the second pair of block faces.

Preferably said second pair of block faces is substantially perpendicular to said first pair of block faces.

Preferably said shoulder is between said faces and the line of separation of the block about the defined transit passageway.

Preferably there is visual indication of the size and/or form of the component and/or block. Preferably said visual indication is by colour coding the differing size components.

Preferably said first pair of block faces are angled in relation to each other to form a dove tail together with said block flank and/or said second pair of block faces for association with said first complementary set of faces together with a flanking component flank and/or said second complementary set of faces on a flanking component. Preferably said first and second pairs of block faces are present on both first and second flanks of said block, each for separate association of each flank with a separate flanking component.

Preferably said complementary faces of said flanking components are repeated on either side thereof such that each flanking component can be adapted to be interposed between blocks of two sets of blocks.

Preferably said complementary faces of said flanking components are on one side of said flanking component whilst on the other side there are faces and shoulders substantially the same as those on a block flank such that said flanking component can be adapted to be interposed between a block and a flanking component of claim 19.

Preferably said transit passage way is defined by a concavity in one or both of each said blocks.

Preferably said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary with part of said concavity of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block thereby to redefine the transit passageway.

Preferably there are two or more said concavities, to define two or more transit passageways.

Preferably said visual indication is of the type of conduit and/or its contents which is to pass through said block or blocks.

In another aspect the present invention consists in kit or modular components to provide a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which, said kit comprising or including a first block, a second block, a first pair of flanking components, and a second pair of flanking components, wherein each block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a transit passageway, and wherein each flankmg member of said first pair of flanking members can be associated with a flank of a block, and each flanking member of the second pair of flankmg members can be associated with a block on the other flank, and wherein

(i) at least one pair of flanking members is adapted by each bearing on an abutment face of its block of providing resistance to separation away from the other block and/or to provide an urging force there towards, and/or (ii) at least one of the pairs of flanking members is adapted to receive therethrough a tie (such as a bolt) adapted by direct or indirect bearing on the flanking members of providing a force which in turn acts on the blocks.

Preferably there are tie plates to be tied together by said tie(s) of (ii).

Preferably said ties are of a thread fastened or fastenable type. Preferably the engagement of each flanking component with a block is reliant upon a sliding in wedging effect caused by parallel or other faces receiving complementary convergent surfaces.

Preferably there is provided, on at least one flank of said block, a first pair of block faces substantially perpendicular to said flank and divergent to each other from the top of the block down towards the transit passageway defining region ("bottom of block"), for association by wedging effect with a first complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

Preferably there is provided, on at least one flank of a block, a second pair of block faces, parallel to each other and angled away from the bottom of the block into the block for association by a second complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

Preferably there is at least one abutment face as a shoulder between said block faces. Preferably any of said face, faces, shoulder or shoulders is able to transmit force between the block and its associated flanking component.

Preferably said kit includes a bush adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for an elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly.

Preferably said bush is a split bush.

Preferably said abutment face is between said faces and the line of separation of the block about the defined transit passageway.

Preferably there is visual indication of the size and/or form of the component.

Preferably said first pair of block faces are angled in relation to each other to form a dove tail together with said block flank and/or said second pair of block faces for association with said first complementary set of faces together with a flanking component flank and/or said second complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

Preferably said first and second pairs of block faces are present on both one and the other flanks of said block, each for separate association of each flank with a separate flanking component. Preferably said complementary faces of said flanking components are repeated on either side thereof such that each flanking component can be adapted to be interposed between blocks of two sets of blocks.

Preferably said transit passage way is defined by a concavity in one or both of each said blocks. Preferably said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary with part of said concavity of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block thereby to redefine the transit passageway.

Preferably said transit assembly or components for such an assembly includes a plurality of flanking components each adapted to be associated with the at least one or more block(s) to form an array or transit assemblies.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a method of use of components and/or an assemblage to form a transit assembly comprising the steps of i) locating a block able to define a transit passageway about a pipe, cable or conduit (herein after "pipe") said block being able to be flank-wise associated with another block by components intermediate the block flanks, ii) having at least one said component on the flank of a block which has adaption for association with a tie, wherein the resulting assembly is able to be located about one side of said pipe for further association with a like assembly from the other side of said pipe to form or allow to be formed an array of one or more transit passageways for substantially retaining one or more pipes. Preferably a bush is located between said pipe and said transit passageway defining blocks.

Preferably a tie plate is used to locate and retain said blocks and components about said pipe or pipes.

Preferably said tie passes through said tie plate and through said flanking components adapted for association with said tie.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a method of providing a transit assembly as herein described wherein there is partial assembly of the transit assembly prior to full assembly with pipes, cables and or conduits.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in components useful for assembling single or multiple transit passageways when one or more of the components are substantially as hereinafter described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a bulkhead, wall or the like (or part thereof) where an elongate member such as a cable, pipe, duct or the like transits or passes through a transit assembly fixed therein or thereto.

In another aspect the invention consists in methods of use of components and/or an assemblage of the present invention to provide (optionally with some or total preassembly) transit location of at least one elongate member (e.g.; pipe, cable, etc.). In yet another aspect the present invention consists in a transit block of a form substantially as described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. In yet another aspect the present invention consists in a flanking member or pair of flanking members substantially as described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In yet another aspect the present invention consists in a flanking component for association with any block as described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In yet another aspect the present invention consists in a block for association with any flanking component as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a simple transit assembly in accordance with the present invention showing a tie plate (whether a true plate or not) tying the block components on one axis whilst the bolts or set screws shown tie each pair of flanking members together on an orthogonal axis, the broken lines showing how, if desired, there can be a tie plate in addition to that depicted,

Figure 2 shows the arrangement of Figure 1 but without showing any tie plate, with an optional recess for location of a tie on the spacer block,

Figure 3 shows, other than for the tie plates, bolts and nuts, components that might be utilised in a modular system in accordance with the present invention, Figure 3A showing a split bush of a kind that can be provided in different sizes and forms in a kit as a range of different internal diameters thereby to accommodate a range of different conduits, cables, pipes or the like to be located,

Figure 3B shows one form of flanking member adapted to have pass therethrough a bolt or tie (such a component henceforth being referred to as a "boltable flank member"),

Figure 3C shows a similar form to that of Figure 3B but of lesser width and without provision for the passing therethrough of a tie member (e.g. a "spacing flanking member"), Figure 3D shows one form of block member in accordance with the present invention adapted as a pair to locate axially a split bush of a kind as shown in Figure

3A,

Figure 3E shows a another form of block adapted for use without a bush, each of the blocks of Figures 3D and E having similar flanking member engagement faces, Figure 4 shows partially pre-assembled to one side of the bush (but exploded on the other side of the bush components) a simple single transit assembly in accordance with the present invention, i.e. two pairs of boltable flanking members and a complementary pair of block members with a single bush,

Figure 5 shows an exploded pre-assembly view of some components that might be used in a multiple transit assembly,

Figure 6, without showing the tie bolts and the sandwiching external tie plates, multiple passageway forming transit assemblies of the present invention in addition to the single transit assembly of a kind as shown in Figure 2,

Figure 7 shows two respective views (a) and (b) of a spacer block component or flanking component which is engagable with the flank of a block which in turn is a gain and engagable with a flanking component so that blocks of a smaller width once there associated with the blocks depicted in Figure 7 can be stacked above or below a greater width component to share the same common tie centre line, Figure 8 shows at A the use of modular flanking bocks as spacers to bring smaller width units up to the same width as larger units to provide ease of assembly and increased modularity, whilst 7B shows the form of such flanking blocks as spaces being attached to a smaller transit half block, Figure 9 shows the use of the width adjusting flanking components on a smaller width block together with flanking components to give a common tie centre line of that to a larger block which in this particular example is located above,

Figure 10 shows further alternative blocks at A having a smaller transit passageway and B having a larger transit passageway, in these particular examples the engaging ridge with a bush (if optionally fitted) is not shown although is understood to be included where required,

Figure 11 shows another form of block having two transit passageways formed therein,

Figure 12 shows yet another form of block having a rectangular passageway for use for use for example with cables or similar small diameter conduits,

Figure 13 is a further embodiment of Figure 12 having two rectangular transit ways,

Figure 14 shows a similar view to that of Figure 4 yet showing the flanking components 6 with recessed tie locations. Figure 15 depicts an exploded assembly of the present invention with varying diameter pipes or conduits and varying bushes to accommodate those varying pipe diameters within set block dimensions, and

Figure 16 shows a fully assembled example of the present invention with pipes of varying dimensions located in place with bushes of varying dimensions in blocks of set dimensions.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of one of the blocks in towards the concavity which defines the passageway, showing drainage holes in the base of the hollow portion of the block. In the preferred form of the present invention there will be provided components as depicted in the accompanying drawings. Preferably they are formed of a plastics material or a suitable rubber (e.g. a natural or synthetic rubber for the split bush 8 but preferably a suitable plastics material or metal for the other components save for the tie plates 13 (or cover plates) which can, if desired, be of a metal and the bolts and nuts 14 which likewise can be of a metal).

Please appreciate that in Figure 1 a single tie plate 13 is shown. With such a construction a nut need not be used at the other end of the bolt if the thread of each bolt (i.e.; as a set screw) is capable of being screw engaged down into threaded openings of a support surface. Otherwise, if desired, as depicted by the broken outlines a second tie plate 13 can be utilised.

The main components of the present invention are as depicted in Figure 3 with there being a block member 1 of a first kind, a block member 2 of a second kind, each of the blocks 1 and 2 having defined therein part of a passageway 15 by the appropriate scallop or like concave forms 3 which preferably complement each other. There is considered also blocks defining multiple passage ways such as for example, but not limited to, those of Figures 11 and 13. Any form of defined passageway may be envisaged such as circular, rectangular 23 or other geometrical shape as required.

Each flank of each block is provided with faces 4 and 5 adapted to co-act with complementary faces 4A and 5A of either a boltable flanking member 6 (i.e.; with a passageway 12 to accommodate a tying bolt 14 whether associated with a tie plate or not) or a spacing flanking member 7 without a passageway 12. The flanking member 6 can have provision 26 for the bolt head to be recessed 14A, this can be with or without a tie plate 13. An adjusting flanking member 19 can also be associated. The blocks are also of substantially the same heights so that a row of blocks can be easily constrained by ties 13.

Faces 5 and 5A when assembled but against each other to interlock and give increased shear rigidity to the resulting assembly of spaces and blocks.

The blocks have cavities 27 around the passage way which allow keying with the bush if used or the pipe and also save material when manufacturing. As these cavities are likely to collect water in humid environments drainage holes 28 are included to prevent buildup of water and fluids which might otherwise build up to cause corrosion in the pipes or conduits.

The use of narrower or differing size block members presents the problem of continuing the modularity and allowing co-linear bolting of narrower and wider block forms. To this end are provided adjusting flanking members 19 which engage in a like manner to the flank faces 4 and 5 of the blocks in a similar way to that of the flanking members 6 and 7 yet which present at their outer flank a similar flank face 4 and 5 to that of the blocks so that a narrower block member 20 may be assembled to have the same width 2 IB as that of the wider block assembly to which it is assembled 21 A. The blocks can therefore share a common tie 14. In this way the adjustable flanking members 19 can be thought of as a same to same engagement whereas the flanking members 6 and 7 can be thought of as a mirror image of the engagements presented.

Preferably the components 6 and 7 are symmetric so as to provide for a link into multiple transit assemblies as depicted in Figures 5 and 6.

Preferably as shown in the assembly bushes typified by bush 8 with its axial or substantially axial split 9 can be accommodated to provide, as shown in Figure 6, different transit sizes of passageway 15 depending on the choice of internal diameter to result from the clamping by the block sets of a particular bushing components 8. Alternatively the blocks may be assembled with out any bushing present such as when for example the pipe or conduit or member to be clamped has its own deformable material which will engage with the block members, or where it is acceptable to have relative movement between the block members in that which they clamp. For example there are shown two differing block size members namely blocks 1 and 20 (though of course other sizes fall within the ambit of this invention and there may be an array of differing size blocks defining transit passageways as shown in Figure 10A and B to cater for larger and /or smaller diameter pipes 22). For a block with a given passage way a range of different internal diameter size bushes 8 can be used to accommodate the varying sizes of pipes that may be available. Thus a set of number of block sizes can be developed which with these varying inner diameter bushes 9 can accommodate a wide variety of pipes whilst still retaining the modularity and ease of assembly. In this regard further there may also be colour coding of at least different size blocks and/or the differing size inner bushes and also flanking members. For example colours may be used to denote a boltable fixed over a non boltable 7 flanking member and also again over an adjusting flanking member 19. Other visual indications may also be used such as large numbers or geometric shapes on one surface of the component. Such visual indication will allow ease of assembly and speed of the assembly process.

The visual indication (such as colouring) can alternatively be used to indicate the form of cable, pipe or utility which is carried, to indicate the type of fluid in a pipe or voltage types (high or low) in a cable. The presence on the outer periphery of the bush 8 of a bush ridge 17 together with a complementary block ridge receptor in the block members allows upon clamping of the block members about the bush the locking in an axial manner of the bush 8 relative to the block members (1, 2 or 20). Alternative methods of engagement of the bush outer periphery with the block members are also considered to be within the scope of this invention such as for example multiple ridges, geometrical interengagements (such as square, polygonal or similar out of peripheries, protrusions and similar related means). The prevention of axial movement of the bush relative to the blocking member combined with the interference fit created between the bush 8 and the pipe 22 of which it is about, creates a surface friction between the bush 8 and the pipe 22 which thus prevents relative axial movement of the pipe to the block assembly. Alternatively over size bushings may be used so that there is allowed for axial relative movement between the pipe 22 and the bush 8 such as for example when a pipe or conduit will expand or contract due to thermal environments. The complimentary ridge in the block may alternatively engage direct with the exterior of the clamped article when a bush is not used.

A desirable feature of the arrangement is that pre-assembly as shown by the pre- assembly 10 can occur. This could, for example, be partial preassembly of the components prior to association with a pipe (not shown) already having the bushing thereon and prior to association with other complementary preassembled set of components. Also shown in the accompanying drawings is an abutment surface 11 or shoulder of a flanking member (6 or 7) of a flanking member (6 or 7) which in some forms of the present invention will act on the complementary abutment surface 11 A of a block

(1 or 2) although preferably, with the faces 4 A being divergent towards the transit passageway (bottom end) as shown in Figures 3 A and 3C and with the faces 4 being less divergent or substantially parallel (but any other complementary arrangement can be utilized), there is a wedging effect that means that there can be some tying together of the components 1 and 2 by a typing together of boltable flanking members without reliance on an abutment interface between surfaces 11 and 11A although, in some forms of the present invention, such abutment can occur. In reality however the tie plates 13 tied together by the bolts 14 through at least two pairs of boltable flanking members 6 provide a compaction effect on the block 1,2 member pairs in addition to any indirect effect through boltable flanking member pairs 6 and spacing flanking member pairs 7. A number of advantages arise from the use of the arrangement of the present invention.

The installation of pipes, hoses and other forms of fluid, gas, and electrical transportation devices 22 in maritime and other industries (eg engineering), settings often requires that this pipe 22 work needs to be supported, secured and/or isolated from the object it is to be attached to. Likewise for cabling.

Two common clamp types utilized are clamps with rubber or artificial rubber inserts that isolate the vibration that can occur when the pipes 22 ("pipes" being used as generic to all such elongate conduits, cables, etc) are in use (e.g. fransferring fluid if fluid conduits) and clamps that do not have any vibration isolating inserts. Often in pipe installations there is a need to run a series of pipes in close proximity to each other, these pipes can have different diameters and different requirements in terms of the clamp type required.

Installations can often be constrained by the physical space available at the place of installation. This is especially so in the relative confinements of a boat environment. Existing systems look to cater for these requirements by offering a range of single and multiple clamp forms with a variety of installation methodologies. This is not optimal as it constrains the installer to the combinations available or requires the installer to fabricate their own clamps. The system of the present invention in its preferred forms offers a number of advantages over existing systems. The set number of different block sizes, optionally with bushes of varying inner diameters, together with adjusting flanking members to make modular sized assemblers dramatically reduces the differing number of block components required. Interference fit of modular components allows subassemblies to be created off site to aid installation.

Interference fit of modular components allows ease of installation where gravity acts against the system, i.e. when a system is installed in facing downwards and the components if not held together by an interference fit would fall away. Advantages of the present invention are summarised in the table below:

The preferred method of manufacture for the system is plastics injection moulding but other manufacturing processes are metal die casting, metal injection moulding, fabrication, and rotational moulding could be suitable for the manufacture of the product.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) (hereafter "A transit assembly") which comprises or includes at least: a first block having first and second flanks, a second block having first and second flanks, a first pair of flanking components, and a second pair of flanking components, wherein each block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a transit passageway, and wherein each flanking component of said first pair of flanking components can be associated with a said first flank of a block, and each flanking component of the second pair of flanking components can be associated with a said second flank of a block, such that each block is flanked by one flanking component from each pair; and wherein (i) in use in assembly, at least one pair of flanking components on the same flank of the two blocks is adapted, if held from mutual separation or urged mutually together, by each bearing on its block of

(a) providing resistance to block from block separation, and/or

(b) providing an urging force mutually together of the blocks, and/or (ii) at least one of the pairs of flanking components is adapted, in use in assembly, to receive or to have received a tie therethrough adapted by direct or indirect bearing on the flanking members of providing a force which in turn acts on the blocks.

2. A transit assembly of claim 1 wherein each block and each flanking component has an abutment face adapted to interact in assembly to provide an abutment one against the other for the purpose of (i) and/or (ii).

3. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the engagement of each flanking component with a block is reliant upon a sliding in wedging effect caused by parallel or other faces receiving complementary convergent surfaces.

4. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein there is provided, on at least one said block flank, a first pair of block faces substantially perpendicular to said flank and divergent to each other from the top of the block down towards the transit passageway defining region ("bottom of block"), for association by wedging effect with a first complementary set effaces on a flanking component.

5. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein there is provided, on at least one said block flank, a second pair of block faces, parallel to each other and angled away from the bottom of the block into the block for association by a second complementary set of faces on a flankmg component.

6. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein there is at least one abutment face as a shoulder between said block faces.

7. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein any of said face, faces, shoulder or shoulders is able to transmit force between the block and its associated flanking member.

8. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 which includes a bush adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for an elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly.

9. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said bush is a split bush.

10. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein there are block pairs of less frontal width that can share the same ties of those of above, or below, of greater frontal width by association with differing width flanking members.

11. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 10 wherein said first pair of block faces present outwards from the block and one another, as opposed to presenting in towards the block and each other.

12. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11 wherein the front and back of the block lie outside of the second pair of block faces and the first pair of block faces lie inside the second pair of block faces.

13. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12 wherein said second 5 pair of block faces is substantially perpendicular to said first pair of block faces.

14. A first transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 13 wherein said shoulder is between said faces and the line of separation of the block about the defined transit passageway.

15. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein there is 10 visual indication of the size and/or form of the component and or block.

16. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein said visual indication is by colour coding the differing size components.

17. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 16 wherein said first pair of block faces are angled in relation to each other to form a dove tail together with

15 said block flank and or said second pair of block faces for association with said first complementary set of faces together with a flanking component flank and/or said second complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

18. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 17 wherein said first and second pairs of block faces are present on both first and second flanks of said

20 block, each for separate association of each flank with a separate flanking component.

19. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 18 wherein said complementary faces of said flanking components are repeated on either side thereof such that each flanking component can be adapted to be interposed between blocks of two sets of blocks.

25 20. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 18 wherein said complementary faces of said flankmg components are on one side of said flanking component whilst on the other side there are faces and shoulders substantially the same as those on a block flank such that said flanking component can be adapted to be interposed between a block and a flanking component of claim 19.

21. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein said transit passage way is defined by a concavity in one or both of each said blocks.

22. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 21 wherein said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary with part of said concavity of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block thereby to redefine the transit passageway.

23. A transit assembly as claimed in either claim 21 or 22 wherein there are two or more said concavities, to define two or more transit passageways.

24. A transit passageway claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23 wherein visual indication is of the type of conduit and/or its contents which is to pass through said block or blocks.

25. A kit or modular components to provide a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which, said kit comprising or including a first block, a second block, a first pair of flanking components, and a second pair of flanking components, wherein each block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a transit passageway, and wherein each flanking component of said first pair of flanking components can be associated with a flank of a block, and each flanking component of the second pair of flanking component can be associated with a block on the other flank,

and wherein

(i) at least one pair of flanking members is adapted, by each bearing on an abutment face of its associated block, to provide resistance to separation away from the other block and/or to provide an urging force there towards, and/or (ii) at least one of the pairs of flanking members is adapted to receive therethrough a tie (such as a bolt) adapted, by direct or indirect bearing on the flanking members, to provide a force which in turn acts on the blocks.

26. A kit as claimed in claim 25 wherein there are tie plates to be tied together by 5 said tie(s) of (ii).

27. A kit as claimed in either claim 25 or claim 26 wherein said ties are of a thread fastened or fastenable type.

28. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the engagement of each flanking component with a block is reliant upon a sliding in wedging effect caused by

10 parallel or other faces receiving complementary convergent surfaces.

29. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28 wherein there is provided, on at least one flank of said block, a first pair of block faces substantially perpendicular to said flank and divergent to each other from the top of the block down towards the transit passageway defining region ("bottom of block"), for association by wedging

15 effect with a first complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

30. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein there is provided, on at least one flank of a block, a second pair of block faces, parallel to each other and angled away from the bottom of the block into the block for association by a second complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

20 31. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 30 wherein there is at least one abutment face as a shoulder between said block faces.

32. A kit as claimed in claim 31 wherein any of said face, faces, shoulder or shoulders is able to transmit force between the block and its associated flanking component.

25 33. A kit as claimed i any one of claims 25 to 32 which includes a bush adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for an elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly.

34. A kit as claimed in claim 33 wherein said bush is a split bush.

35. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 34 wherein there are block pairs of less frontal width that can share the same ties of those of above, or below, of greater frontal width by association with differing width flanking members.

36. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 35 wherem said first pair of block 5 faces present outwards from the block and one another, as opposed to presenting hi towards the block and each other.

37. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 36 wherein the front and back of the block lie outside of the second pair of block faces and the first pair of block faces lie inside the second pair of block faces.

10 38. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 36 wherein said second pair of block faces is substantially perpendicular to said first pair of block faces.

39. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 38 wherein said abutment face is between said faces and the line of separation of the block about the defined transit passageway.

15 40. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 39 wherein there is visual indication of the size and/or form of the component.

41. A kit as claimed in claim 40 wherein said visual indication is by colour coding the differing size components.

42. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 41 wherein said first pair of block 0 faces are angled in relation to each other to form a dove tail together with said block flank and/or said second pair of block faces for association with said first complementary set of faces together with a flanking component flank and/or said second complementary set of faces on a flanking component.

43. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 42 wherein said first and second 5 pairs of block faces are present on both one and the other flanks of said block, each for separate association of each flank with a separate flanking component.

44. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 43 wherein said complementary faces of said flanking components are repeated on either side thereof such that each flanking component can be adapted to be interposed between blocks of two sets of blocks.

45. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 43 wherein said complementary faces of said flanking components are on one side of said flankmg component whilst

5 on the other side there are faces and shoulders substantially the same as those on a block flank such that said flanking component can be adapted to be interposed between a block and a flanking component of claim 19.

46. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 45 wherein said transit passage way is defined by a concavity in one or both of each said blocks.

10 47. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 46 wherein said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary with part of said concavity of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block thereby to redefine the transit passageway.

48. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 47 wherein said transit assembly or 15 components for such an assembly includes a plurality of flanking components each adapted to be associated with the at least one or more block(s) to form an array or transit assemblies.

49. A trust assembly as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 48 wherein there are two or more said concavities, to define two or more transit passageways.

20 50. A transit passageway claimed in any one of claims 40 to 49 wherein visual indication is of the type of conduit and/or its contents which is to pass through said block or blocks.

51. A method of use of components and/or an assemblage to form a transit assembly comprising the steps of

25 i) locating a block able to define a transit passageway about a pipe, cable or conduit (herein after "pipe") said block being able to be flank-wise associated with another block by components intermediate the block flanks, ii) having at least one said component on the flank of a block which has adaption for association with a tie, wherein the resulting assembly is able to be located about one side of said pipe for further association with a like assembly from the other side of said pipe to form or allow to be formed an array of one or more transit passageways for substantially retaining one or more pipes.

52. A method as claimed in claim 47 where in a bush is located between said pipe and said transit passageway defining blocks.

53. A method as claimed in claim 47 or claim 48 wherein a tie plate is used to locate and retain said blocks and components about said pipe or pipes.

54. A method as claimed in claim 49 wherein said tie passes through said tie plate and through said flanking components adapted for association with said tie.

55. A method of providing a transit assembly according any one or more of claims 1 to 46 wherein there is partial assembly of the transit assembly prior to full assembly with pipes, cables and/or conduits.

56. Components useful for assembling single or multiple transit passageways when one or more of the components are substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

57. A bulkhead, wall or the like (or part thereof) where an elongate member such as a cable, pipe, duct or the like transits a transit assembly, as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings, fixed therein or thereto.

58. Methods of use of components and/or an assemblage of the present invention as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings to provide (optionally with some or total preassembly) transit location of at least one elongate member (e.g.; pipe, cable, etc.).

59. A transit block of a form substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

60. A flanking member or pair of flanking members substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

61. A flanking component for association with any block as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

62. A block for association with any flanking component as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

63. An assemblage of components adapted to provide one or more transit passageways by use of paired blocks (which need not be identical in appearance), the assemblage allowing the assembly of at least one transit assembly of the present invention as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

64. A transit assembly (or components for such a transit assembly) (hereafter "a transit asssembly") which comprises or includes at least a first block having first and second flanks, a second block having first and second flanks, a first pair of flanking components, a second pair of flanking components, a third block having third and fourth flanks, a fourth block having third and fourth flanks, and a third pair of flanking components, wherein said first and second block in use in assembly defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a first transit passageway, and the third block and the fourth block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a second transit passageway, and wherein each flanking component of a pair is, or is to be, associated with a flank of a block such that (i) each flanking component of said first pair of flanking components is, or is to be, each on a first flank of one or other of said first and second blocks,

(ii) each flanking component of said second flanking components is, or is to be, on a second flank of one or other of said first or second blocks as well as a third 5 flank of one or other of said third or fourth blocks, and

65. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 64 wherein there is a bush for location in use or located in at least one of the two transit passageways.

10 66. A transit assembly as claimed in either claim 64 or 65 wherein at least each of said first and third pair of flanking components includes adaptation to receive or to have received a tie therethrough adapted, by direct or indirect bearing of the tie on the receiving flanking components, to provide force on the flank block.

67. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 66 wherein having tie 15 plate members adapted to sandwich the transit assembly and a pair of ties adapted to tie through, in one case, the first pair of flanking components one tie plate to the other and in the case the third pair of flanking components one tie plate to the other.

68. In a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which comprises or includes

20 a first moulded block, and a second moulded block, the two blocks each being adapted by virtue of its peripheral profile to define with the other a transit passageway, wherein each block defines at least one engagement face on each flank for a flanking member.

25 69. A transit passageway as claimed in claim 68 wherein each block defines on each flank a form capable of being interference fit (preferably slide) engageable by a complementary moulded flanking member.

70. A transit passageway as claimed in claim 68 or 69 wherein said transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) includes a bush adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for that elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly.

5 71. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 70 wherein said bush is a split bush.

72. A transit assembly as claimed in either of claims 70 or 71 wherein said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary of part of said peripheral profile of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block thereby to redefine the transit passageway.

10 73. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 68 to 72 wherein said transit assembly or components for such an assembly includes a plurality of flanking members each adapted to be interference engageable with the at least one engagement face on a flank of a block.

74. A transit assembly as claimed in any of claims 68 to 73 wherein said flanking 15 members are paired so as to provide a prospect of either a pathway through each for a tie (e.g. a bolt) and/or a predetermined spacing to another block pair, each block of which is to be flanked by the opposite side of a flanking member.

75. A transit assembly as claimed in either of claims 73 or 74 wherein said inter- engagement of each flanking member with a block is reliant upon a sliding in wedging 0 effect, e.g. caused by parallel or other faces receiving complementary convergent surfaces.

76. A transit assembly as claimed in any one of claims 68 to 75 wherein each said flanking member includes a peripheral feature adapted to be received in a peripheral recess about part of a flank of a block, said peripheral feature faces each adapted to co- 5 act with an engagement face of the block, at least one or some being adapted to co-act to provide (e.g. by wedging) an interference fit thereby to allow preassembly.

77. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein said peripheral features of a flanking member are repeated on either side thereof such that each flanking member can be adapted to be interposed between blocks of two sets of blocks.

78. In a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which comprises or includes a first moulded block, a second moulded block, the two blocks each being adapted by virtue of its peripheral profile to define with the other a transit passageway, and a bush; wherein each block defines at least one engagement face on each flank, and wherein said bush is adapted to be located by the two blocks as a bush for a suitable elongate member (e.g.; cable, pipe, duct or the like) which is to lead through the transit assembly.

79. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 78 wherein said bush is a split bush.

80. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 78 or 79 wherein said bush includes peripheral features or a peripheral profile complementary of said peripheral profile of each of the two blocks thereby to be located or locatable in the transit passageway by each block.

81. In a transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which comprises or includes modular components being a first moulded block, a second moulded block, the two blocks each being adapted by virtue of its peripheral profile to define with the other a transit passageway, a bush locatable between the blocks to define a reduced cross section of the passageway, and a plurality of flanking members each interference, wedge or like engageable to a flank of a block such that four such flanking members are in pairs and one pair can be tied by a tying member and/or link to another block pair.

82. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 81 wherein a tie plate or other member (tie plate) is provided to sandwich the transit assembly and at least one tie member ties at least one pah of flanking members and thus said blocks together by tying such tie members together.

5 83. A transit assembly (or components for such an assembly) which comprises or includes a first block, a second block, a first pair of flanking components, and

10 a second pair of flanking components, wherein each block defines with the other, or is adapted to define with the other, a transit passageway, and wherein each flanking member of said first pair of flanking members can be associated with a flank of a block, and each flanking member of the second pah of 15 flanking members can be associated with a block on the other flank, and wherein

(i) at least one pair of flanking members is adapted by each bearing on an abutment face of its block of providing resistance to separation away from the other block and/or to provide an urging force there towards, and or

20 (ii) at least one of the pairs of flanking members is adapted to receive therethrough a tie (such as a bolt) adapted by direct or indirect bearing on the flanking members of providing a force which in turn acts on the blocks.

84. A transit assembly as claimed in claim 83 wherein there are tie plates to be tied together by said tie(s) of (ii).

25 85. A transit assembly as claimed in either claim 83 or 84 wherein one or more bushes may be included.