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The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. A plurality of slots are disposed in the first ban

The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. A plurality of slots are disposed in the first band end portion, and a locking member extends from the second band end portion. The locking member includes a tab for extending through the second band end portion and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter. An end section of the second band end portion extends beyond the tab of the locking member to ease the transition between the overlapping first and second band end portions. When the band is expanded, the tab is disengaged from the slots and slides over the slots, allowing the first and second band end portions to move relative to one another. At the desired diameter, the tab engages one of the slots to lock the band at the desired diameter. The locking member is disposed on the outside region of the band with the tab extending inward such that the sealing member provides a resilient backing against the locking member.

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[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An expandable band comprising:a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion, wherein said first band end portion and said second band end portion overlap to form a generally annular shape;a plurality of sequential slots disposed in said first b

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An expandable band comprising:a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion, wherein said first band end portion and said second band end portion overlap to form a generally annular shape;a plurality of sequential slots disposed in said first band end portion of said band body;a locking member disposed on an outer region of said band body at said second band end portion of said band body, said locking member including a tab for extending through an aperture in said second band end portion and into one of said plurality of sequential slots to lock said expandable band at a desired diameter, wherein said expandable band is capable of expanding to and locking into a plurality of diameters; andwherein said second band end portion of said band body includes an end section extending beyond said tab of said locking member.