Quick-release, threadless HOSE clamp

Abstract

A hose clamp (450) which incorporates a toggling lever functionable to lock down and secure the clamp in place on a hose without need for use of screwdrivers or other implements. The ratchet lever presses forward a slider block which travels above a distal end of a collar and is affixed to a proximal end of the collar.

Description

QUICK-RELEASE, THREADLESS HOSE CLAMPFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an improved hose clamp structure.BACKGROUNDDESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] The present invention present overcomes deficiencies in the art, many of which have existed for than a century . Typical hose clamps comprise an annular band or collar, formed of a metal alloy, which circumscribes a hose coupled to a cylindrical attachment body. The collar is deformed against the hose. In typical embodiments, these hose clamps are tightened using a jack screw, or threaded tightener, disposed above the band at a junction point between distal and proximal ends of the collar adapted to apply progressive clamping / tensile force to the band.

[0003] Hose clamps statically position a hose clamp in close proximity to the end of hose and resist tensile pull of the hose which would other wise separate the hose from the attachment body.

[0004] Holderless types and holder types of hose clamps are know in the art, but are both inefficient, suffering from various inefficiencies and defects including the difficulty of using an elongated screwdriver in confined engine compartments to engage the tightener and nonoptimal clamping force being applied after positioning, as well as the time needed to turn the tightener.

[0005] For this reason, operators needing to quickly attach, or detach, hose clamps are denied effective means of doing either. There exists no efficient implement in the art which overcomes these inefficiencies. An improved hose clamp is needed.SUMMARY

[0006] From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an improved hose clamp. Beneficially, such an apparatus would be easily attached and detached.

[0007] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available hose clamps. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an improved hose clamp comprising: an elongated band adapted to circumscribe a hose and attachment point, the band having a distal end and proximal end; a slider block affixed to a distal end of the elongated band, the slider block forming a recess adapted to affix to the distal end of the elongated band, the slider block comprising two upper protuberances jutting laterally from the slider block; a toggling lever comprising: two sidewalls having arcuate outer edges, each sidewall comprising a recess within which the upper protuberances travel, each sidewall defining a protuberance channel recessed in the sidewall operable to facilitate travel of one or more upper protuberances into the recess; wherein each sidewall defines an aperture about which the sidewall rotates axially.

[0008] The toggling lever may comprise one of a polymeric material and a metal alloys. In some embodiments, the recess narrows, or tapers, through a midsection. The one or more backplates may extend above the top of the recess. The apertures may traverse the sidewalls laterally from an inner surface to an outer surface.

[0009] The lower edge of the sidewalls may be tapered to provide a ramp operable to enable one or more fulcrums to snap into the apertures. Each sidewall may be thicker toward a lower surface of than the upper surface.

[0010] The hose clamp may further comprise one or more protruding, elongate backstops jutting outwardly from a rearward portion of a sidewall.

[0011] A second hose clamp is provided comprising: an elongated band adapted to circumscribe a hose and attachment point, the band having a distal end and proximal end; a slider block affixed to a distal end of the elongated band, the slider block forming a recess adapted to affix to the distal end of the elongated band, the slider block comprising two upper protuberances jutting laterally from the slider block; a toggling lever comprising: two sidewalls having arcuate outer edges, each sidewall comprising a recess within which the upper protuberances travel, each sidewall defining a protuberance channel recessed in the sidewall operable to facilitate travel of one ormore upper protuberances into the recess; wherein each sidewall defines an aperture about which the sidewall rotates axially; wherein the lower edge of the sidewalls is tapered to provide a ramp operable to enable one or more fulcrums to snap into the apertures; wherein each sidewall is thicker toward a lower surface of than the upper surface; one or more backplates extending above the top of the recess.

[0012] The trailing edge of the toggling lever may be arcuate.

[0013] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0014] These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a forward perspective view of a traditional hose clamp in accordance with the prior art;

[0017] Figure 2A is a forward, perspective view of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2B is a forward, perspective view of one embodiment of a toggling level of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2C is a forward, perspective view of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2D is a forward, perspective view of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 is a forward, environmental perspective view of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4B is a side, environmental perspective view' of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4C is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 5 is an environmental, side perspective view' of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp in accordance with the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference throughout this specification to "‘one embodiment,’' “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment.” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0028] The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

[0029] Figure 1 is a forward perspective view of a traditional hose clamp 10 in accordance with the prior art.

[0030] The hose clamp 10 comprises an annular band or collar 8, formed of either a metal alloy and / or a polymeric material. The collar is deformed against a hose. In typical embodiments, these hose clamps are tightened using a jack screw 6, or threaded tightener, disposed above the band 8 at a junction point 4 between distal andproximal ends of the collar adapted to apply progressive clamping / tensile force to the band.

[0031] Hose clamps statically position a hose clamp 10 in close proximity to the end of hose 302 and resist tensile pull of the hose 302 which would otherwise separate the hose 302 from the attachment body 304.

[0032] Figure 2A is an environmental, forward, perspective view of one embodiment of a toggling lever of an improved hose clamp 200 in accordance with the present invention.

[0033] The hose clamp 200 may comprise a toggling lever 280 further described below.

[0034] Figure 2B is a forward, perspective view of one embodiment of a toggling lever of an improved hose clamp 280 in accordance with the present invention.

[0035] The toggling level 280 may be fabricated from, or comprise, polymeric materials or metal alloys. The toggling lever 280 comprises, or consists of, two sidewalls 284a-b having arcuate outer edges 296. Each sidewalls 284 may comprise a planar outer surface. The inner surface 452 of the sidewalls 284 may define an oblong recess 288 operable to allow pivots, pins, or the upper protuberances 487 to travel therein. In various embodiments, the recess 288 is keyhole-shaped. The recess 288 narrows, or tapers, through a midsection than flares out diametrically in the lower section such that the recess 288 biases the upper protuberances 487 into rest in the top or bottom of the recess 288.

[0036] The sidewalls 284 are connected with one or more backplates 286 extending between the sidewalls 284. The plate 286 extends above the top of the recess 288 within in toggling lever 280.

[0037] The backplates 286 may be planar or non-planar and may comprise a back surface adapted and operable to engage a thumb or finger of an operator, including a back surface having texturing.

[0038] Each sidewall 284 defines a protuberance channel 294 disposed behind the recess 288. The protuberance channel 294 partially comprises a channel recessed in the sidewall 284 operable to allow the upper protuberances 487 to travel into, and be received by, the recess 288. The protuberance channels 288 may be operable to facilitated snapping of the toggling lever onto the upper protuberances 487.

[0039] The sidewalls 284 each define a lower aperture 282 adapted to receive a fulcrum 122, the apertures traversing the sidewalls laterally from the inner surface 452to the outer surface. The toggling lever 280 is hingedly affixed at the fulcrum 122 to rotate axially about the fulcrum 122.

[0040] The lower edge 298 of the sidewalls 284 is narrowed or tapered laterally to provide a ramp operable to enable the fulcrums 122 to snap into the apertures 282.

[0041] The sidewalls 284 may be thicker toward a lower surface of than the upper surface to increase strength around the fulcrums 122.

[0042] In various embodiments, the sidewalls 284 are affixed along a rearward edge to laterally-flaring, or protruding, elongate backstops 287, which may comprise an elongate lip or rib jutting outwardly from a rearward portion of the sidewalls 284 against which other components may or may not rest.

[0043] In various embodiments, the sidewalls 284 are connected using a beam 290, which may position below the recesses 288a-b.

[0044] Figures 2C - 5 illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of an improved hose clamp 100, 290, 300, 400, 450. 470 and 500 in accordance with the present invention.

[0045] The apparatus 100 comprises a simi -rigid band 106 (or collar 106) formed of a metal alloy, polymeric or organic material (such as leather). The band 106 is separated, or interrupted, having a distal end 116 and a proximal end 118.

[0046] The band 106 is deformed to form an annular ring, with the distal end 116 of the band 106 overlapping the proximal end 118 of the band 106. In other embodiments, the proximal end 1 18 overlaps the distal end 1 16.

[0047] A tightener assembly 126 positions, in some embodiments, above the junction point of the distal end 116 and the proximal end 118. The ratchet lever is indicated at 108.

[0048] The ratchet lever 108 is U-shaped (from a forward perspective), comprising two inferior prongs 452a-b. These inferior prongs 452a-b define a lever recess 454 betw een them in which a slider block 464 positions. In various embodiments, the ratchet lever 108 is oblong in shape from a side perspective view, having an ovoid annular sidewall 472 circumscribing an interior recess 458 defined by the sidewall 472.

[0049] As the ratchet lever 108 is pushed downwardly toward the collar / band 106 is tightened over the hose 104 and hose attachment point 102.

[0050] The ratchet lever 108 pivots about a lower fulcrum 122. which may be disposed superiorly the band 106 or co-planarly. The lower fulcrum 122 is formed bytwo lower protuberances 476, each jutting laterally from a track 466 and affixed thereto. The protuberances 476 position within the interior recess 458.

[0051] The ratchet lever 108 may comprise an arcuate trailing edge 197 (i.e., arcuate rearw ard edge). In some embodiments, the arc defining the trailing edge 197 is equivalent to the arc of the forward edge

[0052] In various embodiments, the proximal end 118 of the collar 106 is affixed to a track 466. In various embodiments, the proximal end 118 of the collar 106 is permanently affixed to the track 466.

[0053] The track 466 may comprise a first track sidewall 474a and a second track sidewall 474b, which form a recess between them within which the slider block 464 travels.

[0054] The slider block 464 forms a recess 482 through which the distal end 116 of the collar 106 traverses. The slider block 464 may be formed from metal, metal alloy or polymeric components. In various embodiments, two upper protuberances 478 jut laterally from the slider block 464 and are affixed thereto. The upper protuberances 478 position within the recess 458 above the lower protuberances 476.

[0055] The apparatus 450 comprises a rear block 462. The rear block 462 is affixed to the proximal end 118 of the collar 106. The distal end 116 of the collar 106 passes through an aperture 480. The distal end 116 of the collar 106 is slidably positioned within the rear block 464.

[0056] When the ratchet lever 108 is pushed forward away from the rear block 462, pivoting about the fulcrum 122 comprising the lower protuberances 476, the slider block 464 travels forwardly within the track 466. As the ratchet lever 108 and the elongated recess 458 are angled forward, the upper protuberances 478 come into position forward of the low er protuberances 476; and, in some embodiments, inferiorly to the lower protuberances 476 (i.e., lower than the lower protuberances 476). The ratchet lever 108 may abut the top surface of the collar 106. In this configuration, the tensile force on the apparatus 470 created by the underlying hose 302 and / or attachment point 304, keep the lever 108 affixed in a forw ard configuration and the apparatus 470 effectively applies pressure to the hose 302, clamping around the same.

[0057] The track 466 may further comprise an upwardly-rising protuberance 487. In some embodiments, the upw ardly rising protuberance 487 forms a joint with the slider block 464. This joint may be a dovetail joint. The slider block 464 travels across the upwardly -rising protuberance.

[0058] The ratchet lever 108 may hingedly affixed to a tension spring 112 and a tension bar 120. In various embodiments, the apparatus 500 comprises a tension spring.

[0059] The hose clamp 100 - 500 is tightened around the distal end of a hose 302 mounted over an attachment point 304. The attachment point 304 may be a pipe, tubing, or an otherwise cylindrical member.

[0060] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0061] Claims:

Claims

1. An improved hose clamp comprising: an elongated band adapted to circumscribe a hose and attachment point, the band having a distal end and proximal end; a slider block affixed to a distal end of the elongated band, the slider block forming a recess adapted to affix to the distal end of the elongated band, the slider block comprising two upper protuberances jutting laterally from the slider block; a toggling lever comprising: two sidewalls having arcuate outer edges, each sidewall comprising a recess within which the upper protuberances travel, each sidewall defining a protuberance channel recessed in the sidewall operable to facilitate travel of one or more upper protuberances into the recess; wherein each sidewall defines an aperture about which the sidewall rotates axially.

2. The hose clamp of claim 1. wherein the toggling lever comprises one of a polymeric material and a metal alloys.

3. The hose clamp of claim 1. wherein the recess narrows, or tapers, through a midsection.

4. The hose clamp of claim 1. wherein the one or more backplates extend above the top of the recess.

5. The hose clamp of claim 1. wherein the apertures traverse the sidewalls laterally from an inner surface to an outer surface.

6. The hose clamp of claim 1. wherein the lower edge of the sidewalls is tapered to provide a ramp operable to enable one or more fulcrums to snap into the apertures.

7. The hose clamp of claim 1, wherein each sidewall is thicker toward a lower surface of than the upper surface.

8. The hose clamp of claim 1, further comprising one or more protruding, elongate backstops jutting outwardly from a rearward portion of a sidewall.

9. The hose clamp of claim 1, wherein a trailing edge of the toggling lever is arcuate.

10. An improved hose clamp comprising: an elongated band adapted to circumscribe a hose and attachment point, the band having a distal end and proximal end; a slider block affixed to a distal end of the elongated band, the slider block forming a recess adapted to affix to the distal end of the elongated band, the slider block comprising two upper protuberances jutting laterally from the slider block; a toggling lever comprising: two sidewalls having arcuate outer edges, each sidewall comprising a recess within which the upper protuberances travel, each sidewall defining a protuberance channel recessed in the sidewall operable to facilitate travel of one or more upper protuberances into the recess; wherein each sidewall defines an aperture about which the sidewall rotates axially; wherein the lower edge of the sidewalls is tapered to provide a ramp operable to enable one or more fulcrums to snap into the apertures; wherein each sidewall is thicker toward a lower surface of than the upper surface; one or more backplates extending above the top of the recess.

11. The hose clamp of claim 10, wherein a trailing edge of the toggling lever is arcuate.

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