Abstract: The invention is an assortment of apparatuses to magnetically tether a dental hygienist's hand to the utility tubes and hoses commonly found in a dental office. In a preferred embodiment, this is a ring containing a magnet which is worn by the hygienist. This tethers him or her finger to a utility hose or tube, which has a clasp that contains a reciprocal magnet. In another embodiment, the invention is a finger hold which contains a magnet that tether to the utility hose or tube via the magnetized clasp.

Abstract: A snap fit interlock for attaching a component of a luggage article may include a snap fitting connecting a luggage article component to a luggage shell, and a locking feature automatically limiting the disengagement of the snap fitting once the snap fitting is engaged. The snap fitting may engage and move the locking feature as the snap fitting is moved in an insertion direction during attachment of the luggage article component to the luggage shell. The locking feature may disengage from the snap fitting when the snap fitting engages the luggage shell. A portion of the locking feature may be automatically positioned between the snap fitting and the luggage article component to limit disconnection of the snap fitting once engaged.

Abstract: A hook or eye tape comprising a body including a backing member; a connector arranged on the body and the connector has a first part; and a main seamless connection formed between the first part of the connector and a corresponding portion of the backing member to secure the connector at a desired position on the body; and the method of making the same.

Abstract: This buckle for a fixation system of a strap to a camera includes a plate and a means for attaching the plate to a strap, the plate including a first hole, a second hole and a protrusion located between the first and second holes. A button may be received in the second hole only by inserting it in the first hole and then moving it from the first hole into the second hole, and removed from the buckle only by moving it from the second hole into the first hole and then removing it from the first hole. The plate further includes a slit extending from the second hole towards an outer edge of the plate.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus configured to provide a quick and efficient technique to operably connect bamboo poles or similar structural members. The present invention includes a first portion and a second portion that are operably integrated to provide coupling of structural members. The first portion includes a first section and a second section wherein the first section is insertable into the second section and is configured to be releasably secured therein. The first section includes grooves that are configured to operable coupled with a locking member located in the second section. Within the scope of the present invention alternate embodiments of the grooves and first section are contemplated. The second portion includes two embodiments wherein the two embodiments are configured to provide alternate orientations of coupling of bamboo poles. The second portion is configured to provide both an end-to-end connection as well as an angular orientation of bamboo poles.

Abstract: A component useable with one or more tube comprises a body engageable with one or more external surface recesses of the one or more tubes. The component has a pair of jaws extending from the body for gripping an item. The component is configured, such that, in use, in a first orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is movable along a length of the tube(s); and, in a second orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is resistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).

Abstract: An automatically braking belay device for use in belaying climber or descending with a rope, using the pull of the rope to activate braking by the roll of the cam within the frame of the device. An adaptive release lever unjam the rope to release with closing mechanism utilizing magnets for practically permanent and fail safe closure.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a releasable fastener having two portions that slide together to affix two portions of an article. For example, the two portions may include an elongated rail that slides into an elongated slot or tube.

Abstract: Folding buckle clasp (1) designed to be attached to two bracelet strands or to a one-piece bracelet at two locations on the latter, comprising: —a first clasp element (3); —a second clasp element (7) hinged to said first element (3) via a hinge (9); —a locking system designed to keep said clasp in a folded-up state and to make it possible to put said clasp into an unfolded state in response to an action by a user; the locking system having —a spring-loaded pin (19) comprising a tubular body (19a) and at least one retractable stud (25) protruding axially from the tubular body (19a), said retractable stud (25) being subjected to a return force (F) that tends to keep said retractable stud (25) in an extended position, said pin (19) being situated in said first clasp element (3); —a cover (11) that is fastened to said second clasp element (7) and comprises at least one opening (27) having a shape corresponding to the retractable stud (25), said opening (27) being made in an inner face (11a) of the cover (11) and

Abstract: A fastening system is provided herein. The fastening system employs at least one linking member and a retaining member configured to be fastened to one another. The fastening system permits guided fastening and unfastening of the linking and retaining members. Embodiments also include a quick-release mechanism that permits rapid coupling and uncoupling of the linking member and retaining member. Certain embodiments employ multiple, interconnected linking members that can be configured to be packed flat into a single linear plane. Embodiments are equipped with an attachment mechanism that enables an article's existing fastener to benefit from the fastening system disclosed herein.

Abstract: A simple two-piece easily and inexpensively manufactured cord tightening device and method thereof, the device comprising: a base, cylindrical in form with walls, an interior bottom having ridges, a hollow central column, and a protrusion in the walls with an opening, the protrusion; and a handle, fashioned in the shape of a spool, with a top flange with at least one hole therein, central cylindrical cavity, and bottom flange with ridges on the bottom. The cord tightening device wherein the central cylindrical cavity of the handle fits onto the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise threading in the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise a screw. The cord tightening device may further comprise a spring washer. The cord tightening device may further comprise at least two holes in the top flange of the handle.

Abstract: A sheet fastener includes a first fastening member having a long size and a second fastening member having a long size. The first fastening member includes: a first main body portion including a secured surface; a first engagement portion; a plurality of first slit portions formed along an intersecting direction; and a first continuous portion continuous along a longitudinal direction. The second fastening member includes: a second main body portion including a secured surface; a second engagement portion; a plurality of second slit portions formed along an intersecting direction; and a second continuous portion continuous along a longitudinal direction. By using the sheet fastener according to the present invention, the sheet edge portion, which is curved, of the second sheet member can be easily and smoothly fastened with the sheet edge portion, which is curved, of the first sheet member.

Abstract: An earpod holder for a configurable garment can include a button portion having a button surface that is connected to a button guide surface. The button guide surface can include a button aperture that can pass through the button guide surface and a button retention slot that can be formed on the button guide surface. The earpod holder further can include a body portion having sidewalls that can surround a body portion void that can be configured to accept the button guide surface. The body portion can include a front body portion aperture that passes through a front side of the sidewalls into the body portion void and a rear body aperture that can pass through a rear side of the sidewalls into the body portion void. The earpod holder further can include a sleeve retainer that can be configured to engage a sleeve that can hold an earpod.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a case unit including a receiving space, a spool located within the receiving space and configured for a lace to be wound therearound, and a knob covering on the case unit. The knob includes a main body and an outer annular portion surrounding the main body. The main body includes a top portion, and the top portion is made of a composite material. The outer annular portion is made of a metal material. A rotation of the knob drives the spool to rotate in a tightening direction for tensioning the lace.

Abstract: A quad anchor can have a first attachment loop and a second attachment loop. Each of the first and second attachment loops are operable to connect to an anchor point. The quad anchor can also include an intermediate loop disposed between the first attachment loop and the second attachment loop and joined to the first attachment loop and the second attachment loop. The intermediate loop is operable to connect to a load to be supported by the quad anchor.

Abstract: A securing device for securing an elongate article includes a rotatable clamping member and a support arrangement for supporting the clamping member. The clamping member is rotatably mounted on the support arrangement. The securing device defines a pathway for the elongate article. The clamping member is rotatably movable into the pathway. The support arrangement further includes an urging formation for urging the clamping member into a clamping position in said pathway.

Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.

Abstract: A lacing system is provided including a length of string, each string divided into a center region and a plurality of equal length regions. Each equal length region is designated by a color, pattern or indicia. The center region has a length equal to a distance between a bottom-most pair of left-side and right-side eyelets, the equal length regions each have a length equal to a diagonal distance between a left-side eyelet and a right-side eyelet. End lengths of each lace measure half the remainder of each lace remaining from the total length of the lace minus the summation of the center region plus the equal length regions. Each equal length region has a different color, pattern or indicia from its adjacent equal length region. Each of the end lengths has a different color, pattern or indicia from the equal length regions that is immediately adjacent to the end length.

Abstract: The Belt Ratcheting Device with Hidden Blade-III (HB-III) facilitates unidirectional belt fastening and fast release. The HB-III includes a turning gate rotatably installed diagonally in a channel. The turning gate has a hidden sharp blade front which operates on the lower belt surface avoiding visible scratches. The turning gate is connected to a lever by a spring. The HB-III has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active state the device works as a belt ratchet i.e. allowing the belt to be pulled forwards but restricting any belt motion backwards. In the inactive state the ratcheting is disabled and the belt is released. The HB-III is controlled by the lever's position. After fastening, the belt remains fastened until the HB-III is switched manually into inactive state by moving the lever. The blade's smooth side and channel's smooth surfaces minimize belt wear.

Abstract: A button system containing two pieces that snap and lock together to fasten multiple articles of clothing. The top piece is made of three distinct parts: a detachable ridged color-coded cover, a fastener that attaches said cover to a rotatable hinged plate, and a fastener that secures all three pieces of the top piece. The bottom piece is also made up of three distinct parts: a plate to receive the hinges from the top piece, a curved structure that connects the hinge/cavity plates to the article of clothing, and a rivet that attaches to the article of clothing and the snap and lock invention.