Angled 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 having a central body and a flat surface at at least one end of the central body. The side blocks and the clamping block are secured together using a single bolt. The flat surface at the end of the central body is positioned at an angle to the central body, so as to provide an angled surface for mounting of a fairing.

Claims

1. A clamp assembly for securing a panel to an I-beam by a wedging action between side blocks and a clamping block, wherein said clamping block comprises a central body having first and second ends, an upper surface, side surfaces, and a bottom surface, and having a first flat surface at the first end and a second flat surface at the second end of the central body, and the first flat surface extends across the first end of the central body and the second flat surface extends across the second end of the central body, and which flat surfaces act as attachment points for attachment of a panel to the clamp assembly, wherein said first and second flat surfaces are each disposed in a perpendicular disposition, in a vertical direction, with respect to the central body, so as to provide vertically perpendicular face surfaces, with respect to the I-beam, and said first and second flat surfaces are also angled at a non-perpendicular angle, in a horizontal direction, with respect to the central body, so as to provide non-perpendicular angles between each of the first and second flat surfaces and the central body, the first flat surface is at a first non-perpendicular angle to the central body and the second flat surface is at a second non-perpendicular angle to the central body and the I-beam, and the first non-perpendicular angle is equal to the second non-perpendicular angle but in an opposite direction, and thus said first and second flat surfaces are each additionally configured to be horizontally angled at a non-perpendicular angle, to the I-beam.

2. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second flat surfaces are each horizontally angled at an angle of between 5 to 75 to the central body.

3. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first and second flat surfaces are each horizontally angled at an angle of between 7.5 to 60 to the central body.

4. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second flat surfaces are each horizontally angled at an angle of between 10 to 45 to the central body.

5. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said side blocks additionally comprise a series of corrugations provided on each lower clamping surface of each of the side blocks to aid in securing the side blocks to the I-beam.

6. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said central body has a pair of sloping wedge surfaces along the side surfaces of the central body, and each of the sloping wedge surfaces slopes downwardly and inwardly along at least a portion of the length of the central body, from said sloping wedge's intersection with the upper surface of the central body to a respective intersection with the bottom surface thereof, and wherein each of the side blocks are each in the shape of an inverted L, and each has a side block upper surface, side block outer side surfaces, and side block end surfaces, all in mutually perpendicular relationship to one another, and a side block bottom surface which is parallel to the side block upper surface, and which includes a lower clamping surface which is parallel to the side block upper surface, and wherein each of side block includes an inclined wedge surface extending downwardly and outwardly from said inclined wedge surface's intersection with the lower clamping surface to said inclined wedge surface's intersection with the side block bottom surface.

7. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein each side block and optionally the central body, has at least one set of aligned openings, which is or which are formed through the side block and the central body so that the inclined wedge surfaces of the side blocks act on the sloping wedge surfaces of the central body to create a wedging force that clamps the clamp assembly, and wherein a single bolt is provided to attach the clamping assembly to the I-beam.

8. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said bolt is tightened so as to create the wedging action that securely attaches the clamping assembly to the I-beam.

9. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flat surface extends beyond the side surfaces of the central body.

10. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said clamp assembly additionally includes an attachment surface which can be attached to the first or second flat surface at either the first or second end of the central body.

11. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a resiliently flexible strut as a panel support device.

12. A clamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said panel is a fairing.

13. A fairing mounting system comprising a plurality of clamp assemblies as claimed in claim 11 in combination with a panel, which system is adapted to be mounted to a plurality of I-beams on a cargo trailer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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.

(2) Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

(3) FIG. 1 is a side block of the prior art, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122;

(4) FIG. 2 is a further view of the side block of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a clamping block of the prior art, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122;

(6) FIGS. 4 and 5 are front and top view of a clamping assembly of the prior art, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122;

(7) FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of the clamping assembly of the prior art, attached to an I-beam;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a clamping block of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is top view of the clamping block of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a exploded perspective view of a clamping assembly of the present invention, with a clamping block of the present invention, wherein an attachment surface is attached to the flat surface of the clamping block; and

(11) FIG. 10 is a top view of a clamping block of the present invention wherein both ends of the central body have angled flat surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) 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.

(13) Applicant refers first to FIGS. 1 to 6 which shows the prior art clamping assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122. It can be noted the clamp assemblies in keeping with that invention, or the present invention, may find other uses, but the use of the clamping assemblies to secure fairings to a cargo trailer is their principal intended use.

(14) In general, a plurality of I-beams are found beneath the floor of a cargo trailer, in a manner such that the trailer floor is 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 the clamping assemblies of the present invention.

(15) Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 6, it will be seen that a clamp assembly 20 in keeping with the prior art, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122, comprises the assembly of three major components. They are a pair of side blocks 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and a single clamping block 40 (see FIG. 3). When assembled as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be appreciated that the assembly is, to all intents and purposes, monolithic.

(16) As was described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122, the entire clamp assembly 20 can be effected merely by the placement and tightening of one single bolt 52. It will also be appreciated, therefore, that placement and then securement of the clamp assembly 20 at the end of an I-beam 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.

(17) Now, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, 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.

(18) The prior art clamping block 40 is shown in FIG. 3, and the clamping block 40 is formed generally in the shape of a T. The central body of this prior art clamping block 40 is designated as 42, and a flat surface which extends across the head of the T is designated at 44. It is seen that the central body 42 and the flat surface 44 are typically, essentially perpendicular one to the other. 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 central body 42. A bottom surface 48 is found at least below the leg of the T, and is also parallel to central body 42.

(19) 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 central body 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 of central body 42 to its respective intersection with the bottom surface 48.

(20) It is possible that the distance or height between the top and bottom surfaces of 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.

(21) 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 of the pair of opposed flanges 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 the 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 60 to which the clamp assembly is attached. In this fashion, I-beams having different widths and thicknesses can be accommodated using clamp assembly 20.

(22) 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.

(23) In FIGS. 4 and 5, and in particular in FIG. 6, it can more clearly been seen that a single bolt 52 is used to clamp side blocks 22 to clamping block 40, in position on the lower, flat portion of I-beams 60. It can be seen that tightening of bolt 52 causes 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.

(24) Also in FIG. 6, it can be seen that 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. 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.

(25) It will be noted that the various components 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.

(26) Typically, and as can be appreciated from a cursory inspection of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, and as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122, clamping block 40 is disposed in a generally horizontal disposition which extends along I-beam 60. As such, clamping block 40 is generally supported and braced by I-beam 60.

(27) It should be particularly noted that in this prior art embodiment, flat surface 44 is disposed in a perpendicular disposition with respect to the central body, and thus perpendicular to the attachment I-beam.

(28) It will be further understood that the clamp assembly 20 of the prior art, is such that a fairing panel can be secured to an I-beam in such a manner that the plane of the fairing panel and the longitudinal axis of each I-beam 60 to which it is attached, are substantially perpendicular, one to the other.

(29) It will also be clear that struts, straps, or any other fairing securing devices, can be attached to the clamping assemblies, in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,122.

(30) In FIGS. 7 and 8, a clamping block 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown, which clamping block 100 is used as a replacement for clamping block 40 of the prior art. Clamping block 100 has a central body 102, and at surface 104 at one end of the central body. Flat surface 104 is fabricated at an angle of 15 to the axis of the central body 102. A fairing attachment surface 106 is attached to flat surface 104, and thus, the central body can be attached to a fairing at approximately 15 to the axis of the central body 102, and the overall clamping assembly.

(31) At the other end of central body 102 is a second flat end 108, which is essentially at 90 to the axis of the central body 102. If desired, this end 108 could be used to provide a perpendicular flat surface to which an attachment surface could be attached.

(32) More preferably however, as shown in FIG. 9, both ends 114 and 118 of clamping block 110 are provided at a 15 angle to the central body 112 of clamping block 110. By providing flat surfaces at the same angle, but opposing angles, at each end of central body 112, clamping block 110 is reversible in the clamping assembly, and thus, the clamping assembly can be used on either the right or left side of the trailer.

(33) 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.

(34) 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.

(35) Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

(36) 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.

(37) 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.

(38) 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.

(39) 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.