Buckles are fastening devices that are used to join together two ends of a belt, strap, or other items to keep them secure, to tie cargo down, or to seal something up. Everyday applications of buckes that are familar ones include keeping your pants up (suspender or belt buckles) or securing your watch or other jewelry on. Other uses of buckles involve the closing up of luggage, locking down of a child or infant car seat, or securing climbers to harnesses or airplane passengers safely in their seats. With the many different uses and applications of buckles, there is no shortage of buckle types to consider. Buckles may be characterized by the application for which it is intended, the material of which it is made, and the fastening mechanism used.