Patent Description:
In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a clamp for securing a pipe using first and second fasteners as defined in claim <NUM>. Optional and/or preferable features are defined in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a pipe in the clamp of claim <NUM> as defined in claim <NUM>. Optional and/or preferable features are defined in dependent claim <NUM>.

<CIT> relates to a pipe clamp with two radially outwardly projecting clamping flanges which can be clamped together with a clamping screw passing through them, a first of the two clamping flanges having a laterally open slot for the clamping screw and the second clamping flange has a threaded hole into which the clamping screw is screwed. At the open end of the slot, a stiffening bracket connects the first clamping flange on both sides of the slot.

<CIT> discloses a clamp body which has upper and lower halves, each with a semicircular central section and flat end sections. The halves are secured about a pipe by bolts passing through holes in the flat end sections. The two end sections of the lower half have one closed and one open ended slot respectively. One end section of the upper half has a bolt hole pref. with a fixed nut. The other has a vertical lip at its end with a transverse slot at the corner. This forms a hinge axis for a U-shaped piece place symmetrically through the slot. A bolt screwed into tapped holes in one or both the parallel arms of the U-piece can be swung into the open-ended slot in the lower half, assisted by a return spring at the hinge. The spring can be of rubber.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention:.

Some of the discussion below describes pipe clamps for use with threaded rods to support pipes of circular cross-section. It will be understood that the context and particulars of this discussion are presented as examples only. For example, embodiments of the disclosed pipe clamps can be used to secure non-circular pipes or other non-pipe objects, and can be used to secure pipes relative to structures without necessarily using threaded rods.

As used herein, directional terms including "top," "bottom," "side," "horizontal," "vertical," and so on are used to indicate directional relationships with respect to an arbitrary reference frame (e.g., a reference frame of a particular figure or figures). These directional terms are used consistently relative to a particular embodiment. For example, a "top" feature of an embodiment is opposite a corresponding "bottom" feature, and a "horizontal" feature generally extends perpendicularly to a "vertical" feature. However, unless otherwise defined or limited, these directional terms are not intended to indicate an absolute reference frame for a particular pipe clamp or installation. For example, in some installations or embodiments, a "horizontal" feature of a pipe clamp, while generally perpendicular to a "vertical" feature of the pipe clamp, may not necessarily extend in a strictly horizontal direction relative to ground. Similarly, in some installations or embodiments, a "bottom" feature of a pipe clamp may not necessarily be disposed below a "top" feature of the pipe clamp relative to the direction of gravity.

As noted above, it may be useful to configure pipe clamps to secure pipes (or other round objects) relative to other structures. In some cases, it may be useful to provide a pipe clamp that can be disposed in an open configuration in order to install a pipe, including while the pipe clamp is secured to a structure and is thus restricted in lateral or axial movement. For example, it may be useful to provide a pipe clamp that can be hung from a threaded rod, then opened, without full disassembly of the pipe clamp (i.e., while leaving all of the components of the pipe clamp secured together), in order to install within the pipe clamp a pipe that is already partially suspended by other devices. In general, it may also be useful to provide pipe clamps that exhibit substantial loading capabilities, such as may be indicated by standardized load rating testing (e.g., as determined based on testing under standards promulgated by RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung E. ("RAL Standards")), and that also provide appropriate acoustic dampening. Some embodiments of the invention can provide one or more of these benefits, as well as other benefits not expressly noted above.

Some embodiments of the invention can include pipe clamps that can be easily opened to relatively large angles without full disassembly of the pipe clamps. This may be useful, for example, to install pipe into a pipe clamp without disassembling the pipe clamp into multiple loose pieces. In some embodiments, in this regard, an ear on a bottom clamping member of a pipe clamp can include a mounting surface on which a fastener (e.g., a screw) is to be seated and an installation tab that extends at an angle from the mounting surface. Further, an elongate slot can extend along at least part of the mounting surface and at least part of the installation tab (e.g., from the mounting surface onto the installation tab). Accordingly, when an opposite ear of the pipe clamp is released relative to a counterpart (top) clamping member, the elongate slot can provide substantial freedom of movement for the fastener, and for the bottom clamping member relative to the fastener. Accordingly, the engagement of the elongate slot with the fastener can allow the bottom clamping member to pivot away from a top clamping member without the fastener being removed from either the top or the bottom clamping member.

Moreover, in some embodiments, with the pipe clamp in a fully opened configuration, the installation tab can engage a head (or other feature) of the fastener to suspend the bottom clamping member from the top clamping member with the bottom clamping member open, relative to the top clamping member at a relatively large angle. For example, in some embodiments, an installation tab can allow a bottom clamping member to hang open at an angle of between approximately <NUM> degrees and approximately <NUM> degrees, or between approximately <NUM> degrees and approximately <NUM> degrees, relative to a horizontal (or other) reference. This may be useful, for example, in order to allow relatively large pipes to be installed into the clamp member, while the bottom and top clamping members are still secured together.

Some embodiments of the invention can include pipe clamps that exhibit increased load ratings and other beneficial structural aspects, as compared to conventional pipe clamps. For example, in some embodiments, an ear on a bottom clamping member of a pipe clamp can include a mounting portion with a substantially planar surface and with a recessed seat that deviates from (e.g., extends into) the substantially planar surface. In some embodiments, the recessed seat can be a round seat extruded into the mounting portion, such as may usefully receive a circular head of a screw or other similar feature of a fastener. In some embodiments, the recessed seat can include a seating surface on which the screw head (or other fastener feature) seats, with the seating surface extending at an angle relative to the substantially planar surface of the mounting feature. In some embodiments, the angle can be approximately <NUM> degrees, or another non-zero angle less than approximately <NUM> degrees.

Some embodiments of the invention can combine some or all of the features noted above, or others. For example, some embodiments can include a pipe clamp with a recessed seat on one or more ears of a clamping member, as well as one or more elongate slots extending into the one or more recessed seats, or any sub-combination of these features. Similarly, some embodiments can include a pipe clamp with a recessed seat on an ear of a clamping member, an installation tab extending at an angle from a mounting portion of the ear, and an elongate slot extending into the recessed seat and onto the installation tab, or any sub-combination of these features.

<FIG> illustrates an example pipe clamp <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. The pipe clamp <NUM> includes a first clamping member <NUM>, a second clamping member <NUM>, and a securement <NUM> configured to secure the first clamping member <NUM> to a threaded rod (see <FIG>) or other structural feature.

The first and second clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> include respective clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> that are configured as arcuate features that can surround, engage, and support a pipe (not shown). In some embodiments, each of the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> can exhibit a substantially semi-circular internal profile. In other embodiments, other geometries are possible. For example, one or both of the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> may exhibit a substantially circular profile, but may extend over an arc of less than <NUM>°. In this regard, for example, the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other even when a pipe is securely clamped between them.

The first and second clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> also include respective sets of ears <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> that are configured to collectively engage a set of fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> in order to secure the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> together. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated, the ears <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be secured together using the fastener <NUM>, which is configured, for example, as a hex-headed screw. Likewise, the ears <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be secured together using the fastener <NUM>, which is configured, for example, as a hex-headed toggle screw. In other embodiments, other configurations for the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or for the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> are possible.

In some embodiments, strengthening features, such as one or more ribs and one or more peripheral flanges can be included. As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the first clamping member <NUM> includes a central rib <NUM> and a set of peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. The central rib <NUM> extends along the entire profile of the clamping portion <NUM> and corresponds to a central groove (not shown in <FIG>) that is opposite the clamping portion <NUM>, inside of the pipe clamp <NUM> (i.e., on the inner or pipe side of the first clamping member <NUM>). In the embodiment illustrated, the central rib <NUM> does not extend onto the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, although other configurations are possible. In contrast, the peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, in the embodiment illustrated, extend along the entire profile of the clamping portion <NUM> and over substantially the full radially-extending length of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>. A similar central rib <NUM> and similar peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are also included on the second clamping member <NUM>, as partially illustrated in <FIG>.

Generally, the central ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and the peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can provide increased strength to the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. The peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in particular can provide significant strength to the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as to the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the deflection of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be relatively minimal when the pipe clamp <NUM> is appropriately secured around a pipe and appropriately loaded. This can be useful, for example, not only to generally increase the strength of the pipe clamp <NUM> but also to minimize bending stresses on the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, when the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> are firmly secured around a pipe (not shown), the relative lack of deflection of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can help to ensure that the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially subjected only to tension loading. As a result, smaller sizes of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> can be used than may be possible with conventional arrangements, with corresponding benefits with regard to cost, reliability, and weight.

In different embodiments, the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can exhibit different absolute and relative dimensions. In some embodiments, for example, the depth of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., as measured vertically from the perspective of <FIG>) can be one and one-half to two times (or more) than the thickness of the material (e.g., metal) used to form the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the depth of the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> can be the same, or less than, the depth of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the width of the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., as measured into the page from the perspective of <FIG>) can be more than half of the width of the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the width of the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> can be more than seven times the thickness of the material used to form the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, these relative dimensions can also be usefully employed on other clamps according to the invention.

As also illustrated in <FIG>, each of the ears <NUM>, <NUM> includes an extruded, threaded boss <NUM>, <NUM>, each defining a mounting opening for a respective one of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. As partially illustrated in <FIG>, a thinner toggle portion of the shaft of the fastener <NUM> can be aligned with the boss <NUM> to allow the fastener <NUM> to be pivoted relative to the ear <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the ears <NUM>, <NUM> of the second clamping member <NUM> can include elongate slots that can allow a degree of lateral and pivotal relative movement between the clamping member <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, for example, a closed slot <NUM> can be provided on a substantially planar mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM>, with the slot <NUM> extending generally perpendicularly relative to a pipe axis <NUM> defined by the pipe clamp <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) and, along the main portion of the ear <NUM>, radially outwardly from the clamping portion <NUM>. The closed slot <NUM> can be configured to receive the fastener <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), and to thereby continue to secure the clamping portion <NUM> to the clamping portion <NUM> even when the pipe clamp <NUM> is in an open configuration.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, an open slot <NUM> can be provided on a substantially planar mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM>, with the slot <NUM> also extending generally perpendicularly to the pipe axis <NUM> (see <FIG>). This may be useful, for example, in order to allow the fastener <NUM> to be pivoted into or out of the slot <NUM> and, thereby, into or out of engagement with the clamping member <NUM>, without removing the fastener <NUM> from the clamping member <NUM> (see <FIG>). Bent tabs at the radially outer end of the ear <NUM> can then help to secure the fastener <NUM> against slipping out of the slot <NUM>, once the fastener <NUM> has been appropriately tightened, thereby providing a secure closure of the pipe clamp <NUM> generally.

In some embodiments, additional features can be provided in order to further assist with installation of a pipe into the pipe clamp <NUM>. As also illustrated in <FIG>, for example, an installation tab <NUM> extends from the mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM> at a non-zero angle relative to the mounting portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the installation tab <NUM> extends at an angle of between approximately <NUM> degrees and approximately <NUM> degrees, although other configurations are possible.

In addition to the noted features, the closed slot <NUM> also extends from the mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM> onto the installation tab <NUM>. Accordingly, when the pipe clamp <NUM> is fully opened (see <FIG>), the clamping member <NUM> can be disposed so that the shaft of the fastener <NUM> extends through the portion of the slot <NUM> that is on the installation tab <NUM>. Thus, for example, the installation tab <NUM> can support the clamping member <NUM> at an open angle of approximately <NUM> degrees (e.g., as measured in comparison between a first reference plane extending along the ears <NUM>, <NUM> and a second reference plane extending along the ears <NUM>, <NUM>). This relatively large open angle can be useful, for example, so that relatively large pipes, such as for ventilation, can be relatively easily installed without requiring full disassembly of the pipe clamp <NUM> (i.e., while allowing the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> to remain connected as a single assembly). In some cases, this arrangement can usefully allow the pipe clamp <NUM> to be readily installed onto pipes that have already been suspended in a desired location, or otherwise usefully deployed.

In some embodiments, liners can be employed in order to improve characteristics of pipe clamp performance. In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, for example, two liner parts <NUM>, <NUM> of a generally non-metallic liner have been installed on the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The liner parts <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed primarily from rubber, other elastomers, or other polymers, and can help to secure pipes in the pipe clamp <NUM> or to provide acoustic dampening. In some embodiments, the liner parts <NUM>, <NUM> can also increase the load rating of the pipe clamp <NUM> as compared to arrangements in which conventional liners are used, including as described in detail below. Of course, in some arrangements, such as shown in <FIG>, the pipe clamp <NUM> and other clamps disclosed herein can be used without liners.

<FIG> illustrates another example pipe clamp <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. In general, many aspects of the pipe clamp <NUM> are similar to those of the pipe clamp <NUM>, as discussed above. For example, the pipe clamp <NUM> includes a first clamping member <NUM>, a second clamping member <NUM>, and a securement <NUM> configured to secure the first clamping member <NUM> to a threaded rod (not shown) or other structural feature.

Likewise, the first and second clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> include respective clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> that are configured as arcuate features that can surround, engage, and support a pipe (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated, the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> each exhibit a substantially circular internal profile, extending over an appropriate arc length. In other embodiments, however, other geometries are possible.

The first and second clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> also include sets of ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are configured to collectively engage a set of fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> to secure the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> together. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated, the ears <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be secured together using the fastener <NUM>, which is configured, for example, as a hex-headed screw. Likewise, the ears <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be secured together using the fastener <NUM>, which is configured, for example, as a hex-headed toggle screw. In other embodiments, other configurations for the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> are possible.

In some embodiments, including as illustrated in <FIG>, the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to provide substantially continuous contact with the pipe along the first and second clamping portions. In this regard, for example, as also noted above, the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> may trace substantially circular arcs (e.g., at rest, or when tightened onto a pipe), but may extend over respective arcs of less than <NUM>°. Accordingly, when the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> are appropriately engaged to support a pipe, the opposing sets of ears <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> may be aligned with each other to receive the respective fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, but may be spaced apart from each other (e.g., spaced tangentially, relative to the pipe) so as not to be in direct contact with each other. This may be useful, for example, in order to ensure appropriately secure engagement of the pipe by the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> and by the pipe clamp <NUM> in general. For example, because the ears <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> are configured not to contact each other when a pipe is appropriately secured, the risk of under-tightening of the pipe clamp <NUM> due to contact between the ears <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> can be avoided. Of course, in some cases, similar principles (e.g., geometry of clamping portions and spacing of ears) can be employed in other embodiments disclosed herein.

Also similarly to the pipe clamp <NUM>, the pipe clamp <NUM> can include ribs and flanges to provide increased structural strength or other benefits. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> in particular, the second clamping member <NUM> includes a central rib <NUM> and a set of peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. The central rib <NUM> extends along the entire profile of the clamping portion <NUM> and corresponds to a central groove (not shown in <FIG>) that is opposite the clamping portion <NUM> inside of the pipe clamp <NUM> (i.e., on the inner side of the first clamping member <NUM>) In the embodiment illustrated, the central rib <NUM> does not extend onto the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, although other configurations are possible. In contrast, the peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM> extend along the entire profile of the clamping portion <NUM> as well as over substantially the full radially-extending length of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>. A similar central rib <NUM> and similar peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are also included on the first clamping member <NUM>, as partially illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Generally, the central ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and the peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can provide increased strength to the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. The peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in particular can provide significant strength to the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as to the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the deflection of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is relatively minimal when the pipe clamp <NUM> is loaded. This can be useful, for example, not only to generally increase the strength of the pipe clamp <NUM> but also to minimize bending stresses on the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, when the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> are firmly secured around a pipe (not shown), the relative lack of deflection of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can help to ensure that the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially subjected only to tension loading.

In different embodiments, the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can exhibit different absolute and relative dimensions. In some embodiments, for example, the depth of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., as measured vertically from the perspective of <FIG>) can be two times or more than the thickness of the material (e.g., metal) used to form the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the depth of the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> can be less than the depth of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the width of the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., as measured into the page from the perspective of <FIG>) can be more than half of the width of the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the width of the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> can be more than seven times the thickness of the material used to form the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Similarly to the clamping member <NUM>, each of the ears <NUM>, <NUM> of the clamping member <NUM> includes an extruded, threaded boss <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>), each defining a mounting opening for a respective one of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. As partially illustrated in <FIG>, a thinner toggle portion of the shaft of the fastener <NUM> can be aligned with the boss on the ear <NUM> to allow the fastener <NUM> to be pivoted relative to the ear <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> in particular, the ears <NUM>, <NUM> of the second clamping member <NUM> can include elongate slots that can allow a degree of lateral and pivotal relative movement between the clamping member <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, a closed slot <NUM> is provided on a mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM>, with the slot <NUM> extending generally perpendicularly relative to a pipe axis <NUM> defined by the pipe clamp <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) and, along the main portion of the ear <NUM>, radially outwardly from the clamping portion <NUM>. The closed slot <NUM> can be configured to receive the fastener <NUM>, and to thereby continue to secure the clamping portion <NUM> to the clamping portion <NUM> even when the pipe clamp <NUM> is in an open configuration.

In some embodiments, an open slot can be provided. As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, and similarly to the open slot <NUM> discussed above, an open slot <NUM> is provided on a mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM>, with the slot <NUM> also extending generally perpendicularly to the pipe axis <NUM> (see <FIG>). This may be useful, for example, in order to allow the fastener <NUM> to be pivoted into or out of the slot and, thereby, into or out of engagement with the clamping member <NUM>, without removing the fastener <NUM> from the clamping member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, additional features can be provided to strengthen the ears of a pipe clamp or provide other benefits. As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, each of the ears <NUM>, <NUM> includes a respective recessed seat <NUM>, <NUM> that defines a deviation from a substantially planar surface 172a, 178a of mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially circular, although other configurations are possible.

Also in the embodiment illustrated, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> extend substantially into the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, as illustrated in <FIG> in particular, when the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> are tightened to secure the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> around a pipe (not shown), heads of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> can seat against seating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> at the interior of seating portions 190a, 192a of the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG> for the seating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>), with shafts of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> extending through the slots <NUM>, <NUM>. This can be useful, for example, to further increase the strength of the ears <NUM>, <NUM> as well as to help to prevent the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> from becoming dislodged from the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, such as when the pipe clamp <NUM> is subjected to particularly large, potentially deforming loads. Moreover, the arrangement of the slots <NUM>, <NUM>, as similarly discussed relative to the slots <NUM>, <NUM>, can allow for ready pivoting of the pipe clamp <NUM> between open and closed configurations, without disassembly of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> or the pipe clamp <NUM> generally.

A recessed seat, such as the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM>, can be formed in different ways and with different absolute and relative geometries. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> are formed as extrusions into the substantially planar surfaces 172a, 178a of the mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, with substantially planar seating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible.

In some embodiments, seating surfaces within a seating recess (or seating recesses in general) can be angularly offset from parts of the ears on which they are formed. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> in particular, the seating portions 190a, 192a and the seating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> do not extend in parallel with the substantially planar surfaces 172a, 178a of the mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>. Rather, the seating portions 190a, 192a and the seating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> extend at a relatively small angle as measured relative to the substantially planar surfaces 172a, 178a. This may be useful, for example, in order to further help to retain the heads of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> within the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, due to the noted angular deviation, the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> are somewhat deeper towards the radially exterior ends of the ears <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., farther from the pipe) than towards the radially interior ends of the ears <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., closer to the pipe). Accordingly, near the radially exterior ends of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, each of the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> provides a relatively large internal lip. These internal lips can provide a structural impediment to help prevent the heads of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> from slipping out of the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM>, even if loading of the pipe clamp <NUM> causes an adverse deflection of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>.

Additionally, as also discussed above, some configurations of the disclosed pipe clamp can be arranged so that the opposing sets of ears of the clamping members are tangentially spaced from each other when a pipe is appropriately secured. With this configuration, for example, as illustrated in <FIG> as well as <FIG>, the non-parallel configuration of the mounting portions of the ears relative to the seating portions of recessed seats can help to ensure appropriate engagement of the ears by the relevant fasteners. For example, the angular offset of the seating portions relative to the mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM> can ensure that heads of nuts and the associated bolts are appropriately aligned for optimal loading. Further, this arrangement can allow a tightening of the relevant fasteners to cause the associated ears to deflect slightly towards each other. This can provide increasingly strong tactile feedback to consumers to indicate appropriate installation, and can also, via a levering action, help to provide a tighter engagement of the pipe by the clamping portions as compared to conventional designs. This can also apply, for example, when a liner is used (e.g., as discussed below).

In different embodiments, different angular deviations for recessed seats can be provided. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, as shown in <FIG> in particular, the seating portions 190a, 192a and the seating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> extend at an angle □ of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the substantially planar surfaces 172a, 178a of the mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the ears <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible, including a range of angles less than or equal to approximately <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, different angles can be provided for the seating portion 190a as compared to the seating surface <NUM> than for the seating portion 192a as compared to the seating surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, different angles can be provided for the seating surface <NUM> as compared to the seating surface <NUM> or for the seating portion 190a as compared to the seating portion 192a.

As another example, as shown in <FIG> in particular, the seating portions 190a, 192a extend substantially horizontally (in the illustrated reference frame), or otherwise substantially in parallel with the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, when the clamping members <NUM> are in an un-deformed state. Correspondingly, the substantially planar surfaces 172a, 178a of the mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the ears <NUM>, <NUM> extend at angles of approximately <NUM> degrees below horizontal (in the illustrated reference frame) when the clamping member <NUM> is in the illustrated installed orientation. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. Of particular note, as also alluded to above, with the seating portions 190a, 192a substantially in parallel with the ears <NUM>, <NUM>, appropriate loading of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> can be readily obtained.

In some embodiments, a recessed seat can be formed so that a fastener can rotate relatively freely when secured therein. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> in particular, the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> are formed as generally circular recesses with characteristic diameters that are sufficiently large so that the heads of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> can rotate freely therein. This may be useful, for example, so that a user can secure a clamp around a pipe by rotating a fastener from either side of the clamp (e.g., at the head of a bolt, at a nut for the bolt, or both). Further, this arrangement can allow for relatively easy use of a variety of different fasteners with the same pipe clamp, as well as a reversed configuration, with a nuts rather than bolt heads seated within the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, additional features can be provided in order to further assist with installation of pipe into the pipe clamp <NUM>. As also illustrated in <FIG>, for example, an installation tab <NUM> extends from the mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM> at an angle □□ Although a variety of angles are possible, the illustrate embodiment beneficially exhibits an angle □ of between approximately <NUM> degrees and approximately <NUM> degrees (e.g., at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees), as measured from the substantially planar surface 136a.

In addition to the noted features, the closed slot <NUM> also extends from the mounting portion <NUM> of the ear <NUM> onto the installation tab <NUM>. Accordingly, as similarly discussed relative to the slot <NUM>, the pipe clamp <NUM> can be opened to a relatively large angle without full disassembly (e.g., with the fastener <NUM> still secured to the two ears <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> in particular, the shaft of the fastener <NUM> can be disposed in the portion of the slot <NUM> that is on the installation tab <NUM> when the pipe clamp <NUM> is fully opened. And the installation tab <NUM> can thereby support the clamping member <NUM> at an open angle of between approximately <NUM> degrees and approximately <NUM> degrees (e.g., approximately <NUM> degrees, as measured in comparison between a first reference plane extending along the ears <NUM>, <NUM> and a second reference plane extending along the ears <NUM>, <NUM>). This relatively large open angle can be useful, for example, so that relatively large pipes can be relatively easily installed without requiring full disassembly of the pipe clamp <NUM> (i.e., while allowing the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> to remain connected as a single assembly). In some cases, this arrangement can usefully allow the pipe clamp <NUM> to be readily installed onto pipes that have already been suspended in a desired location, or otherwise usefully deployed. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, an installation tab similar to the installation tab <NUM> can be provided in the absence of recessed seats such as the recessed seats <NUM> PIPE CLAMP.

<NUM><NUM>. Similarly, in some embodiments, recessed seats such as the recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided in the absence of an installation tab. In some embodiments in which an installation tab is provided along with recessed seats, an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees for the installation tab, relative to a reference plane of a relevant mounting portion of a clamping member, may be particularly beneficial. For example, an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees of deviation may provide appropriate clearance for installation of the head of a fastener into the proximate recessed seat, while also providing relatively minimal additional length for the relevant ear, in order to allow for relatively close spacing between adjacently installed pipes.

As with other embodiments, in some configurations, liners can be used with the pipe clamp <NUM>. In the configuration illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, liner parts <NUM>, <NUM> of a generally non-metallic liner have been installed on the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The liner parts <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed primarily from rubber, other elastomers, or other polymers, and can help to secure pipes in the pipe clamp <NUM> or to provide acoustic dampening. In some embodiments, the liner parts <NUM>, <NUM> can also increase the load rating of the pipe clamp <NUM> as compared to arrangements in which conventional liner parts are used. Of course, in some arrangements, such as shown in <FIG>, liner parts may not be used with the pipe clamp <NUM>.

In some embodiments, liner parts for a pipe clamp, including liner parts as discussed above, can be formed with relatively thin non-metallic walls that enclose one or more hollow internal compartments. This may be useful, for example, in order to help to improve overall load ratings of a pipe, such as may be determined under RAL standards or other standardized testing, as well as to improve acoustic dampening.

As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the liner part <NUM>, which may be substantially geometrically similar to the liner parts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, exhibits relatively thin external walls <NUM> that define two hollow peripheral ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, an expanded central region <NUM> with a central peak <NUM>, and a set of return lips <NUM>, <NUM>. The external walls <NUM> accordingly also define two hollow internal compartments 212a, 214a within the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> and, in combination with an internal wall <NUM>, a set of hollow internal compartments 216a, 216b within the central region <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> in particular, the return lips <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to engage peripheral flanges on a clamping member, such as the peripheral flanges <NUM>, <NUM> on the clamping member <NUM> (see also <FIG>). This can, for example, help to secure the liner part <NUM> on the clamping member <NUM> during transport as well as during installation of a pipe.

Also as illustrated in <FIG> in particular, the central region <NUM>, including portions of the hollow internal compartments 216a, 216b, can extend into a groove on a clamping member, such as a central groove <NUM> defined by the central rib <NUM> of the clamping member <NUM>. This can, for example, also help to secure the liner part <NUM> on the clamping member <NUM> as well as help to provide other benefits discussed below.

In some cases, internal compartments, such as the various internal compartments 216a, 216b, can contribute to substantial acoustic dampening. Further, a relatively thin configuration of external walls, such as the external walls <NUM>, can contribute to improved load ratings for a pipe clamp, as compared to arrangements in which conventional liners are used. For example, the relatively thin external walls <NUM>, as potentially modulated by the hollow internal compartments 212a, 214a, 216a, 216b, can deform relatively significantly upon initial application of pre-loading to the liner part <NUM>, but then resist significant deformation upon application of further loads. Further, in some structural tests, such as tests under the RAL Standards, a reference deflection for determining a load rating is measured after application of a pre-load. Accordingly, the noted initial susceptibility and subsequent resistance to deformation, as exhibited by liners according to embodiments of the invention, can result in relatively significant improvements in actual load ratings. Further, hollow internal compartments, such as the hollow internal compartments 212a, 214a, 216a, 216b, as defined by the external walls <NUM> and the internal wall <NUM>, can provide relatively significant acoustic dampening, which may potentially counter any loss of dampening resulting from the relatively thin aspect of the external walls <NUM>.

In different embodiments, liner parts can exhibit different configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the central region <NUM> of the liner part <NUM> exhibits a generally diamond-shaped profile, with the two internal compartments 216a, 216b, lateral vertices of the diamond that are configured to extend wider than the central groove <NUM> on the clamping member <NUM>, and a somewhat flattened vertex that is configured to seat within the central groove <NUM>. Likewise, the peripheral ridges <NUM>, <NUM> exhibit substantially triangular profiles and are disposed at the lateral edges of the liner part <NUM> (from the perspective of <FIG>) in substantial alignment with the return lips <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, in the embodiment illustrated, the external walls <NUM> and the internal wall <NUM> can exhibit thicknesses of between approximately <NUM> and approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, other configurations are possible.

In some embodiments, liner parts similar to the liner part <NUM>, or otherwise configured, can be used with differently configured pipe clamps. For example, a pipe clamp <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can be used with liner parts <NUM>, <NUM> that are substantially geometrically similar to the liner part <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). In some ways, the pipe clamp <NUM> can be similar to the pipe clamps <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the pipe clamp <NUM> can exhibit closed or open slots (not shown), peripheral flanges, central ribs (not shown), threaded bosses (not shown) and other features similar to the pipe clamps <NUM>, <NUM>. In other ways, the pipe clamp <NUM> can vary from the pipe clamps <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the pipe clamp <NUM> does not include an installation tab similar to the installation tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>).

Thus, embodiments of the inventions provide an improved clamp for supporting pipes relative to other structures. In some embodiments, for example, an installation tab can facilitate a relatively large opening angle for a pipe clamp without requiring the pipe clamp to be fully disassembled. As another example, in some embodiments, recessed seats on ears of a clamping member can provide improved structural strength for a pipe clamp, as well as helping to retain relevant fasteners in place after installation. As still another example, in some embodiments, non-metallic liner parts with relatively thin walls and internal hollow compartments can help to increase load ratings for a pipe clamp, as well as to provide relatively significant acoustic dampening.

Claim 1:
A clamp (<NUM>) for securing a pipe using first and second fasteners (<NUM>, <NUM>), the clamp comprising:
a first clamping member (<NUM>) and a second clamping member (<NUM>);
each clamping member (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a respective clamping portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to engage the pipe, and a respective set of ears (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
the ears (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of each of the clamping members (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from opposite sides of the respective clamping portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), with a first ear (<NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to receive the first fastener (<NUM>) and a second ear (<NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to receive the second fastener (<NUM>), to secure the first and second clamping members (<NUM>, <NUM>) together;
the first ear (<NUM>) of the second clamping member (<NUM>) including a mounting portion (<NUM>) that includes a recessed seat (<NUM>) that is shaped to receive a head of the first fastener (<NUM>) and a closed slot (<NUM>) that extends through a surface of the first ear (<NUM>) in an elongate direction away from the clamping portion (<NUM>) and extends into the recessed seat (<NUM>) to allow the second clamping member (<NUM>) to move relative to the first clamping member (<NUM>) between a closed configuration and an open configuration, the recessed seat (<NUM>) providing a seating portion (190a) with a seating surface (<NUM>) to seat a head of the first fastener (<NUM>) to secure the first clamping member (<NUM>) in the closed configuration;
the first ear (<NUM>) including an installation tab (<NUM>) extending from the mounting portion (<NUM>) at a non-zero-angle relative to the mounting portion (<NUM>), and the closed slot (<NUM>) extending from the mounting portion (<NUM>) onto the installation tab (<NUM>) to allow the second clamping member (<NUM>) to move relative to the first clamping member (<NUM>) between the closed configuration and the open configuration, while the first clamping member (<NUM>) and the second clamping member (<NUM>) remain connected by the first fastener (<NUM>).