Clamp and Mechanical Fastener

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the disclosure relate to a clamp. Some relate to a pipe clamp for attaching a pipe to another object such as an outlet.

BACKGROUND

Pipe clamps are used to attach pipes/hoses to other objects. For example, they are used for attaching a pipe to an outlet positioned internally to the pipe. First, the pipe is positioned over the outlet. Then the pipe clamp is positioned around the pipe and tightened. In doing so the pipe clamp exerts a clamping force on the pipe around the perimeter of the pipe. This causes the pipe to press on the outlet creating a sealed connection between the pipe and the outlet.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a clamp for clamping an object. The clamp comprises a flexible elongate threaded connector, a flexible grip, an internally threaded nut, and a retainer. The flexible elongate threaded connector comprises a plurality of externally threaded portions and a plurality of unthreaded portions. Each externally threaded portion is separated from each neighboring externally threaded portion by an unthreaded portion. The flexible grip is coupled to the flexible elongate threaded connector and is for holding the object in place. The internally threaded nut threadably is engageable with the flexible elongate threaded connector. The retainer is coupled to the grip and is for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector. The grip is tightenable by engaging the internally threaded nut with the flexible elongate threaded connector when at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector is retained by the retainer. Each externally threaded portion may be connected to each neighboring externally threaded portion by an unthreaded portion. The plurality of externally threaded portions may be positioned serially along the flexible elongate threaded connector. The flexible elongate threaded connector may comprise at least three externally threaded portions.

The cross-sectional area of the unthreaded portions may be smaller than the cross- sectional area of the externally threaded portions. The cross-sectional area of the unthreaded portions may be less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the externally threaded portions. Each externally threaded portion may have the same handedness of threading. Each externally threaded portion may have the same or a similar cross- sectional area, thread form and pitch. The unthreaded portions may form gaps in the thread of the flexible elongate threaded connector.

The externally threaded portions may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The externally threaded portions may include at least one substantially planar external surface. The flexible elongate threaded connector may comprise at least one recess. The retainer may comprise at least one projection sized and shaped to be retained in the at least one recess. The at least one recess may comprise a groove extending at least partially along the length of the flexible elongate threaded connector.

The grip may be elongate. The flexible elongate threaded connector may be coupled to the grip at or near one end of the grip and the retainer may be coupled to the grip at or near the opposite end of the grip. The grip is configured to a least partially surround the object. The grip may be configured to a least partially encircle the object. The grip may comprise a band for encircling the object. The object may be a pipe, and the band may comprise a ring for encircling a section of the pipe. The grip may comprise a clamping surface for exerting a clamping force on the object. The clamping surface may comprise at least one ridge.

The retainer may comprise an abutment surface for abutting the nut, and a channel for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector. The channel may be a through hole. The retainer may be pivotally connected to the grip. The nut may be screwable over each of the externally threaded portions. The nut may be connected to the retainer with a snap off connection.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a mechanical fastener comprising a flexible elongate threaded connector. The flexible elongate threaded connector comprises a plurality of externally threaded portions and a plurality of unthreaded portions. Each externally threaded portion is separated from each neighboring externally threaded portion by an unthreaded portion.

The mechanical fastener may be a clamp for clamping an object. The mechanical fastener may comprise a grip coupled to the flexible elongate threaded connector. The grip may be flexible. The grip may be for holding the object in place. The mechanical fastener may comprise an internally threaded nut threadably engageable with the flexible elongate threaded connector. The mechanical fastener may comprise a retainer coupled to the grip. The retainer may be for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector.

Each externally threaded portion may be connected to each neighboring externally threaded portion by an unthreaded portion. The plurality of externally threaded portions may be positioned serially along the flexible elongate threaded connector. The flexible elongate threaded connector may comprise at least three externally threaded portions.

The cross-sectional area of the unthreaded portions may be smaller than the cross- sectional area of the externally threaded portions. The cross-sectional area of the unthreaded portions may be less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the externally threaded portions. Each externally threaded portion may have the same handedness of threading. Each externally threaded portion may have the same or a similar cross- sectional area, thread form and pitch. The unthreaded portions may form gaps in the thread of the flexible elongate threaded connector.

The externally threaded portions may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The externally threaded portions may include at least one substantially planar external surface. The flexible elongate threaded connector may comprise at least one recess. The retainer may comprise at least one projection sized and shaped to be retained in the at least one recess. The at least one recess may comprise a groove extending at least partially along the length of the flexible elongate threaded connector.

The grip may be elongate. The flexible elongate threaded connector may be coupled to the grip at or near one end of the grip and the retainer may be coupled to the grip at or near the opposite end of the grip. The grip is configured to a least partially surround the object. The grip may be configured to a least partially encircle the object. The grip may comprise a band for encircling the object. The object may be a pipe, and the band may comprise a ring for encircling a section of the pipe. The grip may comprise a clamping surface for exerting a clamping force on the object. The clamping surface may comprise at least one ridge.

The retainer may comprise an abutment surface for abutting the nut, and a channel for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector. The channel may be a through hole. The retainer may be pivotally connected to the grip. The nut may be screwable over each of the externally threaded portions. The nut may be connected to the retainer with a snap off connection.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by/comprised in/performable by an apparatus, a method, and/or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a flexible elongate threaded connector; FIG. 2 illustrates a second example of a flexible elongate threaded connector;

FIG. 3 illustrates the second example of a flexible elongate threaded connector;

FIG. 4 illustrates a first example of a clamp;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a pipe clamped to an outlet;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of a clamp;

FIGs 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a third example of a clamp;

FIGs 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate a fourth example of a clamp;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a grip;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a retainer;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a threaded connector;

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a threaded connector; and

FIGs 13a and 13b illustrate a fifth example of a clamp.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mechanical fastener and clamp for holding an object in place. Both the clamp and the mechanical fastener comprise a flexible elongate threaded connector. The improved flexibility of the threaded connector allows it to better conform to objects, such as curved objects. This reduces the space taken up by the fastener/clamp and allows the fastener/clamp to exert a more uniform force on an object.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a flexible elongate threaded connector 100 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a second example of a flexible elongate threaded connector 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The first and second examples of a flexible elongate threaded connector 100 have many similarities. The flexible elongate threaded connector 100 comprises a plurality of externally threaded portions 110 and a plurality of unthreaded portions 120. The externally threaded portions 110 each comprise a thread 122. Each externally threaded portion 110 is separated from each neighboring externally threaded portion 110 by an unthreaded portion 120, and each externally threaded portion 110 is connected to each neighboring externally threaded portion 110 by an unthreaded portion 120. The unthreaded portions 120 form gaps 122 in the thread 112 of the threaded connector 100. The illustrated threaded connector 100 is integrally formed.

In the illustrated threaded connectors 100, the plurality of externally threaded portions 110 are positioned serially/sequentially along the flexible elongate threaded connector 100. Within each of these example threaded connectors 100, the externally threaded portions 110 are substantially similar. Each externally threaded portion 110 has the same handedness of threading 112. Each externally threaded portion 110 has the same or a similar cross-sectional area, thread form, pitch and/or thread angle. When the threaded connector 100 is not bent, the screw axes of the externally threaded portions 110 are substantially aligned. The threaded connector 100 is configured such that a single nut is screwable over each of the externally threaded portions 110. Any suitable thread 112 may be used, such as M12 or M10.

In the illustrated examples, the cross-sectional area of the unthreaded portions 120 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the externally threaded portions 110. In some examples, the cross-sectional area of the unthreaded portions 120 is less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the externally threaded portions 110. In some examples the cross-sectional area of the unthreaded portions 120 is less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20% or less than 10% of the cross-sectional area of the externally threaded portions 110. In some examples, the diameter of the unthreaded portions 120 may be smaller than the diameter of the externally threaded portions 110. The cross-sectional area is perpendicular to the screw axis of the externally threaded portion 110.

In the illustrated examples, the axial length, parallel to the screw axis, of the externally threaded portions 110 is larger than the axial length of the unthreaded portions 120. In other examples, the axial length of the externally threaded portions 110 may be similar to or smaller than the axial length of the unthreaded portions 120.

In the examples of FIGs 1 and 2, the axial length of the unthreaded portions 1201 gaps 122 is less than the pitch of the thread 112 of the externally threaded portions 110. In some examples, the axial length of the unthreaded portions 120 / gaps 122 may be less than ten times the pitch of the thread 112, for examples less than five times the pitch of the thread 112. The axial length of the externally threaded portions 110 may be one to twenty times the pitch of the thread 112, for example two to 10 times the pitch of the thread 112.

The illustrated flexible elongate threaded connectors 100 are integrally formed, with the externally threaded portions 110 and the unthreaded portions 120 being comprised of the same material. In other examples, the elongate threaded connector 100 is not integrally formed and the threaded portions 110 and unthreaded portions 120 may be comprised of different materials. The threaded connector 100 can be comprised of any suitable material, such as a metal or a plastic such as polypropylene.

In the examples of FIGs 1 and 2, the externally threaded portions 110 have a noncircular cross-sectional shape. The thread 112 of the externally threaded portions 110 extends only partially around the circumference of the externally threaded portions 110, such that the externally threaded portions 110 have an unthreaded side 114. In the illustrated examples the unthreaded side 114 for each externally threaded portion 110 is positioned on the same side of the threaded connector 100 such that the threaded connector 100 comprises an unthreaded surface 114. The unthreaded surface 114 may be substantially planar and the externally threaded portions 110 may include at least one substantially planar external surface 114. This surface 114 is for contacting another surface to prevent twisting of the threaded connector 100. This helps to prevent the threaded connector 100 coming loose due to vibrations. In other examples, the externally threaded portions 110 can have a circular cross-sectional shape.

There are a number of differences between the examples of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 1 the threaded connector 100 comprises seven externally threaded portions 110 and six unthreaded portions 120. In the example of FIG. 2 the threaded connector 100 comprises nine externally threaded portions 110 and nine unthreaded portions 120. In other examples, different numbers of threaded portions 110 or unthreaded portions 120 may be present. For example, the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 may comprise at least three externally threaded portions 110; or the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 may comprise at least four or at least five externally threaded portions 110.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the unthreaded side 114 of each externally threaded portion 110 is flat. In the example of FIG. 2, the unthreaded side 114 of each externally threaded portion 110 is curved and is concave.

FIG. 3 illustrates the second example of a flexible elongate threaded connector 100 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 shows a portion of the second example of a threaded connector 100 comprising two externally threaded portions 110 and an unthreaded portion 120 between them.

In FIG. 3 the threaded connector 100 has been bent and is in a bent configuration with the externally threaded portions 110 no longer aligned. The gap 122 between the threads 126 of the threaded portions 110 has expanded allowing the threaded connector 100 to bend without deformation of the externally threaded portions 110. The plurality of threaded and unthreaded portions 120, 120 thus provide a threaded connector 100 with improved flexibility.

The improved flexibility allows the threaded connector 100 to better conform to objects, such as curved objects. This reduces the space taken up by a mechanical fastener or clamp comprising the threaded connector 100 and allows the clamp/fastener to exert a more uniform force on an object. This also can improve safety as there is less likely to be part of a connector 100 protruding out which a person could hit themselves against.

Additionally, the plurality of externally threaded portions 110 provide a plurality of discrete positions for the threaded connector 100. The unthreaded portions 120 between the threaded portions 110 mean that it would be more difficult to screw a nut off of a threaded portion 110 and over these sections 120 as a greater force is needed. This reduces movement of the nut along the threaded connector 100 due to vibration and reduces the chance of the threaded connector 100 coming loose.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first example of a clamp 400 according to embodiments of the invention. The clamp 400 is for clamping an object. The clamp 400 comprises a flexible elongate threaded connector 100, a grip 410 and a retainer 420. The illustrated threaded connector 100 is the first example of a threaded connector 100 of FIG. 1. In other examples, different forms of threaded connector 100 may be used.

The grip 410 is coupled to the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 and is for holding the object in place. The grip 410 comprises a clamping surface 412 for exerting a clamping force on the object. In some examples the clamping surface 412 may be partially formed by the retainer 420 and/or the threaded connector 100. The illustrated grip 410 is elongate and flexible.

The retainer 420 is coupled to the grip 410 and is for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector 100. In some examples the grip 410 is tightenable by engaging the retainer 420 with the flexible elongate threaded connector 100. The flexible elongate threaded connector 100 is coupled to the grip 410 at or near one end of the grip 410 and wherein the retainer 420 is coupled to the grip 410 at or near the opposite end of the grip 410. The end of the grip 410 at or near to where the threaded connector 100 is coupled may be considered the proximal end and the end of the grip 410 at or near where the retainer 420 is coupled may be considered the distal end. This may be applied to other elements including the clamp 400, threaded connector 100 and retainer 420.

The grip 410 is configured to at least partially surround an object and may be configured to a least partially encircle the object. The grip 410 can comprise a band 410 for encircling the object. The clamp 400 can be used to clamp a wide variety of objects. In some examples the object is a pipe, and the band 410 comprises a ring 410 for encircling a section of the pipe. An example is given in FIG. 5 which illustrates an example of a pipe 500 clamped to an outlet 550 according to embodiments of the invention. The pipe 500 may be flexible and may be a hose 500. The outlet 550 may provide an outlet from a reservoir. The outlet 550 may, for example be a gas outlet 550. First, the pipe 500 is positioned over the outlet 550. Then the clamp 400 is positioned around the pipe 500 and is tightened. In doing so, the clamping surface 412 of the grip 410 of the clamp 400 exerts a clamping force on the pipe 500 around the perimeter of the pipe 500. This causes the pipe 500 to press on the outlet 550 creating a sealed connection between the pipe 500 and the outlet 550.

In the example of FIG. 5, the retainer 420 of the clamp 400 comprises a channel 422 for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of a clamp 400 according to embodiments of the invention. The second example of clamp 400 is similar to the first example of a clamp 400 with a number of differences. The clamp 400 comprises a flexible elongate threaded connector 100, a grip 410, a retainer 420 and an internally threaded nut 610. The nut 610 is threadably engageable with the flexible elongate threaded connector 100.

The threaded connector 100 comprises eleven externally threaded portions 110 and nine unthreaded portions 120. The two externally threaded portions 110 positioned at the ends have a longer axial length than the externally threaded portions 110 positioned in between. Each externally threaded portion 110 has a partially circular cross-sectional shape, and each externally threaded portion 110 comprises at least one planar external surface.

The unthreaded portions 120 are positioned at or near the centre of the externally threaded portions 110 in the axial direction, this is in contrast to the examples of FIGs 1 and 2 where the unthreaded portions 120 are positioned towards the side of the externally threaded portions 110 in the axial direction. The illustrated unthreaded portions 120 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The threaded connector 100 is connected to the grip 410 at one of the grip 410. A pair of braces 132 help to support the threaded connecter 100. In other examples, a different number of braces 132 or no braces 132 are present.

The illustrated grip 410 is elongate and is a strip. As such, the grip 410 comprises a substantially flat clamping surface 412. The illustrated grip 410 is wider than it is thick, and longer than it is wide. The illustrated distal end of the grip 410 is tapered, allowing for a more uniform application of a clamping force.

In the illustrated example, the retainer 420 comprises an abutment surface 424 for abutting the nut 610 and a channel 422 for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector 100. The illustrated retainer 420 is connected to the grip 410 in a direction perpendicular to the screw axis of the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 when the threaded connector 100 is retained by the retainer 420.

The illustrated channel 422 is a through hole which is enclosed, and the retainer 420 is elongate and is substantially tubular. The illustrated retainer 420 is elongate in a direction parallel to the screw axis of the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 when the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 is retained by the retainer 420. The channel 422 has the same or similar cross-sectional shape as the externally threaded portions 110 of the threaded connector 100. That is to say the channel 422 has a partially circular cross-sectional shape. The channel 422, therefore, comprises a substantially flat floor 423 for contacting the at least one substantially planar external surface 114 of the external threaded portions 110 in order to prevent twisting of the threaded connector 100 relative to the retainer 420. The illustrated abutment surface 424 is substantially planar and extends beyond the sides of the channel 422 of the retainer 420.

The nut 610 comprises an internal thread 612 and is screwable over each of the externally threaded portions 110. The grip 410 is tightenable by engaging the internally threaded nut 610 with the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 when at least a portion of the flexible elongate threaded connector 100 is retained by the retainer 420. FIGs 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a third example of a clamp 400 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 7a illustrates a perspective view, FIG. 7b illustrates a front view and FIG. 7c illustrates a side view. The third example of a clamp 400 is similar to the second example of a clamp 400 with a number of differences.

The clamp 400 is illustrated in a configuration in which the nut 610 and retainer 420 are in contact.

The illustrated grip 410 comprises a kink 414 near to the connection of the grip 410 to the threaded connector 100. The kink 414 improves the flexibility of the clamp 400. The kink 414 extends the same distance radially as the externally threaded portions 110 of the threaded connector 100.

The illustrated distal end of the grip 410 is more tapered, having both a first taper at its end and a second taper extending further proximally than the first taper.

FIGs 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate a fourth example of a clamp 400 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 8a illustrates a perspective view, FIG. 8b illustrates a front view and FIG. 8c illustrates a cross-sectional view. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 8c is taken from the line indicated by arrows in FIG. 8b. The fourth example of a clamp 400 is similar to the second and third examples of a clamp 400 with a number of differences.

The illustrated grip 410 comprises a number of ridges 416, with the clamping surface 412 comprising at least one ridge 416. The ridges 416 help to improve the grip between the grip 410 and the object 500. The illustrated ridges 416 are parallel to the elongate direction of the grip 410 and run substantially all of the length of the grip 410.

The nut 610 is connected to the retainer 420 with a snap off connection 614. The snap off connection 614 comprises a thin neck 614. Initially the nut 610 is connected to the retainer 420. When the threaded connector 100 is inserted though the retainer 420 into the nut 610, the snap off connection 614 breaks and the nut 610 snaps off the retainer 420, thus leaving the nut 610 free to rotate. This makes installation easier as the nut 610 is already in place and it is harder for a user to lose the nut 610. The illustrated retainer 420 is pivotally connected to the grip 410 at a pivot point 425. The channel 422 of the illustrated retainer 420 has a curved side profile. These features lead to a more uniform application of force on the object 500.

The flexible elongate threaded connector 100 comprises at least one recess 116 and the retainer 420 comprises at least one projection 426 sized and shaped to be retained in the at least one recess 116. The plurality of externally threaded portions 110 each comprise at least one recess 116 and the retainer 420 comprises at least one projection 426 sized and shaped to be retained in the recesses 116. The at least one recess 116 and at least one projection 426 help to resist twisting of the threaded connector 100 relative to the retainer 420.

The at least one recess 116 may comprise a groove 116 extending at least partially along the length of the flexible elongate threaded connector 100. In the illustrated example, it may be considered that a single groove 116 is present with a plurality of gaps in the groove 116. The at least one projection 426 may comprises a ridge 426 extending at least partially along the length of the retainer 420. In other examples the retainer 420 may comprises at least one recess and the threaded connector 100 may comprise at least one projection sized and shaped to be retained in the at least one recess.

FIGs 9, 10 and 11 illustrate components of a fifth example of a clamp 400 according to embodiments of the invention. FIGs 13a and 13b illustrate the fifth example of a clamp 400. The fifth example of a clamp 400 is similar to the first, second, third and fourth examples of a clamp 400 with a number of differences. The components 910, 1020, 100 of the fifth example of a clamp 400 are attachable and detachable without the use of a tool.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a grip 910 according to embodiments of the invention. The illustrated grip 910 is elongate and comprises a stop 418 for being received by a threaded connector 100 and a recess/kink 419 for receiving a retainer 1020. The illustrated stop 418 comprises a folded section of the grip 910. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a retainer 1020 according to embodiments of the invention. A side view is shown on the left and a front view is shown on the right. The illustrated retainer 1020 comprises a channel 422 and a hook 427.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a threaded connector 100 according to embodiments of the invention. A side view is shown on the left and a front view is shown on the right. The illustrated threaded connector 100 is similar to the previous examples of a threaded connector 100 with a number of differences. The illustrated threaded connector 100 comprises a slot 1102. The slot 1102 is open on a side perpendicular to the screw axis of the threaded connector 100 and extends at least partially along the length of the threaded connector 100. The illustrated slot 1102 is present in each of the externally threaded portions 110. In the most proximal externally threaded portion 110 the slot 1102 comprises a larger chamber 1104. The slot 1102 is for receiving the grip 910 and the chamber 1104 is for receiving the stop 418. The chamber 1104 comprises an abutment surface 1106, which is perpendicular to the screw axis of the threaded connector 100, for abutting the stop 418.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a threaded connector 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The threaded connector 100 of FIG. 12 is similar to threaded connector 100 of FIG. 11 with the difference that the slot 1102 comprises a plurality of chambers 1104 for receiving the stop 418. This allows for the length of the clamp 400 or mechanical fastener to be varied.

Assembly of the fifth example of a clamp 400 involves clipping the retainer 1020 onto the grip 910 by slotting the hook 427 onto the recess/kink 419. It also involves clipping the threaded connector 100 onto the grip 910 by slotting the grip 910 into the slot 1102 and slotting the stop 418 into the chamber 1104. The fifth example of a clamp 400 may comprise either of the threaded connectors 100 of FIGs 11 and 12. The fifth example of a clamp 400 may be comprised of a number of different materials, for example, the grip 910 may be comprised of metal whilst the retainer 1020 and threaded connector 100 are comprised of plastic.

FIGs 13a illustrates the fifth example of a clamp 400 in an assembled condition where the clamp 400 is wrapped around an object 500 but the threaded connector 100 has not yet entered the retainer 1020. Subsequently the threaded connector 100 is passed at least partially through the retainer 1020. A nut 610 is then screwed onto to the threaded connector 100, screwing over each of the plurality of externally threaded portions 110 in turn until the desired level of tightness of the grip 910 is achieved. This leaves the clamp 400 in the tightened condition as seen in Fig. 13b.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one...” or by using “consisting”.

In this description, the wording 'connect’, 'couple’ and 'communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected/coupled/in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection/coupling/communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and/or software components.

As used herein, the term "determine/determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, " determine/determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, although the fourth example of a clamp 400 comprises ridges 416 on the grip 410, a pivotal connection 425 between the retainer 420 and grip 410, a curved channel 422 of the retainer 420, a snap off connection 614 between the nut 610 and retainer 420, and at least one recess 116 in the threaded connector 100, some examples of a clamp 400 or mechanical fastener will only comprise one of these features, or only two, three or four of these features.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/an/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l/we claim:

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