QUICK LATCH CLAMP WITH CAPTURED T-BOLT (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 435,682, filed December 28, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Abstract

The T-bolt clamp includes a circumferentially extending band and a fastening assembly that uses a T-bolt to tighten the clamp by turning a nut to draw the loop ends of the band toward each other. One of the loop ends includes a slotted opening that allows the head of the T-bolt to be inserted and removed without removing the nut from the T-bolt. The fastening assembly is configured to restrain the first and second support loops of the slotted loop ends from separating when the clamp is tightened. A protrusion on the head of the T-bolt can be used to perform the restraining function by engaging a slot in the support loop.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to pipe clamps, and more particularly to T-bolt clamps used to mechanically fasten objects together. [Background technology]

[0002] T-bolt clamps can be used as band clamps to secure tubular members together in a telescopic or overlapping configuration. Alternatively, T-bolt clamps can be used as pipe couplers, such as V-band clamps, to connect the flanged ends of pipes or other tubular members together in a butt-to-butt configuration. These types of clamps use threaded T-bolts and nuts to draw the ends of the band together to tighten the clamp around the tubular members being joined. Use cases are diverse and include automotive, aerospace, marine, industrial, infrastructure applications, and many other possibilities.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,441,311 to Lovgren et al. discloses a quick-latch clamp that allows a T-bolt to be released from the loop end of a band without removing the nut. This quick-latch clamp requires the band material at the loop end to be omitted, weakening the loop end. Lovgren et al. devised an insert to be placed in the weakened loop end where the T-bolt tightens when the clamp is installed. The insert distributes some of the clamp load away from the weakened band material. While certainly state-of-the-art at the time, such inserts added cost and manufacturing complexity. Other proposed solutions, such as thickening the loop end or strengthening the loop end extension, also required additional parts and manufacturing operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, the T-bolt clamp may include a band and a fastening assembly. The band may have first and second loop ends and a body extending circumferentially between the first and second loop ends. The fastening assembly may be connected to the loop ends and include a T-bolt fastener, a trunnion, and a nut. The T-bolt fastener may include a T-bolt having a head and a threaded shank. The head may engage with the first loop end, and the threaded shank may extend from the head to the second loop end. The trunnion may be connected to the second loop end with the threaded shank extending through the trunnion, and a nut may thread onto the threaded shank and engage with the trunnion. As the nut is further threaded onto the threaded shank, the trunnion is drawn toward the head of the T-bolt, drawing the loop ends toward each other to tighten the clamp. The first loop end may include a slotted opening that allows the head of a T-bolt to be inserted into and removed from the first loop end without removing the nut from the threaded shaft, and the slotted opening may define first and second support loops in the first loop end that hold the head of the T-bolt in the first loop end during tightening of the clamp. The head of the T-bolt may include a protrusion that is received by a slot in one of the support loops.

[0005] In another embodiment, the T-bolt clamp may include a band and a fastening assembly. The band may have first and second loop ends and a body extending circumferentially between the first and second loop ends. The fastening assembly may be connected to the loop ends and include a T-bolt fastener, a trunnion, and a nut. The T-bolt fastener may include a T-bolt having a head and a threaded shank. The head may engage with the first loop end, and the threaded shank may extend from the head to the second loop end. The trunnion may be connected to the second loop end with the threaded shank extending through the trunnion, and a nut may thread onto the threaded shank and engage with the trunnion. As the nut is further threaded onto the threaded shank, the trunnion is drawn toward the head of the T-bolt, drawing the loop ends toward each other to tighten the clamp. The first loop end may include a slotted opening that allows the head of a T-bolt to be inserted into and removed from the first loop end without removing the nut from the threaded shaft, and the slotted opening may define first and second support loops in the first loop end that hold the head of the T-bolt in the first loop end during tightening of the clamp. The fastener assembly may be configured to restrain the first and second support loops from moving apart during tightening of the clamp. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a T-bolt clamp. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a band of the T-bolt clamp of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the band of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a T-bolt of the clamp of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the clamp of FIG. 1 with the T-bolt disengaged from the loop end of the band. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is the same longitudinal section as FIG. 5, with the T-bolt partially inserted into the loop end. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is the same longitudinal section as in FIGS. 5 and 6, but with a T-bolt further inserted into the loop end. [Figure 8] 8 is the same longitudinal section as in FIGS. 5 to 7, with the T-bolt engaged in the loop end. [Figure 9] 2 is a perspective view showing an enlarged cross section of a part of the clamp of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] An enlarged view of the head of the T-bolt in Figure 4. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the loop end of the band of FIG. 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8, showing a T-bolt engaging the loop end. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a slotted T-bolt clamp. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partial side view of the T-bolt clamp of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 1 is a graph comparing T-bolts with and without the disclosed engagement features. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating the plastic deformation of a loop end caused by a standard T-bolt. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a simulation of plastic deformation of the same loop end due to a T-bolt with a protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a T-bolt clamp 10, comprising a fastener assembly 12 connected to a flexible, flat metal band 14 having an inner surface 16 and an outer surface 18. The band 14, shown separately in FIG. 2, has a body 15 extending circumferentially between a first loop end 20 and a second loop end 22 and adapted to mechanically clamp a pair of tubular bodies thereto. The illustrated clamp 10 comprises a split inner ring adapted to clamp the flange ends of the tubular bodies together. The loop ends 20, 22 are formed by folding the ends of the band 14 over and attaching them to the outer surface 18 of the band 14 by spot welding or other suitable means. A slotted opening 24 is formed through the first loop end 20, defining first and second support loops 26, 28 spaced apart in the axial direction (z) of the clamp 10. Similarly, a slotted opening 30 is formed through the second loop end 22 to define another pair of axially spaced support loops 32 .

[0008] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the fastener assembly 12 includes a T-bolt 34, a trunnion 36, and a nut 38. The T-bolt 34 has a head 40 and a threaded shank 42 extending from the head. The head 40 is rotatably received within the support loops 26, 28 of the first loop end 20 of the band 14. The trunnion 36 is rotatably received within the support loop 32 of the second loop end 22 of the band 14. The threaded shank 42 of the T-bolt 34 is at least partially threaded (not shown) and extends through a passageway in the trunnion 36. The nut 38 is threaded onto the threaded portion of the threaded shank 42.

[0009] As best seen in the overhead view of the band 14 in FIG. 3 , the slotted opening 24 includes a widened portion 44 that allows the head 40 of the bolt 34 to be inserted into and removed from the space within the first loop end 20. The axial (z) dimension of the widened portion 44 is greater than the longest dimension of the bolt head 40. The slotted opening 24 also includes a narrowed portion 46 defined by the support loops 26, 28 on either side of the axial direction. The axial (z) dimension of the narrowed portion 46 is greater than the diameter of the threaded shank 42 but less than the longest dimension of the bolt head 40. This design eliminates the need to loosen the nut 38 to install the clamp, allowing the head 40 of the T-bolt 34 to be inserted into the first loop end 20 through the slotted opening 24 with the nut 38 already threaded onto the threaded shank 42, thereby providing the clamp 10 with a quick-latch function. To tighten the clamp, the nut 38 is rotated to engage the trunnion 36. As the nut 38 continues to rotate, the bolt head 40 engages the support loops 26, 28 and the trunnion 36 engages the support loop 32, thereby drawing the loop ends 20, 22 together.

[0010] As previously mentioned, omitting the band material required to provide the slotted openings 24, 30 at the loop ends 20, 22 results in localized weaknesses in the band 14. Specifically, the remaining width of band material at the widened portion 44 of the slotted opening 24 at the first loop end 20 is the weakest point of the band 14. During tightening of the clamp 10, the heads 40 of the T-bolts 34 apply an increasing load in the axial direction A of the bolt against the inner surfaces of the support loops 26, 28. Without the relief feature, a continued increase in the load on the heads 40, such as when the clamp 10 is overtightened, would tend to cause the support loops 26, 28 to widen in the axial direction Z, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0011] The fastening assembly 12 of the illustrated T-bolt clamp 10 is configured to restrain the first and second support loops 26, 28 against moving apart when the clamp 10 is tightened. In particular, the clamp 10 includes complementary engagement features 48, 50 to provide that restraint. The illustrated engagement features include one or more protrusions 48 ( FIG. 4 ) and one or more slots 50 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that receive the protrusions. Here, the T-bolt 34 includes the protrusions 48 and the band 14 includes the associated slots 50. More specifically, the head 40 of the T-bolt 34 includes the protrusions 48, and the support loops 26, 28 on the first loop end 20 of the band 14 include the slots 50. It is contemplated that the engagement features 48, 50 could be reversed and / or could have other shapes, such as complementary detents, that limit the support loops from moving apart during tightening of the clamp.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 4 , the protrusions 48 are located on either side of the threaded shaft 42 of the T-bolt 34 and / or on both longitudinal ends of the head 40, and extend in the axial direction A of the T-bolt, i.e., the same direction as the threaded shaft 42 extends from the head 40 of the bolt. Each slot 50 may be formed at least partially through a respective one of the support loops 26, 28. In this embodiment, each slot 50 is a through slot formed completely through the thickness of the band material, has a width in the axial direction (z) relative to the loop axis B, and is elongated circumferentially about the loop end 20. Each slot 50 is sized to receive the distal end of one of the protrusions 48, with each protrusion extending at least partially through the thickness of the respective support loop 26, 28.

[0013] 5-8 are enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional views of a portion of clamp 10 of FIG. 1 taken through a radial (xy) plane of clamp 10 bisecting slot 50 in support loops 26, 28, illustrating the quick latch of the clamp.

[0014] In Figure 5, the T-bolt 34 is disengaged from the first loop end 20 of the band so that the clamp 10 is circumferentially expanded in the gap between the first loop end 20 and the second loop end 22 and attached around the tubular body. In Figure 5, the head 40 of the T-bolt 34 is completely outside the first loop end 20, and a portion of the proximal end 52 of the T-bolt's threaded shaft 42 passes through the narrow portion 46 of the slotted opening 24.

[0015] In Figure 6, the T-bolt 34 has rotated about the axis of the trunnion 36 and the second loop end 22 and has advanced further into the slotted opening 24. More of the threaded shaft 42 passes through the narrow portion 46 of the slotted opening 24 than in Figure 5, and the head 40 of the T-bolt 34 enters the wide portion 44 of the slotted opening.

[0016] 7, the T-bolt 34 has further rotated about the axis of the trunnion 36 and second loop end 22 and has advanced further into the slotted opening 24. The head 40 of the T-bolt 34 is located in the wide portion 44 of the slotted opening 24, and the threaded shaft 42 passes through the narrow portion 46 of the slotted opening.

[0017] 8, the head 40 of the T-bolt 34 engages the support loops 26, 28 of the first loop end 20 by further threading the already installed nut 38 (not shown) onto the threaded shank 42, drawing the bolt head 40 toward the inner surface of the loop end 20. The head 40 passes through the slotted opening 24 such that the head is within the loop end 20 and engages the support loops 26, 28 at the narrow portion 46 of the slotted opening 24 where the head 40 is too large to pass through.

[0018] When head 40 engages the inside of loop end 20, slots 50 formed through support loops 26, 28 receive protrusions 48 on head 40, as shown in Figure 8. Protrusions 48 engage inner surfaces 54 of slots 50, preventing, or at least inhibiting, support loops 26, 28 from spreading when nut 38 is further turned to further tighten clamp 10.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the same portion of clamp 10 shown in FIGS. 5-8, taken along the same radial plane, showing head 40 of T-bolt 34 engaging support loops 26, 28, with T-bolt protrusions 48 received in slots 50 restricting the support loops from spreading as the clamp is further tightened.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the head 40 of the T-bolt 34, showing some details of the restraining feature 48. The head 40 of the T-bolt 34 includes a head body 56 extending between opposite ends 58, 60. In this example, the head body 56 is semi-cylindrical along the head axis C, which helps minimize the required length L (FIG. 7) of the slot widening portion 44. Each projection 48 extends from a base or proximal end 62 of the head body 56 to a distal end 64. Each projection 48 also has an outer surface 66 and an inner surface 68. Here, the outer surface 66 is a flat surface that is flush with the axial end face of the head body 56 and faces away from each other. The inner surfaces 68 face toward the threaded axis 42 of the bolt 34 and face each other. Each projection 48 tapers in two directions from the proximal end 62 to the distal end 64, serving as a self-locating feature relative to the slot 50 of the band 14. The projections 48 may be formed on the head 40 by a header or upset operation that partially mushrooms the axial end of the body 56 .

[0021] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the first loop end 20 of the band 14 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the first loop end of FIG. 8. As described above, each slot 50 is formed in the first loop end 20, and specifically in each of the support loops 26, 28. Each slot 50 is elongated circumferentially about the loop axis B and has an axial width defined by parallel, opposing inner and outer surfaces 54, 70 (the outer surface 70 is cut away in FIG. 12). The inner and outer surfaces 54, 70 of each slot 50 are connected by opposite end surfaces 72, 74 of each slot (FIG. 12). Each slot 50 is located in the portion of the first loop end 20 closest to the second loop end 22 and is centered about the axis A of the T-bolt 34 in use.

[0022] When the T-bolt 34 engages the loop end 20, as shown in FIG. 12 , the body of the head 40 contacts the inner surface 76 of each support loop 26, 28 and / or each protrusion 48 contacts the edge of the opposite end face of each slot 50. As the head 40 of the T-bolt 34 applies increasing loads to the support loops 26, 28 during tightening or overtightening of the clamp 10, the tendency of the support loops to expand in the direction of the loop axis B is mitigated by the protrusions 48 restraining the support loops via reaction forces at the interfaces between the protrusions and the inner surface 54 of each slot 50.

[0023] Various embodiments include different dimensions and relative sizes of the engagement features 48, 50. For example, the illustrated slot 50 is a through slot formed through the entire thickness of the band material, but it may extend only partially through the thickness of the band material from the inner surface 76. The width of the illustrated slot 50 is approximately one-third the width of the support loop 26, 28 in which it is formed.

[0024] In the variation shown in the perspective view of Figure 13 and the side view of Figure 14, opposite end faces 72, 74 of each slot 50' extend axially outward in the direction of loop axis B (z), such that each slot 50' is an open slot that opens to the axially outer edge 78 of loop end 20, effectively eliminating from the embodiment each slot's elongated outer surface 70 (Figure 11) that is not a slot restraint surface. The open slots 50' may also be referred to as notches.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, each projection 48 extends into each slot 50 substantially through the entire thickness of the band material, such that the distal end 64 of each projection is substantially flush with the radially outer surface of the loop end 20. In other embodiments, the projections 48 extend into the corresponding slot 50 at least halfway through the slot's depth, or the projections extend from the body of the head 40 of the T-bolt 34 an amount equal to at least half the thickness of the support loop 26, 28 in which the slot is defined. While the extent of extension of each projection 48 is not particularly limited, some practical limitations exist. For example, if the projection 48 is too short, the projection may not adequately perform its restraining function. Also, if the projection 48 is too long, the quick-latch function may not be easily achieved because the initial position of the nut 38 on the threaded shaft 42 must be further away from the head 40 to allow the head and projection to pass through the slot opening 24.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a proof-of-concept diagram plotting bolt force as a function of travel for a T-bolt 34 with a protrusion in accordance with the above description and a comparative example of a T-bolt without a protrusion. Both T-bolts are positioned to engage loop ends 20 configured for quick-latch attachment between the T-bolt head 40 and the loop end; i.e., the loop end has a slotted opening 24 through which the T-bolt passes to engage the inner surface of the loop end. In the case of the T-bolt with protrusion 48, the material used for the loop end 20 is the same as the material used for the body 15 of the band 14. The band 14, i.e., the loop ends 20 and 22, are made from the same thickness of material; the loop ends are 0.040-inch (1.016 mm) strip stock to simulate a band formed by folding an end of the band material and welding or otherwise attaching it to the surface of the band material. In the case of the T-bolt without a protrusion, the material used for the loop end is 0.060-inch (1.52 mm) strip stock, 50% thicker than the material used for the T-bolt with a protrusion. The thicker material simulates a band made from multiple pieces, i.e., a band where the loop end that engages the head of the T-bolt is a separate, thick piece from the main body of the band.

[0027] Each engaged loop end and T-bolt head were placed under axial tension in the T-bolt, and the tensile force was measured as a function of the travel distance in the tensile direction. Each loop end was tested to failure, simulating an overtightening mode. As shown in Figure 15, the maximum tensile load achieved for both configurations was nearly identical. However, the peak load for the T-bolt with the lug occurred at a travel distance approximately 1 mm greater than that of the T-bolt without the lug. More notably, the T-bolt with the lug did not slip through the axial gap between the support loops for the entire 7.5 mm duration of the test, whereas the standard head eventually pulled out of the loop end. Furthermore, the lug-equipped T-bolt maintained a higher level of tensile force during plastic deformation of the loop end. Notably, the T-bolt / loop pair with the engaged lug and slot performed equally well in terms of maximum load and better in terms of elongation than the T-bolt / loop pair using 50% thicker material.

[0028] 16 and 17 schematically illustrate the simulated shape of the first loop end 20 after plastic deformation from the tensile test of FIG. 13. Without the protrusions on the head 40 of the T-bolt 34, the support loops 26, 28 of the first loop end 20 of the band 14 would move away from each other, and the bolt head 40 would slide out of the loop end 20 through the slot opening 24 and between the support loops 26, 28, as shown in FIG. 16. A T-bolt 34 equipped with protrusions would remain engaged with the loop end 20 and the support loops 26, 28 for the same amount of relative movement due to the constraint provided by the protrusions and complementary slots. The protrusions effectively grip the support loops 26, 28 through the slots, maintaining the engagement.

[0029] Thus, the described configuration provides improved clamping performance while reducing cost and complexity without the separately formed parts described by Lovgren. The head 40 of the T-bolt 43 directly engages the first and second support loops 26, 28 without a separately formed part inserted at the first loop end 20 between the head of the T-bolt and the first and second support loops. The described configuration also improves clamping performance without requiring the loop end 20 to be made of a thicker or other stronger material than the remainder of the band 14.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "general," "generally," "approximately," and "substantially" are intended to describe the inherent degree of variation and imprecision often resulting from, and often associated with, any design and manufacturing process, including engineering tolerances, without deviation from the relevant function and result, and mathematical precision and exactitude are not implied, and in some cases are impossible. In other instances, the terms "general," "generally," "approximately," and "substantially" are intended to describe the inherent degree of uncertainty often resulting from quantitative comparisons, values, measurement calculations, or other representations.

[0031] It should be understood that the above is a description of one or more embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined solely by the claims that follow. Furthermore, the statements contained in the above description relate to specific embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the definition of terms used in the claims, unless a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0032] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for example," "for example," and "such as," and the verbs "comprise," "have," "include," and other verb forms thereof, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more parts or other items, shall each be construed as open-ended, meaning that the list is not to be deemed to exclude other additional parts or items. Other terms shall be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless used in a context requiring a different interpretation.

Claims

1. A T-bolt clamp, a band having first and second loop ends and a body extending circumferentially between the first and second loop ends; a fastening assembly connected to both loop ends, the fastening assembly comprising a T-bolt fastener, a trunnion, and a nut; the T-bolt fastener comprises a T-bolt having a head and a threaded shank, the head engaging the first loop end and the threaded shank extending from the head to the second loop end; the trunnion is connected to the second loop end, the threaded shaft extends through the trunnion; the nut is threaded onto the threaded shaft and engages the trunnion, and when the nut is further threaded onto the threaded shaft to pull the trunnion toward the head of the T-bolt, the loop ends are drawn together to tighten the T-bolt clamp; the first loop end includes a slotted opening that allows the head of the T-bolt to be inserted into and removed from the first loop end without removing the nut from the threaded shaft, the slotted opening defining first and second support loops in the first loop end that hold the head of the T-bolt in the first loop end during tightening of the T-bolt clamp; A T-bolt clamp, wherein the head of the T-bolt includes a protrusion that is received by a slot in one of the support loops.

2. 2. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is one of a pair of protrusions on opposite sides of a threaded shaft, the slot is one of a pair of slots that receive the pair of protrusions, one of the slots being formed in the first support loop and the other of the slots being formed in the second support loop.

3. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1 , wherein the projection extends radially relative to the head of the T-bolt.

4. The T-bolt clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the projection extends in the axial direction of the screw shaft.

5. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1 , wherein the slot is a through slot.

6. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1 , wherein the projection extends into the slot at least halfway to the depth of the slot.

7. 2. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1, wherein the projection extends from the body of the head of the T-bolt by an amount equal to at least half the thickness of the slotted support loop.

8. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is formed on an axial end of the head of the T-bolt.

9. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion extends from the body of the head of the T-bolt and tapers in the axial direction of the threaded shaft.

10. 2. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1, wherein the band is of a unitary structure in which the first and second loop ends and the body are formed from a single strip of material having a uniform thickness.

11. 2. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1, wherein the head of the T-bolt directly engages the first and second support loops and does not have a separately formed part inserted within the first loop end between the head of the T-bolt and the first or second support loop.

12. 12. The T-bolt clamp of claim 11, wherein the T-bolt remains engaged with the first loop end even when the nut moves a greater distance relative to the threaded shaft of the T-bolt than would be the case without the protrusion.

13. The T-bolt clamp of claim 1 , wherein the slot is an open slot.

14. A T-bolt clamp, a band having first and second loop ends and a body extending circumferentially between the first and second loop ends; a fastening assembly connected to both loop ends, the fastening assembly comprising a T-bolt fastener, a trunnion, and a nut; the T-bolt fastener comprises a T-bolt having a head and a threaded shank, the head engaging the first loop end and the threaded shank extending from the head to the second loop end; the trunnion is connected to the second loop end, the threaded shaft extends through the trunnion; the nut is threaded onto the threaded shaft and engages the trunnion, and when the nut is further threaded onto the threaded shaft to pull the trunnion toward the head of the T-bolt, the loop ends are drawn together to tighten the T-bolt clamp; the first loop end includes a slotted opening that allows the head of the T-bolt to be inserted into and removed from the first loop end without removing the nut from the threaded shaft, the slotted opening defining first and second support loops in the first loop end that hold the head of the T-bolt in the first loop end during tightening of the T-bolt clamp; The T-bolt clamp, wherein the fastening assembly is configured to restrain the first and second support loops from moving apart during tightening of the T-bolt clamp.

15. 15. The T-bolt clamp of claim 14, further comprising a protrusion and a slot that engage with each other at an interface between the T-bolt and the first loop end to restrain the support loop against said movement.

16. The T-bolt clamp of claim 15, wherein the slot is an open slot.

17. The T-bolt clamp of claim 15, wherein the T-bolt includes the protrusion and the band includes the slot.

18. 18. The T-bolt clamp of claim 17, wherein the head of the T-bolt comprises the protrusion and the first support loop comprises the slot.

19. 20. The T-bolt clamp of claim 18, wherein one of the support loops includes the slot.

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