CA1150937A - Hose clamp - Google Patents
Hose clampInfo
- Publication number
- CA1150937A CA1150937A CA000410454A CA410454A CA1150937A CA 1150937 A CA1150937 A CA 1150937A CA 000410454 A CA000410454 A CA 000410454A CA 410454 A CA410454 A CA 410454A CA 1150937 A CA1150937 A CA 1150937A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- band
- clamp structure
- tongue
- tightening
- 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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- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract A clamp structure consists of a clamping band having open ends that are mechanically interconnected by outwardly extending hooks in an inner band portion operable to engage in corresponding apertures provided in an outer band portion. The clamp structure includes a device for tightening the clamping band about an object to be fastened. The invention is characterized by a tongue at a free end of the inner band portion. This tongue is operable to engage into a tongue-receiving slot located at least within the area of an outwardly extending step-like portion provided in the outer band portion. This arrange-ment assures a substantially gap-free and stepless transition in the circumferential direction from the inner band portion to the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the clamping band upon tightening of the clamp structure.
Description
This application is a division of application Serial No.
351,271 filed May 5, 1980.
The present invention relates to a elamp structure, and more particularly to an open hose elamp whose free ends are adapted to be meehanieally intereonneeted.
Various types of hose elamps are known in the prior art in which a elamping band made, for example, of flat strip material is adapted to be meehanieally intereonneeted at the free ends thereof to form a ring-like clamping structure that can be tightened by contraetion of a so-called "Oetiker" ear.
At the outset, one must distinguish between those clamps, the free ends of which are permanently interconnected already before installation and those open elamps, the open ends of which are interconneeted only after being aetually installed about the objeet to be fastened. The former type of hose clamps, to which belong those whose open ends are intereonneeted beforehand, for instanee, by spot-welding or by a rivet-like joint as diselosed in my prior U.S. Patent 3,286,314 issued November 22, 1966 must be assembled axially in a manner similar to the hose clamps disclosed in my prior U.S. Patents 2,614,304 and 3,082,498 issued March 26, 1963 (Figures 1 and 2), i.e., must be axially slipped over the object to be fastened be~ore eontraeting the so-ealled "Oetiker" ear in the installed position. However, an axial assembly becomes unrealistie if, for example, a elamp has been ineorrectly mounted on the assembly line, e.g., over an axle boot, requiring the thus incorrectly installed elamp to be cut open and removed and necessitating a replacement clamp having the same dimensions to be thereafter installed correetly in the location of the previously improperly installed elamp.
Unless sueh clamp is of the open type with accurately the same dimensions, whieh can be installed by placirlg it circumferentially about the part to be fastened and thereafter closing the previously open elamp, it would require a disassembly of the parts in question which ~,vould be e~ccessi~ely costly with assembly line techniques as used, for e:~ample, in the automotive industry. Of course, the same problems arise if a clamp supposed to be installed on the assembly line, has been completely omitte d.
Various proposals have been made heretofore to provide an open clarn? which can be subsequently installed by placing it circumferentially about the ob ject to be fastened. For e~ample, my prior U. S. Patent ~, 8 ' 7, 742 discloses a clamp structure utilizina a perforated clampina band made from so-c~lled "ladder-type" band material, the free ends of ~rhich are adapted to be interconnected by a bridging member havlng a so-called "Oetiker" ear and inwardly e~ctending hooks engaging in openings of the per~orated band before its ear is contracted. However, in~,Yardly e~tending hooks are disadvantageous since they may damage the hose material.
Various alternatives to inwardly e.Ytending hooks, which involve outwardly e~tending hooks, have been proposed heretofore, for e~cample, as disclosed in my prior patent 3, 082, ~98 (Figure 4) and in the U. S. Patent 3, 321, 811 to Thomas. However, the dra-vback of the prior art clarnps as disclosed in the Thomas Patent 3, 321, 811 and in Figure g of my U. S. Patent 3, 082, 498 resided in the lack of sufficient holding ability ~hen the so-called "0etiker"
ear was contracted, since the not insignificant circumferential forces tended to cause the hook to be bent bac~c, thereby resulting in an opening of the clamp This problem is the more se~ere the thinner the band materiai ~vhich is used for the clamp. To eliminate this problem, hose clamps 2i ~vith t~.vo hooks were already pro~osed in my prior U. S. pctents 3, 475, 793 and 3, i23, 337 AdditionallJ~ hose clamps of the type described in the 3~
U.S. Patent 3,321,811 were made in which two hooks o~
somewhat different configuration were used. However, all of these prior art hooks were in the form of more or less rectangular tabs bent out of the band material after an initial, approximately U-shaped cut defining the tab. A
completely satisfactory holding ability, however, could not be achieved even with these double hook arrangements due to the unavoidable bending as a result of the large tensional forces that are produced when contracting an "Oetiker"-type ear which may involve tensional forces of up to 200 kg and more. Even an arrangement with two hook-like members in the clamp structure as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 3,321,811, of which one was primarily intended as suspension hook and the other as ]5 support hook, proved far from satisfactory because not only the tab-like suspension hook but also the tab-like support hook yielded, i.e. were bent back and caused the clamp to open in the presence of the circumferentially directed, relatively large tensional forces which occur when a so-called "Oetiker" ear is contracted.
The present invention seeks to obviate the afore-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior art by simple means and is intended to provide a clamp structure of the open type, which can be installed circumferent;ally about the object to be fastened and in which the open ends can be thereafter interconnected mechanically by the use of outwardly extending hooks capable of withstanding all occurring forces.
To this end, the invention consists of a clamp structure, comprising clamping band means having open ~5~`937 ends, means mechanically interconnecting the open ends of the band means including outwardly extending hook means in an inner band portion operable to engage in corresponding aperture means provided in an outer band portion, and at least one means in the clamp structure for tightening the clamping band means about an object to be fastened, characterized by a tongue means at a free end of the inner band portion, which is operable to engage into a tongue-receiving means provided at least within the area of an outwardly extending step-like portion provided in the outer band portion to assure a substantially gap-free and stepless transition in the circumferential direction from the inner band portion to the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the band means upon tightening of the clamp structure by said tightening means.
With the use of the more elastic, rubber-like hose materials as used in the past, small discontinuities or steps could generally be accepted as the elastic material readily compensated for such discontinuities or steps in the hose-engaging surface of the clamp without any danger of leakage. However, with the use of relatively hard plastic hose materials which have a hardness degree of 90 Shore or more, or with the use of very thin-walled hard or soft hose materials having a thickness of the order of 1 mm. or a few millimeters or less, and which have become available within the recent past, it becomes important to provide a substantially stepless and gap-free transition between overlapping band ends, i.e. to provide a continuous or uninterrupted smooth inner hose-engaging surface devoid of any steps or discontinuities in order to avoid with certainty any leakage problems. Since over-lapping band portions normally involve a step corresponding to the thickness of the material if no other measures are taken, or a gap (discontinuity) if a step-like shoulder or offset is provided leading to the overlapping outer band portion, the present invention also proposes a means to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction from the free end of the inner band portion to the remaining ring-like configuration of the clamping structure defined by the band when the clamp structure is tightened. The means according to the preferred embodiment of the invention include a tongue-like extension at the free end of the inner band portion which is operable to engage in a slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture provided in the corresponding location of the outer band portion.
If the outer band portion is provided with an outwardly extending step-like portion, displacing the outer band portion relative to the inner band portion by a radial distance approximately equal to the thickness of the band material, then the slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture is provided at least within the area of the step-like portion and, depending on the length of the tongue-like extension, is extended in the circumferential direction by a distance sufficient to accommodate the entire length of the tongue-like extension when the ear or ears are fully contracted.
The tongue-like portion may be flat in cross section but may also be curved, e.g. concavely or preferably generally convexly curved so that the forces engaging the object to be fastened are concentrated to the more or less point-like Pyl3~7 outer end areas of the arcuate configuration of the tongue-like portion, whence the specific forces are increased within the area of contact of the tongue-like portion with the object to be fastened which s thus clamped with greater force within that area against the relatively fixed part, such as a nipple or the like.
The present invention thus makes it possible to reduce a circle in its diameter wthout having to accept distortions in the circular configuration of the clamp and/or disturbing transitional steps or gaps which have caused leakages especially with relatively hard plastic hoses or with very thin-walled hard or soft hose materials, yet obviates the need for an axial emplacement of the clamp, which represents a significant advance in the state of the clamp art.
These and other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing. The drawings also illustrate features that are claimed in the parent application referred to above or in a further divisional application Serial No. filed simultaneously herewith. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art clamp structure having open ends and a mechanical interlock consisting of an outwardly extending hook adapted to engage in one of several apertures provided in the outer band;
Figure 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view through the inner band portion of the clamp of Figure 1, 3~
Figure 3 is an elevational view of a clamp structure having open ends and equipped with a mechanical connection including outwardly extending hooks;
Figure 4 is a partial perspective exploded view s showing the details of the mechanical interconnection for a clamp structure having open ends;
Figure 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the details of the dash and dot circle A (Figure 3);
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is an elevational view of a modified embodiment of a clamp structure, similar to the clamp structure of Figure 3 but additionally provided with means according to the present invention assuring a gapless transition from the free end of the inner band portion to the circular configuration defined by the clamping band;
Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7;
Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 and illustrating a modi~ied arrangement utilizing two side-by-side embossments;
Figure 9 is a partial elevational view taken in the direction of arrows 9-9 of Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 7;
Figure lla is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 7;
Figure llb is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure lla and illustrating a concavely curved tongue portion;
s`~i~33~7 Figure 12 is an elevational view of still another embodiment of a clamp of the open type provided with a mechanical interconnection located substantially opposite of a so-called "Oetiker" ear;
Figure 13 is a partial elevational view taken along arrows 13-13 of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is an elevational view of a clamp structure similar to Figure 12 but provided with an insert member to bridge the gap underneath the ear and with means to assure a gapless transition from the ends of the insert m~mber into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by its clamping band;
Figure 15 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 15-15 of Figure 14;
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of Figure 14;
Figure 17 is an elevational view of a still further modified embodiment of a clamping structure of the open type provided with a mechanical connection and with 2n means assuring a substantial.ly gap-ree transition from the free end of the inner band portion, overlapping the opening underneath the ear, into the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the band :.; thereof;
Figure 18 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 18-18 of Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the clamp structure of Figure 17 in the open position;
Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamp structure of the open type consisting of a clamping band and of a bridge-like clamping member adapted to be connected;
~ 37 Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view through the clamp structure of Figure 20 with the various parts thereof in the assembled position by means of the mechanical connection;
Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of an end of a ladder~type clamping band in which a tongue-receiving channel is formed by bending out the web portions thereof;
Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of a clamp structure similar to Figures 20 and 21 but provided with means to enable preassembly of one clamping band end with one end of the bridge-like clamping member by the use of a longer suspension hook;
Figure 25 is a partial perspective view similar to Figure 24 and illustrating a slider member for preassembling one end of the clamping band with one end of the bridge-like clamping member;
Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 26-26 of Figure 25;
Figure 27 i5 an elevational view of another embodiment of a clamp structure, utilizing ladder-type clamping bands each provided with an ear to obtain clamp structures of different diametric dimensions;
Figure 28 is a partial plan view taken in the directon of arrows 28-28 of Figure 27;
Figure 29 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 29-29 of Figure 27;
Figure 30 is a partial elevational view of still another embodiment of a clamp structure provided with a J ~ 3~
mechanical connection within the area opposite its so-called "Oetiker" ear;
Figure 31 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 31-31 of Figure 30;
Figure 32 is a perspective view of a still further modified embodiment of a clamp structure enabling substantial variations in the diametric dimensions thereof;
Figure 33 is a perspective view illustrating the clamp structure of Figure 32 in the closed condition;
Figure 34 is a perspective view illustrating a clamp structure somewhat similar to the clamp structures of Figures 32 and 33 but provided with short web sections connec-ting the remaining side portions of the band material with the bottom of the channel-like recess, Figure 35 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 35-35 of Figure 34;
Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 of Figure 35;
Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 of Figure 35;
Figure 38 is a perspective view of a clamp structure of the open type provided with a modified mechanical connection means providing a substantially gap-free transition from the inner band portion to the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by its clamping band; and Figure 39 is a perspective view of a still further modified embodiment of a clamp structure provided with longitudinal slots throughout most of the circumference of the band to facilitate bending thereof and increase its holding ability.
,J~
Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the various views to designate like parts, and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2 thereof, reference numeral 10 generally designates in Figure 1 a clamp structure of the open type as disclosed in the U.S. Patent 3,321,811 to Thomas. The clamp structure 10 includes a flat clamping band 11 of sheet metal or steel strip material having an outer end portion lla and an inner end portion llb, which overlap one another. Additionally, adjacent the outer end portion lla, the clamp structure 10 includes a typical "Oetiker"
ear generally designated by reference numeral 13 which includes generally outwardly extending leg portions 14 and 15 interconnected by a bridging portion 16. The overlapping inner and outer band portions lla and llb are 93~7 intended to be fastened together by a mecha~ical interconnection generally designated by reference mlmeral 20 which includes an out~vardly e.~tending hook 21 in the irner band portion llb adapted to engage in one of several apertures 22 provided in the outer band portion lla. The hook 21 is in the S form of a more or less rectangular tab bent out of the band material after an initial approximately U-shaped cut defining the tab. A satisfactory holding ability of this arrangement, however, could not be achie~-ed since the hook 21 yielded in the presence of the large circumferentially directed forces which may occur as a result of the contraction of the ear 13, and permitted the clamp to open up after being bent bac~s into the position '~1' illustrated in Figure 2, To obviate the shortcomings of the prior art clamp structure of Figures 1 and 2, the present invention proposes a clamp structure as shown in Figure 3 provided with a mechanical interconnection generally designated by reference numeral 30 which according to the present invention again consistc of one or several ouhvardly e.Ytending support hooks in the inrer band portion 1According to the present invention, in addition to a tab-like suspension hook 31 adapted to e.Ytend through a corresponding aperture 35 and operable to guic!e the inner and outer band portions llb and lla relative to each other during initial cont~action of the e~r, ~t least one further hook is provided which is a cold-deformed support hook 32 having a force-engaging abut~nt surface 33 tFigure 6) which is capable to absorb the circumferentially directed forces caused during tightening of the clarnp structure by contraction of the ear, when the abutment surface 33 engages with the edge of a respective aperture 35. As 25 can be seen from Figure 4, in particular, each cold-deformed support hoo~ 32 is formed by a portion of band material pressed out of the band portion llb whereby each cold-deformed support hook 32 is non-integral with the normal configuration of the band material substantially only along a generally transversely e~tending cut 34 (Figure 4) defining thereby that end of the cold-a deformed support hook 32 which constitutes its force-engaging abutment surIace 33 (Figure 6), In other words, each pressed-out portion defining a cold-deformed support hook 32 is integral with the adjoining parts of the band material on all sides thereof e~ccept within the area of the generally transversely e ctending cut 3~. As can be seen from Figure 6, the force-engaging abutment surface 33 is generally conve~ly shaped relative to the ~at band material as viewed in a cross section including the transverse cut 34.
Additionally, the cold-deforrned support hook 32 tapers in height and width in the circunlferential direction a~,vay from the force-engaging abutment surface 33. In contrast to the cold-deformed support hook 32, the suspension hook 31 is a substantially rectangular tab-like hook bent out of the band material of the hner band portion llb and defined by a substantially U-shaped cut therein. In a particularly appropriate ernbodiment of the present invention,one suspension hook 31 is followed by one or more support hooks in the circumferential direction. The mechanical interconnection 30 according to the present invention is able to withstand all circumferentially directed tensional forces which may occur in the clamp structure as a result of the contraction of the ear 13. As a matter of fact, damage to a web portion 35' is more likely before a cold-deformed support hook 32 will be damaged in the presence of very large forces. While the apertures 35 may be regularly spaced, an incorrect connection of the overlapping band portions can be 5~3~
avoided if the circumferential spacing a between the suspension hook 31 and the ne~t adjacent support hook as also the circumferential spacing of the corresponding apertures 35 in the outer band portion is different, for e~cample, larger, than the circumferential spacing b of the two support hooks 32 and their respective apertures 35. In the alternative, an incorrect assernbly can also be prevented if the distance c (Fi~re 4) from the last aperture 35 to the end of the outer band portion lla is made longer than the spacing between the hooks.
To avoid a step between the free end of the inner band portion and the outer band portion overlying the same, the clamp structure of Figure 3 is provided ~vith a step-like shoulder or offset 27, displacing the outer ban portion lla in relation to the irner band portion llb in the radial direction by a distance appro~cimately corresponding to the thickness of the band material. The resulting gap 26 formed bet-veen the free end of the inner band portion llb and the step-like portion 27, which represents a discontinuity in the circu~nferential direction, can be readily accepted ~vith the more elastic, rubber-like hose materials used in the past, Ho~,~,ever, with the use of relatively hard plastic hose materials having a hardness degree of 90 Shore or more, or of very thin-walled soft or hard hose materials, this gap 26 can no longer be ignored but, in fact, may represent a leakage problem, as illustrated on an enlarged scale in Figure S where the leakage area is designateby refe r ence nurne ral 2 6 ' .
To avoid any le~Xage problem with the use of relatively hard plastic hoses, or of very thin-walled soft or hard hose rnaterials, the present inventior proposes in the embodiment of Figures 7 through ll a means generally designa.
by reference numeral 40 to assure a substantially gapless transition from the .
3~
free end of the inner band portion to the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by its clamping band, These rneans 40 includes a tongue-like portion 41 extending from the free end of the inner band portion llb which is operable to engage in a ton~e-receiving aperture 43 provided in the corresponding location of the outer band portion lla. If the band 11 is again provided with an outwardly extending step-like portion 47, then the slot-like aperture 43 is prov~ided at least within the area of the step-like portion 47 and, depending on the length of the tongue-like extension 41, is continued in the circumferential direction in the band 11 by a distance sufficient to accommodate the entire length of the tongue-like portion 41 when the ear 13 is contracted. The tongue-like portion 41 may thereby be flat in transverse cross section or may be curved, e g,, concavely curved (Figure llb) or preferably convexly curved in transverse cross section as shown in Figure 10 and Figure lla so that the forces engaging the object to be fastened are concentrated to the more or less point-like outer end areas of the arcuate configuration of the tongue-like portion 41, whence the specific forces are increased and the object to be fastened is thus clamped with greater force against the relatively fi:ced part to which it is to be fa stene d, As can be seen from Figures 3 and 7, the inner band portion llb continues from the area of the mechanical interconnection 30 in the circum-ferential direction beyond the ear 13 so as to cover the opening disposed under the same. If the material of the band 11 is relatively thin, then the inner band portion llb extending over the opening of the ear 13 may be provided with one circumferentially extending generally convexly shaped embossment 18 (Figures 7 and 8a) within its area underneath the opening of the ear to be engaged by the corner~ e transitions between the outer band portions lla and the out~.vardly e.Ytending le ,s 14 and 15 of the "Oetiker" earduring contraction of the latter In the alternative, two trars~rersely spaced embossments 18' ~Figure 8b) may be provided side-by-side to avoid contact S between groove 17 and the embossments 18'. The corr.er-liXe transitions between the f lat band material and the legs 14, 15 of the ear 13 will ride up on the embossment 18 or embossments 1~ ' during contraction of the ear 13, which will cause the irLner band portion llb eYtending under the opening of the ear 13 to be pressed more strongly against the hose materia]
thereby assuring a completely satisfactor~J seal under the ear 13 and also preventing a buckli~g of the relatively thin band material of the inner band portion llb into the remaining gap underneath the ear 13.
While ~igures 3 and 7 illustrate a clamp structure according to the present invention in ~vhich the inner band portion bridges the opening underneat~
the ear 13, the embodiment of Figure 12 illustrates a clamp structure with a mechanical interconnection generally designated by reference numeral 30 according to the present invention which is located substantially opposite the "OetiXer" ear 13, Consequently, the opening underneath the ear 13 is not bridged so that a small gap may remain even after the ear is fully contracted, This may again pose a leakage problem, especially with relatively hard plastic hose materials or very thin-walled soft or hard hose materials.
To obviate this shortcor~ing, an insert member generally designated by referellce n~Dneral 50 ~Figure 14) may be provided as disclosed in my prior patent 3, 78~, a63. To minimize any steps as a result of the presence of the 2s insert member, these insert members 50 are normally made of very thin band material and are provided ~.vith a reinforci!lg "roove S~ in the flat band 93~
portion of the insert member to prevent a buckling or collapse of the insert member into the opening underneath the e~r 13, While the steps formed by these relatively thin insert members were relatively insi~ific~nt, especia1ly with the more elastic, rubber-like hose materials previously used, they can no longer be ignored with the use of the relatively hard plastic hose materials ~.vhich have become available relatively recently. Consequently, the present invention provides a means to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction from the free. ends of the insert member S0 into the ring-like configuration defined by the elampirlg band 11 ~vhich includes a tongue-like e~tension S1 at each free end of the insert member 50 adapted to engage in a tongue-receiving aperture 53 located in correspondina areas of the band 11, The tongue-like e~tensions S1 may again be relatively flat in cross section or may also be generally concavely or preferably conve~ly curved in transverse cross seetion, as disclosed with the tongue-like e~ctension 41, As to the rest, the insert member 50 may be constructed as disclosed in my aforementioned U. S. Patent 3, 789, ~63 while the mechanical interconnection 30 rnay be similar to the one described in connection ~vith the embodirment of Figure 12 and again includes a tongue-like ext~nsion 41 aclapted to enc3ac~e in an aperture 43 provided ~t least wit~
the area of the step-lilce portion 47. Of course, the apertures 53 may also be located ~vith~n the area of step-like shoulders or offsets (not sho~n) in the band ll, especial~y if the insert member S0 is made relatively thicX, e. g., of about the same thic~ness as the band material 17 or even thicker.
The embodiment of Fi,gure 17 differs from the embodiment of Figure 7 in that, in lieu of the aperture ~3, a channel-shaped recess 63 3~37 is provided of a depth, width and length su~icient to accommodate the tongue-Like eYtension 61. The channel-shaped recess 63 is formed by a pressed-out bottom portion within the center area of the band 11, which is defined by generally circumferentially e~tending cuts 6~l (Figures 18 and 19) ;~ spaced from one another in the transverse direction and leaving on both sides longi-tudinally extending band portions ll' on both sides of the recessed bottom portion 63. As can be seen in particular from Figure 19, the cuts 64 start in the outer band portion lla within the area and preferably only shortly ahead of the step-like portion 67 and continue uninterruptedly up to a second step-like portion 65. The e~cistence of the two step-like portions 67 and 65 permits the recess bottom 63 to be pressed-out relative to the band material in that the pressed-out recess bottom 63 fails to follo~v the step 67 out instead continu~
substantially along the same diameter or even at a slightly larger diameter than the outer band portion lla up to the second step 6~.
12 In the embodiment according to Figures 20 and 21, a ladder-type band generally designated by reference numeral 71, cut to suitable length, is adapted to be interconnected by a bridge-like clamping ;nember generally designated by reference numeral 75 ~vhich includes t~vo partly circumferentiall e.Ytending band portions 76 adjoining the leg portions 14 and 15 of the ear 13 ~0 and each provided with one suspension hook 31 and one or more support hoo~cs 32 The suspension and support hooks 31 and 32 are thereby adapted to engage into openings 72 provided in the ladder-type clamping band 71, To assure a substantially gap-free tra~sition from the free ends of the partly circumferentially e ~tending band portions 76 of the bridge-like clamping 25 member 75 to the circular configuration of the clamping structure defined by the clamping band 71, tongue-like e~tensions 77 are provided at the free 1~5~37 end of each partly circumferentially extending band portions 76 of the bridge-like claLmping member 75 which are adapted to engage into a respective slot-like tongue-receiving aperture 73 provided in the corresponding location of a respective end of the clamping band 71. The slot-like tongue-receiving aperture 73 may be obtained by merely cutting out a predetermined number of web portions between openings 72 of the ladder-type clamping band 71, However, especially if the band material for the clamping band 71 is relatively thin, then it is not necessary to form an elongated tongue-receiving aperture 73since the tongue-like extension 77, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, will actually bend out the web portions 74 in the clamping band 71 to provide a channel-like recess to accommodate the tongue-like extension 77. In the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21, an insert member generally designated by reference numeral 50 may be provided which may be constructed as disclosed in my prior patent 3, 789, 463 or as disclosed in connection with 1~ Figure 14.
It may be desirable or necessary to preassemble the separate parts consisting of clamping band 71 and bridge-like clamping member 75 of Figure 20 at least at one of their mutually overlapping ends. This can be readily achieved if the suspension hook 31 is made correspondingly longer (Figure 24) and is bent from its normal position 31' shown in dash line in Figure 24, toward the band material 76 into the position shown in full line in Figure 24.
A slider member generally designated by reference numeral 80 as shown in Figures 2S and 26 may be used as an alternati~re to preassemble one end of the clamping band 71 to one end of the partly circurnferentially 3~
e.Ytending band portion 76 of the bridge-like clamping member 75. The sliding ~r~mber 80 includes a top portion 81, side portions 82 and 83, and bottom portions 84 and 85 which are of such length and dimensions as to accommodate therewithin the thickness of the partly circumferentially S extending band portion 76 as well as the thicl~nèss of the clamping band 71, Of course, since the bottom portions 84 and 85 will form a step, this arrangement should be used only with the relatively more elastic, rubber-like hose materials.
Figures 27, 28 and 29 illustrate a further modified embodiment of a clamp structure in accordance with the present invention which consists of two clamping bands generally designated by reference numerals 71', each prov~ded with a so-called "Oetiker" ear 13 intermediate its ends.
Each clamping band 71' is thereby provided with suspension and support hooks 31 and 32 at one end thereof and with apertures 35 at the other end thereof so that the two clamping bands 71' can be connected unth each other at their respective free ends by mechanical interconnections generally designated by reference numeral 30 as described in connection with Figures 3 and ~. The end of a respective clamping band 71' forming the respective outer band portion 71a is prov~ded with an outwardly extending step portion 78 similar to the step 27 of Figure 3. The clamping bands 71' may thereby be provided ~Ivith only three apertures 3S near the outer band portion end 71a thereof. Additionally, to preassemble two overlapping band portions 71b and 71a, a slider member 80 as disclosed in Figures 25 and 26 may be used. Moreover, to ~ridge the opening underneath a respective ear, an insert member 50 may again be used. The embodiment of Figure 27 offers the possibility of obtaining clamps of practicaLly any desired diameter.
351,271 filed May 5, 1980.
The present invention relates to a elamp structure, and more particularly to an open hose elamp whose free ends are adapted to be meehanieally intereonneeted.
Various types of hose elamps are known in the prior art in which a elamping band made, for example, of flat strip material is adapted to be meehanieally intereonneeted at the free ends thereof to form a ring-like clamping structure that can be tightened by contraetion of a so-called "Oetiker" ear.
At the outset, one must distinguish between those clamps, the free ends of which are permanently interconnected already before installation and those open elamps, the open ends of which are interconneeted only after being aetually installed about the objeet to be fastened. The former type of hose clamps, to which belong those whose open ends are intereonneeted beforehand, for instanee, by spot-welding or by a rivet-like joint as diselosed in my prior U.S. Patent 3,286,314 issued November 22, 1966 must be assembled axially in a manner similar to the hose clamps disclosed in my prior U.S. Patents 2,614,304 and 3,082,498 issued March 26, 1963 (Figures 1 and 2), i.e., must be axially slipped over the object to be fastened be~ore eontraeting the so-ealled "Oetiker" ear in the installed position. However, an axial assembly becomes unrealistie if, for example, a elamp has been ineorrectly mounted on the assembly line, e.g., over an axle boot, requiring the thus incorrectly installed elamp to be cut open and removed and necessitating a replacement clamp having the same dimensions to be thereafter installed correetly in the location of the previously improperly installed elamp.
Unless sueh clamp is of the open type with accurately the same dimensions, whieh can be installed by placirlg it circumferentially about the part to be fastened and thereafter closing the previously open elamp, it would require a disassembly of the parts in question which ~,vould be e~ccessi~ely costly with assembly line techniques as used, for e:~ample, in the automotive industry. Of course, the same problems arise if a clamp supposed to be installed on the assembly line, has been completely omitte d.
Various proposals have been made heretofore to provide an open clarn? which can be subsequently installed by placing it circumferentially about the ob ject to be fastened. For e~ample, my prior U. S. Patent ~, 8 ' 7, 742 discloses a clamp structure utilizina a perforated clampina band made from so-c~lled "ladder-type" band material, the free ends of ~rhich are adapted to be interconnected by a bridging member havlng a so-called "Oetiker" ear and inwardly e~ctending hooks engaging in openings of the per~orated band before its ear is contracted. However, in~,Yardly e~tending hooks are disadvantageous since they may damage the hose material.
Various alternatives to inwardly e.Ytending hooks, which involve outwardly e~tending hooks, have been proposed heretofore, for e~cample, as disclosed in my prior patent 3, 082, ~98 (Figure 4) and in the U. S. Patent 3, 321, 811 to Thomas. However, the dra-vback of the prior art clarnps as disclosed in the Thomas Patent 3, 321, 811 and in Figure g of my U. S. Patent 3, 082, 498 resided in the lack of sufficient holding ability ~hen the so-called "0etiker"
ear was contracted, since the not insignificant circumferential forces tended to cause the hook to be bent bac~c, thereby resulting in an opening of the clamp This problem is the more se~ere the thinner the band materiai ~vhich is used for the clamp. To eliminate this problem, hose clamps 2i ~vith t~.vo hooks were already pro~osed in my prior U. S. pctents 3, 475, 793 and 3, i23, 337 AdditionallJ~ hose clamps of the type described in the 3~
U.S. Patent 3,321,811 were made in which two hooks o~
somewhat different configuration were used. However, all of these prior art hooks were in the form of more or less rectangular tabs bent out of the band material after an initial, approximately U-shaped cut defining the tab. A
completely satisfactory holding ability, however, could not be achieved even with these double hook arrangements due to the unavoidable bending as a result of the large tensional forces that are produced when contracting an "Oetiker"-type ear which may involve tensional forces of up to 200 kg and more. Even an arrangement with two hook-like members in the clamp structure as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 3,321,811, of which one was primarily intended as suspension hook and the other as ]5 support hook, proved far from satisfactory because not only the tab-like suspension hook but also the tab-like support hook yielded, i.e. were bent back and caused the clamp to open in the presence of the circumferentially directed, relatively large tensional forces which occur when a so-called "Oetiker" ear is contracted.
The present invention seeks to obviate the afore-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior art by simple means and is intended to provide a clamp structure of the open type, which can be installed circumferent;ally about the object to be fastened and in which the open ends can be thereafter interconnected mechanically by the use of outwardly extending hooks capable of withstanding all occurring forces.
To this end, the invention consists of a clamp structure, comprising clamping band means having open ~5~`937 ends, means mechanically interconnecting the open ends of the band means including outwardly extending hook means in an inner band portion operable to engage in corresponding aperture means provided in an outer band portion, and at least one means in the clamp structure for tightening the clamping band means about an object to be fastened, characterized by a tongue means at a free end of the inner band portion, which is operable to engage into a tongue-receiving means provided at least within the area of an outwardly extending step-like portion provided in the outer band portion to assure a substantially gap-free and stepless transition in the circumferential direction from the inner band portion to the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the band means upon tightening of the clamp structure by said tightening means.
With the use of the more elastic, rubber-like hose materials as used in the past, small discontinuities or steps could generally be accepted as the elastic material readily compensated for such discontinuities or steps in the hose-engaging surface of the clamp without any danger of leakage. However, with the use of relatively hard plastic hose materials which have a hardness degree of 90 Shore or more, or with the use of very thin-walled hard or soft hose materials having a thickness of the order of 1 mm. or a few millimeters or less, and which have become available within the recent past, it becomes important to provide a substantially stepless and gap-free transition between overlapping band ends, i.e. to provide a continuous or uninterrupted smooth inner hose-engaging surface devoid of any steps or discontinuities in order to avoid with certainty any leakage problems. Since over-lapping band portions normally involve a step corresponding to the thickness of the material if no other measures are taken, or a gap (discontinuity) if a step-like shoulder or offset is provided leading to the overlapping outer band portion, the present invention also proposes a means to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction from the free end of the inner band portion to the remaining ring-like configuration of the clamping structure defined by the band when the clamp structure is tightened. The means according to the preferred embodiment of the invention include a tongue-like extension at the free end of the inner band portion which is operable to engage in a slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture provided in the corresponding location of the outer band portion.
If the outer band portion is provided with an outwardly extending step-like portion, displacing the outer band portion relative to the inner band portion by a radial distance approximately equal to the thickness of the band material, then the slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture is provided at least within the area of the step-like portion and, depending on the length of the tongue-like extension, is extended in the circumferential direction by a distance sufficient to accommodate the entire length of the tongue-like extension when the ear or ears are fully contracted.
The tongue-like portion may be flat in cross section but may also be curved, e.g. concavely or preferably generally convexly curved so that the forces engaging the object to be fastened are concentrated to the more or less point-like Pyl3~7 outer end areas of the arcuate configuration of the tongue-like portion, whence the specific forces are increased within the area of contact of the tongue-like portion with the object to be fastened which s thus clamped with greater force within that area against the relatively fixed part, such as a nipple or the like.
The present invention thus makes it possible to reduce a circle in its diameter wthout having to accept distortions in the circular configuration of the clamp and/or disturbing transitional steps or gaps which have caused leakages especially with relatively hard plastic hoses or with very thin-walled hard or soft hose materials, yet obviates the need for an axial emplacement of the clamp, which represents a significant advance in the state of the clamp art.
These and other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing. The drawings also illustrate features that are claimed in the parent application referred to above or in a further divisional application Serial No. filed simultaneously herewith. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art clamp structure having open ends and a mechanical interlock consisting of an outwardly extending hook adapted to engage in one of several apertures provided in the outer band;
Figure 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view through the inner band portion of the clamp of Figure 1, 3~
Figure 3 is an elevational view of a clamp structure having open ends and equipped with a mechanical connection including outwardly extending hooks;
Figure 4 is a partial perspective exploded view s showing the details of the mechanical interconnection for a clamp structure having open ends;
Figure 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the details of the dash and dot circle A (Figure 3);
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is an elevational view of a modified embodiment of a clamp structure, similar to the clamp structure of Figure 3 but additionally provided with means according to the present invention assuring a gapless transition from the free end of the inner band portion to the circular configuration defined by the clamping band;
Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7;
Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 and illustrating a modi~ied arrangement utilizing two side-by-side embossments;
Figure 9 is a partial elevational view taken in the direction of arrows 9-9 of Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 7;
Figure lla is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 7;
Figure llb is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure lla and illustrating a concavely curved tongue portion;
s`~i~33~7 Figure 12 is an elevational view of still another embodiment of a clamp of the open type provided with a mechanical interconnection located substantially opposite of a so-called "Oetiker" ear;
Figure 13 is a partial elevational view taken along arrows 13-13 of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is an elevational view of a clamp structure similar to Figure 12 but provided with an insert member to bridge the gap underneath the ear and with means to assure a gapless transition from the ends of the insert m~mber into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by its clamping band;
Figure 15 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 15-15 of Figure 14;
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of Figure 14;
Figure 17 is an elevational view of a still further modified embodiment of a clamping structure of the open type provided with a mechanical connection and with 2n means assuring a substantial.ly gap-ree transition from the free end of the inner band portion, overlapping the opening underneath the ear, into the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the band :.; thereof;
Figure 18 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 18-18 of Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the clamp structure of Figure 17 in the open position;
Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamp structure of the open type consisting of a clamping band and of a bridge-like clamping member adapted to be connected;
~ 37 Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view through the clamp structure of Figure 20 with the various parts thereof in the assembled position by means of the mechanical connection;
Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of an end of a ladder~type clamping band in which a tongue-receiving channel is formed by bending out the web portions thereof;
Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of a clamp structure similar to Figures 20 and 21 but provided with means to enable preassembly of one clamping band end with one end of the bridge-like clamping member by the use of a longer suspension hook;
Figure 25 is a partial perspective view similar to Figure 24 and illustrating a slider member for preassembling one end of the clamping band with one end of the bridge-like clamping member;
Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 26-26 of Figure 25;
Figure 27 i5 an elevational view of another embodiment of a clamp structure, utilizing ladder-type clamping bands each provided with an ear to obtain clamp structures of different diametric dimensions;
Figure 28 is a partial plan view taken in the directon of arrows 28-28 of Figure 27;
Figure 29 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 29-29 of Figure 27;
Figure 30 is a partial elevational view of still another embodiment of a clamp structure provided with a J ~ 3~
mechanical connection within the area opposite its so-called "Oetiker" ear;
Figure 31 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 31-31 of Figure 30;
Figure 32 is a perspective view of a still further modified embodiment of a clamp structure enabling substantial variations in the diametric dimensions thereof;
Figure 33 is a perspective view illustrating the clamp structure of Figure 32 in the closed condition;
Figure 34 is a perspective view illustrating a clamp structure somewhat similar to the clamp structures of Figures 32 and 33 but provided with short web sections connec-ting the remaining side portions of the band material with the bottom of the channel-like recess, Figure 35 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows 35-35 of Figure 34;
Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 of Figure 35;
Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 of Figure 35;
Figure 38 is a perspective view of a clamp structure of the open type provided with a modified mechanical connection means providing a substantially gap-free transition from the inner band portion to the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by its clamping band; and Figure 39 is a perspective view of a still further modified embodiment of a clamp structure provided with longitudinal slots throughout most of the circumference of the band to facilitate bending thereof and increase its holding ability.
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Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the various views to designate like parts, and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2 thereof, reference numeral 10 generally designates in Figure 1 a clamp structure of the open type as disclosed in the U.S. Patent 3,321,811 to Thomas. The clamp structure 10 includes a flat clamping band 11 of sheet metal or steel strip material having an outer end portion lla and an inner end portion llb, which overlap one another. Additionally, adjacent the outer end portion lla, the clamp structure 10 includes a typical "Oetiker"
ear generally designated by reference numeral 13 which includes generally outwardly extending leg portions 14 and 15 interconnected by a bridging portion 16. The overlapping inner and outer band portions lla and llb are 93~7 intended to be fastened together by a mecha~ical interconnection generally designated by reference mlmeral 20 which includes an out~vardly e.~tending hook 21 in the irner band portion llb adapted to engage in one of several apertures 22 provided in the outer band portion lla. The hook 21 is in the S form of a more or less rectangular tab bent out of the band material after an initial approximately U-shaped cut defining the tab. A satisfactory holding ability of this arrangement, however, could not be achie~-ed since the hook 21 yielded in the presence of the large circumferentially directed forces which may occur as a result of the contraction of the ear 13, and permitted the clamp to open up after being bent bac~s into the position '~1' illustrated in Figure 2, To obviate the shortcomings of the prior art clamp structure of Figures 1 and 2, the present invention proposes a clamp structure as shown in Figure 3 provided with a mechanical interconnection generally designated by reference numeral 30 which according to the present invention again consistc of one or several ouhvardly e.Ytending support hooks in the inrer band portion 1According to the present invention, in addition to a tab-like suspension hook 31 adapted to e.Ytend through a corresponding aperture 35 and operable to guic!e the inner and outer band portions llb and lla relative to each other during initial cont~action of the e~r, ~t least one further hook is provided which is a cold-deformed support hook 32 having a force-engaging abut~nt surface 33 tFigure 6) which is capable to absorb the circumferentially directed forces caused during tightening of the clarnp structure by contraction of the ear, when the abutment surface 33 engages with the edge of a respective aperture 35. As 25 can be seen from Figure 4, in particular, each cold-deformed support hoo~ 32 is formed by a portion of band material pressed out of the band portion llb whereby each cold-deformed support hook 32 is non-integral with the normal configuration of the band material substantially only along a generally transversely e~tending cut 34 (Figure 4) defining thereby that end of the cold-a deformed support hook 32 which constitutes its force-engaging abutment surIace 33 (Figure 6), In other words, each pressed-out portion defining a cold-deformed support hook 32 is integral with the adjoining parts of the band material on all sides thereof e~ccept within the area of the generally transversely e ctending cut 3~. As can be seen from Figure 6, the force-engaging abutment surface 33 is generally conve~ly shaped relative to the ~at band material as viewed in a cross section including the transverse cut 34.
Additionally, the cold-deforrned support hook 32 tapers in height and width in the circunlferential direction a~,vay from the force-engaging abutment surface 33. In contrast to the cold-deformed support hook 32, the suspension hook 31 is a substantially rectangular tab-like hook bent out of the band material of the hner band portion llb and defined by a substantially U-shaped cut therein. In a particularly appropriate ernbodiment of the present invention,one suspension hook 31 is followed by one or more support hooks in the circumferential direction. The mechanical interconnection 30 according to the present invention is able to withstand all circumferentially directed tensional forces which may occur in the clamp structure as a result of the contraction of the ear 13. As a matter of fact, damage to a web portion 35' is more likely before a cold-deformed support hook 32 will be damaged in the presence of very large forces. While the apertures 35 may be regularly spaced, an incorrect connection of the overlapping band portions can be 5~3~
avoided if the circumferential spacing a between the suspension hook 31 and the ne~t adjacent support hook as also the circumferential spacing of the corresponding apertures 35 in the outer band portion is different, for e~cample, larger, than the circumferential spacing b of the two support hooks 32 and their respective apertures 35. In the alternative, an incorrect assernbly can also be prevented if the distance c (Fi~re 4) from the last aperture 35 to the end of the outer band portion lla is made longer than the spacing between the hooks.
To avoid a step between the free end of the inner band portion and the outer band portion overlying the same, the clamp structure of Figure 3 is provided ~vith a step-like shoulder or offset 27, displacing the outer ban portion lla in relation to the irner band portion llb in the radial direction by a distance appro~cimately corresponding to the thickness of the band material. The resulting gap 26 formed bet-veen the free end of the inner band portion llb and the step-like portion 27, which represents a discontinuity in the circu~nferential direction, can be readily accepted ~vith the more elastic, rubber-like hose materials used in the past, Ho~,~,ever, with the use of relatively hard plastic hose materials having a hardness degree of 90 Shore or more, or of very thin-walled soft or hard hose materials, this gap 26 can no longer be ignored but, in fact, may represent a leakage problem, as illustrated on an enlarged scale in Figure S where the leakage area is designateby refe r ence nurne ral 2 6 ' .
To avoid any le~Xage problem with the use of relatively hard plastic hoses, or of very thin-walled soft or hard hose rnaterials, the present inventior proposes in the embodiment of Figures 7 through ll a means generally designa.
by reference numeral 40 to assure a substantially gapless transition from the .
3~
free end of the inner band portion to the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by its clamping band, These rneans 40 includes a tongue-like portion 41 extending from the free end of the inner band portion llb which is operable to engage in a ton~e-receiving aperture 43 provided in the corresponding location of the outer band portion lla. If the band 11 is again provided with an outwardly extending step-like portion 47, then the slot-like aperture 43 is prov~ided at least within the area of the step-like portion 47 and, depending on the length of the tongue-like extension 41, is continued in the circumferential direction in the band 11 by a distance sufficient to accommodate the entire length of the tongue-like portion 41 when the ear 13 is contracted. The tongue-like portion 41 may thereby be flat in transverse cross section or may be curved, e g,, concavely curved (Figure llb) or preferably convexly curved in transverse cross section as shown in Figure 10 and Figure lla so that the forces engaging the object to be fastened are concentrated to the more or less point-like outer end areas of the arcuate configuration of the tongue-like portion 41, whence the specific forces are increased and the object to be fastened is thus clamped with greater force against the relatively fi:ced part to which it is to be fa stene d, As can be seen from Figures 3 and 7, the inner band portion llb continues from the area of the mechanical interconnection 30 in the circum-ferential direction beyond the ear 13 so as to cover the opening disposed under the same. If the material of the band 11 is relatively thin, then the inner band portion llb extending over the opening of the ear 13 may be provided with one circumferentially extending generally convexly shaped embossment 18 (Figures 7 and 8a) within its area underneath the opening of the ear to be engaged by the corner~ e transitions between the outer band portions lla and the out~.vardly e.Ytending le ,s 14 and 15 of the "Oetiker" earduring contraction of the latter In the alternative, two trars~rersely spaced embossments 18' ~Figure 8b) may be provided side-by-side to avoid contact S between groove 17 and the embossments 18'. The corr.er-liXe transitions between the f lat band material and the legs 14, 15 of the ear 13 will ride up on the embossment 18 or embossments 1~ ' during contraction of the ear 13, which will cause the irLner band portion llb eYtending under the opening of the ear 13 to be pressed more strongly against the hose materia]
thereby assuring a completely satisfactor~J seal under the ear 13 and also preventing a buckli~g of the relatively thin band material of the inner band portion llb into the remaining gap underneath the ear 13.
While ~igures 3 and 7 illustrate a clamp structure according to the present invention in ~vhich the inner band portion bridges the opening underneat~
the ear 13, the embodiment of Figure 12 illustrates a clamp structure with a mechanical interconnection generally designated by reference numeral 30 according to the present invention which is located substantially opposite the "OetiXer" ear 13, Consequently, the opening underneath the ear 13 is not bridged so that a small gap may remain even after the ear is fully contracted, This may again pose a leakage problem, especially with relatively hard plastic hose materials or very thin-walled soft or hard hose materials.
To obviate this shortcor~ing, an insert member generally designated by referellce n~Dneral 50 ~Figure 14) may be provided as disclosed in my prior patent 3, 78~, a63. To minimize any steps as a result of the presence of the 2s insert member, these insert members 50 are normally made of very thin band material and are provided ~.vith a reinforci!lg "roove S~ in the flat band 93~
portion of the insert member to prevent a buckling or collapse of the insert member into the opening underneath the e~r 13, While the steps formed by these relatively thin insert members were relatively insi~ific~nt, especia1ly with the more elastic, rubber-like hose materials previously used, they can no longer be ignored with the use of the relatively hard plastic hose materials ~.vhich have become available relatively recently. Consequently, the present invention provides a means to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction from the free. ends of the insert member S0 into the ring-like configuration defined by the elampirlg band 11 ~vhich includes a tongue-like e~tension S1 at each free end of the insert member 50 adapted to engage in a tongue-receiving aperture 53 located in correspondina areas of the band 11, The tongue-like e~tensions S1 may again be relatively flat in cross section or may also be generally concavely or preferably conve~ly curved in transverse cross seetion, as disclosed with the tongue-like e~ctension 41, As to the rest, the insert member 50 may be constructed as disclosed in my aforementioned U. S. Patent 3, 789, ~63 while the mechanical interconnection 30 rnay be similar to the one described in connection ~vith the embodirment of Figure 12 and again includes a tongue-like ext~nsion 41 aclapted to enc3ac~e in an aperture 43 provided ~t least wit~
the area of the step-lilce portion 47. Of course, the apertures 53 may also be located ~vith~n the area of step-like shoulders or offsets (not sho~n) in the band ll, especial~y if the insert member S0 is made relatively thicX, e. g., of about the same thic~ness as the band material 17 or even thicker.
The embodiment of Fi,gure 17 differs from the embodiment of Figure 7 in that, in lieu of the aperture ~3, a channel-shaped recess 63 3~37 is provided of a depth, width and length su~icient to accommodate the tongue-Like eYtension 61. The channel-shaped recess 63 is formed by a pressed-out bottom portion within the center area of the band 11, which is defined by generally circumferentially e~tending cuts 6~l (Figures 18 and 19) ;~ spaced from one another in the transverse direction and leaving on both sides longi-tudinally extending band portions ll' on both sides of the recessed bottom portion 63. As can be seen in particular from Figure 19, the cuts 64 start in the outer band portion lla within the area and preferably only shortly ahead of the step-like portion 67 and continue uninterruptedly up to a second step-like portion 65. The e~cistence of the two step-like portions 67 and 65 permits the recess bottom 63 to be pressed-out relative to the band material in that the pressed-out recess bottom 63 fails to follo~v the step 67 out instead continu~
substantially along the same diameter or even at a slightly larger diameter than the outer band portion lla up to the second step 6~.
12 In the embodiment according to Figures 20 and 21, a ladder-type band generally designated by reference numeral 71, cut to suitable length, is adapted to be interconnected by a bridge-like clamping ;nember generally designated by reference numeral 75 ~vhich includes t~vo partly circumferentiall e.Ytending band portions 76 adjoining the leg portions 14 and 15 of the ear 13 ~0 and each provided with one suspension hook 31 and one or more support hoo~cs 32 The suspension and support hooks 31 and 32 are thereby adapted to engage into openings 72 provided in the ladder-type clamping band 71, To assure a substantially gap-free tra~sition from the free ends of the partly circumferentially e ~tending band portions 76 of the bridge-like clamping 25 member 75 to the circular configuration of the clamping structure defined by the clamping band 71, tongue-like e~tensions 77 are provided at the free 1~5~37 end of each partly circumferentially extending band portions 76 of the bridge-like claLmping member 75 which are adapted to engage into a respective slot-like tongue-receiving aperture 73 provided in the corresponding location of a respective end of the clamping band 71. The slot-like tongue-receiving aperture 73 may be obtained by merely cutting out a predetermined number of web portions between openings 72 of the ladder-type clamping band 71, However, especially if the band material for the clamping band 71 is relatively thin, then it is not necessary to form an elongated tongue-receiving aperture 73since the tongue-like extension 77, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, will actually bend out the web portions 74 in the clamping band 71 to provide a channel-like recess to accommodate the tongue-like extension 77. In the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21, an insert member generally designated by reference numeral 50 may be provided which may be constructed as disclosed in my prior patent 3, 789, 463 or as disclosed in connection with 1~ Figure 14.
It may be desirable or necessary to preassemble the separate parts consisting of clamping band 71 and bridge-like clamping member 75 of Figure 20 at least at one of their mutually overlapping ends. This can be readily achieved if the suspension hook 31 is made correspondingly longer (Figure 24) and is bent from its normal position 31' shown in dash line in Figure 24, toward the band material 76 into the position shown in full line in Figure 24.
A slider member generally designated by reference numeral 80 as shown in Figures 2S and 26 may be used as an alternati~re to preassemble one end of the clamping band 71 to one end of the partly circurnferentially 3~
e.Ytending band portion 76 of the bridge-like clamping member 75. The sliding ~r~mber 80 includes a top portion 81, side portions 82 and 83, and bottom portions 84 and 85 which are of such length and dimensions as to accommodate therewithin the thickness of the partly circumferentially S extending band portion 76 as well as the thicl~nèss of the clamping band 71, Of course, since the bottom portions 84 and 85 will form a step, this arrangement should be used only with the relatively more elastic, rubber-like hose materials.
Figures 27, 28 and 29 illustrate a further modified embodiment of a clamp structure in accordance with the present invention which consists of two clamping bands generally designated by reference numerals 71', each prov~ded with a so-called "Oetiker" ear 13 intermediate its ends.
Each clamping band 71' is thereby provided with suspension and support hooks 31 and 32 at one end thereof and with apertures 35 at the other end thereof so that the two clamping bands 71' can be connected unth each other at their respective free ends by mechanical interconnections generally designated by reference numeral 30 as described in connection with Figures 3 and ~. The end of a respective clamping band 71' forming the respective outer band portion 71a is prov~ded with an outwardly extending step portion 78 similar to the step 27 of Figure 3. The clamping bands 71' may thereby be provided ~Ivith only three apertures 3S near the outer band portion end 71a thereof. Additionally, to preassemble two overlapping band portions 71b and 71a, a slider member 80 as disclosed in Figures 25 and 26 may be used. Moreover, to ~ridge the opening underneath a respective ear, an insert member 50 may again be used. The embodiment of Figure 27 offers the possibility of obtaining clamps of practicaLly any desired diameter.
- 2~ -~l5~37 By using only a single clamp 71' of a given dimension, it is possible to obtain one clamp size, while two clamps 71', interconnected as shown in Figure 27, will produce a larger clamp size having a wider range of selective adjustment in the diameter thereof due to the presence of two ears 13, The same reasonin~
appiies if three or rnore clamps 71' are interconnected as shown. Thus, practically any clamp size can be realized with relatively few different sizes of individual clamps 71', thereby greatly facilitating servicing and stocking for repairs and the after market.
If the clamp structure of Figure 27 is to be used with the relaffvely hard plastic hose materials or very thin-walled soft or hard hose materials, then mechanical interconnections 30 may be of the type disclosed and described in connection with Figure 12 herein, including a tongue-like extension adapted tc engage in a slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture provided in the step-like portion 78 to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction. The slider member 80 may then also be replaced by the preassembl~
means shown in Figure 24 while the insert member 50 may be constructed as disclosed in connection with the embodiment of Figures ld~ through 16, Figures 30 and 31 illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodiment of Figure 12 but additionally provided with an insert member 50.
'~O The embodiment according to Figure 32 is similar to the embodiment of Figures 17, 18 and 19 except that a number of apertures 35 is provided in the outer band portion lla which is substantially greater than the number of hooks, e. g. of one suspension hook 31 and of two support hooks 32 to permit the realization of clamp structures of different diameters. The tongue-like extension 61 as also the tongue-receiving channel-like recess 63 ha~.
appiies if three or rnore clamps 71' are interconnected as shown. Thus, practically any clamp size can be realized with relatively few different sizes of individual clamps 71', thereby greatly facilitating servicing and stocking for repairs and the after market.
If the clamp structure of Figure 27 is to be used with the relaffvely hard plastic hose materials or very thin-walled soft or hard hose materials, then mechanical interconnections 30 may be of the type disclosed and described in connection with Figure 12 herein, including a tongue-like extension adapted tc engage in a slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture provided in the step-like portion 78 to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction. The slider member 80 may then also be replaced by the preassembl~
means shown in Figure 24 while the insert member 50 may be constructed as disclosed in connection with the embodiment of Figures ld~ through 16, Figures 30 and 31 illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodiment of Figure 12 but additionally provided with an insert member 50.
'~O The embodiment according to Figure 32 is similar to the embodiment of Figures 17, 18 and 19 except that a number of apertures 35 is provided in the outer band portion lla which is substantially greater than the number of hooks, e. g. of one suspension hook 31 and of two support hooks 32 to permit the realization of clamp structures of different diameters. The tongue-like extension 61 as also the tongue-receiving channel-like recess 63 ha~.
3~
to be correspondingly lengthened to provide a substantially gap-free transition for each diametric dimension of the clamp structure realizable therewith.
Figure 33 illustrates the clamp structure of Fig~re 32 in the intercornected condition.
Figure 34 illustrates a clamp structure similar to the clamp structure of Fia~ure 32, however provided with several interrupted longitudinal cuts 68 leaving therebetween relatively short web sections 69 which connect the remaining side portions 11 ' of the clamping band 11 with the tongue-receiving channel 63.
Figure 38 illustrates a modified embodiment of an open clamp structure provided with a mechanical interconnecting means which assures a substantially gap-free transition from the inner band portion llb into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by the clamping band 11, The mechanical connection generally designated by 15 reference numeral 90 includes tab-like hook members 96 arranged circum-ferentially in ~ransversely spaced pairs and adapted to engage in cut-out portions 94' of substantially rectangular configuration which are made frorn each side into the outer band portion lla, thereby leaving relatively narrow web portions 94 therebetween. The tab-like hooks 96 are formed by making 20 cuts 96' from each side of the inner band portion llb and thereafter bending up the tab-like members 96, The cuts 96 ' are thereby preferably in the shape of a prallelograil~ having leading and trailing edges 96a and 96b which taper outwardly away from the respective inner band end so that the leading and trailing edges of the tab-like members 96 extend at an angle 25 less than 90 to the tangent of the band material, This contributes to the holding ability of the clamp. A substantially gap-free transition is assured in the embodiment according to Figure 38 by the tongue-like e.~tension 91 adapted to engage in a slot-like aperture 93 provided within the step-like portion 97 and continuing a sufficient distance in the circumferential direction of the band 11, Though the mechanical connection of the embodiment of Figure 38 is different from the mechanical connection of the other embodiments of the present invention described herein, it nevertheless not only provides a connection with good holding ability but additionally assures a substantially gap-free transition from the free end of the inner band portion llb into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by the clamping band 11.
In the embodiment of Figure 39, in which similar parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals of the 100 series, the clarnping band 111 is again provided in the outer band portion llla near the free end thereof with a number of apertures 135 corresponding to the number of suspension and support hooks 131 and 132 which are provided in the inner band portion lllb in the corresponding part thereof which in the aqsembled condition will co~e to lie underneath the apertures 135 The inner band portion lllb thereby extends underneath the ear generally designated ~y reference numeral 113 and engages with its tongue-like e~tension 141 into a recessed, tongue-receiving channel 163 defined laterally by longitudinal cuts 164 that start within the area of the step-like shoulder or offset i67 and terminate within the area of the step-like shoulder or offset 165.
Over the remaining part`of the band 111, a certain number of slot~ e apertures 138 are provided which facilitate bending of the band into the desired shape. The slot-like apertures 138 may thereby be arranged in the band 111 in such numbers and of such dimensions as to cause the band to bend in a predetermined manner. Additionally, the provisions of the slot-l;ke apertures 138 will permit the use of a straight, flat clamp structure whichfacilitates handling and reduces transportation costs. With the use of relatively soft rubber, and especially also with thin-walled rubber-like hose materials, the rubber-like material will be squeezed into the slot-like apertures 138, thereby increasing the holding ability of the clamp not only by concentrating the clamping force s over smaller areas but additionally by squeezing out the rubber-like material through the slot-like apertures 138 which thereby secures the clamp against a.nal sliding movements, The present invention thus provides a clamp structure which offers distinct advantages of the prior art. On the one hand, it provides an open clamp structure which can be circumferentially installed, yet eliminates any problems as regards its holding ability in the presence of the large tensional forces produced by contraction of a so-called "Oetiker" ear, From a different aspect, the present invention provides a clamp structure of the open type with mechanical connecting means which can be readily used with not only the hardest plastic types of hoses but also with very thin-walled hard and soft hose materials since it assures a step-free and gapless transition within the area of overlap of any band materials, Additionally, the insert member can be made of any desired thickness, i. e., of the same thiclsness as the clamping band, thereby decreasing its likelihood of buckling into the opening underneath the ear, ~ Ioreover, the present invention is applicable to various types of clamp structures including hose clamps different from the various embo~iments described herein. More speciffcally, the present invention is also applicable to so-called screw-type hose clamps such as screw-type hose clamps with a wor~ drive or screw-type hose clamps with generally outwardly e~tending leg portions in the end of the band which are drawn together by a bolt or screw e~tending through holes in the leg portions and cooperating with a nut or some other fixed threaded part To permit a circumferential installation of such screw-type hose clamps, it is necessary to open the 10 clamp by unscrewing the band ends which is normally a tedious operation. .~fter the clamp is then placed circumferentially about the object to be fastened, the threaded tightening means has to be re-engaged and the tightening of the clamp has to be carried out by a tedious rotation of the thre~ded member By the use of a mechanical connection in accordance with the present invention 1~ disposed, for e~ample, opposite the threaded means for tightening the clamp, it becomes unnecessary to open the clamp by completely unscrewing the screw connection. The screw-type clamp can then be installed much in the same manner as a clamp of the type shown in Figure 12 which thereafter requires only limited rotation of the threaded member to complete the 20 tightening operation. Moreover, if an insert member is used underneath the opening between the two leg portions to be drawn together by the screw and nut interaction, an insert member may be provided with means according to the present invention to assure a gap-free transition from the ends of the insert member into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined '~ by its clamping band, as described more fully in connection with the insert member of Figures 14-17 herein.
~5~3~
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 susceptible 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 encompassed by the scope o~ the appended clair~s, '''
to be correspondingly lengthened to provide a substantially gap-free transition for each diametric dimension of the clamp structure realizable therewith.
Figure 33 illustrates the clamp structure of Fig~re 32 in the intercornected condition.
Figure 34 illustrates a clamp structure similar to the clamp structure of Fia~ure 32, however provided with several interrupted longitudinal cuts 68 leaving therebetween relatively short web sections 69 which connect the remaining side portions 11 ' of the clamping band 11 with the tongue-receiving channel 63.
Figure 38 illustrates a modified embodiment of an open clamp structure provided with a mechanical interconnecting means which assures a substantially gap-free transition from the inner band portion llb into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by the clamping band 11, The mechanical connection generally designated by 15 reference numeral 90 includes tab-like hook members 96 arranged circum-ferentially in ~ransversely spaced pairs and adapted to engage in cut-out portions 94' of substantially rectangular configuration which are made frorn each side into the outer band portion lla, thereby leaving relatively narrow web portions 94 therebetween. The tab-like hooks 96 are formed by making 20 cuts 96' from each side of the inner band portion llb and thereafter bending up the tab-like members 96, The cuts 96 ' are thereby preferably in the shape of a prallelograil~ having leading and trailing edges 96a and 96b which taper outwardly away from the respective inner band end so that the leading and trailing edges of the tab-like members 96 extend at an angle 25 less than 90 to the tangent of the band material, This contributes to the holding ability of the clamp. A substantially gap-free transition is assured in the embodiment according to Figure 38 by the tongue-like e.~tension 91 adapted to engage in a slot-like aperture 93 provided within the step-like portion 97 and continuing a sufficient distance in the circumferential direction of the band 11, Though the mechanical connection of the embodiment of Figure 38 is different from the mechanical connection of the other embodiments of the present invention described herein, it nevertheless not only provides a connection with good holding ability but additionally assures a substantially gap-free transition from the free end of the inner band portion llb into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined by the clamping band 11.
In the embodiment of Figure 39, in which similar parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals of the 100 series, the clarnping band 111 is again provided in the outer band portion llla near the free end thereof with a number of apertures 135 corresponding to the number of suspension and support hooks 131 and 132 which are provided in the inner band portion lllb in the corresponding part thereof which in the aqsembled condition will co~e to lie underneath the apertures 135 The inner band portion lllb thereby extends underneath the ear generally designated ~y reference numeral 113 and engages with its tongue-like e~tension 141 into a recessed, tongue-receiving channel 163 defined laterally by longitudinal cuts 164 that start within the area of the step-like shoulder or offset i67 and terminate within the area of the step-like shoulder or offset 165.
Over the remaining part`of the band 111, a certain number of slot~ e apertures 138 are provided which facilitate bending of the band into the desired shape. The slot-like apertures 138 may thereby be arranged in the band 111 in such numbers and of such dimensions as to cause the band to bend in a predetermined manner. Additionally, the provisions of the slot-l;ke apertures 138 will permit the use of a straight, flat clamp structure whichfacilitates handling and reduces transportation costs. With the use of relatively soft rubber, and especially also with thin-walled rubber-like hose materials, the rubber-like material will be squeezed into the slot-like apertures 138, thereby increasing the holding ability of the clamp not only by concentrating the clamping force s over smaller areas but additionally by squeezing out the rubber-like material through the slot-like apertures 138 which thereby secures the clamp against a.nal sliding movements, The present invention thus provides a clamp structure which offers distinct advantages of the prior art. On the one hand, it provides an open clamp structure which can be circumferentially installed, yet eliminates any problems as regards its holding ability in the presence of the large tensional forces produced by contraction of a so-called "Oetiker" ear, From a different aspect, the present invention provides a clamp structure of the open type with mechanical connecting means which can be readily used with not only the hardest plastic types of hoses but also with very thin-walled hard and soft hose materials since it assures a step-free and gapless transition within the area of overlap of any band materials, Additionally, the insert member can be made of any desired thickness, i. e., of the same thiclsness as the clamping band, thereby decreasing its likelihood of buckling into the opening underneath the ear, ~ Ioreover, the present invention is applicable to various types of clamp structures including hose clamps different from the various embo~iments described herein. More speciffcally, the present invention is also applicable to so-called screw-type hose clamps such as screw-type hose clamps with a wor~ drive or screw-type hose clamps with generally outwardly e~tending leg portions in the end of the band which are drawn together by a bolt or screw e~tending through holes in the leg portions and cooperating with a nut or some other fixed threaded part To permit a circumferential installation of such screw-type hose clamps, it is necessary to open the 10 clamp by unscrewing the band ends which is normally a tedious operation. .~fter the clamp is then placed circumferentially about the object to be fastened, the threaded tightening means has to be re-engaged and the tightening of the clamp has to be carried out by a tedious rotation of the thre~ded member By the use of a mechanical connection in accordance with the present invention 1~ disposed, for e~ample, opposite the threaded means for tightening the clamp, it becomes unnecessary to open the clamp by completely unscrewing the screw connection. The screw-type clamp can then be installed much in the same manner as a clamp of the type shown in Figure 12 which thereafter requires only limited rotation of the threaded member to complete the 20 tightening operation. Moreover, if an insert member is used underneath the opening between the two leg portions to be drawn together by the screw and nut interaction, an insert member may be provided with means according to the present invention to assure a gap-free transition from the ends of the insert member into the circular configuration of the clamp structure defined '~ by its clamping band, as described more fully in connection with the insert member of Figures 14-17 herein.
~5~3~
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 susceptible 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 encompassed by the scope o~ the appended clair~s, '''
Claims (5)
1. A clamp structure, comprising clamping band means having open ends, means mechanically interconnecting the open ends of the band means including outwardly extending hook means in an inner band portion operable to engage in corresponding aperture means provided in an outer band portion, and at least one means in the clamp structure for tightening the clamping band means about an object to be fastened, characterized by a tongue means at a free end of the inner band portion, which is operable to engage into a tongue-receiving means provided at least within the area of an outwardly extending step-like portion provided in the outer band portion to assure a substantially gap-free and stepless transition in the circumferential direction from the inner band portion to the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the band means upon tightening of the clamp structure by said tightening means.
2. A clamp structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said hook means include at least one suspension hook means adapted to extend through a corresponding aperture means and operable to guide the inner and outer band portions relative to each other during initial tightening of the clamping band means by said tightening means and at least one support hook means having force-engaging abutment surface means operable to absorb circumferentially directed forces caused by contraction of the ear means.
3. A clamp structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said tongue-receiving means is an aperture means provided at least within the area of said step-like portion.
4. A clamp structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for tightening the clamping band means includes at least one plastically deformable ear means.
5. A clamp structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for tightening the clamping band means includes threaded means for reducing the diametric dimension of the band means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000410454A CA1150937A (en) | 1979-05-08 | 1982-08-30 | Hose clamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/036,980 US4299012A (en) | 1979-05-08 | 1979-05-08 | Hose clamp |
| CA000351271A CA1146727A (en) | 1979-05-08 | 1980-05-05 | Hose clamp |
| CA000410454A CA1150937A (en) | 1979-05-08 | 1982-08-30 | Hose clamp |
| US036,980 | 1987-04-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1150937A true CA1150937A (en) | 1983-08-02 |
Family
ID=27166672
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000410454A Expired CA1150937A (en) | 1979-05-08 | 1982-08-30 | Hose clamp |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1150937A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-08-30 CA CA000410454A patent/CA1150937A/en not_active Expired
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |