Multi-segment clamp

Claim 2

A circular, segmental clamp including a plurality of intercoNnected segments and incorporating between two such segments an expansion and contraction device actuable in a first sense to move said two segments of said clamp toward one another for contracting said clamp about conduit part end flanges for joining conduit parts and actuable in an opposite sense to move said two segments away from one another for expanding said clamp to free the conduit parts; generally peripheral wall means surrounding said clamp and arranged to be engaged by and to radially confine said segments upon expansion of said clamp; first cam means disposed axially adjacent said clamp at a plurality of angularly spaced locations; and second cam means on said clamp at a corresponding plurality of angularly spaced locations; said first cam means and said second cam means being interengaged and cooperatively configured to: upon initial contraction of said clamp from an expanded condition, move the clamp segments in a first group furtherest from said expansion and contraction device generally radially inwardly and the clamp segments in two second groups nearest said expansion and contraction device on angularly opposite sides thereof angularly toward said expansion and contraction device and the clamp segments in two third groups respectively angularly intermediate said first group and second groups radially inwardly at a lesser rate than the segments of said first group and angularly toward said expansion and contraction device at a lesser rate than the segments of said second groups; upon further contraction of said clamp to a contracted condition to move the clamp segments in said third groups radially inwardly to the same radial extent as the segments of said first group; upon initial expansion of said clamp from a contracted condition, force said clamp segments in said third groups radially outwardly into engagement with said generally peripheral wall means; and upon further expansion of said clamp to an expanded condition, move said clamp segments in said third groups angularly of said clamp in guided sliding contact with said generally peripheral wall means, move the clamp segments in said second groups radially outwardly into engagement with said generally peripheral wall means and angularly away from said expansion and contraction device, and move the clamp segments in said first group generally radially outwardly; whereby in contracting, the clamp segments are progressively brought into contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments furtherest from the expansion and contraction device and whereby in expanding, the clamp segments are progressively removed from contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments nearest the expansion and contraction device; the first cam means comprising an annular plate adapted to be supported axially adjacent said segments and links in a peripherally surrounding relationship to one of the two conduit parts; first curved surface means in said plate near said clamp expanding and contracting device in both angular senses; third curved surface means in said plate generally diametrically opposite said clamp expanding and contracting device; and second curved surface means in said plate angularly intermediate said first and third curved surface means in both angular senses; and the second cam means comprising: follower means projecting from axially adjacent regions of said clamp and into engagement with respective of said curved surface means, each follower being slidable along a respective curved surface means and guided thereby; each first curved surface means, proceeding from nearest said clamp expanding and contracting device, curving sharply radially outwardly while proceeding angularly to no greater degree so as to convex outwardly, then proceeding substantially angularly; each second curved surface means, proceeding from nearest the respective first curved surface means, curving gradually radially outwardly and angularLy so as to be convex outwardly; and each third curved surface means, proceeding from nearest the respective second curved surface means, proceeding substantially radially outwardly.

Claim 3

The joint of claim 1 wherein the curved surface means are constituted by respective slots formed axially through said plates and said follower means are slidingly received in respective of said slots.

Claim 4

A clamp assembly including: an annular support and guide plate; a generally tubular clamp retainer can secured on said guide plate, radially outwardly thereof and extending axially therefrom; a plurality of clamp segments pivotally interconnected by means including axially directed hinge pins and forming a generally circular clamp; a clamp expanding and contracting device interposed between two of said segments for forcing said two segments apart and drawing said two segments together to, via transmission of force and movement through said pivotally interconnecting means, respectively expand and contract said clamp; first slot means in said plate near said clamp expanding and contracting device in both angular senses; third slot means in said plate generally diametrically opposite said clamp expanding and contracting device; and second slot means in said plate angularly intermediate said first and third slot means in both angular senses; axial projections on a plurality of said hinge pins constituting follower means each projecting into respective of said slot means each follower being slidable along a respective slot and guided thereby; each first slot means, proceeding from nearest said clamp expanding and contracting device, curving sharply radially outwardly while proceeding angularly to no greater degree so as to convex outwardly, then proceeding substantially angularly; each second slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective first slot means, curving gradually radially outwardly and angularly so as to be convex outwardly; and each third slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective secured slot means, proceeding substantially radially outwardly; whereby in contracting, the clamp segments are progressively brought into contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments furthest from the expansion and contracting device and whereby in expanding, the clamp segments are progressively removed from contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments nearest the expansion and contraction device; said clamp retainer can peripherally restraining radially outward movement of said segments during clamp expansion and guiding angular movement of the angularly moving segments during clamp expansion.

Claim 5

A clamp assembly including: an annular support and guide plate; a generally tubular clamp retainer can secured on said guide plate, radially outwardly thereof and extending axially therefrom; a plurality of clamp segments pivotally interconnected by means including axially directed hinge pins and forming a generally circular clamp; a clamp expanding and contracting device interposed between two of said segments for forcing said two segments apart and drawing said two segments together to, via transmission of force and movement through said pivotally interconnecting means, respectively expand and contract said clamp; first slot means in said plate near said clamp expanding and contracting device in both angular senses; third slot means in said plate generally diametrically opposite said clamp expanding and contracting device; and second slot means in said plate angularly intermediate said first and third slot means in both angular senses; axial projections on a plurality of said hinge pins constituting follower means each projecting into respective of said slot means each follower being slidable along a respective slot and guided thereby; each first slot means, proceeding from nearest said clamp expanding and contracting device, curving sharply radially outwardly while proceeding angularly to no greater degree so as to convex outwardly, then proceeding substantially angularly; each second slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective first slot means, curving gradually radially outwardly and angularly so as to be convex outwardly; and each third slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective secured slot means, proceeding substantially radially outwardly; whereby in contracting, the clamp segments are progressively brought into contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments furthest from the expansion and contracting device and whereby in expanding, the clamp segments are progressively removed from contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments nearest the expansion and contraction device; said clamp retainer can peripherally restraining radially outward movement of said segments during clamp expansion and guiding angular movement of the angularly moving segments during clamp expansion.

Claim 6

For securing together two conduit parts having radially outwardly directed end flanges, an expansible/contractile clamp comprising: a plurality of clamp segments each having a radially inner face and a radially outer face; means defining an angularly extending radially inwardly opening groove in each segment radially inner face, each groove being configured to receive and clamp together an angularly short portion of the end flanges of said two conduit parts; a plurality of elongated links; means pivotally connecting each link near each end thereof to adjacent twos of said segments, about axes parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of said end flanges, to provide a string of connected segments having two opposite ends; a clamp expanding and contracting device connected between the two segments at said two opposite ends and constructed and arranged to pull said two segments toward one another to contract said clamp and to push said two segments away from one another to expand said clamp; an annular plate adapted to be supported axially adjacent said segments and links in a peripherally surrounding relationship to one of the two conduit parts; first slot means in said plate near said clamp expanding and contracting device in both angular senses; thIrd slot means in said plate generally diametrically opposite said clamp expanding and contracting device; and second slot means in said plate angularly intermediate said first and third slot means in both angular senses; follower means projecting from axially adjacent regions of said clamp and into respective of said slot means, each follower being slidable along a respective slot and guided thereby; each first slot means, proceeding from nearest said clamp expanding and contracting device, curving sharply radially outwardly while proceeding angularly to no greater degree so as to be convex outwardly, then proceeding substantially angularly; each second slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective first slot means, curving gradually radially outwardly and angularly so as to be convex outwardly; and each third slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective second slot means, proceeding substantially radially outwardly; whereby in contracting, the clamp segments are progressively brought into contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments farthest from the expansion and contracting device and whereby in expanding, the clamp segments are progressively removed from contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments nearest the expansion and contraction device.

Claim 7

For securing together two conduit parts having radially outwardly directed end flanges, an expansible/contractile clamp comprising: a plurality of clamp segments each having a radially inner face and a radially outer face; means defining an angularly extending radially inwardly opening groove in each segment radially inner face, each groove being configured to receive and clamp together an angularly short portion of the end flanges of said two conduit parts; a plurality of elongated links; means pivotally connecting each link near each end thereof to adjacent twos of said segments, about axes parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of said end flanges, to provide a string of connected segments having two opposite ends; a clamp expanding and contracting device connected between the two segments at said two opposite ends and constructed and arranged to pull said two segments toward one another to contract said clamp and to push said two segments away from one another to expand said clamp; an annular plate adapted to be supported axially adjacent said segments and links in a peripherally surrounding relationship to one of the two conduit parts; first slot means in said plate near said clamp expanding and contracting device in both angular senses; thIrd slot means in said plate generally diametrically opposite said clamp expanding and contracting device; and second slot means in said plate angularly intermediate said first and third slot means in both angular senses; follower means projecting from axially adjacent regions of said clamp and into respective of said slot means, each follower being slidable along a respective slot and guided thereby; each first slot means, proceeding from nearest said clamp expanding and contracting device, curving sharply radially outwardly while proceeding angularly to no greater degree so as to be convex outwardly, then proceeding substantially angularly; each second slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective first slot means, curving gradually radially outwardly and angularly so as to be convex outwardly; and each third slot means, proceeding from nearest the respective second slot means, proceeding substantially radially outwardly; whereby in contracting, the clamp segments are progressively brought into contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments farthest from the expansion and contracting device and whereby in expanding, the clamp segments are progressively removed from contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments nearest the expansion and contraction device.

Claim 8

A joint comprising: a first conduit part and a second conduit part; each said conduit part having means defining a radially outwardly projecting, generally circumferentially extending end flange, the end flanges being adapted to be drawn together for joining the conduit parts; a circular clamp comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected segments and an expanding and contracting device incorporated between two of said segments; each segment including means defining an angularly extending, radially inwardly opening groove thereon for accepting axially adjacent portions of said end flanges for clamping said end flanges together; said expanding and contracting device including means for actuation in one sense to draw said two segments toward one another for contracting said clamp and for actuation in another sense to force said two segments away from one another for expanding said clamp; means supporting said clamp with respect to one of said conduit parts and including means for retarding radially inward movement of segments of said clamp adjacent said expanding and contracting device upon actuation of the latter in said one sense, until after segments of said clamp furthest from said expanding and contracting device have been substantially contracted; resilient annular sealing ring means coaxially received between said conduit parts and configured to resiliently transmit sealing force to both said conduit parts as said clamp is being contracted, beginning prior to completion of contraction of said clamp whereby further contraction of said clamp must be conducted against said resilient force; each conduit part end flange including means defining a circumferential, flared wedging surface facing axially away from the respective other conduit part end flange and enlarging in diameter axially toward said respective other conduit part end flange; wherein each said segment groove includes two axially spaced, facing flanks tapering generally complementarily to said end flange wedging surfaces and being engageable therewith to draw said conduit parts axially toward one another against said resilient force; wherein said supporting means includes means disposing said clamp axially further toward said other conduit part while said clamp is in an expanded condition and permitting axial movement of said clamp toward said one conduit part during contraction of said clamp, whereby said clamp when expanded is disposed to reach axially for the wedging surface of the conduit part on which the clamp is not mounted and to move with that wedging surface toward the conduit part upon which the clamp is mounted; the supporting means including plate means disposed axially adjacent said clamp and having means defining a plurality of angularly spaced curved surface means thereon; a plurality of angularly spaced pin means projecting axially from said clamp and into sliding engagement with respective of said curved surface means; and retaining means securing said pin means with respect to said plate means for limited axial and lateral movement of said pin means with respect to said curved surface means; generally circular clamp container can means peripherally substantially surrounding said clamp and being engageable by segments of said clamp upon expansion thereof to maintain circularity of said clamp to limit expansion thereof and to transmit clamp opening angularly of said clamp from said two segments; and wherein said retarding means comprises portions of said curved surface means being shaped as cam means with respect to which said projecting pin means constitute cam followers, said curved surface means being of at least three differing dispositions and shapes including: first curved surface means on said plate near said clamp expanding and contracting device in both angular senses; third curved surface means on said plate generally diametrically opposite said clamp expanding and contracting device; and second curved surface means on said plate angularly intermediate said first and third curved surface means in both angular senses; each follower being slidable along a respective curved surface and guided thereby; each first curved surface means, proceeding from nearest said clamp expanding and contracting device, curving sharply radially outwardly while proceeding angularly to no greater degree so as to convex outwardly, then proceeding substantially angularly; each second curved surface means, proceeding from nearest the respective first curved surface means, curving gradually radially outwardly and angularly so as to be convex outwardly; and each third curved surface means, proceeding from nearest the respective secured curved surface means, proceeding substantially radially outwardly; whereby, in contracting, the clamp segments are progressively brought into contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments furthest from the expansion and contracting device and whereby in expanding, the clamp segments are progressively removed from contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments nearest the expansion and contraction device.

Claim 9

A joint comprising: a first conduit part and a second conduit part; each said conduit part having means defining a radially outwardly projecting, generally circumferentially extending end flange, the end flanges being adapted to be drawn together for joining the conduit parts; a circular clamp comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected segments and an expanding and contracting device incorporated between two of said segments; each segment including means defining an angularly extending, radially inwardly opening groove thereon for accepting axially adjacent portions of said end flanges for clamping said end flanges together; said expanding and contracting device including means for actuation in one sense to draw said two segments toward one another for contracting said clamp and for actuation in another sense to force said two segments away from one another for expanding said clamp; means supporting said clamp with respect to one of said conduit parts and including means for retarding radially inward movement of segments of said clamp adjacent said expanding and contracting device upon actuation of the latter in said one sense, until after segments of said clamp furthest from said expanding and contracting device have been substantially contracted; resilient annular sealing ring means coaxially received between said conduit parts and configured to resiliently transmit sealing force to both said conduit parts as said clamp is being contracted, beginning prior to completion of contraction of said clamp whereby further contraction of said clamp must be conducted against said resilient force; each conduit part end flange including means defining a circumferential, flared wedging surface facing axially away from the respective other conduit part end flange and enlarging in diameter axially toward said respective other conduit part end flange; wherein each said segment groove includes two axially spaced, facing flanks tapering generally complementarily to said end flange wedging surfaces and being engageable therewith to draw said conduit parts axially toward one another against said resilient force; wherein said supporting means includes means disposing said clamp axially further toward said other conduit part while said clamp is in an expanded condition and permitting axial movement of said clamp toward said one conduit part during contraction of said clamp, whereby said clamp when expanded is disposed to reach axially for the wedging surface of the conduit part on which the clamp is not mounted and to move with that wedging surface toward the conduit part upon which the clamp is mounted; the supporting means including plate means disposed axially adjacent said clamp and having means defining a plurality of angularly spaced curved surface means thereon; a plurality of angularly spaced pin means projecting axially from said clamp and into sliding engagement with respective of said curved surface means; and retaining means securing said pin means with respect to said plate means for limited axial and lateral movement of said pin means with respect to said curved surface means; generally circular clamp container can means peripherally substantially surrounding said clamp and being engageable by segments of said clamp upon expansion thereof to maintain circularity of said clamp to limit expansion thereof and to transmit clamp opening angularly of said clamp from said two segments; and wherein said retarding means comprises portions of said curved surface means being shaped as cam means with respect to which said projecting pin means constitute cam followers, said curved surface means being of at least three differing dispositions and shapes including: first curved surface means on said plate near said clamp expanding and contracting device in both angular senses; third curved surface means on said plate generally diametrically opposite said clamp expanding and contracting device; and second curved surface means on said plate angularly intermediate said first and third curved surface means in both angular senses; each follower being slidable along a respective curved surface and guided thereby; each first curved surface means, proceeding from nearest said clamp expanding and contracting device, curving sharply radially outwardly while proceeding angularly to no greater degree so as to convex outwardly, then proceeding substantially angularly; each second curved surface means, proceeding from nearest the respective first curved surface means, curving gradually radially outwardly and angularly so as to be convex outwardly; and each third curved surface means, proceeding from nearest the respective secured curved surface means, proceeding substantially radially outwardly; whereby, in contracting, the clamp segments are progressively brought into contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments furthest from the expansion and contracting device and whereby in expanding, the clamp segments are progressively removed from contact with the conduit parts beginning with the segments nearest the expansion and contraction device.

Claim 10

The joint of claim 5 wherein said supporting means includes a generally tubular sleeve; means connecting said clamp to said sleeve; and cooperating projection means on said one conduit part interfitting with and supporting said sleeve.

Claim 11

The joint of claim 6 wherein said tubular sleeve comprises a radially inwardly directed annular flange; and wherein the cooperating projection means on said one conduit part comprises a radially outwardly directed annular flange having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of said radially inwardly directed flange; said radially inwardly directed flange resting upon said radially outwardly directed flange, whereby upon expansion of said clamp, said clamp remains supported by said radially outwardly directed flange and is free to be lifted clear of said first conduit part.

Claim 12

The joint of claim 5 wherein the clamp expanding and contracting device comprises two trunnions; means connecting said trunnions to respective of said two segments; means defining two openings of opposite internal helical threading respectively laterally through the two trunnions; a drive screw having two axially spaced portions exteriorly threaded in opposite senses; said drive screw portions being threadably received in respective of said trunnion openings; means on said drive screw for transmitting rotational force thereto for rotating said drive screw about its own longitudinal axis in both angular senses; Pg,50 the means for connecting said trunnions to respective of said two segments including an axially directed axle on each trunnion and link means pivotally connecting respective axles to respective of said two segments; and a safety device for preventing unintended expansion of said clamp, comprising safety plate means having slot means provided axially therethrough said safety plate means slot means having two opposite lateral ends spaced from one another by an amount sufficient to allow said trunnion axles to enter said slots when said clamp is fully contracted and to be engaged by both said opposite lateral ends, whereby said axles, and thus said trunnions, are prevented from moving apart.

Claim 13

The joint of claim 8 wherein the curved surface means are constituted by respective slots formed axially through said plate and said pin means are slidingly received in respective of said slots.

Claim 14

The joint means of claim 9 further including: enlarged means on said pin means retaining said pin means in said slots for axial and lateral movement in said slots; and wherein said disposing means comprises a coil spring surrounding each respective projecting pin means and bearing at opposite ends against said plate means and said clamp.