Patent ID: 7461435

Claim:
An adjustable restraint for a water heater or other equipment, comprising: at least a first flexible strap having a first and second end; an integrally formed, single piece buckle having a first portion forming a base plate with a first slot therein and a second portion forming a first tang that extends over the base plate and the first slot and is resiliently positioned at an angle with respect to the base plate, the first tang having second and third slots defining and on opposing sides of a first bar located so the first bar overlaps at least part of the first slot, the first end of the first strap extending along an outer surface of the base plate, through the first, second and third slots to encircle the first bar and exit along the outer surface of the base plate with that first end of the first strap interposed between the base plate and a portion of the first strap, the bar being moved toward the first slot as a tension load on the second end of the first strap increases: and at least one side plate extending from the base plate and toward the first tang and located adjacent an edges of the first tang, the side plate having a locking projection extending toward the first tang a distance so the first tang can engage the locking projection, the locking projection being located sufficiently close to the base plate so the first tang can be urged toward the base plate when the first strap encircles the first bar such that the first tang can be interposed between the base plate and the locking projection and held in that position by the locking projection.