Abstract: An example band winding type hose clamp may include: a body part engaged with and fixed to one end of a band; a winding part which is rotatably coupled to the body part, into which the other end of the band surrounding the outer periphery of the hose is inserted, and which is rotated by an external force to wind the other end of the band, whereby the band presses and closely contacts the outer periphery of the hose; and a cover part which is hingedly coupled to the body part spaced apart from the winding part while one end of the cover part is engaged with the winding part, and which selectively restrains the rotation of the winding part so as to maintain the elastic force of the band pressing the outer periphery of the hose.

Abstract: A tension device for applying tension to an orthopedic cable loop system is designed to remain implanted in vivo after completion of the surgical procedure in which the device is used. The tension device may include a spool rotatable in one direction, such as by having outer flanges engageable with ratcheting protrusions along a cavity within the body of the device. The tension device may maintain a biasing force on the cable, which force may be applied by an elastic material. For example, the elastic may be provided in an opening of the body of the device. In another example, the elastic may be provided in the spool, such as by constructing the flanges of the spool from elastic material or by providing elastic material between an inner and an outer ring of the spool. Other biasing components as well as measuring components may be provided in the tension device.

Abstract: A shoelace securing device including a lace lock through which a pair of shoelaces are disposed and secured. The lace lock includes a pair of locking apertures and a spring. The shoelace securing device includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the lace lock about which a pair of shoelaces are wrapped. The shoelace securing device includes a shield member selectably coupleable over the plurality of protrusions thereby trapping any shoelaces wrapped around the plurality of protrusions. The shield member includes a non-front aperture for shoelaces to extend through.

Abstract: A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part is presented. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the tourniquet comprises a first elongated member, and a second elongated member in slidable engagement with the first elongated member. In addition, the tourniquet includes a tensioning mechanism connected to the second elongated member, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part upon applying a tensile force to the second elongated member using the tensioning mechanism. The tourniquet is suited for emergency use, and may be applied by using only one hand. Thus, the tourniquet may be applied, manipulated and tightened by the wearer, even if the wearer is limited to the use of a single hand.

Abstract: A quick-connect tie down system includes a grip base with a separable C-shaped clamping bracket which is interconnected thereto by a durable strap. A ratchet assembly mounted on the grip base winds the strap onto a spool to draw C-shaped clamping bracket toward a second removable connector to sandwich a portion of an article to a portion of a vehicle or secondary article. Use of one quick-connect tie down system at each end of the article ensures its retention to a vehicle or secondary article. Extension straps are provided to afford added flexibility of usage.

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 attachment device which includes: a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the attachment device at one end thereof via a loop, the other end of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed around a frame or part thereof to which the bracket is to be attached; a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the length of material and holding the length of material received therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is released; and wherein the looping of the length of material to the body portion positions the length of material between the body portion and the frame or part thereof to which the attachment device is attached in use.

Abstract: A circumferential clamp (2) including a clamping band (4) having oppositely disposed circumferential ends (8, 10) and a latching assembly (6) for securing the ends (8, 10) together. The latching assembly (6) includes first and second latching devices (12, 14), each of which includes an elongate element (16, 26, 28) which is pivotably mounted on the clamping band (4) adjacent one of the ends (8, 10) and is engageable with the clamping band (4) adjacent the other end to latch the ends (8, 10) together. The lengthwise axes of the elongate elements (16, 26, 28) lie in, or intersect, a common plane tangential to the clamping band (4), and may be coincident with, or intersect, each other.

Abstract: A device for holding together elongate objects such as high-power electrical cables has a frame (30), a strap (12) designed to be fixed at one end to the device and to pass round the cables back to the device with its other end, a spindle (20) rotatably mounted in the frame so as to be generally parallel to the elongate objects in use, the other end of the strap being attachable to the spindle once passed round the cables, and then wound round the spindle by turning the latter in order to tighten the strap round the objects; and a locking mechanism constituted by at least one non-circular section of the spindle (20) and a matching non-circular aperture (33) in the frame, and by the spindle being displaceable along its length with respect to the frame by tightening a locknut (22) so that the non-circular section engages in the corresponding aperture when it is desired to lock it against rotation.

Abstract: A venipuncture base plate assembly includes an adapter and a patient interface platform. The adapter has a substantially flat retention clip and a platform coupled to the retention clip with two or more posts mounted on it. The patient interface platform includes a base pad having a bottom surface coated with an adhesive substance and a base unit coupled to the base pad. The base unit includes a base plate and a retainer mounted on the base plate that supports the adapter at two or more variable angles relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A method and a spool (1, 10, 21, 22, 35) for shortening the length of a cord (14) and optionally tensioning it at the same time is provided. The spool has a shank having two ends each of which has a transverse retainer formation (4, 13, 20, 40, 51 and 5, 11, 25, 33, 36, 42, 49, 50, 58) adapted operatively to prevent unravelling off the shank of cord wound around the elongate shank, at least whilst it is held under tension and with the axis of the shank extending in the same general direction as that in which the cord extends. A keeper formation (4, 13, 20, 40, 51) that is preferably one in the same with the ring and a formation at one end of the shank cooperates with a cord to maintain said end in association with the cord whilst the shank is rotated to wind cord onto the shank by rotation thereof.

Abstract: A hose clamp having an elongated band having first and second opposed ends which are overlapped to form an annular clamp member. A plurality of indentions are longitudinally positioned on the band. An adjustment assembly is fastened to the clamp member and includes a housing having a drive gear received therein. The drive gear includes peripheral teeth that engage the indentions whereby rotation of the gear results in the first and second ends moving to vary the circumference of the clamp member. The drive gear is driven with an adjustment screw that is positioned perpendicular to the clamp member circumference for easier access.

Abstract: A tensioning device used to improve the retention of a child seat after its installation in an auto seat using its installed seat belts. After the child seat is placed on the auto seat and the auto seat belt is engaged about the child seat in a desired manner, the device increases tension in the auto seat belt to improve retention of the child seat. The device uses an open-end slotted and rotatable spool around which the auto seat belt is wrapped. Lever means connect with rotating and locking means, which in turn connect to the rotatable spool to wind the spool in a direction such that would result in effectively shortening of the automobile seat belt.

Abstract: A holder for the fastening of functional elements to bar-shaped elements having a strap element, whose one end is fixed to a fastening point in a housing, and having a rotational element which is pivotally mounted in a receiving mount formed in the housing and has a passage slot for the other end of the strap element, with the rotational element having at least one substantially cylindrical section, whose jacket surface provided with elevations and recesses extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotational element and can be brought into engagement with a section of the receiving means which has elevations and recesses formed in a complementary manner.

Abstract: An improved hose clamping device which uses a housing with a flexible band extending therefrom, and a cylindrical roller with outwardly protruding spiked elements, the roller rotatably mounted within the housing. A turning mechanism turns the roller and the flexible band engages the spikes on the roller to be drawn forward into and through the housing. The band is ideally constructed in whole or in part of a strong fibrous mesh, such as Kevlar, which facilitates ready engagement with the spiked roller. The embodied turning mechanisms are constructed to allow retraction of the band and counter-rotation of the spiked roller without interference of the turning mechanism handle with surround objects.

Abstract: A locking clamp assembly includes a circular band of flexible material having, first and second end portions and a series of indentations formed in the outer surface of the band along the length of the band at the first end portion. A housing is mounted on the second end portion of the band and has a channel formed therein which receives the first end portion of the band therethrough. A screw is also disposed within the channel and has a threaded portion with a plurality threads which threadably engage the indentations of the first end portion of the band so that when the screw is turned, the band is tightened and loosened. A locking device releasably locks the screw to the housing its desired position wherein the screw is prohibited from turning thereby preventing the tightening or loosening of the band.

Abstract: A Quick Release Adjustable Dental Band Clamp is intended to rigidly fix orthodontic attachments to a tooth. There are two major advantages to this invention. First, the band clamp can be compressed to a near-size fit by finger pressure, thereby, reducing operator time with the hand tool. Second, the clamp provides a quick release of tension, enabling fast removal. The clamp is a flexible metal strip with two free ends. One end contains a permanently fixed joining mechanism which is the heart of the invention. The other end is designed to be pulled by a joining mechanism into a created holes interior. The joining mechanism has two main operative parts: a worm and a locking pin. The worm draws the band material tightly and is governed by the locking pin, which is either engaged or disengaged with worm. When the locking pin is engaged with the worm only tightening is permitted. Loosening is allowed when the locking pin is disengaged.

Abstract: An adjustable flange comprises a circular collar portion having a base. The collar defines first and second openings therethrough. A gasket extends from the base and defines an opening coextensive with the first opening. The gasket is sized to fit around the circumference of a pipe. An adjusting means has a first portion for encircling the gasket for applying compressive forces thereto and a second portion extending along the gasket and through the second opening. The first and second portions cooperate such that upon rotation of the second portion, the forces applied by the first portion are varied.

Abstract: A clamp housing for cylindrically wound heaters, particularly for an injection molding nozzle heater has a slit that permits changing the effective diameter of the housing and it is actuated by an axially extending cam pin that can be easily adjusted from an exposed end of the heater. The cam pin has a central cam portion formed between two end hubs that are rotatably mounted with respect to one edge of a longitudinal slit in the clamp housing, and a central cam portion that is mounted in a loop formed from the opposite edge of the slit in the housing. As the cam pin is rotated the two edges of the slit in the housing can be forced together because of the cam action and the housing will tighten around a heater held on the interior of the clamp.

Abstract: A process and a device for holding a flexible plastic liner within a rigid or semi-rigid waste or storage container.The device or apparatus includes a split or divided shaft 30 which is attached to a ratchet wheel 104, which is controlled by a worm gear 102. Worm gear 102 is capable of moving the ratchet wheel both forwards and backwards and holding the wheel stationary. The worm gear is attached to or is a formed part of the shaft 111 which is further attached to a key or handle 100, that when rotated, turns the shaft 111, the ratchet wheel 104, and the split or divided shaft 30. The worm gear 102, the shaft 111, and the ratchet wheel 104 are housed in a split housing with top part 98 and bottom part 99. The housing 98-99, contains an attachment strap holder 46 through which the attachment strap 44 passes, thereby, attaching the device to the attachment strap 44. The attachment strap 44 is further hooked over the top edge 110 of the container 108, thereby, attaching the device to the container.

Abstract: A clamp for a hose comprising a drum which is confined for rotation within a clip. The axis of rotation of the drum is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hose. Bands, which are connected to the clip and encircle the hose, are attached to the drum. A bolt or screw head axially accessible at an end of the drum is rotated by a tool to wind the bands onto the drum and tighten them against the hose. The clip includes latch members that engage gears on the drum to maintain tension on the bands and prevent unwanted backwinding.

Abstract: A manual two part automobile seat belt tightener which conveniently assembles and disassembles to permit intermediate attachment to a seat belt without the need to pass any of the seat belt buckle parts through the tightening mechanism. The tightener mechanism includes a non-circular bifurcated pin or reel and a complimentary non-circular aperture in the tightener frame to assure that the pin or reel cannot be rotated until the pin or reel is fully inserted in the frame. In particular, in attaching the tightener to an intermediate portion of an automobile seat belt, the tightener ratcheting mechanism cannot be rotated unless the bifurcated pin or reel is fully inserted into the ratcheting mechanism. An additional advantage to the new tightener is the significantly simple and sturdy construction that can make use of a conventional hexagonal ratchet wrench mechanism in the novel combination.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in climbing a tree, for example, in conjunction with a tree stand, comprises a metal strap having one end attached to one corner of a rectangular plate and the other end adjustably attachable to the diagonally opposite corner of the plate after encircling the strap around a tree. The plate has a lever extending across the other diagonal for twisting the plate so as to decrease the horizontal distance between the two strap attachments thereby tightening the strap around the tree and allowing a user to pull him or herself up on the lever. The apparatus is used by alternating upward stepwise movements thereof with upward stepwise movements of the tree stand, the user alternating his or her weight between the two items accordingly.

Abstract: A device for fastening ski-boots, and which permits fine adjustment of the tightness of the fastening to be effected quickly and easily, includes a sprocket supported rotatably on a support plate and a tie with a rack portion engageable by the sprocket. The device also includes a ratchet mechanism for advancing the sprocket relative to the rack portion to tension the tie, and a ratchet mechanism for locking the sprocket so as to maintain the tension of the tie.

Abstract: An improved hose clamp apparatus for alternatively clamping, tightening and/or release of a hose associated with a collar of an engine, motor, pump or the like, in tightly confined or constricted spaces most accessible primarily from a direction substantially parallel to the hose comprising, a rotatable geared shaft engaging and driving corresponding transverse slots formed in a flexible band surrounding the hose being clamped. When a sufficient axial force component is supplied to the shaft so as to defeat the spring biasing force and disengage a shaft member, rotation thereof is possible so as to alter the circumference of the flexible band and correspondingly loosen or tighten the clamp apparatus about the hose fitted upon the collar.

Abstract: A pipe thread protector apparatus which includes an annular elastomeric sleeve dimensioned to surround a pipe thread to be protected, a radially inwardly projecting stop flange at one end of the sleeve and a constriction subassembly for constricting the sleeve into gripping contact with the protected thread. The constriction subassembly includes a flexible band imbedded in the sleeve, and a device for shortening the length of the band to constrict the elastomeric sleeve.

Abstract: A device for securing at least one cable to a support (not shown) and/or for securing together two or more cables comprising a base member having two inclined surfaces on which one or two of the cables can rest; a bar which is spaced from the base member between the inclined surfaces and extends lengthwise of the cable or cables and which is secured to the base member; a strap which can be passed around the bar and the cable or cables at least once; and tensioning means which can tension the strap when positioned around the bar and the cable or cables, to secure the cable or cables together and/or to secure the cable or cables to the base member.

Abstract: A band clamping device including a frame having an elongated planar base and a pair of spaced parallel side walls extending upwardly from the sides of the base. A rotary winding shaft extends transversely across the frame and is rotatably mounted in the side walls. The shaft has ratchet teeth disposed circumferentially around its circumference adjacent one end of the shaft interiorly of the spaced walls to form a ratchet wheel on the shaft. The elongated base has an extension at one end bent over upwardly partially upon itself with a part of the free end of the bent over portion forming a resilient pawl operatively and resiliently engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel for releasably holding the shaft from rotating. A flexible clamping band is provided for encircling an associated object to be clamped and is secured at one end to the base.

Abstract: A coupling for mine ventilation conduits comprising a first tubular conduit having a flared end portion for receiving an end portion of a second tubular conduit, at least one of the conduits having an elongate flexible strap attached thereto having a length sufficient to reach the other tubular conduit. A resilient compressible strip is placed between said first and second tubular conduits around the periphery of the end position of the second tubular conduit. The coupling also includes a device for tightening the flexible strap length and for holding the strap in a tightened position, the device being secured to one of said conduits and providing for tightening of said strap to draw said tubular conduits together to compress the resilient strip between the flared end portion of the first conduit and the end portion of the second conduit to thereby provide a substantially air tight seal between said conduits.

Abstract: A binding device comprises a band with fastening steps, a fastening member having a round hole formed integrally with one end of the band, a shaft member formed integrally with the other end of the band, and fastening means provided on the fastening member to engage the fastening steps on the band. In use, the band is wrapped about the article to be bound and the shaft member is inserted into the round hole of the fastening member. The shaft member is then rotated to tighten the band and the band is retained at the desired degree of tightness by the engagement between fastening means on the fastening member and the fastening steps.

Abstract: A device for transporting a plant having a root system confined in a ball of earth. The device comprises a flexible strip which is placed around the ball of earth in belt-like fashion, a means for winding the strip so as to tightly grip the ball, and a means for locking the strip in position as the ball is being transported.

Abstract: A clamp for pipes or the like has a band whose width is constant save for two recesses in the marginal portions of one of its end portions which is received in the housing of the clamp. The bottom wall of the housing has projections which enter the recesses and the recesses are bounded by S-shaped lugs, at least at those ends which are nearer to the respective end of the band. Such lugs abut against the respective end face of the bottom wall of the housing to prevent extraction of the band when a threaded portion of the band meshes with a tightening screw which is mounted in the housing and can be rotated in a direction to reduce the size of the loop between the end portion and the threaded portion of the band.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding a load of articles including an elongate cable extending about the load, and a spring-loaded device operatively interconnecting opposite ends of the cable. A cable take-up drum is provided to adjust the effective length of the cable extending about the load and to deflect the spring to provide selected tightening of the cable about the load. Should the load change configuration the spring maintains the cable taut about the load.

Abstract: A restraining device is used in a dry kiln with a load of green lumber in order to reduce warpage during drying and cooling. A single restraint device is comprised of a pair of inverted leaf springs joined together at their centers and having a strap extending from one end of the top spring about the load of lumber and terminating at the other end of the top spring together with a tensioning device for the strap. Before the load of lumber is placed in the dry kiln, the tensioning device will draw down both the bottom and top leaf springs close to the load where the tensioning device will lock them in place. During drying, as the load shrinks, the top spring will be relaxed while the bottom spring will maintain a force across the width of the load, thereby substantially reducing warp.

Abstract: A combined fastener and tension indicator means employed for securing the ends of a band having undulations formed therein. The band is employed for retaining insulation panels which have been applied over the exterior surface of a structure to be insulated thereby. The structure to be insulated is caused to expand and/or contract depending upon the surrounding atmospheric conditions. A tension is applied to the band to insure the band always being in close contact with the exterior surface of the structure to which the panels have been applied. The undulations formed in the band together with the amount of tension applied to the band will permit for the structure to which the panels have been applied to expand and/or contract while still retaining the insulation panels in close contact with the exterior surface of the structure to which the panels have been applied.

Abstract: A compacter for maintaining compressible items in a tightly wrapped condition to make them easily transportable is particularly useful by campers and backpackers to wrap items of bedding, such as sleeping bags, mattresses, foam rubber pads, blankets, and the like. The compacter includes a flexible and durable strap for encircling the item to be compacted with the end margins of the strap adjacent to each other. The strap is rolled up from the end margins on an elongate, rod-like section of a rigid winder to tighten the strap about the material to be compacted. The winder includes a lever section that extends transversely of the rod-like section to provide a mechanical advantage for rolling up the strap. After the strap has been rolled up a latching device is connected to the lever section to prevent it from rotating to unwind the strap.

Abstract: An improved, spring-biased take-up clamp assembly for elongated tie-down elements such as cables, ropes or mobile home tie-down straps is provided which permits simplified, infinitely adjustable take-up and tightening of the tie-down element with secure locking at any desired position and without the use of conventional turnbuckles or other devices using interference-fit structure for spindle-retaining purposes. In preferred forms the assembly includes a rotatable take-up mandrel or spindle for a tie-down element, an apertured mounting plate fixed to the upper end of an embedded earth anchor, and a motion-checking snubber spring operatively coupled between the strap spindle and mounting plate for holding the strap against loosening under tension loads while at the same time permitting relatively easy, one-man tightening thereof as desired.

Abstract: An improved anchoring system for use with regard to a wide variety of materials including an improved anchor head which is very easily and quickly turned over and oriented within the material in which it is embedded. The anchor head is comprised of a triangular or wedge-shaped plate having a deformed central area extending from the front driving point to the rear edge. At least a portion of the rear part of the anchor head is provided with an angular bend forming wings or flaps which provide the improved turnover capability. The system also comprises a self-tightening bracket, an anchoring cable and a drive rod for embedding the anchor head.

Abstract: A strap tensioning apparatus having a U-shaped housing with two upstanding walls, each all provided with an opening for rotatably supporting a rigid elongated bolt having a head at one end and threaded at the other end to threadedly engage a nut. A washer is secured on the bolt shank proximal to the head. Radial ratchet protrusions are coined on the washer surface and complementary ratchet engaging surfaces are formed on one wall of the U-shaped housing to provide one-way rotation of the bolt therein. A spring member may be provided between the nut and the other housing wall to exert a longitudinal force on the bolt thereby urging the ratchet members into engagement. A longitudinal slot is provided in the bolt to receive and hold a strap end as it is wound upon the bolt shank intermediate the housing walls. The housing may be resiliently attached to a ground anchor.

Abstract: This invention provides a supporting device which includes a bracket having a wall provided with two spaced slots, one edge of each slot being defined by an angular portion of the wall, and a strap, one end of which extends through one of the slots and is doubled over for attaching that end to the bracket, the opposite end having a plurality of tabs extending from one surface and having free transverse edges facing the one end of the strap. The strap at the tabs has a thickness less than the width of the slot when measured at an acute angle to the wall of the bracket, but greater than the width of the slot in a direction generaly perpendicular to the wall, so that the strap freely passes through the slot when at an angle and the transverse edges overlap the wall when the strap is more nearly perpendicular to the wall for preventing removal of the strap.

Abstract: A band clamping device which is constructed with a U-shaped main body with the bottom part thereof constituting a seating member, and with both sides extending from the seating member in the form of a channel being made to constitute a pair of support members; a flexible band, one end of which is folded for being hooked at the seating member through at least one slot formed therein; a band take-up member provided in one part thereof with a band insertion slot and which is rotatably held by said pair of support members; a ratchet wheel which rotates integrally with the band take-up member and a return preventive mechanism to cause an engaging pawl provided on the support member to be engaged with the ratchet wheel, wherein the angle of bending of the support members is made greater than 90.degree.