Clamping Device

Abstract

1. A clamping device comprising: a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the holes; a clamping member for clamping the elongated article; and an insertion mechanism or overmolded part received within the space, the insertion mechanism or overmolded part comprising a holder defining a passageway along which the elongated article may extend, the holder including a clamping structure, the clamping member configured to clamp the elongated article against the clamping structure in use.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a clamping device for clamping elongated objects. [Background technology]

[0002] To ensure that cable clamping devices meet fire safety requirements, many are provided with a body formed from a suitable fire-resistant material such as stainless steel, which can be expensive. Wedges are often used to clamp the cable. As a result of the clamping force between the wedge and the device body, it can sometimes be difficult to release the wedge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device comprising a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the holes, a clamping member for clamping the elongated article, and an insertion mechanism received in the space, the insertion mechanism comprising a holder defining a passage along which the elongated article may extend, the holder including a clamping structure, the clamping member clamping the elongated article against the clamping structure.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insertion mechanism for use in a clamping device, the insertion mechanism comprising a holder defining a passage along which an elongated article can extend, the holder including a clamping structure, and a clamping member within the holder capable of clamping the elongated article against the clamping structure.

[0005] The clamping member may include an elongated main portion having opposed ends. The clamping member may further include a clamping surface on the main portion and a sliding surface on the main portion.

[0006] In the first clamp member, the sliding surface may taper inwardly towards one of the ends.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamping member for use in a clamping device comprising an elongate main portion having opposed ends, a clamping surface on the main portion and a sliding surface on the main portion, the sliding surface tapering inwardly towards one of the ends.

[0008] The space defined by the body may be a compartment within the body. The passageway may be aligned with the bore. The clamping structure may include a clamping wall that may extend along the passageway.

[0009] The insertion mechanism may be insertable into a space defined by the body. The insertion mechanism may be removable from the space defined by the body.

[0010] The body may define a collection structure in which debris is formed by inserting the insertion mechanism into a space defined by the body. The body may have opposing edge surfaces. The collection structure may be defined adjacent one of the edge surfaces. The collection structure may be a channel. The channel may extend along the edge surface.

[0011] The body may define two collection structures. The collection structures may be disposed opposite one another. Each of the collection structures may be defined adjacent a respective one of the edge surfaces. Each of the collection structures may be a respective channel. Each channel may extend along a respective one of the edge surfaces.

[0012] The clamping device may include a securing member for securing the insertion mechanism within the body. The securing member may extend along the holder or an edge surface. The securing member may include a rib, such as a crush rib. The securing member may extend beyond one of the edge surfaces of the body.

[0013] The clamping device may include a plurality of securing members. Each securing member may extend along the holder or an edge surface. Each securing member may include a rib, such as a crush rib. The securing members may extend beyond the edge surface of the body.

[0014] The insertion mechanism may extend over the collection structure when the insertion mechanism is received within the space. The insertion mechanism may have an outer wall. The outer wall may be disposed over the collection structure to prevent material within the collection structure from being displaced therefrom. The outer wall may constitute a sealing structure to enclose the material in the collection structure.

[0015] The above mentioned clamping structure may constitute a first clamping structure. The holder may comprise a second clamping structure for applying a clamping force to the clamping member. Thus, the clamping member and the elongated article are clamped between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure.

[0016] The above mentioned clamp wall may constitute a first clamp wall. The second clamp structure may comprise a second clamp wall.

[0017] The first and second clamping structures may converge toward one another. The first and second clamping structures may provide a narrowing gap between the first and second clamping structures.

[0018] The passageway may have an entrance end at which the elongated article can enter the passageway as the elongated article is introduced into the passageway, and the passageway may have an exit end at which the elongated article can exit the passageway after the elongated article is introduced into the passageway.

[0019] The holder may define opposing openings for the passageway through which the elongated article may extend. One of the opposing openings may be an entrance opening at an entrance end of the passageway. The other of the opposing openings may be an exit opening at an exit end of the passageway. The exit opening may be wider than the entrance opening.

[0020] The clamping device may include a biasing member for biasing the clamping members into clamping engagement with the elongated article.

[0021] The biasing member can bias the clamping member toward the entrance end of the passageway.The biasing member can bias the clamping member into the narrowing gap between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure.

[0022] The biasing member may comprise a resilient biasing member. The biasing member may comprise a spring, such as a coil spring. The biasing member may be a compression spring. It will be appreciated that the biasing member may be any other suitable biasing member.

[0023] The opposing ends of the clamping member may be opposing first and second ends, and in use the clamping member may be biased to engage the elongated article in a direction in which the first end leads the second end.

[0024] The sliding surface may taper inwardly from the first end to the second end. The taper of the sliding surface may be a uniform taper from said first end to said second end. Alternatively, the sliding surface may taper inwardly from the second end to the first end. The taper of the sliding surface may be a uniform taper from said second end to said first end.

[0025] The holder may include a cover member providing a covering over a space defined by the body. The cover member may extend between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure.

[0026] The insertion mechanism may comprise two holders. The clamping device may comprise two clamping members. A respective one of the clamping members may be provided for each of the holders.

[0027] The clamping device may further include two biasing members, one for each of the holders.

[0028] Each of the holders may define a respective passageway. Each of the holders may have the features of the first mentioned holder above.

[0029] Where the insertion mechanism comprises two holders, a passage defined by each holder may receive therethrough a respective elongated article, or respective passage of the same elongated article.

[0030] The insertion mechanism may have opposing ends, and the inlet end of each passageway may be at an opposite end of the insertion mechanism from the inlet end of the other passageway.

[0031] The insertion mechanism may include a connecting portion for connecting the holders to one another. The connecting portion may extend from the first clamping structure of one holder to the first clamping structure of the other holder. In one embodiment, the connecting portion may include a web of material extending between the holders.

[0032] The body may have two pairs of opposing holes, one pair of opposing holes may be aligned with a passage defined by one of the holders, and the other pair of opposing holes may be aligned with a passage defined by the other of the holders.

[0033] The clamping device may include a reaction structure for applying a reaction force to the biasing member. The reaction structure may extend partially across one end of the passage. The reaction structure may extend partially across an outlet end of the passage.

[0034] The reaction structure may comprise a reaction wall.The body may comprise a reaction structure.

[0035] The body may include a chamber which may be provided at an end of the body. The reaction structure may be a reaction wall of the chamber.

[0036] The biasing member may extend from the chamber through the outlet opening and into the holder.

[0037] If the insertion mechanism has two holders, the clamping device may have two reaction structures. The body may include both reaction structures. Each reaction structure may extend partially across the outlet end of a respective passage.

[0038] The body may have two chambers, each chamber may be provided at a respective opposite end of the body, and each reaction structure may be a reaction wall of a respective chamber.

[0039] Each biasing member may extend from the respective chamber through an exit opening into the respective holder.

[0040] The body of the clamping device may include a central portion in which the space is defined. The central portion may include a reaction structure. If the insertion mechanism has two holders, the central portion may include both reaction structures.

[0041] The body may include a cap portion that may be attached to the central portion over one of the holes. The cap portion may include an end cap portion.

[0042] A cap portion may be attached to the central portion over the inlet opening of the passageway. The cap portion may define one of the opposing holes. The one of the opposing holes may be aligned with the inlet opening of the passageway. The one of the opposing holes may constitute the inlet hole.

[0043] The body may define a further cap portion attached to the central portion over the other of the holes. The further cap portion may comprise a further end cap portion.

[0044] A further cap portion may be attached to the central portion over the outlet opening of the passageway. The further cap portion may define the other of the opposing holes. The other of the opposing holes may be aligned with the outlet opening of the passageway. The other of the opposing holes may constitute the outlet aperture.

[0045] If the insertion mechanism has two holders, the cap part may have an inlet hole and an outlet hole, and the cap part may be attached to the central part covering the inlet opening of one passage and covering the outlet opening of the other passage.

[0046] The further cap portions may have inlet and outlet holes, and each cap portion may be attached to respective opposite ends of the central portion, covering the inlet opening of one passageway and covering the outlet opening of the other passageway.

[0047] The inlet hole of each cap portion may be aligned with the inlet opening of a respective passageway, and the outlet hole of each cap portion may be aligned with the outlet opening of a respective passageway.

[0048] The body may include opposing partitions extending across a space defined between the opposing holes. One of the partitions may define an inlet hole aligned with the inlet opening of the holder. The other of the partitions may define an outlet hole aligned with the outlet opening of the holder.

[0049] When the insertion mechanism comprises two holders, each of the partitions may define an inlet hole aligned with the inlet opening of one of the holders, and each partition may define an outlet hole aligned with the outlet opening of the other holder.

[0050] The or each cap portion may have cooperating fastening formations which cooperate with corresponding formations on the central portion. The cooperating formations and the corresponding formations may comprise snap fit formations.

[0051] The insertion mechanism may be formed from a fire-resistant material. Examples of such fire-resistant materials include stainless steel for the holder and a ceramic material for the clamping member. The body may be formed from a material that is less fire-resistant than the material from which the insertion mechanism is formed. For example, the body may be formed from zinc or a plastic material.

[0052] By using different materials to form the insertion mechanism and the body, manufacturing costs are reduced: in the event of a fire, the body may be destroyed but the insertion mechanism that clamps the elongated article remains intact.

[0053] The clamping member may comprise an elongated clamping member.The clamping member may comprise a clamping wedge.

[0054] In the first clamp member, the sliding surface may taper inwardly from the first end to the second end, and the taper of the sliding surface may be a uniform taper between the first end and the second end.

[0055] The sliding surface may be provided on a major portion opposite the clamping surface.

[0056] The sliding surface has a length and a width, and the width of the sliding surface can decrease from the first end to the second end. The width of the sliding surface at the second end can be substantially half the width of the sliding surface at the first end.

[0057] Alternatively, the sliding surface may taper inwardly from the second end to the first end. In this alternative, the width of the sliding surface may decrease from the second end to the first end. The width of the sliding surface at the first end may be substantially half the width of the sliding surface at the second end.

[0058] The main portion can have a leading end and a trailing end. The first end can be the leading end of the main portion. The second end can be the trailing end of the main portion.

[0059] The clamping member may include a side portion projecting from the main portion. The side portion may be disposed between the clamping surface and the sliding surface.

[0060] The main portion may include two opposing side portions projecting from the main portion. The side portions may be disposed between the clamping surface and the sliding surface.

[0061] The clamping surface has a length and a width, and the width of the clamping surface may be substantially uniform along the length of the clamping surface.

[0062] The clamping surface may be serrated. The clamping surface may protrude from the main portion. The clamping surface may have a length and a width, and the width of the clamping surface may be substantially uniform along the length of the main portion.

[0063] The main portion may have a height and decrease in height from the trailing end to the leading end.

[0064] The or each lateral portion may project laterally beyond the sliding surface.The or each lateral portion may project laterally beyond the sliding surface.

[0065] The clamping surface may be engageable with the elongated article. The sliding surface may be engageable with a wall of the clamping device to allow sliding movement of the clamping member therealong.

[0066] On the second clamping member, the sliding surface may have a stepped structure that may engage the elongated article to clamp the elongated article against the first clamping surface of the clamping device. The stepped structure may cooperate with a shoulder structure on the second clamping surface structure of the clamping device.

[0067] The stepped structure may be elongate. The main portion may have a length. The main portion may be elongate. The stepped structure may extend along the length of the main portion. The stepped structure may extend the full length of the main portion.

[0068] The sliding surface may have a length. The sliding surface may be elongate. The stepped feature may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The stepped feature may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0069] The sliding surface may be opposite the clamping surface.

[0070] The sliding surface may comprise a first and a second sliding surface. The first and second sliding surfaces may be elongate.

[0071] The first and second sliding surfaces may be spaced apart from one another. The first and second sliding surfaces may occupy separate planes. The stepped structure may extend between the first and second sliding surfaces.

[0072] The first sliding surface can be a protruding one of the sliding surfaces, and the second sliding surface can be a recessed one of the sliding surfaces.

[0073] The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the main portion. The first sliding surface may extend the entire length of the main portion. The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The first sliding surface may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0074] The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the main portion. The second sliding surface may extend the entire length of the main portion. The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The second sliding surface may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0075] The stepped structure may extend along the length of the main portion.The stepped structure may extend the entire length of the main portion.The stepped structure may extend along the length of the sliding surface.The stepped structure may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0076] The second clamping formation may comprise a shoulder formation for cooperating with the first-mentioned step formation of the clamping member.

[0077] The second clamp structure may be elongate. The second clamp structure may have a length. The shoulder structure may extend along the length of the second clamp structure. The shoulder structure may extend the entire length of the second clamp structure.

[0078] The second clamping structure may include first and second engagement surfaces. The first and second engagement surfaces may be elongated. The first and second engagement surfaces may be spaced apart from one another. The first and second engagement surfaces may occupy separate planes. The shoulder structure may extend between the first and second engagement surfaces.

[0079] The first engagement surface may comprise a protruding surface of the second clamping structure.The second engagement surface may comprise a recessed surface of the second clamping structure.

[0080] The first engagement surface may extend a length of the second clamping structure.The first engagement surface may extend the entire length of the second clamping structure.

[0081] The second engagement surface may extend the length of the second clamping structure.The second engagement surface may extend the entire length of the second clamping structure.

[0082] When the sliding surfaces cooperate with the second clamping structure, a first sliding surface of the sliding surfaces can engage with a second engagement surface of the second clamping structure, and a second sliding surface of the sliding surfaces can engage with a first engagement surface of the second clamping structure.

[0083] The second sliding surface may have dimensions that prevent the step structure from engaging the shoulder structure. The step structure may extend at an obtuse angle relative to the second sliding surface. Thus, in the embodiments described herein, the surface area of ​​the sliding surface that engages the engagement structure is less than if the sliding surface and second clamp structure did not have the step structure and shoulder structure.

[0084] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamping member for use in a clamping device comprising an elongate main portion having opposite first and second ends, a clamping surface and a sliding surface, both of which are on the main portion, the sliding surface having a stepped structure.

[0085] The clamping surface may engage the elongated article to clamp the elongated article against the first clamping surface of the clamping device. The step formation may cooperate with a shoulder formation on the second clamping surface formation of the clamping device.

[0086] The clamping member is suitable for clamping elongated articles, such as those described above.

[0087] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamping device comprising a body, a passage defined in the body, the body defining opposing holes to allow an elongated article to extend through the passage, a clamping member as described in the immediately preceding paragraph for clamping the elongated article, a clamping structure and an engagement structure extending along the passage whereby the elongated article and the clamping member can be clamped between the clamping structure and the engagement structure, a sliding surface of the clamping member having a step structure, and the engagement structure having a shoulder structure for cooperating with the step structure of the sliding surface, whereby the clamping member can slide along the engagement wall.

[0088] The stepped structure may be elongate. The main portion may have a length. The main portion may be elongate. The stepped structure may extend along the length of the main portion. The stepped structure may extend the full length of the main portion.

[0089] The sliding surface may have a length. The sliding surface may be elongate. The stepped feature may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The stepped feature may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0090] The sliding surface may be opposite the clamping surface.

[0091] The sliding surface may comprise a first and a second sliding surface. The first and second sliding surfaces may be elongate.

[0092] The first and second sliding surfaces may be spaced apart from one another. The first and second sliding surfaces may occupy separate planes. The stepped structure may extend between the first and second sliding surfaces.

[0093] The first sliding surface can be a protruding one of the sliding surfaces, and the second sliding surface can be a recessed one of the sliding surfaces.

[0094] The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the main portion. The first sliding surface may extend the entire length of the main portion. The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The first sliding surface may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0095] The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the main portion. The second sliding surface may extend the entire length of the main portion. The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The second sliding surface may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0096] The stepped structure may extend along the length of the main portion.The stepped structure may extend the entire length of the main portion.The stepped structure may extend along the length of the sliding surface.The stepped structure may extend the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0097] The clamping member may be used in a clamping device where the engagement structure is a structure of the clamping device. The engagement structure may comprise a wall of the clamping device. The clamping device may comprise first and second clamping structures whereby the clamping member and the elongated article are clamped between the first and second clamping structures.

[0098] The engagement formation may comprise a shoulder formation for cooperating with the first-mentioned step formation of the clamp member.

[0099] The engagement structure may be elongate. The engagement structure may have a length. The shoulder structure may extend along the length of the engagement structure. The shoulder structure may extend the full length of the engagement structure.

[0100] The engagement structure may include first and second engagement surfaces. The first and second engagement surfaces may be elongated. The first and second engagement surfaces may be spaced apart from one another. The first and second engagement surfaces may occupy separate planes. The shoulder structure may extend between the first and second engagement surfaces.

[0101] The first engagement surface may comprise a protruding surface of the engagement structure, and the second engagement surface may comprise a recessed surface of the engagement structure.

[0102] The first engagement surface may extend along the length of the engagement structure.The first engagement surface may extend the entire length of the engagement structure.

[0103] The second engagement surface may extend along the length of the engagement structure.The second engagement surface may extend the entire length of the engagement structure.

[0104] When the sliding surfaces cooperate with the engagement structure, a first sliding surface of the sliding surfaces can engage with a second engagement surface of the engagement structure, and the second sliding surface of the sliding surfaces can engage with the first engagement surface of the engagement structure.

[0105] The second sliding surface may have dimensions that prevent the step structure from engaging the shoulder structure. The step structure may extend at an obtuse angle relative to the second sliding surface. Thus, in the embodiments described herein, the surface area of ​​the sliding surface that engages the engagement structure is less than if the sliding surface and engagement structure did not have the step structure and shoulder structure.

[0106] The clamping device of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include the insertion mechanism described above. The engagement structure may be a structure of the insertion mechanism. The engagement structure may be the second clamp structure described above. The engagement structure may comprise the second clamp wall of the insertion mechanism.

[0107] The body may define a space between the holes. The insertion mechanism may be received within the space. The insertion mechanism may include a holder defining a passageway along which the elongated article may extend. The holder may include an engagement structure. The holder may define the passageway.

[0108] The engagement structure may comprise the second clamp structure mentioned above.The engagement structure may comprise the second clamp wall mentioned above.

[0109] The insertion mechanism may comprise the features of the insertion mechanisms described above in relation to the first, second and third aspects of the invention.

[0110] When the insertion mechanism includes two holders, each holder may include a respective one of the engagement structures. The clamping device may include two clamping members, each of which may be received in a respective one of the passages.

[0111] The engagement formation of each holder may include a respective shoulder formation for cooperating with a step formation on the sliding surface of a respective one of the clamp members.

[0112] The clamping device of the fifth aspect of the invention may comprise a biasing member for biasing the clamping members into clamping engagement with the elongate article.

[0113] The biasing member can bias the clamping member toward the entrance end of the passageway.The biasing member can bias the clamping member into the narrowing gap between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure.

[0114] The biasing member may comprise a resilient biasing member. The biasing member may comprise a spring, such as a coil spring. The biasing member may be a compression spring. It will be appreciated that the biasing member may be any other suitable biasing member. The biasing member may have the features of the biasing members described above in relation to the first to third aspects of the invention.

[0115] The body of the fifth aspect of the invention may include an end cap portion as described above. The body of the fifth aspect of the invention may include a reaction structure or each reaction structure for applying a reaction force to the biasing member. The body of the fifth aspect of the invention may include the chamber or each chamber as described above which may be provided with the reaction structure or each reaction structure.

[0116] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device comprising a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the holes, a clamping member for clamping the elongated article, and a holder in the space defining a passage along which the elongated article can extend, the holder including a clamping structure, the clamping member clamping the elongated article against the clamping structure, the holder being formed of a different material than the body.

[0117] At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0118] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clamping device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the clamping device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an insertion mechanism and two clamping members. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a top view of the insertion mechanism and clamping member. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the insertion mechanism and clamping member. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the clamp members. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the clamp member shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the clamp member shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative clamping member. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a further clamping device; [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a further clamping device. [Figure 12] 13 is a perspective view of a further insertion mechanism and a further clamping member; FIG. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a further insertion mechanism and a further clamping member. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one of the further clamping members; [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the further clamping member shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the further clamping member shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an end view of a further insertion mechanism and a further clamping member; [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the area marked XVIII in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a top view of the body forming part of a modified version of the clamping device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the main body shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the modified clamping device shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the components of the modified clamping device shown in FIG. 21. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is an assembled perspective view of the components of the modified clamping device shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of the assembled components of the modified clamping device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0119] 1-9 show a clamping device 10 for clamping an elongated article 12 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1). The elongated article 12 may be in the form of a wire, wire rope, cable, or the like. The clamping device 10 comprises a body 14, an insertion mechanism 16, and two clamping members 18.

[0120] The body 14 defines a compartment 20 having an interior surface that defines a space 22. The interior surface includes a base surface 82 and an opposing edge surface 84. The insert mechanism 16 is inserted into the compartment 20 during assembly. When so inserted, the insert mechanism 16 engages the base surface 82 and the opposing edge surface 84.

[0121] The insertion mechanism 16 has two outer walls 23 and two holders 24 defined between the outer walls 23. The holders 24 hold the clamping members 18. Each holder 24 defines a passage 26 along which the elongated article 12 may extend. A respective one of the clamping members 18 is held within the passage 26 of each holder 24.

[0122] Each clamping member 18 is in the form of a wedge including a main portion 28 having a leading end 30, a trailing end 32 and a clamping surface 34 extending therebetween. The clamping surface 34 projects from the main portion 28 and has serrations for providing a tight engagement with the elongated article 12.

[0123] The body 14 has opposing end regions 36 with the passageway 26 extending between the opposing end regions 36. Each end region 36 of the body 14 defines two pairs of opposing inlet and outlet holes 37A, 37B that provide access to the passageway 26 for the two elongated articles 12. The inlet and outlet holes 37A, 37B are not visible in Figures 1-9, see Figures 20, 21 and 23. The two elongated articles 12 may be two separate elongated articles 12 or may be two passes of the same elongated article 12.

[0124] The body 14 includes a central portion 40 and two end cap portions 42. The compartment 20 is defined by the central portion 40 between the end cap portions 42. The end regions 36 of the body 14 define opposed connecting members 44 for connecting the central portion 40 to the end cap portions 42.

[0125] Each end cap portion 42 is fastened to the central portion 40 at a respective one of the connecting members 44 by cooperating fastening structure 46 on the end cap portions 42. The cooperating fastening structure 46 cooperates with corresponding structure 48 on the connecting members 44. The cooperating fastening structure 46 and the corresponding structure 48 are in the form of snap fit structure.

[0126] Each end cap portion 42 defines an inlet hole 38A and an outlet hole 38B for one of the holders 24. The inlet holes 38A and outlet holes 38B of the end cap portions 42 are aligned with corresponding inlet holes 37A and outlet holes 37B, respectively, defined in the end region 36. The passageway 26 defined by the holders 24 extends between the inlet hole 38A of each end cap portion 42 and the outlet hole 38B of the other end cap portion 42.

[0127] The holders 24 have opposing openings for each passageway 26. The opposing openings are a respective inlet opening 50 at an inlet end 52 of each holder 24 and a respective outlet opening 54 at an outlet end 56 of each holder 24.

[0128] The inlet holes 38A defined by each of the end cap portions 42 are aligned with the inlet openings 50 of a respective one of the holders 24. The outlet holes 38B defined by each of the end cap portions 42 are aligned with the outlet openings 54 of a respective one of the holders 24.

[0129] Each holder 24 further includes first and second clamp structures in the form of respective elongated first and second clamp walls 58 and 60 that define a respective passageway 26. The first and second clamp walls 58 and 60 each have opposed inner and outer edges, with the inner edge of each clamp wall 58, 60 disposed adjacent a base surface 82 of the compartment 20.

[0130] The inlet opening 50 of each passage 26 is adjacent the outlet opening 54 of the other passage 26, and the first clamp walls 58 of both holders 24 are positioned adjacent one another.

[0131] A cover member 69 extends between outer edges of the first clamping wall 58 and the second clamping wall 60 of each holder 24, the cover member 69 providing coverage over the compartment 20 when the insertion mechanism 16 is received within the compartment 20. A connecting web extends between inner edges of the first clamping wall 58 of each holder 24, thereby connecting the holders 24 to one another.

[0132] The first clamp wall 58 and second clamp wall 60 of each holder 24 converge from the respective exit opening 54 to the entrance opening 50 to provide a narrowing gap between the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 60. The exit opening 54 of each passage 26 is wider than the entrance opening 50.

[0133] The clamping device 10 further includes a respective biasing member 68 for each clamping member 18. Each biasing member 68 is in the form of a compression spring, although it will be appreciated that the biasing members 68 may be any other suitable spring.

[0134] Biasing members 68 are provided to bias the clamping members 18 towards the respective entrance openings 50 of the holders 24, thereby biasing the clamping members 18 into clamping engagement with the elongated article 12 within the narrowing gap described above.

[0135] The clamping device 10 further includes reaction structures 70 within respective chambers 72. The chambers 72 are part of the connecting member 44 of the central portion 40. Each reaction structure 70 defines a reaction wall of a respective chamber 72. The end cap portions 42 are fitted over the chambers 72 and connected to the central portion 40.

[0136] Each biasing member 68 extends from the chamber 72 through the outlet opening 54 and into a respective holder 24. The reaction structures 70 apply a reaction force to the biasing members 68 enabling the biasing members 68 to bias the clamping members 18 into clamping engagement with the elongated article 12. Thus, each biasing member 68 extends from a respective one of the reaction structures 70 to the clamping members 18.

[0137] If the insertion mechanism 16 has two holders 24, the clamping device 10 may have two reaction structures 70. The body 14 may include both reaction structures 70.

[0138] The body 14 has two opposing partitions 74 that extend across the compartment 20. Each of the partitions 74 defines an inlet hole 78 and an outlet hole 80.

[0139] An inlet hole 78 defined by each partition 74 is adjacent to and aligned with an inlet opening 50 of one holder 24. An outlet hole 80 defined by each partition 74 is adjacent to and aligned with an outlet opening 54 of the other holder 24.

[0140] The elongated article 12 is initially introduced into the passageway 26 through the inlet opening 50 and the inlet hole 38A in the end cap portion 42. The elongated article 12 is forced out of the passageway 26 through the exit opening 54.

[0141] When so introduced, the elongated article 12 engages the tip 30 of the clamping member 18 and urges the clamping member 18 against the bias of the biasing member 68. The clamping member 18 is pushed out of the way of the elongated article 12, allowing the elongated article 12 to exit through the exit opening 54 and the exit hole 38B in the end cap portion 42.

[0142] When the elongated article 12 is received through the clamping device 10 , the clamping surfaces 34 of the clamping members 18 engage the elongated article 12 .

[0143] The elongated article 12 is then pulled in the opposite direction, which has the effect of drawing the clamping member 18 along with the elongated article 12 into the narrowing gap between the first clamping wall 58 and the second clamping wall 60, thereby tightly clamping the elongated article 12 and the clamping member 18 between the clamping walls.

[0144] 1-9 show a clamping member 18 in the form of a clamping wedge for use in a clamping device 10, such as the clamping device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9.

[0145] The main portion 28 of the clamping member 18 has a height that decreases uniformly from the trailing end 32 to the leading end 30 so as to form a wedge shape.

[0146] In use, the clamping members 18 are biased into engagement with the elongated article 12 in a direction in which the leading end 30 leads the trailing end 32 .

[0147] The clamping members 18 have a sliding surface 63 for engaging with the second clamping wall 60 of the clamping device 10. The sliding surface 63 allows for sliding movement of the clamping members 18 along the second clamping wall 60. As shown in FIG. 4 , the sliding surface 63 of each clamping member 18 engages with and is slidable along the second clamping wall 60 of each holder 24.

[0148] The sliding surface 63 tapers inwardly from the leading end 30 to the trailing end 32. The inward taper of the sliding surface 63 is a uniform taper from the leading end 30 to the trailing end 32.

[0149] Thus, the sliding surface 63 has a width that decreases along the length of the sliding surface 63 from the leading end 30 to the trailing end 32. The width of the sliding surface 63 at the trailing end 32 of the body 14 is approximately half the width of the sliding surface 63 at the leading end 30 of the body 14.

[0150] Two protruding side portions 35 extend from respective opposite sides of the main portion 28 of each clamping member 18. The side portions 35 are disposed between the clamping surface 34 and the sliding surface 63.

[0151] One side portion 35 of each clamp member 18 engages a respective one of the cover members 69 of each holder 24. The other side portion 35 engages the base surface 82 of the body 14.

[0152] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the insertion mechanism 16 and clamping member 18.

[0153] 6-9, clamping surface 34 is provided on main portion 28 opposite sliding surface 63. Clamping surface 34 has a width that remains substantially uniform along the length of main portion 28.

[0154] The main portion 28 of the clamping member 18 projects laterally beyond the sliding surface 63 and the clamping surface 34 .

[0155] The tapered sliding surface 63 of the clamp member 18 reduces surface contact between the second clamp wall 60 and the clamp member 18. When the clamp member 18 clamps the elongated article 12, a load is applied to the clamp member 18. This load is transferred through the clamp member 18 to the insertion mechanism 16.

[0156] It has been found that reducing the engagement area between the clamp member 18 and the second clamp wall 60 allows the clamp member 18 to be released more easily than prior art clamp members 18 .

[0157] Furthermore, the projection of main portion 28 beyond clamping surface 34 and sliding surface 63 provides a wide tip 30 with a large radius and therefore a large surface area, which allows clamping member 18 to slide freely along second clamping wall 60 such that clamping member 18 can tightly and effectively engage elongated article 12.

[0158] The trailing end 32 also has a large radius, whereby the large radii of both the leading end and the trailing end 32 allow the clamping member 18 to easily slide over imperfections in the second clamping wall 60 .

[0159] A further version of the clamping member, generally designated 18A, is shown in Figure 9. The clamping member 18A includes a side portion 35A which is smaller than the side portion 35 of the clamping member 18 shown in Figures 1-8.

[0160] The clamping member 18 shown in Figure 9 is identical to the clamping member 18 shown in Figures 1-8, except for the side portions 35A, and features of the clamping member 18A are indicated in Figure 9 with the same reference numbers as corresponding features of the clamping member 18. The smaller side portions 35A provide advantages during the manufacturing process.

[0161] A further clamping device 110 is shown in Figures 10 to 18. The clamping device 110 shown in Figures 10 to 18 has many of the features of the clamping device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9. In Figures 10 to 18, these features are designated with the same reference numbers as the corresponding features in Figures 1 to 9 and function in the same way.

[0162] The clamping device 110 shown in Figures 10 to 18 comprises a clamping member 118 in the form of a wedge. The clamping member 118 has an elongated main portion 128 having opposed leading and trailing ends 30, 32. An elongated clamping surface 34 and an elongated sliding surface 163 are provided on opposed sides of the main portion 128.

[0163] The clamping surface 34 and the sliding surface 163 extend between the leading end 30 and the trailing end 32 and converge toward one another from the trailing end 32 to the leading end 30. Two protruding side portions 35 extend from respective opposite sides of the main portion 128 of each clamping member 118. The side portions 35 are disposed between the sliding surface 163 and the clamping surface 34.

[0164] The sliding surface 163 extends the entire length of the main portion 128 and includes elongated first and second sliding faces that extend the entire length of the sliding surface 163 between the leading end 30 and the trailing end 32 .

[0165] 17 and 18, the first sliding surface constitutes a protruding sliding surface 164 of the sliding surface 163. The second sliding surface constitutes a recessed sliding surface 168 of the sliding surface 163.

[0166] The sliding surface 163 has an elongated stepped feature 169 that also extends the entire length of the sliding surface 163 between the leading end 30 and the trailing end 32. The protruding sliding surface 164 and the recessed sliding surface 168 occupy separate substantially parallel planes and are separated from one another by the stepped feature 169.

[0167] Clamping surface 34 is provided with serrations to enhance its grip on elongated article 12 .

[0168] The body 14 defines a compartment 20 as described above and includes an insert mechanism 116 similar to the insert mechanism 16 described above. The insert mechanism 116 comprises two holders 24. Each holder 24 defines a respective passageway 26 along which the elongated article 12 may extend.

[0169] Each holder 24 includes an elongated first clamping wall 58 and an engagement structure that constitutes the second clamping structure described above in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9. The second clamping structure is in the form of an elongated second clamping wall 160.

[0170] The first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160 of each holder 24 converge toward each other from their respective exit openings 54 to their entrance openings 50 to provide the narrowing gap between the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160.

[0171] The convergence of the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160 enables the elongated item 12 and the clamp member 118 to be clamped between the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160. The second clamp wall 160 has a shoulder formation 170 along which the step formation 169 of the sliding surface 163 extends.

[0172] The second clamp wall 160 includes an elongated first engagement surface 172 that extends the entire length of the second clamp wall 160 and a second engagement surface 174. The first engagement surface includes a protruding engagement surface 172 of the second clamp wall 160. The second engagement surface includes a recessed engagement surface 174 of the second clamp wall 160.

[0173] A shoulder formation 170 also extends the entire length of the second clamp wall 160 between a protruding engagement surface 172 and a recessed engagement surface 174 .

[0174] The protruding engagement surface 172 and the recessed engagement surface 174 are spaced apart from one another by the shoulder formation 170. As a result, the protruding engagement surface 172 and the recessed engagement surface 174 occupy separate, substantially parallel planes.

[0175] In the insert 116, the clamping walls 58 are formed as a single divider member 158 that separates the holders 24 from one another. A cover member 178 extends between the outer edges of the first clamping wall 58 and the second clamping wall 160 of each holder 24. The cover member 178 and divider member 158 provide a cover over the compartment 20 when the insert 16 is received therein.

[0176] One respective side portion 35 of each clamp member 118 engages the cover member 178 of a respective holder 24. The other side portion 35 engages the base surface 82 of the body 14.

[0177] When the clamp members 118 are received within their respective passageways 26 in engagement with the elongated article 12 , the sliding surface 163 of each clamp member 118 cooperates with a respective second clamp wall 160 .

[0178] In this position, the step formation 169 of the sliding surface 163 extends along the shoulder formation 170 of the second clamp wall 160, and the protruding sliding surface 164 of the sliding surface 163 engages with the recessed engagement surface 174 of the second clamp wall 160. Additionally, the recessed sliding surface 168 of the sliding surface 163 engages with the protruding engagement surface 172 of the second clamp wall 160.

[0179] The recessed sliding surface 168 of the sliding surface 163 has a width W1, and the protruding engagement surface 172 of the second clamping wall 160 has a width W2. In the illustrated embodiment, width W1 is greater than width W2. As a result, the step structure 169 of the sliding surface 163 does not engage with the shoulder structure 170 of the second clamping wall 160. The protruding sliding surface 164 has a width W3.

[0180] The step structure 169 and shoulder structure 170 are sized so that the recessed sliding surface 168 and the protruding engagement surface 172 engage with one another, and so that the protruding sliding surface 164 and the recessed engagement surface 174 also engage with one another.

[0181] However, because the step structure 169 and the shoulder structure 170 do not engage one another, the surface area of ​​the sliding surface 163 that engages the second clamping wall 160 is less than if the sliding surface 163 and second clamping wall 160 did not have the step structure 169 and shoulder structure 170. The effect of this is to reduce the effort required to release the clamping member 118 when it engages the elongated article 12.

[0182] If desired, any one or more of widths W1, W2, and W3 can be altered to change the degree to which sliding surface 163 engages second clamp wall 160, thereby changing the friction between sliding surface 163 and clamp wall 160 and, consequently, the sliding force of clamp member 118 along second clamp wall 160 and, therefore, the force required to release clamp member 118.

[0183] As described above, the clamping device 110 includes an insertion mechanism 116 in which the first clamping wall 58 and the second clamping wall 160 are structural parts of the insertion mechanism 116. However, an alternative clamping device 110 may not include the insertion mechanism 116. In this alternative clamping device 110, the first clamping wall 58 and the second clamping wall 160 may be part of the body 14 of the clamping device 110.

[0184] The first and second sliding surfaces 163 having a step structure 169 between the protruding sliding surface 164 and the recessed sliding surface 168 have the effect of reducing the surface area of ​​contact between the wedge and the second clamping wall 160. This helps to reduce the effort required to release the clamping member 118 when it engages the elongated article 12.

[0185] The sliding surface 163 and the overhanging portion of the second clamping wall 160 provide a stable platform that allows the clamping member 118 to move easily along the second clamping wall 160. The width of the overhanging portion can be selected to achieve a desired release force.

[0186] Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the sliding surface 63 of the clamping member 18 or 18A may taper inwardly from the rear end 32 to the leading end 30. This taper of the sliding surface 63 may be a uniform taper.

[0187] The components of a modified clamping device, generally designated 210, are shown in Figures 19-24. Clamping device 210 includes all of the features of clamping device 10 shown in Figures 1-9. In Figures 19-24, these features are designated with the same reference numbers as the corresponding features shown in Figures 1-9.

[0188] In addition to the features of clamping device 10, clamping device 210 includes a plurality of securing members in the form of crush ribs 86. Crush ribs 86 are provided on opposing edge surfaces 84 of section 20. Each crush rib 86 extends beyond edge surface 84 to base surface 82.

[0189] The crush ribs 86 secure the insert mechanism 16 within the compartment 20 of the body 14. The manufacturing processes for the body 14 and the insert mechanism 16 have tolerances, which means that the tightness of the insert mechanism 16 within the body 14 may vary from clamping device to clamping device. Therefore, the crush ribs 86 are provided to ensure that there is always an interference fit between the insert mechanism 16 and the body 14.

[0190] The effect of these tolerances is that when the insertion mechanism 16 engages the crush ribs 86 as the insertion mechanism 16 is inserted into the compartment 20, some of the material forming the crush ribs 86 is scraped away.

[0191] Some of this material may be displaced onto the clamping member 18 between the clamping member 18, the first clamping wall 58 and the second clamping wall 60 and the elongated article 12, thereby risking impairing the operation of the clamping device 10.

[0192] A collection channel 90 is defined between the base surface 82 and the edge surface 84 to prevent the scraped material from compromising the clamping of the elongated article 12 .

[0193] 24 , when the insertion mechanism 16 is received within the space 22, the outer wall 23 of the insertion mechanism 16 is disposed over the collection channel 90, thereby preventing any scraped material within the channel 90 from being displaced from the collection channel 90. Thus, the outer wall 23 confines any scraped material from the crush ribs 86 within the collection channel 90 and prevents the material from impairing the function of the clamping device 10.

[0194] The insert 16, 116 is press fit into the compartment 20 and includes first and second clamping walls 58, 60, 160 against which the clamping member 18, 118 clamps the elongated article 12 within the passageway 26. Thus, the insert 16, 116 can be formed of a fire resistant material, while the body 14 and other components can be formed of less expensive materials. In the event of a fire, the elongated article 12 will remain clamped within the insert 16, 116 even if the body 14 and other components are destroyed.

[0195] In an alternative embodiment, a part having the features of the insert 16, 116 is overmolded with the body 14 during manufacturing. The overmolded part may include one holder 24 or multiple holders 24. The part may include the outer wall 23. The overmolded part may include the cover member 69. The part may include a connecting portion. The overmolded part may have substantially the same geometric shape as the insert 16, 116.

Claims

**Claim 1** A body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the opposing holes, a clamping member for clamping the elongated article, and an insertion mechanism or overmolded part received within the space and including a holder defining a passage through which the elongated article can extend, the holder including a clamping structure, the clamping member clamping the elongated article against the clamping structure in use, The insertion mechanism or the overmolded part is a clamping device formed of a material that is different from the body and has higher fire resistance. **Claim 2** The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping member includes an elongated main portion having opposing ends, a clamping surface on the main portion, and a sliding surface on the main portion. **Claim 3** The clamping device according to claim 2, wherein the clamping surface is serrated. **Claim 4** The clamping device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded part has an outer wall, and the holder is defined between the outer walls. **Claim 5** The clamping device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the clamping structure constitutes a first clamping structure, and the holder further includes a second clamping structure for applying a clamping force to the clamping member to clamp the clamping member and the elongated article between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure. **Claim 6** The clamping device according to claim 5, wherein the holder includes a cover member for providing a cover over the space defined by the body, and the cover member extends between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure. **Claim 7** The clamping device according to claim 5, wherein the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure converge towards each other, and the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure provide a gap that narrows between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure. **Claim 8** The clamping device according to claim 5, further comprising a biasing member for biasing the clamping member to engage the elongated article in a clamping manner. **Claim 9** The clamp device according to claim 8, wherein the main body includes a reaction structure portion for applying a reaction force to the biasing member.

10. The passage has an inlet end portion through which the elongated article can enter when the elongated article is introduced into the passage, and the passage has an outlet end portion through which the elongated article can exit after the elongated article is introduced into the passage. The holder defines opposing openings for the passage through which the elongated article can extend. One of the opposing openings is an inlet opening at the inlet end portion of the passage, and the other of the opposing openings is an outlet opening at the outlet end portion of the passage. The clamp device according to claim 5.

11. The clamp device according to claim 10, wherein the outlet opening is wider than the inlet opening.

12. The main body includes opposing partitions extending across the space defined between the opposing holes. One of the partitions defines an inlet hole aligned with the inlet opening of the holder, and the other of the partitions defines an outlet hole aligned with the outlet opening of the holder. The clamp device according to claim 10.

13. The clamp device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component is formed of stainless steel.

14. The main body of the clamp device according to claim 1, 2, or 3 is formed of zinc or a plastic material.

15. The insertion mechanism or the overmolded component includes two holders, and the clamp device includes two clamp members. Each one of the clamp members is provided for each of the holders. The clamp device according to claim 10.

16. The clamp device according to claim 15, wherein each of the holders defines a respective passage.

17. The insertion mechanism or the overmolded component has opposing ends, and the inlet end portion of each passage is at the opposing ends of the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component with respect to the inlet end portion of the other passage. The clamp device according to claim 16.

18. The main body has two pairs of the opposing holes, one pair of the opposing holes is aligned with the passage defined by one of the holders, and the other pair of the opposing holes is aligned with the passage defined by the other of the holders. The clamp device according to claim 16.

19. The insertion mechanism or the overmolded component includes a connecting portion for connecting the holders to each other. The clamp device according to claim 15.

20. The connecting portion extends from the first clamping structure portion of one of the holders to the first clamping structure portion of the other holder. The clamp device according to claim 19.

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