Abstract: A coupling band for forming a pipe joint between adjacent ends of a pair of respective pipe lengths has an elongate fastener tongue at one end which is fed through a corresponding receiver at the other end of the band. The tongue and the receiver are provided with complementary ratchet-type teeth so that the tongue can be fed through the receiver in a band-tightening direction and so that the teeth will effectively hold the tongue within the receiver, preventing it from being withdrawn in a band-relaxing direction. A manually operated rotary ratcheting tool is provided for feeding the tongue through the receiver in order to tighten the band when forming the pipe joint. When the band has been tightened to the required extent, the ratcheting tool is removed and a leading end of the tongue which has passed through the receiver is bent back over the top of the receiver in the form of a hook providing additional security against release of the band.

Abstract: A folding boat chair formed by a molded plastic seat member and a molded plastic back member. An integral boss on the underside of the seat member presents a socket which fits on the top end of an upright post mounted in the boat. The seat can turn on the post and can be locked in place by a clamp mechanism. Pins which are integral with the sides of the back member fit in passages in sides of the seat member to pivotally connect the members without the need for separate hinge components.

Abstract: An adjustable leg for supporting a table top whereby the height can be raised or lowered comprises a metal tube defining the leg within which is mounted a screw threaded rod. A square opening in one side of the wall of the tube exposes the teeth of a gear member which can be rotated and carries a screw thread for cooperation with the rod to raise and lower the table top. Collars on either side of the gear member provide bearing surfaces for axial movement of the rod and for rotational movement of the gear member. The gear member can have two separate axially spaced sets of teeth, one for cooperation with an electric motor drive gear and the other for cooperation with a manually operable ratchet device. The ratchet device and electric motor are alternatives and each of which can be mounted in a housing for clamping around the tubular leg.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for attaching accessories such as boarding ladders, ski tow bars and lights to a small boat. A latch plate is secured to the boat and carries a socket having an internal annular rib. A tube projecting from the accessory carries a pair of opposed latch elements each having an enlarged head extending out of the tube. A U-shaped spring wire urges the latch elements apart toward a latching position in which the heads of the elements securely interlock with the rib when the tube is fully inserted in the socket. Cam surfaces on the latch heads interact with the rib to displace the heads so that they can pass the rib as the tube is being inserted. Each latch element has a release button which extends through the side of the tube. When the buttons are depressed, the latch elements are released from the rib to permit the tube to be withdrawn from the socket.