Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible line fastener device for securely holding flexible lines to stationary objects such as poles and the like, in particular. This device comprises an elongated plate-like base contoured to fit securely about a pole as such; a grommet disposed on a front surface of the base near a top end thereof for anchoring flexible lines removably fastened to the device; a plurality of elongated cleats longitudinally integral to the base and arranged at acute angles to the axes of the base and each having a V-shaped end to effectively grip a flexible line wound through and about the cleats; and a clasp member disposed near the top end of the base to effectively secure the flexible line in the cleats.

Abstract: A rope clamp has a base and a pair of caps hingedly connected to opposite sides of the base. A longitudinally extending, rope-receiving groove is formed in each side of the base, and a similar groove is formed in each cap so that a pair of longitudinally extending, rope-receiving cylindrical bores are formed between the base and caps when the caps are closed. Upstanding spikes are positioned in each groove so that a rope in a bore is engaged by the spikes in the groove formed in the base when the caps are opened, and is further engaged by the spikes in the caps when the caps are closed. Each cap is independently hingedly mounted to the base so that one cap may be open when the other cap is closed. A catch member is secured to the base, and has teeth formed in free ends that extend in opposite directions relative to the base. Complementally formed teeth are formed in an outer surface of each cap, and these teeth engage one another when the caps are closed.

Abstract: A generally elongate fitting has, at a distal end, a hook for hooking an external object, and, at a proximal end, an eye and a cleat for attaching a rope. An eye hook with an eye at its proximal end, a hook at its distal end, and a connecting shank between the hook and the eye is formed integrally with a modified cleat that has both (i) a pair of projecting arms and (ii) a projecting arm. The pair of projecting arms extends proximally from the region of the eye so as to form a "V" channel between them. The projecting arm extends distally from the region of the eye at an incline to the shank so as to form another "V" channel. Both channels are suitable to compressively engage a rope that is forcibly wedged within such channel. A rope slipped through the eye is pulled taught against the eye, and not against either channel, until, a desired tension in the rope having been achieved, the rope is easily, while still held taut, angled into that channel of the cleat which is formed between the two projecting arms.

Abstract: Rope Fastening Device including a generally flat member having a rope passage slot formed therethrough. The end portions of the device is shaped into rope attachment posts which are utilized to loop portions of the rope thereabout.

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 generally elongate fitting has a distal-end region for affixing an external object, a mid-region eye, and a proximal-end region for attaching a rope. In one embodiment, the distal-end and middle regions are configured as an eye hook having an eye at its proximal end, a hook at its distal end, and a connecting shank between the hook and the eye. In another embodiment, the distal-end region is configured as a base member bolt-mounted to the external object, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the base member, and an arm pivotally mounted to the rotating member, forming thereby a swivel joint. In this embodiment the mid-region's eye is integrally within the arm. In both embodiments the distal- and mid-regions are formed integrally with a proximal-end region defining one or more "V" channels. In one embodiment "V" channels are formed as a modified cleat having both (i) a pair of projecting arms and (ii) one or more additional projecting arms.

Abstract: An adjustable rope lock including a body of material having converging passageways extending therethrough with the passageways terminating at one edge of the body in a joined, merged passageway and terminating at an opposite edge of the body in spaced relation with the rope being threaded through the passageways with the two ends of the rope extending outwardly from the merged passageway at one edge of the body. The merged passageway from which the free ends of the rope extend is generally elliptical in shape although the specific configuration can vary with the ropes being positioned one above the other with one rope supporting a load and forming a taut rope segment. The other rope is the adjustable rope and forms a pull rope segment which may be pulled freely to take up slack, maintain or increase tension.

Abstract: A cord lock device for binding to a cord including a substantially flexible cord lock member having a predetermined length, width and thickness and first and second longitudinal ends and an aperture extending through the cord lock member proximate the first end of the cord lock member, the aperture having a predetermined configuration selected with respect to the cord lock member, the position of the aperture with respect to the first end of the cord lock member, the flexibility of the cord lock member and the particular dimensions and material of the cord so that after threading of a portion of the cord through the aperture, the aperture, the cord lock member and the cord cooperate to provide an engagement force between the cord lock member and the cord sufficient to restrict movement of the cord through the aperture.

Abstract: A preferably palm-sized cleat which is generally oval in shape defines a passageway for a line to pass completely through the body of the cleat. The body of the cleat has mutually resilient sides which bias internal structure in the body into a locked mode in which the line is gripped by the internal structure and will not slide through the passage way. When the sides of the body are squeezed together, the line is freed and will move freely in either direction through the passageway.

Abstract: A knotless fishing device which can be connected at an adjusted position along a fishing line without forming a knot or threading the line through the body of the device. The device has a spreader wire for connecting a pair of lures such that they will not tangle either with the body or the neighboring lure.

Abstract: A metallic clip, to fasten two ends of latex surgical tubing under tension when used as a ligation element especially as in the castration of animals, provides a cylindrical tubular element defining an axially aligned slit through its periphery, with each side portion adjacent the slit defining angulated slots extending spacedly inwardly from a first end of the clip in a diverging fashion, to receive tubing ends. The clip defines an outwardly extending alignment protuberance inwardly from the second end of the clip in a position diametrically opposed to the peripheral slit. For use two latex surgical tubes are passed through the clip channel and one end portion of the tube is inserted in each slot. After tensioning the tubing, the clip is mechanically deformed, preferably by a tool created for such purpose, to bend each body portion between the slot and the slit inwardly to fasten each adjacent tube portion between that clip portion and the opposite side wall of the clip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a tarp in which a planar clip having an elongate opening is placed on one side of the tarp. The opening has a wide end and a narrow end. A first portion of the opening has substantially straight edges which taper towards one another. The wide end is formed in the first portion. A second portion of the opening has substantially straight edges which are substantially parallel to one another. A button having a base, a neck and a head engages the clip with a tarp therebetween thereby securing the clip to the tarp. An elastic cord is connected to a hook at one end thereof which is connected to a structural member. The other end of the elastic cord is stretched and connected to the clip at a selected location on the cord thereby securing the tarp.

Abstract: A flexible strand holder is formed by an elongated base having a pair of arms projecting laterally from respective end portions of the base. Cooperating arms of each pair of arms project laterally from the base in diverging relation such that a flexible strand wound around the cooperating arms at each side of the base, normally retain the strand thereon when the base is disposed in an upright position, but which allows the strand to unwind by gravity when the base is supported with its longitudinal axis horizontal. When the flexible strand unwinds from the arms at one side of the base the unwinding action continues when the holder is angularly rotated 180.degree. about its longitudinal axis in a direction releasing the cross-over winding of the strand from one side of the holder to the other.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a clamp with a hasp for fastening a cord or rope. The fastening means is a hinged component of the clamp which folds upon itself and is provided with locking means to maitain it in the folded position.

Abstract: A releasable fastening element for tying, bundling and fastening articles having at least one head element, including a longitudinally extending shaft with a leg extending from one end thereof to form a hook for engaging the material to be bound. The fastening element includes an elastic strap which is connected to the other end of the shaft. The elastic strap has locking elements placed at predetermined points along its length for individually and removably connecting the strap to a locking member. The locking member, which is located on the shaft, is formed by two oppositely aligned insertion grooves which are arranged parallel and adjacent to the shaft. The locking elements, which are wider than the grooves, are restricted from passing through the locking device, thus forming a loop in the strap for engaging the material to be bound. The locking member can also be formed as a sleeve with open ends mounted on the shaft parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A cord retaining device is used for retaining at least one cord of an appliance therein to shorten lateral length. The cord retaining device comprises an elongated body shaped in a spiral form, and at least one groove formed in the elongated body. At least one cord of an appliance is situated and retained in the groove.

Abstract: A rope fastener includes a body having a pair of parallel apertures slidably receiving two adjacent rope segments defining a loop. The fastener further includes an abutment lug disposed in line with the longitudinal axis of the body. The abutment lug has a first portion extending generally vertically from a second end of the top surface of the body and a generally planar second portion which is connected to the first portion and which extends toward a first end of the body. The first portion may include lateral grooves which receive the loop. The abutment lug is engaged by the loop by folding over the rope to form an attachment loop.

Abstract: A device for use in tying down an object with respect to a fixed reference point is disclosed which has one end fastened to an object such as a tree or a pole, and the other end fastened to a fixed stake or other immovable reference point, with the length of the tie down being adjustable to allow it to be pulled tight between the object and the reference point and quickly and easily secured to act as a support retaining the object in position with respect to the reference point. The tie down of the present invention has a handle which may be pulled to tighten the tie down once it is properly positioned, thereby making the tightening operation both convenient and easy, and allowing greater tension to be placed in the tie down of the present invention without requiring greater effort to do so. The tie down utilizes a locking process which is both easy and simple to accomplish by a single person, and once secured, the tie down will remain solidly locked.

Abstract: A body portion is attachable to powered lifting mechanism and has an anchor projection arranged to be engaged by an end loop of a strap formed by a doubled back portion of the strap. Abutments are provided on the body portion that are offset from the anchor projection to provide a reeved engagement by the doubled back strap such that a load end of the strap is arranged to pinch a free end against an abutment by a lifting force on the load to secure the strap non-slidably in the connector. The anchor projection and abutments are disposed at the front surface of the body portion for simple edge loading movement of the strap. The connector can be used to form a simple loop type of support or it can form a choker type of loop.

Abstract: A bait line is secured to a main line above a sinker attached to the end of a main line during fishing by a rod having a cylindrical outer surface and opposite tapered ends. A main line bore extends from each rod end through the rod and out through a bore side opening in the cylindrical outer surface opposite from the other bore side opening. Each main line bore allows substantially unrestrained passage of the main line. Each bore side opening is closer to the rod end through which the associated bore extends than to the other rod end so that when the main line is placed through the bores, it extends between the two bore side openings in the same general direction as the main line travels through the bores. the main line wraps around the cylindrical outer surface of the rod. An auxiliary channel extends transversely through an intermediate portion of the rod and has oppositely disposed channel side openings positioned closer to one rod end than to the other rod end.

Abstract: A portable cleat including a primary connector element having a principal axis and opposed ends and a secondary connector element attached to the primary connector element at at least one of the ends, said secondary connector element having angularly disposed arms.

Abstract: A new fastener to attach a line to a hook. A knob shaped device is tied to the end of the line and it is snapped tight into the eye of the hook, thus providing the fastening connection. It functions by sliding the line through an opening in the structure forming the eye of the hook and then by pulling the line to snap the retaining knob into the eye. The knob provides both a stop to the sliding of the line within the eye and a connection to the hook.

Abstract: A boat latching device for securing the hull of a boat to a trailer having a bow stop bar includes a latch-catch member having a recess for receiving the bow stop bar, the latch-catch member being mounted onto the hull of the boat. The latching device also includes an overcenter pawl member having a plurality of cam surfaces which cooperate with a resilient spring. The resilient spring holds the pawl member in a locking position in which the bow stop bar is retained within the recess and in an unlocking position for permitting the release of the bow stop bar from the recess.

Abstract: A chalking string retainer for holding one end of a chalking string at the edge or corner of a surface to be marked with the string. The retainer comprises a plate with a bracket shaped in the form of a V depending from the plate. There is a first hole near the apex of the V through which the string passes and at which the string is knotted and there is a second hole on said plate through which the string also passes for pulling.

Abstract: An improved cord tie device is provided for use in wrapping and storing a coiled electrical power cord or the like. The cord tie device has a substantially unitary construction to include an elongated tie strap having a plurality of resilient strap segments interconnected by a plurality of enlarged and relatively stiff locking disks at spaced intervals along the strap length, and a slotted head forming a lock clasp at one end of the tie strap. The strap is adapted to loop snugly about a coiled electrical cord or the like, with one of the locking disks seated within and engaging the slotted head to retain the electrical cord in a neat stored configuration.

Abstract: A rope-tying device is disclosed which facilitates convenient and efficient formation of a loop in the free end portion of a rope. Economical fabrication and efficient use of the device is facilitated by its configuration as a unitary, generally cylindrical tubular body formed from a single piece of material. The tubular defines a pair of diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending slots, with the body including a pair of annular end body portions, and a pair of diametrically opposed side body portions extending between the end body portions. For loop-formation, the free end portion of a rope is inserted through the device, and a half-loop displaced laterally through one of the slots. The free end of the rope is thereafter inserted through the half-loop, with tension exerted to complete loop-formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for securing an article to a ground surface using an elongated stake having a sharp first end of a body portion for driving into a ground surface and a blunt second end for receiving a driving force and transferring it to the body portion. A rope extends from the article and forms a loop at its free end. The loop is drawn through a ring-shaped outrigger pivotably mounted to the body portion of the stake. After passing through the ring-shaped outrigger, the eye of the loop is passed over the blunt second end of the body portion of the stake. The rope is made taut by pulling the free end of the rope so as to enlarge the loop, thereby taking up slack in the portion of the rope spanning the article and stake.

Abstract: A knotless cordage coupler for releasably securing a pair of cord ends to one another. The coupler in one construction comprises a planar member including a pair of rope end receiving apertures formed along a longitudinal axis of the member. A plurality of staggered wedging notches extend inward along the peripheral edges of the coupler to receive a wrapped cord end and maintain the rope ends in secured parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis. In another construction, a tubular body includes opposite wedging notches and an open flange for receiving the tag end.

Abstract: A cable retainer or bundling hook for use in retaining cables used in logging and, more particularly, for securing bundles of logs. The retainer is mounted on a cable to which ferrules are attached, one at one end. A first shoulder in a first passageway securely holds the end ferrule of the cable in a press fit. A second passageway substantially parallel to the first passageway has a sidewise and inclined located opening or recess which allows insertion of the cable having a further ferrule. The further ferrule is held in the second passageway by a second ferrule retaining shoulder.

Abstract: A honda breakaway for attaching to a rope to form a lariat comprises an elongated unitary member of lightweight flexible material having substantially cylindrical end portions that are open and slit longitudinally. One end portion of the breakaway has a wide tapered slit for releasably receiving a distal end of the rope. The other end portion of the breakaway has a narrow slit for retaining a portion of the rope that is removed a selected length from the free end. The received end of the rope, the selected length of the rope, the retained portion of the rope and the unitary member define the honda which is used to form the lariat. After an object has been lassoed, an application of a sufficient force from a hand held end of the rope, opposite the distal end, pulls the distal end from the breakaway to disconnect the honda and the lariat and enable retrieval of the rope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cable fitting for insertion in a protective enclosure. The fitting includes a plurality of cable channels and is constructed of a first staging portion for attachment to the electrical enclosure and a second portion which incorporates strain relief features with gripping teeth for clamping the cable. The fitting is designed for use with one or two cables. In use, it is installed in the enclosure to the staging position depth, the cables are inserted through the fitting via the cable channels into the box to the desired position for clamping, and the fitting is driven to the installed position to lock the fitting to the box and the cable within the fitting. The fitting may also be fully inserted and the cables installed thereafter.

Abstract: A device for securing a loop in a line comprising an elongated body with an opening at each end joined by an internal passageway, and a notch in the body which extends perpendicularly from one end of the device and tapers in width to a convergence point in the body.

Abstract: A device for fastening a line to an object, such as a mooring post or the like is of unitary construction having a bore therethrough through which a loop in the line is threaded. The device includes a cylindrical barrel portion which is adapted to be griped by user's hand, and a hub portion provided with a passageway through which one end of the line is threaded and knotted in order to secure the line to the device. The hub provides a shoulder against which the user's hand may bear to exert a force on the device in order to create slack in the loop to permit removal thereof from the anchoring object.

Abstract: A quick connect adjusting loop for a cargo tie-down rope comprises a body of substantially rigid, high strength material having a first portion forming a loop through which a loop of a tie-down rope extends and a second portion forming slip lock adjacent the loop for releasably gripping the rope.

Abstract: A retainer for an electrical appliance cord comprises a buckle through which a bight of the cord may be passed, and a hook located above the buckle. The hook includes a cross bar aligned with the major axis of the buckle opening and a shank which locates the cross bar forwardly of the buckle opening, and around which the bight loops. The cross bar is desirably shaped to urge the cord when under tension towards the shank.

Abstract: A device for securing an electrical outlet cord to an appliance or other surface so that the plug of the cord can be kept snug to the appliance or other surface. The device has a body with a generally flat bottom which includes an adhesive surface. A channel passes through the body and includes a pair of inwardly directed ribs. The ribs are spaced apart sufficiently to permit insertion of the cord, and once the cord has been inserted, it is held by the inwardly directed ribs. The device can be adhered to an appliance at a position adjacent to where the plug is located after the cord has been wrapped around the appliance to easily hold the cord to the appliance.

Abstract: A boat mooring device, and a method of using it, includes a first shank member, having an axial protuberance thereon and three integrally connected cross arm members, and a second shank member having an axial protuberance thereon, a pair of parallel spaced apart cross arms, one at the end of said second shank member, and a U-shaped yoke disposed at the opposite end of said second shank member for releasably receiving the first shank member, and a mooring line attached to a boat.

Abstract: A safety attachment to restrain the whiplashes of hoses that become inadvertently uncoupled. A polyproylene rope harness is made to form loops that are engaged about the hoses. The loops increase in size for installation over the coupling element of the hose and then adjust to tightly engage the hose or an anchor element.

Abstract: A free-floating anchor sleeve is positioned on a telephone cord between the base unit and handset of a telephone. The weight of the straightener causes it to always find the low spot in the cord and thereby keep tension on each of the lengths of cord thereby keeping them separated and untangled. The straightener may be cylindrical or multi-sided in shape.

Abstract: The steel knot for ropes is a device to replace the time-honored metal hook and conventional knots used on tow and hoist ropes, and also tethering ropes. The device comprises two appropriately spaced rounded metal rings held together in proper relation to each other by 2 or more metal bars or similar connectors. To use the device, a rope is inserted through the rings and is then wrapped around the intended load. The end of the rope is then tucked between the device and a pushed-out portion of the rope. Next, either an overhand knot is tied in the end of the rope, or the rope end is wrapped around the device once again, and again tucked in between the pushed-out portion and the steel device. Tension on the rope secures the device in place. When pressure is relaxed the rope is easily untied. Should the rope break under stress, it will pull out of the steel piece immediately, thus permitting the steel device to drop free of the rope.

Abstract: A strain relieving device for electric cables of different diameters comprises a base plate and three rows of cylindrical pins extending perpendicularly to a plane of the base plate with the pins of the inner row being asymmetrically offset from the pins of the outer rows. Cables of different diameters are fitted between the pins, where they are retained by friction forces. A strain relieving device of this type facilitates considerably the operation of fitting and exchanging cables without the need for any tool.

Abstract: Hook adapted to be easily, quickly and securely attachable on both ends of an elastic cord which is used to tie objects up is disclosed; the present hook is structured to have two symmetric round ends, i.e., the right cord-fixing end and the left hook end, with a relatively large through-hole placed on the latter and three smaller through-holes disposed on the former with one of which being cut open for ready disposition of part of the elastic cord in knotting operation, and there is also provided with a hook member projectingly extended from the left end with the concave thereof facing to the right.

Abstract: A traction cable is provided for use on a vehicle tire to increase traction in snow and ice. The traction cable comprises a pair of elongated flexible side members having first and second ends, a plurality of flexible cross members interconnecting the side members, a transverse connector mechanism for transversely connecting the ends of the cross members to the side members, and a releasable connector mechanism for releasably connecting the first and second ends of each of the side members. The cross members have ends and each of the cross members includes a cable having a plurality of traction elements slidably and rotatably mounted thereon. Each of the traction elements define a plurality of edges. The releasable connector mechanism includes first and second metal stampings which are preferably identical, a metal ring, and a flexible strap having first and second ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a weight on a barbell includes a collar member and a weight engagement portion. The collar member has an annular rigid outer section and a radially inner frictional gripping portion, and defines an opening through the collar member to allow the collar to closely and slidably receive the end of the barbell. The weight engagement portion is associated with the annular, rigid outer section of the collar member in such a manner that axially outward movement of the weight or axially outward force thereon will contact the weight engagement portion and/or increase the force thereon, causing the axis of the collar member to skew and/or increase its skewedness with respect to the axis of the barbell, thereby frictionally locking the apparatus onto the bar. This frictional locking may also be achieved by skewing the aforesaid axes by hand, separate and apart from any contact between the weight and the apparatus.

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: The assembly is a swim exercise device to be secured around a support structure near the surface of water and includes a length of cord (12) with two loops (22, 34, or 134) formed at each end. The first loop (22) is formed by a first guide means (14) being made of flexible sheet material which is bent to align pairs of holes (16, 18) for threading of the cord (12) therethrough which naturally resists such folding motion to remain biased toward flat which grips and prevents movement of the cord (12) therethrough. The second loop (34, 134) is formed by a second guide means (38) or a flexible strap (54). The cord (12) is positioned around a support structure and the first loop (22) is threaded through the second loop (34, 134) and is pulled taut to secure the assembly near the surface of water for exercising. Variable resistance is obtained by using an elastic cord (12) and variable elasticity is accomplished by adjusting the length of cord (12) between the first loop (22) and the second loop (34, 134).

Abstract: Disclosed is a hook which may be attached to an end of a rope and used to pull a boat into dock. The hook has an elongated shank having first and second ends and an end opening in the first end of the shank into which a rope may be received. A single tine extends from the second end of the shank and has a free end spaced from the shank. The shank has a substantially wide and flat surface directed towards the tine which together with the tine forms a hook throat. The first end of the shank, from which the rope may extend, is beveled to form an obtuse angle with the flat throat surface of the shank. When the hook is attached to a rope and is thrown over an object, the rope may be retracted to pull the hook toward the object such that contact of the angled first end of the shank against the object, in cooperation with the weight of the tine causes the hook to align itself such that the tine will engage the object.

Abstract: A handgrip extension to be attached to the boom of a sailboard is disclosed. The extension permits the user to confortably grip the forward end of the boom to minimize injury and discomfort while allowing greater control and speed in sailboarding.

Abstract: A rappelling tool having at least two essentially orthogonal tabs projecting from a ring. The first tab has an aperture by which it is connected to a rappeller's waist belt or seating apparatus carabiner. The second tab, essentially orthogonal to the first is provided for slidably retaining a rope that has been wound about it. The invention allows a threading of a rope thereto without the necessity of disconnecting it from the user. Horn-like projections from the second tab provide the facility for wrapping the rope about the tab, thus securing the rappelling user in a static condition during decent.