Abstract: The locking device may either be used with a conventional liftgate support or incorporated into the design of the liftgate support, to retain a hatchback-type door of a vehicle in an open position. The locking device of the present invention is for use with a liftgate support to retain a hatchback-type door in an open position even in cold weather or after the liftgate support has worn out. The liftgate support includes a housing cylinder and an elongated piston rod. The elongated piston rod is slidably positionable relative to the housing cylinder, one end of the elongated piston rod being received within the housing cylinder. The locking device is secured to the housing cylinder by two-sided tape proximate to where the elongated piston rod is received by the housing cylinder.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes two tightening tools and a connecting unit. Each tightening tool has a base plate, a press plate, and an urging unit for tightening the base plate and the press plate while a member to be clamped is clamped therebetween. The connecting unit connects the tightening tools with the base plates facing in opposite directions so that the tightening tools can freely pivot relative to each other.

Abstract: A mounting-band assembly is disclosed for securing air filters in connection with engine-powered vehicles and equipment. The mounting-band assembly is directed to such band assemblies where the band is made of a material that has a different rate of thermal expansion than the material of the filter housing. The band assembly incorporates a spring for self-adjusting the forces between the band and the filter housing in response to the relative change in the sizes of the band and housing.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism including a journal portion and a non-continuous ring member that encircles the journal portion. The ring member has relatively displaceable end parts. A lever member extending in a plane normal to the axis of the journal portion is mounted through a pin on one end part and through another pin on the other end part and the lever member is swingable relative to the ring member to leverage the parts in either of opposite directions. An adjustably positioned member is provided to produce adjustably controlled displacement of the end parts of the ring member.

Abstract: Gears with a soft metal hub and a hexagonal coaxial hole in the hub, often need repair. Accordingly the old hub is removed and a new solid plug is pressed in place and welded. A radial face on the plug and the gear are flush. A lock plate is placed on this radial face and wleded along an arc. Then the assembly has an axial circular hole bored therethrough and then a hexagonal hole is broached therein. The lock plate has two ears opposite the weld which receive a bolt.

Abstract: A ball joint stud assembly comprising a shank having a ball formed at one end thereof, the shank having first and second axially separated surfaces with the first surface, which is located furthest from the ball, having a diameter smaller than the second surface, and the surfaces are separated by a circumferential groove. The assembly also includes a mounting component for receiving and securing at least a portion of the shank therein. The mounting component has (1) a first bore for receiving the shank, (2) a second bore perpendicular to the first bore and intersecting the first bore, and 3) a slot projecting radially from the first bore to an edge of the mounting component such that the slot intersects with the second bore. A clamping bolt is also included in the assembly for reducing the diameters of the first bore and securing the shank therein upon tightening of the clamping bolt.

Abstract: A flexible hub apparatus for securing a power takeoff element to a shaft includes a hub formed of resilient material and having a first end and a second end and a hub spacing unit for selectively moving the hub between a shaft removal position and a shaft clamping position. The hub defines an inner circumference for receiving the shaft therein for clamping engagement by the hub. The first and second hub ends are movable relative to one another between the shaft clamping position in which the effective inner circumferential extent of the hub is such that the hub clamps the shaft and the shaft removal position in which the effective inner circumferential extent of the hub is such that the shaft is freely removable from the hub. The hub spacing unit includes a movable member disposed between the first and second hub ends for selective surface-to-surface engagement therewith and at least one of the engagement surfaces is tapered.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar attachment includes a stem adapted at one end for connection to the head tube and having an eyelet at its opposite end for receiving the handlebar crossbar. The eyelet is divided by a slit into two jaws, one of which defines a threaded blind hole and the other of which has a partially-threaded through-hole aligned with the blind hole for receiving a screw for clamping the jaws together to tighten the eyelet on the crossbar. When the screw is released from the blind hole, an abutment plate can be inserted in the slot and the screw tightened aginast it to force the jaws apart to allow the crossbar to be inserted in or removed from the eyelet.

Abstract: The invention relates to clamping assemblies for use, for example, in clamping abutting end portions of, say, pipeline members. The assemblies are particularly useful in the clamping of insert valves in oil pipelines. The assembly comprises two clamping elements (36) adapted to encircle the pipeline members (2,4) in abutting relationship, support means (50) to support the elements (36) in a spaced-apart condition, said support means (50) comprising a mounting member adapted to be secured to one of the members to be clamped, at a location spaced from the abutable surface thereof, said mounting member (50) including a plurality of guide rods (52) projecting therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a new bicycle frame tube coupling structure and, more particularly, to a tight coupling which includes a pair of solid lugs having large curved front edges fixedly connected to the wall surface of the tight coupling through a silver brazing process. When a locking bolt is inserted through the pair of lugs and screwed tight, the solid body of the two opposite lugs and the two large curved surfaces provide an increased pressure onto a fixed tube to firmly tighten a movable tube, which is contained in the fixed tube and both of which are set in the tight coupling, so that the movable tube be firmly positioned therein.

Abstract: A pipe clip comprising a baseplate, a pair of opposed arcuate-shaped strap segments; a flexible connecting-strut connected between the baseplate and each strap segment at a point that divides the strap segment into an inner end portion and an outer end portion, and mutually engageable closure means on the outer end portions of the strap segments to lock the straps in place around a pipe. The struts maintain the strap segments in disengaged position with their inner end portions adjacent each other and their outer end portions apart to permit the insertion of a pipe into the clip whereby the force of inserting a pipe into the clip against the inner end portions of the strap segments brings the outer end portions together and the closure means into engagement.

Abstract: A torsion spring coupling for repairing broken torsion springs including at least two mating semicylindrical segment members securable around a torsion bar. The segments are secured between opposing end segments of a broken torsion spring to form a cylinder having threaded outer circumferential surfaces for threadably engaging opposing segments of a broken torsion spring to prevent relative rotational movement between opposing segments of a broken torsion spring longitudinally along a torsion bar.

Abstract: A stator assembly 20 for a rotary machine 10 includes an outer case 22 and an inner case 56 which is positioned from the outer case. The inner case is formed of segments 76 which overlap and which are relatively slidable in the circumferential direction. Various construction details are developed to keep the segments in an overlapping relationship. In one embodiment, a fastener 104 and slot 102 configuration are used to limit relative circumferential movement between the segments.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a member, having a recess, connected by a connector to a component having an outwardly presented surface part, the connector comprising at least one pair of elements pivotally joined together by a pivotal joint means, each element having a female part and a male part which co-operate, respectively, to provide the connector with a female portion in which said surface part of the component is received and a male portion which is engaged in the recess of the member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure closing device for joining the edges of plastic sheets, comprising a shaped strip fastened by heat-sealing in the vicinity of each of the edges to be joined, each of the strips comprising a hooking element able to work with the corresponding hooking element of the shaped strip fastened in the vicinity of the other edge to be joined and a flap by which the shaped strip is fastened to the corresponding sheet.The flap of each shaped strip has at least one intermediate longitudinal rib protruding from one of its faces.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for suspending a generally horizontal boom from a support. A pair of spaced blocks are clamped on the boom. One block has a slot and the other block has a hanger pin. An elongated body is attached to the support. A head at one end of the body has a slot for receiving the hanger pin on the block. A second head, at the other end of the body, has a threaded hanger pin for receiving the slot on the other block so that the boom is supported parallel to the body. The two heads have a pair of detent pins receivable in openings in the two blocks to prevent the boom from pivoting about the hanger pins. The threaded hanger pin has a handle which the user can manipulate to easily connect one of the blocks to the body.

Abstract: An anti-rupture ring is slit axially at least at one location and is provided thereat with clamping devices which permit a rapid tightening and loosening of the anti-rupture ring. In one embodiment, the clamping of the anti-rupture ring can be varied hydraulically so as to minimize clearance losses in operation. The invention can be used in all types of turbo engines endangered by breakage of rotor blades, particularly in aircraft gas turbine construction, and it permits simple, damage-free mounting and a well-defined clamping of the anti-rupture ring.

Abstract: An elongate handle for attachment to the stem of a valve provided with a clamp for receiving the stem and a bolt and nut for drawing the clamp into clamping engagement with the stem.

Abstract: A reusable device for connecting hose or tubing to a hole in the panel of machines, vacuum motors, and the like, that can be installed and removed by hand. Installation requires no special skill, tools, or panel preparation, and does not alter the panel in any way. Once installed, hose or tubing can be clamped onto the device by a conventional way. The device consists of three interlocking parts assembled in the order in which they are presented in FIG. 1. Part A is a flexible tubular body with a flange (11) at one end and a slotted section (17) along its length. When the body is squeezed together the diameter of the flange (11) is reduced, allowing it to pass through the hole in the panel. Once inserted into the hole, and the pressure released, the diameter of the flange (11) expands. The flange, once again larger than the diameter of the hole, secures the tubular body in the panel. Part B is an insert that fits into the slotted section (17) of Part A and completes the tubular shape of Part A.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for use in servicing an oil well rod pump. The pump has a rod string with a rod clamp secured thereto above the polish rod. The device comprises an elongated, weight-supporting polish rod-receiving cylindrical sleeve. The inner diameter of the sleeve is greater than the diameter of the polish rod. A slot in the side of the sleeve extends along its length. The width of the slot is slightly greater than the diameter of the polish rod. A flange extends outwardly from each side of the slot. Releasable securing means extend between the flanges to secure the sleeve in position about the polish rod. The sleeve is to receive, resting thereon when in position about the polish rod, the rod clamp to permit servicing work on the pump above the rod clamp.

Abstract: An anti-theft collar device for an automobile or other vehicle having a cylindrical steering wheel and an extending shift lever. A resilient, arcuate band includes a first end having a member extending therefrom curled radially inward to form a first end slot, a second end, an opening spaced from the first end, and an aperture to accommodate the shift lever therethrough. A tongue extends circumferentially from the second end and is adapted to be inserted through the opening in the band. The tongue terminates in a member curled radially inward to form a second end slot parallel and opposed to the first end slot. A wedge has a pair of opposed edges that may be slidably received in the slots and a wedge lock prevents removal of the wedge from the slots. The arcuate band may be formed around the cylindrical steering wheel column, the tongue may be inserted through the opening in the band to form a pair of parallel, opposed slots.

Abstract: A coupling is designed for use in connecting two shafts such as, for instance, the output shaft of an engine with the input shaft of a pump or similar device. The coupling is formed from a generally cylindrical body having a central bore, the bore having a keyway therein. Dyametrically opposed from the keyway, a radial split is formed in the body of the coupler and the split is bridged and releasably tightenable by one or more bolts or other such fasteners.

Abstract: A fitting structure includes a shaft member of metal provided at the leading end part thereof with check projections formed integrally thereon, and a cap of synthetic resin formed of a main body and a lid member. The main body is provided therein with an insertion groove permitting insertion therein of the leading end part of the shaft member provided with the check porjections. The insertion groove is adapted to be closed by the lid member of the cap. Owing to this structure, the cap can be fitted to the leading end of the shaft member by a single operation of closing the insertion groove with the lid member. The fitting work involved in the structure of this invention, therefore, is extremely simple. While the cap is formed of the two component parts, i.e. the main body and the lid member, neither the main body nor the lid member is required to have any screw thread therein. Thus, the metal mold to be used for the formation of the cap is inexpensive and the cap itself can be produced inexpensively.

Abstract: A foldable baby carriage also having a handle bar shiftable from a forward to a reverse position. Within a lower portion on each side of the handle bar is located a slider casing containing two sliders. Each slider holds a bar projecting through the casing of the handle bar to engage either a locking mechanism for the handle bar or a locking mechanism for folding the carriage. The sliders are connected by cable threaded through the interior of the handle bars to two pivoting operation levers at the top of the handle bar. The top of the handle bar is composed of two hard resin parts joined together and supporting the operation levers.

Abstract: The mounting plate of a winding form assembly for a flier-type armature winder has a split hub with an axial bore clamped to a bearing at the end of the flier spindle. The mounting plate has spaced segments defined by splits. A clamp screw has a head confined in a bore in the split hub so that, upon loosening the screw, it causes the plate segments to be forced apart, thereby increasing the size of the axial bore so that the plate may easily be removed from the bearing.

Abstract: A connecting rod shank of a connecting rod is composed of a plurality of laminated plates having a thickness so that they can be introduced through a gap provided in a partially cylindrical base body of a loop tensioner for a tightening band which encloses the connecting rod shank.

Abstract: A rotary disc screen apparatus consisting of a material screening frame having a series of corotating parallel shafts in spaced relation, screen discs mounted on supports on the shafts so the screen discs interleave between adjacent shafts, the screen discs being detachable from the supports for interchangeability with other screen discs of a selected different dimension, and drive assemblies connected to alternate one of the shafts for being able to apply the drive assemblies on adjacent jammed shafts when needed.

Abstract: An attachment device for elements of bicycle handlebars includes a gripping part constituted essentially by two jaws together defining an aperture for receiving the handlebars. The jaws have respective first ends which face each other and are hinged together and respective second ends which also face each other and between which acts a clamping screw able to move the second ends together and consequently clamp the handlebar within the aperture. The respective first ends are substantially flat and have at least one auxiliary hinge member extending so as to connect the respective first ends.

Abstract: A pipe clamp wherein a C-shaped elastic holder cooperates with a U-shaped confining member to define a space which can receive a pipe with at least some radial play. The end portions of the holder are biased away from each other by an arcuate intermediate portion which extends along an arc of more than 180 degrees, and the end portions of the holder have openings for reception of inwardly bent lugs on the legs of the U-shaped confining member. The end portions are further formed with ramps which guide the lugs toward and into the respective openings when the confining member is in the process of being affixed to the holder. The end portions of the holder move apart as soon as the lugs move into register with the respective openings whereby the lugs are compelled to enter the openings to thereby couple the confining member to the holder.

Abstract: A dial indicator is supported by a device which relies on a differential screw to enable the feeler of the dial indicator to be precisely adjusted in very fine increments. In one embodiment, the differential screw extends between the two legs of a U-shaped element, the dial indicator being carried by one of the legs and being adjusted when the screw is turned to pivot the legs toward or away from one another. In another embodiment, the screw extends between two end-to-end links and is operable when turned to effect relative pivoting of the links.

Abstract: This invention is related to a tightening device used for a bicycle's frame. This device includes a shell having an interior space having a pair of lugs formed thereon. A screw and a nut provides for selectively, adjustably tightening the said bracket. A tightening piece is confined and supported within each lug, each piece having a contact surface which communicates with the interior space of the bracket, the contact surface of the tightening piece is provided with a curvature being similar and complementary-shaped to that of the surface of the structural member. When the seat tube is inserted into the interior space and the nut is tightened, the said contact surface of the tightening piece tightens and contacts the surface of the tube firmly along an area being greater than a line.

Abstract: A contoured, corrective seat is disclosed for use in connection with a wheelchair wherein the mounting between the seat assembly and the wheelchair is of the quick-release type, and the seat assembly includes a seat frame which is adjustable as to height, depth, and angular relation between a molded buttocks supporting portion and molded back supporting portion thereof, and is also adjustable between the seat proper and the wheelchair. The buttocks and back supporting portions include separate custom molded cushions which are removably positioned in a single frame member capable of functioning as either a buttocks supporting frame or a back supporting frame. Adjustability between the two body supporting frame members allows the respective cushions to be moved relative to one another to compensate for growth in individuals, especially children.

Abstract: A table and stool set in which identical tubular columns are used for the table and for the stool. The columns are formed of a resilient plastic. A rigid table top is provided with a circular groove in its lower surface which receives the upper lip of the tubular column. A base for the table is provided with a circular groove in its upper surface for receiving the lower lip of the table column. Two grooved lids are provided for receiving the upper and lower lips of the stool column to form a stool.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved adjustable tube clamping connector, especially one used for making adjustable connection of an inner tube and outer tube as required by the actual conditions. The outer tube has an open slot and is attached by welding to a clamp with two lugs on the slot. Fitted in the cavities of the lugs are a pair of clamping pieces each of which has a pair of extensions with curved surfaces. With the back of the clamp pieces against the bottom of the cavities of the lugs and the curved surfaces of the extensions on the external surface of the outer tube, they will give added strength and pressure to make the outer tube firmly grip and hold the inner tube so as to bear greater load and to ensure safe use.

Abstract: Self contained radio transmitting state estimator modules are mounted on power conductors on both sides of power transformers in electrical substations and on power conductors at various places along electrical transmission lines. They are electrically isolated from ground and all other conductors. These modules are capable of measuring current, voltage, frequency and power factor (or the fourier components thereof) the temperature of the conductor, and the temperature of the ambient air. The modules transmit these parameters to local receivers. The receivers are connected by an appropriate data transmission link, to a power control center which allows determination of the state of the power system. Appropriate control signals are transmitted back to the electrical switchgear of the system to bring it to the appropriate optimum state. Direct local control may also be effected, for example, the prevention of overloading a transformer.

Abstract: A connector device is disclosed for detachably connecting a photographing apparatus to an endoscope eyepiece barrel. A pair of clamping links have their respective one ends pivotally mounted on an attaching ring adapted to be secured to the photographing apparatus, and are movable between an open position where the links are out of a space in the attaching ring for receiving an eyepiece barrel end flange and a closed position where the links extend into the space. The links are biased toward each other by a resilient element. A pair of support links have their respective one ends pivotally connected to each other and the respective other ends pivotally connected to the respective other ends of the clamping links, respectively.

Abstract: A strain relief device for resisting strain forces acting in a direction of pull-out of a cable relative to a cable closure, comprises a cable gripping member having at least two complementary jaw-like segments alignable for defining therebetween a tubular through opening sized for gripping a cable of a given diameter therewithin and an outer surface of predetermined configuration. These jaw-like segments have interengageable edge surfaces for defining a maximum inwardly compressed condition of the through opening corresponding to a predetermined limited maximum compression of the given diameter of cable for substantially preventing damage thereto. A generally annular locking member comprises a pair of locking segments defining an inner surface formed for complementary surrounding engagement with the gripping member outer surface and coupling structure for releasably coupling the locking segments together about the gripping member to retain the same in gripping engagement with the cable.

Abstract: A weight lifting safety device having bar and weight support assemblies depending vertically for support on a support surface at a predetermined elevated position, the attachment of the elements of the safety device to a standard bar bell being such as to permit relative rotation therebetween, and in one form of the invention including dampening means to limit such relative rotation, the support system being readily assembled onto and disassembled from a barbell.

Abstract: A pivotally unfoldable clamping shell for releasably embracing and clamping parts to one another, includes two one-piece strip members which define respective half-shell regions, each having first and second ends; a center line is defined between the first and second strip member ends. A hinge member pivotally connects the strip members near the first ends thereof, and each second end of a corresponding strip member is bent so as to form a flange extending substantially parallel to the center line. Each strip member includes two strip elements juxtaposed with one another in a corresponding half-shell and flange region thereof, and the hinge member includes first and second lugs; at least one lug is formed by the strip elements of a corresponding strip member being connected to one another.

Abstract: A bird food dispenser comprises two inter-fitting housing parts (1) which hold between the bottom of a bag (40) containing food, the parts (11) defining an inlet for receiving food from a hole in the bottom of the bag. Each part (11) has an arrowhead portion (31) which passes through the bottom of the bag and is then received by an opening (32) in the other part. Food may be dispensed from apertures (18) with adjacent perch members (20,21) or from trays (62, 74).

Abstract: A handle especially convenient for arthritics or handicapped persons that includes two hingedly connected sections that close together to mate with and engage an object received between ends of the sections remote from their hinged connection. When the sections are closed, the hinged ends thereof define a handle. The sections can be releasably secured in their closed relation.

Abstract: A clamping ring for use e.g. as a support around a jointing sleeve during explosion welding consists substantially of two preferably equal ring halves (1,2) connected to each other over slots (3) limited by flanges (4,5) comprising surfaces (6,7) which form an angle (.alpha.). The surfaces co-operate with opposing surfaces (10,11) on an annular clamping member (9) which enclosed the flanges. Means, e.g. screws (12), are provided for bringing about a wedging action by displacing of the clamping member in relation to the clamping ring, thereby varying the bore circumference of the clamping ring. The force uniting the clamping ring halves is completely taken up by the clamping member (9) and does not stress the screws (12).

Abstract: An industrial or heavy duty type swivel used to make connection between load receiving and hoisting devices with relative rotation therebetween, is assembled with minimal machined parts and includes an upper connector having a receiving cavity for a lower connector which has pre-assembled thereon, prior to interconnection within the cavity, a thrust washer or thrust bearing assembly which interconnects by a splined or bayonet type connection.

Abstract: An invert diving platform affixed to the structure of a common pool ladder anchored to the deck of a pool for providing an elevated platform above the water level for diving. The platform is rigidly attached to the parallel railings of the ladder in a generally horizontal position. The platform is rigidly attached to the curved rungs by two pair of opposed clamps attached to opposed ends of the platform. The clamps are vertically adjustable on the railings of the ladder to allow adjustment of the height of the platform. The clamps attach to railings having various shapes, dimensions and angles to provide rigid support for the platform. An incline plane may be attached to the platform at an angle descending into the pool to provide a slide. A bracing member is connectable to the steps of the pool ladder to provide horizontal stability.

Abstract: Antiskid device for motor vehicle tires with an inner fastening or mounting engaging with the inside of the tire and with an inner fastening or mounting for chain strand portions extending over the tire tread, in which in the fitted state, the inner fastening has an approximately circular construction and has a central fastening section, to each of whose two ends is swivellably fixed a side part by means of a swivel joint and for fitting the inner fastening, the side parts can be opened outwards from the central fastening section and are in each case pretensioned by means of a spring device in the direction of a closed form of the inner fastening. In order to further facilitate fitting, particularly in the case of narrow or confined wheel cases, it is provided that the central fastening section comprises at least two portions, which are interconnected in a swivellable manner relative to one another and are also pretensioned in the direction of a closed form of the inner fastening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for locking an object against a stop on a shaft, bar or the like. The device comprises a sleeve with a bore conformed to the shaft, and a ring movably connected to the sleeve in the axial direction and also having a bore conformed to the shaft. A member is arranged in the sleeve and adapted to act on the ring in such a manner that the ring is fixed in an inclined position relative to the shaft, and thereafter to move the sleeve away from the ring along the shaft so that the sleeve will urge the object against the stop.

Abstract: A plastic gutter is designed with a longitudinally extending bead (5) under an outwardly facing lip (4) and a corresponding longitudinally extending bead (5) on the inside of the rear part. At least at the end of each length of gutter the longitudinally extending beads have been machined in such a manner that material has been removed at regular intervals so that the remaining material constitutes one or more locking pieces (6).An assembly piece (7) with a rubber packing (8) for assembling adjoining lengths of gutter, for example, has a number of locking holes (9) in an outwardly facing lip (11) and a number of corresponding locking holes (9) in a bent edge part (10) at the rear.There is hereby obtained a gutter which is both quickly and easily mounted and taken down and where the parts are nevertheless securely held together so that an axial movement between the parts will not occur.

Abstract: A bicycle chainguard having a housing shaped to cover the top run of a bicycle chain with a curved forward end portion extending at least partially around a front sprocket. The housing has a pair of keyhole-shaped through-slots formed in a vertical wall. Clamps encircle seat and down tubes on the frame of the bicycle. Each clamp has a lug extending into a corresponding through-slot. Each lug has a shank with a diameter sized to fit within the through-slot, and an enlarged head sized to pass through an enlarged end portion of the keyhole-shaped through-slot. The longitudinal axis of each through-slot is oriented tranversely to the axis of the corresponding frame tube enabling assembly of the lug in the slot in a wide range of positions along the axial length of the through-slot to accommodate a range of angular orientations of the frame tubes for different model or style bicycles.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler blower rotor-shaft securing hub adapted to re-secure a failed blower rotor bushing attaching to the blower rotor central shaft comprising a pair of steel straps having a half circle formed in each, said steel straps adapted to encircle and hold the central shaft in fixed relationship, and a pair of concentric half circle flanges with attached right angle brackets, said right angle brackets adapted to be attached to said central shaft securing steel straps, and said concentric half circle flanges adapted to be secured to said blower rotor bushing whereby the concentric half circle flanges secure the blower rotor bushing to the steel straps encircling the central shaft, and the steel straps secure against the central shaft whereupon the blower rotor bushing is re-secured to the central shaft.

Abstract: The liner includes a generally C-shaped, flexible band of bearing material disposed to be placed around the .[.drop.]. center .Iadd.section .Iaddend.of a tire rim. .[.Two, complimentary, generally semi-circular.]. .Iadd.A plurality of arcuate .Iaddend.members made from a polyester elastomer are then mounted as a ring coaxially around the outside of the band with the inner peripheral surfaces thereof slidably seated in a circumferential groove that is formed in the outer periphery of the band. The confronting ends of the members are releasably secured together by a pair of rigid links, each of which is releasably and pivotally mounted at one end in a recess in one end of a member, and has its opposite end connected to a rotatable eccentric that is mounted in the confronting end of the other member.