GB2628709A

GB2628709A - Clamping apparatus with flexible trunking

Info

Publication number: GB2628709A
Application number: GB2402430.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Norris Jack; Reynolds Thomas; Barlow Dean
Original assignee: Gripple Ltd
Current assignee: Gripple Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-29
Filing date: 2024-02-21
Publication date: 2024-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2044-02-21
Also published as: EP4688601A1; GB202304552D0; CN120981403A; GB2628709B

Abstract

A clamping apparatus 100 comprising a clamping device 102 configured to clamp an elongate article 104, such as wire, rope or cable, and a flexible trunking 106 through which the elongate article can extend. The flexible trunking is longer than the clamping device in a first direction and is more flexible than the clamping device about a first axis perpendicular to the first direction. The flexible trunking and the clamping device may be mounted to each other or separate parts connectable to each other by the elongate article. The elongate article may extend through the flexible trunking when in use, where the trunking comprises a holder 108 through which the elongate article can extend. The flexible trunking may comprise a mount (124 fig 6) to which the clamping device can be secured. The mount and an elongate base of the flexible trunking may be integrally formed as a same body. A method for using the clamping apparatus by placing the apparatus against objects aligning the flexible trunking with a portion of the objects to be protected, wrapping the elongate article in a loop around the objects, securing a second portion of the elongate article to the clamping device.

Description

CLAMPING APPARATUS WITH FLEXIBLE TRUNKING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clamping apparatus with flexible trunking. In particular, they relate to a clamping apparatus for wrapping around objects, the clamping apparatus comprising flexible trunking.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Plastic cable ties provide a low-cost and convenient but single-use method of securing objects together. Some cable ties are reusable but difficult to release. Hook-and-loop ties are reusable but costly when supplied in larger diameters. Band clamps and jubilee clips are reusable but costly when supplied in larger diameters with rust-proofed metal. If overtightened, metal clips may also indent or damage objects such as electrical cable insulation. Further, a breakdown of electrical cable insulation could result in electrical contact between a cable conductor and the metal clip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a clamping apparatus comprising a clamping device configured to clamp an elongate article, and flexible trunking through which the elongate article can extend, wherein the flexible trunking is longer than the clamping device in a first direction, and wherein the flexible trunking is flexible because the flexible trunking is more flexible than the clamping device about at least a first axis perpendicular to the first direction.

An advantage is that if the elongate article is wrapped around objects extending in the first axis and then clamped by the clamping device, the flexible trunking resiliently deforms while separating the elongate article from at least a portion of the objects and spreading the load of the elongate article on the portion of the objects. The load may arise from tension in the elongate article when the elongate article is clamped by the clamping device in a wrapped configuration around the objects.

The clamping apparatus can therefore be regarded as a cable tie apparatus or tie apparatus for securing objects to each other, the tie apparatus having a clamping device and flexible trunking for the tie (the tie being the elongate article). The clamping device may be releasable.

In an example, if the clamping apparatus is used to hold a second object against a first object, the elongate article may be wrapped around both objects, resiliently deforming the flexible trunking against the second object, such that the flexible trunking separates the elongate article from the second object and spreads load of the elongate article on the second object. The first object may comprise a beam such as a tube-section beam. The second object may comprise cabling such as a cable or bundle of cables. The cabling may comprise electrical cabling. The second object may extend along an exterior surface of the first object.

The flexible trunking and the clamping device may be mounted to each other. This minimises the number of parts.

Alternatively, the flexible trunking and the clamping device may not be mounted to each other, but may be separate parts. The flexible trunking and the clamping device may be connectable to each other by the elongate article. The flexible trunking may be translatable towards or away from the clamping device, while the flexible trunking and the clamping device are connected to each other by the elongate article. This enables separate positioning of the flexible trunking and the clamping device. Once the elongate article is clamped under tension, the flexible trunking may be substantially immobilised.

The clamping apparatus may further comprise the elongate article.

The elongate article may be in the form of a wire, cable, wire rope, or the like. The elongate article may comprise a metal material, or a plastics material. The elongate article may be braided or a monofilament, for example The elongate article may have a greater length than the flexible trunking. The elongate article may be at least double or at least triple the length of the flexible trunking. An advantage is minimising material use because the flexible trunking may not need to protect the whole circumference of the objects.

The flexible trunking may be wider than the elongate article. This accommodates some lateral misalignment of the elongate article along the flexible trunking.

The elongate article may extend through the flexible trunking when in use.

Specifically, the flexible trunking may comprise a holder through which the elongate article can extend. The holder may be configured to retain the elongate article.

The holder may be configured to laterally, vertically, or laterally and vertically retain the elongate article. Lateral retention comprises resisting or preventing lateral slippage of the elongate article off the flexible trunking. Vertical retention comprises resisting or preventing vertical separation of the elongate article from the flexible trunking.

The holder may be shaped to substantially or fully enclose the elongate article. The holder may comprise an opening such as a hole or slot through which the elongate article can extend.

The opening may be oversized relative to a diameter of the elongate article.

This provides tolerance for larger elongate article diameters. The opening may have a noncircular shape.

The holder may be formed from a same material as base material above which 10 the holder extends. The holder may be in an arch form comprising the opening. An advantage is ease of manufacture.

The holder may be configured to allow side-loading of the elongate article. The holder may be cantilevered to allow the side-loading.

The holder may comprise a hook to allow the side-loading. The hook may be a flexible hook configured to flex as the elongate article is side-loaded into the holder.

The hook may comprise a seat for retaining the elongate article. The seat may be accessed by a notch/snap-fit in a surface of the hook.

The elongate article may be side-unloaded from the holder by flexing the hook until the elongate article is unseated.

The clip may comprise a lead-in surface to guide the side-loading.

The length of the holder may be shorter than an overall length of the flexible trunking The flexible trunking may comprise a plurality of the holders. The flexible trunking may comprise at least two or at least three of the holders. The plurality of holders may be linearly aligned along the flexible trunking. If there are two holders, the holders may be located in separate halves of a length of the flexible trunking in the first direction. If there are three holders, the holders may be located in separate thirds of a length of the flexible trunking in the first direction. If there are three or more holders, they may be approximately equispaced. The space between each holder may be a greater than a length of the holder in the same direction.

The flexible trunking may have a first side and an opposite second side. The first side may be a top side and the second side may be an underside.

The flexible trunking may comprise one or more feet along the second side of the flexible trunking, such as a pair of feet.

The pair of feet may be separated by a gap therebetween within which the second object is located in use. An advantage is that the feet help to prevent the second object from slipping away from the flexible trunking in a direction transverse to the flexible trunking.

The feet may be separated along the first direction. A first of the feet may be in a first half of the flexible trunking, and a second of the feet may be in a second half of the flexible trunking, separated from the first half in the first direction. The first and second feet may be proximal to opposite first and second ends of the flexible trunking.

The feet may be integrally formed portions of the flexible trunking. The feet may be formed as through-depressions in the flexible trunking.

The second side of the flexible trunking may be flatter than the first side. The holder or holders may be located mostly or wholly to the first side.

The second side may be substantially planar.

The second side of the flexible trunking may be mostly or substantially coplanar with an exterior face of the clamping apparatus, when in an undeformed condition, the exterior face being part of the clamping device or alongside the clamping device. This further spreads the load.

The flexible trunking may have a cross-section shape defining a major axis and a minor axis of bending. The flexible trunking may be more flexible about the minor axis than the major axis. The flexible trunking may be resiliently deformable about the minor axis against the objects.

The clamping device may have a stretched aspect ratio in cross-section, defining long and short sides. The clamping device may be orientated to limit a total height of the clamping device, the long sides of the clamping device being parallel to a plane defined by the first axis and first direction.

The flexible trunking may comprise an elongate base. The elongate base may have an axi-asymmetric shape. The elongate base may define a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length may be greater than the width and the width may be greater than the thickness. The elongate base may be in the form of a flat strip. The elongate base may be formed from a plastics base material.

The minor axis of the flexible trunking may be in the length-width plane of the elongate base. The major axis of the flexible trunking may be in the length-thickness plane of the elongate base.

A first surface of the elongate base in the length-width plane of the elongate base may define, at least in pad, the first side of the flexible trunking. The first surface may define a top side of the elongate base. An opposite second surface of the elongate base may define, at least in part, the second side of the flexible trunking. The second surface may define an underside of the elongate base. The second surface of the elongate base may be mostly or substantially coplanar with the exterior face of the clamping apparatus.

The flexible trunking may comprise a hinge. The hinge may be to enable flexing of the flexible trunking about the first axis. The hinge may be located at the second side of the flexible trunking. The hinge enables the second side (underside) to be more easily wrapped around the objects. For example, one of the objects may have edges (e.g., polygonal beam). The hinge may be alignable with one of the edges. The flexible trunking will make more uniform contact with the object due to the locally smaller bend radius at the hinge.

The elongate base of the flexible trunking may comprise the hinge. The second surface of the elongate base may comprise the hinge.

The hinge may comprise a living hinge. The living hinge may be formed in at least the second surface of the elongate base. The living hinge may comprise a thinning or aperture in the second surface of the elongate base.

The hinge may be between a pair of the holders.

The flexible trunking may comprise a plurality of the hinges. A pair of the hinges may be relatively spaced to equal or exceed a length of a corresponding side of one of the objects. Therefore, each hinge may be alignable with a corresponding edge of the side of the object.

The flexible trunking may comprise at least three of the holders. Each hinge of the plurality of the hinges may be between a different pair of the at least three holders.

The flexible trunking and the clamping device may be mounted to each other. The flexible trunking may comprise a mount to which the clamping device is securable. The mount may be formed from the same material as base material of the flexible trunking.

The mount and the elongate base of the flexible trunking may be integrally formed as a same body, or may be separate bodies.

The mount may surround at least three or at least four sides of the clamping device. The mount may therefore be configured as a pocket.

The mount may comprise an opening to receive the clamping device. The opening of the mount may face the elongate base of the flexible trunking.

The opening of the mount may be located at the first side of the flexible trunking.

The opening of the mount may be located mostly or wholly at the same side as the holder or holders. Therefore, the elongate article can extend from the clamping device, from/through the opening of the mount, and through the holders.

A face of the mount may be mostly or substantially coplanar with a longer face of the flexible trunking. The face of the mount may be the earlier-described exterior face of the clamping apparatus. The longer face may be the earlier-described second surface of the elongate base. Therefore, the loads may be spread along the whole length of the clamping apparatus. In addition, the mount may prevent a harder material of the clamping device (e.g., metal body material) from rubbing against protected objects such as the second object (e.g., cabling).

The clamping device may comprise a body housing a clamp. The clamp may 5 comprise a clamping surface. The clamping surface may be serrated. The clamp may be round or may be wedge-shaped.

The clamping device may comprise a spring configured to urge the clamp into clamping engagement with the elongate article. The spring may be configured 10 to resist movement of the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongate article. The spring may be seated against the clamp.

The clamp may be slidable at an oblique angle relative to a passage along which the elongate article extends in use. The clamp may be slidable in the plane of clamp movement of the clamping device, at the oblique angle. The oblique angle may have a value less than 30 degrees or less than 20 degrees. The value may be greater than 10 degrees.

An advantage of this low angle is the clamp can be slid easily to clamp against the elongate article, but can also be released easily. A lower value of the oblique angle enables higher clamping force, whereas a steeper angle enables improved ease of release.

The clamping device may comprise a first clamping formation, against which 25 the clamp may be configured to clamp the elongate article. The clamping formation may be a clamping wall. The clamping wall may extend along the passage.

The clamping device may comprise a second clamping formation configured to apply a clamping force to the clamp. Thus, the clamp and the elongate article are clamped between the first and second clamping formations. The second clamping formation may be a second clamping wall. The second clamping formation may converge towards the first clamping formation at the oblique angle relative to the passage.

It will be appreciated that the oblique angle along which the clamp can slide relative to the first clamping formation gives the clamping device a handedness'. The elongate article can only be easily inserted in one direction. If the end of the elongate article is inserted in the correct insertion direction, the end of the elongate article pushes the clamp away from the first clamping formation at the oblique angle. This creates space between the first clamping formation and the clamp, enabling the elongate article to be pushed past the clamp such that the clamp can engage with the side of the elongate article. Once engaged, the elongate article is clamped against being pulled back. However, if the end of the elongate article is inserted into the clamping device in the incorrect, opposite insertion direction, the end of the elongate article cannot push the clamp out of the way. This is because the end of the elongate article is pushing the clamp towards the first clamping formation at the oblique angle.

The clamping device may be a releasable clamping device. Therefore, the clamping apparatus may be reusable. The clamping apparatus can be loosened or removed as required.

The clamping device may comprise a release formation enabling, at least in part, release of the elongate article from the clamping device.

In one example, the release formation comprises a release actuator movable from a home position to a release position to move the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongate article. The release actuator may comprise an input button or slider movable by a digit of a user. The release actuator may push the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongate article. The spring may be deflected as the release formation moves the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongate article.

In another example, the release formation comprises a release opening configured to receive a release tool. The release tool may be separate from the clamping device. The release tool may be any device comprising a thin elongate shaft. The release opening may have a diameter sized to receive the release tool, the diameter being smaller than openings of the clamping device for the elongate article. The release opening may have a smaller diameter than the elongate article. The release opening may be located at an end of the clamping device facing away from the flexible trunking. A release opening has the advantage of improved security because a dedicated release tool is required.

The clamping device may have a first end and an opposite second end. The first end may face the flexible trunking, in use. The passage may extend from the first end to the second end.

The clamping device may comprise an anchor to secure a first portion of the elongate article. The first portion of the elongate article may comprise an enlarged portion of the elongate article, such as a sealed end. The anchor may be in the form of a cavity shaped to retain the first portion of the elongate article.

The clamping device may comprise an anchor opening extending to the anchor. 25 The anchor opening may have a smaller diameter than the enlarged portion of the elongate article. Therefore, the enlarged end of the elongate article may be trapped in the clamping device.

The anchor opening of the clamping device may be located to the first end of the clamping device.

The clamping device may be configured to secure a second portion of the elongate article after the elongate article has been wrapped around the objects. The clamp of the clamping device may be configured to secure the second portion of the elongate article. The second portion may be a user-selected portion of the elongate article based on the length required to wrap around the objects.

The clamping device may comprise an entrance opening extending to the clamp. The entrance opening may be located to the second end of the clamping device. The entrance opening may enable the elongate article to extend into the passage where the elongate article is clamped.

The clamping device may comprise an exit opening opposite the entrance opening. The exit opening may be located to the first end of the clamping device. The exit opening may enable the elongate article to extend out of the passage and out of the clamping device. The exit opening may be adjacent to the anchor opening. The anchor opening and exit opening may define a pair of exit openings.

The first end of the clamping device can be described as an exit end, and the second end can be described as an entrance end.

In use, a free end of the elongate article may be fed through the flexible trunking, wrapped around the objects, and fed through the entrance opening and out of the exit opening of the clamping device. The free end of the elongate article may then be pulled until a required tension is achieved. When the user stops pulling, the elongate article is held at the required tension by the clamp. The release formation enables release of the clamp so that the elongate article can be pulled out in the reverse direction.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of using the clamping apparatus, the method comprising: placing the clamping apparatus against objects, wherein the objects extend along the first axis; aligning the flexible trunking with a portion of the objects to be protected by the flexible trunking; and wrapping the elongate article in a loop around the objects, resiliently deforming the flexible trunking against the portion of the objects, wherein a first portion of the elongate article is anchored to the clamping device; and securing a second portion of the elongate article to the clamping device to secure the loop.

The objects may be elongate objects. The objects may be the first object and the second object. The portion to be protected may be the second object.

Aligning the flexible trunking may comprise aligning the flexible trunking with the second object (e.g., cabling). Wrapping the elongate article may be in a circumferential direction relative to the first axis, wherein the first and second objects may extend mostly or entirely along the first axis. The elongate article may extend through the flexible trunking. Therefore, wrapping the elongate article in a loop around the external objects may resiliently deform the flexible trunking about the first axis against the second object. The resiliently deformed flexible trunking therefore extends in a generally circumferential direction over the second object / along at least a portion of the loop. The flexible trunking therefore separates the elongate article from the second object and spreads the load of the elongate article on the second object.

Securing the elongate article to the clamping device may comprise feeding the elongate article through the clamping device. Feeding the elongate article through the clamping device may comprise feeding the free end of the elongate article into the entrance opening and out of the exit opening of the clamping device. When secured, the elongate article may be under tension. The tension in the elongate article may hold the flexible trunking in a resiliently deformed state against the second object.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a clamping system comprising the clamping apparatus and the objects.

The elongate article may be longer than the full circumference of the first object.

The elongate article may be long enough to wrap around the full circumference of the first object with the second object located between the elongate article and the first object. The flexible trunking may be shorter than a full circumference of the first object. The flexible trunking may only need to be long enough to protect the smaller second object. The flexible trunking may be longer than a diameter of the second object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a first perspective view of a first clamping apparatus; FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective view of the first clamping apparatus; FIG. 3 illustrates a third perspective view of the first clamping apparatus; FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second clamping apparatus; FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a third clamping apparatus; FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of a clamping device; FIG. 7 illustrates a clamping system comprising clamping apparatus attached to objects; FIG. 8 illustrates a method; FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a clamping apparatus; and FIG. 10 illustrates a second perspective view of the clamping apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE 5 INVENTION FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a clamping apparatus 100, specifically a first clamping apparatus 100A. Orthogonal length (L), width (W), and height (H) axes are also shown.

The clamping apparatus 100 is configured to clamp an elongate article 104. The elongate article 104 can be a wire, a wire rope, or a cable.

The clamping apparatus 100 comprises a clamping device 102, flexible trunking 106, and elongate article 104, mounted to each other to form a single part.

The flexible trunking 106 is in the shape of a strap extending from the clamping device 102. The trunking can alternatively be referred to as a trunk or strap. In-use, the elongate article 104 is anchored to the clamping device 102, and extends through the flexible trunking 106 in the length direction (L), and then in a loop around external objects 1, 2 (FIG. 7) and back to the clamping device 102 to be clamped. The elongate article 104 therefore forms a tie.

The length of the flexible trunking 106 may be greater than that of the clamping device 102 in a first direction (length direction L). When flexed in the first direction, the flexible trunking 106 has a bend radius about an axis parallel to a first axis A (FIG. 7), wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the first direction. The first axis A extends in the width direction W. Different versions of the clamping apparatus 100 may be sold with different lengths of the flexible trunking 106 for a given size of the clamping device 102.

The trunking 106 is flexible because it is more flexible than the clamping device 102 in the first direction (FIG. 7). Resilient deformation of the flexible trunking 106 about the first axis A causes curvature of the flexible trunking about the L-H plane (length-height plane).

The flexible trunking 106 is more flexible than the clamping device 102 because the flexible trunking 106 may be formed from a more elastic material than the clamping device 102. The clamping device 102 may have a metal body 128 whereas the flexible trunking 106 may be formed from a plastics material.

Additionally, or alternatively, the flexible trunking 106 is more flexible than the clamping device 102 because the flexible trunking 106 may be thinner than the clamping device 102 (height direction H), for example less than 4 millimetres thick or less than 3 millimetres thick.

The flexible trunking 106 comprises an elongate base 116 and a plurality of holders 108 spaced along the elongate base 116. The holders 108 are located to a first side S1 of the elongate base 116, which is the top side.

The elongate base 116 is in the shape of a strap. The elongate base 116 is a flexible flat strip. The elongate base 116 has a first surface 118 defining a top side of the elongate base 116, and an opposite second surface 120 (FIG. 3) defining an underside of the elongate base 116. The first surface 118 of the elongate base 116 defines the first side S1 (top side) of the flexible trunking 106 and the second surface 120 of the elongate base 116 defines a second side S2 (underside) of the flexible trunking 106.

The length L of the elongate base 116 may define the length L of the flexible trunking 106. The elongate base 116 has a length L several times greater than its width W (e.g., >3x). The elongate base 116 can have a rectangular cross-section shape (W-H), with its width W several times greater than its thickness H (e.g., >3x).

The elongate base 116 therefore defines a major axis (L-H) and a minor axis (L-W) of bending. Based on the second moment of area of the cross-section, the elongate base 116 is therefore more flexible about the minor axis (L-W) than the major axis (L-H). The flexible trunking 106 is therefore more flexible about the first axis A than any other axis.

The width W of the elongate base 116 is also greater than the diameter of the elongate article 104, to prevent the elongate article 104 from slipping off the flexible trunking 106. The width W of the elongate base 116 may be greater than 6 millimetres, which may be several times the diameter of the elongate article 104 (>2x). The elongate article may have a diameter less than 3 millimetres.

The holders 108 in this example, but not necessarily in all examples, are formed from the same material as elongate base 116. The holders 108 may be portions of the material of the elongate base 116. Each holder 108 can be an arch with 20 an enlarged arch-shaped opening 110 to form under each arch.

In other examples, the holders 108 can be parallel perforations across the elongate base 116, so that the elongate article 104 can be woven over and under the perforations.

Each holder 108, and the elongate base 116, together retains the elongate article 104 in the lateral W and vertical H directions. Lateral retention comprises resisting or preventing lateral slippage of the elongate article 104 off the flexible trunking 106. Vertical retention comprises resisting or preventing vertical separation of the elongate article 104 from the flexible trunking 106.

Two of these holders 108 are shown, but more could be provided in other examples. The holders 108 are located in separate halves of the elongate base 116, such that there is a proximal holder 108 and a distal holder 108 relative to the clamping device 102.

FIG. 2 further illustrates a second type of holder 108B, which provides only lateral retention. The second type of holder 108B is in the form of left and right upstanding protrusions on the first side S1 of the elongate base 116. The protrusions may be dimples. The elongate article 104 extends between the left and right upstanding protrusions. The second type of holder 108B may be distal from the first type of holders 108.

In examples, flexible trunking 106 can comprise both the first type of holder 108 and second type of holder 108B, or only the first type of holder 108, or only the second type of holder 108B.

The space between the holders 108, 108B may be greater than the length L of each holder 108, 108B itself. The length of each holder 108, 108B is no more than 25% or no more than 10% of a length of the elongate base 116.

Turning now to the clamping device 102, the clamping device 102 has a body 128 defining a first end 148 (FIGS. 2, 6) of the clamping device 102 and an opposite second end 150 (FIGS. 1, 3, 6) of the clamping device 102. The first end 148 faces the flexible trunking 106, in use.

The first end 148 is an exit end for the elongate article 104 and the second end 150 is an entrance end for the elongate article 104. As will be described later, the body 128 of the clamping device 102 comprises exit openings 154, 158 at the first end 148 and an entrance opening 156 at the second end 150, for the elongate article 104. The body 128 can also comprise a release opening 144 at the second end 150, as will be described later.

The clamping device 102 has a stretched aspect ratio (>1:1) in W-H cross-section, defining long and short sides. This is due to having multiple internal spaces 152, 160 alongside each other, as shown in FIG. 6 and described later. To minimise the total height H of the clamping apparatus 100, the clamping device 102 is therefore orientated on its side so that its longer sides extend in the L-W plane.

The first clamping apparatus 100A of FIGS. 1-3 is configured so that the flexible trunking 106 and the clamping device 102 are mounted to each other.

The flexible trunking 106 comprises a mount 124 in the form of a pocket to which the clamping device 102 is securable.

The mount 124 can be formed from the same plastics material as the elongate base 116 of the flexible trunking 106. The mount 124 and the elongate base 116 may be an integral part such as an integrally-moulded part.

The mount 124 extends around the perimeter of at least four sides of the clamping device 102, to restrain the clamping device 102 in the width W and height H directions. The mount 124 may encapsulate the metal body 128 of the clamping device 102 and separate the metal body 128 from the underside the clamping apparatus 100 (second side S2 of FIG. 3). This mechanically and electrically insulates the clamping apparatus 100 from the objects to be clamped.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mount 124 has openings 126, 127 for the first and second ends 148, 150 of the clamping device 102, enabling the elongate article 104 to extend through the clamping device 102.

To secure the clamping device 102 to the mount 124, the first end 148 of the clamping device 102 can be inserted in the L-direction through the opening 127.

The clamping device 102 has an enlarged second end 150 relative to the opening 127, to provide an end stop.

The mount 124 is located wholly to the first side S1 of the flexible trunking 106.

The opening 126 of the mount 124 is therefore located at the same side of the elongate base 116 as the holders 108. Therefore, the elongate article 104 can extend from the clamping device 102 and the opening 126 of the mount 124, and through the holders 108.

FIG. 3 shows the underside of the first clamping apparatus 100A, revealing the second side S2 (underside) of the flexible trunking 106 and corresponding second surface 120 of the elongate base 116.

The second side S2 of the flexible trunking is flatter than the first side S1 of the flexible trunking 106 because the holders 108, 108B and the mount 124 are wholly to the first side S1 of the flexible trunking 106. The second side S2 can be substantially planar. The surface of the second side S2 is formed from the plastics material.

FIG. 3 also reveals an exterior face 114 of the mount 124 at the underside of the clamping apparatus 100 (second side S2 of the flexible trunking 106). The exterior face 114 of the mount 124 is substantially coplanar with the second surface 120 of the elongate base 116. The exterior face 114 and second surface 120 together define a continuous substantially planar surface.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a plurality of living hinges 122 formed in the second surface 120 of the elongate base 116. The living hinges 122 are in the form of locally thinned slots formed in the second surface 120 and extending in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. 7, where an object 1 to be clamped may be polygonal, the living hinges 122 may align with corresponding edges 3 of the object 1.

The flexible trunking 106 is arranged so that an alternating series of holders 108 and living hinges 122 are provided. Each living hinge 122 is between a corresponding pair of holders 108.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second clamping apparatus 100B, having one or more differences compared to the first clamping apparatus 100A. These differences are described. The differences may be taken in isolation or in combination. Except for the differences, the above description of the first clamping apparatus 100A is taken to apply to the second clamping apparatus 100B.

FIG. 4 shows that the flexible trunking 106 and the clamping device 102 may be separate parts that are not mounted to each other. They may not be mountable to each other. Alternatively, a connector may be provided to enable them to be connected together. The mount 124 can be omitted or instead described as a sleeve.

This configuration enables the flexible trunking 106 to be repositioned relative to the clamping device 102, according to the user's preferences or access constraints. Once the elongate article 104 is clamped under tension, the flexible trunking 106 may be substantially immobilised due to the tension.

Another difference shown in FIG. 4 is that the flexible trunking 106 may be longer and may have an additional, third holder 108. The living hinges 122 are also not shown but could be provided.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third clamping apparatus 100C, having one or more differences compared to the first clamping apparatus 100A. These differences are described. The differences may be taken in isolation or in combination. Except for the differences, the above description of the first clamping apparatus 100A is taken to apply to the second clamping apparatus 100B.

FIG. 5 shows that a release actuator 146 can be provided, for releasing an internal clamp 130 (FIG. 6) of the clamping device 102. The illustrated release actuator 146 is in the form of an input slider movable by a digit of a user. The release actuator is mounted to the body 128 of the clamping device 102. A corresponding opening may be provided in the mount 124 (if a mount is provided) through which the release actuator 146 extends.

In examples, the release actuator 146 could be applied to the second clamping apparatus 100B.

The release actuator 146 may replace the release opening 144 or may be additional to the release opening 144.

FIG. 6 now illustrates an example of how the clamping device 102 may work.

The illustrated clamping device 102 is based on the first and second clamping apparatus 100A, 100B as no release actuator 146 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6, the clamping device 102 has a first internal space 152 for anchoring the elongate article 104, and a second internal space 160 defining a passage 136 extending from the first end 148 to the second end 150 of the clamping device 102. The clamp 130 is provided in the second internal space 160, for clamping the elongate article 104 within the passage 136.

The first internal space 152 of the clamping device 102 can be described as an anchor, because it is a cavity shaped to retain an enlarged portion 104A of the elongate article 104, in this case a ferrule attached (e.g., crimped) to the end of the elongate article 104.

The clamping device comprises an anchor opening 154 having a smaller diameter than the enlarged portion 104A of the elongate article 104, so the end of the elongate article 104 is trapped in the clamping device 102. The anchor opening 154 is located in the first end 148 of the clamping device 102, and so faces the elongate base 116 and holders 108 of the flexible trunking 106.

The clamping device 102 is configured to secure another portion of the elongate article 104 once the elongate article 104 has been wrapped around objects into a loop.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates the first internal space 152 being closed at the second end 150 of the clamping device 102, FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative example where the clamping device 102 comprises an anchoring hole 162 at the second end 150 of the clamping device 102. Therefore, the first internal space 152 is open at both ends of the clamping device 102. The anchoring hole 162 has a diameter larger than that of the enlarged portion of the elongate article 104. The anchoring hole 162 is connected to the smaller exit opening 154 via the first internal space 152. This arrangement allows all of the elongate article 104 to pass through the holes 162, 154 except for the enlarged portion of the elongate article 104 which is anchored in the first internal space 152 by the smaller diameter of the hole 154.

The clamping device 102 therefore comprises an entrance opening 156 at the opposite second end 150 of the clamping device 102 than the anchor opening 154. The entrance opening 156 provides access to the internal space 160 and the passage 136, and specifically the clamp 130. The entrance opening 156 enables the elongate article 104 to extend into the passage 136 where the elongate article 104 is clamped.

The clamping device 102 further comprises an exit opening 158 opposite the entrance opening 156. The exit opening 158 is adjacent to the anchor opening 154, at the first end 148 of the clamping device 102.

In use, the free end of the elongate article 104 is wrapped around objects until it reaches the second end 150 of the clamping device 102, and is then pushed through the entrance opening 156 to the exit opening 158 (pushing the clamp 130 out of the way). The free end now protrudes through the exit opening 158, and can be held and pulled to drag the elongate article 104 through the passage 136 until a required tension is achieved. Any excess length of the elongate article 104 can be cut off by an appropriate cutting tool. The free end can then be released and the clamp 130 will hold the elongate article 104 at the desired tension, preventing the elongate article 104 from slipping in the reverse direction.

The manner in which the clamp 130 prevents reverse slippage of the elongate article 104 is now described. The clamp 130 comprises a serrated clamping surface 132. The clamp 130 is cylindrical with the side wall of the cylinder being serrated. Alternatively, the clamp 130 may be wedge-shaped.

The clamping device 102 comprises a spring 134 configured to urge the clamp 130 into clamping engagement with the elongate article 104. The spring 134 is configured to resist movement of the clamp 130 out of clamping engagement with the elongate article 104. The spring 134 is seated against the clamp 130.

The spring 134 may be a cantilever spring as shown. Alternatively, the spring 134 may comprise a coil spring. The spring 134 may be a separate part from the body 128, made of a more flexible material such as a plastics material.

The clamp 130 is movable (e.g., rollable) at an oblique angle relative to the passage 136 along which the elongate article 104 extends. The clamp 130 is movable in the plane of clamp movement of the clamping device 102, at the oblique angle. The oblique angle may have a value less than 30 degrees or less than 20 degrees. The value may be greater than 10 degrees. The value may be approximately 15 degrees.

An advantage of this low angle is the clamp 130 can be slid or rolled easily to clamp against the elongate article 104, but can also be released easily. A lower value of the oblique angle enables higher clamping force, whereas a steeper angle enables improved ease of release.

The clamping device 102 comprises first and second clamping formations in the form of a first and second clamping walls 138, 140. The clamp 130 is configured to clamp the elongate article 104 against the first clamping wall 138. The first clamping wall 138 extends along the passage 136. The second clamping wall 140 is configured to apply a clamping force to the clamp 130.

Thus, the clamp 130 and the elongate article 104 are clamped between the first and second clamping walls 138, 140. The second clamping wall 140 converges towards the first clamping wall 138 at the oblique angle relative to the passage 136.

It will be appreciated that the oblique angle along which the clamp 130 can move relative to the first clamping wall 138 gives the clamping device 102 a handedness'. An elongate article 104 can only be easily inserted in one direction. If the free end of the elongate article 104 is inserted in the correct insertion direction, the free end of the elongate article 104 pushes the clamp away from the first clamping wall 138 at the oblique angle. This creates space between the first clamping wall 138 and the clamp 130, enabling the elongate article 104 to be pushed past the clamp 130 such that the clamp 130 can engage with the side of the elongate article 104. Once engaged, the elongate article 104 is clamped against being pulled back. However, if the end of the elongate article 104 is inserted into the clamping device 102 in the incorrect, opposite insertion direction, the end of the elongate article 104 cannot push the clamp 130 out of the way. This is because the end of the elongate article 104 is pushing the clamp 130 towards the first clamping wall 138 at the oblique angle.

The clamping device 102 can be a releasable clamping device 102. The clamping device 102 of the first and second clamping apparatuses 100A, 1006 comprises a release formation 142 in the form of a release opening 144.

The release opening 144 is sized to receive a release tool. The release tool is separate from the clamping device 102. The release tool may comprise a thin elongate shaft. The release opening 144 has a diameter larger than the release tool, but smaller than the elongate article 104, or at least smaller than the openings 156, 158 for the elongate article 104.

The release opening 144 is located at the second end 150 of the clamping device 102, so that the release tool can push the clamp 130 towards the widening part of the internal space 160, against the bias force of the spring 134. This disengages the clamp 130 from the side of the elongate article 104.

If the third clamping apparatus 100C is used, the release actuator 146 would be visible in FIG. 6. The release actuator 146 would be connectable to the clamp 130 for example by a carriage or finger (not shown).

The clamping device 102 described above is a releasable clamping device 102. In other implementations, other types of releasable clamping device may be provided. A different principle of clamping may be used, such as pincers.

FIG. 7 illustrates the three different clamping apparatuses 100A, 1006, 100C described earlier, looped around objects 1, 2 to act as trunked cable ties.

Together, these define a clamping system 10. The objects 1, 2 are elongate and extend along the first axis A, parallel to the width axis W of the clamping apparatus 100. The length axis L of each clamping apparatus 100 extends tangentially to the objects 1, 2. The height axis H of each clamping apparatus 100 extends radially from the objects 1, 2.

The first object 1 is a polygonal tube-section beam and the second object 2 is cabling, in this case a bundle of cables. The first axis A may be a centre axis of the first object 1. The second object 2 extends along an exterior surface of the first object 1. The bundle is shown extending along a face 4 of the polygonal beam.

The clamping apparatus 100 wraps around the first and second objects 1, 2 to secure the second object 2 to the first object 1.

As shown, the elongate article 104 is longer (L) than the circumference of the first object 1, enabling it to wrap around the first object 1 and reach the clamping device 102. The elongate article 104 is long enough to wrap around both objects 1, 2. The flexible trunking 106 is shorter, only covering the second object 2 and optionally part of the first object 1. This is because the first object 1 is a metal beam that does not need to be protected from the elongate article 104, whereas the second object is insulated cabling which does need to be protected from the elongate article 104.

A method 800 as described in FIG. 8 is used to secure the objects 1, 2 to each 20 other.

At block 802, the method 800 comprises placing the clamping apparatus 100 against the objects 1, 2, wherein the objects 1, 2 extend along the first axis A (W-direction).

At block 804, the method 800 comprises aligning 804 the flexible trunking 106 with a portion of the objects 1, 2 to be protected by the flexible trunking 106. Aligning the flexible trunking 106 may comprise aligning the flexible trunking 106 with the second object 2 (e.g., cabling). The flexible trunking 106 is positioned over the second object 2.

If the first or third clamping apparatuses 100A, 100C are used, the aligning step 804 may result in the clamping device 102 being adjacent the second object 2 or on top of the second object 2, so that the flexible trunking 106 extends over the second object 2.

If the second clamping apparatus 100B is used, the aligning step 804 can instead comprise sliding the flexible trunking 106 relative to the clamping device 102 because they are separate parts. The clamping device 102 could be located at another convenient location than that shown in FIG. 7.

During or after block 804, the elongate article 104 extends through the holders 108 of the flexible trunking 106.

At block 806, the method 800 comprises wrapping 806 the elongate article 104 in a loop around the objects 1, 2. The elongate article 104 resiliently deforms the flexible trunking 106 about the first axis A (bending in L-H plane) into an arc shape parallel to the elongate article 104. This brings the flexible trunking 106 into continuous contact with the second object 2, for spreading the loads.

At block 808, the method 800 comprises securing a portion of the elongate article 104 to the clamping device 102 to secure the loop. The elongate article 104 is fed through the clamping device 102. Feeding the elongate article 104 through the clamping device 102 may comprise feeding the free end of the elongate article 104 into the entrance opening 156 and out of the exit opening 158 of the clamping device 102. When secured, the elongate article 104 may be under tension. The tension in the elongate article 104 may hold the flexible trunking 106 in a resiliently deformed state against the second object 2. A specific description of clamping is provided earlier in relation to FIG. 6.

The blocks illustrated in FIG. 8 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate perspective views of a fourth clamping apparatus 100D in which the differences from the first, second, or third clamping apparatus 100A, 1006, 100C are that the holders 108C are different, and/or feet 172 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 9, each holder 108C comprises a cantilevered flexible arch-shaped hook 164 configured to allow side-loading and side-unloading of the elongate article 104 along the W-axis. This can be more convenient than end-feeding the elongate article 104 along the L-axis through the flexible trunking 106.

As the elongate article 104 is side-loaded, it makes initial contact with the tip of the flexible hook, which is shaped as a sloped lead-in surface 170 relative to the base 116, to guide the elongate article 104 into the narrowing space between the lead-in surface 170 and the first surface 118 of the elongate base 116 of the flexible trunking 106.

The elongate article 104 then passes over a notch 168 in the surface of the hook, which defines a snap-fit connection, and into a seat 166 under the hook 164 and above the first surface 118. Once the elongate article 104 passes over the notch 168, the flexible hook 164 snaps over the elongate article 104 to trap the elongate article 104 in the seat 166.

Release is effected by using the fingers to flex the hook 164. The sloped lead-in surface 170 functions as a finger gripping tab to make gripping the hook 164 easy, especially if the worker is wearing a glove. Alternatively, another type of finger gripping tab may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, another feature of the clamping apparatus 100D is the pair of feet 172 integrally formed in the second surface 120 (underside) of the elongate base 116, defining an L-axis gap 174 therebetween. The feet 172 act as blockers to prevent misalignment in the L-axis between the flexible trunking 106 and the second object 2 (e.g., cabling). The second object 2 is trapped in the gap 174.

The feet 172 at least locally elevate the second surface 120 of the flexible trunking 106 above the first object 1. The feet 172 may be in contact with the first object 1.

The illustrated feet 172 are separated such that the length of the gap 174 is optionally most of the length of the flexible trunking 106. A first foot 172 is in the first half of the length of the flexible trunking 106, proximal to a clamping device end of the flexible trunking 106. A second, adjacent foot 172 is in the second half of the length of the flexible trunking 106, proximal to a free end of the flexible trunking 106, The pair of feet 172 are integrally-moulded through-depressions pressed into the flexible trunking 106, in other words concave in the first surface 118 and convex (protruding) in the second surface 120. Therefore, no extra material is used to form the feet 172. Alternatively, extra material may be used to form the feet 172.

A further feature shown in FIG. 10 is that the mount 124 may comprise a socket 176 with which a protruding plug 178 on the body 128 of the clamping device 102 engages. During assembly, the clamping device 102 may be slid into the mount 124, the plug 178 deforming the mount 124 slightly until the plug 178 reaches the socket 176 creating a snap-fit connection that resists withdrawal of the clamping device 102 from the mount 124.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the flexible trunking 106 may be a continuous pipe.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A clamping apparatus comprising a clamping device configured to clamp an elongate article, and flexible trunking through which the elongate article can extend, wherein the flexible trunking is longer than the clamping device in a first direction, and wherein the flexible trunking is flexible because the flexible trunking is more flexible than the clamping device about at least a first axis perpendicular to the first direction.
2. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible trunking and the clamping device are mounted to each other, or wherein the flexible trunking and the clamping device are not mounted to each other and are separate parts connectable to each other by the elongate article which forms pad of the clamping apparatus.
3. The clamping apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping apparatus further comprises the elongate article, wherein the elongate article has a greater length than the flexible trunking, and/or wherein the flexible trunking is wider than the elongate article.
4. The clamping apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate article extends through the flexible trunking when in use, and wherein the flexible trunking comprises a holder through which the elongate article can extend, wherein the holder is configured to retain the elongate article.
5. The clamping apparatus of claim 4, wherein the holder is shaped to substantially or fully enclose the elongate article.
6. The clamping apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the holder is configured to allow side-loading of the elongate article.
7. The clamping apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible trunking has a first side and an opposite second side.
8. The clamping apparatus of claim 7, wherein the flexible trunking comprises one or more feet along the second side of the flexible trunking.
9. The clamping apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein the second side of the flexible trunking is mostly or substantially coplanar with an exterior face of the clamping apparatus, when in an undeformed condition, the exterior face being part of the clamping device or alongside the clamping device.
10. The clamping apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible trunking has a cross-section shape defining a major axis and a minor axis of bending, and wherein the flexible trunking is more flexible about the minor axis than the major axis.
11. The clamping apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible trunking comprises an elongate base, wherein the elongate base has an axiasymmetric shape, wherein the elongate base defines a length, width, and thickness, and wherein the length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the thickness.
12. The clamping apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible trunking comprises a mount to which the clamping device is securable.
13. The clamping apparatus of claim 12, wherein the mount is formed from the same material as base material of the flexible trunking.
14. The clamping apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the mount and an elongate base of the flexible trunking are integrally formed as a same body.
15. The clamping apparatus of claim 12, 13, or 14, wherein the mount surrounds at least three or at least four sides of the clamping device, and wherein the mount is therefore configured as a pocket.
16. The clamping apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the mount comprises an opening to receive the clamping device, and wherein the opening of the mount faces an elongate base of the flexible trunking.
17. The clamping apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping device comprises a body housing a clamp, and a spring configured to urge the clamp into clamping engagement with the elongate article.
18. The clamping apparatus of claim 17, wherein the clamp is slidable at an oblique angle relative to a passage along which the elongate article extends in 15 use.
19. The clamping apparatus of claim 18, wherein the clamping device has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end faces the flexible trunking, in use, and wherein the passage extends from the first end to the 20 second end.
20. The clamping apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping device comprises an anchor to secure a first portion of the elongate article, wherein the first portion of the elongate article comprises an enlarged portion of the elongate article, and wherein the clamping device is further configured to secure a second portion of the elongate article after the elongate article has been wrapped around objects.
21. The clamping apparatus of claim 20, comprising an anchor opening extending to the anchor, wherein the anchor opening has a smaller diameter than the enlarged portion of the elongate article, to trap the enlarged end of the elongate article in the clamping device.
22. The clamping apparatus of claim 21, wherein the anchor opening of the clamping device is located to an end of the clamping device facing the flexible trunking, in use.
23. The clamping apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein the clamping device comprises an entrance opening extending to the clamp, and an exit opening opposite the entrance opening, wherein the exit opening is adjacent to the anchor opening, and wherein the anchor opening and exit opening define a pair of exit openings.
24. A method of using the clamping apparatus of any one or more of the preceding claims, the method comprising: placing the clamping apparatus against objects, wherein the objects extend along the first axis; aligning the flexible trunking with a portion of the objects to be protected by the flexible trunking; and wrapping the elongate article in a loop around the objects, resiliently deforming the flexible trunking against the portion of the objects, wherein a first portion of the elongate article is anchored to the clamping device; and securing a second portion of the elongate article to the clamping device to secure the loop.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the objects comprise first and second objects, wherein the clamping apparatus is for holding the second object against the first object, wherein wrapping the elongate article is in a circumferential direction relative to the first axis, wherein the first and second objects extend mostly or entirely along the first axis, wherein wrapping the elongate article in a loop around the objects resiliently deforms the flexible trunking about the first axis against the second object, wherein the resiliently deformed flexible trunking extends in a generally circumferential direction over the second object, along a portion of the loop, and wherein the flexible trunking therefore separates the elongate article from the second object and spreads a load of the elongate article on the second object.