Clamp

Abstract

A binding clamp is disclosed having a clamp, a protective cushion, an optional mounting bracket, and an optional shield. The binding clamp fastens one or more articles together. Versions of the binding clamp can be used as primary and secondary supports for wiring harnesses.

Description

FIELD

The embodiments of this invention relate to affixing wiring, hydraulic hoses, optical cables, fuel hoses, telephone lines, conduits, ropes, hoses, cables, and other physically sensitive articles into bundles, wherein the bundles may be attached to another structure.

BACKGROUND

During the industrial revolution, mankind created machines and equipment to increase productivity, lower production costs, and lower labor costs. These economic goals provided the incentive for making machines and equipment more complex to do more functions. Complex machines and equipment require more organized control of the processes being performed by the machines and equipment.

Organized control comprises human control, mechanical controls, and computer controls. Each of these controls requires communication channels for conveying materials and signals from one point to another point. Without uncompromised channels, proper functioning and control does not exist on machines and equipment. Many disasters resulting in the loss of human life have been directly attributable to compromised channels.

Complex machines and equipment can have thousands to millions of channels. In airplanes, submarines, satellites, computers, manufacturing equipment, and space vessels, it is important that these channels occupy a small space. Space concerns, protection of the channels, and organization usually necessitate that the channels be bundled together. These bundles are frequently called harnesses, especially wiring harnesses.

Most channels for conveying materials and signals are physically sensitive to abrasion, jarring, crimping, cutting, and other mechanical forces. Once these channels are compromised, replacement of the channels is usually the best and only means of preventing a disaster. Replacing channels is very expensive. The bundles of channels are generally affixed to some structural support on or within the machine or equipment. The bundling of the channels and the attachment of the bundles to a physical support usually increases the useable life of the channels.

While the bundling of channels is a very good means of installing channels, the means of bundling the channels can cause physical damage to the channels. The clamps, hangers, plastic ties, lacing cord, and other devices for bundling and affixing bundles may damage the channels. The devices used in wiring harnesses are generally categorized as primary and secondary supports.

Primary supports affix the channels together to form a bundle and the bundle is attached to a supporting structure. Secondary supports affix the channels together to form a bundle. Primary supports have to be the correct size. If the primary supports are too small, it will pinch the wiring, tubing, or other channels when installed. Pinched wiring is damaged wiring. If the primary supports are too large, it will not immobilize the wiring. Moving wires cause chaffing of the sensitive surface of the wiring.

The use of primary supports has four main problems. The four main problems are improper installation, excessive handling, modification, and reinstallation. Primary supports run a risk of improper installation. When a clamp is installed, the attachment site of the clamp can pinch the electrical wires and the wires are separated from the remainder of the bundle. Installation can result in installing the wrong size clamp due to human error. The wrong size clamp can result in pinching, chafing, and loose wiring. Improper installation requires reinstallation. Damage of the wiring can happen with each installation and each reinstallation. Excessive handling moves the wiring and reduces the useable time of the wires by abrasion, kinking, damage during movement, and human error.

Modification or updating of the equipment or machine requires wiring to be added to or removed from the bundles. This runs the risk of improper installation, pinching, chaffing, and more handling. Modifications create additional problems of excessive bending of the clamp and removal and replacement of the clamp. Removal and replacement causes wearing of the threaded mounting hole used to affix the clamp. This is especially significant when the supporting structure is malleable or fragile. Reinstallation has all of the problems of installation.

The secondary supports are usually plastic wire ties and lacing cord. Plastic wire ties become brittle over time. Brittle wire ties break on impact. The broken pieces of wire ties can damage the components of the machine or equipment. Aircraft and space vessel manufacturing can leave behind broken pieces or loose objects that may damage other components. This damage is called foreign object damage. Foreign object damage has destroyed expensive equipment and killed people.

The proper plastic wire ties must be installed as some wire ties are UV resistant and other wire ties are not. Plastic wire ties loosen over time and slide on the bundles. Loose wire ties cause abrasion.

Lacing cord is a secondary support with two main problems. Lacing cord is excessively labor intensive during installation and it is difficult to install in certain areas. When installed, lacing cord looks like multiple wraps of cord around the wiring. Multiple wraps take too much time to install. The multiple wraps make installation difficult in cramped spaces and when the wiring is next to a bulkhead, beam, or other structure.

The procedure of installing lacing cord usually requires installing plastic wire ties first. After the wiring is positioned correctly in the equipment with plastic wire ties, the plastic wire ties are later removed and replaced with lacing cord. The removed plastic wire ties result in remnants of plastic wire ties in the equipment to potentially cause foreign object damage.

The aforementioned problems are of great concern to manufacturers and operators trying to maintain their machines, equipment, and manage costs. Labor to replace the primary supports and secondary supports is very expensive. Improper installation drives up costs significantly as improper installation requires reinstallation. The economic result is that installing wiring harnesses are excessively expensive.

Longevity is also a big concern. The aforementioned problems with the current primary supports and secondary supports require that wiring harnesses be replaced frequently. Wiring would last much longer if the primary supports and the secondary supports did not damage the wiring. The industry keeps using the same devices because there are no better replacements or procedures. The current devices cause expensive problems.

The inventor's embodiments of primary supports and secondary supports are improvements on the devices being currently used. The inventor's embodiments are adjustable to allow the clamp to be correctly sized during installation. This eliminates pinching and chaffing of the wiring harnesses.

The inventor's embodiments have a protective cushion that can be overlapped to prevent wiring from touching the clamp. The protective cushion holds the wiring stationary to prevent chafing. This decreases damage to the wiring. The inventor's embodiments of the binding clamp are expected to decrease the frequency of replacement. This results in less handling of the wiring harness.

Some of the inventor's embodiments of the binding clamp do not require removal of the supporting bolt. This results in less wearing of the threaded mounting hole. The mounting clamp can be etched or made with a high friction surface on the surface surrounding the supporting bolts to prevent rotation of the clamp during removal or installation. The inventor's embodiments of the clamp result in less bending of the clamp when wiring is being added or removed from the bundle.

The inventor's embodiments of the secondary support device do not become brittle over time like plastic wire ties. This results in less object damage to other components. The inventor's embodiments of the secondary support device do not have to be made of plastic. This results in no installation of improper ties due to UV resistance concerns.

The inventor's embodiments of the secondary support device do not loosen over time and slide on the harness like plastic wire ties. The inventor's embodiments of the secondary support device are not as labor intensive or expensive as the installation of lacing cord. The inventor's embodiments of the secondary support device are easier to install in certain areas. This is especially relevant when the bundle is adjacent to a solid object.

With these advantages over the currently used prior art devices, the inventor's embodiments are expected to have much better results, lower labor costs, decrease foreign object damage, and decrease expenses.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to clamps that can be used as either primary or secondary supports for bundling articles and affixing bundled articles to support structures. The present invention is especially relevant to electrical wiring harnesses.

The present invention has a clamp, a protective cushion, an optional mounting bracket, and an optional shield. The clamp can be a hose clamp, a cable tie, band clamp, plastic tie, or a circular clamp. The protective cushion is an overlapping cushion made of rubber, polymer, gel, thermoplastic elastomers, foam, sponge, cork, or mixtures thereof. The protective cushion overlaps by having one end of the protective cushion overlap the other end of the protective cushion when installed. The protective cushion can have a longitudinal conduit. The protective cushion can have a longitudinal groove along the middle region of the exterior surface of the protective cushion.

The clamp can partially or completely occupy the longitudinal conduit or longitudinal groove of the protective cushion. The mounting bracket has one or more affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket to a support structure. The affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket to a support structure can be a bolt, rivet, spot weld, pin, clip, nail, or adhesives.

The mounting bracket has one or more orifices and the clamp occupies the orifices of the mounting bracket to revocably attach the clamp to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can also be attached to the clamp using rivets, spot welding, adhesives, bolts, or clips.

The mounting bracket can have a curved portion. The curved portion of the mounting bracket embraces the usually circular bundle when the bundle placed adjacent to the curved portion of the mounting bracket. The curved portion of the mounting bracket is adjacent to the clamp.

The mounting bracket can have a longitudinal conduit or longitudinal groove in the curved portion of the mounting bracket. This longitudinal groove or conduit creates a track for the clamp to easily occupy during installation. This makes installation easier when the clamp is near other potentially interfering structures.

The shield is a member that holds the clamp within the longitudinal groove of the mounting bracket. The space between the shield and the mounting bracket can create a conduit for the clamp to occupy. The shield can be a polymer, metal, or composite. The shield can be affixed with a bolt, screw, adhesives, rivets, or pins. The shield can be made in an arch shape to form a curved shield. The curved shield can have the same radius of curvature as the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a downward front and right side perspective view of embodiment 100 of the binding clamp.

FIG. 1B shows a upward front and left side perspective view of embodiment 100 of the binding clamp, and

FIG. 2 depicts a downward front and right side perspective view of embodiment 200 of the binding clamp.

DESCRIPTION

In accordance with some embodiments, described herein, a binding clamp is disclosed. The present invention is directed to binding clamps that can be used to bundle articles together and fasten articles to a supporting structure. The embodiments can be used as primary or secondary supports for electrical wiring harnesses.

The binding clamp has a clamp, a protective cushion, an optional mounting bracket, and an optional shield. A “clamp” is any means of affixing one or more articles together. The term “clamp” expressly includes a strap, a loop clamp, a wire clamp, a block clamp, a saddle clamp, a multi-line clamp, a metal stamping, a wear sleeve, a clip, a control cable clip, a bundle clamp, a cable tie, a belt, a band clamp, or a hose clamp. The clamp can be made of metal, leather, polymer, or composite. Metal clamps are preferable.

A “protective cushion” is any flexible cushioning material. A “protective cushion” can be a cushion made of rubber, polymer, gel, thermoplastic elastomers, foam, sponge, cork, or mixtures thereof. A “mounting bracket” is any means of affixing an article to a support structure by using a bracket. The mounting bracket is a bracket for mounting the clamp to a support structure.

A “fastener” is a fastening means. A “fastening means” is any means of fastening. A “fastening means” can be rivets, clamps, clips, bolts, nails, vices, screws, is welding, a pawl and notches, or adhesives. The term “groove” is a gutter, channel, or furrow. The term “conduit” is an orifice, channel, tunnel, tube, pipe, or tile.

A “bundle” is any grouping of articles. The term “bundle” expressly includes wiring harnesses, communications channels, control channels, connectors, and signaling channels. “Affixment features” are physical features for affixing another component.

“Affixment features” of the protective cushion for affixing the mounting bracket, clamp, and shield can be lips or flaps that overlap portions of the mounting bracket, clamp, or shield, protuberances that affix the physical features of the mounting bracket, clamp, or shield, or a fastening means that affixes the protective cushion to the mounting bracket, clamp, or shield.

“Affixment features” are means of affixing a component to another component or structure. “Affixment features” expressly includes fasteners and fastening means. The affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket to a support structure can be orifices, hangers, bolts, rivets, brackets, welds, pins, clips, nails, or adhesives.

The terms “exterior” or “outer” refers to any part of a component that is away from the bundle. The terms “interior” or “inner” refers to any part of a component that is near the bundle. The term “overlap” expressly includes beveled ends that abut on the surface of the bevel. A “support structure” is any support or supporting means, whether a wall, a member, a beam, a bulkhead, a panel, or any other structural support.

When installed, the protective cushion is disposed between the clamp and the bundle. The protective cushion can be linear or cylindrical. The protective cushion can be installed by overlapping one end of the protective cushion over the other end of the protective cushion within the circumference of the clamp.

This overlapping of the protective cushion is a preferable method of installing the protective cushion. The protective cushion can have a longitudinal groove in the exterior surface of the protective cushion. The clamp can partially or completely occupy the longitudinal groove of the protective cushion.

The protective cushion can have affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket, clamp, and shield. The affixment features can be a means for affixing the protective cushion to the mounting bracket, clamp, or shield.

A desirable feature for a mounting bracket is a curved portion for partially enclosing the bundle of articles. The curved portion of the mounting bracket can be an arch or semicircle. The mounting bracket can be made of metal, composite, or polymer.

The mounting bracket has one or more affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket to a support structure. The mounting bracket affixes to the clamp using an orifice and the clamp occupies the orifice of the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may also be affixed to the clamp using rivets, spot welding, adhesives, clamps, bolts, screws, or clips. The mounting brackets can have conduits for the clamps to occupy.

One or more orifices of the mounting bracket can be positioned adjacent to the ends of the curved portion of the mounting bracket and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket. The clamp may occupy the orifices that are positioned adjacent to the ends of the curved portion of the mounting bracket and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket. These orifices stabilize the clamp. When installed the clamp encircles the bundle and the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

The shield is a member that holds the clamp within the longitudinal groove of the protective cushion. The space between the shield and the mounting bracket can create a conduit for the clamp to occupy. The shield can be made of a polymer, metal, or composite. The shield may be affixed with a bolt, a screw, adhesives, rivets, or pins. The shield can also be held in place by the affixment features of the protective cushion.

The shield can be made in an arch shape to form a curved shield. The curved shield can have the same radius of curvature as the curved portion of the mounting bracket. The curved shield enables the shield to partially embrace the curved portion of the mounting bracket. The shield can have a longitudinal conduit along the length of the shield.

The secondary support version can be installed by choosing an appropriately sized binding clamp by making sure the clamp and protective cushion are longer than needed to fit around the bundle, grasping the fastening means of the clamp, placing the protective cushion adjacent to the bundle, wrapping the protective cushion around the bundle, making sure the protective cushion is longer than the circumference of the bundle, wrapping the opposing end of the clamp around the bundle with the protective cushion between the clamp and the bundle wherein the clamp occupies the groove of the protective cushion, placing the opposing end of the clamp into the fastening means, positioning the first end of the protective cushion to overlap with the second end of the protective cushion, tightening the clamp to a tight fit around the bundle to prevent any movement within the bundle, and fastening the clamp. When installed correctly, the protective cushion should overlap more than any future contemplated expansions of the bundle. The overlap prevents the components of the bundle from touching the clamp of the binding clamp.

The primary support version can be installed by choosing an appropriately sized binding clamp by making sure the clamp and protective cushion are longer than needed to fit around the bundle, positioning the mounting bracket in an appropriate position for the bundle with the length of the curved portion of mounting bracket transverse to the length of the bundle and the curved portion of the mounting bracket adjacent to the bundle, affixing the mounting bracket to a support structure, inserting the clamp through the orifices, conduit, or channel of the mounting bracket with the clamp encircling the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket, positioning the clamp to eventually encircle the bundle, positioning the protective cushion between the clamp and the bundle with the clamp occupying the groove of the protective cushion, wrapping the protective cushion around the bundle, making sure the protective cushion is longer than the circumference of the bundle, wrapping the clamp around the bundle with the protective cushion between the clamp and the bundle and the clamp occupying the groove of the protective cushion, positioning the first end of the protective cushion to overlap with the second end of the protective cushion, tightening the clamp to a tight fit around the bundle to prevent any movement within the bundle, and fastening the clamp. When installed correctly, the protective cushion should overlap more than any future contemplated expansions of the bundle. The overlap prevents the components is of the bundle from touching the clamp of the binding clamp.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict embodiment 100 in different perspectives. In FIG. 1A, embodiment 100 is viewed from a downward front and right perspective.

Embodiment 100 has a hose clamp 102, a protective cushion 104, a mounting bracket 106, and a shield 108. Embodiment 100 is a primary support version of the binding clamp. Embodiment 100 is depicted in a loose configuration to better show the fastening means of the hose clamp. When installed around a wiring harness, the protective cushion 104 is overlapped by having the exterior surface of one end of the protective cushion positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the opposing end of the protective cushion.

The hose clamp 102 is a circular clamp. The hose clamp 102 surrounds a bundle of channels (not shown) or a wiring harness (not shown). The hose clamp 102 has an adjustable circumference.

The protective cushion 104 is a cushioning material in a nearly cylindrical form. The protective cushion 104 has a middle region between two opposing sides. The sides of the protective cushion 104 protrude laterally away from the hose clamp 102. The protective cushion 104 has a longitudinal groove along the middle region of the exterior surface of the protective cushion. The interior surface of the protective cushion 104 is smooth. The interior surface of the protective cushion 104 embraces the bundle (not shown).

The protective cushion 104 has two inwardly facing lips on the bottom side of the exterior surface of the protective cushion. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 partially cover the shield 108. The inwardly facing lips can be complete or partial. FIG. 1B depicts the inwardly facing lips of embodiment 100 better than FIG. 1A.

The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 are flaps that begin on the sides of the protective cushion and project inward toward the clamp 102. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 hold the protective cushion in place upon the mounting bracket 106 when the clamp 102 is not clamping a bundle together. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 can also hold the shield 108 and hose clamp 102 in place.

The mounting bracket 106 has a first attachment end, a second attachment end, and a middle region. The second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 is on the opposite end of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a horizontal member and a vertical member. The horizontal member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an inner end and an outer end. The horizontal member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a vertical orifice through the horizontal member near the outer end of the horizontal member. The vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a bottom end and a top end. The vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an orifice through the middle region of the top end of the vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The bottom end of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 is attached to the inner end of the horizontal member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The hose clamp 102 occupies the orifice of the top end of the vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106.

The second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a horizontal member and a vertical member. The horizontal member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an inner end and an outer end. The horizontal member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a vertical orifice through the horizontal member near the outer end of the horizontal member. The vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a bottom end and a top end. The vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an orifice through the middle region of the top end of the vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The bottom end of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the inner end of the horizontal member of the second end of the mounting bracket 106. The hose clamp 102 occupies the orifice of the top end of the vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106.

The middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is an arch with the middle of the arch positioned lower than the two opposing ends of the arch. The middle region of the mounting bracket 106 has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end. When viewed from above, the top surface of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is a concave arch. The bottom surface of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 has the same shape as the top surface of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106.

The first end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is on the same side as the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The second end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is on the same side as the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The first end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the top end of the vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket. The second end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the top end of the vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket.

The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 partially enclose the middle region of the mounting bracket 106. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 partially enclose the shield 108.

The shield 108 is an arch-shaped lamina that is disposed between the vertical members of the first attachment end and second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The shield 108 is wider from side to side than the hose clamp 102. The shield 108 is disposed between the inward facing lips of the protective cushion 104 and the hose clamp 102. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 hold the shield 108 and the hose clamp 102 in place when the hose clamp 102 is not encircling a bundle.

In FIG. 1B, the embodiment 100 is viewed from an upward front and left perspective, embodiment 100 has a hose clamp 102, a protective cushion 104, a mounting bracket 106, and a shield 108. Embodiment 100 is depicted in a loose configuration to better show the fastening means of the hose clamp. When installed around a wiring harness, the protective cushion 104 is overlapped by having the exterior surface of one end of the protective cushion positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the opposing end of the protective cushion.

The hose clamp 102 is a circular clamp. The hose clamp 102 surrounds a bundle of channels (not shown) or a wiring harness (not shown). The hose clamp 102 has an adjustable circumference.

The protective cushion 104 is a cushion material in a nearly cylindrical form. The protective cushion 104 has a middle region between two opposing sides. The sides of the protective cushion 104 protrude laterally away from the hose clamp 102. The protective cushion 104 has a longitudinal groove along the middle region of the exterior surface of the protective cushion. The interior surface of the protective cushion 104 is smooth. The interior surface of the protective cushion 104 embraces the bundle.

The protective cushion 104 has two inwardly facing lips on bottom side of the exterior surface of the protective cushion. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 partially cover the shield 108. The inwardly facing lips can be complete or partial.

The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 are flaps that begin on the sides of the protective cushion and project inward toward the clamp 102. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 hold the protective cushion in place upon the mounting bracket 106 when the clamp 102 is not clamping a bundle together. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 can also hold the shield 108 and hose clamp 102 in place.

The mounting bracket 106 has a first attachment end, a second attachment end, and a middle region. The second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 is on the opposite end as the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a horizontal member and a vertical member. The horizontal member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an inner end and an outer end. The horizontal member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a vertical orifice through the horizontal member near the outer end of the horizontal member. The vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a bottom end and a top end. The vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an orifice through the middle region of the top end of the vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The bottom end of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the inner end of the horizontal member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The hose clamp 102 occupies the orifice of the top end of the vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106.

The second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a horizontal member and a vertical member. The horizontal member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an inner end and an outer end. The horizontal member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a vertical orifice through the horizontal member near the outer end of the horizontal member. The vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has a bottom end and a top end. The vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 has an orifice through the middle region of the top end of the vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The bottom end of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the inner end of the horizontal member of the second end of the mounting bracket 106. The hose clamp 102 occupies the orifice of the top end of the vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106.

The middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is an arch with the middle of the arch positioned lower than the two opposing ends of the arch. The middle region of the mounting bracket 106 has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end. When viewed from above, the top surface of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is a concave arch. The bottom surface of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 has the same shape as the top surface of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106.

The first end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is on the same side as the first attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The second end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is on the same side as the second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The first end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the top end of the vertical member of the first attachment end of the mounting bracket. The second end of the middle region of the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the top end of the vertical member of the second attachment end of the mounting bracket.

The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 partially enclose the middle region of the mounting bracket 106. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 partially enclose the shield 108.

The shield 108 is a downward pointing circular arch that is disposed between the vertical members of the first attachment end and second attachment end of the mounting bracket 106. The shield 108 is wider from side to side than the hose clamp 102. The shield 108 is disposed between the inward facing lips of the protective cushion 104 and the hose clamp 102. The inwardly facing lips of the protective cushion 104 hold the shield 108 and the hose clamp 102 in place when the hose clamp 102 is not encircling a bundle.

When embodiment 100 is preferably installed on a wiring harness, the ends of the protective cushion 104 overlap each other with one end disposed inside the opposing end.

In FIG. 2, embodiment 200 is viewed from a downward front and right perspective, the embodiment 200 has a hose clamp 202 and a protective cushion 204. Embodiment 200 is a secondary support version of the binding clamp. The hose clamp 202 is a circular clamp having a fastening means, a first end, and a second end. The protective cushion 204 is nearly cylindrical and has a first end and a second end. The protective cushion 204 has a longitudinal groove along the middle region of the exterior surface of the protective cushion. The exterior surface of the first end of the protective cushion 204 is affixed to the fastening means of the hose clamp 202. The second end of the protective cushion 204 extends away from the fastening means of the hose clamp 202 in the same relative direction as the second end of the hose clamp 202.

The first and second ends of the protective cushion 204 are beveled. The beveled ends of the protective cushion 204 abut each other. This beveled abutment of the first and second ends of the protective cushion 204 creates a distinctive kind of overlap of the ends of the protective cushion. This abutment of the beveled ends of the protective cushion 204 can be seen in FIG. 2 at the top of the protective cushion 204 near the fastening means of the hose clamp 202. The hose clamp 202 occupies the longitudinal groove of the exterior surface of the protective cushion 204.

The mounting brackets can be made with a conduit extending longitudinally through the mounting bracket. The conduit is a preferred feature. The conduit creates a track for the end of the clamp to follow when inserting the end of the clamp through the mounting bracket. This feature is expected to save time when installing primary and secondary supports near physical obstructions. The conduit feature in the mounting bracket makes installing and replacing the clamps easier and faster.

The vertical orifices of the mounting brackets allow the mounting brackets to be affixed to supporting structures. The mounting brackets can be bolted to support structures through the vertical orifices near the ends of the mounting brackets. Affixing the mounting brackets does not require two vertical orifices. One vertical orifice in one end is enough for affixation. An embodiment of the primary support having a mounting bracket with an arch region affixed to only one attachment end will suffice.

When installing the invention, the protective cushion is preferably installed by having the ends of the protective cushion overlapping each other. Overlapping the protective cushion prevents the encased or bundled articles from physically touching the clamp. Overlapping the protective cushion may allow the clamp to be used again when the bundle is enlarged with more wiring.

Another way of overlapping the protective cushion is by beveling the ends of the protective cushion. If the protective cushion is made in a nearly cylindrical shape, the protective cushion can be cut at a slant to create beveled ends that abut. The slanted cut or beveled abutting ends of the protective cushion may be seen near the fastening means of the clamp at the top of the figure in FIG. 2. The slanted cut creates an overlap between the abutting ends of the protective cushion.

When installing the clamp, the protective cushion should be overlapped to take into account any possible expansions of the bundle. Leaving extra excess overlap of the protective cushion is advisable.

The invention is made to prevent wiring and other articles in the bundle from touching the clamp. The protective cushion is designed to partially encase the clamp and to create a broad lateral surface to keep wiring away from the clamp. The protective cushion keeps the articles in the bundle from moving within the clamp by forming a tight, high friction surface between the protective cushion and the articles.

The mounting bracket provides the clamp with structural stability. The mounting bracket stabilizes longitudinal movements of the wiring. The conduit or groove feature of the mounting bracket makes installation and reinstallation of the clamp easier. The conduit or groove feature forms a track for the clamp to follow when one end of the clamp is poked into the groove or conduit of the mounting bracket.

An advantage of this invention is the ability to reinstall and adjust the clamp when wiring is added or removed from the bundle. This is where the extra overlap of the protective cushion is advantageous.

Another advantage of the invention is cost. Many of the currently used primary and secondary supports for wiring harnesses have very expensive labor costs, especially when reinstalling. Reinstallation can damage the wiring and frequently the primary and secondary supports have to be discarded and replaced. The embodiments of the invention can be installed once and can be reused.

Primary supports use clamps that have to be the correct size. If the primary supports are too small, the bundle is pinched by the clamps and the wiring is damaged. If the primary support is too large, the bundle is not held stationary and chafing occurs. Chafing damages wire over time and damaged wiring has to be replaced. Replacement is expensive, primarily due to labor costs.

The installation of lacing cord, a secondary support, has a first step of installing the plastic ties, a second step of removing the plastic ties one at a time usually after some time has elapsed from the first step, and a third step of installing the lacing cord soon after each plastic tie is removed. The third step usually occurs immediately following the second step for each plastic tie.

The plastic ties allow changes to the bundle. Lacing cord does not allow for later changes of the wiring. The installation of the plastic ties is temporary until the lacing cord is installed. Lacing cord is permanent. Lacing cord is removed by cutting the lacing cord off of the bundle. The same lacing cord can not be reinstalled. In many applications, plastic ties are unacceptable for long term use.

The embodiments of the invention are only installed once and reinstallation is performed by releasing the clamp, making changes to the bundle, and installing the clamp. The inventor's embodiments have significant cost advantages over the currently used installation procedures.

Plastic ties and lacing cord can leave remnants behind after removal. These remnants are loose objects that can interfere with or damage other components in high speed travel. This is especially relevant to aircraft and space vessels. Foreign object damage can destroy these vessels. The embodiments of the invention are unlikely to leave behind remnants, even during reinstallation of the wiring. The components of the embodiments are not required to be cut when being installed.

A kit comprising a clamp, a protective cushion, and a mounting bracket can be used to bundle wiring and affix bundles of wiring to support structures. The protective cushion has a groove extending longitudinally along the protective cushion. The mounting bracket has orifices for affixing the mounting bracket to a support structure. The mounting bracket has a curved portion. The mounting bracket has one or more orifices that are adjacent to and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket. The clamp is capable of occupying the groove of the protective cushion. The clamp is capable of occupying the orifices of the mounting bracket that are adjacent to and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A binding clamp, the article comprising:

a clamp having a fastening means and a strap, wherein the strap has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the strap is affixed to the fastening means, and

a protective cushion having a first end and a second end, wherein the protective cushion has a groove extending longitudinally from the first end of the protective cushion to the second end of the protective cushion, wherein the side of the protective cushion having the groove is affixed to the fastening means of the clamp, wherein the second end of the protective cushion extends in the same relative direction as the second end of the strap of the clamp, wherein the clamp can occupy the groove of the protective cushion.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the protective cushion has affixment features for affixing the strap of the clamp.

3. A binding clamp, the article comprising:

a clamp,

a protective cushion having a first end and a second end, wherein the protective cushion has a groove extending longitudinally from the first end of the protective cushion to the second end of the protective cushion, wherein the clamp occupies the groove of the protective cushion, and

a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket has a curved portion, wherein the mounting bracket has one or more orifices, wherein one or more orifices of the mounting bracket are adjacent to and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket, wherein the clamp occupies the one or more orifices of the mounting bracket that are adjacent to and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket, wherein the clamp affixes the protective cushion to the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket has a groove extending the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

5. The article of claim 4, further comprising:

a shield, wherein the shield is affixed to the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

6. The article of claim 3, further comprising:

a shield, wherein the shield is affixed to the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein the shield has a conduit.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein the clamp occupies the conduit of the shield.

9. The article of claim 6, wherein the shield is curved and the shield has a groove on the surface of the shield that is adjacent to the curved portion of the mounting bracket, whereas the shield creates a conduit when the shield is affixed to the mounting bracket.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the clamp occupies the conduit of the shield.

11. The article of claim 3, wherein the protective cushion has affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket.

12. The article of claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket has one or more orifices for affixing the article to a support structure.

13. The article of claim 6, wherein the shield is curved and the shield has a conduit.

14. The article of claim 3, wherein the protective cushion has affixment features for affixing the clamp.

15. The article of claim 3, wherein the ends of the protective cushion overlap.

16. A binding clamp, the article comprising:

a clamp,

a protective cushion having a first end and a second end, wherein the protective cushion has a groove extending longitudinally from the first end of the protective cushion to the second end of the protective cushion, wherein the clamp occupies the groove of the protective cushion, and

a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket has a curved portion, wherein the mounting bracket has a conduit that extends along the curved portion of the mounting bracket, wherein the clamp occupies the conduit of the mounting bracket, wherein the clamp affixes the protective cushion to the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the protective cushion has affixment features for affixing the clamp.

18. The article of claim 16, wherein the protective cushion has affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket.

19. A kit, the kit comprising:

a clamp having a first end and a second end,

a protective cushion having a first end and a second end, wherein the protective cushion has a groove extending longitudinally from the first end of the protective cushion to the second end of the protective cushion, and

a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket has two or more orifices, wherein the mounting bracket has a curved portion, wherein the mounting bracket has affixment features for affixing the mounting bracket to a support structure, wherein one or more orifices of the mounting bracket are adjacent to and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket, wherein the clamp is capable of occupying the groove of the protective cushion, wherein the clamp is capable of occupying the orifices of the mounting bracket that are adjacent to and aligned with the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket.

20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the mounting bracket has a conduit extending along the length of the curved portion of the mounting bracket.