Hose clamp

A band made from a material normally elastically non-stretchable in its longitudinal direction to which elastic stretchability is imparted by one or more sections which include lateral non-rectilinear band portions on both sides of the central longitudinal band plane. The lateral non-rectilinear band portions are thereby made by cut-outs in the band along its longitudinal sides and in the center area. In one embodiment, the cut-outs along the sides are segmentally shaped while a window in the central area is made of a shape resembling an hourglass. Adjacent sections are connected with each other by transversely extending web portions delimited in the longitudinal direction by end surfaces of the central cut-outs. A clamp structure utilizing a band of the aforementioned type, especially a clamping band made from galvanized or stainless steel, offers numerous advantages, especially if a so-called "Oetiker" ear is used to tighten the clamp structure about the object to be fastened thereby. This is so because changes in the circumferential length of the clamp structure will be compensated thereby in the first instance by the elastically stretchable clamping band so that greater latitude exists in the design and installation of such a plastically deformable ear which can now be designed and closed to maximize its holding ability.

FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention relates to a band material having elastic stretchability, 
and more particularly to clamp structures made with the use of such band 
materials. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Galvanized steel and stainless steel band materials, which are normally 
used for clamp structures, are devoid of any significant elastic 
stretchability in the longitudinal direction of the band material. 
Nonetheless, these band materials have been and continue to be used almost 
exclusively with clamp structures that are commercially sold in very large 
quantities. The use of plastically deformable so-called "Oetiker" ears in 
conjunction with such band materials played an important role for the 
success of such clamp structures because the plastically deformable 
"Oetiker" ears are inherently capable of compensating for temperature 
and/or pressure changes, i.e., for increases or decreases in the required 
circumferential length of the clamp structure. 
These "Oetiker" ears have been used by the millions in clamp structures 
made from tubular stock (endless-type clamps) as well as in clamp 
structures made from band material whose overlapping band portions are 
mechanically interconnected (open-type clamps). My prior U.S. Pat. No. 
2,614,304 relating to a two-ear clamp with two "Oetiker" ears made from 
tubular stock, my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,082,498 relating to one-ear clamps 
made from tubular stock or band material, my prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,742 
relating to clamp structures made from ladder-type band material closed by 
the use of connecting members, my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,286,314 relating 
to open-type clamp structures with rivet-like connections for the 
overlapping band portions, as well as the so-called stepless type clamp 
structures disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,299,012 and 4,315,348 
also made from band material of the aforementioned type are representative 
of clamp structures which have been sold by applicant in very large 
quantities, whereby so-called "Oetiker" ears for tightening the clamp 
structure about an object to be fastened thereby are used in all of these 
clamp structures and whereby these "Oetiker" ears, when plastically 
deformed into more or less omega shape, automatically compensate for 
temperature and/or pressure changes. 
As tolerances in the external hose dimensions, i.e., in the hose diameters 
are for all practical purposes unavoidable, these tolerances could be 
compensated by the degree of closing of the "Oetiker" ears because the 
clamping bands as such offered no significant stretchability in its 
longitudinal direction. This meant in practice that, for example, the gap 
underneath an ear plastically deformed with the same force, i.e., the 
spacing between the transitions from the clamping band into the 
plastically deformed omega-shaped ear could vary depending on external 
hose dimensions. This, in turn, led to the use of pneumatic pincer-like 
tools operating with predetermined pressure to assure a constant closing 
force in the plastic deformation of the "Oetiker" ears in order to assure 
substantially the same holding ability of the installed clamp structures. 
Such pneumatic pincer-like tools, used in large quantities, for example, 
on the assembly line of the automotive industry are relatively costly and 
require relatively expensive pneumatic systems with pressure-reducing 
valves. The problem of gap size under the ear can be minimized by insert 
members which can be made from relatively thin band material in order to 
minimize the step in the inner circumferential surface of the clamp, as 
disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,463. However, the use of such 
insert members increases the cost of the clamp structure. The so-called 
stepless clamp structures of the type disclosed, for example, in my U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,237,584, and more specifically in my two aforementioned U.S. 
Pat. Nos. 4,299,012 and 4,315,348 effectively eliminate the problem of the 
remaining gap under the plastically deformed ear. However, the use of the 
pneumatic pincer-like tools operating at constant pressure is still 
necessary if a constant closing pressure is desired. Moreover, as these 
pneumatic pincer-like tools operate with a constant pressure, they 
continue to entail the disadvantage that the ear cannot always be closed 
to maximize its holding ability. This is so as the degree of closing the 
ears under those conditions depends on the existing external dimensions of 
the hose, which may vary as explained above. However, maximum holding 
conditions with so-called "Oetiker" ears are attainable when the ear is 
plastically deformed in such a manner that the transitions from the 
clamping band into the plastically deformed ear are as close as possible 
in the circumferential direction and when the height of the plastically 
deformed ear is kept relatively low. Furthermore, as disclosed in the 
aforementioned parent application, so-called earless clamp structures 
where space conditions do not permit projecting parts, such as plastically 
deformed ears, are manufactured for a given diameter of the object to be 
fastened thereby. In the absence of a plastically deformable "Oetiker" ear 
and in the absence of any elastic stretchability in the clamping band 
itself, such earless clamp structures may pose problems when the external 
dimensions of the object to be fastened thereby, for example, the 
dimensions of the hose diameter experience excessively large tolerances. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a 
band structure made from a material normally devoid of significant elastic 
stretchability in its longitudinal direction, to which elastic 
stretchability is imparted in an extraordinarily simple manner by material 
removal from the band. More specifically, the present invention includes 
one or more band sections in the band which are characterized by 
non-linear lateral band portions so shaped that in the presence of 
tensional forces, the lateral band portions will elastically become less 
non-linear whereby the cessation of the tensional forces will cause the 
lateral band portions to elastically return to a more non-rectilinear 
configuration as long as the tensional forces are below the elastic limit 
of the band material, 
In one embodiment according to the present invention, the lateral band 
portions are thereby arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to 
the center longitudinal plane of the band. This will ensure a 
substantially uniform controlled elastic stretchability even if several 
sections are used in the band. The lateral band portions are thereby 
obtained by cutouts along the sides of the band and in the center area 
thereof. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cutouts 
along the sides of the band are substantially concavely shaped while the 
cut-outs in the center area of the band at least approximately resemble 
the shape of an hourglass. Each of the lateral band portions is thereby 
less than about one-third the normal width of the band, and more 
specifically are about 15 to about 30% the normal width of the band. The 
width is thereby chosen taking into consideration desired elasticity and 
required holding ability in a given application. Furthermore, these 
lateral band portions may be of substantially constant width over at least 
a substantial part of their length which is obtained by substantially 
parallel surfaces left by the lateral cut-outs and the corresponding 
central cut-out. Preferably, the transversely extending end surfaces of 
the hourglass-shaped cut-outs pass over into the lateral surfaces by 
rounded-off corners and the transitions from the concavely shaped cut-outs 
to the normal width of the band material are thereby also rounded-off. 
Adjacent sections in accordance with the present invention are connected 
with each other by transverse web portions of the full band width which 
are delimited in the band longitudinal direction by mutually opposite end 
surfaces of adjacent sections. 
The availability of an elastically stretchable band material, especially a 
clamping band material made from galvanized or stainless steel, which is 
normally devoid of any significant elastic stretchability in its 
longitudinal direction, offers a number of significant advantages, 
particularly when used with clamp structures provided with one or more 
so-called "Oetiker" ears. An elastically stretchable band material, as 
obtained by the present invention, now permits that the "Oetiker" ear can 
always be fully closed to maximize its holding ability without regard to 
the closing forces necessary to achieve the same. This is so as excessive 
closing forces can now be compensated by elastic stretching of the 
clamping band itself. The use of pneumatic pincers operating with a 
predetermined constant pressure is obviated thereby. Additionally, the use 
of a clamping band having elastic stretchability in its longitudinal 
direction eliminates pre-existing limitations on the design of the ear, 
particularly with respect to the height of the ear and the length of the 
bridging member which had to be designed heretofore, taking into 
consideration the compensating functions required of the ear. 
Additionally, the elastically stretchable band material in accordance with 
the present invention allows greater freedom in the final configuration of 
the plastically deformed ear to maximize its holding ability because the 
ear now no longer is called upon to compensate for required changes in 
length of the clamping band in its circumferential direction. This means, 
for example, the height of the plastically deformed ear can be kept 
relatively low by the use of tools, known as such in the art. The 
reinforcing groove in the bridging member can now also be designed, 
bearing in mind the possibility of closing the ear to its optimum 
configuration because the compensating function of the ear can now be 
assumed in the first instance by the elastically stretchable band. 
The desirability of a permanently available spring force in a clamping band 
had been recognized already in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,475,793 in which 
one or several distributed tensional spring elements were provided in the 
band. However, apart from cost considerations, these spring elements did 
not impart elastic stretchability to the band itself. 
Furthermore, a clamping band is disclosed in French Patent Publication 2 
480 875 in which an elasticity reserve is intended to be achieved by 
forming one or more zig-zag-shaped narrow band or wire sections of 
triangular, sinusoidal, trapezoidal or rectangular configuration, as seen 
in plan view. However, this prior art arrangement entails distinct 
disadvantages compared to the present invention, according to which 
non-rectilinear lateral band portions are provided on both sides of the 
center longitudinal plane of the band to assure substantially uniform 
controlled elastic stretching regardless of the number of sections which 
are utilized in a given band material. 
As mentioned in my aforementioned parent application, the elastic 
stretchability of the clamping band is also of importance in so-called 
earless clamp structures because such earless clamp structures can now be 
used with hose materials having larger tolerances. 
In its broadest aspects, this invention is of importance in all 
applications utilizing metallic band materials normally devoid of any 
significant elastic stretchability in the longitudinal direction, for 
which elastic stretchability of the band material is desired. Furthermore, 
the band material having elastic stretchability in its longitudinal 
direction in accordance with the present invention is of particular 
significance for clamp structures utilizing such band materials because, 
inter alia, it offers significant advantages in the design and use of 
so-called "Oetiker" ears and permits the use of so-called earless clamp 
structures with hoses experiencing larger tolerances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference numerals are used 
throughout the various views to designate like parts, and more 
particularly to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates in this 
figure a band made from a material normally devoid of any significant 
elastic stretchability in its longitudinal direction, made for example 
from galvanized or stainless steel, as used in clamp structures. The band 
10 is provided with several sections generally designated by reference 
numeral 20 so constructed and arranged as to impart elastic stretchability 
to the band 10 in its longitudinal direction. More specifically, each 
section 20 consists of non-rectilinear lateral band portions 21a and 21b 
which are delimited by concavely shaped side surfaces 22a and 22b of the 
band 10 formed by cut-outs along the sides of the band and by adjacent 
curvilinear surfaces 24a and 24b formed by the cut-out 23 in the center 
area of the band. In the illustrated embodiment, the side surfaces 22a and 
22b are formed by generally segmentally shaped cut-outs along the sides of 
the band while the surfaces 24a and 24b are formed in effect by the 
cut-out 23 in the central area of the band whereby the cut-out 23 is in 
the form of a window resembling at least approximately an hourglass. The 
surfaces 22a and 24a as well as the surfaces 22b and 24b thereby extend at 
least approximately parallel to one another so that the lateral band 
portions 21a and 21b are of substantially constant width over a major part 
of their length. The thickness of the lateral band portions 21a and 21b is 
thereby less than 35% of the normal width of the band, and preferably 
between about 15% to about 30%. The width is thereby chosen dependent on 
the material of the band as well as on the desired elastic stretchability 
and required holding ability of the band with a given (hose) material. 
Adjacent sections 20 are connected with each other by web portions 28 that 
extend over the full width of the band. The web portions 28 are thereby 
defined by transversely extending end surfaces 27 of the cut-outs 23 in 
adjacent sections 20. The thicknesses of the web portions 28 is thereby 
approximately the same as the thickness of the lateral band portions 21a 
and 21b though they can also be chosen thinner or thicker. To avoid stress 
peaks, the corners of the cut-outs 23, i.e., the intersections of the end 
surfaces 27 with the side surfaces 24a and 24b are rounded off as are also 
the transitions from the concavely shaped side surfaces 22a and 22b to the 
normal full width of the band. 
Tensional forces in the band 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof will 
cause the non-rectilinear lateral band portions 21a and 21b to become less 
non-rectilinear. The cessation of these tensional forces will permit the 
lateral band portions 21a and 21b to return to a more non-rectilinear 
condition, provided the tensional forces did not exceed the yield strength 
(elastic limit) of the band material. In actual tests, an elastic 
stretchability of between 0.4 to about 0.5 mm. was possible with each 
section 20 for a stainless steel band material having a yield strength or 
elastic limit of about 2.4 mm. An elastic return by about 0.4 to about 0.5 
mm. per section was thereby obtainable even if each section had been 
stretched by more than that amount provided the total elongation remained 
below the elastic limit of the material. 
The number of sections 20 can be chosen at will to suit the elastic 
stretchability to be attained with a given band structure. Moreover, the 
lateral band portions 21a and 21b can be of more or less non-rectilinear 
configuration whereby cutouts of a shape differing from the hourglass-like 
shape shown in FIG. 1 can also be used provided the adopted design and 
construction assures a substantially uniform controllable elastic 
stretchability of each of the sections 20 no matter how many such sections 
are used. For that reason, the configuration of the sections 20 utilizes 
non-rectilinear lateral band portions on both sides and is also preferably 
substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center plane 29 
of the band 10. As exclusively material removal, i.e., cut-outs are used 
to achieve the non-rectilinear lateral band portions 21a and 21b, which 
can be achieved by mere stamping or punching operations, the manufacture 
of a band incorporating the present invention is quite simple and 
inexpensive and can be realized when a blank for a clamp is stamped out or 
when a band incorporating continuous sections 20 is manufactured. 
As will be explained more fully hereinafter, a band of the type shown in 
FIG. 1 is of great importance, not only with earless clamps as explained 
in the aforementioned parent application, but also with various clamp 
structures made from a normally elastically non-stretchable band material 
which are tightened about the object to be fastened by plastic deformation 
of one or several "Oetiker" ears. 
FIG. 2 differs from FIG. 1 in that the band 10 is provided with repetitive 
sections 20 over more or less its entire length, with the possible 
exception of the end areas for reasons to be explained hereinafter. Each 
section 20 of FIG. 2, which is similar to the sections 20 of FIG. 1, 
thereby includes again non-rectilinear lateral band portions 21a and 21b 
similar to those of FIG. 1. The band material 10 in FIG. 2 may thereby be 
part of a continuous roll of such band material as shown in my prior U.S. 
Pat. No. 2,847,742. In that case cut lengths of such band material may be 
interconnected by a separate connecting member generally designated by 
reference numeral 130 as shown in FIG. 2a which is similar to the 
connecting member of my prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,742. The connecting 
member 130 thereby includes a typical "Oetiker" ear generally designated 
by reference numeral 30 which consists of two generally outwardly 
extending leg portions 31a and 31b interconnected by a bridging portion 32 
which may be provided with a reinforcing groove 33. The reinforcing groove 
33 may thereby be of the type disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 
3,402,436 and 3,475,793 and is preferably in the form of a relatively 
shallow, pan-shaped depression covering at least about 35% and preferably 
40 to 60% of the area of the bridging portion 32 in its original condition 
without reinforcing groove, as disclosed in my copending application Ser. 
No. 06/922,473, filed Oct. 23, 1986, which is a continuation application 
of my then copending application Ser. No. 06/622,765, filed Jun. 20, 1984, 
the subject matter of which is incorporated herein. The corresponding 
British application was published under No. 2,160,578 on Dec. 24, 1985, 
and the corresponding British patent was granted on this application on 
Jul. 27, 1988. Circumferentially directed extensions 34a and 34b terminate 
in inwardly bent hooks 35a and 35b of such width as to be able to engage 
in the wider parts of the hourglass-like cutouts 23. To the extent 
necessary, the cut-outs 23 in the central area of the blank may be 
modified to provide sufficient space for the material thickness of the 
inwardly extending hooks 35a and 35b. This can be achieved by making the 
side surfaces 24a and 24b substantially parallel to the normal sides of 
the band 10 near the end surfaces 27 of the central cut-outs 23. 
The use of one or more sections 20 imparting elastic stretchability is of 
great importance in connection with clamp structures utilizing one or more 
so-called "Oetiker" ears because the compensation as a result of required 
changes in the length of the clamping band, be it due to tolerances in the 
hose material and/or due to temperature and/or pressure fluctuations, will 
now be compensated in the first instance by the sections 20. This means 
that the ear 30 can now be designed and closed for maximum holdability 
with less regard to considerations of elastic compensating ability under 
normal circumstances. The height of the ear 30, i.e., the length of the 
legs 31a and 31b as well as the spacing of these legs, i.e., the length of 
the bridging member 32 can be optimally chosen. Additionally, the ear 30 
may be plastically deformed by the application of the requisite closing 
force in such a manner that in the plastically deformed condition, the 
transitions 36a and 36b between the circumferential extensions 34a and 34b 
of the connecting member 130 of FIG. 2a and the plastically deformed leg 
portions 31a and 31b are as close as possible, i.e., contact or nearly 
contact one another. Furthermore, appropriate known means may be used to 
assure that the plastically deformed ear is relatively flat. All of these 
possibilities contribute to optimization of the holding ability of a given 
ear. 
FIG. 3 illustrates a band structure 10' similar to FIG. 2 with the only 
difference from the band structure of FIG. 2 that the band is not flat but 
is now curved, and more particularly concavely curved in the band 
transverse direction so that during the application of tensional forces it 
will seek in its installed condition to conform to the object to be 
fastened thereby which is relatively rectilinear in its axial direction, 
i.e., is essentially cylindrical in the case of a hose or the like. This 
will add to the spring action of the band structure when its elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20 are subjected to tensional forces. 
FIG. 4 illustrates a one-ear clamp of the type shown in my prior U.S. Pat. 
No. 3,082,498 which is made from tubular stock and in which the 
plastically deformable ear generally designated by reference numeral 30 is 
made in one piece with the clamping band 10. The clamping band 10 is 
thereby provided with a number of elastic stretchability-imparting 
sections 20 of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These sections 20 may 
thereby extend over the entire circumference of the clamping band or may 
be chosen to extend only over part thereof depending on the desired degree 
of elasticity. 
FIG. 5 illustrates the clamp structure of FIG. 4 in its installed condition 
when it is intended to fasten, for example, a hose-like member 40 onto a 
nipple 50. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the ear can be closed so that the 
transitions 36a and 36b from the clamping band 10 to the plastically 
deformed ear 30 approach one another very close while the plastically 
deformed ear 30 itself is kept relative low. For normal purposes, the 
sections 20 are thereby arranged substantially symmetrically with respect 
to the circumference of the clamping band 10. 
FIG. 6 illustrates the present invention applied to a typical two-ear clamp 
structure of the type disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,614,304 and 
made from tubular stock in which two ears generally designated by 
reference numeral 30 are integral with the clamping band 10 and are 
arranged diametrically opposite one another which offers advantages of a 
balanced clamp structure when used with rotating members. For the same 
reasons, the number and location of the elastic stretchability-imparting 
sections 20 is also preferably chosen symmetrically arranged about the 
circumference of the clamping band 10. FIG. 7 illustrates the two-ear 
clamp structure of FIG. 6 in the installed condition about a tubular 
member 40 intended to be fastened onto a tubular member 50, whereby the 
tubular member 40 may again be a hose-like member and the tubular member 
50 may be part of a nipple structure. As can be seen again in FIG. 7, the 
ears 30 can be plastically deformed so that the transitions 36a and 36b 
approach one another closely in the circumferential direction while the 
height of the ear in its plastically deformed condition can be kept 
relatively low. 
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a blank for a clamp structure adapted to be 
interconnected by a connecting member of the type shown in FIGS. 10 and 
11. The clamping band of FIGS. 8 and 9 generally designated again by 
reference numeral 10 is thereby provided with elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20 similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 
2 over nearly its entire length except for the end areas 10a and 10b which 
are provided with outwardly extending hooks forming part of the mechanical 
connection. More specifically, each end area 10a and 10b is provided with 
an outwardly extending cold-deformed hook-like member 61 and with a 
tab-like combined guide and support hook-like member 62 extending in the 
longitudinal direction of the clamping band and bent out of the same as 
disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,720. The tab-like member 62 is 
thereby provided with a guide surface 62a extending upwardly and outwardly 
away from the free end of the corresponding clamping band end as more 
fully disclosed in my aforementioned prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,720. The 
connecting member generally designated by reference numeral 130 again 
includes an "Oetiker" ear generally designated by reference numeral 30 
which consists of generally outwardly extending leg portions 31a and 31b 
interconnected by a bridging portion 32 provided with a reinforcing groove 
33 which may be in the form of a relatively shallow pan-shaped reinforcing 
depression as disclosed in my aforementioned copending application Ser. 
No. 06/922,473. The circumferential extensions 34a and 34b of the 
connecting member 130 are provided each with a rectangular opening 161 and 
a slot-like opening 162 for the hook-like members 61 and 62, respectively. 
By utilizing a clamping band provided with elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20, the ear 30 in the connecting member 
130 can be designed and closed optimally as explained above. 
FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a modified embodiment of the band and clamp 
structure shown in FIGS. 8 through 11 for use, for example, in holding 
together two flanged elements. More specifically, the clamping band 
generally designated by reference numeral 110 includes again elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20 over its entire length similar to 
those of FIGS. 1 and 2, except in the band end areas 110a and 110b which 
are provided again with outwardly extending hook-like members 61 and 62 
similar to those of FIGS. 8 and 9. Differing from the clamping band of 
FIGS. 8 and 9, the clamping band 110 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is provided with 
inwardly extending tab-like members 111 extending on both sides of the 
clamping band within the areas where the normal rectilinear side surfaces 
of the full width clamping band exist, i.e., in the areas between the 
concavely shaped side surfaces 22a and 22b. As to the rest, what was said 
with respect to FIGS. 8-11 applies equally to the embodiment of FIGS. 
12-14. The clamp structure of FIGS. 10-13 which now consists of clamping 
band 110 of FIGS. 12 and 13 and of connecting member 130 of FIGS. 10 and 
11 can be used to hold tightly together, for example, the end flanges 211 
and 221 of the two pipe-like members 210 and 220 (FIG. 14). 
FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 illustrate a clamping band for use in tightening 
objects where, for example, space conditions preclude the use of a 
plastically deformable ear. The clamping band generally designated by 
reference numeral 310 again includes elastic stretchability-imparting 
sections 20 of the type described in connection with FIG. 1, which extend 
over a major portion of its length. The end areas 310a and 310b of the 
clamping band which are devoid of such sections include the means for 
tightening and mechanically connecting the clamping band 310 about an 
object to be fastened thereby. More specifically, the tongue-like free end 
310b' of the end area 310b, which forms the outer band portion in the 
installed clamp, is provided with a rectangular opening 312 that includes 
a small tongue-like projection 313 centrally located in its transverse end 
face 312' nearer the free end of the band portion 310b. Additionally, the 
tongue-like extension 310b' includes a cold-deformed outwardly extending 
hook-like member 315 providing a tool-engaging surface for stretching the 
clamp during its installation. The opposite band portion 310a is provided 
with two outwardly extending cold-deformed hook-like members 314a and 314b 
whereby the hook-like member 314a again provides a tool-engaging surface 
while the hook-like member 314b is adapted to engage with the end face 
312' and with the tongue-like projection 313 when the clamp is installed 
over an object to be fastened as illustrated in FIG. 17. The width of the 
opening 312 is thereby such that the hook-like members 314a and 314b can 
extend therethrough. The cold-deformed hook-like members 314a, 314b and 
315 are thereby of any known type and configuration to satisfy the 
functional requirements. 
FIG. 18 illustrates the application of the present invention to a one-ear 
clamp made from a clamping band 10 provided with elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20 and a plastically deformable 
"Oetiker" ear 30 integral with the clamping band. The overlapping band 
portions are mechanically connected with each other by a rivet-like 
connection generally designated by reference numeral 70 which is of the 
type disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,286,314. Because of the 
presence of the sections 20, the aforementioned advantages can again be 
obtained with the ear 30 of this clamp structure. 
FIG. 19 illustrates a so-called stepless clamp structure in which the 
clamping band 10 is again provided with several elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20. The clamp structure of FIG. 19 which 
is of the type described in my aforementioned prior U.S. Pat. No. 
4,299,012 includes, in addition to a typical "Oetiker" ear 30, a 
tongue-like extension 15 adapted to engage in a central channel-shaped 
recess 16 starting from a step 17 and terminating in another step-like 
configuration (not shown). The channel-shaped recess 16 is thereby 
provided by pressing out the corresponding central band portion after 
corresponding longitudinally extending cuts have been made therein. 
Additionally, the mechanical connection includes one guide hook 64 and two 
cold-deformed support hooks 65 adapted to engage in corresponding 
apertures 66 provided in the outer band portion 10b. The "Oetiker" ear 
which is again provided with a reinforcing groove or depression 33 of the 
type described in my aforementioned U.S. patents and patent application, 
again benefits from the presence of the elastic stretchability-imparting 
sections 20, as explained above. 
FIG. 20 illustrates the application of the present invention to a so-called 
stepless clamp structure of the type more fully described in my prior U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,315,348 in which the open ends of the band are again 
mechanically interconnected by a rivet-like connection generally 
designated by reference numeral 70 of the type described in my 
aforementioned prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,286,314. The clamping band 10 again 
includes an "Oetiker" ear 30 provided with a reinforcing groove or 
depression 33 in its bridging portion 32 as well as several elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20 on both sides of the rivet-like 
connection 70 which provide the aforementioned advantages as regards the 
ear 30. To achieve a stepless internal configuration in the area of 
overlap of the free band ends 10a and 10b, the inner band portion 10a is 
again provided with a tongue-like extension 15 adapted to engage in an 
opening 16' starting from a step 17 in the outer band portion 10b and 
extending in a direction away from the free end of the outer band portion 
10b. The insert member 80 intended to bridge the gap under the ear 30 is 
also provided with tongue-like extensions 85 at its two ends which are 
adapted to engage in openings 16" beginning in the band 10 in the area of 
the step 17 and extending in a direction away from the ear 30 in order to 
achieve a steplessness in the areas of overlap between the insert member 
80 and the clamping band. 
FIG. 21 illustrates the application of the present invention to a so-called 
stepless screw clamp of the type disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 
4,521,940 in which the clamping band 10 is again provided with several 
elastic stretchability-imparting sections 20 that assist and/or even may 
obviate the use of a spring in the screw-type connection as disclosed in 
this U.S. patent. As to the rest, the clamp structure illustrated in FIG. 
21 corresponds to the clamp structure of FIG. 7 of the U.S. Pat. No. 
4,521,940 so that reference should be had to this patent for a more 
detailed description and operation thereof. 
FIG. 22 illustrates the application of the present invention to a so-called 
crown-type clamp of the type described in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,402,436 
in which the two ears 30' provided with reinforcing grooves 33 are 
sequentially closed and then bent over to form the double crown, as more 
fully described in this patent. The presence of the elastic 
stretchability-imparting sections 20 in the clamping band 10 thereby 
facilitates use of a crown-type double-ear configuration in the clamp even 
under temperature and/or pressure changes. 
FIG. 23 illustrates the application of the present invention to a stepless 
clamp structure of the type disclosed in my aforementioned copending 
application Ser. No. 06/922,473 in which a plastically deformable 
"Oetiker" ear provided with a relatively shallow pan-shaped reinforcing 
depression 33 is integral with the clamping band 10. The latter is 
provided with a mechanical connection consisting of a tab-like combined 
guide and support hook member 62 and of two outwardly extending 
cold-deformed support hook members 61 provided in the inner band portion 
10a of the clamping band 10 which are adapted to engage in slot-like 
aperture 162 and rectangular apertures 161, respectively. The inner band 
portion 10a is additionally provided with a tongue-like extension 15 
adapted to engage in the channel-shaped depression 16 provided in the 
outer band portion 10b and extending in a direction away from the free end 
of the outer band portion 10b within the area of the step 17. The presence 
of the sections 20 again benefits the design and use of the ear 30 as 
explained above. 
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. More particularly, the present invention is equally 
important to any application in which a band made from a material devoid 
of elastic stretchability is used and in which controlled elastic 
stretchability is desired. Furthermore, the present invention is also 
applicable to other clamp structures utilizing such material, for example, 
to clamp structures of the type described in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 
3,579,754 and 4,103,399. Furthermore, the number and location of the 
elastic stretchability-imparting sections can be chosen at will to satisfy 
existing requirements in a given application. Additionally, the 
configuration of the elastic stretchability-imparting sections may be 
modified to satisfy particular requirements in a given clamp structure or 
its application, as long as such modifications permit to maintain a 
controlled uniform elastic stretching of the clamping band within the 
section or sections provided in the clamping band. 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.