GB2497101A - Clamp for a hose with a helically ribbed surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The clamp 12 comprises a uniformly helical length of wire, for location in the valley formed by the helical rib of the hose, the wire having at one end a first clamp radius adjustment part 16b extending approximately radially outwardly from the helix and a second clamp radius adjustment part 18a at the other end extending approximately radially outwardly from the wire. Mutual movement between the adjustment parts 16b, 18a to/from each other increases the helix diameter to allow assembly of the clamp 12 on the hose. Movement of the adjustment parts 16b, 18a is by manual pressure or a screw-threaded bolt 30 and nut 32.

Description

A CLAMP

The invention relates to a clamp. In particular, but not exclusively, the clamp is for clamping a first spiral form hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like, to a second hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like.

A spiral form hose is a tubular hose made from a flexible material, with a raised rib extending in a spiral manner along the outer surface of the hose. A spiral form hose is often strong, due to the material used to form the rib, yet it retains good flexibility.

Historically, a worm drive clamp has been used to clamp a spiral hose, but they are unsuitable for clamping a spiral hose because they are not themselves of spiral form. A worm drive clamp can be modified, by the addition of a bridge or spacer which holds the clamp in a spiral configuration. Such a clamp is complicated and time consuming to make, and it has potential failure points around the joints of the bridge and clamp. Moreover, a worm drive clamp is unsuitable for some spiral hoses because at any point along its length it has a thin rectangular cross section, the sides of which can be problematic for fitting in the valleys of a spiral hose between ribs. Also, the clamp can cause damage to the valleys and/or nbs of a spiral hose.

Accordingly, other spiral form clamps have been developed. Clockwise spiral clamps and counter clockwise spiral clamps, for example sold under the trademark Arco®, are known.

To determine which clamp is required, the operator looks at the end of the hose. If the helix spirals in a clockwise direction away from the operator (along the hose), a clockwise clamp is required. If the helix spirals in a counter clockwise direction away from the operator, a counter clockwise clamp is needed. Apart trom the clamp design being governed by the helix direction, both clamps are similar in design.

The Arco® clamp has a length of wire of approximately I and a half revolutions, and arms extend from the length of wire tangentially in opposite directions. The free ends of the arms are threaded. An arcuate plate, comprising spaced apertures. is installed on the free ends of the aims, the apertures in the plate receiving the free ends of the arms. Inward movement of the plate is limited by spiral revolution of the length of wire. Nuts are then applied to the free ends of the arms, and tightened to reduce the radius of the length of wire, thereby clamping the underlying hose. It will be noted that two sets of nuts have to be applied and tightened, preferably in equal measure so as to maintain a more uniform force is applied to the hose.

Because the nuts are tightened one after the other, as one nut is being tightened, the unbalanced fastening force applied to the clamp nut can cause the clamp to rotate with respect to the hose, which can hinder fastening the clamp. The arcuate plate can be used only in rdation to a specific hose diameter. The arcuate plate is sizable and significantly adds to material costs. The plate also hides a certain section of the clamped hose, preventing the user from visually checking the clamped region.

An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved clamp, or at least an alternative clamp.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a clamp in accordance with Claim I. ci The arms are preferably designed to be pressed substantially towards each other.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of clamping a spiral form hose, duct, pipe. tube or the like in accordance with Claim 16.

Other optional and preferred features of the invention are set out in the independent claims, dependent claims, and description, below. It will be appreciated that the features of the independent claims can be combined in any complimentary manner, with one or more features of another independent claim, the dependent claims, and/or with one or more features of the description, where such a combination of features would provide a working embodiment of the invention.

A clamp in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clamp part, Figure 2 is a side view of the clamp part, Figure 3 is an end view of the clamp part, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a clamp, incorporating the clamp part of Figures 1 to 3, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the clamp of Figure 1 installed on a hose, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second clamp.

Figure 7is a side view of the second clamp, and Figure 8 is an end view of the second clamp.

Referring to Figures ito 4, in particular Figure 4, a clamp 10 comprises a clamp part 12, and a fastening means 13.

The clamp pail 12 comprises a spiral part 14, a first spiral part adjustment aim 16, and a second spiral part adjustment arm] 8.

The entire clamp part 12 is made from a single piece of wire, or rod. The wire is made of metal, such as steel.

The spiral part 14 has a uniform spiral along its length.

At any given point along the spiral part 14, the cross section is substantially circular. In other embodiments, the cross section could be substantially elliptical or another type of closed curve.

Figure 2 shows an angle a of the spiral part 14 to a plane A that corresponds to a cross section of a spiral hose to which the clamp is to be fitted. In the embodiment shown, the angle a is about 15 degrees. However, the spiral part 14 can be modified to cater for other values foranglea.

Referring to Figure 3, in its unactivated state, the spiral part 14 has a substantially uniform inner radius r.

In the embodiment shown, the spiral part 14 comprises about 1 and 7/8 revolutions, or 315 degrees. However, other values are claimed.

The first spiral part adjustment arm 16 and the second spiral part adjustment arm i8 both extend outwardly from the spiral part 14. The first spiral part adjustment arm 16 and the second spiral part adjustment arm 18. are located at, or towards, opposite free ends of the spiral part 14. Each arm 16, 18 is made simply from a continuation of the length of wire used to make the spiral part 14. The first spiral part adjustment arm 16 and the second spiral part adjustment arm 18 are spaced by angle l. which in this embodiment is approximately 45 degrees. However, other values for angle f3 are envisaged.

Each of the arms 16, 18 comprises a first arm part 16a, and a second arm part 16b (only arm 16 is shown for clarity).

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the first arm part 16a extends substantially radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis L of the spiral part 14, along approximately radial lines Ai and A2 (see Figure 3).

Referring back to Figure 2, it should be noted that each of first arm parts I 6a of the arms 16, 18 is hiclined at an angle 8 with respect to a plane P1 that corresponds to a portion of the spiral part 14 adjacent the arm 16, 18. Each of first arm parts 16a of the arms 16, 18 is inclined in an opposite direction, by an equal distance, with opposite values for angle 0, so the first arm parts 16a of arms 16, 18 incline towards a point above the inbound coil C (shown clearly in Figure 1) of the spiral part 14. The angle 0 is typically between about 10 to degrees. In the embodiment shown, the angle B is about 15 degrees. Other values for angle 0 are envisaged.

Referring to Figure 2, the second arm part 16b extends from the outermost end of the first arm parts 16a, in a looping manner, initially in a direction roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis L, then roughly radially inwardly, and then roughly back towards the point of the spiral part 14 from which the first arm parts 16a departs. The arm parts 16a and 16b remain in a plane through the longitudinal axis L of the spiral pail and radial line Al (arm parts 18a and 18b remain in a plane through the longitudinal axis L of the spiral pail and radial line A2).

Referring to Figure 2, the first arm part 16a and the second arm part I 6b define an aperture 20, suitable for receiving a fastening means 13 such as a threaded bolt. The piece of wire the that forms the first arm part 16a and the second arm part 16b extends sufficiently back towards the point of the spiral part 14 from which the first arm parts I 6a extends that the gap between the free end of the second arm part 16 b and the point of the spiral part 14 from which the first arm parts 16a departs is too small for a threaded bolt installed within the aperture to work out of the gap. However, the looped arm 16 may be open (as shown) or a closed loop (not shown for conciseness).

The inclination of the arms 16, 18 in opposing directions is important because it enables the centres of the apertures 20 to lie directly above the radially inward point of the inbound coil C of the spiral part 14.

Referring to Figure 4. the fastening means 13 comprises a threaded bolt 30 and a nut 32. The threaded bolt 30 is installed through apertures 20 in both arms 16. 18. The nut 32 is then attached to the free end of the bolt 30, but not yet tightened, so as to reduce the radius of the spiral part 14.

Referring to Figure 5, a first (outer) hose 40 of spiral form is typically clamped to a second (inner) hose of uniform circumference along its length.

In use, the clamp part 12 is installed on a spiral form hose 40.

The spiral form hose 40 has ribs 42 and valleys 44 therebetween. The spiral of the valleys 44 corresponds to the spiral of the spiral part 14. In its unactivated state, the inner diameter of the spiral part 14 exceeds the diameter of the valleys 44. The inner diameter of the spiral part 14 is less than the diameter of the ribs 42. Consequently. the clamp part 12 can be wound onto an end of the hose 40, by means of relative rotation of the clamp part 12 and the hose 40.

The spiral part 14 is designed to locate in the valleys between ribs of the spiral form hose.

Due to the smooth circular cross section of the spiral part 14, the spiral part sits comfortably in valleys between ribs of a spiral hose and is unlikely to cause damage to the hose.

In this way, the clamping force that will be applied by the threaded bolt 30 and nut 32 on the clamp part 12 is applied in a centralized, balanced, manner, in a plane that approximately corresponds to a plane of the hose that lies between successive coils to which the clamp will be fitted, and in a direction parallel to a tangent of the spiral part.

Rotating the nut with respect to the bolt in the opposite direction has the effect of increasing the diameter of the circle formed by the clamp part 12, so that the clamp part 12 can be easily removed from the hose.

The above mentioned fastening means 13 assists in pushing the aims 16, 18 together. Instead.

in an embodiment which is not preferred. the clamp part 12 can be designed so that a user can manually pull the arms 16, 18 apart against the inherent resilience of the clamp part, and when the clamp part is in the desired position, release the arms so that they spring back towards each other, thereby reducing the diameter of the spiral part 14 to enable clamping.

The spiral part is designed to abut against the valleys between the ribs of a spiral form hose.

The spiral part defines a space between successive turns of the spiral hose, the space having a greater effective diameter than the first inner diameter, for accommodating a spiral of the spiral form hose.

The spiral part defines a first inner diameter. In inactive state first inner diameter slightly exceeds diameter of valleys of hose. This allows clamp to be easily wound onto the hose.

The first spiral part adjustment arm 16. and the second spiral part adjustment arm 18 extend substantially radially outwardly from longitudinal axis of the spiral hose to which the clamp lOis applied.

Under tightening of nut relative to the bolt 30, the first spiral part adjustment arm 16 and the second spiral part adjustment arm 18 are simultaneously operated, inwardly.

As the clamp is tightened. first inner diameter reduces towards the diameter of valleys of hose. In this way a clamping force is exerted on the hose or tube inside the length of hose.

The clamp 10 in accordance with the invention provides an improved uniformity of clamping force all about the periphery of the spiral hose.

In an embodiment of the invention which is possible, but not preferred, the clamp part can be used on its own, without a fastener. The arms can be puHed apart to increase the radius of the part. and installed on a hose, the arms can then be released to reduce the radius of the part, thereby causing the part to clamp the hose.

if pitch (i.e. longitudinal distance between successive spirals) of spiral part 14 increases for example to fit a spiral hose of increased pitch, the first spiral part adjustment arm 16 and the second spiral part adjustment arm 18 can extend inwardly by a corresponding increased distance.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 6 to 8, a clamp 100 comprises a spiral part 114 that is similar in some respects to spiral part 14. However, spiral pail 114 comprises about 2 and 1/8 revolutions.

Anus 102, 104 of clamp 100 are simplified relative to the arms of clamp iO.

lii use, the arms 102, 104 of the clamp iOU can be pressed together, against a spring bias of the clamp 100, to increase the inner radius of the spiral part 114. In this way, the radius of the spiral part 114 exceeds the radius of the valleys of the hose, so the clamp can be wound onto the hose. The user then gradually moves the damp along the hose into the desired position.

Depending on the design, it may be necessary to apply a pressing force on the arms 102, 104 whilst the clamp is moved into position. When the clamp is in the desired position, the arms 102, 104 are simply released, activating the spring biasing of the clamp to reduce the diameter of the spiral part 14.

The clamp 10, 100 may be used to clamp a first plain hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like to a second plain hose, duct, pipe, tube or the 111cc.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1. A clamp for clamping a spiral form hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like, the clamp comprising a spiral part, for alTangement in valley(s) between ribs of a spiral form hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like, the clamp compnsing a first spiral part adjustment aim, extending outwardly from the spira' part, the clamp a'so compnsing a second spiral part adjustment aim extending outwardly from the spiral part, wherein the first spiral part adjustment arm and the second spiral part adjustment arm are designed for simultaneous operation in substantially opposing directions.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A clamp according to claim 1, the clamp comprises first clamp radius adjustment part and second clamp radius adjustment part designed to be pushed together to increase the radius of the clamp, and pulled apart to reduce the radius of the clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A clamp according to claim 2, the clamp comprises between one revolution and one and a half revolutions, or between two revolutions and two and a half revolutions, or between n revolutions and n and a half revolutions, preferably between about one revolution and one and a quarter revolutions, or between two revolutions and two and a quarter i-evolutions, or between n revolutions and n and a quarter revolutions.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A clamp according to claim 3, the clamp comprises more than 2 revolutions, preferably less than 2 and a half revolutions, optimally about 2 and 1/8 revolutions.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A clamp according to claim 1, first clamp radius adjustment part and second clamp radius adjustment part designed to be pushed together to reduce the radius of the clamp, and pulled apart to increase the radius of the clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A clamp according to claim 5, the clamp comprises between half of a revolution and one revolution, or between one and a half revolutions and two revolutions, or between n and a half revolutions and n -I-1 revolutions, preferably between about three quarters of a revolution and one revolution, or between about one and three quarters of a revolution and two revolutions, or between n and three quarters of a revolution and n +1 revolutions.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A clamp according to claim 6, the clamp comprises between one and a haff revolutions and two revolutions, preferably between about one and three quarters of a revolution and two revolutions, optimally about 1 and 7/8 revolutions.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A clamp according to any preceding claim, wherein first clamp radius adjustment part, towards a first end of the longitudinal axis of the spiral shaped length of wire, is directed towards the opposite second end of the longitudinal axis of the spiral shaped length of wire, and the second clamp radius adjustment part. towards a second end of the longitudinal axis of the spiral shaped length of wire, is directed towards the opposite first end of the longitudinal axis of the spiral shaped length of wire.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A clamp according to any preceding claim, when dependent on one or more of claims to 7. wherein the clamp comprising fastening means.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A clamp according to Claim 9. wherein the fastening means are designed to be adjusted in a direction substantially tangential to the circumference of the spiral part.</claim-text> <claim-text>II. A clamp according to any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the fastener is designed to lie in plane substantially parallel to a plane corresponding to successive turns of the spiral when the clamp is in tightened form.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A clamp part substantially as described herein and/or with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A clamp and fastener substantially as described herein and/or with reference to Figures 4 to 5 of the drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A clamp part substantially as described herein and/or with reference to Figures 6 to 8 of the drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A kit of clamps in accordance with any one or more of Claims 9 to I I. a first clamp for a hose of a first pitch, a second clamp for a hose of a second pitch, the second pitch exceeding the first pitch, wherein first clamp radius adjustment part and second clamp radius adjustment part of second clamp extend inwardly by a greater length than first clamp radius adjustment part and second clamp radius adjustment part of first clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A method of clamping a spiral form hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like, the method comprising providing a clamp comprising a spiral part, the clamp comprising a first spiral part adjustment arm, extending outwardly from the spiral part, the clamp also comprising a second spiral part adjustment arm extending outwardly from the spiral part, arranging the spiral pail in valley(s) between ribs of a spiral form hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like, and simultaneously operating the first spiral part adjustment arm and the second spiral part adjustment arm.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A method of clamping a spiral form hose, duct, pipe, tube or the like, substantially as described herein andlor with reference to one or more of the drawings.</claim-text>