U.S. patent number RE33,934 [Application Number 07/417,241] was granted by the patent office on 1992-05-26 for hose clamp.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik. Invention is credited to Hans Oetiker.
United States Patent |
RE33,934 |
Oetiker |
May 26, 1992 |
Hose clamp
Abstract
A clamp structure with a clamping band having open ends adapted
to be mechanically interconnected by outwardly extending hooks in
an inner band portion operable to engage in corresponding apertures
provided in an outer band portion; at least one plastically
deformable ear is provided in the clamp structure for tightening
the clamping band about an object to be fastened by plastic
deformation of the ear; a substantially gap-free transition in the
circumferential direction from the inner band portion to the
ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the
clamping band is obtained by the use of a tongue-like extension at
the free end of the inner band portion which is operable to engage
into a tongue-receiving aperture or channel provided in the outer
band portion. In one embodiment, the mechanical connection consists
of one suspension hook of tab-like configuration and one or more
support hooks realized by cold-deformation and separated from the
remaining band material by only a substantially transversely
extending cut.
Inventors: |
Oetiker; Hans (Horgen,
CH) |
Assignee: |
Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und
Apparatefabrik (Horgen, CH)
|
Family
ID: |
26713682 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/417,241 |
Filed: |
October 4, 1989 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
36980 |
May 8, 1979 |
04299012 |
Nov 10, 1981 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/19; 24/20CW;
24/20LS; 24/20W; D8/356 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L
33/025 (20130101); F16L 33/035 (20130101); F16L
33/04 (20130101); Y10T 24/1412 (20150115); Y10T
24/1478 (20150115); Y10T 24/1486 (20150115); Y10T
24/1488 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
F16L
33/035 (20060101); F16L 33/02 (20060101); F16L
33/04 (20060101); B65D 063/00 (); F16L
047/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;24/19,2R,2CW,2EE,2TT,23EE |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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2470276 |
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CH |
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4533 |
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1892 |
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190869 |
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261549 |
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560526 |
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1393555 |
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May 1975 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Sakran; Victor N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Craig, Jr.; Paul M.
Claims
I claim:
1. A clamp structure comprising clamping band means having open
ends, means mechanically interconnecting the open ends of the band
means including several outwardly extending hook means in an inner
band portion operable to engage in corresponding aperture means
provided in an outer band portion, and means in the clamp structure
for tightening the clamping band means about an object to be
fastened, characterized in that at least one hook means is a
suspension hook means adapted to extend through a corresponding
aperture means, and in that at least another hook means is a
cold-deformed support hook means having force-engaging abutment
surface means extending out of the plane of said inner band portion
while said support hook means is integral with said inner band
portion over at least a substantial part of its remaining contour,
said suspension hook means being operable to initially engage the
outer band portion by extending into the corresponding aperture
means and thereafter to guide the inner and outer band portions
with respect to one another while the circumferentially directed
clamping forces which occur during tightening of the clamp
structure by said tightening means, are absorbed principally by
said cold-deformed support hook means engaging with the abutment
surface means thereof against the edge of a respective aperture
means.
2. A clamp structure comprising clamping band means having open
ends, means mechanically interconnecting the open ends of the band
means including several outwardly extending hook means in an inner
band portion operable to engage in corresponding aperture means
provided in an outer band portion, and means in the clamp structure
for tightening the clamping band means about an object to be
fastened, characterized in that at least one hook means is a
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 contraction of the
ear means, and in that at least another hook means is a
cold-deformed support hook means having force-engaging abutment
surface means operable to absorb the circumferentially directed
forces caused by tightening of the clamp structure as a result of
the contraction of the .[.ear.]. .Iadd.tightening .Iaddend.means,
by engagement with the edge of a respective aperture means, each
cold-deformed support hook means being formed by a portion of band
material pressed-out of the band means, the cold-deformed support
hook means being non-integral with the normal configuration of the
band material substantially only along a single generally
transversely extending cut defining that end of the cold-deformed
hook means, which constitutes its force-engaging abutment surface
means.
3. A clamp structure according to claim 2, characterized in that
the pressed-out portion defining a cold-deformed support hook means
is integral with the adjoining parts of the band material on all
sides thereof except within the area of the generally transversely
extending cut.
4. A clamp structure according to claim 3, characterized in that
the abutment surface means is generally convexly shaped relative to
the flat band material, as viewed in a cross section including the
transverse cut.
5. A clamp structure according to claim 4, characterized in that a
cold-deformed support hook means tapers in height and width in the
circumferential direction away from its abutment surface means.
6. A clamp structure according to claim 3, characterized in that
the suspension hook means is a substantially rectangular, tab-like
hook bent out of the band material which is defined by a
substantially U-shaped cut in the band means.
7. A clamp structure according to claim 6, characterized in that
one suspension hook means is followed by at least one hook
means.
8. A clamp structure according to claim 7, characterized by means
preventing incorrect assembly of the hook and aperture means.
9. A clamp structure according to claim 8, characterized in that
the means preventing incorrect assembly is realized by a
circumferential spacing between the suspension hook means and the
next adjacent support hook means as also by a circumferential
spacing of the corresponding aperture means in the outer band
portion which are different from the circumferential spacing of the
two support hook means and their respective aperture means.
10. A clamp structure according to claim 8, characterized in that
the means preventing incorrect assembly is realized by the length
of a web portion of the outer band means from the last aperture
means to the free end thereof which is larger than the length in
the circumferential direction of the web portion between adjacent
aperture means.
11. A ring-like clamp structure according to claim 10,
characterized by further means near the free end of the inner band
portion and in the corresponding area of the outer band portion to
assure a substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential
direction from the inner band portion to the ring-like
configuration of the clamp structure defined by the band means,
when the clamp structure is tightened by deformation of the ear
means.
12. A clamp structure according to claim 11, characterized in that
the further means includes a tongue means at the free end of the
inner band portion, which is operable to engage into a
tongue-receiving means provided in the corresponding location of
the outer band portion.
13. A clamp structure according to claim 12, characterized in that
the outer band portion is provided with an outwardly extending
step-like portion, and in that said tongue-receiving means is an
aperture means provided at least within the area of said step-like
portion.
14. A clamp structure according to claim 13, characterized in that
said step-like portion displaces the outer band portion relative to
the ring-like configuration, defined within the area of overlap by
the inner band portion, by a radial distance approximately equal to
the thickness of the band material.
15. A clamp structure according to claim 14, characterized in that
said tongue means is relatively flat in transverse cross
section.
16. A clamp structure according to claim 13, characterized in that
said tongue means is generally curved in transverse cross
section.
17. A clamp structure according to claim 13, characterized in that
said tongue means is generally convexly curved in cross
section.
18. A clamp structure according to claim 13, characterized in that
said tongue means is generally concavely curved in cross
section.
19. A clamp structure according to claim 12, characterized in that
the inner band portion is provided with at least one
circumferentially extending, generally convexly shaped embossment
means in its area underneath the opening of the means for
tightening the band means to be engaged during tightening thereof
by the corner-like transitions between the band means and leg
portions of the tightening means, said leg portions riding up on
the embossment means and thus pressing down the inner band portion
within the area of the embossment means.
20. A clamp structure according to claim 12, characterized in that
the tongue-receiving means is a channel-shaped recess means of a
depth, width and length sufficient to accommodate the tongue
means.
21. A clamp structure according to claim 20, characterized in that
the channel-shaped recess means is formed by a pressed-out portion
within the center area of the band means defined by transversely
spaced, generally circumferentially extending cuts.
22. A clamp structure according to claim 21, characterized in that
the cuts are interrupted cuts leaving therebetween web portions
connecting the remaining band means with the pressed-out
portion.
23. A clamp structure according to claim 21, characterized in that
said cuts commence within the area of a step-like portion in the
band means and terminate within the area of another step-like
portion of the recess means, said pressed-out portion of the recess
means failing to follow the first-mentioned step-like portion.
24. A clamp structure according to claim 23, characterized in that
said first-mentioned step-like portion displaces the outer band
portion relative to the ring-like configuration defined within the
area of overlap by the inner band portion, by a radial distance
approximately equal to the thickness of the band material.
25. A clamp structure according to claim 21, characterized in that
the number of aperture means is greater than the number of hook
means to enable the realization of a clamp structure with different
diameters, the length of the tongue and tongue-receiving means
being such that all diameters possible by the number of aperture
means can be realized devoid of gaps in the object-engaging surface
of the clamp structure.
26. A clamp structure according to claim 20, characterized in that
said tongue means is relatively flat in transverse cross
section.
27. A clamp structure according to claim 20, characterized in that
said tongue means is generally convexly or convavely curved in
transverse cross section.
28. A clamp structure according to claim 1, .[.2,3,4,5,6,7,8, 9,
10, 11,12,13,14,19,20,21,22,23,24 or 25,.]. characterized in that
the means for tightening the clamping band means includes at least
one plastically deformable ear means and in that the inner band
portion extends underneath the opening of an ear means and
terminates a distance therebeyond in the circumferential
direction.
29. A clamp structure according to claim 12, characterized in that
the means for tightening the clamping band means includes at least
one plastically deformable ear means having two generally outwardly
extending leg portions interconnected by a generally
circumferentially extending bridging portion, and a generally
circumferentially extending, groove-like reinforcing means in said
bridging portion.
30. A clamp structure according to claim 1, .[.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or
8,.]. characterized in that the inner and outer band portions
overlap only within the area of the mechanical interconnecting
means so that the opening underneath the ear means is not covered
by the inner band portion.
31. A clamp structure according to claim 30, characterized by
further means near the free ends of the inner and outer band
portions to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the
circumferential direction from the inner band portion of the
ring-like configuration of the clamp structure defined by the band
means, when the clamp structure is tightened by deformation of the
ear means.
32. A clamp structure according to claim 31, characterized in that
the further means includes a tongue means at the free end of the
inner band portion, which is operable to engage into an aperture
means provided in the corresponding location of the outer band
portion.
33. A clamp structure according to claim 32, characterized in that
the outer band portion is provided with an outwardly extending
step-like portion, and in that said last-mentioned aperture means
is provided at least within the area of said step-like portion.
34. A clamp structure according to claim 33, characterized in that
said step-like portion displaces the outer band portion relative to
the ring-like configuration defined within the area of overlap by
the inner band portion, by a radial distance approximately equal to
the thickness of the band material.
35. A clamp structure according to claim 32, characterized in that
said tongue means is relatively flat in transverse cross
section.
36. A clamp structure according to claim 32, characterized in that
the tongue means is generally convexly or concavely curved in
transverse cross section.
37. A clamp-like structure according to claim 32, characterized in
that an insert means of band material is provided in said clamp
structure at least within the area of the means for tightening the
clamping band means and of the band portions next adjoining the
tightening means, and still further means at the free ends of said
insert means and in the corresponding areas of the overlying band
portions to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the
circumferential direction from the free ends of the insert means to
the ring-like configuration defined by the band means.
38. A clamp structure according to claim 37, characterized in that
the still further means include tongue means at each free end of
the insert means and tongue-receiving aperture means in
corresponding areas of said last-mentioned band portions, into
which a respective tongue means is operable to engage during
contraction of the ear means.
39. A clamp structure according to claim 38, characterized in that
each tongue-receiving aperture means is located at least within the
area of an outwardly extending step-like portion provided in the
corresponding band portion of the band means.
40. A clamp structure according to claim 38, characterized in that
each of said last-mentioned tongue means is relatively flat in
transverse cross section.
41. A clamp structure according to claim 34, characterized in that
each of said last-mentioned tongue means is generally convexly or
concavely curved in transverse cross section.
42. A clamp structure according to one of claims 1, .[.2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7 or 8,.]. characterized in that the means for tightening the
band means includes at least one plastically deformable ear means
integral with a partly circumferentially extending band portion on
each side thereof to form a unitary bridge-like clamping member,
the two partly circumferentially extending band portions each
forming an inner band portion and containing said hook means which
engage in aperture means provided in the overlapping outer end
portions of the band means.
43. A ring-like clamp structure according to claim 42,
characterized by further means near the free end of each inner band
portion of the bridge-like clamping member and in the corresponding
area of the outer band portions of the band means to assure a
substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction
from said inner band portions to the ring-like configuration
defined by the band means, when the clamp structure is tightened by
deformation of the ear means.
44. A clamp structure according to claim 43, characterized in that
each further means includes a tongue means at the free end of each
partly circumferentially extending band portion of the bridge-like
clamping member, which is operable to engage into a respective
tongue-receiving aperture means provided in the corresponding
location of a respective outer band portion of the band means.
45. A clamp structure according to claim 44, characterized in that
the band means is provided with outwardly extending step-like
portions leading to the outer overlapping band portions, and in
that a respective one of said last-mentioned tongue-receiving
aperture means is provided at least within the area of the
corresponding step-like portion.
46. A clamp structure according to claim 42, characterized in that
at least one outer band portion of the band means is adapted to be
secured to a respective inner band portion of the bridge-like clamp
structure by engagement of the suspension hook means with the
corresponding aperture means in the outer band portion and by
thereafter bending the suspending hook means toward the flat band
material of the band means.
47. A clamp structure according to claim 42, characterized by
slider-like connecting means for securing together an inner band
portion of the bridge-like clamp structure and an outer band
portion of said band means, said slider-like connecting means
defining an internal cross section approximately complementary to
the thickness and width of overlapping inner and outer band
portions.
48. A clamp structure according to claim 11, characterized in that
the band means is of ladder-type band material, and in that the
tongue-receiving aperture means are formed by removal of web
portions between openings.
49. A clamp structure according to claim 12, characterized in that
the band means is of ladder-type band material having a number of
openings with transversely extending webs therebetween, and in that
a tongue-receiving means is formed by bent-out web portions
pressed-out by the underlying tongue means.
50. 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 the 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.Iadd., the tongue-receiving means being a channel-shaped
pressed-out recess within the center area of the band means
substantially formed as a circumferential continuation of the
outwardly displaced outer band portion leaving lateral band
portions on both sides of the channel-shaped recess, the step-like
portion being formed in the lateral band portions so that the
lateral band portions pass over to the radial height of the
channel-shaped recess.Iaddend..
51. A clamp structure according to claim 50, 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.
52. A clamp structure according to claim 50, characterized in that
the hook means are formed by circumferential tab-like members
extending out of the inner band portion in a generally outward
direction, two substantially parallelly extending tab-like members
each being provided spaced in the transverse direction of the inner
band portion to leave therebetween a relatively narrow center web
portion, the aperture means being defined by generally rectangular
cut-out portions in the outer band portion which are complementary
in length to the tab-like members to receive the same therein.
53. A clamp structure according to claim 52, characterized in that
each tab-like member, before being bent out, is defined by a cut of
parallelogram-like shape in the inner band portion whose leading
and trailing faces slant outwardly away from the respective band
portion end.
54. A clamp structure according to claim 50, .[.51, 52 or 53,.].
characterized in that said tongue-receiving means is an aperture
means provided at least within the area of said step-like
portion.
55. A clamp structure according to claim 50, characterized in that
the means for tightening the clamping band means includes at least
one plastically deformable ear means.
56. A clamp structure according to claim 50, characterized in that
the means for tightening the clamping band means includes threaded
means for reducing the diametric dimension of the band means.
.Iadd.
57. A clamp structure according to claim 50, wherein said step-like
portion displaces the lateral portions outwardly by radial distance
approximately equal to the thickness of the band material.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.58. A clamp structure according to claim 50,
wherein the tongue means is narrower in width than the full width
clamping band means, and wherein the outer band portion extends in
full width up to the step-like portion to constrain radial outward
movement of the tongue means during tightening of the clamp
structure. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59. A clamp structure according to claim
50, wherein the channel-shaped recess is of a depth, width and
length sufficient to accommodate the tongue means. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. A clamp structure according to claim 50, wherein the
channel-shaped recess is defined by transversely spaced, generally
circumferentially extending cut means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61. A clamp
structure according to claim 60, wherein the cut means are
interrupted cuts leaving therebetween web portions connecting the
remaining band means
with the pressed-out portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62. A clamp structure
according to claim 60, wherein the cut means commence within the
area of said first-mentioned step-like portion and terminate within
the area of another step-like portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.63. A clamp
structure according to claim 50, wherein said first-mentioned
step-like portion displaces the outer band portion relative to the
ring-like configuration defined within the area of overlap by the
inner band portion, by a radial distance approximately equal to the
thickness of the band material. .Iaddend. .Iadd.64. A clamp
structure according to claim 50, wherein the inner band portion
extends underneath the tightening means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.65. A
clamp structure according to claim 50, wherein the clamping band
means is made up of a number of standard parts which depends on the
size of the clamp to be realized, each standard part being provided
with further means at each end for a stepless connection with a
corresponding free end. .Iaddend. .Iadd.66. A clamp structure
according to claim 1, wherein the inner band portion is formed by a
bridge-like means provided with the tightening means, each end of
the bridge-like means being provided with the support and
suspension hook means operable to engage in the corresponding
aperture means of the outer band portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.67. A
clamp structure according to claim 66, wherein said bridge-like
means includes two partly circumferentially extending band
portions, each provided at mutually opposite ends with the support
and suspension hook means for engagement in the corresponding
aperture means of the outer band portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.68. A
clamp structure according to claim 67, wherein further means are
provided in the area of overlap between the free ends of the partly
circumferentially extending band portions of the bridge-like means
and the free ends of the outer band portion which includes a
tongue-like means at the free end of each partly circumferentially
extending band portion operable to engage in a tongue-receiving
means provided in an outwardly directed step at each free end of
the outer band portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.69. A clamp structure
according to claim 68, wherein the outer band portion is a
ladder-type clamping band cut to suitable length depending on the
desired size of the
clamp to be realized. .Iaddend. .Iadd.70. A clamp structure
according to claim 69, wherein the tightening means is formed by a
plastically deformable ear means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.71. A clamp
structure according to claim 1, wherein the clamping band means
includes two clamping parts interconnected near one end each by
suspension and support hook means in one clamping part engaging in
corresponding aperture means in the other clamping part, each
clamping part being provided near the other end thereof with a
generally outwardly directed end portion operable to cooperate with
the tightening means including threaded means for drawing together
said end portions. .Iaddend. .Iadd.72. A clamp structure according
to claim 71, comprising further means at said one end of each
clamping part to assure a substantially gap-free transition in the
circumferential direction including a tongue-like means at the one
free end of the one clamping part operable to engage in a
tongue-receiving means beginning at an outwardly directed step in
the corresponding location near the one free end of the other
clamping part, and insert means underneath the gap between said two
end portions including a tongue-like extension at each free end of
the insert means operable to engage in a tongue-receiving means at
an outwardly directed step of each clamping part within the
corresponding area of overlap with the insert means to provide a
substantially gap-free transition in the circumferential direction.
.Iaddend.
Description
The present invention relates to a hose clamp, and more
particularly to an open hose clamp whose free ends are adapted to
be mechanically interconnected.
Various types of hose clamps are known in the prior art in which a
clamping band made, for example, of flat strip material is adapted
to be mechanically interconnected at the free ends thereof to form
a ring-like clamping structure that can be tightened by contraction
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 clamps, the open ends of which are
interconnected only after being actually installed about the object
to be fastened. The former type of hose clamps, to which belong
those whose open ends are interconnected beforehand, for instance,
by spot-welding or by a rivet-like joint as disclosed in my prior
U.S. Pat. No. 3,286,314, must be assembled axially in a manner
similar to the hose clamps disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,614,304 and 3,082,498 (FIGS. 1 and 2), i.e., must be axially
slipped over the object to be fastened before contracting the
so-called "Oetiker" ear in the installed position. However, an
axial assembly becomes unrealistic if, for example, a clamp has
been incorrectly mounted on the assembly line, e.g., over an axle
boot, requiring the thus incorrectly installed clamp to be cut open
and removed and necessitating a replacement clamp having the same
dimensions to be thereafter installed correctly in the location of
the previously improperly installed clamp. Unless such clamp is of
the open type with accurately the same dimensions, which can be
installed by placing it circumferentially about the part to be
fastened and thereafter closing the previously open clamp, it would
require a disassembly of the parts in question which would be
excessively costly with assembly line techniques as used, for
example, in the automotive industry. Of course, the same problems
arise if a clamp supposed to be installed on the assembly line, has
been completely omitted.
Various proposals have been made heretofore to provide an open
clamp which can be subsequently installed by placing it
circumferentially about the object to be fastened. For example, my
prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,742 discloses a clamp structure utilizing
a perforated clamping band made from so-called "ladder-type" band
material, the free ends of which are adapted to be interconnected
by a bridging member having a so-called "Oetiker" ear and inwardly
extending hooks engaging in openings of the perforated band before
its ear is contracted. However, inwardly extending hooks are
disadvantageous since they may damage the hose material. Various
alternatives to inwardly extending hooks, which involve outwardly
extending hooks, have been proposed heretofore, for example, as
disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,082,498 (FIG. 4) and in the
U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,811 to Thomas. However, the drawback of the
prior art clamps as disclosed in the Thomas U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,811
and in FIG. 4 of my U.S. Pat. No. 3,082,498 resided in the lack of
sufficient holding ability when the so-called "Oetiker" ear was
contracted, since the not insignificant circumferential forces
tended to cause the hook to be bent back, thereby resulting in an
opening of the clamp. This problem is the more severe the thinner
the band material which is used for the clamp. To eliminate this
problem, hose clamps with two hooks were already proposed in my
prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,475,793 and 3,523,337. Additionally, hose
clamps of the type described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,811 were
made in which two hooks of 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 or more. Even an
arrangement with two hook-line members in the clamp structure as
disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,811, of which
one was primarily intended as suspension hook and the other as
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 aforementioned
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 circumferentially 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.
The underlying problems are solved according to the present
invention in that at least one of the hooks is a support hook
realized by cold-deforming the band material and having a
force-engaging abutment surface operable to absorb the
circumferentially directed forces caused by tightening of the clamp
structure as a result of the contraction of the ear, by engagement
with the edge of a respective aperture provided in the outer band
portion. Preferably, each cold-deformed support hook is made by
pressing out a portion of the band material, whereby the
cold-deformed support hook is non-integral with the normal
configuration of the band material substantially only along a
single generally transversely extending cut defining that end of
the cold-deformed support hook which constitutes its force-engaging
abutment surface that is exposed to the circumferentially directed
forces when engaging with a corresponding aperture. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the cold-deformed support hook
in accordance with the present invention is thus integral with
adjoining parts of the band portion on all sides thereof except
within the area of the generally transversely extending cut.
The abutment surface formed by cold-deformation after the generally
transversely extending cut is made, is generally convexly shaped in
relation to the flat band material. In one appropriate embodiment,
the cold-deformed support hook in accordance with the present
invention tapers in height and width in the circumferential
direction away from its abutment surface.
In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the
suspension hook is a substantially rectangular tab-like hook which
is defined by a substantially U-shaped cut in the band material and
which is operable to guide the inner and outer band portions
relative to one another during initial contraction of the ear. This
tab-like suspension hook is bent-out in the same manner as the
prior art hooks and serves to initially engage the outer band
portion by extending into the corresponding aperture thereof and
thereafter to guide the inner and outer band portions with respect
to one another while the circumferentially directed clamping forces
which occur when contracting the so-called "Oetiker" ear, are
absorbed principally by the cold-deformed support hook which, in
contrast to the suspension hook, is integral with the band material
along its circumferentially directed sides.
In a particularly favorable arrangement of the present invention,
one suspension hook is followed in the circumferential direction by
one or more support hooks whereby the suspension hook is the hook
farthest removed from the free end of the inner band portion and
extends obliquely outwardly so that its outer edge is pointing away
from the free end. To avoid improper assembly, the circumferential
spacing between the suspension hook and the next adjacent support
hook as also the circumferential spacing of the corresponding
apertures in the outer band portion are different from the
circumferential spacing between the two support hooks and their
respective apertures in the outer band portion. In the alternative,
it is only necessary to make the web portion from the last aperture
to the corresponding free end of the band longer than the length in
the circumferential direction of the web portion between adjacent
hooks to prevent improper assembly.
In order to prevent hose material from being squeezed into the gap
underneath the ear which may remain after the ear is fully
contracted and to thereby prevent a possible leakage place, the
inner band end may extend underneath the ear and terminates a
predetermined distance therebeyond. The hooks according to the
present invention are then located on the side of the inner band
opposite the side of the free inner band end in relation to the
"Oetiker" ear, while the outer band end portion provided with the
apertures then extends over the inner band end portion provided
with the hooks.
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
overlapping 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 present 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 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 is
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 without 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.
Especially if the band material used for the clamp structure is
relatively thin, then the inner band portion may be provided with
at least one circumferentially extending, generally convexly shaped
embossment within its area underneath the opening of the ear to be
engaged by the corner-like transitions between the band and the
outwardly extending legs of the "Oetiker" ear during contraction of
the latter. The corner-like transitions ride up on the embossment
during contraction of the ear which will cause the inner band
portion extending under the opening of the ear to be pressed more
strongly against the hose material, thereby preventing a buckling
of a relatively thin band material into the gap underneath the
ear.
If the inner and outer band portions of the clamping structure
overlap only in such a manner that the opening underneath the ear
is no longer bridged by the inner band portion, for example, if
they overlap only within the area of the mechanical interconnection
located opposite a so-called "Oetiker" ear, then not only the
opening underneath the ear may no longer be effectively bridged by
the inner band portion, but also a step or gap may again form near
the free end of the inner band portion which again may represent an
area of possible leakage. The present invention eliminates these
leakage problems by means near the free ends of the overlapping
inner and outer band portions to assure a substantially gap-free
transition in the circumferential direction from the inner band
portion to the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure
defined by the band. These means may again include according to the
present invention a tongue-like extension at the free end of the
inner band portion which is adapted 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 in the radial direction
by a distance approximately equal to the material thickness of the
band, then the slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture is preferably
provided at least within the area of the step-like portion and,
depending on the length of the tongue-like extension, is continued
in the clamping band in the circumferential direction by a distance
sufficient to accommodate the entire length of the tongue-like
extension. This tongue-like extension may be relatively flat in
cross section but is preferably again convexly curved in transverse
cross section to concentrate the clamping forces in the outer areas
of the arcuate configuration. Moreover, to prevent leakage problems
in such a clamp structure within the area underneath the ear where
a gap may remain even after contraction of the ear, an insert
member of relatively thin band material may be provided as
disclosed, for example, in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,303,669 or
3,789,463. To minimize any leakage problems due to the presence of
steps or offsets formed at the free ends of the insert member, the
insert members of the prior art were made of relatively thin band
material and were provided with reinforcing means in the form of
longitudinal grooves or the like to prevent buckling or collapse of
the insert member into the gap underneath the ear. While the minute
step or offsets resulting from the thin band material of the prior
art insert members could be ignored with the use of the more
elastic, rubber-like hose materials, this is no longer the case
when utilizing the relatively hard plastic hoses or very
thin-walled hard or soft hose materials which have become available
only recently. Consequently, the present invention proposes an
insert member which effectively eliminates any leakage problems and
which additionally can be made of any material thickness, i.e., of
the same thickness as the clamping band itself or even thicker, yet
assures a substantially gap-free transition within the area of the
free ends of the insert member. This is achieved according to the
present invention in that a tongue-like extension is provided at
each free end of the insert member adapted to engage in a
respective slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture provided in the
corresponding area of the band. If the band is provided with an
outwardly extending step, the slot-like, tongue-receiving aperture
is provided at least within the area of the step and, depending on
the length of the tongue-like portion, is extended in the
circumferential direction of the clamping band by a distance
sufficient to accommodate the length of a tongue-like extension.
Each tongue-like portion of the insert member may thereby be of
relatively flat cross section but again is preferably generally
convexly curved in transverse cross section for reasons pointed out
above.
In another embodiment according to the present invention, the
so-called "Oetiker" ear is integral with a partly circumferentially
extending band portion on each side thereof to form a unitary
bridge-like clamping member, whereby the two circumferentially
extending band portions of the bridge-like clamping member form
each an inner band portion containing hooks in accordance with the
present invention which are adapted to engage in corresponding
apertures provided in the overlapping outer end portions of the
band. To avoid leakage problems which might result from steps or
gaps (discontinuities) within the area of overlap of the free ends
of the inner band portions of the bridge-like clamping member and
of the free ends of the band portions disposed on the outside
thereof, the present invention provides means to assure a
substantially stepless and gap-free transition within this area of
overlap from the inner band portions to the ring-like configuration
of the clamp structure defined by the band. This is achieved
according to the present invention in that the free end of each
inner band portion of the bridge-like clamping member is provided
with a tongue-like extension adapted to engage in a slot-like,
tongue-receiving aperture provided in the corresponding location of
the clamping band to assure again a substantially gap-free
transition from the ends of the inner band portions of the
bridge-like clamping member to the circular configuration of the
clamp structure defined by the clamping band. The slot-like,
tongue-receiving apertures are thereby preferably provided at least
within the area of a step-like portion provided in the clamping
band. If the suspension hook is made sufficiently long, then a
preassembly of one end of the bridge-like clamping member with one
end of the band is possible by extending the suspension hook
through the corresponding aperture and then bending it back in the
direction toward the band material.
The use of an open clamping band in accordance with the present
invention, whether provided with bands apertured only for
engagement with the hooks or with apertures over the entire length
of the band as used with ladder-type bands, permits the realization
of any length and diameter for purposes of repairs by the use of
one or several of such open clamping bands, if provided with a
plastically deformable ear intermediate its ends and with hooks in
accordance with the present invention at one end and corresponding
apertures at the other end of the band.
The clamping band may be of a ladder-type band material as
disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,742 to provide for different
diametric dimensions of the clamp structure. To provide
tongue-receiving apertures for the tongue-like portions at the free
ends of the bridge-like clamping member, it is only necessary to
remove one or more web portions of the ladder-type clamping band.
Moreover, the relatively thin band material as frequently used for
a ladder-type clamping band may make it necessary to cut out any
web portions to provide tongue-receiving means since the
tongue-like extension at the free ends of the bridge-like clamping
member will bend out the thin web portions to form in effect a
tongue-receiving channel accommodating the relatively narrow
tongue-like extensions and therewith to assure again a gap-free
transition in the circumferential direction.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the outer
band portion may also be provided with a channel-like embossment of
more or less convexly shaped cross section. However, such a
channel-like embossment in the center area of the band has the
tendency of stiffening the clamping band against bending as
compared to the lesser bending rigidity of the flat band material.
This difference in bending strength, in turn, jeopardizes the
maintenance of a true circular configuration of the clamp structure
during contraction of the ear. To alleviate this problem, it has
already been proposed by me to provide slot-like transverse cuts in
such an embossment so as to achieve in effect a lessened resistance
to bending in the embossed area which is approximately equal to the
flat non-embossed band material. However, such an arrangement
entails the problem that a tongue-like extension sliding in the
channel-like embossment during contraction of the ear may become
stuck in one of the transverse cuts, thereby endangering the
tightening ability of the clamp structure. To eliminate this
shortcoming, one might consider bending the free end of the
tongue-like extension inwardly in the manner of a ski tip. This,
however, would entail the disadvantage that the inwardly bent tip
might cut into the plastic hose material, thereby damaging the
same. To eliminate these shortcomings and drawbacks, the present
invention proposes a tongue-receiving channel in the form of a
pressed-out embossment or recess which extends in the
circumferential direction within the center area of the band. The
tonue-receiving channel may be separated from the remaining band
material on both sides thereof by longitudinal cuts. If the cuts
are interrupted, then the tongue-receiving channel will be integral
with the band material on both sides of the tongue-receiving
channel by relatively short web portions defined by the interrupted
longitudinal cuts on both sides of the pressedout tongue-receiving
channel. The recessed tongue-receiving channel may have different
configurations in transverse cross section, depending on the cross
section of the tongue-like extension, i.e., may be more or less
flat. This makes it possible to provide a tongue-receiving recessed
channel which is relatively flat within the area of its recess
bottom delimited by the longitudinal cuts, and which offers
substantially the same rigidity to bending as the original band
material, yet can be recessed with respect to the remaining band
surface to accommodate the tongue-like extension so as to assure a
gap-free transition. This type of clamp structure can be
manufactured in a very inexpensive manner by means of suitable
tools whereby a gapless and stepless transition is assured without
the danger of a tongue-like portion getting stuck in any transverse
cuts or without the need of a ski tip-like deformation of the end
of the tongue-like portion. The longitudinal cuts may thereby
commence within the area of a step-like portion in the band leading
to the outer band portion and may terminate within the area of
another step-like portion of the channel-like recess whereby the
pressed-out bottom of the channel-like recess fails to follow the
step-like portion in the band and thus permits the formation of the
tongue-receiving channel. Moreover, the tongue-receiving recess
channel of the present invention not only eliminates unattractive
projections of the tongue portion through an aperture but also
eliminates the danger of any injury as a result of the tongue
portion projecting outwardly beyond the outer band portion.
If the clamping band is made from so-called ladder-type material
with openings over the entire length or if the number of openings
or apertures in the clamping band is greater than the number of
hooks for the mechanical interlock, then it is possible to obtain a
clamp structure with different diametric dimensions. In that case,
the length of the tongue-like extension and tongue-receiving
channel are such that all diameters possible by the number of
apertures or openings can be realized without gaps or
discontinuities in the object-engaging surface of the clamp
structure.
The present invention assures a substantially gap-free and stepless
transition in the circumferential direction from an inner band
portion to the ring-like configuration of the clamp structure
defined by the clamping band for a clamp structure with a clamping
band having open ends which are adapted to be mechanically
interconnected by outwardly extending hooks in the inner band
portion operable to engage in corresponding apertures provided in
an outer band portion when a so-called "Oetiker" ear is contracted.
To that end, the present invention proposes a tongue-like extension
at the free end of the inner band portion which is operable to
engage into a tongue-receiving means in the corresponding area of
the outer band portion. In one embodiment, one suspension hook
adapted to extend through a corresponding aperture is provided
which is operable to guide the inner and outer band portions
relative to each other during initial contraction of the ear while
at least one support hook is additionally provided having a
force-engaging abutment surface operable to absorb the
circumferentially directed forces caused by contraction of the
ear.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the
mechanical interlock is provided by hooks in the form of tab-like
members extending out of the inner band portion generally in the
radially outward direction, whereby two substantially parallelly
extending tab-like members are each provided which are mutually
spaced in the transverse direction of the inner band portion so as
to leave therebetween a relatively narrow center web portion. The
tab-like members constituting the hooks are adapted to engage in
apertures defined by generally rectangular cut-out portions in the
outer band portion which are complementary in length to the
tab-like members so as to be able to receive the same therein. Each
tab-like member, before being bent out of the band material, is
defined by a cut, for example, of parallelogram-like shape provided
in the inner band portion whose leading and trailing faces slant
outwardly away from the respective band portion end. As a result
thereof, the leading and trailing end faces of the tab-like members
are correspondingly inclined.
Of course, the mechanical interlock according to the present
invention may also be of similar advantage with screw-type clamps
of conventional type which are adapted to be tightened by screw
action since it obviates the need to completely unscrew and open
the clamp to enable installation about the object to be fastened in
the circumferential direction and subsequent reconnection by
threading the screw or bolt into the corresponding apertures
provided therefor.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
clamp structure having open ends which avoids by simple means the
aforementioned shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior
art.
Another object of the present invention resides in an open clamp
structure adapted to be closed upon installation over the object to
be fastened which is provided with a mechanical interlock that is
capable to absorb in a completely satisfactory manner the
relatively large, circumferentially directed forces that occur upon
contraction of a typical "Oetiker" ear, even with the use of
pneumatic tools.
A further object of the present invention resides in an open hose
clamp, for use in particular with relatively hard plastic
materials, which permits a reduction of a circle in its diameter,
yet at the same time assures a completely satisfactory,
leakage-free tighteness over the entire circumference of the clamp
structure.
Still a further object of the present invention resides in an
open-ended clamp structure adapted to be installed
circumferentially by bending the clamping band around the object to
be fastened and thereafter mechanically interlocking the open ends
thereof, which is simple in construction, relatively easy to
manufacture and involves relatively low expenditures both in
manufacture and assembly.
Another object of the present invention resides in a clamp
structure of the type described above which offers far greater
resistance to inadvertent reopening at the mechanical interlock in
the presence of large circumferentially directed forces.
Still a further object of the present invention resides in a hose
clamp with open ends adapted to be mechanically interconnected
within the area of overlapping band portions which is so
constructed and arranged as to provide a substantially gap-free and
step-free transition in the circumferential direction within the
area of the free end of the inner band portion.
Still a further object of the present invention resides in a clamp
structure of the type described above in which a substantially
gap-free transition, devoid of any discontinuities or steps is
assured within the area of overlap of two band materials, to
effectively eliminate any leakage problems that might otherwise
occur with the use of hard plastic hose materials or of very
thin-walled hard or soft hose materials.
A further object of the present invention resides in a clamp
structure of the type described above in which the tongue-like free
end of an inner band material is accommodated in an aperture or
channel of the clamping band in such a manner that a stepless and
gap-free transition is assured upon contraction of the ear.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description when
taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows, for
purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance
with the present invention, and wherein:
FIG. 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;
FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view through the
inner band portion of the clamp of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a clamp structure having open ends
and equipped with a mechanical connection including outwardly
extending hooks in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective exploded view showing the details
of the mechanical interconnection in accordance with the present
invention for a clamp structure having open ends;
FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view, on an
enlarged scale, illustrating the details of the dash and dot circle
A (FIG. 3);
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
4;
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a modified embodiment of a clamp
structure in accordance with the present invention, similar to the
clamp structure of FIG. 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;
FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG.
7;
FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7
and illustrating a modified arrangement utilizing two side-by-side
embossments;
FIG. 9 is a partial elevational view taken in the direction of
arrows 9--9 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG.
7;
FIG. 11a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG.
7;
FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 11a and
illustrating a concavely curved tongue portion in accordance with
the present invention;
FIG. 12 is an elevational view of still another embodiment of a
clamp of the open type provided with a mechanical interconnection
in accordance with the present invention located substantially
opposite of a so-called "Oetiker" ear;
FIG. 13 is a partial elevational view taken along arrows 13--13 of
FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a clamp structure similar to FIG.
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 member into the circular configuration of the clamp
structure defined by its clamping band;
FIG. 15 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows
15--15 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 16--16 of FIG.
14;
FIG. 17 is an elevational view of a still further modified
embodiment of a clamping structure of the open type provided with a
mechanical connection according to the present invention, and with
means assuring a substantially gap-free 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;
FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 18--18 of FIG.
17;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the clamp structure of FIG.
17 in the open position;
FIG. 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 in accordance
with the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a partial cross sectional view through the clamp
structure of FIG. 20 with the various parts thereof in the
assembled position by means of the mechanical connection according
to the present invention;
FIG. 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;
FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view taken along line 23--23 of FIG.
22;
FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view of a clamp structure similar
to FIGS. 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;
FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 24 and
illustrating a slider member for preassembling one end of the
clamping band with one end of the bridge-like clamping member in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 26--26 of FIG.
25;
FIG. 27 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a clamp
structure in accordance with the present invention, utilizing
ladder-type clamping bands each provided with an ear to obtain
clamp structures of different diametric dimensions;
FIG. 28 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows
28--28 of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows
29--29 of FIG. 27;
FIG. 30 is a partial elevational view of still another embodiment
of a clamp structure in accordance with the present invention
provided with a mechanical connection within the area opposite its
so-called "Oetiker" ear;
FIG. 31 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows
31--31 of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a still further modified
embodiment of a clamp structure in accordance with the present
invention enabling substantial variations in the diametric
dimensions thereof;
FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating the clamp structure of
FIG. 32 in the closed condition;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a clamp structure
somewhat similar to the clamp structures of FIGS. 32 and 33 but
provided with short web sections connecting the remaining side
portions of the band material with the bottom of the channel-like
recess;
FIG. 35 is a partial plan view taken in the direction of arrows
35--35 of FIG. 34;
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36--36 of FIG.
35;
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37--37 of FIG.
35;
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a clamp structure of the open type
provided with a modified mechanical connection means according to
the present invention providing a substantially gap-free transition
from the inner band portion to the circular configuration of the
clamp structure defined by its clamping band;
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a still further modified
embodiment of a clamp structure according to the present invention
provided with longitudinal slots throughout most of the
circumference of the band to facilitate bending thereof and
increase its holding ability; and
FIG. 40 is an elevational view of a screw-type clamp structure with
a mechanical connection in accordance with the present
invention.
Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference numerals are
used throughout the various views to designate like parts, and more
particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, reference numeral 10
generally designates in FIG. 1 a clamp structure of the open type
as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 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 11a and an inner
end portion 11b, which overlap one another. Additionally, adjacent
the outer end portion 11a, 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 11a and 11b are intended to be fastened
together by a mechanical interconnection generally designated by
reference numeral 20 which includes an outwardly extending hook 21
in the inner band portion 11b adapted to engage in one of several
apertures 22 provided in the outer band portion 11a. The hook 21 is
in the 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 achieved 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 back into the position 21' illustrated in
FIG. 2.
To obviate the shortcomings of the prior art clamp structure of
FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention proposes a clamp structure as
shown in FIG. 3 provided with a mechanical interconnection
generally designated by reference numeral 30 which according to the
present invention again consists of one or several outwardly
extending support hooks in the inner band portion 11b. According to
the present invention, in addition to a tab-like suspension hook 31
adapted to extend through a corresponding aperture 35 and operable
to guide the inner and outer band portions 11b and 11a relative to
each other during initial contraction of the ear, at least one
further hook is a cold-deformed support hook 32 having a
force-engaging abutment surface 33 (FIG. 6) which is capable to
absorb the circumferentially directed forces caused during
tightening of the clamp structure by contraction of the ear, when
the abutment surface 33 engages with the edge of a respective
aperture 35. As can be seen from FIG. 4, in particular, each
cold-deformed support hook 32 is formed by a portion of band
material pressed out of the band portion 11b whereby each
cold-deformed support hook 32 is non-integral with the normal
configuration of the band material substantially only along a
generally transversely extending cut 34 (FIG. 4) defining thereby
that end of the cold-deformed support hook 32 which constitutes its
force-engaging abutment surface 33 (FIG. 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 except within the area of the generally transversely
extending cut 34. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the force-engaging
abutment surface 33 is generally convexly shaped relative to the
flat band material as viewed in a cross section including the
transverse cut 34. Additionally, the cold-deformed support hook 32
tapers in height and width in the circumferential direction away
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 inner band portion 11b and defined by a
substantially U-shaped cut therein. In a particularly appropriate
embodiment 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. 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 avoided in the
circumferential spacing a between the suspension hook 31 and the
next adjacent support hook as also the circumferential spacing of
the corresponding apertures 35 in the outer band portion is
different, for example, larger, than the circumferential spacing b
of the two support hooks 32 and their respective apertures 35. In
the alternative, an incorrect assembly can also be prevented if the
distance c (FIG. 4) from the last aperture 35 to the end of the
outer band portion 11a 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
FIG. 3 is provided with a step-like shoulder of offset 27,
displacing the outer band portion 11a in relation to the inner band
portion 11b in the radial direction by a distance approximately
corresponding to the thickness of the band material. The resulting
gap 26 formed between the free end of the inner band portion 11b
and the step-like portion 27, which represents a discontinuity in
the circumferential direction, can be readily accepted with the
more elastic, rubber-like hose materials used in the past. However,
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 FIG. 5 where the leakage area is designated by
reference numeral 26'.
To avoid any leakage problem with the use of relatively hard
plastic hoses, or of very thin-walled soft or hard hose materials,
the present invention proposes in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 through
11 a means generally designated by reference numeral 40 to assure a
substantially gapless transition from the free end of the inner
band portion to the circular configuration of the clamp structure
defined by its clamping band. These means 40 includes a tongue-like
portion 41 extending from the free end of the inner band portion
11b which is operable to engage in a tongue-receiving aperture 43
provided in the corresponding location of the outer band portion
11a. If the band 11 is again provided with an outwardly extending
step-like portion 47, then the slot-like aperture 43 is provided 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 31 is contracted. The tongue-like portion 41 may thereby be
flat in transverse cross section or may be curved, e.g., concavely
curved (FIG. 11b) or preferably convexly curved in transverse cross
section as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11a 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 fixed part to which it is to be
fastened.
As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 7, the inner band portion 11b
continues from the area of the mechanical interconnection 30 in the
circumferential 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 11b extending over the
opening of the ear 13 may be provided with one circumferentially
extending generally convexly shaped embossment 18 (FIGS. 7 and 8a)
within its area underneath the opening of the ear to be engaged by
the corner-like transitions between the outer band portions 11a and
the outwardly extending legs 14 and 15 of the "Oetiker" ear during
contraction of the latter. In the alternative, two transversely
spaced embossments 18' (FIG. 8b) may be provided side-by-side to
avoid contact between groove 17 and the embossments 18'. The
corner-like transitions will ride up on the embossment 18 or
embossments 18' during contraction of the ear 13, which will cause
the inner band portion 11b extending under the opening of the ear
13 to be pressed more strongly against the hose material, thereby
assuring a completely satisfactory seal under the ear 13 and also
preventing a buckling of the relatively thin band material of the
inner band portion 11b into the remaining gap underneath the ear
13.
While FIGS. 3 and 7 illustrate a clamp structure according to the
present invention in which the inner band portion bridges the
opening underneath the ear 13, the embodiment of FIG. 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
"Oetiker" 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 shortcoming, an insert
member generally designated by reference numeral 50 (FIG. 14) may
be provided as disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,463. To
minimize any steps as a result of the presence of the insert
member, these insert members 50 are normally made of very thin band
material and are provided with a reinforcing groove 54 in the flat
band portion of the insert member to prevent a buckling or collapse
of the insert member into the opening underneath the ear 13. While
the steps formed by these relatively thin insert members were
relatively insignificant, especially with the more elastic,
rubber-like hose materrials previously used, they can no longer be
ignored with the use of the relatively hard plastic hose materials
which 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 50 into the ring-like configuration
defined by the clamping band 11 which includes a tongue-like
extension 51 at each free end of the insert member 50 adapted to
engage in a tongue-receiving aperture 53 located in corresponding
areas of the band 11. The tongue-like extensions 51 may again be
relatively flat in cross section or may also be generally concavely
or preferably convexly curved in transverse cross section, as
disclosed with the tongue-like extension 41. As to the rest, the
insert member 50 may be constructed as disclosed in my
aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,463 while the mechanical
interconnection 30 may be similar to the one described in
connection with the embodiment of FIG. 12 and again includes a
tongue-like extension adapted to engage in an aperture 43 provided
at least within the area of the step-like portion 47. Of course,
the apertures 53 may also be located within the area of step-like
shoulders or offsets (not shown) in the band 11, especially if the
insert member 50 is made relatively thick, e.g., of about the same
thickness as the band material 17 or even thicker.
The embodiment of FIG. 17 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 7 in
that, in lieu of the aperture 43, a channel-shaped recess 63 is
provided of a depth, width and length sufficient to accommodate the
tongue-like extension 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 extending cuts 64
(FIGS. 18 and 19) spaced from one another in the transverse
direction and leaving longitudinally extending band portions 11' on
both sides of the recessed bottom portion 63. As can be seen in
particular from FIG. 19, the cuts 64 start in the outer band
portion 11a 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 existence of the two step-like
portions 67 and 75 permits the recess bottom 63 to be pressed-out
relative to the band material in that the pressed-out recess bottom
63 fails to follow the step 67 but instead continues substantially
along the same diameter or even at a slightly larger diameter than
the outer band portion 11a up to the second step 65.
In the embodiment according to FIGS. 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
member generally designated by reference numeral 75 which includes
two partly circumferentially extending band portions 76 adjoining
the leg portions 14 and 15 of the ear 13 and each provided with one
suspension hook 31 and one or more support hooks 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 transition from the free ends of the
partly circumferentially extending band portions 76 of the
bridge-like clamping member 75 to the circular configuration of the
clamping structure defined by the clamping band 71, tongue-like
extensions 77 are provided at the free end of each partly
circumferentially extending band portions 76 of the bridge-like
clamping 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 73 since the tongue-like extension 77, as
shown in FIGS. 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
FIGS. 20 and 21, an insert member generally designated by reference
numeral 50 may be provided which may be constructed as disclosed in
my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,463 or as disclosed in connection with
FIG. 14.
It may be desirable or necessary to preassemble the separate parts
consisting of clamping band 71 and bridge-like clamping member 75
of FIG. 20 at least at one of their mutually overlapping ends. This
can be readily achieved if the suspension hook 31 is made
correspondingly longer (FIG. 24) and is bent from its normal
position 31' shown in dash line in FIG. 24, toward the band
material 76 into the position shown in full line in FIG. 24.
A slider member generally designated by reference numeral 80 as
shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 may be used as an alternative to
preassemble one end of the clamping band 71 to one end of the
partly circumferentially extending band portion 76 of the
bridge-like clamping member 75. The sliding member 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 extending
band portion 76 as well as the thickness 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 material.
FIGS. 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 provided 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 with each other at their respective free
ends by mechanical interconnections generally designated by
reference numeral 30 as described in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.
The end of a respective clamping band 71' forming the respective
outer band portion 71a is provided with an outwardly extending step
portion 78 similar to the step 27 of FIG. 3. The clamping bands 71'
may thereby be provided with only three apertures 35 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 FIGS. 25 and 26 may be used. Moreover, to bridge the
opening underneath a respective ear, an insert member 50 may again
be used. The embodiment of FIG. 27 offers the possibility of
obtaining clamps of practically any desired diameter. 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
FIG. 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 reasoning applies if three or more 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 FIG. 27 is to be used with the relatively
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 communication with FIG. 12 herein,
including a tongue-like extension adapted to 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
preassembly means shown in FIG. 24 while the insert member 50 may
be constructed as disclosed in connection with the embodiment of
FIGS. 14 through 16.
FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodiment
of FIG. 12 but additionally provided with an insert member 50.
The embodiment according to FIG. 32 is similar to the embodiment of
FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 except that a number of apertures 35 is
provided in the outer band portion 11a 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 have to be
correspondingly lengthened to provide a substantially gap-free
transition for each diametric dimension of the clamp structure
realizable therewith. FIG. 33 illustrates the clamp structure of
FIG. 32 in the interconnected condition.
FIG. 34 illustrates a clamp structure similar to the clamp
structure of FIG. 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.
FIG. 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 11b into the circular configuration of the clamp structure
defined by the clamping band 11. The mechanical connection
generally designated by reference numeral 90 includes tab-like hook
members 96 arranged circumferentially in transversely spaced pairs
and adapted to engage in cut-out portions 94' of substantially
rectangular configuration which are made from each side into the
outer band portion 11a, thereby leaving relatively narrow web
portions 94 therebetween. The tab-like hooks 96 are formed by
making cuts 96' from each side of the inner band portion 11b and
thereafter bending up the tab-like members 96. The cuts 96' are
thereby preferably in the shape of a parallelogram 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 less than 90.degree. 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 FIG. 38 by the tongue-like
extension 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 FIG. 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 11b into the circular configuration of the
clamp structure defined by the clamping band 11.
in the embodiment of FIG. 39, in which similar parts are designated
by corresponding reference numerals of the 100 series, the clamping
band 111 is again provided in the outer band portion 111a 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 111b in the corresponding part
thereof which in the assembled condition will come to lie
underneath the apertures 135. The inner band portion 111b thereby
extends underneath the ear generally designated by reference
numeral 113 and engages with its tongue-like extension 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 167 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-like 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-like apertures 138 will permit the use of a straight, flat
clamp structure which facilitates 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 forces over smaller areas but
additionally by squeezing out the rubber-like material through the
slot-like apertures 138 which thereby secures the clamp against
axial 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 membe can be made of any
desired thickness, i.e., of the same thickness as the clamping
band, thereby decreasing its likelihood of buckling into the
opening underneath the ear.
Moreover, the present invention is applicable to various types of
clamp structures including hose clamps different from the various
embodiments described herein. More specifically, the present
invention is also applicable to so-called screw-type hose clamps
such as screw-type hose clamps with a worm drive or as shown in
FIG. 40, in which corresponding parts are designated by
corresponding reference numerals of the 200 series--screw-type hose
clamps with generally outwardly extending leg portions 214 and 215
in the end of the band which are drawn together by a bolt or screw
281 extending through holes in the leg portions 214 and 215 and
cooperating with a nut 282 or some other fixed threaded part. To
permit a circumferential insstallation of such screw-type hose
clamps, it is necessary to open the clamp by unscrewing the band
ends which is normally a tedious operation. After 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
threaded member. By the use of a mechanical connection in
accordance with the present invention, generally designated by
reference numeral 230 and disposed, for example, opposite the
threaded means 281, 282 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 FIG. 12 which
thereafter requires only limited rotation of the threaded member to
complete the tightening operation. Moreover, if an insert member
250 is used underneath the opening between the two leg portions to
be drawn together by the screw and nut interaction, such insert
member may be provided with means 247, 251, 253 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 FIGS. 14-17 herein.
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 of the appended claims.
* * * * *