CA1100927A - Pipe guide clamping device - Google Patents
Pipe guide clamping deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1100927A CA1100927A CA323,631A CA323631A CA1100927A CA 1100927 A CA1100927 A CA 1100927A CA 323631 A CA323631 A CA 323631A CA 1100927 A CA1100927 A CA 1100927A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- engaging
- clamping device
- flange
- rod
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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- Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a pipe guide clamping assembly for clamping a pipe at a predetermined location. The assembly includes two portions, a first portion and a second portion which are releasably secured to each other about the pipe perimeter. The mechanism for securing the two portions together includes a biasing means for biasing the two portions together about the pipe and maintaining the assembly in a clamped dis-position.
The invention relates to a pipe guide clamping assembly for clamping a pipe at a predetermined location. The assembly includes two portions, a first portion and a second portion which are releasably secured to each other about the pipe perimeter. The mechanism for securing the two portions together includes a biasing means for biasing the two portions together about the pipe and maintaining the assembly in a clamped dis-position.
Description
lOQ~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent times in the oil industry, much emphasis has been placed on the transporting of oil over large distances through pipelines rather than other types of transport. In layin~ these pipelines ovex lar~e expanses of land, it has been necessary to clamp the various sections of pipe which comprise the pipeline to support members embedded into the earth. For example, in the tundra of ~laska, a metal beam having a leg on both sides which gives the beam a rather U-shaped configuration, is planted in the ground. This support structure is usually maintained about three to ~our feet elevation above the ground in which it is planted. These beams are typically placed any-where between 20' and 50' apart along the pa~h on ~hich the `
various sections of pipeline will be joined.
Pipe clamps are placed at predetermined distances along the beams for supporting and clamping the pipe in place along the path defined by the beams. These clamps heretofore have ;;
been characterized by basically two portions, a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion carries a guide and slide assembly which allows the pipe, after it has been clamped in place, to move as a function of thermal expansion. Each section of pipe is placed ln the bottom portion of the clamp and adjusted for connection to an adjacent pipe. The top portion of the-clamp ~-is then placed over the pipe and secured to the bottom portion to clamp the pipe in place.
This clamping operation heretofore has been characterized primarily by the insertion of bolts through flanges on each portion of the clamp. Because of the size and tolerances involved, the workers are required to withdraw their gloves to insert the
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent times in the oil industry, much emphasis has been placed on the transporting of oil over large distances through pipelines rather than other types of transport. In layin~ these pipelines ovex lar~e expanses of land, it has been necessary to clamp the various sections of pipe which comprise the pipeline to support members embedded into the earth. For example, in the tundra of ~laska, a metal beam having a leg on both sides which gives the beam a rather U-shaped configuration, is planted in the ground. This support structure is usually maintained about three to ~our feet elevation above the ground in which it is planted. These beams are typically placed any-where between 20' and 50' apart along the pa~h on ~hich the `
various sections of pipeline will be joined.
Pipe clamps are placed at predetermined distances along the beams for supporting and clamping the pipe in place along the path defined by the beams. These clamps heretofore have ;;
been characterized by basically two portions, a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion carries a guide and slide assembly which allows the pipe, after it has been clamped in place, to move as a function of thermal expansion. Each section of pipe is placed ln the bottom portion of the clamp and adjusted for connection to an adjacent pipe. The top portion of the-clamp ~-is then placed over the pipe and secured to the bottom portion to clamp the pipe in place.
This clamping operation heretofore has been characterized primarily by the insertion of bolts through flanges on each portion of the clamp. Because of the size and tolerances involved, the workers are required to withdraw their gloves to insert the
- 2 -.. . ....... ..
~110L~927 bolt through the proper opening, and also to thread the nuts on, for torquing the two portions of the clamp toward each other.
During the severe winters this process can be extremely un-comfortable for those workers involved in the clamping operation.
In addition, the time requixed or inserting each holt, tightening it down along the length of the clamp is inordinate.
Due to the technical expertise required of these workers and the remote locations where such pipeline operations ofte~
occur, the time lost in fastening the portions of the clamp together by this method can result in significant additional costs in laying the pipeline.
It is an object of the invention herein to provide a clamping device which is di-fferent in concept, construction, mode of operation, and result from -the clamping devices which have characterized the prior art in a way which will enhance the clamp-ing operations of pipelines as they are being laid.
More specifically, an object of the invention is to pro-vide a clamp assembly which can be quickly and easily clamped in place to reduce the time and effort required by the workers in completing the clamping operation.
Another object is to provide a clamping mechanism which allows the pipe to be clamped in place wi-thout making the workers involved in the clamping operation uncomfor-table by subjecting them unnecessarily to the severity of the weather.
It is still another object to provi~e those eler,lents on a clamping mechanism which must be operated to ti~hten the clamp in place at a location on the clamp where they are easily access-ible hy the workers.
139~7 These and other objects will become more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment ana the claims which follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, the invention relates to overcoming the de-ficiencies in clamps which have charac-terized the prior art, some of which have been discussed above.
The invention relates to a pipe clamp assembly for en-~a~ing the outer perime-ter o the pipe to fix it at a predeter-mined location. The clamp includes two portions which are releasably engageable with one another. One portion includes a projection extending therefrom which in-teracts wi-th engaging means on the second portion to allow quick a-ttachment duriny the clamping operation. One portion also has a hingeable member which moves between an open position and a closed position to facilitate access of the pipe to one of the clamp portions.
A biasing means is included for securing the two por-tions to-gether and maintaining engagement of the pro~ections on one por-tion with -the engaging means of another. -- 20 More specifically, the invention relates to a clamping device for clamping the pipes of generally circular configuration.
The clamp assembly includes basically two parts which are releasably separable from one another. Both of these are arcu~te in configuration to conform with the outer perimeter of the pipe.
The first part~ or lower portion, carries the guide and slide device which allows the clamp to move with the pipe during thermal expansion and contraction. From one side of the lower portion, there are hooks which cooperate with the upper portion in securing the two portions together. At another position displaced from )92~.
the projections, the hingeable member is pivotably secured to the lower portion an~ is pivotable outwardly so that the pipe can be more easily placed in position for the clamping operation~ Once in position, the hingeable member is rotated to a closed position, where it engayes the outer perimeter of the pipe.
One end o the upper portion carries tongues having slots therein ~r engag~ng the hooks extending from the lower portion.
At the opposite end of the upper portion, there is a Elange carrying a spring-loaded rod. At one end of the rod, there are pins for engaging the portions of a complementary flange on the hingeable member when the rod is moved to a position passing through gaps defined in the complementary flange. Once in the extended and engaged position, a nut on th~ o-ther end of the rod is torqued down to compress the spring. In this way, the tongues are drawn in engagement with the hooks on the lower por-tion, and, similarly, the flanges are drawn toward each other, thereby securing the pipe clamp about the pipe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pipe clamp.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe clamp o~
Figur~ 1 taken along lines 2-2.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the pipe clamp showing the hook members in engagement with the tongues.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary exploded view demonstrating the operation of the tongue and hook elements shown in plan view of Figure 3.
A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to Figure 1, the pipe clamp assembly generally referred to as 10, is shown without a pipe being clamped in place, but with the two portions comprising the clamp assembly in clamped disposition. As can be seen in Figure 2, the pipe assem~ly 12 for which the clamp assembly 10 is adapted, includes a central pipe portion 16 surrounded by an insulated portion 14.
The pipe assembly 12 is generally circular in conEigurakion, althoug3,.:
other configurations may be usecl.
The cla~ping device 10 basically includes two portions--a lower portion 18 which holds the pipe in place until an upper portion 19 is secured to the lower portion 18 about the pipe assembly 12. The lower portion 18 includes two hooks 20 which cooperate with part of the upper portion 19 to secure it in place.
These hooks 2~ are characterized by metal bar 21 welded to a plate 23 which is in turn welded ~o the exposed surface adjacent one end of the lower portion 18. As can be seen in Figure 4, the bar 21 extends beyond the end of the plate 23 to define a recessed ~:
area underneath the bar 21 for receiving a part of the upper portion 19 .
For cooperating with the hooks 20 the upper portion 19 defines hook engaging means in the form o:E slots 24 in tongues 22.
Tongues 22 advantageously extend from one end of the upper portions and are spaced along the longitudinal axis a distance simila~ to the spacing between the two hooks 20 as shown in Figure 3. These ' tongues 22 define the slo-ts 24 which are regis-terable with hooks 20. A part of each tongue 22 includes a transverse web 25 which defines the lower edge of the slot 2~. This web 25 is configured to slide underneath the extended portion of the bar 21. With this configuration, the UppQr portion 1'8 of the clamp 10 can be quickly ~0~9~7 secured to -the lower portion by simply slidiny the slots 24 into position registerable with the hooks 20 allowing the~hoo~s 20 to pass through the slots. Subsequent pulling of the clamp upwardly, allows the web to slide into the recess beneath the extended portion of the bar 21. In this position, the web is engaged by the bar 21 to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the clamp assembly.
At an end remote from the location of the hook~ 20, there is provided a hingeable member ~6 secured ~o the lower portion by hinge ~8. This hingeable member 4G is moveable between an open position, as shown in phankom lines in Fiyure 2, and a closed position, as shown in solid lines in Figure 2. In the open posi-tion, the bottom portion provides easy access for receiving the pipe assembly 12 for the clamping operation. This hingeable member 46 includes a complementary flange 29 which extends sub-stantially the entire length of the clamp 10. This flange 29 cooperates with connecting means for holding the two portions together, which will be described hereinafter. This flange 29 also includes a lip 30 which is a reverse bend in flange Z9 in the direction of the hin~e 48. One or more gaps 36 are located along flange 29. Preferably, three ~aps 36 are ~.ocated equidistantly from one another along the length of the flange 29. These gaps extend through the upright portion of the flange as well as the lip 30 for allowing passage of a rod 28 which forms part of the connecting means mentioned above.
The upper portion l9 also includes a flange 26 for carrying three connecting rods 28. Each connecting rod 28 at one end carries a boss 32 ha~ing a blocking pin 34 f~xtending transversely therefrom. The other end of the rod 28 defines a threaded por-tion 27 for threadedly receiving an adjustable nut 40. The por-tion of the rod 28 between the nut 40 and the flange 26 is cir-cumscribed by a he].ical spring38 B~tw~ thf` hf~llc.,ll ~prin 9~7 and the rod 40 is ~ washer 42 proviaing a surface on which the spring may seat.
With this configuration, the connec-ting rod 28 is moveable be-tween a retracted position and an extended position for lockiny the clamp in place. In an extended position r the rod 28 is passed through the gap 36 until the pins 32 are able to clear the lip 30. The rod 28 is then retracted where the pins enga~e the rear surface of the flange 29. In this position, the nut 40 can then be turned down to compress the spring 38 imparting suficient bias for maintaining the tongues 22 in engagement with the hooks ~0 and clamping portions generally in a clamped dis-position. ~ !
The bottom portion 18 also carries a guide-and-slide assembly for allowing the clamp assembly 10 to move along a -lS longitudinal path with the pipe 10 as it expands and contracts.
This assembly includes a slide 50 which moves within a guide 56.
The slide 50 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide 54 ana is fixed to the bottom portion 18 of the clamp assembly 10 by two spaced-apart brackets 52 as can best be seen in Flgu~e 3s ~he gllide includes flange portions 56, 58 spaced apa~t fTom one another in vertical inte~Fe~ence with ~he ~llde 50 and in moveable ~ela~ionship with the slide 50 for pre-venting substantial vertical movement ~hile allowing longitudinal moYe~ent~ The bottom of this assembly includes pla~te 6~ ~ihich typically carries ~ surface fo~ fac1litating mo~ement of ~lide 50 wlthin the guide 56 In some areas of the world the pipe can be subjected to difference in temperature in the range of 150C. ~s a result, one can expect up to a foot of expansion and contraction over 3n a 500-foot length of pipe. With the above-described guicle and slide assembly, the pipe in a clamped disposition is able to move relative to the guide 55 due to this thermal expansion and contraction.
In operation, the lower portion 18 is placed in the correct position at a predetermined location. The hingeable member 46 is then moved to an open position allowing easy access for re-ceiving the pipe. The pipe is then laid in place in -the lower portion 18. During a pipelaying operation, the pipe 12 can be adjusted relative to the clamp for alignmerlt with and connectlon to another pipe at either end. Once the pipe 12 is properly lo-cated for clamping, the upper portion 19 is then placed in a po-sltion so that the tongues 22 can engage -the hooks 20. The upper portion 19 is then moved upwards, so tha-t the extended portion of the hooks 20 engage the web portion 25 of the tongues 22. Sub-sequently, the upper portion 19 is placed in contiguous relation-ship with the plpe 12 and the hingeable member 46 is pivoted to a closed posi-tion where it also engages the pipe 12. In this posltion, the pipe lZ ;s ready for the final step in the clamping operation.
This final step involves moving the connecting rod 28 through the gap 36 in an extended position. The rod 28 is then retracted somewhat so that the pins 34 can engage the flange 29 on the hingeable member 46. The nut 40 is then torqued down to a predetermined level, which, in the preferred embodiment, is about 600 pounds of force. In this disposition, the bias is sufficient to maintain the tongues 22 in engagement with the hooks 20 and the pipe 12 clamped into position. Because of the lip 30 on the flange 29, the pins will not inadvertently slide upward out of position, thereby disengaging the clamp. Rather, the clamp 10 will be held in place until the nut 40 is untorqued sufficiently for allowing the connec-ting rod 28 to move to an e~tended position there where the pins can clear the lip 30.
~0~ 7 The clamp assembly 12 described above has several ad-vantages which overcome deficiencies in pipe assemblies of the past. These include the rather quick assembly feature during a pipe clamping operation. To connect one side of the cl~mps to-gether, they ~imply need to be slid in place and pulled upwardly.To connect the othex slide in the final step a hingeable m*mber is merely moved to the prop~r position with the connecting rod slid into place. To dra~ the clamps toward each other, a socket wrench or other type wrench can be immediately placed on the nut to tighten the spring to the proper compression.
It should be noted that all the parts are substantially self-containing. In this regard, the rod 28 and spring 38 can be maintained on the upper portion 19 by deforming threads on the rod 28 ahove the nu-t 40. This prevents the nut 40 from rotating off the rod 28 inadverte~tly. ~o~sequently, there is no need to carry separate sets of nuts, bolts, and other items to complete the clamping operation. This avoids many logistical problems which typically occur in many operations of pipelaying across a great expanse of territory.
Also, particularly in cold weather, it is not necessary for the workers to remove their gloves in any of the pipe clamping operation. Because the bolts are already in place (in this case the connecting rods) and the tolerances for enyaging are such that they can be very easily slid in place, the clamping operation can be accomplished unusually quickly and without discomfort to the workers.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without cleparting from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is, thereore, to be consi~.ered in all respects as illustrative ~nd not restric-tive, the scope 9~
of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than hy the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range oE equivalency of the claims are, therefore, intended to be emb~aced herein.
~110L~927 bolt through the proper opening, and also to thread the nuts on, for torquing the two portions of the clamp toward each other.
During the severe winters this process can be extremely un-comfortable for those workers involved in the clamping operation.
In addition, the time requixed or inserting each holt, tightening it down along the length of the clamp is inordinate.
Due to the technical expertise required of these workers and the remote locations where such pipeline operations ofte~
occur, the time lost in fastening the portions of the clamp together by this method can result in significant additional costs in laying the pipeline.
It is an object of the invention herein to provide a clamping device which is di-fferent in concept, construction, mode of operation, and result from -the clamping devices which have characterized the prior art in a way which will enhance the clamp-ing operations of pipelines as they are being laid.
More specifically, an object of the invention is to pro-vide a clamp assembly which can be quickly and easily clamped in place to reduce the time and effort required by the workers in completing the clamping operation.
Another object is to provide a clamping mechanism which allows the pipe to be clamped in place wi-thout making the workers involved in the clamping operation uncomfor-table by subjecting them unnecessarily to the severity of the weather.
It is still another object to provi~e those eler,lents on a clamping mechanism which must be operated to ti~hten the clamp in place at a location on the clamp where they are easily access-ible hy the workers.
139~7 These and other objects will become more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment ana the claims which follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, the invention relates to overcoming the de-ficiencies in clamps which have charac-terized the prior art, some of which have been discussed above.
The invention relates to a pipe clamp assembly for en-~a~ing the outer perime-ter o the pipe to fix it at a predeter-mined location. The clamp includes two portions which are releasably engageable with one another. One portion includes a projection extending therefrom which in-teracts wi-th engaging means on the second portion to allow quick a-ttachment duriny the clamping operation. One portion also has a hingeable member which moves between an open position and a closed position to facilitate access of the pipe to one of the clamp portions.
A biasing means is included for securing the two por-tions to-gether and maintaining engagement of the pro~ections on one por-tion with -the engaging means of another. -- 20 More specifically, the invention relates to a clamping device for clamping the pipes of generally circular configuration.
The clamp assembly includes basically two parts which are releasably separable from one another. Both of these are arcu~te in configuration to conform with the outer perimeter of the pipe.
The first part~ or lower portion, carries the guide and slide device which allows the clamp to move with the pipe during thermal expansion and contraction. From one side of the lower portion, there are hooks which cooperate with the upper portion in securing the two portions together. At another position displaced from )92~.
the projections, the hingeable member is pivotably secured to the lower portion an~ is pivotable outwardly so that the pipe can be more easily placed in position for the clamping operation~ Once in position, the hingeable member is rotated to a closed position, where it engayes the outer perimeter of the pipe.
One end o the upper portion carries tongues having slots therein ~r engag~ng the hooks extending from the lower portion.
At the opposite end of the upper portion, there is a Elange carrying a spring-loaded rod. At one end of the rod, there are pins for engaging the portions of a complementary flange on the hingeable member when the rod is moved to a position passing through gaps defined in the complementary flange. Once in the extended and engaged position, a nut on th~ o-ther end of the rod is torqued down to compress the spring. In this way, the tongues are drawn in engagement with the hooks on the lower por-tion, and, similarly, the flanges are drawn toward each other, thereby securing the pipe clamp about the pipe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pipe clamp.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe clamp o~
Figur~ 1 taken along lines 2-2.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the pipe clamp showing the hook members in engagement with the tongues.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary exploded view demonstrating the operation of the tongue and hook elements shown in plan view of Figure 3.
A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to Figure 1, the pipe clamp assembly generally referred to as 10, is shown without a pipe being clamped in place, but with the two portions comprising the clamp assembly in clamped disposition. As can be seen in Figure 2, the pipe assem~ly 12 for which the clamp assembly 10 is adapted, includes a central pipe portion 16 surrounded by an insulated portion 14.
The pipe assembly 12 is generally circular in conEigurakion, althoug3,.:
other configurations may be usecl.
The cla~ping device 10 basically includes two portions--a lower portion 18 which holds the pipe in place until an upper portion 19 is secured to the lower portion 18 about the pipe assembly 12. The lower portion 18 includes two hooks 20 which cooperate with part of the upper portion 19 to secure it in place.
These hooks 2~ are characterized by metal bar 21 welded to a plate 23 which is in turn welded ~o the exposed surface adjacent one end of the lower portion 18. As can be seen in Figure 4, the bar 21 extends beyond the end of the plate 23 to define a recessed ~:
area underneath the bar 21 for receiving a part of the upper portion 19 .
For cooperating with the hooks 20 the upper portion 19 defines hook engaging means in the form o:E slots 24 in tongues 22.
Tongues 22 advantageously extend from one end of the upper portions and are spaced along the longitudinal axis a distance simila~ to the spacing between the two hooks 20 as shown in Figure 3. These ' tongues 22 define the slo-ts 24 which are regis-terable with hooks 20. A part of each tongue 22 includes a transverse web 25 which defines the lower edge of the slot 2~. This web 25 is configured to slide underneath the extended portion of the bar 21. With this configuration, the UppQr portion 1'8 of the clamp 10 can be quickly ~0~9~7 secured to -the lower portion by simply slidiny the slots 24 into position registerable with the hooks 20 allowing the~hoo~s 20 to pass through the slots. Subsequent pulling of the clamp upwardly, allows the web to slide into the recess beneath the extended portion of the bar 21. In this position, the web is engaged by the bar 21 to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the clamp assembly.
At an end remote from the location of the hook~ 20, there is provided a hingeable member ~6 secured ~o the lower portion by hinge ~8. This hingeable member 4G is moveable between an open position, as shown in phankom lines in Fiyure 2, and a closed position, as shown in solid lines in Figure 2. In the open posi-tion, the bottom portion provides easy access for receiving the pipe assembly 12 for the clamping operation. This hingeable member 46 includes a complementary flange 29 which extends sub-stantially the entire length of the clamp 10. This flange 29 cooperates with connecting means for holding the two portions together, which will be described hereinafter. This flange 29 also includes a lip 30 which is a reverse bend in flange Z9 in the direction of the hin~e 48. One or more gaps 36 are located along flange 29. Preferably, three ~aps 36 are ~.ocated equidistantly from one another along the length of the flange 29. These gaps extend through the upright portion of the flange as well as the lip 30 for allowing passage of a rod 28 which forms part of the connecting means mentioned above.
The upper portion l9 also includes a flange 26 for carrying three connecting rods 28. Each connecting rod 28 at one end carries a boss 32 ha~ing a blocking pin 34 f~xtending transversely therefrom. The other end of the rod 28 defines a threaded por-tion 27 for threadedly receiving an adjustable nut 40. The por-tion of the rod 28 between the nut 40 and the flange 26 is cir-cumscribed by a he].ical spring38 B~tw~ thf` hf~llc.,ll ~prin 9~7 and the rod 40 is ~ washer 42 proviaing a surface on which the spring may seat.
With this configuration, the connec-ting rod 28 is moveable be-tween a retracted position and an extended position for lockiny the clamp in place. In an extended position r the rod 28 is passed through the gap 36 until the pins 32 are able to clear the lip 30. The rod 28 is then retracted where the pins enga~e the rear surface of the flange 29. In this position, the nut 40 can then be turned down to compress the spring 38 imparting suficient bias for maintaining the tongues 22 in engagement with the hooks ~0 and clamping portions generally in a clamped dis-position. ~ !
The bottom portion 18 also carries a guide-and-slide assembly for allowing the clamp assembly 10 to move along a -lS longitudinal path with the pipe 10 as it expands and contracts.
This assembly includes a slide 50 which moves within a guide 56.
The slide 50 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide 54 ana is fixed to the bottom portion 18 of the clamp assembly 10 by two spaced-apart brackets 52 as can best be seen in Flgu~e 3s ~he gllide includes flange portions 56, 58 spaced apa~t fTom one another in vertical inte~Fe~ence with ~he ~llde 50 and in moveable ~ela~ionship with the slide 50 for pre-venting substantial vertical movement ~hile allowing longitudinal moYe~ent~ The bottom of this assembly includes pla~te 6~ ~ihich typically carries ~ surface fo~ fac1litating mo~ement of ~lide 50 wlthin the guide 56 In some areas of the world the pipe can be subjected to difference in temperature in the range of 150C. ~s a result, one can expect up to a foot of expansion and contraction over 3n a 500-foot length of pipe. With the above-described guicle and slide assembly, the pipe in a clamped disposition is able to move relative to the guide 55 due to this thermal expansion and contraction.
In operation, the lower portion 18 is placed in the correct position at a predetermined location. The hingeable member 46 is then moved to an open position allowing easy access for re-ceiving the pipe. The pipe is then laid in place in -the lower portion 18. During a pipelaying operation, the pipe 12 can be adjusted relative to the clamp for alignmerlt with and connectlon to another pipe at either end. Once the pipe 12 is properly lo-cated for clamping, the upper portion 19 is then placed in a po-sltion so that the tongues 22 can engage -the hooks 20. The upper portion 19 is then moved upwards, so tha-t the extended portion of the hooks 20 engage the web portion 25 of the tongues 22. Sub-sequently, the upper portion 19 is placed in contiguous relation-ship with the plpe 12 and the hingeable member 46 is pivoted to a closed posi-tion where it also engages the pipe 12. In this posltion, the pipe lZ ;s ready for the final step in the clamping operation.
This final step involves moving the connecting rod 28 through the gap 36 in an extended position. The rod 28 is then retracted somewhat so that the pins 34 can engage the flange 29 on the hingeable member 46. The nut 40 is then torqued down to a predetermined level, which, in the preferred embodiment, is about 600 pounds of force. In this disposition, the bias is sufficient to maintain the tongues 22 in engagement with the hooks 20 and the pipe 12 clamped into position. Because of the lip 30 on the flange 29, the pins will not inadvertently slide upward out of position, thereby disengaging the clamp. Rather, the clamp 10 will be held in place until the nut 40 is untorqued sufficiently for allowing the connec-ting rod 28 to move to an e~tended position there where the pins can clear the lip 30.
~0~ 7 The clamp assembly 12 described above has several ad-vantages which overcome deficiencies in pipe assemblies of the past. These include the rather quick assembly feature during a pipe clamping operation. To connect one side of the cl~mps to-gether, they ~imply need to be slid in place and pulled upwardly.To connect the othex slide in the final step a hingeable m*mber is merely moved to the prop~r position with the connecting rod slid into place. To dra~ the clamps toward each other, a socket wrench or other type wrench can be immediately placed on the nut to tighten the spring to the proper compression.
It should be noted that all the parts are substantially self-containing. In this regard, the rod 28 and spring 38 can be maintained on the upper portion 19 by deforming threads on the rod 28 ahove the nu-t 40. This prevents the nut 40 from rotating off the rod 28 inadverte~tly. ~o~sequently, there is no need to carry separate sets of nuts, bolts, and other items to complete the clamping operation. This avoids many logistical problems which typically occur in many operations of pipelaying across a great expanse of territory.
Also, particularly in cold weather, it is not necessary for the workers to remove their gloves in any of the pipe clamping operation. Because the bolts are already in place (in this case the connecting rods) and the tolerances for enyaging are such that they can be very easily slid in place, the clamping operation can be accomplished unusually quickly and without discomfort to the workers.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without cleparting from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is, thereore, to be consi~.ered in all respects as illustrative ~nd not restric-tive, the scope 9~
of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than hy the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range oE equivalency of the claims are, therefore, intended to be emb~aced herein.
Claims (31)
1. A pipe clamping device engaging the outer perimeter of the pipe for clamping the pipe to a predetermined location comprising:
(a) a first portion for engaging at least a part of said perimeter of said pipe;
(b) a second portion separate from said first portion for engaging another part of said pipe perimeter;
(c) said second portion being releasably secured to said first portion for allowing said first portion to be completely withdrawn from said second portion;
(d) one of said first and second portions having at least one projection extending outwardly there-from;
(e) another of said first and second portions having at least one projection engaging member for releasably engaging said projection when said first and second portions are secured to one another;
(f) said second portion including a hingeable member moveable between an open position for allowing the pipe to be placed therein and a closed position for securing said first and second portions together about said pipe; and (g) said first portion and said second portion having releaseable biasing, engaging means for biasing said first portion against said projections and against said second portion to clamp said pipe between said first and second portions about said perimeter of said pipe.
(a) a first portion for engaging at least a part of said perimeter of said pipe;
(b) a second portion separate from said first portion for engaging another part of said pipe perimeter;
(c) said second portion being releasably secured to said first portion for allowing said first portion to be completely withdrawn from said second portion;
(d) one of said first and second portions having at least one projection extending outwardly there-from;
(e) another of said first and second portions having at least one projection engaging member for releasably engaging said projection when said first and second portions are secured to one another;
(f) said second portion including a hingeable member moveable between an open position for allowing the pipe to be placed therein and a closed position for securing said first and second portions together about said pipe; and (g) said first portion and said second portion having releaseable biasing, engaging means for biasing said first portion against said projections and against said second portion to clamp said pipe between said first and second portions about said perimeter of said pipe.
2. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 1, wherein said means for biasing said first and second portions includes at least one connecting member carried by one of said first and second portions and having engaging means for engaging said other portion; said other portion having complementary releaseable engaging means for cooperating with said engaging means of said connecting member to connect releasably and bias said first and second portions to each other.
3. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 2, wherein said connecting member is a rod having a spring member thereon cooperating with said first and second portions to bias said rod when said engaging means is engaged with said complementary means of said other portion.
4. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 3, wherein said engaging means is a pin member extending laterally through one end of said rod and cooperating with said complementary means of said other portion to releasably secure said rod thereto.
5. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 4, wherein said complementary means includes a pin engaging member for restraining movement of said pin member in the direction of said bias.
6. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Calim 5, wherein said complementary means further defines a gap for allow-ing passage of said rod for locating said pin relative to said pin engaging member to restrain movement of said pin in the direction of said bias.
7. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 6, wherein said complementary means includes a complementary flange extending outwardly substantially radially from said other portion, said complementary flange defining said gap with surfaces of said flange adjacent said gap engaging said pin.
8. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 7, wherein said complementary flange further defines a lip extending in a direction opposite direction of said bias to block radial movement of said pin when said rod is engaged with said flange.
9. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 8, wherein said one portion of said clamping device defines a rod opening therethrough which slideably supports said rod for move-ment between a retracted and an extended position, whereby in said extended position said rod can pass through said gap and in a retracted position said pin can engage said complementary flange.
10. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 9, wherein said one portion includes a flange for carrying said rod.
11. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 10, said biasing means includes a spring member carried between said flange and a spring engaging means whereby bias is controlled by compression imparted to said spring means between said flange and said spring engaging means.
12. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Calim 11, wherein said spring engaging means is an adjustable member moveable along said rod for adjusting the compression on said spring means.
13. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 12, wherein said spring means is a helical spring circumscribing said rod, said rod defining a threaded portion, said spring engaging menas including a threaded nut threadably engaging said threaded portion of said rod for movement toward and away from said spring for adjusting the compression of said spring.
14. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 13, wherein said first portion, said second portion, and said hingeable member are each conformed substantially to the outer perimeter of said pipe.
15. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 14, wherein said pipe is curcular in configuration and said first portion, said second portion, and said hingeable portion are arcuate in configuration having a radius of curvature substantially identical to the perimeter of said pipe.
16. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 15, wherein said projections include hook members, each hook member having an arm portion extending in a direction opposite to said bias.
17. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 16, wherein projection engaging member included slots defined in said other portion, said slots having an effective length and width allowing said hook members to pass therethrough, said other portion defining at least one end wall member adjacent said slot for engaging said hook member to secure said engaging member over said hook member when said portions are secured to one another.
18. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 17, wherein said flange extending from said one portion and said complementary flange are parallel one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis of said pipe, said flange member extending from said one portion carrying three of said rod members substantially equally spaced from one another to distribute the load imparted by the bias in clamping the pipe in position equally along the length of the flange.
19. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 18, wherein said other portion defines at least two of said hook members and said one portion defines at least two of said slot members registerable with said hook members.
20. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 19, wherein said one portion defines tongue members extending therefrom and said tongue members defining said slots for engaging said hook members.
21. The pipe guide claiming device, according to Claim 20, wherein a part of said one portion adjacent said tongues overlap a part of said other portion adjacent said hook members.
22. A pipe clamping device engaging the outer perimeter of the pipe for clamping the pipe to a predetermined location comprising:
(a) a lower portion for engaging at least a part of said perimeter of said pipe;
(b) an upper portion separate from said lower portion for engaging another part of said pipe perimeter;
(Claim 22 Continued) (c) said upper portion being releaseably secured to said lower portion for allowing said lower portion to be completely withdrawn from said second portion;
(d) said lower portion having at least one hook member extending outwardly therefrom;
(e) said upper portion having at least one hook engaging member for releasably engaging said hook member when said upper and lower portions are secured to one another;
(f) said lower portion including a hingeable member moveable between an open position for allowing the pipe to be placed therein and a closed position for securing said first and second por-tions together about said pipe; and (g) said upper portion carrying releaseable biasing means fo biasing said upper portion against said hook members and against said lower portion to clamp said pipe between said portions about said perimeter of said pipe.
(a) a lower portion for engaging at least a part of said perimeter of said pipe;
(b) an upper portion separate from said lower portion for engaging another part of said pipe perimeter;
(Claim 22 Continued) (c) said upper portion being releaseably secured to said lower portion for allowing said lower portion to be completely withdrawn from said second portion;
(d) said lower portion having at least one hook member extending outwardly therefrom;
(e) said upper portion having at least one hook engaging member for releasably engaging said hook member when said upper and lower portions are secured to one another;
(f) said lower portion including a hingeable member moveable between an open position for allowing the pipe to be placed therein and a closed position for securing said first and second por-tions together about said pipe; and (g) said upper portion carrying releaseable biasing means fo biasing said upper portion against said hook members and against said lower portion to clamp said pipe between said portions about said perimeter of said pipe.
23. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 22, wherein said means for biasing said portions includes at least one connecting member carried by said upper portion and having engaging means for engaging said lower portion; said lower portion having complementary releaseable engaging means for cooperating with said engaging means of said connecting member to connect release-ably and bias said upper and lower portions to each other.
24. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Calim 23, wherein said connecting member is a rod having a spring member thereon cooperating with said upper and lower portions to bias said rod when said engaging means is engaged with said complementary means of said lower portion.
25. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 24, wherein said engaging means is a pin member extending laterally through one end of said rod and cooperating with said complementary means of said lower portion to releasably secure said rod thereto.
26. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 25, wherein said complementary means is a complementary flange member having a gap for allowing passage fo said rod for locating said pin relative to said complementary flange member to restrain movement of said pin in the direction of said bias.
27. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 26, wherein said upper portion of said clamping device defines a flange member having a rod opening therethrough which slideably supports said rod for movement between a retracted and an extended position, whereby in said extended position said rod can pass through said gap and in a retracted position said pin can engage said comple-mentary flange member.
28. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 27, wherein said biasing means includes a helical spring member circum-scribing said rod between said flange and an adjustable nut whereby bias is controlled by compression imparted to said spring between said flange and said adjustable nut.
29. The pipe guide clamping device, according to Claim 28, wherein hook engaging member includes slots defined in tongue members extending from one side of said upper portion, said slots having an effective length and width allowing said hook members to pass therethrough, each of said tongue members defining at least one web member adjacent said slot for engaging said hook member to secure said tongue member over said hook member when said portions are secured to one another.
30. A pipe clamping device engaging the outer perimeter of a circular pipe for clamping the pipe to a predetermined location comprising:
(a) an upper portion having an arcuate configuration for engaging at least a part of said perimeter of said pipe;
(b) a lower portion also having an arcuate configur-ation, said lower portion being separate from said portion for engaging another part of said pipe perimeter;
(c) said upper portion being releaseably secured to said lower portion for allowing said upper portion to be completely withdrawn from said lower portion;
(d) a lower portion having at least two hook members extending outwardly from one side thereof;
(e) one side of said upper portion having at least two tongue members defining slots therein register-able with said hook member, each of said tongues defining a web along the bottom of said slots for engaging said hook member;
(f) said lower portion including a hingeable member hingedly secured to the other side of said lower portion movable between an open position for allow-ing the pipe to be placed therein and a closed position for securing said portions together about said pipe;
(g) said lower portion having a complementary flange extending radially outwardly therefrom substantially the entire length of said clamping device, said complementary flange having a lip member extending rearwardly from said flange, and three gaps spaced apart extending through said flange and said lip member;
and (h) another side of said upper portion having a flange substantially coextensive with said complementary flange, said flange on said upper portion carrying three rods each registerable with each of said gaps in said complementary flange;
(i) Each of said rods having a threaded end and an engaging end, said engaging end having a pin extending laterally therethrough for engaging said complementary flange; said threaded end having an adjustable nut threadedly secured thereto, a helical spring circumscribing said rod between said adjustable nut and said flange, said rod being slideably secured to said flange for movement between an extended position and a retracted position whereby in said extended position said rod can pass through said gap and in said retracted position said pins can engage (Claim 30 Continued) said complementary flange and said nut being turned down to impart sufficient compression on said spring to maintain said pins in engagement with said complementary flange and said tongues with said hook members for clamping said pipe in place.
(a) an upper portion having an arcuate configuration for engaging at least a part of said perimeter of said pipe;
(b) a lower portion also having an arcuate configur-ation, said lower portion being separate from said portion for engaging another part of said pipe perimeter;
(c) said upper portion being releaseably secured to said lower portion for allowing said upper portion to be completely withdrawn from said lower portion;
(d) a lower portion having at least two hook members extending outwardly from one side thereof;
(e) one side of said upper portion having at least two tongue members defining slots therein register-able with said hook member, each of said tongues defining a web along the bottom of said slots for engaging said hook member;
(f) said lower portion including a hingeable member hingedly secured to the other side of said lower portion movable between an open position for allow-ing the pipe to be placed therein and a closed position for securing said portions together about said pipe;
(g) said lower portion having a complementary flange extending radially outwardly therefrom substantially the entire length of said clamping device, said complementary flange having a lip member extending rearwardly from said flange, and three gaps spaced apart extending through said flange and said lip member;
and (h) another side of said upper portion having a flange substantially coextensive with said complementary flange, said flange on said upper portion carrying three rods each registerable with each of said gaps in said complementary flange;
(i) Each of said rods having a threaded end and an engaging end, said engaging end having a pin extending laterally therethrough for engaging said complementary flange; said threaded end having an adjustable nut threadedly secured thereto, a helical spring circumscribing said rod between said adjustable nut and said flange, said rod being slideably secured to said flange for movement between an extended position and a retracted position whereby in said extended position said rod can pass through said gap and in said retracted position said pins can engage (Claim 30 Continued) said complementary flange and said nut being turned down to impart sufficient compression on said spring to maintain said pins in engagement with said complementary flange and said tongues with said hook members for clamping said pipe in place.
31. The pipe clamping device according to Claim 30, wherein said lower portion further comprises a guide and slide means to allow movement of said clamping device with said pipe due to movement of said pipe resulting from thermal expansion and contraction.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US88735778A | 1978-03-16 | 1978-03-16 | |
| US887,357 | 1978-03-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1100927A true CA1100927A (en) | 1981-05-12 |
Family
ID=25390978
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA323,631A Expired CA1100927A (en) | 1978-03-16 | 1979-03-15 | Pipe guide clamping device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1100927A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4403759A (en) * | 1980-10-21 | 1983-09-13 | Hicks Chester F | Cathodic corrosion resistant pipe saddle with low friction insert |
-
1979
- 1979-03-15 CA CA323,631A patent/CA1100927A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4403759A (en) * | 1980-10-21 | 1983-09-13 | Hicks Chester F | Cathodic corrosion resistant pipe saddle with low friction insert |
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| MKEX | Expiry |