# US 2013/0154259 A1 · Clamp assembly with annular clamps and bridge > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0154259 A1 - Document ID: US20130154259A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/326,360 - Filed: 2011-12-15 - Published: 2013-06-20 - Earliest claimed: 2011-12-15 - Assignees: Eliezer Krausz Industrial Development Ltd. - Inventors: Avi Chiproot - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130154259A1 ## CPC - F16L 21/065: {tightened by tangentially-arranged threaded pins} - F16L 21/022: {used with sleeves or nipples for pipes of the same diameter, or with reduction pieces (F16L21/025 takes precedence)} - F16L 21/08: with additional locking means (F16L21/06 takes precedence; couplings of the quick-acting type F16L37/00) - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL ## Abstract An improved clamp assembly that has two adjacent annular clamps and the user has the choice of tightening just one of them or both of them. A bridge element is provided that presses against one or more sealing rings when tightening the annular clamp. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A clamp assembly comprising: a first annular clamp having an opening at at least one end of its axial length for inserting therein a pipe, said first annular clamp comprising two clamp members; a first sealing ring operative to contact an outer contour of the pipe; and a first fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on said first sealing ring so that said first annular clamp clamps the pipe; and a second annular clamp having an opening axially adjacent said opening of said first annular clamp for inserting therein the pipe, said second annular clamp comprising two clamp members axially adjacent said clamp members of said first annular clamp; a second sealing ring operative to contact the outer contour of the pipe; and a second fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on said second sealing ring so that said second annular clamp clamps the pipe. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first sealing ring comprises inner and outer sealing rings radially spaced from one another, an innermost one of said sealing rings operative to contact the outer contour of the pipe. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein an annular inclined surface extends axially from each of said clamp members of said second annular clamp, and said second sealing ring comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped grippers arranged for sliding and abutting against said annular inclined surface, said wedge-shaped grippers being connected to one another by flexible elements to form a grip ring, and said second fastener is operative to fasten said clamp members towards each other so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on said annular inclined surface that moves and wedges said wedge-shaped grippers in an axial direction between said annular inclined surface and the pipe. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first and second annular clamps are mounted on a common annular housing. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second annular clamp is mounted on a separate annular housing that mounts onto said first annular clamp. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The clamp assembly according to claim 5, wherein said separate annular housing comprises at least one axial flange that extends over a portion of said first annular clamp. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The clamp assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one auxiliary fastener opposite at least one of said first and second fasteners. ### Claim 8 A clamp assembly comprising: a first annular clamp having an opening at at least one end of its axial length for inserting therein a pipe, said first annular clamp comprising two clamp members; inner and outer sealing rings radially spaced from one another, an innermost one of said sealing rings operative to contact an outer contour of the pipe; and a first fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the innermost sealing ring that contacts the pipe so that said first annular clamp clamps the pipe; and a second annular clamp having an opening adjacent said opening of said first annular clamp for inserting therein the pipe, said second annular clamp comprising two clamp members; an annular inclined surface extending axially from each of said clamp members; a plurality of wedge-shaped grippers arranged for sliding and abutting against said annular inclined surface, said wedge-shaped grippers being connected to one another by flexible elements to form a grip ring; and a second fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the pipe inserted in said opening and a radially-inward clamping force on said annular inclined surface that moves and wedges said wedge-shaped grippers in an axial direction between said annular inclined surface and the pipe. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The clamp assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a bridge element that presses against at least one of said sealing rings when tightening said first annular clamp. ### Claim 10 An accessory for a clamp assembly comprising: a bridge element comprising a relatively stiff, outer radial portion and a relatively flexible, inner radial portion, said outer radial portion comprising a pressing surface for pressing against a sealing ring in a clamp assembly. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The accessory according to claim 10, wherein said outer radial portion comprises a curved band with a stiffening flange. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The accessory according to claim 11, wherein a side wall extends generally perpendicularly from said curved band, said side wall having a plurality of notches formed therein. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The accessory according to claim 11, wherein said pressing surface comprises an elongate depression formed in said curved band. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The accessory according to claim 13, wherein said elongate depression is generally parallel to said stiffening flange. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The accessory according to claim 12, wherein two groups of notches are located towards opposite ends of said side wall. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The accessory according to claim 12, wherein said stiffening flange extends from said curved band in a direction opposed to said side wall. ### Claim 17 (depends on 10) The accessory according to claim 10, wherein said bridge element is formed with a mounting hole. ### Claim 18 (depends on 10) The accessory according to claim 10, wherein said bridge element comprises an identification marking on a portion thereof.