U.S. patent application number 12/804932 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release.
Invention is credited to Samuel Lewis Posner.
Application Number | 20110271492 12/804932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44900921 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110271492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Posner; Samuel Lewis |
November 10, 2011 |
HOSE CLAMP WITH PARALLEL TIGHTENING AND RAPID RELEASE
Abstract
An improved clamp constricting objects to be held in place
including hoses wires tubes. One embodiment having some or all
plastic molded parts one of which is a support base (10) to one
side is attached a partially grooved or fully flexible grooved band
strap (13) where as the other end is free to enter a band strap
entrance port (26) thereby contact is made with a matching grooved
rotating cylinder (12) held by two bearings. The band strap (13)
advances encircling objects to be held. The support base top (11)
is closed and locked by the rapid release hold down top lock (20)
confining the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) engaging a
flexible paw (17) allowing advancing rotation only, preventing the
grooved molded band strap (13) from retracting. Six sided wrench or
tool is inserted into the cylinder cavity (15) forcefully rotating
the grooved rotating cylinder (12) advancing the flexible grooved
band strap (13) through exit port (27) being held down by band
strap retainers (18). A rapid release finger grip (19) releases a
rapid release hold down top lock (20) lifting the molded support
base top (11) disengaging the flexible paw (17) from the grooved
molded rotating cylinder (12) allowing counter rotation of the
grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) retracting the flexible
grooved band strap (13) freeing the constricted objects.
Inventors: |
Posner; Samuel Lewis; (N.
Miami, FL) |
Family ID: |
44900921 |
Appl. No.: |
12/804932 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61336336 |
Jan 21, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/16R |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/14 20150115;
Y10T 24/142 20150115; Y10T 24/1498 20150115; Y10T 24/1422 20150115;
Y10T 24/1482 20150115; F16L 33/035 20130101; Y10T 24/1406 20150115;
Y10T 24/1424 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/16.R |
International
Class: |
B65D 63/00 20060101
B65D063/00 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. An improved clamp apparatus for alternatively tightening and
clamping, or loosening and releasing an object or objects to be
confined, the apparatus comprising: a support base formed of
plastic material; an elongated flexible band strap formed of the
plastic material with grooves or teeth on an outer surface thereof
attached at one end to said support base and having a tail portion
insertable into and through said support base at another end, said
support base engaging and retaining said flexible band strap when
said tail portion of said flexible band strap is inserted through
said support base, wherein said flexible band strap is guided
through said support base, formed into a loop and secured in a
finger tight constricted position within said support base; a
grooved or toothed cylinder pinion gear positioned within said
support base with grooves or teeth around a circumference matching
grooves or teeth on the outer surface of said flexible band strap
engaging and meshing with said flexible band strap; said grooved
cylinder pinion gear being formed with a structure enabling a tool
head to engage in a form-fitting manner, to allow the tool to
rotate said pinion gear about an axis substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the object or objects to be clamped and to
index said flexible band forward in a loop-constricting direction,
and a paw disposed to lock said pinion gear against a rotation
allowing said flexible band to index backwards in a loop-releasing
direction while allowing said pinion gear to be rotated for
indexing said flexible band forward in the loop-constricting
direction, and wherein said flexible band strap is advanced through
said, support base reducing the diameter of said flexible band
strap and resulting loop confining such as a hose from about an
internally positioned collar or encircling a bundle of wires or
tubes to be clamped or any other objects to be held in a confined
position, said flexible band strap is held in a confined loop by
means of a flexibly mounted levered paw acting as a ratchet upon
said rotating grooved cylinder pinion gear rotation of said grooved
cylinder pinion gear is accomplished by inserting an angled or
straight flat sided lever or tool driven wrench into a matching
flat sided cavity centered within the grooved cylinder pinion gear,
manually swinging or rotating lever wrench into an operative
position secure within the grooved cylinder pinion gear cavity; a
locked down support base top spring loads a flexibly mounted
levered paw with a paw tongue positioned at the extreme end of said
flexibly mounted levered paw forcibly inserts tongue between each
groove or tooth of said grooved cylinder pinion gear ramped side of
paw tongue allows flexible levered paw to flex upward sliding over
each tooth of said grooved cylinder pinion gear disengaging paw
tongue from between the teeth of said grooved cylinder pinion gear
allowing rotation of said grooved cylinder pinion gear, sliding
said flexible band strap in a ever increasing constricting
direction; preventing counter rotation of said rotating grooved
cylinder pinion gear by means of said engaged paw tongue between
each tooth having a flat side opposite ramped side of said paw
tongue in parallel with the flat side of each grooved cylinder
pinion gear groove or tooth, locking each groove or tooth against
the flat side of paw tongue.
14. The clamp apparatus according to claim 13, configured to clamp
a hose onto an internally positioned collar or encircling a bundle
of wires or tubes to be clamped.
15. The clamp apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said
flexible band strap is an elongated variable length flexible band
strap.
16. The clamp apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said grooved
cylinder pinion gear is formed with a flat sided cavity allowing a
ninety degree angled flat sided lever wrench to be inserted
therein, such that a pivoting or rotating a lever of said flat side
lever wrench in a direction substantially parallel to said elastic
band strap rotates said pinion gear and advances the strap in a
forward, and loop-constricting direction.
17. The clamp apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said cavity
is a hexagonal void extending through a center of said pinion gear
in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
object to be clamped.
18. (canceled)
19. An improved clamp apparatus for alternatively tightening and
clamping, or loosening and releasing an object or objects to be
confined, the apparatus comprising: a support base formed of
plastic material; an elongated flexible band strap formed of the
plastic material with grooves or teeth on an outer surface thereof
attached at one end to said support base and having a tail portion
insertable into and through said support base at another end, said
support base engaging and retaining said flexible band strap when
said tail portion of said flexible band strap is inserted through
said support base, wherein said flexible band strap is guided
through said support base, formed into a loop and secured in a
finger tight constricted position within said support base; a
grooved or toothed cylinder pinion gear positioned within said
support base with grooves or teeth around a circumference matching
grooves or teeth on the outer surface of said flexible band strap
engaging and meshing with said flexible band strap; said grooved
cylinder pinion gear being formed with a structure enabling a tool
head to engage in a form-fitting manner, to allow the tool to
rotate said pinion gear about an axis substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the object or objects to be clamped and to
index said flexible band forward in a loop-constricting direction,
and a paw disposed to lock said pinion gear against a rotation
allowing said flexible band to index backwards in a loop-releasing
direction while allowing said pinion gear to be rotated for
indexing said flexible band forward in the loop-constricting
direction; and wherein a mechanism to rapidly release said flexible
band strap from a constricted position; urging a finger grip
protruding from support base top causing hold down top lock to
release from support, base lifting said support base top lifting
said flexible levered paw attached to said support base top
resultant disengagement of paw tongue from grooves or teeth of said
grooved cylinder pinion gear wherein said flexible band strap
slides freely in the opposite direction from a constricted position
releasing objects clamped.
20. An improved clamp apparatus for alternatively tightening and
clamping, or loosening and releasing an object or objects to be
confined, the apparatus comprising: a support base formed of
plastic material; an elongated flexible band strap formed of the
plastic material with grooves or teeth on an outer surface thereof
attached at one end to said support base and having a tail portion
insertable into and through said support base at another end, said
support base engaging and retaining said flexible band strap when
said tail portion of said flexible band strap is inserted through
said support base, wherein said flexible band strap is guided
through said support base, formed into a loop and secured in a
finger tight constricted position within said support base; a
grooved or toothed cylinder pinion gear positioned within said
support base with grooves or teeth around a circumference matching
grooves or teeth on the outer surface of said flexible band strap
engaging and meshing with said flexible band strap; said grooved
cylinder pinion gear being formed with a structure enabling a tool
head to engage in a form-fitting manner, to allow the tool to
rotate said pinion gear about an axis substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the object or objects to be clamped and to
index said flexible band forward in a loop-constricting direction;
and a paw disposed to lock said pinion gear against a rotation
allowing said flexible band to index backwards in a loop-releasing
direction while allowing said pinion gear to be rotated for
indexing said flexible band forward in the loop-constricting
direction; and wherein a mechanism to rapidly release said flexible
band strap from a constricted position by means of urging upward a
finger grip protruding from support base top causing hold down top
lock to release from support base said support base top lifts by
means of a flexible hinge attached to said support base top and
said support base positioned opposite said hold down top lock.
21. A clamp apparatus, comprising: a grooved flexible band strap
formed of a plastic material, said band strap defining a
longitudinal direction and having a free end; a molded support base
of plastic material contiguously and rigidly connected to said band
strap at an end thereof opposite said free end, said molded support
base having walls and openings formed therein through which said
free end of said band strap is insertable and said band strap is
movable in the longitudinal direction; a grooved cylinder pinion
gear rotatably supported in said support base about an axis
transversely to the longitudinal direction and having grooves or
teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and
meshing with grooves or teeth formed on said molded band strap when
said free end of said band strap is inserted in said support base;
wherein a rotation of said pinion gear forces said flexible band in
a forward direction to shorten a loop formed thereby and decrease a
diameter thereof, or in an opposite direction to lengthen the loop
and to increase a diameter thereof; a support base top configured
to be placed onto and locked to said support base, said support
base including a paw structure configured to engage in said grooves
or teeth of said pinion gear to thereby lock said band strap
against movement out of said support base while allowing a forward
movement of said band strap caused by a rotation of said pinion
gear, wherein said support base top is connected to said support
base via a hinge, wherein said support base top is closed onto said
support base by pivoting said support base top about said hinge and
snapping said support base top into a locking relationship with
said support base.
22. The clamp apparatus according to claim 21, wherein pinion gear
is formed for engagement by a tool to force a rotation thereof
causing said band strap to index in the forward direction.
23. The clamp apparatus according to claim 22, wherein pinion gear
is formed with a central hexagonal opening extending axially
therethrough, enabling a hexagonal head tool to engage with and
rotate said pinion to force said band strap in the forward
direction.
24. (canceled)
25. The clamp apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said support
base top is integrally formed and molded with said support base and
said hinge is a molded living hinge pivotally connecting said
support base top to said support base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/336,336 filed 2010 Jan. 21 by the present
inventor.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] This invention relates to clamps particularly hose clamps
that are used to constrict hoses on fittings or other objects to be
confined.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] It is common practice to fasten a tube or hose to an end
fitting or connector so the contents of the tube or hose may reach
its destination or the final connection. The hose or tube must be
securely attached to the fitting usually this is accomplished by
compressing the tube or hose around the circumference of the
fitting. These devices are known generally as hose clamps.
[0008] The present invention relates generally to hose clamping
devices and particularly an improved hose clamp apparatus. Other
general uses of this invention may apply to similar devices that
are used to constrict items such as wires, a collection of small
tubing or other items or objects needing confinement. Since the
beginning use of hoses, hose clamps, a necessary apparatus, have
come in a large variety of designs. None of which have completely
satisfied the use advantages but have unfortunately incorporated
many disadvantages in there overall design. Some of the problems
have been addressed but not adequately and never completely in one
clamp.
[0009] A frequent problem is hose clamps and hoses are positioned
in confined spaces or visually out of sight so that only one hand
may be used when, tightening or loosening a clamp. The preferred
clamp used today is referred to as the "worm screw" type such as
patented by Hill et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,395,273 (1946), Black,
U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,314 (1960), Rueckheim U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,392
(1966), E. E. Schaefer U.S. Pat. No. 2,767,455 (1956) H. P. McKown,
Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,204 (1965), C. E. Hathorn U.S. Pat. No.
2,268,211 (1941), E. W. North et al U.S. Pat. No. 2,386,629 (1945),
C. W. Tinsley U.S. Pat. No. 3,087,220 (1963), Allert U.S. Pat. No.
4,445,254 (1984) and L. Baldo U.S. Pat. No. 2,522,494 (1950) these
types of hose clamps are accessible primarily from an adjacent
direction substantially tangential to the hose, when using a tool
to tighten or loosen the clamp it is virtually impossible without
the use of another hand to hold the clamp in place since they tend
to rotate around the circumference of the hose, when loose.
Unfortunately tight areas and hard to reach places are common when
using hoses and fittings. This invention solves this critical
problem and others as described below.
[0010] Other types of hose clamps have tried to address this
critical problem but not in a complete manner such as Kreft, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,546,524 (1985) with a metal "worm gear" type hose clamp.
Kreft has positioned a tightening wrench opposed to the axial of
the hose, however it appears that the hexagonal wrench can only be
inserted on one side of the head limiting its practical use in hard
to reach spaces. Also, the patent does not describe in detail the
means of attachment of the locking and gear section to the band or
strap, which is critical to its function and cost of manufacture.
The strength of the teeth is also a factor due to their nominal
width as well as the depth of engagement in the slots in the strap
are also questionable. Difficulty appears when the engaging member
tab, holding the gear in a stop position where as the hexagonal
wrench must be withdrawn so the gear will slide into position by
means of a spring. If the hexagonal wrench is removed, force cannot
be maintained against the spring causing counter rotation of the
gear releasing the strap. Small thin metal tabs are all that
prevents the clamp from disengaging as well as a fine steel spring
to engage the stop incidence of corrosion are common and will
certainly cause this clamp to fail.
[0011] Younce, U.S. Pat. No. 1,874,731 (1932) also addresses
longitudinal axis but is specifically designed as a "piston ring
compressing tool" not a hose clamp. Kitts, U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,199
(1945) and Brodheim, U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,817 (1953) not in general
use today for other apparent reasons as described below, they do
employ a screw head oriented substantially parallel to the central
longitudinal axis of the circular band for tightening. Brodheim,
U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,817 (1953), Kitts U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,199
(1945) and W. C. Dumke U.S. Pat. No. 1,963,436 (1934) employ a
separate paw and ratchet on an eccentric wedging member to lock the
clamp apparatus also employed are metal straps or a flexible band
around a winding element. All of which have exposed mechanisms that
can become entangled with adjacent apparatus or cause injury by
having exposed sharp edges. It also appears some difficulty would
be encountered releasing the ratchets when under reverse force from
the tightened strap. Kitts U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,199 (1945) as
mentioned above this device may also be accidentally released by
the exposed position of the ratchet paw. Another major flaw in all
the above clamps is that the parts are all various types of metal
costly to fabricate, manufacture and assemble. In a relatively
short time, under certain conditions, all metal even high quality
will corrode, fatigue and erode, especially made from thin sheet
metal with no substantial thickness.
[0012] Many of these perforated strap clamps are used on soft
flexible hose materials so as the band is tightened the soft hose
material is pushed through the perforations in the band damaging
the hose and with some designs pushing the "worm gear" away from
the perforations in the strap ultimately disengaging the clamp. It
has been demonstrated that "worm gear" design when over tightened
will fracture or bend the metal between each perforation of the
strap since they are close together with little metal support
between each perforation. Little surface contact between the "worm
gear" and the perforations also causes failure.
[0013] Another desirable feature of a hose clamp is to provide a
quick or rapid disconnect. Toth, U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,642 (1991)
attempts to address rapid disengagement of a "worm gear" type
clamp. Although it appears that in order to release the gear from
the slotted strap it would have to be pried up with a tool not
easily accomplished in tight surroundings or areas out of sight. In
addition all the clamps cited above are fabricated from metal,
costly to fabricate, manufacture and assemble.
[0014] Other references cited are clamps primarily made of
polymeric material such as LiVolsi, U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,556 (1984)
this hose clamp which is injection molded is less expensive to
produce and uncomplicated to manufacture. Made from polymeric
material it will not corrode or degrade as metal clamps. Although
it has no means to disengage and is designed to be finger tightened
only limiting its use. Today most hose clamps used for low pressure
applications are "worm gear" types. All hose clamps of this type as
described above in various forms suffer from a number of
disadvantages: [0015] (a) Hose clamps based on the "worm gear"
design principle cannot be applied or removed using only one hand.
A distinct disadvantage in many applications. [0016] (b) All prior
art hose clamps designed for medium pressure applications are
fabricated from metal. Under certain adverse conditions such as
exposure to acids, salts, electrolysis, flexing, vibrations and the
like may degrade these clamps to the point of failure, even high
quality stainless steel. [0017] (c) The majority of hose clamps
used today do not embody means to rapidly and easily disengage.
[0018] (d) The need to use tools to install or remove hose clamps
such as slotted screwdrivers or ratchets in places inaccessible or
completely out of view is cumbersome a distinct disadvantage.
[0019] (e) Another disadvantage is the inability to color code in
order to identify the contents being carried within a hose and
could be a safety issue. [0020] (f) To assembly metal hose clamps
you must consider the cost of material, overall energy necessary to
manufacture and form parts, labor and assembly equipment,
manufacturing space, shipping, as well as other peripheral
expenses. These costs are exceedingly greater than a polymeric
composite, injection molded, hose clamp. [0021] (g) Some hazards of
using metal hose clamps are injuries and cuts from sharp edges and
accidental electrical conductivity.
SUMMARY
[0022] In accordance with one embodiment a hose clamp by means of a
grooved molded rotating cylinder in contact with a band strap of
matching grooves as the loose end advances through a guided molded
support base constricting a hose about a fitting or other objects
to be confined.
DRAWINGS
Figures
[0023] A better understanding of the invention and its various
features and advantages will be had by referring to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows an isometric perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the assembled clamp with band strap engaged.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a side and front plane view of the assembled
preferred embodiment including the band strap engaged around a
hose.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows another isometric perspective of the preferred
embodiment with the band strap disengaged.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows an isometric perspective of the preferred
embodiment with the molded support base top open without the band
strap engaged.
[0028] FIG. 5 shows an isometric perspective of the preferred
embodiment sectioned "A-A" along the length of the band strap and
support base as shown in FIG. 1
[0029] FIG. 5A shows an additional isometric perspective
embodiment.
DRAWINGS
Reference Numbers
[0030] 10 molded support base [0031] 11 molded support base top
[0032] 12 grooved molded rotating cylinder [0033] 13 flexible
grooved band strap [0034] 14 molded hinge [0035] 15 cylinder cavity
[0036] 16 grooves in band strap [0037] 17 flexible paw [0038] 18
band strap retainers [0039] 19 rapid release finger grip [0040] 20
rapid release hold down top lock [0041] 21 hose [0042] 22 rapid
release top lock lip [0043] 23 mold clearance holes [0044] 24
raised bevels [0045] 25 lock bar [0046] 26 grooved cylinder
bearings [0047] 27 band strap exit port [0048] 28 band strap
entrance port
Reference Numbers for Additional Embodiment
[0048] [0049] 29 support base top [0050] 30 support base [0051] 31
band strap [0052] 32 grooves [0053] 33 cylinder cavity [0054] 34
hinge ears [0055] 35 hinge pin [0056] 36 top open stop [0057] 37
finger tight knobs [0058] 38 quick release finger tab [0059] 39
raised bevels [0060] 40 rotating cylinder
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1 through 5--Preferred Embodiment
[0061] The preferred embodiment of the hose clamp with parallel
tightening and rapid release as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5
comprising the molded support base 10 including the molded support
base top 11 which is attached to the molded support base 10 by a
molded hinge 14 and a rapid release hold down top lock 20 as
illustrated in FIGS. 2,3,4 and 5 a flexible paw 17 or an eccentric
wedging member is molded in the top of the molded support base 11,
the rapid release finger grip 19 the rapid release hold down top
lock 20 the lock bar 25 shown in FIGS. 2,3,4 and 5 and two band
strap retainers 18 shown in FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 5 which hold the
flexible grooved band strap 13 also shown are the grooves 16 molded
in the flexible grooved band strap 13, which enters the molded
support base 11 by a band strap entrance port 28 and a band strap
exit port 27 as shown in FIGS. 1,2,3, and 4 a grooved molded
rotating cylinder 12 is held within the molded support base 10 by
two grooved cylinder bearings 26 shown in FIGS. 1,2,3, and 4, a
cylinder cavity 15 is centered within the grooved molded rotating
cylinder 12 that accepts a six sided hexagonal wrench commonly
known in industrial applications as an "Allen" wrench (not
shown).
[0062] In this preferred embodiment all the parts are molded or
formed from extruded or injected plastic heated to a liquid state
such as Nylon or any other material or combinations of composites
that make the clamp stronger more resilient longer lasting or any
other materials that can be molded or injected into a die by
various processes of molding or machining. Shown in FIGS. 1,3,4 and
5 are mold clearance holes 23 which facilitate the process of
molding during the ejection phase of manufacturing. Also shown in
FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 5 are raised bevels 24 that give the strap
additional strength.
[0063] Due to the variety of uses of a band strap clamp such as
constricting hoses around fittings, bundling of smaller hoses,
electrical wires, or any other items that may need bundling
typically the molded support base 10 is 25 mm wide and 19 mm long
and 15.8 mm high the flexible grooved band strap 13 is 15.8 mm wide
these dimensions may be smaller or larger depending on the size of
the hose or the objects to be confined. The hose clamp with
parallel tightening and rapid release may be produced in different
sizes and lengths of the grooved molded band strap 13 which may or
may not change the character of the elements as described above of
the preferred embodiment.
Operation--Refer to FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 5
[0064] The hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release
may be applied to a hose or other items that need bundling by
simply wrapping around a hose or other items as mentioned above by
inserting the end of the flexible grooved band strap 13 into the
molded support base 10 band strap entrance port 28 as shown in FIG.
1 then advancing the flexible grooved band strap 13 while the
molded support base top 11 is in the open position as shown in FIG.
4. The flexible grooved band strap 13 enters the molded support
base 10 engaging the grooves 16 of the flexible grooved band strap
13 with the grooves of the grooved molded rotating cylinder 12 then
freely rotate as it is supported by the molded support base 10 by
means of two grooved cylinder bearings 26 as shown in FIGS. 1,2,3
and 4. As the flexible grooved band strap 13 advances through the
support base 10 it will exit the band strap exit port 27 as shown
in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 of the support base 10 sliding between the
band strap retainers 18 or may be pushed down between the band
strap retainers 18 which are angled down allowing the band strap
retainers 18 to spring out placing the flexible grooved band strap
13 under the band strap retainers 18 of which the free end of the
flexible grooved band strap held in confined position over lapping
the attached end of the flexible grooved band strap 13 which is
attached to the molded support base 10 as shown in FIGS. 1,2 and 5.
These band strap retainers 18 confine the end of the flexible
grooved band strap 13 preventing the end of the flexible grooved
band strap 13 from interfering with other equipment or items in
close proximity to the band clamp when installed.
[0065] After positioning the flexible grooved band strap 13 through
the support base 10 as shown in FIG. 1 the top of support base 11
is rotated by means of the molded hinge 14 and is then forced down
by closing and pushing down on the molded support base top 11 and
is locked and held in a locked position by the rapid release hold
down top lock 20 by means of the lock bar 25 being locked under the
rapid release top lock lip 22 as shown in FIG. 3. A hexagonal
wrench, commonly known in industrial applications as an "Allen"
wrench, this conventional tool would be inserted into the hexagon
hole 15 parallel to the hose 21 which runs through the entire
length of the grooved cylinder 12 therefore the wrench could be
inserted into either end of the grooved molded rotating cylinder
12. By rotating the grooved molded rotating cylinder 12 with the
hexagonal wrench in a direction either clockwise or counter
clockwise depending on which end of the hexagonal hole 15 the
hexagonal wrench is inserted will then engage the grooves 16 of the
band strap 13 and the matching grooves of the grooved molded
rotating cylinder 12 advancing the flexible grooved band strap 13
reducing the circumference of the flexible grooved band strap 13
tightening around a hose 21 or other items to be held in place or
constricted as shown in FIG. 2. As the grooved molded rotating
cylinder 12 rotates and the flexible grooved band strap 12 is
advanced through the support base 10 a flexible paw 17 which is
molded into the top of the molded support base top 11 glides over
the top of each groove due to the tip angle of the flexible paw 17
drops firmly, due to the flexing of the mold material and the over
positioning of the flexible paw 17 in relation to the grooves of
the grooved molded rotating cylinder 12, into each groove of the
grooved molded rotating cylinder 12 preventing the counter rotation
of the grooved molded rotating cylinder 12 by the force applied
radically to the flexible paw 17 then transmitting the force to the
molded support base top 11 which is secured in a lock down
position. Therefore the flexible grooved band strap 13 will only
advance in one direction reducing the circumference of the flexible
grooved band strap 13 tightening around a hose 21 or other objects
to be held in place or constricted. The molded support base top 11
is held in place by a molded hinge 14 on one side and a rapid
release hold down top lock 20 on the other side. By placing a
finger under the rapid release finger grip 19 and preying up the
molded support base top 11 will release the lock bar 25 from under
the rapid release hold down top lock lip 22 and the top of the
molded support base 10 will swivel on the molded hinge 14 releasing
the flexible paw 17 from the grooved molded rotating cylinder 12
allowing the counter rotation of the grooved molded rotating
cylinder 12 allowing the flexible grooved band strap 13 to slid
back in the confined area of the molded support base 10 thereby
releasing the constriction around the hose 21 or other objects to
be confined. So that it is understood the grooved molded rotating
cylinder 12 is a separate part and has been removed from the molded
support base 10 as shown in FIG. 4. The grooved molded cylinder 12
is held in place when forced, during assembly, between the open
sides of the grooved cylinder bearings 26 as shown in FIGS. 1,2,3,
and 4. The opening is smaller then the diameter of the grooved
molded rotating cylinder 12 bearing surfaces therefore once forced
down into the grooved cylinder bearings 26 as shown in FIGS. 1,2,3,
and 4 the grooved cylinder will stay in place.
FIG. 5A Illustrates an additional Embodiment In FIG. 5A with band
strap 31 engaged with the support base 30 and the support base top
29 closed illustrates the grooves 32 of the band strap 31 not
extended fully to full width of the band strap 31 and extend the
entire length of the band strap 31 whereas the raised bevels 39
extend on the outside of the band strap 31 the full length. The
finger tight knobs 37 provide the ability to advance the band strap
31 tightening it around the circumference of a hose finger tight
before applying a tightening tool that would be inserted in the
cylinder cavity 33. The hinge ears 34 and the hinge pin 35 secure
the support base top 29 to the support base 30 and will rotate to
open the support base top 29 from the support base 30 releasing the
constricting band strap 31 is accomplished by pushing up on the
quick release finger tab 38 disengaging the top lock as described
above in FIGS. 2,3,4 and 5. The top open stop 36 prevents the
support base top 29 from opening totally so the rotating cylinder
40, shown removed from support base 30, on FIG. 5A is maintained
within the support base 30.
ADVANTAGES
[0066] From the description above, a number of advantages of the
preferred embodiment of my hose clamp with parallel tightening and
rapid release become evident: [0067] (a) As a mold there are
several advantages to this embodiment. There are a vast variety of
plastic compounds that can be injected into a mold to produce this
embodiment. The plastic material from which this embodiment can be
produced may vary according to the application and conditions for
which this clamp may be applied. [0068] (b) The plastic material
from which this embodiment will be made will not corrode or rust
and may be used within corrosive environments. [0069] (c) The
plastic material may be mixed with pigments producing colors to
identify clamps for location or contents within hoses or groups of
items as well as branded or screened for identification. [0070] (d)
Low cost of material and ease of manufacturing is another advantage
when using molded parts compared to metal. [0071] (e) This
embodiment allows for the application to be accomplished with the
use of only one hand because of the parallel position with regard
to the hose or items being secured. The tightening of the clamp
with a tool such as the hexagonal wrench once inserted within
either side of the clamp will help to secure the clamp in a
position where tightening can be accomplished without the clamp
rotating around the hose or items to be constricted. [0072] (f) A
rapid release is provided that can also be accomplished with the
use of only one hand. An important advantage in order to save time
and under emergency conditions. [0073] (g) This preferred
embodiment is wider than most being used today. This extra width
provides a better seal when clamping hoses, no need to use two
clamps as is common when using a narrower metal clamp. [0074] (h)
This preferred embodiment can also be applied to a hose or other
items to be clamped with speed and ease due to the support base top
unlocks from the support base allowing the band strap to rotate the
grooved cylinder freely as it enters the support base and slides
over the attached end of the band strap. This can also be
accomplished with one hand. [0075] (i) This preferred embodiment
can be tightened by inserting the hexagonal wrench into either end
of the grooved cylinder for convenient application.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0076] Accordingly, the reader will see that the preferred
embodiment of the hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid
release when applied to a hose or other objects to be constricted
can easily be tightened and released using only one hand. As a
molded device a variety of future or state of the art plastic
compounds can be used providing strength to which will rival many
clamps in use produced from steel as well as withstanding corrosive
and fatigue.
[0077] An enclosed box design of the support base adds structure
integrity to the cylinder bearing support. The top of the support
base is shaped structurally to eliminate deflection from the upward
force of the bearings, a locking device holding the top securely on
one side and a full length molded hinge on the other side keeping
the molded support base top firmly closed. All the structural
shapes may be different as shown in FIG. 5A such as curved,
thicker, more angular with greater or less strength. The top of the
base support may be locked down by several other means such as a
hinged lock, a dow insertion or pin insertion. The use of a "living
hinge" or molded hinge as proposed in the preferred embodiment can
be molded in one complete operation no assembly required attaching
the top to the support base also to the full width of one side of
the base. Many other means of hinging could be proposed one of
which is shown in FIG. 5A
[0078] The cascading mechanical advantages of this invention will
become apparent starting with the leverage obtained from the
hexagonal ninety-degree "Allen" wrench used as a tightening tool.
The capability to insert the full length of the short end of this
tool with complete contact of six flat surfaces, dimensionally
snug, within the interior cavity of the rotating cylinder has a
distinct mechanical advantage. In order to gain sufficient
compression when tightening a flexible band strap it is essential
to use a tool such as the hexagonal wrench as demonstrated in
almost every prior art hose clamp. Another advantage using the
hexagonal wrench is when applying a hose clamp with one hand or the
clamp may be out of sight you may release your hold on the tool
without it losing contact with the clamp since it is snuggly held
in place within the rotating cylinder. The rotating cylinder makes
an easy target when using an evenly spaced six-sided wrench since
it can be inserted at almost any circular angle. Many different
types of tools may and have been used such as screwdrivers, sockets
with ratchet wrenches, other drivers with a variety of shaped
tips.
[0079] While my above description contains much specificity, they
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible, for
example: [0080] a. The width, length, size and shape of the support
base may vary. [0081] b. The band strap width, length, size,
thickness and the attachment or non-attachment to the support base
may vary. [0082] c. The grooves on the band strap and rotating
cylinder maybe teeth or gears of varying sizes in width, depth,
pitch spacing and design. Extending the entire length of the band
strap as shown in FIG. 5A. [0083] d. The tools used to advance the
band strap by rotating the cylinder may be a screwdriver of
different tip shapes, a ratchet with sockets or a special designed
tool specific to a particular adapter. [0084] e. The hinged support
base top may vary in design such as a slide or hook or as shown in
FIG. 5A although this design may require additional assembly and
parts. [0085] f. The support base top may be locked down with a
snap lock using an additional hinge a dow and hole side clips
attached to the base all of which may require tools to release or
may be difficult to perform with one hand. [0086] g. The paw may
vary in size shape width increase or decrease in flexibility and
hold the rotating cylinder from a different angle. [0087] h. The
preferred embodiment is molded from liquefied plastic for the
purpose of incorporating the design possibilities as described. The
plastic material is a function of the design in order to withstand
the conditions to which hose clamps are exposed and the reduced
cost to manufacture. The plastic material maybe various compounds
with additives designed for specific applications in a variety of
different colors. Parts of this hose clamp may be produced from
metal in total embedded or tipped in specific areas, machined, die
cast, forged, or pressed. [0088] i. The rotating cylinder can be
metal molded compressed formed or produced by other means. A
ratchet can be incorporated within an outer and inner sleeve
allowing rotation in one direction only and slipping in a counter
rotation. [0089] j. The band strap may be as a molded permanently
attached to the support base or attached by mechanical means to
allow for interchangeable lengths or sizes.
[0090] k. The band strap retainers molded into the strap allowing
the band strap to slide under or pressed under the retainers
holding the band strap close to the attached end of the band strap
so it will not interfere with objects in the area of the hose
clamp. This retainer may be a strap or loop around the band strap
where by the end or loose portion of the band strap may slip under
the loop retaining the loose end of the band strap.
Thus the scope of the embodiment should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
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