Abstract: A one-piece, adjustable elastic strap for securing items, which may include overmolded attachment members. The attachment members may be reinforced, and anchor holes may be provided along the elastic member. In addition, non-slip grips may be provided on the overmolded portions to facilitate gripping. Other safety features may also be included.

Abstract: An elastic fishing device for securing a fishing line directly to a support on or near the water's edge has an elongated elastic member adjustably mounted on a spool which has a winding portion. The elongated elastic member is a shock cord that can be stored on the spool when the device is not in use. Additionally, the device can be adjusted to fit various sized supports and to fish at selected depths.

Abstract: A footwear member includes a set of stretchable fastening members that allow a user to select and attach those fastening members that provide the best fit. Each selected fastening member is attached at its opposite ends to connection structures that are paired. For example, the paired connection structures may be two posts that have grooves in order to properly seat and retain the ends of the fastening members. Two acceptable materials for forming the fastening members are rubber and urethane. The fastening members may be referred to as “bungee cords.” There are at least two different lengths of fastening members in order to provide selection on the basis of the shape or size of a user's foot. Selection of the proper “bungee cord” also applies to an attachment at the Achilles area of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A transverse pin (17) passes through an end loop (46) in a folded, multi-core (43) or single core (69), flat bungee cord (43, 69) to anchor the bungee cord within a molded base (49). The pin extends past the end loop of the bungee cord so as to restrain longitudinal movement thereof. The pin and end loop are molded into the base. The pin may comprise a transverse portion of a wire (19) forming a hook (25).

Abstract: This invention is about the fastening belt with freely rotatable drag hooks, which includes two drag hooks. The said drag hooks have an upper cover and a bottom cover, with the hook fixed in the front of the drag hooks; one elastic rope to link the two drag hooks, which is made from stretchable material. Two rotatable linker and two ends of elastic rope are fixated inside the rotatable linker. The rotatable linker is connected with the rear rotation of the drag hook. The hook and the elastic rope are linked by the rotatable linker and the drag hook is linked with the rotatable linker. Thus, the drag hook can rotate freely in the elastic rope. The rope does not kink when in use, which not only prolongs the life of elastic ropes, but also reinforce the reliability of the connection between the drag link and the elastic rope.

Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed comprising at least a pair of hard hooks, each containing a gripping portion and a hacking portion, connected by a stretchable cord, preferably a bungee cord. The device is useful for easily and securely fastening a ladder or other lengthy equipment to a vehicle.

Abstract: An exercise device, for use in strengthening, training, and rehabilitating the body, using at least two harnesses and at least one elastic element. The harnesses are attached to the body and have mating clips attached to them to establish anchor points. The elastic element has a pair of clip receptacle for attaching to the mating elements and has an elastic cord extending therebetween. When the clip receptacles are secured to the mating clips at a pair of anchor points, body movements relative to the anchor points are resisted by the elastic elements.

Abstract: A fastening cord includes an elongated elastic member including at least one hook and loop strap connector secured to at least one end of the elongated elastic member. A flexible base material portion attached to an end of a bungee cord, the flexible base material portion adapted to attach Velcro® hook and loop portions thereon. Velcro® hook and loop portions are attached to the flexible base material portion and separated by a flexible gap formed on the flexible base material portion between said Velcro® hook loop portions. A pull tab can be secured to an edge of said flexible base material portion to facilitate user control over said Velcro® hook and loop portions.

Abstract: A lanyard or key chain having a non-coiled body with two connecting ends. The body is made of a resiliently deformable material and is stretchable between extended and retraced states.

Abstract: A tie down for connecting two objects. The tie down has an elastic tube having an unstretched state and a stretched state, a braided line extending through the tube, with the line having a compressed state and an uncompressed state, and a mechanical securement at each tube end to secure the line to the tube such that the line is in its compressed state when the tube is in its unstretched state and the line is in its uncompressed state when the tube is in its stretched state. Each end has an attachment for attaching to the objects.

Abstract: The present invention features a load-securing device comprising (a) a rope having a first end and second end; (b) multiple hooks, wherein the hook has a first end and a second end, the first end of the hook forms a loop around the rope where the hook can slide along the rope but cannot be removed from the rope, the second end of the hook forms a C-shape; and (c) a first stopper attached to the first end of the rope and a second stopper attached to the second end of the rope, the stoppers being effective to prevent the hooks from sliding off the rope.

Abstract: A transverse pin (17) pierces the core (16, 70) of a round or flat bungee cord (12, 69) to anchor the bungee cord within a molded base (11). A single wire sharply folded near its center (20) into a double strand (21, 22) is bent in a semi-circle to form a hook (25). Bent ends (30, 31) of the double strand are molded into the base.

Abstract: A tether having an elastic member which provides an unstretched length having a first part and a second part with the first part of the unstretched length having less elastic resistance than a second part of the unstretched length to alter characteristics of stretch and recovery toward the unstretched length under load and unloaded conditions.

Abstract: A tie down for connecting two objects. The tie down has an elastic tube having an unstretched state and a stretched state, a braided line extending through the tube, with the line having a compressed state and an uncompressed state, and a securement at each tube end to secure the line to the tube such that the line is in its compressed state when the tube is in its unstretched state and the line is in its uncompressed state when the tube is in its stretched state. Each end has an attachment for attaching to the objects.

Abstract: A bungee cord system, including, a bungee cord assembly, engaging locks, and universal anchors to safely secure, store, transport, and/or stack packages, containers and the like to surfaces. The bungee cord assembly includes an elasticized cord with first and second ends. An engaging lock assembly is fixed upon each of said first and second ends. The universal anchor includes at least one elongated member having anchor means that removably attach to the bungee cord assembly and/or the engaging lock assembly and/or a solid structure.

Abstract: An earring support device constructed of a single length of flexible metal wire or plastic line bent back upon itself at both ends and clasped or otherwise fasted so as to form a large loop at one end and one or more smaller loops at the other end.

Abstract: A conventional carabiner (11) is molded directly into a plastic base (10), with the pivoted end of a closure gate (23) being toward the base. The base may also restrain a bungee cord (9) by having the end thereof and a wire crimp (15) molded into the base, or the base may have a bungee cord passageway (40) with cleat (41), into which the bungee cord may be pulled so as to lock the base in a desired position along the bungee cord.

Abstract: A device wherein an elastic cord is attached to a pre-existing flexible linear structure such as a wire, tube or non-elastic cordage in order to deform the structure and impart elastic handling properties of a common curly cord. The resulting assembly is a foreshortened version of the linear structure that is axially elastic and therefore easier to handle, store and use. The preferred method involves creating attachments between one or more stretched elastic cords and a linear structure at close intervals along the structure, such that when the elastic is allowed to retract, it pulls the linear structure into a series of loops or bends.

Abstract: A stretch cord hook includes hook members, connecting blocks and an elastic cord. The elastic cord has its ends secured to the connecting blocks, respectively. Each connecting block is integrally formed with a respective hook member. Each hook member has an inner surface provided with protuberances spaced from each other to prevent it from disengagement.

Abstract: The invention comprises a decorative lid strap for securing the cover of a casserole to the top of the casserole or container so that the casserole can be transported safely while food and etc. is in the casserole. The lid strap has an elongated elastic strap with hooks mounted to the outer ends of the elastic strap so that the strap may be stretched over the top of the cover of the container and the hooks attached to the opposing handles of the container to secure the cover to the casserole or container. A decorative sleeve is removably mounted over the strap while the strap is mounted over the cover of the casserole.

Abstract: An elastic snapping device includes an elastic cord having two distal ends each formed with an end opening, a snapping tool mounted on the elastic cord and having a distal end formed with an enlarged plug inserted into the end opening of the elastic cord, and an elastic sleeve mounted on a connection of the elastic cord and the snapping tool. Thus, the elastic sleeve is mounted on the connection of the elastic cord and the snapping tool closely, so that the snapping tool is combined with the elastic cord rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the snapping tool from detaching from the elastic cord during a long-term utilization.

Abstract: A fastening means with at least one flexible tension strand, which has a hook element at each of its two opposite ends, where it is provided in accordance with the invention that each end of the minimum of one tension strand is attached to a seating element, on which a hook element is supported with freedom to rotate around its longitudinal center axis. The invention is suitable in particular for the securing of objects in the interior space of passenger vehicles.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a clamping device with an attached arm in which the act of opening the clamp makes the arm flexible and the act of closing the clamp makes the arm rigid. By operating in this manner, the present invention may allow a worker to position the arm (while flexible) in any number of different and easily attainable positions while also allowing the worker to secure a workpiece and immobilize the arm in a single step. In another embodiment of the present invention the arm can be made flexible independently of opening the clamp.

Abstract: A clip is provided for use on a loose-leaf binder having a spine with front and back covers and a plurality of rings for holding paper in the binder. The clip includes a U-shaped member having a base and outer legs adapted to engage outer surfaces of the binder covers, and a pair of inner legs extending from the base and being spaced from the outer legs so as to be adapted to engage the inner surfaces of the binder covers. A strap has a first end connected to the base of the U-shaped member and a second end with a loop adapted to be attached to the top binder ring to prevent the clip from becoming lost when detached from the binder. The clip has a small profile, with a width of approximately ¼ inch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high strength hook. The hook comprises an annular metal insert (3) embedded in a synthetic material end block of the hook around a passage (4) for slidably receiving the end of a cable (5) in the vicinity of a stop abutment (4c) designed to stop the end of the cable in the traction direction. The invention is applicable to hooks comprising a metal hook having an end embedded in a handle block.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for securing a stretchable cord to be used in association with exercise equipment is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cord securement apparatus comprises an elongate elastic band having a hook integral with one end of the band, and an eyelet integral with the other end of the band. The eyelet is slidingly engaged medially with the band thereby forming a loop at the other end of the band. The loop may be tightened about an electrical cord and the band may be wound about the electrical cord and its appliance in order to secure the electrical cord in place.

Abstract: A terminus (8) for a bungee cord (15) has a hook (9) with a transverse axis (17) which is within a given distance of the longitudinal axis (16) of a bore (13) within the stem (10) of the terminus. A cleat (24) opens into a cord passage (20) leading to the bore (13) to permit pulling a cord (15) into the cleat (24) thereby locking the terminus in position on the cord (15). The relative axial alignment of the load in the cord (15) with the transverse axis (17) of the hook (9) prevents the load (15) from rotating the hook substantially. A land (27) adjusts the thickness of the cleat.

Abstract: A wrap for securing objects having an elastomeric band, a retainer having a body defining a notch for receiving widthwise a portion of the elastomeric band, a band receiving portion of the notch, a first tab extending axially over the band receiving portion of the notch and defining a mouth portion of the notch, wherein the mouth portion has a width less than the width of the elastomeric band.

Abstract: A device (10) for training a sequence of movements for ball hitting implements (18), especially golf clubs and baseball bats, permits monitoring the observance of the correct sequence of movements. The monitoring device acts upon the implement (18) and the user. The device permits the individual user to be in a position to check whether a sequence of movement is being correctly performed, while he or she is executing the sequence of movements and to correct it if necessary.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastening component for use in anchoring agricultural sheet, textile or film to a support, and a system and method of anchoring agricultural sheeting, textile or film. The fastening component including one or more prongs arranged to engage the sheeting, textile or film to connect the component to the sheeting, textile or film, and attachment means enabling a length of resiliently extensible and/or inextensible material to be attached to the component and to the support. The fastening component may be used in combination with a length of resiliently extensible material and/or inextensible material, arranged to be releasably fastened at the other end to the support.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a handheld object are described herein. One embodiment comprises systems/methods for an easily portable stabilizing apparatus for use with hand-held devices such as cameras, binoculars, camcorders, firearms and other devices where relative immobilization of the hand-held device is preferred. The stabilizing apparatus comprises an attachment anchor for securing the stabilizing device to the hand-held apparatus. A stabilizing cord is attached to the attachment anchor. The stabilizing cord is then secured by either attachment to a stationary object or by compressing the cord between two or more objects, such as an operator's foot and the ground. Optionally, a cord lock can be employed to quickly secure the stabilizing cord to a predetermined height. A cord cap and cord spools and recoil devices can also be employed to facilitate stabilizing cord storage.

Abstract: The retaining strap comprises a thin, elongate piece of expandable and non marring material having a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal slots therein to which objects, via retainers, can be engaged. The retaining strap also has terminal connectors thereon for securing the strap to itself and/or other objects to be engaged thereby.

Abstract: A luggage slip strap includes a flexible extended element having a long axis and first and second ends, and a sleeve affixed to the flexible extended element, the sleeve defining a cavity having an axis generally perpendicular to the long axis of the flexible extended member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising at least a pair of hard hooks, each containing a gripping portion and a hooking portion, connected by a stretchable cord, preferably a bungee cord. The device is useful for easily and securely fastening a ladder or other lengthy equipment to a vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable liner retainer system comprising a container having an opening defining an upper edge and an outer surface and a liner situated in the container wherein an upper portion of the liner extends from the opening, folds over the upper edge, and at least partly hangs below the upper edge adjacent to the outer surface of the container. An adjustable liner retainer is tensioned around an upper end of the container pressing the hanging upper portion against the outer surface of the container. The adjustable liner retainer comprises a strip of material at least a portion of which is elastomeric material to create the tension to press the liner to the outer surface. A hook portion and a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener are attached to the first and second ends of the strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wallet in the form of a harness with an attached key ring for carry credit cards and folded paper, such as paper currency, together with keys. The harness comprises two loops of elasticized material attached to each other at opposing points such that one loop encircles the length of the credit cards and the other loop encircles the width of the credit cards. The loops may comprise a buckle and may be adjustable to accommodate more cards. The key ring may be used to facilitate opening and closing of the harness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trouser leg retaining device which is used for maintaining one's trouser legs in the proper position in relation to one's shoes. This invention includes an elongated elastic strap with a snap fastener device at one end and either a locking clip or an O-ring at the opposite end. The snap fastens onto one's trouser leg while the O-ring fastens onto one's shoe. The elastic strap has an adjuster positioned on it to adjust the length of the strap.

Abstract: A stretchable string (100) having a first cross sectional diameter at rest and a second smaller cross sectional diameter when stretched. An aglet (200) positioned on the string. The aglet has an inner cross sectional diameter that is smaller than the cross sectional diameter of the string at rest and approximate to the cross sectional diameter of the string when it is sufficiently elongated. The aglet is moved along the string when the string is sufficiently elongated. The aglet can be repositioned along the string by stretching the string such that the diameter of the string is approximate to the inner diameter of the aglet. Excess string can then be removed.

Abstract: A dual band dishwasher clip which is suitable for retaining and preventing undesired movement of articles such as lightweight, typically plastic articles, in a dishwasher rack during operation of an automatic dishwasher. The dual band dishwasher clip includes a pair of dishwasher clip fasteners for engaging the dishwasher rack. An elastic band engages the dishwasher clip fasteners, and each of the dishwasher clip fasteners includes a rack-engaging mechanism for receiving the dishwasher rack and a pair of spaced-apart spacers provided on the rack-engaging mechanism and engaging the elastic band. The spacers define a pair of engaging band segments of the elastic band which extend between the dishwasher clip fasteners and engage and secure the articles in the dishwasher rack.

Abstract: A fastening means with at least one flexible tension strand, which has a hook element at each of its two opposite ends, where it is provided in accordance with the invention that each end of the minimum of one tension strand is attached to a seating element, on which a hook element is supported with freedom to rotate around its longitudinal center axis. The invention is suitable in particular for the securing of objects in the interior space of passenger vehicles.

Abstract: A fastening elastic cord includes an elastic cord portion, two end hooking elements, and a movable hooking element. Each of the hooking elements has a holding portion having a lateral opening, and a through hole. Two ends of the cord portion are passed through the through holes, and are formed with knots that are bigger than the through holes. The knots are protected with the respective holding portions when the fastening cord is used. The movable hooking element is movably fitted around an intermediate portion of the cord portion so that length of two sections of the cord at two sides of the movable element can be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Self-Closing Clasp Assembly designed to allow a loose object to be easily attached to an object that is already being conveniently handled or carried by a person. The Self-Closing Clasp Assembly is comprised of three elements: a Self-Closing Element linked by an Elongated Element to a Connecting Element. The Self-Closing Element is sized to grasp around an object that is relatively structural in nature, such as a shoulder-bag strap, belt or strap on a golfbag and is designed to be operated with one hand. The Self-Closing Element preferably comprises a self-closing clasp, or ring. The Elongated Element can be rigid or flexible and is preferably formed by items such as one or more chain links, an adjustable or fixed-length strap, or a bar, and is preferably used to link the Self-Closing Element to the Connecting Element. The Connecting Element preferably consists of a self-closing clasp, clip, clasp, bolt, finial, or ring and is designed to be affixed to the loose object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continual comfort adjusting fastener for a footwear article and provides an alternative to fasteners that necessitate periodic attention by the wearer in order to maintain a proper combination of support, fit and comfort by utilizing spring mechanisms to induce a predetermined amount of tension between opposing eye flaps of the footwear article. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the spring mechanism portion of the spring assembly that provides constant tension between eye flaps may be one of a tension spring, compression spring and torsion spring. The spring assembly is comprised substantially of a spring mechanism and may be fastened directly to eyelets in the footwear article. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the spring assembly is further comprised of locking eyelets which themselves are attached to the eye flap of the footwear article via rivets, thus replacing the eyelets.

Abstract: The present invention is an elastomeric sling furniture gasket including a substantially rod shaped member adapted to be longitudinally received and laterally retained in a tubing slot, a flexible but resilient gasket sheet depending substantially the length of the rod shaped member and adapted to extend out of the tubing slot, and a fabric affixing means on the gasket sheet distal to the rod shaped member adapted to rigidly secure a fabric material forming a support area for an occupant.

Abstract: A cable tie wrap for bundling cable includes a coupling body and an elastic cord defining a loop attached to a cord connection end of the coupling body. The coupling body includes a projection formed on an outer surface thereof for removably hooking the loop defined by the cord to the coupling body. The projection includes an annular groove and a retaining lip formed thereon for removably nesting the elastic cord therein. The coupling body may further include at least one cord retention rib formed on the outer surface thereof for preventing the cord from slipping off the outer surface of the body. The tie wrap further preferably includes means for attaching the tie wrap to a cord to be bundled so that the tie wrap is not misplaced when not in use.

Abstract: A tool leash device having at least one coiled leash having a closed loop at one end secured to a split key ring, a snap ring having a selectively opened and closed locking member secured to said split key ring for attachment to a belt loop or the like, a trigger snap connected to the other end of the coiled leash having a selectively opened and closed locking member for securing the same to a closed loop portion of a flexible tie wrap, and a flexible elongated tie wrap having a closed loop portion at one end connected to said trigger snap locking member having a generally smooth end at the other end thereof with a ribbed portion between the ends of said tie wrap and an apertured locking portion on the tie wrap between the ends thereof whereby the smooth end is insertible into the locking portion with the ribbed portion locking into the locking portion for serving a tool thereto.

Abstract: A single, reusable wrap for securing loops of glass fibers of fiber optic cables used in the communications field. The wrap holds the glass fiber loop securely by wrapping around the glass fiber and itself, locking itself in place via an opposing frictional lock. The wrap has a lock portion, a retainer/release tab used to aid in the engagement and release of the frictional lock, and a cylindrical lock portion used to aid in starting the wrap to roll around the glass fiber loop. The frictional lock is provided when the cylindrical lock portion is provided within the lock portion. The reusable wrap is easy to use since it may be opened and closed with one hand by a user. The wrap holds the glass fiber loop tightly without damaging the glass fiber and prevents the glass fiber loop from being pulled into small loops.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping an object includes a clamp with a first gripping element and a second gripping element that is connected by a pivot rod and includes a resilient element to maintain the clamp in closed position in the absence of applied pressure, and a release mechanism. An arm with a cable encased by a plurality of tubular, cone shaped segments is attached to the release mechanism, which is in turn attached to the clamp and includes either coil springs or bow springs for maintaining tension in the cable when the clamp is in a closed position, and for releasing tension in the cable when the clamp is opened.

Abstract: A cordage for threading through an opening. An elastic cord is provided with an elongated shank component and at least one outwardly expandable component. When the cord is under tension, the expandable component shrinks to a diameter which is sufficient to enable its movement through an opening, such as an eyelet of a shoe. In response to the tension being released, the expandable component enlarges to a diameter which is sufficiently large to resist movement through the opening.