Multipurpose Hose Clamp

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multipurpose hose clamp. The hose clamp is capable of rotating laterally in a 360-degree orientation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The multipurpose clamp includes a round, flat, thin, single-gear band, and a clamping device. The clamping device or screw cage is separable from the band. A screw is configured to twist or turn into the clamping device and engages the slots disposed on the band to increase or decrease a diameter of the hose clamp. The multipurpose clamp can be applied to any type of hose, for example, water hoses, automobile hoses, radiator hoses, air vent hoses, etc. The screw cage is designed to rotate 360-degrees in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Claims

1. An adjustable hose clamp for securing a hose to a hose mount, the adjustable hose clamp comprising: a selectively adjustable band, wherein said selectively adjustable band comprises a plurality of slots at one end and a plurality of hooks at an opposing end; a screw cage selectively rotatable from a generally orthogonal orientation to a generally aligned orientation relative to said selectively adjustable band; and a screw for inserting into said screw cage, wherein turning said screw clockwise engages said plurality of slots and said plurality of hooks for selective tightening of said selectively adjustable band.

2. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 1, wherein said turning of said screw clockwise functions as a worm gear for moving said selectively adjustable band inward into said screw cage from at least one slot to at least another adjacent slot.

3. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 2, wherein turning said screw counterclockwise engages said plurality of slots and said plurality of hooks for selective loosening of said selectively adjustable band.

4. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 3, wherein said turning of said screw counterclockwise functions as a worm gear for moving said band outward away from said screw cage from at least one slot of the plurality of slots to at least another adjacent slot of the plurality of slots.

5. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 4, wherein said selectively adjustable band and said screw cage comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a stainless steel and a galvanized steel.

6. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 5, wherein said selectively adjustable band and said screw cage comprise a cadmium plating.

7. A method of using a multipurpose hose clamp, the method comprising the steps of: moving a pair of terminal ends of a band towards each other to form a generally circular loop; placing a screw cage around a first of the pair of terminal ends of said band and a second of the pair of terminal ends of said band; engaging a plurality of teeth at said first terminal end of said band with a slot at said second terminal end of said band, wherein said teeth pass through said slot; rotating said screw cage selectively clockwise or counterclockwise to orient said screw cage in an accessible angle; inserting a screw into said screw cage; and turning said screw to adjust a diameter of said band.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein turning said screw clockwise engages said slots and said hooks for selective tightening of said band.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said turning of said screw clockwise functions as a worm gear for moving said band inward into said screw cage from at least one slot to at least another adjacent slot.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein turning said screw counterclockwise engages said slots and said hooks for selective loosening of said band.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said turning of said screw counterclockwise functions as a worm gear for moving said band outward away from said screw cage from at least one slot to at least another adjacent slot.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said band and said screw cage include a material selected from the group consisting of a stainless steel and a galvanized steel.

13. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 12, wherein said band and said screw cage include a cadmium plating.

14. An adjustable hose clamp for securing a hose to a hose mount, the adjustable hose clamp comprising: a selectively adjustable band, wherein said selectively adjustable band comprises a plurality of slots at one end and at least one hook at another opposing end; a screw cage selectively rotatable relative to said band; a screw for inserting into said screw cage, wherein turning said screw clockwise engages said slots and said at least one hook for selective tightening of said band; wherein said turning of said screw clockwise functions as a worm gear for moving said band inward into said screw cage from at least one slot to at least another adjacent slot; wherein turning said screw counterclockwise engages said slots and said at least one hook for selective loosening of said band; and wherein said turning of said screw counterclockwise functions as a worm gear for moving said band outward away from said screw cage from at least one slot to at least another adjacent slot.

15. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 14, wherein said screw cage selectively rotatable from a generally orthogonal orientation to a generally aligned orientation with said band.

16. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 14, further comprising rotating said screw cage selectively clockwise or counterclockwise to orient said screw cage in an accessible angle.

17. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 14, further comprising at least another hook at said another end, wherein turning said screw clockwise engages said slots and said at least one hook and said at least another hook for selective tightening of said band.

18. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 14, wherein said band and said screw cage are comprised of a stainless steel.

19. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 14, wherein said band and said screw cage are comprised of a galvanized steel.

20. The adjustable hose clamp of claim 18, wherein said band and said screw cage include a cadmium plating.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose hose clamp of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of components of the multipurpose hose clamp of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing an operation of the multipurpose hose clamp of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multipurpose hose clamp rotated ninety degrees in a clockwise direction to align with the band length in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0019] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0020] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose hose clamp, capable of rotating 360 degrees in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose hose clamp that enables operators to easily attach and remove the clamp from virtually any type of hose such as water hoses, automobile hoses and much more. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a hose clamp that can be accessible from any angle while working with a hose, which enables user to apply the clamp and utilize it as needed from any angle. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a hose clamp that remains tool-accessible from any angle while working with a hose.

[0021] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, comprises a multipurpose hose clamp. The multipurpose hose clamp is configured to selectively rotate 360 degrees in both lateral directions (i.e. clockwise and counterclockwise). The hose clamp further comprises: a round, flat, thin, single-gear band configured to apply around a hose; a screw cage for engaging to the single-gear band; a screw to insert into the screw cage; the screw when twisted into the screw cage enables the band length to shorten (i.e. decrease in diameter) and fasten around the hose; and, the screw cage is adapted to engage to the band in any orientation.

[0022] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose hose clamp of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The multipurpose hose clamp 100 of the present embodiment is configured to rotate 360-degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The multipurpose hose clamp 100 of the present invention can be applied to any type of hose such as water hoses, automobile hoses, radiator hoses, air vent hoses and much more, to provide a tight seal and to prevent leaks. The hose clamp 100 can be made from a combination of steel, iron, stainless steel, galvanized steel or any other such type of material. The hose clamp 100 can also be made of metallic materials that include a cadmium plating to prevent rust and corrosion.

[0023] More specifically, the multipurpose hose clamp 100 includes a round, flat, thin single-gear band 102. The band 102 is configured to be in a circular shape for securing around a circular hose or mount. The diameter of the band 102 increases or decreases as a threaded screw 110 rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction within a screw cage 106. The band 102 engages with the screw cage mechanism 106 for adjusting the diameter of the band 102 by the clamping screw 110. The band 102 includes a plurality of slots 104 that are configured to interact with the screw cage or clamping device 106 and screw 110 to tighten or loosen the hose clamp 100. The band 102 includes an integrated claw shaped attachment 108 at one end of the band 102. When tightening the hose clamp 100, the band 102 moves radially inward and applies a load to a substrate as the screw cage 106 engages the slots 104 staggered along a length of the band 102. When loosening the hose clamp 100, the band 102 moves radially outward as the screw cage 106 disengages from the slots 104 in the band 102.

[0024] The screw cage 106 can be made from metallic materials such as, for example, stainless steel. It should be appreciated that the band 102 can be formed from different materials depending on the use of the clamp 100. Such materials may include polymer materials, such as plastic. It should also be appreciated that, although the screw cage 106 is a screw-type mechanism, the hose clamp 100 can include a different screw mechanism such as, for example, a T-bolt or key-bolt mechanism.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of components of the multipurpose hose clamp of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown in FIG. 2, the hose clamp 100 includes a band 102 which can be used to secure any type of hose, for example, water hoses, automobile hoses, radiator hoses, air vent hoses or other types of such hoses, and to provide a tight seal to prevent leaks. The band 102 includes two ends, such as a first end 200 and a second end 202. The first end 200 of the band 102 includes an attachment portion 108 which can be bent so that hooks or teeth 109, 111 of the attachment portion can pass through the plurality of the slots 104 on the second end 202 of the band 102.

[0026] The screw cage 106 is separable from the band, and can be connected in a direction generally perpendicular to the band orientation. The screw cage 106 can be inserted over the clamp band 102 to connect both the ends 200, 202 of the band 102. Once the first end 200 of the band 102 passes through the slots 104 on the second end 202 of the band 102, the screw cage 106 can be inserted in the first end 200, in order to engage the material on the inside of the screw cage. The screw cage 106 can rotate on the band 102 in a 360-degree clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0027] The band 102 length can be adjusted by means of the screw cage 106 cooperating with the clamping screw 110. The diameter of the band 102 can be adjusted by the clamping screw 110 cooperating with the slots 104, such that when the threaded screw 110 rotates, clockwise or counterclockwise, the enclosing diameter of the band 102 decreases or increases, respectively.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing an operation of the multipurpose hose clamp of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, initially both the ends of the band are moved towards each other, such that the teeth or hooks of the attachment portion in the first end are passed through the slots on the second end of the band (Block 300). Then, the screw cage is inserted over the first end of the clamp band in order to engage both of the band ends on the inside of the screw cage (Block 301). The screw cage can be placed over the clamp band in a generally orthogonal orientation relative to the band, in order to connect the band (i.e. clamp) ends (Block 302). The screw cage can be rotated in 360 degree clockwise and counterclockwise directions (Block 303). The screw cage can be connected in a generally orthogonal direction relative to the band orientation. Once the screw cage is at the desired position, the screw can be inserted in the screw cage and then turned in order to adjust the diameter of the band (Block 304). The hose clamp can be tightened by rotating the screw in the clockwise direction. As the screw rotates in clockwise or counterclockwise directions, the enclosing diameter of the band decreases or increases (Block 305), respectively.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the multipurpose hose clamp rotated generally ninety degrees in a clockwise direction to align with the band length in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown in FIG. 4, the multipurpose hose clamp 400 can be rotated ninety degrees laterally in the clockwise direction. The hose clamp 400 screw cage 106 can rotate ninety degrees on the band 102 in the clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction, to align with the orientation of the band length. When the screw cage 106 is placed over the clamp band 102 to connect the band ends, the screw cage can be rotated in a ninety degree orientation in clockwise counterclockwise directions.

[0030] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multipurpose hose clamp”, “hose clamp”, and “clamp device” are interchangeable and refer to the multipurpose hose clamp 100 of the present invention.

[0031] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multipurpose hose clamp 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the multipurpose hose clamp 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose hose clamp 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose hose clamp 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multipurpose hose clamp 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0032] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0033] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.