A buckle release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or eject the striker plate within the housing.

A seat belt buckle for engaging a latch inserted into buckle and retained in a latched mode until released by depressing a press release button. In a locked mode, with the vehicle ignition switch ON and the latch inserted into buckle, a complementary lock is activated preventing press the release button from effecting release of latch from buckle.

A belt fastener for detachably connecting two belt ends has a housing and a plug, which can be clipped into the housing. The belt fastener can be a safety fastener opening if a predetermined tensile load acts on the belt ends. A separate finger flap is hinged to a front end of the plug for clipping it into the housing. The finger flap preloaded outwards in direction away from the plug by a separate spring. The finger flap can be brought in abutment with a stop surface of the housing by means of a stop surface opposite of the attachment point. Both stop surfaces are tilted forward by an angle of inclination () of >0, particularly of 20. In addition, two stop surfaces can be convexly or concavely curved.