GB2094385A - Exhaust clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A pipe clamp particularly for fixing together two parts of a vehicle exhaust system comprises two C- shaped parts 10, 12 inherently provided with a Vee cross section groove (Fig. 2) which can receive the flanged ends of the pipes and draw them together when the clamp is tightened. The two-C-shaped parts are connected together by a tongue and slot hinge 18, 22 at one end and by a nut and bolt 30, 32 at the other end. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Exhaust clamp A conventional exhaust clamp used to fix together two parts of a vehicle exhaust system such as manifold and pipe, comprises a pair of semi-circular parts to fit around the plane of the joint and often made of Vee cross section so as to embrace out-turned flanges at the joint therebetween, an additional pair of semi-circular members of channel cross section to embrace the first pair and also encircle the joint, the channel section members having radially out-turned end lugs which are apertured, and a pair of nuts and bolts to fix the channel shaped parts together. The dimensions of the parts are carefully selected so that as the bolts are tightened the Vee section ring clamps the joint together.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved clamp made of fewer parts which will thus be cheaper to manufacture but which is capable of giving equal clamping efficiency.

In accordance with the invention an exhaust clamp comprises a pair of semi-circular parts which are adapted to be hingedly connected together at adjacent ends by a lug on the one part passed-through a slot on the other, the parts having radially outwardly extending lugs at their opposite ends, and the lugs being apertured to be secured together by a single nut and bolt, and the parts being of generally channel shape in cross section but formed with an integral Vee shaped recess between the walls of the channel.

By these means, the Vee shaped portion can afford clamping as in the conventional arrangement, whilst the channel section preserves the essential rigidity required in service. The clamp of the invention comprises four parts instead of the minimum of eight parts used in conventional clamps.

An embodiment of the invention is more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein: Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved clamp in assembled condition; Figure 2 is a cross section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing one end of one of the parts of the clamp; and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the opposite ends of both parts of the clamp in a disconnected position.

Referring to the drawings, the clamp comprises a pair of C parts 10, 12. Both parts are generally of channel cross section as shown in Figure 2 having side flanges 14 and a central inverted Vee formation 1 6 in the base of the channel. The part 10 is formed with a generally radially extending lug 18 at one end which is arranged to hook through a slot 20 in a comparable but wider lug 22 formed on the part 12. This provides a hinging action between the parts.

At the opposite end to the lug 18, the part 10 is provided with a radially extending platform like flange 24, and the side walls of the channel 14 extend along the length of the platform, and the end of the platform is upturned to provide a similar reinforcing flange 26. The platform is apertured at 28 for the bolt 30, and the aperture is placed in relation to the reinforcing flange 26 so that an edge of the bolt seats against that flange 26 so as to prevent the bolt turning when the nut 32 is tightened. The part 12 has a similar platform which is likewise reinforced by continuations the channel side walls 14, but without the end flange 26.

1. An exhaust clamp comprising a pair of semicircular parts which are adapted to be hingedly connected together at adjacent ends by a lug on the one part passed through a slot on the other, the parts having radially outwardly extending lugs at their opposite ends, and the lugs being apertured to be secured together by a single nut and bolt, and the parts being of generally channel shape in cross section but formed with an integral Vee shaped recess between the walls of the channel.

2. An exhaust clamp substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (2)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Exhaust clamp A conventional exhaust clamp used to fix together two parts of a vehicle exhaust system such as manifold and pipe, comprises a pair of semi-circular parts to fit around the plane of the joint and often made of Vee cross section so as to embrace out-turned flanges at the joint therebetween, an additional pair of semi-circular members of channel cross section to embrace the first pair and also encircle the joint, the channel section members having radially out-turned end lugs which are apertured, and a pair of nuts and bolts to fix the channel shaped parts together. The dimensions of the parts are carefully selected so that as the bolts are tightened the Vee section ring clamps the joint together. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved clamp made of fewer parts which will thus be cheaper to manufacture but which is capable of giving equal clamping efficiency. In accordance with the invention an exhaust clamp comprises a pair of semi-circular parts which are adapted to be hingedly connected together at adjacent ends by a lug on the one part passed-through a slot on the other, the parts having radially outwardly extending lugs at their opposite ends, and the lugs being apertured to be secured together by a single nut and bolt, and the parts being of generally channel shape in cross section but formed with an integral Vee shaped recess between the walls of the channel. By these means, the Vee shaped portion can afford clamping as in the conventional arrangement, whilst the channel section preserves the essential rigidity required in service. The clamp of the invention comprises four parts instead of the minimum of eight parts used in conventional clamps. An embodiment of the invention is more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein: Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved clamp in assembled condition; Figure 2 is a cross section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing one end of one of the parts of the clamp; and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the opposite ends of both parts of the clamp in a disconnected position. Referring to the drawings, the clamp comprises a pair of C parts 10, 12. Both parts are generally of channel cross section as shown in Figure 2 having side flanges 14 and a central inverted Vee formation 1 6 in the base of the channel. The part 10 is formed with a generally radially extending lug 18 at one end which is arranged to hook through a slot 20 in a comparable but wider lug 22 formed on the part 12. This provides a hinging action between the parts. At the opposite end to the lug 18, the part 10 is provided with a radially extending platform like flange 24, and the side walls of the channel 14 extend along the length of the platform, and the end of the platform is upturned to provide a similar reinforcing flange 26. The platform is apertured at 28 for the bolt 30, and the aperture is placed in relation to the reinforcing flange 26 so that an edge of the bolt seats against that flange 26 so as to prevent the bolt turning when the nut 32 is tightened. The part 12 has a similar platform which is likewise reinforced by continuations the channel side walls 14, but without the end flange 26. CLAIMS

1. An exhaust clamp comprising a pair of semicircular parts which are adapted to be hingedly connected together at adjacent ends by a lug on the one part passed through a slot on the other, the parts having radially outwardly extending lugs at their opposite ends, and the lugs being apertured to be secured together by a single nut and bolt, and the parts being of generally channel shape in cross section but formed with an integral Vee shaped recess between the walls of the channel.

2. An exhaust clamp substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.