US Patent 7721393 Size-conscious hose clamp

An open-type hose clamp which comprises a plastically deformable “Oetiker” ear as tightening device that requires a predetermined minimum plastic deformation for desired operation. Proper operation of the “Oetiker” ear is assured by a lost motion connection. The lost motion connection which also forms the mechanical connection between overlapping band portions includes at least one outwardly extending member extending outwardly from the inner band portion and adapted to engage in a corresponding aperture in the outer band portion, whereby the mechanical connection is such as to prevent use of an undersize clamp with a given hose and to assure a lock up of the mechanical connection upon engagement of the outwardly extending member in the aperture during tightening of the clamp.