Abstract: A simplified springless fastener includes a housing or box element onto which a first fastener element, having a clasp, is welded. The first fastener element has a hook-like extension extending into the housing. Insertable within the housing element is a resilient tang, having a second fastener element, which will engage, in locking fashion, the hook extension of the first fastener element located within the rectangular housing. The fastener elements may be unfastened simply by depressing one leg of the resilient tang. Thus structure is simple and economical to produce.

Abstract: The disclosure sets forth a different annular link as the building element; instead of using a split annular link of a 3:1 ratio of link inner diameter to major wire diameter, the link has substantially thinner annulus for forming the rope chain, an annulus that requires an over 5:1 ratio of inner annulus diameter to major wire diameter. The presently preferred ratio is between 5.2 and 5.7:1. It is possible to use even thinner annuluses, i.e. having greater ratios, e.g., 7.2-7.7:1 with even greater weight savings (approximately 35%), or other even greater odd-numbered ratios of inner annulus diameter to major wire diameter (e.g. 9.4-9.9:1). Thus, while there is no theoretical limit, there is probably a maximum practical upper limit to the ratio of inner annulus diameter to major wire diamater.