Locator tab and associated hose clamp

Abstract

An improved locator and hose clamp configuration that is able to statically position a hose clamp in close proximity to the end of a hose, and resist substantial pull off loads. The improved hose clamp locator comprises a connection portion, a head portion, a deflecting portion having a reduced bending resistance positioned between the connection and head portion, an end portion extending angularly from the head portion, a clip portion extending angularly from the end portion, and a tooth portion disposed to engage an interior surface of a hose extending angularly from the clip portion. Also provided is an improved hose clamp assembly comprising a band provided with a partial aperture, an adjustor disposed to facilitate constriction of the band, and a clamp locator connected to the band and positioned adjacent the partial aperture. Additionally, a method of clamping a hose to a fitting comprising the steps of attaching a clamp locator being disposed to deflect under hose clamp operations to a hose clamp having a band describing a partial aperture, positioning the hose clamp around a hose, forcing the clamp locator to engage the hose, positioning the hose clamp and hose around a fitting, and tightening the hose clamp and allowing the clamp locator to deflect towards the partial aperture described by the hose clamp band.