Abstract:
A band clamp includes an elongated band having a base portion which in cross section extends in a plane and first and second side portions. The first and second side portions of the band protrude away from the plane. A first housing is attached to the band and a second housing is attached to the band in a spaced manner from the first housing. A fastener is attached to one of the first and second housings in an adjustable manner. The fastener selectively engages with another of the first and second housings in a quick connect manner, such that the first and second housings can be brought closer to each other for tensioning the clamp around an associated object.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Serial No. 61/169,111 which was filed on Apr. 14, 2009. The entire content of that application is incorporated hereinto by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to band clamps. More particularly, it relates to an improved quick release band clamp which does not damage the conduit to which it is connected. 
     One widely used band clamp is known as a worm gear clamp. These clamps have numerous uses. One particular use is to attach a metal tube or plug to a conduit made of a resilient material, such as to a silicon rubber sleeve or tube. 
     One problem with known worm gear clamps is they do not seal uniformly around the circumference of the band. Another problem is that they cut and tear the tube material, due to the sharp edges of the band and the stamped slots through the band. Therefore, it has been desired to provide a clamp that can seal uniformly while protecting the conduit material to which it is secured from cuts and tears. 
     It is also known that a liner can be placed beneath the band of a worm gear clamp to prevent damage to the material of the conduit being clamped. However, this solution is disadvantageous since it requires a separate member, thereby increasing the cost of the clamp, adding weight and adding to assembly time as well. 
     Moreover known worm gear clamps do not have a quick disconnect feature, which makes them less desirable for that reason as well. A quick release feature would allow a clamp to be only partially untorqued for removal. This is not possible with worm gear clamps, and numerous other types of clamps. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a band clamp which overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others and provides advantages not heretofore available. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     A band clamp according to the present disclosure comprises an elongated band which includes a base portion that in cross section extends in a plane, a first side portion and a second side portion wherein the first and second side portions of the band protrude away from the plane of the base portion. A first housing is attached to the band. A second housing is attached to the band in a spaced manner from the first housing. A fastener is attached to one of the first and second housings in an adjustable manner. The fastener is selectively engageable with another of the first and second housings in a quick connect manner, such that the first and second housings can be brought closer to each other for tensioning the clamp around an associated object. 
     According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a hose clamp. In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, the hose clamp comprises an elongated metal band comprising in cross section a base portion extending in a plane and first and second side portions which protrude away from the plane. A first connecting element is mounted to the band in a spaced manner from a first end of the band. A second connecting element is located adjacent a second end of the band. A tensioning member is adjustably mounted to one of the first and second connecting elements and is selectively engageable with another of the first and second connecting elements for tensioning the clamp around an associated hose. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a quick release clamp is provided. In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, the clamp comprises an elongated metal band comprising a first end, a second end and, in cross section, a base portion extending in a plane and first and second side portions which protrude away from said plane. A first housing is mounted to the band in a spaced manner from said first end and a second housing is mounted to the second end of said band. A nut is mounted to the first housing, and a fastener is adjustably mounted to said nut. The fastener is selectively engageable with the second housing for tensioning the clamp around an associated conduit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a band clamp according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is an enlarged schematic sectional view through a portion of a band or liner of the band clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic sectional view through a band according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged schematic sectional view showing two portions of the band of  FIG. 1  interlocking with each other when the band is coiled greater than 360 degrees; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged perspective view from inside a coil of the band, and partially in section, showing an end of the band of  FIG. 1  cooperating with another portion of the band; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view, partially in section, of an end portion of a band from inside a coil of the band, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the end portion cooperating with another portion of the band; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the clamp of  FIG. 1 , in a reversed orientation, in use and fastening a flexible material sleeve to a tubular member; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged top plan view of an end portion of a fastener of the clamp illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the band clamp of  FIG. 1  mounted on a tube and in an unclamped position; 
         FIG. 6A  is an enlarged side elevational view of a band clamp according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, mounted on a tube and shown in an unclamped position; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view illustrating a band clamp according to the present disclosure and a conventional worm gear clamp, both being mounted to a sleeve of a flexible material, which sleeve is connected to respective tubular conduits on each end; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a sleeve after detachment of the conventional worm gear clamp of  FIG. 7 , showing the marks made on the sleeve by the conventional clamp; and, 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of a portion of a band clamp according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the disclosure only and not for the purpose of limiting same.  FIG. 1  illustrates a band clamp A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamp A includes a rolled edge band or liner  10 . The liner is formed so that any sharp edge of the liner material will be directed away from the clamping surface. More particularly, the band  10  comprises a base portion or center portion  12  which takes the substantial width of the band. Located outwardly therefrom are first and second side edges, portions or border regions  14  and  16 . The reason for sometimes terming the band  10  a liner is because many in the industry consider a band to be flat and a liner to have a rolled edge. Because the side edges or portions of the band  10  are displaced from the plane of the center portion of the band, it can also be termed a liner. 
     The band can vary in width, such as, for example, from one quarter inch to three quarters inch (0.635 cm to 1.91 cm) or more. The amount by which the two side edges or portions  14  and  16  of the band project out of the plane of the band base portion or center portion  12  can be at least the thickness of the band material. That can be about 0.187 inches (0.475 cm), and, more generally, can range between 0.1-1 inch (0.254 to 2.54 cm). The angle of protrusion of the two side portions can be on the order of 37.5 degrees or, more generally, can range between 30-45 degrees. The band can be made of any known aerospace material, such as stainless steel, titanium or, perhaps, carbon fiber reinforced composites. The width of the edge portions or border regions  14  and  16  can be small in comparison to the width of the central portion  12 . Preferably, the edges or side portions  14  and  16  are deburred and polished. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2A , the band or liner  10  includes an inner face  20  which contacts the material to be clamped and an outer face  22 . Located at the intersections of the base portion  12  with the first and second side edges or portions  14  and  16  are respective corners  24  and  26 . With reference now to  FIG. 2B , another embodiment of a band or liner  30  is there disclosed. In this embodiment, the band or liner comprises a base portion  32  and first and second side edges or portions  34  and  36 . However, unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , the side edges or portions are not sharply angled in relation to the base portion. They are, instead, rounded. Thus, no defined corners are evident on the inner face of the band  30  in the embodiment of  FIG. 2B . 
     The liner or band  10  is rolled greater than 360 degrees as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . With reference now to  FIG. 3 , it is evident that, when so rolled, the first and second sections  40  and  42  of the band or liner  10  can overlap. When this occurs, the two side edges or portions contact each other. The side edges or portions of the second section  42  are slightly flared out during the tightening of the clamp, so that the liner sections interlock with each other. This aids in forming a sealing feature which is believed to be unique to the design of the clamp of the present disclosure. The edges  14  and  16  of the rolled liner  10  which make contact with the mating or to be clamped part B (see  FIG. 5 ) are polished so that no sharp edge may contact and possibly cause damage to the flexible material of the conduit meant to be clamped. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4A , a first end face or free end  50  of the liner or band  10  is illustrated as being smooth, deburred and polished. This is quite desirable so as to reduce the tendency of the clamp assembly A to cut or tear the material of the conduit which is being clamped. In fact, the entire inner surface or face  20  can be polished, or at least the under lap portion thereof (see  FIG. 6 ) as this portion will be forced into intimate contact with the conduit material. It also greatly increases the sealing performance of the clamp in relation to conventional worm gear clamps. A second end face  52  of the liner or band can be seen in  FIG. 6 . As mentioned, the clamp A is particularly desirable when clamping a flexible material, such as a resilient sleeve, e.g., a silicon sleeve, to a metal tube. However, the clamp A can also be employed for clamping one metal tube to another metal tube. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4B , in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a band  60  includes a first end  62  which is provided with rounded corners  64  and  66 , or is chamfered, in order to reduce the possibility that any sharp corner or the free end of the band will damage the material of the conduit which is being clamped. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 1 , a formed first housing or loop  70  is connected to the band in a spaced manner from the first end  50  of the band. The loop  70  houses a solid barrel locking nut  72 . The barrel locking nut is held in the loop, and the loop  70  can be attached to the rolled edge liner or band  10  by means of spot welding, although other attachment means and options may be used. As is conventional, a threaded bore (not visible) extends through the locking nut  72 . The locking nut can be cylindrical or barrel shaped. This shape allows it to rotate in the first housing as needed when the band is tightened or loosened. To this end, the housing or loop  70  can define a rounded or barrel shaped opening to accommodate the locking nut  72 . As noted, the housing or loop  70  is secured to the liner or band  10  at a location spaced from the first end  50  of the band. This relationship allows the liner or band  10  to be looped to a greater than 360 degree configuration. 
     Cooperating with the locking nut  72  is a fastener  74 . With reference now also to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, the fastener comprises a screw having a head  76  and a stem  78  which is provided with threading  80  that cooperates with the threaded bore of the nut. It should be appreciated that the bore threading is such as to enable the stem  78  to lock in a desired position in the nut. With reference now to  FIG. 5A , it can be seen that a distal end  82  of the stem can be upset, as at  84 , in order to prevent the fastener from being completely detached from the locking nut  72 . As is evident from  FIG. 5 , the band clamp A is mounted on a sleeve B in order to secure the sleeve to an underlying conduit C. 
     An integral quick release feature is incorporated in the disclosed band clamp A and includes an opposite or second loop or housing  90 . More particularly, with reference now also to  FIG. 6 , the loop includes a first portion  92  which parallels the orientation of the band or liner  10 , a second portion  94  which is generally transverse thereto (see also  FIG. 1 ), a third portion  96  which is somewhat parallel to the first portion  92 , a fourth portion  98  which is somewhat parallel to the second portion  94 , and a fifth portion  100  which is generally parallel to the first portion  92 . As is evident from  FIGS. 1 and 6 , a generally box shaped housing with a tail is thus formed. 
     Mounted inside the loop or housing  90 , and adjacent the second portion  94 , is an insert or stiffening element or member  104 . This serves to strengthen the housing  90  when it is contacted by the head  76  of the fastener  74 . The insert reduces the possibility that the housing second portion  94  would become distorted (plastically deform) upon a tightening of the fastener  74 , during the drawing of the two housings  70  and  90  towards each other. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6A , another embodiment of a band clamp according to the present disclosure includes a second loop or housing  110 . This includes an L-shaped stiffening member  112  which extends along two generally transverse faces  114  and  116  of the loop  110 . The reinforcing member or stiffening member  104  or  112  can be attached to the quick release loop  90  or  110  by means of spot welding or the like. Other options of attachment may, however, also be used. 
     The quick release feature also includes aligned slots in the second housing, as will be described below. The loop assembly  90  or  110  can be attached to the rolled edge liner by means of spot welding. Of course, other options for attaching may also be used. It should be apparent from  FIGS. 1 and 6  that the housing or loop  90  is secured to the band  10  at the second end  52  thereof. 
     The raised side portions of the disclosed band can also be advantageous as they can serve to increase the stiffness of the band. Moreover, the raised side portions also serve to guide the band ends during a tightening of the band, so that the opposed ends of the band do not splay outwardly away from each other. In other words, the ends of the band are guided during the tightening of the band so that they remain aligned. 
     In one embodiment, either a silver plated or a non-silver plated socket head cap screw  74  is threaded into the self locking barrel nut  72 . Other types of fasteners including torx head, hex head and Phillips head may also be used as an alternate to the socket head cap screw. The fastener or screw  74  once installed into the barrel self locking nut  72  can have the end thread at the point of the bolt deformed mechanically as at  84 , as mentioned. Doing so creates an encapsulating feature whereby the screw  74  cannot become loose from clamp assembly A. One advantage of employing a silver plated cap screw  74  is that the screw can be threaded in relation to the barrel locking nut  72 , a great number of times without damage to the threading either on the screw or in the nut. The silver plate coating provides lubricity against galling which allows for multi use installations. It is estimated that at least 50 installations and perhaps hundreds are thus possible. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated on a left side thereof is the band clamp A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as employed for securing the sleeve B, which can be of a flexible material to the conduit C, which can be a metal tube. Located on the right side of  FIG. 7 , a conventional worm gear clamp D is shown as securing the sleeve B to another metal tube E. When the worm gear clamp D is removed, damage will be visible to the material of the sleeve B, as is evident from  FIG. 8 . More particularly, indentations  130  and  132  and, perhaps, cuts or slits are formed in the material of the sleeve B by the opposed edges of the band of a conventional worm gear clamp. This damage to the sleeve material occurs because the entire width of the band lies in a single plane. In addition, indentations or cuts  134  are evident on the sleeve B. Such indentations are visible at the locations where the slots in the band of the worm gear clamp contact the sleeve B. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , illustrated therein is an embodiment of a band clamp F in which a second loop or housing  150  is wider than is a width of a liner or band  152 . Also evident in  FIG. 9  is the quick release feature that is also shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  6 A. More particularly, a second portion  160  of the second loop or housing  150  has a slot  162  defined therein, which slot can accommodate a stem (not visible) of a fastener  164 . An associated reinforcing member (such as  104  in  FIG. 6  or  112  in  FIG. 6A ) has an aligned slot therein. A fourth portion  166  of the second loop  150  also has a slot  168  defined therein. The slot  168  is of a larger diameter than the slot  162  so as to accommodate a head  170  of the fastener  164 . Thus, the underside of the head is held by the walls of the second portion  160 , as well as an aligned portion of any reinforcing member secured thereto, but the head can be pulled away from the housing, since it clears the slot  168 . The quick release feature disclosed herein can be appreciated from a comparison of  FIGS. 1 and 9  on the one hand and  6  and  6 A on the other hand. 
     The clamp can be made in sizes ranging from, for example, 1.50 inches in diameter to 10.00 inches in diameter (3.81 cm to 25.4 cm). The clamp can be offered in increments of 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm), if so desired. The fastener can be about 1-1.50 inches (2.54 cm to 3.81 cm) in length, if so desired. The preselected size clamp may be assembled and torqued onto a flexible material conduit mounted on a metal end flange ( FIG. 7 ), as an example. It may be removed without the need of entirely untorqueing and removing the socket head cap screw  74  ( FIGS. 6 and 6A ). In one embodiment, the adjustment range of the clamp can be on the order of 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) or more. 
     The present disclosure describes a band clamp with a rolled edge liner which interlocks greater than 360 degrees. It has two individual loops or housings which make up the latch system. One loop has an integral quick release feature whereby the hardware need not be totally disassembled to remove the clamp. The opposite loop houses a barrel locking nut. Either A silver plated or non-silver plated socket head screw or bolt can provide the available diametrical adjustment range necessary, as it is threaded into and out of the locking barrel nut. The device of the present disclosure by virtue of its 360 degree rolled edge liner and durable quick release and self locking latch mechanism provides a clamp which does not harm the sleeve material it clamps onto, yet provides an almost perfect seal in low pressure applications (i.e. up to 20 PSI). 
     The torque and sealing performance of the disclosed clamp is not lost during thermal cycling, such as that which takes place in aerospace applications of the disclosed clamp, for example, at an air intake on an intercooler. The clamp disclosed herein also fully encapsulates its connect-disconnect or latching hardware so as to reduce the possibility of foreign object damage during use. 
     A band clamp with both a quick release and self locking features has been disclosed. A rolled edge liner of the clamp offers 360 degrees of uniform sealing that is superior in comparison to the known clamps, without damage to the mating surface that it clamps against. 
     Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosed embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and alterations, insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.