Abstract: An apparatus for providing easy tightening and loosening of laces. A molded unit having a top, two ends, and two sides is formed. Each end may be molded or tooled to define a first bore and a portion of a guide channel. The top is molded or tooled to define a second portion of the guide channel having a cross-dimension greater than a cross-dimension of the first bore. The first bore, first portion of the guide channel and the second portion of the guide channel corresponding to one end are contiguous. In one embodiment, each end further defines a second bore that is not contiguous with the first bore or guide channel through which a lace may be secured.

Abstract: Winter sports goggles are secured by a two-sided headband made of a double layer of insulating fabric. Downward extensions of the fabric on the sides provide earcovers. The two sides of the headband overlap around the head and are adjustably connected by mating strips of hook and loop fasteners. An advertising logo may be affixed to one or both sides of the headband. The goggles are contoured with a foam edge contacting the face. Foam covered openings on the top and bottom edges of the goggles allow moisture to escape from behind the transparent windscreen which filters ultraviolet rays. A narrow band of elasticized material sewn between the fabric layers of the headband connect each end of the headband to the goggles through a slotted extension from the goggles on each side or through slotted hooks snapping into openings in the sides of the goggles.

Abstract: A mechanism for fastening a hook to a shock cord. The mechanism uses a cap to enclose and capture an end of the shock cord inside a cavity of the fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes an aperture and side openings which each expose its inner cavity. A shock cord is fed through the aperture and at least one side opening, enlarged by doubling over and crimping and secured therein by an endcap. Alternatively, the slot and aperture are joined, which allows the shock cord to be easily pressed into the cavity.

Abstract: The elastic cord tensioning and length adjusting apparatus is designed to allow the user to have much more flexibility with a single length elastic cord, rather than using a number of cords of different lengths. The apparatus can adjust, both the tension and length of elastic cords, by allowing the user to loop different lengths of the cord in a mechanism that can lock the looped section of elastic cord so that the length of the cord not in the loop is shortened and the tension is increased. The apparatus comprises a main horizontal body having two apertures designed for the cord to pass through. A locking mechanism fits into a center aperture in the main horizontal body and has two end notches to allow the elastic cord to fit into those notches. A spring tensioning device and a retaining piece maintain the lock in position.