Abstract: A device when attached to a regular kitchen knife that serves as a wedge between the food slice and the knife surface and therefore separating the food slice from the knife surface during a cutting process comprising a stainless steel shell with a curved edge and a convex surface, magnets and rubber stripes fixed together so that this device can be used as an attachment to a knife surface by attraction between the magnets and the ferromagnetic steel knife blade. The rubber stripes provide additional friction between the attachment and the knife surface and prevent sliding of the attachment during cutting. The bubble-like convex surface of the steel shell further prevents food sticking on the surface of the device. The device can be easily attached to and removed from a knife blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copolymers prepared by copolymerization in at least two stages, wherein, in one stage (A) at least one (co)polymer is prepared from a monomer or a mixture of comonomers comprising (a1) from 80 to 100% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (a2) from 0 to 20% by weight of at least one C1-C22-alkyl ester of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (a3) from 0 to 10% by weight of at least one further ethylenically unsaturated compound, data in % by weight being based on the total amount of comonomers of the relevant stage, and the (co)polymer thus obtained is reacted in a subsequent stage (B) with a further comonomer or a further mixture of comonomers comprising (b1) from 0 to 30% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (b2) from 70 to 100% by weight of at least one C1-C22-alkyl ester of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (b3) from 0 to 10% by weight of at least one further ethy

Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is disclosed. The method for controlling a washing machine having a steam generator includes a step of automatically discharging water of the steam generator outside of the steam generator during the operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam supply unit mounted in the machine body for generating steam, the steam supply unit being constructed to receive water for steam generation through the water inlet port exposed to the outside while the water inlet port communicates with one side of the machine body, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam supply unit into the drum.

Abstract: A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that squeeze detergent water from the laundry, heat the squeezed detergent water, and resupply the heated detergent water, thereby performing heated washing using a minimized amount of water. The washing machine includes a water tub, a rotary drum mounted in the water tub to receive laundry, and a circulation unit to supply water from the water tub into the rotary drum. The washing control method includes detecting an amount of a load according to a weight of the laundry, supplying an amount of water set according to the detected amount of load, supplying the water in the water tub into the rotary drum through the circulation unit to wet the laundry, separating the water from the laundry by rotating the rotary drum, and heating the separated water and resupplying the heated water into the rotary drum through the circulation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a control method of the same that is capable of maximizing a contact time between water and laundry, thereby improving the rinsing efficiency while using a small amount of water. The washing machine includes a water tub, a rotary drum mounted in the water tub to receive laundry, and a circulation unit to supply water from the water tub into the rotary drum. The control method includes detecting an amount of load according to a weight of the laundry, supplying an amount of water set according to the detected amount of load into the water tub, and supplying the water in the water tub to the laundry by alternately operating the rotary drum and the circulation unit.

Abstract: A commercial washing machine that can be easily repaired and inspected and a washing method of the same are disclosed. The commercial washing machine includes a machine body for performing a predetermined washing cycle to laundry placed therein, a money depositing device mounted at one side of the machine body for allowing a user to deposit money therein, a control unit for controlling the washing cycle of the machine body, and a termination signal input device electrically connected to the control unit for allowing a signal for terminating the washing cycle in progress to be inputted thereto from the outside. The washing method includes detecting whether money has been deposited, performing a washing cycle including a washing operation, a rinsing operation, or a spin-drying operation according to the selection of a user, and terminating the washing cycle according to a termination signal inputted from the outside, irrespective of whether the remaining operations exist.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for coloring hair and maintaining the color between oxidative dyeing procedures.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts were incorporated into anthraquinone dyes via a stable linkage. The structure of the antimicrobial colorants were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and UV-vis spectrometry. The dyes demonstrated excellent antimicrobial ability against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in aqueous solution, as indicated by very low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The colorants showed excellent stability in water under light, continuous heating as well as acidic and alkaline conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous formulation of dye mixtures, comprising at least one anionic dye, at least one cationic dye and/or an acid dye derived from a cationic structural unit and, optionally, at least one formulation assistant, a process for their preparation and the use thereof for dyeing natural or synthetic fibres, especially paper or paperboard.

Abstract: There is provided herein a stackable vehicle ramp comprising: an exterior structure comprising a top formed with an inclined surface, a substantially horizontal resting surface, side surfaces and a rear surface; the resting portion further comprising an upwardly extending rigid member, adjacent to the rear portion and extending transversely across a portion of the width of the resting portion; a support plane comprised of a lowermost portion of the side and rear surfaces and adapted to lie against a medium surface; wherein, the stackable vehicle ramp further comprises at least one hollow and tapered support member extending downwardly from at least the resting portion and the inclined top surface to the support plane, and the side surfaces and the rear surface are substantially beveled such that the ramp is nestably stackable within a second vehicle ramp of a same construction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a ramp having certain structural properties and having polymer-based decking elements. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one surface of the polymer-based structural member includes a number of traction ridges. The traction ridges provide a gripping surface to promote ease of motion when moving across a floor or walkway constructed from one or more polymer-based structural members.

Abstract: A height-adjustable docking buffer is described for protecting facades when vehicles are docked in building openings. The docking buffer is made up of a fixed mounting frame and a height-adjustable buffer block for a loading ramp or a transfer bridge. The buffer block is designed as an essentially horizontal bumper bar, and includes an inflatable gasket, the ends of which are height-adjustably supported on two spaced, fixed mounting frames, preferably in the form of pillars. A method for operating the docking bar is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pipe maintenance method and device is particularly suited for maintaining a pipe of a gas-insulated high-voltage line with a particle trap system extending along the pipe. The novel method enables poorly accessible sections to be reached. To this end, a maintenance unit is displaced along the particle trap system, and it is guided thereby.

Abstract: In order to provide a hand-held cleaning/polishing machine, comprising a holding device for holding the cleaning/polishing machine, a drive motor, a tool head for one or more cleaning tools and/or polishing tools, which has a tool drive shaft driven by the drive motor, and a transmission device for transmitting torque from the drive motor to the tool drive shaft, which is universally usable, it is provided that at least one coupling for connecting at least one first fluid line is arranged on the holding device and that at least one second fluid line leads to the tool head from the at least one coupling.

Abstract: In an overhead throwing sweeping machine, the cylindrical sweeping roller (4) which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis is retained on jointly adjustable pivoted arms, and the dirt container (6) arranged behind the sweeping roller (4) has a receiving opening, the bottom edge (15) of which lies adjacent to the sweeping roller (4). In order to reset the sweeping area of the sweeping roller (4) after wear of the bristles, a cable control (20) is provided which runs over a bearing surface (11) which, at a pivoted arm designed as a double-armed lever and intended for the sweeping roller (4), is formed on that arm (7) of said double-armed lever which is remote from the longitudinal axis (4?) of the sweeping roller (4).

Abstract: The present invention is a foot cleaning device for accommodating a foot and thoroughly cleaning the foot positioned within the device. The foot cleaning device has a foot receptacle, scrub brushes, roller brushes, a liquid dispensing assembly for carrying water and soap into the receptacle, and spray jets attachable to the liquid dispensing assembly for dispersing the water and soap throughout the receptacle. The scrub brushes are distributed throughout the foot receptacle for allowing the user to clean his or her feet. The roller brushes are positioned along the bottom of the foot receptacle for massaging, cleaning, and supporting the user's foot within the receptacle.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle (2), a head (4) mounting bristles (5) and a connecting portion (3). The handle (2) and the connecting portion (3) extend from the head (4) in the direction opposite to the direction of the bristles (5). The toothbrush (1) also includes a connector (9) which allows the head (4) to be changed. An alternative embodiment (22) of the toothbrush includes a roller (26) having bristles (27) and being rotatably mounted on the head (25), an electric motor and a transmission element that connects the motor to the roller (26).

Abstract: A system for cleaning a pet chew toy of the type that has a sidewall having an inner surface defining a hollow interior and at least one opening defined in the sidewall communicating with the hollow interior includes a first brush having a stem portion and a plurality of bristles. The stem portion and the bristles are both constructed and arranged so as to be able to fit through an opening in the sidewall of the pet chew toy. The bristles are further dimensioned so as to facilitate scrubbing of the inner surface of the sidewall of the pet chew toy. A handle is operatively connected to the stem portion of the first brush, and a second brush is provided that is constructed and arranged so as to be able to fit through a second opening in the sidewall of the pet chew toy. A method of cleaning a pet chew toy is also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment being an athletic towel consisting of two distinct portions, one portion being of free hanging absorbent material (52) and the other portion being pocketed. In the case of this embodiment, the pocketed portion has two pockets (30A, 30B), each of which has a fastener at its opening for closure. One pocket has a zipper for its fastener (34) and the other has a hook and loop fastener (38A, 38B). The pocket with the hook and loop fastener has a set of pull tabs (42A, 42B) centered at the edge of its opening (32A). Two strap ends (44A, 44B) extend from the pocketed portion, and terminate with a hook and loop fastener (46A, 46C) with which the strap ends can be secured around a secondary object.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a random image is disclosed. The apparatus has a first support member with a hanging applicator member movably connected thereto. The hanging applicator is provided with at least one reservoir of material to be applied to a substrate. The reservoir has a delivery means extending from the reservoir for transporting the material to a brush means. The brush means provides a random pattern of material to a substrate in response to pressure from flowing air.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head and a plurality of cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth and soft tissue of the oral cavity. One tooth cleaning element has a plurality of bristles adapted to clean teeth. Another cleaning element is connected to the head and has structure defining a channel. The channel is configured to direct fluid in contact with the head toward an edge of the head when the implement is moved. The head also defines a reservoir that is configured to receive a dentifrice therein.

Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush includes a head and a tooth cleaning element for enhanced cleaning and whitening of the teeth. The tooth cleaning element has a base corrected to the head. The base has structure in the form of a concave surface facing a distal region of the head such that dentifrice applied to the head is adapted to be directed towards the distal region of the head. A protrusion extends from the concave surface towards the distal region of the head. The head may include a plurality of concave surfaces that are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the head, and protrusion extends from the curved surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush head with a bristle support member on which a bristle zone with a plurality of bristle tufts is arranged. The bristle tufts include three differently inclined groups of bristle tufts of which a first group is arranged essentially perpendicular to the plane of the bristle support member, a second group is inclined in a direction transverse to the toothbrush head longitudinal axis towards a first side, and a third group is inclined in a direction transverse to the toothbrush head longitudinal axis towards an opposite second side, with the inclined bristle tufts of the second and third group being arranged in transverse rows on the bristle support member. In each transverse row of inclined bristle tufts, all the bristle tufts are inclined towards the same side, with the bristle inclined from the outside inwards.

Abstract: An improved flocked foam applicator has a cylindrically shaped hollow rigid shell configured to slide onto a rigid core coupled to a handle. A rigid planar surface extends from the bottom of the hollow rigid shell forward. Applicator flock extends downward from the rear cylindrical portion of the hollow rigid shell, around the bottom of the hollow rigid shell, and outward to the distal edge of the rigid planar surface. The distal edge of rigid planar surface extends further forward than the leading edge of the cylindrical hollow rigid shell. As a result of this design, the improved flocked foam applicator can apply a liquid applicant to a floor all the way up to a baseboard or wall, and will further prevent the leading edge of the cylindrical portion from coming into contact with a baseboard or wall and depositing fluid in an undesired location.

Abstract: A vitreous system of the invention is provided for use particularly as windowpanes of a car or the like vehicle, and is always kept clean over its whole surface. A multi-layer vitreous body ‘A’ forming the system is composed of an outside glass plate (1), an inside glass plate (2) and a stratified air space (3) defined between the inside and outside plates. A number of jetting orifices (1a) are formed to penetrate the outside plate (1), and a compressor (5) is connected through a piping (4) to the air space (3) so as to charge it with a compressed air, so that this air is blown out through the orifices (1a).

Abstract: Described herein is a windscreen wiper for motor vehicles of the type made up of: an oscillating arm (3), fitted on the shaft of an electric motor; a blade-holder (5); and a wiper element for cleaning the glass of the windscreen of a motor vehicle; the blade-holder (5) comprises a metal lamina (7), for supporting the rubber wiper element, which is made of spring steel and is arched with a variable radius of curvature according to the radius of curvature of the glass (8) of the windscreen of the motor vehicle on which the windscreen wiper is mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper shaft (10). Prior art windshield wiper devices having predetermined breaking points exist in order to meet the high demands of pedestrian impact protection. However, the risk of these predetermined breaking points rupturing during the operation of the wiper exists in this type of windshield wiper device. In addition it cannot be guaranteed that the predetermined breaking point ruptures in the event of a pedestrian impact. Therefore, in the inventive windshield wiper device, the at least one wiper shaft (10) can be displaced under the action of a force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper arm provided with an elastic blade (21) and a fixing element (60). The known wiper arms comprise a tension spring which presses the wiper blade against a pane along with the windscreen wiper operation and maintains said wiper blade in a folded position with respect to the pane when the wiper blade is changed. Said wiper arms require a relatively important number of components and, for this reason, are relatively expensive. The aim of said invention is to make it possible to produce the windscreen wiper system in a more economical manner. For this purpose, the inventive elastic blade (21) is arranged in such a way that it is pivotable about the fixing element (60).

Abstract: Rotation of a tip side of a blade holder toward a windshield at or beyond a predetermined angle is regulated with respect to a wiper arm. A convex portion is formed at a portion of the blade holder opposing to an arm mounting member, and a concave portion is formed at a portion of the arm mounting member opposing to the blade holder, whereby engagement of the convex and concave portions admits rotation of a tip side of the wiper blade toward the windshield at or beyond a predetermined angle to be regulated with respect to the wiper arm. By such a structure, since contact between the wiper arm and the wiper blade is prevented, it is suppressed that a coating of the wiper arm or blade holder is peeled off to bring early its rusty, and that damages of both members make their wiping performance easily deteriorate.

Abstract: A wiper blade for the windscreen wiper of a motor vehicle of the type in which the wiper blade is connected directly to the oscillating arm is made up of an arched metal lamina (4) and a wiper (5) made of elastomeric material provided with an internal longitudinal cavity (9). The metal lamina (4) has a substantially rectangular cross section with rounded edges and is pinched between two projections, a top one (10) and a bottom one (11), shaped like rounded cusps and provided within the cavity (9).

Abstract: This invention pertains to a windshield wiper blade apparatus for a motor vehicle that more effectively and perfectly completely clears away rainwater or and foreign objects, which stick to on the car windshield, with more definite contact force and without shaking. Also Furthermore, this invention more definitely clearly improves the organic coupling structure of the components that constitute the blade apparatus. More specifically, the blade (300) is inserted into the blade couplingblade-couplingunit (10) that is fixed to the rail spring (100); the clamp (400) is coupled to the rail spring (100) through four hook project ions (132) that are formed in the rail spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot cleaner system having superior functions of sucking dust and exhausting dust to a docking station. The robot cleaner includes a dust suction port to suck dust, a dust collecting chamber to collect dust introduced through the dust suction port, a dust exhaust port to exhaust dust collected in the dust collecting chamber to the docking station, a connection path extending from the dust suction port to the dust exhaust port in adjacent to the dust collecting chamber, and a valve device provided between the connection path and the dust collecting chamber, an opening/closing of the valve device allowing the dust collecting chamber to selectively communicate with the dust suction port or the dust exhaust port according to a pressure difference between the dust collecting chamber and the connection path.

Abstract: A carpet extractor (10) operable in either a restorative cleaning mode or a maintenance cleaning mode includes a constant rate pump (96) which dispenses clean solution through a manually operated valve (98) to one of two lines (100, 102) having nozzles which restrict dispensing to high and low solution flow rates. In the preferred form, clean solution is dispensed at the high flow rate directly upon the carpeted surface and at the low rate upon the agitating brush (88). When restorative cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the high flow rate and a switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a slow working speed. When maintenance cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the low flow rate and the switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a fast working speed.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner (1) of the invention is adapted for wipe off cleaning using a sheet wound about a rotary brush (25) incorporated in a suction device (10). In order to wind a sheet (50) around a periphery of the rotary brush (25), a brush motor (44) rotates the rotary brush (25) in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotational speed. At the same time, suction force of an electric blower fan (42) is set to the lowest level. This achieves the following advantage in a case where a wet sheet is used as the sheet (50). During sheet winding, water and alcohol released from the wet sheet (50) can be prevented from being scattered on a surface (100) to be cleaned. Further, the released water and alcohol do not adversely affect the electric blower fan (42).

Abstract: A floor care apparatus has a filter with an intake and out take. A first pressure sensor is arranged on the intake while a second pressure sensor is arranged on the out take. A controller connects to the sensors to receive signals indicative of relative pressure. Whenever a predetermined pressure differential between the signals is achieved, an undesirable load on the filter is deemed occurred and initiation of a self-cleaning of the filter begins. In this manner, filter cleaning only occurs on an as-needed basis and user intervention is avoided, thereby adding convenience. The controller is also able to ascertain a clogged airway condition. Various features contemplate pressure sensor signals arranged to scale suction as positive pressures, meeting the predetermined pressure differential at other than a maximum pressure differential between the first and second pressure sensors, and scaling the predetermined pressure differential relative to the maximum pressure differential.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus (10) for releasing and transporting particles away from an area to be cleaned, comprising: a housing (6) having an opening (8) to be positioned on an area (1) to be cleaned;—a member that is movable within the apparatus for generating an airflow to release and transport particles away from the area; wherein the member comprises an airflow-generating surface (12) arranged within the housing (6), said airflow-generating surface in its operating condition lacing the area (1) to be cleaned and having a direction of movement that is substantially parallel to said area so as to cause an airflow parallel to said area. The apparatus according to the invention requires less energy for releasing and transporting particles away from an area to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention provides as an object a novel hinge device which is extremely valuable as a commercial product and an electronic instrument using the hinge device.

Abstract: Spheric joint or spherical hinge (30; 130) for coupling together two members that are spatially orientable relative to each other, in which a head (84; 184) of the first member (80; 180) is retained in an accommodation (46; 146) of the second member (40; 140) by at least four points of contact located on a spherical surface according to the vertices of a pyramid containing the centre thereof, about which said head (84; 184) is adapted to rotate without translating. The hinge is characterized in that said accommodation (46; 146) or said head (84; 184) has a projecting boss (52; 152) confined in a gap (85; 186) of said head (84; 184) or said accommodation (46; 146), said gap (85; 186) having at least two consecutive distinct spaces (85a, 85b; 187, 188) that define a travelling path (85; 186) for said boss (52; 152).

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a height-adjustable door. The body of the refrigerator has at least one storage space having a front opening. The door is coupled to the body so as to cover/uncover the storage space, and a hinge hole is formed on the bottom surface of the door. A hinge frame is fixed to a front surface of a lower portion of the body and has a hinge shaft inserted into the hinge hole so as to rotatably support the door. The hinge shaft is covered with a hinge bush, a part of which is inserted into the hinge hole. The hinge bush has a flange portion on its lower end for supporting the bottom surface of the door. A height adjustment screw is screw-coupled to a screw hole of the hinge frame so as to travel vertically. The upper end of the height adjustment screw abuts the bottom surface of the hinge bush so that, when rotated, the height adjustment screw lifts/lowers the hinge bush, in order to adjust the height of the door.

Abstract: A counterbalance hinge (20, 20?) for a vehicle closure includes a pivot and counterbalance assembly (44) having a cam (46) and a spindle (50) with a helical threaded connection biased by a spring (56,56?) that provides closure counterbalancing. In one embodiment the spring (56) is of the helical tension type and another embodiment has the spring (56?) of the helical compression type.

Abstract: Furniture hinge with damping and/or braking device in alternative to those already existing and capable of guaranteeing an improved efficiency during the closing or opening operation of the doors, or other furniture parts, thanks to an improvement of the characteristics of rigidity and, simultaneously, elasticity of the means for transmitting motion from one of the rockers to the damping elements. The improved efficiency of this hinge is also obtained by increasing the friction surfaces with a viscous medium present in suitable areas of the hinge and by allowing regulation of the trend of the angular velocity of a circular shaped element, for example a disc, which acts as braking element in contact with the viscous medium.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism movably connects two housings of a wireless communication device such that the housings move relative to each other between open and closed positions. The hinge mechanism includes a magnetic detent that initially resists the housings moving between the open and closed positions. However, the magnetic detent yields to move the housings between the open and closed positions whenever a user applies an amount of force that is sufficient to overcome the initial resistance.

Abstract: Furniture hinge with damping and/or braking device in alternative to those already existing and capable of guaranteeing an improved efficiency during the closing or opening operation of the doors, or other furniture parts, thanks to an improvement of the kinematic motion for transmitting motion from one of the rockers to the damping elements. The improved efficiency of this hinge is also obtained by increasing the friction surfaces with a viscous medium present in suitable areas of the hinge and by allowing regulation of the trend of the angular velocity of a circular shaped element, for example a disc, which acts as braking element in contact with the viscous medium.

Abstract: A hinge for wings or doors, in particular of electrical appliances, comprises a first element, a second element and a lever for connecting the first and second elements; the lever pivots on the second element and has a first arm integral with the first element to render the first and second elements movable relative to one another with a tilting action between a closed position and an open position; the second element consisting of a substantially box-shaped body containing a spring, inserted between the second element and a second arm of the lever so as to apply an elastic action to the lever.

Abstract: A hand manipulated object (2) is provided on which a handling instruction (6,8) comprising a handle (60) and a representation of a hand (64) is applied at a location on the object (2) where the object (2) is to be handled so as to facilitate use of the object (2). Also provided is a label (10,12) suitable to be applied at a location on an object (2) for facilitating use of such an object (2), wherein the label (10,12) comprises a handling instruction (6,8) comprising a handle (60) and a representation of a hand (64) which instruction is representative of a handling action at an associated object (2) location for the label (10,12).

Abstract: To provide a very safe synthetic resin clip composed of a pair of synthetic resin members, and a hanger including the synthetic resin clips, in which each synthetic resin clip member has at least one bracket bearing portion projecting inwardly from an interior portion on the rear face thereof and being provided with a bearing space therein, and said pivot shaft is interposed into the bearing spaces of the clip members, in the time of use, when the synthetic resin spring having broken and the respective clip members being subjected to a reaction of the spring breakage, the pair of clip members is held by means of the pivot shaft secured in position without flying apart in pieces.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for holding garments, such as neckties, is disclosed. The device comprises a magnet, preferably made of a rare Earth material and magnetized to about Grade N35 or better, and a faceplate. In one embodiment, the magnet is positioned under at least a portion of the wearer's shirt while the faceplate is positioned on a portion of the wearer's necktie. The shirt and/or necktie may additionally include pockets for housing the magnet and/or faceplate. The faceplate may be decorative, and interchangeable, for prominent display in front of the necktie. Alternatively, the device may be configured to be completely hidden from view. Several means for retaining the magnet to the shirt upon separation of the garments are presented.

Abstract: A plastic strap particularly useful for automated strapping machines is formed with an integrated, longitudinally disposed rib for enhancing the stiffness of the strap. The strap is formed with at least one rib extending longitudinally from a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap. The rib preferably extends upwardly from the top surface of the strap and comprises, preferably, a slight arcuate profile. The profile of the rib, the number of ribs, and the location of the ribs on the strap may vary depending upon the desired longitudinal stiffness of the strap and the desired width and thickness of the strap. The ribs may be centered across the width the strap or offset. The strap further comprises side panels that are parallel to the longitudinal plane of the strap and outer edges that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the strap. The geometry of the strap prevents the strap from twisting and permits overlapping sections of the strap to interlock and self-align during sealing.

Abstract: A strap assembly capable of engagement with an object (101) includes a strap (110) having a first end (111) and a second end (112), and further includes a buckle (120, 190) coupled to the strap. The buckle includes a cover (210) and a base (220) adjacent to the cover, and the base includes a slot (221) and an engagement aperture (122). The object with which the strap assembly is engaged has coupled thereto an attachment piece (102), which may take the form of a post (141) topped with a cap (142). The strap extends through the slot, the engagement aperture is capable of engaging the attachment piece, and the buckle is capable of rotating about the attachment piece when the engagement aperture is engaged with the attachment piece.