Clamp

Abstract

A clamp is formed by spaced limbs such that a mounting rod extending through the clamp provides a stable structure despite formation from sheet material. Essentially, the mounting rod reinforces the clamp in order to present a clamping mechanism. Different embodiments of the clamp are provided in which overlapping edges are created through which the drop or mounting rod extends in order to provide reinforcement for the clamp. Thus, a body portion of the clamp may simply be formed with overlapping ears in which drop rod apertures are provided which, when aligned, receive a mounting or drop rod. Alternatively, saddle members may be provided which extend across the spaced limbs in order to present apertures in which the mounting or drop rod is located. Furthermore, cap members may be provided in which apertures receive a mounting or drop rod in order to secure the clamp and present a clamping mechanism.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
   
   
       28 . A clamp for overhead assemblies, the clamp comprising two spaced limbs formed from a base end and supporting a clamp mechanism on an opposed clamp end opposite the base end with a mounting rod projecting in use between the spaced limbs to hold them in a desired association with each other.  
   
   
       29 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the limbs have overlapping flaps or ears at their respective edges with the mounting rod passing through them to hold the limbs in association.  
   
   
       30 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the overlapping flaps or ears will reinforce the clamp.  
   
   
       31 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the overlapping flaps will extend at the top and bottom sides of the two spaced limbs between the ends.  
   
   
       32 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein saddle members are provided in order to further reinforce the clamp.  
   
   
       33 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the clamp mechanism extends on a screwthread from one side of the clamp end to the other.  
   
   
       34 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the clamp mechanism comprises respective clamp members secured on screwthreads to extend from respective sides of the clamp end.  
   
   
       35 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 34  wherein the clamp members are cone pointed screw and nuts.  
   
   
       36 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the clamp end extends from one of the spaced limbs with a distal end of that one of the spaced limbs formed to received the clamp mechanism.  
   
   
       37 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein that one of the spaced limbs is shaped for reinforcement and/or appropriate presentation of the clamp end within the clamp.  
   
   
       38 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the spaced limbs are flared at their top edge in order to engage with reinforcing saddle members.  
   
   
       39 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein reinforcing saddle members engage and lock the clamping mechanism at the clamp end of the clamp.  
   
   
       40 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the spaced limbs are press formed to approximate the desired association.  
   
   
       41 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 40  wherein a pivot bend is provided at the clamp or base end to facilitate, possibly with hand pressure, achievement of the desired association and allow projection of the mounting rod between the spaced limbs.  
   
   
       42 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 28  wherein a cap member is provided to extend between the two spaced limbs.  
   
   
       43 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 42  wherein there are two cap members, one either side of the spaced limbs.  
   
   
       44 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 42  wherein the cap member is secured to the spaced limbs by a rivet or slot detent.  
   
   
       45 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 42  wherein the cap member reinforces the clamp.  
   
   
       46 . A method of making a clamp comprising forming a main component body by a pressing and/or rolling process such that a jaw aperture is defined with a substantially U shape, forming the top and bottom of the clamp with respective U sections either side of the jaw aperture within which ears or flaps are bent and holes provided which overlap and define a passage therethrough, securing a clamp mechanism in the jaw aperture and a drop rod through the passage in order to hold the clamp together.  
   
   
       47 . A method of making a clamp as claimed in  claim 46  wherein cap members are located across the main component body and secured thereat whereby the clamp mechanism and the drop rod pass through apertures in those cap members in order to form the clamp.