ES1279264U - ANCHORING SYSTEM TO AN UNCENTRATED LOAD MAST (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Anchoring system to a mast (1) of an off-center load (2) with respect to the axis of the mast (1), the system comprising a clamp (4) and a clamping body (3) of the off-center load (2), the clamp configured to fix the clamping body (3) with the off-center load (2) to the mast (1) embracing the clamping body (3) and the mast (1), characterized in that the system additionally comprises at least two locking elements (8), (8.1), (8.2) arranged fixed to the clamping body (3) so that, in use, the locking elements (8), (8.1), (8.2) rest on the mast (1) in contact positions with the mast (1) opposite to the axis of the mast (1) to support the turning moment produced by the weight of the off-center load (2). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

ANCHORING SYSTEM TO A MAST WITH AN UNCENTRATED LOAD

Technical sector

The present invention is related to anchoring systems to a mast or the like of a load off-center with respect to the axis of the mast, by means of the clamps used for example for masts or fixing on bars, proposing a locking system for the clamp that performs structural characteristics that make it advantageous for assembly, also guaranteeing safety conditions with respect to conventional clamps of the same type during assembly.

State of the art

In a multitude of applications, for securing on normally cylindrical masts, such as tubes, bar elements and other similar elements, of off-center loads whose center of gravity is far from the mast, such as for example the fastening of TV antennas, clamps such as They can be of the U-bolt type, optionally they can be used to hold bars of square section, squares or other shapes. This type of clamps are formed by a rod bent in the shape of a "U" or a similar configuration, the lateral sections being provided with a threading, where tightening nuts are incorporated, by means of which a clamp piece is pushed to press the curved rod on the bar to fix the element to be fastened.

For example, U-bolt-type clamps are disclosed in patent document ES1259496U, which includes a system in which the nuts are inserted in the rods in a "U" shape so that the jaw does not come out and avoids having to insert it into the rod at the time of assembly.

Another type of clamp would be the one collected in the patent document ES1070726U, which reflects a fixing system by a clamp formed by two parts that hug the mast and at whose end there is a screw and a wing nut that hold them together for fastening. .

In its conventional embodiment, this type of clamps has the drawback that, due to To the assembly needs, the fixing elements are of a length that allows sufficient reach to positions in which they can be assembled easily, saving the dimension of the elements to be fastened. This implies that the assembly requires a time of installation and a time of adjustment and tightening. For example, if threaded elements are used, the position must be maintained while moving through the threaded elements. The same happens during disassembly.

For this reason, the operator during the assembly and disassembly of the mast requires to occupy at least one hand in holding the assembly and requires skill to perform the fixing with one hand in a normally uncomfortable position. It should also be borne in mind that the weight of the off-center load can be heavy or far and difficult to mount by a single operator, especially if he has to keep it in a nearly horizontal position while fastening.

On the other hand, if the clamps are applied to masts that experience vibrations, such as those caused by the wind, there is a risk that due to the vibrations the assembly will be complicated as the clamp is sliding down the mast and costs maintaining a fixed position in which to properly tighten nuts or other fasteners. If, in addition, the elements are not incorporated in the bracket and must be positioned, for example, that the nuts have to be carried by the operator, the assembly process becomes much more complicated.

The present invention aims to provide an anchoring system to a mast with an off-center load, such as an antenna, that allows easy and safe mounting, without the need for the operator to hold the assembly with his hands, overcoming the drawbacks present in the state of the art.

Object of the invention

The invention consists of an anchoring system to a mast with an off-center load in its center of gravity with respect to the axis of the mast, the system comprising a clamp and a body for holding the load off-center, the clamp being configured to fix the body of the clamping with the load off-center to the mast by hugging the clamping body and the mast. According to the invention, the system further comprises at least two locking elements arranged fixed to the clamping body so that, in use, the locking elements rest on the mast in positions of contact with the mast opposite to the axis of the mast to support the turning moment produced by the weight of the off-center load.

Locking elements provide provisional fixation prior to clamp fixation, allowing the off-center load to be more easily secured to the operator. In this way, the operator has both hands free to manipulate the clamp while the assembly remains in the position to be fixed.

An example of a clamp are those of the stringer type referenced in the state of the art that contain a rod bent in the middle area in a "U" shape or similar configuration, the lateral sections having a threaded area for the incorporation of tightening nuts. , and a clamp to clamp the mast between the clamping body and the clamp so that, in use, the clamping body and the mast are clamped by the bent rod, the mast being clamped when moving the clamp against the mast by tightening the nuts Of tightening.

The force exerted by the locking elements comes from the weight of the off-center load, such as an antenna, so that by means of the locking elements the clamping body can support the off-center load in a predetermined way to the mast provisionally. The off-center load has a weight with a center of gravity away from the clamp and the mast in the horizontal plane, so that it leverages the clamping body when it rests on the mast. The horizontal frictional forces acting between the locking elements and the mast prevent the assembly from slipping. Once the off-center load has been fixed to the mast with the clamping body and by means of the locking elements, the securing of the clamp makes it possible to provide a final fixation of the assembly.

Preferably, two locking elements will be used that will be positioned opposite to the vertical of the mast and at different heights, but both in the opposite direction to the angular momentum produced by the off-center load. The placement of both locking elements would preferably be one above the "U" -shaped rod and the other at the bottom. Other alternatives would be to place both locking elements in an area above the "U" -shaped rod or both below.

The assembly is fitted by turning it in the opposite direction to the angular momentum produced by the off-center load. This allows the clamp to be inserted into the mast. Then the rotation is carried out in the direction of the angular momentum until the locking elements come into contact with the surface of the mast, supporting from that moment all the weight of the assembly by themselves. In this way a preset is produced in which the locking elements bear the weight and the operator can release the off-center load to focus on the clamp fixation.

Of the locking elements, at least one of them will have at least one elastic zone that allows elastic contact with the surface of the mast. Said elasticity allows a contact under pressure that prevents the assembly from sliding under its own weight as the resulting frictional force between the locking elements and the mast is greater than the weight of the assembly.

The elasticity in at least one of the locking elements also provides an absorption of the vibrations that can occur both in the mast and in the assembly due to punctual blows or the wind itself to which they are exposed. If the element is rigid in the contact area at the moment when a vibration occurs, it can make it jump and slide towards the ground under its own weight.

The elasticity of at least one of the locking elements can be in various ways. An example would be to have a material in the contact area, or close to it, which is elastically deformable and which, by supporting the locking element on the mast, absorbs part of the weight. Alternatively, the locking elements may have a section that elastically twists, causing absorption in said section.

These locking elements are temporary fixing elements for the moment of placing or removing the off-center load. The locking elements serve to keep the load off-centered in a position substantially horizontal to the mast, in a provisional way, while making preparations and final fixed adjustment, carried out for example by means of nuts and buckles or other similar systems. Once assembly is done, the locking elements can be released and removed from the bracket. At the time of disassembly, they could be repositioned in the clamp to aid in removal of the assembly. Optionally, they could remain as protection elements and for future disassembly.

The locking elements can be fixable or fixable parts to the clamping body, for example removably, in particular to the edge of the clamping body. These locking elements have a strong connection, such as by means of screws and nuts, so that they are placed before mounting on the mast and once placed they can be removed for later use. Similarly, when disassembling, the locking elements can be fitted before beginning to disassemble the mast assembly.

In another embodiment, the locking elements can be non-removable fixable parts. An example of this type of joint would be by welding or by means of screws and nuts in places that are not accessible so that once the assembly is done.

Alternatively, the locking elements can be an integrated part, forming a single piece with the clamping body, by way of an extension such as a plate made by stamping with the clamping body.

The materials from which the locking elements can be made can be metallic, polymeric or composite materials. In case the main material is not elastic, it must be combined with an elastic material for at least one area that allows it to fit pressed against the mast. Said area will preferably be a contact area with the mast, although for example it can also be an intermediate section.

One embodiment of the locking element is fin-shaped, that is, an extension or flat surface that adjoins the clamping body and has a cantilevered extension with at least one edge arranged for contact with the mast.

Alternatively, instead of just one edge there may be a surface-shaped extension that contacts the mast thereby widening the contact surface.

For greater adaptability, the contact area of the fin may comprise a saw-shaped edge that allows adaptation to different diameters of masts. In this way, once the clamp is placed on the mast, the saw teeth of the locking element will exert pressure against the mast in a timely manner, preventing its movement in the direction of entry or exit of the mast into the clamp and concentrating the force on different points.

Additionally, the edge of the fin may be continuously concave with respect to the perimeter of the mast, surrounding it and widening the contact edge of the fin element and the mast. In this way, the concave shape will follow the circular shape of the mast, increasing from the clamping body the contact surface between the fin and the mast. This shape also prevents the clamping body with the fins from being pulled out straight, that is, with the load off-center horizontally, and requires the assembly to be rotated in the opposite direction to the angular momentum for disassembly.

Alternatively, the locking elements may be filaments such as wires. On the one hand, they are hooked on the clamping body and on the other hand they remain in a cantilevered position. When placing the assembly on the mast, the filaments will have a section that contacts the mast, supporting the assembly and opposing the angular momentum.

It is conceived that the filament is sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape, but at least one of the filaments can have a certain degree of elasticity to absorb vibrations that may occur. Said elasticity could be a small twisting of the filament in a section between the clamp and the contact area that causes it to give way to increase the pressure exerted on the mast. In the same way, it must have a contact surface with properties that prevent it from slipping in contact with the surface of the mast.

Preferably, the filament-shaped locking element will have a "C" plan shape so that the filament can partially surround the mast thereby increasing the contact surface. This shape assumes, as in the fin that there cannot be a straight disassembly and forces the assembly to be rotated in the opposite direction to the angular momentum for disassembly.Alternatively, the filament can have a "V" or "L" shape or any other geometry that meets the requirements.

Description of the figures

Figure 1 profile view of an embodiment of the anchoring system according to the invention where the element to be fastened is an antenna.

Figure 2.a, 2.b and 2.c front view of the embodiment of figure 1 in the positioning process, from the inclined position of the antenna for insertion to the supporting position on the mast.

Figure 3 perspective view of an embodiment with wing-type locking elements.

Figure 4 plan view of the embodiment of figure 3.

Figure 5 rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 perspective view of an embodiment with wire-type locking elements.

Figure 7 perspective view of the embodiment of figure 6, showing the anchoring system in the position in which the clamp is secured to the mast.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention presents an anchoring system to a mast (1) with an off-center load. The system has a clamp (4) and a clamping body (3) of the off-center load (2), the clamp (4) configured to fix the clamping body (3) with the off-center load (2) to the mast ( 1) hugging the clamping body (3) and the mast (1). The system additionally comprises at least two locking elements (8) arranged fixed to the clamping body (3) so that, in use, the locking elements (8) rest on the mast (1) in contact positions with the mast (1) opposed to the axis of the mast (1) to support the turning moment produced by the weight of the off-center load (2).

The embodiments shown in the figures comprise a clamp (4) of the buckle type. These clamps have a bent rod (4.2) in the middle area in the shape of a "U" or similar configuration, the lateral sections having a threaded area for the incorporation of tightening nuts, and a clamp (4.1) to clamp the mast (1) between the clamping body (3) and the jaw (4.1) so that, in use, the clamping body (3) and the mast (1) are embraced by the bent rod (4.2) being the mast ( 1) trapped when moving the clamp (4.1) against the mast (1) by tightening the tightening nuts and with the off-center load attached to the clamp by a load carrier (5).

In figure 1 the assembled assembly can be seen in a front view, where the off-center load (2) is in a horizontal position and perpendicular to the mast (1) by means of the clamp (4). In this image we can see the force of the weight (Fg) of the off-center load that is compensated with the forces (F) made by the locking elements (8).

As can be seen, the locking elements (8) are located on both sides of the mast (1) with respect to the plane perpendicular to the clamping body (3) and passing through the axis of the mast (1). Furthermore, the locking elements (8) are at different heights, the one farthest from the center of gravity of the off-center load (2) being higher than the locking element (8) closest to the center of gravity of the off-center load (2 ). This compensates for the angular momentum produced by the weight of the off-center load (2).

In the example of Figure 1, the preferred embodiment is shown in which the upper locking element (8), in this figure on the left, contacts the mast (1) in an area above the edge of the clamping body. (3) while the lower locking element (8), in this figure on the right, contacts the mast (1) in an area below the edge of the clamping body (3). This is only an example of an embodiment since there could be more locking elements (8) or they could both be above or below the edge of the clamping body (3) or they could both be within the edges of the clamping body (3).

In figures 2.a, 2.b and 2.c we see how the assembly is placed in sequence. To insert it into the mast (1), Figure 2.a, the assembly must be turned in the opposite direction to the angular momentum produced by the off-center load (2). In this way, the space between the tips (10) of the locking elements (8) is greater than the diameter of the mast (1), the mast (1) being able to exceed the locking elements (8) until contacting the body clamping (3).

In figure 2.b, the assembly is allowed to rotate in the direction of the angular momentum so that the locking elements (8) begin to contact the mast (1) and the contact zone (9) so that for example elastic deformation or torsion of the locking element.

In figure 2.c, the elastic deformation of the locking elements (8) has reached its limit and a balance of forces is produced, where the weight of the off-center load (2) is compensated by the forces carried out by the locking elements (8) and by compensating the angular momentum produced by the off-center load (2), it remains in a predetermined way.

During the placement of the assembly from the outside to the equilibrium position in the preset, the clamp (4.1) as well as the rest of the elements that make up the clamp (4) and that will make the final fixation to the mast are free. They are not even necessary for mounting and the clamp (4.1) or the fixing elements such as nuts could be placed later once the clamp is preset.

Once the equilibrium position shown in figure 2.c has been reached, the assembly remains immobile. In the event that vibrations occur in the mast (1) or in the off-center load (2), the locking elements (8), with the elasticity zone, will absorb these vibrations to ensure that there is no change in the position of the set as a slide or its total fall.

In this position, the operator will be able to use both hands freely, without having to hold the off-center load (2), to position the clamp (4.1) and the fixing elements or any other system used to secure the fixation. from the clamp (4) to the mast (1).

Figures 3 to 5 show the embodiment in which the locking elements are in the form of wings. The figures show the clamp (4) comprising the "U" -shaped bar (4.2), the clamp (4.1) and the fixing elements, which in this case are nuts. The anchoring system is complemented by a clamping body (3) of the off-center load (2), the clamp being configured to fix the clamping body (3) with the off-center load (2) to the mast (1) hugging the clamping body (3) and the mast (1) in the position of use, shown in figure 4. In this example, the fins (8.1) have a contact area (9) in the shape of a saw and with a concave shape towards the position of the mast (1). The saw shape of the contact area (9) makes it adjust to different diameters of the mast, so that the larger the diameter of the mast (1), the contact between the fin (8.1) and the mast will occur in a larger area. away from the clamping body (3).

Figure 5 shows the fixing of the locking element (8.1) in the form of a fin to the clamping body (3) according to the embodiment. The fixing is carried out between the support (5) of the off-center load (2) and the clamping body (3) by means of a screw

1

intern that unites the three parts. In this way, the locking element (8.1), once the clamp (4) and the off-center load (2) have been mounted, is completely locked and secured between the clamping body (3) and the support (5) off-center load. Additionally, the locking element (8) can have a flexible extension, which extends to join both locking elements (8). Said extensions can be intertwined by making a clamp with the bar in the shape of a "U" (4.2), so that it drives it towards the mast (1).

In figure 6 an alternative embodiment can be seen in which the locking element (8) has a filament shape (8.2). This filament (8.2) extends from the anchor (7) to the clamping body (3) to a section that is the contact zone (9) with the mast (1). This contact zone (9) under the pressure exerted by the weight of the off-center load (2) produces a force against the mast (1) and undergoes an elastic deformation, which can be manifested as a torsion in a part of the filament (8.2 ) that is, for example, vertical.

In this representation the union of the locking element (8) and the clamping body (3) is removable by means of the anchor (7) which is a through screw on one side of the clamping body (3). The filament (8.2) is screwed into the anchoring element (7) and this in turn is fixed to the clamping body (3). When the assembly is fixed, once the clamp (4) with the jaw (4.1) are held and fixed by the fixing elements to the mast (1), the locking elements (8) can be easily removed.

Since the locking elements (8) have a certain elasticity, for example, in the area of contact (9) with the mast (1), the off-center load (2) is not completely perpendicular to the mast (1), but forms a small angle from the mast to the off-center load (2). When the clamp (4.1) is pressed towards the clamping body (3), in the final fixing position, a force will be exerted that will lift the off-center load (2) to a position completely perpendicular to the mast (1). So when the assembly is fixed, the locking elements (8) will not perform a support function.

Claims (14)

1. Anchoring system to a mast (1) of an off-center load (2) with respect to the axis of the mast (1), the system comprising a clamp (4) and a clamping body (3) of the off-center load (2) , the clamp configured to fix the clamping body (3) with the off-center load (2) to the mast (1) embracing the clamping body (3) and the mast (1), characterized in that the system additionally comprises at least two locking elements (8), (8.1), (8.2) arranged fixed to the clamping body (3) so that, in use, the locking elements (8), (8.1), (8.2) rest on the mast ( 1) in contact positions with the mast (1) opposite to the axis of the mast (1) to support the turning moment produced by the weight of the off-center load (2). Anchoring system according to claim 1, in which the locking elements (8), (8.1), (8.2) are arranged so that, in use, the contact positions are spaced a vertical distance from each other. Anchoring system according to claim 2, in which the vertical distance is greater than or equal to the diameter of the mast (1). Anchoring system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking elements (8), (8.1), (8.2) are arranged such that, in use, the contact positions are spaced a horizontal distance from each other less than or equal to the diameter of the mast (1). Anchoring system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking element (8), (8.1), (8.2) and / or the attachment thereof to the clamping body (3) are configured in such a way that, in use, it rests on the mast (1) elastically. Anchoring system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking element (8), (8.1), (8.2) forms a single piece with the clamping body (3). Anchoring system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the locking element (8), (8.1), (8.2) is removably fixable to the clamping body (3). Anchoring system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking element (8), (8.1) is in the form of a fin provided with a flat extension configured so that, in use, it contacts the mast (1) to rest thereon at least by a contact edge of said flat extension. Anchoring system according to claim 8, in which the contact edge is saw-shaped. Anchoring system according to one of claims 8 or 9, in which the contact edge has a concave contour. Anchoring system according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the locking element (8), (8.2) is in the shape of a wire, being provided with an elongated extension configured so that, in use, it contacts the mast (1) to rest on it. An anchoring system according to claim 11, in which the elongated extension has a "C" shape that surrounds the mast (1). Anchoring system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the clamp (4) comprises a bent rod (4.2) in the middle area in the shape of a "U" or similar configuration, the lateral sections having a threaded area for the incorporation of tightening nuts, and a clamp (4.1) to clamp the mast (1) between the clamping body (3) and the clamp (4.1) so that, in use, the clamping body (3) and the mast (1) are embraced by the bent rod (4.2), the mast (1) being trapped when moving the clamp (4.1) against the mast (1) tightening the tightening nuts. Anchoring system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the off-center load (2) is an antenna. 1