Patent Publication Number: US-2023148567-A1

Title: Buckle and Strap Arrangements

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/510,303, filed Oct. 25, 2021 (hereafter the “&#39;303 application”), which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/105,097, entitled “Improved Multi-Purpose Collar/Wrap-Around Leash with Accessory Attachment Points,” filed Oct. 23, 2020, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to buckles and straps which are suitable for animal collars and leashes. Furthermore, these buckles and straps are adaptable for many uses beyond collars and leashes. 
     Buckles and straps have been part of dog collars and leashes. The collars typically have locations for pet identification and owner contact information, and provide an attachment point for leashes, harnesses or similar restraining accessories. A new leash/collar by one of the current inventors incorporates the leash and collar into one continuous piece to allow a leash portion to be wrapped and stored around the dog collar portion, or released from the dog collar to form a handled leash. See U.S. Pat. No. 10,390,519, entitled, “Animal Restraint Device,” which issued Aug. 27, 2019 to Tim Farrar (hereafter the “&#39;519 patent”); and U.S. Design Patent No. D844,907, entitled, “Combination Collar and Leash for an Animal,” which issued Apr. 2, 2019 to Tim Farrar. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  from the &#39;519 patent show the incorporated leash/collar in an operative configuration and a storage configuration respectively. In  FIG.  1 A  ( FIG.  2    of the &#39;519 patent) the collar of the leash/collar is wrapped around the neck of the animal, typically a dog, and the loop handle held in the hand of the owner while the leash section extends between the collar and loop handle. Neither the animal nor the owner is shown in the drawing. In  FIG.  1 B  ( FIG.  5    of the &#39;519 patent) the leash/collar is in storage configuration with the balance of the leash/collar is wrapped around the collar on the neck of a dog. The leash/collar can also be stored in the same configuration without the animal. Buckles are used for formation of the collar and loop handle, and hook-and-loop fasteners are used to secure the leash/collar in the storage configuration. 
     The above-referenced &#39;303 application describes improvements to the strength, security, and convenience for the incorporated leash/collar. The current patent application describes the advantages and uses provided by the buckles and straps, elements and combination of elements, of the leash/collars described in the &#39;303 application beyond those of a simple leash/collar. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for a belt arrangement having a strap, a buckle, and a receiver. The buckle has a flat metal body with at least one slotted opening through the flat metal body by which the buckle is attached to the strap, and a second opening through the flat metal body. The receiver has a flat body having at least one slotted opening by which the receiver is attached to the strap, and a magnetic base for a post perpendicular to the flat body, wherein the post fits through the second opening of the buckle and engages a sidewall of the second opening, and the magnetic base engages the flat metal body of the buckle, in a secure engagement of the metal buckle to the receiver. In this manner the strap between the buckle and receiver can form a belt around a wearer. 
     The present invention also provides for an arrangement has a strap, a buckle and a receiver. The buckle has a flat metal body with two close slotted openings through the flat metal body by which the buckle is attached to a first end of the strap at an adjustable position and the position fixed along the strap by a ladder lock with the two close slotted openings, and a second opening through the flat metal body. The receiver has a flat body having a magnetic base for a post perpendicular to the flat body and two slotted openings on either side of the post by which the receiver is adjustably attached at a position on the strap, wherein the post fits through the second opening of the buckle and engages a sidewall of the second opening, and the magnetic base engages the flat metal body of the buckle, in a secure engagement of the metal buckle to the receiver. Thus the strap between the buckle and receiver can form an adjustable loop around an object. 
     The present invention provides for a tool belt arrangement has a belt, a receiver, and a catch. The receiver has a flat body having a magnetic base for a post perpendicular to the flat body and two slotted openings on either side of the post by which the receiver is attached at an adjustable position on the belt. The catch has a flat metal body with a first opening through the flat metal body by which an item is attached to the catch, and a second opening through the flat metal body, wherein the receiver post fits through the second opening of the catch and engages a sidewall of the second opening, and the magnetic base engages the flat metal body of the catch, in a secure engagement of the metal buckle to the catch. The item can be hung from the belt. 
     The present invention provides for another tool belt arrangement having belt, a magnetic post, and a catch. The magnetic post extends perpendicularly from, and is riveted to, the belt. The catch has a flat metal body with a first opening through the flat metal body by which an item is attached to the catch, and a second opening through the flat metal body, wherein the magnetic post fits through the second opening of the catch and engages a sidewall of the second opening, in a secure engagement of the metal buckle to the catch. In this manner the item can be hung from the belt. 
     The present invention provides for an arrangement having a catch and a strap. The catch has a bar with first and second bar ends, and a rectangular frame with first and second frame ends connected by first and second side rails, the first bar end connected to the first side rail so that the bar capable of sliding along the first side rail, of rotating the second bar end open away from the second side rail and of rotating the second bar end closed against the second side rail. The strap has a first end attached to one frame end, the strap capable of binding around an object in a lock by a loop of the strap passing through the frame and trapping the bar and a part of the strap against the second frame end to close a pass swivel lock. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designations represent like features throughout the figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  shows an incorporated leash/collar in an operative configuration;  FIG.  1 B  illustrates the  FIG.  1 A  incorporated leash/collar in a stored configuration. 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of an internal low profile buckle slide of an improved incorporated leash/collar according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows a top view of an adjustable receiver and a flat end buckle which work with the  FIG.  2    buckle slide in one embodiment of the present invention;  FIG.  3 B  shows a perspective and more detailed view of the flat end buckle;  FIG.  3 C  shows a top view of a modified flat end buckle. 
         FIG.  4 A  shows a perspective view of the adjustable receiver of  FIG.  3 A ; and  FIG.  4 B  shows a perspective view of another adjustable receiver in accordance with the present invention;  FIG.  4 C  shows different side views of the  FIG.  4 B  adjustable receiver; and  FIG.  4 D  shows a flat end buckle which corresponds to the adjustable receiver of  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C . 
         FIG.  5 A  shows different perspectives view of another flat end buckle in accordance with the present invention;  FIG.  5 B  shows different perspective views of another adjustable receiver  30  corresponding to the  FIG.  5 A  flat end buckle. 
         FIG.  6    shows in a perspective view the opposite ends of an improved incorporated leash/collar according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 A  shows details of a hole and rail/channel system of the improved incorporated leash/collar of  FIG.  6   ;  FIG.  7 B  shows a perspective top view of the hole and rail/channel system of  FIG.  7 A ; and  FIG.  7 C  shows a perspective bottom view detail of the hole and rail/channel system of  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  8    shows details of the collar receiver guide and barb attachment assembly of the improved incorporated leash/collar of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  9 A  shows in a perspective top view of the leash handle/leash re-attach assembly in  FIG.  6   ;  FIG.  9 B  shows in a perspective bottom view of the leash handle/leash re-attach assembly in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  shows accessories which might be attached to the improved incorporated leash/collar of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  11 A  shows the arrangement of an receiver and a flat end buckle having with a strap into a belt, the flat end buckle forming a ladder lock with the strap;  FIG.  11 B  shows the  FIG.  11 A  receiver in more detail;  FIG.  11 C  shows the  FIG.  11 A  flat end buckle in more detail;  FIG.  11 D  shows a belt arrangement with an adjustable receiver, a flat end buckle and a strap, the arrangement is complementary to that shown in  FIG.  11 A ;  FIG.  11 E  shows the  FIG.  11 D  adjustable receiver in more detail;  FIG.  11 F  shows the  FIG.  11 A  flat end buckle in more detail. 
         FIG.  12 A  shows how a receiver, a flat end buckle, and a strap may be arranged and adapted to form a cargo strap or a hammock strap;  FIG.  12 B  shows the  FIG.  12 A  flat end buckle in more detail, and  FIG.  12 C  shows the  FIG.  12 A  receiver in more detail. 
         FIG.  13 A  shows a receiver modified for use on a tool belt with a circular catch to which tools may be attached;  FIG.  13 B  shows another modified receiver which can used on a tool belt; and  FIG.  13 C  shows the receiver can be modified to a magnetic post and rivet on a tool belt and a catch particularly adapted to  FIG.  13 B  receiver and the  FIG.  13 C  post and rivet. 
         FIG.  14 A  shows a flat buckle modified with an opened hole in a top view;  FIG.  14 B  shows the  FIG.  14 A  flat buckle in a perspective view; and  FIG.  14 C  shows the flat buckle in a side view. 
         FIG.  14 A  shows a modified webbing catch for use with a strap as a cargo strap, hammock strap and the like;  FIG.  14 B  shows the  FIG.  14 A  modified webbing catch in more detail; and  FIG.  14 C  shows steps in engaging  FIG.  14 A  modified webbing catch with a strap. 
         FIG.  15 A  shows another modified webbing catch for use with a strap as a cargo strap, hammock strap and the like;  FIG.  15 B  shows the  FIG.  15 A  webbing catch in more detail; and  FIGS.  15 C ( 1 ) - 15 C( 3 ) shows steps in engaging the  FIG.  15 A  modified webbing catch with a strap on a door knob. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The incorporated leash/collar of the &#39;519 patent has a strap which is part of the leash collar at one end, part of the leash loop handle at a second end and the intervening leash between the collar and the loop handle. In these improvements of the incorporated leash/collar the leash/collar strap is formed with different characteristics. In one embodiment of the present invention the leash/collar strap is constructed with a minimal stretch material, such as a webbing weave of artificial fibers or natural fibers. Depending upon the fibers and the weave, the leash/collar strap can be made non-stretchable, or with minimal stretch. Leather can also be used if the dimensions of the leash/collar strap and the particular leather skin provides for a minimal stretch. 
     With the strap of minimal stretch, an improved incorporated leash/collar is provided with a non-internal low-profile buckle slide attached at one end of the leash/collar strap, a flat end buckle attached to the other end of the collar/leash strap, and an adjustable receiver element on the leash/collar strap between the two buckles. 
       FIGS.  2 - 5 B  illustrate the buckle and strap components of such an improved incorporated leash/collar.  FIG.  2    illustrates a non-internal low-profile buckle slide  10 , preferably made of metal, though a strong anti-wear material, such as certain plastics or reinforced carbon fiber material, might be used. A frame  14  of the buckle slide  10  has a post  16  separating two openings  11  at the two ends  15  of the buckle slide  10 . The openings  11  are slotted and shaped to engage the webbing material of the leash/collar strap. One end (the animal or bitter end) of the leash/collar strap is attached to an end  15  of the buckle slide  10  by simply gluing or fusing the end of the leash/collar strap to the end  15  or looping the leash/collar strap end though the appropriate opening  11  and around the buckle slide end  15 , and fixing the strap end back to the leash/collar strap. 
     To form the base collar around the neck of the animal, the other end of the leash/collar strap the leash/collar strap is passed through the same slotted opening  11  attached to the bitter end (animal end) and then through the second slotted opening  11 . The leash/collar strap from the second opening  11  forms a leash with an extended tag loop (the leash and handle) from the remaining strap. To adjust or remove the collar from the animal, the user simply feeds the leash/collar strap slack through the openings  11  of the buckle slide  10  until the desired collar size is created. The buckle slide  10  also has an extended leg  13  with a hole  12  to receive a traditional dog tag. 
     A flat end buckle  20  at the other end of the leash/collar strap is shown on the right in a top view in  FIG.  3 A  and in the middle in a perspective view in  FIG.  3 B . The flat end buckle  20  has a flat metal body  24  having a slotted opening  21  at an end  25  to provide an attachment location for the other end of the leash/collar strap opposite the collar end. The leash/collar strap can be attached to the opening  21  in the same manner as described with respect to the attachment of leash/collar strap to buckle slide  10 . In the flat body  24  there is another opening  22  for receiving a post from the adjustable receiver  30  to form a leash loop or to store the incorporated leash/collar strap, as explained in greater detail below. The opening  22  is also shaped to operate as a bottle opener, such as a beverage bottle cap opener. A round laser cut bar code/logo hole  23  in the flat body  24  provides direction to a designated website for animal owner information and leash/collar brand identification. Not shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , the buckle  20  may also have an extension with a hole of varying shapes for different purposes. This feature appears in the flat end buckle of  FIG.  4 D . 
       FIG.  3 C  shows a top view of the flat end buckle  20  which has a rectangular outline. In this embodiment the buckle  20  is of even thickness of slightly less than 0.09 inches, 1.79 inches long and 1.25 inches wide. The buckle  20  can also be in a range of thicknesses from 0.06 to 0.12 inches, a range of lengths from 0.5 inches to 3 inches and a range of widths from 0.5 to 3 inches. 
     The adjustable receiver is positioned on the leash/collar strap between the buckle slide and end buckle. Perspective views of an adjustable receiver  30  are shown in  FIG.  4 A . The adjustable receiver  30  has a flat body  33  with two slotted strap guide openings  31  and  32  at either end of the body  33  for the leash/collar strap; a shaped post  34  extending away from one side of the flat body  33 , the other side of the body  33  (not shown in  FIG.  3 A ) remaining flat; a rectangular magnet  36  running underneath the post  34  to receive and magnetically attach to the metallic flat end buckle  20 ; and rocker bump/ramps  37  at the ends of the one of the strap guide openings  31  and  32 . At the top of the post  34  is a cap lip  35  which faces toward the strap guide opening having the rocker bump/ramps  37 . In this example the rocker bump/ramps  37  are located at the ends of the leash/collar strap guide opening  32 . 
     The adjustable receiver  30  lies on the leash/collar strap between low profile buckle slide  10  and the flat end buckle  20 . The leash/collar strap passes through the strap guide openings  31  and  32 , and behind the flat body  33  on the side opposite the shaped post  34 . The location of the adjustable receiver  30  on the leash/collar strap can be adjusted in the same manner as the buckle slide  10  for the full length of the leash/collar strap. This large adjustment range creates a leash/collar combination that will fit any dog, from small to large. 
     The adjustable receiver  30  also allows the user to create a secure leash handle with the leash length adjustment. The receiving post  34  of the adjustable receiver  30  is complementarily shaped to fully engage with the post opening  22  in the flat end buckle  20 . Thus in a top view the side surface  38  (and the opposite side surface  39 ) of the post  34  is crescent-shaped and the complement of the side surface  28  of the post opening  22  of the flat end buckle  20 . Furthermore, the height between the top of the magnet  36  and bottom of the lip  35  of the post  34  matches the thickness of the flat end buckle  20 . When the post  34  is inserted into the post opening  22 , the magnet  36  providing a flat surface for the adjustable receiver  30  attracts the metal of the buckle  20  so that the buckle  20  and receiver  30  securely fit and lock into each other. The buckle  20  and receiver  30  may have different shapes including, but not limited to: circular, triangular, square, trapezoidal, ‘T’ or any other interlocking shapes. 
     The flat end buckle  20  and the adjustable receiver  30  can fit and lock together in two opposing directions to place the incorporated leash/collar in operative and storage configurations. For the operative configuration the leash/collar strap between the buckle  20  and receiver  30  form a loop for a leash handle to the collar. The flat end buckle  20  and receiver  30  are joined so that the side surface  38  of the receiver post  34  engages the side surface  28  of the post opening  22  of the flat end buckle  20 . The flat body  24  of the buckle  20  rests on the bumps  37  of the adjustable receiver  30  with top of the buckle body  24  near the side surface  28  of the post opening  22  fitting under the receiver lip  35 . The action of the magnet  36  maintains the adjustable receiver  30  against the metal buckle  20 . This arrangement provides a strong leash loop which is resistant to variable forces along the leash, such as caused by a lunging dog on the collar. The rocker bump/ramps  37  on the side of the lip  35  help release the formed leash loop. The rocker bump/ramps  37  provide a lever to remove the flat end buckle  20  from under the lip  35 . 
     For a storage configuration the leash/collar strap is wound around the collar (and flat buckle slide  10 ) and held in place for storage by the engagement of the buckle  20  at the end of the leash/collar strap to the adjustable receiver  30 . The location of the adjustable receiver  30  is set so that flat end buckle  20  which is looped around the collar is able to engage the adjustable receiver  30 . In this case the side surface  39  of the receiver post  34  engages the side surface  28  of the post opening  22  of the flat end buckle  20  and the magnet  36  engages the flat end buckle  20 . for a secure, yet releasable storage configuration. 
     Hence among the parameters to be considered for the magnet  36  and the metal of the flat buckle  20  are attractive force, size, cost and weight of these components. The adjustable receiver  30  is sized to fit the flat end buckle  20  and both elements can have a wide range of sizes and dimensions. 
     As shown above both post sidewalls  38  and  39  of the adjustable receiver  30  are shaped complementarily with respect to the sidewall  28  of the flat buckle  20 . As a result, in a top view the post  34  is shaped symmetrically about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the leash/collar strap, i.e., the sidewalls mirror each other across the axis. But the post of, and the adjustable receiver  30  itself, may be shaped and arranged differently as long as this symmetry is retained. 
     For example,  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C  illustrate an adjustable receiver with a post  34  which is rectangular in shape in a top view. The magnet  36  runs under, and forms the base of, the post  34  and no bump/ramps  37  are used in adjustable receiver  30 . Flange lips  35  appear above both sidewalls of the post  34  but the lip above the sidewall used in the operative configuration is larger for more substantial engagement of the receiver  30  and buckle  20 .  FIG.  4 D  illustrates a flat end buckle which corresponds to the adjustable receiver of  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C . The sidewall  38  of the opening in the  FIG.  4 D  flat end buckle is straight to match the straight sidewalls of the post  34  of the  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C  adjustable receiver. The flat end buckle further has an extension with a hole which in this example is hexagonally shaped to receive a tool, such as a socket, wrench screwdriver, and other similar items. 
     In one example, the adjustable receiver of  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C  is 1.125 inches long (along the strap extension), 1.25 inch wide (strap width) and 0.39 inches high (from bottom of adjustable receiver to top of post), and the distance between magnet base and flange lips is slightly more than 0.09 inches. The corresponding flat end buckle is 2.11 inches long, 1.25 inches wide and 0.09 inches thick. These dimensions are merely illustrative and not limiting so that a range of sizes and dimensions can be used for these elements to suit particular applications and circumstances. 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates another flat end buckle  20 A and  FIG.  5 B  illustrates a corresponding adjustable receiver  30 A. The buckle  20 A has two slotted openings to receive the leash/collar strap such that the buckle  20 A while attached to an end of the leash/collar strap can also be moved along the strap. For example, the strap end can be fixed to or around the straight end of the buckle  20 A. The rest of the strap can then be passed through one of the slotted openings around the metal shaft separating and defining the two slotted openings and passed through the second in the same manner as previously described for the buckle slide  10 . This arrangement allows some play in the position of the buckle  20 A with respect to the adjustable receiver around the collar in a storage configuration. 
     The flat body of the buckle  20 A has a central circular opening  22 A and a smaller hexagonal opening around which an accessory might be hung. The adjustable receiver  30 A of  FIG.  5 B  is similar to the adjustable receiver shown and described with respect to  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C . But the post  34 A is circular (in a top view) and dimensioned to match the dimensions of the opening  22 A of the buckle  20 A. A flanged lip also appears above one side of the post  34 A for a more secure engagement and lock between the receiver  30 A and the end buckle  20 A. 
     A short section of stretchable material, such as bungee webbing, may also be used to connect the non-stretchable webbing material of the leash/collar strap and the flat end buckle  20 . The bungee material stretches to hold the flat end buckle  20  to the adjustable receiver  30  in storage configuration and keeps the wraps of the leash stored neatly around the collar and allows for adjustment play. 
     In another embodiment of the incorporated collar/leash, the leash/collar strap is constructed from a stretchable webbing material, such as an elastic polymer. The incorporated leash/collar strap  40  in  FIG.  6    shows the two ends of the incorporated collar/leash. A collar receiver guide and barb assembly  50  at the bitter end (the dog end of the leash) is shown at the bottom left of the drawing and the handle/leash re-attach assembly  60  shown at top right of the drawing and located at the other end (the handler end) of the leash/collar strap  40 . 
     A series of holes  41  run along the center of the leash/collar strap  40  from approximately  10  inches from the bitter end on the collar side (at the dog) to within 6 inches of the other end (handler end)  60 .  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  shows the holes  41  in the leash/collar strap  40  in more detail. The distributed holes  41  capture studs or hooks to form the base collar through a base collar guide, to attach the leash/collar strap  40  to itself so that the leash stays in place in this storage configuration, or to form the loop handle for the leash in an operative configuration. Accessories, such as a dog tag, capture magnet, flashlight, GPS tracking module, multi-tool and other items, can be attached to the collar/leash  40  by accessory studs or hooks for the holes  41 . The holes  41  can be any geometric shape including, but not limited to, round, oval, square, a T or a cross pattern. Further explanations of the leash/collar strap  40  are detailed below. 
     A rail/channel structure  42  in the stretchable webbing material runs between the holes  41  for the length of the distributed holes.  FIGS.  7 A and  7 A  shows the rail portion  42 B of the rail/channel  42  on one side of the leash/collar strap  40 . The rail portion  42 B is formed by vertically raising the elastic polymer material of the leash/collar strap  40 . On the other side of the leash/collar strap  40 , the underside of the rail/channel  42 , shown in  FIG.  7 C , a channel portion  42 A, the reciprocal of the rail portion  42 B, runs between the holes  41 . 
     The rail portion  42 B and channel portion  42 A are sized and shaped so that the channel portion  42 A on one side of the leash/collar strap  40  can capture the rail portion  42 A on the opposite side of the leash/collar strap. The rail portion  42 B nests into an embedded, concave track of the channel portion  42 A in an elastic tongue-and-groove arrangement similar to a Ziplock® (a registered trademark of the S.C. Johnson &amp; Son, Inc. of Rachine, Wisc.) enclosure. The raised rail/channel structure  42  aids in the neat stacking of the leash/collar  40  about itself in a storage configuration with the raised metal guide on the collar receiver guide and barb assembly  60 . 
     The collar receiver guide and stud assembly  50  of the leash/collar strap  40  is shown in  FIG.  8   . The collar receiver guide and the stud assembly  50  has a rectangular flat body  52  to which the webbing material of the leash/collar strap  40  is attached. A post or stud  51  extends perpendicularly from the flat body  52  at an end of the leash/collar strap  40  through the webbing material. The diameter of post or stud matches that of the holes  41  and the length of the post or stud is preferably at least the thickness of the leash/collar strap to prevent disengagement when the post or stud  51  is set into one of the holes  41 . 
     A collar guide hoop  53  extends from the sides of the flat body  52  displaced away from the stud  51  over the strap  40 . The collar guide hoop  53  is aligned perpendicularly to the length of leash/collar  40 , and is rectangular in a view along the leash/collar  40 . The top of the guide hoop  53  has a center guide rail  56  and two side rails  55 , all of which are parallel to the length of the leash/collar strap  40  in the body  52 . The center guide rail  56  is sized like the rail portion  42 B to fit into and engage the channel portion  42 A of the leash/collar strap  40 , and the side rails  55  are spaced apart to receive the leash/collar strap  40  between them. The flat body  52  has an extended tag  54  having a hole  57  for the attachment of a traditional dog tag. 
     The flat body  52  of the collar receiver guide and the stud assembly  50  may embedded into the polymer material of the leash/collar  40  or attached to the material by stitching, rivets, glue or a slotted metal channel to a corresponding rail in the webbing material. The collar receiver guide and stud assembly  50  may be constructed from metal, plastic, reinforced graphite, or other materials having the desirable characteristics of rigidity, strength and durability. 
     The collar receiver guide and stud assembly  50  forms a collar by looping the end of the leash/collar strap  40  and inserting the stud  51  into a hole  41  and passing the rest of the strap  40  through the collar guide  53 . If the size of the collar needs to be adjusted, the stud  51  is detached from the original hole  41  and the leash/collar strap  40  slid through the collar guide  53  to the desired collar size. The stud  51  is then re-inserted into the corresponding hole  41 . The collar guide  53  and the stud  51  provide a lock for the leash/collar strap  40  so that it neither loosens nor tightens on the animal. When the leash/collar strap  40  is wrapped around the collar, the center guide  56  fits into the channel portion  42 A to hold the first wrap of the leash/collar strap  40  around the collar and the side rails  55  align the leash/collar strap  40  around the collar. This arrangement aids in the tidy stacking of the leash/collar strap  40  around the base collar in a storage configuration. 
     The leash handle/leash re-attach assembly  60  shown in a top perspective view in  FIG.  9 A  and in a bottom perspective view in  FIG.  9 B , is located at the user end of the leash/collar strap  40 . The assembly  60  has a flat body with a narrowing tip. A first aperture  61  is located near the tip and a second aperture  62  in the flat body removed from the tip. Both apertures  61  and  62  are centered along the center axis of the leash/collar strap  40 . The second aperture  62  is shaped with a straight metal edge  65  near the aperture  61  and a convex metal edge  63  opposing the straight edge  63 , as seen in  FIG.  9 A . A bottom view of the assembly  60  ( FIG.  9 B ) shows a hook  64  in the form of a short straight stud angled away from the tip. The hook  64  also has a cap at its end with flanges  64 B. Alternatively the hook  64  may also be curved. 
     For the operative configuration of the incorporated leash/collar, the leash/collar strap  40  is looped back on itself. The hook  64  engages one of the holes  41  to form a sturdy and looked handle loop with the angle and capped flanges of the hook stud preventing disengagement of the hook  64  from the hole  41 . The loop handle can be sized by selecting the appropriate hole  41 . The first opening  61  is sized to accept a finger grip to disengage the hook  64  and pull the loop handle apart. 
     In the storage configuration the engagement of the hook  64  with one of the holes  41  provides a secure lock for the incorporated leash/collar. The straight edge  65 , convex edge  64  and hook  64  of the leash handle/leash re-attach assembly  60  are preferably formed from a single metal piece which is embedded into the elastic polymer of the leash/collar strap  40 . The single metal unit can be designed for additional integrity. The unit can be extended to cover the opening  61  with the underside exposed. In storage configuration a magnetized stud is inserted through a hole  41  in a location corresponding to that of the opening  61 . The exposed metal in the opening  61  attaches to the magnetized stud so that the tip of leash handle/leash re-attach assembly  60  is also secured. 
     The two metal edges  63  and  65  in the second aperture  62  may be shaped to provide a handy bottle opener. 
     In addition, the rail/channel structure  42  with the holes  41  allow accessories to be attached to the leash/collar strap  40 . Accessories with modified studs or hooks with the strap holes  40  provide secure attachment for the accessory. With a T-lock system, for example, studs may be inserted into the holes  41  and then twisted to fall into and engage the channel portion  42 A, providing additional security for accessories attached to the modified studs.  FIG.  10 A  shows an accessory in the form of a case bearing a T-lock stud. The case can carrying accessory items, such as a GPS tracking module unit, flash light, hand multi-tool and other useful objects.  FIG.  10 B  shows an accessory case with two slanted studs to securely engage neighboring holes  41 . Alternatively the accessory case might be eliminated and the modified studs or hooks attached directly to the accessory item itself 
     Furthermore, the elements of the described leash/collar may also be used for purposes and applications other than those of a dog collar or leash. These buckles and straps can be arranged and adapted for many uses beyond collars and leashes, including belts, cargo straps, belt catches, and cargo and hammock loops. 
     The end buckles and receivers of  FIGS.  11 A- 11 D  can be arranged and adapted to be used with a strap or webbing to create a multi-purpose quick-release strap system. 
       FIG.  11 A  illustrates how the flat end buckles and receivers similar to those shown in  FIGS.  4 B- 4 D  form a belt. In this embodiment one end of a strap  82  is attached to a web channel of a receiver  80  and the flat end buckle  81  has a ladder lock with the strap  82  to adjust the length of the belt with the receiver  80 . The strap  82  is passed through the loops of a wearer&#39;s trousers, for example, and joined together by engaging the post of the receiver  80  with the opening of the flat end buckle. 
     In two views  FIG.  11 B  shows details of the receiver  80  which has a single web channel by which one end of the strap  82  is attached such as with a stitched loop. The post of the receiver  80  is rectangular in a top view with a magnet forming the base of the post. While flange lips of the post cap could be placed above both sidewalls of the post such as shown in  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C , in this embodiment a lip is placed above the post sidewall facing the sidewall of the flat end buckle  81  when the receiver  80  and the flat end buckle  81  are engaged. 
     The flat end buckle  81  corresponding to the receiver  80  is shown in  FIG.  11 C . The sidewall of the opening in the flat end buckle  81  is straight to match the straight sidewall of the post of the receiver  80 . The flat end buckle  81  is metal which attracts the magnet at the base of the post of the receiver  80  for a more secure engagement between the buckle  81  and receiver  80 . Two parallel web channels are located at one end of the flat end buckle  81  for a ladder lock with the strap  82  threaded through the web channels. The flat buckle  81 , the receiver  80  and strap  82  create a quick cinching and quick release system, particularly useful as a quick release belt which can be adjusted once and left at that setting. 
       FIG.  11 D  shows a belt arrangement which is complementary to that shown in  FIG.  11 A . The receiver  84  is adjustable in strap position on one end of the strap  86  with a ladder lock. A flat end buckle  85  is attached to the other end of the strap  86 . In two views  FIG.  11 E  illustrates the adjustable receiver  84  with two parallel web channels to help form the ladder lock and  FIG.  11 F  illustrates the flat end buckle  85  with a single web channel by which the strap  86  is attached. The flat end buckle  85 , the adjustable receiver  84  and strap  86  create a quick cinching and quick release belt system. 
     While the magnetic bases for the posts of the previous receivers are described as being above the frames of the receivers, the magnet bases can also be level with the frame of the receiver as long as there is no interference between the engagement between the magnetic base and the metal flat end buckle. This is true for other receivers further described. Furthermore, while the frames of the receivers and the flat end buckles are described as “flat,” it should be understood that the term also includes receivers and buckles which are contoured to match a belt or strap wearer&#39;s body. 
       FIGS.  12 A- 12 C  show how the buckles and straps are arranged and adapted to form cargo strap, according to another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  12 A  shows how a flat end buckle  91 , adjustable receiver  90  and a strap  92  can provide a cargo strap or a hammock strap. The strap  92  has preferably a loop at one end, such as a stitched loop, and the flat end buckle  91  at the other end by a ladder lock. The adjustable receiver  90  lies between the stitched loop and the flat end buckle  91 . The flat end buckle  91  is looped around the object cargo with the opening in the buckle  91  engaging the post of the adjustable receiver  90 . The strap is tightened by pulling the loose end (the tag end) of the strap from the ladder lock of the flat buckle  91 . Release is quick by loosening the strap at the ladder lock. This arrangement can replace a conventional ratchet strap buckle at a fraction of the weight. 
       FIG.  12 B  shows the metal flat end buckle  91  with slotted web channels at one end of the flat buckle body to form a ladder lock with the strap  92 . The parallel web channels at one end permit the strap threaded through the web channels to lock in place under tension on the flat end buckle  91  and allow the strap to be moved through the web channels when the tension is released. At the other end of the buckle body, a post opening has a flat side surface to securely engage the corresponding side surface of the post opening of the adjustable receiver shown in  FIG.  12 C . The adjustable receiver  90  is similar to that shown in  FIG.  4 B , except that the flange lip of the post cap extends only toward the flat side surface of the flat end buckle post opening when the flat end buckle  91  and adjustable receiver  90  are engaged. A magnet forming the base of the post of adjustable receiver  90  helps secure the engagement between the buckle  91  and receiver  90  with the post flange lip. A slotted web channel is located at the ends of the adjustable receiver  90  and on either side of the post so that the adjustable receiver  30  can be moved and located anywhere along the strap  92  threaded through the two web channels. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver can be modified for use on a tool belt. The receiver is adapted to hold a circular catch, itself an adaptation of a flat end buckle, for tools or other items to hang from the tool belt. The top drawing in  FIG.  13 A  illustrate how an adjustable receiver  94  is attached to a strap which forms a tool belt  93 . In the middle drawing of  FIG.  13 A  shows that the adjustable receiver  94  has a circular post (as viewed from the top) and slotted web channels on either ends of the post to accept the belt  93 . The slotted web channels allow the adjustable receiver  94  to be attached to the tool belt with the capability of moving the adjustable receiver  94  along the tool belt. The slotted web channels and the adjustable receiver  94  is preferably wide (for a belt at least 1½ inches wide) to prevent twisting of the tool belt. The post emerges from a magnetic base between the two web channels. The cap of the post has a lip extending around the post to help retain the catch when it engages the adjustable receiver  94 . 
     The bottom drawing in  FIG.  13 A  shows a corresponding catch  95  for the adjustable receiver  94 . The flat metal catch  95  has a circular opening larger than the diameter of the receiver post to fit over the post and the flange lip at the post top. The catch  95  has an extension with a second opening by which tools can be attached, as illustrated in the drawing. The catch  95  engages the magnetic base of the adjustable receiver  94  and the flange lip of the post cap. 
       FIG.  13 B  illustrates an adjustable receiver  98  similar to the adjustable receiver  94  shown in  FIG.  13 A . In this embodiment the magnetic base is not raised from the body of the adjustable receiver  98  and the shape of the post cap is different from the rounded post cap of the adjustable receiver  94  in  FIG.  13 A . These differences accommodate the different conditions and purposes of the tool belt. The size and shape of the magnetic base of the  FIG.  13 B  adjustable receiver  98  is suited for the flat metal rectangular catch  99  shown in the upper drawing of  FIG.  13 B . The rounded post cap of the adjustable receiver  94  in  FIG.  13 A  permits the post to be centered in the opening of the catch  95  more easily as compared to a post cap which is flat (belonging to the adjustable receiver  98  of  FIG.  13 B ). The catch  99  has a web channel to which tool straps may be attached. 
       FIG.  13 C  illustrates the reduction of the receiver to a magnetized post  100  and rivet  101 . The post  100  passes through a tool belt and is fixed to the tool belt by the rivet  101 . The post  100  has a flange lip extending around the top of the post to better engage the flat metal catch  99  of  FIG.  13 B . Furthermore, the thickness of the metal catch  99  might be increased for more contact area between the magnetized post and catch  99  for a more secure engagement of the tool to the belt. 
     The flat end buckle can also be modified.  FIG.  14 A  shows a flat end buckle  110  in a top view. At one end of a generally flat metal body  114  there are two close and parallel slotted channels  111  for receiving a strap with a ladder lock. Side guards  115  protect the strap in the buckle  110 . Near the slotted channels  111  is an opening  113  to receive a dog tag and the like. At the other end there is an opening  112  which is “open,” i.e., the opening is not entirely enclosed by sidewalls with the flat body  114  and has a gap  120 . The opening  112  receives a post in a corresponding receiver and the straight sidewall  118  of the opening indicates that the post is rectangular in a top view. The opposing sidewall  121  is angled to the gap  120 , away from the parallel direction of the sidewall  118 . At the gap  120  the side sidewall  119  which is contiguous and perpendicular to the sidewall  118  turns into the opening to form a hook with the sidewall portion  119 A. The hook in the side sidewall  119  further secures engagement of the post in the opening  112 . On the other hand, the gap  120  makes release of the post from the opening  112  easier by allowing the post to rotate away from the sidewall  118  and to escape through the gap  120 . 
     The perspective view of  FIG.  14 B  shows the teeth-edged surface  123  to one of the sidewalls  112 . The edged surface  123  helps secure the strap in a ladder lock. The side view in  FIG.  14 C  shows that the flat metal body  114  of the flat buckle  110  has two thicknesses; the part of the body holding the post opening  112  is twice as thick as the part of the body holding the slotted channels  111 . In this particular embodiment, the body  114  is 4 mm at post opening  112  and 2 mm at slotted channels  111 . The side guards  115  are 6 mm high. Furthermore, the slotted channels  111  are 25 mm long and 3 mm wide. The flat metal body  114  is rectangular in a top view, 32 mm wide and 32 mm long. These dimensions are for one particular embodiment of a flat end buckle and can change depending upon the purposes and uses of the buckle and its corresponding receiver. Note that these purposes and uses include the animal collar/leash previously described. And a flat end buckle might include only one slotted channel. 
     Finally, as illustrated in  FIG.  15 A  another embodiment of the present invention provides a modified webbing catch which can form a secure loop with a strap or belt as a cargo strap, hammock strap and other uses.  FIG.  15 B  shows that the catch has a rectangular frame with two ends connected by two side rails, and a pass swivel lock formed by a bar which can slide up and down the side rails. The pass swivel lock bar has one end which is connected to one of the side rails in such a manner than the lock bar can slide along the side rail and can rotate around the side rail. The other end of the pass swivel lock bar can slidably engage the second slide rail and can rotate away the second rail. 
     As shown in  FIG.  15 A , one of the ends of the strap or belt is attached to one of the catch frame ends, such as by stitching a small loop around the frame end. The two ends and two side rails are circular in diameter. The pass swivel lock bar is also circular with a diameter larger than that of the two sides and has an opening at the one bar end to accept a side rail. The opening is large enough so that the bar can rotate and slide along the one side bar. A groove located at the other end of pass swivel lock bar provides a secure contact with the other side when the catch is engaged. The bar is also knurled for a better “bite” into the webbing of the strap or belt. 
       FIG.  15 C  illustrates some steps in forming a secure loop with the strap. As shown in drawing (1), the pass swivel lock bar is opened and a loop of the strap is passed from below the catch frame. With the strap loop large enough, the pass swivel lock bar is lowered and closed as shown drawing (2). The strap loop now passes above the pass swivel lock bar. The strap is then pulled tight to secure the webbing of the strap between the pass swivel lock bar and the frame ends as shown in drawing (3). The connection is loosened by pulling the loop away from the pass swivel lock bar. 
     This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.