Abstract: An over-center load binding apparatus for interconnecting two tension members and tightening them towards one another, which includes a yoke, a first tension member pivotally connected to the yoke, an elongated pivot arm having a first end pivotally connected to the yoke, a second tension member connected to a second end of the elongated pivot arm, whereby the elongated pivot arm adapted to be pivotal between an open position and a closed position in which the second end thereof to which the second tension member is connected, will pass arcuately around the first tension member to an over dead-center position, a lever arm connectable to the yoke for forcibly pivoting the yoke to dispose the elongated pivot arm in the closed position, a latch for latching the elongated pivot arm in the closed position, and a key lock mechanism incorporated within the yoke for locking the latch while the latch is latching the elongated pivot arm in the closed position.

Abstract: A latch assembly (20) for securing opposed catches (24), (24') is provided. The latch includes a housing (32); a stationary center link (34); first and second elongated links (36, 38); first and second intermediate links (40, 42); and first, second, and middle crosspins (44), (46), (48). The housing includes opposed upright side walls (52), (54) each including first and second cam slots (58), (60). The center link includes an upright slot (56). The first and second elongated links each include distal and proximal ends (70), (74) and (68), (72). The distal ends each include a hook (22), (22'). Each elongated link further includes an L-shaped slot (86), (88) located between the link's distal and proximal ends. The first and second intermediate links each include distal and proximal ends (92), (96) and (90), (94).

Abstract: A clamp assembly including a flexible restraining element having a first end and a second end, the flexible restraining element receivable about an irregularly-shaped item carried upon a work surface, a brace for engaging the first end of the flexible restraining element to the work surface and a coupler for engaging the second end of the flexible restraining element to the work surface and for adjusting the flexible restraining element about the irregularly-shaped item for clamping the irregularly-shaped item to the work surface.

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 removable handle for an operating lever of a load chain binder of the type having a toggle linkage wherein the handle is detachably connected to the operating lever for pivoting the toggle linkage in one direction over-center to tension the chain, and in the opposite direction over-center to release the chain. The handle is automatically released from the operating lever when pivoting the toggle linkage in the direction to release the tension from the load chain to prevent injury to the person operating the handle.

Abstract: A hook for gripping chain is asymmetrical so that the effective chain length can be adjusted to a part link tightness. The attachment end of the hook is offset from the plane of the hook end, which includes the slot for receiving a link of a chain. If the chain enters from one side of the hook, the chain and hook have a different angle than when the chain enters from the other side of the hook. The resulting change in angle and hence the way the hook interferes with the chain changes the length of chain required for the chain to reach the slot.

Abstract: The tightener comprises a scissor clamp having first and second arms pivotally connected at their upper ends. At their lower ends, the arms are pivotally connected with the ends of a loop of chain that encircles a pair of semi-circular steel shells encircling a pipeline. The rod of a cylinder is pivotally connected to move the front arm toward the rear arm. The cylinder is positioned to operate generally perpendicularly relative to the arms.

Abstract: This is a chain tensioning system which uses a link section and a hydraulic power section. The link section is rectangular in shape and has a cross-link which is secured by a rod to a load hook external of the link. A securing nut is provided on the threaded rod inside the link frame. A hydraulic power section is used to move the cross-link away from the end of the link section and the securing nut then secures the cross-link in the tightened position. The hydraulic power section is then relaxed and removed and can be used on another appropriate link section.

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: A traction device for use in combination with vehicular tires includes a series of traction straps arranged at forty-five degree intervals about the tire and extending over the traction surface of the tire with forward and rear securement bands extending radially of the tire and coextensively of the traction bands to cooperate with respective forward and rear securement rings. A series of forward and rear side wall bands maintain the orientation of the traction and anchor bands. The forward anchor bands extending through the forward anchor ring are provided with apertures to receive a lock pin therethrough wherein the bands are each formed of resilient material to enable the arrangement to accommodate variation in tire sizes, as well as providing for enhanced traction in association with the tire.

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: A tensioning and securing device for a lashing system comprises a U-shaped member (10), for engagement with first lashing elements (24) and a cross-member (16) having holes through which the legs of member (10) extend and which can slide up and down the legs of member (10), the member (16) having hooks at its ends for attachment of second lashing elements (25). The ends of the legs of the member (10) carry a formation or formations (20, 34) for supporting the neck of a removable jack (26) by which the cross member (16) may be jacked towards the loop end of the U-shaped member (10) to tension the lashing. Securing elements (18) on the cross member (16) or on the legs of member (10) allow the cross member (16) to be locked in place, then the jack may be collapsed and removed.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for ready application to a vehicle wheel, that is entirely installable from the outer or hub side of the wheel. A primary embodiment of my device comprises at least three curved cleats, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and each also having an integral attachment flange having a deliberate bend therein. Each cleat is configured and designed to curve in a cantilever manner around the tread of the tire, and in a primary embodiment, the cleats are interconnected by a number of elongate connection rods. The elongate assembly so formed can be placed around a tire, to encompass substantially more than half of the periphery of the wheel when the cleats are arrayed in an approximately equally spaced relation in contact with the tread of the tire, with the inner surface of each cleat normally disposed in a stand-away relation to the tread of the tire.

Abstract: A chain tightener to tighten chains on a tractor or vehicle tire. The tightener comprises first and second spreader members, a frame consisting of a base portion and a longitudinal member extending between the base portion and the first spreader member. A longitudinal reinforcement member is mounted between the first spreader member and the base portion of the frame. The second spreader member reciprocates on the longitudinal member. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted and exerts force between the second spreader member and the base portion of the frame.

Abstract: A fastening member provided at the end of a spring-elastic mounting strap of a tire chain. The fastening member has an introduction passage and an attachment passage for a cooperating fastening member that is secured to the other end of the mounting strap. A guide passage interconnects the introduction passage and the attachment passage. This guide passage, at the level of a hook arm portion that partially separates the introduction passage from the attachment passage, extends at an angle of greater than 90.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the attachment passage. In this way, the cooperating fastening member can be easily hooked in the fastening member. The inclined course of the guide passage relative to the longitudinal axis of the attachment passage assures a high degree of protection against accidental unhooking.

Abstract: A portable chain lock for a chain binder used to tighten a chain holding a load on a truck flat bed. The portable chain lock has an open body with a pin fixed to a bottom wall and extending outwardly between a pair of sidewalls. One of the sidewalls has the first end of a locking chain fixed thereto while the other sidewall has a holding arm having an opening fixed thereto. The pin is passed through a chain link or other opening in one half of the chain binder when the chain binder is in the tightened position. The locking chain is wrapped around the other half of the chain binder with its second or free end looped over the holding arm and secured to the holding arm by a padlock passed through the opening in the holding arm, to thereby lock the chain binder in the chain tightened position.

Abstract: A chain winch 10 having a sprocket wheel 14 of polygonal cross-section with flat faces 32 dimensioned in dependence on the dimensions of a link chain to be used therewith and having pin formations 36 for engaging between or in chain links. The winch includes a self latching pawl 48 engageable with the chain links and a braking mechanism 16 for controlled unwinding when required in use. The winch is simple and inexpensive and the sprocket tolerant of chain dimensions so that it can be used with uncalibrated chain. This winch, amongst other things, has application for permanent fitting to a tire chain for tensioning it on to a tire.

Abstract: Bead protectors fittable to an opposed pair of tire bead portions are made of a thermoplastic resin. Each bead protector comprises a tubular portion fittable in the bead portion and a flange portion extending from the tubular portion via a curved portion and fittable to the outer side surface of the bead portion. The bead protector is integrally molded in an L-shaped radial cross section. Each of fastening bands comprises a stretchable portion and hooked plate-like metal members. When fitted to the tire bead portions, the bead protectors are interconnected by the fastening bands and elastically pulled toward each other axially of the tire by the stretchable portions, with the hooks in engagement with projections on the flange portions.

Abstract: A device for tightening chains, cables or ropes is disclosed. Previously, turnbuckles or load binders, the latter operating on the principle of the lever, have been used to tighten two ends of a chain or cable around an object, or the ends of two chains which have been secured at their other ends. Such devices are hand-operated and accordingly can only apply limited tension to the chain or cable. The present invention provides a device whereby an air-gun or pneumatic wrench or other power tool can be used to tighten the chain or cable to much greater tension. The device utilizes a threaded bolt which is secured to one end of the chain and which, by the rotation of a threaded socket, is drawn through a sleeve to which the other end of the chain is secured, thereby tightening the chain.

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 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, an anchor member on said second sleeve adjacent the other end, an elongate screw 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, a drive on said other end for rotating said screw whereby said second sleeve is caused to telescope over the first sleeve and the anchors on said sleeves are brought together and an anchor member at the said one end of said second sleeve adapted to receive the lashing to be tightened after the sleeves have been telescoped. The drive may be a hand knob protected by a spacer ring on the second sleeve.

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 universal automotive battery holddown system employing a chain or a cable stretched over a bracket placed on one edge of the battery. The bracket carries a bolt with a nut over which the chain or cable is placed. When the ends of the chain or cable are attached to the chassis or body of the vehicle and the platform on which the battery is located, the nut on the bolt is rotated until the chain or cable is taut, thereby securing the battery. The system can be used for any size or shape battery.

Abstract: A load binder having a shortened handle with means to receive and interlock with a separate extension member, which is also adaptable to release the load binder.

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: A wood splitter's aid tool comprising an elongated, elastically stretchable, flexible member comprising a length of metal chain in series with a length of elastic cord, with the cord and a portion of the length of chain protectively surrounded by a preferably precurved length of synthetic hose and having, at one end of the member, a hook adapted to engage a selected link of the chain in order to encircle a block of wood to be split with the member under tension. The encircling band allows the block of wood to be split by an axe and holds it in assembled condition against pieces flying off and against the necessity of a person risking one hand to hold a small remaining piece in place as the other hand wields an axe.

Abstract: An adjustable load binder incorporating a link that is eccentrically and pivotally connected with a clevis, each having a hook securing in opposite directions for providing attachment of the binder with a chain or other tie-down, an adjustable member securing within the construction of the binder, preferably intermediate one or both of the hooks and their connection with their respective lever and clevis, and which adjusment member can be manipulated, through a turning of its integral sleeve, to provide for a lengthening or contraction in the distance between the oppositely extending grab hooks for furnishing a way in which the mechanic can quickly adjust the attachment of the load binder into a tie down position.

Abstract: A drum tie-down apparatus for securing drum-like containers in an upright position to a floor or platform of a transportation vehicle having spaced apart cargo tie-down points. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical, hollow tube segments horizontally oriented and engageable with a drum lid adjacent opposite rim edges, flexible strap segments for connecting upper and lower central portions of the tube segments together across the drum lid and a pair of elongated flexible tie-down segments, one extending horizontally through each of the tube segments, the ends thereof being attached to said spaced apart tie-down points such that end portions of the pair of tie-down segments extend downwardly and radially outwardly from the tube segments to the tie-down points.

Abstract: A log handling device for biased, adjustable circumferential envelopment of a log during a splitting operation to maintain the general conformation thereof as the same is reduced to a plurality of split elements and provide an ability to grasp the log, whether whole or split, is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A tensioning device for chains such as tensioning chains, sling chains, tire chains and the like with a tensioning unit having at least one tensioning spindle which is connected with a tensioning nut and having at least one damping spring. The damping spring is a cup spring package and the cup spring package is installed in the tensioning unit. A multiplicity of the cup springs of the spring package can have a single layer and the remaining cup springs can have multilayer arrangement. More than half of the spring path, preferably approximately 80% of the entire spring path of the spring package is preloaded with a half force which is at least smaller by approximately one half than the preloading force of the remaining spring path. A control device has an indicator connected with a tensioning spindle and this indicator such as a bolt is movable, preferably is journalled longitudinally shiftable in a housing opening.

Abstract: A lever-type load binder is disclosed in which the necessary force to draw the ends of the binder together is provided by a pivoting lever element. The binder employs a handle for tensioning and releasing the binder. The handle and lever element are constructed so that the handle positively engages the lever element to pivot the lever element on the tensioning stroke. However, the handle is employed merely to trigger the release stroke by rotating the lever element through dead center while the handle is out of the path of travel of the lever element. Because of this feature, the user is not endangered by a "flyback" of the handle when the binder is released.

Abstract: A chain tensioner is provided with a take-up hook (21) connected to the junction area (30) between the shank (3) thereof and double hook end (4) by means of a chain (20). The take-up chain (20) has an end link (23) surrounding the shank material of the tensioner and which is bound by its form between the shank portion (23) on one side and material projections (22) on the flattened end portion (4). The link (23) surrounds the junction area (30) with clearance so that the link (23) can be swung relative to the direction of the shank (3). The link (23) connecting the take-up chain (20) to the tensioner is to advantage made in a C-shape so that the take-up chain (20) with hook (21) can be easily hooked-on to or hooked off the tensioner.

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: A roller chain-connecting tool comprises a narrow elongated body containing a lengthwise-extending threaded rod journaled in and extending through both ends of the body to hexagonal bolt heads for rotating the rod. A chain hook is mounted on the threaded rod by means of an internally threaded block which moves lengthwise along the tool's body when the rod is turned. In one embodiment, a second chain hook is mounted on one end of the body and the rod is threaded in only one direction. In another embodiment, the second chain hook is mounted on another internally-threaded block and the threaded rod has approximately one half threaded in each direction from its center. The chain hooks or jaws are gently curved toward one another and are tapered so as to fit both small and large gauge roller chains, the large chains being at least twice the size of the small chains.

Abstract: A tensioning device, especially for lashing chains. The device is provided with two link members, movable with respect to each other and having a releasable latch for receiving chain members. At least one link member has a fork-shape, including two legs or arms projecting to extend freely and parallel to each other while being connected by a transverse piece. The link members are held under tension in the closure position, and at least one link member is movable into a releasing position under the force of the connected tension chain. Two spindles are journalled in a double nut, with each having self-binding left and right threads for movement of the link members. A yoke or bracket bridging a suspension opening formed by a hook can be provided, with the hook being pivotable to serve as a link member. The hook is releasably connected with its free end on the yoke or bracket. The hook may be extended beyond the pivot axis thereof.

Abstract: A traction device which is adapted to be mounted on a tire is provided which comprises at least one ribbed strap. The strap is mounted with the ribs facing outwardly, and provides greater traction in snow.

Abstract: Low-height reversible ratchet tie-down winch for flat decked vehicles. The tie-down winches are adjustably mounted in retainer channels extending along each side of the deck of the vehicle. Each winch is rotatably mounted between the top and bottom walls of its base and tension of the tie-down chain is maintained by a pawl and ratchet. The winch block has a chain pocket to lock a horizontal link of the chain to the chain pocket and a recessed portion engaging a next adjacent vertical link of the chain. The ratchet has a cooperating pocket engageable with a next adjacent vertical link of the chain and completing the chain pocket in the winch block. The chain may be trained through one end or the other of the base for the winch.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding a load of articles including an elongate cable extending about the load, and a spring-loaded device operatively interconnecting opposite ends of the cable. A cable take-up drum is provided to adjust the effective length of the cable extending about the load and to deflect the spring to provide selected tightening of the cable about the load. Should the load change configuration the spring maintains the cable taut about the load.

Abstract: A chain attachment structure interconnects the end of a chain to the takeup drum of a winch or hoist so that the chain load is applied directly to an integral part of the drum even if the chain is fully unwound. A recess extends inward from the periphery of the drum and includes a pair of spaced walls. A lug integral with one wall extends toward the opposite wall. The space between the lug and the opposite wall defines a path for inserting a chain link into the recess and over the lug. A keeper inserted into the path prevents removal of the link from the lug.

Abstract: A chain for binding logs on a transport platform may be fabricated from a plurality of sequentially connected generally planar links, each link having laterally directed, log-penetrating extensions mounted to its external sides and having an elongated member with two log-penetrating ends rigidly mounted between the sides of the link normal to the plane of the link. A combination of the chain with an over-center binder attached to said chain and having a chain-engageable first end is also disclosed.

Abstract: The load binder, of any conventional type, has a length of security chain permanently attached to the same and carrying a shackle, ring or the like at its free end. A separate length of binder chain is provided having links that pass freely through the security chain and shackle; at one end a grab hook is connected to the binder chain and is of larger size than the noted shackle to preclude removal of the security chain at this end of the binder chain, while the other end of the binder chain is welded or permanently fastened at a point on the cargo transporter with which the binder is used. Accordingly, when thus installed on a flatbed or the like, the binder is normally permanently attached to the bed although adjustably positionable to the limits allowed by movement of the security chain along the length of the binder chain.

Abstract: A pelican hook of the type utilized to make rapid and secure connections with cables, chains and eyelets is provided with adjustment features permitting the distance between or tension applied to the connected articles to be varied. The hook is designed to permit the distance or tension adjustment to be made while the articles are interconnected by the hook. Additional safety features prevent the hook from opening until it is manually released.