Patent Abstract:
A clamp for an inline connector having a male and a female component comprises a first sleeve having a peripheral portion defining an opening for receiving and holding the male or female component. A second sleeve is provided adjacent the first sleeve and has an opening therein which is adjacent the opening in the first sleeve. A handle having a first end is pivotally connected to the first sleeve for rotation about the pivotal connection. A bracket is pivotally connected to the second sleeve member at one end thereof and pivotally connected to the handle at another end thereof. Rotation of the handle about its pivotal connection to the first sleeve moves the first sleeve and the second sleeve relative to each other between a first position where the first sleeve and the second sleeve are closer to each other and a second position where the first sleeve and the second sleeve are further apart from each other.

Full Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a clamp connection and release device. More particularly, the invention is for a clamp connection and release device for inline connections for cables, plugs and sockets, electrical connections, as well as hydraulic and pneumatic connections. These connections are generally referred to as couplings. 
     There are many instances where it is necessary to connect couplings, for subsequent easy release, in order to form an electric or other connection between, for example, a switch or power source and a device which it activates. In one application, when a trailer is connected to a truck or tractor, it is not only necessary to ensure the physical connection between the truck and trailer, but, additionally, electrical or other components in the trailer, which must be operated by the operator in the truck, need to be secured. Therefore, all lighting, air conditioning, hydraulic and electrical connections must be established between the truck and trailer for proper and safe operation. 
     In conventional systems, it is typical for a truck to have a socket or outlet conveniently located, usually at the back thereof, the socket or outlet being provided with connectors of various types. Such connectors may be of an electrical type, such as those required to connect the truck with lighting or air conditioning systems in an attached trailer, or of an hydraulic type, to connect the truck&#39;s systems with that of the trailer&#39;s. An example of such a coupling is the braking system. When the trailer is physically connected to the truck so as to be drawn thereby, a plug or corresponding device from the trailer is releasably inserted into the plug or outlet located on the truck, so as to establish the necessary electrical, hydraulic or other (such as pneumatic) connections, as appropriate. Thus, the main physical connection of the truck to the trailer is conventionally established by what is typically described as a multiple pole electrical plug and socket, and, thereafter, the various systems of the truck and trailer are connected for appropriate communication between truck and trailer. 
     When inserting the plug or other type of connector on the trailer into the socket or outlet of the truck, it is, of course, important that the connection be a very secure one so as to be able to withstand the normal motion, vibrations and sudden movements which may occur under typical, and even severe, driving conditions. For this reason, the plug connection from the trailer to the socket or outlet of the truck is usually a very firm one, often requiring a significant amount of force to disconnect the two. Moreover, the connections may be located at positions which are difficult to access, making maneuverability by the operator difficult for the purposes of separating the plug from the socket. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a clamp for an inline connector having a male and a female component, the clamp comprising: a first sleeve member having a peripheral portion defining an opening for receiving and holding the male or female component; a second sleeve member adjacent the first sleeve member, the second sleeve member having an opening therein which is adjacent the opening in the first sleeve member; a handle having a first end pivotally connected to the first sleeve member for rotation about the pivotal connection; a bracket member pivotally connected to the second sleeve member at one end thereof and pivotally connected to the handle at another end thereof; wherein rotation of the handle about its pivotal connection to the first sleeve member moves the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member relative to each other between a first position where the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member are closer to each other and a second position where the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member are further apart from each other. 
     Preferably, the first sleeve member is a ring member and defines a circular opening for receiving and holding the male or female component, and the second sleeve member is of a cylindrical shape and defines a circular opening adjacent the circular opening of the ring member. 
     The handle may comprise a pair of parallel end portions each of which connect at one end thereof pivotally to the first sleeve member, a pair of tapering portions extending from the end portions, and a pair of parallel handle portions extending from the tapering portions, the handle portions being connected to each other at ends thereof remote from the tapering portions by a U-shaped member. Preferably, the first sleeve member has a pair of threaded bores therein each of which registers with one of the apertures, and a bolt connects the end portion to the first sleeve member by passing through the aperture of the end portion and threadedly engaging the threaded bore in the first sleeve member. 
     The tapering portions may be downwardly angled with respect to the handle portions, and the end portions are downwardly angled with respect to the tapering portions. 
     Preferably, the bracket member comprises a pair of parallel first end portions each of which connect at one end thereof pivotally to the second sleeve member, a pair of tapering portions extending from the end portions, and a pair of parallel second end portions extending from the tapering portions. Conveniently, each first end portion of the bracket member has an aperture therein, the second sleeve member has a pair of threaded bores therein each of which registers with one of the apertures, and a bolt connects the first end portion to the second sleeve member by passing through the aperture of the first end portion and threadedly engaging the threaded bore in the second sleeve member. The tapering portions may be downwardly angled with respect to the second end portions, and the first end portions are linear with respect to the tapering portions. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a clamp comprising: a housing member defining an opening for receiving and holding a component; an abutment member adjacent the housing member; a handle having a first end pivotally connected to the housing member; a bracket member pivotally connected to the abutment member at one portion thereof and pivotally connected to the handle at another portion thereof; wherein rotation of the handle about its pivotal connection to the housing member moves the housing member and the abutment member relative to each other between a first position and a second position where the housing member and the abutment member are further apart from each other than in the first position. 
     According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for connecting and disconnecting an inline coupling having a male and female component, the method comprising: locating a first sleeve member, having a peripheral portion defining an opening for receiving and holding the male or female component, adjacent a second sleeve member, the second sleeve member having an opening therein adjacent the opening in the first sleeve member; pivotally connecting a handle having a first end to the first sleeve member for rotation about the pivotal connection; pivotally connecting a bracket member to the second sleeve member at one end thereof and to the handle at another end thereof; and rotating the handle about its pivotal connection to the first sleeve member to move the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member relative to each other between a first position where the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member are closer to each other and a second position where the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member are further apart from each other. 
     The clamp connector and release device facilitates connection and easy release between a pair of registering connectors, such as a plug and a socket, thereby providing an inline connection which can be established and released as needed. 
     The clamp of the invention has particular application when used between a truck and trailer, whereby the various systems and devices on a trailer, such as lighting, air conditioning, braking and other systems, may be connected to the truck so that they can be operated from the truck. The clamp of the invention may establish inline connections of electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic type, and is designed so as to facilitate the connection, and, most importantly, allow ease or efficiency with respect to the release, since the plug and socket connection may often be tight fitting and require a significant amount of force to separate. 
     While the invention has as an important application in the connection of systems between a truck and trailer, the invention is not to be construed as being limited in this regard. The clamp of the invention may be useful and applicable in any situation where a plug may be connected to a socket, since the clamp of the invention significantly facilitates ease of separation so that the plug can be released or withdrawn from the socket. 
     In one aspect, the invention comprises a sleeve and associated ring which can be moved towards or away from each other, by the appropriate turning or movement of a handle, so that when the ring and sleeve portion are separated, the plug or connector will be removed from the socket. 
     It will be appreciated that the clamp of the invention can be used to establish a connection, as well as to disconnect, the plug or connector end of a cable, tube, or the like, irrespective of its connector characteristics. In other words, the clamp may be connected to a plug end, socket end, or any other type or combination of these elements. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the clamp connector and release device of the invention, shown in the closed or connect position; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clamp shown in FIG. 1, in the disconnect position; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the handle used in the clamp of the invention shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the handle which is shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of the bracket used in the clamp of the invention shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the sleeve and ring of the clamp of the invention shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-section through the sleeve and clamp of the invention shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 9 is an end view of the sleeve and ring of the clamp of the invention shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the sleeve and ring of the clamp shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the clamp of the invention shown in the closed or connect position; and 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the clamp of the invention shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings, in the disconnect position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is now made to the drawings accompanying this application, which show various views of the clamp connector and release device of the invention, in different views, as well as the elements and components which make up the clamp. 
     With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a perspective view of a clamp  10  of the invention is shown in each of these Figures, with FIG. 1 showing the clamp  10  in a closed position, when a plug and socket are connected, and with FIG. 2 showing the clamp  10  in an open position, when a plug and socket are disconnected, the clamp  10  having been maneuvered so as to disconnect the plug from the socket. 
     The clamp  10  comprises a sleeve  12 , a ring  26 , a handle  60  and a bracket  96 , all arranged and connected with respect to each other as will be described. 
     The clamp  10  comprises the sleeve  12  which is of substantially cylindrical shape, the sleeve  12  having an outer surface  14 , an inner surface  16 , a leading end  18  and an inner end  20 . The sleeve  12  has two substantially diametrically opposed holes  22  and  24  (see also FIGS. 8 to  10 ), each of the holes  22  having a threaded inner bore for receiving a bolt, as will be described below. 
     The clamp  10  further comprises the ring  26 , the ring  26  having an outer surface  28 , an inner surface  30 , an inner end  32 , and a trailing end  34 . The ring  26  is about circular in shape, and is configured so as to be coaxial with the sleeve  12 . In the closed position of the clamp  10 , as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the outer surface  14  of the sleeve  12 , and the outer surface  28  of the ring  26 , form a substantially continuous surface, and are of approximately the same diameter. Likewise, the inner surface  16  of the sleeve  12 , and the inner surface  30  of the ring  26 , are of substantially the same diameter, and define a flush, continuous surface when in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. 
     The ring  26  has a pair of substantially diametrically opposed holes  36  and  38 , each of which has an internal bore for receiving a bolt (see again FIGS. 8 to  10 ), as will be described more fully below. 
     In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the inner end  20  of the sleeve  12 , as well as the inner end  32  and trailing end  34  of the ring  26 , are approximately normal to the axis of both the sleeve  12  and ring  26  respectively. However, in the embodiment shown, the leading edge  18  of the sleeve  12  is cut obliquely with respect to the axis of the sleeve  12 , and is, in use, designed to engage or abut a correspondingly shaped surface surrounding a plug or socket. It will, however, be appreciated that while an oblique leading end  18  of the sleeve  12  is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the particular angle, and even shape, of the leading edge  18  will be determined and configured so as to properly engage the surface surrounding a plug or socket with which the clamp  10  is used. While it may be preferable, in certain circumstances, to shape the leading end  18  of the sleeve  12  according to the surface which it engages, such a shaping is not required by the invention, and any shaped leading end  18  which will engage the surface surrounding the plug or socket in a manner to allow the proper functioning of the clamp  10  will suffice. 
     At the top  40  of the sleeve  12 , there is provided a cut-out portion  42  which is of rectangular shape. The ring  26  has, also at its top  44  a groove or recess  46  which is provided in a portion of the ring  26 . The recess  46  is cut from the inner surface  30  of the ring  26 , through only a portion of the thickness of the ring  26 , such that the outer surface  28  of the ring  26  at the top  44  thereof is not affected by the recess  46 . 
     In the assembled form, to be discussed more fully below, the cut-out portion  42  registers with the recess  46  so as to provide a continuous channel  48 , best seen in FIG. 11 of the drawings (but also illustrated in FIGS. 8 to  10 ), when the sleeve  12  and ring  26  are adjacent each other. 
     It will be noted that the leading edge  18  of the sleeve  12  is layered in its upper half. Thus, the leading end  18  comprises an oblique surface  50  which forms a continuation of the leading edge  18  in the lower half, and a perpendicular surface  52 , which is substantially parallel to the inner surface  20  of the sleeve  12 . This may facilitate a connection which could operate with both an angled and a perpendicular shaped connector. However, the leading end  18  may be any shape, as necessary, and may also typically be squared off in its entirety. 
     The clamp  10  further comprises a handle  60  designed to connect to the ring  26 . The handle  60 , best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, comprises a pair of parallel end portions  62  and  64 , a pair of tapering mid-portions  66  and  68 , and a pair of parallel handle portions  70  and  72 . The ends of the handle portions  70  and  72  remote from the parallel end portions  62  and  64  are connected to each other by a U-shaped portion  74  so that the handle  60  constitutes a single unit. The parallel end portions  62  and  64  have apertures  76  and  78 , the purpose of which will be described below, while the handle portions  70  and  72  include apertures  80  and  82 , also to be described more fully below. 
     It will be seen from FIG. 4 of the drawings that the handle  60  is not straight or linear in construction. The tapering mid-portions  66  and  68  are configured at angle α with respect to the handle portions  70  and  72 , so as to depend downwardly from these handle portions  70  and  72 , while the parallel end portions  62  and  64  are at angle β with respect to the tapering mid-portions  66  and  68 . The construction of the handle  60  so as to have the handle portions, tapering mid-portions and parallel end portions, configured at these angles facilitates operation of the release function of the clamp  10 , to be described more fully below. 
     In use, the handle  60  is connected to the ring  26 . The distance defined between the parallel end portions  62  and  64  is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the ring  26 . The apertures  76  and  78  in the parallel end portions  62  and  64  are located so that they register and correspond with the holes  36  and  38  in the ring  26 . A bolt  86  (seen in FIGS. 4,  11  and  12 ) extends through each of unthreaded apertures  76  and  78  in the parallel end portions  62  and  64 , and engages with the internally threaded holes  36  and  38  located in the ring. The connection established is such that the handle  60  is able to pivot or rotate about the bolt  86  so that rotational movement of the handle  60  relative to the ring  26  is possible. 
     The clamp  10  of the invention further comprises a bracket  96 , best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings. The bracket  96  comprises parallel end portions  98  and  100 , each of which contains an aperture  102  and  104  respectively. The bracket  96  comprises a pair of tapering mid-portions  106  and  108 , and a pair of end portions  110  and  112 , each of the end portions having an aperture  114  and  116  respectively. With reference to FIG. 6 of the drawings, it will be noted that the tapering mid-portion  106  is at an angle θ with respect to the end portion  110 . In side view, the tapering mid-portion  106  and parallel end portion  100  are linear, or form a continuous line. 
     The distance between the parallel end portions  98  and  100  is sufficient so as to straddle both the ring  26  and sleeve  12 , as well as the parallel end portions  62  and  64  of the handle  60 . This can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The bracket  96  is connected to the sleeve  12  by passing a bolt  122  (see FIGS. 6,  11  and  12 ) through each of apertures  102  and  104 , the apertures  102  and  104  being aligned with or registering with the holes  24  and  22  respectively in the sleeve  12 . A bolt  122  passes through each of the apertures  102  and  104 , and is secured within the threaded bore of the holes  22  and  24  so as to firmly secure the bracket  96  to the sleeve  12  of the clamp  10 . It should be noted that the bolts  122  securing the bracket  96  to the sleeve  12  are constructed such that the bracket  96  is capable of relative movement with respect to the sleeve  12 , so that it can rotate or pivot about the bolt  122 . 
     The bracket  96  is also connected to the handle  60 . In this regard, it will be noted that the apertures  80  and  82  in the handle  60  register with the apertures  116  and  114  respectively in the bracket  96 , and the handle  60  and bracket  96  are thereby connected by passing a bolt  124  (seen in FIGS. 11 and 12) through apertures  80  and  116  respectively, and another bolt  124  through apertures  82  and  114  respectively. The bolts  124  secure the bracket  96  and handle  60  together such that both the bracket  96  and handle  60  are capable of pivotal or rotational movement relative to each other about the bolts  124  when in the secured position. 
     The clamp  10  of the invention is intended to facilitate the connection and disconnection between a plug and socket, or to otherwise axially connect electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic components in line, in a cable. It will be seen in FIG. 11 of the drawings that a cable  130  is, in use, secured to the inner surface  30  of the ring  26 . The cable  130  has at one end  132  thereof a series of electrical pins, in this particular example, which will connect to a plug or socket in line. The plug or socket, represented in phantom lines by reference numeral  136  in FIG. 11 of the drawings, has a series of female pin receivers  138  intended to receive pins  134  at the end  132  of the cable  130 . The plug or socket  136  is connected through appropriate wiring or cable connections to controls, switches, or other device(s) as desired, which may be located in the truck. On the other hand, the cable  130 , including the various pins  134 , may be located in the trailer being drawn by the truck, and the various electrical pins  134  will branch out to connect to devices in the trailer, such as lighting, air conditioning or the like. 
     The operation of the clamp  10  of the invention, to be described, facilitates the connection and disconnection between the cable  130 , and the plug  136 . 
     Reference is now made to FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawings. It will be seen in FIG. 11 that the sleeve  12  and ring  26  are adjacent each other. In this position, the entire clamp  10  is moved forward so that the plug  136  enters the sleeve  12 , and an axial connection is formed between the end  132  of the cable and the plug  136 . In this way, an electrical coupling is established between the pins  134  and the pin receiver apertures  138 . A secure connection is made between the cable  130  and the plug  136  so that even severe truck motions and vibrations will not result in the inadvertent disconnection which could result in a dangerous situation. 
     The clamp  10  of the invention functions in its most useful form when it is desired to disconnect the end  132  of the cable  130  from the plug  136 . Since the axial connection is usually a very firm one, in order to withstand the movement and vibration of machines and vehicles, it is often difficult to pull out the cable  130  from the plug  136 . Moreover, the access of an operator may be limited, making it even more difficult to maneuver the cable  130  from the plug  136 . 
     In the clamp  10  of the invention, simple removal of the cable  130  can be achieved as follows. Reference is made to FIG. 12 of the drawings, which shows the handle in the raised position. As the handle  60  is raised, or rotated in the direction indicated by arrow A, from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12, the handle  60  and bracket  96  pivot relative to each other about the bolt  124 . Further, the handle  60 , as it moves, pivots about the bolt  86  on the ring  26 , and the bracket  96  pivots about bolt  122  on the sleeve  12 . Due to the shape and configuration of the handle  60  and bracket  96 , as well as their connection with respect to each other, movement of the handle  60  from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12 results in the ring  26  moving away from the sleeve  12 , to create a gap  138  therebetween. The movement of the ring  26  away from the sleeve  12  causes the cable  130  to be pulled back and away from the plug  136 , effecting the disconnection. Thus, a simple movement of the handle  60 , and the configuration of the clamp  10 , provides a mechanical advantage to the user whereby the ring  26  is pulled back from the sleeve  12 , requiring much less force, and easy maneuverability, in separating the cable  130  from the plug  136 . 
     It will be appreciated that the reverse operation may also apply, enabling the cable  130  to be connected to the plug  136  by operating the handle  60  so as to close the gap  138  between the ring  126  and the sleeve  12 . In an embodiment of the invention, this connection operation may be facilitated by a simple hooking or engagement of the sleeve  12  to the surrounding portions of the plug  136 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the leading edge  18  of the sleeve  12  is oblique or angled, and would typically engage a correspondingly angled housing or portion surrounding the plug  136  to enhance proper connection. As mentioned above, this leading edge  18  may be constructed so as to have any number of oblique angles, as the situation requires, or may simply be flat. In another alternative, this leading edge  18  may have a specific form and shape which matches that of the housing surrounding the plug  136  to which it will be connected. 
     The cut-out portion  42  in the sleeve  12 , and the recess  46  in the ring  26 , preferably register with each other to form the channel  48  as shown, and would typically be used to ensure that the cable  130  is properly centered and/or located within the clamp  10  so that when the clamp  10  is used to connect the cable to a plug or socket, the pins  134  and recesses  138  therefor will correctly match. Thus, the cable  130  may include a projection, shown in FIG. 11 in phantom lines and identified by reference numeral  140 . FIG. 11 also shows the cut-out portion  42  and recess  46  in the sleeve  12  and ring  26  respectively. 
     While the clamp  10  of the invention has as an important application thereof the important function of connecting systems between a truck and trailer, the clamp of the invention is certainly not limited to such use. Any inline or axial connection between a plug and socket could benefit from the use of the clamp of the invention. Further, the clamp of the invention could be used for hydraulic, pneumatic or other types of connections and disconnections, and its function is not to be construed as being limited to electrical connections. 
     Additionally, where the cable, plug and/or socket have other than a circular shape, the sleeve  12  and ring  26  may be appropriately shaped so as to conform to the particular cable and connection arrangement for which it will be used. For example, if the clamp is used in an ordinary household outlet, the sleeve  12  and/or ring  26  may be rectangularly shaped so as to receive a standard residential plug. The clamp can also be used to connect axial cables such as TV or other forms of inline cable, where it is often difficult and cumbersome to separate conventional connections. The clamp of the invention allows increased force to be applied in separating a plug from a socket, but since the force will be appropriately applied by the separation of the sleeve  12  and ring  26  so that the components will not be damaged or broken, the additional force will not be harmful. 
     The invention is not limited to the precise construction or details described hereabove, and variations within the scope of the claims may be made.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8