Abstract: Methods of tensioning straps via tensioning devices including a base housing including a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle.

Abstract: Described are tensioning devices comprising: a base housing comprising a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and comprising a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle. Methods of tensioning straps via such tensioning devices are also described.

Abstract: Tensioning devices include a base housing with a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle.

Abstract: Described are connectors comprising: a body; at least four arms extending from the body; a first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a first axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; and a second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a second axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; wherein, each slot comprises an opening defined by at least two of the at least four arms; and wherein, the openings of the first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset and the openings of the second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset. Methods of coupling straps together via such connectors, and the resulting net-like structure, are also described.

Abstract: Described are connectors comprising: a body; at least four arms extending from the body; a first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a first axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; and a second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a second axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; wherein, each slot comprises an opening defined by at least two of the at least four arms; and wherein, the openings of the first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset and the openings of the second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset. Methods of coupling straps together via such connectors, and the resulting net-like structure, are also described.

Abstract: A composite restraint system composed of a composite restraint strap, a patch and a tensioning tool for restraining freight during transportation. The composite restraint strap includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of strands of yarn having a specified percentage of elongation before breaking and a specified creep. The second layer includes a nonwoven fabric. The composite restraint strap is capable of being attached to a floor or a wall of a transportation device in order to restrain the freight from movement. The composite restraint strap is typically tightened across the freight using the tensioning tool and held in place during transportation with the patch having a permanent-type adhesive for preventing the taut composite restraint strap from losing tension. The patch may be pre-attached to a strap prior to installation around freight.

Abstract: A composite restraint system composed of a composite restraint strap, a patch and a tensioning tool for restraining freight during transportation. The composite restraint strap includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of strands of yarn having a specified percentage of elongation before breaking and a specified creep. The second layer includes a nonwoven fabric. The composite restraint strap is capable of being attached to a floor or a wall of a transportation device in order to restrain the freight from movement. The composite restraint strap is typically tightened across the freight using the tensioning tool and held in place during transportation with the patch having a permanent-type adhesive for preventing the taut composite restraint strap from losing tension. The patch may be pre-attached to a strap prior to installation around freight.

Abstract: A composite restraint system composed of a composite restraint strap, a patch and a tensioning tool for restraining freight during transportation. The composite restraint strap includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of strands of yarn having a specified percentage of elongation before breaking and a specified creep. The second layer includes a nonwoven fabric. The composite restraint strap is capable of being attached to a floor or a wall of a transportation device in order to restrain the freight from movement. The composite restraint strap is typically tightened across the freight using the tensioning tool and held in place during transportation with the patch having a permanent-type adhesive for preventing the taut composite restraint strap from losing tension. The patch may be pre-attached to a strap prior to installation around freight.

Abstract: A composite restraint system composed of a composite restraint strap, a patch and a tensioning tool for restraining freight during transportation. The composite restraint strap includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of strands of yarn having a specified percentage of elongation before breaking and a specified creep. The second layer includes a nonwoven fabric. The composite restraint strap is capable of being attached to a floor or a wall of a transportation device in order to restrain the freight from movement. The composite restraint strap is typically tightened across the freight using the tensioning tool and held in place during transportation with the patch having a permanent-type adhesive for preventing the taut composite restraint strap from losing tension. The patch may be pre-attached to a strap prior to installation around freight.

Abstract: A composite restraint system composed of a composite restraint strap, a patch and a tensioning tool for restraining freight during transportation. The composite restraint strap includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of strands of yarn having a specified percentage of elongation before breaking and a specified creep. The second layer includes a nonwoven fabric. The composite restraint strap is capable of being attached to a floor or a wall of a transportation device in order to restrain the freight from movement. The composite restraint strap is typically tightened across the freight using the tensioning tool and held in place during transportation with the patch having a permanent-type adhesive for preventing the taut composite restraint strap from losing tension. The patch may be pre-attached to a strap prior to installation around freight.

Abstract: A composite restraint system composed of a composite restraint strap, a patch and a tensioning tool for restraining freight during transportation. The composite restraint strap includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of strands of yarn having a specified percentage of elongation before breaking and a specified creep. The second layer includes a nonwoven fabric. The composite restraint strap is capable of being attached to a floor or a wall of a transportation device in order to restrain the freight from movement. The composite restraint strap is typically tightened across the freight using the tensioning tool and held in place during transportation with the patch having a permanent-type adhesive for preventing the taut composite restraint strap from losing tension. The patch may be pre-attached to a strap prior to installation around freight.