Patent ID: 6389654
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A clamp assembly, comprising:a band having a free end defining a plurality of slots; a saddle secured to the band and including at least one first rivet member and at least one second rivet member located at opposite ends of the saddle, with the first and second rivet members each defining a recess; a housing pivotally connected to the saddle by the first rivet member, with the housing having a sidewall defining openings configured to cooperate with the first and second rivet members; and a worm screw positioned in the housing and rotatably connected to the housing, with the housing and worm screw pivotable about the first rivet member between an open position in which the housing and worm screw form an angle with the saddle and in which the worm screw defines a space with the saddle for receiving the free end of the band, and a closed position in which the first and second rivet members substantially extend through the openings in the sidewall of the housing, wherein with the free end of the band positioned between the worm screw and the saddle and with the housing and worm screw in the closed position, the worm screw engages the slots defined in the free end of the band for tightening the clamp assembly, and wherein in the closed position of the housing and worm screw, the housing is movable in an axial direction relative to the saddle such that the sidewall of the housing seats in the recesses defined by the first and second rivet members.