Abstract: A collapsible conduit includes an elongated sheet configured as a coil, the coil having a longitudinal axis, the elongated sheet having a first edge that includes a first hem and a second edge opposite the first edge and that includes a second hem, each hem including an overlapping portion that overlaps with the overlapping portion of the other hem, the first hem interlocked with the second hem to form an interlocking arrangement between the first and second edges, wherein the conduit is collapsible along the longitudinal axis between fully extended and collapsed positions, and wherein the overlapping portion of the each hem has an arcuate cross-section shape when the conduit is in both the fully extended and collapsed positions.

Abstract: A collapsible conduit includes an elongated sheet configured as a coil, the coil having a longitudinal axis, the elongated sheet having a first edge that includes a first hem and a second edge opposite the first edge and that includes a second hem, each hem including an overlapping portion that overlaps with the overlapping portion of the other hem, the first hem interlocked with the second hem to form an interlocking arrangement between the first and second edges, wherein the conduit is collapsible along the longitudinal axis between fully extended and collapsed positions, and wherein the overlapping portion of the each hem has an arcuate cross-section shape when the conduit is in both the fully extended and collapsed positions.

Abstract: A modification apparatus for an object is provided. Generally, the modification device is in an object of substantially uniform thickness, has two grooves defining a strip therebetween, and a fingerpiece attached to the strip. The fingerpiece, strip, and material of the grooves can be removed from the object by moving the fingerpiece until the modification apparatus is torn away from the object. A vent hood comprising this modification apparatus is provided as well. A method of using the modification apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp includes a tool-motivated adjustment mechanism. The adjustable clamp includes a head having a base, a top, a front, and first and second sides that define a cavity, and a strap extending from the head having teeth spaced apart a first distance on at least one surface. The first and second sides have openings that allow the strap to extend therethrough. A pair of tabs depend from the head and are spaced apart a second distance, the second distance being about half the first distance. The pair of tabs selectively engage the teeth. An aperture within the head is configured to allow entry of a tool therethrough at a predetermined angle relative to the base to engage the teeth disposed in the cavity such that the rotational movement of a tool in at least one direction selectively changes the position of the strap relative to the head.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp includes a tool-motivated adjustment mechanism. The adjustable clamp includes a head having a base, a top, a front, and first and second sides that define a cavity, and a strap extending from the head having teeth spaced apart a first distance on at least one surface. The first and second sides have openings that allow the strap to extend therethrough. A pair of tabs depend from the head and are spaced apart a second distance, the second distance being about half the first distance. The pair of tabs selectively engage the teeth. An aperture within the head is configured to allow entry of a tool therethrough at a predetermined angle relative to the base to engage the teeth disposed in the cavity such that the rotational movement of a tool in at least one direction selectively changes the position of the strap relative to the head.

Abstract: A modification apparatus for an object is provided. Generally, the modification device is in an object of substantially uniform thickness, has two grooves defining a strip therebetween, and a fingerpiece attached to the strip. The fingerpiece, strip, and material of the grooves can be removed from the object by moving the fingerpiece until the modification apparatus is torn away from the object. A vent hood comprising this modification apparatus is provided as well. A method of using the modification apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A container comprises first and second ends, the first end being closable in conventional manner by flaps, and the second end having a display panel that partially defines a display opening. A closure panel is movable between a closed position where it covers the display opening for shipping the container, and an open position where the display opening and display panel are exposed to display contents of the container. The display panel includes side panels and a securing panel interlocked with the side panels.

Abstract: An air duct fitting comprising a rectangular cross section duct segment having a central axis, a round cross section duct segment having a central axis, and a transition rectangle-to-round segment, the rectangular cross section duct segment having a lateral round opening with a central axis transverse to the rectangular duct segment central axis, the round cross section duct segment central axis being laterally offset from and parallel to the rectangular duct segment central axis. The transition segment is removably interfitted with the rectangular cross section duct segment, whereby the rectangular cross section duct segment round opening can be oriented in either of two opposite directions, one in a plane in general alignment with the round cross section duct segment central axis and the other in a plane laterally offset from the round cross section duct segment central axis.

Abstract: A hose clamp having a self-threading hardened screw extending through outwardly extending tabs on the generally circular clamp, the head end of the screw fitting through a clearance opening in the first tab, and the screw threadably engaged with the second tab, the first tab being reinforced against bending by a deformation dimple at the juncture to the circular band, and the second tab being bendable upon screw tightening to cause the screw angle to change sufficiently for the screw threads to cut slots in the band, forming a worm-type drive engagement.

Abstract: A hose clamp having a self-threading hardened screw extending through tabs on the clamp, the head end of the screw fitting through a clearance opening in the first tab, and the screw threadably engaged with the second tab, the second tab being bendable upon screw tightening to cause the screw angle to change sufficiently for the screw threads to cut slots in the band, forming a worm-type drive engagement.

Abstract: An extensible-contractible duct connector of slidingly interfittable, elongated, partial duct elements, the partial duct elements having an open end telescopically interfit with an open end of the other partial duct element to cooperatively form a duct connector, each having an outer closed end, each partial duct element having a side air flow opening directly adjacent the respective one of the closed ends to prevent significant dead air space between the opening and the adjacent closed end, the partial duct elements having slidably interfitting lateral edges with each other enabling sliding telescopic interfit that is incrementally variably adjustable between an extended condition with the side air flow openings offset maximally from each other, and a contracted condition with the side air flow openings having zero offset from each other.

Abstract: A telescopically extensible-contractible air duct connector comprising an elongated outer duct element having an open end, a closed end, and a lateral opening adjacent the closed end, an inner duct element telescopically interfitting within the outer duct element, having an open end within the outer duct element, a closed end located outside the outer duct element, a lateral opening adjacent the closed end, and a laterally projecting sleeve around the lateral opening, the outer duct element having an elongated slot extending from the open end and of a width slightly greater than that of the laterally projecting sleeve of the inner duct element to receive the sleeve upon telescopic contraction of the connector, and the inner duct element having an extended panel within the outer duct element, adjacent the slot, and of a width greater than the width of the slot to cover the slot when the connector is at least partially extended.