Abstract: A self-locking tuner is used to tune the strings of a musical instrument. The self-locking tuner is disposed in a headstock of the stringed musical instrument. The self-locking tuner has an inner string post, outer string post disposed over the inner string post, locking pin extending above the inner string post and through the outer string post to the opening, and insert disposed around the outer string post. Alternatively, a cast housing is disposed around the outer string post with a stop to unlock a string. The string extends through an opening in the outer string post. The insert or cast housing has a stop to unlock the string. The outer string post has a rotational stop which contacts the stop to unlock the string. The insert is disposed in a headstock with the tab disposed in a slot formed in a surface of the headstock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: A cargo restraining apparatus includes a T-shaped buckle assembly configured to couple to a T-shaped strap assembly. The T-shaped strap assembly is configured to extend around and over the cargo and be secured to the cargo with the T-shaped buckle assembly. A plurality of tie-down clips is coupled to the T-shaped strap assembly at various locations along the sections of straps extending around the cargo. Each tie-down clip is configured to be coupled to a corresponding tie-down strap that extends from the clip to an anchor point of the vehicle or trailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strap for securing a garment/article (e.g. swimming goggles) to a wearer's/user's body. The strap comprises a first portion comprising a tensioner end including a tensioner having an attachment portion. The attachment portion is for attachment to the tensioner end. The strap further comprises a second portion having indicia provided along at least a part of its length. In use, the second portion passes through the tensioner and the tensioner frame defines a window in which at least one of the indicia on the second portion is visible.

Abstract: A bone anchor for limiting the separation of two bones, for example in a canine knee, comprises a head having a socket for engaging a tool and a shaft extending from the head to a tip. The shaft comprises a threaded section, an intermediate section located between the head and the threaded section and an aperture extending through the intermediate section. The head has a larger diameter than the intermediate section. Also disclosed is a kit of parts comprising two bone anchors and a looped suture and a method for limiting the separation of two parts.

Abstract: A parking brake system for a vehicle includes a parking brake wire configured to be routed along the vehicle to a wheel assembly and a mounting bracket coupled to the parking brake wire. The mounting bracket is configured to mount the parking brake wire to an undercarriage of the vehicle. The mounting bracket has an edge configured to face a fuel tank of the vehicle. A crash protection sleeve is coupled to the parking brake wire near the mounting bracket. The crash protection sleeve is positioned to engage the fuel tank prior to the edge of the mounting bracket engaging the fuel tank in an event of a vehicle crash. The crash protection sleeve may surround the parking brake wire and may prevent contact of the mounting bracket with the fuel tank.

Abstract: A ratchet device 1 for a strap has a body 105 having a side member 109, and a spool 119 having a side 119a rotatably supported by the side member and a ratchet wheel 121 fixed thereto. The body has a member 161 moveable between an open position in which the other side 119b of the spool is exposed to enable a strap to be laterally loaded into the spool 119 from the exposed side of the spool and laterally unloaded from the spool, and a closed position in which said lateral loading and unloading are prevented.

Abstract: A tightening system and method for operating the same in an article for a wearer includes first and second members arranged for being connected at first ends, and separated by a distance at second ends. A tension element connects the first and second members. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the first member and coupled to the tension element. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and a retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element to thereby draw the first and second members closer to one another by reducing the distance therebetween.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral is configured for bringing two sides of an article together. In some embodiments, when the user inserts the strap into the cam assembly and turns a knob, the strap is driven into the cam assembly and the strap pins engage one or more cam spirals. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that strap pins may be engaged at a constant angle which may be self-locking. In some embodiments, the system may be infinitely adjustable and the torque felt by the knob may be constant. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to be a quick release system and may allow rapid insertion of the strap for faster operation.

Abstract: A system with a shock absorbing device shaped to fit onto straps of any size, introducing low amplitude shock absorption into the strap fixation system without compromising the fixation. The present device essentially takes up a small amount of slack in the strap and stores it within a serpentine course through a body made of a deformable material. In the event that increased and potentially damaging loads are experienced, the Strap Shock-Absorber deforms, but the fixation never exceeds the length of the strap itself. With potential applications ranging from chin straps to industrial straps, working in one or two dimensions, this device can reduce damaging force transmission to protect valuable but vulnerable structures. The deformation of the device may be either elastic or plastic, or may be a combination of both.

Abstract: A retractable ratcheting tie down apparatus is provided, including a frame and a hub rotatably mounted within the frame. A ratchet wheel is mounted to the hub and interfaces with a pawl to selectably prevent motion of the hub relative to the frame. A single tie down strap extends between two attachment members and winds around the hub. An operable means for rotating the hub and ratchet wheel is included to wind the single tie down strap around the hub. Tension between the two attachment members is transmitted directly through the single tie down strap and transitions between segments of the single tie down strap at the windings of the single tie down strap about the hub. In further examples, the operable means for rotating the hub and ratchet wheel is removable. The tie down apparatus can also move freely along the single tie down strap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the automatic adjustment of the pretension of a pulling element (10, 11) in particular a cable, comprising an elasticity element (50) acting on a first mounting means (20) for a first section (10) of the pulling element for increasing the pre-tension, a second mounting means (30) for a second section (11) of the pulling element, threads (70, 70?, 71) arranged at the first mounting means which interact with a spindle (40, 40?) so that a change of the distance between the first mounting means (20) and the second mounting means (30) causes a rotation of the spindle (40) or the threads (70), and blocking elements (36, 45; 236, 245), which are arranged such that they block a rotation of the spindle or the threads (70), respectively, when the pulling element is under pulling load.

Abstract: A closure assembly that is infinitely adjustable within an operating range of the closure assembly and includes a vent port therethrough. The closure assembly includes a housing and an operator that rotationally cooperates with the housing. A flexible member is movably supported by the housing and cooperates with the operator so that manipulation of the operator alters the amount of the flexible member that extends beyond the housing. A biasing means cooperates with the operator and interacts with the housing to maintain a desired orientation of the operator, and thereby a desired orientation of the flexible member, relative to the housing to define a shape of a closure of the item of apparel. A vent port is formed through the housing and the operator and mitigates heat collection therebehind.

Abstract: A knotless suture anchor provides a method for securing soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. The anchor has an inner member that receives suture thread and rotates within an outer tubular member. As the inner member rotates, the suture thread is wrapped onto the inner member thereby increasing contact with the outer tubular member which applies pressure to the wrapped suture thread to retain it in position on the inner member while simultaneously and adjustably tensioning the suture thread. A ratchet prevents undesirable counter-rotation, although the ratchet can be released to permit loosening of the suture thread. Also described is a suture bridge and suture platform for providing further stabilization of a tendon. A method for repairing rotator cuff tears is also described.

Abstract: A tensioner structured to shorten the effective length of a tension member is provided. The tensioner has a body with an outer surface and a generally helical path on the outer surface. The tension member is wrapped around the tensioner body and retained in the path. In this configuration, the tensioner acts to retain a first length of the tension member within a second, shorter length corresponding to the length of the tensioner body. When the effective length of a tension member is reduced, the amount of sag in the tension member is reduced.

Abstract: By way of example, a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral is configured for bringing two sides of an article together. When the user inserts the strap into the cam assembly and turns a knob, the strap is driven into the cam assembly and the strap pins engage one or more cam spirals. The system is configured such that strap pins are engaged at a constant angle which may be self-locking. The system is infinitely adjustable and the torque felt by the knob is constant. The system is configured to be a quick release system and allows rapid insertion of the strap for faster operation.

Abstract: A device for securing cargo, items or other objects, in particular a tie-down binding strap device including at least two different types of tightening mechanisms. The device is also provided in useful embodiments with interchangeable ends that can be secured to a variety of structures, even itself. The features of the device provide versatility and allow the device to secure cargo having different shapes.

Abstract: A tightening system and method for operating the same in an article for a wearer includes first and second members arranged for being connected at first ends, and separated by a distance at second ends. A tension element connects the first and second members. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the first member and coupled to the tension element. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and a retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element to thereby draw the first and second members closer to one another by reducing the distance therebetween.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism comprises a dial comprising an inner wall defining a hole passing through the dial, the inner wall comprising a ledge having one or more cutouts. The mechanism further comprises a base comprising a first set of teeth and an actuator comprising a second, the second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth and allow the actuator to be rotated in a first direction but not in a second opposite direction. The actuator further comprises one or more drive-dogs configured to engage a cutout on the inner wall of the dial, each drive-dog comprising a ramped edge configured to disengage the drive-dog from the cutout and lift the second set of teeth from the first set of teeth when the dial is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: A tensioning device includes a pair of opposing first surfaces defining a first wedge opening. The first surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The first wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a first portion of a cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces defines a second wedge opening. The second surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The second wedge opening is spaced apart from the first wedge opening. The second wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of the cord. A cord block defines a support surface spaced from the first and second wedge openings. The support surface is positioned to slidably support the cord between the first and second wedge openings.

Abstract: A tensioning device includes a pair of opposing first surfaces defining a first wedge opening. The first surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The first wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a first portion of a cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces defines a second wedge opening. The second surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The second wedge opening is spaced apart from the first wedge opening. The second wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of the cord. A cord block defines a support surface spaced from the first and second wedge openings. The support surface is positioned to slidably support the cord between the first and second wedge openings.

Abstract: A tie-down and tensioning device including: a device body; an attachment member connected to the device body, the attachment member including an attachment opening; a cord block comprising a cord block hook connected to the device body, and a cord support surface disposed between the cord block hook and the device body; and a cord gripper attached to the device body, the cord gripper comprising a cord gripper hook connected to the device body, the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the surface of the device body opposing the interior surface of the cord gripper hook defining a wedge-shaped opening, and a cord gripping surface formed on one of the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the opposing surface of the device body.

Abstract: The belt buckle for a tree stand strap has holes in the frame of the buckle and the handle for accepting pins from a bracket attached to a tree stand such that the tree stand can be hung from the belt buckle that is used to tighten the strap around the tree. In this manner, several straps can be attached to several trees and the tree stand can be quickly and easily attached or detached to the buckles of the tree stand straps and moved from tree to tree. The pins through the buckles, handles and frame of the buckles locks the handle in place on the tree and prevents the belt from coming loose.

Abstract: A tensioning device includes a pair of opposing first surfaces defining a first wedge opening. The first surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The first wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a first portion of a cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces defines a second wedge opening. The second surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The second wedge opening is spaced apart from the first wedge opening. The second wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of the cord. A cord block defines a support surface spaced from the first and second wedge openings. The support surface is positioned to slidably support the cord between the first and second wedge openings.

Abstract: A tightening device for adjusting the degree of tautness of a strapping member.

Abstract: The tree stand support bracket has three mutually pivotable parts and a belt for adjustably securing the length of the belt to fit the size of the tree it is attached to. The pivotable parts are the handle for tightening the belt, a belt strap adjustment portion for holding the free end of the strap and for locking the handle in place, and a belt buckle tree stand attachment portion having a hook for attaching a tree stand to. The tree stand support bracket bends in the middle to better engage a tree. By placing tree stand support brackets in several locations it is easy for a hunter to remove the tree stand from one location and move to another location by unhooking the tree stand from one support bracket and attaching it to another.

Abstract: A hand-pulled device for winding binding strap, including a base seat, a fastening mechanism drivable by a movable arm and a winding mechanism having a winding reel for winding the binding strap thereon. A pivotally swinging track of the movable arm relative to the base seat defines a movement space. The outer rim of the wound binding strap is at least partially enclosed in the movement space for minifying the volume of the hand-pulled device.

Abstract: An interior weld for furniture having a tubular member is disclosed. The weld has a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The first tubular member is adapted to receive the tubular second member. An edge of the tubular second member contacts an inner surface of the first tubular member. A weld is formed on the inner surface of the first tubular member at the contact point where the second tubular member contacts the first tubular member. There is a weld at that contact point which immovably attaches the second member to the first member.

Abstract: A headband adjustment device includes a base, an adjustable seat, at least a press piece, a resilient adjustment plate and two band shafts. The base provides a base through hole. The adjustable seat is joined to the base an has a wing plate at two opposite lateral sides and an adjustment frame at two ends. The press piece is disposed beside the respective wing plate with two ends extending a press slant end. The adjustment plate is fiat with a middle protrusion top and at both lateral sides of the protrusion top having a fixing projection respectively, at a bottom near both ends having a lift guide groove with a plate slant extending toward the two ends respectively to interfere with ratchet gears on the headband. The band shafts each have an end projection and the headband encloses the respective band shaft and extends outward inversely.

Abstract: A telescoping and tensioning connecting device for fabric vehicle covers assembled from a number of inter-received tubular members, which are slidably connected to a primary housing tube. A coiled compression spring, positioned within the primary housing tube provides tension and hook devices at each end of the apparatus engage “eyelets” of a fabric vehicle cover thus snugging and holding the cover to the vehicle.

Abstract: The buckle of the invention provides a secure and essentially irreversible means for securing parts of the straps, ideally about compressed inbaled material and/or baled material that is prone to shrinkage. The clip (1) comprises a single component that can easily and quickly be applied by hand and associated strapping maybe re-tensioned as appropriate without removing the clip or straps from or about the baled material. The clip is made to rotate about approximately 180°, whereby forces at a resilient nose portion (8A, 8B) of a gripping member (4A, 4B) are caused to clamp down on a part of a strap.

Abstract: An attachment device has a frame with two longitudinal sides and a series of lateral guides disposed along the frame between the two sides. The guides define openings through which a strap extends. When the strap is inserted into the device, it is placed through the openings and over guides. The guides also hold the strap in place so that the device does not slide off the strap. In the relaxed state, the attachment device maintains a serpentine configuration with peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, the device is stretched out but returns to the original serpentine configuration when the tension is removed. The shape and material help absorb the force applied to the strap and reduce its effect on the strap, to thus reduce breakage of the strap and buckles and reduce injury to the user.

Abstract: A portable detachable side mounting load strap rotary tensioning device 1 for mounting transversely on a load binding strap 2, the detachable portable side mounting load strap rotary tensioning device 1 comprising a frame 3 and, a rotary tensioning mechanism 4, and counter-rotation tabs 7 defining an opening, the rotary tensioning mechanism 4 located proximate one end of frame 3 and the counter-rotation tabs 7 located proximate the opposite end of frame 1, the rotary tesioning mechanism 4 comprising a rotating shaft 10 having a strap receiving slot 14, characterized in that the strap receiving slot 14 in the rotating shaft 10 and the opening between the counter-rotation tabs 7 are located for mounting traversely on a load binding strap 2.

Abstract: A fixing clamp for a tensioning rope is proposed, where a clamping screw presses the tensioning rope against an abutment surface in friction-tight fashion. The abutment surface is formed by the bottom of metal bracket (10) bent in an approximately V or U shape and located in the mount (8) of a plastic housing. The clamping screw (14) reaches through the wall of the housing (1) and a nut (13) fixed in non-rotating fashion by the upper, bent ends (11, 12) of the legs of the metal bracket (10).

Abstract: A locking clip is attached to a seat belt fastening a child car seat to a seat of a vehicle to facilitate tightening the seat belt and to ensure that the seat belt may not loosen. The locking clip is attached to a portion of the seat belt where a waist belt section and a shoulder belt section of the seat belt diverge from each other. The locking clip has a belt clamping mechanism clamping the waist belt section and the shoulder belt section together, and a ratchet mechanism for permitting the shoulder belt section to be pulled only in one direction to tighten the seat belt and to prevent the seat belt from loosening.

Abstract: A tool for tightening a plurality of wire lengths that extend between a first bracing location on a first fence support and a second bracing location on a second fence support, the wire lengths defining an axis extending generally parallel to their lengths. The tool includes a body adapted to be transversely inserted between the wire lengths so that the wire lengths pass around the body. The body has at least one seating portion formed on its outer surface for retaining at least one of the wire lengths generally between the ends of the body when the body is inserted between the wire lengths. The body is adapted so that, when inserted between the wire lengths, the body can be selectively rotated about the axis to twist the wire lengths around one another and thereby exert a contracting force on the fence supports.