Abstract: A lightweight plastic bolt-like fastener which is used in pairs having a dual ratcheting function. The fastener includes a bolt having a stem which is semi-cylindrical in cross-section, with a head connected to one end of the stem and a semi-circular aperture in the head positioned coaxially aligned with the stem for receipt of a stem from a second bolt directed in opposite orientation. Positioned longitudinally along the flat side of the stem is a rack of serrated teeth which when the stem is inserted within the semi-circular aperture, a deflectable locking tab attached to the head end of the stem engages the rack of serrated teeth as a ratchet, and since the two fasteners each have stems sliding within the semi-circular aperture of the opposing stem, there is a double ratcheting action between both fasteners.

Abstract: A lightweight plastic bolt-like fastener which is used in pairs having a dual ratcheting function. The fastener includes a bolt having a stem which is semi-cylindrical in cross-section, with a head connected to one end of the stem and a semi-circular aperture in the head positioned coaxially aligned with the stem for receipt of a stem from a second bolt directed in opposite orientation. Positioned longitudinally along the flat side of the stem is a rack of serrated teeth which when the stem is inserted within the semi-circular aperture, a deflectable locking tab attached to the head end of the stem engages the rack of serrated teeth as a ratchet, and since the two fasteners each have stems sliding within the semi-circular aperture of the opposing stem, there is a double ratcheting action between both fasteners.

Abstract: Hoses are often reinforced with fabric to improve their performance characteristics, such as burst strength. By utilizing the technique of this invention, hose which has a high level of burst strength can be manufactured without including continuous yarn reinforcement. This invention specifically reveals a process for manufacturing a hose which involves the steps of (1) extruding a rubber composition into the form of a tube, wherein the rubber composition contains (a) an EPDM alloy comprised of (i) standard EPDM rubber, (ii) an EPDM rubber having thermoplastic side chains grafted thereto, and (iii) dispersed thermoplastic wherein the thermoplastic is selected from the group consisting of nylons, polyesters, and polyphenylene oxides, (b) an EPDM rubber, (c) carbon black, (d) at least one curative, (e) zinc oxide, (f) a processing oil, and (g) stearic acid; (2) shaping the tube into the geometric form desired for the hose; and (3) curing the rubber composition at a temperature within the range of 130.degree. C.