# US 2022/0034428 A1 · Gripping device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2022/0034428 A1 - Document ID: US20220034428A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/278,860 - Filed: 2019-10-11 - Published: 2022-02-03 - Earliest claimed: 2018-10-12 - Assignees: F.Lli Righini S.R.L. - Applicants: F.Lli Righini S.R.L. - Inventors: Franco ARGELLI; Renzo RIGHINI - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20220034428A1 ## CPC - F16L 1/207: {Pipe handling apparatus} - B25B 1/2426: {the parts having a pivotal movement} - F16L 1/23: Pipe tensioning apparatus - B25B 1/20: Vices for clamping work of special profile, e.g. pipes - B25B 1/2452: {with supplementary jaws} - F16L 3/1066: {with three or more members surrounding the pipe} - Y10T 279/1986: Jaws - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A clamp (1000) designed to axially block an axisymmetric body (CA) by applying radial actions (forces) and provided with a plurality of gripping devices (1) distributed concentrically around an axis (AX) and developed along a given direction (D) to apply radial actions (forces) centered on said central axis (AX); each device (1) comprising a support assembly (10) and a gripping assembly (20) coupled by means of a plate (22) that supports at least one holding unit (200) at the front; each holding unit (200) comprising at least one toothed sliding block (202) carried in a freely rotatable and axially fixed way and axial-hinge coupling members (30) arranged between the plate (22) and each sliding block (202) and distributed along the direction (D). ## Claims ### Claim 1 A gripping device (1) for a clamp (1000) having a central axis (AX) and designed to axially block an axisymmetric body (CA) by applying radial actions centred on said central axis (AX); said device extending in a given direction (D) parallel to said axis (AX) and comprising a support assembly (10) and a gripping assembly (20) coupled together by means of a plate (22) that delimits said gripping assembly (20) at the rear and supports, at the front, at least one holding unit (200); each said holding unit (200) comprising at least one toothed sliding block (202) carried in a freely rotatable and axially fixed way with respect to said direction (D); where each said holding unit (200) comprises hinge coupling means (30) axially distributed along said direction (D) and arranged between said plate (22) and each said sliding block (202), characterized in that said coupling means (30) comprise tabs (32) carried at the front by said plate (22) and abutment elements (34) carried at the rear by said sliding block (202) and shape-fitted to said tabs (32). ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein said tabs (32) are carried by said plate (22) in a removable way to define a plurality of axial abutment surfaces (33) that axially delimit first compartments (320) distributed along said direction (D) for said abutment elements (34); each said abutment element (34) being delimited by a surface (340) facing said plate (22). ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein each said tab (32) has at the front a concave seat (322) with cylindrical shape; said abutment elements (34) being axially distributed and delimiting longitudinally, two-by-two, a second compartment (343), which is in turn transversally delimited by a partially cylindrical sheath (344) concentric with said fulcrum axis (342) and having an angular extension that approximates, by excess, said seat (322). ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The gipping device according to claim 1, wherein it comprises radial reference means (40), which are designed to hold the workpieces referenced in position and comprise a pair of lids (42) carried by said plate (22) at its ends on longitudinally opposite sides, and a pair of pins (44), which engage each said sliding block (202) in respective end portions (2020) coaxially with said fulcrum axis (342). ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The gripping device according to claim 4, wherein said axial-hinge coupling means (30) comprise an elongated member (346) that incorporates at the rear said abutment elements (34) and said second compartments (343) and is made in a single piece with, or is rigidly coupled to, said sliding block (202) on the side of said plate (22). ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein said coupling means (30) comprise a ribbed body (36) interposed between said plate (22) and said sliding block (202); said ribbed body (36) being shaped for hinged coupling with said plate (22) and with said elongated member (346) and between said tabs (32) and said abutment elements (34). ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The gripping device according to claim 6, wherein said ribbed body (36) has, at the rear, third toothed members (35) each of which being designed to engage a said first compartment (320) and a recess (37) for enabling shape fitting with a said concave seat (322) and, at the front, a plurality of housings (38) each being shaped in a way similar to a said first compartment (320) for housing a said abutment element (34). ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein each said tab (32) is made of steel or a material with antifriction characteristics if, in use, it is coupled to steel; said abutment elements (34) being made of steel or of a material with antifriction characteristics if, in use, they are coupled to steel. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein each said sliding block (202) is delimited at the front by a face (2026) provided with a plurality of teeth (2028) arranged transversally to said given direction (D) for the entire transversal extension of said sliding block (202); each said tooth (2028) having a substantially triangular, or even rectangular, cross-section. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The gripping device according to claim 9, wherein said face (2026) has a substantially prismatic or concave or convex shape and has at the front at least two longitudinal portions (20260); each said longitudinal portion (20260) being flat or convex or concave and having a longitudinal extension that is substantially identical to a longitudinal encumbrance of said plate (22). ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A clamp (1000) for blocking an axisymmetric body (CA) axially by applying radial actions; said clamp (1000) being characterized in that it comprises a plurality of gripping devices (1) according to claim 1 distributed concentrically about an axis (AX) and developing in a given direction (D); each said gripping device (1) having a support assembly (10) and a gripping assembly (20) coupled by means of the interposition of connection means (12); said clamp (1000) having a driving assembly (500) for each said gripping device (1); each said driving assembly (500) being designed to alternatively move the respective said support assembly (10) between a retracted inactive position and an advanced active position transversal to said given direction (D); each said gripping device (1) having a supporting member (100) coupled to a respective said driving assembly (500) via a ball joint (502).