USH968H - Self locking loop clamp - Google Patents

Self locking loop clamp Download PDF

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Publication number
USH968H
USH968H US07/615,954 US61595490A USH968H US H968 H USH968 H US H968H US 61595490 A US61595490 A US 61595490A US H968 H USH968 H US H968H
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tang
clamp
strip
slot
aperture
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US07/615,954
Inventor
Mervyn W. Moyles
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
US Department of Navy
Original Assignee
US Department of Navy
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by US Department of Navy filed Critical US Department of Navy
Priority to US07/615,954 priority Critical patent/USH968H/en
Assigned to LOCKHEED MISSILES & SPACE COMPANY, INC. reassignment LOCKHEED MISSILES & SPACE COMPANY, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: MOYLES, MERVYN W.
Assigned to UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY reassignment UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. MAY BE SUBJECT TO LICENSING Assignors: LOCKHEED MISSILES & SPACE COMPANY, INC.
Assigned to UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY reassignment UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: KHADDURI, FARID MAJID, KURZEJA, STANLEY JOSEPH
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USH968H publication Critical patent/USH968H/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
    • F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
    • F16L3/12—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
    • F16L3/137—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing and consisting of a flexible band
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
    • B65D63/10—Non-metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Filamentary elements, e.g. strings, threads or wires; Joints between ends thereof
    • B65D63/1018—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like
    • B65D63/1027—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like the integral securing member being formed as a female and male locking member, e.g. locking head and locking teeth, or the like

Definitions

  • This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for clamping a bundle of wires, in particular to an apparatus which is one piece and is self-locking.
  • a one piece clamp is formed from a strip of material having spring, such as metal or plastic, the strip being padded to avoid cutting the wires, one and of the strip having a keyed tang and the other end having a slotted aperture, the tang being retracted radially so that the key passes through the slot into the aperture, and then released so that a wider portion of the tang cannot pass through the slot.
  • An important advantage of the present invention is that the clamp is self locking and needs no fastener to be held in place on a bundle of wires.
  • a further advantage is that the clamp may be fastened to the cable on the bench before attachment to a frame.
  • a still further advantage is that the clamp can be installed without tools.
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of the clamp according to the invention in an open position before use.
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of the clamp according to the invention in a locked position.
  • FIG. 3 shows a detail of the upper foot in a top view.
  • FIG. 4 is an end view of the detail of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 shows a detail of the lower foot in a top view.
  • FIG. 6 is an end view of the detail of FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 1 the clamp apparatus 10 according to the invention in a free condition before use on a cable.
  • the frame 12 is a one piece strip of metal, hard rubber, plastic or other suitable material with spring.
  • a soft tubing 14 or padding is placed around the central portion of the clamp 10 to prevent the clamp from damaging the wires when closed around the wires.
  • the ends of the clamp are an upper foot 16 and a lower foot 18.
  • the upper foot has a tang 20 and the lower foot has a slotted aperture 22.
  • the key or narrowest part of the tang 20 is sized to match the slotted aperture 22.
  • the entire tang 20 is a narrowing of the end of the strip from which the clamp is made.
  • a narrowed region 24 of the tang 20 is set back from the tip of the tang 20 by a distance sufficient to provide structural integrity; the distance of the set-back should be of at least the same size as the depth of the narrowing.
  • the narrowing should be about as wide as it is long. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the narrowing is accomplished by forming two square notches symmetrically on opposing side of the tang. In alternate embodiments the notches could be other shapes or a single notch could be formed on one side of the tang.
  • the lower foot is shaped by forming an aperture 26 and a slot 286 in the end of the clamp 10 and bending the end of the clamp so that the aperture and slot project toward the upper foot.
  • the clamp In use, the clamp is placed over the bundle of wires or tubes, and the upper foot and lower foot are brought into contact. The upper foot is retracted slightly (radially) such that the key in the upper foot passes through the slot in the lower foot. As the upper foot is releases, it advances radially bringing the wider portion of the tang into the aperture. Since the wider portion of the tang cannot pass through the small slot, the clamp is locked in place by the inherent tendency of the clamp to spring open and expand radially.
  • Self-locking loop clamps can be installed on cables as a bench operation, rather than in final installation.
  • the clamps are thus in place, located along the length and at the correct azimuth.
  • the installer then has only to find the attach point to the frame and install a screw through the screwhole 30. Without the self-locking clamp the installer has the additional burden of locating the clamp along the cable, locating the attach point, closing the clamp, inserting the screw to effect clamp closure, and then torquing the screw to make the attachment. In restricted quarters and limited access for tooling, the task is often difficult.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)

Abstract

A one piece clamp for a bundle of wires is formed from a strip of material having spring, such as metal or plastic, the strip being padded to avoid cutting the wires, one end of the strip having a keyed tang and the other end having a slotted aperture, the tang being retracted radially so that the key passes through the slot into the aperture, and then released so that a wider portion of the tang cannot pass through the slot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for clamping a bundle of wires, in particular to an apparatus which is one piece and is self-locking.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Securing bundles of cables or tubes in tight quarters can be difficult for the installer. Multiple operations involving installing a clamp, aligning it, and fastening the clamp in frame inside a restricted space can be exasperating and require more hands than the installer can find room for in the apparatus.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a primary objective of the present invention to eliminate steps in installing cables in situ.
It is another object of the invention to devise a one piece clamp which can be installed on a cable without tools.
It is a further object of the invention to devise a clamp for a bundle of wires which can be installed on the bundle with one hand as the need arises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These objects of the invention and other objects, features and advantages to become apparent as the specification progresses are accomplished by the invention according to which, briefly stated, a one piece clamp is formed from a strip of material having spring, such as metal or plastic, the strip being padded to avoid cutting the wires, one and of the strip having a keyed tang and the other end having a slotted aperture, the tang being retracted radially so that the key passes through the slot into the aperture, and then released so that a wider portion of the tang cannot pass through the slot.
LIST OF ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
An important advantage of the present invention is that the clamp is self locking and needs no fastener to be held in place on a bundle of wires.
A further advantage is that the clamp may be fastened to the cable on the bench before attachment to a frame.
Another advantage is than the clamp can be installed with one hand under some circumstances.
A still further advantage is that the clamp can be installed without tools.
These and further objectives, constructional and operational characteristics, and advantages of the invention will no doubt be more evident to those skilled in the art from the detailed description given hereinafter with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment by way of non-limiting example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a side view of the clamp according to the invention in an open position before use.
FIG. 2 shows a side view of the clamp according to the invention in a locked position.
FIG. 3 shows a detail of the upper foot in a top view.
FIG. 4 is an end view of the detail of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 shows a detail of the lower foot in a top view.
FIG. 6 is an end view of the detail of FIG. 5.
Glossary
The following is a glossary of elements and structural members as referenced and employed in the present invention.
10--clamp
12--frame
14--tubing or soft padding
16--upper foot
18--lower foot
20--tang
22--slotted aperture
24--narrowed region of tang, or key
26--aperture
28--slot
30--screw hole
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to designate like or corresponding parts throughout the various figures thereof, there is shown in FIG. 1 the clamp apparatus 10 according to the invention in a free condition before use on a cable. The frame 12 is a one piece strip of metal, hard rubber, plastic or other suitable material with spring. A soft tubing 14 or padding is placed around the central portion of the clamp 10 to prevent the clamp from damaging the wires when closed around the wires. The ends of the clamp are an upper foot 16 and a lower foot 18.
In the preferred embodiment, the upper foot has a tang 20 and the lower foot has a slotted aperture 22. The key or narrowest part of the tang 20 is sized to match the slotted aperture 22.
The entire tang 20 is a narrowing of the end of the strip from which the clamp is made. A narrowed region 24 of the tang 20 is set back from the tip of the tang 20 by a distance sufficient to provide structural integrity; the distance of the set-back should be of at least the same size as the depth of the narrowing. The narrowing should be about as wide as it is long. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the narrowing is accomplished by forming two square notches symmetrically on opposing side of the tang. In alternate embodiments the notches could be other shapes or a single notch could be formed on one side of the tang.
The lower foot is shaped by forming an aperture 26 and a slot 286 in the end of the clamp 10 and bending the end of the clamp so that the aperture and slot project toward the upper foot.
In use, the clamp is placed over the bundle of wires or tubes, and the upper foot and lower foot are brought into contact. The upper foot is retracted slightly (radially) such that the key in the upper foot passes through the slot in the lower foot. As the upper foot is releases, it advances radially bringing the wider portion of the tang into the aperture. Since the wider portion of the tang cannot pass through the small slot, the clamp is locked in place by the inherent tendency of the clamp to spring open and expand radially.
Self-locking loop clamps can be installed on cables as a bench operation, rather than in final installation. The clamps are thus in place, located along the length and at the correct azimuth. The installer then has only to find the attach point to the frame and install a screw through the screwhole 30. Without the self-locking clamp the installer has the additional burden of locating the clamp along the cable, locating the attach point, closing the clamp, inserting the screw to effect clamp closure, and then torquing the screw to make the attachment. In restricted quarters and limited access for tooling, the task is often difficult.
This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment and alternative heretofore described, to which variations and improvements may be made, without departing from the scope of protection of the present patent and true spirit of the invention, the characteristics of which are summarized in the following claims.

Claims (1)

What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for clamping a bundle of wire, comprising:
a strip of material having spring, a central region of said strip being padded to avoid cutting the wires, a first end of said strip having a keyed tang, a second end of said strip having a slot and an aperture, said slot and said aperture being adjoining, said strip being bent so that said first end almost touches said second end, said strip being bent to position said first end relative to said second end so that when said tang is retracted radially, said key can pass through said slot into said aperture, and when said tang is released, a wider portion of said tang cannot pass through said slot.
US07/615,954 1990-11-20 1990-11-20 Self locking loop clamp Abandoned USH968H (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/615,954 USH968H (en) 1990-11-20 1990-11-20 Self locking loop clamp

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/615,954 USH968H (en) 1990-11-20 1990-11-20 Self locking loop clamp

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USH968H true USH968H (en) 1991-10-01

Family

ID=24467453

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/615,954 Abandoned USH968H (en) 1990-11-20 1990-11-20 Self locking loop clamp

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) USH968H (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0616796A1 (en) * 1993-03-23 1994-09-28 Protek Ag Striplike sealing element
US6854561B2 (en) 2000-11-01 2005-02-15 Trampas N. Bass Hanger systems and methods
US20050233642A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-10-20 Walter Gerlich Contact device for the electric contact of cable shields
DE102006020407B3 (en) * 2006-05-03 2008-01-24 Norma Germany Gmbh Clamp for attaching a tubular or tubular object
US8759682B2 (en) * 2010-12-23 2014-06-24 Amphenol Air Lb Device for holding at least one longitudinal element, of the wiring harness or tube type, on a support

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0616796A1 (en) * 1993-03-23 1994-09-28 Protek Ag Striplike sealing element
US5500018A (en) * 1993-03-23 1996-03-19 Protek Ag Sealing element in the form of a strap
US6854561B2 (en) 2000-11-01 2005-02-15 Trampas N. Bass Hanger systems and methods
US20050233642A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-10-20 Walter Gerlich Contact device for the electric contact of cable shields
US7306476B2 (en) * 2002-06-27 2007-12-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Contact device for the electric contact of cable shields
DE102006020407B3 (en) * 2006-05-03 2008-01-24 Norma Germany Gmbh Clamp for attaching a tubular or tubular object
US8020814B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2011-09-20 Norma Germany Gmbh Clamp for securing a tubular or hose-shaped object
US8759682B2 (en) * 2010-12-23 2014-06-24 Amphenol Air Lb Device for holding at least one longitudinal element, of the wiring harness or tube type, on a support

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LOCKHEED MISSILES & SPACE COMPANY, INC., SUNNYVALE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:MOYLES, MERVYN W.;REEL/FRAME:005539/0801

Effective date: 19901026

AS Assignment

Owner name: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY T

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:KHADDURI, FARID MAJID;KURZEJA, STANLEY JOSEPH;REEL/FRAME:005563/0207

Effective date: 19901127

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE