Abstract: A fastener for selectively clamping a zipper cord which includes a base portion having a U-shaped channel therein and a movable locking arm selectively movable from an unlocked to a locked position. The locking arm is provided with a securing protrusion for securing a zipper cord disposed in the U-shaped channel and is sized and adapted so that the locking arm is urged or biased into the locked position as the zipper cord is pulled away from the base portion.

Abstract: A modular attachment system for an object holding/displaying system comprises a base module that engages a cord and an attachment module that engages an attachment device used to hold/display an object. Various types of attachment modules may be used with a single base module, thus allowing substitution and flexibility in providing appropriate systems for various situations. The base module and attachment module are releasably connected to facilitate easy substitution. Various attachment devices may be used with the attachment module. The base module may also include a safety release system to allow the cord to disengage in the presence of a strong force. The attachment system may be made from molded plastic.

Abstract: A tension fastener for securing elongated implements to a backpack or other device. The fastener comprises a base that has a bar for attaching it to a strap, a hook disposed on the top surface of the base near one of its ends, and two parallel channels for adjustably receiving and securing a cord. The fastener also comprises a cover having a bar mounted across one end and an aperture extending through its sides on the other end. There is a cord threaded through the aperture in the cover and secured in the receiving and securing means in the base to connect the cover to the base. An implement is secured to the fastener by placing the implement on the top surface of the base, placing the cover over the implement, sliding the bar of the cover over the hook on the base, and tightening the cord until the desired tension is achieved. This fastener is easily operated using only one hand and securely keeps the implement attached to the backpack.

Abstract: A loadable cord lock comprising an outer telescoping member and an inner telescoping member slidable within the outer telescoping member, each telescoping member having an aperture extending therethrough. The inner and outer members are biased against each other so that the apertures are not aligned, to pinch a cord threaded through the apertures. There is at least one leg having an L-shaped free end attached to the inner telescoping member and extending into the interior cavity of the outer telescoping member. There is at least one leg retainer located within the outer telescoping member to lock the inner telescoping member into first and second locking positions. In the first locking position, the apertures on the inner and outer telescoping members are aligned for feeding a cord therethrough, and in the second locking position, the apertures are not aligned to pinch the cord.

Abstract: A plug and socket-type buckle assembly in which the plug portion comprises a base and a flexible plate integrally formed therewith. There is at least one aperture in the plate. A locking lug extends across the free end of the bottom of the plate and protrudes below the flat surfaces of the plate. The socket portion comprises a top part and a bottom part integrally formed therewith to define a cavity for receiving the plug portion. The top part has a flexible release button integrally formed therewith, with a downwardly projecting tip. There is at least one projecting ledge disposed on the inside surface of the top part for engaging the aperture when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. A flexible tongue is integrally formed with the bottom part and has means for engaging the locking lug when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. Downward pressure on the release button when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion disengages the aperture from the projecting ledge.

Abstract: A composite buckle comprising a metal male portion that is attachable to a strap and an insertion plate having two flat surfaces, and a female portion for receiving the male portion. The female portion comprises a metal locking body that is attachable to a strap and at least two locking legs adapted to releasably lock with the insertion plate of the male portion. The male portion is inserted between the two locking legs which engage the plate on opposite surfaces of the plate. There is a plastic housing surrounding at least a portion of the metal locking body. The housing has a flexible arm adapted to separate the locking legs and release the metal locking body from the male portion. The buckle according to the invention combines the strength of a metal buckle with the light weight and attractiveness of a plastic buckle, to form a composite buckle that is suitable for a variety of uses.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably clamping cords which includes a housing having a bore therein and a movable locking arm selectively movable from an unlocked to a locked position. The housing and the locking arm are provided with securing protrusions for securing a cord disposed in the bore and are arranged so that as the cord is pulled away from the housing the locking arm is urged or biased into the locked position.

Abstract: A strap retainer comprising a flexible elongated body having two planar sides and two free ends adapted for closure on to each other. A locking pawl is integrally formed with one free end and comprises a post and a head section having two locking legs. A receptacle for the locking pawl is integrally formed with the other free end. The receptacle has top and bottom surfaces that are parallel to the planar sides of the body. There is a cavity in the top surface of the receptacle, having an enlarged section and a narrow section extending through the free end of the receptacle. There are two apertures on either side of the narrow section that extend toward the free end. Inserting the locking pawl into the cavity and sliding it toward the free end of the receptacle causes the legs to snap into the apertures and lock the locking pawl into the receptacle, to permanently close the strap retainer.

Abstract: A strap divider for diverging a pair of straps which are disposed one on top of the other into a Y configuration which may be used for the chin straps of a bicycle helmet. The strap divider includes a main body which receives the pair of straps therethrough, and a rotatable clamping member which can be rotated from a position where the straps are clamped in place to an open position where the straps may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the rotatable member includes a cam around its circumference which cooperates with a projection in the main body for adjusting the clamping member between the open position and the locked position as the clamping member is rotated.

Abstract: An attacher for restraining straps or belts of a restraining system has a belt member with a rounded shape which engages a loop of a restraining belt or strap, a surrounding member and interconnection means to enclose the strap attacher around an anchoring member, for example, of a shopping cart. The belt and surrounding members include cavities therethrough, such that cracks which may develop in these members will be limited, thus preventing catastrophic failure of the strap attacher.

Abstract: A clip, for example attachable to both a refreshment tube of a reservoir-based hydration system and to, for example, an article of clothing. The tube clip includes a tube attachment section to attach the tube clip to the refreshment tube, and a clip section and locking arm to releasably attach the tube clip to the article of clothing. A person engaged in an activity may thus affix the refreshment tube to a location on clothing by engaging the locking area while a portion of the clothing fabric is within a clipping area. The location of attachment on clothing can be selected to provide easy, quick, or "no-hands" access to the refreshment tube. The clip may be formed from molded plastic.

Abstract: A fastener for selectively clamping a zipper cord which includes a base portion having a U-shaped channel therein and a movable locking arm selectively movable from an unlocked to a locked position. The locking arm is provided with a securing protrusion for securing a zipper cord disposed in the U-shaped channel and is sized and adapted so that the locking arm is urged or biased into the locked position as the zipper cord is pulled away from the base portion.

Abstract: A modular attachment system for an object holding system or object displaying system that comprises a base section that engages a cord and an attachment section that secures the object to be held or displayed. The cord may be worn by a person such that the object, for example, an identification badge, key ring, and so forth, is held and/or displayed. Various types of attachment sections may be used with a single base section, thus allowing substitution and flexibility in providing appropriate systems for various situations. The attachment system may be made from molded plastic in a lightweight, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing manner.