Abstract: A device for securing a bundled grouping such as a strap, hose, cable or wire, including a clip having a tongue element and latch structure and a cord attached at one end of the metal clip, with said clip adapted to be inserted between layers of the bundled grouping. The bundled grouping is secured by pulling on the cord and wrapping the cord around the bundled grouping and securing the cord to the latch structure on the clip and causing the tongue element of the clip to be pulled into the layers of the bundled grouping.

Abstract: This flip flop accessory holds a flip flop more securely to the foot when the wearer wants to run, jump, walk backwards, or dangle their feet—activities where flip flops often dislodge. It is comprised of two anchoring points screws on either side of the sole and an elastic cord that attaches to the screws and wraps around the ankle. The wearer screws anchoring screws into the sides of the sole, wraps the cord around the ankle looping the ends around the anchor screws, and then adjusts the length of the cord to maximize comfort and functionality.

Abstract: Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.

Abstract: A wound closure device for closing a surgical wound includes at least one compressive clip for applying pressure to a patient's tissue. The clip includes a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm, and a flexible pin maintained between the first and second clamping arms in a press-fit relationship. Each of the first and second clamping arms has a proximal first end, an opposing distal second end and a sidewall extending therebetween. The clip has a first position in which the proximal first ends of the first and second clamping arms partially engage or do not engage each other and a second position in which the proximal first ends of the first and second clamping arms pivotally engage each other. In the second position of the clip, a compressive force generated at the proximal first ends is transferred through the first and second clamping arms to the distal second ends.

Abstract: A hand-sized, disposable device, and its method of use for bundling and transporting a stack of small consumer goods, such as boxes, newspapers and magazines for recycling. The method comprises dispensing a pre-cut loop of twine residing in a prefabricated device made of recyclable paper board or cardboard. The twine crosses itself in the cavity of the device and is free to slide in any direction via four total device corner holes for adjusting to a range of sizes of stacked goods. Bundling is completed by drawing two opposing ends of the twine loop from the device corner holes, passing the two ends perpendicularly and simultaneously over the four sides of a stack of goods, and forming a knot on the center of the bundle's top surface. The bundle may then be easily lifted, carried, dropped and disposed of via the knot, one-handedly, without slippage of items from the bundle.

Abstract: A tissue ligating device for ligating a tissue includes a suture having an elastic restoring force, and a hook-shaped member including a groove portion, connected to a first end of the suture, and disposed in a direction along a derivation direction of the suture and in a direction opposite to the derivation direction of the suture with respect to the first end of the suture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of suture securement devices that replace the need to tie knots in sutures. Some embodiments comprise an annular outer body and one or more suture engagement tabs extending inwardly from the outer body. The devices can comprise a superelastic and/or shape-memory material and have a generally in-plane initial configuration. The suture engagement portions are deformable out-of-plane to an active configuration with the outer body compressed and the tabs interlocked with each other. The device can be heat-set in the deformed configuration. The interlocked tabs exert a pinching force on sutures passing between them that restricts the sutures from sliding through the opening in one longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A security device may include a rotatable cap and an engagement member. The cap may be graspable by an operator during attachment of the security device to at least a first strap extending substantially around a portion of an object. The engagement member may be configured to engage the first strap. The engagement member may also be substantially fixed in relation to the cap during the attachment of the security device to the first strap and the engagement member may be rotatable with the cap. The security device may be transitioned to a locked state responsive to rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. The rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap may also increase tension on the first strap.

Abstract: An accessory cinching device for jewelry and footwear is disclosed. Jewelry device includes first cylindrical stationary housing with side wall, two pairs of side line holes, base collar, and bottom core hole. Each pair of side line holes is disposed on opposing sides of stationary housing. A second cylindrical rotating housing has at least two top line holes, top screw hole, top collar, and top core with at least two top core notches. A retaining nut has bottom core with at least two bottom core notches, bottom lip, and internal thread. Bottom core of retaining nut is adapted to be inserted up through bottom core hole of stationary housing. A screw is adapted to secure rotating housing to retaining nut. Base collar and bottom lip are adapted to maintain joined rotating housing, retaining nut, and screw, in alignment while allowing device to rotate relative to stationary housing when adjusting length of jewelry chain.

Abstract: Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tie and a method for tying at least one object. More particularly, the tie has a strip, which includes a tip, a connecting end opposite the tip and a plurality of teeth arranged on the strip between the tip and the connecting end, and a plurality of locking members, which are connected to the connecting end of the strip. Each of the locking members includes an opening for passage of the strip therethrough and a locking tab for engaging at least one of the teeth so as to allow the strip to move through the opening of a corresponding one of the locking members only in one direction.

Abstract: A security device includes a housing containing a ratchet mechanism and a rotatable spool for storing a plurality of cable loops which extend outwardly from a plurality of openings formed in the housing and wrapped around the sides of a box-like object. A collar is mounted on the bottom of the housing and has openings adjacent each of the housing opening requiring the cable loops to abruptly change direction after exiting the housing and passing either beneath or above the collar before extending along the secured object. This abrupt change of direction reduces the amount of force which are exerted on the cable loops from being transmitted onto the ratchet mechanism. In alternate embodiments, adjacent cable loops pass through one or a pair of rings which cause a change of direction in the cable loops to reduce the transmission of forces onto the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: Cleats configured to retain objects secured with a packaging tie in association with packaging material.

Abstract: A security device includes a housing containing a ratchet mechanism and a rotatable spool for storing a plurality of cable loops which extend outwardly from a plurality of openings formed in the housing and wrapped around the sides of a box-like object. A collar is mounted on the bottom of the housing and has openings adjacent each of the housing opening requiring the cable loops to abruptly change direction after exiting the housing and passing either beneath or above the collar before extending along the secured object. This abrupt change of direction reduces the amount of force which are exerted on the cable loops from being transmitted onto the ratchet mechanism. In alternate embodiments, adjacent cable loops pass through one or a pair of rings which cause a change of direction in the cable loops to reduce the transmission of forces onto the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: An easy to use, inexpensive fastener device that is generally shaped like the letter “H,” or similar cross-connected structure, which is used for bundling multiple items in conjunction with a closed loop band. The multi-purpose fastening device has a simple structural design such that a continuous length of cord or elastic may be looped around one of the uprights of the “H,” wrapped around a bundle of items, and then looped around the other upright of the “H,” thus holding the items together. The clip may be constructed of plastic, metal, or other rigid material and may be of varying size, thickness, and tensile strength, depending on the weight to be supported.

Abstract: A grip & roll in place string (G.R.i.P.-String) technique is described for the purpose of fastening or securing items that require additional physical support. The inventive device includes standard nylon string material with an integrated hook & loop section for increased gripping after the string has been tied. The string material is 100% multifilament nylon (FIG. 1, item 15). It is available in colors and resistant to chemicals and abrasion and is non-spliceable. The ‘Hook & Loop’ sections are integrated into the nylon string material. They consist of alternating minute hooks and loop pile that are integrated in a 45 degree angle (FIG. 2, item 30) to the string 0 degree line (FIG. 2, item 25) detail) from end-to-end of the ‘Hook & Loop’ section. The tie-through eye (FIG. 1, item 10) is a means to attach the G.R.i.P.-String fastener to the object that requires additional physical fastening support.

Abstract: A device for bundling newspapers for recycling, the device having a cylindrical handle member having two spaced apart apertures perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, the cylinder further having two axial slits formed in the ends thereof, the handle member cooperative with a length of cordage passing through one of the apertures in the handle member such that the cordage is of equal length from both sides of the aperture of the handle member, the cordage lengths arranged in an X configuration such that a bundle of newspapers is angularly positioned on the cordage so positioned, the handle member then drawn up over one corner of the bundle to approximately the center of the top of the bundle of newspapers, the opposing two ends of the cordage are then inserted through the second aperture in the handle member, drawn taut, and then wrapped about the opposing slits formed in the end of the handle member.

Abstract: A wrapping device for packages includes a tying member having two or more arms each having a longitudinal bore and an orifice perpendicular to and communicating with the bore, and a tying cord engaged into the bores and the orifices of the arms, to form two right angle bent portions, and to allow the tying cord to be solidly engaged and retained within the bores and the orifices of the arms. The arms each includes a longitudinal passage communicating with the bore and the orifice, and having a smaller width, to retain the tying cord within the bores of the arms. The arms each includes one or more catches or teeth to engage with and to catch and retain the tying cord within the bores of the arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing a line having a cross sectional thickness and at least one free end. The fastener has a shaft dimensioned for wrapping the line around the shaft. The shaft has a pair of ends at least one of which includes: an insertion structure extending from the end that defines an insertion opening and a retaining structure extending from the end a distance greater than the cross sectional thickness of the line. The retaining structure defines a retention aperture operably dimensioned smaller than the cross sectional thickness of the line. When the free end of the line is inserted through the opening, positioned adjacent the shaft, wrapped around the shaft and positioned in the retention aperture, the line is thereby releasably secured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a portable electronic device, comprising a base formed of thin, flat, rigid, material, and having, in a lower portion a first, substantially unbroken, flat surface, against which the inner lower surface of the device can be mounted; in any upper bifurcated portion a central slot with a relatively wide open upper end and a relatively narrow closed lower end adjoining the lower portion, and on the sides of the slot open upper end a pair of upwardly-extending, laterally-spaced, second and third mounting surfaces, against which spaced-apart inner upper surfaces of the device can be mounted; a first pair of holes formed in the outer ends of the second and third mounting surfaces; a second hole formed in a lower end of the lower portion; a plurality of inwardly-extending notches formed in the outer edge surfaces of the lower and upper portions; a cord having each of two end portions threaded through the first pair of holes; a middle portion formed as a loop and threaded through t

Abstract: A clamping device includes two jaws each having a hinge end pivotally secured together with a pivot shaft. One of the jaws includes a distal attachment end having a number of teeth, and the other jaw includes a distal attachment end having a pivotal pawl which has a catch biased to engage with either of the teeth of the jaw, and to detachably or openably secure the attachment ends of the jaws together. A spring may bias the catch of the pawl to engage with either of the teeth. A housing may further be secured to the jaw to shield the teeth or the pawl, and to prevent the pawl from being disengaged from the teeth inadvertently.

Abstract: A structure of a U-shaped lace buckle is disclosed. The U-shaped lace buckle comprises a shallow trench located at a central region. A releasing hole and a fastening hole are disposed within the central hollow region. The dimension of the releasing hole is larger than that of fastening hole. The releasing hole and the fastening hole are connected by a gradually tapering hole, wherein the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with the releasing hole is larger and the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with fastening hole is smaller. And the fastening hole comprises a plurality of protruded elements projecting from the inner surface. Further, the lace buckle comprises a through channel that passes from one end to the other end and connected through an arch-shaped groove located in between said two ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides a string fastening device which allows a string to be threaded thereinto easily, facilitates tightening of the string and enables the string to be gripped softly and captured accurately. The string fastening device can be used with its main body only and the main body includes a penetrating hole comprised of a sliding passage portion which allows the string to be moved freely and a braking passage portion for restricting movement of the string such that they adjoin. A narrow portion is provided at a joint portion so as to prevent the string from changing its path freely. The main body is made of thermoplastic elastomer to have elasticity. A rear face of the main body is formed to be a flat face. An attachment groove or sewing holes for sewing operation are provided around the penetrating hole. The main body is placed on a string threading hole in the cloth to be attached by a sewing thread to be fixed securely.

Abstract: A cast or bandage protector comprises a lightweight, plastic bag that is open at one end. The user can insert an arm or leg through the open end of the bag to protect a cast or bandage from getting wet. A cinch clip is looped around the open end of the bag and can be tightened to cinch the open end of the bag closed. The cinch clip comprises a cord having a first end fixed to a locking member attached to the bag. The other end of the cord passes through an opening in the locking member after the cord is first looped around the user's arm or leg. If the second end of the cord is pulled to cinch the cord tight, the cord may be locked in this cinched condition by pulling the cord down into a tapered slot in the locking member to grip and hold the cord. The second end of the cord can include a handle to allow the cord to be more easily gripped and pulled. The cord is preferably an elastic cord.

Abstract: The Cinch and Lock Device accomodates moderate-sized fabric-rope, cord, belt and bungee-cords. A feed-through cavity with an angled-ramp provide the base elements for the hand-actuated lever-arm to position an eccentric-motioned pressure-wheel. The lever-arm is spring-loaded to hold a closed pressure-lock position on a resident cord or belt. The lever-arm is hand-squeezed to allow non-obtsructed passage of a cord or belt through the cavity. With the desired cord or belt tension achieved, the spring-loaded lever-arm is released to the pressure hold condition. Typical applications of the Cinch and Lock device Include securing moderate-sized items such as office or home furniture items, including tarps.

Abstract: A retracting hairholder device includes a main body casing for retaining a tensioned coilable flexible non-elastic cord member. The flexible non-elastic cord member extends from the main body casing to form a loop and has a wound position and a plurality of measurable unwound positions. The flexible non-elastic cord member is coupled with a tension member contained within the main body casing which imparts sufficient tension upon the flexible non-elastic cord member such that it is pre-disposed toward a wound position so as to securely bind a lock of hair once placed within the loop. The flexible non-elastic cord member may be manually loosened or unwound in order to permit removal of the lock of hair. In one embodiment, the flexible non-elastic cord member may be locked into any position by a locking member. In another embodiment, a torquing member may be employed to confer added binding capabilities.

Abstract: A line keep includes a substantially flat base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. Positioned on the bottom surface is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Extending through the base between the top surface and opposing bottom surface are a pair of spaced apart apertures. A first prong upwardly projects from the top surface of the base and terminates in a horizontally disposed first finger disposed over the first aperture. A second prong projects from the top surface of the base adjacent to the second aperture and terminates at a second finger horizontally disposed over the second aperture. The first finger and second finger face in opposing directions and are configured to project through opposing sides of a vertical reference plane extending through the base between the first and second prong. The prongs can be selectively moved between an upstanding position and a folded position wherein the fingers are positioned adjacent to the line.

Abstract: A security device affixable to a package includes a housing, a strap, and a crossover connector carried by a cable. The strap is formed with a toothed channel containing a plurality of teeth that lockingly engage with a plurality of locking fingers formed on the housing. The strap is selectively and slidably received within the housing and cannot be removed without the use of a special key. When the key is inserted into the housing, the pins of the key simultaneously deflect the locking fingers out of locking engagement with the teeth of the toothed channel, thus permitting the strap to be removed from the housing. The cable and crossover connector are configured such that the cable is in a figure-8 configuration, thus permitting a single cable to carry the housing and the strap of the security device, and further permitting a single cable to extend across all six surfaces of the parallelepiped package.

Abstract: Security fastening connection for packets and other uses, destined to the joining of the ends of fastening means such as ropes, perforated tapes, dented tapes or similar being applied to packets constituted by postal packages, luggage or boxes; includes a) a main body provided with a central cavity which is exposed through at least one inlet mouth that affects one of the main faces of said main body; and b) at least two passages for fastening means, said passages having retentive admission means for dented tapes going through said main body in a way such that they coincide in said central cavity. The device further includes c) at least one salient, disposed within said central cavity, and which constitutes a fastening means for perforated tapes; and d) a blocking lid of said inlet mouth that, provided by unremovable connection means with said main body, conforms the support of the identifying security means.

Abstract: This sheet material marking tag has a stiffly resilient header part united along a border to an information part for printed matter. A holding orifice in the header comprises a major recess divisible into substantially equal upper and lower halves. The orifice has an internal edge and the internal edge has a lower span consisting of all portions of the internal edge below the upper half of the major recess. A stub nose projects laterally from the orifice and terminates as a blunt tip. The lower edge of the nose tapers toward the border but terminates at an orifice entry slit on the lower span of the orifice internal edge. A V-shaped open mouth below the nose has an upper lip common to the lower edge of the nose and a lower lip tapering toward the orifice but terminating at a lower lip intersection along the lower edge of the nose at a location spaced from the orifice. A pinch entry channel extends as a length along the lower edge of the nose between the lower lip intersection and the orifice entry slit.

Abstract: A length adjusting device for fastening straps of a mask includes an oblong elastic thin plate with a plurality of stepped hook portions. One strap of fastening straps of the mask is to be detachably fitted at a base end portion of the elastic thin plate and another strap of the mask is to be engageably fitted on the stepped hook portions. The elastic thin plate may have a piercing hole at its base end portion, into which the strap of the mask is to be detachably fitted, and/or have opposing hook portions which opposingly project from both its upper and lower sides and incline toward the base end of the elastic thin plate. The piercing hole may have a cut and the cut may extend slantingly toward a tip side of the elastic thin plate.

Abstract: A security device which includes a locking member, a ratchet member, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a book or box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base and secured therein by a pair of metal tines. The ratchet member includes a housing containing a gear and bearing member which are latched together in a spaced relationship to form a reel and a pawl. A bottom plate encloses the contents of the housing. The gear includes a multi-sided key hole, a plurality of openings to secure enlarged ends of the cables therein, and a plurality of teeth. The gear and bearing member each include an annular nub which sits in and rotates around a corresponding bearing surface of the bottom plate and housing, respectively. The pawl has a catch and a resilient spring and communicates with the gear to allow the ratchet member to be turned only in one direction.

Abstract: A device (10) for securing together a bundle (26) of objects includes a support member (12) to which a longitudinally stretchable and resilient cord (14) is integrally affixed. The support member includes a handle (24) to facilitate gripping of the device and the bundle in a hand with the device against the bundle. The support member further includes one or more vertical wedges (18, 20) and one or more horizontal wedges (22) for gripping and holding the cord in a wrapped position about the bundle. Each of the vertical wedges includes a pair of generally vertical walls (30) defining a cord-receiving channel (28), and a pair of edges (32) formed in the walls and defining a cord-gripping space between the edges narrower than the unstretched diameter of the cord, the edges engaging and holding the cord in a stretched position.

Abstract: A security device which includes a locking member, a ratchet member, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a book or box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base and secured therein by a pair of metal tines. The ratchet member includes a housing containing a gear and bearing member which are latched together in a spaced relationship to form a reel and a pawl. A bottom plate encloses the contents of the housing. The gear includes a multi-sided key hole, a plurality of openings to secure enlarged ends of the cables therein, and a plurality of teeth. The gear and bearing member each include an annular nub which sits in and rotates around a corresponding bearing surface of the bottom plate and housing, respectively. The pawl has a catch and a resilient spring and communicates with the gear to allow the ratchet member to be turned only in one direction.

Abstract: A one piece spring clip is provided which includes first and second relatively stiff elongate arms. Each arm has a gripping portion at one end and a jaw portion at an opposite end. A web interconnects the arms intermediate their ends, the web forming a pivot for the arms. A substantially U-shaped spring having a first end and a second end is disposed between the gripping portions of the arms. The first end of the spring is flexibly connected to one arm. A detent is formed on the other arm. The second end of the spring is resiliently biased to engage the detent when the gripping portions of the arms are initially moved toward each other, the spring yieldingly holding the jaws closed. The second end of the spring is continuously engaged in the detent for subsequent pressure and relaxation of pressure on the gripping portions of the arms to pivot the arms about the web, whereby the clamping portions of arms are movable toward and away from each other for receiving and retaining an object therebetween.

Abstract: A device (2) in a tarpaulin (3) for connecting a line (10) with the tarpaulin. A sheet of foldable material is folded over and forms two opposing portions (5, 6) which are interconnected with one another along a fold edge (48) formed during the folding. Each one of the opposing portions is fixed to an edge portion (31) of the tarpaulin (3) sandwiched between them. The device includes part portions (7, 8) which are located outside the defining edge (32) of the edge portion (31). The part portions form therebetween at least two mutually located channels (49a, b) which are substantially parallel to the defining edge (32) and are separated by a recess (40) in the fold edge (48). In one embodiment a line (10) is passed into one of the channels in order to anchor the tarpaulin and in another embodiment the line engages an anchorage rod (11) inserted in the channels.

Abstract: A device for rapidly wrapping a bundle of newspapers or magazines to be recycled, consisting of a fiberboard plate having a hole with a string-receiving slit through its major surfaces, and arcuate recesses on opposite edges of the plate, each recess having a string-receiving slit. A string is looped through the hole and around an adjacent edge of the plate, and tied near one end of the string. To wrap the bundle, the other end of the string is passed around the bundle and through the hole, wedged into the corresponding slit, and then passed by each arcuate recess and wedged into each of the corresponding slits.

Abstract: A hooking clasp for a cord-like member is provided which can simply and securely bind objects and furthermore, can be used repeatedly. The hooking clasp of the invention has a structure in which two elastic flat plates are fixed at their center portions, and a cord-like member such as a cord or rope is inserted into a gap formed between the flat plates and is hooked and wound on the fixed center portion for being pinched by the flat plates. An alternative hooking clasp of the invention has a structure in which an annular ring-shaped holding groove having almost the same width as a diameter of the cord-like member is engraved on a periphery of a cylindrical body and the cord-like member is hooked and wound for securement on the holding groove.

Abstract: A portable cleat including a primary connector element having a principal axis and opposed ends and a secondary connector element attached to the primary connector element at at least one of the ends, said secondary connector element having angularly disposed arms.

Abstract: This comprises a lightweight support for books and magazines comprising a baseboard which seats on the lap of the user or other substantially horizontal surface, and a book plate which is adjustable to a desired angular position relative to the baseboard. A particular feature is a tensioning mechanism for holding the pages in place which comprises a line anchored between an adjustable spool at one end and a detachable elastically-biased hook at the other end, which functions to hold the center of the reading material relatively perpendicular to the reader's line of sight.

Abstract: In the proximity of the mouth of the bag there is disposed a filiform closing member which is threaded through interstices of the net material and is provided with two ends extending laterally outwardly of the bag. The ends are attached together with a short tape fastener member wrapping a portion of each end and capable of sliding along the ends.

Abstract: A bookmark device is disclosed which is adapted to mark a particular line on a particular page of a book. The device includes a generally rectangular member having a plurality of portions and segments which fit about the page to be identified and which are further adapted to underline and thereby identify a particular line on a book page. Portions of a tying member are connected to one end of the rectangular member and may be wrapped around the outside of the book and tied near the book spine to releasably retain the book in its closed configuration.

Abstract: A device for removably securing a line or the like, said device having a base with at least one fastener integral therewith. The fastener has at least one wall extending outwardly therefrom and is, effectively, flexibly secured to the base with the wall terminating in a lip. In one configuration, the base has a ridge opposite the lip with the ridge and lip being substantially adjacent each other and a spike or serrated member which is secured within the fastener and extends in the direction of the lip and the ridge so that a lace or the like may be forced past the lip and ridge and be impaled by the spike, thereby retaining the lace in a fixed position. In a modification of the present invention, one or more walls may extend from the base with each wall terminating in a lip in opposed positions. Thus, the lips of the wall form the opening instead of the lip and ridge of the wall and base. The various modifications of the device are multifunctional in application.

Abstract: An automatically expanding pop-up decoration for use in gift-wrapping a package is capable of assuming a compact folded orientation suitable for storage in a limited area, yet expands automatically upon application to a package so as to create a substantially upstanding portion. The decoration comprises an ornament having a pair of opposed end members and an expansible structure pivotally joining the end members together. It further comprises an elastic cord operatively engaging the opposed ornament end members so that application of the cord about a package so as to tension the cord automatically causes the ornament end members to pivot into a substantially edge-to-edge relationship with the expansible structure standing substantially upright from the package.

Abstract: An automatically expanding pop-up decoration for use in gift-wrapping a package is capable of assuming a compact folded orientation suitable for storage in a limited area, yet expands automatically upon application to a package so as to create a substantially upstanding portion. The decoration comprises an ornament having a pair of opposed end members and an expansible structure pivotally joining the end members together. It further comprises an elastic cord having the opposite ends thereof secured to the opposed ornament end members so that application of the cord about a package so as to tension the cord ends automatically causes the ornament end members to pivot into a substantially edge-to-edge relationship with the expansible structure standing substantially upright from the package.

Abstract: A flower-like decorative ornament for use in gift-wrapping a package comprises an artificial flower and an elasticized cord, with the free ends of the cord extending upwardly through the flower to provide the appearance of stamens.

Abstract: A hollow tube contains a longitudinally movable adjustment member having a pair of V-shaped line-engaging openings at its inner end for receiving opposite ends of the line and a manually operable stop on the outer end of the tube threadably engages the adjustment member for moving it outwardly and tightening the line about an article with the line ends being locked in the V-shaped openings by the inside wall of the tube.

Abstract: A hose clamp includes a coupler body and spring wire. The coupler is substantially triangular in cross section, having a pair of passageway interconnecting two surfaces. The wire, having a head on one end, is routed through one passageway, around the hose and then through the remaining passageway being secured by a thrust washer to the opposite coupler surface.

Abstract: A spray-like decorative ornament for use in gift-wrapping a package comprises a rigidifying core having top and bottom edges and a strip of metal foil wound about the core, a section of the strip being of greater height than the core and the top portion of the strip being vertically slit to define a plurality of fingers. Preferably the strip tapers substantially smoothly from one end thereof to the other, with a portion of the strip radially closer to the core having taller fingers than the portion of the strip radially further from the core, thereby to produce a spray-like appearance. In one preferred embodiment the core is hollow and the ornament additionally includes an elasticized cord having a section of enlarged diameters incapable of passing through the core, the core being slidably mounted on a loop of the cord passing longitudinally therethrough with the enlarged section at least partially disposed above the core top portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of suture securement devices that replace the need to tie knots in sutures. Some embodiments comprise an annular outer body and one or more suture engagement tabs extending inwardly from the outer body. The devices can comprise a superelastic and/or shape-memory material and have a generally in-plane initial configuration. The suture engagement portions are deformable out-of-plane to an active configuration with the outer body compressed and the tabs interlocked with each other. The device can be heat-set in the deformed configuration. The interlocked tabs exert a pinching force on sutures passing between them that restricts the sutures from sliding through the opening in one longitudinal direction.