AU2018221887B2

AU2018221887B2 - Clamp

Info

Publication number: AU2018221887B2
Application number: AU2018221887A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Rafla Rufaeel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-15
Filing date: 2018-02-14
Publication date: 2023-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-14
Also published as: AU2018221887A1; WO2018148792A1

Abstract

A clamp comprising a first jaw (12) and a second jaw (14) extending outwardly from a body of the clamp. A head portion (16) is provided on an outer end of the first jaw (12), the head portion including an opening (36). A clamp member (18) is provided on the second jaw being moveable toward and away from the head portion and including a planar engaging surface (28). The head portion (16) has a thickness less than that of the first jaw (12) and the opening (36) is provided to receive the head of a striking tool such that a fastener may be inserted through the opening (36) in the head portion (16) and struck by the striking tool to secure together items held by the clamp (10).

Description

"CLAMP"

Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a clamp.

Background to the Invention

[002] The present invention relates to a clamp of the type having moveable jaws for holding an item, such as an F-clamp or a G-clamp. These types of clamps are generally used to hold together multiple pieces of material so that they may be fastened. The jaws of the clamp press together at locations on the pieces of material. Fasteners, for example nails, are then inserted through the material next to the location of the jaws.

[003] The present invention relates to a clamp having an improved construction to allow easy application of fasteners directly at the location where the force is applied between the jaws. The clamp also allows multiple items to be held together in a variety of configurations.

Summary of the Invention

[004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamp comprising:

a first jaw and a second jaw, each comprising respective first and second elongate members having a first end secured to a body of the clamp;

a head portion provided on a second end of the first jaw, the head portion including an opening; and

a clamp member provided on a second end of the second jaw, the clamp member being moveable toward and away from the head portion and including a planar engaging surface on a side thereof facing the head portion; wherein the head portion has a thickness less than that of the first jaw and wherein the opening is provided to receive the head of a striking tool such that a fastener may be inserted through the opening in the head portion and struck by the striking tool to secure together items held by the clamp.

[005] Preferably the thickness of the first jaw decreases from the first end to the second.

[006] Preferably the head portion has a constant thickness from a proximal end to a distal end thereof.

[007] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the head portion is greater than the width of the first jaw.

[008] Preferably the width of the opening is greater than the width of the first jaw.

[009] In one embodiment, the clamp member is provided on a first end of a threaded shaft provided through a threaded bore in a second end of the second jaw, such that the clamp member is moveable toward or away from the head portion by rotation of the threaded shaft.

[010] Preferably the clamp member includes a circular engaging surface.

[01 1 ] Preferably a handle is provided on a second end of the threaded shaft.

[012] Preferably the width of the opening is greater than the width of the engaging surface of the clamp member.

[013] In one embodiment, the head portion comprises a U-shaped member.

[014] In a further embodiment, the head portion comprises a V-shaped member.

[015] Preferably the head portion comprises first and second arms extending outwardly from the second end of the first jaw.

[016] Preferably the width of distal ends of the arms is less than the width of the opening. [017] In a further embodiment, the head portion comprises a C-shaped member. Preferably the opening extends into the head portion on a longitudinal side of the first jaw.

[018] In a preferred embodiment, markings are provided on an upper surface of the head portion, the markings being alignable with perpendicular lines provided on an item to be clamped such that the intersection of the lines marks a centre of the opening.

[019] Preferably the markings are provided at 90 degree angular intervals relative to a centre of the opening 36.

[020] Preferably there is provided a central marking located centrally on the head portion 16 adjacent the second end of the first jaw 12 and a pair of side markings provided adjacent ends of the head portion.

[021 ] In one embodiment, the body includes measurement marks along the length thereof.

[022] In one embodiment, the clamp comprises an F-clamp.

[023] In a further embodiment, the clamp comprises a G-clamp.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[024] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[025] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[026] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the clamp of Figure 1 ;

[027] Figure 3 is a view showing the jaws and the handle of the clamp of

Figure 1 ;

[028] Figure 4a is a side view of the clamp of Figure 1 ;

[029] Figure 4b is a front view of the clamp of Figure 1 ;

[030] Figure 4c is a top view of the clamp of Figure 1 ; [031 ] Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of the clamp of Figure 1 shown holding together two pieces of material;

[032] Figure 6 is a front view of the clamp holding together the material;

[033] Figure 7 is a first upper perspective view showing four different embodiments of clamps in accordance with the present invention;

[034] Figure 8 is a second upper perspective view showing four different embodiments of clamps in accordance with the present invention;

[035] Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[036] Figure 10 is an upper perspective view of a third embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[037] Figure 1 1 is an upper perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[038] Figure 12 is a top view showing a plurality of clamps in accordance with the present invention securing items together;

[039] Figure 13 is an upper perspective of a pair of clamps securing perpendicular pieces of material together;

[040] Figure 14 is an upper perspective view of a pair of clamps securing together two pieces of material from opposite directions;

[041 ] Figure 15 is an upper perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[042] Figure 16 is an upper perspective of the clamp of Figure 1 securing together two pieces of material where one is cylindrical; and

[043] Figure 17 is an upper perspective view of the clamp of Figure 1 securing together two pieces of material on a planar work surface.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[044] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a clamp 10 comprising a first jaw 12 and the second jaw 14. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the clamp 10 comprises an F-clamp. The clamp 10 therefore comprises a body 20 from which the first and second jaws 12 and 14 extend. The body 20 comprises an elongate bar 21 . [045] The first jaw 12 comprises a first elongate member 13 having a first end fixed adjacent a first end of the bar 21 . The first jaw 12 extends outwardly from the body 20 such that the first jaw 12 is perpendicular to the bar 21 . The second jaw 14 comprises a second elongate member 15 having a first end connected to the body 20 such that second jaw 14 extends outwardly perpendicular to the body 20 and is slidable relative to the body 20. A first end of the second jaw 14 includes an aperture 22 having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the bar 21 such that the bar 21 is received in the aperture 22. The second jaw 14 is therefore slidable along the length of the body 20 in a known manner.

[046] While the invention shown in the drawings has been described with reference to an F-clamp, it will be appreciated however that the invention would also be applicable to other types of clamps, such as G-clamps, C- clamps, spring clamps, or any other clamp with a moveable jaw.

[047] The first jaw 12 of the clamp 10 includes a head portion 16 provided at a second end of the first jaw 12. The width of the head portion 16 (the width being measured in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the first and second jaws 12 and 14 lie) is greater than the width of the first jaw 12. The head portion 16 of the first jaw 12 has a thickness less than the thickness of the first jaw 12 (the thickness being measured in the plane in which the first and second jaws 12 and 14 lie). The thickness of the first jaw 12 decreases from the first end thereof to the location of the head portion 16. The head portion 16 has a constant thickness from a proximal end to a distal end thereof.

[048] The head portion 16 includes a lower surface 24 provided to engage with an item to be clamped. The head portion 16 includes also an upper surface 25 remote from the lower surface 24.

[049] The clamp 10 includes a clamping mechanism having a clamp member 18 located adjacent a distal end of the second jaw 14. The clamp member 18 is provided to be movable relative to the head portion 16 of the first jaw 12 such that the clamp member 18 may be moved towards or away from the head portion 16. Items may therefore be clamped between the head portion 16 and the clamp member 18. The clamp member 18 includes an engaging surface 28, being the surface which would engage with an object placed between the head portion 16 and the clamp member 18 upon movement of the clamp member 18 towards the head portion 16. The engaging surface 28 comprises a planar surface and, in the embodiment shown, is circular.

[050] In the embodiment shown, the clamping mechanism includes a threaded shaft 26. The clamp member 18 is secured to a first end of the threaded shaft 26 and the threaded shaft 26 is received through a bore 30 provided in a cylindrical end portion 40 provided on the second end of the second jaw 14. The bore 30 includes an internal thread such that the engaging surface 28 of the clamp member 18 may be moved towards or away from the head portion 16 of the first jaw 12 by rotation of the shaft 26 within the bore 30.

[051 ] When the engaging surface 28 is moved towards the head portion 16, items to be clamped will be engaged between the lower surface 24 of the head portion 16 and the engaging surface 28 of the clamp member 18. A handle 32 is provided on a second end of the threaded shaft 26 remote from the clamp member 18. Therefore, gripping the shaft 26 by the handle 32 and rotating allows operation of the clamp 10 in a known manner. In the embodiment shown, the clamp member 28 comprises a disc 29 secured to the first end of the shaft 26. The disc 29 is provided with a clamp cover 42 provided to cover across the engaging surface 28. The clamp cover 42 may be made of a resilient material, such as a plastic material, in order to protect the surfaces of objects secured with the clamp 10.

[052] The head portion 16 of the clamp 10 includes an opening 36. The opening 36 extends through the head portion 16 from the lower surface 24 to the upper surface 25 thereof. The opening 36 is provided of a width such that the opening may receive the head of a striking tool, such as a hammer. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6, the opening 36 extends into a side of the head portion 16 opposite the first jaw 12 such that the head portion 16 comprises a U-shaped member 46 connected centrally to the second end of the first jaw 12. The head portion 16 therefore comprises a pair of arcuate arms 17a and 17b extending outwardly from the second end of the first jaw 12.

[053] The width of the opening 36 in the head portion 16 is greater than the width of the first elongate member 13 of the first jaw 12. The width of the opening 36 in the embodiment shown is also greater than the width of the engaging surface 28 of the clamp member 18. Further, the width of the opening 36 is greater than the width of distal ends of the arms 17a and 17b of the head portion 16.

[054] The head portion 16 is provided with a head cover 44. The head cover 44 is provided to be engaged across the lower surface 24 of the head portion 16. The head cover 44 is preferably made of a resilient material, such as a plastic material, in order to protect the surfaces of objects secured with the clamp 10.

[055] The upper surface 25 of the head portion 16 is provided with a plurality of markings 64. The markings 64 are provided to be alignable with lines which may be drawn on the surface of the item to be secured. The markings 64 are provided at 90 degree angular intervals relative to a centre of the opening 36.

[056] In the embodiment shown, there is provided a central marking 64a and a pair of side markings 64b. The central marking 64a is located centrally on the head portion 16 adjacent the second end of the first jaw 12. The side markings 64 are provided adjacent ends of the U-shaped head portion 16 such that a line connecting the side markings 64b would intersect a line extending outwardly from the central marking 64a parallel to the first jaw 14 in the centre of the opening 36.

[057] In use, the clamp 10 may be applied to secure together first and second items 60 and 61 in the usual manner, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Once the first and second items 60 and 61 are securely held together, the items 60 and 61 may be fixed via application of a suitable fastener, such as a nail or threaded fastener. The fastener may be applied to the first item 60 into the opening 36 such that it will pass down into the second item 61 . Having the position of the opening 36 aligned with the engaging surface 28 of the clamp member 18 allows for the fastener to be inserted at the location where the maximum force is applied by the clamp 10. This width of the opening 36 in the head portion 16 and the fact it is relatively thin allows a striking tool, such as a hammer, to work directly up to the surface of the item 60.

[058] In use, a pair of perpendicular lines may be drawn on the upper surface of the first item 60 at the point the items 60 and 61 are to be secured which may then be aligned with the markings 64 in order to centre the connection point within the opening 36.

[059] Figures 7 and 8 show a set of alternative embodiments of clamps 10 in accordance with the present invention.

[060] In the embodiment of Figure 9, the opening 36 of the clamp 10' is provided centrally in the head portion 16 extending from the lower surface 24 to the upper surface 25 thereof. The head portion 16 in this embodiment therefore comprises a ring 50 which is generally circular in shape.

[061 ] In the embodiment of Figure 10, the head portion 16 of the clamp 10" is a V-shaped member 48 rather than U-shaped. The V-shaped member 48 is secured at the apex thereof to the second end of the first jaw 12. The head portion 16 therefore comprises first and second linear arms 17a and 17b extending outwardly from the second end of the first arm 12.

[062] In the embodiment of Figure 1 1 , the head portion 16 comprises a C- shaped member 52 such that the head portion 16 comprises parallel first and second side portions 54 and 55 connected at ends thereof by an interconnecting portion 56. The opening 36 is defined by the first and second side portions 54 and 55 and the interconnecting portion 56 and the first side portion 54 is connected to the second end of the first jaw 12 such that the opening 36 extends into the head portion 16 on a longitudinal side of the first jaw 12, rather than into the distal end of the head portion 16. The width of the first and second side portions 54 and 55 is less than the width of the opening 36. [063] Figures 12 to 14 show configurations using multiple clamps 10 to secure together items 60 and 61 . As can be seen, the arrangement of the opening 36 and the arms 17 forming the U-shaped and V-shaped members 46 and 48, ends of the arms 17 may be engaged into the opening 36 of adjacent clamps 10 (as shown in Figures 12 to 14) to further clamp together the items 60 and 61. Also, a pair of clamps 10 may be arranged in opposite orientations (as shown in Figure 14) and the clamp member 18 of each clamp 10 received in the opening 36 of the other clamp 10 to provide additional clamping force.

[064] Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of a clamp 10 in accordance with the present invention. The clamp 10 of Figure 15 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1 and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts. The clamp 10 includes measurement marks 66 along the length of the body 20. The measurement marks 66 may be used for measuring distances and may be provided in one or more units.

[065] Figures 16 and 17 show further arrangements of the clamp 10 securing together first and second items 60 and 61 . In Figure 16, the first item 60 is cylindrical but may still be secured firmly in place as the curved surface of the cylinder may be held within the opening 36. In Figure 17, the clamp 10 is shown holding together the first and second items 60 and 61 on a work surface 70.

[066] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A clamp comprising:

2. A clamp in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the first jaw decreases from the first end to the second.

3. A clamp in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the head portion has a constant thickness from a proximal end to a distal end thereof.

4. A clamp in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the width of the head portion is greater than the width of the first jaw.

5. A clamp in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the width of the opening is greater than the width of the first jaw.

6. A clamp in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp member is provided on a first end of a threaded shaft provided through a threaded bore in a second end of the second jaw, such that the clamp member is moveable toward or away from the head portion by rotation of the threaded shaft.

7. A clamp in accordance with claim 6, wherein the clamp member includes a circular engaging surface.

8. A clamp in accordance with claim 6 or 7, wherein a handle is provided on a second end of the threaded shaft.

9. A clamp in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the opening is greater than the width of the engaging surface of the clamp member.

10. A clamp in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head portion comprises a U-shaped member.

1 1 . A clamp in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the head portion comprises a V-shaped member.

12. A clamp in accordance with claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the head portion comprises first and second arms extending outwardly from the second end of the first jaw.

13. A clamp in accordance with claim 12, wherein the width of distal ends of the arms is less than the width of the opening.

14. A clamp in accordance with claim 1 1 , wherein the head portion comprises a C-shaped member.

15. A clamp in accordance with claim 14, wherein the opening extends into the head portion on a longitudinal side of the first jaw.

16. A clamp in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein markings are provided on an upper surface of the head portion, the markings being alignable with perpendicular lines provided on an item to be clamped such that the intersection of the lines marks a centre of the opening.

17. A clamp in accordance with claim 16, wherein the markings are provided at 90 degree angular intervals relative to a centre of the opening 36.

18. A clamp in accordance with claim 17, wherein there is provided a central marking located centrally on the head portion adjacent the second end of the first jaw 12 and a pair of side markings provided adjacent ends of the head portion.

19. A clamp in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the body includes measurement marks along the length thereof.

20. A clamp in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp comprises an F-clamp.

21 . A clamp in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the clamp comprises a G-clamp.