Tanka (fortification)
A tanka (German cord stopper or cord clamp ) is a type of clamp that is used to lock a strap, cord or shoelace . The belt is pulled through a hole in the tanka and held in place by a spring-loaded bolt that has been previously depressed.
Origin of the term
The name Tanka is derived from a Japanese term for a mechanism with which a long sword is locked in its scabbard .
use
Tankas are mostly used as closures in hiking and trekking equipment, for example to close cords on backpacks or other containers or to tie the laces on hiking boots. Compared to knots, tankas have the advantage that the lacing can still be easily loosened if the laces or cords have been heavily attacked by moisture.