WO2010058873A1

WO2010058873A1 - Coupling band

Info

Publication number: WO2010058873A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/007134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sung-Hak Kim
Original assignee: Sae Han Hitec Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-11-21
Filing date: 2008-12-03
Publication date: 2010-05-27
Also published as: KR101027946B1; KR20100057327A

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a coupling band serving as a circular coupler, and more particularly to a strip coupling band for closely fixing an interior material or a finishing material to a circular or cylindrical structure such as a pipe in case the material surrounds the structure.

Description

COUPLING BAND

Technical Field

[1] This disclosure relates to a coupling band serving as a circular coupler, and more particularly to a strip coupling band for closely fixing an interior material or a finishing material to a circular or pillar-type structure such as a pipe in case the material surrounds the structure. Background Art

[2] A coupling band is a construction material also called a steel band, a band steel or a bar steel in case it is made of steel. A coupling band made of steel has a thin and long band shape with a steel material rolled into a thin shape. The steel band has various sizes, for example with a thickness of 0.6 to 6 mm and a width of 20 to 1800 mm. If the steel band is formed as a band shape, it may be used as a coupling band. In other case, if the steel band is formed as a long tube shape, it may be made into an electric welded tube or lightweight shape steel.

[3] The coupling band disclosed herein is used for fixing an interior or finishing material surrounding an inner or outer cylindrical construction pipe to the pipe or another structure.

[4] For example, in case a water pipe is surrounded by an insulator for the prevention of freezing and burst of the pipe, the pipe is fastened and fixed by coupling bands at regular intervals such that the insulator may keep surrounding the pipe. The coupling band, particularly the steel band, is made of stainless steel or carbon steel sheet among rolled steels.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] Generally, a coupling band is made by putting at least two thin plates one over another. For fixing the strip-type coupling band, the coupling band wraps a periphery of an article at least once such that both ends of the coupling band meet again. Based on a center strip of the coupling band, a coupling portion provided at one end (hereinafter, referred to as a receiving end) of the coupling band receives the other end (hereinafter, referred to as an inserted end) while covering it. Also, after the article to be coupled is surrounded by the coupling band, the inserted end is bent back in a direction opposite to an insert direction based on the coupling portion such that the inserted end is fixed not to depart from the coupling portion of the receiving end. In addition, for further reinforcing the coupling force, a separate coupling tool such as a screw is generally provided. [6] Due to the structure of the coupling portion, when a coupling band is manufactured, a separate post-process for forming a screw groove in the center strip is required after forming the coupling band. For this reason, the time taken for manufacturing the coupling band is elongated, which also causes losses in cost.

[7] In addition, in a general coupling band, the coupling portion just plays a role as a guiderail of the inserted end and a support when the inserted end is bent back, and the coupling portion has no other role. Moreover, since one end of the general coupling band, in which a coupling groove is formed, has a flat band structure, when the coupling band is strongly fastened, a worker should grip and pull one end of the coupling band with a hand since the one end does not have any grip or groove. Among coupling bands, a steel band made of steel generally has a smooth surface, so a worker should wear a special anti-slip glove. Thus, the work for pulling the coupling band with a hand is not easy but needs a long working time and does not ensure firm coupling.

[8] Also, in the general coupling band, the coupling portion has a narrow and low entrance. Thus, a worker should carefully treat the coupling band with a long time in order to grip one end having the coupling portion, put one end into the coupling portion provided at the other end, and then pull one end for fastening. Technical Solution

[9] In order to solve the above problem, the coupling band disclosed herein suggests customized solutions.

[10] First, a general structure is configured such that, based on the center strip of the coupling band, the coupling portion provided at the receiving end of the coupling band receives the inserted end while covering it, and after the article to be coupled is surrounded by the coupling band, the inserted end is bent back in a direction opposite to an insert direction based on the coupling portion such that the inserted end is fixed not to depart from the coupling portion of the receiving end. However, the general structure does not have a strong coupling force, so an additional coupling tool such as a screw is generally provided for reinforcing the coupling force. However, a coupling band disclosed herein has a coupling portion that allows a coupling groove to be engaged with a hooking protrusion to fix a coupled state, which gives a sufficient coupling force. Thus, the coupling band disclosed herein has no need of an additional coupling tool.

[11] Some coupling bands use a hooking projection that allows any article to be pushed and then hooked. However, using this structure is very complicated. If the coupling band disclosed herein is used, after an inserted end passes through the coupling portion, the hooking protrusion provided in the coupling portion is easily hooked to a coupling groove at a suitable location by just gripping and fully pulling the inserted end. In addition, this coupling is not easily released. Because the hooking protrusion is strongly coupled to the coupling groove, there is no need of any additional coupling tool such as a screw.

[12] In addition, in case a worker grips and pulls the inserted end of a general coupling band, since the inserted end directly gripped and pulled by the worker has a smooth surface as mentioned above, the hand of the worker may slip, which may cause an injury of the worker and decrease a working speed inefficiently. However, the coupling band disclosed herein has a pulling groove at the inserted end such that a worker may easily pull the inserted end and couple the coupling band by using a hand or a tool such as a hook. For this reason, a working efficiency is improved due to a shortened working time, which also allows cost reduction.

[13] Also, in case of a general coupling band, the coupling portion has a narrow and low entrance. For this reason, when a worker grips the receiving end having the coupling portion and pulls the inserted end inserted into and passing through an engagement portion of the receiving end provided at the other end so as to couple the coupling band, the inserted end passes through the engagement portion of the coupling portion, which needs careful treatment and extends a working time. However, in the coupling band disclosed herein, an engagement portion of the coupling portion is designed to have the same height, so a worker may easily couple the coupling band.

[14] Finally, in the coupling band disclosed herein, heat and pressure are applied to the engagement portion provided at the coupling portion by means of a stamping process, so that the engagement portion is partially depressed. For this reason, the engagement portion of the coupling portion not only serves as a guiderail in a moving path of the coupling portion of the inserted end but also improves a coupling force by means of the concave portion formed by the stamping.

Advantageous Effects

[15] The coupling band disclosed herein gives a sufficient coupling force since it is provided with the coupling portion in which the coupling groove is engaged with the hooking protrusion to fix the coupling state, so there is no need of an additional coupling tool.

[16] If a worker grips and sufficiently pulls the inserted end of the coupling band after the inserted end passes through the coupling portion, the hooking protrusion provided at an inner side of the coupling portion is hooked to a coupling groove at a suitable location, so the coupling state is not released but maintained.

[17] When using the coupling band disclosed herein, a worker may easily pull the inserted end to couple the coupling band by using a hook not just with a hand since the pulling groove is provided at the inserted end. For this reason, a working time is shortened, which improves working efficiency and results in cost reduction.

[18] The coupling band disclosed herein is configured such that the engagement portion of the coupling portion has a sufficient height such that the coupling band may be easily coupled.

[19] The coupling band disclosed herein is configured such that the engagement portion is partially depressed by applying heat and pressure to the engagement portion provided at the coupling portion through a stamping process, so the engagement portion of the coupling portion improves a coupling force due to the concave portion formed by the stamping, in addition to serving as a guiderail on a moving path of the coupling portion of the inserted end. Brief Description of Drawings

[20] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed exemplary embodiments will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[21] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a coupling band according to an embodiment disclosed herein;

[22] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the coupling band according to the embodiment disclosed herein;

[23] Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the coupling band according to the embodiment disclosed herein, which illustrates a coupled state between a receiving end and an inserted end;

[24] Fig. 4 shows a state before the coupling band is coupled to a subject;

[25] Fig. 5 shows a state before the inserted end is inserted into a coupling portion of the receiving end for coupling the coupling band to a subject;

[26] Fig. 6 shows that the inserted end of the coupling band is inserted into the coupling portion of the inserted end such that the hooking protrusion is engaged with the coupling groove to couple a subject;

[27] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of disposing of the remainder of the inserted end after the coupling band according to the embodiment disclosed herein is completely coupled; and

[28] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a coupling band according to another embodiment disclosed herein. Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention

[29] Exemplary embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth therein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

[30] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The use of the terms "first", "second", and the like does not imply any particular order, but they are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" or "includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[31] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[32] In the drawings, like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. The shape, size and regions, and the like, of the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity.

[33] Figs. 1 to 3 are a perspective view, a plan view and a side view showing a coupling band according to an embodiment disclosed herein, respectively, and Figs. 4 to 7 show a coupling state of the coupling band according to the embodiment disclosed herein in time series. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a coupling band according to another embodiment disclosed herein.

[34] First, Fig. 1 is a perspective view, Fig. 2 is a plan view and Fig. 3 is a side view showing the coupling band of this embodiment.

[35] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a coupling band 100 according to the embodiment disclosed herein includes an inserted end 120 at one terminal and a receiving end 130 at the other terminal, based on an elongated center strip 110 with a rectangular shape. A pulling groove 122 is provided at a terminal of the inserted end 120. When the inserted end 120 is coupled with the receiving end 130, a worker hooks an auxiliary tool such as a hook to the pulling groove 122 such that the inserted end 120 may be easily pulled and firmly coupled.

[36] Also, the inserted end 120 has a plurality of coupling grooves 121. The coupling grooves 121 are selectively engaged with a hooking protrusion 141 of a coupling portion 140, as will be explained later, to keep a coupled state of the coupling band 100, which is coupled with a circular shape. The coupling groove 121 may be provided in plural as necessary. Also, the coupling groove 121 generally has a rectangular hole shape, but it may have other shapes like a circular shape as necessary. In case a plurality of coupling grooves 121 are provided at regular intervals to couple the inserted end 120 with the receiving end 130, it is determined to which coupling groove 121 the hooking protrusion 141 is hooked and fixed in accordance with thickness and circumference of a subject to be coupled.

[37] The entire coupling band 100 including the center strip 110 may be made of various materials such as steel and plastic, among which metal materials with high strength are preferred, and stainless steel or carbon steel are more preferred. Such materials are preferred so as to ensure a sufficient strength of the band 100 over a certain level while keeping a coupling force to a suitable level.

[38] Meanwhile, the receiving end 130 represents a side of the band opposite to the inserted end 120, based on the center strip 110, as mentioned above. The receiving end 130 has the coupling portion 140 that substantially plays a coupling role. The coupling portion 140 includes an engagement portion 142 serving as a guiderail for ensuring proper insertion of the inserted end 120, and a hooking protrusion 141 provided in the engagement portion 142. The engagement portion 142 has a slanted height, as will be explained later with reference to Fig. 3.

[39] When the coupling band 100 is coupled with a circular shape, the hooking protrusion

141 is engaged with the coupling groove 121 provided at the inserted end 120 to keep a coupled state of the coupling band 100. The shape of the hooking protrusion 141 is determined in accordance with the shape of the coupling groove 121. In this embodiment, since the coupling groove 121 has a rectangular shape, the hooking protrusion 141 also protrudes with a rectangular shape.

[40] In order to connect a support plate 150 integrated with the engagement portion 142 to the center strip 110, at least one rivet fixture 131 is provided at the receiving end 130 for the purpose of rivet connection. The rivet fixture 131 fixes the center strip 110 and the support plate 150, and thus the coupling portion 140 is supported more firmly. Such a structure is shown well in Fig. 3.

[41] Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the coupling band according to the embodiment disclosed herein, which illustrates a coupled state of the receiving end 130 and the inserted end 120.

[42] Referring to Fig. 3, the hooking protrusion 141 protrudes with a slant in a direction opposite to the receiving end 130 such that a worker may easily grip and pull the inserted end 120 and the inserted end 120 may be easily coupled and keep its coupled state. The hooking protrusion 141 is a partial protrusion of the center strip 110 and is integrally provided with the center strip 110. Thus, a resisting force of the hooking protrusion 141 is weak in a pulling direction (a right direction in Fig. 3), and, if a worker pulls the hooking protrusion 141, the hooking protrusion 141 easily moves past a plurality of coupling groove 121 and is then hooked and firmly fastened to a coupling groove 121 at a desired location. However, a resisting force of the hooking protrusion 141 is strong in an opposite direction (a left direction in Fig. 3), and a bottom of the engagement portion 142 presses down the hooking protrusion 141. For this reason, the hooking protrusion 141 is not bent in the opposite direction (a left direction in Fig. 3) over a certain angle, and the hooking protrusion 141 is not deviated from the coupling groove 121.

[43] Seeing the coupling portion 140, the coupling portion 140 has a regular width.

However, in view of height, the coupling portion 140 has a slanted structure, which is highest at a portion from which the inserted end 120 is inserted and is gradually lowered (i.e., gradually lowered from a left side to a right side, in Fig. 3). An entrance of the coupling portion 140 has so sufficient a height that the inserted end 120 may be easily inserted through it. For firm fixture of the inserted end 120, a lower surface of the engagement portion 142 is contacted with an upper surface of the inserted end 120 at a portion where the inserted end 120 is engaged with the hooking protrusion 141. For further reinforcing the coupling force, a stamping portion 143 may be further provided.

[44] To form the stamping portion 143, heat and pressure are applied to the engagement portion 142 by means of a press such that the engagement portion 142 is partially protruded in a vertically lower direction. The stamping portion 143 is formed perpendicular to a length direction of the coupling band 100 and has a depressed groove with an elongated strip shape. When the coupling band 100 is coupled, the downwardly protruded lower surface of the stamping portion 143 compresses the upper surface of the inserted end 120, thereby ensuring more firm fixture.

[45] Figs. 4 to 7 show a coupling state of the coupling band according to the embodiment disclosed herein in time series.

[46] Fig. 4 shows a state before the coupling band 100 is coupled to a subject. The subject is generally a pipe- or tube- shaped article. In case an insulating material surrounds a surface of a pipe, for example, the coupling band 100 may be used for fixing the insulating material to the pipe. [47] Fig. 5 shows a state before the inserted end 120 is inserted into the coupling portion

140 of the receiving end 130 such that the coupling band 100 couples the subject.

[48] Fig. 6 shows that the inserted end 120 of the coupling band 100 is inserted into the coupling portion 140 of the receiving end 130, and thus the coupling groove 121 is engaged with the hooking protrusion 141 to couple the subject. As explained above, the hooking protrusion 141 protrudes with a slant in a direction opposite to the receiving end 130 such that a worker may grip and pull the inserted end 120 to easily couple the subject and keep the coupled state. Thus, the resisting force of the hooking protrusion 141 is weak in a pulling direction, and, if the worker pulls the hooking protrusion 141, the hooking protrusion 141 easily passes past a plurality of coupling grooves 121 and is then hooked to a coupling groove 121 at a desired location, thereby ensuring firm fastening. However, since the hooking protrusion 141 has a strong resisting force in an opposite direction, and the bottom of the engagement portion 142 presses down the hooking protrusion 141, the hooking protrusion 141 is not bent over a certain angle in the opposite direction and is not deviated from the coupling groove 121.

[49] As mentioned above, if a worker inserts the inserted end 120 into the coupling portion 140 along the engagement portion 142 and then pulls the inserted end 120, the coupling work is easily completed in a convenient way, which greatly shortens a working time. Also, since the coupling portion 140 allows the coupling groove 121 and the hooking protrusion 141 to be engaged and fixedly coupled with each other, it is possible to give a sufficient coupling force without any additional coupling tool such as a screw.

[50] In addition, since the pulling groove 122 is provided at the inserted end 120, a worker may easily pull the inserted end by using a tool such as a hook not just with a hand, so the coupling band may be easily coupled. For this reason, a working efficiency is improved, which also allows cost reduction.

[51] Fig. 7 shows the process of disposing of the remainder of the inserted end 120 after the coupling band 100 according to the embodiment disclosed herein is completely coupled. Since the hooking protrusion 141 is engaged and fixed to a coupling groove 121 at a desired location, the remainder of the inserted end 120 is not necessary. Thus, it is possible to cut off the remainder by means of a finishing work. Alternatively, the remainder may also be bent in an opposite direction and then left alone. In this way, the coupling band 100 according to the embodiment disclosed herein firmly couples the subject.

[52] Fig. 8 shows a coupling band 200 according to another embodiment disclosed herein.

The coupling band 200 of this embodiment is substantially identical to the above- described one, except that the engagement portion 142 protrudes upwards. [53] While the exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[54] In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure not be limited to the particular exemplary embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] A coupling band, comprising: an elongated center strip with a rectangular shape; an inserted end provided at one end of the center strip; a receiving end provided at the other end of the center strip; a pulling groove located at a terminal of the inserted end and allowing an auxiliary tool to be hooked and pulled when the inserted end is coupled with the receiving end; a coupling portion located at a terminal of the receiving end and including: an engagement portion playing a role of a guiderail that ensures the inserted end to be properly inserted; a support plate integrally provided with the engagement portion and connected to the center strip by means of at least one rivet fixture; and a hooking protrusion protruded with a slant in a direction opposite to the receiving end; and at least one coupling groove provided at the inserted end with a regular interval, the coupling groove being engaged with the hooking protrusion of the coupling portion and keeping a coupled state when the inserted end is coupled with the receiving end. [2] The coupling band according to claim 1, wherein a part of the engagement portion is formed as a stamping portion that is perpendicular to a length direction of the center strip and has a depressed groove with an elongated strip shape. [3] The coupling band according to claim 2, wherein the coupling groove has a rectangular shape. [4] The coupling band according to claim 3, wherein the center strip, the coupling portion and the support plate are made of stainless steel. [5] The coupling band according to claim 4, wherein an end of the engagement portion is vertically extended in an upper direction.