GB2613169A

GB2613169A - Clamping device

Info

Publication number: GB2613169A
Application number: GB2117012.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lazarou Panayiotou Mario; Mehmet Hamit Orhun
Original assignee: Clickit Ltd
Current assignee: Clickit Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-25
Filing date: 2021-11-25
Publication date: 2023-05-31
Also published as: WO2023094235A1; GB202117012D0

Abstract

A clamping device 100 comprises a body portion 102 having a region 104 that permits the clamping device to be removably attached to a separate clamp 200, for example a C-clamp. The clamping device has a clamping portion 106 that is movable relative to the body portion. The clamping device may be push-fit to the separate clamp. The clamping device may slide along a frame 202 of the separate clamp. The region may comprise a recess 105 in the body which further comprises a longitudinal slot 108. The body portion may comprise a first side 110 and a second side 112 separated by the slot, wherein the sides flex relative to each other. The region may comprise a circular location portion 114 for locating the clamping device on the separate clamp. the location portion may be arranged between an open end 116 and a closed end 118 of the slot.

Description

Clamping device

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a clamping device.

Background

Clamps are known. Clamps are used for holding two or more materials or items together. For example, a clamp may be used to hold two items together while waiting for an adhesive to set between the two items.

Summary

According to a first aspect there is disclosed a clamping device comprising: a body portion, the body portion comprising a region arranged to allow the clamping device to be removably attached to a separate clamp; and the clamping device having a clamping portion, the clamping portion being movable relative to the body portion.

According to some examples, the region is arranged to allow the clamping device to be push-fit on to the separate clamp.

According to some examples, the region is arranged to allow the clamping device to slide along a frame of the separate clamp.

According to some examples, the region comprises a recess in the body portion.

According to some examples, the recess comprises a slot that extends longitudinally along the body portion.

S

According to some examples, the body portion comprises a first side and a second side, the slot extending between the first side and the second side and enabling the first side and the second side to flex relative to each other.

According to some examples, the region comprises a location portion for locating the clamping device on the separate clamp.

According to some examples, the location portion is circular.

According to some examples, the location portion is positioned between an open end and a closed end of the slot.

According to some examples, the body portion is generally circular in plan view.

According to some examples, the clamping device comprises a threaded portion for enabling the clamping portion to be moved towards and away from the body portion.

According to some examples, the clamping portion is separable from the body portion According to some examples, the clamping portion is generally circular in plan view.

According to some examples, the body portion is formed from plastic.

According to some examples, the body portion is formed from metal.

According to some examples, the clamping portion is formed from plastic.

According to some examples, the clamping portion is formed from metal.

According to some examples, the clamping device is configured to provide an edging clamp function.

According to a second aspect there is provided, in combination, a clamp and a clamping device according to the first aspect.

According to some examples, the clamp comprises a solo-clamp.

According to a third aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising a clamp and a clamping device according to the first aspect.

According to some examples, the clamp comprises a solo clamp.

Brief description of drawinas

The invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 shows a prior art clamp; Figure 2 shows a prior art clamp; Figure 3 shows a clamping device in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 shows a clamping device in accordance with the invention, in combination

with the prior art clamp of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a plan view of parts of the clamping device according to the invention.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows an example of a known clamp 200. The clamp 200 of Figure 1 is commonly known as a solo clamp. Clamp 200 comprises frame 202 and a clamping region 230 between clamping surfaces 232 and 234. Clamping surface 234 can be driven towards clamping surface 232 by squeezing trigger 236, so that materials can be clamped together in clamping region 230. Clamping surface 234 can be drawn away from clamping surface 232, by pressing clutch 238 and pulling on handle 240.

Figure 2 shows an example of a known clamp 300. The clamp 300 of Figure 2 is commonly known as an edging clamp. Edging clamp 300 comprises clamping surfaces 350, 352 and 354, which can be extended and retracted by turning respective handles 356, 358 and 360. Clamp 300 also comprises a frame 302. Edging clamp 300 enables clamping in two perpendicular planes. For example, and with respect to Figure 2, materials 362 and 364 can be squeezed together with clamping surfaces 350 and 352. Material 366 can be joined to materials 362 and 364 by clamping surface 354.

The present disclosure identifies some disadvantages with the prior art clamps of Figures 1 and 2. The solo-clamp 200 of Figure 1 does not provide an edging function. Rather, two solo-clamps 200 would be required if additional edging functionality is required. The edging clamp 300 of Figure 3 does of course enable edging, but there is no lateral adjustability (left to right when viewing Figure 2) of clamping surface 354. Moreover, for times when a user does not require edging functionality, clamping surface 354 becomes redundant. Therefore, work persons such as carpenters typically carry around both solo clamps and edging clamps (which can be quite large and heavy), and often many of each. The present disclosure identifies that this is cumbersome, and unnecessarily expensive for such users.

An aim of the invention as described in more detail below is to overcome or at least mitigate these drawbacks.

Figure 3 shows a clamping device 100 according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows clamping device 100 attached to separate clamp 200.

The clamping device 100 comprises a body portion 102. The body portion 102 comprises a region 104 that is arranged to allow the clamping device 100 to be removably attached to the separate clamp 200. The clamping device 100 has a clamping portion 106. The clamping portion 106 is movable relative to the body portion 102. For example, the clamping portion 106 may be moved towards and away from the body portion 102. In some examples a threaded connection or threaded portion 120 is provided between clamping portion 106 and body portion 102, to enable the two parts to move relative to each other. In some examples, the clamping portion 106 is separable from the body portion 102, for example by completely unscrewing the clamping portion 106 from the body portion 102.

In some examples it may be considered that the clamping portion 106 comprises a barrel portion 107 and a clamping section 109. Clamping section 109 comprises clamping surface 111, which clamping surface 111 is configured to contact a surface of a material to be clamped. Clamping section 109 has a thickness t. In some examples, t is between lOmm and 20mm. In some examples, t is 15mm or about 15mm. In some examples, clamping portion 109 has one or more recessed portions 115. In some examples, threaded portion 120 is provided on barrel 107.

In some examples the region 104 is arranged to allow the clamping device 100 to be 30 slid onto or pushed onto the clamp 200. For example, it may be considered that the clamping device 100 is arranged to be slid on to frame 202 of clamp 200. For example, with respect to Figure 4 it may be considered that the clamping device 100 is arranged to be slid on to the clamp 200 in the direction of arrow A, and slid off the clamp in the direction of arrow B. Again, with respect to Figure 4, it may be considered that the clamping device 100 is arranged to be slid on to the clamp 200 in a direction that is perpendicular to a clamping direction X of the clamp 200. In some examples it may be considered that the region 104 of the clamping device 100 is arranged to allow the clamping device to be push-fit on to the clamp 200.

In some examples, the region 104 is arranged to allow the clamping device to slide along frame 202 of clamp 200. For example, and with reference to Figure 4, the region 104 may be arranged to allow the clamping device 100 to slide in the direction of arrows C and D. In some examples it may be considered that the region 104 is arranged to allow the clamping device 100 to slide along frame 202 in a direction parallel to clamping direction X of clamp 200.

As shown for example in Figure 3, the region 104 comprises a recess in the clamping device 100. In some examples, the recess is in the form of slot 108. In some examples it may be considered that the slot 108 extends longitudinally along the body portion 102. The length of the slot 108 is represented by double-headed arrow "e" in Figure 3. In some examples, e is approximately between 45mm and 55mm. In some examples, e is 50mm or about 50mm. The overall length of body portion 102 is represented by double-headed arrow "f". In some examples, f is approximately between 62mm and 72mm. In some examples, f is 67mm or about 67mm.

According to some examples it may be considered that the body portion 102 comprises a first side 110 and a second side 112. In examples, the slot extends between the first side 110 and the second side 112. The slot 108 introduces a deliberate level of weakness to the body portion 102, so that the first side 110 and second side 112 can flex relative to each other. The body portion 102 has a resilience so that if a force is applied that pushes first side 110 and second side 112 away from each other, then after that force is removed the first side 110 and second side 112 will return towards each other.

According to some examples the region 104 comprises a location portion 114 for locating the clamping device 100 on the clamp 200. For example, the location portion 114 may be constructed and arranged to engage with a feature on the clamp 200. For example, the location portion 114 may be arranged to locate on a raised feature or rib 203 of frame 200.

According to some examples the location portion 114 is circular or substantially circular. According to some examples, a diameter d3 of location portion 114 is between lOmm and 18mm. According to some examples, d3 is 14mm or about 14mm. According to some examples the location portion 114 is positioned or located between an open end 116 and a closed end 118 of the slot 108. According to some examples, the location portion 114 is located closer to the closed end 118 than the open end 116. In Figure 3, a distance between closed end 118 and a centre of location portion 114 is shown by dimension "h". In some examples, h is between lOmm and 20mm. According to some examples, h is 15mm or about 15mm.

Although in Figure 3 location portion 114 is shown as being circular, this is by way of example and other shapes may be used. For example, location portion 114 could be any one of: square; rectangular; triangular; or indeed any other shape.

According to examples, when the clamping device 100 is being slid onto the clamp 200, frame 202 first enters open end 116 of slot 108. This may cause the first side 110 and second side 112 of body portion 102 to splay out slightly from each other. The clamping device 100 can continue to be slid on to frame 202 until rib 203 locates in location portion 114. As discussed above, the clamping device 100 can be slid along frame 200 in a direction parallel to the clamping direction X 0.e. in the direction of arrows C and D). This may be useful for adjusting the position of the clamping device 100 relative to the material to be clamped. Then the clamping section 109 can be moved towards a material to be clamped (e.g. by turning the clamping section 109 so that it begins to unscrew from body portion 102). Once the clamping surface 111 firmly engages the material to be clamped, a frictional force between clamping surface 111 and the material to be clamped will cause the clamping device 100 to be firmly positioned in place on the clamp 200. It may be considered that the clamping device 100 is arranged to add an edging clamp function to the separate clamp 200.

According to some examples, the body portion 102 is formed from plastic. For example, the body portion 102 may be injection moulded. In other examples, the body portion 102 may be 3D printed.

According to some examples, the body portion 102 is formed from metal. By way of non-limiting example the metal may be any one of: steel; stainless steel; aluminium.

According to some examples, the body portion 102 has a wall thickness of 2mm or about 2mm.

According to some examples the clamping portion 106 is formed from plastic. For example, the clamping portion 106 may be injection moulded. In other examples, the clamping portion 106 may be 3D printed.

According to some examples, the clamping portion is formed from metal. By way of non-limiting example the metal may be any one of: steel; stainless steel; aluminium.

Figure 5 shows the body portion 102 and the clamping portion 106 in plan view, when they have been separated. As shown in the example of Figure 5 the body portion 102 and the clamping portion 106 are generally circular in plan view. The body portion 102 has an outer diameter dl. In some examples, dl is approximately between 23mm and 33mm. In some examples, dl is 28mm or about 28mm. The clamping portion 106 has an outer diameter d2. In some examples, d2 is approximately between 38mm and 48mm. In some examples, d2 is 43mm or about 43mm. Width of slot 108 is schematically shown by double-headed arrow "g". According to some examples, g is approximately between 2mm and 8mm. According to some examples, g is 5mm or about 5mm.

In some examples, the clamping device 100 may be provided in different sizes. The overall dimensions may differ between different sizes of the clamping device, and dimensions of the slot 108 and location portion 114 may differ between different sizes of the clamping device 100. In some examples, two different sizes of clamping device 100 may be provided e.g. small and large. In some examples, three different sizes of clamping device 100 may be offered e.g. small, medium, and large. This is of course by way of non-limiting example. In some examples, different sizes of clamping device may be sold together in a kit. A user may select a suitable sized clamping device 100 based on application requirement.

In some examples, one or more clamping devices 100 may be offered together with a separate clamp 200, as part of a kit.

The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged.

Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A clamping device comprising: a body portion, the body portion comprising a region arranged to allow the clamping device to be removably attached to a separate clamp; and the clamping device having a clamping portion, the clamping portion being movable relative to the body portion.to 2. A clamping device according to claim 1, the region arranged to allow the clamping device to be push-fit on to the separate clamp.3. A clamping device according to claim 1 or claim 2, the region arranged to allow the clamping device to slide along a frame of the separate clamp.4. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the region comprises a recess in the body portion.5. A clamping device according to claim 4, wherein the recess comprises a slot that extends longitudinally along the body portion.6. A clamping device according to claim 5, wherein the body portion comprises a first side and a second side, the slot extending between the first side and the second side and enabling the first side and the second side to flex relative to each other.7. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the region comprises a location portion for locating the clamping device on the separate clamp.8. A clamping device according to claim 7, wherein the location portion is circular.9. A clamping device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the location portion is positioned between an open end and a closed end of the slot.10. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the body portion is generally circular in plan view.11. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising a threaded portion for enabling the clamping portion to be moved towards and away from the body portion.12. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the clamping portion is separable from the body portion.13. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the clamping portion is generally circular in plan view.14. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body portion is formed from plastic.15. A clamping device according to any of claim 1 to 13, wherein the body portion is formed from metal.16. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the clamping portion is formed from plastic.17. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the clamping portion is formed from metal.18. A clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the clamping device is configured to provide an edging clamp function.19. In combination, a clamp and a clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 18.20. A combination according to claim 19, wherein the clamp comprises a solo-clamp.21. A kit of parts comprising a clamp and a clamping device according to any of claims 1 to 18.22. A kit of parts according to claim 21, wherein the clamp comprises a solo clamp.