Metal Bands Patents (Class 24/20R)
  • Patent number: 5664295
    Abstract: A hose clamp includes a clamping main body and a fixing member. The clamping main body is formed as a circled-strip having opposite free ends so as to be capable of exhibiting an urging force for reducing its diameter, and clamps a hose member having a concavity at an end thereof. The fixing member is engaged with the opposite free ends of the clamping main body so as to inhibit the diameter of the clamping main body from reducing, and includes a projection extending at least in one of axial directions of the hose member, and being capable of engaging with the concavity of the hose member so as to position the clamping main body in a direction around the axis of the hose member. Thus, in a direction around the axis of the hose member, the clamping main body is positioned by the projection of the fixing member which is disposed independently of the clamping main body. Accordingly, even when the diameter of the hose member is varied, the width, thickness, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignees: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation, Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Kume, Kiyoshi Oshima
  • Patent number: 5644819
    Abstract: A banding device is formed of two metallic components, namely, a clamp component and a strap component. The clamp and strap components are slidably assemblable into interlocked engagement. The strap includes regularly longitudinally spaced locking components, the locking components including teeth deflected from the plane of the strap and locking shoulders in the plane of the strap. The strap is applied by advancing the free end through a passage formed in the clamp, a pawl of the clamp being resiliently biased into the passage. The teeth and pawl co-act to permit movement of the strap through the clamp in a first direction, the pawl biasing the stop shoulders into the path of a barb extending into the passage to block reverse movement of the strap. The pawl is manually accessible, enabling the spacing between the pawl and barb to be increased to thereby release the strap permitting retraction of the strap from the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Duro Dyne Corporation
    Inventor: John Lyons
  • Patent number: 5620209
    Abstract: A device for clamping a hose end section that is fitted onto a pipe end section includes a hose clamp surrounding a hose end section. The hose clamp has overlapping end sections, each of which has an approximately radially outwardly extending tensioning jaw. A securing ring is fixed to the hose end section and has a radial projection. The securing ring surrounds the hose end section and is disposed between the hose end and the hose clamp. The securing ring is joined to the hose clamp in an area diametrically opposite to the area of overlap of the end sections of the hose clamp. The securing ring has a recess disposed in a radial projection. An approximately U-shaped clip has a cross-piece and a pair of legs depending from the cross-piece. The U-shaped clip is disposed such that, in the tensioned state, the legs of the clip overlap the tensioning jaws of each of the end sections. The U-shaped clip has a hook depending from the cross-piece that is radially engaged in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Sauer
  • Patent number: 5615457
    Abstract: A spring band clamp with a spring band (2), a pair of tensioning endpieces which project from the spring band (2), and a holding element (5) which holds the tensioning endpieces (3,4) in a spread, installation state of the spring band clamp (1) under a pretensioning force. The holding element (5) has a holding section (6) and a disengagement section. To enable installation of the spring band clamp (1) in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle under conditions of restricted space in an especially simple manner and without special tools, the disengagement section (7) of the holding element (5) has a finger grip section (8) for enabling the holding element (5) to be disengaged from the tensioning endpieces of the spring band by direct engagement of the finger grip portion with at least one finger and for thereby enabling the spring band clamp to spring into an essentially released, clamping state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Uwe Steinkonig
  • Patent number: 5615456
    Abstract: A clamp structure with a clamping band which can be used, for example, to fixedly secure a hose on a nipple and which includes a tightening arrangement for tightening the clamp structure about the object to be fastened and a tolerance-compensating arrangement for the entire tolerance range of the hose and nipple. The tolerance-compensating arrangement is thereby formed by a slot-like opening punched-out of the clamping band which is of such width and length that the lateral clamping band portions left on both sides of the slot-like opening provide tolerance compensation at the clamping forces specified by the customer, taking into consideration also the fact that the material of the lateral band portions is work-hardened by the punching-out operation of the tolerance-compensating opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparate-fabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5613281
    Abstract: A band made from a material normally elastically non-stretchable in its longitudinal direction to which elastic stretchability is imparted by one or more sections which include lateral non-rectilinear band portions on both sides of the central longitudinal band plane which are concavely shaped as viewed from the central longitudinal plane to form a central window which at least approximately resembles an hourglass. The lateral non-rectilinear band portions are thereby made by cut-outs in the band along its longitudinal sides and in the center area. In one embodiment, the cut-outs along the sides are segmentally shaped while the window in the central area is made of a shape resembling an hourglass. Adjacent sections are connected with each other by transversely extending web portions delimited in the longitudinal direction by end surfaces of the central cut-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5596790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose clamp (1) with a clamp body (3) which encloses a hose end (2) essentially in a ring with overlapping end areas (4,5). In the clamped state, the clamp body has an initial diameter, and using a clamping tool, the clamp body (3) can be spread to a second, larger diameter against its own spring force. In a first end area (4), there is a catch projection (6) which is offset rearward relative to its outer front edge (7) and which can be engaged with a second end area (5) of the clamp body (3) to achieve the spread state. The second end area (5) has a longitudinally extended recess (8) which holds first end area (4) which is correspondingly narrower. To be able to easily spread and release hose clamp (1), in a way which enables the attainment of the spread state is to be easily recognizable, a catch projection (6) is provided on the first end area (4,) in the spread state of the clamp body, rests against the front edge (10) of the second end area (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender
    Inventor: Rudolf Moller
  • Patent number: 5588274
    Abstract: A framing system (10) is disclosed including three-dimensional structural members (12, 14) formed from planar panels (16) having their edges removably secured together by provisions (48) including slide connectors (66, 174) which receive lugs (52) slideably received in and abutting with latches (56). The panels (16) include interconnect ports (22) having integral, concentric tubes (24). The exterior faces (18) of the structural members (12, 14) are abutted together, with the structural members (12, 14) being clamped by a clamp (28) having a central wall (30) abutting with the tubes (24) and first and second side walls (32, 34) abutting with the free faces (25) of the tubes (24). Relative rotation is prevented between the clamp (28) and the structural members (12, 14) by detents (44) formed in the clamp (28) which are received in notches (26) formed in the free face (25) of the tubes (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Fredric Lange
  • Patent number: 5584156
    Abstract: A framing system (10) is disclosed including three-dimensional structural members (12, 14) formed from planar panels (16) having their edges removably secured together by provisions (48) including slide connectors (66, 174) which receive lugs (52) slideably received in and abutting with latches (56). The panels (16) include interconnect ports (22) having integral, concentric tubes (24). The exterior faces (18) of the structural members (12, 14) are abutted together, with the structural members (12, 14) being clamped by a clamp (28) having a central wall (30) abutting with the tubes (24) and first and second side walls (32, 34) abutting with the free faces (25) of the tubes (24). Relative rotation is prevented between the clamp (28) and the structural members (12, 14) by detents (44) formed in the clamp (28) which are received in notches (26) formed in the free face (25) of the tubes (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Fredric Lange
  • Patent number: 5581851
    Abstract: A draw operating type clamping device wherein an elastic hump is outwardly bulged from an outer overlap portion of a clamp band to serve as a tension spring element. The device includes an elastic hump taken to be a boundary and at a position reverse to a locking location where the seizing tooth of the inner overlap portion and the fixed tooth of the outer overlap portion of the camp band seizingly engage each other, there are a preparatory seizing tooth outwardly bulged from the inner overlap portion and a preparatory fixed tooth inwardly bulged from the outer overlap portion, so that if a stretch deforming force exceeding the elastic limit should act on the elastic hump, the preparatory seizing tooth and preparatory fixed tooth are brought into seizure engagement with each other, thereby eliminating the danger of the clamp band being loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kenlock
    Inventor: Kenji Nagano
  • Patent number: 5548876
    Abstract: A clamp structure with a clamping band, with a lever-type band tightening closure mechanism including a relatively fixed part and a lever part relatively movable with respect to said relatively fixed part, whereby the relatively fixed part has a base portion and two side walls integral with and extending upwardly from the base portion; the base portion is provided with two slots extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the clamping band and the lever part has two mutually oppositely and outwardly directed pivot members which are adapted to pivotally engage in corresponding pivot openings in the side walls; one end section of the clamping band includes tolerance-compensating undulations which are covered from below by the remaining underlying end portion of the clamping band; locking projections are provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the side walls to prevent inadvertent reopening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5542155
    Abstract: A holderless hose clip, primarily for use in preventing piping hoses from falling off of connecting pipes in automotive vehicles, includes a clip body formed of a leaf spring having the shape of an annular band and which clamps the hose when released from a spread-diameter state to assume a free state. A pair of grip strips are formed by bending the ends of the clip body, respectively. An engagement claw and an engagement recess are formed on the respective grip strips to secure the grip strips to each other when the grip strips are gripped, so that the clip body is held in the spread-diameter state. The engagement claw has a guide face for guiding the grip strips axially of the clip body when the grip strips are gripped whereupon the engagement claw is received in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Togo Seisakusho Corp.
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Mineo Muto, Kanemitsu Asano, Susumu Nakano, Koji Nakahama
  • Patent number: 5537721
    Abstract: A clamp structure with a clamping band which can be used, for example, to fixedly secure a hose on a nipple and which includes a tightening arrangement for tightening the clamp structure about the object to be fastened by plastic deformation and a tolerance-compensating arrangement in the form of at least one undulation; the tolerance-compensating arrangement is thereby separate from the tightening arrangement providing the clamping forces and is so constructed and arranged that the tolerance-compensating arrangement does not affect the holding ability of the tightening arrangement but improves in combination with the tightening arrangement the return spring action of the clamp structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5533235
    Abstract: A hose clamp device is made up of a metal strip member which is open at its both ends and formed in a ring shape with its both ends overlapping each other to define inner and outer end portions, the hose clamp device being fixed in place by a lock hole formed in the outer end portion and a lock peg formed on the inner end portion. An elongate notch extending in the lengthwise direction of the strip member is provided at the endmost section of the inner end portion of the strip member. A step is provided at a lengthwise intermediate position on the outer end portion of the strip member, the step receiving the endmost section of the inner end portion, corresponding in thickness to the strip member, and being provided on the inner surface thereof with an elongate rib extending along the lengthwise direction of the strip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Kanesan Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuji Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5524327
    Abstract: A malleable clip for reversible application to a power line which connects a power tool to a power source to alter the angular relationship and/or offset distance of the power tool with respect to the power line. Malleable clips comprise one or more malleable links adjustably coupling a plurality of adjacent circumferential clips end-to-end. The malleable links have lateral bending compliances which may be substantially unequal. One or more resilient links may also be present between adjacent circumferential clips in a malleable clip. The lateral bending compliances of the resilient links, if two or more are present, may be substantially unequal. Malleable clips may additionally comprise adjacent circumferential clips adjustably coupled by substantially longitudinally fenestrated malleable links which facilitate adjustment of the link lateral bending compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Mednext, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Mickel, Stewart W. Willason
  • Patent number: 5487209
    Abstract: A so-called stepless self-tightening clamp structure having a first clamping position and a second non-clamping position in which the clamping band is under prestress of its inherent spring characteristics. To latchingly hold the clamp structure in its second position, one end of the clamping band is provided with a tongue-like extension while the other end is provided with two longitudinally extending, slot-like openings following one another by way of a constriction, whereby one of the slot-like openings is wider than the tongue-like extension and the other is slightly narrower than the tongue-like extension. One of said slot-like openings is thereby offset in the radial direction with respect to at least a part of the other slot-like opening. Additionally, to enhance the spring stiffness, the clamping band may be provided with one or more longitudinally extending reinforcing groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5475900
    Abstract: A holder device for use in coiling an elongate material e.g. a wire, cable, rope or the like, has a pair of opposed side walls extending upwardly from a base portion and forming with the base portion an upwardly open recess for receiving successive turns of the coiled elongate material. The base portion includes a base extension portion which projects beyond the side walls and the recess. A strap portion is provided for securing the turns of the elongate material in the recess and is connected at one end thereof to one side of the base extension. A strap retainer portion is provided at an opposite side of the base extension portion and is engageable with the strap portion for securing the turns of the elongate material in the recess, the strap portion and the strap portion retainer being offset from the side walls so as to avoid obstruction of the strap portion by the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Paul A. Tonks
  • Patent number: 5459906
    Abstract: This invention relates to a band clamp fitting constituted by a metal band wound on itself, presenting, near one of its ends, an ear provided with an extension and, at the other end, a hook. The extension presents a projecting part, of transverse dimension less than that of the free edge of the hook and capable of cooperating with pre-hooking means when the clamp fitting is in non-tightened state. The free edge of the hook presents a notch, of dimensions adapted to those of the projecting part and offset with respect to the latter in the transverse sense of the band. A portion of the free edge of the hook is located in line with the projecting part and is capable of being hooked therebehind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Pascal Detable, Michel Andre
  • Patent number: 5437081
    Abstract: A band made from a material normally elastically non-stretchable in its longitudinal direction to which elastic stretchability is imparted by one or more sections which include lateral non-rectilinear band portions on both sides of the central longitudinal band plane. The lateral non-rectilinear band portions are thereby made by cut-outs in the band along its longitudinal sides and in the center area. In one embodiment, the cut-outs along the sides are segmentally shaped while a window in the central area is made of a shape resembling an hourglass. Adjacent sections are connected with each other by transversely extending web portions delimited in the longitudinal direction by end surfaces of the central cut-outs. A clamp structure utilizing a band of the aforementioned type, especially a clamping band made from galvanized or stainless steel, offers numerous advantages, especially if a so-called "Oetiker" ear is used to tighten the clamp structure about the object to be fastened thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen-und Apparate-Fabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5430912
    Abstract: A clamping ring, for clamping an end collar of a protective bellows to one end of a universal joint in a vehicle transmission, is made of resilient material having two overlapping end portions. One end portion has a tongue extending through a slot defined in the other end portion. In its relaxed state, the material of the ring holds the tongue in an initial position in the slot. When the ring is placed over the end collar of the bellows, the ring expands slightly to permit this, the tongue moving towards a "high" stop at one end of the slot. The ring then resiles slightly so as to hold itself on the bellows. When the bellows, with the ring in position, is placed over the end of the universal joint, the ring once more expands slightly to permit this. The ring is then tightened by moving the end portion until a hook engages a shoulder on the other end portion, the tongue moving towards a "low" stop at the other end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Draftex Industries Limited
    Inventors: Bernard Renzo, Joel Breheret
  • Patent number: 5414905
    Abstract: A holderless hose clip, primarily for use in preventing piping hoses from falling off of connecting pipes in automotive vehicles, includes a clip body formed of a leaf spring having the shape of an annular band and which clamps the hose when released from a spread-diameter state to assume a free state. A pair of grip strips are formed by bending the ends of the clip body, respectively. An engagement claw and an engagement recess are formed on the respective grip strips to secure the grip strips to each other when the grip strips are gripped, so that the clip body is held in the spread-diameter state. The engagement claw has a guide face for guiding the grip strips axially of the clip body when the grip strips are gripped whereupon the engagement claw is received in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Togo Seisakusho Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Mineo Muto, Kanemitsu Asano, Susumu Nakano, Koji Nakahama
  • Patent number: 5411162
    Abstract: A V-band coupling for use on an explosion-proof enclosure. The V-band coupling includes a V-band having a toughened layer along its interior surfaces for gripping the flanges on the enclosure which the V-band engages when it is installed on the enclosure. The roughened layer results in an increased coefficient of friction between the V-band and flanges which is effective for reducing the load experienced by the trunnion joints of the coupling during explosion events thereby allowing the explosion-proof enclosure to withstand high internal pressures without system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Koziczkowski, Jeffrey R. Annis, Roland L. Krieger, Jerome P. Stache
  • Patent number: 5405170
    Abstract: A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a prepositioning carrier for mounting a connector assembly upon a first fluid conduit segment, a hose clamp portion attached to the prepositioning carrier for maintaining the hose clamp in position for engagement with a second fluid conduit segment, and an axially directed activation member for maintaining the hose clamp portion in a retracted configuration prior to engagement of the hose clamp portion with the second fluid conduit segment. The hose clamp portion is movable to a non-retracted configuration when the activation member is slidingly withdrawn in an axial direction from the hose clamp portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Roulinson, Algis Zaparackas
  • Patent number: 5404620
    Abstract: A spring clamping collar constituted by a rolled-up metal strip with the end portions of said strip each being of a width that is substantially equal to half the width of the strip, said portions being disposed beside each other and being provided with tabs that extend radially outwardly from the collar, thereby forming abutments for engaging a pliers-like tool. Each tab extends over substantially the entire width of the strip and possesses, on its side remote from its connection to the corresponding end portion of the strip, an extension which extends over the other end portion of the strip and is directed away from the tab carried by said other end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Etablissements CAILLAU
    Inventors: Lionel Calmettes, Pascal Detable
  • Patent number: 5402554
    Abstract: A reusable clamp structure in which the clamping band is provided with a tongue-like extension at one end and with a fork-like end portion at the other end which includes a slot-like opening; a form-locking connection of the open ends of the clamping band is achieved by sawtooth-like members extending outwardly along the lateral edges of the tongue-like extensions which are adapted to engage with complementary sawtooth-like members extending inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the opening. To prevent outward escape of the tongue-like extension in its engaged condition, a cover member may be provided over the opening whereby the cover member may be punched out of the clamping band and bent out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5390395
    Abstract: A so-called stepless clamp structure whose clamping band is provided at one end with a tongue-like extension and whose other end is provided with a slot-like opening. Outwardly extending hooks on the tongue-like extension are adapted to engage with the bent-up end section of the other end which is of such length that a small part of the slot-like opening is present in the bent-up end section whereby the depth of the small part of the slot-like opening is less than twice the thickness of the clamping band but slightly greater than the thickness of the clamping band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschioen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5377389
    Abstract: A clamping spring collar, constituted by a rolled-up metal strip having end portions each of which is of a width substantially equal to half the width of the strip, said end portions being disposed side by side and being provided with respective tabs that are directed radially outwardly from the collar, which tabs form abutments for engaging a pliers-like tool, the strip having a cross-section that constitutes a flattened V-shape such that the central region of the inside surface of the collar has a diameter that is smaller than that of its lateral regions, wherein the angle formed between the two branches of the V-shape lies in the range 120.degree. to 165.degree., and wherein the ratio between the thickness of the strip and the length of each of its branches itself lies in the range 0.2 to 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Lionel Calmettes, Pascal Detable
  • Patent number: 5375299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device for semipermanently fixing a part, such as a fluid conveying hose, dustproof bellows, axial boot or the like, on the circumferential surface of an desired mating device. According to this invention, even if such part looses its elasticity owing to aging, the clamping device maintains the permanent stable firm clamping state. For this purpose, the inner and outer overlap portions (11a, 11b) of the clamp band (11) are forced by an operating tool to spread until the seizing tooth (18a) of the inner overlap portion (11a) and the fixed tooth (22b) of the outer overlap portion (11b) seize each other, thereby contracting the bore diameter of the clamp band (11). This state is locked by a prop key (23) extending from the outer overlap portion (11b) to engage the inner overlap portion (11a), while an elastic hump (25) for storing the spring force acting circumferentially of the clamp band (11) is outwardly bulged from the outer overlap portion (11b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kenlock
    Inventor: Kenji Nagano
  • Patent number: 5353478
    Abstract: A clamp, especially a hose-clamp, wherein a band with overlapping end portions has a radial outer end portion having a first closure element and a slot. The slot extends in a circumferential direction along the clamp. The radial inner end portion has a projection and a second closure element, which when closing the clamp comes into a locking mechanism engagement with the first closure-element. The projection can be inserted into the slot and can be locked in this position. In order to avoid the danger of locking the projection at its insertion into the slot, and to assure that the end portions retain their required relative position when applying tension to the clamp, the projection is a circumferentially extending bar and the slot has a pair of flaps on opposite edges of the slot and protruding into the slot. The bar has notches which are provided for the radial passing of the flaps and the bar is shorter than the slot of the clamp in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Spors
  • Patent number: 5339496
    Abstract: An open self-aligning clamp the overlapping inner and outer band portions of which are adapted to be mechanically connected before tightening about the object to be fastened thereby by a plastically deformable so-called "Oetiker" ear; the mechanical connection includes only two outwardly extending hooks in the inner band portion operable to engage in apertures provided in the outer band portion, whereby one of the hooks is a tab-like guide hook pressed out of the clamping band in a transversely extending plane intersecting the clamping band in the transverse direction while the other hook is a cold-deformed support hook, the inner and outer band portions are reliably guided relatively to one another during tightening of the clamp by a tab-like member pressed out of the inner band portion in such a manner that it extends in the longitudinal direction and can slidably extend within a narrow longitudinal slot in the center area of the outer band portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparate-fabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5333360
    Abstract: An externally expandable earless clamp structure, in which a hook-like member in the outer band portion is adapted to engage in a hook-receiving aperture in the end area of the inner band portion to connect the overlapping band portions, a first inwardly pressed-out tool-engaging embossment in the inner band portion is adapted to cooperate with a second inwardly pressed-out tool-engaging embossment in the outer band portion to permit tightening of the clap structure by expansion thereof; and an inwardly pressed-out tab-like member in the outer band portion extending in the longitudinal direction is adapted to engage in a narrow slot in the inner band portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Mashinen- und Apprate-fabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5329671
    Abstract: An improved metal strapping which has tapered ends such that the sharp corners of conventional strapping do not bite in or mar the product being bound by the strapping. The ends can be tapered over a range of 20.degree.-40.degree. with the planar surface of the strapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Acme Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Walczak, Ronald F. DeSimone
  • Patent number: 5326325
    Abstract: A balancing arrangement for a rotating member which includes a clamp structure with a clamping band adapted to be tightened on the rotating member; the clamping band includes a first inner clamping band portion and a second outer clamping band portion either integral with or fixedly secured to the first clamping band portion. A counterweight is thereby adapted to be slidably mounted on the second clamping band portion and to be secured thereon in predetermined balancing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5307790
    Abstract: A retractor instrument for opening a surgical incision on a human limb having a first tissue holder for grasping an edge of the incision, a second tissue holder for grasping another edge of the incision, a band extending from the first tissue holder to the second tissue holder in a generally circular configuration around the limb away from the incision, and an adjustor connected to the band so as to vary a distance between the first and second tissue holders. The band includes a first band member connected to the first tissue holder and a second band member connected to the second tissue holder. The adjustor is a clamp which is suitable for engaging grooves formed in the first band member. The tissue holders are rake members having a plurality of prongs extending therefrom. The rake members are pivotally connected to the ends of the bands. The first band member and the second band member are arranged in overlapping configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Surigcal Innovations I, L.P.
    Inventor: Donny M. Byrne
  • Patent number: 5307541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device for semipermanently fixing a part, such as a fluid conveying hose, dustproof bellows, axial boot or the like, on the circumferential surface of an desired mating device. According to this invention, even if such part looses its elasticity owing to aging, the clamping device maintains the permanent stable firm clamping state. For this purpose, the inner and outer overlap portions (11a, 110a; 11b, 110b) of the clamp band (11, 110) made of metal strip material (M) are forced by an operating tool to close until the seizing tooth (16a, 160a) of the inner overlap portion (11a, 110a) and the fixed tooth (22b, 220b) of the outer overlap portion (11b, 110b) seize each other, thereby contracting the bore diameter of the clamp band (11, 110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Kobushiki Kaisha Kenlock
    Inventor: Kenji Nagano
  • Patent number: 5303571
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method for forming a one-piece band clamp. The band clamp is made by severing band material to a proper width, forming the band material to a desired length, removing a portion of the band to form a void in one end of the band material, inserting a deformation device into the void, and deforming the band material adjacent to the void to form a slot in the band material sufficiently wide to allow insertion of the band body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Band-It-Idex, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Quinn, Glendon R. Kessler, Robert G. Hayden
  • Patent number: 5291637
    Abstract: A resilent element extends from the interior of the locking head into the band receiving cavity. The element exerts a force on the roller, when the roller is in position to retain the band, which has a component directed toward the band, reducing the tendency of the lock to loosen when the tie is subjected to vibration. The resilent element is preferably intergral with the head and takes the form of a spring finger or a bowed spring formed when the head is stamped. Alternately, the element may be a separate part, affixed to the interior of the head wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Jonathan Meyers
  • Patent number: 5283931
    Abstract: An open reusable clamp structure, especially of the earless type, with a clamping band having overlapping inner and outer band portions adapted to be detachably interconnected by mechanical connecting means; first tool-engaging surfaces are provided in the inner and outer band portions, preferably in the form of pressed-out cold-deformed embossments for tightening the clamping band about an object to be fastened thereby, and second tool-engaging surfaces are provided in the inner and outer band portions which are separate from the first tool-engaging surfaces and are again preferably in the form of pressed-out cold-deformed embossments for reopening the previously interconnected overlapping band portions. To prevent over-torquing during reopening, undulations or the like are provided in the outer band portion intermediate the first and second tool-engaging surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5282295
    Abstract: A reinforced ear structure for use in a clamp whose clamping band is intended to be contracted by relatively large tightening forces; the ear consists of two outwardly extending leg portions and a reinforced bridging portion interconnecting the leg portions; the bridging portion is provided with a generally pan-shaped, relatively hollow, depressed reinforcement formed by a bottom portion and connecting portions between the bottom portion and the remaining non-depressed bridging portion; the connecting portions thereby extend over substantial parts of the length and width of the bridging portion and the bottom portion is relatively flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5274886
    Abstract: An open clamp structure, especially for earless clamp structures which includes a clamping band with a mechanical interlock in the form of at least one outwardly extending hook in the inner band portion adapted to engage in an aperture of the outer band portion; a preassembly hook is provided in the inner band portion to assure a reliable preassembly of the clamp structure; the preassembly hook is thereby so constructed that it permits a snap-in like engagement of the outer band portion in the preassembled position in which the outer band portion is held until released therefrom when the clamp is tightened into its final assembly condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5261145
    Abstract: A reusable openable/closeable clamp comprising an arcuate-like strap having two generally opposing, spaced ends, each of which has been bent outwardly of the general periphery of the clamp to form first and second ears with one of the ears having an aperture therein and the other of the ears having a projection thereon extending outwardly from its respective ear, with the projection being adapted to be received in the aperture in the closed condition of the clamp to hold the strap in closed clamping condition, said strap further having at least two raised segments forming a restraining means between said segments. Removal of the projection from the aperture enables the clamp to spring to open position due to the natural resiliency of the strap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Triad Metal Products Company
    Inventor: Ralph N. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5251360
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a tubular object includes an elongated band having an outer surface, an inner surface, a free end and an opposite end. An open ended slot is formed at the free end and a tightening ear is formed adjacent the opposite end of the band. A step is formed between the tightening ear and the free end with a first tongue for cooperating with the slot. A second tongue is formed at the opposite end and the clamping apparatus is assembled by overlapping the free end with the opposite end and fixedly attaching the second tongue to the outer surface of the band. The assembled band extends in a continuous ring with the first tongue received in the slot to form the inner surface into a substantially gap-free surface for contacting the tubular object encircled by the clamping apparatus when the tightening ear is deformed to reduce the diameter of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Raymond J. Putz
  • Patent number: 5235729
    Abstract: The adjustable band clamp includes a single, elongated, narrow width band of metal having at one end thereof a plurality of cut-out windows. A crimpible, protruding band region is disposed immediately inboard the plurality of windows. Preferably, the crimpible protruding band region is a raised, U-shaped region having a central depression on its raised platform portion. At the other end of the band and disposed at predetermined longitudinal intervals over the substantial length of the band, a plurality of groups of protruding ears or extending notch fingers rise above the outer surface of the band. In operation, one or more ears from a simple group of longitudinally spaced apart ear sets are locked into the cut-out window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventors: Del V. Tiegs, Randy G. Tiegs
  • Patent number: 5230126
    Abstract: A clamp structure which is provided with at least one pair of plastically deformable ear-like folds located on opposite sides of a center longitudinal cut in the clamping band and spaced in the circumferential direction by such a distance that they can be plastically deformed simultaneously by the use of a pincer-like tool. The pincer-like tool includes two sets of jaw-like members spaced from one another so as to permit simultaneous engagement of the two ear-like folds of a respective pair. The pincer-like tool may thereby have a relatively fixed center member forming a relatively fixed jaw-like member and two pivotally supported jaw-like members operable to be actuated toward one another. In the alternative, the pincer-like tool may include two sets of jaw-like members pivotally connected with each other whose points of pivotal connection are coupled with each other as also corresponding jaw-like members to assure movement in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparate-fabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5216784
    Abstract: A snap-on clamp includes an open-ended loop having complementary, interlocking clamps at each end. The clamps each include a jaw portion having teeth opposed to and engageable with the teeth on the other jaw portion. The teeth are angled to permit sliding movement toward a closed position and are lockable against movement toward an open position. Each clamp also includes an opposed tongue portion which engages the opposite surface of the jaw portion on the other clamp for resiliently resisting separation of the teeth and at least one of the tongue or jaw portions includes at least one locking tab engaging the adjacent tongue or jaw portion of the other clamp to prevent relative lateral movement of the jaw portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Tyton Corporation
    Inventor: Edward P. Dyer
  • Patent number: 5216783
    Abstract: This invention relates to a clamp constituted by a metal band wound on itself, of which the ends are respectively provided with complementary hooking means comprising, in particular a hook adapted to pass over a lug during the tightening operation, the inner end of the band extending, when the clamp is in closed position, at least beyond the hook. At the base of the lug supporting the hook, there is provided at least one undulation of the band, the maximum distance between the inner face of the undulation and the outer face of the extension of the inner end of the band being at the most equal to the thickness of the band and preferably included between one third and one half of this thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Lionel Calmettes, Michel Andre
  • Patent number: 5208949
    Abstract: A clamp fitting is disclosed, constituted by a metal band wound on itself, whose ends are respectively provided with complementary hooking means, comprising a hook capable of passing behind a shoulder or ear during the clamping operation. The clamp fitting presents at least one group of two undulations, each in the form of an open loop, projecting radially with respect to the outer periphery of the clamp fitting, the zone of join of at least one undulation to the clamp fitting being constituted by a portion of band of circular section, whose radius is at least equal to twice the thickness of the band and which extends over an arc of at least 90.degree. and preferably close to 150.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Lionel Calmettes, Michel Andre
  • Patent number: 5203809
    Abstract: A self-tightening lamp formed from spring steel band material which exerts clamping forces by the inherent springiness of the band material. To minimize outwardly projecting parts with their injury danger and to obtain an inner clamping surface substantially devoid of any gaps or steps, the end of the outer band end portion is provided with an elongated slot adapted to receive the tongue-like overlapped inner band end portion. Temporary locking of the clamp is realized by a detent member in the tongue-like inner band end portion adapted to be lockingly engaged by a locking surface in the outer band portion. The elongated slot is thereby of such width as to accommodate the tongue-like inner band portion whereby the detent member is located in the elongated slot when the clamp is in its clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5191683
    Abstract: Both end sides of a ring band member in a hose band having both end sides opened are fixedly attached to a clamping ear member. Bevelling is provided at edge portions of a tongue and a tongue receiving portion is formed at both ends of the above band member so as to be thinner toward the outside. The hose is thereby prevented from forming creases during clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Juji Ojima, Isao Hino
  • Patent number: RE35384
    Abstract: An earless clamp structure to which elastic stretchability is imparted by one or more clamping band sections which essentially consist of lateral band portions converging toward one another from each end of the section. The lateral band portions define therebetween a window-like opening resembling an hourglass. The method in accordance with the present invention involves the step of removing certain material portions from the clamping band to obtain a section with non-rectilinear lateral band portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen -und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker