Abstract: A buckle device includes a main body, a rotational retaining member rotatably mounted to the main body, and a buckle having an end connected to the rotational retaining member to pivot therewith. The other end of the buckle further includes an engaging plate for releasably engaging with an engaging member of the main body. The rotational retaining member includes two shaft halves having a slit therebetween through which a free end of a strap extends. The free end of the strap wraps around the shaft halves and extends through the slit between the shaft halves when the engaging plate on the buckle engages with the engaging member of the main body.

Abstract: A buckle for releasably engaging a tongue of a restraint system and the like includes a housing containing a latch having a forward edge pivotally connected to a forward end of the housing. Overlying the latch is a lever that is pivotally connected to the housing intermediate opposite ends of the lever. Interposed between the housing and latch is a leaf spring that urges a back edge of the latch upwardly within the housing and into engagement with a rear end portion of the lever rearwardly of the pivotal connection between the lever and housing for urging a front end portion of the lever forwardly of the pivotal connection toward the housing. A raised rearwardly facing shoulder on the latch is engageable by a wall of a slot in the tongue when the tongue is inserted into the buckle between the lever and latch for retaining the tongue within the buckle.

Abstract: A safety clamp, which includes a link for connection to a crane or the like, a steering mechanism, the steering mechanism including a casing, a ratchet wheel mounted in the casing and connected to the link, and steering control means for controlling the direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel, a supporting bar connected to the casing, a movable bar connected to the ratchet wheel and turned with the ratchet wheel and the link relative to the casing and the supporting bar, and a clamping bar connected to the movable bar and worked with the supporting bar to hold an object between the clamping bar and the supporting bar for enabling the object to be lifted with the safety clamp.

Abstract: A irrigation hydrant particularly adapted for attaching to an above ground valve assembly. Comprised of a cylindrical body with an internally threaded centrally located hub and a gasket, mounted coaxially on a vertical stand pipe, having a valve plate with a coaxially rotatable screw and a handle assembly centrally located and attached to the valve plate for opening and closing the valve. The irrigation hydrant comprised of a of a cylindrical body assembly with one or more tubular pipe couplers. Including two or more mechanisms for releasably attaching to an standard above ground irrigation valve and a coaxially rotatable and slidable handle and yoke assembly for opening and closing the valve while hydrant is clamped to the valve.

Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding. Additional tabs are provided to hold the belt in place during winding.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an object includes a plurality of framing members having a body portion and depending side walls, with at least one continuous slot running along the length of the framing member. The framing member has an inwardly directed and continuous flange running along the length thereof, and the flange and the body portion of the framing member define a groove. A plurality of connecting members for connecting adjacent framing members are provided. A plurality of cornerpieces are provided which each have inner and outer surfaces with a plastic material of high coefficient of friction located at least partially over the inner surface, each corner piece being located, in use, with its outer surface adjacent a corner connection between adjacent framing members and its inner surface with the high coefficient of friction material thereon adapted, in use, to engage the object to be mounted.

Abstract: A strap tensioning and collecting device disclosed has a variable length strap and a fixed length strap operatively associated with a strap storage section and a strap tensioning section. The strap storage section includes a spool housing and a spool in the housing mounted for rotation about an axis with the spool having exposed serrated edges extending beyond the walls of the housing so that the user holding the device with one hand may use the thumb to rotate the spool. The variable length strap extends through the strap tensioning section and has a lever arm which upon rotation selectively decreases the length of the strap to place a tension on the straps when the straps are connected at free ends to a fixed location.

Abstract: A winding device includes a hand crank, a securing substrate plate, and two unidirectional gears pivotally coupled between the hand crank and the substrate plate by a pivot member. A pivot member is inserted, in one operation, through axial holes of pivot mounting portions of the hand crank and the securing substrate plate, and through a semicircular through holes of the unidirectional gears to pivotally couple the hand crank with the securing substrate plate and unidirectional gears. The pivot member includes two semi-circular pivot portions that are disposed parallel and opposite to each other. Each pivot portion is formed by curling and bending a plate into a semi-circular structure. The pivot portion includes a curved face and two curled portions disposed on an inner side of the curved face. The curled portions have end portions curling in opposite directions and abutting the inner side of the curved face at different points so as to increase the bending strength of the curved face.

Abstract: A belt shortening device intended for use with a vehicle seat belt securing a baby seat in a vehicle is constructed and arranged so that it is easily mounted to the existing seat belt without detaching the belt from its existing connection. The device includes a flat, rectangular housing having spaced slots extending across the top wall, and further includes first and second take up arms slidably mounted within the housing. The take up arms each consist of a body portion having inner and outer ends, and an elongated rack member having a first end pivotably mounted to the inner end of the body portion. The outer ends of the body portions of the take up arms include a transverse slot for receiving the seat belt therein. The take up arms are movable within the housing between an extended position wherein the outer ends of the take up arms extend outside of the housing through the slots, and a withdrawn position wherein the outer ends of the take up arms are withdrawn inside the housing.

Abstract: An adjustable BUNGEE cord device for fastening, securing or mounting objects together or to a stationary object. The device comprises at least two sections of conventional BUNGEE cord, each having a means for attaching the cord sections to each other or to some stationary object, such as metal hooks. One of the cord sections is firmly attached to a locking mechanism via a roll pin positioned near the middle of the locking mechanism. This cord section extends from the locking mechanism through a slot which runs from the roll pin to the edge of the locking mechanism. The other cord section is slidably engaged with the locking mechanism via a slot which extends completely from one end of the locking mechanism to the other. The locking mechanism further comprises a latch hook comprising a lip for securing it in the closed position, a pin hole for rotatably attaching it to the locking mechanism, and a serrated edge for gripping the cord section when the latch hook is in its closed position.

Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding.

Abstract: A is wound around a drum of a winch mounted on a pressure bar which is placed on a child car seat after it is positioned where it is to be installed, usually on the rear passenger seat of an automobile. Fasteners at the ends of the belts are attached to a respective seat belt on each side of the child car seat, or to an anchoring rod extending from underneath the automobile. As the winch is actuated to tighten the belt the child car seat is pressed into the passenger seat where it can be firmly held in place while an installer tightens a pair of passenger seat belts passed through the child car seat to hold it securely in place.

Abstract: A reinforced bungee cord tie down for securing cargo without becoming over-stretched. The reinforced bungee cord tie down includes an elongate elastic member with each of the ends of the elastic member having a hook coupled thereto. The ends of an elongate inelastic flexible member are coupled to the ends of the elastic member such that the flexible member extends between the ends of the elastic member. The length of the flexible member is greater than the length of the elastic member when in a relaxed state and less than the length of the elastic member when in a fully stretched state.

Abstract: An winch drum for a winch used to secure cargo straps which restrain cargo transported on a flatbed vehicle. The winch drum has two D-shaped sections arranged with the flat surfaces spaced apart and facing each other to form a slot for receiving the end of a cargo strap. The arcuate surfaces of the drum sections form a generally cylindrical surface on which the strap can be wound. The flat surfaces of each drum section are formed by inturned sides which are butted together edge to edge. Each drum section has notches at the ends of the flat surfaces. Reinforcing plates are secured in the winch drum by welding them to the drum sections adjacent to the notches. This construction exhibits strength because the reinforcing plates resist any tendency for the tubular drum to collapse.

Abstract: A strap tightening/loosening device includes two side plates with a connecting plate connected therebetween, an inverted U-shaped handle mounted to the side plates with a shaft extending through the handle and the side plates, two ratchets fixedly mounted to the shaft. Each of the two side plates has two slots and an elongated slot, two members slidably and respectively received in the two slots so that one of the members is engaged with the ratchets. A first rod is connected between the two side plates and has a limit member mounted thereto which has two hooks and two tail members extending therefrom. Two slidable plates are connected to the two side plates with a second rod extending through the elongated slots and the slidable plates. The two hooks are disengagably engaged with the second rod. The first rod together with the two hooks are pivoted by an impact of one of the members which is pushed by the cam device defined in each of the distal ends of the handle.

Abstract: A cargo strap buckle comprises two sets of pins arranged between opposing plates. One set of pins is fixed to the plates and positioned between the other set of pins. The pins of the other set are separable or capable of disengagement from the plates or buckle to facilitate looping a cargo strap around the pins. In one mode, one pin can be totally disengaged with one pin only being partially disengaged. In another mode, both pins can be partially disengaged and one or both pins can also be longitudinally adjustable with respect to the plates. In one use, the cargo strap is first fed between the fixed pins and the pins are separated from the plates to facilitates strap attachment. In another use, when one or both pins are not totally removable from the buckle, the pin or pins is moved with respect to the plates for strap attachment. In either mode, the strap can then be tensioned for securing cargo or the like.

Abstract: A restraint assembly for securing an automotive vehicle to a flat-bed transport vehicle is adapted for use along with wheel chocks. The restraint assembly includes a synthetic, woven webbing strap having ends which are cut cold rather than by a heated blade; a standard, off-the-shelf ratchet mechanism with which the strap is engaged; a vehicle attachment hook attached to a second end of the strap; and a J-shaped hook for engaging a hole on the transport vehicle, the J-hook having a return bend that is approximately 180.degree. in arc length and an extended free end. The geometry of the J-hook serves to substantially prevent the ratchet mechanism from becoming disengaged from the transport vehicle due to bouncing of the restrained automotive vehicle on its suspension.

Abstract: A strapping device includes two side plates with a connecting plate connected therebetween, an inverted U-shaped handle mounted to the side plates with a shaft extending through the handle and the side plates, two ratchets fixedly mounted to the shaft and co-rotatably mounted to the shaft. Each of the two side plates each have two slots and an elongated slot, two members slidably connected between the side plates and received in the two slots so that one of the members is engaged with the ratchets. Two slidable plates are connected to the two side plates with a rod extending through the elongated slots and the slidable plates, each of the peripheries defining the two elongated slots having a recess defined therein so as to receive the rod therein which is lifted by the other member received in the slots. The member to lift the rod is pushed by a cam device defined in each of the distal ends of the handle.

Abstract: A assembly is improved in rigidity to sufficiently bear the stress imposed thereon under a tensile force exerted by a strap 27. In the assembly, the strap winding shaft 7 is constructed of a pair of the main-shaft segments 7a, 7b and a core plate segment 8; and, the strap 27 has its first one 27a of its opposite end portions 27a, 27b inserted into both the first slots 24 (which extends the radial direction of the main-shaft segments 7a, 7b) and the second slot 25 (which extends in the thickness direction of the core plate segment 8), and the strap is wound on the strap winding shaft 7.

Abstract: A self-tensioning tie down strap that includes first and second attachment clips, a buckle assembly, and a self-tensioning strap assembly wherein the buckle assembly is connected to the self-tensioning strap assembly; the buckle assembly and the self-tensioning strap assembly are connected between the first and second attachment clips; and the self-tensioning strap assembly includes a spring loaded take up spool mechanism, a length of take up spool strapping material, a variable length strap section, and a fixed length strap section; the length of take up reel strapping material being wound onto the take up spool of the take up spool mechanism; a free end of the take up reel strapping material being attached to a first end of the variable length strap section; the second end of the variable length strap section being secured to a frame portion of the take up spool mechanism; a third end of the fixed length strap section being secured to the frame portion of the take up spool mechanism; and the take up reel st

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: A strapping device includes two plates and two arms pivotally connected to the two plates by a shaft to which one end of the strap and two ratchets are securely mounted. Each of the arms has a cam device formed thereto and each of the plates has a stop extending therefrom. A short plate is slidably disposed between the two plates and an operating member is slidably disposed between the two arms, both of which are disengagably engaged with the ratchets. A middle member is slidably and biasedly received between the two plates and is slidably connected to a connecting plate between the two plates. Two extending plates are slidably disposed to the two plates and has a rod connected therebetween which is securely connected to the other end of the strap.

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: A strapping device includes two plates pivotally connected a U-shaped handle by a shaft to which two ratchets are disposed, each one of two distal ends of the handle has a cam means formed thereto, a control member and a pawl member respectively and movably disposed to the handle and between the two plates, both of the control and the pawl member engaged with the ratchets, a first board and a second board respectively and pivotally disposed between the two plates wherein a front end of the first board is located beneath a rear end of the second board, a first pin movably connected between the two plates and located beneath a rear end of the first board, two sliding plates slidably mounted to outside of the two plates with a first rod extending through third slots in the plates and the fourth slots in the sliding plates, the first rod received in a groove in a front end of the second board, a second rod extending through the fourth slots and first holes in the plates and a third rod connected between the two s

Abstract: A ladder having pivotable folding riser sections, includes at least one pair of elongated riser components connected by a folding joint. The components have mating contacting ends abutting each other at an angle 45.degree. from the linear axis of the components. A reinforcing member concentric with said components is positioned across the joint, and a pivotable connection is formed by hinge members connected to each of the ladder components which are pivotally connected to each other by means of a hinge pin located exteriorally of the components. The invention also provides pivoting stand off members and a strap tightening mechanism for providing tightening tension equally on both ends of the strap which thus is not caused to move laterally during tightening.

Abstract: A tension strap device for holding a load in place on a vehicle using nylon straps and winches with chain-based hold-down structures, as found, for example, inside semi-trailers such as flatbed trailers with sides. The device includes a tension winch, a tension strap, an end hook attachment, and a strap-to-chain adapter. A load is held in place on a hauling vehicle using the tension strap device. Existing load chains mounted on the bed of a vehicle for tying down loads, are connectable to the strap-to-chain adapter, which is connectable to the end hook attachment.

Abstract: A dental headgear having a traction generating device around which a loop of a strap is passed and having a pair of springs which maintain the traction and a connecting member which can automatically pull out from the housing when a maximum tension is exceeded.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment has been developed which can be used in combination with an auxiliary backrest to suspend the backrest from a fixed backrest normally found on a chair or wheelchair. The support structure includes an elongate receiver and a hanger. The receiver extends longitudinally and is normally fixed in a vertical position to the auxiliary backrest and defines a plurality of openings spaced apart along the length of the receiver to form a row of openings. The hanger is shaped to fit in any one of the receiver openings and the receiver has an outer part so that in use the hanger can be engaged through a selected one of the openings. The hanger then extends along the length of the receiver and the outer part can be engaged downwardly over an upper edge of a fixed backrest or other support.

Abstract: A tightening ratchet for a lashing strap includes a base body having a central longitudinal direction and one end to which a first end of the lashing strap is fixed. A take-up shaft is rotatably seated on the base body for receiving a second end of the lashing strap and about which the lashing strap can be wound. A releasable tooth adjustment ratchet mechanism is operatively connected to the base body and the take-up shaft for protection against reverse turning of the take-up shaft during a winding of the lashing strap and includes: a ratchet wheel with teeth seated against relative rotation on the take-up shaft; and two ratchet slides seated longitudinally displaceable in two separate guide slits, respectively, in the base body and engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel. The two ratchet slides are located diametrically opposite each other in relation to the ratchet wheel and have a displacement that is essentially congruent with the central longitudinal direction of the base body.

Abstract: A tie down strap includes two end portions and a main body portion extending therebetween having a plurality of openings integrally formed therein. The openings extend in a sequential manner linearly aligned along the main body portion intermediate the end portions and are dimensioned to receive therethrough a main body portion of another strap when the main body portion defining the opening is elongated. Specifically, the main body portion comprises two side members that extend between the two end portions in spaced parallel relation and a plurality of bridge portions that extend between and secure the two side members in their parallel relation. Moreover, the end portions have securement members such as hooks and each bridge portion is configured to be received within each securement member in substantially continuous contact therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be mounted to a delivery vehicle for releasably locking a dolly thereto. The apparatus includes a frame and a pair of L-shaped lock arms pivotally connected to the frame. The lock arms are interconnected such that the lock arms counter-rotationally move together between an open position adapted for receiving and releasing the dolly and a closed position adapted for locking the dolly.

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: A tie-down device for securing cargo bindings. The device includes a housing unit with a hollow cavity therein. A threaded screw extending through the bore of the cavity and projecting through an opening in a closed end of the housing unit and secured to a threaded fastener. The invention further includes a threaded nut and capture assembly fixedly attached to the opposing end of the threaded screw that is able to extend and retract through an open end of the housing unit. The threaded screw can be turned to a first position projecting the capture assembly through the open end to either capture or loosen bindings. The threaded screw can be turned to a second position causing the secured bindings to be retracted into the housing unit facilitating their tightening.

Abstract: An adjustable elastic and inelastic strap apparatus includes a first connector and a flexible elastic strap assembly which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the elastic strap assembly is attached to the first connector. A second connector is connected to the second end of the elastic strap assembly. A flexible inelastic strap assembly is connected to the second connector. The inelastic strap assembly includes a strap-length-adjustment assembly and an inelastic strap adjustably connected to the strap-length-adjustment assembly. The strap-length-adjustment assembly is employed for adjusting an effective length of the inelastic strap assembly between a first end of the inelastic strap assembly and a second end of the inelastic strap assembly. A third connector is connected to the second end of the inelastic strap assembly. The inelastic strap includes a first end, which is a free end, and includes a second end which is connected to the third connector.

Abstract: A strap collector (1) is provided which is designed to be attached to the connecting arm (6) of a cargo tightener (2). The strap collector includes a magazine (8, 9) for the protection and storage of the long tensioning strap of the cargo tightener when wound to the shaft (14) of the strap collector. In this manner the strap will be stored, without affecting or impeding the active parts of the strap tightener and without having the tensile force, applied by the cargo tightener upon lashing the cargo down, loading the strap collector or the end of the strap wound thereto.

Abstract: A strap locking device for binding freight, or goods loaded on a truck is provided. The locking device includes a plurality of strap length adjustment devices, or strap adjustment devices mixed with a simple strap hanger. Straps of adjustable length are combined with each strap adjustment device to be clamped and thereby stably bind freight loaded on a truck. A hook is secured to a distal end of each strap for engagement with a respective hook of the truck.

Abstract: Simplified hook closure for a sport boot including an elastic means for returning into a position pressed against the shell of the boot. The hook closure has at least one element, such as a lever made out of flexible metal wire in the form of an open buckle whose lateral arms are of unequal lengths of a value "X", the curved ends of the said arms being affixed in corresponding holes formed on another element, such as a base, on which it is mounted. By virtue of the offset "X" of the curved ends of the element, any pivoting of the latter generates a certain elastic deformation of its arms, which automatically return to their initial position as soon as the lever is released thus assuring the elastic return function.

Abstract: A strapping mechanism includes an operating arm and a base arm pivotally coupled together at a shaft. A stop and a catch are slidably engaged in the base arm and the operating arm, and a pair of ratchet gears are secured on the shaft. The base arm includes two rings each having a bulge and includes a pair of hooks. The operating arm has a pair of flanges and a pair of projections for engaging with the stop so as to prevent the stop from disengaging from the ratchet gears. The catch is moved over the bulges to engage the flanges with the hooks when the operating arm is rotated toward the base arm.

Abstract: Restraining and tensioning apparatus (10) for a cargo tie-down belt (12) has a chassis (26) with a fluted spindle (98) onto which the belt is wound, ratchet gears (120,122), tensioning lever (28), and two pairs of locking pawls (136, 138, 148, 150), each locking pawl being engaged by an individual spring urging the pawl into contact with a ratchet gear.

Abstract: A winch for securing the tie down straps used to restrain cargo transported on a flatbed vehicle. The winch includes a rigid frame having a rotatable winch drum on which the strap may be wound. A ratchet wheel on the end of the winch drum includes two sets of teeth which are axially offset and circumferentially staggered relative to each other. A pawl for locking the ratchet wheel has two similarly offset and staggered sets of teeth. The teeth of the pawl and ratchet wheel interlock at locations that are both axially and circumferentially offset to distribute the stresses and enhance the structural strength of the winch.

Abstract: A rack strap for an automotive vehicle rack is described having a hook securing arrangement made up not only of a hook but also a sleeve. The sleeve cooperates with the hook to protect the load at the location of the hook, as well as to hinder disengagement of the hook relative to the rack bar. In one embodiment, the hook includes a reentrant end which passes through an eyelet at a rack cross bar, which reentrant end can be encompassed by the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve acts to maintain clasp pieces about a rack cross bar.

Abstract: A tie-down device which is removably securable without tools to an inside, downwardly oriented edge of the inner sidewalls of a pickup truck bed. The device has a stationary portion with an upwardly oriented front lip which inserts under the edge of the inner sidewall and has a loop connected to the front lip by means of a "U" shaped valley so that the loop extends upward on the inside of the truck bed. A movable portion which movably engages the loop can first be moved upward in order to position the device so that the downwardly oriented edge is inserted in a gap formed between the front lip and a wedge shaped bumper provided on the movable portion. The movable portion can then be moved downward to secure the device to the pickup truck by wedging the downwardly oriented edge between the bumper and between a vertical face of the front lip. The front lip is provided with a rubberized coating to prevent the device from scratching the finish of the truck bed.

Abstract: A strap locking device is provided. The strap locking device includes a strap locker having a plate body with a plurality outward projecting ends spaced apart and extending in different directions. Each of the outward projecting ends is formed with a buckle for locking a strap of adjustable length. Each strap has its outer end bound to a hook for engagement with a hook of a truck or other support for freight. A strap stopper may be substituted for the buckle, the strap stopper having both ends formed flat to loosely fit within two slots provided in two opposing side walls formed in the plural ends of the plate body. The strap stopper has a round intermediate portion to clamp a strap and make it immovable when the strap is pulled taut. One of the ends of the plate body may be provided with only a strap slot for coupling to a strap of predetermined length.

Abstract: A load binder with incremental adjustments that can adjust a load to within one quarter of one link, having a handle that extends into a curved cam with a recess, and a many sided variable pivot mounted within the recess and two opposed clevises attached to the cam. The incremental adjustments are made available by mounting the variable pivot asymmetrically about its axis. Providing the incremental adjustments abrogates the over or under tensioning of a link chain that has been historically associated with the lever type load binders.

Abstract: A ratchet buckle assembly which tightens a strap for binding a load. The assembly has its body 1 and handle 2 improved in mechanical strength, and prevents the load from being released from the strap by accident when the assembly is in its locked condition. A ratchet drive lever 4 is easily handled, and stabilized in its slidable operation. The assembly comprises: the body 1 constructed of arms 1a, 1b and a plate interposed therebetween; a winding shaft 7 constructed of plates 7a, 7b and supported between the arms 1a, 1b; a handle 2 constructed of arms 2a, 2b, a plate interposed therebetween and grips 10, 11; ratchet wheels 5a, 5b mounted on the shaft 7, wheel 5a being interposed between the arms 1a and 2a, the other wheel 5b being interposed between the arms 1b and 2b; a ratchet 3 for preventing the wheels 5a, 5b from rotating; and the lever 4 for rotatably driving the wheels 5a, 5b so that the strap is wound on the shaft 7.

Abstract: A tensioning member for achieving and maintaining a desired tension in a flexible strap, web or belt is provided. The tensioning member includes an elongate tensioning member having a pair of cam-like cross-members around which the strap is threaded. The elongate member is rotatable through substantially 180.degree. of arc from a release position to a tensioned position. In the tensioned position, the path of the strap through the tensioning member is longer than when the tensioning member is in the release position. This causes the tension in the strap to increase as the tensioning member is rotated from a release position to the tensioned position. One end of the tensioning member is extended to provide a mechanical advantage for rotating the member to the tensioned position. A keeper or retainer encircling the strap and movable therealong engages the extended end of the tensioning member to secure the tensioning member in the tensioned position.

Abstract: A cargo tie-down device in one embodiment includes hooks and/or loops for connection to the vehicle, a buckle assembly comprising a pair of buckles, and straps which extend through the buckles and interconnect the hooks and/or loops. The straps extend a plurality of times between the buckles to provide a mechanical advantage for the tie-down device. Loops or handles on the straps allow the user to easily pull a take-up strap to initially take in the slack in the strap, and then to pull a winch strap to tightly secure the tie-down device over the load. Releasable cam locking mechanisms on the buckles normally engage the straps during the tightening process, but can be manually manipulated to release the straps to remove the tie-down device from the vehicle. In a second embodiment, the tie-down device comprises a pair of hooks for connection to the vehicle, a single buckle, and a strap which extends through the buckle and interconnects the hooks.

Abstract: A tie-down device of the type comprised of an inelastic element, a locking device, and an elastic element. The elastic element is used to maintain tie-down tension under conditions where the use of an inelastic tie-down alone could develop slack thereby resulting in the failure of the tie-down. Applications where dynamic forces similar to those encountered by trailers carrying motorcycles will benefit from the use of this tie-down device.

Abstract: A modular strap assembly for securing cargo or the like to structural members or other suitable securing apparatus on interior or other cargo space of transport vehicles. The strap can be hooked to itself or something else at one end and tightened at the other end so as to hold the cargo securely in place. Being provided with integrally formed elastic members, the strap can absorb shocks or jarring movements, common during transport and can be viewed as a limited travel elastic shock absorber. This will prevent failure of the strap or fittings as well as eliminate damage to the cargo. The strap is designed to be used in compartments with lateral cross members or other interior fixtures or objects in order to tighten the strap into place and prevent movement of the cargo. Nylon webbing or other suitable material which has integrally formed internal pockets is used for the strap.

Abstract: A strap hook retainer for releasably retaining the hook portion of a hold down strap. The retainer includes a rectangular frame having a first opening of a first dimension in a first elongated side, and a second opening of a second dimension in a second elongated side disposed opposite the first side. A pivoting plate is located within the frame and is attached to and pivoted by an arm that extends through, and is supported by, the two short sides of the rectangular frame. The hook may be inserted into the frame via the first opening and is retained by the pivoting plate as the hook extends through the second opening and the pivoting plate pivots downward to engage the "U" portion of the hook. The hook is prevented from release by the configuration of the second opening until the plate is manually pivoted into a raised position. The hook may then be removed from the frame while the plate is held in the raised pivot position.