Abstract: A reflective lace, such as a shoelace, used for night visibility, and a method of manufacture, is provided by affixing a flexible reflective attachment near the end portion thereof. Preferably, the reflective attachment comprises a thermoplastic tube with a reflective outer coating which is drawn over the end portion of the lace and heat-fused to the outside surface of the lace near the end portion. The article and method of manufacture provides a reflective lace which includes the desirable characteristics of a standard lace and which eliminates unused reflective material present in past designs.

Abstract: A device for retaining a visored cap upon a wearer's head under high wind conditions includes a strap member and a pair of clamp members that directly engage the strap member and a portion of a visor on a cap. The direct coupling between the strap member and the visor on the cap, which is maintained by the clamp members, is particularly advantageous for maintaining a cap in a desired position on a wearer's head under high wind conditions. The retaining device of this invention also includes an adjustment member that allows a wearer to vary the effective length of the strap member to ensure a snug fit. Each of the clamp members and the adjustment member include a housing having a cavity and an opening formed therein, a pin member slidable in the cavity and having an opening formed therein and a spring to bias the pin member thereby clamping the strap member in the openings.

Abstract: A one-handed closure and release mechanism for selectively shortening the dimension of an item utilizing frictional engagement of a stretchable elastic cord member and a restrictive guide structure having at least two openings. In various embodiments the elastic cord member may either be secured inside a channel or fixed within an object or garment or may have two free ends extending out of the closure mechanism. The one-handed closure mechanism operates by use of the exertion of force on the one or more free ends of the stretchable elastic cord member which results in the relative proportion of the stretchable elastic cord member inside the closure mechanism being reduced which, upon release of the tension, has the effect of causing the crushing of the object to reduce the length of the channel through which the elastic cord member extends inside of the restrictive mechanism.

Abstract: A shoelace tightening device which is an elongated, flat rigid plastic body with passages or holes in each end running parallel to the flat plane. The first passage is located near one end. The other passage is more elongated and located near the opposite end. The device is used by loosely threading the shoelaces through the passages, tying the ends of the shoelaces in a secure knot, pulling the shoe lacer up and away from the foot, rotating the top end of the shoe lacer up and over until the shoe lacer has been rotated 180 degrees, and centering the shoe lacer over the remaining laces. This effectively tightens the laces by increasing the distance the lace must travel. This allows a user to secure or release his/her foot from the shoe without tying or untying the lace.

Abstract: There is described a winch lock assembly which serves to cinch a sack and its contents closed, thereby locking said contents inside said sack, and at the same time, containing the cinch cord within the winch lock assembly. The winch lock includes a crank assembly, to hand-wind the cinch cord on a shaft inside said winch lock body. When said cinch cord is adequately wound up in order to close the cinch sack, additional force may be applied to said cord with the thumb and index finger of the hand, without said cord unwinding between said torque strokes, due to the clutch-breaking effect of the wound-up cord inside said winch lock body. The crank handle is pivotally mounted on a crank assembly, so as to be folded into crank assembly, thereby locking the crank assembly to said winch lock body.This is accomplished by a locking surface on the crank handle that moves into slots cut into the winch lock body when said handle is folded into the crank assembly.

Abstract: A quick adjusting shoe lacing system. The system has a cinch plate having eyelets which are spaced apart to about the same distance as eyelets formed in the lacing area of the shoe. The shoe laces are laced through the cinch plate eyelets along with the eyelets in the lacing area of the shoe. A strap, fixably attached at a lower end to the shoe and loopable at an upper end through a slot in the cinch plate is used to adjustably pull the cinch plate and the shoe laces looped through its eyelets downwardly and thus increase the shoe lace tension. Alternatively, a latching buckle linked to the cinch place via a wire loop can be used to affect changes in lace tension. These changes in lace tension can be affected even after the shoe laces are laced and tied up, offering the ability to make quick and fine adjustments to shoe laces.

Abstract: The annular fastening device comprises a male attachment element (2) of moulded plastic material, a female attachment element (3) of moulded plastic material, and a flexible strap (4) which is attached at a first end to the male attachment element (2) and at a second end to the female attachment element (3).A seat cover includes a hem which is peripheral to an opening for introducing the cover onto a seat, together with a fastening device, the strap (4) of which is inserted through the said hem.In accordance with a method of securing the cover to the seat, a cover is used, which is slid over the seat and which is stretched over the seat cushion of the seat by means of the annular fastening device (1).

Abstract: A draw-cord assembly comprises a draw-out which is extensible from a retracted condition to an extended condition and restraining means, secured in the cord. The cord and restraining means are such that the cord is retained in its retracted condition by the restraining means until the means is rendered ineffective, whereupon the cord is permanently extended from its retracted condition. The restraining means retain the cord in its retracted condition provided that the lengthwise load exceeding a certain minimum load is not exceeded, but extended by application of a greater load.

Abstract: A fastening conversion system is provided for a shoe having a throat with a set of spaced apart eyelets on each side of the throat, which consists of a closure member. A device is for securing the closure member to the first set of the spaced apart eyelets. A first portion of a releasing retainer is affixed to the closure member. A second portion of the releasing retainer is also provided. An apparatus is for securing the second portion of the releasing retainer to the second set of the spaced apart eyelets. When the closure member is placed in a closed position over the throat of the shoe, the first portion of the releasing retainer will engage with the second portion of the releasing retainer, to help keep the shoe on a foot of a person wearing the shoe.

Abstract: A boot having an external sole on which is mounted an upper open towards to the front, to enable passage of the foot and including to this end, an internal and an external quarter connected to each other by a closure system which includes a flexible link along a predetermined alternative path, a series of return elements located in a fixed manner on each side of the quarters in the vicinity of their respective edges located across from each other and defining a lacing zone, such that when an action is exerted on the two free ends (A, B) of the slack ends of the flexible link via traction members, such members tighten quarters, via return elements, so as to bring them closer to one another and consequently ensure internal retention of the foot, wherein the lacing zone can be broken down into three tightening sectors, i.e.

Abstract: A shoe fastening device is arranged such that a protruding member disposed integrally on one of an upper cover and a band member is inserted into a receiving portion provided on the other of the upper cover and the band member to connect the band member and the upper cover, thereby fastening the upper cover through the band member. The shoe fastening device allows an optimum fastening condition to be simply obtained for the wearer with quickness.

Abstract: A strapping device includes a base and a handle pivotally coupled together by two shafts, and a ratchet wheel engaged on the shafts and rotated in concert with the shafts. Each of the shafts includes a flange formed on one end and an aperture formed in the other end for receiving a pin; and each of the shafts includes a hollow interior and includes two edge portions extended inward of the hollow interior, whereby, the shafts have high strength and low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A slip resistant shoe lace and a method to make same. A slip resistant shoe lace is provided by weaving strands having a conventional frictional coefficient with at least one strand having a higher frictional coefficiency, where the high-friction strands do not extend beyond the outer perimeter of the lace. The high-friction strands can be made by impregnating conventional strands with friction-enhancing substances such as resin or rubber, by using a unitary strand made of material such as rubber or soft plastic, or by using strands with grooves or serrations formed on its outside surface.

Abstract: A shoe lacing apparatus includes an elongate housing having a pull rod structure directed therethrough, with the pull rod in operative association with lateral hook members, with each hook member directed into a shoe lace opening of an associated shoe, whereupon tensioning of the pull rod and latching within the elongate housing effects the rapid lacing of the shoe structure.

Abstract: A fastener device for use with shoes of the type having eyelets therein is disclosed which is a simple, inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing substitute for shoe laces. The improved fasteners of the present invention each include a segment of elastic tubing connected between pairs of opposing eyelets through which elastic tubing urges the two flaps of the shoes together in a manner allowing both easy installation of the shoes and comfortable wearing of the shoes without removing the fasteners. The fasteners include mounting apparatus which allows for simple installation into the eyelets through the use of mating fasteners which snap together in removable but sturdy fashion.

Abstract: A buckle assembly is disclosed for use in fastening opposite ends of a strap, belt, suspender and the like, which buckle assembly comprises a plug member, a socket member engageable therewith and a tension control means adapted to reciprocate the plug member back and forth through the socket member for a predetermined distance in response to tensile forces applied to the straps. A tension adjusting means is further provided to adjust the compressive tension of the tension control means to a desired extent.

Abstract: A load tie-down and arrangement for securing loads onto vehicles, particularly non-uniform and abrasive loads such as logs onto log-hauling trailers, and for enhancing the safety with which such loads can be transported. The tie-down includes a high abrasion resistant webbing capable of being attached at one end to the vehicle and at the other to a winching mechanism. The winching mechanism easily accommodates excess webbing for small load situations and is capable of being easily and quickly tightened or retightened during transport to offset any slack in the webbing which may have been created due to load shifting or settling. A modified tie-down can be used to encircle the load without attachment to the vehicle for increased security.

Abstract: A tool for winding and unwinding for a line-strainer, which has a housing to enclose and secure the strainer during winding and unwinding and provides a mechanism for applying an approximately directed transverse load to the line, such as wire, during the winding or unwinding modes to direct the wire onto or off the strainer hub.

Abstract: In this rotary closure according to the invention for a sports shoe a traction cable arrangement for drawing together the shoe closure flaps can be wound onto and unwound from a rotatable cable pulley. The traction cable arrangement consists of one single traction cable, and coaxially with the cable pulley a stop element is provided and rotatably mounted in such a way that the cable pulley can carry out a maximum of up to approximately two revolutions in one direction of rotation. In this way a particularly compact rotary closure is produced with reliable security against over-rotation of the cable pulley.

Abstract: A shoe lace arrangement having a fastener (10), goes from a hole attachment (22) on one flap of the shoe to a groove (12) on lever (11) on the opposite flap. The lever rotates an oblong pin (27) inside a stationary oblong aperture (26). In the lever closed position, the pointed portion of oblong pin (27) becomes engaged in the oblong portion of aperture (26) locking the lever in its closed position. Upward pull on the lever dislodges the aperture (26) from its locked position. The lace is disengaged from grove 12 to widely open the shoe frontal opening (18).

Abstract: A device and method for shortening a cable or line includes a winding mem having a winding surface for forming one or more transverse windings of an otherwise longitudinally oriented cable or line. The device includes elements located on the winding surface for redirecting the cable or line from its original longitudinal orientation to a transverse winding orientation. There may further be included an element for preventing the cable or line windings from overlapping one another.

Abstract: A ratchet tie down structure is shown that is designed to hold heavy objects in place on a transport vehicle such as a flat bed trailer, a car carrier, a railroad car and the like. The mechanism includes a base element attached to the transport vehicle that has pair of cooperating elements having interfitting ratchet teeth and a latch that permit a shaft to be turned in one direction to tighten a flexible holding element attached to the object with the latch holding the tension therein until the ratchet teeth on the two elements are disengaged. The structure includes a driving connection by which the shaft may be rotated in one direction to wind a tension in the flexible holding element and the latch being selectively operative to disengage one of the elements with the ratchet teeth from the other in order to release the tension in the flexible holding means when the heavy object is to be unloaded.

Abstract: A laced shoe includes an upper having a pair of adjacent rows of laterally opposed eyelets. A lace is looped across each opposed pair of eyelets, upon the top of the shoe upper, to form a series of parallel horizontal stretches. A lace is vertically interwoven, in a basket-weave fashion, between the horizontal lace stretches such that a substantially co-extensive mass of horizontal and vertical stretches is formed to provide a lace enclosure offering a fastener of enhanced firmness. Alternatively, two separate laces or a longer single lace may be used to provide the horizontal and vertical stretches, with the distal portions of the single or dual laces being tied together following the formation of the interwoven mass. In the case of two separate laces, the respective ends may alternatively be tied into separate knots at the top and bottom of the lace enclosure. By forming the horizontal and vertical stretches from lace segments of disparate composition or colors, unique personalization is obtainable.

Abstract: The shank of the clamping device is connected to the actuating element via a freewheel and is supported on the cover via a counteracting further freewheel. Located on the shank fixedly in the terms of rotation and displacement is the first coupling part which interacts with a second coupling part mounted at a fixed location. The latter is connected to the winding-up element for the clamping cables via a bevel gear. Formed on the actuating element is a slot-shaped groove which slides along the fixed guide pin during the pivoting of the actuating element. For tensioning the clamping cables, the actuating element is pivoted in such a way that the groove part is located at the guide pine. The shank is thereby lifted into the upper clamping position and the coupling is closed. During the pivoting of the actuating element to and fro, the clamping cables are wound onto the winding-up element.

Abstract: Fastening and adjusting device, particularly usable in ski boots comprising a winder for at least one traction element. The peculiarity of the device consists in the fact that a skier accessible knob is associated with said winder and has a first seat for a temporary locking element for locking to a body associated to said boot. Both the knob and the winder respectively have a second and third seats for a releasing element, for releasing said knob and body, and for a resilient member.

Abstract: A U-shaped body portion has an attaching end for a cable or hitch connection and an opposite open end for receiving a strap to be connected to the body portion. In a first embodiment the body portion includes a pair of anchor bars arranged to receive a doubled back and looped end of a strap arranged to pinch the strap when a pulling tension is applied to the strap. A removable pin is mounted in the body portion and disposed between the anchor bars and the attaching end for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap. In another embodiment, one of the anchor bars is a removable pin in a structure that functions efficiently as a connector for both Nylon and metal straps. In addition to serving as a lifting connection for straps, the connector hereof can serve as a connector for a towing strap.

Abstract: A securing device for shoes includes a lace which co-operates with a shoe's eyelets, and first and second tab members secured to opposite end portions of the lace. The device may alternatively include a plurality of lace segments. The tab members include hook and loop-type strips which co-operate to releasably secure the two members together in any one of various adjusted positions.

Abstract: A U-shaped body portion has an attaching end for a cable or hitch connection and an opposite open end for receiving a strap to be connected to the body portion. The body portion includes a pair of anchor bars arranged to receive a doubled back and looped end of a strap arranged to pinch the strap when a pulling tension is applied to the strap. A removable pin is mounted in the body portion and disposed between the anchor bars and the attaching end for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap.

Abstract: A securing and adjustment device, particularly for ski boots, includes a case having a knob which can be actuated by the skier, and at least one spool, provided with an axial toothing, for winding at least one cable. The device further includes a resilient planar element which is associated, at one end, with the case and is arranged on a plane which is approximately parallel to the plane of arrangement of the axial toothing. The planar element has an angled wing which ratchet-like engages the axial toothing of the winding spool. A release means, such as an axially arranged button, is furthermore provided on the knob and interacts with the planar element so as to disengage its wing from the axial toothing of the spool.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for a tubular member, open-ended container or glove. A channel member coupled to the portion to be closed forms a channel of an opened length corresponding to a distance around the portion to be closed. The channel has a cross-sectional area and terminates with one or two closely spaced openings having an opening cross-sectional area. A stretchable cord is present within the channel and extends outward beyond at least one of the openings. The stretchable cord has an unstretched cross-sectional area and a stretched cross-sectional area. The unstretched cross-sectional area is larger than the stretched cross-sectional area and the opening cross-sectional area. By pulling on the portion of the stretchable cord extending out of the opening or openings, the stetchable cord takes on the stretched cross-sectional area at least proximate the opening or openings.

Abstract: A sliding strap for lifting loads wherein a strap is connected to a shackle providing a hook engaging loop and the strap at one end is fed into a rotatable assembly provided with two juxtaposed carrying pins spaced to provide a passage therebetween, and a receiving pin. The carrying pins passage permits the strap to pass therethrough. The receiving pin is aligned with this passage to allow the strap to loop around the receiving pin and pass through the passage. Rotation of the assembly serves to wrap the doubled strap around the three pins. Flanges are provided fixed to the rotatable assembly. A series of holes are provided in the flanges and in the shackle to permit the insertion of a locking pin when a pair of flange holes are aligned with a pair of the shackle holes.

Abstract: This comprises a lightweight support for books and magazines comprising a baseboard which seats on the lap of the user or other substantially horizontal surface, and a book plate which is adjustable to a desired angular position relative to the baseboard. A particular feature is a tensioning mechanism for holding the pages in place which comprises a line anchored between an adjustable spool at one end and a detachable elastically-biased hook at the other end, which functions to hold the center of the reading material relatively perpendicular to the reader's line of sight.

Abstract: A process and a device for holding a flexible plastic liner within a rigid or semi-rigid waste or storage container.The device or apparatus includes a split or divided shaft 30 which is attached to a ratchet wheel 104, which is controlled by a worm gear 102. Worm gear 102 is capable of moving the ratchet wheel both forwards and backwards and holding the wheel stationary. The worm gear is attached to or is a formed part of the shaft 111 which is further attached to a key or handle 100, that when rotated, turns the shaft 111, the ratchet wheel 104, and the split or divided shaft 30. The worm gear 102, the shaft 111, and the ratchet wheel 104 are housed in a split housing with top part 98 and bottom part 99. The housing 98-99, contains an attachment strap holder 46 through which the attachment strap 44 passes, thereby, attaching the device to the attachment strap 44. The attachment strap 44 is further hooked over the top edge 110 of the container 108, thereby, attaching the device to the container.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole; an upper with a pair of first slits and a pair of second slits; a lace; an adhering band set having a number of pins formed on corresponding ends; a first cover element which is combinable with the shoe through the pair of first slits, the first cover element including a first strap having two first limbs with first wedge-shaped ends, a number of first eyelets for receiving the lace, a number of elongated slots which correspond to the number of pins of the adhering band set for receiving the adhering band set; and a second cover element which is combinable with the shoe through the pair of second slits, the second cover element including a second strap having two second limbs with second wedge-shaped ends, a number of second eyelets for receiving the lace, and a number of pin holes which correspond to the number of pins of the adhering band set for receiving and engaging with pins formed on the end of the adhering band set.

Abstract: A stand for holding a cut tree in an upright position includes a bowl for receiving the cut end of the tree trunk such that it rests on the base wall of the bowl. Three legs are equally spaced apart from each other around the perimeter of the bowl and are integrally formed at their distal ends with the side wall of the bowl. Each leg has a foot located proximate its distal end for contacting the floor of the facility in which the tree is to be erected such that the only portion of the stand in contact with the facility floor are the soles of the feet. The tree is maintained in the upright position by guys interconnecting the tree trunk to the legs proximate the distal ends of the legs. The stand also includes a device for adjusting the length of the guys so that adjustments can be easily made and the tree will be plumb.

Abstract: The shoe construction generally includes a closure component having a set of interleaved, opposed stretchable fingers, and a stretchable cord securing the ends of the fingers together. The fingers are composed of stretchable material to grip the foot in a yieldable manner. Such a shoe construction and closure component is comfortable, due to the stretchable cord and fingers which expand during walking or running. Moreover, the resilient and stretchable closure component of the present invention, at the same time, aslo fits snugly against the upper contours of the foot to provide a new form of comfortable support. At the same time, in some forms of the novel construction of the present invention, it can be slipped on or off the foot, without undoing, or otherwise altering the closure component.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching to a bumper of a motor vehicle comprises a pair of clamp members which can be releasably secured to the bumper; a pair of stanchions, with each stanchion being attached to a respective clamp member to extend in a substantially vertical position adjacent to the front of a bumper on which the clamp members are engaged; and a generally rectangular base platform whose length is such that the base platform can be positioned substantially horizontally between the stanchions, with attachment means being provided at each of the opposite, longitudinal ends of the base platform for releasably attaching the base platform to the respective stanchions at selectable positions along the lengths of the respective stanchions.

Abstract: An improved coupling for connecting an arresting pendant and the woven tape utilized in an aircraft arresting system is provided. The coupling consists of an elongated hollow body having at least one open end and a longitudinal slot which extends into its hollow interior. A mounting bracket for connection of the coupling to the arresting system pendant is attached to the side of the coupling body which is opposite from the slot. The tape from the arresting system is wrapped between and around a plurality of clamping bars and is then inserted through an open end of the coupling body with the connected end of the tape extending through the longitudinal slot. The clamping bars are sized and shaped to substantially fill the interior of the coupling body and to grip to the tape which is wrapped then around.

Abstract: A strap tie down device combining the winch-pulley effect comprising an elongated rigid frame made up of a base and two spaced parallel side plates attached perpendicular to opposite sides of said base, at both ends of the frame a set of at least two transverse extending connecting rods joined to both sides of the plate members, the connecting rods being separated from each other by sufficient distance to permit a looping of the strap between the rods, the loops are capable of being held in placed by adding a removable rod under the loop, and a winch-type strap tightening apparatus attached to the side plate members between the inner connecting rods at both ends of the frame, and a device for rotating the winch-type strap tightening apparatus so as to tighten any strap placed in the strap adjusting device, and a device for holding the tightening apparatus to prevent unwinding.

Abstract: A connector body portion has opposite ends and a hollow interior. A cross bar in the housing is arranged to receive a looped end of a strap thereover comprising free and lifting end portions and arranged to pinch the free end portion between it and the lifting end portion by a lift force on the latter. A releasable anchor in the body portion is arranged for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap for holding the latter in a secured position on the body portion and for release from the body portion to release the strap.

Abstract: The device comprises a lever, pivotally coupled at its upper end to a ski boot rear quarter, adapted for entraining a cable. The cable is arranged for interconnecting the front and rear quarters of a ski boot in two separate zones, spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal extension of the quarters.

Abstract: A ski boot having a foot receiving casing and a leg portion, as well as a pressure distribution plate which is disposed between casing and an inner boot portion inserted in the casing, and which plate is provided with a device which presses the pressure distribution plate towards the instep region. The pressure distribution plate is under the influence of a device which presses the plate against the instep of the foot, so that the plate abuts substantially the entire instep and is pulled towards the heel of the foot.

Abstract: The device of the clevis type for handling materials, notably lifting or hauling operations, comprises two clevis branches connected by at least two stems which have non aligned parallel axes and at least one of which is slit longitudinally, a flat flexible tie in the form of a strap having one at least of its ends secured against motion by friction on the slit stem with the strap penetrating the associated slot and being lockingly wound on the slit stem, and means being provided for locking said slit stem in rotation about its axis.

Abstract: A circular disk having a tool actuable projection on one face and a threaded stud projecting from the other face. A slit formed in the threaded stud that cooperates with a threaded receiving tool held disk. The threaded stud is placed over a line with the line fitting into the slot. The threaded disk is then screwed over the threaded stud to confine the wire within the slot. A plurality of matched and aligned openings in both disks concentrically located near the outer diameters of the disks through which pins, bolts or cotter pins can be inserted after the disks are rotated relative to one another to wind the wire about the bolt during a tightening operation, thereby not permitting the tightened wound wire from unwinding from the formed coil.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot (1), the rod of which has a front collar (4) and a rear cap (5) arranged about a common axis (6), and the foot accommodating shell (2) of which houses, in its interior, a tarsal support casing (12). The collar (5) and the cap (6), on the one hand, and the casing (12), on the other hand, are respectively kept in position pressing against a skier's leg and against the kick portion of his foot, with a flexible brace (112) cooperating with an element (26) exerting traction by winding, allowing a phase of rapid approach, then a phase for the adjustment of the pressure applied to the skier's foot and leg.

Abstract: A downhill ski boot (1), the upper (3) of which has a front collar (4) and a rear cap (5) placed mutually around an axis (6). The collar (4) and the cap (5) are kept in a position pressing against the skier's leg by tension on a cable (8) which is anchored by one end on the collar (4) or the cap (5) and on its other end on means (19) which allow traction to be applied to it by winding under the action of the elastic solicitation means for the reel in a direction winding up the flexible cable (8) and under the action of manual pulling means (81) allowing additional windup for adjustment of the pressure applied to the skier's leg. This arrangement permits a precise adaptation of the upper (3) of the boot for any leg conformation.

Abstract: A fence wire tightener includes an elongated body; a post on one end of the body extending outwardly in one direction perpendicular to the body, with a slot in the outer free end of the post for receiving a wire to be tightened; and a handle on the other end of the body extending outwardly therefrom in a direction opposite to the post and perpendicular to the body, whereby, when a wire is inserted into the slot the handle can be used to rotate the body and post around the axis of the post to wind the wire around the outer free end of the post.

Abstract: A manual two part automobile seat belt tightener which conveniently assembles and disassembles to permit intermediate attachment to a seat belt without the need to pass any of the seat belt buckle parts through the tightening mechanism. The tightener mechanism includes a non-circular bifurcated pin or reel and a complimentary non-circular aperture in the tightener frame to assure that the pin or reel cannot be rotated until the pin or reel is fully inserted in the frame. In particular, in attaching the tightener to an intermediate portion of an automobile seat belt, the tightener ratcheting mechanism cannot be rotated unless the bifurcated pin or reel is fully inserted into the ratcheting mechanism. An additional advantage to the new tightener is the significantly simple and sturdy construction that can make use of a conventional hexagonal ratchet wrench mechanism in the novel combination.

Abstract: A clasping device which has a main assembly including a body, and a lever connected by means of links. A first hook is connected with the body, while a second hook is connected with the lever by means of a strap. The strap can be tightened and loosened by rotating the lever between the release and tightening positions. The body has a claw member for temporarily holding the tightened strap. Therefore, by utilizing the claw member, the lever can be repeatedly operated in order to increasingly tighten the strap.