GB1591003A

GB1591003A - Pipe or cable clamp

Info

Publication number: GB1591003A
Application number: GB890678A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Hilti AG
Current assignee: Hilti AG
Priority date: 1977-03-28
Filing date: 1978-03-07
Publication date: 1981-06-10
Also published as: DE7709737U1; ATA177578A; FR2385966B1; CH625323A5; AT365379B; FR2385966A1

Abstract

The clamp has two limbs (2) which are connected to one another in a U-shape via a web (1). Arranged on the limbs are in each case one sprung tongue (5) as well as a retaining finger (3) which bounds the retaining space, points towards the centre of the retaining space and has supporting surfaces (4) bent approximately at right angles. After the cable or pipe has been inserted, a securing bracket, which engages over the limbs, can be latched onto the clamp. <IMAGE>

Description

(54) PIPE OR CABLE CLAMP (71) We, HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, a Corporation organised and existing under the laws of the Principality of Liechtenstein, of Schaan, Liechtenstein, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a clamp, for the reception of a cable or pipe, comprising two limbs which are connected together in Ushaped configuration by way of a web (or crosspiece) and which each have a retaining finger, as well as a tongue which defines the reception space, all of the tongues and retaining fingers projecting into the intermediate space bounded by the limbs, and the retaining fingers being arranged at the free end of the limbs.

A known clamp for the reception of bunches of cables has two limbs which can be spread apart and which are connected together in U-shaped manner by way of a web and which each have a retaining finger and a tongue. The reception space is bounded, on the web side, by the tongue and, towards the outside, by the retaining fingers. The retaining fingers are arranged at the free ends of the limbs and extend approximately at right angles to these. For the insertion of cables, the limbs are spread apart and the cables are then introduced between the retaining fingers through into the reception space. The tongues serve to adapt the size of the reception space to the number of cables to be received. With an increasing number of cables, the tongues are bend downwards towards the web until they finally butt against the limbs. The retaining fingers are loaded by the cables in the direction pointing away from the web. They are thus subiected to bending stress.

The bending stress, which has a disadvantageous effect, forms the weak point of the known clamp, since relatively slight forces acting on the cables can serve to bend the retaining fingers open, so that the cables are released. This is further assisted by the elasticity of the limbs. The clamp is thus not able to absorb fairly large forces which act perpendicularly to the support of the clamp and is only suitable for subordinate purposes where only light forces are likely to act on the cables.

The problem underlying the invention is to provide a clamp for cables or pipes which can absorb high forces and which prevents unintentional release of the cable or pipe.

In accordance with the invention this is achieved by providing a clamp for the reception of a cable or pipe, comprising two substantially parallel limbs which are connected together in U-shaped configuration by a web and which each have a retaining finger at the free end of the limb, as well as a tongue, projecting from the limb independently of the retaining finger, the tongues and the retaining fingers projecting into the intermediate space between the limbs, and defining a reception space, characterised in that the retaining fingers are directed substantially towards the centre of the reception space and each has a support surface which is bent aside approximately at right angles.

Because of the alignment of the retaining fingers towards the centre of the reception space, no bending stress is exerted on these fingers. They are, thus, subjected substantially only to compressive stress. It is, thus, not possible for the retaining fingers to bend up or open. In order, more especially in the case of sensitive cables, to prevent any possible damage to the surface thereof, the retaining fingers each have, at their free ends, a support surface which is bent aside approximately at right angles. Because of these support surfaces, cables or pipes of different diameters inserted into the clamp will be centered in the clamp and at all times such cable or pipe receives a good bearing support on the retaining fingers which, with any diameter, substantially remain directed towards the centre and thus remain stressed substantially only in compression.

In order to make it possible for the cable to be removed from the clamp, it is advan tageous for the support surfaces, which are bent aside approximately at right angles, to point towards the limbs. Because of this design, the narrowest part of the insertion aperture disposed between the retaining fingers is rounded as a result of the bending radius, which facilitates the introduction, as well as the removal, of the cable or pipe.

In this respect, also the risk of damage is reduced.

In a normal case, the inherent stiffness of the clamp is sufficient to hold the cables or pipes. However, for specific uses it is advantageous for the limbs to have parts or formations for attachment of a safety strap or stirrup which engages over the limbs. Such a safety stirrup is, after the introduction of the cable or pipe, slipped onto the clamp and locked at the said attachment parts or formations. The safety stirrup more especially prevents expansion of the limbs. For the simplest possible design of the clamp, it is advantageous for the attachment parts or formations to be designed as recesses. In the case where the clamp is used without a safety stirrup, there are no disturbing protruding parts. Where the clamp is made, for example, from sheet metal, the recesses can be obtained by the punching out of the tongues.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the clamp of the invention; Fig. 2 is an end view illustrating the clamp of Fig. 1 with a cable of smallest diameter fitted in place therein; and Fig. 3 is an end view, comparable with Fig. 2, but illustrating the clamp with a pipe fitted in place and a safety stirrup applied to the clamp.

The clamp illustrated in the drawings comprises a web 1 and two limbs 2 which are arranged perpendicularly to the web 1. The web 1 and the limbs 2 are connected together in U-shaped configuration. Arranged at the free end of the limbs 2 are retaining fingers 3. The end of each of the retaining fingers 3 is bent aside (or down) approximately at right angles to the fingers 3 to provide support surfaces 4. The limbs 2 each have a respective tongue 5, which tongues 5 are punched out to leave respective recesses 6 and are bent aside. The tongues 5 both project into the intermediate space bounded by the limbs 2. Fastening of the clamp will be effected generally by way of the web 1, e.g. by retaining means such as a screw, adhesive or the like (none of which have been shown).

Fig. 2 is an elevation showing the lamp of Fig. 1 with a cable 8 inserted between the retaining fingers 3 and tongues 5 protruding from the limbs 2. The cable 8 has the smallest diameter which can properly be received by the clamp, and butts against the tongues 5, as well as the support surfaces 4. The retaining fingers 3 are, accordingly, stressed only in compression.

Fig. 3 is an elevation of the clamp of Fig. 1, but showing it with a pipe 9 introduced therein. With increasing diameter of the cable or pipe to be inserted, the tongues 5 are bent further downwards towards the web 1. The largest diameter which can be received emerges as a result of the distance between the two limbs 2. The pipe 9 of the depicted diameter, however, still rests on the tongues 5 as well as the support surfaces 4.

It is clearly evident from the drawing that the retaining fingers 3 form an acute angle whose centre is located inside the pipe 9.

The retaining fingers 3 are also loaded only in compression. However, in order upon stressing of the pipe 9, to prevent unintentional escape from the clamp, a safety stirrup 10 is placed onto the clamp. The safety stirrup 10 has laterally two bent-down tabs 11, which engage into the lateral recesses or cutouts 6 of the limbs 2. The safety stirrup 10 is, however, a part which is separate from the clamp and which is only used when required. This also contributes to a drop in costs as compared with known multi-part clamps.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A clamp, for the reception of a cable or pipe, comprising two substantially parallel limbs which are connected together in U-shaped configuration by a web and which each have a retaining finger at the free end of the limb, as well as a tongue, projecting from the limb independently of the retaining finger, the tongues and the retaining fingers projecting into the intermediate space between the limbs, and defining a reception space, characterised in that the retaining fingers are directed substantially towards the centre of the reception space and each has a support surface which is bent aside approximately at right angles.

2. A clamp as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the support surfaces which are bent approximately at right angles point towards the limbs.

3. A clamp as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the limbs have attachment parts or formations for a safety stirrup which engages over the limbs.

4. A clamp as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the attachment parts or formations are designed as recesses or cutouts.

5. A cable or pipe clamp substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. tageous for the support surfaces, which are bent aside approximately at right angles, to point towards the limbs. Because of this design, the narrowest part of the insertion aperture disposed between the retaining fingers is rounded as a result of the bending radius, which facilitates the introduction, as well as the removal, of the cable or pipe. In this respect, also the risk of damage is reduced. In a normal case, the inherent stiffness of the clamp is sufficient to hold the cables or pipes. However, for specific uses it is advantageous for the limbs to have parts or formations for attachment of a safety strap or stirrup which engages over the limbs. Such a safety stirrup is, after the introduction of the cable or pipe, slipped onto the clamp and locked at the said attachment parts or formations. The safety stirrup more especially prevents expansion of the limbs. For the simplest possible design of the clamp, it is advantageous for the attachment parts or formations to be designed as recesses. In the case where the clamp is used without a safety stirrup, there are no disturbing protruding parts. Where the clamp is made, for example, from sheet metal, the recesses can be obtained by the punching out of the tongues. The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the clamp of the invention; Fig. 2 is an end view illustrating the clamp of Fig. 1 with a cable of smallest diameter fitted in place therein; and Fig. 3 is an end view, comparable with Fig. 2, but illustrating the clamp with a pipe fitted in place and a safety stirrup applied to the clamp. The clamp illustrated in the drawings comprises a web 1 and two limbs 2 which are arranged perpendicularly to the web 1. The web 1 and the limbs 2 are connected together in U-shaped configuration. Arranged at the free end of the limbs 2 are retaining fingers 3. The end of each of the retaining fingers 3 is bent aside (or down) approximately at right angles to the fingers 3 to provide support surfaces 4. The limbs 2 each have a respective tongue 5, which tongues 5 are punched out to leave respective recesses 6 and are bent aside. The tongues 5 both project into the intermediate space bounded by the limbs 2. Fastening of the clamp will be effected generally by way of the web 1, e.g. by retaining means such as a screw, adhesive or the like (none of which have been shown). Fig. 2 is an elevation showing the lamp of Fig. 1 with a cable 8 inserted between the retaining fingers 3 and tongues 5 protruding from the limbs 2. The cable 8 has the smallest diameter which can properly be received by the clamp, and butts against the tongues 5, as well as the support surfaces 4. The retaining fingers 3 are, accordingly, stressed only in compression. Fig. 3 is an elevation of the clamp of Fig. 1, but showing it with a pipe 9 introduced therein. With increasing diameter of the cable or pipe to be inserted, the tongues 5 are bent further downwards towards the web 1. The largest diameter which can be received emerges as a result of the distance between the two limbs 2. The pipe 9 of the depicted diameter, however, still rests on the tongues 5 as well as the support surfaces 4. It is clearly evident from the drawing that the retaining fingers 3 form an acute angle whose centre is located inside the pipe 9. The retaining fingers 3 are also loaded only in compression. However, in order upon stressing of the pipe 9, to prevent unintentional escape from the clamp, a safety stirrup 10 is placed onto the clamp. The safety stirrup 10 has laterally two bent-down tabs 11, which engage into the lateral recesses or cutouts 6 of the limbs 2. The safety stirrup 10 is, however, a part which is separate from the clamp and which is only used when required. This also contributes to a drop in costs as compared with known multi-part clamps. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A clamp, for the reception of a cable or pipe, comprising two substantially parallel limbs which are connected together in U-shaped configuration by a web and which each have a retaining finger at the free end of the limb, as well as a tongue, projecting from the limb independently of the retaining finger, the tongues and the retaining fingers projecting into the intermediate space between the limbs, and defining a reception space, characterised in that the retaining fingers are directed substantially towards the centre of the reception space and each has a support surface which is bent aside approximately at right angles.