HOSE CLAMP WITH MECHANICAL INDICATOR
A hose clamp is disclosed. The hose clamp includes a mechanical indicator configured to fracture at a predetermined band tension.
1 . A hose clamp comprising:
an annular band,
a tension mechanism configured to tighten the annular band to increase band tension, and
a mechanical indicator configured to fracture at a predetermined band tension.
2 . The hose clamp of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical indicator comprises a tooth connected to a spine, the tooth being configured to fracture at the predetermined band tension.
3 . The hose clamp of claim 2 , wherein the mechanical indicator comprises a fuse coupled to the spine, the fuse including the tooth.
4 . The hose clamp of claim 2 , wherein the tooth is formed from a plastic material and the annular band is formed from a metallic material.
5 . The hose clamp of claim 2 , wherein the annular band includes the spine.
6 . The hose clamp of claim 2 , wherein the annular band includes a pair of spines, and the tooth extends between the pair of spines.
7 . The hose clamp of claim 2 , wherein the annular band includes the spine and the tooth.
8 . The hose clamp of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined band tension is equal to about 800 lbs.