Abstract

A metal strap segment is provided for forming a loop about compressible material and has a first joint-forming portion on one end and a second joint-forming portion on the other end, each of the joint-forming portions containing an array of longitudinally spaced joint elements which are adapted to interlock to form a sealless strap connection when the joint-forming portions are overlapped. An abutment is provided at the distal end of the second joint-forming portion and a disengageable anti-reverse engaging means, such as a tab or receiving aperture, is provided on the first joint-forming portion. The engaging tab or aperture is located, with respect to the distal end of the first joint-forming portion, inwardly of and adjacent the array of longitudinally spaced joint elements. The engaging tab or aperture is also associated with the inner side of the strap so that when the strap loop is placed about the material and is outwardly bowed, the abutment is forced against the inner side of the first joint-forming portion and is aligned to engage the engaging means to prevent disengagement of the connection when the joint-forming portions are moved relative to each other in a disengaging direction. The connection is easily disengaged, however, by orienting the overlapping joint-forming portions in a generally inwardly bowed position and then displacing one of the joint-forming portions longitudinally relative to the other portion in the disengaging direction.