METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A LATCHING ASSEMBLY, A LATCH AND A BAND CLAMP

Abstract

A method of assembling a latching assembly comprising providing a lever, mounting the lever, mounting a latching part to the lever, wherein at least one of the receiving spaces is a loading slot and wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot, the respective mounting member is located in a mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the at least part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the loading slot and, in respect of at least one loading slot, arranging a retainer the respective mounting member such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the slot, in the mounting position.

Claims

1. A method of assembling a latching assembly comprising: providing a lever; pivotally mounting the lever such that the lever is pivotable between an unlatched position and a latched position; pivotally mounting a latching part to the lever such that the latching assembly is operable between an unlatched configuration and a latched configuration, by pivoting the lever between its unlatched and latched positions respectively; wherein the lever comprises first and second side members, the first and second side members being spaced apart and having opposed inner sides, wherein, in respect of each side member, a receiving space is provided in the side member, extending depth-wise from an inner side, at the inner side of the side member, at least part way towards an outer side of the side member and wherein at least one of the receiving spaces is a loading slot that extends length-wise from a first end to a second end; wherein the lever or latching part is so pivotally mounted by a method comprising: providing a pivot, the pivot having first and second mounting members; receiving at least part of the first mounting member in the receiving space in the first side member; receiving at least part of the second mounting member in the receiving space in the second side member; wherein, in respect of each mounting member, the at least part of the mounting member is received in the receiving space through the inner side of the receiving space and/or, where the receiving space is a said loading slot and if at least one of the first and second ends of the loading slot is an open end, through a said open end; and, in respect of each mounting member, locating the mounting member in a mounting position; wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot, the respective mounting member is located in the mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the at least part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the loading slot; and wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot, the method comprises arranging a retainer with the respective mounting member such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the slot, in the mounting position; and mounting the first and second mounting members of the pivot to first and second side portions of the lever, respectively.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of arranging the respective mounting member with the retainer comprises attaching a retaining side plate to the outer side of the side member that is provided with the loading slot, the at least part of the mounting member received in the loading slot is a first part of the mounting member and a second part of the mounting member is received in an aperture in the retaining side plate such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the loading slot, in the mounting position.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the retaining side plate is attached to the outer side of the side member before the mounting member is located in said mounting position and wherein the mounting member is located in said mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the first part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the slot and, as it does so, the mounting member abuts against an inner side of the retaining side plate, causing the retaining side plate to flex outwardly, away from the outer side of the side member, such that the first part of the mounting member is able to so move along the loading slot and when the mounting member is located in said mounting position, the retaining side plate unflexes such that the second part of the mounting member is so received in the aperture in the retaining side plate.

4. A method according to claim 2 wherein the retaining side plate is attached to the outer side of the side member after, or as, the mounting member is located in said mounting position.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the latching part comprises a first engagement member for co-operating with a second engagement member such that a latching force is exerted on, and removed from, the second engagement member when the latching assembly is in the latched and unlatched configurations respectively.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the first engagement member is configured to co-operate with the second engagement member such that the latching assembly and the second engagement member form an over-centre latch.

7. A method according to claim 5 wherein the latching assembly is for attachment to a first body and the second engagement member is for attachment to a second body such that when the latching assembly is in the unlatched and latched configurations, the first and second bodies are unlatched from each other and latched to each other respectively.

8. A method of assembling a latch comprising assembling a latching assembly according to the method of claim 5 and providing a said second engagement member.

9. A method of assembling a band clamp comprising: assembling a latching assembly according to the method of claim 1; wherein the lever is pivotally mounted to a band and the latching part is arranged with the band such that the diameter of the band is adjustable between an unlatched diameter and a latched diameter, that is less than the unlatched diameter, by operation of the latching assembly between its unlatched and latched configurations respectively.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein: the receiving space provided in the first side member and the receiving space provide in the second side member are each provided in a first part of the respective side member; a receiving space is provided in a second part of each of the first and second side members; each receiving space, that is provided in the second part of a side member, extending depth-wise from an inner side, at the inner side of the side member, at least part way towards an outer side of the side member and wherein at least one receiving space, that is provided in the second part of a side member, is a loading slot that extends length-wise from a first end to a second end; the pivot is a first pivot; and wherein the other of the lever or latching part is so pivotally mounted by a method comprising: providing a second pivot, the second pivot having first and second mounting members; receiving at least part of the first mounting member of the second pivot in the receiving space in the second part of the first side member; receiving at least part of the second mounting member of the second pivot in the receiving space in the second part of the second side member; wherein, in respect of each mounting member of the second pivot, the at least part of the mounting member is received in the receiving space through the inner side of the receiving space and/or, where the receiving space is a said loading slot and if at least one of the first and second ends of the loading slot is an open end, through a said open end; and, in respect of each mounting member of the second pivot, locating the mounting member in a mounting position; wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot provided in the second part of a side member, the respective mounting member is located in the mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the at least part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the loading slot; and wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot provided in the second part of a side member, the method comprises arranging a retainer with the respective mounting member such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the slot, in the mounting position; and mounting the first and second mounting members of the second pivot to first and second side portions of the lever, respectively.

11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the lever is pivotally mounted to the band by providing a pivot and mounting first and second mounting members of the pivot to first and second side portions of the lever respectively, wherein the pivot comprises a body, provided between the first and second mounting members, and wherein a passage is provided in the body, configured such that when the latching assembly is in the latched configuration, the latching part passes through the passage.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the lever is so pivotally mounted by said method of pivotal mounting and wherein at least one loading slot and the at least part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, of the pivot, are configured such that when the mounting member is located in the mounting position, the pivot is oriented such that when the latching assembly is in the latched configuration, the latching part passes through the passage.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the latching part of the latching assembly comprises a first engagement member for co-operating with a second engagement member such that a latching force is exerted on, and removed from, the second engagement member when the latching assembly is in the latched and unlatched configurations respectively, wherein the first engagement member is configured to co-operate with the second engagement member such that the latching assembly and the second engagement member form an over-centre latch, wherein the passage is configured such that, when the latching part is received in the passage, the pivot acts as a stop to prevent the latching part going past an over-centre position.

14. The method according to claim 9 wherein the pivot is made from a single piece of material.

15. The method according to claim 9 wherein the latching part comprises a thread and wherein a diameter adjustment member is arranged with the latching part such that the latched diameter of the band is adjustable by screwing the diameter adjustment member along the thread.

16. The method according to claim 9 wherein a part of the band clamp is mounted in a looped section of the band.

17. A latching assembly comprising: a lever, pivotally mounted such that it is pivotable between an unlatched position and a latched position; a latching part, pivotally mounted to the lever such that the latching assembly is operable between an unlatched configuration and a latched configuration, by pivoting the lever between its unlatched and latched positions respectively; wherein the lever comprises first and second side members, the first and second side members being spaced apart and having opposed inner sides, wherein, in respect of each side member, a receiving space is provided in the side member, extending depth-wise from an inner side, at the inner side of the side member, at least part way towards an outer side of the side member and wherein at least one of the receiving spaces is a loading slot that extends length-wise from a first end to a second end; and wherein the lever or latching part is so pivotally mounted by a pivot having first and second mounting members and configured, with the at least one loading slot, such that the respective lever or latching part may be so pivotally mounted by a method comprising: receiving at least part of the first mounting member in the receiving space in the first side member; receiving at least part of the second mounting member in the receiving space in the second side member; wherein, in respect of each mounting member, the at least part of the mounting member is received in the receiving space through the inner side of the receiving space and/or, where the receiving space is a said loading slot and if at least one of the first and second ends of the loading slot is an open end, through a said open end; and, in respect of each mounting member, locating the mounting member in a mounting position; wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot, the respective mounting member is located in the mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the at least part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the loading slot; and wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot, a retainer is arranged with the respective mounting member such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the slot, in the mounting position; and the first and second mounting members of the pivot are mounted to first and second side portions of the lever, respectively.

18. The latching assembly according to claim 17 wherein the retainer comprises a retaining side plate attached to the outer side of the side member that is provided with the loading slot, the at least part of the mounting member received in the loading slot is a first part of the mounting member and a second part of the mounting member is received in an aperture in the retaining side plate such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the loading slot, in the mounting position.

19. The latching assembly according to claim 18 wherein the retaining side plate, the side members and the pivot are configured such that where the mounting member is located in said mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the first part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the slot, the mounting member abuts against an inner side of the retaining side plate, causing the retaining side plate to flex outwardly, away from the outer side of the side member, such that the first part of the mounting member is able to so move along the loading slot and when the mounting member is located in said mounting position, the retaining side plate unflexes such that the second part of the mounting member is so received in the aperture in the retaining side plate.

20. The latching assembly according to claim 17 wherein the latching part comprises a first engagement member for co-operating with a second engagement member such that a latching force is exerted on, and removed from, the second engagement member when the latching assembly is in the latched and unlatched configurations respectively.

21. The latching assembly according to claim 20 wherein the first engagement member is configured to co-operate with the second engagement member such that the latching assembly and the second engagement member form an over-centre latch.

22. The latching assembly according to claim 20 wherein the latching assembly is for attachment to a first body and the second engagement member is for attachment to a second body such that when the latching assembly is in the unlatched and latched configurations, the first and second bodies are unlatched from each other and latched to each other respectively.

23. The latch comprising a latching assembly according to claim 20 and a said second engagement member.

24. A band clamp comprising: the latching assembly according to claim 17; wherein the lever is pivotally mounted to a band and the latching part is arranged with the band such that the diameter of the band is adjustable between an unlatched diameter and a latched diameter, that is less than the unlatched diameter, by operation of the latching assembly between its unlatched and latched configurations respectively.

25. The band clamp according to claim 24 wherein: the receiving space provided in the first side member and the receiving space provide in the second side member are each provided in a first part of the respective side member; a receiving space is provided in a second part of each of the first and second side members; each receiving space, that is provided in the second part of a side member, extending depth-wise from an inner side, at the inner side of the side member, at least part way towards an outer side of the side member and wherein at least one receiving spaces, that is provided in the second part of a side member, is a loading slot that extends length-wise from a first end to a second end; the pivot is a first pivot; and wherein the other of the lever or latching part is so pivotally mounted by a second pivot having first and second mounting members and configured, with the at least one loading slot provided in the second part of a side member, such that said other of the lever or latching part may be so pivotally mounted by a method comprising: receiving at least part of the first mounting member of the second pivot in the receiving space in the second part of the first side member; receiving at least part of the second mounting member of the second pivot in the receiving space in the second part of the second side member; wherein, in respect of each mounting member of the second pivot, the at least part of the mounting member is received in the receiving space through the inner side of the receiving space and/or, where the receiving space is a said loading slot and if at least one of the first and second ends of the loading slot is an open end, through a said open end; and, in respect of each mounting member of the second pivot, locating the mounting member in a mounting position; wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot provided in the second part of a side member, the respective mounting member is located in the mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the at least part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the loading slot; and wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot provided in the second part of a side member, the method comprises arranging a retainer with the respective mounting member such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the slot, in the mounting position; and mounting the first and second mounting members of the second pivot to first and second side portions of the lever, respectively.

26. A kit of parts of a latching assembly comprising: a lever, for being pivotally mounted such that it is pivotable between an unlatched position and a latched position; a latching part, for being pivotally mounted to the lever such that the latching assembly is operable between an unlatched configuration and a latched configuration, by pivoting the lever between its unlatched and latched positions respectively; wherein the lever comprises first and second side members, the first and second side members being spaced apart and having opposed inner sides, wherein, in respect of each side member, a receiving space is provided in the side member, extending depth-wise from an inner side, at the inner side of the side member, at least part way towards an outer side of the side member and wherein at least one of the receiving spaces is a loading slot that extends length-wise from a first end to a second end; a pivot having first and second mounting members and configured, with the at least one loading slot, such that the respective lever or latching part may be so pivotally mounted by a method comprising: receiving at least part of the first mounting member in the receiving space in the first side member; receiving at least part of the second mounting member in the receiving space in the second side member; wherein, in respect of each mounting member, the at least part of the mounting member is received in the receiving space through the inner side of the receiving space and/or, where the receiving space is a said loading slot and if at least one of the first and second ends of the loading slot is an open end, through a said open end; and, in respect of each mounting member, locating the mounting member in a mounting position; wherein, in respect of at least one loading slot, the respective mounting member is located in the mounting position by movement of the mounting member relative to the loading slot such that the at least part of the mounting member, received in the loading slot, is moved at least part way along the length of the loading slot; and, in respect of at least one loading slot, a retainer for being arranged with the respective mounting member such that the mounting member is substantially retained, in the length-wise direction of the slot, in the mounting position.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0159] A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the description and drawings.

[0160] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a quick release band clamp according to a first embodiment of the invention, where a latching assembly of the band clamp is in a latched configuration;

[0161] FIG. 2 shows a view from below of the quick release band clamp shown in FIG. 1, where a band of the band clamp is shown as transparent for illustrative purposes;

[0162] FIG. 3 shows a view from a rear end of the quick release band clamp shown in FIG. 1;

[0163] FIG. 4 shows a view from the front end of the quick release band clamp shown in FIG. 1;

[0164] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the quick release band clamp shown in FIG. 1;

[0165] FIG. 6 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 5, but where the latching assembly is in an unlatched configuration;

[0166] FIG. 7a shows a schematic view of the side members and retaining side plates of the latching assembly of the band clamp shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, illustrating the outward flexing of the retaining side plates as a front pivot is moved along front-loading slots in the side members;

[0167] FIG. 7b shows a schematic view corresponding to that of FIG. 7a but illustrating the outward flexing of the retaining side plates as a rear pivot is moved along rear loading slots in the side members;

[0168] FIGS. 8a to 8b shows an exploded/assembled perspective view of the latching assembly of a quick release band clamp according to a second embodiment of the invention, to illustrate the steps in the method of assembling the latching assembly;

[0169] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a latching assembly, of an over-centre latch, according to a third embodiment of the invention, where the latching assembly is in a latched configuration;

[0170] FIG. 10 shows a view from below of the latching assembly shown in FIG. 9;

[0171] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the latching assembly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

[0172] FIG. 12 shows a top-down view of a latch comprising the latching assembly shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 and a catch for engagement by the latching assembly;

[0173] FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the latching assembly shown in FIGS. 9 to 12;

[0174] FIG. 14 shows a front view of the latching assembly shown in FIGS. 9 to 13;

[0175] FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view of the latching assembly shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, where the latching assembly is in an unlatched configuration;

[0176] FIG. 16 shows a rear perspective view of the latching assembly shown in FIG. 15, where the latching assembly is in an unlatched configuration, and

[0177] FIGS. 17a to 17c show an exploded perspective view of the latching assembly shown in FIGS. 9 to 16, to illustrate the steps in the method of assembling the latching assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6 there is shown a quick release band clamp 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0179] The quick release band clamp 1 comprises a band 2 and a latching assembly 4.

[0180] The band 2 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends around a central longitudinal axis X1. First and second ends of the band 2 are looped back on themselves, in an outward direction relative to the inside of the band, and attached to respective portions of the outer surface of the band 2, by spot welding (although it will be appreciated that any suitable means of attachment may be used), to form first and second loops 5, 6 respectively. The loops 5, 6 are used to mount parts of the latch to the band 2 (described below). This may allow the band 2 to be relatively strong and robust, as it avoids having to insert a mechanical fastener into the band 2 to do this, which could reduce the strength and integrity of the band. In the currently described embodiment the band 2 is made of a metal, e.g., steel. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used.

[0181] The latching assembly 4 comprises a lever 3. The lever 3 is pivotally mounted to the band 2, by a front pivot 24a, such that the lever 3 is pivotable between an unlatched position (shown in FIG. 6) and a latched position (shown in FIG. 1) about a first pivot axis X3 (see FIG. 1).

[0182] A latching part 88 is pivotally mounted to the lever 3 by a rear pivot 24b, about a second pivot axis X4, such that the latching assembly 4 is operable between an unlatched configuration (shown in FIG. 6) and a latched configuration (shown in FIG. 1), by pivoting the lever 3 between its unlatched and latched positions respectively (described in more detail below). The first and second pivot axes X3, X4 are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the band 2.

[0183] In more detail, the lever 3 comprises a frame 23 (see FIG. 2) that comprises first and second opposed spaced apart side members 21, 21. Each side member 21, 21 is a plate that extends generally in a plane, with the planes of the side members 21, 21 being substantially parallel to each other. The side members 21, 21 have opposed inner sides 35, 35 that are spaced apart by a distance W1.sub.I (see FIG. 2).

[0184] Each side member 21, 21 comprises a front part 21a, 21a (see FIG. 1) that is elongate and extends along a longitudinal axis and a rear part 21b, 21b (see FIG. 1) that is elongate and extends along a longitudinal axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the front part 21a, 21a.

[0185] The rear parts of the side members 21, 21 are connected by a connecting plate 80 that extends generally in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes of the side members 21, 21.

[0186] First and second retaining side plates 22, 22 are attached to the outer sides of the first and second side members 21, 21 respectively. Each retaining side plate 22, 22 is a generally thin plate that, when unflexed, extends adjacent to and generally in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the side member 21, 21 that it is attached to. Each retaining side plate 22, 22 is attached to the outer side of the respective side member 21, 21 by a rivet 30, 30. Each retaining side plate 22, 22 extends from the front end of the front part 21a, 21a of the side member 21, 21 to proximal the rear end of the rear part 21b, 21b of the side member 21, 21. The first retaining side plate 22 and the first side member 21 form a first side portion of the lever 3 and the second retaining side plate 22 and the second side member 21 form a second side portion of the lever 3. In this respect, when the first and second mounting members 27a, 27a of the front pivot 24a (or the first and second mounting members 27b, 27b of the rear pivot 24b) (see below) are mounted to the first and second retaining side plates 22, 22, the first and second mounting members are mounted to the first and second side portions of the lever 3 respectively.

[0187] A front-loading slot 29a, 29a is provided in the front part 21a, 21a of each side member 21, 21 (see FIG. 5). Each front-loading slot 29a, 29a is elongate and extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially mid-way between upper and lower sides of the front part 21a, 21a of each side member 21, 21. In this respect, the longitudinal axis of each front-loading slot 29a, 29a is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the front part 21a, 21a of the side member 21, 21.

[0188] Each front-loading slot 29a, 29a has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, centred on the longitudinal axis of the slot 29a, 29a and extends depth-wise from the inner side of the respective side member 21, 21, through the thickness of the side member 21, 21 to the outer side of the side member 21, 21. In this respect, each front-loading slot 29a, 29a has open inner and outer sides. Each loading slot 29, 29 has flat upper and lower surfaces 51, 51 (see FIG. 5).

[0189] Each front-loading slot 29a, 29a extends from an open front end, at the front end of the front part 21a, 21a of the side member 21, 21 to a closed end within the side member 21, 21.

[0190] A front mounting aperture 28a, 28a is provided in each respective retaining side plate 22, 22, such that it is substantially aligned with the rear end of the front-loading slot 29a, 29a. Each front mounting aperture 28a, 28a extends from the inner side of the plate 22, 22, through the thickness of the plate 22, 22 to the outer side of the plate 22, 22.

[0191] The front pivot 24a has a main body 25a (see FIG. 5) that is generally cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis. The main body 25a extends in a length direction from a first end to a second end.

[0192] The main body 25a has the general shape of a solid cylinder with a cut out channel 26, with a U-shaped cross-section, that extends from a front side to a rear side of the body 25a. The channel 26 extends from an upper side of the body 25a, such that channel 26 has an open upper side, terminating proximal a lower side of the body 25a (such that the lower side is closed).

[0193] First and second mounting members 27a, 27a extend from the first and second ends of the main body respectively. Each mounting member 27a, 27a has upper and lower sides 52, 52 (see FIG. 1) that are substantially planar and a pair of sides 53, 53 that are convexly curved and join respective corresponding ends of the upper and lower sides. The cross-section shape of each mounting member 27a, 27a is centred on the longitudinal axis of the main body 25a.

[0194] The front pivot 24a is formed from a single piece of steel. This allows the pivot 24 to be relatively strong and easy to assemble with the latch frame 23. In the currently described embodiment the pivot 24 is made from a machine turning process. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable manufacturing process may be used.

[0195] The front pivot 24a is rotatably mounted in the rear loop 6 in the band 2 to rotate about the first pivot axis X3.

[0196] The front pivot 24a is mounted to the lever 3 such that it is rotationally fixed, relative to the lever 3, about the first pivot axis X3. In this respect, each mounting member 27a, 27a passes through a respective front-loading slot 29, 29 into a said front mounting aperture 28a, 28a in the respective retaining side plate 22, 22. The front mounting apertures 28a, 28a each have a complimentary shape to that of the mounting members 27a, 27a, with the mounting members 27a, 27a being received in an interference fit within the front mounting apertures 28a, 28a, such that the mounting members 27a, 27a are rotationally fixed in the mounting apertures 28a, 28a and so are rotationally fixed relative to the first and second retaining side plates 22, 22 respectively, as well as relative to the first and second side members 21, 21 respectively. Accordingly, the lever 3 is pivotally mounted to the band 2, about the pivot axis X3.

[0197] A user operable handle 70 is attached to a rear side of the connecting plate 80, such that a user can operate the handle 70 to pivot the lever 3 between its latched and unlatched positions, about the pivot axis X3.

[0198] A rear loading slot 29b, 29b is provided in the rear part 21b, 21b of each side member 21, 21 (see FIG. 5). Each rear loading slot 29b, 29b is elongate and extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially mid-way between upper and lower sides of the rear part 21b, 21b of each side member 21, 21. In this respect, the longitudinal axis of each rear loading slot 29b, 29b is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the rear part 21b, 21b of the side member 21, 21.

[0199] Each rear loading slot 29b, 29b has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, centred on the longitudinal axis of the slot 29b, 29b and extends depth-wise, from the inner side of the respective side member 21, 21, through the thickness of the side member 21, 21 to the outer side of the side member 21, 21. In this respect, each rear loading slot 29b, 29b has open inner and outer sides.

[0200] Each rear loading slot 29b, 29b extends forwardly from a closed rear end, proximal the rear part 21b, 21b of the side member 21, 21 to a closed front end proximal the front of the rear part 21b, 21b of the side member 21, 21.

[0201] A rear mounting aperture 28b, 28b is provided in each respective retaining side plate 22, 22, such that it is substantially aligned with the front end of the rear loading slot 29b, 29b. Each rear mounting aperture 28b, 28b extends from the inner side of the plate 22, 22, through the thickness of the plate 22, 22 to the outer side of the plate 22, 22.

[0202] As stated above, the latching part 88 is pivotally mounted to the lever 3 by a rear pivot 24b, about a second pivot axis X4. In this respect, the rear pivot 24b is rotatably mounted to the lever 3 such that it is rotatable, relative to the lever 3, about the pivot axis X4.

[0203] The rear pivot 24b has a main body 25b (see FIG. 2) that is generally cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis. The main body 25b extends in a length direction from a first end to a second end.

[0204] The main body 25b has the general shape of a solid cylinder. First and second mounting members 27b, 27b extend from the first and second ends of the main body 25b respectively. Each mounting member 27b, 27b has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape centred on the longitudinal axis of the main body 25b.

[0205] Each mounting member 27b, 27b passes through the front end of a respective rear loading slot 29b, 29b into a said rear mounting aperture 28b, 28b in the respective retaining side plate 22, 22.

[0206] Each of the rear mounting apertures 28b, 28b has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape that has a slightly larger diameter than that of the mounting members 27b, 27b such that the first and second mounting members 27b, 27b are rotatably mounted in the rear mounting apertures 28b, 28b, in the first and second retaining side plates 22, 22 respectively. Accordingly, the rear pivot 24b is rotatably mounted to the lever 3, about said pivot axis X4 (see FIG. 1).

[0207] A bore 15 is provided in the body 25b, passing through the centre of the body 25b, from a front to a rear side of the body 25b.

[0208] The latching part 88 comprises a bolt 8, a latched diameter adjustment nut 12 and a cylindrical collar 13 mounted on a shaft 9 of the bolt 8.

[0209] In this respect, the bolt 8 has an externally threaded shaft 9 and a head 10 at one end of the shaft 9 (the thread is omitted from the Figures for illustrative purposes).

[0210] The shaft 9 of the bolt 8, towards the head end of the bolt 8, is mounted in the bore 15 in the body 25b of the rear pivot 24b, with the bolt head 10 provided on a rear side of the body 25b. The shaft 8 is fixed, in the axial direction of the shaft 8, relative to the body 25b by the head 10, on the rear side of the body 25b and by an internally threaded retaining nut 16, that is screwed onto the threaded shaft 9, on a front side of the body 25b. The bolt 8 is mounted in the bore 15 such that the rear end of the bolt 8 is rotationally fixed relative to the pivot 25b about the rotational axis X4. Accordingly, the bolt 8, and therefore the latching part 88, is pivotally mounted to the lever 3, by the rear pivot 24b, to rotate, relative to the lever 3, about the second pivot axis X4.

[0211] A cylindrical retaining shaft 7, is rotatably mounted in the front loop 5 of the band 2, to rotate about a rotational axis X2 (see FIG. 1). The rotational axis X2 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the band 2. The retaining shaft 7 has the general shape of a solid cylinder with a bore 11 (see FIG. 2), that has a generally circular cross-sectional shape, passing diametrically through the centre of the shaft, from a front side to a rear side of the retaining shaft 7. A front portion of the bore 11 has a greater diameter than a rear portion of the bore 11. The front portion is sized and shaped such that it can receive a front portion of the collar 13. However, the diameter of the rear portion of the bore 11 is smaller than the diameter of the collar 13, such that the collar 13 cannot pass through the rear portion and instead abuts against the retaining shaft 7.

[0212] The shaft 9 of the bolt 8 is slidably mounted in the bore 11 such that it can slide forward, with the collar 13 moving away from the front side of the retaining shaft 7, and can rotate with the retaining shaft 7 (about said rotational axis X2).

[0213] The latched diameter adjustment nut 12 has an internal screw thread and is screw mounted on the external thread of the bolt shaft 9, forward of the retaining shaft 7. The cylindrical collar 13 is mounted on the shaft 9, between the latched diameter adjustment nut 12 and the retaining shaft 7.

[0214] The latched diameter adjustment nut 12 and cylindrical collar 13 form a first engagement member and the retaining shaft 7 with the front looped section 5 of the band 2 forms a second engagement member, arranged such that the latching assembly 4 and the retaining shaft 7 form an over-centre latch.

[0215] In this respect, the second pivot axis X4 is located on an opposite side of the first pivot axis X3, to the adjustment nut 12, cylindrical collar 13 and retaining shaft 7, when the latching assembly 4 is in its latched configuration.

[0216] When the latching assembly 4 is moved from its unlatched configuration to its latched configuration, by pivoting the lever 3 from its unlatched position to its latched position, the diameter adjustment nut 12 urges the collar 13 against the retaining shaft 7, which urges the front loop 5 of the band 2 towards the rear loop 6 of the band 2, thereby reducing the diameter of the band 2 to a latched diameter. This produces a clamping force on the band 2, so as to clamp an object within the band 2. When the latching assembly 4 is moved from its latched configuration to its unlatched configuration, by pivoting the lever 3 from its latched position to its unlatched position, this increases the diameter of the band 2 back to its unlatched diameter. Accordingly, the band 2 no longer applies the clamping force and said objected is unclamped.

[0217] As the latching assembly 4 is moved from its unlatched configuration to its latched configuration, the shaft 9 of the bolt 8 is received in the channel 26 in the front pivot 24a. In this respect, the body 25a of the front pivot 24a acts as a stop to prevent the bolt 8 (i.e. the latching part) going past its over-centre position, which is the position past which the latching part is urged to keep moving in the unlatching direction. This prevents the latching part from moving past the over-centre position, to a position in which it starts to loosen the clamping force of the band 2.

[0218] In order to decrease the latched diameter of the band 2 (and thereby increase the clamping force of the band 2), the latched diameter adjustment nut 12 is screwed along the threaded shaft 9, in the direction towards the front pivot 24a. This urges the retaining shaft 7 and front pivot 24a towards each other, which urges the front and rear loops 5, 6 of the band 2 towards each other. This urges the ends of the band 2 towards each other, thereby reducing the latched diameter of the band 2. Conversely, the latched diameter is increased by screwing the nut 12 in the opposite direction.

[0219] Each front loading slot 29a, 29a is configured such that a respective mounting member 27a, 27a of the front pivot 24a can be inserted into the slot 29a, 29a, through the open front end of the slot 29a, 29a, and moved along the slot 29a, 29a to a mounting position at the rear end of the loading slot 29a, 29a, in which it is received in the respective front mounting aperture 28a, 28a of a retaining side plate 22, 22 (described in more detail below).

[0220] In this respect, the front pivot 24a extends length-wise from an outer end of the first mounting member 27a to an outer end of the second mounting member 27a. The front pivot 24 has a length (L1) (see FIG. 2).

[0221] The length (L1) of the front pivot 24a is greater than the distance (W1.sub.I) between the opposed inner sides 35, 35 of the side members 21, 21.

[0222] However, the front loading slots 29a, 29a allow the front pivot 24a to be received, at a loading position, through the front open ends of the front loading slots 29a, 29a, with the longitudinal axis of the pivot 24a being substantially perpendicular to the planes of the side members 21, 21.

[0223] The length (L1) of the front pivot 24a is also slightly greater than the distance W1.sub.O between the outer sides of the of the side members 21, 21. Accordingly, as a first part of each mounting member 27a, 27a is received in a respective front-loading slot 29a, 29a, through the open front end of the loading slot, a second part of the mounting member 27a, 27a protrudes outwardly from the outer side of the side member 21, 21.

[0224] As the first part of each mounting member 27a, 27a is moved along the respective slot 29a, 29a to the rear end of the slot 29a, 29a, the second part of the mounting member 27a, 27a abuts against an inner side of the respective retaining side plate 22, 22, causing the retaining side plate 22, 22 to flex outwardly, away from the outer side of the side member 22, 22, such that the first part of the mounting member 27a, 27a is able to so move along the loading slot (as shown in FIG. 7a).

[0225] When the mounting member 27a, 27a is located in said mounting position, at the rear end of the loading slot 29a, 29a, the retaining side plate 22, 22 unflexes such that the second part of the mounting member 27a, 27a is received in the front mounting aperture 28a, 28a in the retaining side plate 22, 22. This substantially retains each mounting member 27a, 27a, in the length-wise direction of the respective slot, in the mounting position (i.e. at the rear end of the front loading slot).

[0226] In this respect, the retaining side plates 22, 22 are configured to flex outwardly, to accommodate the mounting members 27a, 27a, as the first parts of the mounting members 27a, 27a are moved along the front-loading slots 29a, 29a. In this respect, each retaining side plate 22, 22 is attached to the outer side of the side member 21, 21 at a single discrete location by a rivet 30, 30. The remaining area of the inner surface of each side plate 22, 22 is not attached to the side member 21, 21. In addition, the side plates 22, 22 are made of a resiliently deformable material, which of greater flexibility that than the side members 21, 21. In the currently described embodiment, the retaining side plates 22, 22 are made of stainless steel and the side members 21, 21 are made of a mild steel. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used. For example, the side members and retaining side plates may be made of type of steel, including mild steel, stainless steel or carbon steel.

[0227] Accordingly, as the first part of each mounting member 27a, 27a is moved along the loading slots 29a, 29a, each side plate 22, 22 flexes outwardly away from the respective body member 21, 21, to allow the first part of mounting member 27a, 27a to travel along the slot 29a, 29a to the mounting aperture 28, 28.

[0228] As each side plate 22, 22 is resiliently deformable, when each mounting member 27a, 27a reaches the mounting aperture 28, 28, the plate 22, 22 flexes back to its at rest position, causing the mounting aperture 28, 28 to lower over the mounting member 27a, 27a. This results in the mounting member 27a, 27a clicking into the mounting aperture 28, 28.

[0229] Since the side members 21, 21 do not have to be able to deform, to accommodate the pivot 24, this allows them to be made of a relatively rigid material, which allows the overall latching assembly 4 to be relatively rigid and strong.

[0230] Furthermore, the front pivot 24a may be mounted to the lever 3 by simply loading it into the loading slots 29a, 29a and clicking it into position, thereby providing for ease of assembly.

[0231] The height of each front-loading slot 29a, 29a is slightly greater than the corresponding dimension of the first part of each mounting member received in the slot 29a, 29a. Furthermore, due to the flat upper and lower surfaces 51, 51 of the slots 29a, 29a and the flat surfaces 52, 52 of the mounting members 27a, 27a, the mounting members 27a, 27a are only insertable into the slots 29a, 29a in a loading orientation (when the front pivot 24 is the correct way up) and are moved along the slots 29a, 29a, to the mounting apertures 28, 28 in said loading orientation. Each front mounting aperture 28a, 28a also has corresponding flat upper and lower sides. The loading orientation is such that, when the latching assembly 4 is in the latched configuration (shown in FIG. 1), the front pivot 24a is oriented such that the channel 26, through the body 25a of the front pivot 24a, accommodates the passage of the shaft 8 of the bolt 9 through the front pivot 24a. This facilitates the mounting of the front pivot 24a to the lever 3 in the correct orientation.

[0232] In a similar arrangement to the front pivot 24a, the rear pivot 24b extends length-wise from an outer end of the first mounting member 27b to an outer end of the second mounting member 27b. The rear pivot 24b has a length (L2) (see FIG. 2).

[0233] The length (L2) of the rear pivot 24b is also greater than the distance (W1.sub.I) between the opposed inner sides 35, 35 of the side members 21, 21.

[0234] However, the length of the rear loading slots 29a, 29a and the distance (W1.sub.I) between the opposed inner sides 35, 35 of the side members 21, 21, relative to the length (L2) of the rear pivot 24b is such that a mounting member 27b, 27b of the rear pivot 24b can be inserted into a slot 29a, 29a, through the inner side of the slot 29a, 29a, at a mounting position at the front end of the slot 29a, 29a. The rear pivot 24b can then be pivoted about that mounting member 27b, 27b such that the other mounting member is received in the slot 29a, 29a and passes along the loading slot 29a, 29a to a mounting position at the front end of the slot 29a, 29a. As with the front pivot 24a, the length (L2) of the rear pivot 24b is also slightly greater than the distance W1.sub.O between the outer sides of the of the side members 21, 21. Accordingly, as the other mounting member 27b, 27b is received in and moves along the slot, a first part of the mounting member 27b, 27b is received in the slot, with a second part of the mounting member 27b, 27b protruding outwardly from the outer side of the side member 21, 21.

[0235] As the first part of the mounting member 27b, 27b moves along the slot 29b, 29b to the front end of the slot 29b, 29b, the second part of the mounting member 27b, 27b abuts against an inner side of the respective retaining side plate 22, 22, causing the retaining side plate 22, 22 to flex outwardly, away from the outer side of the side member 22, 22, such that the first part of the mounting member 27b, 27b is able to so move along the loading slot as shown in FIG. 7b).

[0236] Furthermore, when the mounting member is located in said mounting position, at the front end of the loading slot 29b, 29b, the retaining side plate 22, 22 unflexes such that the second part of the mounting member 27b, 27b is received in the rear mounting aperture 28b, 28b in the retaining side plate 22, 22. This substantially retains each mounting member 27a, 27a, in the length-wise direction of the respective slot, in the mounting position (i.e. at the front end of the rear loading slot).

[0237] As with the front-loading slots 29a, 29a, the rear loading slots 29b, 29b allow the rear pivot 24b to be mounted to the lever 3 without increasing the distance between the first and second side members 21, 21.

[0238] In order to assemble band clamp 1, the retaining side plates 22, 22 are first attached to the outer sides of the respective side members 21, 21, using said rivets 30.

[0239] The rear pivot 24b is then mounted to the lever 3, as described above, by inserting one of the mounting members 27b, 27b through a rear loading slot 29b, 29b into one of the rear mounting apertures 28b, 28b in a retaining side plate 22, 22, and pivoting the rear pivot 24b about the mounting member 27b, 27b, such that the other mounting member 27b, 27b is received in and travels along the opposite rear loading slot 29b, 29b to its mounting position. As it does so, the rear part of the retaining side plate 22, 22 flexes outwardly, to accommodate the mounting member 27b, 27b, until it reaches its mounting position, at which point the rear part of the retaining side plate 22, 22 flexes back to its at rest position, lowering the mounting aperture 28b, 28b over the mounting member 27b, 27b, to provide said click engagement (as described above).

[0240] The front pivot 24a is then inserted into the rear loop 6 of the band 3. The lever 3, with the mounted rear pivot 24b, is then moved towards the front pivot 24a such that the mounting members 27a, 27a of the front pivot 24a are received in the front-loading slots 29, 29, through the open front end of the slots 29a, 29a, and pass along the slots 29, 29 to the closed rear end of the slots 29a, 29a. As they do so, the retaining side plates 22, 22 flex outwardly, to accommodate the mounting members 27a, 27a, until the mounting members 27a, 27a reach the rear end of the loading slots 29a, 29a, at which point the retaining side plates flex 22, 22 back to their at rest position, lowering the front mounting apertures 28a, 28a over the mounting members 27a, 27a, to provide said click engagement (as described above).

[0241] When the front pivot 24a is mounted to the lever 3, the shaft 9 of the bolt 8 is passed through the channel 26 in the front pivot 24a. The retaining shaft 7 is mounted in the front loop 5 of the band 2 and the bolt shaft 9 is passed through the bore 11 in the retaining shaft 7, with the collar 13 and adjustment nut 12 mounted on the shaft 9, in front of the retaining shaft 7.

[0242] As stated above, the arrangement of the loading slots 29a, 29a, 29b, 29b and mounting apertures 28a, 28a, 28b, 28b allows the side members 21, 21 of the lever 3 to be relatively rigid (compared to if they needed to be splayed open). The retaining side plates 22, 22 allow for the loading slots 29a, 29a, 29b, 29b to be used, as they substantially retain the mounting members 27a, 27a, 27b, 79b in the length-wise direction of the loading slot 29a, 29a, 29b, 29b, in its mounting position. This prevents unintended movement of the mounting members 27a, 27a, 27b, 79b in the length-wise direction of the slots 29a, 29a, 29b, 29b during use.

[0243] Referring to FIGS. 8a to 8b, there is shown an exploded/assembled view of a latching assembly 104 of a quick release band clamp according to a second embodiment of the invention, to illustrate the steps in the method of assembling the latching assembly.

[0244] The latching assembly 104 of the second embodiment is generally the same as the latching assembly of the first embodiment, except for the differences described below. Corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals, but incremented by 100.

[0245] The latching assembly 104 of the second embodiment is generally the same as the latching assembly of the first embodiment, except in that the rear loading slot in the right-side member 121 is replaced by a circular aperture 129b.

[0246] The method of assembling the latching assembly 104 of the second embodiment is generally the same as for the first embodiment, except in that the mounting member 127b of the rear pivot 124b is first received in the aperture 129 and through the aperture 129 into the mounting aperture 128 in the retaining side plate attached to that side member 121.

[0247] As with the method of assembly of the latching assembly 4 of the first embodiment, the rear pivot 124b is then pivoted about the mounting member 127b, such that the other mounting member 127b is received in and travels along the opposite rear loading slot 129b to its mounting position.

[0248] Accordingly, when said mounting member 127b is received in the loading slot 129b, the longitudinal axis of the pivot 124b is inclined at an oblique angle relative to the planes of the side members 121, 121

[0249] As with the first embodiment, as the mounting member 127b travels along the slot 129b, the rear part of the retaining side plate 122, 122 flexes outwardly, to accommodate the mounting member 127b, until it reaches its mounting position, at which point the rear part of the retaining side plate 122, 122 flexes back to its at rest position, lowering the mounting aperture 128b over the mounting member 127b to provide said click engagement (as described above).

[0250] The remainder of the latching assembly 104, and the band clamp, is assembled as for the first embodiment.

[0251] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 17c, there is shown a latching assembly 204, of an over-centre latch, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0252] The latching assembly 204 of the over-centre latch of the third embodiment is generally the same as the latching assembly 104, of the band clamp of the second embodiment, except for the differences described below. Corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals, but incremented by 100.

[0253] The latching assembly 204 is generally the same as the latching assembly 104, of the band clamp of the second embodiment, except in that the lever 203 is instead pivotally mounted to a base 290.

[0254] In this respect, the base 290 comprises first and second side members 291, 291 the each have the generally shape of a plate and extend generally in a plane. The side members 291, 291 are opposed and spaced apart from each other and the place of the side members 291, 291 are substantially parallel to each other. A base plate 294 connects the lower sides of each side member 221, 221 to each other. The base plate 294 is provided with a plurality of apertures 295 each for receiving a respective fastener, to attach the base 294 to a first body (that is to be latched to a second body, as described below).

[0255] In this embodiment, the front pivot 124a is replaced with first and second rivets 296, 296 that pivotally mount the first and second side members 221, 221 of the lever 203 to the first and second side members 291, 291 of the base 290.

[0256] The right mounting member 227b of the rear pivot 224b is received in an aperture 229b in the right-side member 221 and the left mounting member 227b of the rear pivot 224b is received in a rear loading slot 229b in the left side member 221, as in the second embodiment.

[0257] The shaft 209 of the bolt 208 has an externally threaded portion (not shown) on which a nut 210 is screw mounted, in abutment with a rear side of the pivot 224b. The nut 210 may be screwed, in either direction on the threaded portion, to vary the distance between the hook (see below) and the pivot 224b as required, in dependence on the positioning of the catch 298 (see below).

[0258] A front end of the shaft 209 is curved to form a hook 299, which forms a first engagement member.

[0259] Referring to FIG. 12, there is also shown a second engagement member in the form of a catch 298 comprising a catch plate 297. A circular aperture 295 is provided in the centre of the catch plate 297 and passes through the thickness of the catch plate 297. The aperture 295 is for receiving the hook 299 of the bolt 208.

[0260] In this respect, in use the latching assembly 204 is fixedly attached to a first body and the catch 200 is fixedly attached to a second body. When the latching assembly 204 is moved from its unlatched configuration to its latched configuration, the bolt 208 moves with the lever 203 and pivots about the rotational axis X4, due to its pivotal mounting to the lever 3. As the latching assembly 204 moves towards its latched configuration, the hook 299 is received in the aperture 295 in the catch plate 297. As the latching assembly 204 then continues to move to its latched configuration, the hook 299 is drawn back in the rear direction (i.e. towards the rear end of the latching assembly 204), thereby applying a latching force to the catch plate 292 and so latching the first and second bodies together.

[0261] In order to assemble the latching assembly 204, the pivot 224b is loaded to the side members 221, 221 in the same way as the rear pivot 124b of the second embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the retaining side plates 222, 222 are attached to the respective retaining side plates 221, 221 after the pivot 224b has been loaded to the side members 221, 221, i.e. after the mounting members 227b, 227b have been received in the aperture 229b and loading slot 229b in the second and first side members 221, 221 respectively, so as to retain the pivot 224b in its mounting position, in the length-wise direction of the slot 229b.

[0262] The ends of the mounting members 227b, 227b and of the front pivots 296, 296 are then flattened using a mechanical process (e.g., using a hammer or other suitable tool) to attached the side retaining plates 222, 222 to the respective side members 221, 221.

[0263] In each of the preceding embodiments, the method of assembly and arrangement of the loading slots, or loading slot and aperture, 29a, 29a, 29b, 29b, 129a, 129a, 129b, 129b, 229b, 229b and mounting apertures 28a, 28a, 28b, 28b, 128a, 128a, 128b, 128b in the retaining side plates 22, 22, 122, 122, 222, 222 allows the side members 21, 21, 121, 121, 221, 221 of the lever 3 to be relatively rigid (compared to if they needed to be splayed open). The retaining side plates allow for the loading slots to be used, as they substantially retain the mounting members of the respective pivot in the length-wise direction of the loading slot, in their respective mounting positions. This prevents unintended movement of the mounting members in the length-wise direction of the slots 29a, 29a, 29b, 29b during use.

[0264] It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above-described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0265] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, first and second retaining side plates are attached to the first and second side members respectively. Alternatively, only one retaining side plate may be used. Where no retaining side plate is attached to an outer side of a side member, the respective side portion of the lever (i.e. that the respective mounting member of the pivot is mounted to) may be the respective side member of the lever.

[0266] The retaining side plate(s) may be attached to the respective side member(s) in any way that permits the retaining side plate(s) to flex outwardly, as the respective mounting member is moved along the loading slot.

[0267] In the above-described embodiments, retaining side plates are used to substantially retain the mounting members of the respective pivot in the length-wise direction of the respective slot, in the mounting position. Alternatively, or additionally, any other suitable type of retainer may be used to do this. For example, the, or each, loading slot may be provided with an integral formation that the part of the mounting member receiving in the slot locks into when it reaches its mounting position in the slot, such that the mounting member is substantially retained in the length-wise direction of the respective slot. In this case, the respective side portion of the lever (i.e., that the respective mounting member of the pivot is mounted to) may be the respective side member of the lever.

[0268] In an alternative design of the latch of the quick release band clamp, the latch may not have a clamping diameter adjustment mechanism. In this respect, the latch may only have one pivot and only one set of loading slots and mounting apertures, to load the pivot into the latch body.

[0269] In the above-described embodiments, the latching assembly 4, 104 of the band clamp and the latch (comprising the latching assembly 204 and the catch 298) comprise an over-centre latching assembly. However, it will be appreciated than any type of latching assembly may be used. Furthermore, any suitable type of said first and second engagement members may be used.

[0270] Similarly, in the described embodiment of the latch, the latch is a hook latch. However, it will be appreciated that the latch may be any type of latch, including a barrel nut latch, toggle latch, draw latch, or bolt latch, for example. In this respect, any suitable type of said first and second engagement members may be used.

[0271] It will be appreciated that any of the above-described embodiments may have said front and/or loading slot arrangement. For example, the band clamp of the first and second embodiments may only have the front or rear loading slot arrangement, or the latch of the third embodiment may have both the front and rear loading slot arrangements.

[0272] It will be appreciated that, in relation to any of the above-described embodiments, the steps of the method of assembly may be carried out in any order. For example, the latching part may be pivotally mounted to the lever before, or after, the lever is pivotally mounted.

[0273] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.