Clamp

Abstract

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided. A clamping apparatus, comprising: a first clamp provided with: a first clamp surface; a second clamp surface; and a substantially straight shaft, the first clamp surface and second clamp surface being arranged to be moveable relative to each other along the shaft to clamp an object between the first clamp surface and the second clamp surface, at least one of the clamp surfaces being releasably fixable, and a second clamp provided on an arm which extends from the second clamp surface, the arm extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the shaft. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the clamp.

1 . A clamping apparatus, comprising:
 a first clamp provided with: a first clamp surface;   a second clamp surface; and   a substantially straight shaft, the first clamp surface and second clamp surface being arranged to be moveable relative to each other along the shaft to clamp an object between the first clamp surface and the second clamp surface, at least one of the clamp surfaces being releasably fixable, and a second clamp provided on an arm which extends from the second clamp surface, the arm extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the shaft.   
   
   
       2 . A clamp as claim in  claim 1 , wherein the first clamp surface is fixed in position relative to the shaft, and the second clamp surface is moveable relative to the first clamp surface. 
   
   
       3 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the shaft extends from the first clamp through the second clamp surface. 
   
   
       4 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second clamp is moveable along the arm, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the shaft. 
   
   
       5 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the second clamp is moveable along a slot provided in the arm. 
   
   
       6 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a guide rail, the guide rail being substantially straight and parallel to shaft, extending between the first clamp surface and second clamp surface. 
   
   
       7 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the guide rail extends from the second clamp surface through the first clamp surface. 
   
   
       8 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is provided with a securing element for releasably securing at least one of the clamp surfaces in position when the first clamp is arranged to clamp an object. 
   
   
       9 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second clamp comprises a shaft which extends through the arm, the shaft being arranged to engage with a securing element on one side of the arm, and the shaft being provided with a clamp surface on another side of the arm which is arranged to clamp an object inbetween the clamp surface and the arm. 
   
   
       10 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the clamp surface is provided by an elongate fixing element. 
   
   
       11 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the elongate fixing element is shaped to engage with a fixing channel. 
   
   
       12 . A clamp as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the securing element is a wing nut. 
   
   
       13 . A method of clamping a fixing channel in position relative to a floor slab sub structure, comprising:
 moving at least one of a first clamp surface and a second clamp surface of a first clamp along a substantially straight shaft, and releasably fixing the at least one clamp surface to clamp between the first clamp surface and the second clamp surface the floor slab sub structure and an upstand extending from the floor slab sub structure;   using a second clamp which is attached to the first clamp to clamp the fixing channel so that the fixing channel is parallel to the floor slab sub structure and in a position substantially perpendicular to and away from the shaft.   
   
   
       14 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the fixing channel is clamped in position before the first clamp is used to attach the clamp to the floor slab sub structure and upstand. 
   
   
       15 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the fixing channel is clamped in position after the first clamp is used to attach the clamp to the floor slab sub structure and upstand. 
   
   
       16 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising setting the fixing channel in position before removing the clamp and unclamping the fixing channel. 
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the fixing channel is fixed in position using concrete or cement. 
   
   
       18 . A method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the concrete or cement is poured onto the floor slab sub structure, the extent to which the concrete or cement flows across the floor slab sub structure being restricted, at least in part, by the upstand. 
   
   
       19 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein a curtain walling section is attached to the fixing channel. 
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein a curtain walling section is attached to the bracket. 
   
   
       21 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein a curtain walling section is attached to the fixing channel. 
   
   
       22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . (canceled)