Abstract: An attachment mechanism for an auxiliary luggage case which is attached to a main luggage case to attach an auxiliary luggage case for support on and by an exterior surface of the main luggage case. The attachment mechanism includes a flexible elongated belt member connected to the main luggage case, a hook member connected to an outer end of the belt member, and a pocket having a size sufficient to contain the hook and the belt member. A selectively openable and closeable cover member allows access to the pocket to remove and extend the belt member and the hook member, and also restricts access to the pocket and fully confines the retracted belt member and hook member within the pocket. The hook member is preferably pivotal to an extended position in which to attach to luggage and to a retracted position which consumes less space than in the extended position.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for a cargo lashing strap that secures cargo to a cargo deck and is configured to have a frame having a first portion adapted to couple the frame to the cargo deck an intermediate portion, and a second portion. The frame has two side walls extending continuously therealong and are generally parallel to one another in the first and second portions, and taper in the intermediate portion. A spindle receives the cargo lashing strap and extends through apertures in the side walls in the second portion of the frame. The spindle is provided with an axial slot therethrough for engaging the cargo lashing strap. Ratchet wheels arranged on the first and second spindle ends, rotate with the spindle. An adapter facilitates engagement and disengagement of a torquing lever with the spindle. A pawl shaft has ends that extend through apertures in both side walls in the second portion of the frame.

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

Abstract: A 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: 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.