Abstract: A fastening clasp for holding fabric or other sheet-like material in a given position. The fastening clasp includes a flexible sleeve having a first end and a second end. A ring is attached to the first end of the flexible sleeve. A flexible, transverse tab is attached to the second end of the flexible sleeve. A piece of the fabric is positioned directly over the ring while the tab is inserted within the ring. The tab and fabric are both held in place by the stiffness of the tab's perimeter. The sleeve gathers and holds the fabric in the desired position.

Abstract: A support strap for hand tools, hand guns and other hand-held implements having a pistol grip-type handle includes an elongated strip of flexible material having a ring attached to a first transverse end of the strip. A first fastener member is attached to the lower surface of the strip, proximate the second transverse end or tip of the strip, and a second fastener member releasably engageable with the first fastener member is attached to the upper surface of the strip. The strap is used by inserting the tip of the strap through the ring to form a first, wrist loop, into which loop the hand is inserted, and the free end pulled with a tension sufficient to tighten the loop to a desired tightness around the wrist of a user. The inner diameter of the loop is preferably slightly less than the width of the strip, thereby frictionally gripping the edges of the strap.

Abstract: A toy carrier and storage apparatus is disclosed for selectively attaching and storing a number of toys. The carrier may be worn over a shoulder or carrier carried by the hand. An extension toy carrier is also disclosed which may be attached to the toy carrier, or to a belt loop, backpack or the like. The toy carriers are provided with a number of carrying loops within which a stuffed, animal shaped or other toy may be inserted and maintained in a visible location for ready access and display.

Abstract: An adjustable belt loop which is easily removable and made of flexible material which enables one to secure the free end of a belt to the main portion of the belt which thereby prevents the sagging or protruding of a garment or accessory belt end. The adjustable belt loop comprises a strip of material, and optionally a display member, and is extended and folded over and onto the free belt end and the main portion of the belt. The first and second ends of the flexible strip overlap and are securably closed by the attachment means. Alternatively, the first end of the flexible strip may be removably attached to the second end of the flexible strip by attachment means without overlap.

Abstract: A belt for storing elongated articles and a method for forming the same. The belt attaches to a planar surface or to a power tool, and includes a pad sewn to a strap. The pad includes a two-ply hook-and-loop fastener and an elastic member. The elastic member urges the two hook-and-loop plies into engagement, and the elongated article can be stored between the two hook-and-loop plies. The elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply are gathered relative to the second hook-and-loop ply. The method includes laterally sewing the elastic member to the first hook-and-loop ply, cutting the first hook-and-loop ply, stretching the elastic member, longitudinally sewing the elastic member to the first hook-and-loop ply while the former is stretched, laterally sewing the elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply to the second hook-and-loop ply to form the pad, and sewing the pad to the strap to form the belt.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism or lanyard for retaining a connecting member proximate to a point of connection. A flexible elongated member has an eyelet or loop on a first end, a connector having a connecting pin on the opposite end and a receptacle in between. The connecting member is placed between the connector and receptacle after which the connector is snap fit into the receptacle. The lanyard has unitary construction from a plastic material and requires no additional components during fabrication.

Abstract: A plastic handle about two inches long has a longitudinal slot sized to receive a rubber band. After the rubber band is inserted into the slot, a locking pin is inserted into the first end of the rubber-band loop which has been inserted in the slot. The rubber band is then pulled back through the slot, thereby locking the plastic handle, rubber band, and locking pin into a bundle tie assembly. The second end of the rubber band is wrapped around an extension cord, rope, or the like and snapped around the plastic handle of the first end of the rubber band. The bundle tie assembly self-tightens to quickly and neatly secure the extension cord.

Abstract: A wire cover packing ring for securing the wire cover of an electric fan in place, including a plurality of elastic connectors, and a plurality of smoothly arched ring sections connected into a ring by the elastic connectors, each of the smoothly arched ring sections having a plurality of longitudinally spaced tabs at the inside adapted for securing to the wire cover of the electric fan, and two substantially L-shaped hooks at two opposite ends adapted for connecting to the corresponding elastic connectors, each of the elastic connectors having two hook holes at two opposite ends adapted for coupling to the hooks of the smoothly arched ring sections respectively.

Abstract: A scarf cinch formed of a loop of elastic cord having a mount along the loop to define two sub-loops so that a part of a scarf can be passed through and held by the elastic action of the cord of each sub-loop. The mount can be made adjustable along the loop to change the sizes of the sub-loops. Two or more loops angularly positioned with respect to each other can be attached at a common mount point that is fixed or an adjustable mount can be used to select the size of each of the sub-loops.

Abstract: A trash bag retaining band comprising a ring formed of an elastic material sufficiently expandable for allowing a trash can to be inserted therein and sufficiently retractable for frictionally gripping an inserted trash can and with the ring having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a top edge and a bottom edge interconnecting the surfaces, and a handle mechanism coupled to and extended outwards therefrom for allowing a user a firm grip.

Abstract: A hair binder for binding a bunch of long hair includes an elastic hair band, a pair of frames joined at proximal ends thereof for opening and closing relative to each other, the frames forming a circle when closed, a first engaging structure disposed at distal ends of the pair of frames for engaging opposite ends of the band, and a second engaging structure disposed at the proximal ends for engaging intermediate positions of the band when the frames are opened, and releasing the intermediate positions when the frames are closed.

Abstract: A wiring harness shroud for use in a harsh environment to provide precise routing and protection for wire bundles. The wiring harness shroud comprises a U-channel having a base and two substantially parallel side walls within which one or more wire bundles may be received. The side walls have opposed and registered receiving slots within which a mounting member is demountably secured. The mounting member serves not only to secure the shroud but also to retain the wire bundles within the U-channel.

Abstract: A one piece elastic binder element comprised of either one or two rubber bands. The present invention further comprises a novel method for producing rubber bands having enhanced archival binding properties, with a longitudinal grain which closes on stretching, whereby it is not susceptible to drying and embrittled breakage, and the rubber bands so produced. The elastic binder element comprises two bands or portions of a single band, being held together with two metal clamping members deployed such that the one or two bands are configured in dual, spaced, cruciformic or cross-like configurations (i.e., each configuration having a central point, defined by each of the metal clamping members, from which four arms, comprised of segments of the elastic band or bands, extend, at approximate 90.degree. intervals--full lateral and longitudinal extension). The cruciformic configurations are suitable for respective deployment on the front and rear of a file, to engage all four sides of the file, in the binding thereof.

Abstract: An integral apparatus for retaining an article which contains an elastic band with a proximal end, a distal end, a first major loop, a first minor loop, and a second minor loop. At a first point between the proximal end and the distal end, the elastic band is folded onto itself to form a first lip with a first top section and a first bottom section. At a second point between the distal end and the proximal end, the elastic band is folded onto itself to form a second lip with a second top section and a second bottom section. At a third point, the second top section, the first top section, and the first bottom section are sewn together. At a fourth point between the second point and the distal end, the second top section, the second bottom section, and the first bottom section are sewn together.

Abstract: A modular strap assembly for securing cargo or the like to structural members or other suitable securing apparatus on interior or other cargo space of transport vehicles. The strap can be hooked to itself or something else at one end and tightened at the other end so as to hold the cargo securely in place. Being provided with integrally formed elastic members, the strap can absorb shocks or jarring movements, common during transport and can be viewed as a limited travel elastic shock absorber. This will prevent failure of the strap or fittings as well as eliminate damage to the cargo. The strap is designed to be used in compartments with lateral cross members or other interior fixtures or objects in order to tighten the strap into place and prevent movement of the cargo. Nylon webbing or other suitable material which has integrally formed internal pockets is used for the strap.

Abstract: An expandable ribbon apparatus is provided for simply and quickly wrapping packages or securing bundles. The elastic element of the apparatus is hidden and protected by a sheath. Various modes of attaching decorative and identifying items to the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus is intended to be ornamental as well as functional.

Abstract: A fixing device according to this invention easily and securely fixes a noise absorber onto a wire. The fixing device comprises a base member to receive a noise absorber thereon. The fixing device also comprises engaging portions provided on the base member to engage with side edges of the noise absorber. The fixing device further comprises an attaching member to attach the base member to a wire. When the wire with the fixing device attached thereon is inserted into the noise absorber, the engaging portions of the fixing device engage with the noise absorber, thereby fixing the noise absorber securely onto the wire.

Abstract: A credit card and money carrying device comprising an endless band of elastic material, a plate member folded around the elastic band and crimped providing engagement of the crimped portion of the plate member into the elastic band.

Abstract: A cover device for protecting a pneumatic tire valve end has a hollow semi-flexible semi-rigid cap and an elongated flexible retaining member integrally attached to the cap. The cap is configured to be releasably force-fitted over the end of the valve to protect the valve end. The retaining member is configured to bend and encircle and thereby attach to either the valve itself or to a tire spoke disposed adjacent to the valve in order to tether the cap to either of these locations such that when the cap is removed from the valve end it is suspended in space adjacent to the valve end by the retaining member.

Abstract: A unitarily constructed clamp for selectively occluding a resilient tube includes a curved platen formed with a pair of holes through which the tube is threaded to position and hold the tube against the concave surface of the platen. The platen has a first end and a second end. Additionally, an articulated pressure member having a hinged juncture is pivotally connected to both the first end and the second end of the platen to locate the juncture between the ends of the platen. With this configuration, the articulated pressure member is positioned for movement between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the pressure member is distanced from the platen to leave the tube patent. In the closed configuration, the tube is squeezed between the platen and the pressure member to occlude the tube.

Abstract: A flexible circular closure device with a wedge shaped tab protruding from the outer circumference which is utilized to close a container with a flap having an aperture defined in it by insertion of the tab into the aperture and wrapping the circular closure around the container which may be a folder, envelope or the like.

Abstract: A fastening device (10) for securing a bundle of cord (101) or similar items wherein the device (10) includes two mating members (13)(14) with one mating member having a hook mating side (15) and the second mating member a loop mating side (16) captively engaged by a sleeve member (20) and wherein the mating members cooperate with one another to envelope the bundle of cord (100).

Abstract: Panel apparatus includes a plurality of panels which may be fabricated or assembled into enclosures of various types, as desired by a user. Adjacent panels are secured together by any of several different types of fastening or clamp elements. The particular clamp elements are selected according to the type of structure desired to be made from the plurality of panels, or the orientation of the panels. Panels may be made of various sizes, depending on the end use, but the general size of the panel elements may be the same, and accordingly the various fastening elements are suitable for panels regardless of the overall size of the panels.

Abstract: Devices for the display of photographs and other items constructed from a plurality of generally flat, plate-like elements joined together by one or more elastic bands. The bands extend out beyond the outside surfaces of the assembled structures, and serve as bumpers for the unit, insulating the unit from contact with the surface upon which it is placed. In a preferred embodiment a solid structure of a plurality of similarly-sized plates is formed. In an alternative embodiment, the plates are connected to form a hollow structure.

Abstract: A flexible, bag-like package which includes an access opening containing a reclosable seal at or near its top edge, is encompassed by a tamper-evident band. The band is bonded to the front and back wall panels of the package and extends across the access opening. Attempts to remove the band in order to open the package will result in disruption of the band or the wall panels.

Abstract: A flexible securing harness, secures a toilet seat lid against raising by infants and children while permitting ready access by adults. The harness, composed of flexible strapping encircles the toilet bowl in a front girth strap and a rear girth strap, secured together by their bottom portions. The rear girth strap either continuously encloses a rear portion of the toilet bowl behind the seat or hooks to the toilet bowl lid hinge point. Two angled bridle assemblies extend from spaced upper points, one from each girth strap. The bridle assemblies are interconnected by an easily removable snap fitting to form a cross-hitch securing the toilet lid. The device is flexible, easily cleaned, and readily released and refastened for toilet use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and novel device constructed so as to prevent damage to a manually operated remote control device capable of controlling the operation of a television or other electronic equipment, the shock absorbing unit being of unitary construction having at both of its ends identical cavity structures capable of encapsulating the ends of a manually operated remote control device, the cavity structures being affixed to a singular band member resulting in there being provided shock absorbing means about all surfaces of the manually operated remote control device thereby protecting same from damage.

Abstract: Belt adjusting apparatus for use on an infant or toddler seat is disclosed which comprises an interlocking assembly of geometrically-configured metal plates, each having at least one slot therein, with a belt passing through the slots in a specific path so that the belt is freely moved in one direction when in a locked position so as to tighten said belt, but cannot be moved in the other direction without manually adjusting the relative position of the metal plates. A spring return may be used to maintain the position of the plates in a locked position.

Abstract: An adjustable tension fastener which consists of a rigid loop-hook having a rigid loop member and a rigid hook member and a flexible cord connected to the rigid loop member by a pull-through knot for defining a tension portion and a reserve portion of the cord. A binder is used for selectively adjusting the length and tension of the tension portion and securing the rigid loop-hook to a portion of the flexible cord.

Abstract: A web attachment for holding a tubular ball container to a tennis racket cover consists of four segments of pliable ribbon joined at their ends to form a rectangular frame, a fifth segment of pliable ribbon secured at one of its ends to the midpoint of one of the four segments and lying exteriorly to the frame and terminating in a free end, and adhesive material on two of the four sides and on the free end for attachment of the web to the racket cover.

Abstract: A fastening device comprised of an elastic band permanently attached at one end either in a utilitarian sense or in a static sense and temporarily attached at the other end, of which is adjustable by pulling on this unattached end, to a simple clasp with holes of a similar diameter as the elastic band and of which secures the band to a specific total circumference and range of tensile strength by the force of friction generated between the band and clasp.

Abstract: A coupler and protector device for two remote control units is provided and consists of a pair of elastic straps which will hold the two remote control units together in a back to back relationship so that a person can use both units at the same time. The elastic straps will prevent damage to the units by absorbing shock thereto if dropped or hit against any hard surface.

Abstract: A wire is bent into an enclosed loop and double bent at each end to form a quadruple element hook extending from the loop. At least one elasticized loop is attached to the loop-hook by a pull-through knot. Additional elasticized loops may be added and alternated with rigid closed loops as desired. The entirely closed loop system may be used linearly or in a spiderlike fashion to bind external objects. Alignment of the two sides of the elasticized loop with the two sides of the quadruple element hook provides efficient load transfer from hook to elasticized loop. Prebending of the loop-hook opposite the hook further insures alignment.

Abstract: A clamping buckle for straps, particularly shoulder straps on articles of clothing, with two buckle sections which are swingable with respect to each other around a transverse buckle axis, the buckle sections having a clamping position for clamping the strap. The buckle sections lie one on top of the other approximately parallel to each other with the formation of a gap therebetween. The buckle sections have respective gap sides which face the gap and respective outsides which face away from the gap, and they have slots and bars for diverting the straps including a bar in one buckle section opposite a slot in the other buckle section. The bar of the first buckle section is aligned on its gap side with a plane of the first buckle section and is of at least the same width as the slot of the other buckle section. A loop of the strap wraps around the bar and includes loop end portions passing through the slot that extend by the outside of the second buckle section.

Abstract: A rigid tie capable of being removably mounted on an end portion of an elongate pliable member such as a bungee cord that has a resilient core covered with a woven fabric, with the tie when so mounted serving as an anchor. A pair of the ties may removably engage opposite end portions of a pliable member to form an endless loop that is adjustable as to length by sliding the pair of ties towards or away from one another. A single tie if desired may be utilized to removably join the end portions of two elongate pliable members together.

Abstract: The specification discloses an article and method for banding objects. A clip is releasably secured to a common closed loop rubber band, thereby enabling one to wrap the band around objects to be banded together and slip the loop over the clip to hold it in place around the object. Alternative unique clips are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing polypropylene endless loop by blow-moulding polypropylene raw materials into tubular sheet, drawing the same transversely to an extent to provide a draw ratio of at least 4, and before or after the drawing step, cutting the tubular sheet to form individual endless loops, then twisting the cut and drawer loops to provide a twisted endless loop. The preferred polypropylene endless loop product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A snap ring consists of four plane rings with a gap for the possibility of radially deforming said rings within the limits of flexibility of the material. Two rings are set as inner rings and two outer rings are set as outer rings axially of the inner rings whereby the rings are axially behind each other fastened relatively to each other around a common axis. However the gaps of the inner rings are showing in another direction than the gaps of the outer rings whereby the outer rings are radially closing the gaps of the inner rings and vice versa. One of the snaprings can be utilized as an outer snapring to hold a cylindrical part therein and another of the snaprings can be an inner snapring for holding itself or a part in a cylinder or bore.

Abstract: A holder for vegetables having a stalk, such as broccoli, is provided in a form of a thin truncated cone wherein the small end has been divided into a plurality of flexible fingers. The fingers engage the stalks of the vegetables so that they present an attractive appearance when offered for sale.

Abstract: Two or more initially independent mailable items, each containing or carrying separate and usually different communications are banded, or otherwise held together, for mailing as a single mailing piece. One of the independent mailable items may carry postage in stamp or in printed postage indicia form as well as address information on one of its exposed faces. Alternatively such postage and address information may be carried by a band, or other means, utilized for holding the otherwise independent items together. The assembly is intended primarily but not exclusively, for use in mailing third class mailing material and allows plural, independent communications items to be mailed, under existing United States government postal rate schedules, at less total cost than if each independent communications item were to be mailed separately.

Abstract: An elastic binding device for circumferentially containing a bundle. A closed-loop elastic band is stretched around the bundle and through itself with a pin holding the ends of the band.

Abstract: A wreath form comprises an annular disc having a spirally-wrapped elastic band extending around the entire outer surface area to hold decorative objects in position on the annular disc. Holes are provided in the disc to receive nails to project therethrough. A second and similar structure is fastened in spaced relationship to the annular disc structure when an enlarged wreath is desired.