Abstract: Lanyard having at least one belaying strap connected with a swivel connection which comprises two assembly parts able to rotate with respect to one another with a relative rotational movement. The two assembly parts of tubular shape are engaged coaxially in one another, the first outer part having a larger diameter than that of the second inner part. At least one of the parts is provided with a slot or hole for fitting securing means designed to secure the two parts in rotation in the engaged state. Applications: safety and securing lanyards for via ferrata, caving, mountaineering.

Abstract: A swivel comprises a first body component and a second body component with an interconnection assembly for interconnecting the first and second body components and to allow mutual rotation of the first and second components about a swivel axis. The swivel further includes a rotation limiting arrangement which, in a release condition, allows free mutual rotation of the first and second body components and in a first or a second locking condition restricts mutual rotation of the first and second body components. A user control is operable to selectively cause the rotation limiting arrangement to adopt one of a locking condition and the release condition. In the first locking condition, the rotation limiting arrangement prevents mutual rotation of the first and the second body components and in the second locking condition, the rotation limiting arrangement, allows limited mutual rotation of the first and second body components by less than 360°.

Abstract: Lanyard having at least one belaying strap connected with a swivel connection which comprises two assembly parts able to rotate with respect to one another with a relative rotational movement. The two assembly parts of tubular shape are engaged coaxially in one another, the first outer part having a larger diameter than that of the second inner part. At least one of the parts is provided with a slot or hole for fitting securing means designed to secure the two parts in rotation in the engaged state. Applications: safety and securing lanyards for via ferrata, caving, mountaineering.

Abstract: An earplug container is combined with a reusable clip such as a snap bolt fastener and the clip is rigidly attached to a wall of the container, for example by an E-clip or by integral molding. The resulting clip-on earplug container provides a secure and compact earplug case for attachment to the exterior of clothing of an active user such as a lumberjack or tree trimmer. Other exemplary embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a first coupling part to one toy component and a second coupling part connected to another toy component. The two coupling parts are connected to one another along a connecting axis to be rotated relative to one another thereabout. One of the coupling parts is a receiving coupling part having a locking guide receiving portion, which has a locking receiver extending in the peripheral direction about the connecting axis through more than 180°. The other coupling part is an insert coupling part having at least two insert guide portions axially spaced apart from one another along the connecting axis and guided radially in the receiving coupling part. A first insert guide portion is received to lock in the locking guide receiving portion of the receiving coupling part. A second insert guide portion is guided in a second guide receiving portion of the receiving coupling part.

Abstract: A stud end link comprises a main body having first and second openings and a swivel ball bushing. The first opening and swivel ball each have truncated spherical surfaces to allow the swivel ball to be seated within the first opening, while permitting the swivel ball to pivot a limited amount about a lateral axis within the first opening. The first opening includes a slot to facilitate installation and removal of the swivel ball. In some implementations, the swivel ball includes a tab which matingly fits within the slot to prevent rotation of the swivel ball about an axis perpendicular to the main body.

Abstract: A shackle assembly has a body that includes a first side member with a first side aperture, a second side member with a second side aperture, and at least one end portion extending between and connecting the first side member and the second side member. At least one of the apertures defines an annular recess. A pin has a first end portion received in the first side aperture, a second end portion received in the second side aperture, and a pin body extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least one end portion of the pin defines an annular groove corresponding to the annular recess(es). A retaining ring with a pair of open ends is seated in the annular groove and extends radially into the corresponding annular recess, thereby preventing the pin from being removed from the body.

Abstract: A swivel D-ring attachment point. A first attachment portion has a first closed aperture defining a circular ring portion that extends over a first circumferential range of at least 180 degrees of arc that is symmetrically disposed relative to an axis. A second attachment portion has a second closed aperture. The first and second attachment portions are joined together so as to permit freely swivelling one of the attachment portions relative to the other around the axis. The second aperture has a shape that is substantially different from the shape of the first aperture, for connecting to substantially different articles.

Abstract: A load-receiving apparatus is provided in the form of a hook block of a lifting gear, and includes a hook having a shaft and a circumferential groove in which an annular retaining element engages. The annular retaining element is supported on a supporting surface of a suspension element of the load-receiving apparatus. The annular retaining element has the form of a sleeve, which expands starting from the shaft and continuing in the direction of the supporting surface. In order to create a secure load-receiving apparatus, the annular retaining element is designed in the form of a conical sleeve or a truncated cone, and has an exterior outer surface, an interior outer surface due to the sleeve's conical shape, an upper annular top surface, and a lower annular base surface.

Abstract: A leash assembly designed to attach at least one waste holding device, such as a plastic bag, in such a manner that the plastic bag is able to swivel about and not get tangled as the dog moves from side to side. This eliminates the need of the person walking the dog to constantly move the leash from one hand to the other hand in order to prevent the waste bag from getting tangled. In other words, as the dog move in different directions the waste bag holding device is able to adjust its' position by swiveling about the device attached to the leash allowing the walker to have their hands free. The swivel can also be adapted to hold other items such as keys, extra bags for dog cleanup and hand wipes. All of these items would also be able to swivel about the device.

Abstract: A mooring chain connector assembly for a floating device), such as for example a FPSO vessel or a floating offshore structure, is described, the connector assembly comprising a chain connector having a first pivot axis and a coupler for coupling a mooring chain to the chain connector. The assembly further comprises a channel assembly attached to the floating device. The channel assembly have an upper end and a lower end, wherein mooring chain locking device is provided at the upper end of the channel assembly. The channel assembly extends in the floating device from its bottom side to a higher level in the floating device which can be located above sea surface. A bearing location for the first pivot axis of the chain connector is provided at the lower end of the channel assembly.

Abstract: A device for fastening emergency equipment to a vessel includes a hydrostatic release mechanism, a tether, and a float-free link. The tether is attached to the hydrostatic release mechanism and provides an attachment point for lashing the emergency equipment to the vessel. The tether may also be threaded through openings in the curved partially tubular body of the float-free link. A breakable bridge is integrally coupled to the body of the float-free link to form a closed loop. The breakable bridge is designed to be the break point when the emergency equipment needs to be freed from a vessel that has sunk below a predetermined depth. When the vessel sinks below the predetermined depth, the hydrostatic release mechanism severs the tether thus freeing the emergency equipment from one point of attachment to the vessel. The bridge is designed to break when the strain on the fastening line, e.g., the painter line, is between a predetermined minimum force and maximum force.

Abstract: A device for fastening emergency equipment to a vessel includes a hydrostatic release mechanism, a tether, and a float-free link. The tether is attached to the hydrostatic release mechanism and provides an attachment point for lashing the emergency equipment to the vessel. The tether may also be threaded through openings in the curved partially tubular body of the float-free link. A breakable bridge is integrally coupled to the body of the float-free link to form a closed loop. The breakable bridge is designed to be the break point when the emergency equipment needs to be freed from a vessel that has sunk below a predetermined depth. When the vessel sinks below the predetermined depth, the hydrostatic release mechanism severs the tether thus freeing the emergency equipment from one point of attachment to the vessel. The bridge is designed to break when the strain on the fastening line, e.g., the painter line, is between a predetermined minimum force and maximum force.

Abstract: A chain has chain links (110) having basically spherical geometry (116) and four flattened surfaces (118) equally distributed in the circumferential direction. A chamber (120) is formed in the chain links (110) in which a connecting member (112) is retained. A back side of the chain links (110) is furnished with a spherical joint surface (124). The connecting member (112) has on its side remote from the said joint surface (124) a head (150) which is furnished with a concave joint surface (162) which runs spaced apart from the outer surface of the chain link (110) and interacts with a complementarily convex joint surface (143) which is carried by the adjacent chain link (110) in the interior of the chamber (120).

Abstract: A nunchaku includes a joint pin for connecting a baton of the nunchaku to a chain. The joint pin includes a front section for extending through a bearing mounted inside the baton to project from an inner end of the baton to connect to the chain, and a circular flange provided at a rear end of the joint pin to abut against an inner side of the bearing. The flange of the joint pin has an outer diameter larger than an inner bore of the bearing and therefore effectively prevents the whole joint pin and accordingly the chain from separating from the baton even when the steel balls of the bearing are badly worn off and fail to engage with the joint pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (15) which consists of an anchor connection component (16) and a chain connection component (17). Said anchor connection component (16) is provided at its one end with a location fork (21) for the anchor. Said chain connection component (17) is provided at its one end with a fork part (41) for accommodating a chain link. One screw bolt (25, 46) each penetrates the limbs (23, 24) of the location fork and the limbs (44, 45) of the fork part (41). Said screw bolt is fixed with its head in the one limb and with its screw shaft (28, 47) in the other limb and is secured by an attachment screw (48) if required. The anchor connection component (16) and the chain connection component (17) are linked with one another via a ball-and-socket joint (19). One component is provided with a ball (38) and the other component with a socket (34) with an opening (37) leading to the location fork (21).

Abstract: A swivel includes two heads rotatably mounted to one another with a bearing arrangement including at least two angular contact bearings arranged to receive a tension loading, and one angular contact bearing arranged in an opposite direction to receive a compression loading. The swivel is attachable, such as with a clevis, to underground drilling equipment for use in pulling a cable or conduit during a widening operation. A calcium-based grease lubricates the bearings. Periodic flushing with calcium-based grease is through a grease zerk and two single lip seals. A separate center pin for mounting the inner races of the bearings is threadably mounted to one of the heads, wherein an unthreaded portion of the shaft is positioned in a counterbore in the head.

Abstract: A connector for attaching equipment to an underwater cable includes a cylindrical race having a plurality of sections pivotably connected by a hinge. The sections can pivot about the hinge to enable the race to be opened and detached from the cable. The hinge includes a plurality of sockets and a hinge pin received in the sockets. The hinge pin can preferably be retracted from the sockets to unlock the hinge and inserted into the sockets to lock the hinge. A retaining member may be provided to prevent the hinge pin from falling out of the sockets when the hinge pin is retracted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leader or line used for fishing. The leader or line, which may be a monofilament line, has a threaded portion on one end thereof that allows it to be attached to a threaded connector attached to a separate line. The leader of this invention is especially suitable for providing a quick and easy attachment or a monofilament tapered or non tapered leader to a fly line. Also disclosed is a connector that is used to connect the end of the fly line to the threaded end of the leader.

Abstract: A swivel for coupling a fishing lure to a fishing line comprises a body rotatable about an axis and having one end accommodated in a cavity of a housing. A journal within the housing encircles the body and has latching fingers which extend radially outward of the axis into latching engagement with keepers on the housing. The journal confronts a retainer having projections which are operable in response to the application of tensile force on the swivel to resist movement of the latching fingers in a direction to release them from the keepers.

Abstract: A swivel utilizing multiple angular contact bearings arranged in such a manner as to provide preloading for two-directional axial and radial thrust stability. This bearing arrangement of angular contact ball bearings applied to swivels adds capabilities of compression and side loading. The boring operations for which the present invention is primarily intended commonly take place in a pressurized environment of liquid and dirt slurry, thereby making sealing of the bearing cavity critical to the exclusion of foreign material which would damage the bearings. The rigidity of the assembly provided by the preloaded bearings creates critical stability in the seal area. The swivel provides the capability for bi-directional axial load support, radial load support, and a sealed inner bearing structure for both passive swivel and power driven swivel products. A particular load capacity is obtained through application of counterpoised arrangements of particular sizes of angular contact ball bearings.

Abstract: A swivel hardware assembly which includes a bail having a base with an opening therethrough. A shank, terminating in a head, passes through the opening to form a pivotal connection between the bail and the shank. The first thrust washer is juxtaposed between the head and the base. A second thrust washer is juxtaposed between the head and the base. Each thrust washer has at least one surface covered with a self lubricating material, the self lubricating surfaces mating with each other to form a bearing surface.

Abstract: A marine mooring swivel fitting for connection into a mooring line is a generally dumbbell-shaped element having a relatively slender elongate neck with outward enlargements at the opposite ends of the neck respectively and a mooring line attachment on at least one end of the element. In use the attachment may connect the fitting in the mooring line, the slender elongate neck being adapted laterally to receive swivelly therearound one or more conventional shackles. Such a shackle, depending on whether the swivel is at the upper or lower end of the mooring line, may be secured to a pendant made fast to a marine craft on the surface or secured to an anchoring device. The enlargements, larger than the opening in the shackle, serve to limit the longitudinal movement of the shackle on the element without limiting rotational movement of the shackle around the element.

Abstract: A roller chain for a paper infeed device of a web-fed rotary printing machine utilizes a plurality of fork shaped butt straps which are arranged in sequential inverted order. Fork ends of adjacent butt straps are carried by a roller axle bolt. Base portions of adjacent butt straps are connected by a hinge pin.

Abstract: A suspended decoration ornament, comprising a chain of several decorative members. The decorative members are reflecting members and are connected with a thin cord so as to permit free rotation of each member relative to the others.

Abstract: A self defense baton comprises a handle portion which includes a central portion and a housing member connected to one end of the central portion. A flashlight portion is connected to the other end of the central portion. At least one telescoping member is slidably disposed within the housing member. The telescoping member is spring loaded and retained within the housing member by a releasable latch. A ring is rotatably attached to the handle portion. To use, the handle portion is grasped with a finger of the grasping hand being inserted through the ring. The releasable latch is activated by the thumb of the grasping hand. A spring, disposed within the housing member, causes the telescoping member to slide out of the housing member thereby expanding the baton. The rotatably attached ring enables rapid manipulation of the baton without risking accidental loss of the baton during these manipulations. The ring may also double as a key ring without loss of maneuverability of the baton.

Abstract: A lifting hook assembly has a hook member with a tapered shank portion. Surrounding the tapered shank portion is a plurality of wedge members which are retained orthogonally in position by a toroidal member and axially in position by a cap. A housing surrounds the toroidal member and provides for attachment of the lifting hook assembly to a chain, rope or the like.

Abstract: An industrial or heavy duty type swivel used to make connection between load receiving and hoisting devices with relative rotation therebetween, is assembled with minimal machined parts and includes an upper connector having a receiving cavity for a lower connector which has pre-assembled thereon, prior to interconnection within the cavity, a thrust washer or thrust bearing assembly which interconnects by a splined or bayonet type connection.

Abstract: A small, strong swivel coupling includes a spindle connectable to a pulling device, the spindle having a reduced diameter, axially extending central core which is threaded to receive a thrust nut and a lock nut. At the other end of the coupling, an end cap is connected to an axially extending sleeve which has an inwardly protruding flange. The flange and thrust nut form oppositely facing surfaces which are separated from each other by a low-friction washer preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The coupling can withstand large axial forces and still rotate to relieve torques which might damage a cable being pulled.

Abstract: A pair of knuckles each including a base element and a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extending lugs on the base element. The lugs on each knuckle are pivoted in a pair of lugs secured to the frame of one of the leading and trailing equipment units, the two knuckles being positioned on relatively transversely positioned axes. The knuckles are interconnected by a longitudinal pin extending through the base elements, the longitudinal pin being dimensioned to enable longitudinal play between the knuckles, and relative angular movement therebetween.

Abstract: An environmental impervious swivel which provides a low friction bearing surface while retarding the ingress of any environmental contaminants. One bearing surface is formed typically polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The connecting members may be eyes, threaded shafts or any other fastener type desired. The swivel is constructed of two major components, namely a cylinder connected by a shank to a connecting member, and a piston connected by another shank to another connecting member. The swivel is assembled by placing a (PTFE) split bushing over the piston shank, inserting the piston into the cylinder and rolling over the open end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A trunnion assembly to interconnect the shank of a hook to a block, like a pulley block, includes trunnion pins that are assembled through the inner bore of a trunnion body and moved outward to extend from the bore into depending side plates of the block assembly and thus rotatably support the trunnion body and lock the pins in place.

Abstract: A universal joint for connecting ropes for use in fishing. Two U-rods connect two ropes together. The two U-rods are supported by a spindle so as to be rotatable relative to each other. At least one of the two U-rods is supported oscillatably by the spindle via a pin mounted detachably in a direction usually perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spindle. When the connected two adjacent ropes are about to be twisted relative to each other, the two U-rods make relative rotation, absorbing possible twists. When the connected rope is bent, the U-rod swings to prevent the occurrence of excessive stress ascribable to the bend. The spindle or pin is provided with a retaining means for preventing the pin from slipping off.

Abstract: An energy absorbing chain which can be used as a "one shot" safety chain to absorb sudden impacts or short term tensional forces is disclosed. According to the invention, the safety chain is made of a metal having high ductility such that the chain will tend to deform, stretch, and/or deflect rather than break. According to a preferred embodiment, the chain may include links such as links (36), (38), (40) and (42) each of which includes a twist of 90.degree. to increase the amount of available deformation. In the preferred embodiment, link (36) and (40) include a twist in a first direction such as a clockwise direction whereas links (38) and (42) which alternate with links (36) and (40) include a 90.degree. twist in the opposite or counterclockwise direction. Thus upon receiving or being subjected to such tensional forces, the links can deform as shown by links (58), (60) and (62) as they absorb energy for a short period of time.

Abstract: A ball bearing swivel comprises a substantially bowl-shaped casing member having first connection means in its closed end, and a stud member having second connection means in that one of its ends which faces away from the casing member. The stud member is journalled in the bowl-shaped housing member by means of a ball or roller bearing. For eliminating the risk of accidents through one of the wires or the like to which the swivel is connected, if the other wire or the like which is connected to the swivel should get into contact with an electrical overhead line or another possibly high-tensioned object, the ball bearing swivel also comprises an electrically insulating insert by means of which the bowl-shaped casing member of the ball bearing swivel is electrically insulated from the stud member.

Abstract: A novel swivel locking device is described comprising a swivel portion having a means for joining two members wherein at least one of said members includes two portions extending to form part of a loop, a detachable loop portion having two ends that fit together with said extending portions of said swivel member to form a closed loop, a rod member extending through holes in said extending portions and detachable loop portion to join said extending portions of the swivel with said detachable loop portion, and a fastening means for securing the position of said rod with respect to the extending portions and the detachable loop portion.

Abstract: Low-height reversible ratchet tie-down winch for flat decked vehicles. The tie-down winches are adjustably mounted in retainer channels extending along each side of the deck of the vehicle. Each winch is rotatably mounted between the top and bottom walls of its base and tension of the tie-down chain is maintained by a pawl and ratchet. The winch block has a chain pocket to lock a horizontal link of the chain to the chain pocket and a recessed portion engaging a next adjacent vertical link of the chain. The ratchet has a cooperating pocket engageable with a next adjacent vertical link of the chain and completing the chain pocket in the winch block. The chain may be trained through one end or the other of the base for the winch.

Abstract: A band of spring material is folded upon itself to form a closed triangle with the ends of the band overlapping on one side of the triangle to form a normally closed but openable passageway into and out of the triangle, another side of the triangle having a hole therethrough in which a swivel pin can turn, the swivel pin being connected to a normally closed but openable hook element for receiving a fishing accessory.

Abstract: The shank of an eye fastener forming a fishing line connector is relatively rotatably mounted in one or more circular bearing loops of the bearing portion of a bent wire structure forming a fishing lure connector. From one end of the bearing portion extends an approximately U-shaped or V-shaped lure connection portion which terminates in a keeper bend. From the other end of the bearing portion a closure portion extends across the open end of the U-shaped or V-shaped portion and terminates in a latch bend which releasably interlocks with the keeper bend.

Abstract: A swivel having a socket, an eye element formed in a bifurcated manner and in retention of a terminal tool such as a hook element, and the socket forged with a clearance closure in retention of the eye element whereby the eye is free to turn and limitedly pivot but is restrained from removal from the socket. The socket is formed as a part of a chain binder or the like and is useable on either of or both the clevis and bar ends of such binders.

Abstract: A fastening device for connecting a tension member to an object, whereby a force can be applied to the object in any direction within a hemisphere centered about the point of attachment to the surface of the object. The swivel shackle comprises a shoulder bolt which is adapted to be attached to the object and has a cylindrical portion of larger diameter than the base portion which is attached to the object, as by threads. A unitary load ring comprises a body portion having a circular bored opening adapted to rotate on the cylindrical portion on the bolt. The load ring has two oppositely directed shafts extending from the body portion. A Y-shaped pivot assembly is provided which has an opening in each of the arms of the Y, which are adapted to fit over and rotate about the shaft extension on the load ring. The leg of the Y has an opening, to which a shackle can be attached, by passing the pin of the shackle through the opening in the leg of the Y.