Clamp for connecting two elements arranged at an angle to each other, in a support structure

Abstract

A clamp for connecting two elements, arranged at an angle to each other, in a support structure, consists of a first jaw and a second jaw hinged to each other at a respective first ends by joint means designed to enable the jaws to be attached to an internal portion of a head of a first element. The opposing jaw ends projecting from the head are shaped to form a clamp for coupling with corresponding retaining seats on the second element. A spreading screw acts on the jaws to move the jaws apart away from each other so that the jaws press on the retaining seats thereby forming a connection between the two elements.

1 . A clamp for connecting two elements, arranged at an angle to each other, in a support structure, including: 
 a first jaw and a second jaw hinged to each other at a respective first ends by joint means enabling the jaws to be attached inside a head of a first element, with remaining opposing jaw ends, projecting from the head, are shaped to form clamping means for coupling with corresponding retaining means in a second element;    spreading means acting on the jaws for moving the clamping means apart from each other so that the clamping means press on the retaining means thus connecting the elements together.    
   
   
       2 . A clamp for connecting two elements, arranged at an angle to each other, in a support structure, including: 
 a first jaw and a second jaw joined to each other at a common end fixed to an internal portion of a head of a first element and forming at ends projecting from the head, clamping means for engaging with corresponding retaining means made in the second element;    spreading means acting on the jaws for moving the clamping means apart from each other so that the clamping means press on the retaining means thus connecting the elements together.    
   
   
       3 . A clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the joint means include a pin inserted in first and second slots made respectively in the upper and lower walls of the first element and designed to prevent the clamp from sliding out of the first element.  
   
   
       4 . A clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining means are shaped to match the shape of the of the clamping means.  
   
   
       5 . A clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the first element and the second element consist of profile sections with a quadrangular profile, the retaining means include grooves with a trapezoidal cross-section made on outer side surfaces of the elements and the clamping means are shaped to match the shape of the grooves.  
   
   
       6 . A clamp according to  claim 1  wherein the first element and the second element include alike profile sections and each profile section is defined by a substantially rectangular central portion having alike paired identical seats made in outside walls, namely main seats and secondary seats; each of the main seats being defined by a respective external wall of the central portion and a pair of projections extending outwards and bent towards each other, whereas each of the secondary seats is defined by a respective external wall of the central portion and a pair of wings extending outwards from the central portion of the head of the first element which in turn has a recess at the head defining upper and lower projections for abutment against external walls of corresponding wings of said wings of the second element and cover external walls of the projections defining the main seats of the second element, with the internal part of the recess acting, once the first and second elements are coupled together, as a stop for the external part of the projection of the second element; said retaining means being formed by the main seats of said second element, and with the clamping means shaped to match the shape of the main seats.  
   
   
       7 . A clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the clamping means consist of the same number of lips with a concave shape facing outwards.  
   
   
       8 . A clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein elastic means are positioned between the jaws for opposing the jaws moving towards each other.  
   
   
       9 . A clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the spreading means consist of a grub screw coupled to the second jaw, with one head of the grub screw stopping against a portion of a face of the first jaw facing the second jaw; the grub screw being accessible through a window made in one of the side walls of the first element.  
   
   
       10 . A clamp according to  claim 9 , wherein the grub screw engages with a threaded, passing hole in the second jaw.  
   
   
       11 . A clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are at a right angle to each other.  
   
   
       12 . A clamp according to  claim 2 , wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are made as a single component.  
   
   
       13 . A clamp according to  claim 12 , wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are made starting from a folded, elastic, metal sheet.  
   
   
       14 . A clamp according to  claim 2 , wherein said common end is fixed to an internal portion of the first element by means of at least one pair of protuberances made in the opposing side walls of the first element.