Patent Publication Number: US-2021177185-A1

Title: Vertical pipe clamp coupler

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/727,695, filed Oct. 9, 2017, and entitled “Connector for Pipes” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/417,121, filed Nov. 3, 2016, and entitled “Coupler for Pipes.” This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/984,182, filed Mar. 2, 2020, and entitled “Vertical Pipe Clamp Coupler.” This application is also a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Design Application No. 29/739,477 filed Jun. 25, 2020 and entitled “Connector Accessory for Pipes.” The entire contents of the above-identified applications are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to couplers for drape rods of the type typically found in exhibit booths. In even greater particularity, the present invention relates to a clamp coupler adaptor to affix to an end of a vertical pipe to allow accessories for drape rods to be mounted. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the prior art, exhibit booths and the like are constructed using a tubular framework supporting drapes as walls and or covers. Many of these booths are constructed using a hook-and-slot system, which utilize upright aluminum poles with slots formed near the top regions thereof for receiving hooks secured to and extending from the ends of horizontal tubular rods. Draping material is placed over the horizontal rods to form booths or partitions as may be required. Pipe and drape walls traditionally have a bumpy appearance due to the height difference of the vertical members in relation to the top of horizontally disposed connecting rods. Additionally, the steel hooks on industry standard horizontal drape rods have a tendency to “tear” the aluminum vertical uprights in a “can opener” effect when the steel hooks are inserted in the existing slots in the uprights. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present pipe-mounted clamp coupler enables the industry standard hooks on horizontal rods and other accessories to rest at such a height as to provide uniform appearance to the top of drape walls. A further object is to allow a clamp coupler adaptor to mount on a pipe or rod vertical end to allow one or more accessory connections to be affixed to the vertical pipe. The clamp coupler is configured with a hinged body that is closable around the pipe and secured with a screw tightener. The clamp coupler includes a connection bridge that supports a coupler to receive accessories. The accessories may include a castletop coupler that is either affixed to the connection bridge or mounts on the coupler affixed to the connection bridge. A further object is to allow multiple horizontal rods to be mounted in parallel from a single vertical pipe via one or more couplers. 
     The pipe-mounted clamp coupler prevents the steel hooks on industry standard horizontal drape rods from “tearing” into the support pipes. The pipe-mounted coupler allows accessories for the industry standard hooks to be inserted at a wider angle of insertion and to allow easier connection as compared to the narrow industry standard slots. The pipe-mounted coupler accomplishes the foregoing benefits using industry standard fasteners or hooks. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the example embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated example embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring to the drawings, which are appended hereto and which form a portion of this disclosure, it may be seen that: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a clamp coupler. 
         FIG. 2  is a side plan view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler mounted on a vertical pipe. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler mounted on a vertical pipe. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The example embodiments described herein provide a clamp coupler  40  that supports a coupler  10  for connecting substantially orthogonally disposed rods to vertical support pipes in a pipe and drape exhibit booth construction. The “Pipe and Drape” industry, is a subset of exhibition and convention services in which frameworks are constructed from horizontally and vertically disposed members in such a fashion to allow draperies or curtains to hang and create division of space in convention halls or other similar areas by arranging drapery walls and booths. The coupler  10  is designed to provide an improvement to form and function over the industry standard hook and slot technology, yet allowing users of existing systems to continue using their inventory of components. 
     The clamp coupler  40  allows accessories, such as coupler  10 , to be affixed to the end of the vertical pipe. The accessories may include a castletop coupler that is either affixed to the connection bridge or mounts on the coupler affixed to the connection bridge. The accessories might allow a coupler  10  to be affixed to the clamp coupler  40  in an offset position. The accessories might allow a second and third coupler be affixed to the first coupler  10  in offset positions to allow additional rods to be vertically supported. The clamp coupler  40  allows additional rods to be connected to the top of a single vertical pipe or wall mounted coupler  10 . In examples herein, when one coupler  10  is being described, other examples that include two or more couplers  10  in any configuration may be envisioned to operate substantially similarly. 
       FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of the clamp coupler  40 , which is used to construct the aforesaid pipe and drape booths. Because the steel terminal hooks traditionally used on the transverse rods to connect to the vertical member are used to connect to the instant coupler  10  or other attached accessory, the steel hooks are not illustrated. The clamp coupler  40  includes features such as a screw tightener  41 , a screw connection  42 , a connection bridge  43 , a clamp hinge  44 , a screw receiver  45 , a clamp body  46  and  47 , and an accessory, such as coupler  10 . Preferably, clamp coupler  40  will be made from durable reinforced polymer material, ABS plastic, Delrin, polyurethane, or some other suitable material that has sufficient strength and rigidity to effectuate the connection. 
     The clamp coupler  40  fits onto a vertically configured pipe, rod, tube, or other member. The pipe fits within the circular body of clamp coupler  40  because the inner diameter of the clamp coupler  40  when loosely fastened is greater than the outer diameter of the pipe. In an example, the clamp coupler  40  opens via the clamp hinge  44  in a clamshell manner. The clamp coupler  40  is placed around the pipe with the clamp hinge  44  open to allow the two portions of the clamp body  46 ,  47  of the clamp coupler  40  to encircle the pipe. The vertically positioned pipe may be any suitable size, such as 2 inch, 3 inch, or 4 inch pipe. The vertically positioned pipe may be any suitable type of metal or plastic pipe, tube, or other similarly cylindrical member. 
     The clamp body portions  46 ,  47  are closed via the clamp hinge  44  around the pipe circumference. In an example, the clamp coupler  40  closes via the clamp hinge  44  in the manner of a closing clamshell device. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp body portions  46 ,  47  do not employ a clamp hinge  44  to open and close around a pipe. In an alternate example, the clamp body  46 ,  47  is flexible such that the clamp body  46 ,  47  may be flexed open to allow the clamp coupler  40  be placed around the pipe. In another example, the clamp body  46 ,  47  is configured of two pieces with connectors in two positions. For example, screw type fasteners are on two opposing sides of the clamp coupler  40 . In another example, two different types of connectors are on two opposing sides of the clamp coupler  40 , such as screw type fastener on one side and a clip fastener on the opposing side. 
     In an example, the screw tightener  41  is affixed to the screw connection  42  with a rotatable connection. That is, the screw tightener  41  may be swung open and away from the screw receiver  45  to allow the clamp coupler  40  to be placed around the pipe and then closed when the clamp coupler  40  is around the pipe. 
     After the clamp body portions  46 ,  47  are closed via the clamp hinge  44  around the pipe circumference, the screw tightener  41  is rotated to allow the end of the screw tightener  41  opposite the screw connection  42  to be placed into the screw receiver  45 . Any suitable means of engaging the screw tightener  41  may be used. For example, a wingnut may be placed on the screw tightener  41  and turned to cause the screw tightener  41  to tighten the clamp coupler  40 . In another example, a nut is threaded onto the screw tightener  41 . In another example, the screw tightener  41  threads onto threads embedded in the screw receiver  45 . That is, the screw tightener  41  spins freely into stationary threads of the screw receiver  45 . In another example, the screw tightener  41  is not a threaded screw, but is instead a different type of locking or tightening fastener. 
     As the screw tightener  41  is tightened, the clamp body portions  46 ,  47  are drawn together to reduce the circumference of the clamp coupler  40 . As the circumference is reduced, the clamp coupler  40  tightens around the pipe. When the clamp coupler  40  is sufficiently tight around the pipe, the clamp coupler  40  becomes affixed in the position on the pipe based on the friction created by the compression of the clamp coupler  40  on the pipe. 
     In an example, one or both of the clamp body portions  46 ,  47  has a contoured, scalloped inner perimeter as depicted in clamp body portion  46  in  FIG. 1 . The one or more scallops of the contour allow the clamp coupler  40  to be affixed to multiple pipe diameters. The scalloped inner perimeter allows the clamp body portions  46 ,  47  to get a firm “bite” on the pipe despite variations in the diameter of the pipe. The degree of curvature of each scalloped portion may vary based on the sizes of pipes that are likely to be encountered. For example, if a fewer number of sizes are likely to be encountered, such as only 2 or 3 inch pipes, then a fewer number of scallops may be required, scallops with a larger radius of curvature may be required, or both. If a greater number of sizes are likely to be encountered, such as only 2, 2.5, 3, or 4 inch pipes, then a greater number of scallops may be required, scallops with a smaller radius of curvature may be required, or both. In another example, one or both of the clamp body portions  46 ,  47  may be constructed of a material that allows a small amount of flex. That is the clamp body portions  46 ,  47  are stiff enough to provide a firm support for affixed rods but are pliable enough to bend around differently sized pipes when compressed. 
     In examples, the connection bridge  43  and the coupler  10  may be mounted to either clamp body portion  46  or clamp body portion  47  such that the coupler  10  is positioned vertically to receive steel hooks or other connectors for drapes and rods. The connection bridge  43  connects the coupler to a portion of the clamp coupler  40 . The coupler  10  may be any suitable connector for drapes and rods, such as the castletop coupler. In another example, a castletop coupler mounts on the coupler  10  affixed to the connection bridge  43 . Any other suitable coupler may be either mounted to the connection bridge  43  or mounted onto the coupler  10 . 
     The connection bridge  43  may be of various lengths to allow the desired positioning of the coupler  10  with respect to the pipe. For example, the connection bridge  43  is illustrated as being of a minimal length such that the coupler  10  is adjacent to the clamp body portion  47 , but the connection bridge  43  may alternatively be 1, 2, or 3 inches long or any other suitable length depending on how far the coupler  10  should be from the clamp body portion  47 . In another example, the coupler  10  may be mounted at a different angle from the vertical angle depicted. For example, if the pipe to which the clamp coupler  40  is mounted is horizontal instead of vertical, then the coupler  10  may be rotated 90 degrees on the connection bridge  43  such that the coupler  10  is facing upwards even though the clamp coupler  40  is facing horizontally. Any other angle may be used, such as 30 or 45 degrees from vertical. 
     In an alternate embodiment, two or more couplers  10  may be mounted on the clamp coupler  40 . For example, one coupler  10  is mounted to a connection bridge  43  affixed to clamp body portion  46 , and a second coupler  10  is mounted to a connection bridge  43  affixed to clamp body portion  47 . By having a coupler  10  on both sides of the clamp coupler  40 , the embodiment allows drapes and rods to be affixed to both sides of the pipe. Any other types of coupler, connector, or accessory may be affixed to the clamp coupler  40  to allow drapes and rods and other hanging booth paraphernalia to be supported by the pipe. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler  40 . The illustration includes the clamp coupler  40  and features such as a screw tightener  41 , a screw connection  42 , a clamp hinge  44 , a clamp body  47 , and an accessory, such as coupler  10  as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The clamp coupler  40  is illustrated as being closed with the screw tightener  41  being rotated to allow the end of the screw tightener  41  opposite the screw connection  42  to be placed into the screw receiver  45 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler  40 . The illustration includes a screw tightener  41 , a screw connection  42 , a connection bridge  43 , a clamp hinge  44 , a screw receiver  45 , a clamp body  46  and  47 , and an accessory, such as coupler  10 , as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The clamp coupler  40  is illustrated as being closed with the screw tightener  41  being rotated to allow the end of the screw tightener  41  opposite the screw connection  42  to be placed into the screw receiver  45 . From this position, the screw tightener  41  may be tightened to reduce the circumference of the clamp coupler  40  to match the circumference of the pipe. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler  40 . The illustration includes a screw tightener  41 , a screw connection  42 , a connection bridge  43 , a clamp hinge  44 , a screw receiver  45 , a clamp body  46  and  47 , and an accessory, such as coupler  10 , as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The clamp coupler  40  is illustrated as being closed with the screw tightener  41  being rotated to allow the end of the screw tightener  41  opposite the screw connection  42  to be placed into the screw receiver  45 . From this position, the screw tightener  41  may be tightened to reduce the circumference of the clamp coupler  40  to match the circumference of the pipe. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler  40  mounted on a vertical pipe  30 . The illustration includes a screw tightener  41 , a screw connection  42 , a connection bridge  43 , a screw receiver  45 , a clamp body  46  and  47 , and an accessory, such as coupler  10 . The clamp coupler  40  is illustrated as being closed around the vertical pipe  30 . The screw tightener  41  is rotated to allow the end of the screw tightener  41  opposite the screw connection  42  to be placed into the screw receiver  45 . From this position, the screw tightener  41  may be tightened to reduce the circumference of the clamp coupler  40  to match the circumference of the pipe  30 . The screw tightener  41  is illustrated with a wingnut  48 . The wingnut  48  screws onto the screw tightener  41  and forces the clamp body  46  and the clamp body  47  together to close around the vertical pipe  30 . Other devices may be used to tighten the screw tightener  41  as described herein. The scallops on the clamp body  46  are shown as being pressed into the vertical pipe  30  and creating a friction connection to secure the clamp coupler  40  to the vertical pipe  30 . 
     As illustrated, the screw receiver  45  and the screw connection  42  do not meet when the clamp coupler  40  is tightened around the pipe  30 . Because the clamp coupler  40  is able to create a secure friction connection to the vertical pipe  30  without closing completely together, different sized vertical pipes  30  may be used. For example, if the vertical pipe  30  were smaller, then the screw receiver  45  and the screw connection  42  would be closer together when tightened. If the vertical pipe  30  were larger, then the screw receiver  45  and the screw connection  42  would be farther apart when tightened. As the screw tightener  41  is long enough to tighten the clamp coupler  40  over a range of distances and due to the scalloped interior, the clamp coupler  40  is usable over a variety of pipe sizes. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp coupler  40  mounted on a vertical pipe  30 . The illustration includes a screw tightener  41 , a connection bridge  43 , a screw receiver  45 , a clamp body  46  and  47 , a clamp hinge  44  and an accessory, such as coupler  10 . The clamp coupler  40  is illustrated as being closed around the vertical pipe  30 . The screw tightener  41  is rotated to allow the end of the screw tightener  41  opposite the screw connection  42  to be placed into the screw receiver  45 . From this position, the screw tightener  41  may be tightened to reduce the circumference of the clamp coupler  40  to match the circumference of the vertical pipe  30 . The screw tightener  41  is illustrated with a wingnut  48 . The wingnut  48  screws onto the screw tightener  41  and forces the clamp body  46  and the clamp body  47  together to close around the vertical pipe  30 . Other devices may be used to tighten the screw tightener  41  as described herein. The scallops on the clamp body  46  are shown as being pressed into the vertical pipe  30  and creating a friction connection to secure the clamp coupler  40  to the vertical pipe  30 .