Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a chassis including a footbed having an interior surface and an outer surface formed on an opposite side from the interior surface, the interior surface defining one or more sockets. The sole structure also includes one or more haptic elements each having a bottom surface received within a respective one of the one or more sockets and a top surface protruding from the interior surface of the chassis, each of the one or more haptic elements having a different hardness than the footbed.

Abstract: A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.

Abstract: A safety connector (2) comprising: a first member (4) and a second member (6) movably coupled to one another; wherein the first and/or second members (4, 6) comprise a retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16); wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) has a first configuration which prevents relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6) and a second configuration which allows relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6); and wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) changes from the first configuration to the second configuration when a force between the first and second members (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: A buckle includes a male member including a base part and a pair of flexible arms extending from the base part, and a female member including an insertion hole formed at one end portion thereof. The pair of flexible arms is inserted in the insertion hole. The base part contacts the one end portion when the male member engages the female member. An outer face portion of each of the pair of flexible arms has a shape curving outwardly at a middle portion thereof relative to an insertion direction of the pair of flexible arms, and the pair of flexible arms is provisionally fastened to the female member when the pair of flexible arm is inserted in the insertion hole.

Abstract: A belt buckle (1) with at least one belt-fastening element (2) for at least one belt (35) and with at least one fastening component (4, 5) which is prestressed by at least one elastic prestressing element (3), wherein the prestressing element (3) is integrally formed on the fastening component (4, 5).

Abstract: A connection assembly includes two connecting modules each including a load housing with a locking device, a spring locking element, a latch piece, a magnet and armature construction, and a movement track on which the latch piece can move from a closed position to an open position. The locking device, the magnet and armature construction and the movement track cooperate by way of an opening whereupon the connecting modules move on the movement track such that the magnet and armature move in opposition and the latch piece and the spring locking element move in opposition until the spring locking element is no longer engaged. On closing, the connecting module locks with the aid of magnetic force. The position of the load housing and the position and form of the movement track are such that on moving the connecting module the loading housings move together against a load.

Abstract: A buckle includes a male member, a female member for engaging with the male member and having a first portion and a second portion, a first engaging portion provided on the first portion, and a second engaging portion provided on the male member for engaging with the first engaging portion. The second portion can bend so as to receive a part of the male member between the first and second portions. The second portion presses the male member toward the first portion to engage the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion when the male member is inserted between the first and second portions.

Abstract: A safety connector (2) comprising: a first member (4) and a second member (6) movably coupled to one another; wherein the first and/or second members (4, 6) comprise a retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16); wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) has a first configuration which prevents relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6) and a second configuration which allows relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6); and wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) changes from the first configuration to the second configuration when a force between the first and second members (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: A capture mechanism provides for receiving a necked coupling element within a socket, providing for the necked coupling element to slide therewith, biasing a latch lever in an open position so as to provide for receiving the necked coupling element within the socket adjacent to the latch lever, rotating the latch lever with the necked coupling element from the open position to a closed position as the necked coupling element is slid within the socket towards a bottom of the socket, biasing a latch lock against the latch lever, engaging the latch lock with the latch lever when the latch lever is in the closed position so as to provide for latching the latch lever in the closed position and capturing the necked coupling element within the socket, and providing for unlatching the latch lever by releasing the latch lock from engagement with the latch lever.

Abstract: A quick release interconnect and locking device having a base plate with a post A circular and planar D-shaped disc is disposed on an end of the post. The apparatus has a female element with a contoured channel. A keeper plate with a vertical slot is placed over the contoured channel. A medial portion of the contoured channel includes an upper locking face terminating at a lower end in radius, such that when the D-disc is aligned parallel with the upper locking face, the D-disc may be translated downwardly until it encounters a locking portion, where it may again be rotated to bring the sliding face into alignment with a locking face and may then be translated downwardly to a semi-circular portion at the bottom of the contoured channel, where it may be rotated to lock it in the lower locking portion.

Abstract: A strap assembly comprises an attachment member structure includes a main body and a plurality of attachment members. A first end portion of the main body is pivotable with respect to a second end portion thereof. Attachment members are connected to the main body at its opposing ends. A clasping device attached to the main body is engagable with one of the attachment members when a control portion of the clasping device is in a first position and selectively disengagable therefrom when a control portion of the clasping device is sufficiently displaced. A control structure is attached to the control portion of the clasping device such that sufficient displacement of the control structure with respect to the clasping device causes sufficient displacement of the control portion. A storage structure integral with the main body includes a passage configured for receiving at least a portion of the control structure therein.

Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly has a male portion and a female portion. The male portion is inserted into the female portion to lock the buckle assembly together. The male buckle portion is connected to a cable. Pulling the cable with sufficient force causes the male portion to release from the female portion. Several buckle assemblies can be simultaneously released if the cables are connected to a single handle. Pulling on the handle then releases all of the male portions at once.

Abstract: A device for fitting seats and the like to the chassis of baby carriages includes at each side of the seat a respective anchoring mechanism for a direct anchoring at corresponding attachments provided at the chassis of the baby carriage. The anchoring mechanism is housed in a body inferiorly having a projection having a slanted edge adapted to shift a transverse pin slidably fitted in a box making up the attachment provided at the chassis when the aforementioned body is fitted to the box. The transverse pin is linked to a spring adapted to take said transverse pin back to its initial position when the action of the aforementioned projection having a slanted edge has ceased. A control is exteriorly fitted to the body housing the anchoring mechanism, the control being linked to said mechanism and when actuated releasing the anchored state.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a first connection member and a second connection member. The first connection member includes engagement members, such as buttons. The second connection member is configured to connect to the first connection member, and includes openings in which the engagement members are retained when the first connection member is connected to the second connection member. The second connection member also includes release arms configured to be actuated to engage the engagement members in order to disconnect the first connection member from the second connection member.

Abstract: A vertically positioned, lanyard, releasing breakaway buckle including a keeper and a secure. The keeper has a rear wall, side walls and a floor. A cover, to which a lanyard is secured, is hinged to the keeper and spaced apart from the floor. The cover defines an elongated slot. Apertures are formed inward from the side walls such that a strap may be fed through the apertures to vertically orient the buckle on a strap. The cover has a caming surface formed on the under surface of the cover, and which caming surface terminates in locking surface. An opening formed in the cover. A secure part includes a base, and a tongue section extending from the base. The tongue section has parallel guide arms extending from the rear wall forwardly, and terminating in leading ends, a member secured to the guide arms, and a caming surface formed in the tongue section.

Abstract: A quick release buckle including a female buckle member, including attachment device, having a pocket formed therein accessible through a rear opening formed in the female buckle member and including a first cover having a slot formed therein, a male buckle member arranged for complimentary sliding assembly with the female buckle member through the rear opening, the male buckle member including a leaf spring for insertion into the pocket of the female buckle member, the leaf spring including a clasp for snap locking engagement in the slot when the buckle members are fully assembled, a handle member, slidably assembled with the male buckle member and insertable therewith into the pocket in the female buckle member, the handle member including an independently moveable release device located adjacent the clasp, when all the members are fully assembled, connected to handle extending away from the buckle, the independently moveable release means adapted to move against the clasp during rapid pulling motion of the

Abstract: Vehicle body restraint systems including buckles for latching and retaining latch plates associated with safety belts wherein the buckles includes latching mechanisms having oppositely oriented release mechanisms which are operative in such a manner that any force applied to one release mechanism which would act to release a latch plate creates an increased force on the opposing release mechanism to retain the latch plate in a locked position. Release of the latch plates can only occur upon the simultaneous activation of the opposing release mechanisms by manual force applied in opposite directions.

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 buckle device is disclosed for releasably fastening together a first, second and third strap. The device includes a first plug attached to the first strap and a second plug attached to the second strap. A socket is attached to the third strap and a release button is molded separately from the socket and cooperates with the socket such that when the button is disposed in a first disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are secured relative to the socket and when the button is disposed in a second disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are released from the socket. The socket defines a catch which engages an opening when the tongue is inserted into a first hole such that the first plug is secured relative to the socket. Also, the socket defines a further catch which engages a further opening when the further tongue is inserted into a second hole such that the second plug is secured relative to the socket.

Abstract: A re-attachable breakaway safety connector is disclosed which is adapted for use with a rope or other objects arranged in at least a substantially linear manner such that when force is provided to the objects, a tensile force is transferred to the connector. The breakaway connector is designed to fail, i.e., the components separate, when the tensile force transferred to the connector exceeds a predetermined level, and may be selectively adjusted to reduce the amount of force required to separate a male and female component of the safety connector.

Abstract: A strap buckling assembly is used for holding an attachment to the exterior of luggage and is formed of an outer housing, an inner housing, an urging block, a locating plate, an elastic body, and a male retainer. The outer housing is fastened to the external side of a shell of the luggage, while the inner housing is fastened to the internal side of the shell of the luggage. The urging block is movably located in the outer housing and is urged by the elastic body. The urging block serves to retain an engagement portion of the male retainer inside the outer housing in conjunction with the elastic body. The urging block also serves to release the engagement portion of the male retainer from the outer housing in conjunction with the elastic body. The male retainer is fastened at one end to the strap.

Abstract: A lanyard, two-piece, high load buckle assembly including a keeper and a cover. The cover is hinged to the keeper and the lanyard is secured thereto. The cover defines an elongated slot. The cover has a cam surface formed on the under surface thereof and terminates in a locking surface. An opening is formed in the cover. The assembly also contains a secure part which includes a base and a tongue section extending from the base. The tongue section has parallel guide arms extending from a rear wall and terminating in leading ends. A member secured to the guide arms is configured with reference to the slot to remove debris from the slot through the opening in the cover. A cam surface formed in the tongue section terminates in a catch surface, such that when the secure part is received in the keeper, the cam surfaces engage and the cover deflects upwardly. The catch surface extends beyond the locking surface and the cover closes fastening the secure part to the keeper.

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 apparatus for rapid disengagement of male and female members has deformable portions of a male pull member extending into the female member and retained in openings of the female member. An elongate pull element extends from the deformable portion or portions for pulling thereon to deform the deformable portions to disengage the male and female members.

Abstract: A buckle having a first latch member disposed in a body member passage from one end thereof, a second latch member with a latch cam disposed in the passage of the body member from an opposite end thereof, the first and second latch members are positionable in a latching configuration where the first and second latch members are engaged with each other, the first and second latch members are positionable in the passage of the body member in an unlatching configuration where the latch cam is engaged with the body cam and the first and second latch members are disengaged from each other.

Abstract: An integrally molded clip (10) and clip assembly (30) has a back (11), a front (12), a bridging member (13) and spigot guide tracks (20). Front (12) has a socket (15) and a locking member (16) that is biased to a spigot locking position and having a free end providing part of a side wall (18) of socket (15). Locking member (16) is pivotal about a pivotal axis (21) provided by a pivotal mount (22) on front (12) and has a lock release member (23) extending away from socket (15). A protrusion (24) in socket (15) is biased by a rib (25) to engage one of slots (34) on a spigot (31) that enables different locking positions of a portable electronic device using assembly (30). The device is rotatable when spigot (31) is engaged with socket (15) and detachable from clip (10) when a user actuates lock release member (23).

Abstract: A tie retaining device according to the present invention includes a fastener part having a front side and a back side, the front side supporting a pair of opposed, laterally projecting barbs, and the back side including an eyelet. The retaining device also includes a retainer clip for connecting to either a button on a shirt or the centerline of the shirt to secure the retainer clip to the shirt, and a prong for removably coupling with the eyelet of the fastener part. The fastener part barbs are inserted into the rear, folded back flaps of a tie body to attach the fastener part to the tie. The narrow tie tail is then inserted through an elongated opening in the fastener part. The eyelet on the back side of the fastener part is then threaded onto the prong of the retainer clip. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer clip is replaced by a retainer chain which is attached at one end to the center of a rod, and at the other end to a clasp.

Abstract: A two-piece lanyard release buckle which comprises a keeper and a secure part. The keeper is comprised of a floor which includes a front portion and a rear portion and a cover spaced apart from the floor, means for flexibly securing the cover and the floor to one another and a lanyard secured to the cover. The opposed surfaces of the floor and the cover define a slot therebetween and a keeper surface is formed on the surface of the cover. The secure part is configured to be received in the slot and is comprised of a front portion and a rear portion. The secure part is characterized by at least one locking finger having a top surface and terminating in a catch tab. When the secure part is received in the keeper, the locking finger engages the keeper surface and locks the secure part to the keeper.

Abstract: Flexible loop assemblies for use variously as key chains, paper ring binders, or as jewelry and a connector for use in such loop assemblies. The connector includes elongate cylindrical mating male and female connector halves each having respective end bores into which opposite ends of a flexible member of monofilament or multi-filament metal or plastic are secured. The male connector half includes a generally cylindrical front plug with a radially-inwardly compressible lock ring of slightly larger uncompressed outer diameter than that of the plug. The plug closely fits into a mating cylindrical socket bore in the female connector half which radially compresses the lock ring during insertion of the plug therein. An annular lock ring groove inside the socket bore is configured to receive the outer portion of the lock ring which lock ring radially expands therein to removably retain the male and female connector halves together.

Abstract: A three part necktie manager, such as a tie clasp, having a bar for insertion into a buttonhole of a shirt, a short chain, and a unique wire clamping member. The clamping member, formed of a spring like metal of predetermined length, is configured to form a pair of opposed V-shaped legs, each leg having an inturned or reverse bend end facing its companion end, whereby manual squeezing of the respective V-shaped legs toward each other separates the inturned ends to allow temporary gripping of the rear face of the tie.

Abstract: A buckle including a male member having a tongue with one or more tongue protrusions each having a tongue engagement portion extending from one or more side portions thereof, and a female member having a recess with one or more recess protrusions each having a recess engagement portion extending from one or more inner side portions thereof. A resilient spring member protruding from one of the tongue or the recess of the female member is engageable with the other of the recess or the tongue to laterally shift the tongue in the recess when the tongue engagement portions are inserted into the recess beyond the recess engagement portions, whereby the tongue engagement portions are engageable with the recess engagement portions to retain the tongue in the recess after the tongue is laterally shifted by the resilient spring member.

Abstract: A tie retaining device according to the present invention includes a fastener part having a front side and a back side, the front side supporting a pair of opposed, laterally projecting barbs, and the back side including an eyelet. The retaining device also includes a retainer clip having an opening for receiving a button of a shirt to secure the retainer clip to the shirt, and a prong for removably coupling with the eyelet of the fastener part. The fastener part barbs are inserted into the rear, folded back flaps of a tie body to attach the fastener part to the tie. The narrow tie tail is then inserted through an elongated opening in the fastener part. The eyelet on the back side of the fastener part is then threaded onto the prong of the retainer clip. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer clip is replaced by a retainer chain which is attached at one end to the center of a rod, and at the other end to a clasp.

Abstract: A belt buckle for a seat belt connected to a fitting part having an insert tongue, the buckle includes a load-bearing frame comprising an upper part and a lower part substantially parallel thereto, between which an insert tongue of said fitting part can be received and which are formed by bending of an elongated plate-type part. The upper and the lower parts each having a free end and side edges and being interlocked with each other in the region of their free ends by at least one portion of one of the upper part and the lower part being bent around an adjoining portion of the corresponding other part at each of the two side edges.

Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly which is activated by pulling upwardly on a short lanyard. The buckle comprises a keeper part including a latch and a secure part. The secure part has a leading edge which is chamfered in several planes to facilitate its insertion into the keeper part. The latch per se flexes to facilitate locking and unlocking the keeper part and the secure part.

Abstract: A latching fastener having cocking and triggering mechanisms is provided. The fastener has two flexible fastening latch arms each fixed at a proximal end of the arm and having a free distal end. The two arms are located relative to each other to cooperate in grasping a structure between them. A fastener cocking mechanism is connected to the fastening latch arms for retracting the distal ends of the arms when the cocking mechanism is activated, to thereby produce a latching gap between the distal ends of the arms. A trigger mechanism is located between the fastening latch arms such that a structure guided into the latching gap can activate the trigger, for deactivating the cocking mechanism, which in turn results in closing together of the distal ends of the fastening latch arms, to grasp the structure between them and latch the structure to the fastener.

Abstract: A front closure for a brassiere, particularly a brassiere of the uplift type in which the male and female members are engaged with a resilient finger on the female member adapted to be held by first and second detents permitting relaxation of the closure without full separation but also permitting full separation for brassiere opening.

Abstract: A necktie securing device for securing to a shirt front a necktie having a tail, an apron and a label, the label being attached to a rear surface of the apron, to a shirt front when the tail is disposed within an opening formed by the label and the apron, includes a first clip demountably attachable to the tail and having a first VELCRO material covered joining surface and a second clip demountably attachable to an overlapping edge of the shirt front and having a second joining surface covered by complementary VELCRO material, the second joining surface of the second clip being engageable with the first joining surface of the first clip.

Abstract: A plug member of a buckle has a pair of engaging legs receivable in a socket member to couple the plug member and the socket member. The engaging legs are curved inwardly toward each other and each of which has an elongated opening extending longitudinally thereof and extending across its thickness. The socket member includes an upper plate and a lower plate defining therebetween a guide chamber and interconnected by a central guide wall. The socket member includes a pair of retaining portions disposed in the guide chamber for interlocking engagement with a pair of locking portions formed at the leading ends of the respective engaging legs. Each of the engaging legs each has a recessed thin guide portion which is smaller in thickness than an operating portion of each engaging leg. The buckle thus constructed is relatively small in thickness, can be coupled and uncoupled reliably and smoothly with a relatively small force, and is able to withstand undue force or pressure tending to damage the buckle.

Abstract: An integral, one piece tie clip. The clip includes a body portion and first and second transverse portions; a first spring portion connects the body and the first transverse portion, and a second spring portion connects the first and second transverse portions. Two garment receiving slots are thus formed, the first between the body and the first transverse portion, and the second between the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion. Both slots are urged toward a normally closed position by their respective spring portions. The first garment receiving slot may be positively actuated to an open position to receive a tie label therein by simply providing a slight amount of manual opening pressure to oppose the spring action. The second garment receiving slot may also be manually actuated to an open position to receive a shirt or blouse therein, and allowed to return to a closed position wherein shirt is frictionally secured.

Abstract: A buckle includes a triangular projection provided on a male member for deflecting a resilient force of a resilient member toward a direction of removal of the male member. When locking elements of the male member are disengaged from retaining elements of a female member in response to the movement of a pair of actuating members, the triangular projection is operated to thrust out the male member from the female member under the resiliency of the resilient member. Thus, the buckle can be detached with one hand.

Abstract: A strapping structure for an optical instrument such as a camera, a video camera, a binocular and so on, which is capable of performing as more than two straps having different functions such as a grip strap and a shoulder strap. The strapping structure comprises a loop-shaped strap which is installed on the camera body, and a stopper provided on an intermediate portion of the loop-shaped strap. The stopper is shiftable along a longitudinal direction of the strap, and forms a large loop-shaped first strap serving for example as a shoulder strap and a small loop-shaped second strap serving for example as a grip strap. The loop-shaped strap, which is positioned adjacent to the camera body, is provided with a pad. This pad can be used as a pad receiving a back of hand or a shoulder pad.

Abstract: In a snap buckle, the plug member 1 has a pair of resilient locking strips, each having on its outer surface an engaging portion, and a pair of guide strips outside the locking strips, each having an inner edge portion substantially in alignment with the respective engaging portion. The companion socket member has a pair of locking walls and a pair of inwardly bent resilient push levers outside the locking walls. When inserting the plug member into the socket member, the engaging portions engages the locking walls to bring the inner edge portions of the guide strips into contact with the side surfaces of the locking walls, causing the pushing portions of the push levers to resiliently contact the heads of the locking strips. Pressing the pushing levers inwardly releases the connection of the plug and socket members. The guide strips prevents either any accidental release or any misinsertion.

Abstract: An article retaining apparatus having structure that facilitates push-type securement or manipulated latch-type securement of an article, such as keys, key rings and the like, and which also facilitates tug release, or manipulated latch release of a retained article. The apparatus engages an article at the apparatus's receiving-end, which includes a lower, beveled entry portion, that coacts with a beveled hook-end portion of a pivotally attached latch. Upon the latch being urged at the receiving-end by an article to be retained, a moment produce pivotal motion of the spring-loaded latching member towards a casing end portion to effect the push-type securement of the article. Similarly, during a tug release of the retained article, an inner sloped surface on the latch's hook-end portion coacts with an edge of an elongated C-shaped article retaining region to produce pivotal motion of the spring-loaded latching member towards the casing end portion to effect the tug release of the article.

Abstract: In combination with an inflatable body support formed from a pair of plastic sheets joined together forming an air pressurizable chamber therebetween, the sheets having a plurality of aligned holes extending therethrough with the sheets being joined together around the circumference of each hole allowing body heat and moisture to flow through each hole but preventing air flow from the chamber into each hole, thereby providing an air cushion for supporting a person positioned thereatop that dissipates pressure, heat and moisture to prevent the onset of pressure sores and ulcers, the improvement which comprises: occluding the holes over which the torso, head and limbs of a person positioned atop the inflatable body support would not lie, thereby reducing the distension of the inflatable body support surrounding the occluded holes thereby volume centering the air within the air pressurizable chamber under a person positioned atop the inflatable body support; providing a pair of micro and macro adjustable, separa

Abstract: A child-resistant safety belt buckle is disclosed that relies for its effectiveness on differences in the ways young children and adults think rather than on presumed (but often non-existant) strength or dexterity differences. The child-resistant feature comprises a combination lock mechanism that incorporates at least one directly manipulated member, and, in some embodiments, at least one indirectly movable member.

Abstract: A buckle device for a car seatbelt system is used together with a plurality of tongue plates to which occupant securing webbings are connected. Lock members for engaging the tongue plates are released upon operating a single release button. The shifting direction of the release button is confined in a plane defined by the insertion directions of the tongue plates. The operation force of the release button is transmitted to the lock members via a mechanism for example cam-contact or link mechanism. Therefore, the operation necessary for a passenger at the time of release is only to push the release button. There is no need to hold or pinch the buckle device at any time.

Abstract: A receptacle residing within a recess in the sole of a shoe includes an opening located along the edge of the shoe. A lug, receivable through the opening within the receptacle is carried by a flap extending from the upper of the shoe. An indentation carried by the lug is matingly engageable with a protrusion residing within the receptacle. Pressure from the foot of the wearer upon the sole of the shoe prevents disengagement of the lug from the receptacle.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp having a hook member pivotally mounted in a housing and spring actuated to engage and disengage with a latch member insertable in the housing.

Abstract: An adjustable head band suspension system for use in a safety hat shell is disclosed. The suspension system includes a head encircling head strap having overlapping rear end portions and an arc shaped channel adapted to fit the back of a wearer's head. The overlapping end portions of the head strap are slidably disposed in the channel. A suitable adjusting device, such as a rack and pinion or buckle is attached to the channel to adjust the amount of overlap of the end portions. The channel is attached by means of a pair of tabs to a rear interior surface portion of the shell and a front end portion of the head strap is connected to a forward interior surface portion of the shell. A manually compressible, resilient buckle assembly is disclosed which can be used by itself for adjusting and maintaining the desired length of overlap of the overlapping end portions of a head strap or which can be used in association with the arc shaped channel as a central portion thereof.

Abstract: A locking system is described for detachably securing two workpieces together (e.g., two housing sections). Elongated arms are carried by one workpiece and a corresponding opening(s) is present in the other workpiece. The outer end of each elongated arm is resiliently deflectable so that it is deflected when being inserted into the opening in the one workpiece; then the arm springs back. A locking arm on the second workpiece is then able to move behind the end of the elongated arm to restrict deflection of the arm, thus preventing any unintentional unlocking of the two workpieces.