Back to results
US 8,136,771 B2Granted
Modular clamping system
OwnerMichael E. Cazaletinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are modular clamping systems and methods for use. A modular clamping system may be configured to mount a variety of accessories to a portion of tubing. The modular clamping system may utilize multiple strap clamp portions having different clamping diameters in order to mount an accessory to tubing of various diameters.
Claims16
A modular clamping system, comprising:
- an inner clamp portion having a mounting groove therein, wherein the mounting groove comprises a first mounting profile, and wherein the mounting groove further comprises a second mounting profile deeper than the first mounting profile;
- a strap clamp portion configured to couple to the inner clamp portion in the mounting groove thereof, wherein the strap clamp portion is configured to surround and releasably couple to a portion of tubing;
- and
- a fastener configured to couple the inner clamp portion to the strap clamp portion,
- wherein the strap clamp portion is configured to deform responsive to a force associated with the fastener, and wherein the deformed strap clamp portion does not contact at least a portion of the second mounting profile.
2 more elements
A method for coupling an accessory to a portion of tubing, the method comprising:
- passing a strap clamp portion around the portion of tubing;
- coupling the strap clamp portion to an inner clamp portion via a fastener, wherein the inner clamp portion has a mounting groove therein, wherein the mounting groove comprises a first mounting profile, wherein the mounting groove further comprises a second mounting profile deeper than the first mounting profile, and wherein the strap clamp portion initially contacts the first mounting profile;
- and
- tightening the fastener to cause the strap clamp portion to deform at least partially toward the second mounting profile,
- wherein the inner clamp portion comprises at least four mounting grooves, and
- wherein passing a strap clamp portion around the portion of tubing further comprises passing at least two strap clamp portions around the portion of tubing.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.