Abstract: A wire socket connector having an open throated basket type body that incorporates a load supporting connection at the upper portion thereof for connection with a lifting device in the form of a chain, wire line, lifting hook or the like. The body defines a tapered internal socket receptacle for receiving a tapered wire socket that is affixed to a wire line to which force, such as a lifting force, is to be applied. The body also defines a laterally opening slot through which the socket bearing wire line moves to gain registering access with the socket receptacle and is structured to permit relatively linear movement of the wire socket into the socket receptacle as a wire line connection is being made or when the wire line is being released from the wire socket connector.

Abstract: A clip for retaining power or extension cords for transport and to prevent damage to the cord. The cord has two sleeves that are created when an upper and a lower member are fastened together or formed in a body member. One sleeve is closed and the other has an opening for the insertion of a power cord. A lever is attached at the top of the clip to aid in the opening of the open end of the clip for the insertion of a cord. Within the closed sleeve is a retaining mechanism that aids in the retention and positioning of a power cord. Integrally molded within the open sleeve may be ribs that increase the frictional engagement between the clip and the cord. The clip can be constructed in one or two pieces and can be used with a variety of different tools and applications.

Abstract: A fastener bead removably affixed to a flexible tension element of a cargo holder and used by removably inserting the bead in the wider portion of a keyhole-type slot in a support structure. The bead in use is trapped and held by the margin of the narrow portion of the keyhole slot. The bead has a through-passageway with axially opposite loop-entrance and loop-exit ends thereof located respectively at first and second opposite end surfaces of the bead. In one bead embodiment an external groove in a bead first side surface is sized for retaining a portion of each two runs of a free-end loop of the tension element disposed in side-by-side contacting relationship after exiting the passageway and lead in the groove toward engagement with trailing portions of the runs that trail back out the entrance end of the passageway as they extend back toward cargo holder attachment.

Abstract: A multipurpose rope clamp may be attached to a support or suspended from a rail as desired. The clamp provides clamping channel in an open channel between a back plate and a front tongue. Rope is prevented from slipping out of the mouth of the channel by rope guides defining open rope guide channels which open in a direction opposed to the rope gripping channel to form a partial cover for the rope gripping channel. The guides may be lugs spaced to either side of the front tongue so that a bight of rope may be manipulated behind the lugs into the rope gripping channel. Preferably another rope guide channel is provided to form a bight of rope in the clamp into a U-shape.

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 universal one piece restraint bracket particularly suited for use with wire rope or cable for transverse, longitudinal and combined transverse and longitudinal seismic bracing systems for supporting an object. The bracket is generally L shaped to define a flattened apertured central portion with two wing portions generally at right angles to each other, apertured at their free ends and joined to the flattened central portion, each wing being elevated or upwardly bent away from the plane of the central portion. Aircraft type cables or wire rope connect the bracket to an adjacent support structure with the central portion of the bracket being secured to an object to be supported, whereby the bracing system acts in tension only so as to dampen earthquake loads and forces and thus is not subject to compression loads. A single bracket accommodates a wide variety of seismic bracing, and the bracket is configured for stacking with another bracket where necessary.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for temporarily securing ropes to trees or other free standing vertical supports, eliminating the need to climb or use a ladder. The method uses a pole mounted yoke in conjunction with two poles. From ground level one can easily secure a rope six feet or more above one's reach. The only height limit is the length of the poles that are used.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes an elongate tubular body having a passage for insertion of a rope therethrough along the lengthwise axis of the body. A V-shaped or tapered notch is defined through a walling structure of the body with a wider open mouth portion of the notch open through a first end of the body, the notch extends in a narrowing fashion toward a second end of the body. Secured to the exterior of the walling of the body near the second end is a rope holding structure, the rope holding structure sized for receiving and holding a portion of the rope. A preferred embodiment the rope holding structure is a slotted tube or hook.

Abstract: A hook for a rope includes a vertical inverted U-shaped hook portion and a horizontal base with more than three rings for winding and binding an elastic rope thereon to keep an end of the rope securely enough not to loosen off. The hook may be made with a steel wire bent or formed by means of injecting and shooting process.

Abstract: A Lock-less Equipment Cable Security System (LECS) is used to secure from theft equipment loaded on vehicles with locking compartments. The cable can be used to secure equipment to any facility or equipment that has a hollow compartment large enough to enclose the balls, with a lockable cove door, lid, or window and physical space tolerance for the cable insertion through the closure. A plastic-coated steel security cable without attachments such as cable end-collars and security locks is threaded through equipment loaded on a vehicle. Then each cable end is threaded through a solid ball manufactured with 2 holes drilled at an angle and size sufficiently small to prevent the cable from releasing the balls when pulled on. The cable ends with attached balls are then locked in a vehicle compartment, securing the loaded equipment. The balls have holes drilled in them in such a manner that they will not detach from the cable without being held and the cable unthreaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing lines having at least two members each member having a major aperture sized for receiving the lines to be secured, and one member having one or more minor apertures sized for receiving a line to be secured. When in an operating position, the major apertures are generally aligned and the minor apertures are positioned so that a line passing through a minor aperture will be compressed between the members to secure the line.

Abstract: A cable retaining apparatus for retaining and routing lengths of cable on an assembly structure is provided. The cable retaining apparatus includes two or more adjacent retaining members extending from a surface of an assembly structure. The retaining members each have at least one retaining surface oriented such that each retaining surface faces the retaining surface of an adjacent retaining member forming a cable channel therebetween. The retaining members also include one or more protrusions extending from each of the oppositely facing retaining surfaces into the cable channel in a staggered or offset orientation. This configuration allows one or more cables to be routed within the cable channels and retained therein by the lateral retaining forces applied to the cable from the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A strapping apparatus for strapping, clamping together or holding together different objects includes a strapping body and a strapping means. The strapping body is a solid body formed with at least one pair of slots or bores extending angularly to each other and extending straight through the strapping body. The strapping means is a rope, a wire or a band having an eye, or locking sling, at one end thereof and a free rope end at the opposite end. The eye of the strapping means extends through a slot of the pair of slots or bores, whereas the free rope end is introduced through the second slot or bore and is drawn underneath the eye as seen in a strapping direction.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system is provided with longitudinally spaced drop tubes including flexible lower end portions for dragging upon the ground and an elongated low height tension member is tensioned between adjacent towers with structure by which the lower end portions of the drops may be clamped to the tension member.

Abstract: A molded booster seat has an upper back portion and a lower seat portion connected to an integral hinge. The upper and lower portions are pivoted about the integral hinge toward each other to form a rigid body, and cooperate to form a plurality of mortise and tenon joints. The upper and lower portions are locked in the rigid body configuration by a pair of side plates and a pair of locking rods extending through the seat between the side plates. The booster seat also includes an adjustable belt positioner that is configured to move between a plurality of different adjustments. The upper and lower positions are located to accommodate the fall range of sizes of children of a child sitting in the booster seat. The booster seat further includes indicia for indicating height limitations of a child sitting in the seat. The indicia can be labels attached to a seat cover disposed on the seat.

Abstract: A device and methods to incrementally tension a line. The fixed end of the line is secured to a load and the free end is wrapped one-and-a-half times around and terminating between a pair of essentially parallel hooks that have the freedom to converge in the gap. When the line is tensioned by applying a force to the device, the hooks are pulled together arresting the movement of the line. The device is then displaced a distance which constitutes one incremental pull. The tensioned line is then cleated off or the load otherwise secured and the device can then be returned to its starting point. The hooks, now relaxed, allow for the accumulated slack to be pulled through them by tensioning the free portion of the line. The process can be repeated until the desired tension is accumulated or the load displaced the required distance. When no more incremental.pi. pulls are required and there is no tension in the line, the line can be easily slipped off the hooks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable loop forming and hoisting device and, more particularly, to a cable knot block device adapted to forming a sized hoisting sling or loop in fixed relation which is capable of lifting or restraining various types and sizes of loads of varying weight. The device may be readily attached to the load and easily disconnected from the cable while positively retaining the cable in looped load-bearing locked-in relation.

Abstract: A tightener for tightening a line which extends between two points is provided herein. The tightener includes a housing, a retainer, and a deflector. The housing is movable between a first position and a second position to tighten the line. The retainer is adapted for selectively retaining a selected portion of an extra length of line between the two points. The deflector moves with the housing and is adapted for deflecting the line during movement of the housing to the second position. The tightener is particularly useful with devices that require an adjustable line, such as a portable carrying device, a tie-down device or a tent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for locking a cord (2), a wire, a tube or any other bendable member into a locking position with a locking portion. The locking portion (3) has at least one open slits shaped receiving cavity (5) defined at one end of the locking portion, the cavities having an opening that is facing away from a portion (7) of the cord that is under tension and the cavity having a width that is less than a diameter of the cord so that the portion (7) that is under tension and a portion (8) of the cord that is received within the receiving cavity are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: Trellis wires tieing clips are used with pairs of spaced longitudinal trellis wires which are located to control the direction of growth and support of plant foliage of crops such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes. One wire is the longitudinal reference trellis wire, and the other wire is the longitudinal gathering trellis wire. Each trellis wires tieing clip is made of a molded plastic having: resiliency and a retention of shape memory, and having the integral portions of a transverse elongated top body portion; a transverse elongated trellis wire receiving volume in the top body portion; a centered bottom entry to guide trellis wires into the transverse elongated trellis wire receiving volume; a right side arm depending at a wire guiding angle from the transverse elongated top body portion; and a left side arm depending at a wire guiding angle from the transverse elongated top body portion.

Abstract: A quick release hitch for attaching a tow line to an object comprises a flat plate body having a first opening at a first end for attachment to a connector, and a second opening at a second end through which a tow line may be inserted, a first pair of side notches, each notch of the first pair opening to one side of the body and extending transversely into the body toward the other notch of the first pair, each notch of the first pair being formed to receive the tow line, and a second pair of side notches, each notch of the second pair opening to one side of the body and extending obliquely into the body toward an opposite one of the first pair of side notches, each notch of the second pair narrowing inward and being formed to receive and secure the tow line when the tow line is inserted through the second opening and wound around the body and extended through the first pair of side notches before being extended through one of the second pair of notches.

Abstract: A cargo net includes a plurality of interconnected strands defining a border wherein a plurality of tensioning fittings are mounted and wherein each fitting is formed with a closed ring-like portion having at least one integral prong projecting inwardly of the ring. Constrictions on the prong and ring cooperate to retain a selected strand of the net in position over the prong. A closed eyelet opposite the prong receives another strand of the net.

Abstract: A strap like device retaining the connected terminals of a pair of electrical cords from becoming unintentionally separated.

Abstract: A retainer device for holding a pair of electrical connector plugs in interconnected relation includes an elongate flexible strip formed of velcro material. The strip is of rectangular configuration and has a pair of slits in the end portions thereof. The interconnected electric plugs extend through the slits and the end portions of the strip are folded over into overlapped relation and are releasably connected together.

Abstract: A cord strain relief apparatus attaches to an electrical device and includes an adjustable electrical-device-attachment assembly and a tether assembly connected to the electrical-device-attachment assembly. A handle assembly is connected to the tether assembly, and a pig tail element is connected to the handle assembly. The electrical-device-attachment assembly includes a strap and a rigid base member which includes a non-round bottom surface, a channel for receiving the strap, and tether-connection portions for connecting to the first tether assembly end of the tether assembly. The tether-connection portions of the rigid base member are comprised of wall portions of the rigid base member. The handle assembly includes a pair of duplicate handle housing portions each of which includes a pair of half-circle cord-receiver notches located along a transverse mid-line and each of which includes two pairs of auxiliary half-circle tether-receiver notches.

Abstract: A cord fastener used for fastening end portions of a cord is composed of two identical fastener members coupled together via an interlocking engagement between a locking portion and a resilient leg. The fastener members each include a cord-receiving portion for receiving the end portions of the cord, pointed teeth projecting from the cord-receiving portion to bite the material of the cord and a support wall disposed on at least one side of the cord-receiving portion at a position such that the support wall of each fastener member makes no interference with the support wall on the opposite fastener member when the two fastener members are assembled together. The cord fastener is manufactured less costly because the two identical fastener members can be molded on a single set of mold assembly.

Abstract: A unitary lanyard fixture made of a resilient plastic having a base section, hollow slider section and breakable connection therebetween. A hook for mounting an element to the lanyard fixture are also on the base section. The flexible lanyard cord is secured to an internal recess of the base section and also extends through the hollow slider section. Piercing prongs extend from this recess to lock the cord in the base section. A locking indentation and clamping hook holds the base section in a closed position. The hollow slider section is slidable on the lanyard cord and is connected by a frangible bridge to the base section.

Abstract: A float catch for a boat anchoring and retrieval system includes a body with a head section and a tail section, the body being secured to an anchor line. The head section defines an anchor rope passageway through which an anchor line passes and is engaged by a rope diverter which spreads the anchor line away from the tail section of the float catch. Consequently, when the anchor is retrieved, the rope and float catch slide relative to the float in one direction until the float is coupled to the rope at a position between the float catch and the anchor. The tail section of the float catch thereafter prevents relative travel of the float past the float catch in the opposite direction during retrieval of the anchor.

Abstract: A bolo tie or the like device for displaying ornamentation and/or identification thereon. The present bolo tie-type device has a cord member of sufficient length to pass behind the wearer's neck and provide two depending ends therefrom and a display/securing member having a front surface and a back surface, the front surface being suitable to support decorative and/or identifying indicia thereupon, the back surface having securing means defined thereon for holding the display/securing member in a preselected position relative to the depending ends of the cord member and preventing involuntary movement thereof regardless of the wearer's activity. The securing means comprises a plurality of strategically disposed post members for receiving the depending ends of the cord member therethrough in secure, non-slipping relationship therewith.

Abstract: A flexible, flat-plane sling construction for lifting heavy loads which includes a flat-shaped coupler bit-link having a body portion which includes an aperture at one end in which a flat lifting sling slidably passes there through, and an open slot at its other end having a raised arm at the entrance side of the slot, a flat lifting sling which passes first through the aperture, and passes second through a hook or a ring which connects the sling to a load, and third passes over the raised arm of the coupler to connect the lifting sling to the load.

Abstract: A line connecting device includes first and second end portions adapted to be connected respectively to first and second line portions for interconnecting the line portions. The connecting device is formed of a rigid, generally planar body. The line connector second portion has an elongated slot of a length at least as great as twice the radius of the second line portion and has second and third slots opening in an opposite direction and extending along respective, mutually diverging axes. In use, the second line portion may be looped twice through the first and second slots and once through the third slot, the first and second slots preferably having substantially constant widths for aligning adjacent loops of line. In one embodiment, the first end portion is of S-shaped configuration having a tang portion which projects generally toward the second end portion of the connector. In one embodiment, the connector is free of line-receiving apertures or eyelets.

Abstract: A retaining device in the form of a clip (11, 13, FIGS. 1 and 2) or a combined clip and plug (12, FIG. 3) is provided for keeping a power cord or appliance cord or similar (16)in a neat and organized manner whether in use or in storage by maintaining the cord in loops. Clip (11, 12, 13) is provided with an opening (26, 126) for receiving the cord (16) defined between a resiliently movable arm (31, 61 ) and another arm (24, 124). The resiliently movable arm (31, 61) is biased towards the other arm (24, 124) to maintain the cord securely. In some embodiments of the clip other openings (43, 143, 45) are provided to store one or more loops of cord. The arms defining the loops are optionally provided with indentations (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) preferably in corresponding pairs for retaining the cord therebetween.

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: A termination device and a method for terminating braided ropes or cables aramid fiber are described. The device includes a generally cylindrical coupling which is threaded at one longitudinal end and has an internal sleeve at the opposite longitudinal end thereof. The longitudinal end of the coupling surrounding the internal sleeve has an annular space for feeding aramid fibers therethrough and also has a smooth surface with curved end toward the threaded longitudinal end for flexion of the aramid fibers for bent over the smooth surface and has properly contoured second curved end away from the longitudinal end to prevent damage to the bent over aramid fibers.

Abstract: Cable end connection for a synthetic fiber cable.

Abstract: A malleable clip for reversible application to a power line which connects a power tool to a power source to alter the angular relationship and/or offset distance of the power tool with respect to the power line. Malleable clips comprise one or more malleable links adjustably coupling a plurality of adjacent circumferential clips end-to-end. The malleable links have lateral bending compliances which may be substantially unequal. One or more resilient links may also be present between adjacent circumferential clips in a malleable clip. The lateral bending compliances of the resilient links, if two or more are present, may be substantially unequal. Malleable clips may additionally comprise adjacent circumferential clips adjustably coupled by substantially longitudinally fenestrated malleable links which facilitate adjustment of the link lateral bending compliance.

Abstract: A variable gripping jam cleat has an input end and an output end. A V-shaped groove extends longitudinally between the ends of the jam cleat. The V-shaped groove has a longitudinal axis and opposed side walls. The side walls have a number of frictional elements that provide frictional engagement with a line laid in the V-shaped groove. The frictional elements define the V-shape of the V-shaped groove with the angle of the V decreasing from the input end of the jam cleat to its output end.

Abstract: A line coupler (10) for securing a trailer line (9) to an intermediate section of a diver line (5) with minimal chafing of the lines (5, 9). The line coupler (10) includes a shield (13) that has a cylindrical body (28), and a head (26) and a lip (30) formed at opposite ends of the body (28), so that a channel is formed on the body (28) between the head (26) and lip (30). The shield (13) is slid onto the diver line (5) and butt against a knot (20) on the diver line (5). The top (24) of the head (26) is preferably contoured to mate with the underside of the knot (20). The line coupler (10) preferably includes an annular grommet (22) that is forcibly snapped over the lip (30) onto the body (28). The trailer line (9) is wrapped around the grommet (22) and held in place by a splice (34). The grommet (22) rotates freely with respect to the shield (13), so that the trailer line (9) can rotate around the diver line (5) without chafing.

Abstract: Reusable closure for bags including a double cord loop and a cinch member which moves along the double cord with less resistance to close a bag and greater resistance to open same.

Abstract: A rappelling descender having an elongated, substantially hexagonal ring, a capstan attached to a first long side of the ring, and a hand grippable handle attached to a second long side of the ring, opposite the capstan. The hand grippable handle is at least substantially one palm width in length. A first ear extends from one side of the capstan, and a second ear extends from an opposite side of the capstan as the first ear, both ears extending transversely to the capstan.

Abstract: A tie-down system for securing articles to a load bearing structure for storage or transportation is shown. Also shown is a method for using this system. The disclosed tie-down system includes a securing member having first and second ends and a fastener for fastening the securing member to the load bearing structure. The fastener includes two clip members connected to the securing member to accomplish this purpose. A tensioner is connected to the securing member and is placed between the two clip members. One of the clip members fixedly connects the securing member to the load bearing structure and the other clip member works in cooperation with the tensioner to apply the desired tension to the securing device and maintain that tension for securing articles to the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A load securing arrangement includes an elongated flexible rope and a plurality of couplers attached to the rope. Each coupler has an eye portion and a hook portion rigidly attached at one end to the eye portion. The eye portion defines an opening therethrough. The eye portion lie along a first plane. The hook portion lies along a second plane extending in transverse relationship to the first plane. Each coupler is attached to the rope by a loop formed in the rope and inserted through the opening of the eye portion and then over the hook portion so as to permit the cinching of the loop into the form of a knot having a pair of half hitches extending about the eye portion and through the opening thereof.

Abstract: A line tensioner includes a tensioner body and a first bore extending through the tensioner body. A second bore extends through the tensioner body in a manner spaced from the first bore. Also extending through the tensioner body are a third bore and a fourth bore which are spaced from the first and second bores as well as from each other. A line extends through the four bores of the tensioner body. The length of the line can be selectively adjusted by movement of the tensioner body. The desired length of line can then be tensioned in order to prevent a lengthening of the line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for power exerting connection to a flexible elongated pulling means (4). The invention also relates to a specific use of the device in connection with flexible pieces. The device comprises at least three elements extending into different directions, each element having a respective contact surface (1, 2, 3), at which said elongated pulling means (4) is laid, so that a first loop (5) of said pulling means (4) runs from one essentially unloaded end (6) along a first contact surface (1) at a first leg (7). Thereafter said pulling means (4) runs over a second contact surface (2) at a second leg (8) and behind an essentially tenon-like protrusion (9) having a third contact surface (3). Said first leg (7) converges at least slightly against an opposite guiding or straining surface (12) at said second leg (8). Due to the arrangement said pulling means (4) is centered to be locked at said contact surface (1) at said first leg (7).

Abstract: An adjustable tyer is formed using no knots. A slide, possibly made of plastics material is provided. The slide has a pair of channels through it for rope. A bight of rope is formed at one end of the slide. Anchoring means are provided to anchor the rope so that it is fixed against sliding in at least one of the channels. When rope is fixed with respect to only one channel a slip noose is formed. When rope is fixed with respect to both channels a tyer of fixed length is provided. The anchoring means to fix rope in respect of the second channel is releasable for adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A tube holder for detachably holding and supporting a flexible tube (e.g., an oxygen tube). The holder includes a base, a plurality of upright retention fingers supported by the base, and preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for attaching the holder to the skin of a patient, for example. The holder safely supports and retains the tube in a desired position. When desired, the tube can be detached from the holder without detaching the holder from the skin.

Abstract: A clasp of for a folded cord includes two portions which make to form a clasp body thereby capturing the folded cord therebetween. The portions include gripping teeth for defining a tortious path for the cord.

Abstract: A cable management apparatus is used in conjunction with a wall panel system having an internal space. The apparatus comprises a plate with spaced apart retainer members extending outward from the plane of the plate. Each retainer member defines at least a partial enclosure sufficient to prevent cables placed therein from slipping out laterally. The plate is fastened to the wall panel system at a desired location within the interior space to hold and separate cables.

Abstract: A module for forming part of an articulated mast which can be retracted to be stowed and elongated to be deployed, the mast when deployed having a central axis of elongation and a plurality of these modules. Each module has at least three rigid non-folding station rods joined to form a rigid station, and an equal number of non-folding longerons, each hingedly connected to a corner of the station. Four diagonal segments are formed as part of two flexible inelastic cables, which are brought together at a control which always holds one of the cables, and passes the other. The control includes a releasable catch to hold the other cable when its segments are at lengths respective to a deployed module.

Abstract: A method and means are provided to releasably secure one or more filament lengths in place with a single piece molded polymer clamp device. Said clamp device employs frictional retention means which cooperate with openings to grip the filament or filaments.