With Tighteners Patents (Class 24/19)
  • Publication number: 20110173779
    Abstract: Connecting the two band ends 10, 18 of a hose clamp is done by means of a guide hook 16 disposed on an inner band portion and engaging a guide hook receiving means 12 on the outer band end 10, and a support hook 17 also formed on the inner band portion and engaging a support hook receiving means 13 on the outer band portion. The support hook receiving means 13 is an embossment formed from the band material by cold deformation and being continuous with the band material on all sides, the inner surface of the support hook receiving means 13 having a support portion 25 adjacent to the outer band end 10 and extending at right angles with respect to the band surface. The support hook 17 has a nose 26 which faces away from the inner band end 18 and has a cut edge which nicks into the support portion 25 of the support hook receiving means 13 when the hose clamp is tightened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: HANS OETIKER AG MASCHINEN UND APPARATEFABRIK
    Inventors: Ulrich Meier, Willi Haensli
  • Publication number: 20110147541
    Abstract: A cable strap locating device for a wire harness is disclosed. The device extends along an axial direction and the device includes a head and a tail. The head has a top surface, at least one side surface abutting the top surface, and an opening extending through the head and at least one side surface and substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The tail is configured to be attached to the wire harness and extends from the head and along the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Frantz
  • Patent number: 7950244
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack is provided. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger and system coolant inlet and outlet plenums mounted to a door of an electronics rack. The inlet and outlet plenums are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and respectively include a coolant inlet and coolant outlet in the top portions thereof. System coolant supply and return hoses are disposed above the electronics rack and respectively couple in fluid communication the inlet plenum to a system coolant supply header and the outlet plenum to a system coolant return header. The hoses are each flexible, partially looped and of sufficient length to allow for opening and closing of the door. Stress-relief structures are coupled to at least one end of the hoses to relieve stress on the ends of the hoses during opening or closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Howard P. Welz
  • Patent number: 7946001
    Abstract: A hose clamp includes a clamping band, a clamping device and a positioning arrangement, wherein the positioning arrangement has at least one positioner with a base and a claw for being pressed into a hose wall. The claw has a portion protruding inwardly from the base in a pressing direction, wherein the claw has an end which forms with the inwardly protruding section an obtuse angle (?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Mathias Krauss
  • Publication number: 20110099767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (1) for bridging two elements (2a, 2b, 200a), which can be brought closer to each other, with at least one tensioning belt (6, 60) connected with an element (2a, 200a) which tensioning belt engages into an allocated turnbuckle (4) connected with the other element (2b) and is movable with it. The tensioning belt (6, 60) and the turnbuckle (4) are each mountable on the allocated element (2a, 2b, 200a) by a positive plug-in connection. The elements, which can be brought closer to each other (2a, 2b, 200a), are provided with formed retaining means (10, 100) defined as projections emerging from their plane. The end portion of the tensioning belt (6, 60) facing away from the turnbuckle (4) and a turnbuckle belt (5) defined as a belt lug being applied on the turnbuckle (4) and in opposite direction to the tensioning belt (6, 60) are provided with counter-retaining means (13, 130) which can be attached on the retaining means (10, 100) of the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Winfried Felber
  • Publication number: 20110061209
    Abstract: A cable tie comprising a flexible tail portion connected to a head portion, said head portion comprising a first slot through which said flexible tail portion may be passed and retained, said first slot being in communication with an opening in an outer wall of said head portion, said opening allowing removal of the flexible tail portion therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: DUAL TIE CONCEPTS PTY LTD
    Inventor: John Caleb Wells Biggers
  • Patent number: 7896399
    Abstract: A exhaust system repair apparatus provides a basic u-bolt member and saddle clamp design which can be positioned behind an existing damaged flange, one which cannot be tightened against an opposing flange in order to create an exhaust seal. The apparatus features ears which are attached to and positioned proximal to the u-bolt base. Each ear further comprises a slot to align with an opposing, existing flanges'holes. Slots are available which are exactly positioned for a given application, or the elongated slots are provided in other embodiments which provide a more universal fit. The apparatus thereby provides for tightening the damaged flange against an undamaged opposing flange, without having to replace a damaged flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Pete Orsini
  • Publication number: 20110035907
    Abstract: A heavy-duty clamp for a hose includes a loop, for disposing around the hose, which has two axially spaced apart looped ends. The clamp has a force generator which is connected to the two looped ends. The force generator has a bolt with a plurality of disc springs mounted thereon to allow substantially high and constant predetermined axial clamping force from the force generator under expansion and contraction of the hose over temperature operational condition of the clamp. A spacer member is mounted on the force generator between the disc spring and one of the looped ends for axially transferring the clamping force from the force generator to the looped ends. The clamping force axially draws together the looped ends so as to clamp the hose. The arrangement of the disc springs allows adjustment of the maximal allowable axial clamping force rating of the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Martin COUSINEAU
  • Publication number: 20110030869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamp collar of the annular band type provided with connecting means for connecting at least one pair of adjacent ends of the band, and to a run-flat device intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle mounted assembly incorporating same. This clamp collar (40) comprises a band (41), preferably made of metal, having at least one pair of ends (42 and 43) spaced apart in the circumferential direction, connecting means (44) of connecting the or each pair of ends together with adjustable tightening in this direction and a locking member (45) for locking the connecting means. According to the invention, this member is mounted solid with one of these ends (43) being able to occupy an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from these means for tightening and loosening the collar and a locked position in which it engages with them to oppose this loosening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Olivier Marsaly, Stéphane Auvray
  • Publication number: 20100281655
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Hose clamp comprising a flexible strap (1) to be placed around a hose, a mechanism (2,3) for increasing or reducing the effective length of the strap (1), the mechanism (2,3) being fixed to one part/end (1a) of the strap (1) and driving the other part/end (1 b, 1c) of the strap (1), in which at least one part/area of the strap (1) is formed as a spring element (5), in particular providing a spring force in the circumferential direction of the strap (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: PROGERAL INDUSTRIA DE ARTEFATOS PLASTICOS LTDA.
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Vieria De Campos, Reiner Lubowietzki, Leticia Pantojo, Wellington Fernando Domingues, Lilian Aires Muzel, José Silva Muniz, Rodrigo Garcia Jaques Eid, Alberto Caetano Dos Santos, Jose Antonio Fernandes Junior
  • Publication number: 20100223764
    Abstract: A clamping collar comprising: a belt comprising a strip and two free ends, each of said ends being curved back to form a loop and each loop being defined by an outer belt portion and by an underlying inner belt portion; and a tightening system suitable for bringing said loops closer together and for tightening said belt; and in which each of ends of the belt is curved back towards the inside of the collar, said inner belt portion being extended beyond the loop, under said strip, and said outer belt portion presenting a tightening wall with which the tightening system comes into engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ETABLISSEMENTS CAILLAU
    Inventors: Fabrice Prevot, Jérôme Jaffre, Nicolas Rigollet
  • Patent number: 7761962
    Abstract: A hose clamp includes a clamping band, a tensioning device and a positioning arrangement for positioning the hose clamp on a hose. The positioning arrangement includes at least two positioners. The two positioners may be arranged at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction of at least 120°. Axial stops may be arranged on both sides in a circumferential direction of at least one of the positioners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Krauss, Stephan Mann, Gunter Röder, Ewald Krieger
  • Publication number: 20100132165
    Abstract: A clamping device, constructed as a single piece, yet comprising a plurality of clamp segments, each clamp segment, comprising an arcuate base having an interior side and an exterior side, a first pair of sidewalls extruding radially inward from the interior side of the arcuate base, thereby defining an interior channel, wherein the sidewalls are conformable to a fitting inside the interior channel, a second pair of sidewalls extruding radially outward from the exterior side of the arcuate base, thereby defining an exterior channel, wherein each clamp segment is interconnected with at least one other clamp segment by a hinge; and a cable tie comprising a first end and a second end fastenable to the first end, wherein the cable tie is housed inside the exterior channel of each clamp segment and passed through a first cable guard at the first free end and a second cable guard at the second free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Shor, David Ball
  • Publication number: 20100125979
    Abstract: A clamping device (1) is adapted to receive and retain a portion (21) of a strip (20), and to actively tighten itself around the strip portion (21) under the influence of a pulling force. This is functioning in such a way that the higher the pulling force, the higher the force with which pushing parts (31) of the clamping device (1) are pushed. This results in a firm clamping connection. On the basis of this functioning, the clamping device (1) can be embodied in a form which has an open side, while maintaining a high capacity of withstanding loads. This results in the advantageous property that the strip (20) can be placed in and removed from the clamping device (1) in a sideward direction. This allows for detachment and reuse, and increases speed and convenience of use. The strip (20) does not need to be inserted in a closed shape. Various other applications than in a tie wrap (10) are possible for the clamping device (1), including applications in tension belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Willem Hienekamp
  • Publication number: 20100115733
    Abstract: A clamping device comprising: a collar (10) comprising: a belt (12) suitable for being disposed around one or more articles to be clamped, and at least two lugs (14, 16) that are upstanding relative to said belt towards the outside thereof; and a tightening system (18, 19) suitable for co-operating with the two lugs so as to move them closer together; in which device at least one of the two lugs has a connection portion via which it is connected to the belt (26), which connection portion is upstanding relative to said belt, and a tightening wall (30) folded back towards the belt, the tightening system coming into engagement with said tightening wall during tightening of the collar; wherein, on its outside face, the belt (12) has at least one projecting portion (40) situated between the connection portion and the tightening wall, the tightening wall (30) coming into abutment against said projecting portion (40) while the collar is being tightened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Jérome Bouchiat, Nicolas Rigollet, Gérard Motteau
  • Publication number: 20100061794
    Abstract: A releasable adjustable binding apparatus includes an elongated substantially flexible strap having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two free ends with a first saw-tooth portion along the top surface proximal one free end; and, a loop fixedly attached proximal a second free end traversing the top surface with a gap between the loop and the top surface. A substantially flexible nose piece is attached to the loop with a second saw-tooth portion engageable with the first saw tooth portion and on a side adjacent the top surface, and at least one moveable loop slidingly connected to the elongated strap between the stationary loop and the first saw tooth portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: FLOYD H. M. SAM
  • Publication number: 20100037435
    Abstract: The clamping collar comprises a belt that co-operates with tightening means and that is made up of two belt portions interconnected at their connection ends. Each of these connection ends has a joggle between an end segment and a coupling segment. The joggle is provided with a slot that extends transversely to a step. The connection ends are thus interlocked, the step of each connection end being disposed in the slot of the other end and the coupling segment of each of the ends being disposed against the end segment of the other end, so that the retaining surfaces belonging to respective ones of the two ends co-operate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: ETABLISSEMENTS CAILLAU
    Inventors: Cyriaque FOUQUERAY, Gérard MOTTEAU, Guillaume RACOILLET
  • Publication number: 20090235492
    Abstract: A clamp is formed from a band with overlapping end portions. The clamp includes closing means including an aperture in one of the band end portions and a projection on the other band end portion to engage the aperture in a closed condition of the clamp and hold the mutually overlapping band end portions upon one another. The clamp also includes tightening means for tightening the clamp by reducing the circumferential length from the closed condition and a tightened condition. The clamp has force transmitting means for positively transmitting tensile force between the mutually overlapping band end portions in the tightened condition of the clamp. The force transmitting means includes a first cup-shaped embossment formed in one of the band end portions and a second cup-shaped embossment formed in the other band end portion and adapted to engage the first cup-shaped embossment in the closed condition of the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: HANS OETIKER AG MASCHINEN-UND APPARATEFABRIK
    Inventor: Walter Streuli
  • Publication number: 20090235493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening arrangement for a hose pip (14) on a component (upper part 10) of a household appliance comprising a receiving connecting piece (18) on which the hose pipe (14) is to be placed and comprising a securing element (16) which is to be arranged on the outer circumference side of the hose pipe (14) placed thereon for fixing with respect to the receiving connecting piece (18), wherein the receiving connecting piece (18) and the securing element (16) are configured as a one-piece fastening element (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Edwin Bolduan
  • Patent number: 7497485
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe joint which provides a seal after joining pipes, thus preventing water from leaking. The pipe joint includes a body part (10) and a coupling part (20). The pipe joint further includes a locking means (30) to couple both ends of the body part (10) to each other, and a reinforcing unit (40) which is reduced in thickness at both ends thereof. The pipe joint further includes sealing units (11) and (41) which are provided inside the body part (10) and the reinforcing unit (40). In the pipe joint of the present invention, the body part and the coupling parts comprise an integrated plate. As such, the pipe joint of the present invention greatly affects both producers and consumers due to its economic efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Byung-moo An
  • Publication number: 20090019673
    Abstract: The device comprises: a clamping collar having a belt that has two substantially cylindrical faces and that is suitable for being tightened around an article to be clamped; and at least one positioning piece comprising: a securing plate that is disposed facing a first face of the belt while being retained relative to said belt; and a positioning portion that is suitable for positioning the device relative to the article to be clamped. When the collar is in its initial, non-tightened state, the securing plate is braced against the first face of the belt, while the retaining whereby the plate is retained relative to the belt allows the belt and the plate to move relative to each other. The plate is suitable for being deformed while the collar is being tightened onto the article so as to present curvature that matches the curvature of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: ETABLISSEMENTS CAILLAU
    Inventors: Nicolas Rigollet, Fabrice Prevot, Eric Mesnard
  • Publication number: 20080282509
    Abstract: A hose clamp is provided that contains a built in gage feature to provide visual indication to the installer that the clamp is properly tensioned (crimped) by the installer. The clamp does away with the detrimental effects of a long tongue and over-band, and makes use of the tongue exiting through the band as a visual aid for correct installation. The clamp of the present invention eliminates the need for a separate gage to verify installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Murray Corporation
    Inventor: Robert F. Fay
  • Publication number: 20080155789
    Abstract: A hose clamp for temporarily clamping bellows hoses or the like to stop liquid flow during repair or maintenance work include first and second jaws hingedly connected, and a locking cam for securing the jaws into a closed position or for unlocking to enable opening of the jaws for installation or release from a hose being clamped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: James J. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7337502
    Abstract: A fastening system that comprises an elongate strap body having a pair of opposed side portions and a top surface between the side portions. The fastening system also has a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending therefrom the top surface of the elongate strap body a protrusion height. Each protrusion has two faces and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The fastening system comprises the ability to form a slit in the top surface of the strap body at almost any location. The slit may generally extend between the pair of side portions, substantially parallel to the protrusion axis and between adjacent male protrusions. The slit may also have end segments extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate strap body, forming a “tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Interlink Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilad Mermelshtein
  • Patent number: 7093326
    Abstract: For obtaining a hose clamp which has a continuously smooth inner surface free of gaps and which requires an as short as possible length of band material, the inner band end portion is provided with a tongue the length of which is approximately half the amount by which the hose clamp is narrowed during tightening. During the first half of the tightening movement, the tongue is guided transversely to the band longitudinal direction by a projection which engages a slot provided in the outer band portion. The slot at its end is continued by a window which starts at a step, and the tongue, during the second half of the tightening movement, passes through the window which then takes over the guidance of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventors: Ulrich Meier, legal representative, Hans Oetiker, deceased
  • Patent number: 6877191
    Abstract: An improved band clamp for securely clamping the end of a flexible hose to one of at least a rigid pipe, a cast outlet of a radiator, a charge air cooler and a turbocharger in order to prevent fluid communication between the two. The improved band clamp includes a clamp band which is configured to circumvent a substantial portion of the hose. The clamp band defines first and second ends, each of which is defined by a terminal portion of the clamp band folded over on itself to define a double thickness, and then formed in an arcuate configuration away from the center of the clamp band. A spline is provided for being received between each of the first and second ends of the clamp band. First and second spacers are provided on the outer sides of the clamp band first and second ends. The first spacer, each of the first and second clamp band ends, and the spline each define an opening to cooperatively receive a bolt. The second spacer defines a threaded opening to receive the bolt in threaded engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: DWWS, LLC
    Inventors: Dan T. Logan, Steven E. Yates
  • Patent number: 6776551
    Abstract: A retaining device comprises a holder for receiving an object and a clamp 4. The holder comprises a cylindrical sleeve 1 with three longitudinal cut-out slits 3 spaced 120° apart and a base 2 secured at one end. The inner surface of the clamp 4 has three lobes 11,12,13 also spaced 120° apart. The portions midway adjacent lobes contact the portions of the sleeve midway adjacent slits 3, resulting in a symmetrical force being applied to the circumference of the sleeve 1 when the clamp 4 is tightened. The clamp 4 is free from the base 2 of the holder and is not rigidly attached to the sleeve 1 and thus does not apply unequal forces to the holder when the clamp is tightened. Alternatively the sleeve 1 may have a thin continuous wall which deforms when forces are applied to it by the clamp 4. The object inserted into the sleeve may have a spherically shaped portion to allow is to be angularly adjusted in the sleeve before the clamp is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventor: Jan Linnenbuerger
  • Patent number: 6594869
    Abstract: A tube clamp is constructed to include a binding strap injection-molded from high strength plastics, the binding strap having two lugs at two ends, and a smoothly arched rib-reinforced extension bearing flange forwardly extended from the first leg and adapted for supporting the second lug and guide movement of the second lug toward the first lug, a screw bolt inserted through a through hole in the first lug and threaded into a screw hole in the second lug and screwed up with a nut to fix the tube clamp to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Dian-Tai Chen
  • Patent number: 6584654
    Abstract: A T-bolt hose clamp comprising an outer band portion for encircling a portion of the circumference of a hose; a T-bolt member and a bridge extending from a first end of the band portion to and opposing second end of the band portion, wherein an inward projecting rib is provided along at least a portion of the outer band portion, having at least a radially innermost portion in substantially the same cross-sectional plane as the inner surface of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Epicor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Erwin Schaub
  • Patent number: 6560823
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the length of a blank for an open-type clamp with overlapping band portions, a tightening device and a device with complementary profiles in the inner and outer clamping band portions to assure a gap-free and stepless inner clamping surface, according to which the location of the beginning of the profile at the inner clamping band portions in the condition of engagement of the mechanical connection and non-tightening of the tightening device is determined as a function of the tightening necessary to reach the diameter of dmax; by locating the transition from full band width to the profile in the inner clamping band portion with the use of this method clamping band material savings can be achieved in the clamp made in accordance with this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Paul M. Craig, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020178548
    Abstract: A closure is made up of a strap (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) and a holder (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630) that engages with the strap while it tightens and loosens, and a retainer (170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670), which retains the holder in one of the two positions relative to the strap. For items opening lengthwise (e.g., sneakers), the closure includes a lace (795). To unlock the closure, the user moves the holder to the unlocked position. To lock the closure, the user pulls the strap, which automatically moves the closure back to the locked position. The strap has two sets of teeth (112, 114, 212, 214, 312, 314, 412, 414, 512, 514, 612, 614). One set (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612), the switching teeth, automatically moves the holder from the unlocked position to the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Anna B Freed
  • Patent number: 6418591
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tightening fastener, in which a clip band is bent in the shape of a ring or a spiral, as well as a tension locking system, wherein the clip band can be used to fasten elongated objects such as cables or pipes in pipeworks and mainly pipes which cannot be accessed. A series of radially protruding holders may be attached to the clip band. These holders are positioned to receive cables, pipes, or other elongated objects. The tension locking system may include a stop member which can, for example, be made in the shape of a stop bolt and which may be maintained in a stop position by a stop frame. When the stop bolt is disengaged from its stop position, the tension locking system partially expands and transmits the tightening force to the clip band, thus tightening the clip band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: KA-TE System AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Hecht, Karl Manstorfer, Peter Lehmann, Heinz Maag, Hans Wyder, Hans Bunschi, Marco Weingarten
  • Patent number: 6405411
    Abstract: The clasp comprises a coupling element with which the cheek plate elements adjacent to a closed position and comprising a coupling bolt for a closing device can be provisionally connected. The coupling element is a bracket which is mounted at its one end so that it can pivot on the coupling bolt of the one cheek plate element and which can be connected by its other end to the other cheek plate element in such a manner that this other end is movably mounted in the coupled position on the other cheek plate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Allemann, Silvio Marti
  • Patent number: 6389654
    Abstract: A clamp assembly (8) in accordance with the present invention includes a tightening mechanism (10) connected to an elongated, flat metal band (12). The metal band is configured to encircle a conduit. The tightening mechanism (10) includes a saddle (14) securely attached to the band (12). A housing (16) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle (14). The housing (16) defines a recess (17) housing a locking worm (18). The locking, worm (18) is rotatable in the housing and defines spiral threads (20) adapted to cooperate with slots (26) defined in the band. The housing (16) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle (14) so that the housing is pivotable relative to the saddle and movable in an axial direction substantially parallel to the saddle to further engage and lock with the saddle in a closed position of the tightening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Breeze Industrial Products Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Tunno, Richard A. Lovgren, John A. Schreckengost
  • Patent number: 6370817
    Abstract: A manual and tool adjustable, reusable tree bracing assembly to support a tree in a substantially vertical position, being specifically structured to allow mounting and removal of the assembly about a tree trunk by a single worker wherein the assembly comprises padded support members movably positionable at spaced apart locations from one another about the circumference of a tree trunk along a length of two adjustable straps and further including at least three brace members and at least three padded support members accommodating the straps wherein one support member is adjustably configured to provide virtually non-slip strap attachment with lock-down option and wherein the distal end of each brace member engages a base member removably fixed to the ground or to a tree grate substantially adjacent the tree trunk and the proximal end of each support member is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the grooved, padded support members so as to exert a supportive, bracing force on the tree tru
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Alvin E. Brooks, Dean R. Ferrie
  • Patent number: 6363581
    Abstract: A hose clamp is provided for establishing a reliable, fluid-tight, seal between a hose and a receptacle therefore or to another length of hose. The clamp includes a plurality of clamp segments and a span ring, e.g., a spiral wound ring. Each clamp segment includes an arcuate interior surface having a span ring slot therein which is positioned to align with a corresponding span ring slot in an adjacent clamp segment. The span ring has a portion disposed in each span ring slot with the interior surface the span ring approximately flush with the interior surfaces of the segments. Each clamp segment further includes a bore on a first end thereof which is adapted to align with a corresponding bore on an end of an adjacent segment. A fastener, e.g., a screw, may be inserted into the bores to draw the ends of the clamp segments toward each other, thereby tightening the segments of the clamp around the hose and receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: JGB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Anthony Zipp
  • Patent number: 6282756
    Abstract: A pipe clip comprising an annular clip body which is made from metal and has adjacent clip-body ends which, between them, form an opening for positioning a pipe around which the pipe clip is to be placed and which can be joined together, which pipe clip furthermore comprises a female fastening element which is fixed to the metal clip body and has an axial bore provided with an internal screw thread for a male fastening element which is provided with an external screw thread and connects the pipe clip to a wall, ceiling or other support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: J. Van Walraven B.V.
    Inventor: Jan van Walraven
  • Patent number: 6253422
    Abstract: A hose clamp is provided for establishing a reliable, fluid-tight, seal between a hose and a receptacle therefore. The clamp includes a plurality of clamp segments and a span ring, e.g., a spiral wound ring. Each clamp segment includes an arcuate interior surface having a span ring slot therein which is positioned to align with a corresponding span ring slot in an adjacent clamp segment. The span ring has a portion disposed in each span ring slot with the interior surface of the span ring approximately flush with the interior surfaces of the segments. Each clamp segment further includes a bore on a first end thereof which is adapted to align with a corresponding bore on an end of an adjacent segment. A fastener, e.g., a screw, may be inserted into the bores to draw the ends of the clamp segments toward each other, thereby tightening the segments of the clamp around the hose and receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: JGB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Anthony Zipp
  • Patent number: 6205624
    Abstract: A locking member (20) for use with a worm-drive hose clip having a strap (15) of encircling an article to be clamped is arranged for slidable mounting on the main part (15) of the strap. When so mounted, the free end (17) of the strap may be entered into the locking member (20) which has a retaining portion (27) adapted to lie against the inwardly directed face of the strap so as to be clamped between the strap (15) and an article (28), on tightening of the clip around the article. The locking member (20) also has a catch member (23) which engages one of the worm-drive abutments (18) on the free end (17) of the strap so that once the clip is tightened, the catch member (23) resists withdrawal of the free end (17) from the locking member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: JCS Hi-Torque Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Trevor Mockridge
  • Patent number: 5930872
    Abstract: A device is provided for mounting and deploying a shrinkable clamp for hose and tubing. The device includes an annular housing in the form of a partial cylinder having a first diameter and longitudinal opening defined along its length by first and second circumferentially spaced longitudinal side edges. A first extension member projects circumferentially from the first side edge into the longitudinal opening, while a second extension member projects circumferentially from the second side edge into the longitudinal opening and is aligned adjacent to the first extension member to define therewith along with the partial cylinder a circumferential outer surface for the housing. A locking mechanism interacts with the first and second extension members for maintaining the relative positions of the first and second extension members and the size of the first diameter when the housing is subjected to a radially compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: David McBride, Richard S. Thornwald
  • Patent number: 5909852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose clamp with a U-shaped lower housing, wherein an end section of a tightening strap is secured to the bottom of the lower housing, and with an upper housing which is pivotally supported in the lower housing for engaging or disengaging a worm drive with the other end region of the tightening strap, wherein the worm drive is supported in the upper housing such as to permit rotation, but no substantial axial movement, and wherein the upper housing comprises mounting tabs formed as one piece which engage or are capable of engaging, respectively, from the inside of the lower housing with recesses in side walls forming the legs of the U-shaped lower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen-Und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Kurt Allert
  • Patent number: 5864926
    Abstract: A spring band clamp is comprised of an annular spring band having a first end portion and a second end portion. Each end portion has a spreading jaw that projects beyond a periphery of the spring band. The first end portion has a tongue spaced from the spreading jaw of the first end portion extending radially outwardly from a U-shaped incision in the first end portion and has a free end surface extending perpendicularly with respect to a direction of extension of the tongue. An abutment is formed by a radially inner edge of the free end surface of the tongue. The second end portion has a slot extending in a circumferential direction. The first end portion projects through the peripheral slot in the second end portion. The spring band exerts a closing spring force, which is directed in the circumferential direction. The closing spring force is greater in an open position of the spring band clamp than in an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Rasmussen GMBH
    Inventors: Jurgen Gyongyosi, Bernd Beicht, Werner Ruppert, Ralf Spors
  • Patent number: 5855044
    Abstract: A clamping device is provided for use in applying radial compressive loading on a deformable tube to retain the tube on a fixed tubular element. The device includes a central portion and first and second interengaged end portions with the first end portion having parallel side pieces and a pair of outwardly extending legs dependent one from each of the side pieces. The legs are spaced apart and a bridge extends between the legs outwardly of the legs. The second end portion has a central piece extending between the legs of the first end portion and including a radial projection extending outwardly from the end of the central piece and defining an outwardly facing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: ACD Tridon Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Cradduck
  • Patent number: 5810503
    Abstract: Clamping device for clamping a shaft to a base member including a base member, at least one clamping element spaced from the base member, a shaft having a longitudinal axis and extending along the base member between the base member and clamping element, connecting links connecting the clamping element to the base member, and a bolt for moving the clamping element into locking engagement with the shaft exerting a clamping action on the shaft which is parallel to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Raphael Schlanger
  • Patent number: 5787555
    Abstract: A tube clamp including a transversely grooved binding strap having a first end terminating in a head and a second end terminating in a tail, a screw holder having hinged clamping plates and being fastened to an opening of the head of the binding strap by its clamping plates and adapted for joining the head and tail of the binding strap, and a screw mounted in the screw holder and turned to move the tail of the binding strap relative to its head in tightening up the tube clamp, wherein the head of the binding strap has two longitudinal bridging elements longitudinally disposed at two opposite sides of its opening, four rounded convex portions disposed in four corners of the opening at a top side of the binding strap for supporting the tail of the binding strap, four rounded concave portions respectively disposed between two opposite ends of the bridging elements and the rounded convex portions at the top side of the binding strap and adapted for buffering the pressure of the hinged clamping plates of the screw
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Dian-Tai Chen
  • Patent number: 5784764
    Abstract: A quick engagement and release device for adjustably coupling the two flanges of a C-shaped bracket. The device incorporates a bolt and a first nut for fixing the bolt to one of the flanges while a thumb nut adjustably couples the other flange to the bolt. The device provides for a quick and convenient device for one-handed coupling and uncoupling of the device to the flanges of the C-shaped bracket without requiring tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Alexander S. Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 5740589
    Abstract: A sheet metal clip with opposed overlapping first and second ends includes a guide tongue integral with the first end and receivable within an integral chamber adjacent the second end. A pair of integral projecting columns adjacent the first end are received through two holes formed adjacent the second end and closely conform thereto to retain the overlapped ends against longitudinal and rotational movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Mikalor, S.A.
    Inventor: Ramon Palau Dominguez
  • Patent number: 5704098
    Abstract: A clamping collar includes a tightener connected to two ends of a band which has its ends positioned on an arcuate screen. Clamping is achieved symmetrically with respect to a diametrical plane of the collar so that the portions of the collar which lie in the diametrical plane do not move relative to the part to be clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Lionel Calmettes
  • Patent number: 5671506
    Abstract: A hose clamp including a band having end portions extending in an overlapping relationship through a housing. One end portion is secured to the housing while the opposite end portion is arranged for displacement through the housing. The housing encloses a screw mechanism with a screw worm in engagement with a row of gear teeth formed in the displaceable end portion of the band and by which the hose clamp may be tightened about an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: ABA of Sweden AB
    Inventor: Roger Eliasson
  • Patent number: 5661876
    Abstract: An improved hose clamping device which uses a housing with a flexible band extending therefrom, and a cylindrical roller with outwardly protruding spiked elements, the roller rotatably mounted within the housing. A turning mechanism turns the roller and the flexible band engages the spikes on the roller to be drawn forward into and through the housing. The band is ideally constructed in whole or in part of a strong fibrous mesh, such as Kevlar, which facilitates ready engagement with the spiked roller. The embodied turning mechanisms are constructed to allow retraction of the band and counter-rotation of the spiked roller without interference of the turning mechanism handle with surround objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Goldenberg