VAN EIJNDHOVEN, Alexander Hubertus Ferdinandus Maria (Hommelseweg 407, LK Arnhem, NL-6821, NL)
BREIJNZ B.V. (Simon Stevinweg 27-1.07, BS Arnhem, NL-6827, NL)
JACOBS, Joep Cornelus Wilhelmus (Marialaan 5, VG Breda, NL-4834, NL)
VAN EIJNDHOVEN, Alexander Hubertus Ferdinandus Maria (Hommelseweg 407, LK Arnhem, NL-6821, NL)
| CLAIMS 1. Assembly of a gripping device and tensioning means, such as for instance a fastening strap, wherein the gripping device comprises a clamping member group with at least one clamping member adapted to be clamped onto a surface of the object by tensioning with said tensioning means, and wherein at least one clamping member of the clamping member group is provided with a transport member . 2. Assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport member comprises a gripping member which is an integral part of the corresponding clamping member. 3. Assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein at least one clamping member of the clamping member group is formed by an injection moulding process. 4. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 1-3, wherein at least one clamping member of the clamping member group is a flat extending plate part. 5. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 1-4, wherein at least one clamping member of the clamping member group comprises limiting means for limiting its movement in a direction in the plane of the object. 6. Assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the limiting means comprise an opening in the corresponding clamping member for guiding the tensioning means. 7. Assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one clamping member of the clamping member group is provided with at least two openings, at least one opening of which can serve as handle in the tensioned state. 8. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 1-7, wherein the clamping member group comprises a first and second clamping member, wherein the first and second clamping members limit each other's movement in a tensioned state. 9. Assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second clamping members are connected integrally to each other. 10. Assembly as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the first clamping member comprises limiting means for limiting movement of the first clamping member in a direction in a first plane of the object, wherein the second clamping member comprises limiting means for limiting movement of the second clamping member in a direction in a second plane, and wherein in a tensioned state the first and second clamping members limit each other's movement in a direction other than the above stated direction in the respective second and first plane. 11. Assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first and second clamping members are provided with coupling means for coupling to the other part, at least in tensioned state, for the purpose of said limiting of each other's movement in said other direction. 12. Assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the coupling means are adapted such that the first and second clamping members can be coupled by being inserted into one another. 13. Assembly as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the coupling means comprise mutually adapted recesses and protrusions. 14. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 11-13, wherein the coupling means are adapted to realize a coupling of the first and second clamping members at a variable angle. 15. Assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the coupling means comprise a shared shaft for the first and second clamping members, wherein in a tensioned state the shaft lies perpendicularly of the tensioning means. 16. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 11-13, wherein the first clamping member and the second clamping member form a right angle in a coupled state, and wherein the assembly can be placed close to an edge of the object. 17. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 8-16, wherein the first and second clamping members are complementary. 18. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 8-17, wherein the first and second clamping members are identical. 19. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 1-18, wherein the transport member comprises a wheel. 20. Gripping device as defined in any of the claims 1-19. 21. Clamping member as defined in any of the claims 1-19. |
The present invention relates to an assembly, gripping device and clamping member for an object to be moved. The present invention relates more particularly to an assembly, gripping device and clamping member which are adapted to provide a transport member on an object .
The use of tensioning means is already known. These means are placed mainly around or on objects for strengthening purposes. In order to move these objects however, it is necessary to grip the object or the tensioning means. In most cases this is not an easy task because the object for moving has for instance an awkward shape, or because the object is very heavy.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an assembly, gripping device and clamping member with which a transport member can be arranged in simple manner on an object for moving .
According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by means of an assembly of a gripping device and tensioning means as defined in claim 1. The gripping device of this assembly comprises a clamping member group with at least one clamping member adapted to be clamped onto a surface of the object by tensioning with said tensioning means. At least one clamping member of the clamping member group is further provided with a transport member.
Because at least one clamping member with a transport member is clamped onto the object, the object can be gripped easily and/or can be moved in simple manner.
Examples of a transport member are a gripping member, such as a handle, and/or a wheel with which an object can be displaced via a rolling movement.
A transport member can possibly be releasably connected to a clamping member. This connection must however be strong enough to displace the object. In a possible embodiment a clamping member is arranged using the tensioning means, and a transport member is then connected to the clamping member.
It is also advantageous if the transport member comprises a gripping member which forms an integral part of the corresponding clamping member. This is particularly advantageous when this or another clamping member of the clamping member group is formed by an injection moulding process . The clamping member can however also be formed by such a process without the transport member.
If at least one clamping member of the clamping member group is a flat extending plate part, a large contact surface area is created between this clamping member and the object. The clamping member is hereby clamped more effectively, and a transport member connected to this clamping member is accordingly fixed more effectively.
The fixing of the transport "member can be further improved when at least one clamping member of the clamping member group comprises limiting means for limiting its movement in a direction in a plane of the object. An example of these means is an opening in the clamping member for guiding the tensioning means. Such an opening can have a dual function, i.e. that of handle (transport member) and limiting means.
In a preferred embodiment at least one clamping member of the clamping member group is provided with at least two openings, at least one opening of which can serve as handle in the tensioned state.
In a preferred embodiment the clamping member group comprises a first and second clamping member, wherein the first and second clamping members limit each other's movement in a tensioned state. It must be noted here that the first and second clamping members can be embodied integrally. Within the context of the present invention the angle which the two parts form with each other is not limited to a right angle. Nor is necessary, as described above, for both clamping members to be provided with a transport member. The first and/or second clamping members preferably have at least one of the above stated properties.
In an advantageous embodiment the first clamping member comprises limiting means for limiting movement of the first clamping member in a direction in a first plane of the object, and the second clamping member comprises limiting means for limiting movement of the second clamping member in a direction in a second plane. In a tensioned state the first and second clamping members limit each other's movement in a direction other than the above stated direction in the respective second and first plane.
The gripping device can thus be placed for instance close to an edge of the object for moving. A clamping member is here placed on each of two adjacent surfaces lying perpendicularly of or at least obliquely relative to each other. As a result of tensioning, the clamping members are limited in a direction in the plane on which they are arranged. In the tensioned state however, the two clamping members engage each other " ; whereby they limit each other ' s movement in a direction other than the above stated direction.
Used by way of illustration is the example of a cube, wherein a first clamping member is clamped to the upward directed side and a second clamping member to the right-hand side. In this example both the first and the second clamping member is clamped by means of one fastening strap, which is arranged in a straight line round the cube. The first and the second clamping member comprise limiting means for limiting movement in a direction transversely of the fastening strap. The clamping members engage each other, at least in tensioned state, such that the movement of the two clamping members is also limited in a direction parallel to the fastening strap. The movement of the clamping members is hereby limited in two independent directions, whereby a good fixing is obtained.
The first and second clamping members can be provided with coupling means for coupling to the other part, at least in tensioned state, for the purpose of said limiting of each other's movement in said other direction. These coupling means can be adapted such that the first and second clamping members can be coupled by being inserted into one another.
An example of coupling means are mutually adapted recesses and protrusions. A first clamping member can thus be provided with a recess which is adapted to co-act with a protrusion in the second clamping member. The intended fixation of the transport member relative to the object for displacement is achieved by coupling and bringing the first and second clamping members into tensioned state. It must be noted that the coupling can already be effected without the use of the tensioning means.
It is possible for the coupling means to be adapted to realize a coupling of the first and second clamping members at a variable angle. The arrangement of the first and second members can hereby be modified to the shape of the object. If the first and second clamping members are for instance placed on two individual surfaces of the object for moving, wherein these surfaces are at a determined angle, in particular an angle other than ninety degrees, the gripping device can be adjusted thereto.
In an embodiment the placing at a variable angle is realized in that the coupling means comprise a shared shaft for the first and second clamping members, wherein in a tensioned state the shaft lies perpendicularly of the tensioning means.
It is advantageous if the first clamping member and the second clamping member form a right angle in a coupled state, and wherein the assembly can be placed close to an edge of the object. In accordance with possible openings for guiding the tensioning means and the like, it is possible to suffice with one tensioning means to simultaneously tension the first and second clamping members.
It is further advantageous if the first and second clamping members are complementary and/or identical . It is precisely in this latter embodiment that a gripping device is hereby obtained with minimal differences between the first and second clamping members . These products can hereby be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and the members are easier to use.
According to a second and third aspect of the invention, a gripping device and a clamping member are respectively provided as described above.
Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, with reference to figures, in which:
Figures Ia and Ib show an embodiment in tensioned state, wherein the gripping device consists of one clamping member placed close to an edge of the object;
Figures 2a and 2b show an embodiment in tensioned state, wherein the gripping device consists of one integral component with two clamping members which is placed in the centre of a surface of the object;
Figure 3 shows an embodiment in tensioned state, wherein the first and second members can be coupled at a variable angle ;
Figures 4a and 4b show an embodiment of two identical clamping members in respectively coupled and uncoupled state,-
Figures 5a and 5b show a further development of the embodiment of figures 4a and 4b in respectively coupled and uncoupled state, wherein the first and second members can be coupled at a variable angle .
Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which a clamping member is connected to a transport member with wheels.
Figure 7 shows another possible connection between a transport member with wheels and a clamping member.
Figures Ia and Ib show the general idea of the invention. A plate-like gripping device, in this example consisting of a single clamping member 1, is provided with a transport member 2. This transport member is formed partially by one of the two openings 3' in clamping member l. This and the other opening 3 guide a fastening strap 4 and limit the movement of clamping member 1 in a direction perpendicularly of fastening strap 4. Fastening strap 4 clamps the gripping device onto object 5. Such a gripping device is provided on either side of object 5, whereby it becomes possible to grip object 5 in simple manner. One fastening strap 4 and two gripping devices can suffice in this example. This results in a particularly simple manner of attaching gripping members to objects .
In figures Ia and Ib fastening strap 4 is inserted through the two openings 3 and 3 ' . It is possible for these openings to be combined into one large opening.
Figure 2a shows a further embodiment wherein the gripping device consists of one integral component with two clamping members 1, 1' but which is placed in the centre of a surface of object 5. In this example fastening strap 4 and fastening strap 4 ' are arranged around object 5. A gripping device provided with gripping members 2 is placed on the object. The fixation of gripping members 2 takes place in that the fastening strap is guided through openings 3. Openings 3 engaging on fastening strap 4 limit the movement of first clamping member 1, indicated by broken line 6, in the direction transversely of fastening strap 4. Openings 3 engaging on fastening strap 4 ' in turn limit the movement of second clamping member 1', indicated by broken line 6', in the direction transversely of fastening strap 4 + . In this example the first and second clamping members are connected integrally to each other. The limiting of movement on clamping member 1 hereby also acts on clamping member I 1 , and vice versa. It is therefore the case for clamping member 1 that movement transversely of fastening strap 4 is limited by the openings in this clamping member, while movement of this clamping member parallel to fastening strap 4 is limited by second clamping member 1 ' .
Figure 3 shows an embodiment in tensioned state, wherein first clamping member 1 and second clamping member 1 ' can be coupled at a variable angle. For this purpose a shared shaft 7 is provided for first clamping member 1 and second clamping member 1 ' . First clamping member 1 and second clamping member 1 ' are placed around this shaft 7. The whole gripping device is placed around an edge of object 5, which has an angle other than ninety degrees. The two gripping members 2,2' can be received linearly in clamping members 1,1', i.e. clamping member 1,1' forms a flat entity together with gripping member 2,2' . It is however also possible for a gripping member to lie at an angle.
In this embodiment it is also possible to suffice with one fastening strap 4. An additional advantage is that the use of two clamping members causes a further fixation of the gripping members relative to object 4. Opening 3 in clamping member 1 limits movement of this member transversely of fastening strap 4 , while movement in the direction parallel to fastening strap 4 is limited by the force exerted by second member 1 ' on first clamping member 1 by the tensioning force of fastening strap 4.
A particularly favourable embodiment is shown in figures 4a and 4b. In this embodiment use is made of two identical clamping members 1,1' . These clamping members are each provided with two openings 3,3', which are preferably the same size. The clamping members likewise comprise a recess Il in the transverse direction and the overall width of the clamping member is indented. This indentation results in a stop 12 in the clamping member which can be used to couple the two clamping members 1,1' . For this purpose one clamping member is inserted into the other. The above stated recess 11 in the transverse direction is such that the narrower side of the other clamping member can be inserted therein. Clamping members 1,1' can be inserted into each other as far as stop 12, see figure 4a.
The clamping members are further provided with a profile 13, thereby increasing the grip of fastening strap 4 on the clamping member as well as the grip of a hand on the clamping member.
In coupled state one of the two openings of the clamping member also serves as gripping member. It must further be noted that the clamping members are provided with recesses 14 for guiding fastening strap 4.
This embodiment has the great advantage that the gripping device can be transported in simple manner as flat packages and can be assembled in situ. Because the clamping members are identical, the production process is considerably easier and cheaper. A particularly advantageous product is obtained when the clamping members are manufactured from plastic by means of an injection moulding process. An edge of an object for moving can be provided with a gripping member in very simple manner using this embodiment .
Figures 5a and 5b show a further development of the embodiment of figures 4a and 4b in respectively coupled and uncoupled state, wherein first clamping member 1 and second clamping member I 1 can be coupled at a variable angle. An edge of the clamping member at the position where the other clamp is inserted is here provided with a serration 8. The space around recess 11 is also enlarged. The two clamping members 1,1' can be coupled at a variable angle due to these two measures . In the case of the embodiment of figure 5b three different angles are possible. It will be apparent that the clamping member can be adjusted to make multiple angles possible.
In figure 6 a clamping member l is connected to a transport member. This member is provided with two wheels 15, whereby object 5 is easy displaceable . The member can consist of an HDPE block in which a recess is arranged, into which the clamping member can be inserted. The HDPE block can optionally be provided with per se known spring clamp constructions for the purpose of clamping the clamping part on the HDPE block. It is hereby possible to connect the transport member releasably to the clamping member. The transport member can then be manufactured and supplied separately of the clamping member.
Figure 7 shows another connection between transport member and clamping member. This connection is realized in that the transport member is provided with a protrusion 16 which can be inserted through an opening in the clamping member. As figure 7 shows, this can be an opening of the clamping member which has a handle function .
It will also be apparent to the skilled person that diverse modifications of and additions to the shown embodiments are possible without departing herein from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.