A CLAMPING BAND

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping band having ends. More particularly it relates to a clamping band which can be attached or detached after a clamped member is connected to a hose, etc. and which has high clamping force. In the clamping band of the present invention, the projection of the lever (14, 114a) can be easily fitted in the engage hole (12a, 112a) of the band (12, 112), so that the fulcrum point of the lever (14, 114a) can be easily fitted, and clamping work including winding action and lever operation can be executed smoothly.

Description: The present invention relates to a clamping band to clamp joint sections of hose such as gas hose, car boot, etc. A metal clamping band, which clamps hose, car boot, etc. in one action, has been known. The conventional clamping band is shown in Fig. 19. It comprises a band 4, which is formed like a ring and whose both ends are connected to form an overlap section 3, a lever 5 fixed to the overlap section 3, and a clasp 6 for fixing the end section of the lever to the band 4 when the band 4 is shortened its diameter by the lever 5 with the action of levers. A clamped member such as hose has been inserted in the band 2 and has been connected to a pipe, etc. beforehand. Then, the band 2 is travelled to the joint section and the lever 5 is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow. In this rotation, the front end of the lever 5 works as the power point; another end contacting the band 4 of the lever 5 as the fulcrum point, so that the overlap section 3 shortens the diameter of the band 4 as the active point. The front end of the lever 5 of the clamping band 4 shortened to clamp is fixed by the clasp 6 and kept the clamping status. The clamping band 2 can be used quickly and easily but it is impossible to clamp a member after the member is connected to a pipe, etc. Therefore, in case that the clamping band should be exchanged because of repairment, etc., the clamped member must be detached. The conventional clamping band is inconvenient for repairment because of that reason. If the clamped member cannot be detached, the clamping band cannot be exchanged. A dividable clamping band shown in Fig. 20 is also known. Both ends of a band 7 are overlapped and connected to a form like a ring. There is projected an ear 8 formed like a gate from the outer face 7a of the band. The clamping band is shortened in its diameter by crushing the ear 8. It can be attached round the member after the member is connected. However, the clamping band is made of metal, so that crushed ear 8 springs back in the end and it is impossible to clamp tightly. CH-A-510205 shows a clamping band which has a channel shaped, or tubular, strap made of more than one piece and with a central cavity. The strap has a hole cut in it and a wall portion of the strap adjacent the hole is raised ina step-like configuration relative to the hole. The strap has a lever formed from two pieces both on the outside of the strap. The present invention seeks to provide a clamping band which ameliorates any of the above or other problems associated with clamping bands of the prior art. The present invention seeks to provide a clamping band which can be easily attached and clamped after a member such as hose, etc. is connected, and which has high clamping force. The present invention provides a clamping band which comprises a single elongate plate-like strap which is flexible from an initial extended condition to form a ring around an object to be clamped in use, having first and second longitudinal ends and first and second faces with a hole through the strap towards the first end, and a one piece elongate plate-like lever element fixed towards the second end of the strap on the first face thereof and having a free end with a projection fittable into the hole through the first end of the strap, the free end in the initial extended condition overlying the first face of the strap and extending towards the first end thereof, whereby in use, the first face of the strap is against the clamped object, the second end of the strap passes outside the first end, the projection on the free end of the lever element engages in the hole to make a fulcrum engagement, and the lever element is rotated about the fulcrum engagement and pressed closely against the object, sandwiched between the overlapping first and second ends of the strap, to tighten the strap around the object. In this clamping band, a plurality of engage holes may be bored in the longitudinal direction of the band at prescribed intervals. The engage hole can be formed by projecting a portion of the band outward at the one end section thereof and by opening the part of the portion projected. The one end section of the band may be bent outward along the line crossing the engage hole. There may be formed an extended section extending forward from the line. A pressing piece may be provided in the vicinity of the other end of the band fixed by the lever to fill up the gap between the fulcrum point of the lever and the other end section of the band which is formed when the diameter of the band is shortened by rotating the lever. The present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to accompanying drawings wherein embodiments of the present invention by way of example only and not by way of limitation, are clearly shown. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a side view of the clamping band of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the clamping band developed; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the clamping band of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows a partially sectional side view of the clamping band bent along the line crossing the engage hole; Fig. 5 shows a partial perspective view of the principal part of the clmaping band; Fig. 6 shows a side view of the clamping band of another embodiment; Fig. 7 shows a partially sectional view of the clamping band developed of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 shows a partial plan view of the clamping band developed of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 shows an explanation view of the clamping band of Fig. 6 in clamping status; Fig. 10 shows a side view of the clamping band of another embodiment; Fig. 11 shows a plan view of the clamping band developed of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 shows a side view of the clamping band developed of Fig. 10; Fig. 13 shows a partial perspective view of the principal part of the clamping band of Fig. 10; Fig. 14 shows a development view of a modified example of the clamping band; Figs. 15 and 16 show partial side views of other embodiment; Fig. 17 shows a side view of the clamping band which has a pressing piece; Fig. 18 shows explanation views of modified examples of the projected section of the lever; and Figs. 19 and 20 show side views of conventional clamping bands. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a side view of the clamping band of the present invention and Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the band developed. The clamping band 10 comprises a band 12 made of rectangle metal plate, a lever 14 for shortening the diameter of the band 12, and a clasp 16 for fixing the lever 14. There is bored an engage hole 12a at one end section of the band 12. The other end of the band 12 is fixed at the mid section by spot welding. There is formed a projected section, which can fit in the engage hole 12a of the band 12 and which can be the fulcrum point when the lever 14 shortens the diameter of the band 12, at one end of the lever 14. The length of the projected section 14a is preferrably longer than the thickness of the band 12. In Fig. 2, one end section of the band 12 is bent along the line 19 (shown by a solid line) crossing the engage hole 12a. The end side of the line 19 is formed as a standing section 12b. Note that, there is fixed a clasp 16, which is formed U shape near the engage hole 12a of the one end section of the band 12, bridging over the band 12 and its both side sections are opened outwardly. Namely, standing pieces 16a and 16a are outwardly standing and clipping the band 12. Next, clamping process with above stated clamping band 10 will be described. A clamped member such as hose, etc. is connected to a pipe, etc. The clamping band 10 is wound on the outer face of the joint section of the clamped member. The projected section 14a of the lever 14 of the clamping band 10 is fitted in the engage hole 12a of the band 12. Note that, the standing section 12a is bent along the line 19 crossing the engage hole 12a, it will be easy to engage the projected section 14a of the lever 14 with the engage hole 12a of the band 12, and the band 12 is held in position if the lever 14 is contacted the standing piece 12b. Successively, the lever 14 is rotated around the projected section 14a, which is fitted in the engage hole 12, as the fulcrum point to shorten the diameter of the band 12. The lever 14 is rotated until it contacts the band 12. Rotating the lever 14, the welded section 12c of the band 12, which is welded to the lever 14, pushes down the standing piece 12b, so that there are no projecting parts on the outer face of the clamping band. The front end of the lever 14 is locating between the standing pieces 16a and 16a of the clasp 16. The standing pieces 16a and 16a are hit down inward by hammer, etc. to fix the lever 14. Note that, as shown in Fig. 5, the one end section of the band 12 is bent along the line crossing the engage hole 12a, the engage hole 12a is bored from the standing piece 12b to the portion which contacts the clamped member. Therefore, the projected section 14a of the lever 14 is fitted in the engage hole 12a, even if the lever 14 is lying. Fig. 6 shows a modified example of the clamping band 10. This clamping band 20 has an engage projection 22 instead of the engage hole 12 of above stated clamping band 10. The engage projection 22 is formed by punching the band 12 with a punch, etc., and an opening 22a is bored in the clasp 16 side of the projection 22. Fig. 7 shows the clamping band developed with the engage projection 22 in section. And Fig. 8 shows a bottom view of the clamping band. The lever 24 for shortening the diameter of the band 12 is welded at the one end section of the band 12 of the clamping band 20. There is formed a mountain-like projection 24a at the front end of the lever 24 (see Fig. 8). The projection 24a is diagonally inserted in the opening 22a of the engage projection 22 when the band 12 is formed like a ring (see Fig. 6). Clamping action of the clamping band 20 will be described. A clamped member 30 such as hose, etc. is connected to a pipe 32, then the clamping band 20 is wound on the outer face of the joint section of the clamped member 30. The projection 24a of the lever 24 of the clamping band 20 is fitted to the engage projection 22 of the band 12. And the lever 24 is rotated around the projection 24a as the fulcrum point to shorten the diameter of the ring-like band 12. Then the front end of the lever 24 is fixed by the clasp 16 in the same manner as described above (see Fig. 9). Note that, the opening 22a of the engage projection 22 is opened on the clasp 16 side only, the projection 24a engaging with the engage projection 22 of the lever 24 is held in position. The portion from the engage projection 22 to the front end of the band 12 contacts the clamped member, so that a step formed by both end sections of the band 12 can be smaller than the clamping bands shown in Figs. 1-5. The portion from the engage projection 22 to the front end is an extended section. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment and it is a side view before clamping. Fig. 11 shows a plan view of the clamping band developed. Fig. 12 shows a side view thereof. The clamping band 110 comprises, the same as former embodiments, a band 112, a lever 114 for shortening the diameter of the band 112, and a clasp 116 for fixing the lever 114. There is bored an engage hole 112a at one end section of the band 112. A standing section 112b is formed by outwardly bending along the line 119 crossing the engage hole 112a. While, the other end of the band 112 is bent to clip the upper end of the lever 114 and is fixed to the lever 114 by spot welding . There is formed a projection 114a, which can be fitted in the engage hole 112a of the band 112 to be the fulcrum point when the lever 114 shortens the diameter of the band 112, at the one end of the lever 114. The status where the projection 114a of the lever 114 is fitted in the engage hole 112a of the band 112 is shown in Fig. 13. The clasp 116 is fixed along the inner side of the band 112. The clasp 116 has an extended section 116b, which extends forward from the standing section 112b of the band 112. There are provided standing pieces 116a and 116a at the rear end of the clasp 116. The standing pieces 116a and 116a are located the position corresponding to the front end of the lever 114 which is rotated on the projection 114a as an axis to lie. The lever 114 lying is fixed by bending the standing pieces 116a and 116a inward with a hammer, etc. The process of clamping hose with this clamping band 110 will be described. A clamped member such as hose, etc. is connected to a pipe, etc., and the clamping band 110 is wound on the outer face of the clamped member. The projection 114a of the lever 114 of the clamping band 110 is fitted in the engage hole 112a at the one end of the band 112. Note that, the standing section 112b is bent along the line 119 crossing the engage hole 112a, so that it is easy to fit the projection 114a of the lever 114 in the engage hole 112a, and the band 12 is held in position if the lever 114 contacts the standing piece 112b of the band 112 (see Fig. 13). Successively, fitting the projection 114a of the lever 114 in the engage hole 112a, the lever 114 is rotated to shorten the diameter of the band 112 on the one end of the lever 114 as an axis for clamping. Then, the lever 114 is forced down until it contacts the band 112, and the lever 114 is fixed by bending the standing pieces 116a and 116a inward by a hammer, etc. The extended section 116b of the clasp 116 is provided along the joint section of both ends of the band 112 from inside, so that the projection 114a of the lever 114, which is fitted in the engage hole 112a at the one end section of the band 112, does not damage the clamped member. In the clamping band 10 shown in Figs. 1-5, the one end section of the band is bent along the line crossing the engage hole, but the projection of the lever can be fitted in the engage hole of the band without bending, so that the fitting section has the function of the fulcrum point. In the clamping band 10 without bending along the line 19 crossing the engage hole 12a, a plurality of engage holes 12a... can be bored (see Fig. 14). With this structure, one clamping band can clamp members having various size. Further, clamping force of the clamping band 10 can be adjustable. In the clamping band shown in Figs. 1-5, its clamping status is shown in Fig. 15, the standing section 12b of the band 12 is folded back, so that a welded section 12c, which is near the other end of the band 12 fixed to the lever 14, does not contact the clamped member; the gap 40 is formed, so that uniform clamping force can not work to the clamped member. To fill up the gap 40, there may be provided a pressing piece 42 shown in Fig. 16, whose inner face is formed as an arc, on the inner face of the band corresponding to the gap 40. The pressing piece 42 may be an arc plate. Like the clamping band 110 shown in Fig. 10, the extended section 116b may be provided at the one end section of the band (see Fig. 17). If the engage hole is a bottomed hole, which is formed by drawing, etc., the strength of the engage hole and the standing section will be raised. If the projection of the lever is formed tapered as shown in Fig. 18(a) and (b) , it is easier to fit the projection in the engage hole. Embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to above stated embodiments, for example, the shape of the projection of the lever and the shape of the engage hole of the band can be changed in user's option. The clamping band of the present invention has the following advantages. It can wind on the outer face of the joint section of the member after the member such as a hose, etc. is connected to a pipe, etc. , and can easily clamp the member by the lever with the action of levers. The projection of the lever is fitted in the engage hole, etc. of the band, and the lever is rotated around the fitted section as the fulcrum point to shorten the diameter of the band, so the fulcrum point is held in position and it is easier to do clamping work. Further, in case of bending one end of the band outward, the lever is held by the bent section, so it is easier to fit the projection of the lever in the engage hole of the band.

Claims: A clamping band comprising a single, elongate plate-like strap (12,112) which is flexible from an initial extended condition to form a ring around an object to be clamped in use, having first and second longitudinal ends and first and second faces with a hole (12a,112a) through the strap towards the first end, and a one-piece elongate plate-like lever element (14,114) fixed towards the second end of the strap on the first face thereof and having a free end with a projection (14a,114a) fittable into the hole (12a,112a) through the first end of the strap, said free end in said initial extended condition overlying the first face of the strap end extending towards the first end thereof, whereby in use, the first face of the strap (12,112) is against the clamped object, the second end of the strap passes outside the first end, the projection (14a,114a) on the free end of the lever element (14,114) engages in the hole (12a,112a) to make a fulcrum engagement, and the lever element (14,114) is rotated about the fulcrum engagement and pressed closely against the object, sandwiched between the overlapping first and second ends of the strap (12,112), to tighten the strap (12,112) around the object. A clamping band according to claim 1, further comprising a clasp (16,116) for fixing the lever element (14,114) to maintain the tightening of said strap (12,112). A clamping band according to claim 2 wherein said clasp is provided on the strap (12,112) between said first and second strap ends and towards the hole (12a,112a). A clamping band according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein a plurality of holes (12a,112a) are bored into the strap (12,112) in the longitudinal direction at prescribed intervals. A clamping band according to any one of claims 1 to 3 which comprises a longitudinally facing hole (22a) formed in a protuberance (22) of the material of the strap (12,112). A clamping band according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the strap (12,112) is bent outward along a line (19,119) crossing the hole (12a,112a), so that the first end is substantially transverse to the main body of the strap to provide an upstanding portion (112b). A clamping band according to claim 6 which also comprises a strap extension (116b) on the face of the strap (12,112) and from the first end, which extension (116b) lies longitudinally and projects beyond the upstanding portion (112b) and the hole (12a,112a). A clamping band according to any one of claims 1 to 6 which further comprises a pressing piece (42) provided on the first face of the strap (12,112) between the lever element (14,114) and the hole (12a,112a) for locating within the gap adjacent to the fulcrum engagement when the band is tightened around an object.

Inventors: HAMA, TAIRA
Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA MIHAMA SEISAKUSHO
Application year: 1990
Main classification: F16L33
IPC codes: F16L33