Hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release

An improved clamp constricting objects to be held in place including hoses wires tubes. One embodiment having some or all plastic molded parts one of which is a support base (10) to one side is attached a partially grooved or fully flexible grooved band strap (13) where as the other end is free to enter a band strap entrance port (26) thereby contact is made with a matching grooved rotating cylinder (12) held by two bearings. The band strap (13) advances encircling objects to be held. The support base top (11) is closed and locked by the rapid release hold down top lock (20) confining the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) engaging a flexible paw (17) allowing advancing rotation only, preventing the grooved molded band strap (13) from retracting. Six sided wrench or tool is inserted into the cylinder cavity (15) forcefully rotating the grooved rotating cylinder (12) advancing the flexible grooved band strap (13) through exit port (27) being held down by band strap retainers (18). A rapid release finger grip (19) releases a rapid release hold down top lock (20) lifting the molded support base top (11) disengaging the flexible paw (17) from the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) allowing counter rotation of the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) retracting the flexible grooved band strap (13) freeing the constricted objects.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to clamps particularly hose clamps that are used to constrict hoses on fittings or other objects to be confined.

2. Prior Art

It is common practice to fasten a tube or hose to an end fitting or connector so the contents of the tube or hose may reach its destination or the final connection. The hose or tube must be securely attached to the fitting usually this is accomplished by compressing the tube or hose around the circumference of the fitting. These devices are known generally as hose clamps.

The present invention relates generally to hose clamping devices and particularly an improved hose clamp apparatus. Other general uses of this invention may apply to similar devices that are used to constrict items such as wires, a collection of small tubing or other items or objects needing confinement. Since the beginning use of hoses, hose clamps, a necessary apparatus, have come in a large variety of designs. None of which have completely satisfied the use advantages but have unfortunately incorporated many disadvantages in there overall design. Some of the problems have been addressed but not adequately and never completely in one clamp.

A frequent problem is hose clamps and hoses are positioned in confined spaces or visually out of sight so that only one hand may be used when, tightening or loosening a clamp. The preferred clamp used today is referred to as the “worm screw” type such as patented by Hill et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,395,273 (1946), Black, U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,314 (1960), Rueckheim U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,392 (1966), E. E. Schaefer U.S. Pat. No. 2,767,455 (1956) H. P. McKown, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,204 (1965), C. E. Hathorn U.S. Pat. No. 2,268,211 (1941), E. W. North et al U.S. Pat. No. 2,386,629 (1945), C. W. Tinsley U.S. Pat. No. 3,087,220 Patent (1963), Allert U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,254 (1984) and L. Baldo U.S. Pat. No. 2,522,494 (1950) these types of hose clamps are accessible primarily from an adjacent direction substantially tangential to the hose, when using a tool to tighten or loosen the clamp it is virtually impossible without the use of another hand to hold the clamp in place since they tend to rotate around the circumference of the hose, when loose. Unfortunately tight areas and hard to reach places are common when using hoses and fittings. This invention solves this critical problem and others as described below.

Other types of hose clamps have tried to address this critical problem but not in a complete manner such as Kreft, U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,524 (1985) with a metal “worm gear” type hose clamp. Kreft has positioned a tightening wrench opposed to the axial of the hose, however it appears that the hexagonal wrench can only be inserted on one side of the head limiting its practical use in hard to reach spaces. Also, the patent does not describe in detail the means of attachment of the locking and gear section to the band or strap, which is critical to its function and cost of manufacture. The strength of the teeth is also a factor due to their nominal width as well as the depth of engagement in the slots in the strap are also questionable. Difficulty appears when the engaging member tab, holding the gear in a stop position where as the hexagonal wrench must be withdrawn so the gear will slide into position by means of a spring. If the hexagonal wrench is removed, force cannot be maintained against the spring causing counter rotation of the gear releasing the strap. Small thin metal tabs are all that prevents the clamp from disengaging as well as a fine steel spring to engage the stop incidence of corrosion are common and will certainly cause this clamp to fail.

Younce, U.S. Pat. No. 1,874,731 (1932) also addresses longitudinal axis but is specifically designed as a “piston ring compressing tool” not a hose clamp. Kitts, U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,199 (1945) and Brodheim, U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,817 (1953) not in general use today for other apparent reasons as described below, they do employ a screw head oriented substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the circular band for tightening. Brodheim, U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,817 (1953), Kitts U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,199 (1945) and W. C. Dumke U.S. Pat. No. 1,963,436 (1934) employ a separate paw and ratchet on an eccentric wedging member to lock the clamp apparatus also employed are metal straps or a flexible band around a winding element. All of which have exposed mechanisms that can become entangled with adjacent apparatus or cause injury by having exposed sharp edges. It also appears some difficulty would be encountered releasing the ratchets when under reverse force from the tightened strap. Kitts U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,199 (1945) as mentioned above this device may also be accidentally released by the exposed position of the ratchet paw. Another major flaw in all the above clamps is that the parts are all various types of metal costly to fabricate, manufacture and assemble. In a relatively short time, under certain conditions, all metal even high quality will corrode, fatigue and erode, especially made from thin sheet metal with no substantial thickness.

Many of these perforated strap clamps are used on soft flexible hose materials so as the band is tightened the soft hose material is pushed through the perforations in the band damaging the hose and with some designs pushing the “worm gear” away from the perforations in the strap ultimately disengaging the clamp. It has been demonstrated that “worm gear” design when over tightened will fracture or bend the metal between each perforation of the strap since they are close together with little metal support between each perforation. Little surface contact between the “worm gear” and the perforations also causes failure.

Another desirable feature of a hose clamp is to provide a quick or rapid disconnect. Toth, U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,642 (1991) attempts to address rapid disengagement of a “worm gear” type clamp. Although it appears that in order to release the gear from the slotted strap it would have to be pried up with a tool not easily accomplished in tight surroundings or areas out of sight. In addition all the clamps cited above are fabricated from metal, costly to fabricate, manufacture and assemble.

Other references cited are clamps primarily made of polymeric material such as LiVolsi, U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,556 (1984) this hose clamp which is injection molded is less expensive to produce and uncomplicated to manufacture. Made from polymeric material it will not corrode or degrade as metal clamps. Although it has no means to disengage and is designed to be finger tightened only limiting its use. Today most hose clamps used for low pressure applications are “worm gear” types. All hose clamps of this type as described above in various forms suffer from a number of disadvantages:(a) Hose clamps based on the “worm gear” design principle cannot be applied or removed using only one hand. A distinct disadvantage in many applications.(b) All prior art hose clamps designed for medium pressure applications are fabricated from metal. Under certain adverse conditions such as exposure to acids, salts, electrolysis, flexing, vibrations and the like may degrade these clamps to the point of failure, even high quality stainless steel.(c) The majority of hose clamps used today do not embody means to rapidly and easily disengage.(d) The need to use tools to install or remove hose clamps such as slotted screwdrivers or ratchets in places inaccessible or completely out of view is cumbersome a distinct disadvantage.(e) Another disadvantage is the inability to color code in order to identify the contents being carried within a hose and could be a safety issue.(f) To assembly metal hose clamps you must consider the cost of material, overall energy necessary to manufacture and form parts, labor and assembly equipment, manufacturing space, shipping, as well as other peripheral expenses. These costs are exceedingly greater than a polymeric composite, injection molded, hose clamp.(g) Some hazards of using metal hose clamps are injuries and cuts from sharp edges and accidental electrical conductivity.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment a hose clamp by means of a grooved molded rotating cylinder in contact with a band strap of matching grooves as the loose end advances through a guided molded support base constricting a hose about a fitting or other objects to be confined.

DRAWINGS

Reference Numbers

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiment of the hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release as illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 5comprising the molded support base10including the molded support base top11which is attached to the molded support base10by a molded hinge14and a rapid release hold down top lock20as illustrated inFIGS. 2,3,4and5a flexible paw17or an eccentric wedging member is molded in the top of the molded support base11, the rapid release finger grip19the rapid release hold down top lock20the lock bar25shown inFIGS. 2,3,4and5and two band strap retainers18shown inFIGS. 1,2,3,4and5which hold the flexible grooved band strap13also shown are the grooves16molded in the flexible grooved band strap13, which enters the molded support base11by a band strap entrance port28and a band strap exit port27as shown inFIGS. 1,2,3, and4a grooved molded rotating cylinder12is held within the molded support base10by two grooved cylinder bearings26shown inFIGS. 1,2,3, and4, a cylinder cavity15is centered within the grooved molded rotating cylinder12that accepts a six sided hexagonal wrench commonly known in industrial applications as an “Allen” wrench (not shown).

In this preferred embodiment all the parts are molded or formed from extruded or injected plastic heated to a liquid state such as Nylon or any other material or combinations of composites that make the clamp stronger more resilient longer lasting or any other materials that can be molded or injected into a die by various processes of molding or machining. Shown inFIGS. 1,3,4and5are mold clearance holes23which facilitate the process of molding during the ejection phase of manufacturing. Also shown inFIGS. 1,2,3,4and5are raised bevels24that give the strap additional strength.

Due to the variety of uses of a band strap clamp such as constricting hoses around fittings, bundling of smaller hoses, electrical wires, or any other items that may need bundling typically the molded support base10is 25 mm wide and 19 mm long and 15.8 mm high the flexible grooved band strap13is 15.8 mm wide these dimensions may be smaller or larger depending on the size of the hose or the objects to be confined. The hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release may be produced in different sizes and lengths of the grooved molded band strap13which may or may not change the character of the elements as described above of the preferred embodiment.

The hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release may be applied to a hose or other items that need bundling by simply wrapping around a hose or other items as mentioned above by inserting the end of the flexible grooved band strap13into the molded support base10band strap entrance port28as shown inFIG. 1then advancing the flexible grooved band strap13while the molded support base top11is in the open position as shown inFIG. 4. The flexible grooved band strap13enters the molded support base10engaging the grooves16of the flexible grooved band strap13with the grooves of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12then freely rotate as it is supported by the molded support base10by means of two grooved cylinder bearings26as shown inFIGS. 1,2,3and4. As the flexible grooved band strap13advances through the support base10it will exit the band strap exit port27as shown inFIGS. 2,3, and4of the support base10sliding between the band strap retainers18or may be pushed down between the band strap retainers18which are angled down allowing the band strap retainers18to spring out placing the flexible grooved band strap13under the band strap retainers18of which the free end of the flexible grooved band strap held in confined position over lapping the attached end of the flexible grooved band strap13which is attached to the molded support base10as shown inFIGS. 1,2and5. These band strap retainers18confine the end of the flexible grooved band strap13preventing the end of the flexible grooved band strap13from interfering with other equipment or items in close proximity to the band clamp when installed.

After positioning the flexible grooved band strap13through the support base10as shown inFIG. 1the top of support base11is rotated by means of the molded hinge14and is then forced down by closing and pushing down on the molded support base top11and is locked and held in a locked position by the rapid release hold down top lock20by means of the lock bar25being locked under the rapid release top lock lip22as shown inFIG. 3. A hexagonal wrench, commonly known in industrial applications as an “Allen” wrench, this conventional tool would be inserted into the hexagon hole15parallel to the hose21which runs through the entire length of the grooved cylinder12therefore the wrench could be inserted into either end of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12. By rotating the grooved molded rotating cylinder12with the hexagonal wrench in a direction either clockwise or counter clockwise depending on which end of the hexagonal hole15the hexagonal wrench is inserted will then engage the grooves16of the band strap13and the matching grooves of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12advancing the flexible grooved band strap13reducing the circumference of the flexible grooved band strap13tightening around a hose21or other items to be held in place or constricted as shown inFIG. 2. As the grooved molded rotating cylinder12rotates and the flexible grooved band strap12is advanced through the support base10a flexible paw17which is molded into the top of the molded support base top11glides over the top of each groove due to the tip angle of the flexible paw17drops firmly, due to the flexing of the mold material and the over positioning of the flexible paw17in relation to the grooves of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12, into each groove of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12preventing the counter rotation of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12by the force applied radically to the flexible paw17then transmitting the force to the molded support base top11which is secured in a lock down position. Therefore the flexible grooved band strap13will only advance in one direction reducing the circumference of the flexible grooved band strap13tightening around a hose21or other objects to be held in place or constricted. The molded support base top11is held in place by a molded hinge14on one side and a rapid release hold down top lock20on the other side. By placing a finger under the rapid release finger grip19and preying up the molded support base top11will release the lock bar25from under the rapid release hold down top lock lip22and the top of the molded support base10will swivel on the molded hinge14releasing the flexible paw17from the grooved molded rotating cylinder12allowing the counter rotation of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12allowing the flexible grooved band strap13to slid back in the confined area of the molded support base10thereby releasing the constriction around the hose21or other objects to be confined. So that it is understood the grooved molded rotating cylinder12is a separate part and has been removed from the molded support base10as shown inFIG. 4. The grooved molded cylinder12is held in place when forced, during assembly, between the open sides of the grooved cylinder bearings26as shown inFIGS. 1,2,3, and4. The opening is smaller then the diameter of the grooved molded rotating cylinder12bearing surfaces therefore once forced down into the grooved cylinder bearings26as shown inFIGS. 1,2,3, and4the grooved cylinder will stay in place.

FIG. 5AIllustrates an additional Embodiment

InFIG. 5Awith band strap31engaged with the support base30and the support base top29closed illustrates the grooves32of the band strap31not extended fully to full width of the band strap31and extend the entire length of the band strap31whereas the raised bevels39extend on the outside of the band strap31the full length. The finger tight knobs37provide the ability to advance the band strap31tightening it around the circumference of a hose finger tight before applying a tightening tool that would be inserted in the cylinder cavity33. The hinge ears34and the hinge pin35secure the support base top29to the support base30and will rotate to open the support base top29from the support base30releasing the constricting band strap31is accomplished by pushing up on the quick release finger tab38disengaging the top lock as described above inFIGS. 2,3,4and5. The top open stop36prevents the support base top29from opening totally so the rotating cylinder40, shown removed from support base30, onFIG. 5Ais maintained within the support base30.

ADVANTAGES

From the description above, a number of advantages of the preferred embodiment of my hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release become evident:(a) As a mold there are several advantages to this embodiment. There are a vast variety of plastic compounds that can be injected into a mold to produce this embodiment. The plastic material from which this embodiment can be produced may vary according to the application and conditions for which this clamp may be applied.(b) The plastic material from which this embodiment will be made will not corrode or rust and may be used within corrosive environments.(c) The plastic material may be mixed with pigments producing colors to identify clamps for location or contents within hoses or groups of items as well as branded or screened for identification.(d) Low cost of material and ease of manufacturing is another advantage when using molded parts compared to metal.(e) This embodiment allows for the application to be accomplished with the use of only one hand because of the parallel position with regard to the hose or items being secured. The tightening of the clamp with a tool such as the hexagonal wrench once inserted within either side of the clamp will help to secure the clamp in a position where tightening can be accomplished without the clamp rotating around the hose or items to be constricted.(f) A rapid release is provided that can also be accomplished with the use of only one hand. An important advantage in order to save time and under emergency conditions.(g) This preferred embodiment is wider than most being used today. This extra width provides a better seal when clamping hoses, no need to use two clamps as is common when using a narrower metal clamp.(h) This preferred embodiment can also be applied to a hose or other items to be clamped with speed and ease due to the support base top unlocks from the support base allowing the band strap to rotate the grooved cylinder freely as it enters the support base and slides over the attached end of the band strap. This can also be accomplished with one hand.(i) This preferred embodiment can be tightened by inserting the hexagonal wrench into either end of the grooved cylinder for convenient application.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the preferred embodiment of the hose clamp with parallel tightening and rapid release when applied to a hose or other objects to be constricted can easily be tightened and released using only one hand. As a molded device a variety of future or state of the art plastic compounds can be used providing strength to which will rival many clamps in use produced from steel as well as withstanding corrosive and fatigue.

An enclosed box design of the support base adds structure integrity to the cylinder bearing support. The top of the support base is shaped structurally to eliminate deflection from the upward force of the bearings, a locking device holding the top securely on one side and a full length molded hinge on the other side keeping the molded support base top firmly closed. All the structural shapes may be different as shown inFIG. 5Asuch as curved, thicker, more angular with greater or less strength. The top of the base support may be locked down by several other means such as a hinged lock, a dow insertion or pin insertion. The use of a “living hinge” or molded hinge as proposed in the preferred embodiment can be molded in one complete operation no assembly required attaching the top to the support base also to the full width of one side of the base. Many other means of hinging could be proposed one of which is shown inFIG. 5A

The cascading mechanical advantages of this invention will become apparent starting with the leverage obtained from the hexagonal ninety-degree “Allen” wrench used as a tightening tool. The capability to insert the full length of the short end of this tool with complete contact of six flat surfaces, dimensionally snug, within the interior cavity of the rotating cylinder has a distinct mechanical advantage. In order to gain sufficient compression when tightening a flexible band strap it is essential to use a tool such as the hexagonal wrench as demonstrated in almost every prior art hose clamp. Another advantage using the hexagonal wrench is when applying a hose clamp with one hand or the clamp may be out of sight you may release your hold on the tool without it losing contact with the clamp since it is snuggly held in place within the rotating cylinder. The rotating cylinder makes an easy target when using an evenly spaced six-sided wrench since it can be inserted at almost any circular angle. Many different types of tools may and have been used such as screwdrivers, sockets with ratchet wrenches, other drivers with a variety of shaped tips.

While my above description contains much specificity, they should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible, for example:a. The width, length, size and shape of the support base may vary.b. The band strap width, length, size, thickness and the attachment or non-attachment to the support base may vary.c. The grooves on the band strap and rotating cylinder maybe teeth or gears of varying sizes in width, depth, pitch spacing and design. Extending the entire length of the band strap as shown inFIG. 5A.d. The tools used to advance the band strap by rotating the cylinder may be a screwdriver of different tip shapes, a ratchet with sockets or a special designed tool specific to a particular adapter.e. The hinged support base top may vary in design such as a slide or hook or as shown inFIG. 5Aalthough this design may require additional assembly and parts.f. The support base top may be locked down with a snap lock using an additional hinge a dow and hole side clips attached to the base all of which may require tools to release or may be difficult to perform with one hand.g. The paw may vary in size shape width increase or decrease in flexibility and hold the rotating cylinder from a different angle.h. The preferred embodiment is molded from liquefied plastic for the purpose of incorporating the design possibilities as described. The plastic material is a function of the design in order to withstand the conditions to which hose clamps are exposed and the reduced cost to manufacture. The plastic material maybe various compounds with additives designed for specific applications in a variety of different colors. Parts of this hose clamp may be produced from metal in total embedded or tipped in specific areas, machined, die cast, forged, or pressed.i. The rotating cylinder can be metal molded compressed formed or produced by other means. A ratchet can be incorporated within an outer and inner sleeve allowing rotation in one direction only and slipping in a counter rotation.j. The band strap may be as a molded permanently attached to the support base or attached by mechanical means to allow for interchangeable lengths or sizes.k. The band strap retainers molded into the strap allowing the band strap to slide under or pressed under the retainers holding the band strap close to the attached end of the band strap so it will not interfere with objects in the area of the hose clamp. This retainer may be a strap or loop around the band strap where by the end or loose portion of the band strap may slip under the loop retaining the loose end of the band strap.
Thus the scope of the embodiment should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.