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A unitary, flexible, and resilient clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of objects such as coolant hoses, tubes, or the like. The clamp has a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration and includes a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and

A unitary, flexible, and resilient clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of objects such as coolant hoses, tubes, or the like. The clamp has a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration and includes a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion. A first band end is connected to a first end portion of the flexible band and includes at least three inwardly projecting extensions. A second band end is connected to the opposite end portion of the flexible band and includes at least two extensions projecting inwardly towards the extensions of the first band end and configured to matingly engage therewith. The inwardly projecting extensions include correspondingly positioned pairs of mating teeth and are configured, positioned, and oriented such that when the band ends are moved towards each other the extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed position such that the clamp assumes a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the hose or object to be clamped and contacts its surface, providing uniformly distributed, stable and substantial clamping pressures.

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1. A unitary clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion; (b) a first band end

1. A unitary clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the object to be clamped and contacts the outer surface thereof, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower spaced positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band, and the spacing being sufficient to engagingly receive the extensions of said second band end. 2. The clamp according to claim 1 wherein said at least two extensions of said second band end are configured to matingly engage with said at least three inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end, and when said band ends are moved towards each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other. 3. A unitary clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and contacts the object, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower spaced positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band, and the spacing being sufficient to engagingly receive the extensions of said second band end. 4. The clamp according to claim 3 wherein said at least two extensions of said second band end are configured to matingly engage with said at least three inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end, and when said band ends are moved towards each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other. 5. A clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, sdid second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to matingly engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the object to be clamped and contacts the outer surface thereof, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band. 6. The clamp according to claim 5 wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said second band end are positioned in relatively upper and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band. 7. A clamp for applying clamping forces to the exterior surface of an object having a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate portion which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two extensions projecting inwardly toward said extensions of said first band end and configured to matingly engage therewith, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate portion of said flexible band assumes a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and contacts the object, and wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said first band end are positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band. 8. The clamp according to claim 7 wherein said inwardly projecting extensions of said second band end are positioned in relatively upper and lower positions, the lower position being closest to the center of the flexible band. 9. The clamp according to claim 8 wherein said upper and intermediate extensions on said first band end and said upper and lower extensions on said second band end each include a plurality of teeth on at least one side and said lower extension on said first band end is tapered and toothless. 10. The clamp of claim 9 wherein said plurality of teeth extend along at least a portion of the extensions. 11. The clamp according to claim 9 wherein said teeth are arranged so as to firmly engage each other to maintain the clamp in said closed position. 12. The clamp according to claim 11 wherein the height of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than the height of the teeth on said other extensions. 13. The clamp according to claim 12 wherein the heignt of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than or approximately one-half the height of the teeth on said other extensions. 14. The clamp according to claim 13 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface portion of said flexible band is a indentation. 15. The clamp according to claim 13 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface portion of said flexible band is an aperture extending through the band. 16. The clamp according to claim 15 wherein said aperture is elongated and extends approximately from said first end portion of said flexible band to approximately said second end portion of said flexible band. 17. The clamp according to claim 16 wherein said band ends are provided with means for gripping and applying inwardly directed forces to close the clamp. 18. The clamp according to claim 17 wherein said means for gripping said band ends comprises corrugations positioned at opposed locations on said band ends. 19. The clamp according to claim 18 wherein said first band end further comprises means to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement of said extensions of said band ends. 20. The clamp according to claim 19 wherein said means to prevent disengagement of said band ends is a membrane located on one side of at least one band end and extending across said extensions of said band end perpendicular to the axis of the object to be clamped. 21. The clamp according to claim 19 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces of said extensions is correspondingly tapered in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement so as to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends thereof in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped. 22. The clamp according to claim 21 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed. 23. The clamp according to claim 21 wherein at least two pairs of said opposed mating surfaces of said extensions are oppositely tapered to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends in both directions parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped. 24. The clamp according to claim 23 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed. 25. The clamp according to any of claim 14 wherein said flexible band and band ends are fabricated of one of plastic and metal. 26. The clamp according to claim 25 wherein said plastic is nylon. 27. A clamp for applying pressure to the exterior surface of an elongated object such as a hose having a generally circular cross section which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate surface which is at least partially discontinuous, (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions positioned in relatively upper, intermediate, and lower positions, the lowest position being closest to the center of the flexible band; and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two inwardly projecting extensions positioned in correspondingly relatively upper and lower positions and configured to matingly engage with said extensions of said first band end, the lower side of said upper extension on said first band end and the upper side of said upper extension on said second band end each having a plurality of teeth, said lower extension on said first band end being tapered and toothless, and said remaining extensions being toothless, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned, and oriented such that when said band ends are moved toward each other, said extensions and said teeth become progressively matingly engaged with each other in a manner to maintain the clamp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate surface is substantially circular for pressure contact with the exterior surface of the elongated object. 28. The clamp of claim 27 wherein said plurality of teeth extend along at least a portion of the extensions. 29. The clamp according to claim 27 further comprising a plurality of teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and a plurality of mating teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end. 30. The clamp of claim 29 wherein said plurality of teeth extend along at least a portion of the extensions. 31. The clamp according to claim 29 wherein said teeth are arranged so as to firmly engage each other to maintain the clamp in said closed position. 32. The clamp according to claim 31 wherein said teeth have a generally triangular shape as viewed along the axial direction of the object to be clamped. 33. The clamp according to claim 32 wherein the height of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than the height of the teeth on said other extensions. 34. The clamp according to claim 33 wherein the height of said teeth on the upper side of said lower extension of said second band end and the height of said teeth on the lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end is less than or approximately one-half the height of the teeth on said other extensions. 35. The clamp according to claim 34 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface of said flexible band is an indentation. 36. The clamp according to claim 34 wherein said discontinuity in said inner arcuate surface of said flexible band is an aperture extending through the band. 37. The clamp according to claim 36 wherein said aperture is elongated and extends approximately from said first end portion of said flexible band to approximately said second end portion of said flexible band. 38. The clamp according to claim 37 wherein said band ends are provided with means for gripping and applying inwardly directed forces to close the clamp. 39. The clamp according to claim 38 wherein said means for gripping said band ends comprises corrugations positioned at opposed locations on said band ends. 40. The clamp according to claim 39 wherein said first band end further comprises means to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends teeth in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement of said extensions of said band ends. 41. The clamp according to claim 40 wherein said means to prevent disengagement of said band ends is a membrane located on one side of at least one band end and extending across said extensions of said band end perpendicular to the axial direction of the object to be clamped. 42. The clamp according to claim 40 wherein at least one pair of said opposed mating surfaces of said extensions is correspondingly tapered in a direction perpendicular to the direction of engagement so as to prevent or resist disengagement thereof in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped. 43. The clamp according to claim 42 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed. 44. The clamp according to claim 40 wherein at least two pairs of said opposed mating surfaces of said extensions are oppositely tapered to prevent or resist disengagement of said band ends in both directions parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped. 45. The clamp according to claim 44 wherein at least one pair of opposed mating surfaces are toothed. 46. The clamp according to claim 40 wherein said band further comprises a tear tab to enable said clamp to be removed from the clamped object. 47. The clamp according to claim 46 wherein at least two mating surfaces of oppositely positioned extensions include a guide groove on one surface and a bead or dimple on the mating surface to provide resistance to movement of said band ends in either direction parallel to the axial direction of the object to be clamped. 48. The clamp according to claim 40 wherein said flexible band and band ends are fabricated of one of plastic and metal. 49. The clamp according to claim 48 wherein said plastic is nylon. 50. A clamp for applying pressure to the exterior surface of an elongated object such as a hose having a generally circular cross-section which comprises: (a) a flexible band in the form of an open ring having opposed end portions and defining an inner arcuate surface which is at least partially discontinuous; (b) a first band end connected to a first end portion of said flexible band, said first band end including at least three inwardly projecting extensions positioned in relatively upper, intermediate and lower positions, the lowest position being closest to the center of the flexible band: and (c) a second band end connected to the opposite end portion of said flexible band, said second band end including at least two inwardly projecting extensions positioned in corresponding, relatively upper and lower positions and configured to engage said extensions of said first band end, the lower side of said upper extensions on said first band end add the upper side of said upper extension on said second band end each having a plurality of mating teeth, said lower extension on said first band end being tapered and toothless, the upper side of said intermediate extension of said first band end and the lower side of the upper extension of said second band end each having a plurality of mating teeth, and said lower side of said intermediate extension of said first band end having a plurality of teeth, said lower extension of said second band end being toothless, said inwardly projecting extensions being configured, positioned and oriented such that when said band ends are moved towards each other, said extensions and said mating teeth become progressively matingly engaged with each other in manner to maintain the clasp in a closed condition whereby said inner arcuate surface is substantially circular for pressure contact with the exterior surface of the elongated object.