Abstract: A safety device includes a garment shaped to be worn on a torso of a user. A flexible strap is attachable to the garment and extends from the garment on first and second sides. The strap has first and second ends. An elongated first fastener component is attached at or near the first end of the strap. An elongated second fastener component is attached at or near the second end of the strap. The first and second fastener components can be rotated to be aligned with, or oblique to, the strap. The first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other, and are shaped for being used individually as anchors while separated from each other.

Abstract: A holding device for a breathing mask that is fastened to a protective helmet when in use includes a fastening hook connected to a flexible, length-adjustable tightening strap that is hooked into a receptacle on the protective helmet. Stop elements that are both frictionally engaged and in positive contact prevent the accidental release of the fastening hook together with the flexibility of the tightening strap that at the same time ensures an individually adjustable fit of the mask while sliding elements arranged at an offset to the stop elements ensure automatic optimum orientation of the tightening straps. The tightening strap and the fastening hook are coupled using a retainer piece molded to the tightening strap that is held in positive contact in the recess of a grip end connected with the fastening hook.

Abstract: Provided are a size adjuster and a headwear using the same having advantages of increasing exterior aesthetical features and automatically adjusting a circumference of a wearing portion of a headwear. The size adjuster may include: a first guide having one end connected to the wearing portion; a second guide having one end connected to the wearing portion corresponding to a position of the first guide; a case having an inner portion connected to the respective other ends of the first and second guides and where the first and second guides move through; and an elastic band extended or contracted by connecting to the first and second guides.

Abstract: A tensile structural assembly includes a base support, guide hook, loop, and tie. The guide hook is fixed to the base support and includes a guide section and hook section. The guide section includes a length of substantially uniform width. The loop attaches to or forms part of the tie. The guide hook retains the loop. The loop and the tie are in tension. In one embodiment; the tensile structure may be assembled by fixing the guide hook to the base support, temporarily locating the loop in an application tool recess of an application tool, temporarily locating the application tool over the guide section, and applying a force to the application tool, which moves the loop along the guide section imparting tension into said loop and the tie, until the loop moves to the end of the hook section and snaps into the hook section, retaining the loop and the tie in tension.

Abstract: A slide fastener assembly and method of attachment allows for simple installation or replacement of molded slider assemblies, metal zipper assemblies, or both or either halves of separating zipper assemblies. A cohesive fastener is attached to the leading edges of surfaces where a slide fastener is connected. A corresponding cohesive fastener is attached to either surface of a zipper tape of a slider assembly. The slider assembly is pressed together with corresponding cohesive surfaces where the slide fastener is to be connected, holding the slide fastener securely in place. In another embodiment, a slide fastener is manufactured with cohesive material that is integral to the zipper tape. In another embodiment, a slide fastener is attached by connection means to a band, which is connected to an outer perimeter of a frame and inner perimeter of a panel.

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: 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: 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 clothing strap tensioning device has an elastic member having a geometry generally defined by middle, left end, and right end portions, and bounded by upper, lower, left and right edges, and includes mechanical snaps or other releasable attachment mechanisms integrated into the left end and right end portions for enabling releasable attachment of the end portions to each other to form the elastic member into a loop. The tensioning device is looped around a pair of spaced vertical straps of a brassiere, such that the straps are drawn toward each other medially to prevent the straps from slipping down the shoulders of a wearer and to impart an upward lift to the wearer's breasts. The geometry of the elastic member also prevents twisting of the straps.

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with an explosives disposal robot having an elongated boom includes a latch member secured to an outer end of the boom, the latch member having a fixed portion and movable latch or lever members. A flexible strap extends between the lever members, with one end being attached to one of the lever members and the other end being releasably attached to the other lever member. When the other lever member is moved to a release position the other end of the strap falls from the other lever member so as to release, for example, a firing line cradled in the strap. The one lever member can be actuated by way of a remote controlled solenoid connected thereto via a flexible cable or by way of an elastic member connected thereto.

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 child safety seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle seat includes: a seat body having two opposite lateral sides; and a buckle-positioning member that is provided on the seat body and that is operable to hold a buckle provided on the vehicle seat at one of the lateral sides of the seat body.

Abstract: A receptacle lid assembly includes a receptacle that has an open top end and a closed bottom end respectively. The receptacle has a hollow chamber formed therein for receiving debris introduced into the receptacle. A receptacle lid is fitted over the top end of the receptacle. A mechanism maintains the lid in close proximity to the receptacle while the lid is detached from the receptacle, and the lid maintaining mechanism is directly connected to the lid and the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one securing means in conjunction with one of a male and a female portion of a snap already in place, the apparatus comprises a first member having an opposite one a male and a female portion of a snap for engagement with such one of a male and a female portion of such snap already in place. There is an intermediate segment engageable with an inner part of such one of such male and female portion of the first member, the intermediate segment having a projection extending outwardly therefrom. There is a strap like connector having a first aperture in a first end engageable with the projection of the intermediate segment, the strap like connector extending outwardly therefrom and a second member having an opposite one of a male and a female portion of a snap as such first member, such second member secured to an end of the projection of the intermediate segment.

Abstract: A bra strap retainer for preventing the straps from falling from the user's shoulders. The bra strap retainer includes a retaining member having an elongate main portion and opposite end portions which are adapted to keep straps of a bra on a user's back in proximate relationship to one another.

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: 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 device, for holding a garment waistband, has a flat, elongated elastic band stretchable across two belt loops, and a pair of fastener components formed by metal wire bent to form a back bar for the elastic-band-mounting end and a hook-loop fastener end for hooking onto a post member mounted to the elastic band. The back bar is formed in a thin channel shape defining a concave cross-sectional gap with a thickness such that it can be seated around the exposed length of the belt loop and clasp it by its thickness. The device provides the wearer with a slimmer profile and is more comfortable to wear than a waist-length belt. The back bar may be formed with bar halves separated by a cut-away gap to allow the elastic band to be sleeved on and off, to interchange elastic bands and/or other decorative fastener components.

Abstract: A money clip comprising a generally flat housing having an internal cavity and an elastic band secured to the housing for encircling and holding a wad a paper money between the band and housing. A magnifying glass is normally concealed within the cavity and is pivotally connected to the housing. The magnifying glass may be manually swung outwardly and inwardly of the cavity, to a location adjacent the housing, through an opening formed in the housing. The magnifying glass may be swung outwardly of the housing temporarily and by manually holding the clip with magnifying glass positioned over an object the print on the object may be read by the user, without disturbing the wad of paper money held by the money clip. Thereafter, the magnifying glass may be swung back into the housing cavity.

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 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 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 securing device and method for its use suitable for use by persons with impaired dexterity for releasably securing two surfaces together comprising a strap with an easy open and close clasp at each end for attachment to the two surfaces. In a further embodiment, the strap can comprise an advertising medium containing, words, logos and pictorial material. The strap may have varying lengths and adjustment means.

Abstract: A pillow securing device for releasably holding a pillow in position on an elevated surface comprising a plurality of straps with one end attached to a connector ring and a clasp secured to the other end of each of the straps so that in use at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the pillow and at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the elevated surface. The straps may have varying lengths and adjustment means.

Abstract: A hose support system for a rail car having a support which includes a flat strap having first and second ends and a tongue connected to the first end of the strap and extending along the strap towards the second end of the strap. A connector at one end of the strap is positioned in a car aperture and a connector at the other end of the strap is positioned in a hose aperture. A resilient element connects the loop at one end of the strap to its connector. A clasp is adjustably positioned on the strap between the ends of the strap and adjusts the length of the strap between the ends. The tongue extends through the clasp. At least one of the connectors may include a loop and a throat extending substantially tangential to the loop. Alternatively, one or more of the connectors may include a spiral. A bearing ring separates the connector and the strap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which to repair a damaged portion of a net utilized to restrain movement. Attachment hooks or other hardware, constructed of a material, such as aluminum or steel, of a strength equal to or greater than the net material are secured to the ends of an appropriately sized rope or other material, constituting a bridging device. The attachment hooks or other hardware are constructed of a thickness, and with a radius interface, so that cutting of the net will not occur. The damaged area of the net is isolated, and the net repair bridge is affixed in the position of the damaged area, thereby replacing it and preserving the structural and functional capabilities of the containment net.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a protective device for use in combination with an elastic strap. Such straps commonly have hooks or other fasteners mounted on ends of the strap. When stretched and then released, these fasteners may become dangerous projectiles. In order to limit the rate of retraction or recoil of such elastic straps, the present invention discloses tethering the fastener end to the user's arm and/or retarding the motion of the strap with a sheath. In addition, the disclosure demonstrates a shielding apparatus to prevent direct contact with the fastening device or hook.

Abstract: A restraint for holding fishing poles to the deck of a boat includes an anchor screwed to the deck, a unidirectional snap fastener having its base portion screwed to the deck, and a double strand of bungee cord or other resilient strand extending from the anchor to a cap of the snap fastener. The unidirectional snap fastener is oriented so that no amount of force pulling up on the bungee cord will release the snap fastener, but a slight tug on a side of the snap fastener opposite to the anchor will easily cause it to release. The cap of the snap fastener includes a looped tab to facilitate separating it from the base. The anchor may be secured in the end wall of a hatch cover; the snap fastener may be secured adjacent to a gunwale.

Abstract: A fastening device for attache case comprises a fracture resistant frame and a longer and shorter straps adjacent either side of the frame. The shorter strap comprises antiskid stripes and an end Velcro-type fastener. The longer strap comprises antiskid stripes, an end mating Velcro-type fastener, and an elastic band stitched to the bottom of antiskid stripes. Further, an elastic strip is formed across of elastic band. With this, a portable personal computer wrapped around by straps is secured when the case is unbalanced. Even in a falling condition of the case, the computer is still free from direct collision to the bottom of attache case due to the elastic support of straps, the maximum extension of elastic band, and the extension of elastic strip.

Abstract: A headrest secured seat cover for vehicles having side-impact airbags mounted within the sides of the seat. The cover comprises a bottom and middle portion attachable to the seat cushion. A top portion of the seat cover is attachable to the seat headrest. In order to attach the seat cover to the headrest, the seat cover includes at least one elastic strap attached to the top portion of the cover and configured to attach the top portion of the cover to mounting bars of the headrest. Since the seat cover is attached to the headrest, the sides of the seat are unobstructed for proper airbag inflation.

Abstract: A fastening clasp for holding fabric or other sheet-like material in a given position. The fastening clasp includes a flexible sleeve having a first end and a second end. A ring is attached to the first end of the flexible sleeve. A flexible, transverse tab is attached to the second end of the flexible sleeve. A piece of the fabric is positioned directly over the ring while the tab is inserted within the ring. The tab and fabric are both held in place by the stiffness of the tab's perimeter. The sleeve gathers and holds the fabric in the desired position.

Abstract: A toy carrier and storage apparatus is disclosed for selectively attaching and storing a number of toys. The carrier may be worn over a shoulder or carrier carried by the hand. An extension toy carrier is also disclosed which may be attached to the toy carrier, or to a belt loop, backpack or the like. The toy carriers are provided with a number of carrying loops within which a stuffed, animal shaped or other toy may be inserted and maintained in a visible location for ready access and display.

Abstract: An eyeglass holder secures a pair of eyeglasses to a selected article of clothing when the eyeglasses are not being worn. The holder comprises a flexible strand folded back upon itself forming a loop to encircle and releasably hold the eyeglass temple bar. An adjusting sleeve allows size adjustment of the loop. A retention bead engages the loop to prevent the adjusting sleeve from sliding off the loop. The loop is connected to a spring loaded clamp having teeth releasably clamped to the selected article of clothing.

Abstract: A fastener for absorbent articles, such as pants-type diapers or incontinence guards, includes a first fastener element and a second fastener element (1, 4) which are intended to be hooked together when donning the article. The first element (1) includes an elastic structure (2) which includes openings (6) and is so constructed that the openings (6) will widen when the elastic structure (2) is stretched and closed together when the elastic structure contracts. The second element (4) includes hook devices (5). When the elastic structure (2) is sufficiently stretched, the hook devices (5) can be inserted into the widened openings (6), wherein subsequent contraction of the elastic structure (2) will cause the first and the second elements (1, 4) to be joined together with the opening (6) surrounding the hook device (5).

Abstract: A dressing aid for suspending a lower garment from an upper garment is disclosed herein comprising a band and a pair of clips, with one clip connected to each end of the band. Each clip comprises a pair of arms each having a handle at a first end and a jaw at a second end, a pivoting means, and a means for biasing the jaws to the closed position. One may engage a garment using the clip by squeezing together the handles such that the jaws separate, then releasing the handles to close the jaws about a garment positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A wrist instrument has an expandable strap for use in securing the instrument about a wearer's wrist. The expandable strap has a strap casing or a sheath on each end and an interconnecting member attached to the strap casings. The interconnecting member includes a non-expandable section and at least one elastic member housed in one of the strap casings. The elastic member is attached to both the strap casing housing it and the non-expandable section of the interconnecting member such that when a pulling force is exerted on the interconnecting member, the elastic member expands within the strap casing to allow the strap to accommodate different wrist sizes without exposing the elastic member to view.

Abstract: An elastic, jawed tether for securing a lid to an associated container, such as a garbage can. The tether comprises an elongated strap terminating at each end in a jawed clamp. The clamp has a self-locking device, such as a cam arrangement, and a screw for closing and locking the jaws in place. A swivel bearing connects each clamp to the strap, so that the clamps have no tendency to twist the strap.

Abstract: A device to secure golf club head covers to a golf bag includes a base ring member, a clip fitted to the base ring, and being structured for removable attachment to the golf bag, one or more elastomeric cords having a proximal end secured to the base ring with a swivel fitting and a distal end zone including a hook element fitted thereto with a swivel fitting for removable attachment of the cord to a respective one of the head covers, wherein the head covers, when removed from corresponding golf clubs, remain interconnected to the device and the golf bag so that they do not become separated therefrom and possibly misplaced or lost. One or more alligator clips or like fittings may be provided on the base ring for hanging a hat, glove, or other article therefrom.

Abstract: A plastic handle about two inches long has a longitudinal slot sized to receive a rubber band. After the rubber band is inserted into the slot, a locking pin is inserted into the first end of the rubber-band loop which has been inserted in the slot. The rubber band is then pulled back through the slot, thereby locking the plastic handle, rubber band, and locking pin into a bundle tie assembly. The second end of the rubber band is wrapped around an extension cord, rope, or the like and snapped around the plastic handle of the first end of the rubber band. The bundle tie assembly self-tightens to quickly and neatly secure the extension cord.

Abstract: A shock absorbing carrying strap for easing the ability to support loads. The strap includes two webbing sections, each of which includes an outer end and a connecting section to permit attachment to loads. The two webbing sections are also connected to a central elastic portion. That central elastic portion includes an outer envelope of elastic material which encloses an elastic strip connected to and between the two webbing sections. The outer envelope is secured to the elastic strip, and preferably to the webbing adjacent the elastic strip, so that the outer envelope and elastic strip form a composite member. The outer envelope is finished by binding the marginal edge and by applying a finishing cover over each end and where each webbing section extends from the central portion by a variety of techniques.

Abstract: A tie down strap includes two end portions and a main body portion extending therebetween having a plurality of openings integrally formed therein. The openings extend in a sequential manner linearly aligned along the main body portion intermediate the end portions and are dimensioned to receive therethrough a main body portion of another strap when the main body portion defining the opening is elongated. Specifically, the main body portion comprises two side members that extend between the two end portions in spaced parallel relation and a plurality of bridge portions that extend between and secure the two side members in their parallel relation. Moreover, the end portions have securement members such as hooks and each bridge portion is configured to be received within each securement member in substantially continuous contact therewith.

Abstract: A double ended clipping device used for attaching assorted types or sizes of identification at one end and for attaching to various clothing types at the other end.

Abstract: The watch band assembly includes a pair of buckle devices and a strap assembly. The buckle devices are fabricated to be a one piece structure which are adapted to be removably secured to opposite ends of a conventional watch. Extending outwardly from the buckle devices are studs that are adapted to receive and maintain the strap assembly. The strap assembly is comprised of at least one elongated tubular member having opposite ends. These ends are adapted to be releasably secured to the buckle devices.

Abstract: An adjustable elastic and inelastic strap apparatus includes a first connector and a flexible elastic strap assembly which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the elastic strap assembly is attached to the first connector. A second connector is connected to the second end of the elastic strap assembly. A flexible inelastic strap assembly is connected to the second connector. The inelastic strap assembly includes a strap-length-adjustment assembly and an inelastic strap adjustably connected to the strap-length-adjustment assembly. The strap-length-adjustment assembly is employed for adjusting an effective length of the inelastic strap assembly between a first end of the inelastic strap assembly and a second end of the inelastic strap assembly. A third connector is connected to the second end of the inelastic strap assembly. The inelastic strap includes a first end, which is a free end, and includes a second end which is connected to the third connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying one or more bicycles on a motor vehicle and a strap for securing the carrier to the motor vehicle. The strap includes a stretchable and contractible resilient web that is connected intermediate the ends of the strap. A loop is formed in the strap when the strap is not tightened. The web is stretched by tightening and serves to maintain tension in the strap. When tightened, adjacent surfaces of that portion of the strap forming the loop and the web are in close juxtaposition. Separation between adjacent surfaces of the resilient web and the portion of the strap that forms the loop, provides a visual indication of the degree of strap tension.

Abstract: A carrying strap for carrying a load greatly minimizes a bouncing action due to the load and better distributes the stress on a shoulder or a neck supporting the strap. The strap has stretchable segments separated by a gap and connected by less stretchable or non-stretchable joints. The relatively short segments and joints prevent the strap from expanding too far or tearing when heavy loads are carried. The gaps separating the segments reduce a weight bearing surface contacting a user's shoulder and distributes the stress at the point of contact throughout the strap. In response to the load, the segments expand. This enlarges the gap which further decreases the point of contact between the segments and the shoulder. The strap also has a pad underlying the segments for cushioning the shoulder. A sleeve may be fixedly or removably attached to the segments and the pad.

Abstract: A shortened fastening or partial belt to be worn on the exterior of a garment at the waist. A strap, possibly of elastic material, includes hooks, clips or the like engaging elements at its opposite ends which are fastened, e.g. hooked, to belt loops. The belt pulls the belt loops toward each other, tightening the waist of the garment around the waist of the wearer. The length of the strap may be adjustable. The strap may be decorated on its surface or may be in a covering or sleeve of ornamental material.

Abstract: A restraining device for trouser legs provides ornamentation and includes a central elastic strap to which link chains are affixed at each end. Folded elastic fabric end segments are attached at opposite ends of the link chains and a conventional snap fastener is securely affixed to the elastic end segments. Mating snap fasteners are also affixed interiorly to the inside and outside of each trouser leg to engage the fasteners of the end segments. The restraining device is placed across the sole or bottom of a boot or shoe so when the wearer's knee is bent, and the pant legs moves up the wearer's leg as a result, the restraining device resiliently urges the leg of the trousers to return to its fully extended or normal position against the boot or shoe. Decorative charms are joined to excess lengths of the chains as desired by the wearer.