Abstract: Device for tensioning a flexible element assuring a connection between two pieces, particularly applicable to the closure and tightening of a ski boot. The flexible element (7) passes around a first, movable counter-element carried by a pivoting tensioning lever (6), forming a first loop (7a, 7b), then around a second fixed counter-element (11, 16, 27), forming a second loop (7b, 7c), the flexible connecting element (7) and the two counter-elements constituting the equivalent of a clamp.

Abstract: A child restraining seat having a harness with an adjuster for controlling harness sizing. In the preferred embodiment, the harness includes a pair of belts fixedly secured to a pad having a downwardly extending tongue lockingly received by a belt buckle secured to the seat between the legs of the child. The opposite ends of the belts extend slidably through the seat back being attached to a moveable bar. A third belt attached to the moveable bar extends forwardly through a slot in the forward portion of the seat and is adjustably received by an adjuster mounted to the front of the seat. The adjuster includes a spring biased cam member for lockingly holding the third belt in place. Alternate embodiments include such a harness assembly having the buckle fixedly secured thereto with a tongue secured to the seat.

Abstract: A child restraining seat having a harness with an adjuster for controlling harness sizing. In the preferred embodiment, the harness includes a pair of belts fixedly secured to a pad having a downwardly extending tongue lockingly received by a belt buckle secured to the seat between the legs of the child. The opposite ends of the belts extend slidably through the seat back being attached to a moveable bar. A third belt attached to the moveable bar extends forwardly through a slot in the forward portion of the seat and is adjustably received by an adjuster mounted to the front of the seat. The adjuster includes a spring biased cam bar for lockingly holding the third belt in place. Alternate embodiments include such a harness assembly having the buckle fixedly secured thereto with a tongue secured to the seat.

Abstract: In a connecting device for components to a belt (14), a belt connection (7) mounted rotatably in the device is used, which is connected integrally in rotation to a ratchet wheel (9) which exhibits only one tooth (10) with which a detent pawl (11) is associated. The belt (14) can be connected rapidly and safely to the device by rotating the belt connection (7).

Abstract: A two piece buckle has a frame member and a bale member which is pivotally supported on the frame member. The frame member includes a central elongated substantially flat piece and a pair of arm members extending from the edges of the central piece at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. These arm members have a pair of apertures formed therein which provide sockets into which the opposite ends of the bale fit. A pair of detents which are in the form of protrusions extend outwardly from the frame arm members. The bale member is resilient such that the bale member can be pivotally moved over the detents and thus positioned on either side thereof. The central piece of the frame has a first cross arm with an elongated slot formed on either side thereof and a second cross arm spaced from the first cross arm by one of said slots, a clamp member being slidably mounted on the second cross arm.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for tensioning chains as may be used to tie down and position cargo. A pair of elongated members each have an outer end on which a tension transmitting fitting is mounted, and at their inner ends the members are telescopingly interrelated and adjustably interconnected through a resilient impact cushion placed under compression by tension forces transmitted between the members. A non-compressible sleeve prevents overcompression of the impact cushion and the apparatus includes adjustable elements for precompressing the cushion.

Abstract: A device for tensioning belts or the like, comprising a first portion adapted to have one end of the belt fastened thereto and a second portion adapted to be brought into engagement with a portion of the belt spaced through a distance from one end of the belt and locating the same in the tensioning position vis-a-vis the first portion, whereby the two portions which are formed of synthetic material are adapted to be connected to each other and to the belt in a manner to be pivotable such that upon pivotal movement into the tensioning position a limited shortening occurs in the length clamped by the belt between the two points that have been established, and in that the portions are interlockable in the clamping position via an arresting connection, said arresting connection being releasable by means of an actuation portion accessible from outside.

Abstract: A clasping device which has a main assembly including a body, and a lever connected by means of links. A first hook is connected with the body, while a second hook is connected with the lever by means of a strap. The strap can be tightened and loosened by rotating the lever between the release and tightening positions. The body has a claw member for temporarily holding the tightened strap. Therefore, by utilizing the claw member, the lever can be repeatedly operated in order to increasingly tighten the strap.

Abstract: In a tensioning device for tensioning lines having a drive element for the tensioning line, the drive element is coupled to a ratchet wheel which can be set into rotary movement by a pivot lever with a drive pawl. The directionally oriented notches of the ratchet wheel are shaped so that the pivot lever can be operated in an ergonomically favorable direction during tensioning of the tensioning line. This is made possible in that the notch back of the notch of the ratchet wheel which cooperates with a blocking mechanism in its blocking or detent position is remote from the free end of the pivot lever.

Abstract: In a tensioning device for tensioning lines having a drive part and a ratchet wheel drivable thereby, a plurality of detent pawls, which are associated with the ratchet wheel, prevent an accidental reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel. The arrangement of the detent pawls is made so that only one detent pawl at a time can come into engagement with a tooth of the ratchet wheel. The reverse rotary stroke of the detent pawl is kept small by an appropriate angular association of teeth and detent pawls.

Abstract: A cam buckle assembly has a main body portion fabricated of a suitable resilient material such as a resilient plastic. A cam member is pivotally assembled in the main body portion and is resiliently urged towards the main body portion by a resilient arm member which extends from the main body portion and abuts against the cam member. A strap is wound around a cross arm formed in the main body portion at one end thereof, this strap being adjustable as to its effective length and once so adjusted retained in such position by means of the cam member. Means are provided at the other end of the body portion, for attaching the body portion to securing means which in one embodiment comprises a resilient hook and in another embodiment a cross bar for receiving an attachment strap.

Abstract: A two piece buckle has a frame member and a bale member which is pivotally supported on the frame member. The frame member includes a central elongated substantially flat piece and a pair of arm members extending from the edges of the central piece at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. These arm members have a pair of apertures formed therein which provide sockets into which the opposite ends of the bale fit. A ramp is formed directly beneath each one of these apertures to facilitate the installation of the bale member in the apertures in a snap fit. A pair of detents which are on the form of projections extending outwardly from the frame arm members are located forward of the apertures in which the bale member is pivotally supported. The bale and arm members are both resilient such that the bale member can be pivotally moved over the detents and thus positioned on either side of the detents.

Abstract: A tensioner for straps, especially for systems for keeping loads in position, has an anchoring means for the fixed end of the strap and a strap drum worked by a ratchet, the drum then acting as a winch for tensioning the strap. The drum has a locking pawl that may be moved clear of it. The tensioning ratchet has tooth means on the side of the strap drum so that a driving pawl fixed on the ratchet lever and loaded towards the strap drum by a spring, may be put into driving connection with the tooth means. The ratchet lever further has means limiting the torque that may be transmitted to the tooth means on operation of the ratchet lever by having the driving pawl spring-pre-loaded tangentially in relation to the strap drum.

Abstract: A roller wheel baler comprising a roller wheel and a braking mechanism, characterized by a touch-and-go transmission across a transverse slotway on the outer rims of a free roller wheel provided in a bevelled groove and a transmission roller wheel provided with oneway ratchet wheel on the pivotal grooves on both terminals thereof and the patterned indentation together with transmission of the handle drive board to roll past a baling rope in-between so that the rope may be pulled to exert binding or tying or baling or tightening stresses, which, together with the arrangement to have an inverted tooth member that is the front tip of the braking board for the braking mechanism thrusted against the topmost rim of the center of the fix support, will cause the active rope to move ahead in just one direction, which, in conjunction with the tightening action rendered by the compressor unit, will secure a reliable baling, packing, tightening, binding, tying operation of the article being treated as such therewith.

Abstract: A clasping device for fastening a large cargo which includes a lever pivotally connected to a body through a pair of links. A belt is tightened by pivoting the lever relative to the body in a fastening direction in such a way that the pivotal connection between the links and the lever move in the direction of the interior of the body when the lever is pivoted in a fastening direction, thereby to render the device compact in the fastening position.

Abstract: A tensioning device, especially for lashing chains. The device includes a tightening, tensioning or adjusting nut with which at least one tensioning spindle can be shifted, which is provided with a link member at the end thereof. An actuating element is non-rotatably connected with the nut for rotating the latter. The actuating element is mounted on the tensioning device subject to the interpostioning of at least one damping element.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device having a plate with side walls and end walls and spaced-apart strap-receiving openings with an intermediate strap-supporting web between the openings for cooperatively receiving and supporting a strap threaded through the strap-receiving openings and supporting a removable fixture having strap tightening ratchet means on the plate for tightening a strap threaded through the plate by inserting fastening means through the strap and the strap receiving openings before removal of the fixture from cooperation with the tensioner plate.

Abstract: A removable operating lever is provided for a ratchet buckle device for tightening and tensioning straps. The ratchet buckle has a bifurcated frame member with a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted and employs a bifurcated handle member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms rotatably mounted on the reel. The handle has a ratchet drive plate which engages the teeth of the ratchet wheels such that when the handle is actuated, the reel is rotatably driven. The buckle has a cross member on the handle member thereof which has mounting means thereon for mounting an elongated lever member which can be employed to actuate the handle member.

Abstract: A buckle intended for use primarily with wide, flat strapping material used in the air cargo transportation industry. The buckle has a body member and an "over-center" handle member journaled on a journal pin attached thereto such that the handle member acts like a lever and the journal pin as a fulcrum in tensioning the strap. With the buckle in the open position, the strap is fed into the buckle and looped around the journal pin. Rotating the handle member to the closed position causes a load pin attached to the handle member to impact the strap and deflect its path in the buckle, thereby pulling the strap taut under considerable torque load. In the prior art buckles, two load pins were required to apportion that torque load between them to keep the strap from slipping as the load pins could rotate at high torque loads. The need for two load pins is eliminated in the present invention by using only one load pin which is attached in such a way that the pin cannot rotate, even under such high torque loads.

Abstract: Locking means for truck platform flaps (6) comprises a base plate (1), a handle (2) pivotably journalled in the base plate, a substantially U-shaped locking yoke (3) which is connected to the handle and pivotable in relation thereto on an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the handle and which in its locking position is adapted to engage a hook (11) for holding the flap, and at least one spring (24) which actuates the handle and the locking yoke and whose one end is secured to the base plate (1). To make one and the same spring fulfill three essential functions, viz. ensuring resilient appliance of the locking yoke (3), rotation of the handle in the direction towards the base plate (1) at locked as well as unlocked (when the handle has an opening angle which is not substantially more than about 50.degree.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an over center strap buckle of the type commonly used in cargo hold-down systems wherein straps connected to the cargo are tensioned to prevent shifting during transport. The buckle includes a handle pivotally mounted upon a U-shaped body, and the tension strap is looped through the handle wherein pivoting thereof between open and closed positions tensions the strap. A manually operated wire latch mounted upon the handle cooperates with notches defined upon the body when the handle is pivoted to the closed strap tensioning position, and the latch includes finger engagable portions for manually displacing the latch from the body notches to release the handle for pivoting to the open tension-release position.

Abstract: A high-strength fibrous tape and clamping device therefor to effect the termination and/or splicing thereof. The device comprises a cylindrical body portion and a pair of semicircular plug halves which are retained proximal to the body portion and which cooperate to securely grip the tape in a gradual arcuate path without the use of excessive clamping pressures that would normally cause substantial reductions in the tape's tensile strength. The plug halves have opposed generally flat mating surfaces and oppositely disposed convex arcuate surfaces. The halves are retained proximal to the body portion with the mating surfaces thereof in generally aligned relation by means of spaced bolts which extend generally perpendicularly through the mating surfaces into the body portion.

Abstract: A clasping device which has a body and a manipulatable lever pivotally connected to the body. The body has at least two connecting members extending between a pair of side plate members thereof, one of the connecting members can contact a strap connected to the lever means during the usual use to firmly hold the lever in a locked position. The other of the connecting members can contact the strap when the assembly of the body and the lever is turned upside down, to hold the lever in the locked position. A large part of the lever is housed in the pair of side plate members of the body substantially in parallel to the body in the locked position, whereby the construction of the assembly is easy to handle and so firm as to be resistant to any big loads.

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: 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 system for tensioning a line of flexible material such as a cord, rope, cable or web, including a body provided with a pair of spaced sheave means each having a central rod around which the line may pass, the axes of the rods being parallel. A bracket projects from the body in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the rod axes, and includes a pivotal attachment point spaced from the plane. A swing arm may be pivotally attached at one end to said point and at its other end to the line to be tensioned, and means are provided for selectively locking said arm against swinging movement when the arm is parallel to the plane of the rod axes.

Abstract: Apparatus for retaining a load on a truck or other vehicle and including a belt connectable to one side of the vehicle bed and extending upwardly over the load to a location near the other side, a chain connectable at one end to the second side of the vehicle and carrying at its other end a buckle adjustably connectable to the belt to secure it through the chain to the second side of the vehicle, and a load binder connectable to different links of the chain and actuable to pull those links toward one another and thereby take up slack in the chain and tighten the belt on the load.

Abstract: A device for increasing the tension in a taut rope segment by increasing the path length which the rope must travel. The path length is increased by first engaging an essentially straight line segment of rope at two points spaced apart on the rope segment and physically restricting the ability of the rope to move in one transverse direction at these points. The path length of the rope is then increased by deflecting the rope outward, away from the straight line pathway at a point between the two points of restricted motion.

Abstract: A lashing device for tightening a band securing cargo at a platform is swingably mounted within a recess in one side of the platform, and comprises a lever structure and a locking member. The lever structure includes two parallel bars arranged parallel to the pivot and around which a loop in the band may be led. The lever structure comprisesa securing hook for cooperation with the locking member and a pedal by means of which the necessary force for tightening the band is applied.

Abstract: A ratchet buckle for tightening and tensioning straps includes a bifurcated frame member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted. A strap to be tensioned is reeved through the reel member. A bifurcated lever member, having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms, is rotated on the reel and has a ratchet drive plate which engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel such that when the lever is actuated the reel is rotatably driven. A portion of the load on the frame is transferred to the lever when the buckle is in its closed position, thereby substantially increasing the strength-to-weight ratio of the device by providing tab members and notches which matingly engage each other with the handle in its tensioned or closed position, one of these two engaging members being on the arms of the lever and the other of these members being on the frame.

Abstract: A ratchet buckle for tightening and tensioning straps which include a bifurcated frame member with a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted. The reel member is formed from a pair of oppositely positioned curved plates. This reel member is reinforced structurally by means of a spreader bar insert member which is placed between the plates and which has a slot formed in the center thereof through which a strap to be tensioned is reeved. The insert member has a pair of similar ridge portions running along the outer surfaces of the portions thereof forming the walls of the slot and a pair of wing portions at each of the opposite ends thereof, these wing portions extending in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the slot and being fitted between the edges of the curved plates.

Abstract: A buckle of the type used to connect belts used for tying down cargo in vehicles. The buckle is formed of flat plate stock and has a structure adapted to withstand high compressive forces such as are applied to it when it is run over by loaded vehicles. The buckle operates on an overcenter principle, so that once it is locked further tension on the belts tends to keep the buckle locked. In using the buckle, initially the free end of one belt is threaded through the buckle and pulled to take up slack. The free end is jammed between the standing end of the belt and a portion of the buckle, preventing slippage. Next, the handle of the buckle is rotated approximately 180 degrees, which causes the standing part of the belt to be wound around the buckle, thereby placing the belt in tension. Towards the end of its throw, the handle of the buckle passes to an overcenter position, in which further tension in the belt locks the buckle more securely.

Abstract: A winch for tightening lines and webbing on the lashing of cargos, the winch having a frame which consists of two preferably oval plates which are spaced from each other by means of cross-pieces, of which the one is used as an anchorage for the winch and the other for securing one end of the webbing, and a winding roller located between the cross-pieces and connectible to the other webbing end and having a ratchet mechanism in the form of two disks abutting against each other under the action of a spring, the disks having radial locking surfaces on their sides in abutment with each other and being movable apart for canceling the locking action by means of a clutch ring located between the disks.

Abstract: A strap tightener including means to lock an operating lever in a rest position adjacent to an anchoring element for fixedly anchoring the strap tightener.Said means include a hook projecting from a driving pawl on the operating lever for receiving, in the rest position of the operating lever, a holding pawl on the anchoring element.

Abstract: A load binder or lashing tightener is provided made up of a first inner elongate sleeve member closed at one end, an anchor fitting on said closed end, a thread nut in the other end of said first sleeve, a second outer sleeve having one end adapted to telescope over the first inner sleeve, anchor means on said second sleeve adjacent said one end, screw means extending through the second sleeve, one end threadingly engaging the nut in said first sleeve, the other end rotatably fixed in the said other end of said second sleeve and hand wheel drive means on said other end for rotating said screw whereby said second sleeve is caused to telescope over the first sleeve and the anchor means on said sleeves are brought together.

Abstract: A rope binder for use when tension is applied to a rope securing a load to support member. The rope binder is formed of an end base member having an end leg and a central leg. The leg axes extend generally transverse to the axis of the end base member. A generally U-shaped arm is defined by a pair of end posts interconnected by a side post. One of the end posts in integrally connected to one end of the end base and a free end of the other end post is spaced from the central leg enabling a rope to pass intermediate the end post free end and the spaced apart leg.

Abstract: A two-arm tensioning device is used to tighten and to lock load-fastening belts. The arms are pivotally mounted about a reel drum on which are mounted toothed discs which turn with the drum. Upon pivoting of the first arm the belt is wound onto the reel drum by the engagement of a first catch on the first arm with the teeth of the discs. A second catch on the second arm is provided to prevent, through its engagement with the disc teeth, turning movement of the drum in the opposite direction. The second arm includes a locking member arranged to releasably engage the first catch to prevent unintentional pivoting of the first arm after tightening of the belt. A special safety catch in the form of a projection is provided on the first arm to releasably retain the second catch in engagement with the disc teeth.

Abstract: A ratchet buckle for tightening and tensioning straps includes a bifurcated frame member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms, between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted. A strap to be tensioned is reeved through the reel member. A bifurcated lever member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms is rotatably mounted on the reel and has a ratchet drive plate which engages the teeth of the ratchet wheels such that when the lever is actuated, the reel is rotatably driven. A latching plate is mounted on the frame which engages the ratchet wheels to latch these wheels at times when they are not being rotated by virtue of driving action of the lever. This latching plate is secured in position and prevented from unseating from engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheels by virtue of the engagement of an undercut portion of the latching plate with retaining and camming elements formed on the lever.

Abstract: A device for attachment to an upright post on a bed of a pick-up truck or other vehicle for gripping one end of a tie-down rope to apply tension to the rope to hold pipe or other load on the vehicle when the rope passes over the load and as the opposite end of the rope is secured to the vehicle. The device includes a shiftable, generally upright bar coupled with a jacking unit secured by a bracket to the post. A cam member on the upper end of the bar is used to wedge the rope against the bar after the rope has been passed over the load. Then, by operating the jacking unit, the bar is caused to be lowered, thereby placing tension on the rope and holding the load in a rigid, secure position on the vehicle. The movement of the bar can be reversed to remove the tension by operating the jacking unit in reverse.

Abstract: A ratchet device is provided for tensioning belts or ropes which are used to secure piece goods during transport by means of trucks, ships, airplanes, etc. The device includes a ratchet housing, a belt tensioning assembly supported in the housing and a manually actuated pivotable lever for actuating the belt tensioning device. The device permits easy and facile adjustment of the belt tension by repeated pivot movements of the lever.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for stowing, employing a strap, which comprises an anchoring device at one end of the strap and a tightening device with a lever and automatic locking means at the other end of the strap, the tightener comprising a casing having an opening through which passes the strap, two hooks located on either side of the casing and adapted to be engaged against the respective uprights of the containers to be stowed, and a lever constituted of two parts, movable with respect to each other, the part comprising the free end of the lever being retractable after the strap has been tightened. This system is suitable for stowing roll-containers in delivery trucks or other means of transport.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a main frame which is generally U-shaped and has a pair of parallel opposing side plates and a bottom formed by a plurality of cross-bars. Pivotally mounted on the main frame is a strap-tightening handle which is utilized to tighten a strap and to retain it in the tightened position. This handle includes a tightening cross-bar around which the strap is looped, and the two opposite ends of such strap then run under one of the cross-bars of the main frame. A limit stop member is provided in at least one of the side arms of the frame to limit the downward travel of the handle in its strap-tightening position. This assembly is further adapted to be locked in position in conjunction with a security locking device such as a padlock.

Abstract: This invention relates to clamping devices and more particularly to a quick release clamping device capable of holding adjustable length means in adjusted effective length between an anchor element and the clamping device.

Abstract: A clasping device comprised of a frame and a manipulatable tongue pivotally connected to the frame for movement between released and fastened positions and having first, second and third cross pins and a barrier plate. A flexible strap is threaded through the tongue in such a manner as to extend, when the tongue is in the released position, through a clearance between the barrier plate and the second cross pin, past around and in contact with the second cross pin thereby forming a loop around the second cross pin, and back past beneath and in contact with the first cross pin, so that when the strap is drawn taut as the tongue is pivoted towards the fastened position portions of the strap one on each side of the strap loop are urged in overlapping relation against the first cross pin to provide substantial frictional resistance to the relative movement of the strap loop after the strap is tightened with the tongue held in the fastened position.

Abstract: A tensioning device for tightening a holding strap and for securing a holding strap in a tightened position which includes a bracket having opposed arm portions to which there is pivotally connected a handle for rotation between an operative and inoperative position. A strap ring is pivotally connected to the handle for receiving the free end of the holding strap to be tightened. Rotation of the handle causes the holding ring to be rotated in unison therewith so that the holding strap is pulled tight and secured in the tensioned position by the rotation of the strap ring about the pivotal connection of the handle.

Abstract: An improved, spring-biased take-up clamp assembly for elongated tie-down elements such as cables, ropes or mobile home tie-down straps is provided which permits simplified, infinitely adjustable take-up and tightening of the tie-down element with secure locking at any desired position and without the use of conventional turnbuckles or other devices using interference-fit structure for spindle-retaining purposes. In preferred forms the assembly includes a rotatable take-up mandrel or spindle for a tie-down element, an apertured mounting plate fixed to the upper end of an embedded earth anchor, and a motion-checking snubber spring operatively coupled between the strap spindle and mounting plate for holding the strap against loosening under tension loads while at the same time permitting relatively easy, one-man tightening thereof as desired.

Abstract: A clasping device for fastening an object relative to a foundation or for fastening objects together which comprises a manipulatable lever means pivotable between locked and unlocked positions, a holder means pivotally connected to one end of the manipulatable lever means, and a substantially U-shaped body having one end pivotally connected to the manipulatable lever means. A length of flexible strap extends first through the substantially U-shaped body in one direction and again through the body in the opposite direction after having been turned around a stanchion carried by the manipulatable lever means. As the manipulatable lever means is pivoted from the unlocked position towards the locked position, the stanchion around which the strap is turned angularly moved about the pivotal connection between the manipulatable lever means and the body, thereby drawing the holder in relation to and towards the body.

Abstract: An improved vehicle-mounted winch is disclosed characterized by a sliding bar allowing use of a web or strand to be secured thereto and tightened thereby, e.g., to secure a load.

Abstract: A mechanism for tensioning a cable or chain over a load and for maintaining such tension even though the load may shift and settle. The mechanism includes a "U" shaped base that rotatably mounts an elongated cylindrical hollow spool. The spool is connected at opposite ends to a spaced pair of ratchet wheels. Pawls are located on the base member for operatively engaging each of the ratchet wheels. Inside the hollow spool is a torsion spring that is directly connected at one end to the spool. The remaining spring end is connected to one of the ratchet wheels. The spool and this particular ratchet wheel are relatively movable about the longitudinal spool axis since they are interconnected only through the torsion spring. The remaining ratchet wheel is affixed directly to the spool for rotation therewith. Turning the spool through this ratchet assembly does not wind the spring but instead serves only to wrap the cable or chain about the spool circumference.