Abstract: A rigid structure is provided for engaging the ends of ropes preferably closed on themselves. The structure includes a plate having a groove at its perimeter; a first and a second through holes in the plate; a first and a second engaging holes in the plate for housing first and second ends of a rope. The first and second engaging holes are oriented at an angle less than or equal to 90.degree. relative to the perimeter groove in the plate.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle having a buckle frame and a pivotal latching member mounted therein includes an improved actuating system which locks the latching member and which assists in ejecting a tongue plate from the frame when the latch mechanism is in its open position. The actuating system includes a stirrup-like linkage including a cylindrical ejector member joined at each end to a pair of pivotally mounted arms. A locking cylinder also extends between the arms. A generally U-shaped retainer includes flat plate-like walls which are pinned to the pair of arms. The ejector member making up the central portion of the stirrup is mounted for sliding reciprocation in a slider member which is attached thereto with a snap-lock action. The slider member includes a sliding tail which reciprocates back and forth in the buckle frame.