CLAMPING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract: It is common practice to provide clamps for various hydraulic hoses that are utilized on vehicles, to keep them from contact with the adjacent frame structures or movable implements. In addition to providing an orderly appearance, damage to the hoses, which would occur through such contact, is eliminated. The clamping arrangements typically are rather unwieldy, requiring numerous components. Also, they are usually attached to various structural members of the vehicle, through some form of manufacturing process which is both costly and time consuming. The present invention provides a clamping arrangement (10, 10') for a plurality of first conduits (12, 12') that includes two essentially identical body portions (16, 16', 18, 18') that have a plurality of sockets (22, 22') defined therein and are engageable with each other about a second conduit (14, 14'). When engaged with each other, each of the body portions (16, 16', 18, 18') become substantially rigid and nonreleasably secure the first conduits (14, 14') to the second conduit (12, 12').

Description: CLAMPING ARRANGEMENT Technical Field This invention relates generally to clamping arrangements and more particularly to clamping arrangements for securing a first member to a second member. Background Art It is common practice to* utilize various clamping arrangements to retain the position of one or several members with respect to another. A typical example resides in the construction and operation of many vehicles, especially those utilized in the earthmoving industry, where it is very common to employ numerous hydraulically operated implements on one • machine. The use of hydraulics requires the routing of various hoses, tubes or conduits to various portions of the vehicle that are remotely located from a main tank that often serves as a source of fluid for all the hydraulic implements. In routing the hoses it is important that they be supported at various intervals along their length. In addition to providing an orderly appearance, it is imperative that the hoses be held from rubbing contact with each other and the surrounding structures to prevent them from becoming prematurely worn out. This has long been a problem, especially on vehicles that utilize implements that operate at very high fluid pressure. The high pressure fluid passing through the individual conduits tends to cause them to pulsate, creating very forceful movement of the conduits that is difficult to adequately restrain. Typically, the conduits have been restrained in clamp members that are spaced at various intervals and are secured to a surrounding frame member. Each clamp is usually made of metal and functions in a manner similar to a pillow -block, capturing the conduits between two clamp halves. Each half defines contours that engage at least a portion of the conduits, or a rubber grommet that surrounds the conduits for protection thereof. Each clamp usually holds one or two conduits and therefore several clamps, are required to accommodate all the conduits. In addition to the large numbers of clamps required, the method of attachment of each clamp member also presents a problem. Each clamp must have at least a portion thereof secured to the frame by one of a number of manufacturing processes. This can be done in several ways, such as welding or being secured by a series of bolts. The latter, of course, requires the drilling and tapping .of numerous mounting holes in the frame structures. This is very time consuming from the manufacturing and assembly standpoint and the number- of ■ . clamps and associated components adds considerably to the cost of a vehicle. The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Disclosure of the Invention In one aspect of the present invention, a clamping arrangement is adapted for use in securing a first member to a second member. The clamping arrangement includes first and second flexible body portions, with the second flexible body portion having at least one socket formed therein for receiving the first member. A fastening means is defined on each of the respective first and second body portions that cooperate to secure the two body portions together about the second member. The body portions become substantially rigid upon fastening engagement thereof to substantially, nonreleasably secure the first member within the socket. ith a clamping arrangement as such, the two body portions are rendered rigid enough when fastened to each other t'o adequately hold the position of one member with respect to another. Without having to rely on the attachment to surrounding stationary structure for additional support, the clamping arrangement is versatile enough to be quickly and easily installed in a wide variety of applications. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a front view of a clamping arrangement that embodies the principle of the present invention that is being utilized in conjunction with a plurality of conduits that are shown in cross-section. Fig. 2 is a partial front view similar to Fig. 1 that discloses an alternate embodiment of the present invention, with a portion thereof being broken- away. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary σross-sectional view taken along lines III-III of Fig. 2. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to Fig. 1, a clamping arrangement shown generally at 10, is disclosed that is utilized to secure the position of a first member 12 which in the illustrated embodiment is a plurality of first conduits, in a preselected array with respect to a second member 14, which is shown to be a second conduit. The clamping arrangement is defined by a first and second flexible body portion 16 and 18. Each of the first and second body portions 16 and 18 are identical and therefore the same reference numerals will apply to both components. Each body portion is generally curvilinear in configuration and defines an inner surface 20 that is substantially semi-circular. A plurality of generally circular receptacles or sockets 22 are defined in each body portion and are positioned to open onto an outer surface 24. Each of . the sockets are of a preselected diameter that is sufficient to receive one of the plurality of first conduits 12 and encompass approximately 270° of each conduit. The sockets 22 are spaced along the outer surface 24 to define a plurality of lands 26 which isolate one conduit from the next. A fastening means 28 in the form of a flange member 30 is connected to opposite ends 32 and 34 of each body portion 16 and 18 0 and extends outwardly therefrom to define a generally horizontal mounting surface 36. Each flange 30 has an aperture 38 that extends vertically therethrough, as viewed in Fig. 1, to receive a releasable connector or threaded fastener -40. 5 Turning now to Figs. 2 and 3, an alternate clamping arrangement 10* is disclosed. Since there are many similarities between the two embodiments, similar " elements will be indicated by the jsame reference numerals; however, those numerals in Figs. 2 and 3 will o also include a prime indicator ■ "". The clamping arrangement 10* includes a first and second flexible body portion 16* and 18 • . Each body portion defines a generally semi-circular inner surface 20 1 , and a plurality of sockets 22' therein. 5 The sockets 22' are positioned in each body portion so that approximately 350° of a circle are defined in each body portion and that each socket 22' opens onto the inner surface 20' . A fastening means 28' is defined on cooperating opposite ends 32' and 34 1 of each body portion. On the end 32 1 a relief 42 is formed on a first or front face 44 as viewed in Fig. 2, which in turn defines a forwardly facing mounting surface 46 (Fig. 3). Centrally disposed along the mounting surface 46 is a transversely extending tapered 5 channel or groove 48. A pair of generally oblong openings 50 are formed in the end 32' and are positioned in the mounting surface 46 on opposite sides of the groove 48 and open onto an outer surface 24' of the body portion 16' and 18'. On the end 34", a relief 52 is formed on a second or rear face 54, as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3 and defines a rearwardly facing mounting surface 56. A transverse tongue 58 extends outwardly from the mounting surface 56 and is centrally disposed thereon. The tongue is tapered in a manner to be compatible with the tapered groove 48. A pair of generally oblong openings 60 are formed in the end 34' and are located in the mounting surface 56 on opposite sides of the tongue 58 and open onto the inner surface 20' of each body member 16' and 18'. Industrial Applicability In the illustrated embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the clamping arrangement 10 is utilized to secure the position of a plurality of first conduits 12 in a preselected array about a second conduit 14. In the present instance, the second conduit 14 is a main supply hose that extends between a tank or fluid source (not shown) and a plurality of hydraulic implements (not shown) for supply of fluid thereto. The first conduits 12 extend from each of the hydraulic implements to the tank to return fluid back to the source. Initially, the first conduits 12 are positioned within one of the respective sockets 22 defined in either of the first or second body portions 16 and 18 when the body portions are in an undamped condition. The body portions are made of a material that is flexible enough to allow the opposite ends 32 and 34 to be moved towards each other to aid the insertion of the second conduits 14 into the sockets 22. Such a material, for example, could be polyurethane having a hardness of between 70-80 Shore D durometer. This is accomplished with the respective body portions on opposite sides of the second conduit 14. When all the return lines are positioned within the sockets, the first and second body portions are moved toward one another so that the mounting surface 36 formed on the flanges 30 of the respective body portions 16 and 18 oppose each other for face-to-face engagement. In this position, the apertures 38 formed in the flanges 30 of the respective body portions 16 and 18 are in alignment to receive the threaded fastener 40 which is most commonly a bolt, washer, and nut. Upon sufficient tightening of the threaded fastener, the inner surfaces 20 of the body portion combine to form an aperture 62 which has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the second conduit 14, and achieves a gripping engagement therewith. Also, upon securement of the fasteners 40, the respective body portions are rendered substantially inflexible, and nonreleasably secure the first conduits 12 within their respective sockets 22. When attaching the clamping arrangement 10' shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the basic approach is the same. The first and second body portions 16' and 18* are positioned on opposite sides of the second conduit 14' and the first conduits 12' are positioned within the respective sockets 22' utilizing the natural flexibility of undamped body portions. Since the sockets 22' open onto the inner surfaces 22' which will be adjacent to the second conduit 14, their egress will be prevented. As a result, the body portions may be constructed of material that is much softer than the material required for the embodiment of Fig. 1. Upon insertion of the first conduits 12' into the sockets 22', the body portions 16' and 18' may be moved towards the second conduit 14' for engagement of the fastening means 28'. Since the first and second body portions 16* and 18' are positioned in opposing relation to each other, the tongue 58 of the second end 34' of the second body portion . 18' will be aligned with the groove 48 in the first end 32' of the first body portion 16' and the reverse relationship occurs between the remaining two leg members. By utilizing the flexibility of the body portions, the respective tongue members 58 may be "snapped" into the respective grooves 48 in a direction that is parallel with an axis defined by the second conduit 14' . The body portions combine to form an aperture 62' that receives the second conduit and provides a circumferential grasp thereabout to secure the position of the first conduits 12' with respect to the second conduit. Also, when the body portions 16' and 18' are engaged in this manner, the openings 50 -and 60 of the respective end portions 32' and 34' align with each other to form a centrally disposed opening to receive a threaded fastener 40' on opposite sides of each tongue-and-groove connection. Since the material may be extremely flexible, the threaded fasteners 40' hold the two body portions 16' and 18' from undesired movement away from each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the second conduit 14' while the tongue-and-groove connection holds the two body portions against movement away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the second conduit. While this invention has been described for use with a plurality of fluid conduits, it is to be understood that a clamping apparatus that embodies the principles of the present invention could also be utilized in a variety of applications such as securing a plurality of wires together or clamping two components of dissimilar shape and construction together. With either of the clamping arrangements described above, the numerous return lines that are normally associated with the vehicle that utilize hydraulic componentry, are very effectively clamped to the main supply hose in a very neat and economical manner. Since the clamping components attach only to themselves, no manufacturing process is required to be performed on any of the surrounding structural components of the vehicle. Also, the material utilized in the clamp body portions functions to aid insertion of the return hoses into the socket as well as provides sufficient rigidity to the arrangement to hold the hoses in position when clamped together. While providing this dual function, the method of fastening the clamp components together allows them to be made from very inexpensive, readily available material. Other aspects, objects and advantages of this invention can be obtined from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A clamping arrangement adapted for use in securing a first member to a second member, comprising: 5 a first flexible body portion (16,16') a second flexible body portion (18,18*) having at least one socket (22,22') formed therein for receiving said first member (12,12* ) ; and means (28,28') for fastening said first and _ ■ Q second body portions (16,16* ,18,18' ) together about said second member (14,14* ), said fastening means (28,28*) being defined by each of the respective first and second body portions (16,16* ,18,18' ), said body portions (16,16* ,18,18* ) becoming substantially rigid 5 upon fastening engagement thereof to substantially, non-releasably secure the first member (12,12* ) within said socket (22,22*). 2. The clamping arrangement (10,10* ) as set 20 forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second body portions (16,16* ,18,18' ) have a curvilinear configuration and define a generally semi-circular inner surface (20,20* ). 25 ' 3. The clamping arrangement (10,10* ) as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of the first and second body portions (16,16' ,18,18' ) have a flange member (30) extending from opposite ends ( 32, 32' ,34, 3 ' ) thereof, said first and second body portions (16,16' ,18,18' ) 3 Q being positionable with their respective flange members ( 30) in abutting engagement with each other with the inner surfaces (20,20') of the first and second body portions (16,16'18,18' ) forming a generally circular aperture (62,62') having a diameter sufficient for 35 clamping engagement with the second member (14,14'). 4. The clamping arrangement (10,10* ) as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of the flange members (30) of the first and second body portions (16,16* ,18,18' ) defines an aperture (38) that extends therethrough, said apertures ( 38) defined in the flanges (30) of the first ' body portion (16,16*) being alignable with the apertures ( 38) defined in the flanges (30) of the second body portion (18,18* ). 5. The clamping arrangement (10,10' ) as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fastening means (28,28') further includes a releasable connector (40,40' ) positioned in the aligned apertures (38) of the respective flange members (30) to secure the first and second body portions (16,16' ,18,18' ) to each other and to the second member (14,14'). 6. • The clamping arrangement (10,10') as set forth in claim 1 wherein said socket ( 22, 22' ) is positioned in said second body portion (18,18*) in a manner wherein a portion of the socket ( 22, 22' ) opens onto an outer surface (24,2_') of said body portion (18,18') away from the second member (14,14' ). 7. The clamping arrangement (10,10') as set forth in claim 6 wherein the portion of the socket (22,22* ) that is defined in said body portion (18,18') has a generally circular configuration of approximately 8. The clamping arrangement (10,10' ) as set forth in claim 2 wherein said socket (22,22') is positioned in said body portion (18,18') in a manner wherein a portion of the socket (22,22') opens onto the inner surface (20,20' ) of the body portion (18,18*) facing the second member (14,14') and defines a circular portion greater than 270°. 9. The clamping arrangement (10,10' ) as set forth in claim 1 wherein a plurality, of sockets (22,22*) are formed in each of the first and second body portions (16,16* ,18,18' ). 10. The clamping arrangement (10,10* ) as set forth in claim 9 wherein said second member (14,14*) is a fluid conduit that extends between a source of pressurized fluid and a plurality of work implements to supply fluid thereto. 11. The clamping arrangement (10,10' ) as set forth in claim 10 wherein said first member (12,1 ' 2') is one of a plurality of conduits that extend from each of said implements to said fluid source to return fluid to said source, each of said first conduits (12,12*) being received in one of said plurality of- sockets ( 22,22' ) defined in one of the first and .second body portions (16,16',18,18' ). 12. A clamping arrangement (10,10' ) comprising: a plurality of first conduits (14,14* ) that communicate fluid from a plurality of implements to a fluid source; a second conduit (14,14* ) that communicates fluid from said fluid source to said plurality of implements ; and first and second body portions (16,16* ,18,18' ), each having a curvilinear surface ( 20, 20' ) and a plurality of sockets ( 22, 22* ) formed therein, said body portions (16,16' ,18,18' ) defining a selectively engageable fastening means ( 28, 28* ) to permit the selective positioning of the respective body portions (16,16* ,18,18* ) between a first condition wherein said body portions (16, 16' ,18, 18* ) are disengaged from each other and each of the first conduits (12,12' ) may be releasably received within the plurality of sockets (22,22' ), and a second condition wherein said first and second body portions (16,16',18,18* ) are engaged with one another in a manner wherein said curvilinear surfaces ( 20, 20* ) cooperate to form an aperture (62,62*) having a diameter sufficient for grippingly receiving the second conduit (14,1 *) therein whereupon said first conduits (12,12*) are nonreleasably retained in the sockets (22,22*) to prevent movement thereof with respect to the second conduit (14,14'). 13. The clamping arrangement (10,10* ), as set forth in claim 12, wherein each of the first and second body portions (16,16* ,18,18* ) has a first end portion ( 2,32*) that defines a tapered groove (48) and an opening (50) that extends therethrough, and a second end portion (34,34' ) -that defines a tapered tongue member (58) and an opening (60) that extends therethrough, said first and second end portions ( 32, 32' ,34,34' ) of the first body portion (16,16') being engageable with the second and first end portions, respectively, ( 34, 3 _' , 32, 32' ) of the second body portion (18,18') to form a tongue-and-groove connection therebetween when the first and second body portions (16,16* ,18,18' ) are in said second condition. 14. The clamping arrangement (10,10* ), as set forth in claim 13, wherein the openings (50,60) defined in the first and second end portions ( 32, 32' ,34, 34* ) of the first body portion (16,16') are alignable with the openings (50,60) defined in the first and second end portions ( 32, 32' ,34,34' ) of the second body portion (18,18') to receive a releasable connector (40,40') therein to maintain said first and second body portions (16,16' ,18,18* ) in their second condition. 15. The clamping arrangement (10,10'), as set forth in claim 12, wherein said sockets (22,22*) are generally circular in configuration and encompass approximately 270° of the first conduits (12,12* ). 16. The clamping arrangement (10,10* ), as set forth in claim 15, wherein said sockets (22,22' ) open onto one of an inner or outer surface (20, 20* , 24, 24' ) of said first and second body portion (16,16* ,18,18' ). 17. The clamping arrangement (10,10' ), as set forth in claim 14, wherein the engagement of the respective tongue members (58) within the respective grooves ( 48) functions to prevent movement of the first and second body portions (16, 16' ,18,18' ) away from each other in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the , second conduic (14,14') and said releasable connector ( 40,40') is positioned within the Openings (50,60) of the first and second end portions ( 32, 32* ,34, 34' ) to prevent movement of the first and second body portions (16, 16' ,18,18' ) in a direction parallel to the axis of the second conduit (14,14' ).

Inventors: MUNTJANOFF JOHN R, RHODES LARRY K, MUNTJANOFF, JOHN, R., RHODES, LARRY, K.
Applicants: CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO, CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO.
Application year: 1985
Main classification: F16L3
IPC codes: F16L3