摘要 |
There is described an annular clamp (110) comprising a split ring (116) having two ends (118,120). There is a respective lug (122,124) integrally formed on each of the ends (118,120) of the split ring (116), with each lug extending outwardly from the split ring in a substantially radial direction. A respective lug aperture (126,128) is formed through each of the lugs (122,124) such that when the lugs are brought into a confronting relationship the lug apertures (126,128) together define a path for receiving a linear bolt (134). The annular clamp (110) further comprises a nut (132) for receiving a linear bolt (134). The nut (132) has a threaded aperture (133), and is moveably retained in one of the lug apertures (126,128) such that a longitudinal axis (AA') of the threaded aperture (133) is moveable within a plane defined by the split ring (116). There is also described a method of connecting two pipes using the annular clamp (110). The method comprises the steps of (a) ensuring the annular clamp is in an open configuration with the linear bolt extending through the other lug aperture and into threaded engagement with the nut; (b) aligning the pipes in a required connection position within the annular clamp whilst the linear bolt remains in threaded engagement with the nut; and (c) securing the annular clamp by tightening the nut and linear bolt until the lugs are in a confronting relationship. |