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 for attaching a lighting device to the top of a fence post, the clamp system comprising: a clamp body having a base, the base having a polygonal configuration, the base including an opening therein, the opening being sized to receive a fence post therein, the base further including a means for securing, the means for securing extendable through the base and into the opening; and an attachment mechanism attached to the clamp body, the attachment mechanism further comprising a receptacle therein, the receptacle further including a means for securing, the means for securing extendable through the receptacle; and whereby when the clamp body receives a fence post top therein, the fence post is secured using the first means for securing, and when a lighting device is positioned within the receptacle, the second means for securing secures the lighting device.

16. The clamp system as described in claim 15, wherein the base polygonal configuration is circular.

17. The clamp system as described in claim 15, wherein the base polygonal configuration is rectangular.

18. The clamp system as described in claim 15, wherein the base polygonal configuration is square.

19. The clamp system as described in claim 15, wherein the means for securing is a fastener.

20. The clamp system as described in claim 15, wherein the means for securing is a set screw.

21. 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.

22. The clamp system as described in claim 21, 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.

23. The clamp system as described in claim 21, wherein the offset device comprises a longitudinal body and a second end, the second end sized to receive an adjustable clamp sizing device.

24. The clamp system as described in claim 21, wherein the two ends are disposed in opposite directions from each other in a Z-like manner.

25. The clamp system as described in claim 22, wherein the offset second end includes an opening therethrough, and a set screw disposed in the opening.

26. The clamp system as described in claim 23, wherein the clamp sizing device is positioned in the offset second end and the clamp sizing device is secured with the set screw.

27. The clamp system as described in claim 25, wherein the clamp sizing device receives the solar light fixture stem.

28. The clamp system as described in claim 21, wherein the clamp sizing device comprises a flexible plastic.

29. The clamp system as described in claim 21, 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.

30. A lighting system for attaching a lighting device to a fence post, the system comprising: a clamp body having a base, the base having a polygonal configuration, the base including an opening therein, the opening being sized to receive a fence post therein, the base further including a means for securing, the means for securing extendable through the base and into the opening; and an attachment mechanism attached to the clamp body, the attachment mechanism further comprising a receptacle therein, the receptacle further including a means for securing, the means for securing extendable through the receptacle; and a lighting device, whereby when the clamp body receives a fence post top therein, the fence post is secured using the first means for securing, and when the lighting device is positioned within the receptacle, the second means for securing secures the lighting device.

31. The lighting system as described in claim 30, wherein the base polygonal configuration is square.

32. The lighting system as described in claim 31, wherein the base polygonal configuration is circular.

33. The lighting system as described in claim 31, further comprising one or more offset devices, the offset device for attachment to the body attachment mechanism, 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 lighting device therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when closed and secured.

[0029] FIG. 4B is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment secured to a fence and supporting light apparatus.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a side view of the preferred embodiment secured to a fence and supporting light apparatus.

[0032] FIG. 7 is an overview of an embodiment designed to be mounted on top of a round fence.

[0033] FIG. 8 is an overview of an alternate embodiment designed to be mounted over square or rectangular top of the fence.

[0034] FIG. 9 is an extension offset for mounting on any top of clamp embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 10 is an extension offset for mounting on any site or vertically mounted clamp.

[0036] FIG. 11 is an adjustable insert to provide variable sizes of objects to be attached to a clamp.

[0037] FIG. 12 is top view of an adjustable insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] 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.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, there is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a clamp la 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 la. 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 la. 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.

[0040] In FIG. 2. there is an alternate clamp lb design. The upper half 2 and the lower half 3 are substantially semi-circular in shape which forms a substantially circular clamp lb. Attached to one side of the clamp lb, are hinges 5 that allow the upper half 2 and lower half 3 to move independent of one another and to open the clamp lb. Opposite the hinges 5 is a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism 4 secures the clamp lb once closed thereby preventing slippage or movement of the clamp lb. The clamp additionally has an attachment mechanism 6 for supporting a number of objects. Objects are locked in position by set screw 10.

[0041] In FIG. 3. there is a rear perspective view of the preferred clamp la.

[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of the clamp la 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 la can be tightened with the screw 7 to ensure the clamp la remains secured to the desired object. In order to open or loosen the clamp la, the screw 7 is loosened ans the upper half 2 or lower half 3 is moved out of position and the clamp la is removed.

[0043] The FIG. 5 shows a clamp la 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.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows this interaction in more detail. Here, there is a side view of the clamp la as secured to a fence 9. The fence 9 and the upper half 2 and lower half 3 form substantially the same shape. This creates a proper fit that prevents the clamp la from slipping or otherwise becoming compromised.

[0045] The clamp la 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 la,b,c,d should be determined by the support requirements as well as the environmental conditions on where the clamps are placed.

[0046] The clamp la,b,c,d can also be made in variety of sizes depending on the situations needs. The clamp la 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 la 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 la is particularly shaped to fit on either standard chain link fences or colonial style fencing. The inner diameter of the circular style clamp lb should accommodate about 3.2 cm (1.25 inch) circular piping extending there through.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 clamps serving same purpose as clamps la and lb. The configuration of clamps lc and ld is designed to be mounted on top of round, square or rectangular post. The set screws 10 securing the objects attached and the clamps.

[0048] 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.

[0049] FIG. 10 is showing an offset for vertically mounted clamps serving the same purpose as offset shown in FIG. 9.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The current invention, in general, is drawn to a clamps la,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 la,b,c, and d can be sized to those configurations to provide a clamped lighting system.

PARTS LIST

[0054] laclamp body square [0055] lbclamp body round [0056] 1cclamp round top mount [0057] ldclamp square top mount [0058] 2upper half of clamp [0059] 3lower half of clamp [0060] 4securing mechanism [0061] 5hinge [0062] 6attachment mechanism [0063] 7fastening screw [0064] 8solar light [0065] 9fence [0066] 10set screw [0067] 11offset top mount [0068] 12offset side mount [0069] 13adjustable clamptop [0070] 14adjustable clampbottom [0071] 15nylon screw