Patent Description:
Generally, a hose is clamped to a pipe to secure the hose to the pipe. During assembly, the clamp may be positioned over an end of the hose prior to coupling the hose to the pipe. The clamp and hose end may then be positioned over the pipe, and the clamp may be tightened (e.g., run-down) to secure the hose to the pipe. This assembly can be time consuming since it requires the additional step of positioning the clamp on the hose end. To expedite the assembly, some hoses are provided to end users with a clamp pre-fit on the hose end. Accordingly, there is a need to locate and retain the clamp on the hose end (e.g., during shipping of the hose/clamp assembly to an end user).

<CIT> discloses a hose clamp system which includes a hose clamp and a guide bracket configured to attach the clamp to a hose substrate such that a desired radial and axial position relative to the substrate outer diameter and hose end is maintained. The hose clamp includes an annular band including a radial inner surface facing toward a central axis and a radial outer surface positioned opposite the radial inner surface and a tension mechanism configured to tighten the annular band. The guide bracket includes an elongated body extending over the radial outer surface and a clip extending outward from the annular band that is configured to engage a hose substrate. The guide bracket is moveably coupled to the annular band such that the guide bracket is permitted to move circumferentially along the radial outer surface of the annular band.

The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying drawings. Where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Referring to <FIG>, a locator tab <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a clamp end <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes a top crossbar <NUM>, a leg <NUM> extending from an end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>, and a leg <NUM> extending from an opposite end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>. A foot <NUM> extends from an end <NUM> of the leg <NUM>. The clamp end <NUM> extends from an end <NUM> of the leg <NUM>.

The crossbar <NUM> includes an angled segment <NUM> coupled to an angled segment <NUM> by a rounded segment <NUM>. The rounded segment <NUM> is centered in the crossbar <NUM> and, thus, serves as a center beam of the crossbar <NUM>. The angled segment <NUM> extends from the end <NUM> to the rounded segment <NUM>. The angled segment <NUM> extends from the end <NUM> to the round segment <NUM>. The angled segment <NUM>, the angled segment <NUM>, and the rounded segment <NUM> collectively form a crossbar <NUM> that is non-parallel to a band of the hose clamp (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) at least when the band of the hose clamp is retained by locator tab <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, by way of example, the crossbar <NUM>, the angled segment <NUM>, and the angled segment <NUM> collectively form an M-shape for the main body <NUM> of the locator tab <NUM>.

A detent <NUM> extends downward from a bottom surface <NUM> of the rounded segment <NUM>. The detent <NUM> is configured to be received in a recess (e.g., a groove, a ridge, a hole, an opening, or the like) formed in the band of the hose clamp when the band of the hose clamp is retained by locator tab <NUM>. As such, the detent <NUM> retains the locator tab <NUM> in a predetermined circumferential position on the hose clamp (prior to tightening of the band of the hose clamp).

In some embodiments, illustrated in <FIG>, the detent <NUM> may be formed as a strain tab <NUM> that is punched through the crossbar <NUM>. The tab <NUM> provides a relief window <NUM> through the crossbar <NUM> through which the hose clamp can be viewed. The tab <NUM> may be received in a recess formed in a band of the hose clamp to retain the locator tab <NUM> in a predetermined circumferential position on the hose clamp (prior to tightening of the band of the hose clamp). When the band of the hose clamp is tightened onto the hose, the recess formed in the band of the hose clamp disengages from the detent <NUM> (or tab <NUM>).

The main body <NUM> of the locator tab <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> extends through a portion of the leg <NUM> and the angled member <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is positioned at the end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>. A flange <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. The flange <NUM> includes a crossbar section <NUM> that extends along the angled member <NUM> and a leg section <NUM> that extends along the leg <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes another opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> extends through a portion of the leg <NUM> and the angled member <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is positioned at the end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>. A flange <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. The flange <NUM> includes a crossbar section <NUM> that extends along the angled member <NUM> and a leg section <NUM> that extends along the leg <NUM>.

By way of example, <FIG> illustrate the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> in an open configuration. In the open configuration, the locator tab <NUM> can be positioned on a hose clamp. The hose clamp is configured to be positioned under the crossbar <NUM> and between the legs <NUM> and <NUM>. When the band of the hose clamp is positioned between the legs <NUM> and <NUM>, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are bent inward to a closed configuration, as illustrated in <FIG> (by way of example). In this configuration, the band of the hose clamp is retained between the crossbar <NUM> and the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. When the band of the hose clamp is tightened, pressure from the hose clamp flexes the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> back to the open configuration so that the hose clamp can tighten around the hose (e.g., to secure the hose to pipe).

Referring back to <FIG>, the clamp end <NUM> includes a flare <NUM> having a first segment <NUM> extending from the end <NUM> of the leg <NUM>. A second segment <NUM> of the flare <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM>, and a third segment <NUM> of the flare <NUM> extends from the second segment <NUM>. The curved shape of the flare <NUM> (see <FIG> in particular) provides clearance to allow travel of a band and/or a liner of a hose clamp relative to the locator tab <NUM>.

A hose retainer <NUM> extends from the flare <NUM>. The hose retainer <NUM> includes an upper end <NUM> and a side <NUM> extending from the upper end <NUM>. A pair of teeth <NUM> extend from the side <NUM>. Collectively, the upper end <NUM>, the side <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> that is configured to receive a hose end. The teeth <NUM> include points <NUM> that are configured to bite into an inner hose wall of the hose end. That is, the teeth <NUM> are bent inward toward the inner hose wall to tighten the points <NUM> into the inner hose wall and secure the locator tab <NUM> to the hose. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this design allows the hose retainer <NUM> to be secured to hoses of various sizes and wall thicknesses.

Accordingly, the locator tab <NUM> secures to both the hose clamp and the hose to position the hose clamp on the hose for assembly. In this configuration, the hose can be shipped to an end user with the hose clamp secured thereto. This enables the end user to save time by positioning the hose and hose clamp on a pipe at the same time. <FIG> illustrates three locator tabs <NUM> positioned on a hose clamp <NUM> at different circumferential positions. <FIG> illustrates the hose clamp <NUM> positioned between the crossbar <NUM> and the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate three locator tabs <NUM> positioned on a hose <NUM> in an unclamped position. <FIG> illustrate the three locator tabs <NUM> positioned on the hose <NUM> in a clamped position. In some embodiments, for example the embodiment shown in <FIG>, only two locator tabs <NUM> are utilized to position the hose clamp <NUM> on the hose <NUM>.

When the hose <NUM> is coupled to an end of a pipe, the clamp <NUM> is tightened onto the hose <NUM> and the pipe to secure the hose to the pipe. <FIG> illustrate a clamp <NUM> with three locator tabs <NUM> secured to the hose <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a clamp <NUM> with two locator tabs <NUM> secured to the hose <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a locator tab <NUM>. The locator tab <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a clamp end <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes a top crossbar <NUM>, a leg <NUM> extending from an end <NUM> the crossbar <NUM>, and a leg <NUM> extending from an opposite end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>. A foot <NUM> extends from an end <NUM> of the leg <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the foot <NUM> may extend inward. Optionally, the foot <NUM> may extend outward. The clamp end <NUM> extends from an end <NUM> of the leg <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> extends through a portion of the leg <NUM> and the crossbar <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is positioned at the end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>. A flange <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is flexible and includes a curved section <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes another opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> extends through a portion of the leg <NUM> and the crossbar <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is positioned at the end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>. A flange <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is flexible and includes a curved section <NUM>. The flanges <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to flex outward to receive the hose clamp. Once the hose clamp is positioned adjacent the crossbar <NUM>, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> snap back into the position shown in <FIG>, and the hose clamp is retained between the crossbar <NUM> and the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>.

The clamp end <NUM> includes a hose retainer <NUM>. The hose retainer <NUM> includes an upper end <NUM> and a side <NUM> extending from the upper end <NUM>. A pair of teeth <NUM> extend from the side <NUM>. Collectively, the upper end <NUM>, the side <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> that is configured to receive a hose end. The teeth <NUM> include points <NUM> that are configured to bite into an inner hose wall of the hose end. That is, the teeth <NUM> are bent inward toward the inner hose wall to tighten the points <NUM> into the inner hose wall and secure the locator tab <NUM> to the hose. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this design allows the hose retainer <NUM> to be secured to hoses of various sizes and wall thicknesses.

Accordingly, the locator tab <NUM> secures to both the hose clamp and the hose to position the hose clamp on the hose for assembly. In this configuration, the hose can be shipped to an end user with the hose clamp secured thereto. This enables the end user to save time by positioning the hose and hose clamp on the pipe at the same time. <FIG> illustrate the hose clamp <NUM> positioned between the crossbar <NUM> and the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of the locator tab <NUM>, where the leg <NUM> includes a jogged out portion <NUM>. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the leg <NUM> may include a jogged out portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a locator tab <NUM> having a leg <NUM> with a jogged feature <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate flanges <NUM> and <NUM> of the locator tab <NUM> in an open configuration that enables the locator tab <NUM> to position on a hose clamp <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate the flanges <NUM> and <NUM> in a closed configuration that secures the locator tab <NUM> to the hose clamp <NUM>. <FIG> show the hose clamp <NUM> secured to the hose <NUM> utilizing the locator tab <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a locator tab <NUM> having no jogged feature in the leg <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate the locator tab <NUM> having flanges <NUM> and <NUM> in an open configuration to enable the locator tab <NUM> to be coupled to the hose clamp <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate the locator tab <NUM> utilized to couple the hose clamp <NUM> to the hose <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> (as well as <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), the teeth <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the locator tab may be configured such that, when engaged with the inner surface of the hose <NUM>, an inner surface of each tooth is flush with the inner surface of the hose. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, engagement of the teeth <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the locator tabs with the inner surface of the hose may compress the hose to some degree. For instance, in some embodiments, engagement of the teeth <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the locator tabs with the inner surface of the hose may compress the hose such that an outer surface of each tooth is flush with (or even recessed below) the inner surface of uncompressed portions of the hose. Such configurations may decrease interference between the locator tab(s) and a pipe when the hose is being installed on the pipe.

Referring now to <FIG>, a locator tab <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> having a crossbar <NUM>. The crossbar <NUM> includes a center beam <NUM> that is rounded about a radius. The center beam <NUM> includes a detent <NUM> that is configured to position in a recess formed in a band of a hose clamp, as described in more detail below. The detent <NUM> is positioned at a center <NUM> of the center beam <NUM> extends downward from the center beam <NUM>. In some embodiments, the detent <NUM> may extend any length of the center beam <NUM>.

A crossbar segment <NUM> extends from the center beam <NUM> at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the center beam <NUM>. Another crossbar segment <NUM> extends from the center beam <NUM> at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the center beam <NUM>. The crossbar segment <NUM> extends from the center beam <NUM> in an opposite direction from the crossbar segment <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar segment <NUM> and the crossbar segment <NUM> extend at substantially the same non-orthogonal angle. In some embodiments, the crossbar segment <NUM> and the crossbar segment <NUM> may extend at different angles.

A leg <NUM> of the main body <NUM> extends from the crossbar segment <NUM>. The crossbar segment <NUM> is angled relative to the leg <NUM> at a first degree. The leg <NUM> extends downward from the crossbar <NUM>. An arm <NUM> extends outward from the leg <NUM> an is configured to be positioned on an outer surface of the hose, as described in more detail below. A flange <NUM> is formed in the leg <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is initially planar with the leg <NUM>. When the locator tab <NUM> is secured to the hose, the flange <NUM> is bent inward so that the hose positions between the flange <NUM> and the crossbar <NUM>.

A leg <NUM> of the main body <NUM> extends from the crossbar segment <NUM>. The crossbar segment <NUM> is angled relative to the leg <NUM> at a second degree. In the illustrative embodiment, the first degree of the angle between the crossbar segment <NUM> and the leg <NUM> is the same as the second degree of the angle between the crossbar segment <NUM> and the leg <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first degree of the angle between the crossbar segment <NUM> and the leg <NUM> is different than the second degree of the angle between the crossbar segment <NUM> and the leg <NUM>. A flange <NUM> is formed in the leg <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is initially planar with the leg <NUM>. When the locator tab <NUM> is secured to the hose, the flange <NUM> is bent inward so that the hose positions between the flange <NUM> and the crossbar <NUM>.

An arm <NUM> extends outward from the leg <NUM>. A clamp end <NUM> extends from the arm <NUM>. The clamp end <NUM> includes a pair of teeth <NUM> that are configured to be bent inward to secure to an inner surface of the hose, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the clamp end <NUM> may include any number of teeth <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the locator tab <NUM> used to position a hose clamp <NUM> relative to a hose <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the hose clamp <NUM> is secured between the crossbar <NUM> and the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> such that the crossbar <NUM> is in a non-parallel position relative to the hose clamp <NUM>. That is the crossbar segment <NUM> and the crossbar segment <NUM> are angled such that the crossbar <NUM> is non-parallel to the hose clamp <NUM>. The detent <NUM> is positioned with a recess <NUM> formed in the band of the hose clamp <NUM>.

The locator tab <NUM> is also secured to the hose <NUM>. Each arm <NUM> and <NUM> is secured against an outer surface <NUM> of the hose <NUM>. The clamp end <NUM> of the locator tab <NUM> is bent inward such that the teeth <NUM> engage an inner surface <NUM> of the hose <NUM>. In this configuration the locator tab <NUM> secures the hose clamp <NUM> to the hose <NUM> in an untighten position. As the hose clamp <NUM> is tightened to the hose <NUM>, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> flex outward so that the hose clamp <NUM> is pulled inward against the outer surface <NUM> of the hose and secure thereto. In some embodiments, the locator tab <NUM> is removed once the hose clamp <NUM> is tightened around the hose <NUM>. In other embodiments, the locator tab <NUM> remains on the hose clamp <NUM> once the hose clamp <NUM> is tightened around the hose <NUM>.

The locator tab <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes all of the features of the locator tab <NUM>; however, the arm <NUM> is angled inward. In this embodiment, the arm <NUM> is still configured to abut the outer surface of the hose. The locator tab <NUM> of <FIG> also differs from the locator tab <NUM> in that each of the legs <NUM>, <NUM> includes a flare <NUM>, <NUM> at its end opposite the crossbar <NUM>. Each of the flares <NUM>, <NUM> is angled outwardly to provide increased spacing between the legs <NUM>, <NUM> at their ends that are opposite the crossbar <NUM>. This increased spacing provides clearance to allow travel of a band and/or a liner of a hose clamp relative to the locator tab <NUM> (similar to the flare <NUM> of locator tab <NUM> discussed above).

The embodiments described above provide systems and methods for pre-positioning hose clamps, for example hose clamps used in the automotive industry, in the correct orientation and position for installation. The embodiments provide a positioning system that will not interfere with the installation method or reduce the clamp's efficiency in sealing for coolant and air management applications. Previous designs have utilized a combination of two or three different retaining clips, some of which are permanently attached or welded to the clamp component, which can interfere with the clamp's sealing efficiency upon installation. The embodiments described herein include locator tabs that are crimped to the hose clamp and to the hose in as few as two locations and that will completely release the hose clamp during the installation process.

A number of metrics have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of the embodiments described herein. A first metric used was a "deflection test" that evaluates the radial orientation and lateral stability of the clamp, which reflects the effort that a line operator must use to locate and maintain engagement with the screw head of the hose clamp during the torque run-down process used during installation. The OEM specification for the lateral stability evaluation criteria currently uses a maximum deflection of the screw when the screw is subjected to a predetermined force along a normal axis that is formed between the hose and an interface. Early testing shows that the above-described embodiments align with the specification. Notably, the test results also indicate a reduction in "as-shipped" Ø below a nominal value that will help minimize the deflection value.

A second metric used was a measure of an amount of radial load that is transmitted from the screw torque input into the hose inner diameter and is measured at a sealing surface. While no OEM specification exists, this measurement method is commonly published to the OEMs as a means of evaluating sealing efficiency. For the embodiments described herein, there is an increase in radial load and/or reduction in variation compared to the other previous attachment methods. This increase in performance is due to the elimination of sliding friction and an elimination of welded tab features that can restrict hose conformance.

Claim 1:
A locator tab for a hose clamp, the locator tab comprising:
a main body comprising (i) a crossbar (<NUM>) having opposing first and second ends, (ii) a first leg (<NUM>) extending from the first end, and (iii) a second leg (<NUM>) extending from the second end,
a clamp end extending from the main body and configured to be secured to a hose, and
at least one flange (<NUM>) extending from the main body and configured to retain a band of the hose clamp between the at least one flange (<NUM>) and the crossbar (<NUM>) until the band is tightened around the hose, wherein the crossbar (<NUM>) is non-parallel to the band when the band is retained between the at least one flange (<NUM>) and the crossbar (<NUM>),
wherein the crossbar (<NUM>) comprises a first segment (<NUM>) and a second segment (<NUM>) coupled to the first segment (<NUM>) by a center beam, wherein the first segment (<NUM>) extends at a non-orthogonal angle from the first leg (<NUM>) to the center beam, and wherein the second segment (<NUM>) extends at a non-orthogonal angle from the second leg (<NUM>) to the center beam, such that the crossbar (<NUM>), the first leg (<NUM>), and the second leg (<NUM>) collectively form an M-shape.