Importance

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Abstract

An expansion band having a spanning member whose free end is provided with a locking tab for cooperation with a locking surface having a plurality of selectable locking slots. A guide channel secured to the band cooperates with the band to define a guideway through which the spanning member extends thereby maintaining the spanning member and hence the free ends of the expansion band in alignment. During expansion of the expansion band the locking tab is free to snap out of each locking slot and into the next. Upon release of the expansion forces, however, the locking tab is prevented from snapping out of the locking slot in which it is presently inserted. A novel expansion unit comprised of a manual hydraulic pump operates a duck-bill type spreader which bears against associated bearing surfaces respectively provided on one end of the spanning member and one end of the guide channel to apply direct expansion forces to the expansion band. The locking tab and locking slots are shielded from the gasket expanded by the expansion band to protect the gasket from being scored and/or damaged.

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First Claim