Abstract: A securement system includes a hook having a retaining clip, and an end cap that attaches to an end of a tubular structural member. The hook has a base with at least one channel having a lateral opening thereto. The clip is assembled with the hook such that the clip closes the lateral opening into the channel to define a longitudinal passageway through the hook. An elastic cord extends through the structural member, through the end cap and through the longitudinal passageway through the hook. A knot or some other stop is placed on the cord to prevent the end of the cord from moving through the passageway. The end cap includes V-shaped notches that receive and anchor the cord at desired positions to facilitate securement of cargo to the structural member.

Abstract: An anchor device for use with a security slot in a portable electronic article that provides an anchor for attaching a cable or other security device. The anchor device includes an internal member, an external member, and a securement for securing them together. The internal member includes a right angle portion inside the portable article that is approximately parallel to the inside wall. The external member has a clamping surface that abuts the outer surface of the portable article. The external member has an aperture into which the internal member fits and is secured either permanently or removably. The preferred removable securement is a screw that extends through the external member and into a threaded hole in the internal member. The securing device denies access to the screw when engaged with the external member. The external member provides an anchor for removably attaching the security device.

Abstract: A truck strap fastener is adapted to enable a strap to be attached to either a downwardly directed hook or to a flat iron carried by standoffs attached to a trailer's frame. Flatbed trailers typically provide either a flat iron bar or a downwardly directed hook as the point of attachment for load securing tie-down straps. A fastener is disclosed that is adapted to attach to either point of attachment, and also to the tie-down strap. The fastener provides a body carrying left and right prongs which jointly fasten in place about a flat iron. Alternatively, a hook opening in the body allows a hook to pass between the left and right prongs and through the hook opening in the body.

Abstract: An article for securing a load on a pallet includes two reusable straps. A hook is mounted at one end of each strap and is designed to be hooked around the runner of a pallet. The article further includes a quick-release mechanism for connecting the straps to one another. The mechanism comprises a buckle, and a yoke pivotally mounted at one end of the buckle. One of the straps is anchored to the yoke at the end of the strap remote from the respective hook. This strap may be anchored to the yoke permanently or by way of a quick-disconnect device. The buckle and the yoke have a relative position in which the second strap can be threaded into the buckle and then pulled to tighten the straps around a load. Relative pivotal movement of the buckle and the yoke to a second relative position locks the second strap to maintain tension in the straps.

Abstract: An articulating tie-down anchor (10) for securing cargo straps or roping includes a base plate (16), a top plate (18) and a knuckle (32) interconnecting the base (16) and top (18) plates. A ring (24) has a shank (26) pivotally journaled in the knuckle (32) and a swinging section (28) which is capable of moving in a 180.degree. arc when mounted on a flat support structure (12). The swinging section (28) of the ring (24) surrounds the smaller top plate (18) when in a compact folded storage position and rests on the larger base plate (16). A bolt (36) passes through aligned receiving holes (20, 22) in the top (18) and base (16) plates to attach the assembly (10) to the support structure (12). A resilient tube (34) is disposed within the knuckle (32) and is partially compressed lengthwise against the shank (26) to restrain the ring (24) in any pivotally articulated position relative to the base plate (16).

Abstract: A mounting is disclosed for lengthening a clamping strap on which is arranged a strap tie element which may detachably engage the holding profile of a counterpiece. The mounting consists of a plate provided with the holding profile and of a ring for inserting the lengthening strap.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to restrain wheels and vehicles on a support surface includes an upper restraint supported on a upper outer surface of the wheel; first and second inner flexible members and first and second outer flexible members coupled to and extending from the upper restraint on inner and outer sides of the wheel, respectively; first and second quick-connect hooks respectively securing the inner flexible members to the support surface; first and second adjustment mechanisms respectively securing the outer flexible members to the support surface with the outer flexible members crossing; and first and second lower restraints coupled respectively to the first inner and outer flexible members and the second inner and outer flexible members, and abutting a lower outer surface of the wheel. The quick-connect hooks may include a resilient retaining member such as a coiled spring which permits a free end of the retaining member to be bent in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A cargo holder for securing cargo loads in the bed of a pickup truck consists of a metal bar formed with a first hook at one end to engage the bottom edge of the wall of a pickup truck and a second hook at an opposite end to catch a loop in a tie-down rope. A flexible cylindrical tube disposed around the body of the metal bar can be slid downwards when securing the holder to a truck wall, thereby creating a clamping action between the tube and the first hook which secures the holder to the wall of the pickup truck. After several cargo holders have been positioned around the cargo bed and tie-down ropes have been arranged so as to catch the second hooks of the holders, the foam tubes of the cargo holders are slid upwards so as to provide a cushioned barrier between each cargo holder and the truck's finish, thereby preventing accidental marring of the truck.

Abstract: A hook reciprocable between a recessed inoperative position and an exposed operative position and comprises a housing formed with a cylindrical side wall which has an open exterior end and an interior end with a circular end cap enclosing the side wall at the interior end to define a cylindrical opening therebetween. A flange extends radially outwardly from the open exterior end. A pair of apertures are formed through a central axial extent of the side wall at diametrically opposed locations and exteriorly facing marking notches formed on the exterior surface of the flange in circumferential alignment with the apertures. A support is positioned within the opening of the housing. The support has an interior extent in a cylindrical configuration and a forward extent with a hook. The cylindrical extent includes a pair of recesses. A pair of leaf springs each have a forward end, a rearward end and a central portion therebetween. The forward end is secured to the exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: An enclosure for use with a cargo bed liner providing access to a tie-down fastener attached to the cargo bed. The liner with which the enclosure is used includes a wall portion having a hole therein. The liner wall is aligned in relation to the cargo bed wall such that the fastener is accessible through the hole in the liner wall when the liner is installed. The enclosure includes a casing used for insertion into the hole in the liner wall. The casing also includes as least one aperture for the receipt of the fastener and an open portion sized to be substantially coincident with the hole in the liner wall when the casing is inserted through the hole. In this manner, access is provided to the fastener through the open portion of the casing. Also included as part of the enclosure is a flanged portion having an opening therethrough.

Abstract: A looped elastomeric strap is combined with a sinusoidal shaped snubbing clinch having a hook at one end to secure to an eyelet of a tarpaulin or to the free end of the looped strap. Parallel spaced bars are contiguously formed with the distal end of the hook to clinch and hold pairs of lays of the strap in non slip mode in the clinch.

Abstract: A remote release mechanism is disclosed which permits restraints such as flat straps placed around a load and placed in tension by a winch to be released by an operator positioned on the same side of the transportation structure as the winch. Thus, the present invention permits the hook end of a load restraint to be released from the winch side of the transportation structure, thereby eliminating the need to perform separate operations on either side of the restraint mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus comprising a hook bar connected to a rotatable drum which is held from rotation in one direction by a ratchet and pawl. Upon release by the application of force to a remote release rod, the hook bar is released and permitted to rotate, thereby causing the hook which connects the restraint to the hook bar to fall away, releasing the restraint. Methods of remotely releasing a load restraint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote release mechanism is disclosed which permits restraints such as flat straps placed around a load and placed in tension by a winch to be released by an operator positioned on the same side of the transportation structure as the winch. Thus, the present invention permits the hook end of a load restraint to be released from the winch side of the transportation structure, thereby eliminating the need to perform separate operations on either side of the restraint mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus comprising a hook bar connected to a rotatable drum which is held from rotation in one direction by a ratchet and pawl. Upon release by the application of force to a remote release rod, the hookbar is released and permitted to rotate, thereby causing the hook which connects the restraint to the hook bar to fall away, releasing the restraint. Methods of remotely releasing a load restraint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible security loop (A) for a flexible kayak hull (12) is disclosed which includes a flexible vinyl covered strand (16) having enlarged ends (34, 36) which fit through an enlarged center opening (32) of a bracket slot (30) to interlock at slot ends (26, 28), and attach the strand to the hull in the form of flexible loop (A).

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for clamping an object to a member having an opening therein and marginal portions defining, in part, said opening. The apparatus includes a first member engageable with the object and having a first threaded portion. The first threaded portion is in threaded engagement with a second threaded portion complementary to the first threaded portion, the second threaded portion being on a base member having first and second opposite side portions. The apparatus further includes engaging members for engaging the marginal portions adjacent the opening, the engaging members having distal and proximal end portions, the proximal end portions being pivotally connected to the first and second opposite side portions of the base respectively. The distal end portions have respective contact surfaces for engaging the marginal portions about the opening.

Abstract: A floor anchor pocket for mounting in a vehicle designed to carry wheelchairs or cargo is described. The pocket is provided with an internally located spring and a specially shaped cut-out so as to provide positive self locking for a tie down strap hook which is insertable therein.

Abstract: A flush mount ski tow hook is mounted in a hole in the transom of a boat hull and has a sealing cup projecting inwardly of the hole from an externally mounted flange. The flange carries an inwardly and upwardly projecting tow hook. The sealing cup not only seals the opening in the transom but also seals the edges of the opening to protect the latter from the elements.

Abstract: A hold-down bracket is provided for releasable engagement in a post pocket of a pickup truck, having a molded U-section body which resiliently clips into the pocket and is held there by external flanges, and a retainer member, preferably tubular, which snaps into position between the limbs of the U-section to lock the latter in place and provides a passage for a rope passing through apertures in the upper portion of the limbs of the body, thus bracing the body against applied tie-down forces.

Abstract: A belt connection mechanism having a rotatable connection element. The connection element is mounted in a bracket and can be shifted axially out of a locking position against spring force. In the locking position, detents provided on at least one end of the connection element engage in arresting notches of the bracket. In the locking position, an abutment of the connection element rests under the spring force against an abutment surface of the bracket.

Abstract: A lashing bar of the type shown in Borchardt U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,539, has the mirror image hooking-in fittings which are provided on the upper end of its bar portion disposed at less than 180 degrees to one another about the longitudinal axis of the bar portion so that two of them can be used in close juxtaposition with one another for hooking into vertically adjacent corners of two containers stacked on one another, the two hooking-in fittings on each bar being used alternatively, depending on whether the container corners are right corners or left corners.

Abstract: A receptacle (10) is incorporated into the floor (2) of an aircraft cargo compartment. Receptacle (10) has a socket (12) that receives a head (30) of a stud (24). Shaft (26) of stud (24) extends through panel (6). Nut (70) is threadedly tightened onto shaft (26) to secure panel (6) thereto. Nut (70) has a socket (80) isolated from threaded hole (72) that engages shaft (26). Socket (80) is substantially identical to socket (12). A second stud (48) is engaged in socket (80) and in turn engages cargo restraining means.

Abstract: In order to adapt a container lashing bar to securely fasten its hooking-in fitting not only in the lower corner lateral openings of a standard shipping container, but also in the differently-shaped upper corner end openings, the usual hooking-in fitting which includes a pin with a locking lug extending from it is provided with a second locking lug extending in the same plane as the first, but in a substantially different angular direction. Particular mechanical design elaborations are described including replication of the two locking lugs in mirror image on the opposite end of the same pin, or on the same side of a similar pin provided on the opposite end of the bar.

Abstract: A securing assembly for marine use especially for securing container corners is provided which comprises, a support seat having a slot on a horizontal plane thereof; a reversible cover plate to be coupled with the support seat; a holding member, such as cone, twist lock, pad eye, cloverleaf cone, etc., mounted integrally on the cover plate, the holding member being protruded upward when used for securing cargo and kept under the cover plate into the slot of support seat when the cover plate is reversed downward. A T-bar is vertically penetrated through the cover plate and at one end thereof is a transverse handle key which exists at the opposite side relative to the holding members and on the other end of T-bar, there is a stopper piece. A notch or lug is provided at the lower end of the holding member, and a pair of wedge members is provided underneath the slot. The wedge members will be engaged with the notch, lug, or handle key for securing the cover plate with respect to the support seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning apparatus for tensioning a flexible member, such as a strap (11, 62) or a panel (P) and wherein the flexible member (11, 62, P) presents a rigid element (13) at or near its free end or edge, the rigid insert (13) is located in a slot (15, 53) in a rotary member (16, 51) and said rotary member (16, 51) is rotated to tension the flexible member (11, 62, P). The apparatus includes locking means (21, 22 or 54, 56, 64 and 65) for locking the rotary member (16, 51) with the flexible member (11, 62 or P) in tension and said flexible member (11, 62, P) preferably includes a resilient member (14) which, when passed through the slot (15, 53) in advance of the rigid element (13) resiliently retains the flexible member (11, 62, P) with the rotary member (16, 51).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cargo control fitting utilizing webs wherein an identical pair of fittings are used in conjunction with a web loop, and the fittings include locking tabs received within an opening defined in an anchoring support member. The fittings include an outer edge located within the web loop and to protect the web loop from being crushed against this outer edge protecting extensions are defined on the fitting which extend beyond the outer edge a distance at least equal to the web thickness. Further, the extensions are obliquely disposed to the plane of the fitting to laterally extend a distance from the fitting side equal to the web thickness to protect the web from also being crushed against the fitting lateral side.

Abstract: An improved cargo securing fitting comprising a base coupling member adapted to be fixed to the floor of a carrier and a cap coupling member removably connected to the base member. The base coupling member includes a plurality of outer spaced coupling lugs projecting radially inwardly of the inner periphery of a socket portion formed therein and a circular central pillar extending upwardly of the socket portion to the same level as the coupling lugs having a plurality of inner spaced coupling lugs projecting radially outwardly of the central pillar in diametrically opposed relationship to the outer coupling lugs. The removable cap coupling member has a circular plug element having a plurality of outer spaced coupling lugs projecting radially outwardly of the outer periphery of the plug element and a circular central recess having a plurality of inner spaced coupling lugs projecting radially inwardly in a diametrically opposed relationship to the outer coupling lugs.

Abstract: A strap tightener in which a specific releasable tensioning and clasping mechanism for a strap is incorporated to hold heavy loads under tension firmly in a given position. The strap tightener can advantageously be used to tie down cargo containers, motor vehicles and the like heavy loads to fixing structures on carrier vessels or carts. The strap tightener has a simple and economical structure with a reduced number of parts and is thus smoothly operable to attain good strap tensioning without incurring any damage of the strap and any loosening of the tensioned strap during the use.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a releasable fitting for anchoring webs such as used in cargo control systems, the fitting including two side plates having a keeper plate located therebetween, and the plates each including an opening through which a web loop is passed. An anchor supports the side plates, and may also support the keeper plate, and is pivotally related to the plates wherein the plates may swivel with respect to the anchor to permit alignment of the plates with the web tension force or may swivel to a non-protruding position to protect the web. The anchor includes projections for selective locking reception within a support member opening, and latch tabs defined upon the side and keeper plates are located within the support member opening to prevent accidental release of the anchor therefrom at all pivotal positions of the plates.

Abstract: A hook structure which forms part of a device for tying down motor vehicles upon vehicle transports such as railroad cars, trailers, and the like. The hook structure is capable of being inserted through an elongated slot in the frame of a motor vehicle and comprises a body having means at opposite edges for the attachment of two chains. A bolt is rotatably connected to the body and terminates in an elongated cross-head. The bolt is capable of being inserted head first into the slot and retained therein when turned 90.degree.. The bolt has a square shank portion under the head which normally engages the slot to prevent rotation. The bolt shank has a circular portion more remote from the head to permit the bolt to be rotated when inserted farther into the slot.

Abstract: An anchor fitting has flat surface pads with shoulders extending therefrom and a post portion extending along an axis substantially normal to the flat surfaces of the pads. A latching plunger is slidably mounted on the post portion for motion along the longitudinal axis thereof. The fitting is removably retained in a selected position along a slotted track having a plurality of notched portions separated by narrow neck portions formed by flanges with the shoulders of the pads in the track slots underneath the flanges and the latching plunger member seated in one of the notched portions of the track. A cam bar member is supported on the anchor fitting in an apertured portion thereof by means of an adjustment screw. This bar member is drawn against the walls of the apertured portion of the anchor fitting such that it drives against the surface of the track drawing the shoulders of the pads tightly against the walls of the track to provide a tight rattle-proof joinder between the fitting and the track.

Abstract: A rope hook mount for attachment to the body of a vehicle is described as having a mounting flange with a face conforming generally to the contour of the portion of the body of the vehicle upon which the mount is to be secured. The flange includes a raised portion integral therewith and extending outtwardly away from the face of the flange. An aperture is formed in the raised portion and an elongated lip member extends inwardly from the raised portion toward the aperture. The lip member has an outer surface which is generally flush with the outer surface of the raised portion and an inner surface spaced from the face of the flange so that a rope or the like may be looped around the lip member and retained in position by both the lip member and the walls of the aperture.