Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a controlled release buckle may comprise a buckle lock configured to engage a strap in a manner preventing the strap from moving in a loosening direction when the buckle lock is in a resting position, and to disengage the strap when the buckle lock is forced into a disengaged position, and a buckle lever configured to move the strap in a tightening direction when the buckle lever is pulled in a first direction, and to engage the strap in a manner preventing the strap from moving in a loosening direction when the buckle lever is pressed in a second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively adjusting the hanging length of a piece of chain jewelry. A clasp casing is provided that receives the clasp ends of a piece of chain jewelry. Within the clasp casing is a matrix of posts. The clasp ends of the jewelry chain are fed into the casing and attached to separate posts. If attached to posts near the ends of the casing, the hanging length of the jewelry chain can be increased because the casing adds length to the jewelry chain. By wrapping the jewelry chain around the posts inside the casing, the hanging length of the jewelry chain can be dramatically shortened.

Abstract: A tensioning device used to improve the retention of a child seat after its installation in an auto seat using its installed seat belts. After the child seat is placed on the auto seat and the auto seat belt is engaged about the child seat in a desired manner, the device increases tension in the auto seat belt to improve retention of the child seat. The device uses an open-end slotted and rotatable spool around which the auto seat belt is wrapped. Lever means connect with rotating and locking means, which in turn connect to the rotatable spool to wind the spool in a direction such that would result in effectively shortening of the automobile seat belt.

Abstract: A shoe fastening device comprises an intermediary portion securable to the upper portion of tongue of shoe and supported by extendable members located on either flap of a shoe. Each extendable member has a longitudinal end secured to a flap of shoe and the other to intermediary portion and comprises at least two counter rotating elongate segments each secured to the other via a rotating joint where a said joint is located at either end of each segment. Extendable members extend and collapse in an accordion like fashion away from and towards instep when intermediary portion which is secured upper tongue portion respectively is elevated and lowered. Spring devices acting on the joints continually urge and keep the extendable members extended coincidentally keeping the intermediary portion and secured upper tongue in an elevated state where they remain unless directed downwards by an external force.

Abstract: A closure for connecting a first and a second free end of a band such as a watch strap that in use is maintained in tension by hoop stresses imposed on the band by the banded object, the closure including a first clasp element having a first hook member and a second, oppositely-directed and shorter hook member, and a separable second clasp element having first and second hook-engaging members for slidably and releasably engaging said hook members such that the engagement of both hook members with their respective hook-engaging members is possible only by first engaging the first hook member with the corresponding hook-engaging member, sliding the first hook-engaging member deep into the throat of the first hook member, then engaging the second hook member with the second hook-receiving member while partially disengaging the first hook-engaging member from the first hook member, wherein said opposing tensions acting through the first and second clasp elements maintain complete engagement of the second hook whi

Abstract: A buckle having a lock mechanism for a watch with opposite bands is disclosed. The lock mechanism (40) is provided in a frame member (20) secured to one of the bands (37). The lock mechanism comprises a lock lever (41) having a locking portion and a pressing-up lever (42) having a pressing-up slant, each of the levers being laterally slidably mounted in the frame member, and a spring (43) provided so as to outwardly urge both the levers. A clasp (30) attached to the other band has a lock member corresponding to the lock lever and a pressing-up slant member (34) corresponding to the pressing-up lever. The lock lever engages with the lock member to lock the clasp. When the lock is released, the pressing-up lever pushes up the pressing-up slant member, thereby disengaging the clasp. The locking portion of the lock lever and the pressing-up slant of the pressing-up lever are disposed so as to overlap with each other.

Abstract: A pair of fasteners for a wristwatch strap having two ends are connected to opposite sides of a watch case, each of which includes an arcuate catch element (3) provided with guide members (5, 28) extending longitudinally of the strap (2) and an end engagement member (11), and a pair of slide elements (16), each of which is provided with a latch member (20, 32) complementary to engagement member (11), are connected to the two ends of the strap. Each slide element (16) is slidable along a guide member (5, 28) between an advanced position, in which the strap (2) is shortest and in which a latch member (20, 32) engages an engagement member (1), and a retracted position, in which the strap (2) is longest.

Abstract: A fastener having five parts. A flexible material such as canvas is apertured at a point of connection and a first washer having a boss axially receives the apertures so that the material overlies the washer. The material is held in sandwiched relation between the first washer and a second washer, both of which having gripping surfaces that engage the material. The washers are pressed downwardly by a knob. The knob has a depending central post that releasably engages a lock member that is in turn releasably engaged by a base member that is secured to a support surface. The lock member has a boss part with an annular step that supports the first washer. A pair of flanges extend from a bottom end of the lock member and are engaged by overhanging walls formed in the base member when the knob is turned.

Abstract: A double-safety catch for a bracelet, for example a watch bracelet, has a first closure element pivotally mounted at one end of a first portion of the bracelet for swinging about an axis transverse to the length of the bracelet. The first closure element passes through an opening in the end of the second portion of the bracelet and has a projecting catch which prevents accidental withdrawal of the first closure element from the opening and serves for locking resilient engagement with a rib on the first portion to trap the end of the second portion. A second closure element is pivotable about an axis extending longitudinally of the bracelet to cover the first closure element and to engage with a spring locking device which is manually releasable.