CA1150936A - Clamp structure, especially axle sleeve clamp - Google Patents
Clamp structure, especially axle sleeve clampInfo
- Publication number
- CA1150936A CA1150936A CA000397141A CA397141A CA1150936A CA 1150936 A CA1150936 A CA 1150936A CA 000397141 A CA000397141 A CA 000397141A CA 397141 A CA397141 A CA 397141A CA 1150936 A CA1150936 A CA 1150936A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- band
- hose
- clamp structure
- band means
- clamping
- 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.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
A clamp structure consisting of a band for clamping a hose-like member onto a circular support. The band is capable of contraction by means of an ear from a larger to a smaller diametric dimension without loss of its circular configuration and without any internal projections. The structure is especially for use with relatively harder and thinner hose-like materials. A gap in the band underneath the ear is covered off during contraction to prevent leakage thereat one end of the band consists of a tongue-like extension that can freely enter a centrally located recess in the other end, which is fork shaped, by means of relative circumferential movement of the ends. This movement serves to change from the larger to the smaller diametric dimension while retaining a complementary configuration to the hose-like member. The construction improves over the art by enabling reduction of the diametric dimension of the band without squeezing out any material of the hose-like object through the gap and without any step-like or other internal projection of the band.
A clamp structure consisting of a band for clamping a hose-like member onto a circular support. The band is capable of contraction by means of an ear from a larger to a smaller diametric dimension without loss of its circular configuration and without any internal projections. The structure is especially for use with relatively harder and thinner hose-like materials. A gap in the band underneath the ear is covered off during contraction to prevent leakage thereat one end of the band consists of a tongue-like extension that can freely enter a centrally located recess in the other end, which is fork shaped, by means of relative circumferential movement of the ends. This movement serves to change from the larger to the smaller diametric dimension while retaining a complementary configuration to the hose-like member. The construction improves over the art by enabling reduction of the diametric dimension of the band without squeezing out any material of the hose-like object through the gap and without any step-like or other internal projection of the band.
Description
~ 3 6 This appllcation is a division o~ application Serial No. 326,363 filed April 25, 1979.
The present invention relates to a hose clamp, and more particularly to a clamp structure for use with an axle boot made of a relatively inelastic thin-walled synthetic plastic material with a relatively sreat hardness.
Hose clamps provided with one or more so-called "Oetiker" (trademark) ears (U.S. Patents 2,614,304 and 3,082,498) have proved themselves over many years in numerous applications. So-called band clamps utilizing a perforated band cut to suitable length and tightened about a hose-like object by the use of a clamping member with one or more "Oetiker" (trademark) ears (U.S. Patent 2,847,742) have also been widely accepted. Nevertheless, occasional problems existed, particularly in special applications, to prevent the hose material from being s~ueezed into the more or less narrow gap existing under the ear, after the latter has been deformed to contract the band clamp. To avoid this problem, insert rings (U.S.
Patent 3,303,669) or bridging members (U.S. Patent 3,789,463) were proposed heretofore. While these approaches offcred an effective solution to prevent the hose from beill~ squeezed out into tho saP under-neath the ear to preverlt lca~age at this place, thcy cntailed agaill ccrtain other disadvantagcs. More particularly, the bridgin~ rllcsnbcr as well as the insert ring, even if made of relatively thin material, re,t)rcsented a sudden challse in inner diametric dimension of the clarnp structure which not only could lead occasiollally to slight leakage places but also represented an ever present danger for damaging the hose by the more or less sharp edge thus present. Moreover, the thinner the material for the bridging member, the greater is the danger that the bridging member will also be displaced into the gap under the ear, even if the bridging member is provided with one or more stiffening grooves in the circumferential direction. The inwardly extending hooks of the band clamp (U.S. Patent 2,847~742) also represented a source of danger of damage to the hose material since these hooks e}~tended through the ladder-type band material into the surface of the hose material.
3~
However, in general, with relatively elastic hose materials having a Shore hardness not exceeding 60, these problems were non-existent for the most part with the aforementioned c!amps, especially when these elastic hose materials were also relatively thick.
An overlap of the free end of an open band clamp as well as outwardly projecting teeth were proposed to alleviate some of these problems (U.S. Patent 3,475,793). However, this approach left unsolved the problem of the step caused by the end of the overlapping end and of any present sharp edges of the free end of the band, not to mention the fact that outwardly extending teeth pose other problems as to holdability of the clamp.
The German Gebrauchsmuster No. 1,851,827 represented another attempt to solve this problem. However, the hook cngaging from the outside into the opcning of the band material again represented a source of danger of damage to the hose matcrial whilc thc free cnd of tlle overlapping inner end of the band material continued Lo be a source for non-tightness and possible damagc Lo thc hose for rca~;olls pointc(1 out abov~. Tllc arrangement without outwardly proJecting hook(, (U.S. ~atcnt 3,3%1,81l) not only clltailed problcms as rcgards holdability but st~ll clid not solvc effectively the problcm of the ovcrlappillg free cnd of the band. Atk!mpts to grind the tongue-likc pro3ection in thc 3,821,811 Pa-tcnt to terminatc wedge-sllapcd in thc circumferential direction, not only proved to be extremely costly, but also could be used only with relatively soft hose material and therefore did not provide an effective solution for re~latively hard, thin-walled hose materials. The provision of a groove-like indentation in the center area of the band where the free end of the tor,gue-like projection would come to lie when the clamp of this type is installed~
also did not provide a satisfactory solution since the groove-like indentation caused a reinforcement or stiffening of the band at the corresponding location so that the band was less likely to deform at that place during
The present invention relates to a hose clamp, and more particularly to a clamp structure for use with an axle boot made of a relatively inelastic thin-walled synthetic plastic material with a relatively sreat hardness.
Hose clamps provided with one or more so-called "Oetiker" (trademark) ears (U.S. Patents 2,614,304 and 3,082,498) have proved themselves over many years in numerous applications. So-called band clamps utilizing a perforated band cut to suitable length and tightened about a hose-like object by the use of a clamping member with one or more "Oetiker" (trademark) ears (U.S. Patent 2,847,742) have also been widely accepted. Nevertheless, occasional problems existed, particularly in special applications, to prevent the hose material from being s~ueezed into the more or less narrow gap existing under the ear, after the latter has been deformed to contract the band clamp. To avoid this problem, insert rings (U.S.
Patent 3,303,669) or bridging members (U.S. Patent 3,789,463) were proposed heretofore. While these approaches offcred an effective solution to prevent the hose from beill~ squeezed out into tho saP under-neath the ear to preverlt lca~age at this place, thcy cntailed agaill ccrtain other disadvantagcs. More particularly, the bridgin~ rllcsnbcr as well as the insert ring, even if made of relatively thin material, re,t)rcsented a sudden challse in inner diametric dimension of the clarnp structure which not only could lead occasiollally to slight leakage places but also represented an ever present danger for damaging the hose by the more or less sharp edge thus present. Moreover, the thinner the material for the bridging member, the greater is the danger that the bridging member will also be displaced into the gap under the ear, even if the bridging member is provided with one or more stiffening grooves in the circumferential direction. The inwardly extending hooks of the band clamp (U.S. Patent 2,847~742) also represented a source of danger of damage to the hose material since these hooks e}~tended through the ladder-type band material into the surface of the hose material.
3~
However, in general, with relatively elastic hose materials having a Shore hardness not exceeding 60, these problems were non-existent for the most part with the aforementioned c!amps, especially when these elastic hose materials were also relatively thick.
An overlap of the free end of an open band clamp as well as outwardly projecting teeth were proposed to alleviate some of these problems (U.S. Patent 3,475,793). However, this approach left unsolved the problem of the step caused by the end of the overlapping end and of any present sharp edges of the free end of the band, not to mention the fact that outwardly extending teeth pose other problems as to holdability of the clamp.
The German Gebrauchsmuster No. 1,851,827 represented another attempt to solve this problem. However, the hook cngaging from the outside into the opcning of the band material again represented a source of danger of damage to the hose matcrial whilc thc free cnd of tlle overlapping inner end of the band material continued Lo be a source for non-tightness and possible damagc Lo thc hose for rca~;olls pointc(1 out abov~. Tllc arrangement without outwardly proJecting hook(, (U.S. ~atcnt 3,3%1,81l) not only clltailed problcms as rcgards holdability but st~ll clid not solvc effectively the problcm of the ovcrlappillg free cnd of the band. Atk!mpts to grind the tongue-likc pro3ection in thc 3,821,811 Pa-tcnt to terminatc wedge-sllapcd in thc circumferential direction, not only proved to be extremely costly, but also could be used only with relatively soft hose material and therefore did not provide an effective solution for re~latively hard, thin-walled hose materials. The provision of a groove-like indentation in the center area of the band where the free end of the tor,gue-like projection would come to lie when the clamp of this type is installed~
also did not provide a satisfactory solution since the groove-like indentation caused a reinforcement or stiffening of the band at the corresponding location so that the band was less likely to deform at that place during
2-contraction of the ear and to conform to a desired circular configuration but instead sought to retain its More or less rectilinear configuration within this area thereby representing a place of possible non-tightness.
In addition to the aforementioned shortcomings and problems, there always existed the need for a hose clamp in which a perfectly circular configuration could be closed from a larger to a smaller diameter without any inner projections or offsets in the clamp or without any outward displaceMent or Migration of the hose Material. To date, this problem has been solved only by shrinking a circular ring over the hose material. More particularly, a "Magnaform" (trademark) machine has been used in the automotive industry to shrink a circular copper ring over the axle boots usually made of neoprene or similar material. Such a machine is not only very expensive as to its initial investment but requires a relatively large amount of working space. Moreover, the operational expenses are very high and the only material wllich can be economically uscd is copper which is also relatively expensive. To date, no hose clamp available in the open market offers the possibility to duplica1c tlle clamping action of the "Magnaform" (trademar~) system, i.e., to tightell a plastic circular ohject by decreasing its diametcr to a smaller diamcter whilc rnaintainillg a circular coniigur~tion, i.e., witllout any proJoc-ting parts or o~fsets along the inside of the clamp.
These problerns are mag~ ieci with thc advcnt of synthetic plastics materials having a greater hardness, i.e., less elasticity, and especially of smaller wall thicL~ness. For example, with the development of an axle boot of "Hytrell" Itrademar~;) material having a hardness of about 90 Shore or more, all prior clamping devices including even the "Magnaform" (trademar}.) system render it impossible to provide a sufficiently tight clamping action to prevent the leakage of oil present in the axle boot. Neoprene rubber, having a hardness of about 60 Shore which was used heretofore for axle boots, represented a relatively elastic element, which did not pose the same i.~r~ 36 problems. Moreover, copper has a much lower tensile strength than, for example, carbon or stainless steel and would yield, when used in an attempt to clamp a harder material such as "Hytrell" (trademark).
It is the aim of the present invention to provide a clamp structure which avoids the aforementioned shortcomings by sim~le means. The underlying problems are solved according to the present invention in that the band, preferably provided with a central rib-like projection, includes at one of its ends a tongue-like extension, continuing the rib-like projection while its opposite end is of fork-shape provided with a central recess 10 between two fork-like members of such size as to accommodate the tongue-like projection between the two resulting fork-like members.
Each of the two fork tines is thereby provided with a radially inwardly extending rib-lihc projection e~tending from the end of a respective tine in overlappin~ relationship to the central rib-like projection in the band.
15 The band is punched-out or s-tamped-out in several placcs spacccl at predetermined distances from the ellds of thc balld to proviclc two rows of spaced teeth extelldillg at riyht ancJle to the b~n(l surface in thc radiallyoutward direction by bcrldillg thc~ thu;~cut tabs al rkJ}It ancJl~. l'rcferably,the cuts for the tabs are mad~ at an antJlc to tllc circumfercn~ l dircctio 20 other than 90 in Ol`del' th;lt the rear clld surfaces of thc tce~ slopc ln such a manner that the distance to a respcctlvc band elld increascs in the circumfcrential direction as on~ procccds from the radihlly inncr to the radially outer erld of a respective tooth, whereby thc likclihood of a disengageMellt of thc band in the installed condition is lcssened during ' contraction of the ear due to the self-holding action.
A clamping member provided with an "Oetiker" (trademark) ear is then used which is provided with a number of complementary rectangular ' cut-outs made from both sides of the band near its two ends which are able to be engaged by the two rows of teeth. Preferably the ear is provided with a groove in the circumferential direction to increase its holding ability.
In addition to the aforementioned shortcomings and problems, there always existed the need for a hose clamp in which a perfectly circular configuration could be closed from a larger to a smaller diameter without any inner projections or offsets in the clamp or without any outward displaceMent or Migration of the hose Material. To date, this problem has been solved only by shrinking a circular ring over the hose material. More particularly, a "Magnaform" (trademark) machine has been used in the automotive industry to shrink a circular copper ring over the axle boots usually made of neoprene or similar material. Such a machine is not only very expensive as to its initial investment but requires a relatively large amount of working space. Moreover, the operational expenses are very high and the only material wllich can be economically uscd is copper which is also relatively expensive. To date, no hose clamp available in the open market offers the possibility to duplica1c tlle clamping action of the "Magnaform" (trademar~) system, i.e., to tightell a plastic circular ohject by decreasing its diametcr to a smaller diamcter whilc rnaintainillg a circular coniigur~tion, i.e., witllout any proJoc-ting parts or o~fsets along the inside of the clamp.
These problerns are mag~ ieci with thc advcnt of synthetic plastics materials having a greater hardness, i.e., less elasticity, and especially of smaller wall thicL~ness. For example, with the development of an axle boot of "Hytrell" Itrademar~;) material having a hardness of about 90 Shore or more, all prior clamping devices including even the "Magnaform" (trademar}.) system render it impossible to provide a sufficiently tight clamping action to prevent the leakage of oil present in the axle boot. Neoprene rubber, having a hardness of about 60 Shore which was used heretofore for axle boots, represented a relatively elastic element, which did not pose the same i.~r~ 36 problems. Moreover, copper has a much lower tensile strength than, for example, carbon or stainless steel and would yield, when used in an attempt to clamp a harder material such as "Hytrell" (trademark).
It is the aim of the present invention to provide a clamp structure which avoids the aforementioned shortcomings by sim~le means. The underlying problems are solved according to the present invention in that the band, preferably provided with a central rib-like projection, includes at one of its ends a tongue-like extension, continuing the rib-like projection while its opposite end is of fork-shape provided with a central recess 10 between two fork-like members of such size as to accommodate the tongue-like projection between the two resulting fork-like members.
Each of the two fork tines is thereby provided with a radially inwardly extending rib-lihc projection e~tending from the end of a respective tine in overlappin~ relationship to the central rib-like projection in the band.
15 The band is punched-out or s-tamped-out in several placcs spacccl at predetermined distances from the ellds of thc balld to proviclc two rows of spaced teeth extelldillg at riyht ancJle to the b~n(l surface in thc radiallyoutward direction by bcrldillg thc~ thu;~cut tabs al rkJ}It ancJl~. l'rcferably,the cuts for the tabs are mad~ at an antJlc to tllc circumfercn~ l dircctio 20 other than 90 in Ol`del' th;lt the rear clld surfaces of thc tce~ slopc ln such a manner that the distance to a respcctlvc band elld increascs in the circumfcrential direction as on~ procccds from the radihlly inncr to the radially outer erld of a respective tooth, whereby thc likclihood of a disengageMellt of thc band in the installed condition is lcssened during ' contraction of the ear due to the self-holding action.
A clamping member provided with an "Oetiker" (trademark) ear is then used which is provided with a number of complementary rectangular ' cut-outs made from both sides of the band near its two ends which are able to be engaged by the two rows of teeth. Preferably the ear is provided with a groove in the circumferential direction to increase its holding ability.
3~
This arrangement offers the advantage that the band material can be made of relatively thinner flexible material while the clamping member can be made of relatively thicker, stronger material so that a high clamping force can be produced by the clamping member, yet the clamping band retains a S high degree of flexibility to adapt itself to a circular configuration as it changes from a larger to a smaller diametric dimension. Moreover, the same clamping mernber can be used for clamps of different diameter by merely bending the clamping member to a radius of curvature corresponding to the desired diametric dimension.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the band and clamping member are made in one piece, thereby requiring only one set of two rows of teeth near the inner overlapping end of the band and only one set of cut-outs near the other outer end of the band. The central rib-like projection is thereby discontinued within the area where the free end of the tongue-like projection will comc to lie in thc installed condition of the clamp and two similar lateral rib-lil~c projections are providecl within this area within the band on opposite side~; thereof so as to form in cffcct a configuration similar to thc fork-1il;c coniguration o~ thc first-mclltiolled embodiment to accommc)date the ton~ue-likc extcllsion. Moreovcr, to assure a completely satisEactory ci~cular closing of the band, the arca where the tongue-like extcllsion would come to lic in the installed position of the clamp, may be punched-out within the ccntral area of the band to form a recess into which the tongue-lil;e extension can disappear, surrounded on both sides by the rib-like projections in the band, While this embodiment eliminates the possibility of using different material thicknesses for the band and the clamping member, it offers certain advantages in simplicity of manufacture, cost of shipping and ease of installation.
As an alternative to the underlying problems, the present invention also proposes a solution which utilizes a wedge-shaped insert provided with recesses in the external surface thereof to receive inwardly 55~6 projecting ends of hooks engaging in corresponding openings provided in the flat band, much in the manner as disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,847,742. This arrangement entails several advantages. On the one hand, a flat band material with already existing openings may be used as shown in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 2,847,742 or, in the alternative, a flat band material without any openings may be used which can be cut to suitable length and openings can then be provided by the use of a punching ~0 tool. Secondly, it permits a clamping member, possibly of thicker material than the band material, of the type as shown in said U.S. Patent 2,847,7~2 which includes hooks that extend radially inwardly, but without the danger of damaging the band material. An arrangement with inwardly extending hooks is prercrclbl~ ov~r ra~ lly o~lt~ r~lly extending teeth since the inwardly extending hooks tend to tighten the band over the hose material. Finally, the wedge-shaped insert member can be made by simple means, for example, by the use o~ conventiona] mass-production 2() techniques utili~ing relative]y hard materials such as nylon, "Hytrell" (traclemark) ancl the like. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ha.s provecl itself particulaely appropriate. On the other hand, this arrangement entails 2~ assembly disadvanta~es since it is more clifficult to install in mass-production facilities.
Finally, as pointed out above, the use of embossments, grooves, or indentations causes the band material to become reinforced, i.e., less flexible. However, this can be readily overcome in accordance with the present invention, for example, with a rib-like projection, by -~ providing appropriate slots in the rib-like projection -- 6 which do not signiicantly weaken the material yet restore the flexibility thereof.
In its broad scope the present invention consists of a clamp structure for clampimg a hose-like object onto a circular support member, which comprises clamping band means sufficiently flexible to form an open ring and having free ends, and means operable to contract the band means when so flexed, characterized in that, for purposes of reducing the diametric dimension of the band means when so flexed into a ring without internal projection in the clamp structure, the band means comprises further means including a tongue-like extension at one of said band ends operable to freely enter a generally centrally located recess in the other band end which is fork-shaped by relative circumferential movement of the tongue-like extension of the one end into the fork-shaped other end to enable a reduction in the diametric dimension of the band means effective].y without step-like offset or internal projection.
These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and wherein:
- 6a -:;`
! .
--~ Figure 1 is a plan view on a clamping band for a clamp structure in accordance with the present invention including fastening teeth of a novel fastening arrangement in accordance with the present invention;
Figure la is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ia-Ia of Figure l;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the clamping band of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a plan view on a clamping member for use with the clamping band of Figures 1 and 2, in a clamping structure according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the clamping member of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an inside plan view on a part of the clamp structure of Figures 1 through 4, showing the various parts in the assembled condition but prior to the contraction of the ear;
Figure 6 is a perspective, exploded view, showing the various parts of the clamp structure of Figurcs 1 through ~ just prior to assembly thereof;
Figure 7 is a plan view on a modified embodimcnt of a onc-piece clamp structure in accor(lance with the prc.sellt inventioll;
Figure 8 is A side elcvatiollal view of the cl~lmp structurc of Fi~ure 7;
Figure 9 is a cross-scction~l vicw tak~n alon~ linc IX-IX of I:igure 7;
Figure 10 is a partial perspcctive view of the inside of the clarnp structure oi Figures 7 and 8 whell thc clamp structure is closed and its parts are connected with each other but prior to contraction of the ear;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified embodiment of a clamp structure in accordance with the present inventior., utilizing a wedge-shaped insert member;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the wedge-shaped insert member of Figure 11, taken along line XII-XII of Fi~ure 13;
Figure 13 is a plan view on the wedge-shaped insert member of Figure 12;
Pigure 14 is a cross-sectional view through a modified embodiment of a wedge-shaped insert member in accordance with the pre sent invent ion;
Figure 15 is a partial plan view on a band section provided with a rib-like projection and with slots in accordance with the pre sent invent ion; and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along 1 ine XVI ~XVI o.E F i gure 15 .
Other featurcs discl.osed here-.n are claimed in the r~arent application referred to above.
Re:Ecrring now to thc drawing whcrcin like reference numerals arc used throughout the various vicws to designatc like parts, and more particularl.y to F;.gurcs I and 2, these figures il.lustratc thc cl~lmpillg b~lnd gcncrcllly des;gnated by re:Eerence numcr~ll 1.0 .for usc with .l cl.amp stl UCtUI c~ ~rllc flat c;rcum:Eerent:i..l:l scct;o~ l Or t:ll.` cl.l~ l ing ball(l 10 is pre:Ee ral)l.y prov i(lc(l witl~ a ccn t r.l I, r i b- I :i kc 1- ro j cc t .i on 1 2 extending sul)st~lnt i.~l l ly ovcr tllc Cll t i.l'C ICllgt:ll t.llCr(:,`Or all(bc;llg d:isl~osc(l rad:ial.l.y inwardly Or th(? c:irculllr~lc sectiol~ t}lC i.llst~lll.c~l Ct)ll~lit:i.Oll oC ~ c ~ r~
right-ll.ln(l cnd oE the b~lnd 1l, clS vi.cwcd ill ~igurcs ]. and 2, terminates in a tonguc- li.kc cxt~cnsi.oll 13 which lorms a COIItillU~It:i.OII oE thc rib-li.ke pro~ect;.on 12. The let-hand end o:E the band l.l, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, has a fork-like configuration generally designatcd by reference numeral 14, which is formed by the two fork tines 14a and 14b leaving therebetween a space 14c open from the left end thereof that is wider than the width of the tongue-like projection 13. The , ~ 6 fork-like portions l~a and l~b are provided with rib-like projections 15a and 15b, which are of similar configuration as ~he central rib-like projection 12, and, in fact, overlap with the latter in the circumferential direction by a distance "O" indicated in Figure 1. Teeth 16 are formed at a certain distance from the right-hand end of the clamping band 10 by punching-out small tabs and then bending the same at right angle so as to extend in the radially outward - 8a -direction. In order to obtain end surfaces 17 (Figure 2) of the teeth which slope in the radially outer direction in such a manner that the radially innermost point is closer to the respective band end than the radially outermost point thereof, a punching or stamping tool is used which forms cut-outs 18 in the form of parallelograms. As can be seen in Figure 1, the cut-outs 18 are inclined at an angle other than 90 with respect to the circumferential direction, i.e., converge toward one another in the direction toward the tongue-like extension 13.
Near the opposite end of the band 11, i.e., near the left end thereof, similar teeth 16' are formed with inclined end surfaces 17', again sloping aY~ay from the respective band end in the radially outer direction.
Teeth 16' again are formed by punching or stamping out tabs from the band, which leave openings 18' in the form of oppositely directed parallelograms after the punched or stamped-out tabs arc bent at right angle to form the teeth 16'.
The clamping member gencrally dc?sigllatc?d by rcfercnce nurneral 20 (~igures 3 and 4) includes a typical "Octik.cr" (trademark) car gcnc?rally designated by refercllcc nurneral 2l which COItSitS of two gl?ncrally radially outwardly e~:tendinq wall portion~; ?.la alld 21b lntercollnccte~l hy a circum-ferential ~all portion 21c providcd with a groovc 22 extcndillcl in the circumferential dircction to impart ~rcater hold~hility to the car ~nd therewithto the clamp.
The portion 23 of the clamping mcmber 20 to the right of the ear 21 is provided with rectangular cut-outs 24 near the end to receive in the assembled condition the teeth 16 while the left-hand portion Z3' of the clamping member, i.e., to the left of the ear 21, which is shorter than the right-hand portion 23, is provided with cut-out portions 24' to receive the teeth 16'. It should be noted that the cut-out portions 24 and 24' are rectangular in configuration and are of such depth in the transverse direction of the band 20 so as to accommodate the teeth 16 and 16' which ei~tend therethrough in the assembled condition of the clamp structure.
_g_ The dimensions and spacings of the various parts are thereby so chosen that engagement of teeth 16 in cut-outs 24 and of teeth 16' in cut-outs 24' causes the ear 21 to be covered off from underneath by the right-hand end of the band 11, i.e., by the part thereof located just ahead of the tongue-like extension 13 and the tongue-like extension 13 to just enter the recess 14c in the fork-like end 14. Contraction of the ear 21 would merely cause the two ends of the band to move closer to each other, i.f~.,to displace the tongue-like extension 13 further into the recess 14c. Moreover, to prevent an incorrect installation of the clamping member 20 relative to the band 10, the spacings and/or the number of the teeth 16 and cut-outs 24 may be different from those of teeth 16' and cut-outs 24'.
Figure 5 illustrates the inside of the clamp structure as assembled over a hose-like member but before contraction of the ear 21 with the hose-like member omitted for the sake of clarity. More specifically, the teeth 16 have extended through the cut-outs 2-1 and tlle tceth l6' through the cut-outs 2~i' while the tongue-likc e.~tensioll 13 is slidin~;ly received between tlle fork-like members l~a and l~b. Durillg contractioll of -the ear 21,the clarnping balld 10 can reà-lcc itsclf in dia~n(!tric clilmcnsioll without loss in its circular confi~-lration SillCC thc ton~-lc likc c~;tcnsioll 13 can slidc into the recess 19c bctwcc!ll thc fork tincs 14a alld l~lb. I\s is quile a.nparenL, tl-is rcduction in diamctric dimellsion Lakes placc with()ut tllc! occurrcnce ofany inward projection or protrusion ovcr tlle cntire circumfercnce of the clarnp.
Moreover, the central rib-like projectioll 12 ls in effect contlnued by the rib-like projections 15a and 15b within the area where thc central rib-like projection 12 is interrupted, i.e., within the area where the tongue-like e~tension 13 moves between the fork tines 14a and 14b. Since the rib-like projections 12, 15a and 15b have been found to be of assistance in a completely satisfactory cla.~ping action, especially when clamping relatively harder, ' thin-walled hose materials such as "Hytrell" (trademark) axle boots having a Shore hardness of more than 90, this clamping action will exist uniformly ~ t.7~ 336 ~~ over the entire clrcumference of the clamp structure, thereby eliminating the possibility of any non-tightness.
The two-partite construction illustrated in Figures 1 through 6 offers the distinct possibility of utilizing a relatively thin, flexible band material, for example, of stainless steel while utilizing a clamping member of much thicker material. This offers the great advantage of making the clamping band lO of relatively flexible material so as to permit it to adapt itself to the circular configuration as well as to any deviations in the thickness of the hose material while the thicker clamping member 20 produces much greater clamping pressures. In actual use, the ear 21 is contracted by the use of pneumatic pincers so that the clamping structure is always clamped over the plastic hose-like object with the same force.
Furthermore, if so desired, in order to facilitate the use of the clamp structure of Fi~ures l through 6 on the assembly line, the clamping member may be more or less permanently prea.ssembled to the ballcl, for e~ample, by bending the teeth lG or 16' sliglltly ovcr the rcmclillin~ ~vcb portions intermediate the cut--outs 2~ or 2~1' to fi~ onc C`l-d of th clamping melllber to the correspolldincJ band end. Notwi-thstallding such pre2ss~mbly, the clamping member can bo rcadily removeà in casc! Or st?rvice nee(ls by ;nerely opening up the clami~ mcmber, for e~;lmple, hy c-ltting opcr the ear and by thereafter rcmoving thc clalnpill~ member from the thus pre-installed band end by the use of a screw drivcr or similar tool.
The embodiment of Figures 7 through 10 illustrates a clamp structure similar to the clamp structure of Figures l through 6 but ` 25 made in one piece, i.e., made from a single band material. While this facilitates manufacture and assembly, it eliminates the possibility of utilizing a thicker material for that part of the clamp structure which corresponds to the clamping member of Figures l through 6, and more particularly for the ear. In Figures 7 and 8, the clamping member generally designated by reference numeral 30 includes a circumferential flat clamping band section 31 again preferably provided with a radially inwardly extending center rib-like portion 32 that is continued as tongue-like extension 33 at the left end of the clamping structure. Teeth 34 are again formed in a manner similar to the teeth 16 of Figures 1 through 6 by punching or S stamping-out tabs in the shape of a parallelogram and thereafter bending over the thus punched-out tabs at right angle, thereby leaving cut-outs 35 of parallelogram shape. Near the right hand end of the band, a typical "Oeffker" (trademark~ ear generally designated by reference numeral 36 is provided which again consists of generally radially outwardly extending wall portions 36a and 36b joined by a circumferentially extending wa11 portion 36c in which is provided a groove 37 extending in the circumferential direction of the band to increase its holdability.
Near the right hand end of the clamping band 31 are provided rectangular cut-outs 40 ~o receive the teeth 34.
In order to prevent with certainty the occurrence of any internal projection that may be occasioncd by the tong-le-li~c extcnsion 33 during contraction of the e~r 36, a punchecl-out scction gcncrally dcsicJnated by refcrence numeral ~1 is providcd at a prcdcterlllillcd (list.^mcc from the left sicde of thc ear 3~, which consists, c30illg from the k!~t to thc ricJht inFigure 5, of a shar, ly risinc3 portion 42 adjoilled ~)y a nc arly fl~ or sligh~ly downwardly slopinc3 portion 43 which, in turn, is adjoincd l~y a more stccply downwal~dly slopincJ portion 44. This pullcllc!cl-out portion 41 is obtained by a suitable punci1incJ tool embossinc~ thc section 41 aftcr it is cut in the circumferential direction of the band on both sicles thcrcof.
To assure good holding action by the rib-lil;e projection 32 also within the area where the punched-out section 41 is located and where the center rib-li~e portion 32 is interrupted, two rib-like projections 45 are provided adjacent the punched-out section 41 which extencl over such length of the circumference of the band that they overlap with the center rib-li!~e portion 32, as best shown by the overlap 0' in Figure 10.
~' ~.~l r?`~93~
Figure 10 shows the arranqement of the various parts of the one-piece clamp structure of Figures 7 and 8 when assembled, i.e., when the teeth 39 are extended through the cut-outs 40 but before contraction of the ear 36.
As can be seen from Figure 10, the tongue-like extension 33 is in effect accommodated between the two rib-like projections 45 located on both sides of the punched-out section ~1 in a manner similar to the arrangement of the tongue-like extension 13 received between the fork-like portions 14a and 14b in the embodiment of Figures 1 through 6.
The embodiment of Figures 11 through 13 illustrates a different approach 2S solution to the aforementioned problems in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, this embodiment illustrates how to c]amp a plastics, relatively inelastic hose-like member such as an a.~le boot 51 onto a fixed support member 50, by the use of a clamping band 52 and of a clamping ~ember generally designated by reference numeral 53 which may be of the type as disclosed in the U.S. Patent 2,8~7,742 in which the band 52 is provided with openings over the entir~ length, and in which the clamping member 53 is provided with ar. "Oetiker" (trademark) ear generally designated by reference numcral 59 consisting of radially extending side wall portions 55a and 55b j~ined hy ~ all ~x~rtion 5~c which agai~n n~y ~e provided with a circumferelltial groove (not shown), alld with hooks 56 at the end of the clamping membcr 53 for engaging into thc op~llings of the band 52.
According to the presellt invcntion, a wed~e- shaped insel t gelleraUy designated by reference numeral 57 is usecl between a portion of the hose-]ike member 51, on the one hand, and the band 52 and clamping member 53, on the other, which is in the shape of a circular segment. The wedge-shaped insert 57 may be made of any relatively inelastic material such as aluminum or wood, but is preferably made of a synthetic resinous material having relatively inelastic characteristics such as "Nylon", "Hytrell" (trademark), polyvinyl chloride, or the like. To accommodate the ends of the hooks 56 and to prevent damage to the wedge-shaped insert 57, the latter is provided with recesses 58 (Figures 11 and 12).
This particular arrangement also permits a reduction in the diametric dimensions of the band 52 without any inner projections or internaI
protrusions. Moreover, the use of inwardly extending hooks, extending inwardly through the openings in the band 52, is possible without the danger of damaging the plastic hose material by the presence of the protecting insert 57. Inwardly extending hooks are preferable to optimize the clamping action since outwardly extending teeth, as shown, for example, in the U.S. Patent 3,321,811, tend to pull the clamping band away from the hose surface. The free ends of the insert 57 are provided with V-shaped notches 59 so as to increase the abutment force per unit area within the transitional area of the wedge-shaped ends of the insert 57.
Figure 14 in which similar though primed refereIIce numerals are used as in Figures 12 and 13, to designate corresponding parts, illustrates a modified embodiment of a wedge-shaped insert 57' in which the openings 58' extend clear throucih the inscrt member. Moreover, the insert member 57' which is used in particular for smallcr clamp si~es, extcnds over a much greater circumferential len(~tll thall thc~ 11lSCI't 57 of I'igures 11 throucJh 13, and may evell extencl over most, i~ not the cntire, circumfercncc~ of the hose-like objcct. Of course, the insert of Figurcs 1I througll 13 may be modified to incorporaLe somc or all of thc features of the insert 57' of ~i~Jure 1~, for example, by the use of simple rcctanq-llar apcrtules 5~ cxtcndilly clear through the insert. In some applicatiolls, i~ may be appropriate to provide a small hump-]il;:e protrusion along the outside of the insert 57 or 57' within the area to be located underl1eath the ear of the clampin~ member so as to increase thereat the specific abutment force.
As mentioned above, the use of embossments, indentations, or rib-like projections either in the inward or outward direction of a clamping band have the effect of stiffening the same so that it may lose its ability to adapt itself during the contrac-tion of the ear to the circular shape of the plastics hose-like member and of the fixed member onto which it is intended ;d~36 to be clamped. Tests have indicated that such reinforcing projections may result in band sections more likely to retain their rectilinear configuration than the remaining part of the band. To obviate this situation, it has been found surprisin~ly that narrow slots 67 (Figures 15 and 16) cut into the S projections 66 reinstate the flexibility of the band section without in any way weakening the band or the rib-like projections. This arrangement may be applied to any clamp structure in accordance with the pres~nt invention and more particularly to any part thereof whieh exhibits a tendency of retaining its rectilinear configuration more strongly than the remaining section of the band.
Though only one "Oeti~er" (trademark) ear has been shown in connection with the various embodiments of the clamp structure of the present invention, it is understood Lhat also more than one ear, for example, two or three or more "Oetiker" (trademark) ears appropriately spaced from one another, may be used depending on the amount of contraction to be obtained in the clamp.
lS While the fastening arransement in accordance with the preserlt invention, as used in Figurcs 1-10, and includin~ tlle tccth 1~, respective]y, 16' and cut-outs 2~, rcs~)cctivcly, 2~', is prcferablc for manll~.lCtUrin~
cost reasons as well as ease oi installc-ltioll aIld reliabili~ of opcration, the present invention is not limited thercto l)ut may utili~e aIly other suitablc 20 fastening arrang~nlcIlL as kIlowrl in thc aIt, c.~., a; discloscd in the U.S.Patent 3,523,337. Similc-~rly, any othcr suitablo kno~^~n clampiIl~ mcmbcr or clamping means may be used in thc embodimcnts of l~igurcs 11-1~, though again the clamping member as shown is prcferablc for cost, installation, and functioning reasons.
While I have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited thereto but is susce?tible of numerous changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art, and I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are encom?asced by the scope of the appended claims.
This arrangement offers the advantage that the band material can be made of relatively thinner flexible material while the clamping member can be made of relatively thicker, stronger material so that a high clamping force can be produced by the clamping member, yet the clamping band retains a S high degree of flexibility to adapt itself to a circular configuration as it changes from a larger to a smaller diametric dimension. Moreover, the same clamping mernber can be used for clamps of different diameter by merely bending the clamping member to a radius of curvature corresponding to the desired diametric dimension.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the band and clamping member are made in one piece, thereby requiring only one set of two rows of teeth near the inner overlapping end of the band and only one set of cut-outs near the other outer end of the band. The central rib-like projection is thereby discontinued within the area where the free end of the tongue-like projection will comc to lie in thc installed condition of the clamp and two similar lateral rib-lil~c projections are providecl within this area within the band on opposite side~; thereof so as to form in cffcct a configuration similar to thc fork-1il;c coniguration o~ thc first-mclltiolled embodiment to accommc)date the ton~ue-likc extcllsion. Moreovcr, to assure a completely satisEactory ci~cular closing of the band, the arca where the tongue-like extcllsion would come to lic in the installed position of the clamp, may be punched-out within the ccntral area of the band to form a recess into which the tongue-lil;e extension can disappear, surrounded on both sides by the rib-like projections in the band, While this embodiment eliminates the possibility of using different material thicknesses for the band and the clamping member, it offers certain advantages in simplicity of manufacture, cost of shipping and ease of installation.
As an alternative to the underlying problems, the present invention also proposes a solution which utilizes a wedge-shaped insert provided with recesses in the external surface thereof to receive inwardly 55~6 projecting ends of hooks engaging in corresponding openings provided in the flat band, much in the manner as disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,847,742. This arrangement entails several advantages. On the one hand, a flat band material with already existing openings may be used as shown in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 2,847,742 or, in the alternative, a flat band material without any openings may be used which can be cut to suitable length and openings can then be provided by the use of a punching ~0 tool. Secondly, it permits a clamping member, possibly of thicker material than the band material, of the type as shown in said U.S. Patent 2,847,7~2 which includes hooks that extend radially inwardly, but without the danger of damaging the band material. An arrangement with inwardly extending hooks is prercrclbl~ ov~r ra~ lly o~lt~ r~lly extending teeth since the inwardly extending hooks tend to tighten the band over the hose material. Finally, the wedge-shaped insert member can be made by simple means, for example, by the use o~ conventiona] mass-production 2() techniques utili~ing relative]y hard materials such as nylon, "Hytrell" (traclemark) ancl the like. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ha.s provecl itself particulaely appropriate. On the other hand, this arrangement entails 2~ assembly disadvanta~es since it is more clifficult to install in mass-production facilities.
Finally, as pointed out above, the use of embossments, grooves, or indentations causes the band material to become reinforced, i.e., less flexible. However, this can be readily overcome in accordance with the present invention, for example, with a rib-like projection, by -~ providing appropriate slots in the rib-like projection -- 6 which do not signiicantly weaken the material yet restore the flexibility thereof.
In its broad scope the present invention consists of a clamp structure for clampimg a hose-like object onto a circular support member, which comprises clamping band means sufficiently flexible to form an open ring and having free ends, and means operable to contract the band means when so flexed, characterized in that, for purposes of reducing the diametric dimension of the band means when so flexed into a ring without internal projection in the clamp structure, the band means comprises further means including a tongue-like extension at one of said band ends operable to freely enter a generally centrally located recess in the other band end which is fork-shaped by relative circumferential movement of the tongue-like extension of the one end into the fork-shaped other end to enable a reduction in the diametric dimension of the band means effective].y without step-like offset or internal projection.
These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and wherein:
- 6a -:;`
! .
--~ Figure 1 is a plan view on a clamping band for a clamp structure in accordance with the present invention including fastening teeth of a novel fastening arrangement in accordance with the present invention;
Figure la is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ia-Ia of Figure l;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the clamping band of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a plan view on a clamping member for use with the clamping band of Figures 1 and 2, in a clamping structure according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the clamping member of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an inside plan view on a part of the clamp structure of Figures 1 through 4, showing the various parts in the assembled condition but prior to the contraction of the ear;
Figure 6 is a perspective, exploded view, showing the various parts of the clamp structure of Figurcs 1 through ~ just prior to assembly thereof;
Figure 7 is a plan view on a modified embodimcnt of a onc-piece clamp structure in accor(lance with the prc.sellt inventioll;
Figure 8 is A side elcvatiollal view of the cl~lmp structurc of Fi~ure 7;
Figure 9 is a cross-scction~l vicw tak~n alon~ linc IX-IX of I:igure 7;
Figure 10 is a partial perspcctive view of the inside of the clarnp structure oi Figures 7 and 8 whell thc clamp structure is closed and its parts are connected with each other but prior to contraction of the ear;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified embodiment of a clamp structure in accordance with the present inventior., utilizing a wedge-shaped insert member;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the wedge-shaped insert member of Figure 11, taken along line XII-XII of Fi~ure 13;
Figure 13 is a plan view on the wedge-shaped insert member of Figure 12;
Pigure 14 is a cross-sectional view through a modified embodiment of a wedge-shaped insert member in accordance with the pre sent invent ion;
Figure 15 is a partial plan view on a band section provided with a rib-like projection and with slots in accordance with the pre sent invent ion; and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along 1 ine XVI ~XVI o.E F i gure 15 .
Other featurcs discl.osed here-.n are claimed in the r~arent application referred to above.
Re:Ecrring now to thc drawing whcrcin like reference numerals arc used throughout the various vicws to designatc like parts, and more particularl.y to F;.gurcs I and 2, these figures il.lustratc thc cl~lmpillg b~lnd gcncrcllly des;gnated by re:Eerence numcr~ll 1.0 .for usc with .l cl.amp stl UCtUI c~ ~rllc flat c;rcum:Eerent:i..l:l scct;o~ l Or t:ll.` cl.l~ l ing ball(l 10 is pre:Ee ral)l.y prov i(lc(l witl~ a ccn t r.l I, r i b- I :i kc 1- ro j cc t .i on 1 2 extending sul)st~lnt i.~l l ly ovcr tllc Cll t i.l'C ICllgt:ll t.llCr(:,`Or all(bc;llg d:isl~osc(l rad:ial.l.y inwardly Or th(? c:irculllr~lc sectiol~ t}lC i.llst~lll.c~l Ct)ll~lit:i.Oll oC ~ c ~ r~
right-ll.ln(l cnd oE the b~lnd 1l, clS vi.cwcd ill ~igurcs ]. and 2, terminates in a tonguc- li.kc cxt~cnsi.oll 13 which lorms a COIItillU~It:i.OII oE thc rib-li.ke pro~ect;.on 12. The let-hand end o:E the band l.l, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, has a fork-like configuration generally designatcd by reference numeral 14, which is formed by the two fork tines 14a and 14b leaving therebetween a space 14c open from the left end thereof that is wider than the width of the tongue-like projection 13. The , ~ 6 fork-like portions l~a and l~b are provided with rib-like projections 15a and 15b, which are of similar configuration as ~he central rib-like projection 12, and, in fact, overlap with the latter in the circumferential direction by a distance "O" indicated in Figure 1. Teeth 16 are formed at a certain distance from the right-hand end of the clamping band 10 by punching-out small tabs and then bending the same at right angle so as to extend in the radially outward - 8a -direction. In order to obtain end surfaces 17 (Figure 2) of the teeth which slope in the radially outer direction in such a manner that the radially innermost point is closer to the respective band end than the radially outermost point thereof, a punching or stamping tool is used which forms cut-outs 18 in the form of parallelograms. As can be seen in Figure 1, the cut-outs 18 are inclined at an angle other than 90 with respect to the circumferential direction, i.e., converge toward one another in the direction toward the tongue-like extension 13.
Near the opposite end of the band 11, i.e., near the left end thereof, similar teeth 16' are formed with inclined end surfaces 17', again sloping aY~ay from the respective band end in the radially outer direction.
Teeth 16' again are formed by punching or stamping out tabs from the band, which leave openings 18' in the form of oppositely directed parallelograms after the punched or stamped-out tabs arc bent at right angle to form the teeth 16'.
The clamping member gencrally dc?sigllatc?d by rcfercnce nurneral 20 (~igures 3 and 4) includes a typical "Octik.cr" (trademark) car gcnc?rally designated by refercllcc nurneral 2l which COItSitS of two gl?ncrally radially outwardly e~:tendinq wall portion~; ?.la alld 21b lntercollnccte~l hy a circum-ferential ~all portion 21c providcd with a groovc 22 extcndillcl in the circumferential dircction to impart ~rcater hold~hility to the car ~nd therewithto the clamp.
The portion 23 of the clamping mcmber 20 to the right of the ear 21 is provided with rectangular cut-outs 24 near the end to receive in the assembled condition the teeth 16 while the left-hand portion Z3' of the clamping member, i.e., to the left of the ear 21, which is shorter than the right-hand portion 23, is provided with cut-out portions 24' to receive the teeth 16'. It should be noted that the cut-out portions 24 and 24' are rectangular in configuration and are of such depth in the transverse direction of the band 20 so as to accommodate the teeth 16 and 16' which ei~tend therethrough in the assembled condition of the clamp structure.
_g_ The dimensions and spacings of the various parts are thereby so chosen that engagement of teeth 16 in cut-outs 24 and of teeth 16' in cut-outs 24' causes the ear 21 to be covered off from underneath by the right-hand end of the band 11, i.e., by the part thereof located just ahead of the tongue-like extension 13 and the tongue-like extension 13 to just enter the recess 14c in the fork-like end 14. Contraction of the ear 21 would merely cause the two ends of the band to move closer to each other, i.f~.,to displace the tongue-like extension 13 further into the recess 14c. Moreover, to prevent an incorrect installation of the clamping member 20 relative to the band 10, the spacings and/or the number of the teeth 16 and cut-outs 24 may be different from those of teeth 16' and cut-outs 24'.
Figure 5 illustrates the inside of the clamp structure as assembled over a hose-like member but before contraction of the ear 21 with the hose-like member omitted for the sake of clarity. More specifically, the teeth 16 have extended through the cut-outs 2-1 and tlle tceth l6' through the cut-outs 2~i' while the tongue-likc e.~tensioll 13 is slidin~;ly received between tlle fork-like members l~a and l~b. Durillg contractioll of -the ear 21,the clarnping balld 10 can reà-lcc itsclf in dia~n(!tric clilmcnsioll without loss in its circular confi~-lration SillCC thc ton~-lc likc c~;tcnsioll 13 can slidc into the recess 19c bctwcc!ll thc fork tincs 14a alld l~lb. I\s is quile a.nparenL, tl-is rcduction in diamctric dimellsion Lakes placc with()ut tllc! occurrcnce ofany inward projection or protrusion ovcr tlle cntire circumfercnce of the clarnp.
Moreover, the central rib-like projectioll 12 ls in effect contlnued by the rib-like projections 15a and 15b within the area where thc central rib-like projection 12 is interrupted, i.e., within the area where the tongue-like e~tension 13 moves between the fork tines 14a and 14b. Since the rib-like projections 12, 15a and 15b have been found to be of assistance in a completely satisfactory cla.~ping action, especially when clamping relatively harder, ' thin-walled hose materials such as "Hytrell" (trademark) axle boots having a Shore hardness of more than 90, this clamping action will exist uniformly ~ t.7~ 336 ~~ over the entire clrcumference of the clamp structure, thereby eliminating the possibility of any non-tightness.
The two-partite construction illustrated in Figures 1 through 6 offers the distinct possibility of utilizing a relatively thin, flexible band material, for example, of stainless steel while utilizing a clamping member of much thicker material. This offers the great advantage of making the clamping band lO of relatively flexible material so as to permit it to adapt itself to the circular configuration as well as to any deviations in the thickness of the hose material while the thicker clamping member 20 produces much greater clamping pressures. In actual use, the ear 21 is contracted by the use of pneumatic pincers so that the clamping structure is always clamped over the plastic hose-like object with the same force.
Furthermore, if so desired, in order to facilitate the use of the clamp structure of Fi~ures l through 6 on the assembly line, the clamping member may be more or less permanently prea.ssembled to the ballcl, for e~ample, by bending the teeth lG or 16' sliglltly ovcr the rcmclillin~ ~vcb portions intermediate the cut--outs 2~ or 2~1' to fi~ onc C`l-d of th clamping melllber to the correspolldincJ band end. Notwi-thstallding such pre2ss~mbly, the clamping member can bo rcadily removeà in casc! Or st?rvice nee(ls by ;nerely opening up the clami~ mcmber, for e~;lmple, hy c-ltting opcr the ear and by thereafter rcmoving thc clalnpill~ member from the thus pre-installed band end by the use of a screw drivcr or similar tool.
The embodiment of Figures 7 through 10 illustrates a clamp structure similar to the clamp structure of Figures l through 6 but ` 25 made in one piece, i.e., made from a single band material. While this facilitates manufacture and assembly, it eliminates the possibility of utilizing a thicker material for that part of the clamp structure which corresponds to the clamping member of Figures l through 6, and more particularly for the ear. In Figures 7 and 8, the clamping member generally designated by reference numeral 30 includes a circumferential flat clamping band section 31 again preferably provided with a radially inwardly extending center rib-like portion 32 that is continued as tongue-like extension 33 at the left end of the clamping structure. Teeth 34 are again formed in a manner similar to the teeth 16 of Figures 1 through 6 by punching or S stamping-out tabs in the shape of a parallelogram and thereafter bending over the thus punched-out tabs at right angle, thereby leaving cut-outs 35 of parallelogram shape. Near the right hand end of the band, a typical "Oeffker" (trademark~ ear generally designated by reference numeral 36 is provided which again consists of generally radially outwardly extending wall portions 36a and 36b joined by a circumferentially extending wa11 portion 36c in which is provided a groove 37 extending in the circumferential direction of the band to increase its holdability.
Near the right hand end of the clamping band 31 are provided rectangular cut-outs 40 ~o receive the teeth 34.
In order to prevent with certainty the occurrence of any internal projection that may be occasioncd by the tong-le-li~c extcnsion 33 during contraction of the e~r 36, a punchecl-out scction gcncrally dcsicJnated by refcrence numeral ~1 is providcd at a prcdcterlllillcd (list.^mcc from the left sicde of thc ear 3~, which consists, c30illg from the k!~t to thc ricJht inFigure 5, of a shar, ly risinc3 portion 42 adjoilled ~)y a nc arly fl~ or sligh~ly downwardly slopinc3 portion 43 which, in turn, is adjoincd l~y a more stccply downwal~dly slopincJ portion 44. This pullcllc!cl-out portion 41 is obtained by a suitable punci1incJ tool embossinc~ thc section 41 aftcr it is cut in the circumferential direction of the band on both sicles thcrcof.
To assure good holding action by the rib-lil;e projection 32 also within the area where the punched-out section 41 is located and where the center rib-li~e portion 32 is interrupted, two rib-like projections 45 are provided adjacent the punched-out section 41 which extencl over such length of the circumference of the band that they overlap with the center rib-li!~e portion 32, as best shown by the overlap 0' in Figure 10.
~' ~.~l r?`~93~
Figure 10 shows the arranqement of the various parts of the one-piece clamp structure of Figures 7 and 8 when assembled, i.e., when the teeth 39 are extended through the cut-outs 40 but before contraction of the ear 36.
As can be seen from Figure 10, the tongue-like extension 33 is in effect accommodated between the two rib-like projections 45 located on both sides of the punched-out section ~1 in a manner similar to the arrangement of the tongue-like extension 13 received between the fork-like portions 14a and 14b in the embodiment of Figures 1 through 6.
The embodiment of Figures 11 through 13 illustrates a different approach 2S solution to the aforementioned problems in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, this embodiment illustrates how to c]amp a plastics, relatively inelastic hose-like member such as an a.~le boot 51 onto a fixed support member 50, by the use of a clamping band 52 and of a clamping ~ember generally designated by reference numeral 53 which may be of the type as disclosed in the U.S. Patent 2,8~7,742 in which the band 52 is provided with openings over the entir~ length, and in which the clamping member 53 is provided with ar. "Oetiker" (trademark) ear generally designated by reference numcral 59 consisting of radially extending side wall portions 55a and 55b j~ined hy ~ all ~x~rtion 5~c which agai~n n~y ~e provided with a circumferelltial groove (not shown), alld with hooks 56 at the end of the clamping membcr 53 for engaging into thc op~llings of the band 52.
According to the presellt invcntion, a wed~e- shaped insel t gelleraUy designated by reference numeral 57 is usecl between a portion of the hose-]ike member 51, on the one hand, and the band 52 and clamping member 53, on the other, which is in the shape of a circular segment. The wedge-shaped insert 57 may be made of any relatively inelastic material such as aluminum or wood, but is preferably made of a synthetic resinous material having relatively inelastic characteristics such as "Nylon", "Hytrell" (trademark), polyvinyl chloride, or the like. To accommodate the ends of the hooks 56 and to prevent damage to the wedge-shaped insert 57, the latter is provided with recesses 58 (Figures 11 and 12).
This particular arrangement also permits a reduction in the diametric dimensions of the band 52 without any inner projections or internaI
protrusions. Moreover, the use of inwardly extending hooks, extending inwardly through the openings in the band 52, is possible without the danger of damaging the plastic hose material by the presence of the protecting insert 57. Inwardly extending hooks are preferable to optimize the clamping action since outwardly extending teeth, as shown, for example, in the U.S. Patent 3,321,811, tend to pull the clamping band away from the hose surface. The free ends of the insert 57 are provided with V-shaped notches 59 so as to increase the abutment force per unit area within the transitional area of the wedge-shaped ends of the insert 57.
Figure 14 in which similar though primed refereIIce numerals are used as in Figures 12 and 13, to designate corresponding parts, illustrates a modified embodiment of a wedge-shaped insert 57' in which the openings 58' extend clear throucih the inscrt member. Moreover, the insert member 57' which is used in particular for smallcr clamp si~es, extcnds over a much greater circumferential len(~tll thall thc~ 11lSCI't 57 of I'igures 11 throucJh 13, and may evell extencl over most, i~ not the cntire, circumfercncc~ of the hose-like objcct. Of course, the insert of Figurcs 1I througll 13 may be modified to incorporaLe somc or all of thc features of the insert 57' of ~i~Jure 1~, for example, by the use of simple rcctanq-llar apcrtules 5~ cxtcndilly clear through the insert. In some applicatiolls, i~ may be appropriate to provide a small hump-]il;:e protrusion along the outside of the insert 57 or 57' within the area to be located underl1eath the ear of the clampin~ member so as to increase thereat the specific abutment force.
As mentioned above, the use of embossments, indentations, or rib-like projections either in the inward or outward direction of a clamping band have the effect of stiffening the same so that it may lose its ability to adapt itself during the contrac-tion of the ear to the circular shape of the plastics hose-like member and of the fixed member onto which it is intended ;d~36 to be clamped. Tests have indicated that such reinforcing projections may result in band sections more likely to retain their rectilinear configuration than the remaining part of the band. To obviate this situation, it has been found surprisin~ly that narrow slots 67 (Figures 15 and 16) cut into the S projections 66 reinstate the flexibility of the band section without in any way weakening the band or the rib-like projections. This arrangement may be applied to any clamp structure in accordance with the pres~nt invention and more particularly to any part thereof whieh exhibits a tendency of retaining its rectilinear configuration more strongly than the remaining section of the band.
Though only one "Oeti~er" (trademark) ear has been shown in connection with the various embodiments of the clamp structure of the present invention, it is understood Lhat also more than one ear, for example, two or three or more "Oetiker" (trademark) ears appropriately spaced from one another, may be used depending on the amount of contraction to be obtained in the clamp.
lS While the fastening arransement in accordance with the preserlt invention, as used in Figurcs 1-10, and includin~ tlle tccth 1~, respective]y, 16' and cut-outs 2~, rcs~)cctivcly, 2~', is prcferablc for manll~.lCtUrin~
cost reasons as well as ease oi installc-ltioll aIld reliabili~ of opcration, the present invention is not limited thercto l)ut may utili~e aIly other suitablc 20 fastening arrang~nlcIlL as kIlowrl in thc aIt, c.~., a; discloscd in the U.S.Patent 3,523,337. Similc-~rly, any othcr suitablo kno~^~n clampiIl~ mcmbcr or clamping means may be used in thc embodimcnts of l~igurcs 11-1~, though again the clamping member as shown is prcferablc for cost, installation, and functioning reasons.
While I have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited thereto but is susce?tible of numerous changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art, and I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are encom?asced by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (4)
1. A clamp structure for clamping a hose-like object onto a circular support member, which comprises clamping band means sufficiently flexible to form an open ring and having free ends, and means operable to contract the band means when so flexed, characterized in that, for purposes of reducing the diametric dimension of the band means when so flexed into a ring without internal projection in the clamp structure, the band means comprises further means including a tongue-like extension at one of said band ends operable to freely enter a generally centrally located recess in the other band end which is fork-shaped by relative circumferential movement of the tongue-like extension of the one end into the fork-shaped other end to enable a reduction in the diametric dimension of the band means effectively without step-like offset or internal projection.
2. A clamp structure according to claim 1, characterized in that a substantially central rib-like indentation extending from said tongue-like extension to the area of the recess is provided in said band means while lateral rib-like indentations are provided in the fork-shaped band end which overlap with said central rib-like indentation in the circumferential direction of the band means.
3. A clamp structure according to claim 2, wherein said means operable to contract said band means is in one piece with said band means.
4. A clamp structure according to claim 2, wherein said means operable to contract said band means is a separate member from said band means, the structure including means in said band means and in said separate member for form-lockingly connecting the separate member with said band means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000397141A CA1150936A (en) | 1978-06-14 | 1982-02-25 | Clamp structure, especially axle sleeve clamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US915,466 | 1978-06-14 | ||
| US05/915,466 US4237584A (en) | 1978-06-14 | 1978-06-14 | Clamp structure, especially axle sleeve clamp |
| CA326,363A CA1128734A (en) | 1978-06-14 | 1979-04-25 | Clamp structure, especially axle sleeve clamp |
| CA000397141A CA1150936A (en) | 1978-06-14 | 1982-02-25 | Clamp structure, especially axle sleeve clamp |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1150936A true CA1150936A (en) | 1983-08-02 |
Family
ID=27166209
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000397141A Expired CA1150936A (en) | 1978-06-14 | 1982-02-25 | Clamp structure, especially axle sleeve clamp |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1150936A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-02-25 CA CA000397141A patent/CA1150936A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |