Abstract: A lockable connecting ring includes a first assembly and a second assembly connected to the first assembly. Two opposite ends of a rod body of the first assembly have a male linking portion and a female lockable portion, respectively. Two opposite ends of a rod body of the second assembly have a male lockable portion and a female linking portion, respectively. The male linking portion is pivotally connected to the female linking portion, and the female lockable portion is detachably connected to the male lockable portion by screwing. When the threaded connection of the lockable connecting ring is unlocked, the lockable connecting ring could be rotated along the pivotal connection to form an opening for allowing the rope to fit around the lockable connecting ring. Then, the female lockable portion is connected to the male lockable portion by screwing again to close the lockable connecting ring, which is convenient for use.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop: a method of efficiently producing a long bagworm silk thread containing no contaminant while preventing a change in the spinning direction and the runaway of the bagworm from a rail, and alleviating a burden on the bagworm; and an apparatus for implementing the thread-producing method. Provided is an apparatus for producing a bagworm silk thread, having a movable rail having a width smaller than the maximum width between the right and left legs of a bagworm and configured to move in the longitudinal direction and to be able to hold with the legs of the bagworm; and a fixator configured to fix a bagworm, wherein the fixator is placed at a position such that the fixed bagworm can hold the movable rail.

Abstract: A key-ring included a first and a second ring slidably mounted relative to each other in a circumferential direction. The key-ring includes mutual engagement members configured to define a reference for an open ring configuration and/or a closed ring configuration.

Abstract: A clasp and connection to an opposing ring. Although applicable to any clasp system, it is especially relevant to jewelry connections in necklaces or bracelets whereby the connecting rings are quite small requiring visual acuity and manual dexterity to operate. The user pulls back the plunger within the clasp ring and sets it in a locked and open position allowing the user to gain manual dexterity for guiding the clasp towards the opposing ring. A feature in which a magnetic portion of the clasp and opposing ring allows the two rings to be guided towards each other and position them for connection and further ensure tight closure. Since visual acuity is not always possible, this magnetic guide is critical.

Abstract: A charm and clothing attachment device includes a main body having a hook portion, a moveable arm and a central aperture. An elongated shaft having a sharp tip along a distal end extends outward from the main body. A receiver having a cavity is removably connected to the elongated shaft. One or more charms, each having a loop portion are suspended from the hook portion of the main body.

Abstract: A dual-entry keyring includes a ring body in a two-turn ring shape design, defining a first end and a second end respectively disposed at opposing top and bottom sides thereof beyond superimposition and a first press portion and a second press portion arranged between the first end and the second end to face toward each other and respectively outwardly curved so that a gap is defined between the first press portion and the second press portion. Further, the part of the first turn of the two-turn ring shape design of the ring body beyond the first press portion is closely abutted to the part of the second turn of the two-turn ring shape design of the ring body beyond the second press portion so that a stress point is formed at each of two opposite lateral sides of the gap between the first press portion and the second press portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a chain having a plurality of links that are formed from separate link members is provided that includes press fitting one link member into another link member. The method may further comprise cooling or heating one link member before completing the pressing operation.

Abstract: A link such as a karabiner has a body portion and a gate portion which is mounted to the body portion about a pivot. The gate defines a free end which is arranged to inter-engage with a nose of the body portion to define a closed ring for receiving a rope passing therethrough and including a first sleeve which, when the ring is closed, is moveable between a first position where the gate is free to rotate about the pivot in at least one direction, and a second position where the sleeve at least partly encloses the free end of the gate and the nose and substantially prevents rotation of the gate about the pivot. The link further includes a second sleeve which is internally threaded and which is mounted on an externally threaded portion of the gate for movement towards and away from the free end of the gate and which may be rotated towards the first sleeve when the first sleeve is in the second position, to prevent movement of the sleeve into first position in which the gate is free to rotate.

Abstract: A lifting hook includes a hook body with a hook stem and a hook tip; a safety latch with a fastening end and a free latch end, the fastening end of the safety latch being pivotally fastened close to the stem so as to be moved between an open position and a closed position, the safety latch being in its open position substantially against the inside of the hook body in a position that leaves a hook jaw free while in the closed position the latch end extends across the hook jaw to the hook tip, closing the jaw on the inside thereof; and an actuator for actuating the safety latch, the actuator including a spring arranged between the safety latch and the hook body and forcing the latch end into the closed position, a locking pawl structure and a cam surface arrangement for locking the safety latch into the open position, and a release extending across the jaw for releasing the safety latch from the open position. A safety latch for a lifting hook is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three piece fastener is provided for attaching two layers, e.g. a floor mat for a vehicle to a floor carpet which may then stabilize the mat relative to the carpeting. The three components may connect together through a combination of mechanical connections to provide a relatively simple and cost effective solution to floor mat retention.

Abstract: A snap hook is provided. A body of the snap hook includes a hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion. The body further has an opening to an inner edge that is positioned between the nose end and the connection portion. A gate is pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body. The gate selectively pivots in relation to the body between a closed configuration and an open configuration. A gate holding portion is configured and arranged to be selectively received between at least one wall stop and at least one catch formed by at least one slot in the nose portion of the body to selectively lock the gate in the closed configuration. Moreover, a trigger is further operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch of the nose portion when activated.

Abstract: A portable pet hydration system which may be attached to a pet's leash or to the user's clothing, which is used to quickly and easily supply liquid, such as water, to companion animals while away from home or engaged in activities outdoors. Various embodiments are described.

Abstract: Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.

Abstract: A suture organizer to maintain a plurality of sutures attached to a patient during a surgical procedure or operation in position relative to each other during the surgical procedure or operation comprising a hemostat retainer including a hemostat retainer member to receive and retain the finger hole or thumb hole of a corresponding hemostat connected to a corresponding suture and a clasp including a pair of clasp members to cooperatively clamp a surgical drape or the like therebetween to hold the suture organizer in position during the surgical procedure or operation.

Abstract: An attachment shackle has an open ring having threaded first and second end-parts arranged facing one another at the opposite ends. A rotary ferrule of tubular shape is fitted with screwing on the second end-part to close or open the space separating the two end-parts. A lock is arranged at the rear of the first end-part. The lock engages in a notch of the ferrule to perform locking in the closed position. Unlocking is performed by a manual releasing action of the lock allowing movement of the rotary ferrule to the open position.

Abstract: A device for allowing jewelry strands to be added or replaced with two interlocking arms, two rotating members, two knobs, and a shaft. The closed end of each interlocking arm is attached to a rotating member, the shaft extends through an aperture in each rotating member, and a knob is situated on each end of the shaft. The two interlocking arms are roughly the same size. The interlocking arms are positioned one on top of the other such that they form a closed shape when the interlocking arms are in a closed position. The rotating members rotate about the shaft, thereby causing the interlocking arms to rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: A karabiner including a generally C-shaped body having opposed free ends with a gap therebetween and a gate for closing the gap through constraint. The gate is formed of a wire member located on one free end of the body and includes a shaped free end. The other free end of the body is configured to receive the shaped free end of the gate, and includes a shape that corresponds substantially with the shape of the shaped end of the gate. In one embodiment, the loop is oriented substantially transversely to the plane of the karabiner body, and in another embodiment, the second free end of the body includes a recessed seat. A locking means on the gate or karabiner body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is contained within a carabiner's straight or bent gate. The locking mechanism incorporates a pivoting link that can be moved to abut against a transverse pin, thereby immobilizing the gate return spring, which prevents opening movement of the gate. The transverse pin is a material able to resist and distribute forces attempting to open the locked gate. The spring pin is notched to engage the transverse pin thereby simplifying assembly of the carabiner. A low profile protrusion is pushed in the direction of opening the gate to switch the mechanism to the unlocked position. Similarly, another low profile protrusion is pushed in the direction of closing the gate to switch the mechanism to the locked position. The locking and unlocking protrusions are located adjacent the gate hinge so that the gate can be conveniently unlocked, opened, closed and relocked with the fingers of one hand.

Abstract: A snap hook includes a hook member having a gap formed by an attaching end and a receiving end, a pivotal gate pivotally secured to the hook member and having a channel for receiving the receiving end of the hook member, a locking member is rotatably engaged onto the pivotal gate and includes a passage for aligning with the channel of the pivotal gate and the receiving end of the hook member and for allowing the pivotal gate and the locking member to be rotated relative to the hook member from the locking position to the unlocking position, and a spring member biases and rotates the locking member relative to the pivotal gate to stably retain the receiving end of the hook member in the channel of the pivotal gate.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and related apparatus for tightening or loosening a belt. Some illustrative embodiments include a method and apparatus for tightening or loosening a belt used in, e.g., power-lifting, to provide adequate leverage in tightening or loosening the belt to prevent injury comprising using the apparatus (constructed with a rigid material) to attach to the belt and allowing for appropriate tension to be applied to fasten and unfasten the belt at the desired tightness.

Abstract: A carabiner is provided with a generally C-shaped body that includes an elongated spine, an upper arm, and an elongated lower arm that is fixed in position with respect to the spine. First and second free ends of the C-shaped body are separated by a gap that may be selectively opened and closed by a gate, positioned generally opposite the spine. The lower arm is provided with a cross-sectional diameter that is larger than a cross-sectional diameter of the spine. Running grooves may be formed into the lower arm to receive lengths of rope in various positions. The lower arm may be formed to be hollow to assist in heat dissipation.

Abstract: A belt guiding element for a child safety system, in particular for a child seat, can provide a high safety level and particularly highly comfortable use when the safety belt is inserted into the element and when the belt is removed therefrom. The belt guiding element comprises a slot for receiving a safety belt, on the vehicle side, in particular a three-point belt, and a locking element capable of being open or closed. The locking element enables, in an open position, for the safety belt to be inserted into the slot or the safety belt previously inserted into the slot, to be removed. In a closed position the locking element enables, the insertion or removal of the safety belt to be prevented. The locking element includes a lock lever which can pivot about a pin spaced apart from the slot.

Abstract: A hanger is formed as an open loop of an elastomeric material. The open loop includes an integral eyelet formed at one end and an integral latch formed at the opposite end. The latch is inserted through an orifice defined by the eyelet and is held in place by an interference fit. Before engaging the latch with the orifice, a user passes one end of the hanger around portions of two or more objects, so that when the latch is engaged with the eyelet, the objects are connected by the hanger. The hanger, which can be made either of a clear or translucent colorless plastic, or of a colored plastic or other elastomeric material, can be used for hanging one or more objects from another object, or for simply connecting two or more objects together. It's low cost and ease of use make the hanger ideal for such applications.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners employing a pivoting gate and having a captive eye opening are disclosed. The carabiners of the present invention employ an arm laterally extending from the body of the carabiner to define a major opening and a captive eye opening within the interior of the carabiner. Some of the inventive carabiner designs provide the capability of opening the gate while the captive eye opening is maintained. Methods of fabrication and use of the carabiners are also disclosed.

Abstract: The body of a snap-hook for carrying accessories is equipped with a guard lug attached to the top part and extending facing the lateral branch opposite the finger so as to define a groove designed to be inserted on a support element, in particular a belt, to achieve immobilization of the snap-hook.

Abstract: A locking assembly (100) consists of a pair of closable devices (110, 120) secured together in a contiguous side-by-side relationship and being displaceable, each relative to the other. Each of the closable devices (110, 120) has opposing end portions (112, 114 and 122, 124, respectively) defining a closable gap therebetween. A corresponding clasp (130, 140) is formed on the opposing end portions of each closable device (110, 120). The clasp (130, 140) is operable to selectively retain the opposing end portions in an overlapping relationship or to release the opposing end portions to define the closable gap therebetween. The clasps (130, 140) of both closable devices are simultaneously inoperable when one of the pair of closable devices is disposed in a first position relative to the other one of the closable devices and are simultaneously operable when one of the pair of closable devices is disposed in a second position relative to the other of the closable devices.

Abstract: A detachable pendant mounting for providing interchangeability of the pendant includes a hollow clasp housing held on a pendant chain, the clasp housing open at the rear and the bottom end. A clasp element is mounted within the clasp element accessible through the open rear. A pendant securement to the clasp element is accomplished through the bottom opening. The clasp element may take various forms including a deflectable hook, a fixed pin, a slotted clevis, etc., with a catch engagement keeping the pendant securement on the clasp element until released.

Abstract: A combination-type curtain hook is disclosed. A combination-type curtain hook having a stitching strap and a moving hook, characterized in that the stitching strap includes a stitching piece having one side being mounted with a plurality of protruded blocks being spaced apart to form a sliding rail, and the other side of the stitching piece is stitched to the folded flap of a curtain, and the moving hook including a pair of protruded arms at one side thereof is engageable with the protruded block and the protruded arms are positioned at the gap formed between each neighboring protruded blocks, thereby the sliding hook slides up and down along the protruded blocks, achieving the positioning and height adjustment of the curtain.

Abstract: A locking cable support that reduces potential wire abrasion, minimizes magnetic interference to communication signals, and provides a wide opening feature that permits easy insertion of cables without first twisting them. The shape and flexibility of the improved locking cable support enable it to be opened wider than prior art metallic bridle rings, allowing easier insertion of wires. Non-metallic construction minimizes potential wire abrasion and reduces the possibility of magnetic interference with communication signals. A wide surface in the ring portion provides a comfortable seat for cables with minimal bending of cables between supports.

Abstract: A locking retainer includes a flexible band including an outer surface, an inner surface substantially parallel to and spaced from the outer surface, a first end, and a second end. A first plug member is integrally attached to the first end of the flexible band and includes an extending member having a first end, a second end, and top and bottom surfaces. The first plug member includes a first prong extending from the top surface of the extending member, and a second prong extending from the bottom surface of the extending member. A second plug member integrally attached to the second end of the flexible band comprises a first and second leg that each has a first end and a second end, wherein the second leg is substantially parallel to and spaced from the first leg. A cavity is defined between the first ends of the first and the second legs. The second ends of the first leg and the second leg are joined.

Abstract: A locking retainer includes a flexible band including an outer surface, an inner surface substantially parallel to and spaced from the outer surface, a first end, and a second end. A first plug member is integrally attached to the first end of the flexible band and includes an extending member having a first end, a second end, and top and bottom surfaces. The first plug member includes a first prong extending from the top surface of the extending member, and a second prong extending from the bottom surface of the extending member. A second plug member integrally attached to the second end of the flexible band comprises a first and second leg that each has a first end and a second end, wherein the second leg is substantially parallel to and spaced from the first leg. A cavity is defined between the first ends of the first and the second legs. The second ends of the first leg and the second leg are joined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joiner for attaching items together, said joiner including a ring-like member having first and second ends to be linked to one another, said first end having a tubular section for reception therein of said second end, and a latching means to lock said first and second ends together.