Abstract: A plug and socket-type buckle assembly in which the plug portion comprises a base and a flexible plate integrally formed therewith. A locking lug extends across the free end of the plate and protrudes above and below the flat surfaces of the plate. The socket portion comprises a top part and a bottom part integrally formed therewith to define a cavity for receiving the plug portion. The top part has a flexible release button integrally formed therewith, with a downwardly projecting tip. There is at least one projecting ledge disposed on the inside surface of the top part for engaging one side of the locking lug when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. A flexible tongue is integrally formed with the bottom part and has means for engaging an opposite side of the locking lug when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. Downward pressure on the release button when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion disengages the locking lug from the projecting ledge.

Abstract: A modular attachment system for an object holding system or object displaying system that comprises a base section that engages a cord and an attachment section that secures the object to be held or displayed. The cord may be worn by a person such that the object, for example, an identification badge, key ring, and so forth, is held and/or displayed. Various types of attachment sections may be used with a single base section, thus allowing substitution and flexibility in providing appropriate systems for various situations. The attachment system may be made from molded plastic in a lightweight, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing manner.

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 defines a generally V shaped latching surface arranged around the top, bottom and outer side of the arm member. The V shaped latching surface is adapted to engage a complimentary V shaped engagement surface in the socket member when the plug member is fully inserted into the socket member. The V shape of the latching surface allows the latching surface area to be more uniformly distributed around the top, bottom and outer side of the arm member.

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 retainer comprising a flexible elongated body having two planar sides and two free ends adapted for closure on to each other. A locking pawl is integrally formed with one free end and comprises a post and a head section forming a free end. A receptacle for the locking pawl is integrally formed with the other free end. The receptacle has top and bottom surfaces that are parallel to the planar sides of the body. There is a cavity in the top surface of the receptacle, having an enlarged section and a narrow section extending through the free end of the receptacle. The enlarged section is longer than the head section of the locking pawl and the narrow section is narrower than the head section of the locking pawl. There is at least one flexible locking tooth in the enlarged section of the cavity that protrudes into the cavity. A shoulder element is arranged on each side of the cavity to define an insertion area in the top surface of the receptacle corresponding to the shape of the locking pawl.

Abstract: A device for securing a floor mat to the floor carpet of an automobile, comprising a base plate with an aperture that is positioned on top of a hole in an automobile floor carpet and two leg members attached to the base plate near the aperture and extending downward through the hole. The leg members are foldable at intermediate portions thereof such that the intermediate portions can move apart from each other. A connecting section is attached to the bottom ends of the two leg members to connect them together. A post having at least one prong is mounted on the connecting section and extends upward toward the base plate such that when the leg members are folded, at least a portion of the post extends through the aperture in the base plate and the hole in the carpet. The post also has means for maintaining the leg members in a folded state so that the post extends through the aperture in the base plate. The invention also comprises means for detachably engaging the post with a floor mat.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a length of webbing, comprising a generally U-shaped body formed from two side arms connected by an end arm. A transverse bar having a gripping surface is mounted between the two side arms. A connecting device such as a buckle or hook is attached to the ends of the side arms. A pivotable plate is mounted between the two side arms and in between the transverse bar and connecting device. The pivotable plate has a gripping surface that contacts the gripping surface of the transverse bar. A release device is mounted on at least one side arm for selectively pivoting the pivotable plate. A length of webbing threaded through the device is securely held between the gripping surfaces of the transverse bar and pivotable plate until the release means is actuated. The friction from the gripping surfaces and pressure from the pivotable plate prevents the webbing from slipping out of the device even under tension from all angles. The release device permits simple adjustment of the webbing.

Abstract: A hook adapted to be attached to an elongated cord, comprising a hook body having a base, a side and a top curved portion and a latch attached to the base portion. The free end of the latch can be releasably locked to the hook body. A flexible member extends upward from the base in between the side of the hook body and the latch so that the latch and the tongue define a space in which the cord is placed. The cord can be securely attached to the hook by placing the cord between the flexible member and the latch and then locking the latch to the hook body. Upon locking the latch, the cord cannot slide or rotate within the space and is thus securely attached to the hook. The invention also comprises an automobile cargo net on which a plurality of such hooks are attached.

Abstract: An attachment system for coupling an object such as a small pouch or case or a tool or flashlight to a belt, backpack, knapsack, vest or the like. The attachment system includes a tab which is sewn to the belt, backpack or etc . . . and which has an elevated region defining a key-like opening. The system also includes a coupling member having a key-like structure which may be inserted into the opening in the tab member, and which may be rotated between a position wherein the coupling member is secured to the tab member and a second position wherein the coupling member may be detached from the tab member. The coupling member may be attached to a pouch or small case. In another embodiment, the coupling member can releasably attach the shaft of a tool or flashlight.

Abstract: An integrally-formed clip for releasably securing objects, comprising a clip body and at least one free arm attached at one end to the clip body. The free arm is positioned at an angle away from the clip body such as to create an opening between the second end of the free arm and the clip body. A latch is disposed on the second end of the free arm and has a free end extending toward the clip body at an angle. A tooth is disposed on the free end of the latch, positioned generally parallel to the free arm. There is at least one groove having dimensions substantially equal to those of the tooth arranged on the end of the clip body nearest the second end of the free arm. Downward pressure on the latch causes the tooth to be engaged by the groove and lock the second end of the free arm to the clip body. Upward pressure on the latch causes the tooth to become disengaged from the groove and release the second end of the free arm.