US1860994A - Grounding fitting - Google Patents

Description

y 1932- 1.. H. CHURCH GROUNDING FITTING Filed July 25. 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 F l G. 3.

avwemtoz LEW/S H CHURCH May 31', 1932. H CHURCH GHOUNDING FITTING Filed July 25, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 avweufoz LEW/J f1 CHURCH v, Maw

4 Patented May 31, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LEWIS H. CHURCH, OF WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOB TO THE THOMAS & BETTE (29.,01' ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY, A OOBPOMTION OF NEW JERSEY GBOUNDING FITTING Application filed July 25, 1929. Serial No. 880,789.

This invention relates to electrical connecting devices and more particularly to grounding fittings for establishing a ground wire or electrical connection in house and building 5 wiring systems to render the same safe by grounding ofi' and transmitting away stray current or short circuits to the ground through a water or gas pipe or other available conductor leading to the ground.

An object of the invention is to produce an improved grounding fitting including means to establish a positive electrical connection with a pipe or other similar grounded conductor, as well as provide anchorage means by which to attach a ground wire protective covering, such as a cable or conduit, to the grounding fitting, and also to provide a suitable ground wire terminal connector on the fittin Fu ther objects include that of adaptability of the frounding fitting to difierent water or grounded pip: sizes whereby the grounding fitting can attached to a pipe of any size met with in houses, buildings and the like when installing the ground wire system; and

more especially this particularinvention has for its outstanding object that of producing a particular seat for the ground pipe wherein is formed novel means to make electrical contact with several different pipe sizes so the same fitting can be universally used on any size pipe. Other objects and features of the invention will be made clear from the following description taken in connection with drawings illustrating the principles involved,

wherein is shown a. unique pipe clamp having a plurality of different size tooth grooves all shown in the same surface of the device.

With the foregoing objects and others. in view, the invention has relation to certain combinations and arrangements of parts, examples of which are disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate one form of the invention wherein a characteristic disc shaped pipe seat includes several different sizes of grooved toothed receiving means or concave contact seats for making good electrical connection with a water or gas pipe and for rendering the device universally applicable to all size pipes. This form of construction includes a neck or stem capable of being adjusted to any desirable position to attach with a conduit or cable in which a ground wire is carried. The disc pipe seat is rotatable about its center so as to swing any one of its grooved seats into service position.

Figure 1 is a plan view of the grounding fitting attached to a water pipe or other suitable grounded conductor and shows a ground wire protective covering (in this instance a conduit) through which a ground wire is conveyed from some accessible part of the wiring system, say an outlet box not shown, to said fitting where the ground wire is electrically connected to said fitting by a terminal such as a solderin lug of the usual kind.

Figure 2 is a side view on the line 22 of' Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a face view, as taken from the opposite direction of Figure 1, showing several grooved and toothed pipe seats adapting the device to various pipe sizes and showing a water pipe in dotted lines mounted in one of the grooves.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a modified second form of the invention wherein the characteristic toothed and grooved disc shaped pipe seat is similar in construction to that in the first form except in this second form the anchorage means is omitted for attaching a cable or conduit to the fitting.

Figure 4 shows a view of the toothed and grooved face of the disc pipe seat with a water pipe clamp yoke in position thereon and with the ground wire connected thereto but omitting the conduit attaching neck.

Figure 5 shows a side view of Figure 4. Figure 6 shows a view from the opposite direction of that inFigure 4.

Figures and 8 illustrate a modified third' usually av water pi similar form of grounded con uctor to which the electric wiring. system may be electrically connected to render the same safe by transmitting to the ground short circuits or other stray current. In this connectlon, the contractor installin the electric wiring s stem fifpguently empfioys a conduit or flexi 1e armo cable C in which is carried the ground wire W, one end of which is adapted to be electrically connected with the pipe P and the other end to an outlet box or-other part of the wiring system not shown. The purpose of this invention is to provide suitable grounding fittings or connectors by which the wire W carried in the conduit or cable C is positively connected to a lar pipe P or small pipe SP so that the wire ii and pipe carry away to the ground any stray potential existin 1n the conduit system of the wirin instal ation not shown.

Referring now to the drawings for a more detail description of the invention, there is shown a simple form of pipe clamp comprising for example a yoke 10-11 including legs 10 and an arch 11 which embraces the water pipe P or other grounded conductor, together with a pipe strap shown in this instance as a disc 12 to span the legs 10. The pi clamp 1112 includes the threaded o e ends 10 carrying nuts 13 thereon and y tightening the nuts 13, the pipe P is tigliitly gripped and clamped between the yo e 1011 and pipe seat or strap 12. This pipe seat 12 is susceptible to variations in structure, adjustment and use, and hence possesses features characteristic of this invention as will be explained in further detail. Particularly the pi seat 12 is made to fityarious size ipes an as an example two pi sizes are s own at P and SP.

e disk ipe seat 12 is made with a plurality of di erent sized toothed pipe grooves 15, 16 and 17, be inning with a relatively small size and graduating through the larger size shown. The pipe seats 15, 16 and 17 may be toothed, corrugated or roughened as shown in Figure 3 or may be grooved out in smooth surface form as shown in Figure 2. The toothed grooves afiord positive means of breaking through the scale of a pipe surface and establishing good electrical grounded contact with the pipe body thus avoiding all possibilities of a loose connection which might cause an electric spark or are. \Vhile the pipe seat 12 is shown disk or circular in firm, it is to be understood that itmay assume any suitable shape, such as square, rectangular, oblong or otherwise in shape for the purpose of making a suitable pi seat for s anning the l 10. The nuts 1 draw toget er the pipe ,seat 12 and yoke 11 to electrically connect the pipe P and seat 12.

In some forms of the ound fittings as shown in Figures 1, 2 an 3 it is desirable to provide an anchorage means for attaching the usual protective covering enclosing the ground wire W and this covering is ordinarily a cable or a conduit C. In this connection a neck or stem 20 carries a conduit or cable anchorage means such as a threaded sleeve 21. Any suitable form of cable connector or conduit coupler may be used. The conduit C is screw threaded into the sleeve 21 or otherwise attached thereto. In this way the wire W is lead through the conduit or cable C and sleeve 21 toward one of the legs 10 of the pipe clamp to which the wire is elec trically connected.

The neck or stem 20 carrying the conduit anchorage sleeve 21 is made integral with a plate or pipe seat support 22 embracing one or both legs 10 of the pipe clamp and s reading under the pipe seat 12 to support t e latter. While the drawings show the plate 22 as reachin across the clamp from one leg 10 to the ot er, it is to be noted that the plate I 21 may simply be connected to either one or both of the legs as desired, and hence may be of shorter structure and formation than shown, so as to be gripped by one of the nuts 13 if desired.

The plate 22 carrying the stem 20 and cable or conduit anchorage device 21 is shown made in the form of a disk for rotary adjustment upon the pipe P so as to direct the stem 20 and anchorage sleeve 21 in any desired direction, whereby a conduit 0 may be attached to the stem 20 regardless of the direction or position of said conduit. For the urpose of attaining rotary adjustment for t e plate 22 and stem 20, there are formed a number of holes 23 about the periphery or edge of said plate. These holes 23 are adapted to receive the clamp legs 10 and any suitable pair of opposite disposed holes 23 can be selected to receive the clamp legs 10 by which the neck 20 and sleeve 21 are pointed in any suitable direction. Eight holes 23 are shown in the support plate 22 to gain as fine adjustment or as many positions as ossible for the neck 20, but more or less ho es may be used as desired. It is readily seen that the plate or support 22 for the pi e seat 12 can be adjusted rotatably about t e stationary clamp yoke 10-11, while the latter remains astride the water or other ground pipe P.

The pipe seat 12 is shown made in the form of a disc as already suggested and hence matches its support and carries the toothed pipe seat grooves 15, 16 and 17, as already ex- Ill III

plained, and this is a mere example of one construction produced in accordance with the princi les of thlSlIlVGlltiOD. Since the example invention shown includes a ipe seat 12 having three toothed grooves, t ere are preferably formed six holes in pairs 18 and 19 and hence three pairs about the peripher of the pipe seat 12. In other words, the ho es 18 and 19 are paired by arranging them diametrically opposite the center of the pipe seat 12, and moreover, the holes 18 and 19 are arranged in pairs substantially right angular to the longitudinal axis of each grooved pipe seat 15, 16 and 17 so that the ipe clamp 10-11 straddles the ground pipe g at right angles thereto. I have provided one pair of holes 18 and 19 for each grooved pipe seat 15, 16 and 17. Therefore, the correct size grooved pipe seat 15, 16 or 17 is selected in accordance with the size of pipe P available for the grounding connection, whereupon the pipe clamp 10-11 is placed astride pipe P through the pair of holes 18 and 19 adapted to that particular pipe seat.

The holes 18-19 and holes 23 inthe two mating members 12 and 22 register so that the clamp legs 10 are passed thru both members whereupon the nuts 13 are tightened to clamp all parts together. Whereas the pipe seat 12 is rotated to that number of positions only as represented by the number of pipe grooves 15, 16 and 17, the support plate 22 itself is capable of a larger number of adjustments because of its larger number of holes 23. In other words, the plate 22 is made with a considerable number of clamp leg receiving holes 23 set closely together by which the neck is swung about in short step adjustments to point in any number of directions closely related in degree. Both members 12 and 22 are therefore fully adjustable to register their holes with each other,-to point the neck 20 in the proper direction to receive a conduit C, and to fit different sizes of pipes, a large pipe P or small pipe SP.

The ground wire W carries the usual ground terminal or soldering lug 24 having a bolt receiving eye 25 to fit under the nut 13. Hence the soldering lug terminal 24-25 makes positive electrical connection with the clamp leg 10, the plate 22, and thus with the pipe This form of grounding fitting provides a positive ground connection and 1s simple to install because two nuts anchor all parts together and simultaneously operates the pipe clamp 11-12 and makes a ground connection thru the electrical connector 13-24 since these two latter named parts 13 and 24 provide an eificient electrical connector on the grounding fitting to receive the wire W.

. Referring now to Figures 4, 5 and 6, there is shown a pipe seat 28 similar to the constr-uction already described, together with a pipe clamp including an arch 29 and threaded legs 30 which are dis osed through holes formed in the seat 28. lamp nuts 31 draw the clamp parts 28 and 29-30 together against the pi e P to make an electrical connection with t e latter. The groundwire W has the e e of its terminal lug 32 placed under one of t e nuts 31 thereby establishing an electrical ground connection between the wire W and the pipe SP. In this form of the invention, the pipe seat 28 may be provided with graduated sizes of toothed pipe receiving grooves 33, 34, and so on, in the same manner as heretofore described. In other words, Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the simplicity of the grounding fitting and show its manner of use when it is unnecessary to carry the wire W in the conduit C heretofore described. In the latter instance, the plate 22 of Figure 1 is omitted from the pipe clamp and the wire W is simply connected to one of the lugs 30 in the same manner as heretofore described.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a simple type of ground clamp including a yoke strap 37 having holes in its ends to receive the threaded legs 38 of the arched yoke 39 embracing the pipe P and clam ing it against the toothed groove seat 40. uts 41 draw the clamp parts 37 and 39 together. The ground wire W has its terminal lug eye 42 clamped under the nut 41 to make electrical connection between the wire W and the pipe P. This last form of construction of Figures 7 and 8 affords a simple type of ground clamp and it is practical to rovide yoke straps 3 having difierent size pipe seat grooves to adapt the device to various size water pipes, large pipes R or smaller pipes SP as shown in the drawings.

The invention therefore provides a principle of construction and use which is susceptible of various concrete embodiments as shown in the three or more examples portrayed in the drawings. By use of one of the selected types of construction, the ground wire W is easily grounded through a positive electrical connection established with a water pipe and the invention serves a long felt use.

What is claimed is:

1. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clamp including a yoke having legs with an arch adapted to straddle a pipe, strap seat means carried on the yoke legs and engaging the pipe, said strap seat means having formed therein a plurality of toothed grooves into which the pipe is seated, said grooves being formed of different sizes in the same face of the pipe seat means, nuts threaded on the yoke legs and tightened against the strap seat means to grip the pipe in the clamp, and ground wire connector means carried on the fitting.

2. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clamp including a yoke having legs with an arch adapted to straddle a pipe, a strap means carried on the yoke legs and en pipe, said strap means having forme therein a plurality of toothed grooves into which the ipe is seated, said toothed grooveebemg ormed at difierent an les an hence crossing each other and ma e in the same face of the strap means, nuts threaded on the yoke la and tightened against the strap means to grip the pipe in the clamp, and ground wire connecter means carried on the thug.

3. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clam including a yoke having legs with an arc adn ted to straddle a pi strap means carrie on the yoke legs an engaging the pipe, said strap means aving formed therein a large size groove into which the pipe is seated and having additional small size grooves graduated downwardly in size from the large groove, all grooves crossing each other at an angle in the center of the strap means, nuts threaded on the yoke legs and tightened against the strap means to grip the pipe in the clamp, and round wire connecter means carried on the tting.

4. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clamp including a yoke having legs with an arch adapted to straddle a pipe, a strap means carried on the yoke legs and engaging the pipe, said strap means having formed therein a number of grooves into which the pipe is seated, a plurality of pairs of holesbeing provided in the stra means upon opposite sides of each groove or reception of t e legs adapting all grooves for use by adjustment of the strap means, nuts threaded on the yoke legs and tightened against the strap means to grip the pipe in the clamp, and ground wire connecter means carried on the ttin 5. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clamp including a yoke arched over a grounded memher and having legs to straddle said grounded member, and including a disk-sha ed seat carried on the yoke, a plurality of oles being provided in the periphery of the disk into which the legs are received whereby the disk-shaped seat is adjustably positioned on the yoke legs, a plurality of different size pipe grooves being formed in the seat, and a ground wire connecter on the fitting.

6. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clamp including a yoke arched over a grounded member and having legs to straddle said grounded member, and including a disk-shaped seat carried on the yoke, a plurality of holes being provided in the periphery of the disk into which the legs are received whereby the disk-shaped seat is adjustably positioned on the yoke legs, a plurality of different size pipe grooves being formed in the seat, the grooves being formed in the same face of the seat and angularly arranged in respect to each other, each groove being formed between the holes aforesaid which holes are arranged including throu .of

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and a ground connecter-on 7.11" undingfi' a i clam a rcularseatanyok lzgswi nuts threaded on the le said seat being provided 'with a plurali y of pipe contact across the face thereof, said grooves their longitudinal axes assing the center of the seat, a p urality ears of holes be provided in the seat wit a groove diepose d between the holes, and a ground wire connecter on the fitting.

8. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clamp including a circular seat and yoke legs with nuts threaded on the legs, said seat being provided with a plurality of pipe contact grooves across the face thereof, the several grooves being made in the same face of the seat, said grooves havin their longitudinal axes passing through t e center of the seat, a plurality of pairs of holes being provided in the seat with a groove disposed between the holes, said two holes of each pair being disposed on each side ofa groove at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said groove, and a ground wire connecter on the fitting.

9. In a grounding fitting, a pi clam including a circular seat and yoke egs with nuts threaded on the legs, said seat being provided with a plurality of pipe contact grooves across the face thereof, said grooves having their longitudinal axes passing through the center of the seat, a plurality of pairs of holes being provided in the seat with a hole upon either side of each groove, a ground wire connecter on the fitting, a support plate carried on the legs and having a plurality of adjustment holes about its periphery means carried on the support plate to which a ground wire protective covering may be attached, and said means being adjustable to any direction by angularly positioning the plate on the yoke le 10. In a grounding fitting, a pipe 0 amp including a circular seat and yoke le with nuts threaded on the legs, said seat being provided with a plurality of pipe contact grooves across the face thereof, said grooves having their longitudinal axes passing through the center of the seat, a plurality of pairs of holes being provided in the seat with a hole upon either side of each groove, a ground wire connecter on the fitting, a support plate having anchorage means to which a ground wire protective covering may be attached, said plate having a larger number of holes in its periphery than in the circular seat, said plate being disposed adjacent the seat under the nuts, and said seat and plate both being angularly adjustable on the pipe and in relation to each other.

11. In a grounding fitting, a yoke formed of threaded legs and an arch to embrace a pipe, a plate with holes around its periphery mounted on the legs, nuts to tighten the fitmounted on the legs, nuts to tighten the fittin on a pipe, a neck carried on the plate,

anc orage means carried on the neck and plate to which may be attached a ground wire protective covering, a disk pipe seat'mounted either side of each groove, a ort plate car ried on the legs and having a p urahty of adjustment holes about its periphery, means carried on the support plate to which a ground wire protective covering may be attached, and said means being adjustable to any direction by angularly positioning the plate on the yoke legs.

In testimony whereof I afiix my si ature.

. LEWIS H. C OH.

on the legs between the arch and late, means cooperating with the legs to a 0rd angular adjustment of the seat in relation to the legs said seat being provided with a plurality 0 different size pipe contact grooves which are I lined up at right angles to the yoke legs by angular adjustment of the seat and ground wire connecter means on the fittlng.

13. In a grounding fitting, a yoke having an arch and threaded legs, a clrcular pipe seat having three pipe grooves of difl'erent sizes in that surface thereof which faces the yoke arch, said seat having two holes therethrough for each, groove and each groove being disposed between two holes, whereby six holes are formed in the eriphery of the pipe seat for the reception 0? the yoke legs thereby affording three adjustment positions for the pipe seat, a support plateon the legs against which the 1pipe seat rests, means on the plate throu h w ich the legs project to allow angular a ustment of said plate in relation to the legfnand inrelation to the seat, said means a 'tting of a greater number of adjustment positions for theglplate than the seat, anchorage means carrie by the plate and swingable in various directions and to which a ground wire protective covering is attached, and a ground wire connecter on the fitting.

14. In a grounding fitting, a pipe clam including a yoke having legs with an are adapted to straddle a pipe, strapseat means carried on the yoke legs and engaging the pipe, said stra seat means having formed therein a plura 'ty of grooves into which the is seated, said grooves being formed.- of

p1 e difierent sizes in the same face of the pi e seat means, and nuts threaded on the yo e legs and tightened against the strap seat means to grip the pipe 1n the clamp.

15. Ina ound fittin a ipe clam ingr mg i ke legs Evith eluding a circular seat an dy nuts threaded on the legs, sai seat being provided with a plurality of pipe contact ooyes across the face thereof, said grooves avmg their longitudinal axes passing throu h the center of the seat, a lurality 0 pairs 0 holes being provided in t e seat with a hole. upon

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