Disposable clamp locator for air conditioning hose assemblies
US7090255B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/1457
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clamp locator for hose assemblies is provided. The clamp locator includes releasable connections for holding hose clamps during assembly of a hose to a hose fitting. The releasable connections comprise generally elastic fingers that hold the clamps to the locator. As the hose clamps are crimped and closed over the hose the clamps are pulled from the fingers and released from the locator. The locator includes a reference locating tab protruding from the body of the locator. The tab corresponds to a reference locating groove in a fitting to which the hose is to be attached. The locator, with clamps attached, is first slid over an end of the hose and the fitting is inserted into the hose end. A ramp on the fitting leads the tab to the groove in the fitting as the fitting is inserted into the hose end. The tab will snap into the groove, indicating that the hose, fitting and clamps are properly aligned. The clamps are then crimped over the hose and the locator released for proper disposal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.