Abstract: A universal joint such as a constant velocity (CV) joint in a drive assembly of a front wheel drive vehicle can require a boot to seal the joint from environmental contaminants found on a highway or other vehicle driving surface. Typically, such boots are attached using a clamp, however it has been found that the crimps extending from the clamp can interfere with a vehicle's ABS sensor. The present invention provides a clampless means of attaching the boot to the CV joint, by providing a continuous rib projecting from inner surface of an end of the boot, and a coincident groove on the end of the universal joint, wherein the rib has a means for cooperating with the groove to retain said rib within the groove. It is contemplated that the present invention can be used on other types of universal joint and boot assemblies.

Abstract: A boot clamp having open ends for lapping an lapping end over a lapped end in a lapping direction. The boot clamp includes an ear for tightening the clamping band about an object to be fastened, and a mechanical interlock for interlocking the lapping end to the lapped end. The interlock has a several inwardly extending spaced hooks having a blunted end on the lapping end and a series of spaced apertures having tabs on the lapped end. The hooks extend in a direction opposite the lapping direction and the tabs extend in the lapping direction. Deformation of the ear causes the hooks to underlap the tab to interlock the lapping end to the lapped end. The clamping band has a retainer mechanism to control and retain the lapped end under the lapping portion of the clamping band.

Abstract: A hose clamp is disclosed comprising a clamping band having open ends for lapping one end over the other end in a lapping direction and presenting a lapped portion and a lapping portion. The open ends of the band are mechanically interconnected by several outwardly extending hooks in the lapped portion. The hooks are operable to engage in corresponding apertures in the lapping portion. The clamp structure has an ear for tightening the clamping band about an object to be fastened, characterized in that at least one hook extends out of the plane in the lapping direction presenting a hook aperture and at least one corresponding aperture has a tab extending from an edge of the aperture in a direction opposite the lapping direction for abutting the hook, whereupon deformation of the ear the tab deforms towards the lapped portion forming an abutment surface for absorbing the circumferentially directed clamping forces and projects into the hook aperture for interlocking the lapped portion with the lapping portion.