Clamping device

Abstract

A positioner for positioning and retaining a first member of a first component relative to a second member of a second component to enable the first component and the second component to be connected to each other, the positioner for fixed attachment to the first member or the second member, and a positioner for extending from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member to position the first member and the second member relative to each other, where the positioner is provided with an engagement for mating engagement with a portion of a securing element for securely connecting the first member and the second member to each other, the first component and the second component are configured such that when the fixing element is cooperatively engaged within the engagement of the locator, undesired corresponding movement of the first component and the second component is prevented, thereby securely connecting the first component to the second component to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first component and the second component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a clamping device or a clamping system.

[0002] In one form, this specification relates to a clamping device for connecting a first component and a second component to each other and holding the components in the correct position and aligned with each other during clamping.

[0003] In one form, this specification relates to a clamping device for positioning and holding a first component relative to a second component to prevent undesired movement of the components relative to each other when clamped together.

[0004] In one form, this specification relates to a locator for attaching to one or the other of the first component or the second component to position the other of the first component or the second component relative to the first component to assist in clamping the first component and the second component to each other, holding the components in place while preventing undesired movement of the components relative to each other.

[0005] In one form, this specification relates to a method of clamping a first component to a second component using a holding locator to precisely position the components relative to each other while clamping the components together to prevent undesired movement of the components relative to each other.

[0006] In one form, this specification relates to a vibration prevention device for a clamping device, the vibration prevention device being used to prevent or reduce loosening of the clamping device, wherein the clamping device is used to firmly connect a first component and a second component to each other.

[0007] Although this specification will describe one or other embodiments of a clamping system and its components (including locators), it should be noted that the scope of protection is not limited to the specifically described embodiments, but rather the scope of protection is broader and includes other forms, arrangements, and modifications of the clamping system and its components (including locators) and methods of using the clamping system and components other than those described. Background Art

[0008] There are various forms of trailers. One form is modular construction, where there are separate sub-components that are constructed individually and then interconnected using suitable connectors to form a complete trailer. The separate sub-components are typically made of different materials, which presents problems with directly connecting the sub-components to each other, such as by welding or using adhesives, because different materials react differently. Instead, mechanical connectors are typically used as the connectors. However, for various reasons, existing mechanical connectors are not entirely satisfactory because such connectors lack a durable internal positional integrity and may slip, thereby allowing the sub-components to move relative to each other, such as by sliding or separating. Although modular trailers offer many benefits, one drawback is that during use, especially during long periods of high-speed travel or traversing rough terrain, currently used connectors have a tendency to loosen, resulting in various sub-components having a tendency to move relative to each other due to the loosening of the connectors, thereby causing undesirable movement of the sub-components of the trailer and, in extreme cases, when the sub-components slide past each other, this may cause the sub-components to at least partially separate from each other. The tendency for the connectors to loosen is at least partially due to the type of connectors used in the modular trailer construction. Accordingly, it is desirable to use an improved clamping device to ameliorate the current drawbacks by avoiding or at least reducing the tendency for such connectors to loosen during use. Therefore, there is a need to address the above problems and / or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locator for positioning and holding a first member of a first component relative to a second member of a second component such that the first component and the second component can be connected to each other. The locator is for being fixedly attached to the first member or the second member to extend from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member to position the first member and the second member relative to each other. Wherein, the locator is provided with an engagement member for mating engagement with a portion of a fixing element for firmly connecting the first member and the second member to each other. Such that when the fixing element is mated and engaged within the engagement member of the locator, it prevents undesirable corresponding movement of the first member and the second member, thereby firmly connecting the first component to the second component to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first component and the second component.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device for firmly connecting a first component and a second component. The clamping device includes a first member of the first component, a second member of the second component, a locator fixedly attached to one of the first member or the second member, and at least one fixing element. Wherein, a locator fixedly attached to the first member or the second member extends from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member, so as to position the first member and the second member relative to each other. Wherein, the locator is provided with an engaging member for mating engagement with a part of a fixing element, and the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. So that when the fixing element is mated and engaged within the engaging member, the undesired relative movement of the first member and the second member is prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first assembly to the second assembly to reduce and / or prevent the relative movement between the first assembly and the second assembly.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vibration damping element for use with a clamping device is provided, and the vibration damping element is used to prevent or reduce the loosening of the clamping device during use. The vibration damping element includes at least one receiving member for interlocking connection with a part of the fixing element to hold the fixing element and prevent the undesired movement that causes the loosening of the clamping device. Wherein, the clamping device includes at least one of a first member of a first assembly, a second member of a second assembly, a locator fixedly attached to one of the first member or the second member, and a fixing element. The locator is fixedly attached to the first member or the second member to extend from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member, so as to position the first member and the second member relative to each other. Wherein, the locator is provided with an engaging member for mating engagement with a part of the fixing element, and the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. So that when the fixing element is mated and engaged within the engaging member, the undesired relative movement of the first member and the second member is prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first assembly to the second assembly to reduce and / or prevent the relative movement between the first assembly and the second assembly.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a clamping device is provided, and the clamping device is used to firmly connect a first assembly and a second assembly. The clamping device includes a first member of a first assembly, a second member of a second assembly, a locator fixedly attached to one of the first member or the second member, at least one fixing element and a vibration damping element. The locator is fixedly attached to the first member or the second member to extend from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member, so as to position the first member and the second member relative to each other. The locator is provided with an engaging member for mating engagement with a part of the fixing element, and the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. Wherein, when the fixing element is fittingly engaged within the engaging member, undesired relative movement of the first member and the second member is prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first assembly to the second assembly to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first assembly and the second assembly, and wherein, the vibration damping element is interlockingly engaged with the second portion of the fixing element to reduce or prevent loosening of the fixing element.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting a first assembly and a second assembly to reduce or prevent undesired movement of the assemblies relative to each other, The method comprising the steps of fixedly attaching a locator to the first member of the first assembly or the second member of the second assembly to extend outwardly from the first member of the first assembly or the second member of the second assembly for contacting the other of the first member or the second member to orient the two members relative to each other, positioning the first member and the second member relative to each other in a desired position, and connecting at least one fixing element to the first member and the second member to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other, wherein, the locator is provided with an engaging member for fittingly engaging with a portion of the fixing element for firmly connecting the first member and the second member to each other, such that when the fixing element is fittingly engaged within the engaging member, undesired relative movement of the first member and the second member is reduced or prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first assembly to the second assembly to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first assembly and the second assembly.

[0014] Brief description of embodiments

[0015] In one form, the first assembly is a body assembly forming the body of a vehicle (e.g., a road trailer or other similar vehicle). While the trailer body can be of any suitable or convenient construction, a preferred form of the trailer body is a unitary body to enhance strength and stiffness, particularly when towing at high speed for long periods or over uneven terrain.

[0016] In one form, the first member of the first assembly is made of a first material and the second member of the second assembly is made of a second material. In one form, the first material is a metal or metal alloy and the second material is a metal or metal alloy different from the first material. Generally, the first material is aluminum or an aluminum alloy and the second material is iron, or steel, or an alloy containing iron and / or steel.

[0017] Preferably, the unitary body is made of aluminum components, which include a frame located at or towards the base of the body made of aluminum tubes. Generally, the aluminum can be of any suitable or convenient composition or type, including aluminum alloys containing metals other than aluminum.

[0018] The form of the framework of the monomer main body assembly includes longitudinally extending framework members and transversely extending framework members arranged in a grid or grid-like pattern. The preferred form of the aluminum tubes of the framework includes square-section tubes or rectangular-section tubes.

[0019] In one form, the second assembly is a drawbar assembly that forms the base of the trailer, on which the main body of the trailer is located. The drawbar assembly includes a drawbar for hooking up to a motor vehicle that provides power for towing the trailer, and a framework device in which longitudinally extending framework members and transversely extending framework members are interconnected. Although the framework members of the drawbar assembly can be of any suitable or convenient construction, the preferred form of the material is steel or other similar materials, including iron or steel alloys, etc., to increase strength and stiffness, especially when towing the trailer at high speed for a long time or on uneven terrain.

[0020] The form of the framework of the drawbar assembly includes a pair of spaced longitudinally extending framework members located on both sides of the framework, and a pair of spaced transversely extending framework members located at the front and rear ends of the trailer or towards the front and rear ends of the trailer, all of these framework members being arranged in a grid or grid-like pattern. In one form, the drawbar of the framework assembly includes a pair of tapered or diverging inclined longitudinal members that form a generally triangular cross-section, and the triangular cross-section has a longitudinally extending framework member located at the center. The preferred form of the drawbar members is steel tubes, which include square-section steel tubes or rectangular-section steel tubes for the longitudinally extending framework members and transversely extending framework members.

[0021] It should be noted that the dimensions, shapes, and styles of the aluminum framework members of the main body assembly are the same as or similar to the sizes, shapes, and styles of the steel framework members of the drawbar assembly, so that the aluminum tube members of the main body assembly can be stacked thereon in alignment with them, and thus the aluminum tube members can be clamped to the steel tube members of the corresponding assembly using clamping devices. Therefore, in one form, the tubular framework members of the main body assembly are upper aluminum tubes, and the tubular framework members of the drawbar assembly are lower steel tubes.

[0022] In one form, the locator is a retainer fixedly attached to the lower steel framework member of the drawbar assembly and extending substantially vertically upward to hold the upper aluminum tube of the main body assembly in place when placed on the lower steel tube in a stacked and aligned relationship. In one form, there is a pair of retainers fixedly attached to opposite sides of the lower steel tube, such that the upper aluminum tube is received in the space defined between the pair of retainers. In one form, the retainer is made of iron or steel alloy, preferably made of the same or similar composition as the lower steel tube. The form of the steel retainer is welded to the steel tube. However, it is worth noting that in other forms, the retainer is made of aluminum and is welded or otherwise attached to the aluminum tube of the main body assembly and hangs downward to engage the lower steel tube.

[0023] In one form, the retainer has one or more flanges, preferably a pair of flanges, one at each end of the retainer, which are typically a lower flange and an upper flange when the retainer is attached to a tubular frame member. Generally, each flange has a engagement member for engaging with a fixing element to hold the fixing element in place during trailer use. The engagement member includes a recess for receiving and holding the fixing element. The recess is preferably in the form of a notch, indentation, cutout, groove, recess, pit, channel, slot, notch, slit, hollow, sink, socket, valley, etc. having a flat, linear or straight surface or section, which are typically end or edge sections passing through the thickness of the retainer to increase the retention of the fixing element in the correct desired position during use.

[0024] The engagement member of the retainer includes one or more protrusions for assisting in holding the fixing element. Generally, the protrusions are located between a pair of spaced recesses and extend vertically outward from the retainer to engage the fixing element. The protrusions are in the form of a convex portion, bulge, platform, boss, projection, tab, tongue, lug, tip, finger, rock, etc. extending outward from the body of the retainer.

[0025] One form of the fixing element is a fastener. Although any form of fastener can be used with the clamping device, especially for clamping a pair of tubes to each other, the preferred form of the fastener is a threaded bolt, typically a threaded U-bolt, where a web separates two spaced legs, and the two legs have threads at their respective distal ends. A part of the fixing element (usually the first part of the U-bolt) is a leg with a threaded distal end, and another part of the fixing element is a nut that is threadedly received on the threaded distal end of the leg. More generally, the clamping device includes a pair of threaded U-bolts positioned in a spaced-apart relationship relative to each other. The spacing of the U-bolts corresponds to the spacing of the recesses provided on the flanges of the retainer. It should be noted that the spacing of the legs of the U-bolt generally corresponds to the size, especially the width, of the tubular member that is received between the legs of the U-bolt when connected to another tubular member. In the form of the U-bolt, the spacing of the legs allows for a clearance for the tubular member received between the legs of the bolt and a pair of retainers fixed to both sides of another tubular member, and the pair of retainers are connected together.

[0026] One form of the clamping device includes a hoop that engages with the threaded ends of a U-bolt to fix or clamp the frame tubes to each other. The form of the hoop includes a saddle, a bracket, or similar devices. The bracket is provided with a web portion that is adapted to receive one of the tubular frame members, typically the lower steel tube of the drawbar assembly, in a space or gap formed by a pair of spaced-apart vertical walls that define the web portion. The pair of spaced-apart vertical walls abut against opposite sides of the tubular frame member to firmly connect the two frame members to each other when clamped together by the U-bolt. It should be noted that the hoop can have any suitable form or any suitable type to engage with the fastener.

[0027] The form of the clamping device includes a locking device that is used to prevent or reduce the tendency of the clamping device to loosen. The form of the locking device includes an anti-vibration device. Generally, the anti-vibration device engages with the fixing device to prevent the undesired movement of the fixing device. Preferably, the anti-vibration device locks a part of the fixing device, typically the second part of the fixing device, i.e., the nut on the end of the threaded leg. Generally, the anti-vibration device is in the form of an open cotter pin, a washer, a clip, or a similar element that prevents the undesired movement, typically the rotational loosening of the fastener of the fixing element, such as the nut on the threaded end of the U-bolt. The form of the open cotter pin includes a pin, a split pin, a wedge, a key, a washer, a clip, a pin, a nail, a lug, a tab, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] For a better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings for illustration, wherein: Figure 1 is a bottom perspective schematic view of a partially constructed trailer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of circle A in

[0030] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side elevation view of the trailer of

[0031] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a top perspective schematic view of one form of the drawbar assembly of the trailer of

[0032] Figure 5 is a top perspective schematic view of one form of a locator fixedly attached to the drawbar member.

[0033] Figure 6 is a top perspective schematic view of one form of a clamping device that connects two members in situ.

[0034] Figure 7 Is a perspective view of the individual components of the clamping device shown separately.

[0035] Figure 8 Is Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the clamping device of

[0036] Figure 9 Is a cross-sectional view of an alternative clamping device.

[0037] Figure 10 Is a detailed view of a further modification of the clamping device provided with vibration damping equipment.

[0038] Figure 11 Is a perspective view of one form of the vibration damping equipment shown separately.

[0039] Figure 12 Is an exploded view showing the relationship between the vibration damping equipment and the clamping device. Detailed Description

[0040] It should be noted that in the description of this specification, for the sake of clear understanding and easy expression, where appropriate, the term "fixture" will be used interchangeably with the term "clamping device".

[0041] Figure 1 A modular trailer, generally labeled 2, is shown in

[0042] The trailer 2 includes separately constructed components, namely a body component 4 and a drawbar component 6, which are connected together by a clamping device to form the trailer 2. It should be noted that although the wheels and suspension components of the trailer are not shown in the figures, the body component and the drawbar component are mounted on the wheels and suspension components to form a complete trailer (not shown). Figure 1 And Figure 3 In one form, the body 4 is a monolithic construction having sides, a roof, and a floor mounted on a base frame 10, which is more specifically shown in

[0043] In one form, the tow bar assembly 6 includes a pair of generally longitudinally extending frame members 16, 18 and a pair of laterally extending frame members 20, 22, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 more particularly shown in. It should be noted that the longitudinally extending frame members 16, 18 and the laterally extending frame members 20, 22 are also examples of the first members or second members of the first assembly or second assembly respectively mentioned in this specification, and are connected to other first frame members or second frame members (e.g., the frame members 12, 14 of the main body assembly) by the clamping means of the present invention to connect the main body assembly 4 to the tow bar assembly 6, as will be described in more detail later in this specification.

[0044] The components of the clamping means of the present invention are provided on the longitudinally extending frame members 16, 18 of the tow bar assembly 6 at positions spaced apart strategically along the length of the longitudinal members. One or more clamping means are provided on the laterally extending frame members 20, 22. As Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, there are four spaced-apart clamping means provided on the longitudinal member 16 and four spaced-apart clamping means provided on the longitudinal member 18. The foremost clamping means is oriented at a 90-degree angle (in a top view) with respect to the other clamping means, thus helping to prevent longitudinal movement of the main body assembly 4 relative to the frame members 16, 18. Accordingly, the clamping means are provided on the longitudinal and lateral tubes of the tow bar. Since all the clamping means are identical or similar, only one such clamping means will be described in detail.

[0045] The form of the clamping means will now be described in more detail with particular reference to Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 . Although a plurality of clamping means (usually eight identical or similar clamps) are provided to firmly connect the assemblies 4 and 6 to each other, where one set of clamps is provided on one member of the tow bar assembly, i.e., four clamps are provided on the member 16 and four clamps are provided on the member 18, only one clamping means will be described in detail. However, it should be noted that any number of individual clamps other than eight can be used, and these individual clamps can be fixedly attached to the longitudinally extending members 16, 18 and / or the lateral extension 20, 22 of the tow bar assembly, or can be fixed to the longitudinal member 14 or the lateral member 16 of the main body assembly 4. Additionally, each of the members 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 can have any number of individual clamps. Thus, the clamping means can be provided on the vehicle body assembly 4 to hang downwards or on the tow bar assembly 6 to extend vertically upwards.

[0046] The clamping device fixed to the longitudinal member 16 will now be described. In one form, the clamping device includes a pair of locators, each in the form of a retainer 20, typically a generally U-shaped plate or the like, which are welded, adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to either side surface of the members 16, 18 in a spaced-apart relationship to form a gap for the frame member 14 that houses the body assembly 4. The retainer 20 is in the form of a planar body 22 located between two flanges 24, 26, one flange being located along the top edge of the body 22 and the other flange being located along the bottom edge of the body 22, and these two flanges each extend perpendicularly outward from the body 22 in the same direction. The retainer 20 generally extends outward and upward from the surface of the member 16 in a generally vertical manner. Each of the flanges 24, 26 on the body 22 is the same or similar and is a mirror image of the other. The flange 24 has a complex outer shape and is provided with two engagement members in the form of recesses (such as dimples, grooves, cuts, notches or the like) 28 for mating engagement with a fixing element in the form of a bolt (generally a U-bolt) 30, which bolts each have a pair of threaded ends 32 for accommodating complementary nuts 34 thereon to fix the clamping device. A width-increasing platform or thickened area in the form of a protrusion (generally a boss, a disturbing member or the like) 36 is provided in the middle of the pair of dimples 28 to assist in holding the U-bolt in place when fixing by tightening the nut.

[0047] The clamping device further includes a hoop for mating engagement with a fastener. The hoop is in the form of a saddle or bracket 40, which has a pair of spaced-apart holes 42 for accommodating the threaded ends of the U-bolts 40 passing therethrough to tighten or clamp the hoop to the fastener. In one form, the bracket 40 is generally U-shaped and has a pair of side extensions. More specifically, the bracket 40 is provided with a U-shaped body having a web 43 at the center, which web extends between a wall 44 on one side and a wall 46 extending on the opposite side, and these two walls form a channel for accommodating the frame member 16 of the drawbar assembly 6 therein. A flange 48 extends from the outer end of the wall 44, and a pair of spaced-apart holes 42 are provided in this flange. A flange 50 extends outward from the outer edge of the wall 46 in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the flange 48. Another pair of holes 42 are provided in the flange 50 for respectively accommodating the ends 32 of the U-bolts 30 therein. A pair of gussets 52 extend between the wall 44 and the flange 48, one on each side of the wall 44, to provide increased strength and stiffness to the bracket 40 and thus to the clamping device. Similarly, a pair of gussets 54 extend between the wall 46 and the flange 50, one on each side of the wall 46, to provide increased strength and stiffness to the bracket 40 and thus to the clamping device for clamping the body assembly 4 to the drawbar assembly 6.

[0048] In an alternative or modified embodiment, the clamping device is provided with an optional lock for preventing loose movement of the clamping device. The lock is in the form of an anti-vibration element or device for preventing the clamping device from accidentally loosening during use, for example, by reducing or preventing undesired loose rotation of the nut securing the fixture. One form of the anti-vibration device is a wedge, clip or the like 60. In one form, the wedge 60 is a right-angle fitting having a planar body 62 provided with a pair of apertures 64 opposite each other in a spaced-apart relationship, one on each side of the body 62. Each aperture 64 is of a partially or open hexagonal shape, sized and configured to correspond to the size, shape and configuration of the nut 34 received on the threaded end 32 of the leg of the U-bolt 30 such that the nut cannot leave the aperture, thereby preventing undesired rotation of the nut to loosen the fixture. The hexagonal aperture 64 is defined by inclined sides 66, as Figure 11 more specifically shown in. The wedge 60 further includes a flange 68 extending perpendicularly outward from the body 62 for attachment to the bracket 40 to secure the wedge 60 in place by having a pair of holes 70 for receiving a suitable fastener, such as a screw or the like (not shown), passing therethrough to attach the wedge 60 to the bracket 40, as Figure 10 more specifically shown in.

[0049] In use, after the body assembly 4 and the drawbar assembly 6 have been constructed, the body assembly 4 is placed on the drawbar assembly 6 such that the longitudinal frame members 12 of the body assembly 4 are received in an aligned relationship along the lengths of the corresponding longitudinal frame members 16, 18 of the drawbar assembly in a superimposed relationship, and the transverse member 14 is in a superimposed and aligned relationship with the transverse members 20, 22, whereby the frame member 12 forms an upper tube, the frame members 16, 18 form lower tubes, and the tube 14 is an upper transverse tube and the tubes 20, 22 are lower tubes. When positioning the body assembly 4 on the drawbar assembly 6, the longitudinal frame members 12 are received within the gap or space defined between a pair of opposed retainers 20 that are fixedly attached to the lower frame members at desired spaced-apart locations. Similarly, there are corresponding transverse tubes. Once all the frame members 12 are correctly positioned between their respective pairs of opposed retainers on the frame members 16, 18 and likewise between the corresponding transverse tubes, the body assembly is correctly aligned with the drawbar assembly, and the U-bolt 30 is placed on the upper surface of the upper tube 12 for receiving the tube 12 within the gap of the head of the U-bolt such that the threaded ends 32 of the legs of the U-bolt 30 are received through the apertures 42 of the bracket 40 such that when the nut 34 is tightened, the upper and lower tubes are clamped to each other by the fixed clamping device, thereby securely connecting the body assembly to the drawbar assembly.

[0050] Many modifications of the above-described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In this specification and the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprising" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step.

[0052] Any reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or to any matter which is known is not, and should not be taken to be, an admission or acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0053] Advantages An advantage of one form of clamping device is that it prevents axial and lateral movement of components relative to each other by preventing relative sliding movement and / or separation movement of the components.

Claims

1. A positioner for positioning and holding a first component of a first component relative to a second component of a second component so that the first component and the second component can be connected to each other, The locator is used to be fixedly attached to the first member or the second member to extend from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member to position the first member and the second member relative to each other, in, The positioner is provided with an engagement piece for cooperatively engaging with a portion of a fixing element, wherein the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. When the fixing element is engaged in the engagement piece of the locator, the first component and the second component are prevented from unexpected corresponding movement, thereby firmly connecting the first component to the second component to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first component and the second component.

2. A clamping device for securely connecting a first component and a second component, the clamping device comprising a first member of the first component, a second member of the second component, a locator fixedly attached to one of the first member or the second member, and at least one fixing element, in, The locator is fixedly attached to the first member or the second member and extends from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member to position the first member and the second member relative to each other, The positioner is provided with an engaging member for cooperating with a part of a fixing element, and the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. When the fixing element is matingly engaged in the joint, undesired corresponding movement of the first component and the second component is prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first component to the second component to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first component and the second component.

3. An anti-vibration element for use with a clamping device, the anti-vibration element being used to prevent or reduce loosening of the clamping device during use, The anti-vibration element includes at least one receiving member, the at least one receiving member being configured to interlock with a portion of the fixing element to retain the fixing element to prevent undesired movement that could cause the clamping device to loosen, in, The clamping device includes a first member of a first assembly, a second member of a second assembly, a locator fixedly attached to one of the first member or the second member, and at least one of a fixing element, The locator is fixedly attached to the first member or the second member to extend from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member to position the first member and the second member relative to each other, The positioner is provided with an engaging member for cooperating with a part of the fixing element, and the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. When the fixing element is matingly engaged in the joint, undesired corresponding movement of the first component and the second component is prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first component to the second component to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first component and the second component.

4. A clamping device for firmly connecting a first component and a second component, The clamping device includes a first member of a first assembly, a second member of a second assembly, a positioner fixedly attached to one of the first member or the second member, at least one fixing element, and an anti-vibration element, The locator is fixedly attached to the first member or the second member to extend from the first member or the second member to contact the other of the first member or the second member to position the first member and the second member relative to each other, The positioner is provided with an engagement piece for cooperatively engaging with a portion of a fixing element, wherein the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. in, When the fixing element is matingly engaged in the joint, undesired corresponding movement of the first component and the second component is prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first component to the second component to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first component and the second component, and wherein the anti-vibration element is interlockingly engaged with the second part of the fixing element to reduce or prevent loosening of the fixing element.

5. A method of connecting a first component and a second component to reduce or prevent undesired movement of the components relative to each other, The method comprises the following steps: fixedly attaching a locator to the first member of the first assembly or the second member of the second assembly to extend outwardly from the first member or the second member for contacting the other of the first member or the second member to orient the two members relative to each other, and positioning the first member and the second member at a desired position relative to each other and connecting at least one fixing element to the first member and the second member to securely connect the first member and the second member to each other, The positioner is provided with an engaging member for cooperating with a part of a fixing element, and the fixing element is used to firmly connect the first member and the second member to each other. When the fixing element is engaged in the joint, the undesired corresponding movement of the first component and the second component is reduced or prevented, thereby firmly connecting the first component to the second component to reduce and / or prevent relative movement between the first component and the second component.

6. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first assembly is a one-piece body assembly forming the body of a highway trailer or other similar vehicle, and wherein the second assembly is a tongue assembly forming a base for the trailer on which the body assembly is located, wherein the tongue assembly includes a frame arrangement of a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending frame members.

7. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first component of the first assembly is made of a first material, and the second component of the second assembly is made of a second material.

8. The clamping device according to claim 7, wherein: The first material is aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the second material is iron, steel, or an alloy containing iron and / or steel.

9. The clamping device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The frame members of the body assembly are tubular, wherein the tubes include longitudinally extending frame members and transversely extending frame members arranged in a grid or lattice, and the frame members of the towing assembly include a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending tubular frame members.

10. The clamping device according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein: The aluminum tube of the frame comprises a square section tube or a rectangular section tube, and the steel tube of the traction frame assembly comprises a square section or a rectangular section, wherein the size, shape and style of the aluminum tube and the steel tube are substantially the same or similar.

11. The clamping device according to claim 10, wherein: The aluminum tube member of the body assembly forms an upper tube member, which can be superimposed on the steel tube member of the traction frame assembly, and the steel tube member forms a lower tube member aligned with the upper tube member, so that the aluminum tube member can be clamped to the steel tube member of the corresponding assembly using the clamping device.

12. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The retainer is a retainer that is fixedly attached to one or the other of the body assembly or the trailer frame assembly, preferably the lower frame assembly, to extend generally vertically upward to hold the upper aluminum tube of the body assembly in place when placed in an overlapping aligned relationship on the lower steel tube.

13. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The retainer includes a pair of retainers fixedly attached on opposite sides of a lower steel tube such that when the body assembly is aligned with the draft frame assembly, the upper aluminum tube is received in a space defined between the pair of retainers.

14. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The retainer is made of iron or steel alloy, and preferably, the retainer is made of the same or similar composition as the lower steel pipe when fixed to the lower steel pipe.

15. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The retainer is made of aluminum and is welded or otherwise attached to the aluminum tube of the body assembly to depend downwardly therefrom so as to engage the lower steel tube when the body assembly is properly aligned with the kick frame assembly.

16. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: There are two, three, four or more retainers fixed to each longitudinal tube, wherein each retainer has one or more flanges, preferably a pair of flanges, one at each end of the retainer, forming a lower flange and an upper flange when the retainer is attached to the tubular frame member.

17. The clamping device according to claim 16, wherein: Each flange has an engagement feature for engaging a securing element to secure the securing element in place during use of the trailer.

18. The clamping device according to claim 17, wherein: The engaging member includes a recess for accommodating and retaining the fixing element, wherein the recess is a notch, dent, cut, groove, recess, pit, groove, channel, slot, slit, hollow, depression, socket, valley, etc., preferably having a flat, linear or straight surface or segment, and the surface or segment is usually an end or edge segment passing through the thickness of the retainer to further help maintain the fixing element in the correct desired position when used in the clamping device.

19. The clamping device according to claim 18, wherein: The retainer also includes one or more protrusions for assisting in retaining the securing element, wherein the protrusions are located intermediate a pair of spaced apart recesses and extend vertically outwardly from the retainer to engage the securing element.

20. The clamping device according to claim 19, wherein: The protrusion is a bulge, protuberance, platform, boss, projection, tab, tongue, ear, prong, finger, rock, etc. extending outwardly from the body of the retainer.

21. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The securing element is a pair of threaded U-bolts in spaced relation relative to one another within a retainer, wherein the U-bolts have a web separating two spaced legs, the two legs having threads at their respective distal ends for receiving nuts thereon for tightening the clamping device, wherein the tubular frame member is received within a space defined by the web and the spaced legs.

22. The clamping device according to claim 21, wherein: The intervals of the U-bolts of one retainer correspond to the intervals of the recesses provided on the flange of the retainer.

23. The clamping device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: The legs of the U-bolt are spaced so as to allow clearance for receiving the upper tubular member between the legs of the U-bolt and a pair of retainers secured to either side of the lower tubular member to connect the body assembly and the traction frame assembly together when the upper tubular member is aligned with the lower tubular member.

24. The clamping device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising a hoop that cooperates with the threaded end of the U-bolt to fix or clamp the frame tubes to each other, wherein The hoop comprises a saddle, bracket or similar device, wherein the bracket is provided with a web portion adapted to receive one of the tubular frame members, typically the lower steel tube of the drawbar assembly, in a space or gap formed by defining the web portion by a pair of spaced-apart vertical walls, the pair of spaced-apart vertical walls abutting against opposite sides of the tubular frame member to securely connect the two frame members to each other when clamped together by the U-bolts.

25. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a locking device for preventing or reducing the tendency of the clamping device to loosen, wherein The locking device comprises an anti-vibration device for cooperatively engaging the fixing device to prevent undesired movement of the fixing device.

26. A clamping device according to claim 25, wherein the anti-vibration device is in the form of a cotter, washer, clip or similar element, preventing the rotation of the fastener of the fixing element, for example, the loose rotation of the nut on the threaded end of the U-bolt, wherein The cotter pins include pins, split pins, wedges, keys, washers, clips, pins, nails, lugs, tabs and the like.

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