Abstract: A line attachment device comprising a flattened piece of flexible material has a bottom section, a center neck section and a top section. The top section forms an invertible flap which in pivotal about the neck section. A line attachment device of this type may be connected to a chemical lightstick. When a line is pulled through the flap of the line attachment device and upward, it causes the flap to invert and "lock down" on the line thereby securing it to the lightstick.

Abstract: A fixing device (1) for securing a cover (3) to a seat (4) comprises a support (2), and a plurality of elastic fastenings (5) locked in the support (2), wherein the support (2) comprises more locking apertures (8) than the device (1) has elastic fastenings (5). The support (2) is sewn onto the covering (3), the fastenings (5) are locked in the support (2), and after positioning the covering (3) on the seat (4), the hooks (11) of the fastenings (5) are engaged upon components (17) of the seat (4).

Abstract: A binding tie device used to either confine and constrict a single object, or else hold two or more objects snugly together. The binding tie includes a length of curled cord (10) which will recoil to its curled shape after being stretched straight, a chain (12), made of bead type chain, and split ring (24). The working end of cord (10) and the first end of chain (12) are connected together. Split ring (24) is connected to the second end of chain (12). Split ring (24) is employed to stretch the cord straight and wind it in either direction around the object being tied. Cord (10) automatically turns allowing it to first uncoil when stretched and then recoil as it is wound around the object thereby securely binding the object. Cord (10) is untied by winding in the opposite direction. The first end of chain (12) may be positioned on cord (10) so that the tie with attached object can be hung up or attached by split ring (24).

Abstract: A tarp protector for use in the shipping industry is disclosed, comprised of an elongated sheet of webbing, metal rings at either end affixed to the webbing with a plurality spaced apart rings there between, male-female releasable connecting means attached to each end respectively to allow extensions, and retractable protective flaps permanently affixed to the webbing and covering the rings and connecting means.

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: A method, apparatus and system for supporting an oral device proximate to a person's mouth is disclosed. The person is disposed on a body support having a superstructure positioned above the person, such as a baby seat. The apparatus comprises a cord having a generally central portion and first and second distal sections. The first and second distal sections terminate at respective first and second ends. A adjustable clamp joins portions of the first and second distal sections, the clamp forming a loop portion of the cord having an adjustable circumference adapted for adjustably gripping the oral device. Spring-biased clips are adapted for securing each of the first and second ends to the superstructure. The oral device comprises a pacifier, a food item, a feeding device such as a baby bottle, or the like. The method and system utilize the apparatus in conjunction with the body support.

Abstract: A tie-down device of the type comprised of an inelastic element, a locking device, and an elastic element. The elastic element is used to maintain tie-down tension under conditions where the use of an inelastic tie-down alone could develop slack thereby resulting in the failure of the tie-down. Applications where dynamic forces similar to those encountered by trailers carrying motorcycles will benefit from the use of this tie-down device.

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: A retainer for a mattress cover such as a sheet has a central band made of a stiff, smooth material and elastic straps attached to opposite ends of the band. Openable and lockable fasteners are attached to the ends of the straps, each fastener having a pair of jaws. One end of a short length of cord is attached to the fastener, the other end being free. In use, the band extends under the mattress and the fasteners are clamped to opposite sides of the cover with the cord inside a bight or fold of the cover to provide an enlargement which can be securely gripped by the fastener.

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 method and apparatus for carrying one or more bicycles on a motor vehicle and a strap for securing the carrier to the motor vehicle. The strap includes a stretchable and contractible resilient web that is connected intermediate the ends of the strap. A loop is formed in the strap when the strap is not tightened. The web is stretched by tightening and serves to maintain tension in the strap. When tightened, adjacent surfaces of that portion of the strap forming the loop and the web are in close juxtaposition. Separation between adjacent surfaces of the resilient web and the portion of the strap that forms the loop, provides a visual indication of the degree of strap tension.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric web is arranged for securement about the upper portion of a boot adjacent the entrance opening for securement to the opposed side edges of the lacing slot to receive the boot laces therewithin for storage.

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: A new and improved clothing anchor apparatus, especially useful for anchoring the front and back tails of shirts, includes a first clothing connector, a second clothing connector, and an elastic strap connected therebetween. The elastic strap has a first end, an interior portion, and a second end. A strap length adjuster is located on the interior portion of the strap for adjusting the effective length of the strap. The effective length of the strap is adjusted by adjustingly doubling a portion of the strap. A soft, flexible jacket encompasses a portion of the elastic strap and the strap length adjuster. The jacket may also include a pocket for receiving and secretly storing soft, flexible items such as paper money. In use, preferably, two clothing anchor apparatuses of the invention are used. One clothing connector of each apparatus is attached to the front shirt tail, and the other clothing connector of each apparatus is attached to the back shirt tail by first passing under the crotch area.

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: An apparatus for restricting the dynamic motion of a heavy bag suspended at one end for physical training purposes, said apparatus comprising a resilient strap portion releasably attached at one end to the lower end of the heavy bag by a resilient bonded cup, and releasably attached at the other end to the floor or other surface by a pair of hook members. Said hook members may be adapted for rotation such that said resilient strap portion may be free to rotate about the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: The combination of a shock cord including a shock cord loop at an end thereof, a serving tightly disposed about the shock cord immediately adjacent to the shock cord loop, and a binding tightly disposed about the serving and connected to the serving and shock cord.

Abstract: A heavy duty bicycle rack which has angle adjustable support legs, wherein adjustment of the support arms does not require simultaneous adjustment of the legs which support the carrier on the vehicle. The rack includes a heavy duty positive locking mechanism in which locking pin ends are biased into a locking position, thereby selecting the angular position for the bicycle support arms relative to the legs. The locking pins are the ends of handles which can be pulled or withdrawn slightly to release the pins from the locking apertures to afford rotary movement of the support arms. The handles with the locking pin ends are supported in clam shell or cup shaped shells, these shells having apertures which permit relative movement of the handles and pin ends. Springs which bias the handles toward the locking position are confined in the cup shaped shells. A bolt secures each pair of shells, one support arm and brackets on each of the support frames together in assembly.

Abstract: A shoulder strap securing device which selectively engages the shoulder straps of suspenders at one end and the shirt collar or necktie at the opposite end.

Abstract: A hold-down strap for holding a tarp or the like comprises an elongated pliable body portion and two end portions fitted to the body portion. The end portions are elastic and are preferably composed of an elastomeric compound or a natural rubber. Along the free end of each end portion are situated a plurality of eyelet fasteners. Along the side edges of the body portion are fitted a plurality of eyelet fasteners. The body portion is itself composed of a webbed material such as cloth or a resin-permeated fiber glass mat. Cord may be used to interconnect the eyelets of one strap with those of another strap, with a tarp, or with a fixed object to thereby hold down a tarp or a similar covering.

Abstract: A fastener for a baby's diaper is provided which comprises a generally elastic base member having at least thre claw units spaced apart thereon. The base member can be resiliently extended and the claw units engaged with a cloth or fabric diaper to retain the two ends of the part thereof encircling a baby's waist in required relative positions and also to hold a portion passing between the baby's legs in position relative to the former. The claw units are specially designed to properly engage the fabric of a diaper and not to become dislodged therefrom (if properly installed) in use. The fastener obviates the use of conventional safety pins with the associated disadvantages and dangers.

Abstract: A belt clasp fastener device (10) for releasably engaging the free end (101) against the main body (102) of a belt (100). The device (10) includes an adjustable width unit (12) whose length may be varied to compensate for belts having different widths and a pair of releasable clasp unit (11) which are pivotally secured on the opposite ends of the adjustable width unit (12). The clasp units (11) will press the free end (101) against the main body (102) of the belt (100).

Abstract: A device is provided for improving comfort of a person seated in a motor vehicle using a safety belt assembly provided therein that includes a shoulder strap. Such device includes as essential parts (a) a suction cup that may be releasably adhered to the windshield, side window or other part of said motor vehicle, (b) a clip that may be releasably attached to a part of the shoulder strap, (c) a cord attached to one end to the suction cup and slidably looped through the clip creating a first section or cord that extends from the suction cup to the clip and a second section of cord that leads away from the clip but does not connect with the suction cup and (d) a cord jam member for manually adjusting the length of the first section of the cord.

Abstract: A lanyard made of a weavable, braided material having a loop at one end fashioned by turning the end of the lanyard braid back upon itself and the second end of the lanyard having a loop fashioned by turning the end of the lanyard back onto itself and inserting the end into the braid of the lanyard and fastening both with a common metal ferrule and further containing a metal ring held within each end loop.

Abstract: A sinusoidal plastic cord having a ring-like member at its proximate end which can be engaged by the ring or handle of an infant's mouth toy. This cord has distal end that engages a clip member which can be clipped to the clothes of an infant to anchor said combination of clip, cord and mouth toy, so that the mouth toy is retained from loss and from separation from the infant.

Abstract: An adjustable support arrangement for suspending an air brake hose from the coupler of a railway vehicle including an elongated rubber bungee and a pair of spring wire clip connectors. The rubber bunges includes a resilient circular cross-section intermediate portion and two rectangular cross-section end portions, each having a plurality of axially spaced elongated through holes. Each of the pair of spring wire clip connectors including a hook portion, which is threaded through a selected one of the elongated holes formed in the respective ends of the rubber bungee, and including a thumb-engaging loop portion for opening and closing the spring wire clip connectors and for being interlocked with the hook portion when excessive deformation occurs to either of the spring wire clip connectors.

Abstract: A strap for glasses with forms a loop about each temple bar for retention thereto. By this invention, an enlargement is defined in the outer portion of each temple bar loop, to inhibit removal of a sliding member carried on the temple bar loop from its sliding relation with the temple bar loop, so that the sliding member cannot be lost.

Abstract: A fastener for a baby's diaper is provided which comprises a generally elastic base member having at least three claw units spaced apart thereon. The base member can be resiliently extended and the claw units engaged with a cloth or fabric diaper to retain the two ends of the part thereof encircling a baby's waist in required relative positions and also to hold a portion passing between the baby's legs in position relative to the former. The claw units are specially designed to properly engage the fabric of a diaper and not to become dislodged therefrom (if properly installed) in use. The fastener obviates the use of conventional safety pins with the associated disadvantages and dangers.

Abstract: A detachable accessory device for a garment hanger has a fastening element, such as a clip, for fastening to a portion of a garment, and a flexible element for attaching the fastening element to the garment hanger such that the fastening element is movably attached to, but spaced apart from, the garment hanger. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of clips are connected to respective ends of a pair of elastic elements. The other ends of each of the elastic elements are connected to a ring which is suitable for connection to a garment hanger by, for example, placement over the body of the garment hanger hook. The clips are secured to portions of a garment to secure the garment in proper position and alignment on the hanger. The accessory device may be detachably attached to the garment hanger or, alternatively, be integrally formed with, or permanently attached to, the hanger assembly.

Abstract: A strap is provided for retaining at least one article on a rack. The strap comprises at least three spaced apart, substantially annular eyelets, and at least one elongated resilient cord. The cord serves to resiliently attach the eyelets to each other. The third eyelet can be positioned either between the first two eyelets in a substantially parallel fashion or in a fashion which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cord that fits around the cord. Second and third cords can be provided to provide an assembly which is more flexible in terms of attaching one or more breakable items to a dishwasher rack, and to minimize wear and breakage on the articles during the dishwashing process.

Abstract: A pair of strap retainers are mounted on opposite sides of a safety helmet for securing safety goggles in a storage position. An open slot is formed in each retainer thereby defining a hook about which the goggles strap is retained. The goggles along with the head strap are placed against the crown of the hard hat, and the loops defined on each side of the folded head strap are inserted into the retainer slots. The goggles are securely retained onto the helmet with the head strap following a curved path about the crown between the two retainers. Because the elastic goggles strap is retained within open slots, the goggles strap can be folded and quickly inserted into the slot for storage of the goggles, and can be quickly drawn out of the slot so that goggles can be worn independently of the helmet.

Abstract: A pair of strap retainers are mounted on opposite sides of a safety helmet for securing safety goggles in a storage position. An open slot is formed in each retainer thereby defining a hook about which the goggles strap is retained. The goggles along with the head strap are placed against the crown of the hard hat, and the loops defined on each side of the folded head strap is inserted into the retainer slots. The goggles are securely retained onto the helmet with the head strap following a curved path about the crown between the two retainers. Because the elastic goggles strap is retained within open slots, the goggles strap can be folded and quickly inserted into the slot for storage of the goggles, and can be quickly drawn out of the slot so that goggles can be worn independently of the helmet.

Abstract: A variable-length strap for removably attaching an article, such as a pacifier, to an item of a child's clothing is provided with a clip for attachment to the child's clothing. The strap may be constructed of a stretchable and elastic material, so that the length of the strap may be elongated in response to tensile forces exerted on the strap. A means for varying the base length of the strap includes a series of mating snap members disposed along the length of the strap.

Abstract: A strap is provided for retaining at least one article on a rack. The strap comprises at least three spaced apart, substantially annular eyelets, and at least one elongated resilient cord. The cord serves to resiliently attach the eyelets to each other. The third eyelet can be positioned either between the first two eyelets in a substantially parallel fashion or in a fashion which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cord that fits around the cord. Second and third cords can be provided to provide an assembly which is more flexible in terms of attaching one or more breakable items to a dishwasher rack, and to minimize wear and breakage on the articles during the dishwashing process.

Abstract: An elastic tie-down comprises as inelastic rope having enlargements thereon that are captured by an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve is shorter than the spacing between the rope enlargements. Pulling the rope ends causes the rope enlargements to bear against the sleeve ends and stretch the sleeve. The rope ends are provided with hooks. The length between the hooks is adjustable without affecting the elastic properties of the tie-down by a clip that slidably receives the standing end of one of the rope ends extending from the sleeve. The clip also secures the rope end, thereby creating an adjustable sized loop in the rope. A hook is slidably received over the rope in the loop. Sliding the clip along the rope standing end varies the size of the loop and thereby alters the length between the two hooks independently of the tension in the elastic sleeve.

Abstract: A vehicle tire chain has an openable and closable inner and outer support engaging, in a mounted state of the chain, respective inner and outer sides of a vehicle tire, a plurality of runner chains each secured to the inner and outer supports and straddling, in the mounted state of the chain, a running face of the tire. The outer support has a first part supporting the runner chains jointly with the inner support and a deflecting member secured to an end of the first part. The outer support further has a second part including a closing linkage for closing the first part under tension. The closing linkage has a first end secured to another end of the first part, a second end passed through the deflecting member and a hook secured to said second end of the closing linkage and releasably attached to the first part of the outer support in the mounted state of the chain. The closing linkage is deflected by more than 90.degree. by the deflecting member.

Abstract: A flexible tether arrangement is provided between a fluid container (10) and a cap (12) to permit free swiveling of the cap for enabling it to be screwed onto the container. A tether line (14) has one end (30) attached to the container and the other end (32') attached in a swivelable manner to the cap. The cap has a projecting boss (20) with a relatively small journal hole (28) drilled into its end and a relatively large assembly hole (26) drilled into its side so as to communicate with the assembly hole. The end of the tether line has a stop (32') thereon, made of a ball of fusion, which is positioned at the junction of the two holes. The stop is smaller than the assembly hole so that after it is formed on the free end of the tether when it projects out from the assembly hole, it can be pulled back into the assembly hole. The stop is larger than the journal hole so that after it is so pulled back, it can not be pulled out of the journal hole.

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: An elastomeric battery holddown strap is formed to include two edge brackets joined by a rectangular strip, the edge brackets having triangular gussets to increase the stiffness thereof. An insert is installed into each edge bracket for receipt of hold down fasteners tying the battery to the structure of the car, the compliant form of the rectangular joining strip allowing for any necessary alignment to accommodate all variants of battery venting.

Abstract: An open-sided housing constructed of heat insulative material is provided and includes a resilient and compressible seal strip extending about the wall portions of the housing defining the open side thereof. The central portion of the closed side of the housing opposite the open side thereof includes anchor structure and a pair of elastic tension member structures are provided and have one set of corresponding ends anchored relative to the anchor structure and include means at the other pair of corresponding ends thereof for releasable engagement with selected portions of an associated hose bib.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire chain is improved by having a resilient strap at one end, the strap being adapted to be secured on the inside wall of a mounted tire having its tread on a road surface. On both of the side wall links of the chain, there are plates having a plurality of sharply pointed hooks or barbs adapted to be pressed into the side walls of the tire when the chain is initially being secured to the tire. In order to have the barbs securely engage the tire so as to hold the chain thereon during the rotation of the wheel and tire, the resilient strap is extended transversely on the chain from adjacent one of the plates to the other and the plates are secured to the tire by pressing them against the side walls with the barbs extending toward the tire wall and toward the tread. At the same time the strap is stretched so that when it is released, the barbs will be additionally pulled into the tire by the resilient retraction of the strap.

Abstract: An elastic clamping apparatus utilizes an elongated rubber-like member, having a plurality of spaced apart notches disposed along the length of each opposed lateral surface. Imbedded within the length of the elastic member is a fabric-like reinforcement member which is not extensible from the tortuous path in which it occupies when the resilient elastic member is unstretched. When stretched, the reinforcement member and the elastic member both extend in length. The end of the elastic member are fitted with a plate having a hook-like end whose outer most surface is covered with a resilient rubber-like material.

Abstract: A band for taking up excessive waistline material of an oversized pair of slacks having no belt; the band including a short length of elastic tape having a row of parallel pins at each end thereof, the pointed ends of each row of pins pointing toward each other and a comb-like flexible plastic pad adjacent each pin row protecting a person from being stuck by the pin points.