Abstract: A positioning device for accurately positioning a male die member of an embossing tool in relation to a female die member thereof comprises a housing element which is adapted to be temporarily fixed in a hole in the male die member and a holding element disposed movably in the housing element. The holding element is axially displaceable relative to the housing element between a position in which it projects into a hole in the male die member and temporarily fixes the male die member in position, and a position of being retracted into the housing element to release the male die member. Disposed between the housing element and the holding element is a spring which is mechanically stressed in the retracted position of the holding element.

Abstract: A connector having a plug part insertable in a sealing and locking manner into a receiver opening of a socket part. An annular retaining element is preassembled into a ring groove of one of the connector parts, prior to insertion. The retaining element is deformable in a radially elastic manner during the insertion process so that the sealing element is pressed into the ring groove, and the retaining element then deforms in an elastic manner into a locking position to engage a ring groove of the other connector part. The retaining element corresponds at least approximately in longitudinal and transverse cross section to the longitudinal and transverse cross sections of the first-mentioned ring groove, at least over two diametrically-opposed regions of the circumference of that ring groove.

Abstract: A sealing system for a cylindrical liquid floating roof storage tank includes a primary seal and a secondary seal mounted on a rim extending upwardly from a floating roof. The system for mounting the seals to the floating roof includes a bolt, a retainer for securing the primary seal to the rim, and a nut for securing the secondary seal to the rim, wherein installation or removal or the secondary seal does not compromise the primary seal connection.

Abstract: A preassembled fastener assembly having a washer axially captivated on a threaded screw. The washer includes an elongated cylindrical sleeve, a radially outwardly directed flange and at least two inwardly extending detents within the sleeve to yieldably engage a shoulder on the threaded screw to hold the parts together. The detents are provided with elongated flattened inwardly extending surfaces with tapered lead-in surfaces or radiussed portions. When assembled, the screw tip extends substantially outward of the washer sleeve and beyond the grommet. Methods of forming the detents are disclosed.

Abstract: A one-directional captive screw attachable to a panel that is hand tightenable, but requires a tool to loosen once hand tightened. The captive screw includes a screw having a head with a recess and a threaded portion, a knob having a central longitudinal axis coaxial with the screw, a one-directional ratchet between the knob and the screw. The ratchet engages to allow the screw to be tightened in a clockwise direction using the knob, and disengages when rotated in a counterclockwise direction, such that a tool is required to loosen the screw by use of the recess.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for an inflatable module includes a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component or the like, and a coupling member having a portion projecting from the support structure. A locking member securable to the vehicle component is arranged for reception of the coupling member which has a resilient lock element slidably carried on the projecting portion of the coupling member and arranged for snap fit into a locking position within the locking member to secure fastening of the module to the vehicle component.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for an inflatable module includes a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component or the like, and a coupling member having a portion projecting from the support structure. A locking member securable to the vehicle component is arranged for reception of the coupling member which has a resilient lock element slidably carried on the projecting portion of the coupling member and arranged for snap fit into a locking position within the locking member to secure fastening of the module to the vehicle component. In one embodiment, a resiliently compressible split-ring is slidably carried within a contoured recess on the coupling pin projecting from the housing of the inflatable module and a locking bushing mounted for example in the hub portion of a steering wheel is arranged to receive the coupling pin so that the split ring is inserted and locked into a locking cavity within the bushing to secure fastening of the module to the steering wheel hub.

Abstract: A captive nut having a knob, rotatable about a central longitudinal axis, the knob having an internally threaded longitudinal hole extending at least partially through the knob and a means to facilitate rotation of the knob. Also included is a hollow ferrule having a panel attachment means for attachment of the ferrule to a panel, and a knob captivation means wherein the knob is slidably and rotatably attached to an end of the ferrule such that when the nut is in a fully retracted position, the knob captivation means prevents the ferrule and the knob from separating.

Abstract: An air bag mounting system for mounting an air bag module in the preexisting steering wheel air bag receiving pocket of a vehicle. The system includes a mounting plate having a plurality of spaced bolt assemblies extending therefrom receivable in a like plurality of aligned spaced holes in the pocket. The bolt assemblies are non-rotational with respect to the mounting plate and snap into the holes in a locking relationship. The module can be thus mounted from the access side of the pocket, automatically locked thereto, then released by unthreading of a threaded lock portion of the bolt assemblies from the blind side of the pocket.

Abstract: There is described a spring-loaded press pin comprising a pin which passes through a guide sleeve and in the process is slidable against a resilient force, and a stud mounted at the upper end of the pin. Radially between the guide sleeve and the stud is provided an axially extending recess which receives a compression spring. In one embodiment, the stud can be latched by raising and turning it in the raised position.

Abstract: A fastener useful for attaching components of an eyeglass frame together. The fastener includes a pin having a smooth or fluted shank and a retainer having a hole for receiving the shank, the hole being sized to provide an interference fit with the shank. The retainer is made from a titanium nickel shape memory alloy in an optimized elastic condition. The optimized elastic condition is provided by work hardening a tube or wire of Ni--Ti and cutting the retainer out of the tube/wire. The retainer accommodates wear in moving parts held together by the retainer and pin assembly.

Abstract: An annular closure ring for securing a cover in sealed relation over the open upper end of a cylindrical storage drum or similar container is disclosed in which a split ring is closed about the periphery of the drum and its cover by tightening a headed tie bolt between a pair of laterally spaced lugs fixed to the split ring on opposite sides of the split therein; one of the lugs having a threaded opening therethrough for engagement with the threaded body of a headed tie bolt and the other lug having an enlarged opening therethrough for free passage of the bolt body.

Abstract: A bolt for a truss includes a main body having a head portion, and a shaft portion which extends from the head portion. The shaft portion includes a base portion with a polygonal cross-section at a head portion side of the shaft portion. A threaded portion extends from the base portion, and an annular groove is arranged between the base portion and the threaded portion. A polygonal tube having a polygonal cross-section is engaged with the shaft portion of the main body such that the polygonal tube is slideable and non-rotatable on the base portion. A stopper prevents release of the polygonal tube from the shaft portion, the stopper including a plastic ring having a peripheral surface on which plural engaging protrusions are formed, the ring being integratedly embedded in the annular groove.

Abstract: A panel fastener having a turning knob which is attached to a stud in a positive locking relationship. The stud has a shaft with an enlarged stud head and a deformable lip at one end and a threaded region at the opposite end. The hollow cylindrical knob has an interior annular ridge extending radially inwardly from the inside surface of the knob thereby defining an opening through the knob. The stud extends through the ridge opening and the stud head rests on one surface of the ridge and the lip extends from the stud head through the ridge opening and is deformed to engage the ridge to permanently attach the knob to the stud. The stud head has protrusions extending radially from its circumference which positively engage a similarly shaped recess in the knob. The knob is made of a composite material that resists cracking during assembly and reduces corrosion during use.

Abstract: A quick die change capability is provided to a pellet mill by means of a fixture spider which can be attached to the pelleting die and to the rollers for a unitized roller/die cartridge. By employment of quick acting captive die clamps, as well as push-pull jacks, assembly and dismantling of the die/roller cartridge in the mill is simplified. Three axis adjustability of the fixture spider enhances ease of alignment.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a first member defining a socket, a second number such as a tube defining a spigot inserted into an open end of the socket, and a locking device received within an annular gap defined between an inner wall of the socket and an outer wall of the spigot. The locking device comprises circumferentially spaced load-bearing members, each load-bearing member extending within the annular gap from a first end which is relatively close to the open end of the socket and a second end which is relatively remote from the open end of the socket. Each load-bearing member is resiliently biased such that the first end engages the socket and the second end engages the spigot, and each load-bearing member is dimensioned such that it acts substantially as a beam in compression to resist withdrawal of the spigot from the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing soft tissues, tendons and ligaments to bone using a suture strand. The apparatus includes a spear member which is able to pierce and securely engage the bone. The spear member includes an eyelet which is able to carry the suture strand at a position along the midportion of the suture strand. The suture strand is secured to the bone upon engagement between the spear member and the bone. In addition, the ends of the suture strand are accessible to the surgeon so that they may be manipulated so as to secure the soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: A retainer clip includes a retainer portion having an axially extending tubular wall which is radially expandable for snap-fitted radial engagement with a reduced diameter portion of a rod such that the retainer clip is radially and axially trapped on the reduced diameter portion of the rod and can only be removed by simultaneous application of dual directional forces. The retainer clip includes the retainer portion, a washer portion, and a hinge portion integrally connecting the retainer portion and the washer portion so that the retainer clip is handled as a single part during assembly onto the rod.

Abstract: In an arrangement (1) comprising a shaft and a part having a hub (57) mounted on the shaft and comprising at least one tubular portion to be clamped onto the shaft, and a clamping member, which can be mounted on said tubular member (72, 73) comprises three inwardly directed clamping zones which are equispaced at angles of 120.degree. from one another and which are each movable in a radial direction. The clamping member and its three clamping zones are situated at the same level perpendicular to the shaft and the clamping member is constructed to be elastically deformable in radial directions and in addition comprises three application zones for an expansion device (150), which application zones are also equispaced at angles of 120.degree. from one another and are each movable in a radial direction.

Abstract: An air bag module (10) includes a housing (12), an air bag (14), and an inflator (16). A pair of wave springs (20, 22) are mounted on opposite end walls (40, 42) of the housing (12). The springs (20, 22) engage opposite end portions (132, 134) of the inflator (16) to secure the inflator to the housing (12). The inflator (16) extends through a cardboard plenum tube (18) in the housing (12). The plenum tube (18) keeps open a passage in the air bag (14) for insertion of the inflator (16) during assembly of the module (10).

Abstract: A mechanism for enabling an aircraft to carry and release a store featuring hanger. The hanger has a hollow portion which is formed with a circumferential inner recess. A circular spring ring with a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the inner recess, is dimensioned to fit within the inner recess of the hanger and to fit completely within the inner recess when a sufficient outward radial force is exerted upon it. The mechanism further includes a cylinder which fits within the hollow portion of the hanger. When the portion of the spring ring engages the outer recess of the cylinder, the hanger and the cylinder, and, therefore, the store and the carrier, are securely connected to each other. A slidable plunger having wings near one of its ends is used for pushing the spring ring into the inner recess of the hanger.

Abstract: A washer includes at least one tooth interlocked with a spline of a shaft in order to retain the washer from rotating relative to the shaft. A snap ring is positioned in a groove of the shaft. The washer includes a stop nested in a gap of the snap ring in order to retain the snap ring from rotating relative to the shaft. Preferably, the washer includes at least one catch that flanks the stop and overlaps the snap ring in order to retain the snap ring in the groove.

Abstract: A face plate includes a tubular member for freely and rotatably receiving a latch housing and having a first end and a second end. An opening is formed in the first end through which a latch bolt passes and has a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the latch housing. The second end of the tubular member has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the latch housing. A flange extends radially and outwardly from the first end of the tubular member. The tubular member further has a plurality of axially extending projections formed on an outer periphery thereof.

Abstract: A method and steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel comprising a preselected material continuously molded onto at least a driver's side thereof to conceal the air bag when the air bag is mounted to the steering wheel. The preselected material covers at least a driver's side of a rim section, a center section and a spoke section which joins the rim and center sections. The invention provides an integral construction which permits a steering wheel manufacturer to provide a steering wheel having a continuous molded construction on at least a driver's side thereof. This also enables steering wheels to be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A sound decoupling connecting element (1) for two parts (27, 28) with a gasket (29) inserted inbetween has a screw (2) with a head (4) and a shaft (8) with a threaded section (10, 11) and a radially extending support area (14) resting on a counter surface in the end-mounted position. The connecting element (1) has a sound decoupling sleeve-like formed body 3 made of an elastomer material. The formed body (3) has limited axial movement on the screw (2) in the mounted state of the connecting element (1), but is held in an unlosable fashion. The formed body (3) has such an axial length that it protrudes the first part (27) with a continuation (19) in the direction of the gasket (29) in the state of being inserted in the first part (27). The continuation (19) of the formed body (3) has a recess (20) for taking up in an unlosable fashion the gasket (29).

Abstract: A fastener assembly for joining a panel to a sub-panel comprising a receptacle assembly having a threaded stud secured to the undersurface of the sub-panel. The assembly includes a bolt having an enlarged head at one end and a nose at the other end. The panel has a countersunk opening aligned with an opening in the sub-panel. The bolt is threaded for threaded engagement to the stud. The body of the bolt includes a plurality of spaced grooves extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the bolt body. A retainer surrounds the bolt body having spaced ears riding in the grooves and a stop in a groove adjacent the nose of the bolt stops the downward movement of the retainer. A cup member surrounds the retainer thereby protecting the retainer during its movement along the grooves.

Abstract: A fastener useful for attaching components of an eyeglass frame together. The fastener includes a pin having a smooth or fluted shank and a belleville washer having a hole for receiving the shank, the hole being sized to provide an interference fit with the washer. The washer is made from a titanium nickel shape memory alloy in an optimized elastic condition. The optimized elastic condition is provided by work hardening a sheet of Ni-Ti and cutting or stamping the washer out of the sheet. The washer is also plastically deformed into a conical shape.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus disposable within an axial bore for maintaining a fastener having an extending shank within a bore provided on a structural member. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a convoluted, polymeric, thin-walled annular body constructed of a resilient material with an aperture extending therethrough. The unitary body is defined by longitudinally extending radially outwardly projecting ear portions and radially inwardly projecting ribs which circumferentially alternate in a symmetrical pattern. A method for pre-attaching fasteners to structural members includes disposing the retainer within a bore contained on a structural member and subsequently inserting the fastener through the retainer's aperture. The fastener is thereby flexibly maintained along the central axis of the bore. The structural member may then be transported with fasteners pre-attached for subsequent attachment to another structural member.

Abstract: A retention system is described for retaining a bolt in an opening in a screen rail to prevent the bolt from falling out after the fastener has been removed from the bolt, The retention system is a rubber disk which is positioned adjacent the screen rail, The rubber disk includes an aperture in registry with the opening in the screen rail.

Abstract: A split resilient retainng ring (100) is provided that features corresponding slots (14,16) that extend circumferentially away from each other in substantial parallel relationship to the inner periphery (4) and outer periphery (6) of the ring's body portion (2) and that end in apertures (18 and (20) respectively that have a breadth greater than the width of slots (14,16). The slots (14,16) and apertures (18,20) enable fingers (22,22') of a manipulating tool (24) to be inserted thereinto and move circumferentially away from each other along slots (14) and (16) and into apertures (18) and (20) for radially expanding and contracting ring (100) for seating in a groove. A cutting tool (800) is also provided for cutting the profiled trapezoidal configuration providing slot (14) and aperture (18) facing slot (16) and aperture (20) across the split between opposed ends (10) and (12) of ring (100).

Abstract: The present invention is a hoist ring provided with a central screw having a screw head at one end and a threaded shank at an opposite end. A washer is provided between the screw head and a lower bushing, with the lower bushing being secured on the screw with a self-lock retaining ring which inserts into a lower recess provided in the lower bushing. The self-lock retaining ring is provided with teeth for gripping the threaded shank. An upward oriented sleeve provided on the lower bushing extends upward to the washer. A body rotatably mounts around the sleeve by means of an axial bore provided in the body. A bail pivotally mounts to the body on an axis transverse to an axis of the lower bushing by means of shoulder pins which insert into horizontal bores of the body and which are secured therein by roll pins. The roll pins insert through vertical bores in the body and through aligned holes in the shoulder pins and are held in place by the washer and lower bushing.

Abstract: A panel fastener includes a smooth-surface cylindrical shroud encompassing the periphery of the screw head. The shroud is freely rotatable about the shank of the screw and has sides extending down around the barrel which is affixed to a panel. The shroud is fitted to the screw by an internal flange which is yieldably held between the underside of the screw head and the end of a spring. The top edge of the protective shroud does not extend above the head of the screw. The components are dimensioned so that the sides of the shroud are held away from the top side of the panel when the screw is fully compressed. The fastener may be press-fit into a panel as an assembled unit by applying ram pressure to the top of the screw assembly and barrel.

Abstract: A captive screw assembly for mounting in flat panels of widely varying thicknesses. The assembly includes an inverted hollow cup with an outwardly extending flange on its lower edge to engage a back surface of the panel and is temporarily held in place by outwardly-projecting spring tabs. A lower portion of the cup extends through the thickness of an aperture in the panel, while center and upper portions of the cup extend above a front surface of the panel. A cylindrical sleeve is seated over the cup, and a threaded screw extends through the sleeve and the cup. When the screw engages a threaded nut, positioned below the back surface of the panel, the head of the screw urges an upper edge of the sleeve downwardly and causes a lower edge of the sleeve to bear against a ring positioned around the exterior of the cup. When the screw is completely tightened, the panel is gripped between the lower cup flange and the ring.

Abstract: A sleeve is slidable axially through a limited range along the shank of a threaded fastener. A resiliently yieldable retainer is capable of both moving with and moving along the thread of the shank and captivates the sleeve against slipping axially off of the shank while effecting required relative positioning of the sleeve and the shank even if the sleeve is short in comparison to the length of the shank.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and retaining a component on a shaft including a tubular shaft having an aperture extending radially therein, and a retaining ring adapted to fit over the shaft, including a center post wherein the center post is positioned within the aperture on the shaft when the retaining ring is assembled thereon.

Abstract: A bolt binder, particularly for a file or holder, comprises in combination a bolt, a round head, a press piece, a cap, a washer and, optionally, a connector. In use, the cap is received within the proximate end of the bolt, and the press piece fitted on the bolt can be desirably moved up and down to press against the papers bound thereunder. When the file is going to be closed, the round head and, optionally, the press piece may be removed, and thus the cap can be instead engaged on distal end of the bolt.

Abstract: A secondary securing member is provided (19,28,29,30) for securing a first component (11) to a second component (13) when primary securing member (17) is inadvertently removed. The first component (11) includes an outwardly extending spigot (12) slidably engaging the secondary securing member (19, 28,29,30). The second component (13) is assembled and secured by a primary securing member means (17). Thus if in use, the primary securing member (17) is inadvertently removed, the secondary securing member (19, 28, 29, 30) insures limited axial displacement but no separation of the second component (13) from the first component (11).

Abstract: A shroud panel is removably joinable inwardly of a fan casing and outwardly of a fan blade in a turbofan gas turbine engine. The panel includes an arcuate backing plate having a plurality of screws disposed therethrough for mounting the panel to the casing. Each of the screws includes a locking ring joined to the shank thereof and spaced from the screw head for allowing limited translation of the screw through the panel while preventing its liberation therefrom.

Abstract: A resilient mount is described as having a special spring steel retainer spring for locking the mount in a frusto-conically shaped opening which is defined by a hollow truncated rigid metal sleeve which has an annular abutment at its free outer edge. The mount has inner and outer rigid metal sleeves to which a resilient rubber insert is bonded. The insert essentially encases the outer sleeve and has a circumferential recess which extends inwardly of the insert adjacent the annular abutment. The recess is designed to receive the retainer spring which has a plurality of radially extending fingers for engaging the annular abutment to limit axial movement of the mount in one direction. The insert is also provided with an integral annular flange for engaging the opposite end of the truncated sleeve to limit axial movement of the mount in the other direction.

Abstract: An alignment and mounting apparatus for mounting two modules (10,12) includes a first portion having a cylindrical alignment pin (16) projecting normal to a module surface, a second portion having a three-stage alignment guide (18) including a shoehorn flange (34), a Y-slot (42) and a V-block (22) which sequentially guide the alignment pin (16) with successively finer precision and a third portion in the form of a spring-loaded captive fastener (20) for connecting the two modules after alignment is achieved.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, retrofittable pin assembly (10) for the releasable interconnection of end-to-end abutting concrete form panels (12, 14) is provided which includes an elongated, tapered, axially shiftable pin (16) as well as coupler (18) for coupling the pin to an end wall (24) of a panel (12). The coupler (18) includes a resilient metallic retaining ring (58) which frictionally and compressively engages the pin in substantial alignment with an associated aperture (27) in end wall (24). The pin (16) preferably includes a pair of elongated, opposed sots (34, 36), and a two-piece, split tab washer (60) is employed for preventing complete detachment of the pin (16) from assembly (10) during use thereof.

Abstract: A spacer pad for a nuclear control rod includes first and second halves each including a head and a shank. The shanks are configured for joining together the pad first and second halves, and the shanks are independently locked together for preventing the disassembly thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second shanks are threadingly joined together, and then independently locked together using a complementary hook and ledge respectively supported by the pad halves which allows assembly together of the pad halves but prevents disassembly thereof.

Abstract: A sleeve is slidable axially through a limited range along the shank of a threaded fastener. A resiliently yieldable retainer grips an unthreaded portion of the fastener shank and coacts with the adjacent end of the thread to captivate the sleeve against slipping axially off of the fastener.

Abstract: A plurality of anchoring members are threaded onto the shaft of the fastener. These anchoring members include an annular body and a spacer. The anchoring members are held between an abutment of the shaft and a locking section thereof fixed against an axial displacement thereon. The anchoring members are present as structural members which are separate from the shaft and are merely threaded onto the shaft. It is accordingly possible to use a large number of variously designed anchoring members together with only one shape of the shaft, which reduces considerably the costs of the production and increases the universality of the fastener. Specifically the shaft and the anchoring members may be made of a metal such that the fastener can display in comparison with plastic fasteners a much higher rigidity.

Abstract: An E-shaped retainer ring comprising an inner circumference that engages with a retainer ring accommodating groove formed around the circumference of a shaft; an opening through which a shaft passes when the retainer ring is mounted on and removed from the shaft; and protruding front end portions formed on each side of the opening at the outer circumference of the ring; whereby the E-shaped retainer ring is removed from the shaft by passing a tool against the protruding end portions of the ring, and the distance between the outer sides of the front end portions is set almost equal to the outer diameter of the retainer ring. A tool for fitting and removing the above E-shaped retainer ring is also provided.

Abstract: A fastener for joining together two components includes a closure pin permanently securable to a first component and a receptacle disposed on the far side of a second component. The closure pin has a head section adapted for support in an outer side of the first component and a shank section extending through a hole in the first component and a hole in the second component aligned with the hole in the first component and having a thread mating with an internal thread in a fastening section of the receptacle. The peripheral surface of the closure pin has a radial taper zone with a stop face radially extended on the opposite side from the head section and formed by a rim stop. The stop face engages with a safety element to prevent complete extraction of the closure pin from the hole in the first component. The safety element is disposed in a groove open to the hole in the first component.

Abstract: A pushnut fastener for engagement on a cylindrical stud and particularly suited for conveying to the point of use through automatic feed systems comprises a metal body of relatively thin, uniform thickness having oppositely facing first and second exterior surfaces and a circular radial outer marginal periphery. A central opening extends axially through the body between the oppositely facing exterior surfaces and defines a generally circular inner marginal periphery having resilient finger-like engagement portions for engaging and gripping the exterior of the cylindrical stud. The finger-like engagement portions are inclined to extend laterally of the body outwardly of the first exterior surface a maximum distance of d.

Abstract: Pin retainers are normally used to secure a pin in its assembled so that one member can be releasably secured to another member, such as, securing a tooth to an adapter nose. Many times the pin retainer is not sufficiently strong to hold the pin in place under adverse operating conditions. Known pin retainers that are effective to hold the pin in place are not readily available and are expensive to produce. In the subject arrangement, a pin retainer assembly is provided which can be made from known components and is effective to hold a pin in place under adverse operating conditions. The pin retainer assembly includes a split retaining ring loosely sandwiched between at least two retaining members and held together by various known bonding or securing methods.

Abstract: The assembly includes a lock with a main lock body having a bottom keyhole and an inverted u-shaped double rung top hasp connected to the top of the main body and extending upwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a flexible, resilient, elastomeric protective lock cover removably enclosing and sealing the lock body against the elements. The cover is in two pieces. It includes a bottom portion extending over the lower sides of the lock body and continuing below the lock body. The bottom portion has opposed sides and a tapered bottom defining an openable closed slit through which, when opened, by squeezing opposed sides toward each other, the keyhole can be reached by a key. The cover also includes an upper cap having a top and interconnected depending sides. The inner surfaces of the cap sides bear a circumferential groove engageable with and of smaller diameter than the base of a circumferential bead with sloping top and bottom on the outer surface of the sides of the bottom portion.

Abstract: The loop comprises a flexible length of small-diameter cable, nylon or like tough, flexible material, which has on its respective ends a socket with a constricted area, and a plug with a reduced neck groove so that the plug is forcibly inserted into the socket to form a releasable but positive engagement between the two ends of the loop.