Patent ID: 6056332
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A clamping apparatus for engaging a pair of abutting flanges, the apparatus comprising:a pivot end of a first clamp portion pivotally joined to a pivot end of a second clamp portion by a means for pivoting, such that the first and second clamp portions may be mutually rotated into an open attitude for enabling one of the first and second clamp portions to be placed in contact with the abutting flanges;the pivoting means further enabling the first and second clamp portions to be alternately mutually rotated into a closed attitude for enabling the other of the first and second clamp portions to be placed in contact with the abutting flanges, the clamping portions thereby being drawn into mutually opposing positions so as to place a clamp end of each of the clamp portions in mutual proximity;a means for clamping removably engaging the clamp ends so as to secure the clamp portions in the closed attitude; anda means for urging engaged with the clamping portions such that when the clamping portions are only partially open, the urging means biases the clamping portions towards the closed attitude, but when the clamping portions are opened substantially, the urging means biases the clamping portions towards the open attitude.