Clamp for hose, tubing, or the like

Claim 2

A unitary clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the object to be clamped and contacts the outer surface thereof, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower spaced positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band, and the spacing being sufficient to engagingly receive the extensions of said second band end.

Claim 3

The clamp according to claim 1 wherein said at least two extensions of said second band end are configured to matingly engage with said at least three inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end, and when said band ends are moved towards each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other.

Claim 4

A unitary clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and contacts the object, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower spaced positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band, and the spacing being sufficient to engagingly receive the extensions of said second band end.

Claim 5

A unitary clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and contacts the object, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower spaced positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band, and the spacing being sufficient to engagingly receive the extensions of said second band end.

Claim 6

The clamp according to claim 3 wherein said at least two extensions of said second band end are configured to matingly engage with said at least three inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end, and when said band ends are moved towards each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other.

Claim 7

A clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, sdid second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to matingly engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the object to be clamped and contacts the outer surface thereof, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band.

Claim 8

A clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, sdid second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to matingly engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the object to be clamped and contacts the outer surface thereof, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band.

Claim 9

The clamp according to claim 5 wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said second band end are positioned in relatively upper and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band.

Claim 10

A clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to matingly engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and contacts the object, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band.

Claim 11

A clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to matingly engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and contacts the object, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band.

Claim 12

The clamp according to claim 7 wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said second band end are positioned in relatively upper and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band.

Claim 13

The clamp according to claim 8 wherein said upper and intermediate extensions on said first band end and said upper and lower extensions on said second band end each include a plurality of teeth on at least one side and said lower extension on said first band end is tapered and toothless.

Claim 14

The clamp of claim 9 wherein said plurality of teeth extend along at least a portion of the extensions.

Claim 15

The clamp according to claim 9 wherein said teeth are arranged so as to firmly engage each other to maintain the clamp in said closed position.

Claim 16

The clamp according to claim 11 wherein the height of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than the height of the teeth on said other extensions.

Claim 17

The clamp according to claim 12 wherein the heignt of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than or approximately one-half the height of the teeth on said other extensions.

Claim 18

The clamp according to claim 13 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface portion of said flexible band is a indentation.

Claim 19

The clamp according to claim 13 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface portion of said flexible band is an aperture extending through the band.

Claim 20

The clamp according to claim 15 wherein said aperture is elongated and extends approximately from said first end portion of said flexible band to approximately said second end portion of said flexible band.

Claim 21

The clamp according to claim 16 wherein said band ends are provided with means for gripping and applying inwardly directed forces to close the clamp.

Claim 22

The clamp according to claim 17 wherein said means for gripping said band ends comprises corrugations positioned at opposed locations on said band ends.

Claim 23

The clamp according to claim 18 wherein said first band end further comprises means to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement of said extensions of said band ends.

Claim 24

The clamp according to claim 19 wherein said means to prevent disengagement of said band ends is a membrane located on one side of at least one band end and extending across said extensions of said band end perpendicular to the axis of the object to be clamped.

Claim 25

The clamp according to claim 19 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces of said extensions is correspondingly tapered in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement so as to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends thereof in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped.

Claim 26

The clamp according to claim 21 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed.

Claim 27

The clamp according to claim 21 wherein at least two pairs of said opposed mating surfaces of said extensions are oppositely tapered to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends in both directions parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped.

Claim 28

The clamp according to claim 23 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed.

Claim 29

The clamp according to any of claim 14 wherein said flexible band and band ends are fabricated of one of plastic and metal.

Claim 30

The clamp according to claim 25 wherein said plastic is nylon.

Claim 31

A clamp for applying pressure to the exterior surface of an elongated object such as a hose having a generally circular cross section which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate surface which is at least partially discontinuous, (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lowest position being closest to the center of the flexible band; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two inwardly projecting extensions positioned in correspondingly relatively upper and lower positions and configured to matingly engage with said extensions of said first band end, the lower side of said upper extension on said first band end and the upper side of said upper extension on said second band end each having a plurality of teeth, said lower extension on said first band end being tapered and toothless, and said remaining extensions being toothless, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions and said teeth become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate surface is substantially circular for pressure contact with the exterior surface of the elongated object.

Claim 32

A clamp for applying pressure to the exterior surface of an elongated object such as a hose having a generally circular cross section which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate surface which is at least partially discontinuous, (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lowest position being closest to the center of the flexible band; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two inwardly projecting extensions positioned in correspondingly relatively upper and lower positions and configured to matingly engage with said extensions of said first band end, the lower side of said upper extension on said first band end and the upper side of said upper extension on said second band end each having a plurality of teeth, said lower extension on said first band end being tapered and toothless, and said remaining extensions being toothless, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions and said teeth become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate surface is substantially circular for pressure contact with the exterior surface of the elongated object.

Claim 33

The clamp of claim 27 wherein said plurality of teeth extend along at least a portion of the extensions.

Claim 34

The clamp according to claim 27 further comprising a plurality of teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and a plurality of mating teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end.

Claim 35

The clamp of claim 29 wherein said plurality of teeth extend along at least a portion of the extensions.

Claim 36

The clamp according to claim 29 wherein said teeth are arranged so as to firmly engage each other to maintain the clamp in said closed position.

Claim 37

The clamp according to claim 31 wherein said teeth have a generally triangular shape as viewed along the axial direction of the object to be clamped.

Claim 38

The clamp according to claim 32 wherein the height of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than the height of the teeth on said other extensions.

Claim 39

The clamp according to claim 33 wherein the height of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than or approximately one-half the height of the teeth on said other extensions.

Claim 40

The clamp according to claim 34 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface of said flexible band is an indentation.

Claim 41

The clamp according to claim 34 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface of said flexible band is an aperture extending through the band.

Claim 42

The clamp according to claim 36 wherein said aperture is elongated and extends approximately from said first end portion of said flexible band to approximately said second end portion of said flexible band.

Claim 43

The clamp according to claim 37 wherein said band ends are provided with means for gripping and applying inwardly directed forces to close the clamp.

Claim 44

The clamp according to claim 38 wherein said means for gripping said band ends comprises corrugations positioned at opposed locations on said band ends.

Claim 45

The clamp according to claim 39 wherein said first band end further comprises means to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends teeth in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement of said extensions of said band ends.

Claim 46

The clamp according to claim 40 wherein said means to prevent disengagement of said band ends is a membrane located on one side of at least one band end and extending across said extensions of said band end perpendicular to the axial direction of the object to be clamped.

Claim 47

The clamp according to claim 40 wherein at least one pair of said opposed mating surfaces of said extensions is correspondingly tapered in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement so as to prevent or resist disengagement thereof in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped.

Claim 48

The clamp according to claim 42 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed.

Claim 49

The clamp according to claim 40 wherein at least two pairs of said opposed mating surfaces of said extensions are oppositely tapered to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends in both directions parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped.

Claim 50

The clamp according to claim 44 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed.

Claim 51

The clamp according to claim 40 wherein said band further comprises a tear tab to enable said clamp to be removed from the clamped object.

Claim 52

The clamp according to claim 46 wherein at least two mating surfaces of oppositely positioned extensions include a guide groove on one surface and a bead or dimple on the mating surface to provide resistance to movement of said band ends in either direction parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped.

Claim 53

The clamp according to claim 40 wherein said flexible band and band ends are fabricated of one of plastic and metal.

Claim 54

The clamp according to claim 48 wherein said plastic is nylon.

Claim 55

A clamp for applying pressure to the exterior surface of an elongated object such as a hose having a generally circular cross-section which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate surface which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions positioned in relatively upper, intermediate and lower positions, the lowest position being closest to the center of the flexible band: and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two inwardly projecting extensions positioned in corresponding, relatively upper and lower positions and configured to engage said extensions of said first band end, the lower side of said upper extensions on said first band end add the upper side of said upper extension on said second band end each having a plurality of mating teeth, said lower extension on said first band end being tapered and toothless, the upper side of said intermediate extension of said first band end and the lower side of the upper extension of said second band end each having a plurality of mating teeth, and said lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end having a plurality of teeth, said lower extension of said second band end being toothless, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned and oriented such that when said band ends are moved towards each other, said extensions and said mating teeth become progressively matingly engaged with each other in manner to maintain the clasp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate surface is substantially circular for pressure contact with the exterior surface of the elongated object.

Claim 56

A clamp for applying pressure to the exterior surface of an elongated object such as a hose having a generally circular cross-section which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate surface which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions positioned in relatively upper, intermediate and lower positions, the lowest position being closest to the center of the flexible band: and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two inwardly projecting extensions positioned in corresponding, relatively upper and lower positions and configured to engage said extensions of said first band end, the lower side of said upper extensions on said first band end add the upper side of said upper extension on said second band end each having a plurality of mating teeth, said lower extension on said first band end being tapered and toothless, the upper side of said intermediate extension of said first band end and the lower side of the upper extension of said second band end each having a plurality of mating teeth, and said lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end having a plurality of teeth, said lower extension of said second band end being toothless, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned and oriented such that when said band ends are moved towards each other, said extensions and said mating teeth become progressively matingly engaged with each other in manner to maintain the clasp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate surface is substantially circular for pressure contact with the exterior surface of the elongated object.