Abstract: A tie-down system for securing articles to a load bearing structure for storage or transportation is shown. Also shown is a method for using this system. The disclosed tie-down system includes a securing member having first and second ends and a fastener for fastening the securing member to the load bearing structure. The fastener includes two clip members connected to the securing member to accomplish this purpose. A tensioner is connected to the securing member and is placed between the two clip members. One of the clip members fixedly connects the securing member to the load bearing structure and the other clip member works in cooperation with the tensioner to apply the desired tension to the securing device and maintain that tension for securing articles to the load bearing structure.

Abstract: An operating arm is engaged with ratchet gear of a strapping mechanism for operating the ratchet gear, the operating arm includes a pair of legs having one end engaged with the ratchet gear, a hand grip is formed integral with the other ends of the legs so as to increase the strength of the operating arm, the legs includes a number of projections for engaging with the ratchet gear so as to decrease frictional force between the ratchet gear and the legs.

Abstract: A cargo fastening belt is provided with a detachable end metal fitting so that different types of end metal fittings can be provided for a single type of cargo fastening belt. A rail engaging metal fitting that is attached to one end of a cargo fastening belt is adapted to be detachably engaged with a slot in a rial for fastening cargo. The detachable end metal fitting is thus detachably attached to the rail engaging metal fitting by the provision of a slot in a metal fitting main body for connection with the rail engaging metal fitting. Alternatively, the cargo fastening belt may have a ring portion at one end thereof, and the detachable end metal fitting may be detachably attached to the ring portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining articles in the bed of a truck such as a pick-up truck. The apparatus of the present invention includes a rigid support member secured at its upper end to one side wall of the bed of a truck, a pulley assembly secured to the lower end of the support member and to the floor of the bed of the truck adjacent the one side wall, a strap anchoring assembly secured to the floor of the truck adjacent the other of the side walls of the truck bed, a winch secured to the upper end of the rigid support member, and a flexible strap having a first end secured to the winch, a second end secured to the strap anchoring assembly, and an intermediate portion for engaging the articles loaded within the trunk bed to restrain them against the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involving a mounting system for securing a carrier for carrying one or more bicycles on a motor vehicle. The mounting system, which is connected to both the motor vehicle and the carrier, includes a strap and a tensioning assembly that is connected intermediate the ends of the strap. In one embodiment, the tension assembly includes a frame, a slidable member and a compression spring that is positioned between the frame and slidable member. In another embodiment, the tension assembly includes a frame, a slidable member and a tension spring that is positioned between the frame and the slidable member. As the strap is tightened for securing the carrier to the motor vehicle, the tension assembly maintains the strap in tension when the strap would otherwise become slack due to jarring of the carrier.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly is provided for providing and maintaining a desired tension on a cable lashing for use in securing a container on board a container ship. The assembly includes a pair of mutually-engaging linking members, a separate and removable set of hydraulic jacks for pulling the linking members together to thereby provide a tension to a cable lashing connected to the linking members, and a set of one or more locking wedges for locking the linking members in a position of relative displacement, to thereby maintain the tension on the cable. Once locked, the hydraulic jacks may be detached and used for tensioning additional cable lashings. The lashing assembly thus provides an inexpensive and reliable mechanism for quickly setting the desired tension of a cable lashing and for maintaining that tension. No special tools or special skills are required to operate the assembly.

Abstract: A strapping device includes a base and a handle pivotally coupled together by two shafts, and a ratchet wheel engaged on the shafts and rotated in concert with the shafts. Each of the shafts includes a flange formed on one end and an aperture formed in the other end for receiving a pin; and each of the shafts includes a hollow interior and includes two edge portions extended inward of the hollow interior, whereby, the shafts have high strength and low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A retractable tie-down assembly that enables a transportable item to be secured on a trailer. The retractable tie-down assembly is assembled about a frame that is permanently attached to the trailer. Webbing or other strap material has one end which is attached to a spool that is rotatably mounted to the frame. The spool includes a pair of side walls which are formed in the shape of ratchet wheels. A handle is movably mounted on the frame and includes a pawl that is engageable with the ratchet wheels and capable of rotating the ratchet wheels and spool in its retracting direction to take up webbing onto the spool and tighten the same. The retractable tie-down assembly also includes a lock that is capable of locking the spool against rotation in its pay out direction.

Abstract: A friction winch assembly for securing automobiles or other heavy objects to a transporting vehicle includes a spindle rotatably mounted on the transporting vehicle, a ratchet gear axially mounted on said spindle, and an actuator cap for threaded engagement on said spindle. A chain or other flexible elongated member is connected at one of its ends to the spindle for winding or unwinding thereon, and at its other end to the automobile. To wind the chain and secure the vehicle, the actuator cap is rotated with a tool for longitudinal movement along the spindle toward the ratchet until longitudinal movement is limited by a collar affixed to the spindle. The actuator cap, ratchet and spindle eventually frictionally engage each other sufficiently so that they rotate synchronously with the spindle while the chain is wound, until the chain tension secures the automobile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tie down device for securing a load. It includes a bracket having a top and a bottom, a front and a back, a first side and an opposite side. It also includes a strap with the top of the bracket having means to attach one end of the strap to it and the strap is at least long enough to wrap around a load and to be placed between the sides of the bracket such as the strap extends past the bottom of the bracket. There is also a cam with one side of the bracket having means to rotatably mount the cam. The cam has a serrated surface with which to make contact and grip the strap. A plate is located on the opposite side of the bracket so that when the strap is placed between the sides of the bracket, the cam contacts the strap and restraining force is applied to the opposite sides of the strap by both the plate and the cam. An additional surface on the plate serves to captivate the strap once engaged.

Abstract: An adjustable sling apparatus is provided which allows one strap to be adjusted to a particular length so that loads of various sizes can be used in conjunction with the sling. A simple and efficient design fixes the length of the strap at the adjusted position. This is accomplished by either rotating a pin over a stationary pin or wrapping the strap in a predetermined fashion around two fixedly mounted, stationary rods.

Abstract: A tensile member connecting device includes a base assembly for an installation such as mounting on the sidewall of an open-top truck or trailer bed for connecting straps thereon to secure a tarpaulin or cover in place. A telescopic tube assembly is mounted on the base assembly and includes inner and outer telescopic tubular members interconnected by a spring for extending the inner tubular member. A lever assembly includes a lever bar with a proximate end pivotally mounted on an outer end of the inner tubular member and a distal end. A connection post extends laterally from the lever bar in spaced relation from the pivotal axis of the lever assembly. The lever assembly is swingable about its rotational axis between lock and release positions. An over-center geometry is provided for retaining the lever assembly in its lock position with the extension spring exerting a relatively constant tensile force on the tensile member.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for the step-wise tensioning and non-stepped releasing of a lashing strap includes a frame (1; 100), a pivot lever (2) having two pivot arms (16, 16'), and a ratchet mechanism that includes ratchet wheels (3, 3') and locking pawls (5, 5'; 105, 105'). By using a plurality of locking pawls (5, 5'; 105, 105'), the tensioning apparatus is able to absorb a greater lashing force or to tension the lashing strap in locking steps which differ from the tooth pitch t. To release the lashing strap, cams (40) on the pivot arms (16, 16') of the pivot lever (2) move the locking pawls and thus the ratchet mechanism to a disengaged position. The structural height of the tensioning apparatus and the number of components required for it may be reduced by using curved locking pawls (5, 5'; 105, 105'), a curved driving pawl (20), and a leg spring (41) which serves as the sole spring element for biasing the locking pawls.

Abstract: A cargo binding device includes a net member, a plurality of intermediate cargo strap members, and a plurality of strap tensioners. The net member is formed of a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending and intersecting cargo straps whose intersection areas are secured each to the other. Each end portion of the individual longitudinally and transversely extending cargo straps of the net member is formed into a loop. Each strap tensioner includes a spring-loaded push plate member. The push plate member is provided with a plurality of teeth for grippingly engaging an intermediate cargo strap members.

Abstract: A clasp device for use with a variety of securing members for fastening a selected securing member around an object. A bed plate is mounted on the object around which the securing member is to be fastened. The bed plate includes a first bed plate column and a second bed plate column mounted on opposite ends of the bed plate. A first end of the securing member is secured to the bed plate near the second bed plate column. An arm is pivotally mounted on the first bed plate column and moveable between an open and a closed position, such that in the closed position, the arm overlies the bed plate. The arm includes supporting and guiding structures for adjustably and removably mounting a clamp for the securing member allowing for variable tension on the securing member. A lever pivotally attached to the distal end of the arm moves between the open and closed position. The clasp may be locked in a closed position.

Abstract: A binding band tightener with bands comprising two buckles and three bands extended to go around the two buckles and overlaid on a piled packaged merchandise loaded in a truck and two of the bands being manipulated to tighten this tightener with bands and keep it immovable by the two buckles for binding tight the merchandise to prevent it from loosing and falling down from the truck in transportation.

Abstract: Toggle clamps with bifurcated handle actuated to aligned toggle element clamping position with manually releasible latch lock lever pivotally mounted between handle sides resiliently engaging base mounted catch upon handle reaching toggle alignment.

Abstract: A tie-down device for securing and holding down cargo and the like. The device includes a turnbuckle. A strap is provided having a first end and a second end that are secured to the turnbuckle, so as to loop back on itself and defining a loose strap and a stationary strap. A first hook is carried by the turnbuckle. A second hook is carried by the strap between the loose and stationary straps. Rotation of the turnbuckle in a first tightening direction wraps the loose strap around the stationary strap, shortening the loose strap for tightening the device and securing and holding down the cargo and the like and also locking the loose strap in place. Rotation of the turnbuckle in a second loosening direction unwraps the loose strap from around the stationary strap, lengthening the loose strap for untightening the device and unsecuring and releasing the cargo and the like.

Abstract: A load tie-down and arrangement for securing loads onto vehicles, particularly non-uniform and abrasive loads such as logs onto log-hauling trailers, and for enhancing the safety with which such loads can be transported. The tie-down includes a high abrasion resistant webbing capable of being attached at one end to the vehicle and at the other to a winching mechanism. The winching mechanism easily accommodates excess webbing for small load situations and is capable of being easily and quickly tightened or retightened during transport to offset any slack in the webbing which may have been created due to load shifting or settling. A modified tie-down can be used to encircle the load without attachment to the vehicle for increased security.

Abstract: A buckle cooperating with two straps each having a hooked end and a free end for fastening goods on a truck or the like. The buckle has a body and two rings. The body has two rectangular walls each having two longitudinal slots at two opposite ends thereof, two clefts each communicating with one of the slots, and at transverse middle cutoff. The walls are connected to each other with two bars below the slots and a flat element below the cutoff, thereby forming two openings beside the flat element. Each ring has a flat member. The hooked end of each strap is attached to a different side of the truck. The free ends of the straps are (a) inserted through the openings, (b) wound around the flat members of the rings, (c) inserted between the flat members of the rings and the bars, and (d) disposed between the bar and the strap. The flat member has an unlocking position where the strap can be pulled and a locking position where the strap is locked.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for the stepwise tightening and releasing of a tensioning strap includes a frame (1), a tensioning lever (2), and a wind-up spindle (4) supporting ratchet wheels (3, 3'). A driving pawl (19) which is movably mounted on the tensioning lever (2) serves to rotate the wind-up spindle (4) when the strap is being tightened. Reverse rotation of the wind-up spindle (4) is prevented by a pair of locking pawls (5, 5') which are movably mounted on the frame (1). The lower or bearing end of the tensioning lever (2) has an unlatching cam (37) which permits the locking pawls (5, 5') to be alternatingly moved out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheels (3, 3'), thus promoting safety by relieving the strap tension in stages. An isolating cam (40) at the bearing end of the tensioning lever (2) permits both locking pawls (5, 5') to be disengaged after the strap tension has been reduced.

Abstract: A ratchet tie down structure is shown that is designed to hold heavy objects in place on a transport vehicle such as a flat bed trailer, a car carrier, a railroad car and the like. The mechanism includes a base element attached to the transport vehicle that has pair of cooperating elements having interfitting ratchet teeth and a latch that permit a shaft to be turned in one direction to tighten a flexible holding element attached to the object with the latch holding the tension therein until the ratchet teeth on the two elements are disengaged. The structure includes a driving connection by which the shaft may be rotated in one direction to wind a tension in the flexible holding element and the latch being selectively operative to disengage one of the elements with the ratchet teeth from the other in order to release the tension in the flexible holding means when the heavy object is to be unloaded.

Abstract: A gripping device for releasably gripping a rope-like member comprises a pair of rope-engaging members defining a pair of opposite, mutually spaced rope engaging surfaces defining a rope passageway therebetween. The rope engaging surfaces are mounted in a frame so as to be moveable in relation to each other such that a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in one direction of the rope passageway will tend to move the rope engaging members closer to each other towards a locking position, while a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in the opposite direction of the rope passageway will tend to increase the spacing of the rope engaging surfaces and to move the rope engaging members towards a releasing position. At least one of the rope engaging members is connected to an operating handle by means of a lost motion connection. When the operating handle is moved from an inactive position to an active position the rope engaging members are moved to their releasing position.

Abstract: A load binder tool uses a pair of first and second coupler-tension members pivotal connected, at spaced apart centers, to an operating handle. A pair of major gear members engage a pair of minor gear members attached to the first coupler-tension member. A tension connector pin is journaled to both the major gear member and one end of the second coupler-tension member. The rotation of the connector pin about the axis of rotation of the major gear members creates an additional mechanical advantage. This rotation about the axis of rotation of the major gear members also causes the connector pin axis of rotation to be offset relative to the major gear axis of rotation in order to lock the load binder tool in the closed position using the tension applied to the load binding tension members or chains.

Abstract: A buckle for locking straps used for fastening goods includes a belt having two loop ends each enclosing a pair of rectangular lower and upper rings and a rectangular loosening ring with a flat side. A strap winds each pair of rings. One of said straps encloses the rectangular loosening ring such that it is locked when the loosening ring is in a horizontal position, and is allowed to slacken when said loosening ring is in a vertical position.

Abstract: A U-shaped body portion has an attaching end for a cable or hitch connection and an opposite open end for receiving a strap to be connected to the body portion. In a first embodiment the body portion includes a pair of anchor bars arranged to receive a doubled back and looped end of a strap arranged to pinch the strap when a pulling tension is applied to the strap. A removable pin is mounted in the body portion and disposed between the anchor bars and the attaching end for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap. In another embodiment, one of the anchor bars is a removable pin in a structure that functions efficiently as a connector for both Nylon and metal straps. In addition to serving as a lifting connection for straps, the connector hereof can serve as a connector for a towing strap.

Abstract: A fastener includes a buckle in the form of a plate connected to a strap. A lower clamping jaw is mounted on the plate remote from the strap. A spring arm is mounted on the plate and has an upper clamping jaw. An actuating lever is disposed above the clamping jaws and extends beyond the spring arm. The lever is pivotally mounted to the plate so that movement of the free end of the lever toward and away from the spring arm causes the clamping jaws to selectively move toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A U-shaped body portion has an attaching end for a cable or hitch connection and an opposite open end for receiving a strap to be connected to the body portion. The body portion includes a pair of anchor bars arranged to receive a doubled back and looped end of a strap arranged to pinch the strap when a pulling tension is applied to the strap. A removable pin is mounted in the body portion and disposed between the anchor bars and the attaching end for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to load securing devices and in particular to an end connector member (10) having a lower portion (11) in the form of a flat metallic or like plate having a penetrable latch tongue aperture (14) contained therein for releaseably engaging the locking mechanism of a truck tailgate. An upper portion (13), integrally joined with said lower portion (11) is provided in the form of a circular ring or rectangular plate for securably attaching the ends of cargo restraining straps (28) or strap anchored end attaching means (32). The combination of connector (10) and straps (28) is employed for preventing both rearward and transverse motion of cargo carried in the bed of a truck when the length of that cargo reequires that the truck tailgate body (20) be used in the lowered horizontal position.

Abstract: A band retaining unit includes a female retaining body adapted to be mounted securely on a canvas, a male retaining body connected pivotally to the female retaining body, a gripping element disposed slidably on the male retaining body, and a spring element biasing the engagement arms of the gripping element to engage within the gripping notches of the female retaining body, so as to clamp tightly a retaining band between the male retaining body and the female retaining body. The gripping element is provided with a projection which is positioned so that when a rope is passed through the rope holes of the female retaining body and into the depressions of the male retaining body, the projection is obstructed by the rope from moving in the band retaining unit, thereby locking the gripping element on the female retaining body.

Abstract: An over center load binder assembly is disclosed comprising a crank member, a clevis type draw bar with leg elements pivotally connected to a first portion of the crank member, a pull link pivotally connected to a second portion of the crank member and a lever handle, pivotally connected to the crank member and comprising a cam surface, radial to the axis of the lever handle pivotal connection, having a maximum lobe swell sufficient to displace the pull link from an alignment between the leg portions of the clevis type draw bar to release the assembly from tension.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved overcenter buckle for tensioning straps used for securing cargo during transport wherein the buckle includes a handle pivotally mounted upon a U-shaped body, and the tension strap is threaded through the handle wherein pivoting thereof between open and closed positions tensions the strap. The improved construction comprises a lock plate slidably mounted on the body displaceable between handle lock and release positions and the lock plate is sufficient spaced from the handle to allow handle clearance during release.

Abstract: A separable buckle for interconnecting two parts of a strap or other tension member comprises a first buckle member adapted to be attached to the first strap part and a second buckle member adapted to be interconnected with the first buckle member and to slidably receive the second strap part. When interconnected, the two buckle members are relatively pivotable about a transverse axis with the first buckle member acting as a two-armed lever, one lever arm of which is engageable with the second strap part on the second buckle member so that the second strap part can move in one direction relative to the second buckle member but is prevented from moving in the opposite direction by said one lever arm. The second buckle member comprises a reverse bent hook portion including a hinge element receptive of a hinge element of the first buckle member.

Abstract: A cam buckle for adjustably securing a strip of web-like material includes a pair of side walls having front and rear ends, a top wall extending between the side walls, a first bar extending between the side walls below the top wall and a second bar slidably mounted between the first bar and the top wall. A loop is pivotally attached to the side walls rearwardly of the second bar, and one end of the strip is secured to the loop. The buckle is pivotable relative to the loop between locked and unlocked positions. The other end of the strip is looped around the second bar when the buckle is in the unlocked position, and the end of the strip is secured to the remainder of the strip by hook and loop fasteners. The buckle may be cammed over center to the locked position to tighten the strip.

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 simplified anchor chain tensioner includes a base bracket, and a multiple function U-shaped lever pivotally mounted to the base bracket. The anchor chain hook is pivotally mounted by threaded engagement to a pivot pin mounted through the two lever arms of the U-shaped lever. The front ends of the lever arms are resiliently movable toward and away from one another, with the end of one lever arm being notched to resiliently latch and hold down the anchor hook arm; while the end of the other lever arm is jogged to provide a surface for locking engagement with the base bracket and a second surface for the application of manual compression force to release the latching and/or locking action.

Abstract: The load-tie-down system of the invention includes a load-supporting structure having a side support and a second support. A winch assembly is operably mounted on the load-supporting structure and includes a winch frame having a crosspiece and two struts projecting downward from the crosspiece. A winch drum is rotatably mounted between the two struts of the winch frame and a belt is attached at one end to and wound around the winch drum. A hook is attached to the free end of the belt. The belt is anchored by the hook attaching to an anchor located on the winch frame. The anchor includes a bar on the winch frame around which the hook may fasten. A lock to restrain the rotation of the winch drum is also included having a ratchet wheel attached to the winch drum and a pawl pivotally attached to the winch frame. The winch drum and anchor are located so that the belt may extend around the crosspiece and a load and then anchor on the winch frame.

Abstract: A stretchable, flexible cargo strap assembly comprises an elongated, stretchable first member having the properties of generating restoring force when stretched from a relaxed condition to a tensioned condition, and an elongated second member having a portion which coextends with at least a portion of the first member. The second member is secured to the first member by a plurality of securing members distributed at two or more longitudinally spaced locations along the coextending portions of the first and second members and intermediate the ends of said members, for substantially inhibiting or limiting relative longitudinal movement of the first and second members at these locations while providing for such movement between these locations. The second member is extendable, by stretching of the assembly, to an extended position in which the end-to-end distance of the second member is at least about 1.

Abstract: A game net assembly, useful for example in playing lawn tennis, badminton, volleyball or like games is described as including a ratchet buckle for applying necessary tensions to the net.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching to a bumper of a motor vehicle comprises a pair of clamp members which can be releasably secured to the bumper; a pair of stanchions, with each stanchion being attached to a respective clamp member to extend in a substantially vertical position adjacent to the front of a bumper on which the clamp members are engaged; and a generally rectangular base platform whose length is such that the base platform can be positioned substantially horizontally between the stanchions, with attachment means being provided at each of the opposite, longitudinal ends of the base platform for releasably attaching the base platform to the respective stanchions at selectable positions along the lengths of the respective stanchions.

Abstract: An improved coupling for connecting an arresting pendant and the woven tape utilized in an aircraft arresting system is provided. The coupling consists of an elongated hollow body having at least one open end and a longitudinal slot which extends into its hollow interior. A mounting bracket for connection of the coupling to the arresting system pendant is attached to the side of the coupling body which is opposite from the slot. The tape from the arresting system is wrapped between and around a plurality of clamping bars and is then inserted through an open end of the coupling body with the connected end of the tape extending through the longitudinal slot. The clamping bars are sized and shaped to substantially fill the interior of the coupling body and to grip to the tape which is wrapped then around.

Abstract: A strap tie down device combining the winch-pulley effect comprising an elongated rigid frame made up of a base and two spaced parallel side plates attached perpendicular to opposite sides of said base, at both ends of the frame a set of at least two transverse extending connecting rods joined to both sides of the plate members, the connecting rods being separated from each other by sufficient distance to permit a looping of the strap between the rods, the loops are capable of being held in placed by adding a removable rod under the loop, and a winch-type strap tightening apparatus attached to the side plate members between the inner connecting rods at both ends of the frame, and a device for rotating the winch-type strap tightening apparatus so as to tighten any strap placed in the strap adjusting device, and a device for holding the tightening apparatus to prevent unwinding.

Abstract: A belt tightener includes, in addition to a clasping mechanism for a belt to hold motor vehicles and other heavy loads firmly in a given position of transportation device such as a carrier vessel, a specific device for preventing the belt from loosening during its actual use under shaking conditions. The belt tightener can thus, be used advantageously to firmly tie down motor vehicles, cargo containers, heavy objects, and the like with a belt to fixing structures on carrier vessels while preventing the belt from loosening by external forces exerted during rough seas when the vessels are rolling and pitching.

Abstract: A load binder includes a lever and a clevis each being connected to respective securing members for securing to a load or a tie member such as a chain or a rope. Each of the securing members includes a retaining member for retaining a swivel bolt. The swivel bolts are cast in one piece with a head and a shaft. The retaining members are also cast with an opening of suitable size and shape to receive the heads of their respective swivel bolts. While the retaining members are still at an elevated temperature from the casting process, the head of the swivel bolt is inserted through the respective openings and the retaining members are then deformed while at an elevated temperature to capture the respective heads of the swivel bolts.

Abstract: A connector body portion has opposite ends and a hollow interior. A cross bar in the housing is arranged to receive a looped end of a strap thereover comprising free and lifting end portions and arranged to pinch the free end portion between it and the lifting end portion by a lift force on the latter. A releasable anchor in the body portion is arranged for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap for holding the latter in a secured position on the body portion and for release from the body portion to release the strap.

Abstract: A two part, over center buckle for belting. The buckle has a retention member on one part of the buckle which will engage a detent on the second part of the buckle when the buckle is closed. The retention member holds the buckle closed against normal vibration and jarring.

Abstract: For binding this roller skate, a strap is provided which extends arcuately across the skate frame and fits from the rear; the strap has juxtaposed end portions associated adjustably with the frame. A pull force is applied removably to the end portions of the strap for tightening the strap on the foot.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a clasping device for fixing a cargo item such as an automobile on a load carrying platform. The main assembly (A) of the clasping device has a body (B) and lever (C). Body (B) includes a main body (B.sub.1) and a sub-body (B.sub.2). The main body (B.sub.1), the sub-body (B.sub.2) and the lever (C) are pivotally connected to each other by pins (8a, 8b). In the release condition, the main body (B.sub.1) and the sub-body (B.sub.2) are bent and form a V-shape in association with each other due to the tension exerted and remaining on the strap (21).

Abstract: Clamping means for a strap, adapted to be located between a strap storage location and a strap utilization location, comprises reaction member pivotally mounted on a base member for angular movement about a first axis, a guide member pivotally mounted on a support member fast with the reaction member for angular movement about a second axis positioned between the reaction member and the first pivot axis. Resilient means retains the guide member and the reaction member in respective rest positions in which the strap is freely movable between the guide member and reaction member until the tension applied to the strap exceeds a predetermined level. When the tension in the strap exceeds said predetermined level, angular movement of the guide member causes corresponding angular movement of the reaction member, thereby wrapping the strap round both the reaction member and the guide member so that one layer of the strap is clamped against the reaction member by another layer of the strap.

Abstract: An hydraulic load binder is disclosed for universal application, the piston rod assembly, the reservoir assembly and the pump assembly all being commonly housed. The channels to and from the pump and the piston rod chamber and the reservoir chamber are controlled by simple check valves. Two additional channels are provided for communicating the top of the piston rod chamber with the reservoir chamber. One of these additional channels includes a check valve which opens when the pressure in the piston rod chamber reaches a predetermined limit. The other additional channel is controlled by a needle valve, which is opened once a rotatable mechanical locking means is placed in locking position against the extended piston rod. Opening the needle valve depressurizes the piston rod chamber. The piston rod chamber is again pressurized to permit the mechanical lock to be released.