Abstract: An animal restraint or handling device incorporates a quick-release mechanism that is essentially free of any biasing member, pivoting member, or camming action member. Particular embodiments include a rodeo rider's rope, animal hobble and cross-tie each incorporating a quick-release mechanism constructed generally as a three ring type release.

Abstract: A lanyard breakaway connector used for mounting on opposite ends of a lanyard. The lanyard is received around a neck of a user. The breakaway connector is used for releasably securing together opposite ends of the lanyard. When the ends of the lanyard are placed in tension, the connector quickly releases thus preventing injury to the user. The breakaway connector includes a first connector member and a second connector member. The two connector members are identical in structure. The first member includes a first housing and the second member includes a second housing. The first and second housings include spikes therein for engaging and holding the opposite ends of the lanyard. Extending outwardly from an opposite end of the first housing is a first ball arm with a first ball mounted thereon and a parallel first socket arm with channel and hole therein.

Abstract: A cord end stopper comprising a male member having an engaging member and a female member having an engaging portion for interlocking engagement with the engaging member, the male member and the female member, when joined, defining therebetween a groove for accommodating a cord, the male members and the female member each having a plurality of cord locking means provided in its inner surfaces within the groove across the cord and disposed in staggered relation to the other's locking means, so as to provide, within the groove a zigzag or sinuous path for accommodating the cord therein.

Abstract: A re-attachable safety connector may be a single unit or may have a number of components working together as one unit. In the embodiments that have multiple components, connection of the components together may be accomplished by use of a series of pins inserted into a plurality of through bores in the body of the components at the mid-portions, as illustrated herein. Depending on the materials used to manufacture each of the elements of a given embodiment, the pin series may be sheared in half in order to provide for a safety release, or the properties of molded plastic as flexible may be relied upon in order to accomplish a safety release. Second through fourth embodiments are capsule shaped and provide for re-attachment of the chain.

Abstract: A breakaway system (10) for detachably connecting a tension transmitting belt (12) to a pin (20) includes a connector (24) having a pair of jaws (34a, 34b) that clamp against the sides of the pin to preload the connector to the pin thereby preventing relative motion between the jaws and the pin. When the tension load acting between the belt and pin exceeds a threshold level, the jaws of the connector spread sufficiently to allow the pin (20) to pass through an exit gap (42) at the ends of the jaws, which gap is of a nominal width that is smaller than the width of the pin.

Abstract: A safety cord-pull apparatus has a top portion and a bottom portion which include raised waves to secure control cords from a blind. A razor blade molded into the cord-pull apparatus cuts the control cords in the event a child or small pet becomes entangled within the control cords. An alternate cord-pull apparatus is also provided which has a circular housing through which the control cords are disposed. The control cords are cut by a sharpened edge in a cap on the housing or by a sharpened washer located inside the housing. The cord-pull apparatus also includes a pull cord that hangs below the control cord-pull apparatus to operate a blind. The method for assembling the cord-pull apparatus includes placing control cords into chutes and over raised waves, folding the top portion of the cord-pull apparatus unto the bottom portion of the cord-pull apparatus, adjusting the control cords level with regards to the blind, and cutting the control cords.

Abstract: A safety cord-pull apparatus having a top portion and a bottom portion which include raised waves to secure control cords from a blind. A razor blade molded into the cord-pull apparatus cuts the control cords in the event a child or small pet becomes entangled within the control cords. An alternate cord-pull apparatus is also provided which has a circular housing through which the control cords are disposed. The control cords are cut by a sharpened edge in a cap on the housing or by a sharpened washer located inside the housing. The cord-pull apparatus also includes a pull cord that hangs below the control cord-pull apparatus to operate a blind.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved horizontal venetian blind safety pull cord rigging systems and several embodiments of improved break-open safety pull cord tassels for detachably intercoupling two or more manipulating runs of Venetian blind hoisting halyards. A safe single pull cord is suspended in an improved manner from the lowest tassel used in the rigging array. Either the tassel(s) or a slack preventer on each halyard run engages the frame rail, or halyard lock mechanism therein, when the blind is lowered the desired maximum amount so that insufficient slack then remains in the blind-slat-entrained halyard runs to form a strangulation loop by slack pull-out. Two or three break-open safety tassels are arrayed and rigged to handle three and four halyard cord blinds. The "high level" safety tassel can thus also serve as a safe equalizer as well as insuring level blind operation.

Abstract: An elongate article coupler comprises a pair of fitting parts for severally retaining end parts of the elongate articles and a connecting part disposed between the fitting parts and adapted to interconnect the fitting parts, the connecting part having a breaking part adapted to be broken under a tension exceeding a prescribed level. In accordance with one embodiment of the modification, the coupler comprises a pair of fitting parts each including one of a pair of engaging parts adapted to form mutual engagement and break the engagement under a tension exceeding a prescribed level. In accordance with another modification, the coupler comprises one or more of fitting parts and retention cancelling means adapted to induce retention of the elongate article in cooperation with the fitting parts and cancel the retention of the elongate article when a tension exceeding a prescribed level is exerted on the elongate article.

Abstract: A pull cord tassel that comprises a body defining first and second apertures for releasably holding a pull cord or a string is disclosed. The first aperture is integral with an elongated aperture which is in turn integral with an assembly aperture. The first string is located in the first aperture and can be moved through the elongated aperture into the assembly aperture where the string is released.

Abstract: The window covering cord safety assembly includes at least one window covering control cord, and preferably two or more such cords, the free ends of which bear expanded beads or eyelets or the like. A safety device is releasably connected to the free ends of the control cords. The device includes a housing having closed upper and lower ends interconnected by closed sidewalls and collectively defining a generally central space within which a retainer is slideably disposed. The retainer has external pockets in its lower portion. The space has an expanded upper portion and the retainer has a lower portion of reduced diameter. The free ends of the control cords and eyelets pass down through openings in the housing top into the retainer pockets and are trapped therein until the lower portion of the retainer moves up into the expanded upper portion of the space to release them from the retainer pockets. A spring is mounted between the retainer top and the housing top to bias the retainer downwardly.

Abstract: An elongate article coupler comprises a pair of fitting parts for severally retaining end parts of the elongate articles and a connecting part disposed between the fitting parts and adapted to interconnect the fitting parts, the connecting part having a breaking part adapted to be broken under a tension exceeding a prescribed level. In accordance with one embodiment of the modification, the coupler comprises a pair of fitting parts each including one of a pair of engaging parts adapted to form mutual engagement and break the engagement under a tension exceeding a prescribed level. In accordance with another modification, the coupler comprises one or more of fitting parts and retention cancelling means adapted to induce retention of the elongate article in cooperation with the fitting parts and cancel the retention of the elongate article when a tension exceeding a prescribed level is exerted on the elongate article.

Abstract: A molded plastic ball stop element is adapted to be clamped to a cable or a chain particularly for an air balancing hoist, the ball formed in two pieces fastened together with flat faces in abutment. Pairs of grooved removable steel inserts grip a cable, while additional grooves form pockets configured to positively engage chain links when the inserts are removed.

Abstract: A surfboard leash assembly includes an ankle band and an elongate flexible cord having a first end releasably attachable to the ankle band and an opposite second end attachable to a surfboard. A lock mechanism on the ankle band includes a foot actuated switch operable between a locked position to maintain the first end of the cord attached to the ankle band and at least one unlocked position to release the first end of the cord so that, when under tension, the cord disconnects from the ankle band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting clasp for beaded chains, which include a cord and bead bodies, wherein two sleeves, a socket sleeve and a plug sleeve, have an at least geometrical longitudinal axis, and can be plugged one into the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the sleeves respectively have a sleeve shell with a sleeve head integrally connected to it, and at least one respective bead body can be received in the sleeves, wherein the internal diameter of the sleeves is greater than the external diameter of the bead bodies, and the sleeve shell of the socket sleeve has a shell internal surface and the sleeve shell of the plug sleeve has a shell external surface, respectively with releasably interengaging profiles. A bore is passed through the sleeve head along the longitudinal axis, to receive the cord, and a slot is formed on one side through the sleeve shell to the bore, for the introduction of the cord into the bore.

Abstract: A hanger for positioning an object such as electrical wire or an ornament in remote locations such as in trees. The hanger has a first loop shaped portion for releasably mounting the hanger on a support at a remote location. The first loop shaped portion is a synthetic organic resin having a memory such that after deformation thereof the first portion returns substantially to its original shape. A second loop shaped portion is integral with the first portion for holding an object such as a wire or an ornament; however, the second loop shaped portion is stiffer than the first loop shaped portion such that a pulling force applied to the object or to the second portion results in said first portion deforming and releasing the support while the second portion still holds the object. The first and second portions each form loops open at one end to facilitate positioning the first portion on the support and an ornament or wire in the second portion.

Abstract: A pull cord safety device has a single molded body with two members coupled by an integral hinge. The hinge allows the members to pivot from a closed position to an open position. One member receives a first knotted pull cord in a circular opening so that it is coupled to the member in both the open and closed positions. A second knotted cord is inserted in a recess formed in a rim of one member where it faces the other member. When the members move to the open position, the second cord is released. Multiple cords can be accommodated in the recess.

Abstract: A cord connector device for releasably connecting a plurality of operating cords in a window covering. The cord connector device comprises two elongate side members interconnected for relative movement about a pivot axis adjacent their lower ends such that the upper ends of the side members are movable relative to each other in a path of movement from a closed condition to an open condition. Cord retaining jaws extend inwardly of the side members at a location spaced below the upper ends of the side members and the jaws having jaw edges disposed in opposed relation when the side members are in the closed condition to retain the lower ends of the lift cords. A top wall on the upper end of one of the side members configured to form spaced sides and one end of an elongate cord abutment loop and an upper projection on the other side member is arranged to form the other end of the elongate loop when the side members are in the closed condition.

Abstract: A cord connector for releasably connecting multiple operating cords for a window covering. The cord connector has at least two side members supported for pivotal movement relative to each other between a closed condition in which the side members are in sidewise adjacent relation and an open condition in which at least upper portions of the side members are laterally spaced apart. Jaws on side members provide downwardly facing shoulders for engaging cord stops on the operating cords and the jaws have jaw edges operative when the side members are in the closed condition for laterally confining portions of the operating cords superjacent the stops to positions in which the cord stops engage the downwardly facing shoulders. The side members have lateral cord abutment portions spaced above the cord retaining means and arranged to form segments of a closed cord abutment loop dimensioned to loosely surround the operating cords at the upper end of the cord connector when the side members are in the closed condition.

Abstract: A device for releasably coupling adjacent ends of cords includes a one piece body having a hole for mechanically securing the device to one of the cords. The body also includes another opening constructed to receive the free ends of the remaining cords and to release them if any force is exerted between the cords and toward the device.

Abstract: A safety tassel for pull cords, used in a venetian blind for example. The safety tassel includes an eccentric hole to secure with one of the cords and one or more slots to releasably engage the other cords. When a child is entangled in the cords, the cords will be automatically released.

Abstract: A breakaway cord connector is made from two identical cord connector bodies, each about 3/4 inch long. Each body has a cord end clamp and a mating end. The mating end fits into the identical mating end of the opposite unit at a 180.degree. out of phase relationship. The units remain axially aligned and form a torpedo-like smooth assembly that can slide down garment hems or avoid catching on hazardous objects. The mating ends breakaway at a preset tension, thereby preventing injuries.

Abstract: A breakaway net attachment system for mounting a basketball net to the rim of a basketball goal at predetermined locations along the rim. The system includes clips which are attachable to the rim and which include retainer portions for retaining the net in association with the rim. The rim preferably includes a plurality of studs located along an undersurface thereof for engaging within apertures formed in the clips whereby the clips are retained in engagement with the rim. In one embodiment, the clips are provided with fingers for retaining the net wherein the fingers will release the net in response to a predetermined force being applied to the net. In a further embodiment, the clip is adapted to be pulled off of the rim when a predetermined force is applied to the net.

Abstract: A safety tassel (10) for use with at least two vertically projecting pull cords (20,22) for a window covering is disclosed. The tassel (10) has at least two elements (12,14), each receiving and retaining a pull cord (20,22) and having an outwardly projecting gripping finger (30,36) for releasably interconnecting the other element (14,12) such that the elements (12,14) are detached from each other when outward forces transverse to the pull cords (20,22) are applied by the pull cords (20,22) to the elements (12,14).

Abstract: A device for releasably holding at least two cords includes an aperture for receiving a first cord and an elongated slot for releasably receiving a second cord. The device further includes an engagement surface below the aperture for contacting and retaining an enlarged region of the first cord. An inclined biasing surface at least partially below the slot contacts an enlarged region of the second cord and urges the second cord into a stable position. The second cord may be released from the device via the slot by sliding the enlarged region of the second cord along the biasing surface in response to a force tending to separate the cords. The aperture and the slot are preferably formed in inclined upper walls meeting in an apex region and the biasing surface is preferably spaced from the upper wall of the device in which the elongated slot is formed. The device may be made, such as by injection molding, as a single piece or as two mating halves.

Abstract: A safety tassel is provided for the lift cords of a Venetian blind assembly. The tassel includes a plurality of slots each of which can releasably receive a height adjustment cord of the Venetian blind assembly. Ends of the cords are knotted and fit in an open bottom of the recess. The tassel will remain affixed to the cord during normal use. However, lateral forces that would be encountered if a child is entangled between the cords will cause at least one cord to separate from the tassel.

Abstract: A device (2) in a tarpaulin (3) for connecting a line (10) with the tarpaulin. A sheet of foldable material is folded over and forms two opposing portions (5, 6) which are interconnected with one another along a fold edge (48) formed during the folding. Each one of the opposing portions is fixed to an edge portion (31) of the tarpaulin (3) sandwiched between them. The device includes part portions (7, 8) which are located outside the defining edge (32) of the edge portion (31). The part portions form therebetween at least two mutually located channels (49a, b) which are substantially parallel to the defining edge (32) and are separated by a recess (40) in the fold edge (48). In one embodiment a line (10) is passed into one of the channels in order to anchor the tarpaulin and in another embodiment the line engages an anchorage rod (11) inserted in the channels.

Abstract: As is well-known in the prior art, flexible elongate rope-like tethers have a leadward-end attached to a leadwardly-impelled aquamarine equipment (e.g. surfboard, towed water-ski, etc.) and having a trailward-end securely attached to the towed operator (e.g. a surfboarder, a water-skier, etc.). It is also well known in the prior art that the aquamarine's tethered operator might find himself/herself in a visually discernible perilous situation and wherein the elongate tether should be disengaged from the towing aquamarine device. Accordingly, the present invention provides a vertical-pin type releasably-lockable device that has the required secure attachment to the operator's body, but wherein the operator can manually vertically withdraw the vertical-pin portion of a releasable-lockable device to quickly withdraw himself/herself from the leadwardly tethered aquamarine equipment whenever the operator somehow discerns a perilous condition.

Abstract: Breakable safety device, comprising a body (1) with alternating securing points (2, 3, 4, 5) and zones of weakness (6, 7, 8) where the zones of weakness are given successively increasing/decreasing breaking strength. A field of using such safety devices are when exercising dogs from a bike.

Abstract: A removable clip that engages an inflator. The clip prevents inadvertent piercing of a gas cartridge secured to the inflator and indicates whether or not the inflator has been used. The clip is carried on the lanyard that is pulled to activate the inflator and includes a pair of laterally extending arms having detents formed on their respective free ends that engage opposite ends of a bore formed in the inflator. The detents retain the clip in place until the lanyard is pulled, and the clip remains on the lanyard after the lanyard has been pulled so that the clip is not lost.

Abstract: A line attachment device for fixing objects to a line such as a fishing line, a string or a piece of rope. The device includes a shank or stem securable to the object to be fixed. The line attaching portion of the device includes a plug fixed to the stem, a cleat next to the plug and extended outward from it, and a cap with a central opening that fits snuggly over the plug. To fix the line to the device, an open loop is formed in the line and is trained through the opening in the cap when the cap is removed from the plug. The loop is drawn over the end of the plug and over the cleat such that it bears against the cleat when pulling toward the plug. The cap is then secured on the plug to hold the loop in place. The loop is secured on the cleat and is prevented by the cap from passing over the cleat whereby the line is secured to the line ataching device and thus to the object.

Abstract: A quick safety release for bull ropes and bare back riggings. One ring on the bull rope is held to the release device by a first ring latch which is pivoted to a release frame. A pivoted spring-loaded latch arm which in its normal position is perpendicular to the ring latch holds the ring latch in position preventing it from rotating about its pivot. A release line or cord is connected to the latch arm. When the bull rider pulls the release line the latch arm is pulled away from the ring latch permitting it to come unlatched from the ring of the bull rope.

Abstract: A multi-section folding door includes first and second sets of vertically aligned panels with the panels in each set coupled together in an edge overlapping manner. Each of the panels is suspended from a support bracket attached to the panel's upper edge, with each of the brackets coupled to and suspended from a track by means of a respective trolley. The trolleys permit the first and second sets of panels to be displaced toward or away from each other in closing or opening the folding door relative to an opening in a wall. An endless chain/sprocket arrangement driven by an electric motor allows the multi-panel folding door to be opened and closed very rapidly. A thickened upper edge of each panel is inserted in a lower slot of a respective support bracket along the length thereof to facilitate assembly and installation of the door as well as replacement of a damaged or worn panel.

Abstract: A releasable connection device for connecting a motor driven drive cable to a closure includes a pin attached to the closure and having a head supported by a necked down stem. A cylindrical housing member has an opening in a lateral wall thereof which receives the pin. A slide member is attached to the drive cable and is reciprocably carried by the housing member. The slide member has an open ended slot smaller than the head of the pin and receiving the necked down stem. A spring acts between the housing member and the slide member to urge the members to relative positions in which the head of the pin is captured to effect a connection between the drive cable and the closure. The spring yields upon imposition of force to permit energy absorbing limited relative movement between the members and yields further to permit withdrawal of the open ended slot of the slide member beyond the head of the pin so that the pin is released from the housing member.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a two-piece cable-clamp and bracket assembly especially suited for messenger-wire or the like suspension of two TV amplifier units, line extenders or the like from a single point along the suspension wire. The assembly is configured for naturally balanced, loosely retained initial engagement to and suspension from the wire. Loose retention is by way of a nut and bolt, and the parts interengage to assure correct mutual orientation at all times, such that all aspects of assembly to, adjustment along, and final clamping involve only one-handed operation. The final clamped engagement to the wire assures keyed anti-rotational suspension from the wire.

Abstract: A relaxing snare for trapping animals comprising a noose having a constrictable loop for ensnaring an animal therein by tightening of the loop about the animals's neck upon the animal tugging thereagainst, and a lost motion locking slide device for relaxing the tightness of the constricting loop in the absence of such tugging by a preselected limited amount of tension which is great enough to prevent strangulation of the animal yet small enough to prevent escape of the animal by withdrawal of its head through the loop when relaxed. This controlling feature is directly opposed to the strangulation resulting from use of the standard locking type snare and allows the selection and releasing of non-target animals. Various forms of a lost motion locking slide device are disclosed.

Abstract: A line holder is provided which permits using one hand to selectively engage and disengage a line as it is unwound from a reel. A line lock in the form of a hook assembly is secured to the reel so that angular movement of the reel to first and second positions selectively engages the hook assembly with the line to prevent uncoiling the line and selectively moving the reel to the second and first positions releases the hooked line to permit uncoiling the line. A base is provided for mooring the line to a fixed position.

Abstract: A releasable grip-lock device for flexible elongate connectors such as ropes are used, particularly, in the cattle industry. The device is especially applicable to guillotine-type doors which are raised, maintained in a raised position in rock condition, and subsequently dropped at rather precise times so as to retain cattle in enclosures. The accommodating structure includes the principal of jaws, one of which is spring-loaded, for the purpose of gripping the rope holding the door open, for example, or actuates as a feeder which serves as a detent to keep the jaws open so that a rope will slip therethrough when a door to which the rope is attached or to which the same cooperates is dropped at desired times. A control lever is incorporated for the purpose of requiring a positive situation to urge the jaws from locked to unlocked position.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing the ends of a drawstring. The fastener has two parts, one for each end of the drawstring. The parts are held together by a dovetail connection which is separated by excessive tension in the drawstring. At least one of the parts is connected to the associated end of the drawstring by a connection which resists movements of the drawstring in the direction to enlarge or loosen the string, but is easily released to permit intentional loosening of the string.

Abstract: There is provided a fishing aid which includes a body, means on the body for attaching one end of a fishing line thereto, and a slot in the body into which the fishing line can be inserted. Within the slot is biased retention means for holding the line in the slot when no tension is on the line, and for releasing the line from the slot when the line tension tending to pull the line out of the slot exceeds a predetermined level. In a preferred form, the biased retention means may include a first and a second member, each movable within respective passageways which are oriented transversely to the slot, with springs or similar members urging the first and second members into positions blocking the slot.

Abstract: In order to permit the quick release of a motorcycle rider's helmet when a bee or wasp is trapped inside the visor, a quick release arrangement for operation with only one hand is provided. The normal strap arrangements for a helmet include a first strap extending from one side of the helmet and carrying two D-Rings secured to the end of this strap. The other strap is threaded through the two D-rings, and then back through the outer one of the two D-rings so that friction between the two portions of the second strap holds the helmet tightly in place. The present disclosure involves the addition of a release member which extends around the second strap between the point where it is threaded through the two D-rings and the point where it extends back through the outer D-ring. By pulling on this release member, the strap assembly may be released with only one hand so that the motorcycle rider can continue guiding the motorcycle with his other hand.

Abstract: A break bollard provided with a central post which is attached to a base plate which in its turn is secured to a stationary support construction by means of a screwed bolt construction with weakened region of incipient fracture, which is positioned between the screwed bolt head portion and a portion lying therebehind and arranged for engagement in rotary sense in case of fracture, thus ensuring, after fracture, an easy and rapid restoration to the original state.

Abstract: Yieldable load release connector comprising a coil of resilient plastic rod extending for 400.degree. to 800.degree. and having two free ends, and fastening means attached to the coil at a point spaced substantially equidistant from each said end for fastening said coil to a first object and the coil encircles a second object thereby connecting the two.

Abstract: A cleat comprising a base plate and two dome-shaped high-friction surfaces, which secure a line or rope therebetween, the domes are connected to a ratchet which permits each dome to rotate in only one direction and the ratchets are arranged so that the domes rotate in opposing directions, drawing the line in and preventing the line from being withdrawn without manual release action. An adjustable tension head caps each dome and the domes float on low-friction washers, permitting limited and controlled line slippage whenever a pre-set line tension is exceeded. In another embodiment, eliptical collars and spring-loaded collar pieces surround the dome shafts to permit easy insertion of lines and provide an adjustment for different diameter lines.

Abstract: A safety release for water skiing tow lines comprising a U-shaped body having a rearwardly facing slot therein, a mounting bracket for securing the device to a ski pylon, a bolt arm pivotally secured to the body which extends across the slot when the arm is in a vertical position so as to engage the terminal loop of the ski rope. The loop retaining bolt arm is pivotally mounted on the body and is pivotable rearwardly from a first position substantially normal to the plane of the slot opening to a second position substantially free of the slot opening. A manually operable extension is affixed to the bolt arm to move the arm in a forward direction from the second position to the first position. A lever is pivotally mounted on the body to engage the bolt arm to form a bar-like assembly which extends transversely of said opening.

Abstract: An animal grooming tethering device in which a safety break-away clip is used, having two generally resilient parallel arms connected to one another at one end, and a band slidable on the arms to adjust the clip to release the tether at a predetermined force corresponding to the weight of the animal. The device is intended for use as a leash on a grooming table, and will prevent injury to the animal in the event the animal jumps or falls from the table.

Abstract: A fishing line retention device for use with a trolling apparatus which detachably retains the line to the weight carried by the trolling apparatus but permits quick detachment therefrom upon a fish strike. The device includes a body attached to an arm extending from a weight with the body detachably retaining a light-weight tongue in a slot, the tongue and the fishing line being in slidable relation.

Abstract: An outrigger clip for use in releasably securing a fishing line to the run-out line on an outrigger pole, the clip being constructed to reduce or eliminate fouling of the fishing line. The body and clip release arm are constructed so that the clip, when in use, will have a tendency to hang from the outrigger line instead of twisting, which causes fouling of the fishing line. The clip body itself is smooth about the edges so that any contact with a fishing line caused by slack or the like will prevent or prohibit snagging or fouling of the fishing line about the clip body itself. The clip includes a fishing line release arm with an adjustable tensioning means and an outrigger attaching wire disposed through the clip body at such a position to place the center of gravity of the body away from the attaching wire and the outrigger line.