GB2118613A - Metal band for locking tube joints - Google Patents

Abstract

A metal band of circular form for locking a joint between two tubes comprises from one end to the other a curved part, an outward fold (2) which develops along a non-radial axis, a second curved part (1), a substantially radial fold (3), a resilient straight part (4) and a hooked extremity (5, 5A), engageable with the fold (2) to secure the band. The non-hooked end may be reinforced by ribs. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Metal band for locking tube joints This invention relates to a metal band of circular form which can lock together a joint between two co-axial tubes, of which the external material is sufficiently pliable so that under pressure of the band in the locked position, the tubes can be reformed in order to guarantee a joint which holds perfectly.

In this field there are various known devices for the joining of co-axial tubes; compared to these, the band of this invention has the advantage of greater simplicity of construction, extreme rapidity in assembling and perfect holding, not only when used under normal circumstances, but also under conditions of knocks, vibrations, increases in pressure of liquid running inside the tube, deformation of the joint and so on.

For a better description of the band in question, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings which, however, must not be considered as limiting the invention. In these drawings:~ Fig. 1 shows the metal band before assembling: one can see a base strip 1, a bend 2 developed on a non-radial axis, a bend 3, a straight resilient arm 4 and a holding hook 5; Fig. 2 shows the metal band in the locked position with the hook 5 fixed to the bend 2 so that the surface of the part 5a of the hook (internal side) and of the part 2b of the bend (external side) are co-planar; Fig. 3 shows the metal band in a straight position: the metal strip of the base 1 is visible, as are the bends 2 and 3, the resilient arm 4 and the hook 5; and Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the metal band.

In a preferred realisation of the metal band of this invention, the extreme end of the bend 2 is reinforced with suitable ribs. The application of the band on the joint to be locked is made with suitable locking pincers, which by using pressure on the base of the bends 2 and 3 enable these to be progressively drawn nearer together and therefore, because of the particular slant of the non-radial bend 2 and because of the resilience of the arm 4, the hook 5 is able to surmount the bend 2 and, consequently, the part 5a of the hook 5 can slip over the external side of the part 2b of bend 2 till it reaches the final locked position, during which the two surfaces, hook 5a (internal side) and part 2b of the bend 2 (external side), are locked together.When locked, the special slant of the bend 2 prevents unhooking of the hook 5, the strength transmitted between hook and bend procuring an equilibrium of all the components of strength existing at the point of locking, even under unusual conditions created as by knocks, vibrations, increases in pressure of the liquid held inside, deformation of joints and so forth.

1. A metal band of circular form for locking of a joint between two tubes, characterised in that it consists of a single basic strip, which is composed, from one end to the other, of a curved strip, a bend which develops along a non-radial axis, a second curved strip, a second bend, a straight resilient strip and an extreme end in the form of a hook.

2. A metal band in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the non-radial bend and the hooked end when locked together are co-planar with each other respectively by the external part of the bend and the internal side of the hook.

3. A metal band in accordance with claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the end adjoining the non-radial bend is suitably reinforced with special ribs.

4. A metal band in accordance with any of the previous claims, characterised in that it does not contain any loose parts.

5. A metal band substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (5)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Metal band for locking tube joints This invention relates to a metal band of circular form which can lock together a joint between two co-axial tubes, of which the external material is sufficiently pliable so that under pressure of the band in the locked position, the tubes can be reformed in order to guarantee a joint which holds perfectly. In this field there are various known devices for the joining of co-axial tubes; compared to these, the band of this invention has the advantage of greater simplicity of construction, extreme rapidity in assembling and perfect holding, not only when used under normal circumstances, but also under conditions of knocks, vibrations, increases in pressure of liquid running inside the tube, deformation of the joint and so on. For a better description of the band in question, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings which, however, must not be considered as limiting the invention. In these drawings:~ Fig. 1 shows the metal band before assembling: one can see a base strip 1, a bend 2 developed on a non-radial axis, a bend 3, a straight resilient arm 4 and a holding hook 5; Fig. 2 shows the metal band in the locked position with the hook 5 fixed to the bend 2 so that the surface of the part 5a of the hook (internal side) and of the part 2b of the bend (external side) are co-planar; Fig. 3 shows the metal band in a straight position: the metal strip of the base 1 is visible, as are the bends 2 and 3, the resilient arm 4 and the hook 5; and Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the metal band. In a preferred realisation of the metal band of this invention, the extreme end of the bend 2 is reinforced with suitable ribs. The application of the band on the joint to be locked is made with suitable locking pincers, which by using pressure on the base of the bends 2 and 3 enable these to be progressively drawn nearer together and therefore, because of the particular slant of the non-radial bend 2 and because of the resilience of the arm 4, the hook 5 is able to surmount the bend 2 and, consequently, the part 5a of the hook 5 can slip over the external side of the part 2b of bend 2 till it reaches the final locked position, during which the two surfaces, hook 5a (internal side) and part 2b of the bend 2 (external side), are locked together.When locked, the special slant of the bend 2 prevents unhooking of the hook 5, the strength transmitted between hook and bend procuring an equilibrium of all the components of strength existing at the point of locking, even under unusual conditions created as by knocks, vibrations, increases in pressure of the liquid held inside, deformation of joints and so forth. CLAIMS

1. A metal band of circular form for locking of a joint between two tubes, characterised in that it consists of a single basic strip, which is composed, from one end to the other, of a curved strip, a bend which develops along a non-radial axis, a second curved strip, a second bend, a straight resilient strip and an extreme end in the form of a hook.

2. A metal band in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the non-radial bend and the hooked end when locked together are co-planar with each other respectively by the external part of the bend and the internal side of the hook.

3. A metal band in accordance with claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the end adjoining the non-radial bend is suitably reinforced with special ribs.

4. A metal band in accordance with any of the previous claims, characterised in that it does not contain any loose parts.

5. A metal band substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.