Abstract: The present invention relates to filters for coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc., in which a filter is placed in a cylindrical container and whatever is to be filtered is placed in the filter that has been placed in the cylindrical container. Thereafter, either hot or ice cold water, in the case of iced tea, is poured into the cylindrical container over that which is to be filtered. In more cases than not, the filter collapses, especially in the case of coffee and tea, the result is that coffee grinds and tea leaves eventually get into the coffee cup or tea leaves get into the tea cup. The present invention solves this problem by providing a retention ring of shape retaining inert material, such as plastic or stainless steel that is capable of being compressed in size placing it inside the filter that has been placed in the cylindrical container that is to be filled with a product.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and maintaining a penile erection in a male suffering from erectile dysfunction includes a resilient ring member defining an inner opening through which the penis is inserted. The inside circumferential surface adjacent the inner opening is supple and adapted to contact the shaft of the penis. The cross-sectional area of the inner opening is adjustable between a minimum cross-sectional area which is sized sufficiently small to restrict the return venous blood flow from the penis to the torso (i.e. restrict excessive venous leakage) and larger cross-sectional areas. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart handles extending outwardly from the resilient ring member which allow the user of the apparatus to quickly adjust the cross-sectional area of the inner opening. In use, a flaccid penis is inserted through the inner opening of the resilient ring member and the resilient ring member is placed in the closed position at the base of the penis adjacent the torso.

Abstract: A strap tensioning apparatus (26) suitable for use in a motor vehicle having strap (11) for retaining a sensor (12) strapped inside a tire/wheel assembly (14) is described. The strap tensioning apparatus includes an arcuate member (28) having a first radius of curvature along a longitudinal axis unequal to the installed radius of curvature. The difference in radii of curvature is such that the arcuate member will maintain a predetermined tension in the strap (11) in the event the strap relaxes during normal use, thus preventing the dislocation of the strap (11) and sensor (16) relative to an installed location.

Abstract: A device for clamping a hose end section that is fitted onto a pipe end section includes a hose clamp surrounding a hose end section. The hose clamp has overlapping end sections, each of which has an approximately radially outwardly extending tensioning jaw. A securing ring is fixed to the hose end section and has a radial projection. The securing ring surrounds the hose end section and is disposed between the hose end and the hose clamp. The securing ring is joined to the hose clamp in an area diametrically opposite to the area of overlap of the end sections of the hose clamp. The securing ring has a recess disposed in a radial projection. An approximately U-shaped clip has a cross-piece and a pair of legs depending from the cross-piece. The U-shaped clip is disposed such that, in the tensioned state, the legs of the clip overlap the tensioning jaws of each of the end sections. The U-shaped clip has a hook depending from the cross-piece that is radially engaged in the recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose clamp (1) with a clamp body (3) which encloses a hose end (2) essentially in a ring with overlapping end areas (4,5). In the clamped state, the clamp body has an initial diameter, and using a clamping tool, the clamp body (3) can be spread to a second, larger diameter against its own spring force. In a first end area (4), there is a catch projection (6) which is offset rearward relative to its outer front edge (7) and which can be engaged with a second end area (5) of the clamp body (3) to achieve the spread state. The second end area (5) has a longitudinally extended recess (8) which holds first end area (4) which is correspondingly narrower. To be able to easily spread and release hose clamp (1), in a way which enables the attainment of the spread state is to be easily recognizable, a catch projection (6) is provided on the first end area (4,) in the spread state of the clamp body, rests against the front edge (10) of the second end area (5).

Abstract: An open clamp structure in which overlapping band portions are mechanically connected by a spring separate from the clamping band; the spring is thereby of low profile having a top portion and lateral portions passing over into mutually facing end portions which are provided with tongue-like extensions adapted to engage in tunnel-shaped embossments in corresponding parts of the clamping band. Means for limiting the extent of stretching to which the spring can be subjected and also providing at the same time a guide function to keep overlapping band portions mutually aligned includes either two tab-like members extending in the longitudinal direction within two narrow slot-like openings only slightly wider than the thickness of the clamping band and of predetermined length or a tunnel-shaped embossment in the inner band portion extending in an elongated opening of only slightly larger width than the embossment to provide the guide function.

Abstract: A holderless hose clip, primarily for use in preventing piping hoses from falling off of connecting pipes in automotive vehicles, includes a clip body formed of a leaf spring having the shape of an annular band and which clamps the hose when released from a spread-diameter state to assume a free state. A pair of grip strips are formed by bending the ends of the clip body, respectively. An engagement claw and an engagement recess are formed on the respective grip strips to secure the grip strips to each other when the grip strips are gripped, so that the clip body is held in the spread-diameter state. The engagement claw has a guide face for guiding the grip strips axially of the clip body when the grip strips are gripped whereupon the engagement claw is received in the recess.

Abstract: A so-called stepless self-tightening clamp structure having a first clamping position and a second non-clamping position in which the clamping band is under prestress of its inherent spring characteristics. To latchingly hold the clamp structure in its second position, one end of the clamping band is provided with a tongue-like extension while the other end is provided with two longitudinally extending, slot-like openings following one another by way of a constriction, whereby one of the slot-like openings is wider than the tongue-like extension and the other is slightly narrower than the tongue-like extension. One of said slot-like openings is thereby offset in the radial direction with respect to at least a part of the other slot-like opening. Additionally, to enhance the spring stiffness, the clamping band may be provided with one or more longitudinally extending reinforcing groove.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a prepositioning carrier for mounting a connector assembly upon a first fluid conduit segment, a hose clamp portion attached to the prepositioning carrier for maintaining the hose clamp in position for engagement with a second fluid conduit segment, and an axially directed activation member for maintaining the hose clamp portion in a retracted configuration prior to engagement of the hose clamp portion with the second fluid conduit segment. The hose clamp portion is movable to a non-retracted configuration when the activation member is slidingly withdrawn in an axial direction from the hose clamp portion.

Abstract: A clamp fitting is disclosed, constituted by a metal band wound on itself, whose ends are respectively provided with complementary hooking means, comprising a hook capable of passing behind a shoulder or ear during the clamping operation. The clamp fitting presents at least one group of two undulations, each in the form of an open loop, projecting radially with respect to the outer periphery of the clamp fitting, the zone of join of at least one undulation to the clamp fitting being constituted by a portion of band of circular section, whose radius is at least equal to twice the thickness of the band and which extends over an arc of at least 90.degree. and preferably close to 150.degree..

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed, constituted by a metal band wound on itself, of which the ends are respectively provided with complementary fastening means adapted to be coupled to each other when a tool, for example pliers, is tightening the clamp. The clamp is further provided with an undulation forming a reserve of capacity and being deformable by flattening during tightening. In the zone of connection of the undulation to the band, located towards the inner end of the band, there is provided a gusset for reinforcing this zone of connection.

Abstract: A hose clip wherein a flexible annular strap can be place around one end portion of a hose and a relatively small portion (less than 50 percent) of the inner side of the strap is overlapped by the convex external surface of a deformable insert. The space between the insert and the strap confines one or more springs, or one or more springs are outwardly adjacent the strap, to bias the concave internal surface of the insert against the adjacent portion of the hose. The strap can constitute an endless ring or it can be of finite length and the hose clip then comprises a tightening mechanism for the strap. The insert can be biased by one or more leaf springs, by one or more C-springs or by one or more coil springs. The spring or springs can be caused to store more energy than required to maintain the hose in sealing engagement with a pipe or nipple, and the surplus energy is then dissipated as soon as the strap is placed around the hose and the tubular body is inserted into the hose.

Abstract: A self-compensating hose clamp made of a single piece of wire has a primary loop having a substantially circular configuration and of a sufficient dimension to engage a hose for clamping purposes. At least one intermediate loop is formed exteriorly of the primary loop to provide overall flexibility to the clamp for installation and removal purposes.

Abstract: A pipe support for supporting an insulated pipe including a pipe supporting surface having springy lateral extensions which extend upwardly from the pipe supporting surfaces to embrace the pipe around more than half of its circumference, a hanger engaging surface connected to and separated from the pipe support surface by structural elements so that the distance between the pipe support surface and the hanger engaging surface is at least the wall thickness of insulation.

Abstract: This snap ring has outer and inner fingers which extend slightly from the ring. Thereby it becomes possible to embrace the ends of the fingers by a plier from the outside to press the ends of the fingers towards each other and thereby to widen the inner diameter of the snap ring in a limited extent for moving the ring over a respective bar. The inner face of the ring may be circular or of angular configuration. An accessory shows especially suitable pliers for the use of handling the snap ring.

Abstract: A clamping band for hoses and other cylindrical objects consists of a flat metal strap having a repetitive pattern configuration to provide desired amounts of elastic and plastic stretch capability and a pawl and tooth connection for adjustably joining the ends of the strap. In all embodiments the strap includes apertures evenly distributed throughout the circumference of the band to achieve desired stress/strain characteristics. In certain embodiments the apertures comprise circular punched holes and the strap may further include transverse or circumferentially extending slits to form the desired pattern, suitable for high volume manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A hose clamp made from a unitary, spring steel band formed into a generally cylindrical configuration. The clamp has a support piece extending radially outwardly from one end of the spring steel band, a slot opening formed in the one end adjacent the support piece and extending a predetermined length in a circumferential direction of the spring steel band, a projecting piece formed at the other end of the spring steel band and fitting in circumferential relationship in the slot opening, and an upstanding tab formed at the distal end of the projecting piece and extending radially outwardly of the spring steel band. With this arrangement, when the spring steel band is deflected to its expanded position, the tab is retained on the support piece so as to temporarily lock the spring steel band in its open or expanded position.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a hose on a pipe end has a band (4) which encircles the hose with one end (6) of the band overlying the other end (7) in sliding engagement, a housing (8) which is fixed to one band end (6), a worm drive (10) within and free to move relative to the housing (8) and which engages a toothed track or like which runs longitudinally along the length of the band (4), and a stack of Belleville washers or like (20) which acts between the housing (8) and the worm drive (10) to urge them apart and so to tighten the band around the hose should the tension fall below the limit set by manual operation of the worm drive at the time of installation.

Abstract: A contractible coupling for flared conduit connections of an annular configuration wherein the coupling includes a resilient metal band having tabs at the band ends permitting the band to be opened while contraction is produced by the band resiliency. A plurality of fingers located along the band lateral edges are deformed inwardly in spaced parallel relationship to the band inner surface to provide circumferentially spaced pressure points on the conduit flares being clamped.

Abstract: A safety clamp system for securing the lever arms of a quick connect coupling to prevent the accidental movement of the arms which would cause a failure of the coupling mechanism for two coupling pipes. Once the pipes have been joined by a standard quick connect coupling, the clamp of the present invention is positioned to encircle the lever arms and hold them down secure against the body of the coupling. The safety clamp is separate from the coupling mechanism and is itself not an aid in the joining of the pipes. The clamp arms encircle approximately 270 degrees of the pipes circumference, making contact only at a few points about the coupling's periphery, some of the contact being flat, face-to-face surface area engagement with some "L" shaped hooking, and utilizes a resilient spring biasing hooking mechanism to prevent the separate, pipe coupling mechanism from accidently becoming undone but allowing relatively easily disengagement of the clamp from the coupling when so desired.

Abstract: A single strip member is provided constructed of non-elastic rigid material having minimal flexive properties and the strip member is constructed in the form of an arcuate band of an angular extent greater than 360.degree. with at least slightly overlapped ends. Each of the ends is in the form of a circumferentially extending channel member with one of the channel members being more narrow than the other channel member and at least partially length wise telescoped therein. The side flanges of one of the channel members have an overcenter swingable actuating lever pivotally supported therefrom for swinging in the plane of the arcuate strip member and an overcenter positionable portion of the lever has one end of a stiff expansion spring anchored relative thereto while the other end of the expansion spring is anchored relative to the other channel member.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for clamping a group of cables, or the like, is formed of a plurality of clamp segments each formed to be movably connected to another segment on one or both ends of the segment. One or more elongated springs is attached through the connected clamp segments and each spring has each end attached to one of the segments so that the spring will bias the segments and allow the segments to be clamped around a bundle of cables, or the like, and to be snapped open for removing or changing the cables. The clamp segments can have one or more springs therein. One embodiment has a cable, cord or band attached to one end and extending around the segments and onto a spool for use in opening or closing the distal end portions of the clamping mechanism. The cord, cable or band may be aligned with eyes, guides or rollers attached to some of the segments.

Abstract: A steel band loop clamp is disclosed having a first end with a raised abutment and tangentially extending end portion, and a second end adapted for engagement against the raised abutment to hold the clamp in a prestressed open position. A closed circumferential slot terminates partially along the raised abutment and extends partially around the steel band loop, for accepting into engagement therewith the second end of the closed band loop when the clamp is engaged into a closure position.

Abstract: A clamp useful for connecting fluid-conveying hoses and the like to couplings, valves and the like. The clamp is formed of a spring metal strip which has portions of its longitudinal parallel linear edges cut to provide a pair of parallel inclined linear edges such that the original constant width of the strip is gradually reduced toward the longitudinal opposite ends of the strip so that the width of the strip varies in proportion to the bending moment produced in the strip, with the thus narrowed opposite ends being bent in mutually opposed relation to provide operating knobs for forcibly spreading the ring diameter. The spring metal strip thus prepared is then wound into a ring of right circle, with the inclined linear edges abutting against each other along a given length, thereby ensuring uniform bending stress throughout the ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure fluid coupling and in particular a high pressure hydraulic coupling. The coupling comprises two hollow flanged members, one of which carries a spigot having an O-ring near its end. The spigot is inserted into the bore of the other member and when it homes, the front faces of the flanges will abut. A resilient clip clips over the flanges to hold the coupling members together. Both coupling members may however be female members and a coupling device having "O"-rings near its ends may be inserted into the bores of coupling members.