Abstract: Apparatus for holding a first object or objects in a fixed position relative to a second object comprising an elongated continuous length strap for engaging and holding the first object; strap attachment apparatus connected to opposite ends of the strap for attaching the strap to the second object; winch-type strap tightening apparatus operatively associated with an intermediate loop portion of the strap for adjustably tensioning the strap; the winch-type strap tightening apparatus comprising a rotatable split shaft assembly for winding and unwinding the strap to adjustably tension the strap defining a slot for receiving an intermediate, variable length loop portion of the strap to enable adjustment of the effective length of strap; ratchet apparatus associated with the shaft assembly for releasably holding the shaft against unwinding rotation during and after tensioning of the strap; a one piece frame member for supporting the shaft assembly and the ratchet apparatus; and the split shaft assembly comprising

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a first object or objects in a fixed position relative to a second object comprising an elongated continuous length strap means for engaging and holding the first object, strap attachment means connected to opposite ends of the strap means for attaching the strap means to the second object, and winch-type strap tightening means operatively associated with an intermediate loop portion of the strap means for adjustably tensioning the strap means, the winch-type strap tightening means comprising a rotatable shaft means for winding and unwinding the strap means to adjstably tension the strap means, slot means in the shaft means for receiving an intermediate, variable length loop portion of the strap means to enable adjustment of the effective length of strap means, and ratchet means associated with the shaft means for releaseably holding the shaft means against unwinding rotation during and after tensioning of the strap means.