A releasable clampband apparatus and an associated method gently alter
clampband tension, such that clampband tension may be reduced after the
need for high clampband tension is no longer present, but before clampband
separation. Thus, equipment or electronics contained in elements joined by
the clampband are protected from excessive shock upon clampband
separation. The releaseable clampband apparatus includes a discontinuous
clampband having at least one opening. A connector is fixed to one side of
the clampband opening and extends across the opening. A housing is fixed
to the other side of the clampband opening and has a cavity surrounding at
least a portion of the connector. A moveable positioning assembly is at
least partially disposed within the housing cavity and is connected to the
connector such that movement of the assembly with respect to the housing
alters the clampband tension by varying the size of the opening.
