Profiled clamping device

Abstract

A clamping device for securement to a tubular member (e.g. pipe, hose, ducting, cable), comprising: a partially rigid band having a first end 18 and a second end 20, the partially rigid band having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a curved portion and an orthogonal flange 26 extending radially from the curved portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the partially rigid band being arranged such that the inner circumference of the curved portion overlies the outer circumference of the tubular member when in use; a housing member 30 disposed at or near the first end of the partially rigid band, the housing member having an opening configured to receive the second end of the partially rigid band; and a tightening means 28 attached to the housing member, the tightening means being operable to tighten the partially rigid band and secure the clamping device. Embodiments include a clamping device for securement to a tubular member, comprising a rigid surround that is assemblable around the tubular member, the rigid surround having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a base portion and an orthogonal flange which extends orthogonally from the base portion; and fixing means being operable to secure the rigid surround.

Description

Technical Field Of The Invention The present invention relates to a profiled clamping device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a profiled clamping device which has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, and which fastens and secures tubular members, such as pipes, hoses, ducting, cables and flues, through an opening in a structure, object or piece of machinery. The profiled clamping device providing the option of sealing the tubular member and the hole for acoustic, air pressure, weather prevention and / or fire protection when in use. Use of the present invention providing aesthetical finishes whilst concealing holes or gaps. Background Whenever a tubular member, such as a pipe, duct or cable, passes through a structure or object, a hole or opening is made in the structure. This hole, in most cases, requires subsequent sealing and / or concealing as part of the reinstatement of the task. The hole, depending on the composition of the structure or object, may be cut in a factory or onsite. The hole may be cut by an operative other than the fitter or installer. It will probably be one of the final operations in the fitting-out process of the project or task. As with most pipes, ducts and cables, whatever their purpose, they require maintenance, which may necessitate their complete removal and / or subsequent replacement. Securing and concealing such tubular members remains problematic. It has been known for many years of the encountered difficulties to efficiently seal a pipe, hose and / or flue which passes through a structure, and particularly a hole or opening in a course of bricks, blocks, render or cladding materials forming the wall of a domestic, commercial or industrial dwelling or premises or such like roofing situations. Often the opening in the wall is not circular, or there has been damage made to the brickwork when the hole is drilled or chased out. After the works are completed, it is either necessary for the spaces between the outer circumference of the pipe and the opening to be filled or pointed with mortar or sealed with expanding foam or sealant to form an ad hoc remedial reinstatement. In more recent years, efficiency in dwellings has, quite rightly, come under increased scrutiny, and there are now, in the United Kingdom at least, minimum standards for airtightness in new and existing dwellings. According to the UK Building Regulations at Parts LI (a) and L2(a) in England and Wales, Section 6 of the Building Standards in Scotland, and Part F in Northern Ireland, there is guidance on how pipes, ducts and cables should penetrate the air barrier to ensure airtightness. The regulations specify that grommets or flexible collars can be used around incoming services and sealed to the air barrier with air-sealing tape or sealant. There are commercial solutions available in the marketplace that purport to solve these issues, however they do you suffer from one significant disadvantage in that they, being formed as a generally unitary structure, can really only be used to seal around new installations. However, they can be difficult to retrofit around an existing pipe to form an effective seal, or be replaced if required. Such known airtightness barriers often do not always provide an effective seal and water ingress can still be a problem as water may creep in through capillary action. There is therefore a need for a profiled clamping device for a pipe or the like that provides a rigid mechanical fixing, air and watertight seal and / or fire stop properties. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a profiled clamping device which can be fitted to a tubular member, such as a pipe, hose, duct or cable, and which conceals any gaps surrounding the tubular member. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a profiled clamping device that simply and effectively seals the pipe and the gaps around the pipe, either internally or externally throughout the structure or object, and after the pipe work has been installed. The profiled clamping device being available in different sizes and tolerances to suit differing applications, and the degree of sealing provided can be tailored to suit various applications and use cases. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a profiled clamping device that can include numerous grommet and rubber profile seals, intumescents and sealants which can be fitted to any new installation or retrofitted to existing in-situ installations. The sealing and concealing components are completely suitable and complementary. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a profiled clamping device that provides an aesthetically-pleasing finish. Summary Of The Invention The present invention is described herein and in the claims. According to the present invention there is provided a clamping device for securement to a tubular member, comprising: a partially rigid band having a first end and a second end, the partially rigid band having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a curved portion and an orthogonal flange extending radially from the curved portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the partially rigid band being arranged such that the inner circumference of the curved portion overlies the outer circumference of the tubular member when in use; a housing member disposed at or near the first end of the partially rigid band, the housing member having an opening configured to receive the second end of the partially rigid band; and a tightening means attached to the housing member, the tightening means being operable to tighten the partially rigid band and secure the clamping device. An advantage of the present invention is that the profiled clamping device can be fitted to any new or existing tubular member, such as a pipe, hose, duct or cable, and which conceals any gaps surrounding the tubular member. Once tightened, the clamping device becomes completely rigid in both orthogonal directions. Preferably, the housing member is attached to the first end of the partially rigid band towards the juncture of the curved portion and the orthogonal flange. Further preferably, a plurality of teeth are disposed at or near the second end of the partially rigid band. In use, the tightening means may further comprise a threaded worm-drive screw which acts upon the plurality of teeth disposed on or near the second end of the partially rigid band. Preferably, wherein the outer radial surface of the orthogonal flange being arranged to overlie a surface at or around an opening in the surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough. Further preferably, the partially rigid band, the housing member and the tightening means are formed from a suitable metal selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any of the following: aluminium, brass, steel, stainless-steel and combinations and alloys thereof. In use, the surface may be part of a structure, object or piece of machinery. Preferably, the tubular member is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any of the following: pipe, hose, ducting, cable and flue or the like. Further preferably, one or more continuous beads of sealant being applied to the inner circumference of the curved portion and the outer radial surface of the orthogonal flange. In use, the clamping device may further comprise: a substantially flexible grommet having a first end and a second end, the substantially flexible grommet having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a curved portion and an orthogonal flange extending radially from the curved portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the substantially flexible grommet being arranged such that it is interposed between the partially rigid band, the tubular member and the surface at or around an opening in the surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough when in use. Preferably, the first end of the substantially flexible grommet abuts against, or overlaps with, the second end to form a continuous flexible sealing structure. Further preferably, a substantially flexible lap joint is provided having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile which overlaps the otherwise spaced-apart first and second ends of the substantially flexible grommet to form a continuous flexible sealing structure. In use, the clamping device may further comprise: a first substantially flexible grommet having a profiled ‘h’ shape which seats on the orthogonal flange of the partially rigid band; a second substantially flexible grommet having a profiled ‘u’ shape which seats on the curved portion of the partially rigid band; and wherein the first and second substantially flexible grommets are retained on the partially rigid band by way of a transition or interference fit. Preferably, the substantially flexible grommets or the substantially flexible lap joint are manufactured from a suitable plastics or rubberised material selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any of the following: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) resins or blends thereof. Further preferably, the clamping device further comprises: a substantially flexible intumescent strip having a first end and a second end, the substantially flexible intumescent strip having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a curved portion and an orthogonal flange extending radially from the curved portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the substantially flexible intumescent strip being arranged such that it is interposed between the partially rigid band, the tubular member and the surface at or around an opening in the surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough when in use. In use, the first end of the substantially flexible intumescent strip may abut against, or overlap with, the second end to form a continuous fire stop sealing structure. Preferably, a substantially flexible intumescent lap joint is provided having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile which overlaps the otherwise spaced-apart first and second ends of the substantially flexible intumescent strip to form a continuous fire stop sealing structure. Further preferably, the substantially flexible intumescent strip or the substantially flexible intumescent lap joint are manufactured from fire graded materials to suit the required resistance. In use, one or more continuous beads of sealant each being applied to the inner circumference of the curved portion and the outer radial surface of the orthogonal flange of the substantially flexible grommet and / or substantially flexible intumescent strip. Preferably, the sealant is applied using a silicone gun or the like using a grade of silicone or sealant to suit the required resistance. Also according to the present invention there is provided a clamping device for securement to a tubular member, comprising: a rigid surround that is assemblable around the tubular member, the rigid surround having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a base portion and an orthogonal flange which extends orthogonally from the base portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the rigid surround being arranged such that the inner face of the base portion overlies the outer surface of the tubular member when in use; and fixing means being operable to secure the rigid surround. Preferably, the rigid surround is formed from two complementary-shaped sleeve halves, each sleeve half comprising a half-cylindrical through bore or defining a square or rectangular cavity and having tabs at the longitudinal ends of the halves. Further preferably, the two complementary-shaped sleeve halves are to be brought together around the tubular member such that their tabs are in a face-to-face alignment and affixed together using the fixing means. In use, the fixing means may comprise one or more threaded fasteners. Preferably, a substantially flexible grommet or substantially flexible intumescent strip is interposed between the rigid band, the tubular member and the surface at or around an opening in a surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough when in use. It is believed that profiled clamping device in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein. Brief Description Of The Dra wings The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows isometric views of a profiled clamping device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a profiled clip of the profiled clamping device of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates side sectional views of a profiled grommet of the profiled clamping device of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a cutaway perspective view from the side and above of the profiled clamping device in use which encloses a tubular member through an opening in a wall of a building; Figure 5 is a side perspective view from above of a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows that the profiled clamping device comprises a grommet having a ‘h’ or ‘u’ cross-sectional shape for bespoke or specific purposes or sealing applications; Figure 6 illustrates side and cutaway perspective views of a third embodiment of the present invention, and shows that the profiled grommet can be formed from an intumescent material to provide fire resistance and thermal insulation in various applications; Figure 7 shows further detail of the profiled intumescent grommet of Figure 6 and particularly the joint lap at the ends of the grommet which provide a continuous seal when in use; Figure 8 is side and cutaway perspective views of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and shows that one or more sealant beads can be used with the profiled clamping device to provide the required degree of sealant or protection to suit the specification or application; Figure 9 illustrates a side perspective view of the profiled clamping device and shows how the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention can be used to seal a ducting carrying cables, etc., through an opening in a barrier or partition; Figure 10 shows a side perspective view of the profiled clamping device of the present invention which can be used to enclose a bundle of cables through an aperture or opening in a barrier or partition; Figure 11 is a side perspective view from above of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and shows that the profiled clip can be formed from two complementary-shaped halves that are assemblable around a tubular member when in use; Figure 12 illustrates a side perspective review of the profiled clamping device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention and being formed from two complementary-shaped halves that, when assembled, form a generally square-shaped opening; and Figure 13 shows a further variant of the profiled clip of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and which is securable around a tubular member, such as a pipe, using a single threaded fastener. Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiments The present invention has adopted the approach of utilising a profiled clamping device for a pipe or the like that provides a rigid mechanical fixing, air and watertight seal and / or fire stop properties. Advantageously, the present invention provides a profiled clamping device which can be fitted to a tubular member, such as a pipe, hose, duct or cable, and which conceals any gaps surrounding the tubular member. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a profiled clamping device that simply and effectively seals the pipe and the gaps around the pipe, either internally or externally throughout the structure or object, and after the pipe work has been installed. The profiled clamping device being available in different sizes and tolerances to suit differing applications, and the degree of sealing provided can be tailored to suit various applications and use cases. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a profiled clamping device that can include numerous grommet and rubber profile seals, intumescents and sealants which can be fitted to any new installation or retrofitted to existing in-situ installations. The sealing and concealing components are completely suitable and complementary. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a profiled clamping device that provides an aesthetically-pleasing finish. Referring now to the drawings, a profiled clamping device 10 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 4. At its core, the profiled clamping device 10 of the present invention is provided having two parts, firstly a profiled clip 12. The profiled clip 12 is a circular metal clip which has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile and itself fixes, fastens and secures pipes 14, hoses and flues which may pass through a structure, object or piece of machinery or may require fastening or sealing to a structure, object or piece of machinery, as perhaps as best shown in Figures 2 and 4. The second part of the profiled clamping device 10 is a profiled grommet 32. The profiled grommet 32, as shown in Figure 3, is circular and which has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile which would cover the areas required to seal at abutments and to pipes 14 and flues to a greater capacity than simply using the profiled clip 12 alone, and to conceal any required damaged works from drilling and coring and / or to add aesthetical requirements. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the profiled clip 12 of the profiled clamping device 10 is provided as a profiled band of metal material 16 with a first end 18 and a second end 20, and a tightening mechanism 22 for tightening the band 16 around the pipe 14. In one embodiment, a plurality of teeth (not shown) are formed on the surface of the profiled band 16 facing the tightening mechanism 22. These could be on a gripping band 24 which abuts the outer circumference of the pipe 14 when in use, and / or on the orthogonal flange 26 which completes the L-shaped cross-sectional profile of the clip 12. The tightening mechanism 22 is located near the first 18 or second end 20 of the band 16 and includes a threaded worm-drive screw 28 and a housing 30. The housing 30 is attached to either the first end or second end of the band 16 and has an opening (not shown) for receiving the screw 28. The clip 12, having an L-shaped profile, allows the pipe work 14 to be completely and securely retained and sealed against a structure, as shown in Figure 4. To install the profiled clip 12, the band 16 can be opened by completing unscrewing the worn-drive screw 28 and urging the first 18 and second ends 20 of the band 16 open and wrapping the clip 12 around the pipe 14 with the flange 26 adjacent to, and lies against, the structure (shown as an outer wall 48 in Figure 4) when in use. The first or second end 18, 20 of the band 16 is inserted into the housing 30, and the screw 28 is tightened using a hand tool, such as, for example, a screwdriver (not shown). As the screw 28 is tightened, the band 16 is drawn closer together, causing the teeth to engage with the screw 28 and securely holding the clip 12 in place around the pipe 14. To remove the pipe clip 12, the screw 28 is loosened, and the band 16 is released from the housing 30. The pipe clip 12 can then be easily removed from the pipe 14. The clip 12 may be used on its own as a mechanical fastening of the profiled clamping device, as shown in Figure 2. The clip 12 can be provided in various sizes to suit all applications and be fitted in-situ onto new pipe 14 or ducting 74 or cables 72. It can also be retrofitted to existing pipe work 14 or ducting 74 or cables 72. The clip 12 is suitable for the securement of metal or plastic pipes 14, including waste / soil pipes, air conditioning pipes, heating pipes, HVAC pipes for domestic, commercial and industrial applications. It can be used horizontally, vertically and for gradients / radius of 15°, 30° and 45° Generally speaking, the clip 12 is suitable for pipe 14 and ducting 74 of any size, and is marketed for a certain size, for example 40mm, but the first 18 and second ends 20 of the band 16 are longer and provide an adjustment of around 20mm tightening. The clip 12 clamp on its own can be suitable for fire stop with the application of a relevant fire retardant silicone / seal 70, as shown in Figure 8. The skilled person will appreciate that a further application of the clip 12 is that it can be used as a repair to HVAC pipes. The clip 12 does provide the option of sealing for acoustic, air pressure and fire stop properties when used with profiled grommet 32, as described herein. The second part of the member clamping device 10 is a profiled grommet 32. This is a circular (or square, see Figure 12) rubber strip having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile which would cover the areas required to seal at abutments and to pipes 14 and flues to a greater extent than using the clip 12 in isolation, and to conceal any required damaged works from drilling and coring and / or to improve the aesthetical surroundings. In use, the grommet 32 is interposed between the abutment 34 (in Figure 4, the outer wall 48) and the profiled clip 12 sealing both the pipe 14 and abutment 34. The rubber profiled grommet 32 provides the required degree of sealant or protection to suit the specification. Therefore, closing the gap at the abutment without obscuring any core holes or drilling holes where the pipe 14 passes through the structure or object. It can be fitted both internally and externally. As best shown in Figure 3, the profiled grommet 32 has a first end 36 and a second end 38. By having such an opening in the grommet 32 this enables it, like the clip 12 itself, to be or retrofitted to existing in-situ installations. The ends 36, 38 can either overlap or abut. The dashed lines in Figure 3 show a profiled joint lap 68 which provides a continuous seal. The sealing part 68 will be built into one end of the grommet 36 and fitting into a recessed end 38 providing a continuous and smooth fit (not shown). The profiled grommet 32 has an L-profiled cross-sectional shape formed a gripping band 40 which abuts the outer circumference of the pipe 14 when in use, and an orthogonal flange 42 which is adjacent to the structure when in use. The skilled person will understand that when the profiled grommet 32 is used with the clip 12 to seal a pipe 14 or feed / supply which abuts a wall, ceiling, roof, object, or structure, an enhanced level of sealing is provided. The profiled grommet 32 can be used with wall abutments, flat roof outlets, passing through floors, flues and soil stacks, waste / soil pipes, air conditioning pipes, heating pipes, both internal and external. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive. The width (profile) of the orthogonal flange 42 can be altered to suit the application. A wider orthogonal flange 42 may be needed for the 90° bend application where the flange 42 can be pinched on the inner side of the bend. Alternatively, a wider orthogonal flange 42 may be needed to conceal damage to the abutment from drilling and coring and / or to add aesthetical requirements. The grommet 32 can also include a recess (not shown) to house, or seat, the tightening mechanism 22 on the clip 12 The grommet 32 can be formed from UV protection rubber for durability, and can be coloured to suit the application or surroundings. As discussed further below, a sealant 70 can be applied to the rear of the grommet 32 to seal against abutment 34, and to the pipe 14 which is concealed. Such sealant 70 can prevent capillary action and can be suitable as a fire stop when used with a relevant fire-retardant silicone. The use of the profiled clamping device 10 is shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates the profiled clamping device 10 being used to seal a pipe 14. A hole 44 has been drilled through a cavity wall structure, which consists of an inner wall 46 and an outer wall 48 and a cavity 50 therebetween. A pipe 14 which can carry any number of utilities or liquids to, or from, a premises that has been inserted through the hole or opening 44. To seal the pipe 14 the member clamping device 10 is urged apart and placed around the pipe 14 with the orthogonal flange 26 orientated towards to the outer wall 48. The profiled clamping device 10 therefore being mounted co-axially with the hole 44 such that the profiled clamping device 10 surrounds, and can receive, the pipe 14. The profiled grommet 32, which is positioned between the clip 12 and the outer wall 48 is then sealingly engageable in two planes; firstly in a manner co-axial with the pipe 14 by the gripping band 40 and in a orthogonal radial manner by the flange 42 against the outer wall 48. This is therefore sealing the pipe 14 firmly in place. The skilled person will understand that the profiled clamping device 10 could equally be positioned in a likewise manner, and fixed to the inner wall 46 around the pipe 14. This is not shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 does illustrate that the present invention is a simple, but effective, way of supporting or sealing a pipe 14 with a mechanical fixing which can provide an air and / or watertight seal and fire stop properties. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the profiled clamping device 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instead of the profiled grommet 32 overlying the clip 12, the grommet 32 can be provided having a profiled ‘h’ shape 52 which is seated on the orthogonal flange 26 of the clip 12 and / or a ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 which is seating on the gripping band 24 of the clip 12. These are used for bespoke or specific purposes or sealing applications. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the ‘h’ 52 and ‘u’ sections 54 can be used vice versa as above, e.g., the profiled ‘h’ shape 52 can be seated on the gripping band 24 of the clip 12, or used together. They can each include a jointing lap 68 very much like is described above in relation to the grommet 32. Both of the profiled ‘h’ shaped 52 and the ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 define a gap 56 into which the distal edges of the gripping band 54 and orthogonal flange 26 can be received and which are dimensioned so that the profiled ‘h’ shaped 52 and the ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 may be retained by way of a transition or interference fit. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the profiled clamping device 10. The construction of the third embodiment is very similar to that of the first and second embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that instead of the profiled grommet 32 overlying the clip 12, the profiled clamping device 10 is provided with a profiled intumescent strip 58 instead of a grommet 32. The clamping device 10 of the third embodiment can therefore be used for fire stop applications. The profiled intumescent strip 58 is very similar in construction to the profiled grommet 32. The profiled intumescent strip 58 includes a gripping band 60 and the orthogonal flange 62. In use, the profiled intumescent strip 58 is positioned between the clip 12 and the outer wall 48 is then sealingly engageable in two planes; firstly in a manner co-axial with the duct 74 by the gripping band 50 and in a radial manner by the flange 62 against the wall 48. This is therefore seals the duct 74 firmly in place, as best shown in Figure 9. Figure 7 shows further detail of the profiled intumescent strip 58 of the third embodiment of the profiled tubular member clamping device 10. As best shown in Figure 3, the profiled intumescent strip 58 has a first end 64 and a second end 66. The ends 64, 66 can either overlap or abut, or the strip 58 can also include a profiled joint lap 68 which provides a continuous seal for fire protection purposes. The intumescent strip 58 may also be similar to the grommet 32 in that a sealing part 68 will be built into one end of the grommet 36 and fitting into a recessed end 38 providing a continuous and smooth fit (not shown). Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the profiled tubular member clamping device 10. The construction of the fourth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second and third embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The fourth embodiment differs from the first, second and third embodiments in that one or more layers of sealant 70 can be applied to the profiled clamping device 10. The sealant 70 could be applied using a silicone gun or the like which provides a continuous bead of sealant 70. As shown in Figure 8, a continuous bead of sealant 70’ can be applied to the inside circumference of the gripping band 24. A second continuous bead of sealant 70” could also be applied to the flange 26 such that when the profiled clamping device 10 is brought into abutment with the pipe 14, cable 72 or ducting 74 it can be sealed in place against the surface 48. A suitable foam can also be used with the required resistance to suit the application. The profiled clamping device 10 of the present invention can be utilised just using a sealant 70, as perhaps best at Illustrated in Figure 10 which shows the clamping device 10 in-situ in a wall 48 with a bundle of cables 72 passing therethrough. The fourth embodiment of the invention, which includes a sealant 70, can also be used with the profiled grommet 32 or intumescent strip 58 being insertable into the clip 12. Figure 9 shows how the third and fourth embodiments of the profiled clamping device 10 can be used to seal a ducting 74, which in a preferred embodiment can be a noncombustible ducting 74 carrying cables, etc., through an opening 44 in a surface, which could be an outer wall 48. The profiled clamping device 10, comprising of clip 12 and profiled intumescent strip 58 is firstly urged apart and fixed around the duct 74 such that the flange 62 would lies against the structure (shown as an outer wall 48 in Figure 4). The profiled clamping device 10 therefore being is mounted co-axially with the hole 44, such that the profiled clamping device 10 surrounds, and can receive, the ducting 74. The profiled intumescent strip 58 positioned between the clip 12 and the outer wall 48 is then sealingly engageable in two planes; firstly in a manner co-axial with the ducting 74 by the gripping band 60 and in a orthogonal radial manner by the flange 62 against the outer wall 48. One or more continuous beads 70’, 70” of sealing can be applied to the clamping edges of the profiled intumescent strip 58 as described above (and only the circumferential bead 70’ is visible in Figure 9). When fully clamped-up, using the circumferential tightening mechanism 22 as described above, the intumescent strip 58 and sealant 70 completely seals the interface from weather and is an airtight seal. Figure 11 shows a fifth embodiment of the profiled tubular member clamping device 10. The construction of the fifth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second, third and fourth embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The fifth embodiment differs from the first, second, third and fourth embodiments in that instead of a circumferential tightening mechanism 22 being located near the first 18 or second end 20 of the band 16 which includes a threaded screw 28 and a housing 30, the profiled clip 12 is formed from two complementary-shaped halves 76a, 76b that are assemblable around the pipe 14 when in use. The complementary-shaped halves 76a, 76b are identical in shape to reduce tooling and manufacturing costs. The complementary-shaped halves 76a, 76b are L-shaped cross-sectional profile and each include a circumferential gripping band 78 and the orthogonal flange 80. Each end of the complementary-shaped halves 76a, 76b is formed as a tab 82 such that the tabs 82 are alignable in a face-to-face arrangement for the purpose of assembling and affixing the device 10 around the pipe 14 and are secured using threaded fasteners 84 through openings 86. Figure 12 shows that instead of a circular cross-section, the complementary-shaped halves 76a, 76b of the clip 12 can be provided having a square profile for securing different square or rectangular shaped ducts 74 through openings 44. When used in such a configuration, the skilled person will understand that the profiled grommet 32 would itself be square-shaped, instead of circular. Figure 13 shows a slightly different variant of the profile clamp 12 which uses a single threaded fastener 84 which compresses tabs 82 located in a parallel chord arrangement from the outer circumference of the gripping band 24. Although it is not shown in Figure 13, the profiled clip 12 has a gap between the first and second ends 18, 20 that can be urged apart to fit around the pipe 14 and tightened using a single threaded fastener 84. In a preferred embodiment, the construction of the profiled clip 12, complementary-shaped halves 76a, 76b, or parts thereof, can be via any suitable form of metal fabrication, e.g., machined, pressed, extruded, cast or forged from a suitable metal, such as aluminium, brass, steel, stainless-steel and combinations and alloys thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the profiled grommet 32, profiled ‘h’ 52 or ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 is formed from a polymer such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Alternatively, the grommet 32, profiled ‘h’ 52 or ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 can be formed from a polymer such as Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or blends thereof. Equally, the skilled person will appreciate that the grommet 32, profiled ‘h’ 52 or ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 can be formed from any number of synthetic plastics or rubberised materials, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive. In an alternative embodiment, the grommet 32, profiled ‘h’ 52 or ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 is formed from a semi-rigid polymer such as Nylon (PA). This pliable polymer having enough flexibility to deform and abut against the pipe 14 or walls 46, 48 to seal the clamp 10 in place. The grommet 32, profiled ‘h’ 52 or ‘u’ shaped grommet 54 can be manufactured using techniques such as injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, rotational moulding, compression moulding, rim moulding, powder impression moulding or any other form of plastics or rubber manufacture, as additive manufacturing or 3D printing. In a preferred embodiment, the profiled intumescent strip 58 is formed from fire graded materials to suit the required resistance. In a preferred embodiment, the sealant 70 is formed from the appropriate grade of silicone or sealant to suit the required resistance. Therefore, a profiled clamping device 10 according to the present invention can be attached to a pipe 14, duct 74, cable 72, hose and / or flue which passes through a structure, object or piece of machinery and secures it in place. When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments. It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A clamping device for securement to a tubular member, comprising:a partially rigid band having a first end and a second end, the partially rigid band having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a curved portion and an orthogonal flange extending radially from the curved portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the partially rigid band being arranged such that the inner circumference of the curved portion overlies the outer circumference of the tubular member when in use;a housing member disposed at or near the first end of the partially rigid band, the housing member having an opening configured to receive the second end of the partially rigid band; anda tightening means attached to the housing member, the tightening means being operable to tighten the partially rigid band and secure the clamping device.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the housing member is attached to the first end of the partially rigid band towards the juncture of the curved portion and the orthogonal flange.

3. The clamping device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of teeth disposed at or near the second end of the partially rigid band.

4. The clamping device according to claim 3, wherein the tightening means further comprises a threaded worm-drive screw which acts upon the plurality of teeth disposed on or near the second end of the partially rigid band.

5. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the outer radial surface of the orthogonal flange being arranged to overlie a surface at or around an opening in the surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough.

6. The clamping device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the partially rigid band, the housing member and the tightening means are formed from asuitable metal selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any of the following: aluminium, brass, steel, stainless-steel and combinations and alloys thereof.

7. The clamping device according to claim 5, wherein the surface is part of a structure, object or piece of machinery.

8. The clamping device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular member is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any of the following: pipe, hose, ducting, cable and flue or the like.

9. The clamping device according to claim 5, further comprising one or more continuous beads of sealant being applied to the inner circumference of the curved portion and the outer radial surface of the orthogonal flange.

10. The clamping device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:a substantially flexible grommet having a first end and a second end, the substantially flexible grommet having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a curved portion and an orthogonal flange extending radially from the curved portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the substantially flexible grommet being arranged such that it is interposed between the partially rigid band, the tubular member and the surface at or around an opening in the surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough when in use.

11. The clamping device according to claim 10, wherein the first end of the substantially flexible grommet abuts against, or overlaps with, the second end to form a continuous flexible sealing structure.

12. The clamping device according to claim 10, further comprising a substantially flexible lap joint having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile which overlaps the otherwise spaced-apart first and second ends of the substantially flexible grommet to form a continuous flexible sealing structure.

13. The clamping device according to claim 1, further comprising:a first substantially flexible grommet having a profiled ‘h’ shape which seats on the orthogonal flange of the partially rigid band;a second substantially flexible grommet having a profiled ‘u’ shape which seats on the curved portion of the partially rigid band; andwherein the first and second substantially flexible grommets are retained on the partially rigid band by way of a transition or interference fit.

14. The clamping device according to claims 10 to 13, wherein the substantially flexible grommets or the substantially flexible lap joint are manufactured from a suitable plastics or rubberised material selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any of the following: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) resins or blends thereof.

15. The clamping device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:a substantially flexible intumescent strip having a first end and a second end, the substantially flexible intumescent strip having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a curved portion and an orthogonal flange extending radially from the curved portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the substantially flexible intumescent strip being arranged such that it is interposed between the partially rigid band, the tubular member and the surface at or around an opening in the surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough when in use.

16. The clamping device according to claim 15, wherein the first end of the substantially flexible intumescent strip abuts against, or overlaps with, the second end to form a continuous fire stop sealing structure.

17. The clamping device according to claim 15, further comprising a substantially flexible intumescent lap joint having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile which overlaps the otherwise spaced-apart first and second ends of the substantially flexible intumescent strip to form a continuous fire stop sealing structure.

18. The clamping device according to claims 15 to 17, wherein the substantially flexible intumescent strip or the substantially flexible intumescent lap joint are manufactured from fire graded materials to suit the required resistance.

19. The clamping device according to claims 10 to 18, further comprising one or more continuous beads of sealant each being applied to the inner circumference of the curved portion and the outer radial surface of the orthogonal flange of the substantially flexible grommet and / or substantially flexible intumescent strip.

20. The clamping device according to claims 9 or 19, wherein the sealant is applied using a silicone gun or the like using a grade of silicone or sealant to suit the required resistance.

21. A clamping device for securement to a tubular member, comprising:a rigid surround that is assemblable around the tubular member, the rigid surround having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, comprising a base portion and an orthogonal flange which extends orthogonally from the base portion substantially forming a right angle therebetween, the rigid surround being arranged such that the inner face of the base portion overlies the outer surface of the tubular member when in use; andfixing means being operable to secure the rigid surround.

22. The clamping device according to claim 21, wherein the rigid surround is formed from two complementary-shaped sleeve halves, each sleeve half comprising a half-cylindrical through bore or defining a square or rectangular cavity and having tabs at the longitudinal ends of the halves.

23. The clamping device according to claim 22, wherein the two complementary-shaped sleeve halves are to be brought together around the tubular member such that their tabs are in a face-to-face alignment and affixed together using the fixing means.

24. The clamping device according to claim 23, wherein the fixing means comprise one or more threaded fasteners.

25. The clamping device according to claim 21, wherein a substantially flexible grommet or substantially flexible intumescent strip is interposed between the rigid band, the tubular member and the surface at or around an opening in a surface in which the tubular member extends therethrough when in use.

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