CLAMP ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING PANELS TO I-BEAMS

Abstract

A clamp assembly is provided for securing a panel or fairing to an I-beam, and comprises a pair of side blocks and a clamping block, together with a single bolt to secure them in place. Each of the side blocks as an inclined wedge surface, and the T-shaped clamping block has similarly sloped wedge surfaces along the sides of the leg of the T. When a bolt this passed through side legs of the side blocks, and through or under the clamping block, a sliding and wedging action between the inclined and sloped wedge surfaces occurs. Moreover, a clamping action between the top surface of the clamping block and the lower surface of the lower flanges of the I-beam is also induced.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A strut for securing an aerodynamic skirt panel to a trailer, the strut comprising: a strut member having a first end and a second end, the strut member extending along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end; an upper portion adapted to secure an upper portion of the aerodynamic skirt panel; the upper portion connected to the first end of the strut member; and a lower portion adapted to secure a lower portion of the aerodynamic skirt panel, the lower portion being connected to the second end of the strut member; wherein the strut member includes a curved portion extending along the longitudinal axis, the curved portion adapted to sustain a force applied by air routing on the aerodynamic skirt panel in an aerodynamic configuration thereof, the strut member being adapted to bend when a force exceeding a threshold is applied on the aerodynamic skirt to move the aerodynamic skirt panel from the aerodynamic configuration to an object avoidance configuration and to assist in returning the aerodynamic skirt panel back to the aerodynamic configuration when the force is removed.

21. The strut of claim 20, wherein the curved portion includes a cavity facing the aerodynamic skirt.

22. The strut of claim 20, wherein the strut member is made of a polymeric material.

23. The strut of claim 20, wherein the curved portion has a generally S-shaped configuration.

24. The strut of claim 20, wherein the curved portion changes its curvature when bending.

25. The strut of claim 24, wherein the curved portion has a generally S-shaped configuration.

26. The strut of claim 20, wherein the strut comprises a trailer-contacting portion for securing the strut to the trailer.

27. The strut of claim 26, wherein the upper portion comprises a skirt panel contacting portion, the skirt panel contacting portion being about a 90-degree angle with respect to the trailer-contacting portion.

28. The strut of claim 26, wherein the trailer-contacting portion includes a pair of openings for respectively receiving a pair of clamps adapted to secure the trailer-contacting portion to the trailer.

29. The strut of claim 26, wherein the trailer-contacting portion includes a mechanism to locate the trailer-contacting portion with respect to an I-beam of the trailer.

30. An aerodynamic skirt system comprising: a skirt panel; a plurality of struts, each strut including: a strut member having a first end and a second end, the strut member extending along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, an upper portion adapted to secure an upper portion of the aerodynamic skirt panel, the upper portion connected to the first end of the strut member, and a lower portion adapted to secure a lower portion of the aerodynamic skirt panel, the lower portion being connected to the second end of the strut member, and wherein the strut member includes a curved portion extending along the longitudinal axis, the curved portion adapted to sustain a force applied by air routing on the aerodynamic skirt panel in an aerodynamic configuration thereof, the strut member being adapted to bend when a force exceeding a threshold is applied on the aerodynamic skirt to move the aerodynamic skirt panel from the aerodynamic configuration to an object avoidance configuration and to assist in returning the aerodynamic skirt panel back to the aerodynamic configuration when the force is removed.

31. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 30, wherein the curved portion of at least one of the plurality of struts includes a cavity facing the aerodynamic skirt.

32. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 30, wherein the strut member of at least one of the plurality of struts is made of a polymeric material.

33. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 30, wherein the curved portion of at least one of the plurality of struts has a generally S-shaped configuration.

34. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 30, wherein the curved portion of at least one of the plurality of struts changes its configuration when the force is applied.

35. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of struts comprises a trailer-contacting portion for securing the strut to the trailer.

36. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 35, wherein the upper portion of at least one of the plurality of struts comprises a skirt panel contacting portion, the skirt panel contacting portion being about a 90-degree angle with respect to the trailer-contacting portion.

37. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 36, wherein the trailer-contacting portion of at least one of the plurality of struts includes a pair of openings for respectively receiving a pair of clamps adapted to secure the trailer-contacting portion to the trailer.

38. The aerodynamic skirt system of claim 38, wherein the trailer-contacting portion of at least one of the plurality of struts includes a mechanism to locate the trailer-contacting portion with respect to a reference on the trailer.

39. A securing mechanism for securing a strut portion to an i-hears of a trailer, the securing mechanism comprising: a pair of clamps, each including: a gripping portion including an inclined portion, a securing portion including a fastener opening formed therein, an abutting portion; and a fastener for moving the clamps toward each other, the fastener extending through the fastener opening of each of the clamps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the details of a prior art installation of a trailer fairing, in keeping with a prior design;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a similar prior art installation as shown in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of a side block in keeping with the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the side block of FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a third perspective view of the side block of FIG. 3;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a first perspective view of a clamping block in keeping with the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the clamping block of FIG. 6;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a third perspective view of the clamping block of FIG. 6;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a first perspective view of the clamp assembly of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of the clamp assembly of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 11 is a third perspective view of the clamp assembly of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 12 is an essentially top plan view of the clamp assembly of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp assembly of the present invention attached to an I-beam;

[0057] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an assembly of a panel or trailer fairing to a plurality of I-beams, in keeping with the purposes of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 15 is a perspective view from below showing an assembly similar to that of FIG. 14;

[0059] FIG. 16 is a further perspective view in greater detail showing a clamp assembly in keeping with the present invention when installed for its intended purpose;

[0060] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the clamp of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 18 is a further cross-section view of the variant of FIG. 17, when used with an I-beam having a different width; and

[0062] FIG. 19 is a alternative strapping system, and assembly support hook, of use with the clamping assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following discussion. It will be noted that, in the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

[0064] Applicant refers first to FIGS. 1, 2, 14, and 15, so as to establish the general environment in which clamp assemblies of the present invention are typically found. Here, the clamp assemblies, both from the prior art and those in keeping with the present invention, are employed to secure trailer fairings beneath the floor of a cargo trailer so as to improve the aerodynamic characteristics thereof. It has been noted the clamp assemblies in keeping with the present invention may find other uses, but the illustrated use is the principal use. In general, a plurality of I-beams 60 are found beneath the floor of a cargo trailer, the floor thereof being secured to the upper horizontal flat portion of the I-beams. Thus, the lower horizontal flat portions of the I-beams are freely accessible, so as to permit securement of other items or devices thereto.

[0065] A convenient prior art method for mounting trailer fairings to cargo trailers is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, a moulded trailer fairing 16 is shown being secured to and subtended from the ends of a plurality of I-beams 60. Each mounting assembly has required the use of a plate 102, and a pair of bolts 104, at each side of the I-beams 60, cooperating with the opposed pair of flanges immediately above the bottom surface of each of the I-beams. Cooperating clamping means are associated with struts 106 so as to provide a clamping action of the assembly described immediately above to each I-beam 60. The struts 106 are also secured at the bottom of each of the trailer fairings 16 by suitable securing means 108. For purposes of additional stiffness, stiffening ribs 110 can either be formed in or secured to the trailer fairings 16.

[0066] It will be appreciated that effecting the assembly as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is labour intensive, and requires a variety of different components. Not only must the assembly of the strut 106 together with the plates 102 and bolts 104 be made at the same time and until some clamping action is achieved, the assembly including the strut 106 must be supported. This may require the services of an additional mechanic; or in any event a certain degree of difficulty is manifested. Thus, the labour costs of installing a trailer fairing 16 may be relatively elevatedalthough typically not into the range of labour costs that might be encountered in practicing the invention disclosed in the Boivin et al Patent Application Publication.

[0067] On the other hand, as will be explained hereafter, the mounting of the clamp assembly 20 in keeping with the present invention is relatively simple, requires manipulation of considerably less weight, and requires in the first instance the placement and tightening of a single bolt to secure the clamp assembly in place at the end of an I-beam. Moreover, the components of the mounting clamp of the present invention utilize a limited number of components, which can be partially pre-assembled prior to use, and utilizes only a small number of standardized, and interchangeable components.

[0068] Indeed, as becomes evident upon inspection of FIGS. 14 and 15, the complete installation of each clamp assembly 20 and a respective strut, or planar support, 70 when secured to a panel 15 or trailer fairing 16, requires the placement and tightening of only a maximum of seven or eight bolts or other securing means, in order to complete the entire task. As such, this task can be easily accomplished in a fairly short period of time by a single mechanic; particularly when clamp assembly 20 is attached to I-beam 60 using only a single bolt. This, of course, is clearly a significant advantage over an assembly such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which requires significant manipulation of a relatively massive structure; and particularly over an assembly such as that disclosed in the Boivin et al Patent Application Publication, which may require the placement of at least twelve bolts to hold the assembly on an I-beam.

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, it will be seen that the clamp assembly 20 in keeping with the present invention comprises the assembly of three major components. They are a pair of side blocks 22, and a single clamping block 40. When assembled as shown in those figures, it can be appreciated that the assembly is, to all intents and purposes, monolithic. Moreover, as will be described in greater detail hereafter, it is evident that the entire clamp assembly 20 can be effected merely by the placement and tightening of one single bolt 52. It will now also be appreciated, therefore, that placement and then securement of the clamp assembly 20 at the end of an I-beam 60 simply requires that the pieces may either be loosely assembled and put into place, or held or otherwise kept in place while the bolt 52 is put into place.

[0070] Now, referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, details of the side blocks 22 will be discussed. It is seen that each side block 22 is formed generally in the shape of an inverted L. Each of the pair of side blocks 22 has an upper surface 24, an outer side surface 26, and end surfaces 28, all of which are in mutually perpendicular relationship one to another. There is a bottom surface 30 which is parallel to the upper surface 24. A lower clamping surface 32 is parallel to the upper surface 24. There is also an inclined wedge surface 34 which extends downwardly and outwardly from its intersection with the lower clamping surface 32, to its intersection with the bottom surface 30. At least one opening 54, and more preferably, at least two other openings 57, are formed through the leg of the L, and passes through the thickness thereof between the respective side surface 26 and inclined wedge surface 34 of each of the side blocks 22.

[0071] The clamping block 40 is shown in each of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. As can be easily seen in each of those figures, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the single clamping block 40 is formed generally in the shape of a T. The upper surface of the clamping block 40 is designated at 42, and an outer surface which extends across the head of the T is designated at 44. It is seen that the upper surface 42 and the outer surface 44 are typically, essentially perpendicular one to the other (although this could be varied). There is an inner surface 46 which is at the foot of the T, and the inner surface 46 is also essentially perpendicular to the upper surface 42. A bottom surface 48 is found at least below the leg of the T, and is also parallel to the upper surface 42.

[0072] The clamping block 40 is particularly characterized by the presence of a pair of sloping wedge surfaces 50 which are preferably formed along at least a portion of the length the sides of the leg of the T, at the sides thereof. Each sloping wedge surface slopes downwardly and inwardly from its respective intersection with the upper surface 42 up to its respective intersection with the bottom surface 48.

[0073] It is possible that the distance or height between the top and bottom surfaces 42 and 48 of the clamping block 40 may be sufficiently small so that the bottom surface 48 is disposed above the bolt 52 when it is in place. However, more typically there is at least one opening 55, and more preferably three openings 55, which are formed through the width of the leg of the T of the clamping block, so as to pass therethrough from one side to the other. Any one of the openings 55 is such as to accommodate a bolt 52 when it is passed therethrough.

[0074] In any event, when the side blocks 22 and the clamping block 40 are assembled together with the bolt 52, and are placed so that the respective lower clamping surfaces 32 of the pair of side blocks 22 faces a respective upper surface 56 of the pair of opposed flanges 58 of the I-beam, the respective inclined wedge surfaces 34 of the side blocks 22 will face respective sloping wedge surfaces 50 of the clamping block 40. Tightening of the bolt 52 which is passed through a combination of openings 54 and 57 (and preferably 55 when present,) will cause a sliding and wedging action of the sloping wedge surfaces 50 of the clamping block 40 relative to and in opposition to the inclined wedge surfaces 34 of the respective side blocks 22. Thus, a clamping action is secured between the side blocks 22 and through the width of the leg of the T of the clamping block 40, which clamping action secures the clamp assembly 20 in place on the opposed lower plate portions of I-beam 60. Still further, a clamping action is induced between the upper surface 42 of the clamping block and the bottom surface 62 of the respective I-beam to which the clamp assembly is attached. In this fashion, I-beams having different widths and thicknesses can be accommodated using clamp assembly 20.

[0075] Further, clamping block 40 also optionally additionally includes a second planar face 45 which is essentially co-planar with outer surface 44. Second planar face 45 extends downwardly from block 40, and includes slots, or openings 47, which can be used as additional or replacement attachment points to attach panel 15 to clamping block 40. This is particularly desirable when I-beams 60 of different depths are used, so that openings 64 in adjacent clamping assemblies are not in horizontal alignment. Planar face 45 might also be inwardly inclined away from face 44, if desired.

[0076] In FIG. 13, a cross sectional view of clamping assembly 20 is shown wherein a single bolt 52 is used to clamp side blocks 22 to clamping block 40, in position on the lower, flat portion of I-beam 60. It can be seen that tightening of bolt 52 caused not only side blocks 22 to clamp against block 40, but the sloping wedge surfaces 50, and the inclined wedge surfaces 34, also cause side blocks 22 to compress against I-beam 60, and thus lock clamping assembly 20 in place.

[0077] The inclined wedge surfaces 34, and sloping wedge surfaces 50 preferably are machined so as to have corresponding angles, and thus, be essentially flat and square to one another in use. Typically, the wedge surfaces are at between 15 to 45 relative to a vertical line, and more preferably, between 20 and 30 to a vertical line.

[0078] Typically, and as can be appreciated from a cursory inspection of any of FIGS. 13 to 16, the clamping block 40 is disposed in a generally horizontal disposition, and the outer surface 44 (seen in any of FIGS. 6, 7, 11, and 12) is disposed in a generally perpendicular, or nearly perpendicular, disposition.

[0079] It will be further understood that the clamp assembly 20 is such that a panel 15 or trailer fairing 16 can be secured to an I-beam in such a manner that the plane of the panel 15 or trailer fairing 16 and the longitudinal axis of each I-beam 60 to which it is attached, are substantially perpendicular one to the other.

[0080] A series of corrugations 66 is also preferably formed or provided on each lower clamping surface 32 of each of the side blocks 22. The purpose of these corrugations 66 is provide additional grip on I-beam 60.

[0081] It will be appreciated that with the exception of bolts or other securing means, all of the other components of an assembled trailer fairing structure, including the clamp assembly and the fairing itself, are generally formed from plastics material. The materials of the clamp assembly, being the side blocks and the single clamping block, and of the trailer fairings, are generally formed from a thermoplastic or thermoset material which may be chosen from the group consisting of high-density polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, nylon, vinyl, and polymers, co-polymers, glass and fibre filled thermo-composite materials, and mixtures thereof. These materials, including preferred materials such as TPO or TPP, easily lend themselves to thermoforming techniques or injection molding techniques, as is well known to those who are skilled in the art.

[0082] Again, however, use of metal or any other suitable materials for any or all of these components is not excluded.

[0083] Moreover, the material of the bolts or other securing means is typically stainless steel, but it may be chosen from the group consisting of stainless steel, nickel plated steel, zinc plated steel, nylon, titanium, and combinations thereof.

[0084] Referring again to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, the purposes of the openings 64 and 68 which are formed in the outer surface 44 and the inner surface 46 of the clamping block 40 will be understood more clearly. It can be seen that panels 15 of a modular panel system, forming a fairing 16A (FIG. 14), or alternatively, a single sheet trailer fairing 16B (FIG. 15) may easily be secured to a plurality of clamp assemblies 20 by passing securing means 77 through the thickness of the panel or trailer fairing and through the openings 64.

[0085] In general, struts are also installed so as to accommodate some flexibility of the trailer fairing 16, but at the same time so as to maintain the trailer fairing generally in its vertical disposition. Struts in keeping with the present invention typically each comprise a substantially planar strap 70 which is secured to the clamping block 40 at its inner surface 46, at the foot of the T, by suitable securing means 72 such as bolts, and at the lower ends 74 of the planar straps 70 to the trailer fairing 16 by the use of suitable securing means 76. The planar straps 70 normally have a substantially straight configuration, but it will also be appreciated from FIG. 15 that when the substantially planar straps 70 are secured in place, and connected to clamping assembly 20 and panel 15, they will assume a curved disposition which is in a generally S-like configuration.

[0086] In FIG. 17 an alternative embodiment of the clamping assembly 120 is shown in cross section, having a single bolt 52 to hold clamp assembly 120 onto an I-beam 122. A feature of the top surface 124 of clamping block 126, is the presence of a channel 128, preferably having one or two shoulder sections, which channel(s) have widths of between 3 and 10 cm. Since I-beams in trailer applications typically have a width of between 3 and 10 cm, the I-beam will be placed into a suitably sized area within channel 128. In this Figure, the I-beam can be placed within the smallest channel.

[0087] By selecting the appropriate channel size, clamp 120 is held firmly on the I-beam and any vibrational twisting force is minimized.

[0088] In FIG. 18, an I-beam 130 is used having a different, and larger width. As such, it rides on top of clamping block 126. However, it is still held in place in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 13, for example. Since I-beam 130 is sufficiently large to essentially fill the open area within clamp assembly 120, it is also held tightly in place.

[0089] By use of the clamping assembly 120 of FIGS. 17 and 18, the use of more than one bolt to hold the clamping assembly in place, is often not necessary. As such, the present invention also provides an assembly as described hereinabove, wherein a top surface of said clamping block defines one or more longitudinal channel extending along the length of the clamping block from the foot of the T to the head of the T, which channel preferably has shoulder sections to provide channel widths of varying sizes, so that said channel widths are adapted to receive I-beams of various widths.

[0090] FIG. 19 shows an additional strapping system, in which spring-loaded strap is fitted to the clamping assembly. This is preferably accomplished by using a second bolt 52A which can be inserted through clamping assembly 20, or alternatively which can be attached to the foot of the clamping block, or the like, and thus used to connect spring-loaded strap 140 to clamping assembly 20, using bracket 141. The lower end of strap 140 can be attached to the lower edge of a sheet fairing 16B (or panels 15 of a modular sheet fairing 16A), and assists in holding the panel in place. This also assists in avoiding or minimize deflection of the panel on any inadvertent impact.

[0091] A further rigid hook 135 can also be temporarily fitted to a suitable opening in clamping assembly 20 (either on the side blocks, the clamping block, or on the side or ends of the clamp assembly) and provides a hook section that can hook around the bottom of panel 16B. Hook 135 can be of particular advantage in the attachment of the fairing to a trailer. In use, an installer attaches a series of hooks 135 to different clamp assemblies 20 fitted to various I-beams. Then, the bottom of panel 16B (or 16A), is inserted into the hook end, and the panel 16B rests against the bar section of hook 135, as seen in FIG. 19. This holds the panel in place while being attached to the clamp assembly 20, and preferably, to strap 70. Typically, two or more hooks 135 are used for each panel to be mounted.

[0092] Hooks 135 are preferably formed having a chosen, pre-selected length so that they will hold panel 16B in the correct position, while the installer completes installation. This installation can include, for example, drilling holes in the panel to fasten them to face 44 or 45. In this manner, even more support for the panel can be provided during installation, and hooks 135 can be removed and reused on the next panel or next installation.

[0093] It will now be understood, of course, that clamp assemblies of the present invention, when put into practice, are such that when a plurality of the clamp assemblies is secured at the ends of a plurality of I-beams at the under surface of a cargo trailer, trailer fairing panels may be secured in place below the side of the cargo trailer. Accordingly, as noted above, the aerodynamic properties of the cargo trailer may be significantly improved, so as to reduce fuel consumption of a suitable road tractor towing the cargo trailer by as much as 6.5%.

[0094] It will be noted in a number of the figures of drawings, in particular FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, that the side blocks 22 and the clamping block 40 are typically injection moulded having a plurality of recesses 78 formed therein. Accordingly, a plurality of ribs 80 is created between the recesses 78. This manufacturing technique has the advantage that the weight of the injection moulded side blocks 22 and clamping block 40 will be reduced, while at the same time their rigidity in a direction parallel to the respective ribs will be increased.

[0095] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a clamping assembly which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0096] Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word comprise and variations of the word such as comprising and comprises, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Thus, the word comprise, and variations such comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not to the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0097] Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0098] Moreover, the words substantially, essentially, typically, generally or the like, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.

[0099] Further, use of the terms he, him, or his, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as she, her, or hers, respectively.

[0100] Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.

[0101] Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.