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 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 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: Apparatus for holding a first object or objects in a fixed position relative to a second object comprising an elongated continuous length strap for engaging and holding the first object; strap attachment apparatus connected to opposite ends of the strap for attaching the strap to the second object; winch-type strap tightening apparatus operatively associated with an intermediate loop portion of the strap for adjustably tensioning the strap; the winch-type strap tightening apparatus comprising a rotatable split shaft assembly for winding and unwinding the strap to adjustably tension the strap defining a slot for receiving an intermediate, variable length loop portion of the strap to enable adjustment of the effective length of strap; ratchet apparatus associated with the shaft assembly for releasably holding the shaft against unwinding rotation during and after tensioning of the strap; a one piece frame member for supporting the shaft assembly and the ratchet apparatus; and the split shaft assembly comprising

Abstract: A shoe lace tightener in which a housing open at the top and back and closed at the front, sides and bottom has a spindle extending from front to back on which the hub of a reel for a shoe lace is journaled. A spring biases the reel in the direction to retract the lace by winding on the reel. A lever at the top of the housing unlocks the lace to permit winding and unwinding of the lace and locks the lace in the desired position. A clip with sides straddling the side walls of the case has a back section partially closing the back of the case and holding the hub and lever in the case.

Abstract: A device for transporting a plant having a root system confined in a ball of earth. The device comprises a flexible strip which is placed around the ball of earth in belt-like fashion, a means for winding the strip so as to tightly grip the ball, and a means for locking the strip in position as the ball is being transported.

Abstract: A cable storage device having an operating pulley which is driven by a spring for retraction of cable which is payed out from the device is provided with a friction clutch interconnecting the spring and the pulley so that the clutch slips when the spring has been fully tensioned by paying out of the cable thereby to permit further paying out of cable without further tensioning of the spring.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a first object or objects in a fixed position relative to a second object comprising an elongated continuous length strap means for engaging and holding the first object, strap attachment means connected to opposite ends of the strap means for attaching the strap means to the second object, and winch-type strap tightening means operatively associated with an intermediate loop portion of the strap means for adjustably tensioning the strap means, the winch-type strap tightening means comprising a rotatable shaft means for winding and unwinding the strap means to adjstably tension the strap means, slot means in the shaft means for receiving an intermediate, variable length loop portion of the strap means to enable adjustment of the effective length of strap means, and ratchet means associated with the shaft means for releaseably holding the shaft means against unwinding rotation during and after tensioning of the strap means.

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: A portable, releasable tie-down device and method for quickly and easily applying tension to a flexible elongated member such as a belt, strap, cable, rope or the like when the ends thereof are either free or tied down. The device enables an elongated member to be tensioned without the necessity of releasing the tied-down ends. Either the end portions of one or more flexible elongated members or a midportion of a single elongated member are wrapped into overlapping relationship, thereby tensioning the flexible elongated member. The flexible elongated member may be maintained under tension until it is desired to relieve such tension. Subsequently, the flexible elongated member may be quickly and easily relieved of tension and the device may be totally removed from engagement with the flexible elongated member.