Abstract: A new open end pipe or tube clamp assembly having an exceptionally high strength-to-size ratio which utilizes a U-bolt and a novel saddle member. The saddle is formed by a progressive die of a single piece with no welding and has a top web surface which is severely formed to define a pair of spaced rounded ridges and a depressed central portion achieving high strength and the ridges also serve as nut seats and reduce galling. The side walls of the saddle are centrally depressed to provide narrow contact with the tubing. When the clamp is tightened about a pipe joint high tension stresses force the side members toward each other.

Abstract: A new saddle construction for a U-bolt pipe clamp assembly formed from a single blank of sheet steel without welding and including a tubular cross reinforcement rib of preferably triangular cross section spanning the top of the saddle completely between the two bolt receiving housings. The saddle is formed in a progressive die and is adapted in conjunction with its mating U-bolt to indent a circumferential bead in the pipe sections being joined.

Abstract: A ring clamp capable of forming a gas-tight 360.degree. indentation in a tubing slip-joint, the structure comprises a circular cross-section which is discontinuous over a minor portion of its circumference and has a threaded bolt leg extending from a first end thereof. A tightening lug member comprised of a cylindrical tubular housing and having a planar web extending from one side thereof fits within the discontinuity in the ring, the bolt leg extending freely into the tubular housing and the other end of the ring being welded to the planar web. An inner edge of the web is arcuately formed to continue the circular arc of the ring within the discontinuity, the arcuate surface thus formed being continued by arcuately edged flared portions of the tubular housing located at the entry end of said housing where the bolt leg extends into said housing.

Abstract: A saddle for a U-bolt clamp is formed of a pair of tubular housings arranged to receive and slide axially upon the legs of a U-bolt having a semicircular bight, with the housings connected by a web portion consisting of a pair of parallel planar sections of sheet steel welded together in full face contact and extending transversely between the housings integral therewith. The upper (bight facing) edge of each planar section is curved as a semicircular recess on the radius of the U-bolt bight. The mid portion of each planar web section is, for its entire length between the tubular housings, embossed with deep ribs to provide web stiffeners materially reinforcing the entire web portion of the saddle.

Abstract: A clamp for securing together in locked relationship a pair of telescoped pipes or tubes. The clamp consists of a novel U-bolt having a small radius portion, two outwardly diverging tapered sections and two parallel threaded arms, and a novel saddle member having a semicircular cut-out and being further chamfered adjacent the ends of the semicircular cut-out to define a greater diameter. The assembly when in its loading position will accept a pipe joint of greater outside diameter than the inner diameter of the tightened clamp; and wherein tightening of the clamp initially deforms the pipe joint into an ovaled configuration and impresses a bead thereabout for 360.degree..