Abstract: A clamp structure which includes a clamping band with open ends adapted to be interconnected and with an ear for tightening the clamping band about an object to be fastened by plastic deformation of the ear; the free ends of the clamping band are provided with arched surface portions, as viewed in transverse cross section, to provide outwardly extending, groove-like reinforcing embossments, and at least one end of the band is of tapered configuration, as viewed in the circumferential direction thereof, with the tapering side surfaces converging toward each other in the direction toward the respective band end so that the arched surface portion of the one band end is able to engage in the overlying arched surface portion near the other band end to assure thereby a continuously smooth, stepless internal configuration of the band during tightening thereof by contraction of the ear as the diametric dimension is reduced.

Abstract: A method is provided for binding a first low density bale with a plurality of straps and then reusing sections of the straps to bind a second, smaller bale which is compressed from the first bale. A plurality of primary straps are provided with a multiple of discrete arrays of longitudinally spaced joint elements, the joint elements of each array being adapted to interlock with the joint elements of another array to form a sealless connection therebetween. Each primary strap is looped around the first low density bale and the ends of the strap are connected through two of the arrays of interlocking joint elements. Each primary strap further has, at spaced locations along its length, severance indicia and readily disengageable anti-reverse engaging tabs. When desired, the first bale may be subsequently further compressed to allow removal of the primary straps.

Abstract: An electrical heater for clamping round a body to be heated comprises a sheet-like elongate heating element, a housing member against which the element is located, and a continuous band of flexible metal strip formed into two closely-spaced elongate sections joined at their ends by rounded sections. The element is sandwiched between the housing member and one of the elongate sections and that section is slidably attached to the housing member. In use, the heater is located round the body with the housing member in contact with the body, and the rounded end sections of the strip are urged together, for example by a screw cooperating with rollers within the rounded sections.

Abstract: A generally circular clamp band assembled from a pair of identical clamp band members each having an integral connection formed at one end for cooperation with a like connection on a like member to join a pair of members at one end without the use of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A metal strap segment adapted for forming a first loop about material to be tied and for forming a sealless strap connection between overlapping strap ends of the segment is provided with an integral smaller strap segment adapted for forming a second smaller loop and for forming a sealless strap connection between overlapping strap ends of the smaller segment when the smaller segment is severed from the larger segment. The severed ends of the remaining portion of the larger strap segment are also adapted for being reconnectable and forming a sealless strap connection therebetween.

Abstract: Overlapping ends of metal strap, or the like, are aligned and connected without the aid of an overlying supplemental seal or fastener by means of an array of longitudinally spaced joints which form a one-way interlocking relationship. The joints comprise juxtaposed protuberances formed by slits in the strap ends, integral with the overlapping strap segments, which override each other as the interlocking relationship is formed. Protuberances at each end of the array on one of the strap ends are angled laterally in opposite directions and have a greater width than that of the remaining protuberances which, upon shifting of the joined overlapping lengths of metal strap relative to each other in a direction tending to disengage the joints, wedge in the corresponding slits of the other strap to provide a stop preventing disengagement.

Abstract: Overlapping lengths of metal strap, or the like, are aligned and connected without the aid of an overlying supplemental seal or fastener by means of an array of longitudinally spaced joints which form a one-way interlocking relationship. The joints comprise juxtaposed protuberances formed by slits in the strap ends, integral with the overlapping strap segments, which override each other as the interlocking relationship is formed. A protuberance at an end of the array on one of the strap ends has a laterally extending projection which, upon shifting of the joined overlapping lengths of metal strap relative to each other in a direction tending to disengage the joints, wedges in the corresponding slit of the other strap to provide a stop preventing disengagement.

Abstract: Overlapping ends of metal strap, or the like, are aligned and connected without the aid of an overlying supplemental seal or fastener by means of an array of longitudinally spaced joints which form a one-way interlocking relationship. The joints comprise juxtaposed protuberances formed by slits in the strap ends, integral with the overlapping strap segments, which override each other as the interlocking relationship is formed. A protuberance in the array on one of the strap ends is formed to additionally function as an integral anti-disengagement stop. This protuberance has an upturned corner forming a protruding tongue which, upon shifting of the joined overlapping lengths of metal strap relative to each other in a direction tending to disengage the joints, abuts a portion of the protuberance in a corresponding slit of the other strap to provide a stop preventing disengagement.

Abstract: A two-part worm drive clamp embodying a first part in the form of a tensioning strip having a housing-enclosed, slack take-up worm at one end and a tab at its other end, and a second part in the form of a ribbon-like, band-forming strip having a tab-receiving cut-out or opening at one end and a longitudinal series of generally transverse, worm-engaging slots extending inwardly from its other end. The desired size of the clamp is attained by wresting the second part from a tandem or one-in-front-of-the-other array of unit band lengths in a roll of preformed band-forming stock, the requisite number of unit lengths being dependent upon the required size of the band of the clamp. An important feature of the invention resides in the nature of the interlock which is established between the tab and the tab-receiving opening, the interlock being such that it is unnecessary angularly to displace either part in order either to effect or disconnect the interlock.

Abstract: Overlapping ends of metal strap or the like are connected without the aid of an overlying supplemental seal or fastener by means of longitudinally spaced joints which form a one way interlocking relationship. An integral abutment means comprises juxtaposed protuberances, integral with the overlapping strap segments, which irreversibly override each other as the interlocking relationship is formed and present spaced stops which abut each other before a formed interlock can disengage when the overlapping strap segments are shifted relative to each other in an interlock disengaging direction.

Abstract: A load lifting band with an overload indicator includes a junction for strip material which is particularly useful for joining the ends of a strip of material so as to form a closed band for lifting heavy loads. The junction consists of a pair of overlapping sheet-like sections provided with interconnecting parts. The interconnecting parts each include a plurality of slits and corresponding sheet portions extending from the general plane of the respective section, the sheet portions of one of the sections each cooperating with a pair of slits in the other section so as to prevent separation of the sections in response to a force tending to move the same apart. The slits in each of the sections are divided into two sets each of which includes at least two groups of laterally spaced slits. The number of slits in one group is greater than that in the corresponding other group.