Abstract: A fastener having two strap ends connected by an elastomeric member is described. The elastomeric member has sufficient elasticity to allow a user to increase the distance of separation between the two strap ends by applying a separation force, while providing enough tension to return the two strap ends to close proximity when the user releases the separation force. The elastomeric member may also have an adjustable elasticity to accommodate different applications with different load forces. The two strap ends may each be attached to two connectors.

Abstract: A child restraint seat sensing device for a vehicle including a structural element at least partially defining a volume, wherein the structural element is located in a vehicle passenger seat between a seat base and seat back or is located behind the vehicle passenger seat, a stationary anchor in the vehicle, wherein the stationary anchor is located within the volume defined by the structural element, and a sensor mounted to the structural element, wherein the sensor is configured to detect whether a child restraint seat connector is attached to the stationary anchor.

Abstract: A power supply device for a vehicle child seat includes an anchor housing mounted on a rear seat, an anchor and a power supply connector, which are positioned within the anchor housing, a latch bar mounted on a child seat and fastened on the anchor in a locked manner, a connector module slidably fastened to the latch bar, and a power connection connector integrally combined with the connector module and removably fastened to the power supply connector.

Abstract: Attachment systems for releasably securing an accessory to an article, such as a helmet, are disclosed. In one embodiment, an attachment system (100) includes an attachment plate (102) that includes engaging features (108, 110) which engage corresponding engagement features on an attachment base (104). At least one of the engaging features (110) on the attachment plate is associated with a flexible member (112), and is movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration via deformation of the flexible member. A pair of grips (114) are provided on opposing ends of the flexible member, and the grips are pressed toward one another to move the movable engaging feature between the locked and unlocked configurations.

Abstract: A buckle device comprises a main body unit, a latch unit and a fastening unit. The main body unit includes a housing surrounding and defining an accommodating space, two first apertures provided in the housing, two slider blocks arranged in the accommodating space, and two first elastic bodies abutting against the slider blocks. The latch unit includes a tongue element and two tongue openings provided on the tongue element. The fastening unit includes two bolt bodies passing through the first apertures, and two second elastic bodies abutting against the bolt bodies. When the tongue element is separated from the two slider blocks, the two slider blocks are pushed by the two first elastic bodies, and the two bolt bodies is pushed against by the two slider blocks.

Abstract: A webbing-buckling device of a multi-point seat belt system has a buckle assembly and a tongue assembly. The buckle assembly has a buckle base having a first frame portion and a webbing-locking member slidably inserted through the first frame portion. The tongue assembly is disposed on the buckle assembly and has a tongue base having a second frame portion and a webbing-fixing member slidably inserted through the second frame portion. One of two webbings is inserted between the first frame portion and the webbing-locking member, and the other webbing is inserted between the second frame portion and the webbing-fixing member. Alternatively, the webbing-buckling device has a buckle assembly and two tongue assemblies disposed on the buckle assembly. Each tongue assembly has a tongue base having a second frame portion and a webbing-fixing member inserted through the second frame portion. The webbings are inserted through the tongue assemblies.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the length of two straps making up a strength trainer of the type having a hand or foothold connected to a first strap and a second anchored strap. The mechanism has a rectangular ring mounted to move through a cross member engaged with a housing by a spring extended between the ring and the housing. A first strap is looped around a first member of the ring, while the second strap passes thought the ring below an opposite member and wrapping the cross member to pass through the ring a second time after passing between the opposite member of the ring and the second member so as to engage two high friction surfaces on the cross member and one on the ring. Adjustment is by rotating the housing and ring to be perpendicular to the load to unload the second strap from the high friction surfaces.

Abstract: In a cover of a buckle device, an engagement hook of a side wall of an upper cover is fit together with an engagement groove of a side wall of a lower cover to assemble the upper cover to the lower cover. When the side wall of the upper cover receives an external force, a holder of a buckle switch is sandwiched between a side plate of a buckle body and a rib of the lower cover such that the side plate receives the external force. Accordingly, the rigidity at the engagement hook of the cover is able to be increased.

Abstract: A counter release buckle is provided herein. More particularly, a counter release buckle disengages in a direction opposite the direction that the buckle member is tensioned in. The counter release buckle releases each of the buckle members in the opposite direction of tension that is or would be placed on the buckle member. The buckle also engages the opposing buckle portions by moving them in the direction that the tension is or would be pulling on the respective buckle member.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a frame, a latch plate, and a tongue. The frame includes a latch opening and a slot for receiving the tongue. The latch plate is configured to be linearly displaced within the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position and includes a latch portion. The tongue includes a tongue opening having an angled leading end. When the tongue is inserted into the frame slot, the latch plate is biased to the locked position such that the latch portion of the latch plate traverses the angled leading end of the tongue opening until the angled leading end of the latch portion of the latch plate is secured in the latch opening in the locked position. In preferred embodiments, the buckle assembly includes a seat belt connected to the tongue for securing a user to a seat of a vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckle device includes a housing, a frame, a latching arrangement and a release button. The frame includes a bottom wall and first and second laterally spaced walls. The latching arrangement selectively retains a latch plate within the housing. The release button is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A proximal end, a distal end and first and second laterally spaced apart legs of the release button cooperate to define an opening into which a projecting portion distally from the proximal end. At least one shield member laterally extends from the projection portion toward the first and second laterally spaced apart legs. Each shield member includes an outboard side spaced from an adjacent leg of the first and second legs by a gap. Each gap slidingly receives one of the first and second laterally spaced walls of the frame.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a notification is provided to a user. A receptacle receives an engaging member of a securing device that engages an entity within an environment. The receptacle includes a sensor to detect a presence of the engaging member of the securing device within the receptacle. An alert unit is disposed within the receptacle and enabled in response to presence of the engaging member of the securing device within the receptacle. A communication device of the alert unit communicates with a target device associated with a user. A processor of the alert unit is configured to determine a distance to the user based on communication with the target device and control notification to the user in response to the distance to the user satisfying a threshold distance.

Abstract: An air belt apparatus for a vehicle may include an air belt coupled to an inflator formed at a predetermined position in a seat back, the air belt being configured to be placed on a shoulder portion of a driver, and a seat belt including a webbing passing through the air belt, the webbing being extracted from a retractor spaced from the inflator with a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A memory buckle assembly for use with an occupant restraint system includes a left inside case plate and a right inside case plate arranged within a rigid housing. The memory buckle assembly further includes an adjustable stop button and an adjustable memory button, operably mounted on the rigid housing, and configured to engage with a stop button configurator assembly and a memory button configurator assembly operably positioned between the left inside case plate and the right inside case plate within the rigid housing. The memory button configurator assembly is configurable using the adjustable memory button for enabling retention of a preset expanded position of the strap. The stop button configurator assembly is operably coupled to the memory button configurator assembly utilizing a spool gear and a memory gear to enable the expansion and retraction of the strap assisted by manual adjustments of the adjustable stop button.

Abstract: A seat belt latch plate assembly includes a latch plate and a latch plate cover carried on the latch plate. That latch plate cover is made by means of a two-shot injection molding process and includes integral bumpers that are made from a soft, sound dissipating material and have an energy absorbing cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A child's safety belt connection buckle with a belt buckle inserted into an inserting space in an inserting base in the horizontal direction, and locked by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a sliding member capable of moving reciprocally along the horizontal direction, and a locking member capable of moving reciprocally in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The locking mechanism has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the locking mechanism is at the locking position, the belt buckle is pressed against the sliding member, and the locking member is buckled with the belt buckle. When the locking mechanism is at the unlocking position, the locking member is separated from the belt buckle and pressed against the sliding member.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering a child car seat attachment anchor includes a sleeve that is formed in a single piece, a slot in a first face of the sleeve that defines an opening extending towards a second face of the sleeve opposing the first face, and a rib of the sleeve located at an end of the opening forming a retention surface for the child car seat attachment anchor. The sleeve has an outer shape forming a quadrilaterally faced hexahedron. The retention surface extends in parallel with the second face. The apparatus can be used to cover an ISOFIX wire that extends from a seat crevasse.

Abstract: A fastener for detachably securing a first item to a second item comprises a connector comprising a U-shaped rod having a central portion between two legs and a main body configured to be attached to the second item. The main body comprises a housing having a slot configured to allow passage of a central portion therethrough into the housing, and a downwardly biased securing pin provided within the housing. The slot has an upstanding lip provided at a lower edge of the slot that defines two downwardly extending openings. Each of the openings are configured to allow the two legs to extend out of the housing when the central portion is in a secured position where the central portion is lowered in the housing relative to the slot. The securing pin is configured to exert a downward bias against the central portion in the secured position.

Abstract: A cover device adapted to removably cover a portion of a seatbelt buckle is presented herein. The cover device being constructed of a flexible material, the cover device includes a first closed end, slot, and second open end. The slot is formed along a portion of the first closed end and is adapted to allow the passage of a seatbelt tongue as well as resist the passage of other objects or fluids. The second open end is adapted to receive a seatbelt buckle housing.

Abstract: A casing shell (10) for a belt buckle is described including at least one sidewall (12, 14, 16) which has an outwardly facing lateral face (22, 24, 26). A groove (23) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal orientation (L) of the casing shell (10) completely over the lateral face (22, 24, 26) is provided on the lateral face (22, 24, 26). Furthermore a casing for a belt buckle is described.

Abstract: Provided are a connector member and a connector that are easy to assemble and capable of adjusting of misalignment or inclination of a fitting axis. In the connector, a first connector member having a first housing is fitted with a second connector member having a second housing and a supporting member supporting the second housing. The first housing includes a guide pin, the second housing includes a guide-pin guiding part, and the guide-pin guiding part includes a guide hole. The second housing has a pair of shaft pins. The supporting member has a support claw for holding each of the shaft pins. When the guide pin is inserted into the guide hole, the guide pin presses the guide hole to cause the shaft pin to move with the shaft pins being held by the support claw, thereby the second housing being moved, enabling the fitting.

Abstract: A lower back support system (LBSS) that provides increased support to a person's lower spine and back muscle group. The LBSS includes a first belt, a second belt, a quick release buckle and an adjustable belt glide. Additionally, a back rack that consists of a first shoulder support, a second shoulder support as well as other yoke, front and side supports can also be utilized. Substantially centered and attached by an attachment device to the front of the first belt is an abdominal support brace. Substantially centered and attached to the rear of the first belt is a back support brace which is specially designed and dimensioned to provide maximum support to a typical person's lower back. When wearing the LBSS a person is more protected against strain and injury by supporting his/her lower back when lifting, carrying or wearing an object(s) or being physically jarred. The LBSS shifts load from a person's single spine to their two legs.

Abstract: The patron restraint system for amusement rides includes a locking receiver with a locking assembly for engaging a restraining strap. The engagement of the restraining strap in the locking receiver can be verified by a ride operator by visual or physical inspection, or by a sensor system indicating the locked or unlocked state of the locking receiver. A latching ratchet mechanism may be provided in the receiver to restrict movement of the restraining strap until it is released by the ride operator. The sensor system includes an acoustic sensor that detects alignment of an aperture with a piezoelectric acoustic emitter and an acoustic detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a buckle apparatus for a seat belt. The buckle apparatus Includes an upper cover including a front plate formed with an opening part; a lower cover engaged with a lower portion of the upper cover and provided therein with a base frame; a latch member including one end rotatably supported on the base frame and locked with a tongue plate inserted through the opening part; an ejector assembly provided on the base frame for locking and releasing between the tongue plate and the latch member; and a release button slidably provided on both sides of the base frame and disposed in an upper portion of the opening part so that one side of the release button is exposed. At least one elastic member is integrally provided on an upper end of the front plate to elastically press a bottom surface of the tongue plate.

Abstract: [Object] Smooth sliding against a seat belt is allowed in a normal state, and effectiveness of suppressing extension of a lap belt is increased in an emergency state. [Solution] A seat belt slide portion 17 has a recess portion 20 provided in a seat belt slide surface 18 and a specified number of projections 27 provided in the recess portion 20. The seat belt slide surface 18 has a shoulder belt-side seat belt slide surface 22 that is disposed on a shoulder belt 9 side and extends in a longitudinal direction of a seat belt insertion hole 16. Relative to a position where the distance in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seat belt insertion hole 16 is a minimum, the shoulder belt-side seat belt slide surface 22 extends from the shoulder belt 9 side to a lap belt 10 side, and the distance of a part 22a of the shoulder belt-side seat belt slide surface 22 is positioned on the lap belt 10 side relative to the position of a virtual line ?.

Abstract: This invention pertains to connections between helmets and chinstraps, and more particularly a connector which is securable to an end of a chinstrap, and which is readily connected to a helmet via a stud carried by the helmet, and in which removal of the connector from the stud requires that an actuator be moved out of a mechanical latching relation to the stud. A helmet assembly includes a helmet having a stud, a chinstrap having a strap, and a connector attached to the strap. The connector includes a housing and an actuator. The housing has an underside with an opening sized to receive the stud through the opening into the housing. The actuator is movable within the housing between a first position in which the actuator engages the stud to retain the connector to the helmet and a second position in which the actuator disengages the stud to release the connector from the helmet.

Abstract: A buckle assembly structured for quick release and including a gripping assembly structured to removably retain an end connector in a locked position. Two locking segments are movably connected to one another and disposable between a closed orientation and a release orientation. The locked position includes the locking segments disposed in gripping engagement with the connector when the connector is disposed between the locking segments. A quick release assembly may be selectively positioned into a separating engagement with the locking segments to at least partially define a positioning thereof from their closed orientation into their release orientation. A secondary release assembly is connected to the gripping assembly and is independently operable to release the connector from the gripping engagement with the locking segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat belt buckle (10) comprising a locking mechanism for a plug-in latch and a casing (12) that encloses the locking mechanism and includes an inserting opening (14) for inserting the plug-in latch as well as a release opening (16) in which a release element (20) for releasing the locking mechanism is disposed. There is provided a sealing device (22) for sealing the inserting opening (14), when the plug-in latch is not inserted, and/or the release opening (16).

Abstract: Foreign objects that have entered inside an insertion body are suppressed from reaching a detector side. In a buckle device, when a tongue plate is attached, an ejector slides downwards inside a buckle body, opening a through hole in a partitioning wall of a lower cover at the upper side. A main body portion of a slider member of a buckle switch is inserted into the through hole, closing off a portion of the through hole that has been opened by the ejector. Hence it is suppressed that foreign objects discharged through an insertion through hole in the buckle body to outside the buckle body pass through the through hole and reach the buckle switch side further than the partitioning wall.

Abstract: A rotatable buckle assembly may include a male buckle member, and a female buckle member configured to rotatably connect to the male buckle member. The female buckle member may include a handle that is configured to be pulled to disconnect the first buckle member from the second buckle member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat belt buckle for a seat belt comprising a casing, a locking member for a plug-in latch and an unlocking device (26) for releasing the unlocking member. The unlocking device (26) includes at least two unlocking surfaces (56, 60) which are independent of each other, wherein a predetermined force has to be applied to both unlocking surfaces (56, 60) for operating the unlocking device (26). The unlocking device (26) includes at least one fastening element (30) constituting an engaging connection with the casing, wherein the engaging connection prevents a movement of the unlocking device (26) in an unlocking direction of the locking member and the fastening element (30) has to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the unlocking direction for releasing the engaging connection.

Abstract: A buckle includes a snap coupling mechanism including a locking element pivotable between a locked and an unlocked position for engaging and disengaging two tongues, respectively; a release button movable between a raised position and a lowered position corresponding to the locked and unlocked positions, respectively; a spring tending to keep the release button in the raised position; and two sliders opposing the insertion of the tongues. The sliders are configured to come between a body of the buckle and the locking element, when the locking element is moved into the unlocked position, so as to prevent the locking element from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. The release button is connected to the locking element so that when the release button is pressed, the locking element moves into the unlocked position, whereas when the release button is released, the locking element moves into the locked position.

Abstract: A belt buckle for a motor vehicle is provided wherein, through the use of the belt buckle, a tongue of a seat belt is mechanically receivable and, through the use of a switch, an insertion status of the tongue is detectable. A device is assigned to the switch through the use of which the switch position of the switch is wirelessly communicable to a receiver circuit.

Abstract: A switch-equipped buckle device capable of accurately detecting an attachment-detachment state of a tongue plate by mounting fixed contacts immovably therein. The switch-equipped buckle device has, inside a buckle body, a slide switch that detects a state of attachment of the tongue plate according to the sliding position of an ejector. A slider of the slide switch is integrated with the ejector, and three fixed contacts of the slide switch are integrated with a lower case by insert molding.

Abstract: A quick release buckle includes a main body portion including a top housing portion and a bottom housing portion. A t-bar element removably connects within the main body portion. A pair of locking pawls removably connect with an extension portion of the t-bar element. A locking wheel device is configured for locking and unlocking the pair of pawls based on contact of pawl extensions with one or more portions of the locking wheel device.

Abstract: A barrier may be configured to maintain a fixed position with respect to a seat, the barrier separating a first space from a second space, a seatbelt buckle may be configured to maintain a fixed position with respect to the barrier in the second space, the buckle includes an opening to receive a seatbelt tongue and a release button to release the tongue from the buckle, the barrier may include a slot having dimensions selected to permit passage of the tongue from the first space into the opening and prevent an object from passing through the slot to operate the release button. A force-transfer-structure, coupled between the release button and a solenoid may transfer a force exerted by the solenoid to the release button, where the buckle and force-transfer-structure maintain operational alignment therebetween. A second structure can operate the release button in event that the solenoid is inoperable.

Abstract: A latching device secures a strap to a piece of sports equipment. The latching device includes a buckle and a base. The buckle has a main body portion. The main body portion has an integrally formed collet and has a first slot and a second slot. The first and second slots each having a plurality of teeth shaped members that are configured to secure the strap to the buckle. The base is attached to the piece of sports equipment. The base has a first shaft and an annular ring. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. A ball shaped member is attached to the first end of the first shaft. The annular ring is formed on a periphery of the base surrounding the first shaft. The ball shaped member is releasably received in the collet to releasably engage the buckle with the base.

Abstract: A quick release fastener for an end fitting of a safety belt having spaced apart first and second frame, a lockable insert tongue insertable between the frame plates, and a locking element moveable between a locking position in which the insert tongue is locked between the frame plates, and a release position. A locking element has at least two anchor surfaces facing one another, which at least form the stop at one outer face of the frame plates or of the insert tongue. In this way, a shockproof quick release fastener is provided which can be released without a special tool.

Abstract: A buckle includes a case connected to a restraint system lower belt. A coupling mechanism releasably engages tongue-like coupling elements connected to respective upper belts. An indicator indicates correct belt tensioning and has a visual symbol visible through openings in the case. The indicator moves in the case between a first position in which the visual symbol is not visible, for loose belts, and a second position in which the visual symbol is visible, for correctly tensioned belts. First springs urge the indicator towards the first position. A locking element in the case connects to an end of the lower belt. Second springs between the case and the locking element are resiliently deformed from tension on the lower belt. The locking element cooperates with the indicator so that when the indicator is in the second position, it is locked.

Abstract: Belt buckle for releasable connection of a belt to another belt or object. The belt buckle has a male buckle part with a plug-in extension and a female buckle part with a receptacle, and a locking device. The plug-in extension of the male buckle part is insertable into the receptacle of the female buckle part and the buckle parts are lockable to each other in a locking state by the locking device. In the locking state, the buckle parts are arrangeable relative to each other in a neutral position, in which the locking device can be brought into an unlocking position to separate the buckle parts. The buckle parts are additionally arrangeable relative to each other in a blocking position, pivoted in relation to the neutral position, in which the locking device is blocked in a locking position to prevent the buckle parts from being separated from each other.

Abstract: A seat belt safety device prevents access to a release button located on a surface of a seat belt housing attached to a first seat belt segment, the housing surface also including a housing opening through which a seat belt tongue attached to a second seat belt segment is inserted to securely latch the first seat belt segment to the seat belt housing and the second seat belt segment. The seat belt safety device includes a blocking assembly formed as a cylindrical standoff with an inner channel within which a rod with a release handle at one end and a blocking member at its other end is arranged for axial movement when the blocking assembly is not in a locked state and a spring. The release handle is grasped to extend the rod against a force of the spring to press the release button of the seat belt housing.

Abstract: A push button buckle (20) having a replaceable cover (30). A button (38) is biased into contact with the cover (30) to aid in installation. The cover (30) flexes to snap onto the frame (50), and is removed with a tool (T).

Abstract: The lock member includes: a plate-like base portion positioned on a top side of the socket; a holder retaining the base portion to the socket; an operating portion connected to the base portion and movable in a direction intersecting the base portion by an external operation; and a lock portion restricting disengagement of the engaged portions and the engaging portions. The lock portion is positioned in the socket and connected to the operating portion via a joint inserted in the cutout. Without the external operation, the lock portion is present in movement paths where the engaging portions move to be disengaged from the engaged portions. When the operating portion is moved by the external operation, the lock portion is moved away from the movement paths.

Abstract: Personal restraint systems with buckle assemblies for use in vehicles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a personal restraint system includes a connector configured to be coupled to a web. The restraint system also includes a buckle assembly configured to releasably retain the connector. In this embodiment, the buckle assembly includes a frame having a locking feature configured to engage a tongue of the connector. The buckle assembly also includes a locking member movably positioned adjacent to the frame that retains the tongue in a locked position. The buckle assembly further includes an actuator that can be actuated by a user to move the tongue out of the locked position.

Abstract: A side squeeze buckle with a cavity formed in a central section of the male section of the buckle is disclosed. The cavity can have an LED light enclosed therein or can be left as an open cavity to store items. The female section of the buckle has two arms extending around a central opening. The central section of the male section fits into the central opening of the female section. The external surface of the cavity forms a substantial portion of the top surface of the buckle when the buckle is closed.

Abstract: A buckle assembly (10) includes a frame (12) having a base (66) connected to opposed side walls (68). The frame (12) has a latch chamber (70) between the base (66) and the opposed side walls (68). The buckle assembly (10) also includes a lever (14) pivotally secured with in the latch chamber (70) between the opposed side walls (68), and a latch (16) configured to be secured in the latch chamber (70) by the lever (14). The latch (16) may include a frame-engaging member (30) having an ogived leading end (36). The ogived leading end (36) is configured to self-align the latch (16) within the latch chamber (70) when the latch (16) is mated into the latch chamber (70).

Abstract: A tongue (200, 400) for an inflatable belt restraint system, the tongue comprising: a narrow cylindrical hollow tube (204a, 204b) comprising a first formed member and a second formed member joined together along respective mating edges of the first and second formed members and two mating portions (202a and 202b) forming the looped portion of the tongue.

Abstract: Buckle assemblies for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems in vehicles are disclosed herein. A buckle assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing assembly that receives at least a portion of a web connector. The housing assembly includes a coating having a generally soft or tactile surface finish. For example, the coating can be at least partially elastically compressible.

Abstract: A seat belt safety device is configured with a first planar member including a slot opening for receiving a tongue latch of a second seat belt segment and a second planar member attached to at least one edge of the first planar member to extend at about 90° from a point of attachment so that upon insertion of a tongue latch through the slot opening, the second substantially planar member and contacts to lay substantially flat against a portion of an outer surface of the seat belt housing such that the seat belt safety device is substantially immobilized. The second planar member has a limited access opening centered and proximate the release button in the exposed surface of the housing so that when a tongue latch is inserted to latch and secure the first seat belt segment with the second seat belt segment.

Abstract: A belt buckle includes a male plate with a cylindrical pin extending transversely from a back side of said male plate. A female plate includes a cylindrical cavity which is partially enclosed by a first inwardly-extending flange and a second inwardly-extending flange. The female plate is adapted for coupling to a male plate when the buckle is in use. An elastic ring is fittingly disposed inside the partially enclosed cavity. A hollow of the elastic ring is adapted to fittingly receive the pin during use of the buckle. The hollow of the elastic ring has a polygonal-shaped wall, whereby the elastic ring is in contact with the pin at a plurality of contact points during use of the buckle to prevent the pin from getting loose when the buckle is in use.