Abstract: A jewelry clasp is provided, comprising a first hollow member having a base end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a first eyelet member fixedly inserted therein; a second hollow member having a base end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a second eyelet member fixedly inserted therein; and a third hollow member having a linking member fixedly inserted therethrough, wherein the linking member includes a first end matably engageable with the first eyelet member, and a second end matably engageable with the second eyelet member. In a preferred embodiment, at least one end of the linking member includes a hook member for removably engaging one of the eyelet members. Preferably, the hollow members are crimped so to avoid the use of adhesives. More preferably, the eyelet members are positioned on a cable or chain such that when the clasp is connected, the hook member will be directed away from the wearer.

Abstract: A handle sheath fastened to one end of a twisted handle and adapted to secure it in a face panel of a paper bag, having a cylindrical body mounted around the twisted handle, a longitudinal opening, two longitudinal rows of downward teeth arranged along two longitudinal side edges at two opposite sides of the longitudinal opening and engaged into the twisted handle, a serrated axial front projection longitudinally extended from one end thereof and stopped against the face panel of the paper bag.

Abstract: A cinching strap for retaining cord, rope, or other coiled matter is disclosed, comprising a first strap including means (such as a hook-and-loop material) for releasably retaining the first strap around the coiled matter in a coiled configuration, and a second strap fixed to one side of the first strap, the second strap including means (such as a buckle) for joining the ends of the strap and for cinching the first and second straps around the coiled matter.

Abstract: An anchor for attaching a strap or belt to a panel is a one piece structure having a web attached to two flanges such that the flanges extend parallel to one another and spaced apart by a distance greater than the panel thickness. Each flange has a free end with a transverse aperture forming a loop to receive the strap therethrough. The panel has an arcuate slot near the edge. The free end of one of the flanges is passed through the slot to mount the anchor on the panel with the web within the slot and the loops beyond the edge of the panel to receive the belt in a fixed belt loop or an adjustable snubbing arrangement. The web has a curved inner margin to permit limited swivelling motion.

Abstract: An alignment device for centering both ends of a belt relative to a U-shaped mount of a belt buckle. The inventive device includes a foldable web positionable about the U-shaped mount and including upper and lower spacing webs extending between the belt and respectively opposed upper and lower portions of the U-shaped mount to center the belt relative thereto so as to preclude tilting of the belt buckle relative to the belt.

Abstract: An angled belt clip for diverse worn articles such as heart rate monitors, swimsuits and the like prevents slippage of the article from the proper location on the wearer's body. The clip is provided with an upwardly or downwardly angled portion which holds an elastic strap or the like at a different height or location on the wearer's body than the height or location of the article. Alternatively, the article can be provided with an angled portion.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp has a first and a second clasp member connected to one another for closing the clasp. At least the first clasp member has a spring-weighed element for achieving a fixation of a closed position of the clasp. The first clasp member has a first end portion with a first end face and further has a first receiving opening extending transverse to the longitudinal extension of the first clasp member. The second clasp member has a second end portion with a second end face and further has a second receiving opening extending transverse to a longitudinal extension of the second clasp member. The first receiving opening is oriented oppositely to the second receiving opening. The first and the second end portions are insertable into one another such that in a closed position of the clasp the spring-weighed element is forced against the second end face of the second clasp member.

Abstract: An alignment device for centering an end of a belt relative to a U-shaped mount of a belt buckle. The inventive device includes a folded web positionable about the U-shaped mount and including upper and lower spacing webs extending between the belt and respectively opposed upper and lower portions of the U-shaped mount to center the belt relative thereto so as to preclude tilting of the belt buckle relative to the belt.

Abstract: The invention provides a molded synthetic resin belt connecting device of the type including a belt attachment member and a fastening member rotatably connected together, wherein a headed pin formed integrally with a rotatable shaft of the belt attachment member and a socket formed integrally with the fastening member are assembled together to form a swivel joint such that a head portion of the headed pin is loosely received in a through-hole in the socket, and a neck portion of the headed pin which is smaller in diameter than the head portion is loosely received in a cutout groove at a junction between the cutout groove and the through-hole. The belt attachment member and the fastening member are molded of synthetic resin in an assembled condition by a single injection-molding run or cycle. The belt connecting device thus constructed is free from break at a joint portion between the belt attachment member and the fastening member and hence is highly durable in construction and labor-saving in assembly.

Abstract: An attachment element is made up of a middle part and two lateral movable parts linked to this middle part. In the middle part, a slot-like recess is provided in order to receive a belt, strap or loop. Using the lateral parts it is then possible for the attachment element to be connected with the flat piece of material. In this respect the middle part is arranged parallel to the edge of the flat piece of material, whereas the two lateral parts fit respectively around the flat piece of material, such as sheeting laying on opposite sides of the flat piece of material. The attachment element is able to be attached adjacent to the flat piece of material in different ways.

Abstract: A shoulder strap for musical instruments, in particular guitars, which includes a first and second portion. The first portion is arcuate from its end to the beginning of the second portion. Each end of the support is adapted to attach to a musical instrument by means of a pivot member and a connecting element.

Abstract: A looped elastomeric strap is combined with a sinusoidal shaped snubbing clinch having a hook at one end to secure to an eyelet of a tarpaulin or to the free end of the looped strap. Parallel spaced bars are contiguously formed with the distal end of the hook to clinch and hold pairs of lays of the strap in non slip mode in the clinch.

Abstract: The attachment device for rifle slings comprises two eye parts (2) arranged on the stock or barrel (1) of the rifle, each with a transverse hole (3), through which a retaining pin (8) can be stuck. At each end of the rifle sling (4) there is provided a sling sleeve (5). In the middle of each sling sleeve (5) there is provided a recess (7) extending in the longitudinal direction of the sling and into which can the eye part (2) can be inserted. Each retaining pin (8) can be stuck directly through the sling sleeve (5) and has a transverse opening (9) in the vicinity of each of its two ends, through can be pulled a retaining thong (10) attached to the rifle sling (4).

Abstract: A universal swivel hook includes a U-shaped member with a bowed base to resist longitudinal forces from a web, and a hook arrangement coupled to the U-shaped member for connection to a hoop. The hook and U-shape member are connected to allow swiveling along two orthogonal axes. The U-shaped member also includes stop to limit the longitudinal movement of the web to avoid bunching of the web.

Abstract: A strap fastener assembly which comprises a flat rigid plate-like member and a flexible strap. The plate-like member has an opening extending therethrough in the form of two elongated slots which intersect with each other to form an acute angle. One of the slots is wider than the other. The strap has a thickened portion which prevents it from being pulled through the slot of lesser width but on movement of the strap to the other slot, its thickened portion can be pulled through that other slot.

Abstract: A resilient vehicle side bumper having an elongated body member and fastening members extended from forward and rearward end portions of the elongated body member for releasably securing the side bumper to the vehicle. A first fastening member is included with an elastic member for connecting the first fastening member to the elongated body member, the elastic member further capable of expanding sufficiently to allow the first fastening member to be interconnected with a second fastening member mounted on the vehicle. A locking device is included which, when engaged, blocks the first fastening member from undesired disconnection from the second fastening member. A fastening member attached to the end of the elastic member is comprised of a cylindrical body having an arcuate passageway for receipt of the elastic member. The arcuate passageway extends from an entrance port in an outer side edge of the cylindrical body to an exit port in the outer side edge of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A garage door operator for moving a garage door between open and closed posiitons includes a head unit for being held by a support structure positioned remote from the door with the head unit having a motor and a drive wheel with spaced teeth on its periphery for being driven by the motor. The operator also includes an elongate rail having a first end which is held by a support structure disposed adjacent and above the door with the rail including a pulley located adjacent the first end. The rail also includes a second end for being held adjacent to and in alignment with the drive wheel. The operator also includes a drive belt assembly for training about the drive wheel and the pulley and for being supported by the rail. The belt assembly includes a length of a plastic belt with teeth on one surface thereof matching the teeth on the drive wheel.

Abstract: A strap retainer including a base plate and a disk ring, having a central aperture, joined together at their sides by two parts, and an elastic band circumscribing the posts so as to form a pair of passageways, one on each side of the elastic band, through which each strap of a pair of straps may be respectively passed. The embodiment further includes an identification cap which is mated with the aperture of the disk ring and may be readily replaced by similar disks of different colors or designs. When both straps are simultaneously pulled in the same direction the straps engage and stretch the elastic band causing the band to initially resist displacement of the straps with respect to the retainer and causing the straps and band to be drawn against the base plate and disk ring so as to further resist the displacement of the straps, but when only one strap is pulled, the elastic band is not so engaged and the strap is allowed to freely pass through its respective passageway.

Abstract: Device for affixing the extremities of elastic straps to the interior lining of an article of luggage, said strap used for compacting clothing tightly together.Each extremity of the strap (1, 2) is fixed by a plaque (5), said plaque provided with two lateral edges, said edges provided with notches (6) that are pushed in by force into the corresponding lodging to which they are coupled within the lining of the article of luggage.

Abstract: In a connecting device for belts, chain links and/or other components, particularly in order to facilitate manipulation, a basic unit (1) and a closing element (2) are mutually connected at a first connection point by the use of a pivot closure which consists of a pivot anchor (19) and of a bearing cavity (26) provided with a guide slot for the pivot anchor (19). The position in the bearing cavity (26) of the pivot anchor (19) which is connectable to the bearing cavity (26) is effected by a second connection point which exhibits a retaining bolt (16) and a projection (9) and also a fork which encloses the projection (9).

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for securing together segments of an elongated member such as an extension cord. The apparatus includes means for engaging at least one segment of the elongated member and a band member for wrapping around additional segments of the elongated member and having surfaces that releasably adhere to maintain the segments of the elongated members in a bundle.

Abstract: An overlapped end of a strap is secured to a member such as a hook by an attachment device comprising a substantially U-shaped clamp made of deformable material such as metal plate and having a flat bottom formed with a series of transverse recesses and a securing member including a plate body formed with a series of transverse spiny protuberances. Said overlapped end of strap extends between the securing member and flat bottom of the clamp for connection by press to flatten side walls of the clamp and plunge the protuberances of the securing members into corresponding recesses with spikes piercing the overlapped strap.

Abstract: An overlapped end of a strap is secured to a member such as a hook by an attachment device comprising a substantially U-shaped clamp made of deformable material such as metal plate and having a flat bottom formed with a plurality of openings, a securing member including a plate body formed with a plurality of openings and rivets. Said overlapped end of strap extends between the securing member and flat bottom of the clamp for connection by press to flatten side walls of the clamp and plunge the rivets into corresponding openings in the securing member and clamp member by piercing the overlapped end of the strap with bottom ends of the rivet being hammered flat under the flat bottom of the clamp member to prevent slipping.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a printing plate to a flexographic press cylinder includes a first and second end formed of a flexible plastic strip. An elastic strip has first and second ends and a mid-portion. Heat pressure and a liquid solvent are utilized for fusing the first and second ends of the elastic strip to a portion of each of the first and second flexible strips, respectively. The first and second ends of the plastic strips are then bent to form a fold useful for securing the apparatus to the printing plate and to the flexographic press cylinder.

Abstract: A garage door operator includes a head unit held by a supporting structure remote from the garage door. A rail has a first end held by a supporting structure adjacent the door and a second end fixed adjacent to and in alignment with a toothed drive wheel carried by the head unit. The garage door operator further includes an endless drive belt assembly trained about the drive wheel and a pulley held by the rail adjacent the garage door. The belt assembly includes a length of a plastic belt having teeth on one surface thereof matching the teeth on the drive wheel. The belt assembly further includes a trolley for connection to the garage door and a connector for joining one end of the plastic belt to one end of the trolley. The plastic belt has a lower surface to which the belt teeth extend, and the drive wheel has an upper surface to which the wheel teeth extend.

Abstract: A belt restraining apparatus is disclosed which includes a shoulder belt portion and a lap belt portion. The shoulder belt is positioned over one shoulder and across the chest of the passenger, and the lap belt is positioned across the lap of the passenger. An auxiliary strap extends vertically between and interconnects the lap belt and a medial portion of the shoulder belt. The strap is of a length to deflect the shoulder belt downwardly and away from the neck of the passenger to assure passenger comfort.

Abstract: A rigid structure is provided for engaging the ends of ropes preferably closed on themselves. The structure includes a plate having a groove at its perimeter; a first and a second through holes in the plate; a first and a second engaging holes in the plate for housing first and second ends of a rope. The first and second engaging holes are oriented at an angle less than or equal to 90.degree. relative to the perimeter groove in the plate.

Abstract: A two-slotted slider for ribbons comprises a bridge section between the slots, formed by two aligned arms, there being on the arms a fastening area for the ribbon generally provided with tapered reliefs for ultrasonic welding. Preferably the slider is assembled with the ribbon by first pushing both an intermediate loop portion of the ribbon and an end of the latter to pass beyond the elastically flexible arms, and then welding the said ribbon end onto the fastening area of the arms, which is facing the ribbon loop.Welding is carried out between a sonotrode and a contrast device. The apparatus comprises the retractable contrast device and a housing for receiving the sliders one by one and displacing them between a position under a pusher for pushing the ribbon and a position under the sonotrode, as well as a device for straightening the ribbon.

Abstract: A socket for mounting an end of a wire rope having a body member, said body member having a bowl therein for receiving said wire rope end and molten zinc to anchor the rope in the socket, the external surface of the socket providing a contoured, reinforced connection, adapted to conform to the angle of a vehicle tailboard, or of a drum.

Abstract: Removable device for attaching a racket to a player's wrist, comprises a flexible wrist strap that encircles the player's wrist, and a soft rubber cap that grips the end of the handgrip and has a rigid female insert that releasably retains a male assembly on the wrist strap. For this purpose, the insert has a central opening for receiving a portion of the male assembly, that central opening having an abutment shoulder that faces inwardly. The male assembly comprises a fitting having an annular flange that nests in the cap, and a cylindrical rod that slides in the fitting. The cylindrical rod has an enlarged conical inner end, which spreads apart or permits to move back toward each other, legs on the fitting that have outwardly extending detents. When the legs are spread, the detents cannot clear the abutment shoulder and so the device is held assembled. When the rod is pushed in and the legs can move back together, the detents are sufficiently closely spaced to clear the abutment shoulder.

Abstract: A shipping and installation restraining strap for an actuator such as the hydraulic slave cylinder of a motor vehicle clutch actuating apparatus. The strap comprises a retaining member in the form of a cylindrical cap installed on the end of the actuator output rod and having a substantially hemispherical end portion engaged in a corresponding partially spherical concave recess in the member operated by the actuator, such as the clutch release lever. The other end of the strips is attached to a non-movable portion of the actuator. Each strip has a portion of reduced strength such as to break upon first operation of the actuator. The cylindrical cap is optionally provided with a radially extending disc-like flange seal resiliently engaged with the surface of the clutch actuating lever beyond the edge of the recess, such as to prevent introduction of dirt in the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a buckle assembly suitable for use in a vehicle seat belt. The buckle assembly includes a clinched anchor block fixed on a wire and having an interlocking portion projecting downwardly therefrom, a buckle base having a bottom wall defining a matching interlocking portion, which is in engagement with the interlocking portion of the anchor block, and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from the bottom wall. The anchor block is connected directly to both of the side walls of the buckle base. The interlocking portion of the anchor block is press-fit in the matching interlocking portion in the bottom wall of the buckle base. The clinch force of the anchor block against the wire is thus not reduced by the fixing work of the anchor block to the buckle base.

Abstract: A buckle assembly which comprises a clinched anchor block fixedly connected to a wire and provided with a first interlocking portion at an upper part and a second interlocking portion at a lower part, a buckle base having at least one bottom wall provided with an interlocking portion which is staked with the second interlocking portion, and a support member held on the buckle base and engageable with the first interlocking portion. Owing to the adoption of the above structure, the buckle assembly according to this invention is generally flat and can withstand relatively great loads.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cargo control tack and a fitting for use therewith wherein the fitting is captive to the track. The track is of a generally U configuration having a base attached to a surface of a cargo compartment, parallel legs extend from the base, and the legs terminate in outwardly extending flanges disposed parallel to the base. Aligned notches or indentations are defined within the track at the intersection of the legs and flanges. The fitting is associated with a strap loop, and includes a pair of side plates having a keeper plate located therebetween. The side plates slidably hook upon the track flanges, and the keeper plate is forced into a locking relationship with the track indentations by tension within the strap to fix the fitting upon the track. The flexibility of the strap loop permits the keeper plate to be disengaged from the track notches for adjustment of the fitting along the track.

Abstract: A slider to be applied to ribbons for clothing articles comprising a first portion and a second portion integral with the first portion. The first portion on a surface thereof is provided with projections for ultrasonic welding to a ribbon. The second portion has two slots that slidingly receive a ribbon, these slots being separated by two confronting, resiliently flexible arms. In the assembling process the slider is first secured to the end of a ribbon by welding, generally ultrasonic welding; then a punch moving transversely of the arms pushes a length of the ribbon beyond the arms, simultaneously flexing the arms. When the punch retracts, the arms spring back to their undeformed condition and the ribbon is left astride the arms.

Abstract: An assembly for holding and tensioning a webbing particularly useful in an article of furniture in which the webbing is adapted to be stressed by a person seated thereon. Male and female members are employed, the female member being fastened to a framework, and the male member being fastened to the webbing. The male member is positioned between side walls of the female member, and first and second abutment surfaces of each member engage each other in the assembly and are urged into engagement by the stress upon the webbing. The male member is levered into engagement with the female member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning apparatus for tensioning a flexible member, such as a strap (11, 62) or a panel (P) and wherein the flexible member (11, 62, P) presents a rigid element (13) at or near its free end or edge, the rigid insert (13) is located in a slot (15, 53) in a rotary member (16, 51) and said rotary member (16, 51) is rotated to tension the flexible member (11, 62, P). The apparatus includes locking means (21, 22 or 54, 56, 64 and 65) for locking the rotary member (16, 51) with the flexible member (11, 62 or P) in tension and said flexible member (11, 62, P) preferably includes a resilient member (14) which, when passed through the slot (15, 53) in advance of the rigid element (13) resiliently retains the flexible member (11, 62, P) with the rotary member (16, 51).

Abstract: A fastening or buckle mechanism is provided for use in safety seat belts for vehicles and comprises a connector or coupler having vertical grooves on both sides and flattened portions formed by depression of the side walls therebelow, and a buckle base having projections associated with the grooves and including a back plate having therein a hole for reception of the connector. In assembling, a buckle cover is fitted over the buckle base integrated with the connector. To prevent disengagement of the connector, the buckle cover is provided on the rear side with a projection.

Abstract: A chin strap safety attachment including a high impact resistant rigid anchor insert mounted upon a chin strap of the protective headgear. The anchor insert has a tongue which is shaped so as to be insertable into an opening in a coacting anchor plate when the anchor insert is rotated from its normal locking position in engagement with the anchor plate. A Lift-the-Dot fastener, adjustably mounted on the free end of the chin strap adjacent the anchor insert, engages the anchor plate to provide additional securance of the chin strap.

Abstract: A universal arm sling and shoulder immobilizer (10) is provided. The shoulder immobilizer (10) includes a sling trough (14) having first and second ends (26, 28) with the first end (26) closed for allowing the elbow of the arm to abut the closed end (26). The sling trough (14) is constructed of flexible material allowing the second end (28) to be folded towards the first end (26) for shortening the length of the sling trough (14) for providing a sling of a desired length thus allowing the shoulder immobilizer (10) to accommodate a wide range of limb sizes. A support strap (16) of variable length is provided and is secured to the first end of the sling trough (14) and is of sufficient length to extend across the back of the wearer, over the opposite shoulder and to the top portion of the sling trough (14) adjacent the second end (28) thereof. A restraining strap (18) is provided for securing the limb supported by the sling trough (14) adjacent the chest of the wearer thus providing shoulder immobilization.

Abstract: Process for assembling a slider to the fabric of an article of clothing or outfit thereof.A slider is used as made of thermoplastic material, having a portion defining at least one passage and slide slot for a ribbon and a fabric anchoring portion; the fabric is contacted with the slider anchoring zone, then ultrasonic vibrations are generated to provide partial melting for the thermoplastic material of the corresponding slider portion, at the same time applying a pressure to the fabric for causing the diffusion of the molten thermoplastic material through the fabric loops.

Abstract: A carrying strap is connected to an internally disposed surface of a cover member which is in covering relation to an access opening in a camera body. The cover member in covering the access opening also covers a test terminal which prior to application of the cover permits at least one operational component electrically connected thereto to be tested by a test source external of the body. The cover has spaced apart latching arrangements which exceed the spacing between cooperating latching arrangements on the body. Intermediate these latching arrangements is a cover fulcrum latching arrangement permitting flexing of the cover member so that first one then the other cover latching arrangements are latched prior to the intermediate latching arrangement being forced into latching engagement with the body.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp having a male member adapted to be inserted into an opening in a female member, and the female member including a releasable locking mechanism clasping the male and female members together, wherein a retaining guard is releasably placed onto the male member for preventing jewelry from sliding off the male member. The thickness of both the female member and the retaining guard being greater than the diameter of the opening of the jewelry which receives a chain therethrough. The male member can be used to thread beads, or other jewelry onto the chain with the retaining guard then being placed on the male member so that the beads or other jewelry will not slip off the chain.

Abstract: An improved binding strap fastener for attaching crampons (mounting climbing spikes) to mountain climbing boots includes a lever assembly and a retaining clip for retaining the lever assembly in a fastened position. The lever assembly includes a rigid, curved lever plate riveted to a portion of a binding strap. A leading end of the lever assembly is inserted through a "D-ring" attached to a connecting eyelet of the crampons and is forced against the D-ring to tighten the binding strap to a predetermined tension by rotating the lever assembly approximately 180 degrees. The lever assembly then is slid beneath the retaining clip to retain the lever assembly in its fastened configuration. The operations of fastening and unfastening the binding strap can be easily accomplished by a mountain climber wearing heavy mittens without the necessity of removing the mittens from his or her hands.

Abstract: A simulated belt buckle adapted for use with a belt including means for releasably connecting its ends when encircling the waist of a wearer, said simulated belt buckle including a decorative plate portion and an appendage which may be in the form of a knife, a retaining stud extending inwardly from the inner surface of the plate, one end of said belt having a hole for reception of said retaining stud and a sheath having an opening adjacent said one end of the belt to receive the knife or other appendage on the simulated belt buckle, and means pivotally connecting the plate and knife for movement relative to each other, whereby a single manual movement will pivot the plate outwardly to remove the retaining stud from the hole and withdraw the knife from the sheath.

Abstract: A clasp or the like is secured to a bracelet by a device comprising a U-shaped piece fitted on a flat end part of the bracelet. Complementary grooves and recesses in the bracelet and piece are held in locking engagement by a sleeve which fits over the piece. The clasp is attached by a spring bar inserted in a space between the end of the bracelet and the bottom of the U, and prevents removal of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pillar loop for belts, such as seat belts in cars or the like, and particularly the type of pillar loop which is secured to a vehicle and having a belt extending therethrough for guidance of the latter. The pillar loop is of round steel which can be constructed in a simplified manner in comparison with known methods. As mentioned above, it has heretofore been necessary to use plate material for securing pillar loops which are made of round steel, for instance, to a car wall.

Abstract: A method and article for use in making a high strength positive solderless electrical connection using a strap conductor anchored to a clamping bolt by a tempered spring clip formed with sharp crested projections. The article and method have widely varied applications including the grounding of the thin shield of a shielded cable as a mechanical tie and electrical tie around a splice between shielded cables thereby isolating the spliced connections from cable tension forces, and many other uses.

Abstract: A boom is disclosed having an elongated flexible skirt confined between and secured to a series of floats arranged in pairs. The floats of each pair are identically formed, and are oppositely arranged at opposite sides of the skirt, to which they are secured in such fashion as to dispose the upper edge portion of the skirt above the water level. The lower edge of the skirt extends downwardly below the water level a suitable distance to confine pollutants, such as oil, floating upon the surface of the water. A tension member extends along the bottom edge of the skirt, in the form of a flexible cable. The tension member is retained in position through passage thereof within longitudinal bores provided in clamp assemblies regularly spaced along the length of the skirt. Each clamp assembly comprises complementary metal clamp elements, particularly shaped as to permit their being formed as extrusions.

Abstract: An equipment holder for policemen, security officers and the like that will mount on a belt and that will alternatively carry a policeman's baton or a large heavy duty flashlight in such a manner that they are readily accessible and without warning noise. The holder comprises a strap with a belt loop formed in one end thereof and a small ring at the other end. A larger ring is concentrically mounted around the small ring and a substantially rigid spacer is positioned between the rings and their pivot connections with the straps.