Patent ID: 7093326

Claim:
A hose clamp made of an open band having an inner band portion with an inner band end, an outer band portion with an outer band end overlapping said inner band portion, the clamp being adapted to be transferred from a closed condition having an inner dimension in which said outer band end is connected to said inner band portion, to a tightened condition in which the clamp has a reduced inner dimension, the clamp comprising a tongue formed at said inner band end, the tongue having a length which is substantially smaller than the difference between the inner dimension of the clamp in said closed condition and the reduced inner dimension of the clamp in said tightened condition, an aperture provided in said outer band portion for receiving said tongue in said tightened condition, a step projecting inwardly, as seen from said outer band end, extending transversely to the band longitudinal direction within an area of an end of the aperture nearer to said outer band end, and having a height corresponding to the thickness of the band material, and guide means provided in said outer band portion between said outer band end and said aperture for laterally guiding said tongue prior to its entry into said aperture.