GB2327976A

GB2327976A - Securing cylindrical objects

Info

Publication number: GB2327976A
Application number: GB9816608A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Scott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-07-31
Filing date: 1998-07-31
Publication date: 1999-02-10
Also published as: GB9816608D0; GB9716060D0

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for releasably securing a cylindrical object to a fixed support, the apparatus comprising a plate 110 adapted to be coupled to a fixed support, the plate having a pair of projections 116, 118 for receiving a cylindrical object; and securing means 14, 22 coupled to the plate for retaining the cylindrical object within the receiving projections. There may also be provided an adaptor for coupling the plate to the fixed support; such as a clamp 310, 410 which securely engages with the fixed support, or a metal plate 210 releasably engaged to the plate and welded to the fixed support. There is also provided a kit of parts for assembling the above apparatus.

Description

SECURING APPARATUS The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing a cylindrical object such as a pipe or cylindrical container to a fixed support.

Certain containers, in particular those which contain caustic chemicals or fluids under pressure, have to be handled with care. Gases such as propane, acetylene, nitrogen and argon are commonly used in the oil industry, on both onshore and offshore installations. These gases are stored in pressurised gas bottles. The valves of such bottles may be accidentally broken off, particularly when the bottles are dropped or fall sideways. A bottle from which the valve has become detached may be propelled at great velocity by the sudden, uncontrolled release of gas, presenting a risk to those working in the area.

In the case of a container containing caustic chemicals, any damage to the container may result in leakage or spillage of the caustic chemicals. Clearly, such situations are best avoided.

Various attempts have been made to minimise the risk of damage to such containers. For example, on offshore platforms, pressurised gas bottles may be lashed to handrails with ropes and/or chains. The gas bottles, however, are still susceptible to being knocked over by sideways impacts. Further, ropes and/or chains have to be secured to handrails, and other suitable attachment points.

Accordingly, the pressurised bottles cannot be secured where such attachment points are absent.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for releasably securing a cylindrical object to a fixed support, the apparatus comprising a plate adapted to be coupled to a fixed support, the plate having receiving means for receiving a cylindrical object, securing means coupled to the plate for retaining the cylindrical object within the receiving means, whereby the object is secured to the fixed support.

The cylindrical object may take the form of a pipe or a cylindrical container, for example, a pressurised gas bottle, or a bottle containing flammable or caustic chemicals.

The present invention may be used to secure a cylindrical object to any fixed structure or support such as a brick or concrete wall, scaffolding, handrails, pipes, secondary steelwork, metal and timber frames and metal bulkheads.

The apparatus may further comprise an adaptor for coupling the plate to the fixed support. For example, the adaptor may take the form of a clamp which securely engages with the fixed support. Preferably also, such a clamp has an internal surface which corresponds to the outer surface of the fixed support. For example, the clamp may have an annular internal surface to engage with the outer surface of a scaffold pole. Alternatively, the clamp may have an internal surface adapted to engage a fixed support of rectangular cross-section.

In a further embodiment, the adaptor may take the form of a metal plate which is adapted to be welded to a fixed support.

As described above the plate may be coupled to a fixed support via an adaptor. Alternatively, the plate may be coupled directly to the fixed support. The plate may be welded to the fixed support or to an adaptor.

Alternatively, the plate is attached to the fixed support or adaptor using attachment means, for example, screws, rivets or bolts. In one embodiment, the plate is adapted to be detachable from an adaptor which remains attached to a fixed support and such a plate may be attached to a selected one of a number of a different adaptors provided at different locations on a worksite.

Preferably, the receiving means defines a recess for receiving the cylindrical object. Most preferably, the recess has inclined opposing walls. The receiving means may take the form of at least one projection extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate. Preferably, a first projection and a second projection are provided. The first projection may be disposed directly above the second, and each projection may have a recess defined by two inwardly inclined surfaces.

These surfaces may meet to form a cusp, defining a "V" shaped recess. In a preferred embodiment, the recess is adapted to receive objects of varying radii, the inclined surfaces being tangential to the outer surfaces of the objects.

Each projection may also be provided with a pair of apertures. Where a first projection is disposed directly above a second, the apertures in the top projection may be coaxial with the holes in the bottom projection. A pair of bolts may extend between the projections through the coaxial apertures.

The securing means may comprise a flexible member in the form of a rope, strap, webbing and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the securing means comprises a pair of webbing straps, each strap being provided with a loop at one end. The straps may be coupled to the plate by inserting bolts through the loops.

The securing means may further comprise fixing means, for example, a ratchet buckle, friction buckle or any device which may be operable to releasably secure the flexible member around the object.

The present invention also relates to a kit of parts which may be assembled to form the apparatus of the present invention. The parts may be fabricated from any suitable material. For example, the plate and adaptor may be formed of cold rolled steel, which may be profile cut by laser.

Preferably also, the steel parts are nickel plated once cut and welded. This provides the steel with an increased resistance to corrosion.

In use, the plate is coupled to the fixed support either directly or via an adaptor. The securing means is coupled to the plate and a cylindrical object is placed within the receiving means. Once in position, the cylindrical object is secured in place by the securing means.

When required, the cylindrical object may be detached from the support by releasing the securing means.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for releasably securing a cylindrical object to a fixed support, the method comprising the steps of: a) coupling a plate to a fixed support, the plate having receiving means for receiving a cylindrical object, b) coupling securing means to the plate, c) placing the cylindrical object within the receiving means, and d) securing the cylindrical object to the plate with the securing means.

The plate may be coupled to the support via an adaptor.

These and other embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the plate of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of a plate of an apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4 and 5 show, respectively, a plan view and an end view of the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a front view of a plate of an apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of one of the projections of the plate of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows an adaptor of an apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows an adaptor of an apparatus in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a side elevation of the adaptor of Figure 9, and Figure 11 shows an adaptor of an apparatus in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings which depicts an apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a plate 12, a pair of flexible webbing straps 14, and a ratchet buckle (not shown). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plate 12 has a pair of parallel projections 16, 18.

Each projection 16, 18 defines a "V" shaped recess defined by two inwardly inclined surfaces, and a pair of apertures 20. A pair of bolts 22 extend between the apertures 20 of the top projection 16 and the apertures (not shown) of the bottom projection.

Each strap 14 is provided with a loop at one end. The straps 14 are coupled to the plate 12 by inserting the bolts 22 through the loops and the apertures 20. The straps may be locked in a specific configuration using the ratchet buckle.

In use, the plate 12 is fixed to a wall or other fixed structure. A cylindrical object is placed within the "V" shaped recess in an upright position. The object is retained in position by the straps 14 which are secured by the ratchet buckle.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 depict a plate of a second embodiment of the present invention. The plate 50 has a pair of parallel projections 52, 54, each projection defining a V-shaped recess by two inwardly inclined surfaces, and a pair of apertures 56. Bolts (not shown) may extend between the apertures of the top and lower projection. The front and rear of the projections 52, 54 each overhang the upright parts 58, 60 of the plate. The rear overhangs allow easier welding of the plate to a support.

Reference is now made to Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings. Figure 6 depicts a plate of a third embodiment of the present invention. The plate 110 has a pair of vertically aligned apertures 112 and a pair of horizontally aligned apertures 114 extending perpendicular through the plane of the plate 110, and a pair of parallel projections 116, 118. As shown in Figure 7, each projection 116, 118 defines a "V" shaped recess and a pair of apertures 120.

The projections 116, 118 are welded to the plate 110 and project horizontally therefrom.

In use, the plate 110 is coupled to the fixed support either directly, or via an adaptor, as described below. The plate 110 is used in combination with straps 14, bolts 22 (see Figure 1) and a ratchet buckle to secure a cylindrical object to the fixed support.

Reference is now made to Figure 8 which depicts an adaptor 210 suitable for use in combination with the plate 110 of Figures 6 and 7. The adaptor 210 comprises a metal adaptor plate 212 having a pair of threaded apertures 214 extending perpendicular through the plane of the plate 212.

In use, the adaptor plate 212 is permanently welded to a bulkhead structure. The plate 110 is coupled to the adaptor plate 212 by bolts (not shown) which are threaded through the apertures 214. After use, the plate 110 may be removed from the adaptor plate 212.

The adaptor plate 212 remains fixed to the wall to allow the plate 110 to be re-attached easily and quickly when necessary. Several adaptor plates 212 may be fixed at various locations on the worksite. Thus, the plate 110 may be attached to one of the adaptor plates 212 to allow an object to be secured at an appropriate location on the worksite.

Figures 9 and 10 depict an adaptor which is suitable for releasable attachment to a fixed support having a circular cross-section. The adaptor is suitable for coupling the plate 110 of Figure 6 to, for example, a cylindrical handrail, pipe or scaffolding pole.

The adaptor comprises a clamp 310 which is composed of a first clamp portion 312 and a second clamp portion 314.

The inner surfaces of the clamp portions 312, 314 define an annular surface which is adapted to engage with the outer surface of a cylindrical pipe or rail. The first clamp portion 312 defines a pair of bores 316 (Figure 9) which are adapted to be coincident with corresponding threaded bores 318 in the second clamp portion 314. The bores 316, 318 are adapted to receive pair of bolts (not shown) which hold the opposing faces of the clamp portions 312, 314 in contact with each other. This ensures a secure engagement between the clamp 310 and the cylindrical rail or pipe.

The second clamp portion 314 is also provided with a second pair of threaded bores 320. These are adapted to receive a further pair of bolts which allow the plate 110 to be secured to the clamp 310.

In use, the clamp portions 312, 314 are placed around a cylindrical handrail or pipe. A pair of bolts is inserted through the bores 316, 318 to bolt the clamp portions in position. A further pair of bolts are then inserted through the bores 320 to secure the plate 110 to the clamp 310.

The plate 110 is secured to the clamp 310 in a manner which ensures that a cylindrical object is maintained in an upright position. For example, if the handrail or pipe is horizontal, the plate 110 is secured to the clamp 310 by threading bolts through the vertically aligned apertures 112 of the plate 110, and the bores 320 of the second clamp portion 314. Alternatively, if the handrail or pipe is vertical, the plate may be secured to the clamp 310 by threading the bolts through the horizontally aligned apertures 114 of the plate 110, and the bores 320 of the second clamp portion 314.

Reference is now made to Figure 11 which depicts an adaptor suitable for releasable attachment to a fixed support having a rectangular cross-section. The adaptor 410 is suitable for coupling the plate 110 of Figure 6 to, for example, a handrail with a rectangular cross-section.

The adaptor comprises a clamp 410 composed of first and second clamp portions 412, 414 which, when brought together, define an internal surface which corresponds with the outer surface of a fixed support of rectangular crosssection. The first clamp portion 412 defines a pair of bores 416 which are coincident with threaded bores 418 in the second clamp portion 414. The bores 416, 418 are adapted to receive a pair of bolts (not shown) to bolt the first and second portions 412, 414 together. The second portion 414 defines a second set of threaded bores 420 which are adapted to receive a further pair of bolts to allow the plate 110 to be secured to the clamp 410.

As with the clamp 310 of Figures 9 and 10, the plate 110 is secured to the clamp 410 in a manner which ensures that a cylindrical object may be secured to the fixed support in an upright position. Thus, when 'a vertical handrail is provided, the plate is secured to the clamp 410 using the horizontally aligned apertures 114. Conversely, when the handrail is horizontal, the plate 110 is secured to the clamp 410 using the vertically aligned apertures 112.

Various modifications may be made to the embodiments above without departing from the scope of protection. For example, the adaptor may be modified to allow the plate of the present invention to be attached to supports of various shapes and sizes. Further, a number of different adaptors may be located at various locations around the worksite.

This allows a single plate to be used to secure a container to different types of supports on the worksite.

Claims

1. An apparatus for releasably securing a cylindrical object to a fixed support, the apparatus comprising: a plate adapted to be coupled to a fixed support, said plate having receiving means for receiving a cylindrical object; and securing means coupled to said plate for retaining the cylindrical object within said receiving means, whereby the object is secured to said fixed support.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adaptor for coupling said plate to the fixed support.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adaptor is a clamp for securely engaging with the fixed support.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said clamp has an internal surface for corresponding to an outer surface of a fixed support.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adaptor is a metal plate which is adapted to be welded to the fixed support.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plate is coupled directly to the fixed support.

7. The apparatus of claims 2 - 5 wherein said plate is detachable from said adaptor, and said adaptor remains attached to the fixed support.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein said receiving means defines a recess for receiving the cylindrical object

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein said receiving means takes the form of at least one projection substantially perpendicular to the plane of said plate.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said at least one projection comprises two projections.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein one projection is disposed directly above the other projection.

12. The apparatus of claims 9 - 11 wherein said at least one projection is provided with a pair of apertures through which bolts may be disposed.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein said securing means comprises a flexible member.

14. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein said securing means comprises fixing means to releasably secure said securing means around the object.

15. A kit of parts which may be assembled to form an apparatus for releasably securing a cylindrical object to a fixed support according to any preceding claim.

16. An apparatus substantially as herein described and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; or Figures 3 to 5; or Figures 6 to 11.

17. A method for releasably securing a cylindrical object to a fixed support, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a plate to a fixed support, said plate having receiving means for receiving a cylindrical object; coupling securing means to said plate; placing said cylindrical object within said receiving means; and securing said cylindrical object to said plate with said securing means.