WO2010007378A1

WO2010007378A1 - Apparatus for securing a workpiece

Info

Publication number: WO2010007378A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/001768
Authority: WO
Inventors: David John Roberts
Original assignee: Fripp Design Limited
Priority date: 2008-07-18
Filing date: 2009-07-17
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: GB2461990A; GB2461990B; GB0912480D0; GB0906762D0; EP2318183A1; GB0813197D0

Abstract

Apparatus for securing a workpiece (101), comprising: a body (102) and a securing mechanism (103). The body defines a workpiece-receiving region (104), and the securing mechanism (103) comprises: a coil spring element (201) comprising a first fixing element, an anchor element (202) comprising a second fixing element, a workpiece-securing strap (203) extending between the first fixing element and the second fixing element and a handle (204) configured to act upon the workpiece- securing strap (203). The handle (204) is configured to rotate between a securing position and a releasing position, whereby the body (102) is configured to support the coil spring element (201) and the anchor element (202) such that the workpiece- securing strap (203) extends over the workpiece-securing region (104).

Description

Apparatus for Securing A Workpiece

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 08 13 197.1, filed 18 July 2008 and United Kingdom Patent Application No 09 06 762.0, filed 20 April 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus for securing a workpiece.

Background of the Invention It is known for a workpiece to require securing, for example in preparation for operations to be performed upon the workpiece. A problem exists however when a workpiece requires securing in an environment outside of a conventional workshop environment, which typically provides a suitable work surface and appropriate securing equipment. For example, a pipe may require cutting on a construction site. A problem exists in ensuring the safety and comfort of the person performing the cutting operations upon the pipe.

Brief Description of Several Views of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows apparatus 101 for securing a workpiece; Figure 2 illustrates a securing mechanism 103 of apparatus for securing a workpiece;

Figure 3 shows schematic diagram of the relative arrangement of the workpiece securing strap 203 and handle 204 of apparatus 101;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the relative arrangement of workpiece securing strap 203 and handle 204 of apparatus 101 when handle 204 is in the securing position;

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of apparatus for securing a workpiece; Figure 6 shows apparatus 501 with a workpiece received within the workpiece receiving region;

Figure 7 shows a workpiece received within workpiece receiving region when handle 204 as in the securing position; Figure 8 shows a scenario of Figure 7 but with a tool performing an operation upon the received workpiece;

Figure 9 shows a scenario of Figure 8 but with the received workpiece having been cut in half;

Figure 10 shows a scenario of Figure 9 but with handle 204 having been taken from the securing position of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of apparatus for securing a workpiece;

Figure 12 illustrates a securing of cartridge element 1105 relative to body 102 of apparatus 1101;

Figure 13 shows a side view of apparatus 1101 when cartridge element 1105 is secured relative to body 102;

Figure 14 shows the apparatus 1101 and a workpiece secured within the workpiece-receiving region;

Figure 15 shows a further view of apparatus 1101;

Figure 16 shows a further alternative embodiment of the apparatus; and Figure 17 shows apparatus 1601 with a workpiece secured in workpiece securing region.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 Figure 1 shows apparatus for securing a workpiece. Apparatus 101 comprises a body 102 and a securing mechanism indicated generally at 103. Body 102 defines a workpiece-receiving region 104. Apparatus 101 is portable and comprises a foot plate portion 105.

In use, a workpiece is received within the workpiece-receiving region 104 and is secured relative to body 102 by means of the securing mechanism 103. The apparatus may then be secured relative to the ground by means of a foot placed upon the foot plate portion 105.

Figure 2 Figure 2 illustrates a securing mechanism. Securing mechanism 103 comprises a coil spring element 201, which in this embodiment is a constant coil spring element. The coil spring element 201 is located to one side of the workpiece-receiving region 104 and comprises a first fixing element. Securing mechanism 103 also comprises an anchor element 202. Anchor element 202 is located to the other side of the workpiece- receiving region 104 and comprises a second fixing element. Securing mechanism 103 further comprises a workpiece-securing strap 203 that extends between the first and second fixing elements and over the workpiece-receiving region 104. In addition, the securing mechanism 103 comprises a handle 204 that is configured to act upon the workpiece-securing strap 203. As indicated by arrows 205 and 206, the coil spring element 201 is configured to normally take up any slack in the workpiece-securing strap 203 yet allow the workpiece-securing strap 203 to be extended through the deliberate manipulation of the workpiece-securing strap 203. Typically, the workpiece-securing strap 203 will be manually pulled to achieve the required length of strap available to extend around a workpiece received with the workpiece-receiving region 104. As indicated by double- headed arrow 207, handle 204 is configured to rotate between a securing position and a releasing position.

It can be seen that apparatus 101 comprises a duplicate set of coil spring element 201, anchor element 202 and workpiece-securing strap 203 components and that handle 204 is configured to act on each workpiece-securing strap 203. However, it is to be appreciated that a single strap or a greater plurality of straps may be employed.

Figure 3

Figure 3 is a schematic showing the relative arrangement of the workpiece- securing strap 203 and handle 204 of apparatus 101 when the handle 204 is in the releasing position. Handle 204 pivots about a shaft 301 and a second shaft 302 attached to the handle 204 extends parallel to shaft 301. A third shaft 303 rigidly fixed within the body 102 also extends parallel to shaft 301. Workpiece-securing strap 203 passes around one side of shaft 301, loops around shaft 302 and passes around the same side of shaft 301 before looping around shaft 303.

Figure 4

Figure 4 is a schematic showing the relative arrangement of the workpiece- securing strap 203 and handle 204 of apparatus 101 when the handle 204 is in the securing position. According to this illustrated example, handle 204 has been rotated through 90 degrees about shaft 301 into the securing position. It can be seen that when handle 204 is in the securing position, the workpiece-securing strap 203 is effectively doubled back upon itself, such that portions of the workpiece-securing strap 203 pass around shaft 301 are forced together under tension. Thus, the apparatus 101 utilises a degree of friction between first and second sections of the workpiece-securing strap 203 in the securing of a workpiece.

Figure 5

Figure 5 shows a further example of apparatus for securing a workpiece. Apparatus 501 comprises the features of apparatus 101 and the same reference numerals for equivalent features will therefore be used.

Handle 204 is shown in the releasing position. A workpiece 502 is arranged for location within workpiece-receiving region 104, as indicated by arrow 503. In this example workpiece-receiving region 104 takes a substantially "v-shaped groove" arrangement. The "v-shaped groove" arrangement may have an internal angle of approximately 90 degrees. In this illustrated scenario, workpiece 502 is a pipe. It is to be appreciated that typically the workpiece would be an elongate item although the apparatus may be used with to secure a variety of different types of items. The workpiece-receiving region 104 is configured to receive the workpiece 502 beneath the pair of workpiece-securing strap straps 203. The apparatus defines a slot 504 for each anchor element 202. The slot 504 is configured to receive the anchor element 202 in a way that allows the anchor element to slide within the slot. This provides the user with a means of adjusting the fit of the associated strap 203 as it extends over a received workpiece. Thus, the apparatus may accommodate different workpieces having different dimensions and outer contours.

Figure 6

Figure 6 shows apparatus 501 with workpiece 503 received within the workpiece-receiving region (not visible in this Figure). The action of the securing mechanism is such that the workpiece-securing straps 203 provide a degree of resistance against movement of the workpiece 503 from the shown located position. It is to be appreciated that the coil spring elements (not visible in this Figure) serve to allow the straps to be drawn outwards to receive an item and yet, once released, serve to reel in the straps to grip the received item. In this Figure, the handle 204 is still in the releasing position. Apparatus 501 comprises a releasable handle fastening means to allow handle 204 to be releasably secured to body 201, in order to maintain the handle in the securing position, hi this example, apparatus 501 is provided with a two-part releasable fastening means. Handle 204 comprises a first part 601 of the two-part releasable fastening means and the body 102 comprises the second part 602 of the two-part releasable fastening means. The first part 601 comprises a rotatable projection (not visible). The second part 602 comprises an aperture. The first and second parts are configured to allow the projection to be inserted into the aperture and twisted into a captive position.

Figure 7

Figure 7 shows apparatus 501 with workpiece 503 received within the workpiece-receiving region (not visible in this Figure). In this Figure, the handle 204 is in the securing position, and is maintained in this position by use of the releasable handle fastening means. The act of configuring the handle 204 from the releasing position into the securing position serves to increase the degree of resistance provided against movement of the workpiece 503 from the received position. With the handle 204 in the securing position, each workpiece-securing strap 203 is held more tightly against the workpiece. By means of positioning of the slidable anchor elements 202 and tensioning by the handle 204, the workpiece is securely received.

Figure 8

Figure 8 shows the scenario of Figure 7 but with a tool performing an operation upon the received workpiece. In this example, a saw 801 is used to perform cutting operations upon pipe 503. It can be seen that this embodiment of apparatus is provided with a first slot 802 located to one side of the workpiece-receiving region (not visible in this Figure) and a second slot 803 located to the other side of the workpiece-receiving region. The slots 802, 803 are aligned and are located between the pair of workpiece- securing straps 203. As shown, the slots are configured to receive portions of the saw 801, to facilitate the downward travel of the saw as the process of cutting through the pipe 503 is performed. Throughout this operation upon the workpiece, an operative may apply pressure to the foot plate portion 105 to steady the device 501.

Figure 9

Figure 9 shows the scenario of Figure 8 but with the received workpiece having been cut in half. It can be seen that as a result of the cut having taken place at a location between the pair of workpiece-securing straps 203 that each piece 901, 902 of the cut pipe 503 is secured by a single strap to the body 102 of the apparatus 501.

Figure 10 Figure 10 shows the scenario of Figure 9 but with the handle 204 having been released and rotated from the securing position of Figure 9 into the shown releasing position. As indicated by arrows 1001 and 1002, the first piece 901 of cut pipe and the second piece 902 of cut pipe may be easily removed from the workpiece-receiving region 104 of apparatus 501. In an embodiment, each workpiece-securing strap is fabricated from polypropylene or nylon. Other components, such as the anchor elements, handle and body may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as a plastics material or a metal material or from a combination of materials.

Figure 11

Figure 11 shows another example of apparatus for securing a workpiece. Apparatus 1101 comprises the features of apparatus 101 and the same reference numerals for equivalent features will therefore be used.

Apparatus 1101 comprises a body 102 that defines a workpiece-receiving region 104 presenting a substantially "v-shaped groove" arrangement. The apparatus defines a channel to allow a tool to travel downwards during a cutting operation performed upon a received workpiece. In this example, the apparatus 1101 presents a pair of support flanges 1102 that extend outwardly from side walls of the workpiece- receiving region 104. The support flanges serve to increase the stability of a received work-piece. In this example, the apparatus 1101 also presents a gripping surface 1103 that extend along a workpiece-receiving surface of the workpiece-receiving region 104. The coil spring element 1104 is located to one side of the workpiece-receiving region 104 and comprises a first fixing element. The securing mechanism 103 also comprises an anchor element that comprises a second fixing element. In this example, the anchor element is a cartridge element 1105 that is configured to be releasably securable to the body 102. A workpiece-securing strap 203 extends between the first and second fixing elements. In addition, the securing mechanism 103 comprises a handle 204 that is configured to act upon the workpiece-securing strap 203.

Cartridge element 1105 is arranged to be mechanically secured within a cartridge-receiving region 1106 of the body 102, such that the second fixing element, and hence a portion of the workpiece-securing strap 203, is underneath the workpiece- receiving region 104. In this example, the cartridge element is arranged to be releasably secured within the cartridge-receiving region 1106. Thus, cartridge element 1105 presents a projection and the cartridge-receiving region 1106 presents a recess, the projection and the recess configured to co-operate to secure the cartridge element 1105 within the cartridge-receiving region 1106. The cartridge element 1105 may also present a handle, in any suitable form, to facilitate manual handling of the apparatus 1101 when the cartridge element 1105 is secured to the body 102. In this example, the cartridge element 1105 defines an aperture 1107 that provides a handle.

Figure 12

Figure 12 illustrates the securing of the cartridge element 1105 relative to the body 102 of apparatus 1101. The cartridge element 1105 is shown located in preparation for moving in the direction of arrow 1201 into a position in which it mechanically engages with the cartridge-receiving region 1106.

Figure 13

Figure 13 shows a side view of apparatus 1101 with the cartridge element 1105 secured relative to body 102. A work-piece 1301 is shown located within workpiece- receiving region 104. As previously described, the workpiece-receiving region 104 presents a substantially "v-shaped groove" arrangement. An axis 1302 is shown that extends substantially perpendicularly to the bottom surface 1303 of the body 102, through the bottom of the "v-shape'. Workpiece-securing strap 203 is shown extending from the first fixing element 1304 around the work-piece 1301 to the second fixing element 1305. It can be seen that the second fixing element 1305 is positioned on the same side of axis 1302 as the first fixing element 1304.

The 'S' coil spring element of the securing mechanism of apparatus 1101 acts to wind in the workpiece-securing strap 203 in the direction indicated by arrow 1306. The S' coil spring element is retained within a housing that it does not exit from. Tension in the workpiece-securing strap 203 can be increased through rotation of the handle 204 from the releasing position, as shown in this Figure, to the securing position. When in operation, the action of the securing mechanism is such that forces act on the cartridge element 1105 in the direction indicated by arrow 1307. However, the co-operation of the cartridge element 1105 and the cartridge receiving region 1106 prevents movement of the cartridge element 1105 and, in turn, the second fixing element 1305 away from the secured position indicated.

Figure 14

Figure 14 shows the apparatus 1101 and workpiece 1301 of Figure 13, with the handle 204 in the securing position. To facilitate operations upon received workpiece

1301, the body 102 is provided with a plurality of foot plate portions 105. In this example, body 102 presents a foot plate portion at one end 1401 of the body, in this example at the handle end of the body. The end foot plate may present a handle, to facilitate manual handling of the apparatus 1101. In an example, the end foot plate defines an aperture that provides a handle. A foot plate portion is also provided at each side of the body. The provision of an end and side foot plate portions advantageously allows an operative to place one foot on the end foot plate and the other foot on a side foot plate. This serves to allow the operative to comfortable maintain the apparatus in position during use. According to a method of use of apparatus 1101, a workpiece is located within the workpiece-receiving region, the cartridge element is secured to the body and the handle is then secured in the securing position. When it is time to manoeuvre the workpiece from the workpiece-receiving region, the handle may be rotated from the secured position into the releasing position to relieve some tension in the workpiece- securing strap, to facilitate movement of the workpiece. Alternatively, or additionally, the cartridge element may be manoeuvred from its secured position to release some tension in the workpiece-securing strap, to facilitate movement of the workpiece. If another operation is to be performed on the same or a similar workpiece, then the workpiece may be slid under the workpiece-securing strap into position within the workpiece-receiving region and the handle and/or cartridge element again secured.

Thus, removal of the cartridge element from the body of the apparatus 1101 between operations may not be required.

Figure 15 A further view of apparatus 1101 is shown in Figure 15. In this example, the apparatus 1101 comprises a duplicate securing mechanism as described with reference to Figures 11-14, however, cartridge 1105 comprises both second fixing elements, and a handle is configured to act upon a respective work-piece securing strap.

Alternatively, a cartridge may be provided for each securing mechanism and/or a handle may be configured to act upon each of the plurality of work-piece securing straps simultaneously. In a further example, a handle may be configured to act upon a respective work-piece securing strap, but a mechanism may be provided to link handles together such that the linked handles act upon the plurality of work-piece securing straps simultaneously. The body of apparatus 1101 may be fabricated from a blank upon which folding operations are performed, hi an example, the blank is a sheet of metal, such as a panel of stainless steel, hi an example, a metal blank is profiled and folded to provide work- piece supporting flanges and part of the mechanism by means of which the handle is maintained in the securing position and, for example, foot plate portions. Other components of the apparatus may be fabricated from one or more materials. For example, foot plate portions may be fabricated from ABS, nylon or polypropylene. The cartridge element may, for example, be fabricated from a glass-reinforced plastic. The handle may be a fabricated from a plastics material, hi an example, the handle and the foot plate portions are fabricated from the same material. The spring element housing may be fabricated from nylon. In an example, the receiving surface of the workpiece- receiving region may be provided by moulded polyurethane, moulded silicon or moulded rubber.

According to an embodiment of apparatus for securing a work piece, the apparatus is substantially symmetrical about an axis 1501 extending lengthways from the handle end to the other end and substantially centrally widthways. However, it is preferable for duplicated parts to be identical to facilitate initial manufacture and repair or maintenance.

According to an example, the apparatus has a length of approximately 410mm and is configured to receive a workpiece, such as a pipe, having a diameter up to approximately 350mm. Figure 16

Figure 16 shows a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 1601 comprises the features of apparatus 101 and the same reference numerals for equivalent features will therefore be used.

Apparatus 1601 comprises a body 102 that defines a workpiece-receiving region 104 presenting a substantially "v-shaped groove" arrangement. The apparatus defines a channel to allow a tool to travel downwards during a cutting operation performed upon a received workpiece. The coil spring element is located to one side of the workpiece-receiving region 104 and comprises a first fixing element. The securing mechanism 103 also comprises an anchor element that comprises a second fixing element. In this example, the anchor element is a cartridge element 1605 that is configured to be releasably securable to the body 102. A workpiece-securing strap 203 extends between the first and second fixing elements. In addition, the securing mechanism 103 comprises a handle 204 that is configured to act upon the workpiece- securing strap 203.

Cartridge element 1605 is arranged to be mechanically secured within a cartridge-receiving region of the body 102, such that the second fixing element, and hence a portion of the workpiece-securing strap 203, is underneath the workpiece- receiving region 104. hi this example, the cartridge element is arranged to be releasably secured within the cartridge-receiving region.

. A work-piece 1608 is shown located within workpiece-receiving region 104. As previously described, the workpiece-receiving region 104 presents a substantially "v-shaped groove" arrangement. An axis 1602 is shown that extends substantially perpendicularly to the bottom surface 1603 of the body 102, through the bottom of the

"v-shape'. Workpiece-securing strap 203 is shown extending from the first fixing element 1604 around pivot 1606 of handle 204 and exiting body 102 by axis 1602. The workpiece-securing strap then extends around work-piece 1601 to the second fixing element 1607. It can be seen that the second fixing element 1607 is positioned on the same side of axis 1602 as the first fixing element 1604. Tension in the workpiece- securing strap 203 can be increased through rotation of the handle 204 from the releasing position, as shown in this Figure, to the securing position.

Figure 17 Figure 17 shows the apparatus 1601 and workpiece 1608 of Figure 16, with the handle 204 in the securing position. To facilitate operations upon received workpiece 1608, the body 102 is provided with a plurality of foot plate portions 105. In this example, body 102 presents a foot plate portion at one end 1701 of the body, in this example at the handle end of the body. The end foot plate may present a handle, to facilitate manual handling of the apparatus 1601. In an example, the end foot plate defines an aperture that provides a handle. A foot plate portion is also provided at each side of the body. The provision of an end and side foot plate portions advantageously allows an operative to place one foot on the end foot plate and the other foot on a side foot plate. This serves to allow the operative to comfortable maintain the apparatus in position during use.

According to a method of use of apparatus 1601, a workpiece is located within the workpiece-receiving region, the cartridge element is secured to the body and the handle is then secured in the securing position. When it is time to manoeuvre the workpiece from the workpiece-receiving region, the handle may be rotated from the secured position into the releasing position to relieve some tension in the workpiece- securing strap, to facilitate movement of the workpiece. Alternatively, or additionally, the cartridge element may be manoeuvred from its secured position to release some tension in the workpiece-securing strap, to facilitate movement of the workpiece. If another operation is to be performed on the same or a similar workpiece, then the workpiece may be slid under the workpiece-securing strap into position within the workpiece-receiving region and the handle and/or cartridge element again secured. Thus, removal of the cartridge element from the body of the apparatus 1601 between operations may not be required.

Claims

1. Apparatus for securing a workpiece, comprising: a body and a securing mechanism; said body defines a workpiece-receiving region, and

. said securing mechanism comprises: a coil spring element comprising a first fixing element; an anchor element comprising a second fixing element; a workpiece-securing strap extending between said first fixing element and said second fixing element, and a handle configured to act upon said workpiece-securing strap, said handle configured to rotate between a securing position and a releasing position, whereby said body is configured to support said coil spring element and said anchor element such that said workpiece-securing strap extends over said workpiece-securing region.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when said handle is in said securing position, portions of said workpiece-securing strap are forced together under tension.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said coil spring element is a constant coil spring element.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said coil spring element is an 'S' coil spring element.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said anchor element is releasably securable to said body.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said workpiece-receiving region has a substantially "v-shaped groove" for receiving a workpiece.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a releasable handle fastening means configured to allow said handle to be releasably secured to said body.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising two workpiece-securing straps.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said workpiece-receiving region comprises slot.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 and claim 9, wherein said slot is positioned on said workpiece-receiving region between said workpiece-securing straps.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said workpiece-receiving region comprises support flanges.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said anchor element comprises a cartridge element configured to be releasably securable to said body.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 and claim 12, wherein said body further comprises cartridge receiving region, and said cartridge element is configured to mechanically secured within said cartridge receiving region.

14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said body further comprises a foot plate portion.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said foot plate portion further defines an aperture that provides a handle.

16. A method of securing a workpiece, comprising the steps of: receiving apparatus according to claim 1, locating a workpiece within said workpiece receiving region, and rotating said handle from said releasing position into said securing position.

17. Apparatus for securing a workpiece, substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.

18. A method of securing a workpiece, substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.