Abstract: A buckle with a first buckle part and at least one second buckle part. The first buckle part has a first buckle main body and a receptacle which is hook-shaped, seen in at least one section, and formed rigidly on the first buckle main body. The second buckle part has a second buckle main body with an inherently rigid hook-in part for hooking into the receptacle of the first buckle part, and the first buckle part additionally has at least one bolt. The hook-in part has a central web and two side parts protruding on mutually opposite sides from the central web, and each of the side parts is delimited by a respective front edge, and the front edges of the side parts are oriented extending obliquely away from each other at least regionally from a direction of the central web, preferably running at least regionally in a V-shape relative to each other.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle includes a base and a latch. The base includes a chamber with at least one positioning member disposed therein, and an opening communicating with the chamber. The latch includes a tongue with at least one recess with one open side, is adapted to be inserted into the chamber through the opening. The at least one positioning member is introduced into the at least one recess through the open side thereof to be engaged with the at least one recess when the tongue is inserted into the chamber. By the design mentioned above, the latch could be engaged with the positioning member of the base through the recess. Whereby, the latch still could be engaged with the base securely and would not be released easily and accidentally when any one of the latch and the base is laterally pushed or pulled.

Abstract: An improved buckle includes a plastic shell, an inserting element, and a lock core. A horizontal socket fitting with the inserting element and a cylindrical mounting slot for mounting the lock core are formed on the plastic shell, the cylindrical mounting slot communicating with the horizontal socket. The horizontal socket includes a guiding block, and the inserting element includes an inserting piece for inserting into the horizontal socket to cooperate with the lock core, with two triangular notches symmetrically and a guiding groove cooperating with the guiding block formed thereon. The buckle has advantages of a simple structure and a reasonable design, and may realize the dispersion of the strength by utilizing the special structure of the lock core, so the structural strength gets ensured, and meanwhile the buckle may be kept light-weighted, and thus the buckle is suitable for the pet industry.

Abstract: A fastening device and fastening method for fastening a distribution box control panel to a distribution box, the fastening device comprising a push block, a biasing member, a shell, and a locking member sleeved in the shell, wherein the method utilizes the biasing force of the biasing member to fasten the device, and utilizes the elasticity of the locking member having a bending structure to realize assembly and disassembly, where a user can conveniently assemble the device with hand alone, i.e., during assembly, the fastening device is pushed in along a notch in the distribution box control panel and then pressed tightly, and during disassembly, the fastening device can be pushed out after the locking member is pressed such that in comparison to a screw fastening method, the fastening device of the present invention provides a constant fastening force, thus realizing more stable and reliable fastening.

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: 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: A five-point safety belt and a safety belt unlocking mechanism. The safety belt includes a three-point safety belt, a two-point safety belt and two locking mechanisms. The unlocking mechanism includes a safety belt and a safety belt locking mechanism arranged on two sides of a passenger. Each locking mechanism is provided with a button integrally formed therewith for unlocking the safety belt. The unlocking mechanism is also provided with a cable, two ends of the cable are respectively connected to one end of the two buttons for unlocking. A handle is connected to a middle section of the cable. The handle may be arranged in front of the passenger, and the safety belt can be unlocked synchronously through the handle, which can be operated easily.

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: The system and method for quick release can include a remote release enclosure having a connection side and a trigger side, at least one cable assembly traversing through the release enclosure from the connection side to the trigger side, a trigger assembly coupled the at least one cable assembly, and a plurality of attachment assemblies coupled the other end of the at least one cable assembly. The trigger assembly can be operatively coupled to each of the plurality of attachment assemblies via the cable assemblies. The attachment assemblies can have a male portion having an inner guide post between at least two outer guide posts and a female portion. The cable assemblies can couple the male portions of the attachment assemblies to the trigger assembly such that movement of the trigger assembly can release or disengage the male portion of the attachment assembly from the female portion.

Abstract: A child restraint harness includes first and second shoulder straps, a first chest clip connector held with the first shoulder strap and having an engaging part, and a second chest clip connector held with the second shoulder strap and having a catch structure. The engaging part is operable to engage and lock with the catch structure selectively at a first position to hold the first and second shoulder straps apart from each other at a first distance, and at a second position to hold the first and second shoulder straps apart from each other at a second distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A clasp for jewelry has a female member and a male member insertable into the female member. Upon insertion, a plurality of engagements can be formed between the male and female members, such that two hands of a user can be required to disengage the male member from the female member. A satellite positioning system can be contained therein the female member so that the location of a wearer of the clasp can be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a buckle release mechanism. The release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or reject the striker plate within the housing.

Abstract: Latching fastener with male and female parts configured to separatably latch. One embodiment has a male part with a latch coupler, a female part with a bistable actuator and a plurality of latches with lower latch levers. To fasten, the latching fastener is configured so that when the female part is pressed down over the male part, the lower latch levers contact the latch coupler, the latch coupler pushes up the lower latch levers, causing rotation of the latches into a latched position. To separate, the latching fastener is configured so that in response to an actuator member of the bistable actuator moving from an upper to a lower stable position, the actuator member pushes down the lower latch levers, the lower latch levers rotate the latches to an unlatched position, and the lower latch levers push down the latch coupler, separating the male and female parts.

Abstract: A dual release buckle can be released either as a side-release buckle or as a remotely-released cable actuated buckle and can be incorporated into a garment, for example, a soldier's vest.

Abstract: A belt buckle having an insertion part having at least a belt opening for guiding a belt and an insertion appendage extending in a direction of insertion with holding catches at both sides projecting in the perpendicular direction, and a receiving part having a basic body with at least a belt opening for guiding a belt and with an insertion opening, beginning at an inserting side of the basic body for inserting the insertion appendage of the insertion part in the direction of insertion, and with latches pivotally mounted to the basic body, which in the locking position in the inserted state of the receiving part and the insertion part cooperate with holding catches and retain the insertion appendage in the insertion opening of the receiving part.

Abstract: Latching fastener with male and female parts configured to separatably latch. Several embodiments described, including one where the male part has a latch coupler, the female part has a bistable actuator and a plurality of latches with lower latch levers. To fasten, the latching fastener is configured so that when the female part is pressed down over the male part, the lower latch levers contact the latch coupler, the latch coupler pushes up the lower latch levers, causing rotation of the latches into a latched position. To separate, the latching fastener is configured so that in response to an actuator member of the bistable actuator moving from an upper to a lower stable position, the actuator member pushes down the lower latch levers, the lower latch levers rotate the latches to an unlatched position, and the lower latch levers push down the latch coupler, separating the male and female parts.

Abstract: A releasable buckle including a latch having locking arms adapted to lockingly engage a female component. A folding bridge structure extends between the locking arms. The bridge structure includes a pivot connection zone adapted to engage an elongate release member. Upon tensioning the elongate release member the locking arms are pulled inwardly to disengage from the female component.

Abstract: Arrangement with one or more buckles, wherein each buckle has at least two buckle parts that are detachably connectable with each other, at least one release mechanism, actuatable by means of pressure for detaching the buckle parts from each other, and at least one pressure accumulator connected via at least one pressure line with the buckle(s) for actuating the release mechanism of the buckle, and with at least one release valve for opening a pressure connection guided via the pressure line between the pressure accumulator and the buckle or the buckles, and with at least one trigger for actuating the release valve, wherein the arrangement has a pump for the build-up of pressure in the pressure accumulator.

Abstract: A side-release buckle assembly includes a main housing, a button positioned through a side of the main housing, a metal coil spring biased between an interior wall of the main housing and the button, and a mating member. Movement of the button is directly transferred to the spring, and vice versa. The ratchet strap is moveable through the main housing in a first direction, and when the button is pressed, the ratchet strap is moveable through the buckle housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A rotary buckle assembly for a harness. The assembly is adapted to selectively secure or eject the tongue plates for the straps of the harness. Although the invention finds particular application for use with a five point harness, it can be adapted for use with other harness arrangements.

Abstract: A buckle includes two pawls engageable by a tongue. A single spring controls the position of the pawls. The buckle has a manual primary release mode of operation. The buckle also has a secondary release mode of operation, in which the spring acts as a secondary release member for the pawls. This is actuated by pulling force exerted by a single point release lanyard of a quick release vest.

Abstract: Latching fastener with male and female parts configured to separatably latch. Several embodiments described, including one where the male part has a latch coupler, the female part has a bistable actuator and a plurality of latches with lower latch levers. To fasten, the latching fastener is configured so that when the female part is pressed down over the male part, the lower latch levers contact the latch coupler, the latch coupler pushes up the lower latch levers, causing rotation of the latches into a latched position. To separate, the latching fastener is configured so that in response to an actuator member of the bistable actuator moving from an upper to a lower stable position, the actuator member pushes down the lower latch levers, the lower latch levers rotate the latches to an unlatched position, and the lower latch levers push down the latch coupler, separating the male and female parts.

Abstract: A housing assembly for twin latching mechanisms. The housing assembly includes two handles that can be pivoted to separately unlatch two belt connectors. The latching mechanisms are positioned within the housing such that when the handles are pivoted upwardly, their leading edges engage plunger mechanisms associated with the latching mechanisms. By engaging the plunger mechanisms, individual latches are disengaged and the associated belt connectors are ejected. A flange interconnects the two handles such that one or both handles are pivoted depending upon which handle is lifted by the operator. The housing provides a secure enclosure for the latch mechanisms and also shields the working components from the environment.

Abstract: A harness fastener system for a child carrier device comprises a first plug, and a buckle including a front surface and a release button. The first plug is movable along a first direction substantially parallel with the front surface for engaging with the buckle, and the release button is movable along a second direction substantially parallel with the front surface for pushing the first plug out of the buckle.

Abstract: Release assembly for a personal equipment carrier. Release assembly includes securing component, a plurality of first cable assemblies, a plurality of attachment assembly first portions, trigger termination, and trigger activator. Securing component is attachable to a personal equipment carrier. The first cable assemblies, include an outer member and an inner member. A first end of each first cable assembly outer member is anchored to the securing component. Each attachment assembly first portion includes a detachment portion. The detachment portion is attached to a second end of each first cable assembly inner member. The detachment portion is operable, upon tensioning of the attached first cable assembly inner member, for detaching the attachment assembly first portion from an attached attachment assembly second portion. The trigger termination is connected to the first end of each first cable assembly inner member at the securing component. The trigger activator is connected to the trigger termination.

Abstract: A buckle and catch used to couple webbing together is provided. The buckle includes a connecting portion, a slide and locking member. The connecting portion is configured to selectively engage an engaging portion of a first webbing. The slide of the buckle is configured to engage a second webbing and the locking member is configured to selectively press the second webbing on the slide.

Abstract: A buckle assembly has a female buckle portion formed by a housing with a hollow interior and at least two openings, and at least two male buckle portions, each having at least one locking leg. There is an actuating device disposed within the housing and accessible through an aperture in the housing. The actuating device has latching mechanisms for cooperating with the locking legs for locking the male buckle portions within the female buckle portion when the locking legs of the male portions are inserted through the openings of the housing. Pulling the actuating device toward the aperture moves the latching mechanisms away from the male buckle portions and releases the male buckle portions from the housing.

Abstract: A buckle assembly has a female buckle portion formed by a housing with a hollow interior and at least two openings, and at least two male buckle portions, each having at least one locking leg. There is an actuating device disposed within the housing and accessible through an aperture in the housing. The actuating device has latching mechanisms for cooperating with the locking legs for locking the male buckle portions within the female buckle portion when the locking legs of the male portions are inserted through the openings of the housing. Pulling the actuating device toward the aperture moves the latching mechanisms away from the male buckle portions and releases the male buckle portions from the housing.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducing device includes a needle hub slidably inserted into a barrel and holding a needle cannula, a biasing member disposed to bias the needle hub to a rear position so as to retract the needle cannula in the barrel, and an easy release unit including an engaging wall segment which is attached to an outer surface of the barrel, two flexible squeezed wall segments which extend from the engaging wall segment and which is squeezable so as to move two latch members to steer clear of a retained end of the needle hub through an access hole in the barrel, thereby permitting the biasing member to bias the needle hub towards the rear position.

Abstract: The invention is a protective cover for a buckle, for protecting a vehicle from the buckle, which may be used with a strap to secure loads such as kayaks, rafts, and canoes to the vehicle roof. The buckle and its attached strap can be inserted into the protective cover, and can later be removed from the protective strap if desired. The release lever of the buckle is covered by the protective cover, and is depressed by pressing down on a portion of the protective cover.

Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly having a housing, two cams, a knurl bar, and two springs. Each spring is operatively arranged to engage both a respective cam and the knurl bar. The housing includes integral bearing walls for the cams.

Abstract: A coupling device for restraining belts, particularly for children's safety seats for motor-vehicles, which includes a body intended to be connected to at least one belt branch and a pair of tongue elements intended to be connected to respective belt branches, each tongue element including an attachment portion for connection with the respective belt branch and a stem portion arranged to be received and locked in the body and forming a catch tooth for locking the tongue element in the body. Each tongue element further comprises a metal insert wholly covered by a plastic or rubber housing or coating to protect user from burning from the coupling device which has been exposed to the sun.

Abstract: A buckle that is resistant to unintentional or accidental release for joining the distal ends of a web, having a first portion with a rigid, bifurcated tongue. A pair of outward-facing protrusions located on the edges of the tongue at its distal end are adapted for engagement with a locking mechanism disposed within a mating buckle component. The mating buckle component has a rigid block or key centrally located so that as the bifurcated tongue is inserted into the receiving buckle component, the central opening of the bifurcated tongue surrounds and fits snuggly against the rigid central block or key. Side-to-side movement of the tongue (i.e., cocking) is thereby prevented. This lack of side-to-side movement, in cooperation with the latching mechanism, helps prevent accidental unlocking of the buckle.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment connector includes a catch, a housing, and a locking member. The catch has an end with an engaging member, and the housing has a cavity and a supporting member. The locking member is positioned within the cavity and has a first position and a second position. The cavity and the locking member have a first configuration when the locking member is in the first position, and the cavity and the locking member have a second configuration when the locking member is in the second position. The first configuration is configured and arranged to receive the end of the catch. The second configuration is configured and arranged to engage the end of the catch between the supporting member and the locking member thereby locking the catch, and the supporting member of the housing provides a surface upon which the engaging member exerts force should a fall occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle and frame for a restraint system resisting to a harsh environment. The buckle comprising a frame having a base wall, the base wall includes a debris exit opening; and a cover which encloses the frame and forms at least one vent opening and at least one passage which couples the debris exit opening to the vent opening. Debris, dust and other foreign objects which find there way into the buckle are not necessarily trapped but rather are presented with a means of exiting the buckle via the vent opening.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckle apparatus includes a buckle assembly for latching or unlatching a tongue connected to a seatbelt, a hall sensor assembly including contact and non-contact switched integrated into one unit, which is coupled with the buckle assembly, and for operating together with the buckle assembly to detect the locking or unlocking state thereof to generate at least two control signals; an upper case and a lower case coupled to each other for receiving the buckle assembly and the hall sensor assembly, in which the lower case includes a device for determining the position of the hall sensor assembly and fixing it thereon; the frame includes a device for determining the position of the hall sensor assembly and fixing it thereto; and an ejector including a second permanent magnet to cooperate with the hall sensor responsive to the movement thereof and a pair of leg portions projected from a lower surface thereof to cooperate with the movable member.

Abstract: A locking mechanism having a serrated rod that fits into an aperture of a rotatably mounted block when biasing which pushes the block toward the direction of insertion is reduced. Pulling the serrated rod, after insertion, in the direction from which insertion occurred tends to increase biasing and, consequently, decrease diameter of the aperture projected perpendicular to the length of the serrated rod thereby retaining the serrated rod within the aperture. An end of the serrated rod that does not have the serrations can be formed into a loop for attaching a belt or have screw thread for connection to a bar. The belt or bar would restrain a person or physical object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt buckle, comprising two buckle members fastened on belt ends, the first (1) of said members having a receiving compartment (6) in which the second buckle member (2) is axially inserted. Said second buckle member comprises snap-fit members that are adjusted against a spring force and that interact with undercuts in the first buckle member to secure the fitted buckle members (1,2). The inventive belt buckle is further characterized in that the buckle members consist of cast metal and that the snap-fit members are impinged upon by at least one mechanical return spring.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle guard device is provided for preventing access to a release button on a seat belt. The device comprises a sleeve structured to fit over a variety of shapes and sizes of seat belt buckles. The sleeve comprises a front face and a top face that are capable of covering the front portion of a variety of seat belt buckles. The sleeve is made of sufficiently rigid material to prevent indentation of the faces and thereby prevent contact with both front and top belt buckle release button. The sleeve further comprising a split back face, which enables the sleeve to expand to fit over the variety of seat belt buckles. A top arm extending from the sleeve engages the scat belt strap with a tight friction fit to resist removal of the sleeve.

Abstract: A spring clip for retaining an electrical connector in coupled engagement with a fuel injector includes a unitary spring clip component having a retainer assembly, a lever assembly operably coupled to the retainer assembly, and a fulcrum assembly operably coupled to the lever assembly. A method of disengaging a spring clip from engagement with a fuel injector, the spring clip retaining an electrical connector in coupled engagement with the fuel injector is also included.

Abstract: A buckle has a first outer plate, a second outer plate, and at least one intermediate plate sandwiched therebetween. Opposing first and second pawls are pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, with respective force receiving portions projecting outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending away from one another. The pawls also have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another. First and second springs are interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another. A catch has a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions.

Abstract: A tongue of an inflatable belt device which allows a lap belt anchor to be easily assembled to a tongue body is provided. A tongue plate is provided on its one surface with hook-like projections for coupling a lap belt anchor to the tongue plate, and stoppers for preventing the lap belt anchor engaged with the projections from coming off the projections. Each stopper is supported by a plate spring. As receiving holes are engaged with the projections, the stoppers come in contact with the front end face of the lap belt anchor.

Abstract: A buckle has a first outer plate, a second outer plate, and at least one intermediate plate sandwiched therebetween. Opposing first and second pawls are pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, with respective force receiving portions projecting outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending away from one another. The pawls also have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another. First and second springs are interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another. A catch has a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing articles to a vehicle-mounted rack. The apparatus includes at least one flexible strap associated with the rack. The strap is positionable around an article supported by the rack. A clamping buckle is adapted to receive and clamp onto the strap. A protective housing is adapted to receive and at least partially cover the buckle to protect the article and the vehicle from damage. In one embodiment, the strap may be attached to the housing to prevent the housing from being separated from the strap. In another embodiment, the housing may include one or more apertures to allow a user to operate the buckle when it is covered by the housing.

Abstract: A locking buckle for a seat belt which includes a latch assembly having a funnel shaped receiving portion which includes a plurality of spring actuated locking members at the bottom of the receiving portion which is adapted to be moved between an open and locked position in response to pressure from a locking member. The locking member has a conically shaped head portion and a retention shoulder at the back of the conical head, with the head portion being adapted to engage the locking members in a locked position and where the locking members contact the retention shoulder in locked engagement. In one embodiment, the locking member further includes an outer retention strap for holding the user's hand in permanent contact with the locking member.

Abstract: A release resistant buckle cover is shown having a primarily rectangular shape for engagement with a top release female buckle portion of a seat belt. A plurality of gaps are provided to provide passage of the male belt to the female buckle for engagement of the seat belt. The gaps are also used to provide passage of a thin object such as a key to be inserted through one of the gaps to compress the top release button of the female buckle to release the male belt thus disengaging the seat belt.

Abstract: A locking device for a child seat includes slant faces, and a clamping unit having a tiltable clamping roller and a knob for tilting the roller. The slant faces may be formed on a base back of the child seat. A shoulder webbing is inserted between the roller and the slant face, and the clamping roller is tilted so that the webbing is clamped by the roller. The roller is positioned by a spring. The locking device can lock the shoulder webbing when a child seat is mounted either on a left vehicle seat or a right vehicle seat.

Abstract: An adjustable clasp comprises a retainer body having an elongate cavity within which slides a strap having saw teeth. The retainer body includes a main generally non-deformable body from which extends a flexible tongue provided with pawls projecting into the cavity to engage the teeth of the strap, and at least one resilient wing facing the flexible tongue and engagable under pressure to disengage the pawls from the teeth of the strap. The retainer body has guide members on the main portion and second guide members close to the opposite end of the main body, to maintain the strap close to the pawls. The second guide members include a contact portion extending from the resilient wing at its end opposite the main portion of the retainer body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle having a desirable operability wherein a pair of plugs are simultaneously engaged and disengaged from a socket by a simple structure. The buckle comprises a pair of plugs and a socket. Each the plug has a tongue portion to be inserted into the socket and an engaging portion formed at a tip end portion of the tongue portion. The socket is formed with inserting portions into which the tongue portions are inserted respectively, fixed engaged portions which are formed in the inserting portions and with which the engaging portions of the plugs are engaged, and an operating portion which is formed between the engaged portions and which displaces the engaging portions to disengage the engaging portions with the engaged portions.

Abstract: Self actuating mechanical joints that utilize pivotally mounted clamping levers (114) linked to a displaceable catch (112). The displaceable catch engages an external beam (126) inserted into the joint and thus initiates the clamping levers to clasp around the beams profile. Mechanical integrity between beam and joint is achieved when the displaceable catch locks with a stationary catch (102) at the instance the beam is fully inserted into the joint. The three joint designs presented in this patent are the Lever Latch (99), Lever Clamp (299), and Trunnion Clamp (499). Together, they allow mechanical parts to be joined under the following respective circumstances: beam element connected to beam element along their centerline axis, one beam element connected perpendicular to another beam elements centerline axis, and flat plat connected to another flat plat.