CLAMP WITH EXTERNAL SUPPORT

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a clamp used for adherence and securement to a desired object. The clamp has an upper half and a lower half held together by hinges. Opposite the hinges there is a locking mechanism which can be loosened or tightened as necessary. The clamp further has a shaped support designed to support a number of objects including solar lights, flags, poles, signs, rods, and the like. The clamp is designed to fit on existing colonial style and chain link fence structures, however, the clamp can be sized appropriately for the specific need.

Claims

1.-14. (canceled)

15. A clamp system capable of securing a solar lamp to various forms of circular frame fences, the clamp system comprising: a clamp body having an upper half and a lower half, each half having a similar semi-circular shape between which is defined a shape to accommodate a circular object extending therethrough; at least one hinge joining the upper half and the lower half; a locking mechanism having a screw to secure the clamp to a fence; and an attachment mechanism affixed to the upper half, the attachment mechanism having a height and a perimeter with an open interior to accommodate a solar light fixture stem secured with a second set screw; and further comprising an adjustable clamp sizing device to receive various sized solar light fixture stems, the sizing device comprising a base shaped to fit the attachment mechanism interior, and an upper arcuate member that is open, the arcuate member having two ends, each end having an attachment point for a fastener, the fastener being a screw, the screw connecting the attachment points, and when tightened, the screw drawing the attachment points together to close the arcuate member.

16. The clamp system as described in claim 15, further comprising an offset device to position the solar light fixture away from being on top of the fence.

17. The clamp system as described in claim 16, wherein the offset device comprises a longitudinal body and two ends, a first end sized to fit within the attachment mechanism interior, and a second end sized to receive the solar light fixture stem.

18. The clamp system as described in claim 16, wherein the offset device comprises a longitudinal body and a second end, the second end sized to receive an adjustable clamp sizing device.

19. The clamp system as described in claim 17, wherein the two ends are disposed in opposite directions from each other in a Z-like manner.

20. The clamp system as described in claim 17, wherein the offset second end includes an opening therethrough, and a set screw disposed in the opening.

21. The clamp system as described in claim 18, wherein the clamp sizing device is positioned in the offset second end and the clamp sizing device is secured with the set screw.

22. The clamp system as described in claim 21, wherein the clamp sizing device receives the solar light fixture stem.

23. The clamp system as described in claim 16, wherein the clamp sizing device comprises a flexible plastic.

24. The clamp system as described in claim 16, wherein the clamp and the offset device each comprise one or more of a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic, a metal, a resin, or a composite material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4A is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when closed and secured.

[0030] FIG. 4B is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment secured to a fence and supporting light apparatus.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a side view of the preferred embodiment secured to a fence and supporting light apparatus.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an overview of an embodiment designed to be mounted on top of a round fence.

[0034] FIG. 8 is an overview of an alternate embodiment designed to be mounted over square or rectangular top of the fence.

[0035] FIG. 9 is an extension offset for mounting on any top of clamp embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 10 is an extension offset for mounting on any site or vertically mounted clamp.

[0037] FIG. 11 is an adjustable insert to provide variable sizes of objects to be attached to a clamp.

[0038] FIG. 12 is top view of an adjustable insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified, as far as possible, with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and view the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without deviating from the innovative concepts of the invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, there is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a clamp 1a with an upper half 2 and a lower half 3. The upper half 2 and lower half 3 are substantially U-shaped, which together forms a substantially square clamp 1a. The two halves are held together by at least one, and preferably two, hinges 5. Opposite the hinges 5 is a locking mechanism 4. The locking mechanism 4 is a tab and screw mechanism that, when tightened, applies inward pressure securing the clamp 1a. Disposed on the upper half 2 is an attachment mechanism 6 having a perimeter and a height. The attachment mechanism 6 is formed to accept a number of different objects and most preferably a solar light. The light is locking by set screw 10.

[0041] In FIG. 2. there is an alternate clamp 1b design. The upper half 2 and the lower half 3 are substantially semi-circular in shape which forms a substantially circular clamp 1b. Attached to one side of the clamp 1b, are hinges 5 that allow the upper half 2 and lower half 3 to move independent of one another and to open the clamp 1b. Opposite the hinges 5 is a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism 4 secures the clamp 1b once closed thereby preventing slippage or movement of the clamp 1b. The clamp additionally has an attachment mechanism 6 for supporting a number of objects. Objects are locked in position by set screw 10.

[0042] In FIG. 3. there is a rear perspective view of the preferred clamp 1a.

[0043] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of the clamp 1a in either an open or closed position. The hinges 5 facilitate the movement of the upper half 2 and the lower half 3. When in a closed position, the clamp 1a can be tightened with the screw 7 to ensure the clamp 1a remains secured to the desired object. In order to open or loosen the clamp 1a, the screw 7 is loosened and the upper half 2 or lower half 3 is moved out of position and the clamp 1a is removed.

[0044] The FIG. 5 shows a clamp 1a secured to a fence 9 with a solar light 8 in the attachment mechanism 6. The upper half 2 and the lower half 3 are placed around the fence 9 and the screw 7 is tightened. A solar light 8 engages the recess in the attachment mechanism 6 and secure the light.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows this interaction in more detail. Here, there is a side view of the clamp 1a as secured to a fence 9. The fence 9 and the upper half 2 and lower half 3 form substandially the same shape. This creates a proper fit that prevents the clamp 1a from slipping or otherwise becoming compromised.

[0046] The clamp 1a as shown in FIG. 1-6 can comprise a variety of material including plastic, metals, resins, and composites. The materials, more specifically may include but are not limited to plastic, rubber, foam, silicone, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), Polycarbonate, PVC (Polyvinylcarbonate), Polystyrene, ABS/PVC, PVC/Acrylic, Polysulfone, Acrylic, Polyethylene, PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate); wood; metals, including but not limited to iron, stainless steel, tin, aluminum, cooper; rubber including but limited to natural rubber, SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber), Isoprene rubber, Butadiene rubber, and chloroprene rubber, or any combination or composites of these materials or other materials and new materials that may be developed or manufactured in future. The exact composition of the clamp 1a,b,c,d should be determined by the support requirements as well as the environmental conditions on where the clamps are placed.

[0047] The clamp 1a,b,c,d can also be made in variety of sizes depending on the situations needs. The clamp 1a should be about 5 cm (2 inches) to about 45 cm (18 inches) and preferably be about 7.5 cm (3 inches) in length. The inner diameter of the clamp 1a should about 1 cm (0.5 inch) to about 10 cm (4 inches) and preferably be about 5 cm (2 inches) and more preferably 3 cm (1.25 inches). The clamp 1a is particularly shaped to fit on either standard chain link fences or colonial style fencing. The inner diameter of the circular style clamp 1b should accommodate about 3.2 cm (1.25 inch) circular piping extending there through.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 clamps serving same purpose as clamps 1a and 1b. The configuration of clamps 1c and 1d is designed to be mounted on top of round, square or rectangular post. The set screws 10 securing the objects attached and the clamps.

[0049] FIG. 9 is showing offset device for horizontal mounted clamps. The offset device is necessary if the solar light is too close to the fence or structure.

[0050] FIG. 10 is showing an offset for vertically mounted clamps serving the same purpose as offset shown in FIG. 9.

[0051] FIG. 11 is showing an adjustable clamp sizing device where base 14 is fitting in to attachment mechanism 6 for any shown embodiments of the clamps or offset devices, and upper part 13 equipped with flexible nylon screw 15 to accommodate any variation of solar lights base sizes. FIG. 12 is providing the top view of the adjustable clamp.

[0052] The hinges 5 may also have spring-like or expandable qualities. This would allow the clamps to securely adhere to items that may be slightly larger than the clamps design. Additionally, if a fence 9 structure is crooked, one hinge 5 may be able to provide for this deformity without compromising the adherence of the clamps as a whole. Thus, the hinge 5 should provide for vertical movement between the upper half 2 and the lower half 3 as well as lateral movement from one hinge 5 relative to the other hinge 5.

[0053] The attachment mechanism 6 is a simple tab and screw 10. The screw 10 can be tightened to tighten the clamps or loosened to loose the clamps. Additionally, the locking mechanism 4 can take number of forms including latches, locks, slid-able mechanisms, and the like. The use of screw 7 or progressive tightening mechanism give more flexibility when securing the clamps to a desired objects.

[0054] The current invention, in general, is drawn to a clamps 1a,b,c,d that can support a variety of objects. However, it is preferred and specifically shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 that the present invention is to form part of a lightning system. The clamps and the attachment mechanism 6 are designed to allow individuals to easily light their yard with lights, in particular solar lights 8. The solar light 8 may be removable or it may be a permanent part of the inventive structure. In the case it is removable, the adjustable clamp 13 can be fit with in the attachment mechanism 6. Generally, the attachment mechanism 6 is designed to have an inner diameter of about 1.9 cm (0.75 inches) and be about 1.9 cm (0.75 inch) in height. This sizing provides ample support for the solar light 8 structure. Additionally, a standard chain link fence typically has piping that is about 3.2 cm (1.25 inch) in diameter. A colonial style fence has square rails that are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Thus, the clamps 1a,b,c, and d can be sized to those configurations to provide a clamped lighting system.

PARTS LIST

[0055] 1aclamp body square [0056] 1bclamp body round [0057] 1cclamp round top mount [0058] 1dclamp square top mount [0059] 2upper half of clamp [0060] 3lower half of clamp [0061] 4securing mechanism [0062] 5hinge [0063] 6attachment mechanism [0064] 7fastening screw [0065] 8solar light [0066] 9fence [0067] 10set screw [0068] 11offset top mount [0069] 12offset side mount [0070] 13adjustable clamptop [0071] 14adjustable clampbottom [0072] 15nylon screw