Patent Publication Number: US-10781970-B1

Title: Friction clamp for tubular structures featuring lateral connectors

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The following invention relates to friction clamps with generally semi-cylindrical forms and with a slot into which a tubular or other cylindrical member can snap for holding the clamp (and intermediate items such as flexible sheeting) to the tubular item. More particularly, this invention relates to clamps which feature a lateral connector such as in the form of a receiver which can receive an end of a tubular member similar to that which snaps into the slot, or a tab which can mate to a tab on an item to be connected to the clamp, through associated hardware, so that other items can be coupled to or otherwise suspended from the clamp, other than by being sandwiched between the tubular item and the slot therein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Friction clamps are known in the prior art which are typically formed of injection moldable plastic material, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and which have sufficiently thin walls that they can snap onto a tubular or other cylindrical structure. Often the clamp is sized so that it can snap onto other elongate PVC pipes having a similar diameter. Friction clamps of different standard sizes can be provided for attachment to standard sizes of PVC pipes (or other tubular and/or cylindrical members). An example of such friction clamps is provided by Circo Innovations, Inc. of Grass Valley, Calif., under the trademark “SNAP CLAMPS.” A common use for such friction clamps is to allow thin flexible sheeting material to be attached to tubular structural members, such as when providing simple enclosures such as greenhouses, or when providing shade structures or other structures formed of simple tubular elements and which require some flexible sheeting material to be attached thereto in some fashion. 
     While a great amount of flexibility is provided with basic friction clamps, allowing them to hold sheeting to a structural tubular skeleton, such as of PVC material, to achieve a variety of different desired configurations, friction clamps have some limits. Often joints between tubular structural members require some form of couplings having receiver recesses which are appropriately sized and oriented to hold tubular members adjacent thereto in a desired orientation. For instance, 90° elbows or three-way 90° elbows can provide contours for various different structures. With prior art friction clamps, the clamp is limited to holding sheeting material onto the underlying tubular member, and the tubular members need appropriate joint hardware to form a desired structure and to provide desired strength to the structure. If a clamp could have a way to attach to an end of a tubular or other structural member, such a clamp could provide the dual function of holding flexible sheeting material to the structure and providing an interface with additional structural members themselves, to join such elongate members together. 
     Some structural members of a tubular or other elongate nature are more temporary in nature or are desired to be included after a tubular skeletal structure has already been constructed. In the prior art, adding to existing structures at midpoints within the skeletal structure generally requires cutting of existing members so that other elements can be appropriately interposed therein where desired. This cutting and fitting process can be time-consuming and particularly undesirable for temporary modifications to a structure. 
     As one example, a greenhouse might be initially constructed, and after it has been completed, it may be determined that modifications to the greenhouse are called for, such as providing additional rigidity to the structure to withstand wind loads, or to allow for framing in of windows into walls of the structure, or to provide additional support to keep flexible fabric material of the greenhouse from sagging inwardly undesirably. In the prior art, to accommodate addition of such structural members, locations with an existing structure need to be identified, cut and fitted with new joints and structural members to complete the desired structural modifications. The time and expense associated with such modifications can be prohibitive. Furthermore, after completing the modifications, they might be determined to be suboptimal. If such additional structural elements could be merely “snapped” onto existing structural members in a temporary fashion, such structural modifications would be greatly simplified, reduce time involved and would provide for greater convenience and flexibility in making further modifications if initial modifications are less than optimal. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a friction clamp which has a lateral connector thereon, such that tubular members and other items attached to such a lateral connector can be conveniently snapped onto and off of other tubular members through the existing slot in the friction clap. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With this invention, a friction clamp is provided which has been modified to include a lateral connector thereon. A basic main portion of the clamp is similar to prior art friction clamps, including a cylindrical body formed of at least partially flexible material. The body extends between a first end a second end opposite the first end and with the body having a slot extending between the first end and the second end. The slot is bounded by edges which are typically linear and define a width of the slot. These edges are typically slightly closer to each other than a diameter of an inner semi-cylindrical surface of the slot, and material forming the snap clamp is sufficiently flexible and elastic that a tubular member with a diameter matching the inner surface of the slot can be snapped between these edges, with the edges flexing laterally until the tubular member is captured within the slot. 
     The clamp of this invention further features a portion of at least one fastener extending laterally from the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body. This portion of a fastener is in one embodiment a receiver extending linearly away from a central axis of the cylindrical body of the clamp. Preferably, this receiver has a cylindrical recess extending into an end of the receiver most distant from the cylindrical body of the clamp. This recess can receive an end of a tubular member, and in a preferred embodiment a tubular member having a similar diameter to that which is snapped into the slot of the clamp. In various embodiments, other sizes (or cross-sectional shapes) of elongate members could have their ends received within the recess of the receiver. 
     An end of the tubular member could be glued into the recess of the receiver, such as with PVC cement if the end of the tubular member and the clamp are both formed of PVC or other compatible materials, or some other adhesive could be utilized for a permanent attachment with in the recess. Alternatively, a friction fit can be provided and the end of the tubular member can be temporarily (or permanently) fitted within the recesses of the receiver. As another alternative, a fastener can be utilized passing through walls of the receiver and through the recess, as well as through an end of the elongate member, for temporary but secure attachment of an end of an elongate member within the recess of the receiver. 
     While a circular cross-section is shown for the receiver, other forms of cross-sections could alternatively be provided, such as square, rectangular or triangular, etc. The receiver is shown extending laterally within a plane generally perpendicular to a plane bisecting the edges of the slot of the clamp. However, the receiver could extend in other planes, such as within a plane coplanar with a plane bisecting the edges of the slot, or diagonal relative to the plane bisecting the edges of the slot. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the lateral connector is in the form of a tab extending laterally away from the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body of the clamp. This tab has a hole passing laterally therethrough and a tab of similar (or other compatible) form on an end of a tubular or other elongate member can be placed adjacent to this tab, with appropriate hardware passing through the holes of the two tabs, and the hardware tightened to secure the elongate member to a clamp through the tabs. The tabs can be rotated relative to each other with the hardware loosened, and then the hardware can be tightened, so that adjustability is provided for the angle at which the elongate member is attached to the clamp through such tabs. Ribs on surfaces of the tab can assist in securely maintaining a desired angular orientation, especially when ribs are provided on both the tab of the clamp and the tab on the end of the tubular member. In one embodiment, a basic plug can be glued or friction fitted into an end of a tubular member, and an outer surface of such a plug can include a basic tab matching the tab extending laterally from the outer cylindrical surface of the clamp, so that any tubular member can have such a tab easily added thereto for connection of the elongate member to the clamp via the tabs at a desired angle. 
     While in one embodiment a single tab extends laterally from the clamp within a plane generally perpendicular to a plane bisecting the edges of the slot in the clamp, such a single tab could have other orientations relative to this plane bisecting the edges of the slot in the clamp. Furthermore, multiple tabs can be provided, such as two tabs oriented within a common plane on opposite sides of the clamp, or two tabs with an angular spacing other than 180°, such as a 90° spacing. A further alternative is to provide three tabs with generally equal circumferential spacing, and with one tab adjacent to each of the edges of the slot and one tab midway between these other two tabs and opposite the opening into the slot, and with each of the tabs general extending radially away from a central axis of the clamp. With such multiple tabs, the snap clamp can function in a hybrid fashion, both to temporarily and easily snap onto existing tubular structures through the slot thereof, with or without simultaneously also holding sheeting material of a flexible nature to the tubular structure, and also can provide a structural interface for connecting to other items such as elongate members or plugs with hooks, or other similar accessories. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a friction clamp which includes a lateral connector through which items can be attached to the clamp, other than through the slot in the clamp. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a friction clamp which can attach both to flexible sheeting material and to elongate structural members and other items. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling for use with tubular skeletal structures which is a hybrid between attaching to ends of structural members and snapping laterally onto structural members. 
     Another object of the present invention it to provide a connector within a tubular structure which can be temporarily attached and detached securely within the structure to provide temporary and/or simplified structural initial construction or modification to existing structures. 
     Another object to the present invention is divide a method for attaching items within a tubular skeletal structure by coupling the items to a lateral connector associated with a clamp. 
     Another object to the present invention is to simplify the modification of an existing tubular structure. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector for tubular structures which can be readily modified in its position to optimize the tubular structure in a simple fashion. 
     Other further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the included drawing figures, the claims and detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the friction clamp of this invention, featuring a receiver for coupling to other tubular/cylindrical members, according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a left side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a structure having a series of curving tubular members oriented parallel to each other and with lateral connecting members interposed therebetween and utilizing clamps such as those shown in  FIGS. 1-6  for joining the lateral members to the tubular members, according to one method of use of this invention, and also showing a clamp of this invention along with a plug and hook for suspending an item such as a plant from one of the elongate tubular members. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 , with the clamp snapped onto a tubular member and showing how a plug and hook can be connected to a receiver of the clamp. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment tab clamp featuring a lateral connector in the form of a tab replacing the receiver of  FIG. 1 , and showing a basic cap attachable to an end of a tubular member which also has a tab thereon which can mate with the tab of the tab clamp, for attachment at a variety of different pivotable angles. 
         FIG. 10  is a left side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment similar to that which is shown in  FIGS. 9-14 , but featuring two tabs extending laterally in opposite directions from a cylindrical body of the clamp. 
         FIG. 16  is a left side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of that which is shown in  FIG. 9-14 , but featuring two tabs spaced 90° away from each other extending from the cylindrical body of the clamp. 
         FIG. 18  is a left side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of that which is shown in  FIGS. 9-14 , but featuring three tabs spaced symmetrically away from each other and extending away from the cylindrical body of the clamp of this embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a left side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  10  ( FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 ) is directed to a clamp of a friction clamp variety which can snap onto a cylindrical/tubular member M through a slot  30 , and which also includes a receiver  40  as one form of lateral connector which can receive an end of a lateral member L within a recess  50  thereof. The clamp  10  can conveniently connect by snapping onto a midpoint of a tubular member M, and can also have an end of a second lateral member L attached thereto through the receiver  40 . In an alternative embodiment tab clamp  110  ( FIG. 9 ) a tab  130  replaces the receiver  40  and can cooperate with a tab cap  115  attachable to an end of a lateral member L or other member M to allow for attachment therebetween, and particularly at a variety of different relative angles. 
     In essence, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 , basic details of the clamp  10  are described, according to an exemplary embodiment and certain alternative embodiments. The clamp  10  includes a cylindrical body  20  of generally linear elongate form and having a slot  30  along an undersurface thereof. The slot  30  is sized sufficiently large to snap onto a tubular member M laterally, but sufficiently small that the cylindrical body  20  is retained on the tubular member M after having been snapped onto the tubular member M and through the slot  30  (along arrow B of  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 ). The clamp  10  also includes a receiver  40  extending laterally from the cylindrical body  20 , and typically at a midpoint of the cylindrical body  20 . This receiver  40  includes a recess  50  which is typically closed at an interior thereof, and has a generally cylindrical form for receiving an end of a tubular member, such as a lateral member L ( FIG. 7 ) therein. A plug  60 , such as including a hook  70  ( FIG. 8 ) can be fitted within this receiver  40 , as an alternative to fitting of an end of a tubular member M therein. 
     In an alternative embodiment ( FIG. 9 ), a tab clamp  110  is provided with a cylindrical body  120  similar to the cylindrical body  20  of the clamp  10 . The tab clamp  110  replaces the receiver  40  with the tab  130  which can have a tip tab  119  of a tab cap  115  mated thereto, through a bolt F passing through a central hole  138 , to provide an alternative lateral connection off of this cylindrical body  120 , and which facilitates rotational adjustment (along arrow C of  FIG. 9 ). Other embodiments are also disclosed in  FIGS. 15-20  with multiple tabs  230 ,  330 ,  430  thereon. 
     More specifically, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , particular details of the clamp  10  are described according to this first exemplary embodiment. The clamp  10  is preferably entirely formed from a unitary mass of homogenous material, such as injection moldable plastic, and in one embodiment formed of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) such as that commonly used for elongate tubular members M. Other materials could alternatively be utilized, including plastics, metals and composites. 
     The clamp  10  includes a cylindrical body  20  which is preferably generally in the form of a friction clamp which can snap onto a tubular member M laterally (along arrow B of  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 ). This cylindrical body  20  thus includes an outer semi-cylindrical surface  22  which extends circumferentially until it terminates at edges  26  adjacent to a slot  30  in an underside of the cylindrical body  20 . These edges  26  are preferably linear and also preferably include enlarged snap lips  28  to strengthen these edges  26  and allow them to most smoothly rest against a member M before snapping pressure (along arrow B) is applied to cause this slot  30  to snap onto the tubular member M (along arrow B of  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 ). 
     This cylindrical body  20  can have a variety of different lengths between opposing ends  24 , and most typically is approximately three times longer between the ends  24  than a diameter of the outer semi-cylindrical surface  22 . Other lengths for the cylindrical body  20  could alternatively be provided. Preferably, a taper  25  is provided directly adjacent to each of the ends  24  of the outer semi-cylindrical surface  22 , which is otherwise preferably smooth. 
     The slot  30  includes an inner semi-cylindrical surface  32  facing inwardly and generally spaced from the outer semi-cylindrical surface  22  by a thickness of the cylindrical body  20 . This inner semi-cylindrical surface  32  can be smooth, but most probably includes a series of longitudinal ribs extending parallel to each other between the ends  24 . These ribs preferably have a height extending away from the inner semi-cylindrical surface  32  which is less than a thickness of the cylindrical body  20 , and roughens the inner semi-cylindrical surface  32  somewhat to allow a member M or other structure upon which the clamp  10  is snapped to most thoroughly engage the member M. Also, commonly flexible sheeting material can be interposed between the clamp  10  and the tubular member M, such as plastic sheeting material forming a wall of a temporary structure, such as a greenhouse. Ribs on the inner semi-cylindrical surface  32  can help to keep such sheeting material from sliding between the clamp  10  and member M. 
     The receiver  40  provides one form of a lateral connector for fastening to other objects, and particularly ends of tubular or other cylindrical lateral members L ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). This receiver  70  is generally in the form of a cylindrical structure closed at an end adjacent to the cylindrical body  20  and open at an opposite end. In particular, the receiver  40  includes an outer cylindrical surface  42  which includes a proximal end defined by a combination of a root tip  44  and a root arch  46  where the outer cylindrical surface  42  transitions into the outer semi-cylindrical surface  22  of the cylindrical body  20 . The outer cylindrical surface  42  extends away from this cylindrical body  20  until it terminates at a distal end defined by a rim  48 , typically of circular form. 
     The receiver  40  in this embodiment has a somewhat truncated and modified form on a lower portion thereof where it comes adjacent to one of the edges  26  of the snap lips  28  on the cylindrical body  20 . In particular, the outer cylindrical surface  42  transitions into a conical region  45  opposite the rim  48  which smoothly transitions an under portion of the receiver  40  into a central portion of an adjacent one of the edges  26  and snap lips  28 . 
     An interior of the receiver  40  is defined by the recess  50 . This recess  50  includes an inner cylindrical surface  52  which extends in from the rim  48  until it terminates at a cylindrical floor  54 . This cylindrical floor  54  has a cylindrical form generally defining a constant thickness continuous with the outer semi-cylindrical surface  22  and maintaining a substantially constant thickness for this cylindrical body  20  away from the inner semi-cylindrical surface  32 . On lower portions of the recess  50 , opposite the conical region  45  on the outer cylindrical surface  42  of the receiver  40 , this cylindrical floor  54  preferably transitions across an inner corner  56  to a planar facet  58 , generally opposite the conical region  45  angled toward the rim  48  somewhat as the facet  58  extends away from the inner corner  56 . The inner corner  56  and facet  58  allow for the receiver  50  to maintain substantially constant wall thickness on the lower portion of the receiver  40  where it needs to transition into the edge  26  and snap lip  28  adjacent to the receiver  40 . 
     The recess  50  of the receiver  40  preferably has a diameter similar to that of the slot  30  of the cylindrical body  20 . In this manner, a member M can either be attached laterally to the clamp  10  through the slot  30  (along arrow B of  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 ) or by placement of an end thereof into the recess  50  of the receiver  40  (along arrow A of  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 ). In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical body  20  and slot  30  can be sized for one size of member M, while the recess  50  and receiver  40  can be sized for a different size of elongate tubular lateral member L or other structure (such as the plug  60  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). Thus, the clamp  10  can be provided in various different sizes to fit different structural elements, such as tubular members, either with such structural elements being similar in size for the receiver  40  and the slot  30 , or for different sizes for the receiver  40  and slot  30 . 
     Furthermore, while the receiver  40  is shown extending laterally relative to a direction that the slot  30  snaps onto a member M, the receiver  40  could extend away from the cylindrical body  20  of the clamp  10  in some other orientation, such as aligned with the direction that the slot  30  snaps onto a member M, or at some diagonal orientation. The receiver  40  is preferably located at a middle distance between ends  24  of the cylindrical body  20 . However, the receiver  40  could be provided closer to one end  24  or the other, if desired. Furthermore, while only a single receiver  40  is shown, it is conceivable that two (or more) receivers  40  could be provided, such as one extending laterally in opposite directions so that a receiver  40  would be provided adjacent to each of the edges  26  of the cylindrical body  20 . Other orientations for such receivers  40  could be provided, similar to the various orientations for tabs  130  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 15-20 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , details of a plug  60  and hook  70 , providing an alternative item for attachment to the receiver  40 , other than an end of a tubular or cylindrical lateral member L, are described. In  FIG. 8  a plug  60  is shown which fits within the recess  50  in the receiver  40 . This plug  60  could be formed of similar material from which the clamp  10  is formed, and attached by friction fit or by utilization of an adhesive, or other fastener, such as a lateral pin extending through the outer cylindrical service  42  in the receiver  40  and through the plug  60 , for retaining the plug  60  within the receiver  40 . Such an alternative fastener could similarly be utilized in other environments where an end of a tubular or cylindrical lateral member L is fitted into the recess  50  of the receiver  40 . 
     The plug  60  could alternatively be formed of a resilient rubber material and sized with a friction fit so that it fits snugly and securely, but removably, into the recess  50  of the receiver  40 . The plug  60  includes a cylindrical sidewall  62  which is dimensioned to fit with a designed degree of snugness to meet performance objectives of the user, which could include a friction fit or a tight tolerance fit or a loose tolerance fit. An outer flat surface  64  defines an outer portion of the plug  60 . Preferably a bore  66  passes through this outer flat surface  64  entirely through the plug  60 . A hook  70 , such as with an elongate threaded shaft  72 , can fit through the bore  66 , and utilize one or more nuts  74  to be fastened to the plug  60 . In this way, when the plug  60  is attached to the receiver  40 , a hook  70  is presented from which items can be hung. In one example, this placement of the plug  60  into the recess  50  (along arrow A of  FIG. 7 ) allows for placing an item such as a hanging plant P from the hook  70 , suspended from the plug  60  fit within the receiver  40  of the clamp  10 . A variety of other items can similarly be suspended from the clamp  10  in this manner, so that the clamp  10  can conveniently provide attachment points by snapping such a clamp  10  onto members L, M where desired. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 9-14 , details of an alternative embodiment tab clamp  110  are described. The tab clamp  110  is similar to the clamp  10  of  FIGS. 1-8 , except that the receiver  40  is replaced with a different lateral connector in the form of a tab  130 . Thus, a similar cylindrical body  120  is provided as the cylindrical body  20  associated with the clamp  10 . Importantly, an additional element is typically provided, referred to as a tab cap  115 , which can attach to an end of a cylindrical/tubular lateral member L through a receiver  117  and having a tip tab  119  extending from the tab  115 . The tip tab  119  is preferably similar to the tab  130 . 
     The tab  130  is generally a planar structure which is preferably formed as a unitary mass along with other portions of the tab clamp  110 , such as from injection moldable plastic material. This tab  130  extends from a root  132  adjacent to the cylindrical body  120  out to an arched edge  136  opposite the root  132 . The tab  130  includes opposing faces  134  which are preferably planer and parallel to each other, defining a thickness of the tab  130 . A center hole  138  passes between the faces  134  and through the tab  130  laterally. Two such tabs  130  either on separate tab clamps  110 , or with one tab  130  and a tip tap  119  on a tab cap  115  ( FIG. 9 ), can be brought adjacent to each other and held together by tightening a bolt F or other fastener along with a wing nut W or other nut onto the bolt F, and tightening until the tab  130  and tip tab  119  are tightly held together. Importantly, before such tightening, a pair of such tabs  130 ,  119  can be rotated relative to each other (about arrow C of  FIG. 9 ) so that angular adjustability is provided with the tab clamp  110 . 
     To assist in holding the tabs  119 ,  130  in a selected relative orientation when the fastener F and wing nut W are tightened, ribs  140  preferably extend radially away from the center hole  138  and away from each of the faces  134 . Troughs  142  are provided between the ribs  140 . With similar ribs  140  and troughs  142  on each of the faces  134  of each of the tabs  119 ,  130 , when these faces  134  of adjacent tabs  119 ,  130  are brought adjacent to each other, the ribs  140  fit into troughs  142  to cause a resistance to undesired rotation, especially when the bolt F and wing nut W are tightened. 
     While the tab  130  is shown extending laterally from this cylindrical body  120  and lateral to the direction that this cylindrical body  120  snaps onto adjacent tubular members, this tab  130  could be oriented in a plane aligned with a direction that the cylindrical body  120  snaps onto a tubular member M, or in other orientations than those that are depicted herein. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 10, 11, 13 and 14  an additional small clamp  150  is shown, as an option. The small clamp  150  is shown opposite the tab  130 , but it could be located closer to the tab  130 . The small clamp could also be provided in similar positions on the clamp  10  ( FIGS. 1-8 ). The small clamp  150  can have small elongate items therein, such as irrigation tubing, wiring W, or other small elongate items removably attached thereto. Each small clamp  150  includes a pair of opposing fingers that can “snap” onto an elongate item. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , an alternative embodiment dual tab clamp  210  is described. The dual tab clamp  210  is similar to the tab clamp  110 , except that two tabs  230  extend from opposite sides of the cylindrical body  220 . Thus, two different tabs  230  are available for attachment to two separate additional members, such as through tab caps  115  ( FIG. 9 ). 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a dual tab 90° clamp  310  is described. This dual tab 90° clamp includes a cylindrical body  320  with a pair of tabs  330  extending therefrom, but not within a single plane, but rather spaced approximately 90° away from each other. This provides further flexibility in presenting tabs  330  in desirable orientations for use in attaching two adjacent tubular members and/or other items. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , a tri-tab clamp  410  is described. The tri-tab clamp  410  includes a cylindrical body  420  with three tabs  430  extending radially away from a central axis thereof. This cylindrical body  420  is similar to the cylindrical bodies  120 ,  220 ,  320  of preceding embodiments. The three tabs  430  are oriented with one tab opposite the slot in the cylindrical body  420 , and with two tabs  430  adjacent to edges of the slot in the cylindrical body  420 , and generally with each of the tabs  430  spaced an equal distance away from each other. Further useful options for attachment of adjacent items to such a tri-tab clamp  410  are thus provided. 
     This disclosure is provided to reveal a preferred embodiment of the invention and a best mode for practicing the invention. Having thus described the invention in this way, it should be apparent that various different modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention disclosure. When structures are identified as a means to perform a function, the identification is intended to include all structures which can perform the function specified. When structures of this invention are identified as being coupled together, such language should be interpreted broadly to include the structures being coupled directly together or coupled together through intervening structures. Such coupling could be permanent or temporary and either in a rigid fashion or in a fashion which allows pivoting, sliding or other relative motion while still providing some form of attachment, unless specifically restricted.