Patent ID: 9314910
Filing Date: 2016-04-19
CPC Classification: B25B,F16L

Claim Text:
1. A flange clamp comprising, opposing first and second clamp parts clamping a flange under pressure during a bolt exchange with preloading parts arranged to preload the opposing clamp parts towards each other, the first clamp part having a lower outer surface opposing an upper outer surface of the second clamp part; and first and second contraholders, wherein a radial position of each of the first and second contraholders within the second clamp part is outside of an outer diameter of the flange without contacting the flange, wherein a position of each of the first and second contraholders within the second clamp part is adjustable to achieve contact of each of the first and second contraholders with the first clamp part and wherein each of the first and second contraholders is in contact with the lower outer surface of the first clamp part when the contraholders are in use; wherein the clamp parts are preloaded toward each other while maintaining the flange under pressure, the contraholders in contact with the lower outer surface of the first clamp part each operate as a back stop to absorb the preload outside of the flange.