Abstract: In the case of a closure for connecting two straps of an item of clothing, in particular the wing end portions of the back band of a bra, on one of which is arranged an overall female closure part, there is provided a plurality of female closure elements that form at least one row, and on the other of which is arranged an overall male closure part, which includes at least two male closure elements that can be moved into force-fitting/form-fitting engagement with female closure elements from one row of the female closure part. The closure elements are arranged in each case on a preferably textile base strip, which is rectangular in basic form, acts as a carrier and serves for fastening the respective closure parts on their associated band wing ends, which overlap in their end regions in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A buckle release tool includes a housing element having a convex back surface ergonomically sized to conform to a human hand and a tool element. The housing element includes a rounded perimeter surface having several shallow slots. A tool element dome is provided on the front surface. The tool element dome includes a soft plastic tip surface. A seat belt cutter and a window hammer are housed in an embodiment of buckle release tool. A separate, storage element for the buckle release tool is provided.

Abstract: A hook and eye fastener includes a hook and an eye. The hook has a hook top plate and a hook base plate with a kinked end that curves toward the top plate and then curves away from the top plate. The kinked end is spring-loaded to rest on the hook top plate. The eye has an eye comprising a eye top plate and an eye base plate defining an opening for receiving the hook top plate. When the hook is initially inserted into the eye, the eye top plate pushes up against the kinked end of the hook base plate. When the kinked end slides past the eye top plate after the hook is fully inserted into the eye, the kinked end of the hook base plate snaps back down against the hook top plate and produces an audible sound to indicate the fastener is secured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure for joining at least two pieces of material, especially layers of material (14, 20). Said closure comprises two closure elements (2, 3) which are spaced apart in some sections. The first closure element (2) is provided with at least one fastening means (7) while the second closure element (3) is fitted with an especially central gap (4).

Abstract: A brassiere back closure has an inelastic textile patch is attached to the end of one of the brassier wings and carries a plurality of transversely extending and longitudinally spaced rows each having at least two transversely spaced eyes on the back face. A flat body has an inner end attached to the end of the other of the wings, an opposite outer end, a front face at least partially overlapping at the outer end the back face of the patch, and a back face opposite the body front face. Respective plastic hooks generally complementary to and matable with the eyes are fixed to the body front face at the outer end so as to align with and interfit with the eyes. A transversely rigid bar on or forming part of the body prevents transverse relative movement of the hooks and bending of the body at the hooks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector for releasable joining of two ends of material. The invention involves two generally symmetrical connector halves which engage with one another to maintain a connection capable of resisting opposing tension forces. A spring-force ball and socket arrangement is incorporated in each body half to maintain a secure connection. Rotatable interlocking tongue-and-groove structures provide ease of use and effective resistance to tension forces.

Abstract: An item of footwear has an opening 4 for insertion of a wearer's foot and a pair of rigid fastening elements 10 and 11 for drawing together opposite sides of the opening. The first element 10 has a screw thread 14 to receive a bead 15, and the free end of the second element 11 is bent orthogonally and formed into a U-shaped hook 16. When the wearer has placed his/her foot into the boot the element 10 is placed over the mouth of the hook 16. By applying gentle finger pressure the bead 15 is caused to ride over the shank of the second element 11 so that the hook 16 embraces the first element 10 and engages behind the bead 15. The tension in the fastening can be adjusted by screwing the bead 15 along the thread 14. The fastening is easy to engage and disengage when the wearer's fingers are cold or when wearing heavy gloves, yet the fastening is secure enough to be used with snowboarding or ski boots.