Patent Abstract:
A clamp assembly is provided with a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion. The first clamp portion includes a first anchoring end, a first interlocking end with an interlocking aperture projecting therethrough, and a first curved portion formed between the first anchoring end and the first interlocking end. The second clamp portion includes a second anchoring end that is configured for alignment with the first anchoring end, a second interlocking end that is received by the interlocking aperture of the first interlocking end, and a second curved portion that cooperates with the first curved portion to collectively form a support. The second interlocking end includes a tab having a transverse orientation for insertion into the interlock aperture, that is sized to extend beyond a width of the interlock aperture when plastically deformed for locking the second clamp portion to the first clamp portion.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/714,845 filed Mar. 1, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,317 granted on May 14, 2013, which, in turn, claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Application No. 61/156,075 filed Feb. 27, 2009. The disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field relates to clamps for tubes, pipes, hoses, ducts, lines, cables and harnesses. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Clamps are devices used to secure articles to a supporting surface. One type of clamp is a tube clamp, that is used to engage and secure a tubular article to a supporting surface. The tubular article may be a pipe, hose, duct, line, cable or harness. The supporting surface may be an engine block or chassis member for a vehicular application, or a wall or beam for a architectural application. 
     In vehicle applications clamps are used to secure hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and electrical tubes. Hydraulic tubes or lines are commonly used for a variety of systems including: brake systems, fuel systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and power steering systems. Common systems using pneumatic tubes or hoses include: lift, leveling and stabilizing systems. Mechanical tubes or cables are commonly used on a variety of systems including: hood and trunk release cables, parking brake cables and shifter cables. Electrical tubes or harnesses connect the various electrical systems and components on the vehicle including: power generation and storage, controllers and sensors. A variety of clamps are currently used to secure these tubes on a vehicle. 
     Metal clamps are often used for rigid attachment of heavy tubes in demanding environments, whereas plastic straps are often used for flexible attachments. A metal clamp may damage a tube if it is not properly assembled and does not properly engage the tube. If there is any clearance between the clamp and the tube when retained, then noise or wear of the tube may develop over time. Plastic straps are elastic and conform to the exterior shape of a tube, which may prevent wear. However, plastic straps typically do not have the strength to support larger tubes and the plastic straps are not suited for high temperature applications. 
     Grommeted clamps have been developed for applications requiring the high strength of a metal clamp and elasticity of a plastic strap. These clamps typically include an elastic material that conforms to the exterior of a tube with a metal bracket to clamp around the elastic material and anchor the tube to a supporting surface. 
     One common approach for a grommeted clamp includes shipping the metal portions along with an elastic grommet as individual components, where one assembles the grommeted clamp assembly prior to securing the tube. This approach can be time intensive, and can lead to potential problems if the grommeted clamp is not assembled properly. 
     Another approach for a grommeted clamp assembly includes over molding an elastic material to a metal clamp subassembly, then providing a single grommeted clamp assembly to the user. This approach saves assembly time at the plant, however many products that are currently available do not properly secure the tube. 
     One example of an over molded grommeted clamp assembly that does not properly secure the tube includes a metal clamp that is over molded with elastic material while it is in an open position. Once the grommeted clamp assembly is closed around a tube, the cavity formed by the elastic material is of an irregular shape and does not conform to the exterior portion of the tube. The clearance between the grommeted clamp assembly and the tube may result in wear to the tube and objectionable noise. 
     Another example of an over molded grommeted clamp assembly that does not properly secure the tube includes a metal clamp that is over molded with elastic material while it is in a closed position. The elastic material resists plastic deformation, and results in a grommeted clamp that is difficult for a user to open and engage the tube during assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a clamp assembly is provided with a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion. The first clamp portion includes a first anchoring end for resting upon an underlying surface, a first interlocking end with an interlocking aperture projecting therethrough, and a first curved portion formed between the first anchoring end and the first interlocking end. The second clamp portion includes a second anchoring end that is configured for alignment with the first anchoring end, a second interlocking end that is received by the interlocking aperture of the first interlocking end, and a second curved portion that cooperates with the first curved portion to collectively form a support having a generally cylindrical shape. The second interlocking end further comprises at least one tab having a transverse orientation for insertion into the interlock aperture, the tab being sized to extend beyond a width of the interlock aperture when plastically deformed for locking the second clamp portion to the first clamp portion. 
     In another embodiment, a method is provided for securing an elongated member to an underlying surface with a clamp assembly. A first clamp portion is formed with a first anchoring end, a first curved portion and a first interlocking end. The first interlocking end having a slot with a width. A second clamp portion is formed with a second anchoring end, a second curved portion and a second interlocking end. The second interlocking end includes a notched end with a pair of transverse tabs. The notched end is inserted into the slot. The tabs are plastically deformed to extend beyond the width of the slot, thereby locking the second clamp portion to the first clamp portion. 
     In yet another embodiment, a clamp assembly is provided with a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion. The first clamp portion includes a first anchoring end, a first interlocking end, and a first curved portion formed between the first anchoring end and the first interlocking end. The second clamp portion includes a second anchoring end that is configured for alignment with the first anchoring end, a second interlocking end, and a second curved portion formed between the first anchoring end and the first interlocking end. The second curved portion cooperates with the first curved portion to collectively form a cylindrical support. One of the first interlocking end and the second interlocking end includes an interlock aperture formed therethrough, and the other of the first interlocking end and the second interlocking end forms a notched end. The interlock aperture is sized for receiving the notched end. The notched end includes a distal portion extending transversely beyond the interlock aperture for locking the first clamp portion to the second clamp portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a grommeted clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrated supporting an elongated member; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the grommeted clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrated in an open assembly position; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the grommeted clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrated in a closed assembly position; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of a grommet of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side elevation view of the grommet of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the grommet of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  taken along section line  4 C- 4 C; 
         FIG. 4D  is a fragmented view of the grommet of  FIG. 4B ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a second clamp portion of the grommeted clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a first clamp portion of the grommeted clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a section view of the first and second clamp portions of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  taken along section lines  6 A- 6 A, shown in an initial assembly position; 
         FIG. 6B  is another section view of the first and second clamp portions of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  taken along section lines  6 A- 6 A, shown in an intermediate assembly position; 
         FIG. 6C  is yet another section view of the first and second clamp portions of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  taken along section lines  6 A- 6 A, shown in an assembled position; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a second clamp portion according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a first clamp portion according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a section view of the first and second clamp portions of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  taken along section lines  8 A- 8 A, shown in the initial assembly position; 
         FIG. 8B  is another section view of the first and second clamp portions of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  taken along section lines  8 A- 8 A, shown in the intermediate assembly position; and 
         FIG. 8C  is yet another section view of the first and second clamp portions of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  taken along section lines  8 A- 8 A, shown in the assembled position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a grommeted clamp assembly is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and is referenced by numeral  10 . The grommeted clamp assembly  10  includes a first clamp portion  12  and a second clamp portion  14 , which are assembled about a grommet  16 . Once assembled, the grommeted clamp assembly  10  is fastened to a supporting surface to secure a tube  18 . The grommeted clamp assembly may be used to secure a variety of tubes including: pipes, hoses ducts, lines, cables and harnesses. An exemplary example of one such application of a grommeted clamp assembly is to secure fuel lines on an automotive vehicle. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3  the grommeted clamp assembly  10  is shown in the open position in  FIG. 2  and the closed position in  FIG. 3 . The grommeted clamp assembly  10  is provided to the user as a single unit. For installation, the user first opens the grommeted clamp assembly  10 ′ by separating the second clamp portion  14  from the first clamp portion  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Then the user engages the tube  18  with the open grommeted clamp assembly  10 ′. Once the user releases the clamp portions the grommeted clamp assembly returns to the closed position to retain the tube  18 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Then the user secures the grommeted clamp assembly  10  to a supporting surface using a fastener (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3  and  4 C, the grommet  16  is attached to the first clamp portion  12  by a first projection  20  through a first elongated slot  22 . The projection includes cylindrical shaft  24  with a conical head  26 . The diameter of a base  28  of the first conical head  26  has a larger diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical shaft  24 . The width of the elongated slot  22  is a dimension greater than the diameter of the cylindrical shaft  24 , and the width is smaller than the dimension of the diameter of the base  28 . The grommet  16  is made of a flexible material such that when the first projection  20  is inserted into the first elongated slot  22 , the conical head  26  and base  28  elastically deform and pass through the first elongated slot  22 . The base  28  has a diameter that is larger than the width of the first elongated slot  22  and after passing through the slot the conical head  26  and base  28  return to their normal dimensions to retain the grommet  16  on the first clamp portion  12 . In a similar fashion, the grommet  16  is attached to the second clamp portion  14  by a second projection  30  and its interaction with a second elongated slot  32 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C , the grommet  16  has a body  34  that is tubular in shape with a first end  36  and a second end  38  that opposes the first end  36 . The diameter of both the first end  36  and the second end  38  are larger than the diameter of the body  34 . The perpendicular dimension between the first and second end is greater than the width of the first and second clamp portions  12  and  14 . These parameters allow the first and second ends  36  and  38  to position the first and second clamp portions  12  and  14  during the assembly of the grommeted clamp  10  to the clamp portions. 
     The inner diameter of the grommet  16  forms a cylindrical cavity  40  that extends from the first end  36  to the second end  38 . The grommet  16  has an ovate cross sectional shape, whereby an opening  42  is formed along the length of the grommet  16  at the tip  44 . 
     In reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D , the grommet  16  is a molded elastic material, such as EPDM, Neoprene, Silicone, HNBR, Nitrile or Viton®. The material selected will preferably have a Shore Durometer Hardness between 60-80 Shore A. The grommet  16  is “molded open”, as seen in  FIG. 4B , with the opening  42  incorporated into the mold, as opposed to cutting the opening  42  after the mold process. By incorporating the opening  42  into the mold process, a first lead-in surface  48  and opposing second lead-in surface  50  are created. The function of these lead-in surfaces is to replace a ledge  54 , that would be present if the opening  42  in the grommet  16  was cut after molding. During assembly, when the user engages the tube with the grommeted clamp assembly, a user could inadvertently contact the tube  18  against the ledge  54 , and dislodge the grommet  16  from the clamp portions. By incorporating the opening  42  into the mold process, the ledge  54  can be eliminated and this potential problem is avoided. Alternative embodiments of the grommet  16  are envisioned where the grommet  16  is “molded closed”. This molded closed grommet  16 , would still include opening  42 , however the gap between opposing sides of the grommet  16  would be reduced. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4C , the grommet  16  is molded with an opening  42  in a position illustrated in  FIG. 4B . When the grommet  16  is elastically deformed to a different position, the internal stress created within the grommet will oppose the deformation. This internal stress helps prevent the grommeted clamp assembly from disassembling during shipping. When the user opens the grommeted clamp assembly  10 ′ as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the grommet  16  provides an opposing force that is reacted through the projections  20  and  30  to the clamp portions  12  and  14 . These forces in combination with the lead in features  48  and  50  create a “Snap-fit” as the grommeted clamp assembly  10  engages a tube  18 . This “Snap-fit” provides positive feedback to confirm proper assembly to the tube. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the clamp portions of the grommeted clamp assembly  10  include an interlocking end  56  and an anchoring end  58 . The first clamp portion  12  and second clamp portion are retained in an interlocked position by the grommet  16  as previously described. After the grommeted clamp assembly engages the tube  18 , the grommeted clamp assembly  10  is secured to a supporting surface by a fastener at the anchoring end  58 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  6 C, the first clamp portion  12  and second clamp portion  14  interlock to form a clamp portion subassembly as shown in  FIG. 6C . The clamp portion subassembly includes a interlocking end  56  and an anchoring end  58 . 
     In reference to  FIG. 5B , the first clamp portion  12  includes a first anchoring end  72 , with a first fastener receiving opening  74 . The first clamp portion  12  has a first interlocking end  84  with a stepped slot  60  that has a first slot width  62  and a second slot width  64 . The first slot width  62  has a greater width dimension than the second slot width  64 . The first clamp portion  12  includes a first curved portion  76  that has a first elongated slot  22 . The first curved portion  76  connects the first anchoring end  72  to the first interlocking end  84 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , the second clamp portion  14  includes a second anchoring end  78 , with a second fastener receiving opening  80 . The second clamp portion  14  has a second interlocking end  86  including a notched end  66 . The notched end  66  has an outer width  68  and an inner width  70 , whereby the outer width  68  has a greater width dimension than the inner width  70 . The outer width  68  has a width dimension that is smaller than the first slot width  62  and larger than the second slot width  64 . The inner width  70  has a width dimension that is smaller than the width dimension of both the first and second slot widths  62  and  64 . The second clamp portion includes a second curved portion  82  with a second elongated slot  32 . The second curved portion  82  connects the second anchoring end  78  to the second interlocking end  86 . 
     During the assembly of the clamp portions to each other, first the notched end  66  of the second clamp portion  14  is positioned with the outer width  68  aligned to the first slot width  62  of the stepped slot  60  as shown in  FIG. 6A . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the first slot width  62  of the stepped slot  60  receives the outer width  68  of the notched end  66  as the second clamp portion  14  is inserted into the first clamp portion  12 . Then the clamp portions are moved into their interlocked positions by translating the inner width  70  of the notched end  66  upwards into the second slot width  64 , while pivoting the second clamp portion  14  about the interlocking end  56  towards the first clamp portion  12  at the anchoring end  58  as shown in  FIG. 6C . The two clamp portions are interlocked, however they can be easily unlocked or disassembled by reversing the assembly process. Once the grommet  16  is attached to the clamp portions as previously described, the grommeted clamp assembly resists disassembly. 
       FIGS. 7A-8C  describe another embodiment of the invention with additional steps added to the assembly process of the first clamp portion  12 ′ to the second clamp portion  14 ′. These additional steps allow the clamp portions to be securely interlocked to each other prior to their attachment to the grommet  16 . 
     The first clamp portion  12 ′ includes a first interlock aperture  88  that has an aperture width  90  of a uniform dimension. The second clamp portion  14 ′ includes a second interlocking end  86 ′ with a first ear  94  and a second ear  96 . During the assembly of the clamp portions to each other, the second interlocking end  86 ′ of the second clamp portion  14 ′ is aligned with the aperture width  90  of the interlock aperture  88  as shown in  FIG. 8A . Next the interlock aperture  88  receives the second interlocking end  86 ′ as the second clamp portion  14 ′ is inserted into the first clamp portion  12 ′ as shown in  FIG. 8B . The first and second ears  94  and  96  of the second interlocking end are then plastically deformed to be coplanar with the second interlocking end  86 ′. After bending, the first and second ears  94  and  96  resemble the notched end of the second clamp portion shown in  FIG. 5A . The width dimension of the coplanar ears is wider than the width dimension of the interlock aperture  88 . The coplanar ears extend across the aperture width  90  to hold the first and second clamp portions  12 ′ and  14 ′ together. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-8C  allows the clamp portions  12 ′ and  14 ′ to be assembled together as a sub assembly that can be subjected to secondary manufacturing operations prior to the attachment of the grommet  16 . For example, the sub assembly can be heat treated or plated prior to the installation of the grommet. Since clamp portions  12 ′ and  14 ′ are securely interlocked together, alternate clamp assembly embodiments are envisioned, containing clamp portions  12 ′ and  14 ′ without a grommet  16 . 
     While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8