GB2442338A

GB2442338A - Clipping device for securing elongate members

Info

Publication number: GB2442338A
Application number: GB0718853A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Whiteley
Original assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-28
Filing date: 2007-09-27
Publication date: 2008-04-02
Also published as: GB0718853D0; GB0619105D0

Abstract

A clipping device for securing together first and second elongate members 12, the device comprising a body 24 having first and second pairs 28, 30 of clip arms 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b, each clip arm defining a re-entrant channel 32, the first pair of clip arms being adapted to receive, in use, the first elongate member 12, the second pair of clip arms being adapted to receive, in use, the second elongate member 12. Each clip arm is of resilient form and snap-fits onto the associated elongate member 12. The clip arms of each pair 28, 30 are spaced apart from one another, and the re-entrant channel of one of the clip arms of each pair opens to the opposite side of the body 24 to that of the other of the clip arms. Formations such as 36 can be provided on the device for engagement by a removal tool. The uprights are preferably end posts of fencing panels and the body can be formed to engage the end of a fence backstay.

Description

Clipping Device This invention relates to a clipping device, and in

particular to a clipping device suitable for clipping, clamping or securing together a pair of tubes, poles or bars arranged generally parallel to one another. Although suitable for use in other applications, the clipping device is particularly suitable for use in clipping, clamping or securing together the posts located at the periphery of temporary fencing panels.

Temporary fencing panels typically comprise a pair of uprights which are interconnected by upper and lower cross members. In an opening defined between the cross members and the uprights is provided a mesh, typically of steel construction. The lower ends of the uprights extend below the lower cross member to form legs which can he located in correspondingly shaped openings formed in supporting blocks to allow the panel to stand in a substantially vertical configuration. Typically, a number of the panels will he arranged in an end-to-end configuration to form an elongate harrier. and it is desirable to be able to secure or clamp the panels to one another.

The clamps typically used in such applications comprise a pair of clamp members each of which is shaped to include a pair of channels intended to accommodate part of two adjacent uprights, the clamp members being securely clamped to one another, in use, using a thread nut and bolt arrangement, thereby securing the adjacent uprights to one another.

Although such clamps may operate satisfactorily, installation and removal thereof is time consuming and requires the use of appropriate tools.

In addition, the harrier formed by temporary fencing panels may he supported by the attachment of a hackstay. The hackstay is typically in the form of a member positioned diagonally so that one end is attached to a temporary fencing panel and an opposite end contacts the ground. Such hackstays may he secured directly to the temporary fence panel or secured to the hereinhefore described clamps via a thread nut and bolt arrangement. As such installation and removal of the hackstay is also a time consuming process. which in the case of the hackstay being secured to the clamp, may require the complicated simultaneous manipulation of many components.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device suitable for use in such applications and which is of simple and convenient form.

According to the present invention there is provided a clipping device for securing together first and second elongate members, the device comprising a body having first and second pairs of clip arms, each clip arm defining a re-entrant channel, the first pair of clip arms being adapted to receive, in use, the first elongate member, the second pair of clip arms being adapted to receive, in use, the second elongate member, each clip arm being of resilient form and adapted to receive the associated elongate member in a snap-fit fashion, wherein the clip arms of each pair are spaced apart from one another, and the re-entrant channel of one of the clip arms of each pair opens to the opposite side of the body to that of the other of the clip arms.

By orientating the re-entrant channels in this fashion it will he appreciated that a levering action can he used to install the device.

Preferably. the clip arms of each pair are spaced apart from one aiiotlier a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of each respective elongate member, such that in attaching the clipping device neither of the elongate members arc moved.

Advantageously, between the first pair of clii) arms is a first recess in the body and between the second pair of clip arms is a second recess in the body, the minimum distance between the first and second recesses being equal or less than to the spacing between the first and second elongate members, such that in attaching the clipping device neither of the elongate members are moved.

The elongate members conveniently form the uprights of temporary fencing panels.

Desirably. the body is shaped to include a formation co-operable with a support member.

Advantageously, the formation comprises an opening shaped SO as to co-operate with a portion of the support member such that in a first orientation of the support member relative to the device, said portion of the support member may he inserted through said opening: and in a second orientation of the support member relative to the device, said portion of the support member, having been inserted through said opening, abuts the device and hence restricts relative movement between the device and the support member. This enables quick and easy attachment of the support member to the device without the need for additional components.

Alternatively, a portion of the support member is shaped SO as to form a channel of generally U-shaped cross-section, said formation being receivable within said channel.

Conveniently, the body is shaped to include a levering formation, which may or may not be part of the aforementioned formation that co-operates with the support member, co-operable with a tool to impart the levering action thereto. The formation may comprise an opening, for example shaped to receive part of a screw driver or a bar or rod. Alternatively, the formation may define grooves or channels adapted to receive IS a fork-like tool.

Each arm conveniently includes, at its fiee edge, ramped surfaces. It will he appreciated that the provision of such surfaces may assist in attaching the clip device to the elongate members.

The invention will further he described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a clipping device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the device in use; Figure 4 illustrates removal of the device; and Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment.

Figure 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device in use as part of a barrier comprising a backstay.

Figure 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device with first means of attaching a backstay thereto.

Figure 10 illustrates a backstay used in co-operation with the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 9.

Figure Il illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device with second means of attaching a backstay thereto.

Figure 12 illustrates a backstay used in co-operation with the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device with third means of attach ing a hackstay thereto.

Figure 14 illustrates a hackstay used in co-operation with the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 3.

Figure IS illustrates a front on view of a Further embodiment of the device.

Figure 1 6 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the device shown in figure IS Figure 17 illustrates a cross section of the embodiment of the device shown in figure 15, in use, through the line A-A.

Figure 18 illustrates a tool for usc with the embodiment of the device shown in figure 15.

Referring to Figures I to 4 of the accompanying drawings there is illustrated part of a pair of temporary fence panels lO. Each fence panel 10 comprises a pair of 2() uprights 12 interconnected by upper and lower cross-members 14. A wire mesh 16 is provided in the void defined by the uprights 12 and cross members 14. As illustrated, the uprights 12 extend below the level of the lower cross-members 14 to define legs 18 received within openings formed in a mouldcd foot 20. It will he appreciated that each fence panel ID, when its legs I 8 are supported in a pair of feet 20, is able to stand in a substantially vertical orientation. A plurality of fence panels 10 arranged in an end-to-end configuration can he used to form an elongate harrier in a desired location.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, a clipping device 22 is used to secure together the uprights 12 of adjacent fence panels 10. The clipping device 22 is of plastics moulded form and comprises a body 24 from whuich first and second pairs 28, of clip arms 28a, 28h. 30a, 30h extend. Each clip arm is formed integrally with the body 24 and is of resilient form, each clip arm being shaped to define a re-entrant channel 32 and it will he appreciated that the channels 32 of the first pair of clip arms 28 are aligned with one another and arranged to receive a first one of the uprights 12, the channels 32 of the second pair of clip arms 30 being arranged to receive the other of the uprights 1 2. Each re-entrant channel 32 defines an opening 34. and it will he appreciated that the orientation of the clip arms is such that the opening 34 of one of the clip arms of each pair is located on the opposite side of the body 24 to the opening 34 of the other of the arms of the pair. The channels 32 are conveniently of dimensions similar to or slightly smaller than the uprights 12 so as to permit the uprights 12 to rotate therein, thereby forming a hinge and allowing one of the panels to serve as a gate.

Although the channels 32 conveniently only lightly grip the uprights, arrangements are possible in which a firmer grip or clamping load is applied.

The clip arms of each pair are spaced apart from one another by a distance approximately equal to the diameter of the uprights 12 as described hereinafter, hut may he at a distance greater than this.

The body 24 is formed with an opening 36 arranged to receive a tool for use in removal of the device.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. with the clipping device secured in position.

each upright 12 is secured to the body 24 by the associated pair of clii) arms, the uprights 1 2 extending along the channels defined by the arms. The resilient nature of the clip arms receives each upright 12 in a snap-fit manner. In order to remove the clipping device, a tool, for example in the form of a relatively long screw-driver or a bar or rod of dimensions to allow an end thereof to he received within the opening 36 is used to lever the clipping device, tilting the clipping device 22 about a horizontal axis as illustrated in Figure 4. Such tilting causes the clip arms to flex, thereby increasing the dimensions of the openings 34 to the re-entrant channels 32, releasing the uprights 12 therefrom. It will he appreciated that once the clipping device 22 has been moved to an orientation in which it lies substantially horizontally rather than substantially vertically as in use, then the uprights 12 will be located within the recesses formed between the clip arms of each pair. (i)nce this position has been obtained, the clipping device 22 can he removed completely from the feiice panels 10 by tilting the clipping device about a horizontal axis perpendicular to that mentioned hereinbefore, and then sliding the device from between the panels 10. It will he appreciated that this tilting movement is accommodated by curved recesses 40 so formed in the body 24. The minimum distance between the curved recesses 40 is equal to or less than the distance separating the uprights 12. This is so as to ensure that the clipping device 22 can he fitted between the upright I 2 without moving their position.

To secure to adjacent panels 1) to one another, the reverse operation is undertaken, the clipping device 22 being introduced between a pair of uprights 12 moved to a substantially horizontal configuration and then manipulated until it reaches its substantially vertical orientation, the engagement between the arms and the uprights 12 deflecting the arms to allow the uprights to enter the channels. In the vertical orientation, the uprights 12 are clipped to one another as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

Although a tool may he used to lever the clipping device 22 to this position, the end faces 38 of the clip arms arc angled or ramped so as to assist in deflecting the clip arms during such movement, and consequently the use of a tool may not be required.

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate another embodiment which, in most respects. is very similar to that described hereinhefore. Like reference numerals are used to denote like parts and no further description of the like parts is given.

The arrangement of Figures 5 to 7 is designed so as to permit removal of the clip device using a special tool 50. As best shown in Figure 7, the tool 50 comprises a handle 52 from which a pair of spaced fingers 54 extend, the fingers 54 extending parallel to one another to together form a fork-like structure. The body 24 of the clipping device is provided with ridges 56. Two ridges 56 are provided on one side of the body 24, two more ridges 56 being provided on the opposite side of the body, the ridges being arranged parallel to one another, and the ridges on one side of the body being aligned with those on the other side of the body. Each pair of ridges 56 define a groove or channel 58, each channel 58 being arranged to receive a respective one of the fingers 54.

In use, to remove the clipping device, the tool So is inserted onto the body 24 as shown in Figure 6 and a load is applied to the handle 52 to apply a torque to the body, urging the body to undergo a tilting or levering movement as described hereinhefore, releasing the uprights 12 from the channels. The remainder of the removal process. and the assembly process, is as described hereinheforc.

Figure 8 shows a harrier formed of a plurality of fence panels 10 connected adjacent one another in an end to end fisliion by clipping devices 22 and anchored at their base by feet 20. In addition support members, or hackstays 60 are attached at one end to the clipping devices 22, and at their other end to support feet members 62.which may he fastened to the ground. The hackstays 60 anchor the fence panels 10 from being moved out of the plane of the harrier.

A first means of connecting the hackstay 60 to the clipping device 22 is shown in figures 9 and 10. The embodiment of the clipping device 22 in this instance is identical to that described hereinbefore and shown in figure 5. As best shown in Figure 10, the hackstay 60 comprises a pair of spaced fingers 64, which extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the hackstay shaft 66. The fingers 64 extend parallel to one another to together form a fork-like structure. The body 24 of the clipping device is provided with ridges 56. Two ridges 56 are provided on one side of the body 24, two more ridges 56 being provided on the opposite side of the body, the ridges being arranged parallel to one another, and the ridges on one side of the body being aligned with those on the other side of the body. Each pair of ridges 56 define a groove or channel 58, each channel 58 being arranged to receive a respective one of the fingers 64.

Figures I I and 12 show a second means of connecting the hackstay 60 to the clipping device 22. The backstay 60 comprises a generally U-shaped portion 68. The U-shaped portion 68 comprises two parallel legs 70, 72 which define a channel 74. The channel 74 is dimensioned so a to receive, in use, the hase of the body 24. The channel 74 may he slightly narrower than the thickness of the body 24, the legs 70, 72 being of resilient nature so as to hold the clipping device 22 within the channel 74. The width (indicated by 76) of the legs 70, 72 is less than the separation distance of the uprights 12, so as to enable the hackstay 60 to he positioned between adjacent uprights 12 in use.

One of the legs 72 also comprises a hole 78, sized and located such that, if needed, when the clipping device 22 is received within the channel 74 a securing member (not shown), such as a bolt, can he used to secure the clipping member 22 to the backstay 60 via hole 78 in the haekstay 60 and hole 36 in the body 24 of the clipping member 22.

The third means of connecting the hackstay 60 to the clipping device 22 shown in figures 13 and 14 is very similar to that shown in figures I I and 12. It too comprises a generally U-shaped portion 68. The U-shaped portion 68 comprises two parallel legs 70, 72 which define a channel 74. The channel 74 is dimensioned so a to receive, in use, the top of the body 24. The channel 74 may he slightly narrower than the thickness of the body 24, the legs 70, 72 being of resilient nature so as to hold the clipping device 22 within the channel 74. The width (indicated by 76) of the legs 70, 72 is less than the separation distance of the uprights 12, so as to enable the hackstay 60 to he positioned between adjacent uprights 12 in use. The clipping device 22 also comprises a pair of ridges 82, which are spaced such that the U-shaped portion 68 can he received in use between them, thus restricting lateral movement of the U-shaped portion 68 relative to the body 24 of' the clipping device 22. Both legs 70, 72 also comprise a holes, 80 and 78 respectively, sized and located such that, if needed, when the clipping device 22 is received within the channel 74 a securing member (not shown), such as a bolt and threaded nut, can he used to secure the clipping member 22 to the hackstay 6() via holes 78, 80 in the backstay 60 and hole 36 in the body 24 of the clipping member 22.

Rather than using nuts and bolts to secure the hackstay 60 to the clipping device 22.

pegs or cables ties could he used.

Figures 15, 16 and 17 show a fourth means of connecting the hackstay 6() to the clipping device 22. The body 24 of the clipping device comprises a generally oblong opening 84 which extends from one side of the body 24 to the other, the cross section of which through line A-A in figure 15 is shown in figure 17. The opening comprises two opposing generally V-shaped ramped surfaces 86, 88, spaced such that at a first orientation of the hackstay 60 relative to the clipping device 22 a hook portion 90 of the hackstay 60 can he inserted through the opening 84. Once the hook portion 90 has been inserted through the opening 84, the hackstay 60 can he moved relative to the clipping device 22 to a second orientation, as seen best in figure 17. In this orientation the tip 92 of the hook portion 90 abuts one side of the body 24, whilst a portion of the ramped surface 88 is received by a corresponding recess 94 in the hook portion 90. The co- operation of the hook tip 92 and the edge of the body 24, in combination with the co-operation of the ramped surface 88 and recess 94, restrict movement of the hackstay 6() relative to the clipping device 22. securing them together. Removal of the hackstay 60 from the clipping device 22 is a reversal of the procedure to secure them together. This method of securing the clipping device 22 to the hackstay 60 requires no additional tools or components and is very quick and simple to achieve.

A tool 95, shown in figure 18, comprises a handle 96 and hook portion 98, such that it can co-operate with the embodiment of the clipping device 22 shown in figures 15-17 in order to remove the clipping device. In use, the tool 95 is inserted into the body 24 through the opening 84 and a load is applied to the handle 96 to apply a torque to the body, urging the body to undergo a tilting or levering movement as described hereinhefore, releasing the uprights 1 2 from the channels. The remainder of the removal process, and the assembly process, is as described hereinhefore It will be appreciated that a wide range of modifications or alterations may he made to the clipping device describe hcrcinbcforc. For example, if desired the opening 36 maybe shaped so as to permit only tools of a certain shape or size to he titted thereto.

Consequently. removal of the clipping device may he restricted such that it can only he undertaken by individuals with the appropriate tool. Other modifications and alterations are also possible including the use of different methods to secure the hackstay to the clipping device.

Claims

1. A clipping device for securing together first and second elongate members, the device comprising a body having first and second pairs of clip arms, each clip arm defining a re-entrant channel, he first pair of clip arms being adapted to receive, in use, the first elongate member, the second pair of clip arms being adapted to receive, in use, the second elongate member, each clip arm being of resilient form and adapted to receive the associated elongate member in a snap-fit fashion, wherein the clip arms of each pair are spaced apart from one another, and the re-entrant channel of one of the clip arms of each pair opens to the opposite side of the body to that of the other of the clip arms.

2. A device according to Claim I, wherein the clip arms of each pair are spaced apart from one another a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of each respective elongate member, such that in attaching the clipping device neither of the elongate members are moved.

3. A device according to either Claim I or Claim 2, wherein between the first pair of clip arms is a first recess in the body and between the second pair of clip arms is a second recess in the body, the minimum distance between the first and second recesses being equal or less than to the spacing between the first and second elongate members, such that in attaching the clipping device neither of the elongate members are moved.

4. A device according any of the proceeding Claims, wherein at least one of the elongate members received by the device in use is a portion of a temporary fencing

-S

5. A device according to any of the proceeding Claims, wherein the body is shaped to include a formation co-operable with a support member.

6. A device according to Claim 5, wherein the formation defines grooves or channels adapted to receive a fork-like portion of the support member.

7. A device according to ClaimS, wherein the formation comprises an openin

8. A device according to Claim 7, wherein said opening is shaped so as to co-operate with a portion of the support member such that in a first orientation of the support member relative to the device, said portion of the support member may be inserted through said opening; and in a second orientation of the support member relative to the device, said portion of the support member, having been inserted through said opening, abuts the device and hence restricts relative movement between the device and the support member.

9. A device according to aaim 8, wherein the portion of the support member is generally L-shaped.

10. A device according to Claim 5, wherein a portion of the support member is shaped so as to form a channel of generally U-shaped cross-section, said formation being receivable within said channel.

11. A device according to Claim 10, wherein a portion of' the support member and the device each comprise at least one opening. said openings being co-operable whilst the formation is received within said channel such that a securing member can he inserted into said openings to secure the device to the support member.

12. A device according to any of the proceedings Claims, wherein the body is shaped to include a levering formation co-operable with a tool to impart the levering action thereto.

13. A device according to Claim 12, wherein the levering formation is separate to the formation claimed in Claim 5 and its dependant claims.

14. A device according to Claim 12 where the levering formation is part of the formation claimed in Claim 5 and its depcndant claims.

13. A device according to any of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the levering formation comprises an opening.

14. A device according to any of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the levering formation defines grooves or channels adapted to receive a fork-like tool.

15. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each arm includes, at its free edge. ramped surfaces.

16. A clipping device substantially as hcrcinhcfore described with reference to any of' the accompanying drawings.

17. A fencing system comprising a plurality of fence panels, elongate members forming the uprights of the panels, and a clipping device as claimed in any of the preceding claims securing together two adjacent ones of the uprights.