Hose wire retainer

• US 4,850,396 A
• Filed: 10/07/1988
• Issued: 07/25/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dana Corporation (Dana, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dana Corporation (Dana, Inc.)
• Inventors: Richards, Kevin D., McClish, Arthur W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bryant, III, James E.
• Application Number:
  US07/256,203
• Time in Patent Office: 291 Days
• Field of Search: 138/103, 138/110, 138/177, 138/178, 138/106, 138/107, 138/172, 174/47, 174/DIG. 8, 24/457, 24/570
• US Class Current: 138/103
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/04 Arrangements of piping, valves in the piping, e.g. cut-off valves, couplings or air hoses traction couplings involving joints for supply lines, electric circuits, or the like B60D1/62; couplings peculiar to railway vehicles for, or combined with, couplings or connectors for fluid conduits or electric cables B61G5/06; pipes, cut-off valves, couplings, air hoses per se F16C, F16K, F16L
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 3/06 with supports for wires

Abstract

A system of wire connectors fixedly secured to a tubular hydraulic brake hose member in a vehicular assembly. In a preferred form, the connectors are uniformly spaced along the tubular member, each connector having a main body portion injection molded to the tubular member. Each connector has a pair of flexible retaining tabs spaced circumferentially apart from one another and extending generally radially of the main body portion. Each pair of tabs defines a generally circular wire receiving opening of a diameter substantially equal to that of the wire member intended to be secured therein. The tabs further define a pair of flexible arms which provide snap-fittable engagement and removal of the wire member with respect to the opening.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising a flexible, elastomer tubular member and a plurality of wire connectors fixed to said flexible, elastomer tubular member, said connectors spaced apart along said member and comprising resilient means for selectively securing a wire member adjacent said tubular member, each of said connectors comprising an annular main body portion fixedly molded about said tubular member, said connectors each comprising a pair of flexible retaining tabs, said tabs spaced apart from one another and extending generally radially of said annular main body portion and defining a generally circular wire receiving opening therebetween, said opening having a diameter substantially equal to that of the wire member intended to be secured therein, said opening size to permit limited axial movement of said wire member as said elastomer tubular member is twisted, turned or flexed, wherein said tabs are comprised of a plastic material and are integral to said annular main body portion, and wherein said tubular member comprises a longitudinally serrated exterior body surface, wherein said main body portion includes an inner surface having portions extending into and engaging spaced defined by said exterior longitudinal serrations of said tubular member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said main body portion is shrink fitted about said tubular member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said main body portion comprises an injection molded plastic, wherein said integral tabs comprise a pair of flexible arms disposed for snap-fittable engagement and removal of said wire member.