Abstract: A modular attachment system for an object holding/displaying system comprises a base module that engages a cord and an attachment module that engages an attachment device used to hold/display an object. Various types of attachment modules may be used with a single base module, thus allowing substitution and flexibility in providing appropriate systems for various situations. The base module and attachment module are releasably connected to facilitate easy substitution. Various attachment devices may be used with the attachment module. The base module may also include a safety release system to allow the cord to disengage in the presence of a strong force. The attachment system may be made from molded plastic.

Abstract: A tension fastener for securing elongated implements to a backpack or other device. The fastener comprises a base that has a bar for attaching it to a strap, a hook disposed on the top surface of the base near one of its ends, and two parallel channels for adjustably receiving and securing a cord. The fastener also comprises a cover having a bar mounted across one end and an aperture extending through its sides on the other end. There is a cord threaded through the aperture in the cover and secured in the receiving and securing means in the base to connect the cover to the base. An implement is secured to the fastener by placing the implement on the top surface of the base, placing the cover over the implement, sliding the bar of the cover over the hook on the base, and tightening the cord until the desired tension is achieved. This fastener is easily operated using only one hand and securely keeps the implement attached to the backpack.

Abstract: A lockable strap divider comprising a strap receiving portion having side walls and a transverse bar mounted at a central point between the side walls, and a clamping portion pivotally connected to the rear end of the strap receiving portion. There is a clamping device on the two portions for releasably locking the clamping portion over the strap receiving portion. Unlocking the clamping device from the strap receiving portion allows straps threaded through the transverse bar on the strap receiving portion to be adjusted. Locking the clamping portion over the strap receiving portion locks the straps in place. The locking and unlocking of the clamping portion can easily be done while the helmet is still on the wearer's head, so that adjustments can be made without removing the helmet. The adjustments can also usually be done with one hand.

Abstract: A sewable tensionlock retainer for securing a tensionlock to a flexible article such as a strap. The retainer includes a tensionlock portion and a sewable funnel-shaped retainer portion having an internal cavity for receiving a flexible article. The retainer portion is provided with a sewing groove to receive stitches to permanently secure the flexible article in the internal cavity.

Abstract: A loadable cord lock comprising an outer telescoping member and an inner telescoping member slidable within the outer telescoping member, each telescoping member having an aperture extending therethrough. The inner and outer members are biased against each other so that the apertures are not aligned, to pinch a cord threaded through the apertures. There is at least one leg having an L-shaped free end attached to the inner telescoping member and extending into the interior cavity of the outer telescoping member. There is at least one leg retainer located within the outer telescoping member to lock the inner telescoping member into first and second locking positions. In the first locking position, the apertures on the inner and outer telescoping members are aligned for feeding a cord therethrough, and in the second locking position, the apertures are not aligned to pinch the cord.

Abstract: A cord lock comprising an outer telescoping member having at least two side walls and a bottom wall, defining an interior cavity, and an inner telescoping member slidable within the cavity of the outer telescoping member. Both the inner and outer telescoping members have apertures extending through their side walls. The inner and outer telescoping members are biased against each other by biasing means such as a spring, so that the apertures are not aligned and are able to pinch a cord threaded through the apertures. There is at least one leg attached to the inner telescoping member and extending into the interior cavity of the outer telescoping member. The leg has a T-shaped free end. There is at least one flexible leg retaining means located within the outer telescoping member, which is adapted to lock the inner telescoping member into first and second locking positions. In the first locking position, the apertures on the inner and outer telescoping members are aligned for feeding a cord therethrough.

Abstract: A plug and socket-type buckle assembly in which the plug portion comprises a base and a flexible plate integrally formed therewith. There is at least one aperture in the plate. A locking lug extends across the free end of the bottom of the plate and protrudes 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 the aperture 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 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 aperture from the projecting ledge.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably clamping cords which includes a housing having a bore therein and a movable locking arm selectively movable from an unlocked to a locked position. The housing and the locking arm are provided with securing protrusions for securing a cord disposed in the bore and are arranged so that as the cord is pulled away from the housing the locking arm is urged or biased into the locked position.

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 having two locking legs. 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. There are two apertures on either side of the narrow section that extend toward the free end. Inserting the locking pawl into the cavity and sliding it toward the free end of the receptacle causes the legs to snap into the apertures and lock the locking pawl into the receptacle, to permanently close the strap retainer.

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: An attacher for restraining straps or belts of a restraining system has a belt member with a rounded shape which engages a loop of a restraining belt or strap, a surrounding member and interconnection means to enclose the strap attacher around an anchoring member, for example, of a shopping cart. The belt and surrounding members include cavities therethrough, such that cracks which may develop in these members will be limited, thus preventing catastrophic failure of the strap attacher.

Abstract: A buckle having a device for gripping a length of webbing, comprising a buckle body formed from two side arms connected by an end arm. A locking device is connected to the ends of the side arms. A first transverse bar is mounted between the two side arms. A second transverse bar having a gripping surface is mounted between the first transverse bar and the end arm, and is vertically offset from the first transverse bar. A gripping cam is pivotally mounted between the two side arms and in between the transverse bars. The gripping cam has a gripping surface that contacts the second transverse bar and an opposite free end. A length of webbing threaded between the second transverse bar is securely held between the gripping surfaces of the transverse bar and gripping cam until the free end of the cam is pressed downward. If the cam breaks, the webbing is still held in place by the two transverse bars.

Abstract: A clip, for example attachable to both a refreshment tube of a reservoir-based hydration system and to, for example, an article of clothing. The tube clip includes a tube attachment section to attach the tube clip to the refreshment tube, and a clip section and locking arm to releasably attach the tube clip to the article of clothing. A person engaged in an activity may thus affix the refreshment tube to a location on clothing by engaging the locking area while a portion of the clothing fabric is within a clipping area. The location of attachment on clothing can be selected to provide easy, quick, or "no-hands" access to the refreshment tube. The clip may be formed from molded plastic.

Abstract: A fastener for selectively clamping a zipper cord which includes a base portion having a U-shaped channel therein and a movable locking arm selectively movable from an unlocked to a locked position. The locking arm is provided with a securing protrusion for securing a zipper cord disposed in the U-shaped channel and is sized and adapted so that the locking arm is urged or biased into the locked position as the zipper cord is pulled away from the base portion.