US20100171003A1 - Common Bonding Network Clamp - Google Patents

Common Bonding Network Clamp Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100171003A1
US20100171003A1 US12/730,933 US73093310A US2010171003A1 US 20100171003 A1 US20100171003 A1 US 20100171003A1 US 73093310 A US73093310 A US 73093310A US 2010171003 A1 US2010171003 A1 US 2010171003A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
bolt
clamp
mounting bracket
common bonding
bonding network
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/730,933
Inventor
Robert W. Kossak
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panduit Corp
Original Assignee
Panduit Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/044,005 external-priority patent/US7703722B2/en
Application filed by Panduit Corp filed Critical Panduit Corp
Priority to US12/730,933 priority Critical patent/US20100171003A1/en
Publication of US20100171003A1 publication Critical patent/US20100171003A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F16B2/065—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using screw-thread elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F16B2/10—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
    • F16B7/044—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship
    • F16B7/048—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof
    • F16B7/0493—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof forming a crossed-over connection
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/18—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using screw-thread elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/36—Installations of cables or lines in walls, floors or ceilings
    • H02G3/38—Installations of cables or lines in walls, floors or ceilings the cables or lines being installed in preestablished conduits or ducts
    • H02G3/383—Installations of cables or lines in walls, floors or ceilings the cables or lines being installed in preestablished conduits or ducts in floors
    • H02G3/385—Installations of cables or lines in walls, floors or ceilings the cables or lines being installed in preestablished conduits or ducts in floors in modular floors, e.g. access floors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a clamp, and more particularly to a common bonding network clamp for an under floor wiring system.
  • Raised floors are a cost effective and efficient solution for wire and cable management.
  • the current bonding clamp typically used in under floor wiring systems includes a U-bolt with two threaded ends.
  • the U-bolts are typically secured to floor pedestals by a clamp and various fasteners.
  • the installation of this current bonding clamp is often difficult and time consuming because the fasteners securing the U-bolt must be individually installed to enable the U-bolt to be installed around the floor pedestal.
  • a clamp is disclosed to create a bond between under floor wiring systems and a common bonding network.
  • the clamp includes a mounting bracket, a J-bolt, or a modified U-bolt, connected to the mounting bracket and a split bolt for securing wires to the mounting bracket.
  • the mounting bracket includes a main body with an aperture and a backside having a slot.
  • the bolt includes a first end attached at the aperture of the mounting bracket and a second end positioned within the slot of the mounting bracket.
  • the second end of the bolt is secured to the mounting bracket by a flange nut.
  • the flange nut is loosened to remove the second end of the bolt from the slot to enable the second end of the bolt to pivot away from the mounting bracket.
  • the bolt receives a floor pedestal to secure the clamp to an under floor wiring system.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of the present invention secured to an access floor pedestal;
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 2 taken along line 5 - 5 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a partial rear perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a partial rear perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 7 with the U-bolt partially rotated from the mounting plate;
  • FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 7 with the U-bolt rotated from the mounting plate;
  • FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 12 is a front view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp for a circular floor pedestal
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 for a rectangular floor pedestal;
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 17 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 with the J-bolt rotated away from the mounting bracket;
  • FIG. 18 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 with the mounting bracket positioned around a floor pedestal;
  • FIG. 19 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 20 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 with the clamp secured around a floor pedestal.
  • FIGS. 1-9 illustrate the common bonding network clamp 20 of the present invention attached to an access floor pedestal 70 for an under floor wiring system.
  • the common bonding clamp is made of copper to provide a low resistance, all copper pathway connection, however, the clamp may be made from other materials.
  • the common bonding network clamp 20 includes a mounting plate 30 , a U-bolt 40 and a split bolt 50 .
  • a first end 41 of the U-bolt 40 includes a hinge 42 and the second end 43 of the U-bolt 40 is threaded 44 for receiving a fastener 46 , for example, a serrated flange nut.
  • the mounting plate 30 includes an opening or aperture 32 for receiving the hinge 42 at the first end 41 of the U-bolt 40 .
  • the hinge 42 is crimped on the mounting plate 30 to create a captive U-bolt 40 .
  • the U-bolt 40 is pivotally connected to the mounting plate 30 (see FIGS. 7-9 ).
  • the first end of the U-bolt may be threaded and secured to the mounting plate by a flange nut.
  • the mounting plate 30 includes a slot 34 (see FIG. 2 ) that receives the threaded end 44 of the U-bolt 40 .
  • a slot 34 see FIG. 2
  • the mounting plate 30 includes a slot 34 (see FIG. 2 ) that receives the threaded end 44 of the U-bolt 40 .
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 when the common bonding network clamp 20 is installed around a raised floor pedestal 70 , the U-bolt 40 is positioned around the floor pedestal 70 and the threaded end 44 of the U-bolt 40 is positioned in the slot 34 in the mounting plate 30 .
  • a serrated flange nut 46 that has been installed on the threaded end of the U-bolt 40 is tightened to secure the U-bolt 40 to the mounting plate 30 . As illustrated in FIGS.
  • the flange nut 46 is moved along the threaded end until the U-bolt 40 is loose and can pivot away from mounting plate 30 and the floor pedestal 70 .
  • the slot 34 in the mounting plate 30 enables the U-bolt 40 to be quickly installed around the access floor pedestal 70 because the U-bolt 40 may be tightened around the floor pedestal 70 without removing the U-bolt 40 from the mounting plate 30 or without removing the serrated flange nut 46 from the U-bolt 40 .
  • the U-bolt 40 and mounting plate 30 may be secured to access floor pedestals of various shapes and sizes, for example, a floor pedestal that is round or square.
  • the mounting plate 30 also includes a lip 36 and an opening or aperture 38 for receiving the split bolt 50 .
  • the split bolt 50 is positioned in the opening 38 in the mounting plate 30 and secured thereto via a fastener 60 .
  • the mounting plate 30 is designed to space the split bolt 50 from the U-bolt 40 and the attached floor pedestal 70 to enable the split bolt 50 to accommodate the common bonding wires 100 .
  • the split bolt 50 includes a cross-shaped body to enable the bolt to accommodate two perpendicular common bonding wires 100 thereby creating an electrical bond between the wires.
  • the split bolt 50 includes at least one pressure plate 52 .
  • the pressure plate 52 is cross-shaped to add strength and reduce deflection or deformation of the split bolt 50 during installation.
  • the cross-shape of the pressure plate 52 also provides grooves to accept the wires 100 to increase the contact surface area and provide a superior electrical bond.
  • the size and shape of the pressure plate 52 may vary to accommodate a range of wire gauges.
  • the top of the split bolt 50 includes a number of bent tabs 54 for securing the pressure plate 52 to the split bolt 50 .
  • the split bolt 50 also includes a groove 56 that is designed to accommodate different wire gauges and to increase the contact surface area between the split bolt 50 and the wires 100 .
  • the bottom of the split bolt 50 includes a flat area 58 .
  • the flat area 58 accepts a standard wrench to facilitate installation of the split bolt 50 to the mounting plate 30 .
  • the flat area 58 of the split bolt 50 and the mounting plate lip 36 combine to create an anti-rotation feature.
  • a freestanding height gauge 80 is used during the installation of the clamp 20 .
  • the height gauge 80 insures that all of the clamps 20 in the under floor wiring system are installed at the same height.
  • the clamp 20 creates an electrical bond between the floor pedestal 70 and the wires 100 regardless of the height of the two crossing wires 100 .
  • the freestanding height gauge 80 also facilitates installation of the common bonding network clamps 20 .
  • FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp of the present invention.
  • the split bolt 50 is integrally formed with the mounting plate 30 .
  • FIGS. 14-20 also illustrate an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp 200 .
  • the alternative common bonding network clamp 200 includes a mounting bracket 210 with a pivoting J-bolt 240 or a modified U-bolt.
  • the J-bolt 240 has a first end 241 and a second end 243 .
  • the first end 241 includes a hook 243 that is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket 210 .
  • the second end 243 is threaded and receives a common hex nut 246 or a serrated flange hex nut.
  • the mounting bracket 210 includes a main body 220 with a backside 222 and two parallel wings 226 A, 226 B that extend from the main body 220 .
  • the main body 220 includes partial circular cut-out portions 232 (see FIG. 14 ) or rectangular cut-out portions (see FIG. 15 ) to facilitate placing the bracket 210 around a floor pedestal 270 .
  • the upper wing 226 A includes a vertical flange 230 to ensure positive orientation of an electrical connector 250 attached thereto.
  • Each wing 226 A, 226 B includes an aperture 228 A, 228 B or a hole near the end.
  • the electrical connector 250 i.e.
  • split bolt is attached to the wings 226 A, 226 B at the holes 228 A, 228 B by a fastener, such as a serrated head screw 252 and a spacer sleeve 254 .
  • a fastener such as a serrated head screw 252 and a spacer sleeve 254 .
  • the first end 241 of the J-bolt 240 is hooked around the fastener 252 and is positioned between the spacer sleeve 254 and the wings 226 A, 226 B.
  • the first end of the J-bolt is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket enabling the second end to pivot away from the mounting bracket to install the clamp around the floor pedestal.
  • the backside 222 of the mounting bracket 210 includes a slot 224 for receiving the second end 243 of the bolt 240 .
  • FIGS. 17-20 illustrate the installation of the clamp 200 around a floor pedestal 270 .
  • the mounting bracket 210 is placed around the floor pedestal 270 and the J-bolt 240 is pivoted towards the mounting bracket 210 .
  • the second end 243 of the J-bolt 240 is positioned in the slot 224 .
  • the hex nut 246 is tightened to secure the mounting bracket 210 to the floor pedestal 270 .
  • a washer 248 may also be used with the common hex nut 246 . If a serrated flange hex nut is used, a washer is not required.
  • the nut 246 is moved along the J-bolt 240 a certain distance to enable the J-bolt 240 to pivot away from the backside 222 of the mounting bracket 210 .
  • the clamp 200 may be moved away from the floor pedestal 270 .

Abstract

A clamp used to create a bond between under floor wiring systems and a common bonding network is disclosed. The clamp includes a mounting bracket, a J-bolt and a split bolt for securing wires to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has a main body with an aperture and a slot. The J-bolt has a first end and a second end. The first end of the J-bolt is attached at the aperture of the mounting bracket and the second end of the J-bolt is positioned within the slot of the mounting bracket. The second end of the J-bolt is removed from the slot to enable the second end of the J-bolt to pivot away from the mounting bracket enabling the J-bolt to engage a floor pedestal.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/056,601, filed Mar. 27, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/044,005, filed Mar. 7, 2008, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/893,713, filed Mar. 8, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a clamp, and more particularly to a common bonding network clamp for an under floor wiring system.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • As data centers become more complicated, the utilization of floor space in the data center has become more critical. As a result, common bonding networks have been installed under raised floors. Raised floors are a cost effective and efficient solution for wire and cable management. In the under floor network a bond must be created between the floor pedestal and the common bonding network. The current bonding clamp typically used in under floor wiring systems includes a U-bolt with two threaded ends. The U-bolts are typically secured to floor pedestals by a clamp and various fasteners. The installation of this current bonding clamp, however, is often difficult and time consuming because the fasteners securing the U-bolt must be individually installed to enable the U-bolt to be installed around the floor pedestal. Additionally, to remove the clamp from the floor pedestal, the fasteners must be individually removed from the U-bolt before the clamp may be removed. Thus, it is desirable to provide a common bonding network clamp that creates a bond between the floor pedestal and the common bonding network and that is cost effective and easy to install.
    • SUMMARY
  • A clamp is disclosed to create a bond between under floor wiring systems and a common bonding network. The clamp includes a mounting bracket, a J-bolt, or a modified U-bolt, connected to the mounting bracket and a split bolt for securing wires to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a main body with an aperture and a backside having a slot. The bolt includes a first end attached at the aperture of the mounting bracket and a second end positioned within the slot of the mounting bracket. The second end of the bolt is secured to the mounting bracket by a flange nut. The flange nut is loosened to remove the second end of the bolt from the slot to enable the second end of the bolt to pivot away from the mounting bracket. The bolt receives a floor pedestal to secure the clamp to an under floor wiring system.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of the present invention secured to an access floor pedestal;
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5;
  • FIG. 6 is a partial rear perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 7 is a partial rear perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 7 with the U-bolt partially rotated from the mounting plate;
  • FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 7 with the U-bolt rotated from the mounting plate;
  • FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 11 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a front view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp for a circular floor pedestal;
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 for a rectangular floor pedestal;
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 17 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 with the J-bolt rotated away from the mounting bracket;
  • FIG. 18 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 with the mounting bracket positioned around a floor pedestal;
  • FIG. 19 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14; and
  • FIG. 20 is a top view of the common bonding network clamp of FIG. 14 with the clamp secured around a floor pedestal.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIGS. 1-9 illustrate the common bonding network clamp 20 of the present invention attached to an access floor pedestal 70 for an under floor wiring system. The common bonding clamp is made of copper to provide a low resistance, all copper pathway connection, however, the clamp may be made from other materials. The common bonding network clamp 20 includes a mounting plate 30, a U-bolt 40 and a split bolt 50.
  • As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a first end 41 of the U-bolt 40 includes a hinge 42 and the second end 43 of the U-bolt 40 is threaded 44 for receiving a fastener 46, for example, a serrated flange nut. The mounting plate 30 includes an opening or aperture 32 for receiving the hinge 42 at the first end 41 of the U-bolt 40. The hinge 42 is crimped on the mounting plate 30 to create a captive U-bolt 40. Thus, the U-bolt 40 is pivotally connected to the mounting plate 30 (see FIGS. 7-9). Alternatively, the first end of the U-bolt may be threaded and secured to the mounting plate by a flange nut.
  • The mounting plate 30 includes a slot 34 (see FIG. 2) that receives the threaded end 44 of the U-bolt 40. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the common bonding network clamp 20 is installed around a raised floor pedestal 70, the U-bolt 40 is positioned around the floor pedestal 70 and the threaded end 44 of the U-bolt 40 is positioned in the slot 34 in the mounting plate 30. A serrated flange nut 46 that has been installed on the threaded end of the U-bolt 40 is tightened to secure the U-bolt 40 to the mounting plate 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, to remove the U-bolt 40, the flange nut 46 is moved along the threaded end until the U-bolt 40 is loose and can pivot away from mounting plate 30 and the floor pedestal 70. Thus, the slot 34 in the mounting plate 30 enables the U-bolt 40 to be quickly installed around the access floor pedestal 70 because the U-bolt 40 may be tightened around the floor pedestal 70 without removing the U-bolt 40 from the mounting plate 30 or without removing the serrated flange nut 46 from the U-bolt 40.
  • The U-bolt 40 and mounting plate 30 may be secured to access floor pedestals of various shapes and sizes, for example, a floor pedestal that is round or square.
  • As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the mounting plate 30 also includes a lip 36 and an opening or aperture 38 for receiving the split bolt 50. The split bolt 50 is positioned in the opening 38 in the mounting plate 30 and secured thereto via a fastener 60. The mounting plate 30 is designed to space the split bolt 50 from the U-bolt 40 and the attached floor pedestal 70 to enable the split bolt 50 to accommodate the common bonding wires 100.
  • The split bolt 50 includes a cross-shaped body to enable the bolt to accommodate two perpendicular common bonding wires 100 thereby creating an electrical bond between the wires. The split bolt 50 includes at least one pressure plate 52. The pressure plate 52 is cross-shaped to add strength and reduce deflection or deformation of the split bolt 50 during installation. The cross-shape of the pressure plate 52 also provides grooves to accept the wires 100 to increase the contact surface area and provide a superior electrical bond. The size and shape of the pressure plate 52 may vary to accommodate a range of wire gauges. The top of the split bolt 50 includes a number of bent tabs 54 for securing the pressure plate 52 to the split bolt 50. The split bolt 50 also includes a groove 56 that is designed to accommodate different wire gauges and to increase the contact surface area between the split bolt 50 and the wires 100.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom of the split bolt 50 includes a flat area 58. The flat area 58 accepts a standard wrench to facilitate installation of the split bolt 50 to the mounting plate 30. The flat area 58 of the split bolt 50 and the mounting plate lip 36 combine to create an anti-rotation feature.
  • A freestanding height gauge 80 is used during the installation of the clamp 20. The height gauge 80 insures that all of the clamps 20 in the under floor wiring system are installed at the same height. The clamp 20 creates an electrical bond between the floor pedestal 70 and the wires 100 regardless of the height of the two crossing wires 100. Thus, the freestanding height gauge 80 also facilitates installation of the common bonding network clamps 20.
  • FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp of the present invention. In the alternative embodiment, the split bolt 50 is integrally formed with the mounting plate 30.
  • FIGS. 14-20 also illustrate an alternative embodiment of the common bonding network clamp 200. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the alternative common bonding network clamp 200 includes a mounting bracket 210 with a pivoting J-bolt 240 or a modified U-bolt.
  • As described above with respect to the various embodiments of the common bonding network clamp, the J-bolt 240, or modified U-bolt, has a first end 241 and a second end 243. As discussed below, the first end 241 includes a hook 243 that is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket 210. The second end 243 is threaded and receives a common hex nut 246 or a serrated flange hex nut.
  • The mounting bracket 210 includes a main body 220 with a backside 222 and two parallel wings 226A, 226B that extend from the main body 220. The main body 220 includes partial circular cut-out portions 232 (see FIG. 14) or rectangular cut-out portions (see FIG. 15) to facilitate placing the bracket 210 around a floor pedestal 270. The upper wing 226A includes a vertical flange 230 to ensure positive orientation of an electrical connector 250 attached thereto. Each wing 226A, 226B includes an aperture 228A, 228B or a hole near the end. The electrical connector 250, i.e. split bolt, is attached to the wings 226A, 226B at the holes 228A, 228B by a fastener, such as a serrated head screw 252 and a spacer sleeve 254. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first end 241 of the J-bolt 240 is hooked around the fastener 252 and is positioned between the spacer sleeve 254 and the wings 226A, 226B. As a result, the first end of the J-bolt is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket enabling the second end to pivot away from the mounting bracket to install the clamp around the floor pedestal.
  • The backside 222 of the mounting bracket 210 includes a slot 224 for receiving the second end 243 of the bolt 240.
  • FIGS. 17-20 illustrate the installation of the clamp 200 around a floor pedestal 270. The mounting bracket 210 is placed around the floor pedestal 270 and the J-bolt 240 is pivoted towards the mounting bracket 210. The second end 243 of the J-bolt 240 is positioned in the slot 224. Once the J-bolt 240 is fully inserted in the slot 224, the hex nut 246 is tightened to secure the mounting bracket 210 to the floor pedestal 270. If desired, a washer 248 may also be used with the common hex nut 246. If a serrated flange hex nut is used, a washer is not required. As described above, to remove the clamp 200 from the floor pedestal 270, the nut 246 is moved along the J-bolt 240 a certain distance to enable the J-bolt 240 to pivot away from the backside 222 of the mounting bracket 210. Once the second end 243 of the J-bolt 240 pivots from the backside 222 of the mounting bracket 210 and the floor pedestal 270, the clamp 200 may be moved away from the floor pedestal 270.
  • Furthermore, while the particular preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the teaching of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as limitation.

Claims (5)

1. A clamp comprising:
a mounting bracket having a main body with a first end and a second end; and
a bolt pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, wherein the bolt has a first end and a second end, the first end of the bolt is pivotally attached at the first end of the mounting bracket and the second end of the bolt is positioned at the second end of the mounting bracket; and
a split bolt connected to the mounting bracket for securing wires to the mounting bracket, wherein the split bolt is disposed in a plane;
wherein the bolt pivots in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the split bolt.
2. The clamp of claim 1, further comprising a fastener for securing the split bolt to the mounting bracket, wherein the first end of the bolt is pivotally attached to the fastener.
3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first end of the bolt includes a hook and the second end of the bolt is threaded.
4. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the main body includes a back side with a slot and two parallel wings.
5. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the main body of the mounting bracket receives a floor pedestal to secure the clamp to an under floor wiring system.
US12/730,933 2007-03-08 2010-03-24 Common Bonding Network Clamp Abandoned US20100171003A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/730,933 US20100171003A1 (en) 2007-03-08 2010-03-24 Common Bonding Network Clamp

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US89371307P 2007-03-08 2007-03-08
US12/044,005 US7703722B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2008-03-07 Common bonding network clamp
US12/056,601 US7708234B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2008-03-27 Common bonding network clamp
US12/730,933 US20100171003A1 (en) 2007-03-08 2010-03-24 Common Bonding Network Clamp

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/056,601 Continuation US7708234B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2008-03-27 Common bonding network clamp

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100171003A1 true US20100171003A1 (en) 2010-07-08

Family

ID=39740675

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/056,601 Active 2028-03-21 US7708234B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2008-03-27 Common bonding network clamp
US12/730,933 Abandoned US20100171003A1 (en) 2007-03-08 2010-03-24 Common Bonding Network Clamp

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/056,601 Active 2028-03-21 US7708234B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2008-03-27 Common bonding network clamp

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US7708234B2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106166921A (en) * 2016-08-11 2016-11-30 合肥超科电子有限公司 The driven bridge of electric rail-defect detecting car and electric rail-defect detecting car vehicle frame

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8938918B2 (en) * 2008-12-22 2015-01-27 Hubbell Incorporated Raised floor system grounding
US8550791B2 (en) * 2010-01-19 2013-10-08 Ge-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas Llc Torsional restraint for jet pump assembly
US9079745B2 (en) * 2011-03-01 2015-07-14 Southwire Company, Llc Pay-off assembly
US9287637B2 (en) * 2012-09-26 2016-03-15 Hubbell Incorporated Split bolt electrical connector assembly
TW201502419A (en) * 2013-07-01 2015-01-16 Tyc Brother Ind Co Ltd LED lamp assembly and cable organization device thereof
US9758340B1 (en) 2013-10-08 2017-09-12 Southwire Company, Llc Capstan and system of capstans for use in spooling multiple conductors onto a single reel
US9647350B2 (en) * 2014-12-05 2017-05-09 Greaves Corporation Ground clamp adapter
US9787004B2 (en) 2015-05-20 2017-10-10 Thomas & Betts International Llc Floor ground clamp
US9673583B2 (en) * 2015-08-28 2017-06-06 Solarcity Corporation Photovoltaic mounting rail connector with drop-down connection to first photovoltaic module and slide-in connection to second photovoltaic module
CA3032998C (en) * 2016-08-04 2024-02-20 Hubbell Incorporated Tap clamp
US11205864B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2021-12-21 Panduit Corp. Grounding pipe clamp

Citations (57)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US834669A (en) * 1904-10-24 1906-10-30 William A Fricke Test and wire-connector.
US1823677A (en) * 1930-02-26 1931-09-15 Charles A Bay Electrical connecter
US1873559A (en) * 1931-07-16 1932-08-23 Dibner Abraham Bernard Electrical connecter
US1943677A (en) * 1930-08-18 1934-01-16 James R Kearney Electrical connecter
US2102881A (en) * 1933-12-20 1937-12-21 Blackburn Jasper Frictional wire connecter
US2137834A (en) * 1936-01-16 1938-11-22 Burndy Engineering Co Inc Service connecter
US2180931A (en) * 1937-06-16 1939-11-21 Burndy Engineering Co Inc Connector with reinforcing follower
US2289516A (en) * 1936-10-17 1942-07-14 Pavelka Connector bolt and method of making the same
US2450158A (en) * 1944-09-04 1948-09-28 Jane Booth Pennell Connector bolt
US2597037A (en) * 1947-02-08 1952-05-20 Kearney James R Corp Electrical connector
US2830353A (en) * 1955-05-13 1958-04-15 Scovill Manufacturing Co Split bolt connectors
US2885776A (en) * 1953-06-11 1959-05-12 Burndy Corp Method of making a spacer
US3340581A (en) * 1965-09-13 1967-09-12 Engman Mfg Company Clamp
US3423113A (en) * 1966-01-10 1969-01-21 Erie Packaging Corp Connector for tubular members
US3552257A (en) * 1969-04-11 1971-01-05 Atsushi Tanabe Fastener adapted for wire cage
US3633254A (en) * 1970-06-25 1972-01-11 Edward Hoglund Pipe clamp
US3652780A (en) * 1970-10-30 1972-03-28 Dare Products Inc Reversibly mountable insulator
US3901577A (en) * 1974-01-25 1975-08-26 Gen Signal Corp Grounding clamps and connectors therefor
US3913188A (en) * 1974-11-20 1975-10-21 Arturo Grassi Pipe clamp
US3943817A (en) * 1974-11-25 1976-03-16 The Dayton Sure-Grip & Shore Company Split bolt
US4079481A (en) * 1977-01-31 1978-03-21 Cacicedo Paulino A Double-hinged gate hinge
US4114977A (en) * 1977-05-09 1978-09-19 Utm Power Products, Inc. Single wedge-type grid wire connector
US4147446A (en) * 1978-05-22 1979-04-03 Burndy Corporation Split bolt connector with interlaced grooves in pressure pad
US4405827A (en) * 1981-06-22 1983-09-20 Amp Incorporated Electrical connector
US4575985A (en) * 1985-06-24 1986-03-18 Eckenrodt Richard H Rebar saddle
US4813109A (en) * 1986-08-20 1989-03-21 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Clip for fastening the ends of an elongate flexible band
US4863390A (en) * 1988-09-09 1989-09-05 Burndy Corporation Ground connector
US4911572A (en) * 1988-06-13 1990-03-27 Houston Industries Incorporated Cable tie back clamp
US4915653A (en) * 1988-12-16 1990-04-10 Amp Incorporated Electrical connector
US4976627A (en) * 1989-03-31 1990-12-11 Thomas & Betts Corporation Grid/ground connector
US5151560A (en) * 1990-12-10 1992-09-29 Amp Incorporated Grounding connector
US5152701A (en) * 1991-07-24 1992-10-06 Mario Polidori Grid connector
US5236377A (en) * 1992-03-31 1993-08-17 Amp Incorporated Electrical wire connector
US5265386A (en) * 1990-10-03 1993-11-30 Zurecon Ag Method and device for laying access floors, and access-floor support
US5320565A (en) * 1990-06-14 1994-06-14 Nicholas B. Polidori Electrical grid interconnector
US5477649A (en) * 1993-04-30 1995-12-26 Airtite Contractors Inc. Raised floor cable trough system
US5501754A (en) * 1991-09-11 1996-03-26 Taisei Electronic Industries Co., Ltd. Method of assembling raised dry-floor
US5548932A (en) * 1994-11-08 1996-08-27 Maxcess Technologies, Inc. Adjustable cable tray support system
US5566916A (en) * 1995-05-26 1996-10-22 Bailey; Michael E. Adjustable pipe brace
US5616036A (en) * 1995-10-27 1997-04-01 Thomas Polidori Grounding clamp
US5632633A (en) * 1994-01-17 1997-05-27 The Whitaker Corporation Method of manufacturing a grounding connector and improved grounding connector
US5687938A (en) * 1995-05-26 1997-11-18 Bailey; Michael E. Adjustable pipe brace
US5832872A (en) * 1997-05-23 1998-11-10 Pearce; Woodrow W. Animal feeding bowl
US5888104A (en) * 1997-03-10 1999-03-30 Framatome Connectors Usa, Inc. Paint penetrating ground clamp for painted raised floor pedestals
US5934818A (en) * 1997-04-12 1999-08-10 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh Screen connector
US5979947A (en) * 1995-08-24 1999-11-09 Bushouse; Steven P. Clamp for exhaust pipes
US6040525A (en) * 1996-04-18 2000-03-21 Erico International Corporation Electrical clip and method
US6116969A (en) * 1997-08-26 2000-09-12 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Cable connector
US6431502B1 (en) * 2000-03-11 2002-08-13 All-Points Equipment Co., L.P. Cable clamp
US6463704B1 (en) * 1999-11-05 2002-10-15 Roger Jette Cable support apparatus for a raised floor system
US6486402B2 (en) * 2001-04-18 2002-11-26 Harger, Inc. Cable grounding clamp
US6581791B2 (en) * 2001-08-22 2003-06-24 New York Air Brake Mounting block assembly for electrical interconnection between rail cars
US6581896B1 (en) * 2002-01-07 2003-06-24 Steven Olexovitch Baluster clamp
US20040172024A1 (en) * 2002-07-22 2004-09-02 Gorek Josef E. System and method for stabilizing the spine by securing spine stabilization rods in crossed disposition
US6918217B2 (en) * 2002-02-25 2005-07-19 Haworth, Ltd. Raised access floor system
US20050249571A1 (en) * 2004-05-10 2005-11-10 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Anti-vibration/rotation device for split bolts
US6986673B2 (en) * 2004-04-09 2006-01-17 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Grounding clamp for raised floor

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2228669A1 (en) 1997-03-10 1998-09-10 David P. Gouveia Paint penetrating ground clamp for painted raised floor pedestals

Patent Citations (58)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US834669A (en) * 1904-10-24 1906-10-30 William A Fricke Test and wire-connector.
US1823677A (en) * 1930-02-26 1931-09-15 Charles A Bay Electrical connecter
US1943677A (en) * 1930-08-18 1934-01-16 James R Kearney Electrical connecter
US1873559A (en) * 1931-07-16 1932-08-23 Dibner Abraham Bernard Electrical connecter
US2102881A (en) * 1933-12-20 1937-12-21 Blackburn Jasper Frictional wire connecter
US2137834A (en) * 1936-01-16 1938-11-22 Burndy Engineering Co Inc Service connecter
US2289516A (en) * 1936-10-17 1942-07-14 Pavelka Connector bolt and method of making the same
US2180931A (en) * 1937-06-16 1939-11-21 Burndy Engineering Co Inc Connector with reinforcing follower
US2450158A (en) * 1944-09-04 1948-09-28 Jane Booth Pennell Connector bolt
US2597037A (en) * 1947-02-08 1952-05-20 Kearney James R Corp Electrical connector
US2885776A (en) * 1953-06-11 1959-05-12 Burndy Corp Method of making a spacer
US2830353A (en) * 1955-05-13 1958-04-15 Scovill Manufacturing Co Split bolt connectors
US3340581A (en) * 1965-09-13 1967-09-12 Engman Mfg Company Clamp
US3423113A (en) * 1966-01-10 1969-01-21 Erie Packaging Corp Connector for tubular members
US3552257A (en) * 1969-04-11 1971-01-05 Atsushi Tanabe Fastener adapted for wire cage
US3633254A (en) * 1970-06-25 1972-01-11 Edward Hoglund Pipe clamp
US3652780A (en) * 1970-10-30 1972-03-28 Dare Products Inc Reversibly mountable insulator
US3901577A (en) * 1974-01-25 1975-08-26 Gen Signal Corp Grounding clamps and connectors therefor
US3913188A (en) * 1974-11-20 1975-10-21 Arturo Grassi Pipe clamp
US3943817A (en) * 1974-11-25 1976-03-16 The Dayton Sure-Grip & Shore Company Split bolt
US4079481A (en) * 1977-01-31 1978-03-21 Cacicedo Paulino A Double-hinged gate hinge
US4114977A (en) * 1977-05-09 1978-09-19 Utm Power Products, Inc. Single wedge-type grid wire connector
US4147446A (en) * 1978-05-22 1979-04-03 Burndy Corporation Split bolt connector with interlaced grooves in pressure pad
US4405827A (en) * 1981-06-22 1983-09-20 Amp Incorporated Electrical connector
US4575985A (en) * 1985-06-24 1986-03-18 Eckenrodt Richard H Rebar saddle
US4813109A (en) * 1986-08-20 1989-03-21 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Clip for fastening the ends of an elongate flexible band
US4911572A (en) * 1988-06-13 1990-03-27 Houston Industries Incorporated Cable tie back clamp
US4863390A (en) * 1988-09-09 1989-09-05 Burndy Corporation Ground connector
US4915653A (en) * 1988-12-16 1990-04-10 Amp Incorporated Electrical connector
US4976627A (en) * 1989-03-31 1990-12-11 Thomas & Betts Corporation Grid/ground connector
US5320565A (en) * 1990-06-14 1994-06-14 Nicholas B. Polidori Electrical grid interconnector
US5265386A (en) * 1990-10-03 1993-11-30 Zurecon Ag Method and device for laying access floors, and access-floor support
US5151560A (en) * 1990-12-10 1992-09-29 Amp Incorporated Grounding connector
US5152701A (en) * 1991-07-24 1992-10-06 Mario Polidori Grid connector
US5501754A (en) * 1991-09-11 1996-03-26 Taisei Electronic Industries Co., Ltd. Method of assembling raised dry-floor
US5236377A (en) * 1992-03-31 1993-08-17 Amp Incorporated Electrical wire connector
US5477649A (en) * 1993-04-30 1995-12-26 Airtite Contractors Inc. Raised floor cable trough system
US5632633A (en) * 1994-01-17 1997-05-27 The Whitaker Corporation Method of manufacturing a grounding connector and improved grounding connector
US5548932A (en) * 1994-11-08 1996-08-27 Maxcess Technologies, Inc. Adjustable cable tray support system
US5566916A (en) * 1995-05-26 1996-10-22 Bailey; Michael E. Adjustable pipe brace
US5687938A (en) * 1995-05-26 1997-11-18 Bailey; Michael E. Adjustable pipe brace
US5979947A (en) * 1995-08-24 1999-11-09 Bushouse; Steven P. Clamp for exhaust pipes
US5616036A (en) * 1995-10-27 1997-04-01 Thomas Polidori Grounding clamp
US6040525A (en) * 1996-04-18 2000-03-21 Erico International Corporation Electrical clip and method
US5888104A (en) * 1997-03-10 1999-03-30 Framatome Connectors Usa, Inc. Paint penetrating ground clamp for painted raised floor pedestals
US5934818A (en) * 1997-04-12 1999-08-10 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh Screen connector
US5832872A (en) * 1997-05-23 1998-11-10 Pearce; Woodrow W. Animal feeding bowl
US6116969A (en) * 1997-08-26 2000-09-12 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Cable connector
US7168212B2 (en) * 1999-11-05 2007-01-30 Roger Jette Cable support apparatus for a raised floor system
US6463704B1 (en) * 1999-11-05 2002-10-15 Roger Jette Cable support apparatus for a raised floor system
US6431502B1 (en) * 2000-03-11 2002-08-13 All-Points Equipment Co., L.P. Cable clamp
US6486402B2 (en) * 2001-04-18 2002-11-26 Harger, Inc. Cable grounding clamp
US6581791B2 (en) * 2001-08-22 2003-06-24 New York Air Brake Mounting block assembly for electrical interconnection between rail cars
US6581896B1 (en) * 2002-01-07 2003-06-24 Steven Olexovitch Baluster clamp
US6918217B2 (en) * 2002-02-25 2005-07-19 Haworth, Ltd. Raised access floor system
US20040172024A1 (en) * 2002-07-22 2004-09-02 Gorek Josef E. System and method for stabilizing the spine by securing spine stabilization rods in crossed disposition
US6986673B2 (en) * 2004-04-09 2006-01-17 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Grounding clamp for raised floor
US20050249571A1 (en) * 2004-05-10 2005-11-10 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Anti-vibration/rotation device for split bolts

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106166921A (en) * 2016-08-11 2016-11-30 合肥超科电子有限公司 The driven bridge of electric rail-defect detecting car and electric rail-defect detecting car vehicle frame

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7708234B2 (en) 2010-05-04
US20080217491A1 (en) 2008-09-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7708234B2 (en) Common bonding network clamp
US7703722B2 (en) Common bonding network clamp
US20230332632A1 (en) System of s-shaped conduit mounting assembly hooks
US7002076B2 (en) Electric box extender
US7789359B2 (en) Auxiliary cable bracket
US5426577A (en) Pole-mounted lighting system
US7597516B2 (en) Bonding fastener
US7175149B2 (en) Anti-tipover device
CA2506860C (en) Anti-vibration/rotation device for split bolts
US4863390A (en) Ground connector
EP0717196A2 (en) Sloped ceiling adaptor
CA2746097C (en) Ground connector
US8152575B2 (en) Grounding lug
US9787004B2 (en) Floor ground clamp
CA2965161C (en) Pad extending member
US10749326B2 (en) Busbar for bonding connections
US7481684B2 (en) Z-shaped transformer bar electrical connector
US6349466B1 (en) Ready to wire terminal assembly with vibration resistant clamping screws
US20150087168A1 (en) Flow drill screw attached grounding block
US20220224092A1 (en) Mounting bracket assembly for an electrical receptacle system
KR100982332B1 (en) A separation preventing apparatus of bus duct
US8287307B2 (en) Fastening device for detachable holding of an electrical distributor by latching
US20200136275A1 (en) Electrical connector
CN211480513U (en) Switch board circuit inserts reinforced structure
CN2896618Y (en) Lead-in, lead-out wine fixing device of distribution box

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION