Abstract: A quick release fastener (QRF) for a restraint harness the fastener having a base plate with a lug retainer boss projecting therefrom, a cover plate hinged to the base plate and recessed to receive the free end of the boss, and a lock for locking the cover plate to the base. The lock requires two directionally different operations to open same and may incorporate an intermediate closure device for holding the fastener in a lug-loading configuration.

Abstract: A foot strap and baseplate assembly for mounting on boards of the type used in surfboarding and windsurfing. Each assembly includes a pair of baseplates formed with cavities which open through the top along a slot and at the rear through a wedge-shaped doorway. A pair of elongated flexible straps are formed with enlarged proximal ends which releasably fit in the cavity of a respective baseplate. The shape of the cavity and corresponding shape of the strap proximal end, together with the predetermined hardness of the proximal end, cause the strap to engage in the cavity when the pulling force is below a predetermined limit, while disengaging when the force exceeds that limit whereby the strap is released to free the user's feet from the board. The straps flex and collapse to permit the user to lie flat on the board. The tops of the baseplates are rounded and have a low profile which facilitates alternate use of the board without the straps.

Abstract: A central belt lock, particularly for a parachute harness, includes a housing, a main pin or journal which is manually rotatable and axially movable therein, and an anchor plate which cooperates with a plurality of retaining bolts for the belt attachment or coupling members. There is dealt with the problem of allowing the belt attachment members to be released and thus disconnected from the lock even if the parachutist for some reason is unable to actuate the lock manually, after making a jump over the sea. Therefore, a central belt lock is provided to be activated by sea water and can be released thereby, without affecting the function thereof when operated manually. For this purpose, the main journal (2a) has at least one longitudinal bore in which a push rod (12) is mounted so as to be longitudinally movable. An actuator (20, 27) is associated with the push rod and is actuated when coming into contact with water, axially moving the push rod (12) and hence the anchor plate (5) with the retaining bolts (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a fluid medium which activates at a deeper depth and then releases at a lesser depth. A rod depresses a spring in a housing. The rod is prevented from being ejected from the housing by a ball bearing which engages between openings in the rod and the housing. When in use, the pressure exerted by the fluid medium forces the rod deeper into the housing. When the first depth is reached the ball bearing disengages from the rod and the device is activated. As the activated apparatus rises, the pressure on the rod decreases and the rod moves out of the housing. When the deployment depth is attained the housing floods and the rod is ejected.

Abstract: A release mechanism is provided for releasably joining two objects such as straps, cables, ropes, or the like as well as two rigid members such as pipes, tubing, beams, columns, or the like. The mechanism is usable for releasing loads which are under tension and, in certain embodiments, also transmit compression and torsional forces. One mechanism includes a pair of pivoting plates connected to the ends of a bifurcated strap. The plates engage elongated surfaces on a root member connected to an opposite strap. An indexing arrangement is provided to prevent relative sliding movement. The plates are biased for outward movement. Outward movement is prevented by releasable securement links or straps. An alternative form of securement is provided in the form of a sliding enclosure. An alternative embodiment for flexible or rigid members is provided in the form of a central root surrounded by outwardly pivoting leaves. Pivoting members connected to the leaves engage projections on the root member.

Abstract: A safety belt coupling device which comprises components mutually attached by a heat degradable adhesive, such as a low-melting solder. At a predetermined temperature, degradation of the adhesive occurs, which allows the components to separate and thus release the safety belt.

Abstract: A fastener includes a pad element having number of connecting prongs having two locking ridges disposed thereon. The top locking ridges, which are disposed closest to the tip of the prongs, are smaller than the lower locking ridges, thereby facilitating easy alignment of the unisex fasteners of a mating pad. Back prongs on the pad are used for connecting the pad to a surface of an article having holes for receiving the back prongs such that the connecting prongs are positioned to face upwardly from the surface. The fastener is adapted for use in yieldably or separably anchoring a baseball base in place on a playing field ground support attachment having like-constructed fastener prongs whereby injury to a runner sliding into the base will be minimized due to yielding under a relatively low force or separating under a relatively high force of the fastener prongs upon contact thereof.

Abstract: A usually unloaded feeler member responsive to a critical change of condition and incorporated in the lock of e.g. a buckle fastening of a safety belt, which feeler member is adapted under spring action to move the locking member of the lock from the locking position to the release position.