Abstract: A side release buckle having a retaining strap includes a male plug member and a female socket member. The plug member has a pair of resiliently flexible arm members and a center piece. A retaining strap is disposed between each arm member and the center piece near the distal end of the male plug member. The retaining strap acts to prevent outward extension of the flexible arm members beyond a breaking point. The retaining strap also allows for minimal resistance for inward flexing of the arm members during normal operation of the buckle.

Abstract: A strap divider for diverging a pair of straps which are disposed one on top of the other into a Y configuration which may be used for the chin straps of a bicycle helmet. The strap divider includes a main body which receives the pair of straps therethrough, and a rotatable clamping member which can be rotated from a position where the straps are clamped in place to an open position where the straps may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the rotatable member includes a cam around its circumference which cooperates with a projection in the main body for adjusting the clamping member between the open position and the locked position as the clamping member is rotated.

Abstract: A buckle assembly for releasably connecting a first strap to a second strap. The buckle assembly includes a male clasp and a female. The male clasp frictionally engages the first strap with row of teeth along a strap bar. A planar shield on the male clasp covers the strap bar to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The female buckle engages the second strap and can be readily connected and disconnected from the male strap with a single hand.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a two-piece side-release buckle is provided comprising releasably connectable male and female members. The male member includes a strap connector base portion on which a strap or a belt may be attached. The male member also includes two resilient arms extending outwardly from the base portion. The arms each include at a free end distal to the base portion separate upper and lower abutment surfaces. The upper and lower abutment surfaces are discrete and spaced-apart from each other. The female member includes a body with a cavity therein, in which the arms of the male member may be inserted for coupling the male and female members. The body includes retaining surfaces in the cavity that are adapted for engaging one of the abutment surfaces of the male member when the male and female members are coupled to securely lock the members together.

Abstract: A side release buckle having an improved locking mechanism includes a male plug member and a female socket member. The plug member has a pair of resiliently flexible arm members. Each arm member includes a recess or notch disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the arm member which is adapted to engage a tooth arranged in a corresponding position in the socket member when the plug member is fully inserted into the socket member. Since the engagement or retaining force between the recess and the tooth lies along the central longitudinal axis of the arm members, this force directly opposes the load force on the buckle which acts to separate the two buckle pieces. Because of the proper positioning and arrangement of the recess and the tooth, the load force and the retaining force are aligned along the same axis, thereby providing increased holding power.

Abstract: A swivelling snaphook is provided including a retainer rotatably connected with a hook member. The retainer includes a receptacle, two converging bars joined to opposite sides of the receptacle, and a base bar connecting the ends of the converging bars distal to the receptacle. The receptacle includes an internal wall defining an orifice extending through the receptacle. The internal wall includes three resiliently deformable projection segments extending into the orifice. The hook member includes a hook body and an insertion member for insertion into the orifice of the receptacle.

Abstract: A swivelling snaphook is provided having a retainer rotatably connected with a hook member. The retainer includes a receptacle, a base bar with opposing ends, and two converging bars having opposite ends with one of the opposite ends of each converging bar being joined to the receptacle and the other of the opposite ends joined to a different one of the opposing ends of the base bar. The receptacle includes a tapered orifice extending therethrough. The receptacle also includes at least one slit formed therein. The hook member includes a hook body and an insertion member for engaging the receptacle in the retainer.

Abstract: A buckle assembly for releasably connecting a first strap to a second strap. The buckle assembly includes a male clasp and a female buckle. The male clasp slidably engages the first strap with a strap bar. A planar shield on the male clasp covers the strap bar to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The female buckle engages the second strap and can be readily connected and disconnected from the male strap with a single hand.

Abstract: A buckle assembly configured for one-handed release by an operator thereof, including a pair of clasps, each having a release tab. Each of the clasps are adapted for release by pressure from a single finger of the operator on the release tab. A main buckle is designed to independently and releasably engage the clasps. The main buckle is configured so that both clasps are releasable from the main buckle with two fingers of one hand.