Clamp

Abstract

A clamp includes a belt and a tensioner. The tensioner includes a fixed mount coupled to the belt, a screw housing engaged with the fixed mount, and a screw received in the screw housing. The screw housing and the screw are movable relative to the stationary mount between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When a portion of the band including a plurality of slots is positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing, threads of the screw are received in the plurality of slots when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, but threads of the screw are received in the plurality of slots when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position. The threads of the screw are spaced apart from the plurality of slots.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clamp including a band and a tensioner. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a clamp having a tensioner including a screw that rotates to tighten or loosen the band. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect, a clamp may include a band and a tensioner. The band may include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of slots spaced apart from each other between the first end and the second end. The tensioner may include a fixed mount including (i) a base panel coupled to the first end of the band, the base panel including first and second opposing sides, (ii) a first flange coupled to the first side of the base panel and formed to include a first guide channel, and (iii) a second flange coupled to the second side of the base panel and formed to include a second guide channel. The tensioner may further include a screw housing disposed above the base panel and between the first flange and the second flange of the fixed mount, the screw housing including a first wing received in the first guide channel and a second wing received in the second guide channel. The tensioner may further include a screw received in the screw housing. The screw housing and the screw are movable relative to the fixed mount between (i) an engaged position in which the first wing is positioned at a lower end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at a lower end of the second guide channel, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the first wing is positioned at an upper end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at an upper end of the second guide channel. When a portion of the band including the plurality of slots is positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing, the threads of the screw may be (i) received in the plurality of slots when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, and (ii) spaced apart from the plurality of slots when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position.

[0003] In some embodiments, the screw is capable of rotating about the screw axis within the screw housing, wherein when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, movement of the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing requires rotation of the screw about the screw axis, and wherein when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position, movement of the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing does not require rotation of the screw about the screw axis.

[0004] In some embodiments, when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, the screw axis is parallel to the base plate.

[0005] In some embodiments, when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position, the screw axis is parallel to the base plate.

[0006] In some embodiments, each of the first guide channel and the second guide channel is linear and arranged at a certain angle relative to the base panel. In some embodiments, the angle is an acute angle. In some embodiments, the angle is between 10 and 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is between 25 and 35 degrees. In some embodiments, each of the first guide channel and the second guide channel has a length between its lower end and upper end that is greater than the depth of the thread of the screw divided by the sine of the angle.

[0007] In some embodiments, each of the lower ends of the first guide channel and the second guide channel is spaced apart from the base panel by a first distance, and wherein each of the upper ends of the first guide channel and the second guide channel is spaced apart from the base panel by a second distance greater than the first distance.

[0008] According to another aspect, a clamp may include a band and a tensioner. The band may include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of slots spaced apart from each other between the first end and the second end. The tensioner may include a fixed mount including (i) a base panel coupled to the first end of the band, the base panel including first and second opposing sides, (ii) a first flange coupled to the first side of the base panel and formed to include a first guide channel, and (iii) a second flange coupled to the second side of the base panel and formed to include a second guide channel. The tensioner may further include a screw housing disposed above the base panel and between the first flange and the second flange of the fixed mount, the screw housing including a first wing received in the first guide channel and a second wing received in the second guide channel. The tensioner may further include a screw rotatable about a screw axis within the screw housing. The screw housing and the screw are movable relative to the fixed mount between (i) an engaged position in which the first wing is positioned at a lower end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at a lower end of the second guide channel, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the first wing is positioned at an upper end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at an upper end of the second guide channel. When a portion of the band including the plurality of slots is positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing, movement of the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing (i) requires rotation of the screw about the screw axis when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, and (ii) does not require rotation of the screw about the screw axis when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, the screw axis is parallel to the base plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position, the screw axis is parallel to the base plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the first and second guide channels is linear and arranged at an acute angle relative to the base panel. In some embodiments, each of the first and second guide channels has a length between its lower and upper ends that is greater than the depth of the screw thread divided by the sine of the acute angle. In some embodiments, the angle is between 25 and 35 degrees.

[0012] According to another aspect, a clamp may include a band and a tensioner. The band may include a plurality of slots formed therein. The tensioner may include (i) a fixed mount coupled to an end of the band, (ii) a screw housing engaged with the fixed mount such that the screw housing is movable relative to the fixed mount between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and (iii) a screw rotatable about the screw axis within the screw housing. When a portion of the band including the plurality of slots is positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing, threads of the screw (i) are received in the plurality of slots when the screw housing is in the engaged position such that movement of the portion of the band requires rotation of the screw about the screw axis, and (ii) are spaced apart from the plurality of slots when the screw housing is in the disengaged position such that movement of the portion of the band does not require rotation of the screw about the screw axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, the screw axis is parallel to the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing when the screw housing is in the engaged position and when the screw housing is in the disengaged position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fixed mount includes (i) a base panel including opposing first and second sides, the base panel being coupled to the end of the band, (ii) a first flange coupled to the first side of the base panel and formed to include a first guide channel, and (iii) a second flange coupled to the second side of the base panel and formed to include a second guide channel. The screw housing may be arranged above the base panel and between the first flange and the second flange of the fixed mount. The screw housing may include a first wing received in the first guide channel and a second wing received in the second guide channel. When the screw housing is in the engaged position, the first wing may be positioned at a lower end of the first guide channel and the second wing may be positioned at a lower end of the second guide channel. When the screw housing is in the disengaged position, the first wing may be positioned at an upper end of the first guide channel and the second wing may be positioned at an upper end of the second guide channel.

[0015] Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments illustrating what is presently considered to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals (e.g., reference numerals ending with the same two digits) are repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements. The detailed description makes particular reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clamp including a band configured to be positioned around a conduit (e.g., a hose) and a tensioner configured to tighten the band around the conduit;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the clamp of FIG. 1 showing the screw housing and screw of the tensioner in an engaged position relative to a fixed mount of the tensioner;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the clamp shown in , now showing the screw housing and screw of the tensioner in a disengaged position relative to the fixed mount of the tensioner;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded assembly view of a portion of a clamp including a fixed mount, a screw housing, and a screw of a tensioner;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A side view of a portion of the fixture shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 6 is along Figure 2 The line 6-6 in Figure 2 A cross section of a portion of the fixture shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 The line 7-7 in Figure 3 A cross section of a portion of the fixture shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A front view of the tensioner; and

[0025] Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 Top view of the tensioner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Although the concepts of the present disclosure may have various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the concepts of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] In the following description, many specific details (such as the types and interrelationships of components) are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In other examples, various components are not shown in detail (or are not labeled in each example) so as not to obscure the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to utilize the included descriptions to implement appropriate functionality without excessive experimentation.

[0028] References in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "illustrative embodiment," etc. indicate that at least one embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it should be understood that one skilled in the art may implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the clamp 10 includes a band 12 configured to be placed around a conduit 14, such as a hose. The clamp 10 also includes a tensioner 16 configured to tighten the band 12 on the conduit 14 to connect the conduit 14 to, for example, a fixture, a coupling, or another conduit. The tensioner 16 includes a screw 30 having threads 80 that are received in a slot 24 formed in the band 12 to tighten or loosen the band 12 when the screw 30 is rotated about a screw rotation axis 38. However, when the end 20 of the band 12 is pulled through the tensioner 16 in a tightening direction 100, the tensioner 16 also provides a quick tightening function without rotating the screw 30. When the band 12 is in tension, the tensioner 16 then prevents the band 12 from moving in a loosening direction 102 that is opposite to the tightening direction 100.

[0030] The band 12 is illustratively made from a strip of metallic material and includes two opposing ends 18, 20. Figure 1 , the belt 12 is bendable to extend annularly about a central axis 22. The belt 12 is formed to include a plurality of slots 24 spaced apart from each other between the ends 18, 20. The tensioner 16 is configured to interact with the plurality of slots 24 to hold the belt 12 in place. Figure 1, and tightening or loosening the band 12 by turning the screw 30 and / or by pushing and pulling the end 20 relative to the tensioner 16. Although the band 12 is illustratively shown as being wrapped around a circular conduit 14, it should be understood that the band 12 can be bent around conduits and structures having other shapes.

[0031] like Figures 2 to 9 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the tensioner 16 includes a fixed mount 26 coupled to the band 12, a screw housing 28 engaged with the fixed mount 26, and a screw 30 received in the screw housing 28. The fixed mount 26 is formed to include one or more retainer tabs 32, 34 that extend through one or more apertures 33 formed in or near the end 18 of the band 12 to securely couple the fixed mount 26 to the band 12. The screw housing 28 defines a screw receiving space 36 that receives a portion of the screw 30 to position the screw 30 between the fixed mount 26 and the band 12. The screw 30 can move with the screw housing 28 and rotate relative to the screw housing 28 about a screw rotation axis 38. The end 20 of the band 12 is inserted between the screw 30 and the fixed mount 26 so that the plurality of slots 24 can interface and interact with the threads 80 of the screw 30.

[0032] The fixed mount 26 includes a base panel 40 coupled to the end 18 of the belt 12, a flange 42 coupled to one side of the base panel 40, and a flange 44 coupled to the other opposite side of the base panel 40, such as Figures 2 to 4 . The base panel 40 interconnects the lower ends of the flanges 42, 44 and attaches to the end 18 of the belt 12 to hold the tensioner 16 to the belt 12. The screw housing 28 is arranged above the base panel 40 and between the flanges 42, 44. The flanges 42, 44 extend upwardly away from the base panel 40 and support the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 relative to the belt 12.

[0033] The screw housing 28 includes a dome 46, a wing 48 coupled to one side of the dome 46, and a wing 50 coupled to the other opposite side of the dome 46. Figure 4 , 8 9. The dome 46 defines a screw receiving space 36 that receives a portion of the screw 30. The dome 46 is formed to include front and rear screw bearing apertures 52, 54 that engage a portion of the screw shaft 78 of the screw 30. The wings 48, 50 extend laterally outward away from the dome 46 and engage a corresponding one of the flanges 42, 44 to retain the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 to the fixed mount 26.

[0034] Flange 42 is formed to include guide channel 56, and flange 44 is formed to include guide channel 58, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 , 89. Wing 48 is received in guide channel 56, and wing 50 is received in guide channel 58. Guide channels 56, 58 guide screw housing 28 (and therefore screw 30) relative to fixed mount 26 in the engaged position ( Figure 2 and 6 ) and the disengaged position ( Figure 3 and 7 6, 62 of the guide channels 56, 58, and the threads 80 of the screw 30 are received in at least one of the plurality of slots 24 formed in the band 12. In the disengaged position, the wings 48, 50 are positioned at the upper ends 64, 66 of the guide channels 56, 58, and the threads 80 of the screw 30 are removed from the plurality of slots 24 formed in the band 12. In the disengaged position, the threads 80 of the screw 30 may be spaced apart from the band 12 to provide a gap 68 therebetween to allow the band 12 to be moved past the screw 30 to tighten or loosen the band 12 without the need to twist the screw 30 about the screw shaft 38. The gap 68 may be greater than or approximately equal to zero.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide channels 56, 58 are defined by linear surfaces of the flanges 42, 44 that are not parallel to features of the fixed mount 40 and the portion of the band 12 that is positioned between the screw housing 28 and the fixed mount 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 Thus, in the illustrative embodiment, the guide channels 56, 58 are completely linear between the lower ends 60, 62 and the upper ends 64, 66, such that the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 are movable only in a linear direction between the lower ends 60, 62 and the upper ends 64, 66. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the guide channels may have a non-linear shape (e.g., a curve), or even be partially linear and partially non-linear.

[0036] Returning to the illustrative embodiment, the guide channels 56, 58 extend along a plane 74, which is arranged to be at an angle 70 relative to the base panel 40. In the illustrative embodiment, the guide channels 56, 58 extend only along the plane 74. The angle 70 is an acute angle relative to the base panel 40. In some embodiments, the angle 70 is in the range of 10 to 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 70 is in the range of 25 to 35 degrees. In the illustrative embodiment, the angle 70 is 30 degrees. The guide channels 56, 58 are also arranged to be at an acute angle 76 relative to the screw rotation axis 38. The screw rotation axis 38 can be substantially parallel to the plane 72, so that the angles 70, 76 are approximately equal to each other. Since the guide channels 56, 58 are linear in the illustrative embodiment, the angles 70, 76 do not change when the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 move between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

[0037] The screw 30 includes a screw shaft 78 and a thread 80 extending outwardly from the screw shaft 78 relative to the screw rotation axis 38. Figure 3 , 6 7. The screw 30 may further include a screw head 82 and a screw base 84 positioned on opposite ends of the screw shaft. In the illustrative embodiment, the screw head 82 is hexagonal in shape and is formed to include a slot so that a tool can be used to engage the screw head 82 and rotate the screw 30 around the screw rotation axis 38. Therefore, the screw head 82 is arranged outside the screw receiving space 36 at the end of the screw housing 28 facing the tightening direction 100. The screw base 84 is arranged to be located outside the screw receiving space 36 at the end of the screw housing 28 facing the loosening direction 102. Both the screw head 82 and the screw base 84 have an outer dimension that is larger than the front aperture 52 and the rear aperture 54 formed in the screw housing 28 leading to the screw receiving space 36 to prevent the thread 80 of the screw from being removed from the screw receiving space 36.

[0038] Each of the lower ends 60, 62 of the guide channels 56, 58 is spaced a distance 90 from the base panel 40, and each of the upper ends 64, 66 of the guide channels 56, 58 is spaced a distance 92 from the base panel 40 that is greater than the distance 90. In the illustrative embodiment, the guide channels 56, 58 are linear and have a length and slope sufficient to remove the threads 80 from the plurality of grooves 24 when the wings 48, 50 reach the upper ends 64, 66 of the guide channels 56, 58. Illustratively, the guide channels 56, 58 each have a linear length 94 that is greater than the depth 80D of the threads 80 divided by the sine of the angle 70. Thus, the vertical rise provided by the slope of the guide channels 56, 58 is sufficient to remove the threads 80 from the grooves 24 when the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 reach the disengaged position. In one example, the depth 80D is greater than or equal to the thickness of the band 12.

[0039] During use, the end 20 of the strap 12 is configured to be fed between the base panel 40 and the screw 30 in a tightening direction 100. During such movement of the end 20 of the strap 12, the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 can move toward the disengaged position as the end 20 of the strap 12 moves in the tightening direction 100 to allow tightening of the strap 12 without rotating the screw 30 about the screw rotation axis 38. When releasing the strap 12, the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 can move toward the engaged position, wherein the threads 80 of the screw 30 engage the at least one slot 24 to prevent movement of the strap in the loosening direction 102. In this manner, the tensioner 16 allows the threads 80 of the screw 30 to be spaced apart from the plurality of slots 24 during movement of the strap 12 in the tightening direction 100 to provide a quick initial tightening function (e.g., by hand), but also locks the strap 12 to prevent undesired movement in the loosening direction 102. The screw 30 can then be rotated clockwise about the screw rotation axis 36 to further tighten the strap 12. During loosening of band 12, once sufficient tension is removed from band 12 by counterclockwise rotation of screw 30 about screw rotation axis 36, screw housing 28 and screw 30 may be moved to the disengaged position to allow quick release of band 12 from tensioner 16 (without requiring further rotation of screw 30).

[0040] Each of the flanges 42, 44 are substantially similar to each other, such as Figure 8 and 9 . Each flange 42, 44 includes a flange base 96 coupled to the base panel 40, a wing support 98 spaced apart from the flange base 96, and a pair of connecting rods 104, 106 interconnecting the flange base 96 and the wing support 98. The flange base 96 and the wing support 98 vertically define the guide channel 56, 58 therebetween. The connecting rods 104, 106 are arranged at the front and reading end of the fixed mount 26 and horizontally define the guide channel 56, 58 therebetween.

[0041] The connecting rods 104, 106 include a vertically extending lower strip 108 and a curved upper strip 110. Figure 8 and 9 46. ​​A vertically extending lower strip 108 is coupled to and extends upwardly from the flange base 96. Curved upper strips 110 are coupled to distal ends of the vertically extending lower strips 108 and extend toward each other and toward the dome 46. The wing supports 98 are offset inwardly from the flange base 96 such that the wing supports 98 are closer to the dome 46 than the flange base 96.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the wings 48, 50 each have a length 112 that is approximately half the length 94 of the guide channels 56, 58. Fig. 94. The wing 50 projects laterally outward from the dome 46 further than the wing 48. The wing 50 also includes a locating tab 114 that extends rearwardly in the loosening direction 102 of the strap 12. The locating tab 114 engages the fixed mount 26 in an engaged position to prevent the screw housing 28 and the screw 30 from rotating about an axis 116 that is perpendicular to the screw rotation axis 38 during torqueing of the screw 30 to tighten the strap 12. Specifically, the locating tab 114 engages an outer surface of the link 106 near the rear end of the fixed mount 26. In some embodiments, the wing 48 may also include a locating tab.

[0043] Although the present disclosure has been described and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and description should be regarded as exemplary rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that only illustrative embodiments are shown and described, and it is desired to protect all changes and modifications within the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure has multiple advantages derived from the various features of the devices, systems and methods described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure may not include all the features described, but may still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily design his own implementation of the device, system and method, which incorporates one or more of the features of the present invention and falls within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamp, comprising: a belt comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of slots spaced apart from each other between the first end and the second end, and The tensioner comprises: a fixing mount comprising (i) a base panel coupled to the first end of the strap, the base panel comprising first and second opposing sides, (ii) a first flange coupled to the first side of the base panel and formed to include a first guide channel, and (iii) a second flange coupled to the second side of the base panel and formed to include a second guide channel, a screw housing disposed above the base panel and between the first flange and the second flange of the fixed mount, the screw housing comprising a first wing received in the first guide channel and a second wing received in the second guide channel, and a screw received in said screw housing, wherein the screw housing and the screw are movable relative to the fixed mount between (i) an engaged position in which the first wing is positioned at a lower end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at a lower end of the second guide channel, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the first wing is positioned at an upper end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at an upper end of the second guide channel, and wherein, when a portion of the band including the plurality of grooves is positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing, the threads of the screw are (i) received in the plurality of grooves when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, and (ii) spaced apart from the plurality of grooves when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position.

2. The clamp of claim 1 , wherein the screw is rotatable within the screw housing about a screw axis, wherein when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, movement of the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing requires rotation of the screw about the screw axis, and wherein when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position, movement of the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing does not require rotation of the screw about the screw axis.

3. The clamp of claim 2, wherein the screw axis is parallel to the base plate when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position.

4. The clamp of claim 3, wherein the screw axis is parallel to the base plate when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position.

5. The clamp of claim 1, wherein each of the first guide channel and the second guide channel is linear and arranged at an angle relative to the base panel. The clamp of claim 5 , wherein the angle is an acute angle.

7. The clamp of claim 5, wherein the angle is between 10 and 45 degrees.

8. The clamp of claim 5, wherein the angle is between 25 and 35 degrees.

9. The clamp of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second guide channels has a length between a lower end and an upper end thereof that is greater than a depth of the threads of the screw divided by a sine of the angle.

10. The fixture of claim 1, wherein each of the lower ends of the first guide channel and the second guide channel are spaced apart from the base panel by a first distance, and wherein each of the upper ends of the first guide channel and the second guide channel are spaced apart from the base panel by a second distance greater than the first distance.

11. A clamp, comprising: a belt comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of slots spaced apart from each other between the first end and the second end, and The tensioner comprises: a fixing mount comprising (i) a base panel coupled to the first end of the strap, the base panel comprising first and second opposing sides, (ii) a first flange coupled to the first side of the base panel and formed to include a first guide channel, and (iii) a second flange coupled to the second side of the base panel and formed to include a second guide channel, a screw housing disposed above the base panel and between the first flange and the second flange of the fixed mount, the screw housing comprising a first wing received in the first guide channel and a second wing received in the second guide channel, and a screw, which is rotatable about a screw axis within said screw housing, wherein the screw housing and the screw are movable relative to the fixed mount between (i) an engaged position in which the first wing is positioned at a lower end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at a lower end of the second guide channel, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the first wing is positioned at an upper end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at an upper end of the second guide channel, and wherein, when a portion of the band including the plurality of grooves is positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing, movement of the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing (i) requires rotation of the screw about the screw axis when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position, and (ii) does not require rotation of the screw about the screw axis when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position.

12. The clamp of claim 11, wherein the screw axis is parallel to the base plate when the screw housing and the screw are in the engaged position.

13. The clamp of claim 12, wherein the screw axis is parallel to the base plate when the screw housing and the screw are in the disengaged position.

14. The clamp of claim 11, wherein each of the first guide channel and the second guide channel is linear and arranged at an acute angle relative to the base panel.

15. The clamp of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second guide channels has a length between its lower and upper ends that is greater than a depth of the screw's threads divided by a sine of the acute angle.

16. The clamp of claim 15, wherein the angle is between 25 and 35 degrees.

17. A clamp comprising: a belt including a plurality of grooves formed therein, and A tensioner comprising (i) a fixed mount coupled to an end of the band, (ii) a screw housing engaged with the fixed mount such that the screw housing is movable relative to the fixed mount between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and (iii) a screw rotatable within the screw housing about the screw axis, wherein, when a portion of the band including the plurality of slots is positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing, the threads of the screw (i) are received in the plurality of slots when the screw housing is in the engaged position such that movement of the portion of the band requires rotation of the screw about the screw axis, and (ii) are spaced apart from the plurality of slots when the screw housing is in the disengaged position such that movement of the portion of the band does not require rotation of the screw about the screw axis.

18. The clamp of claim 17, wherein the screw axis is parallel to the portion of the band positioned between the fixed mount and the screw housing when the screw housing is in the engaged position and when the screw housing is in the disengaged position.

19. The clamp of claim 17, wherein: The fixed mount includes (i) a base panel including first and second opposing sides, the base panel being coupled to the end of the strap, (ii) a first flange coupled to the first side of the base panel and formed to include a first guide channel, and (iii) a second flange coupled to the second side of the base panel and formed to include a second guide channel, and The screw housing is arranged above the base panel and between the first flange and the second flange of the fixed mount, the screw housing including a first wing received in the first guide channel and a second wing received in the second guide channel.

20. The clamp of claim 19, wherein when the screw housing is in the engaged position, the first wing is positioned at the lower end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at the lower end of the second guide channel, and wherein when the screw housing is in the disengaged position, the first wing is positioned at the upper end of the first guide channel and the second wing is positioned at the upper end of the second guide channel.

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