Abstract: A cargo securing kit which incorporates synthetic chains in a manner which addresses the increased pitch of the synthetic link and the increased elongation of the synthetic chain, while still allowing the usage of conventional prior art load binders in a timely and safe manner. The kit includes a tie-down chain assembly, the tie-down assembly including a length of synthetic chain formed of individual links, each of the links having a pitch of P1. The kit further includes a shortening chain assembly, the shortening chain assembly including a length of metal chain formed of individual metal links, each of the metal links having a pitch P2, wherein the pitch P2 is less than the pitch P1.

Abstract: A two line spring reel unit, including a housing defining a first opening and a second opening; a first anchor and a second anchor, inside and fixed to the housing; a first spiral spring having an inner end held by the first anchor and a second spiral spring having an interior end held by the second anchor; a first spool, fixed to rotate about a first pin, and a second spool set to rotate about a second pin and wherein the first spiral spring has an outer end attached to the first spool and the second spiral spring has an outer end attached to the second spool; and a first tension member, wrapped about the first spool and extending out of the first opening and a second tension member wrapped about the second spool and extending out of the second opening.

Abstract: An exercise weight support device includes: a spool connected to a belt to suspend the device, the spool being rotatable to enable more or less of the belt to be wound therearound to change the vertical position of the device; a ratchet wheel drivingly coupled to the spool to control rotation thereof; an outer frame having a cradle and/or pair of hooks to support a bar of a free weight; a ratchet pawl connected to the outer frame at a fixed location relative thereto; and a trigger handle coupled to the spool to move the spool relative to the ratchet pawl between a non-operating position of the trigger handle causing the ratchet pawl and teeth of the ratchet wheel to engage, and an operating position of the trigger handle causing the ratchet pawl and teeth to disengage to control rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A load binding apparatus includes an elongated first part slidingly engageable to an elongated second part, the first and second parts including internal races or journal bearings to receive and provide guidance and support for a tie bolt, a tie bolt extending between the elongated first and second parts through the races/journal bearings to engage a threaded aperture in order to selectively shorten or elongate the load binding apparatus to control tension, and chain couplers at opposed ends to couple to a binding chain.

Abstract: Provided is a cargo hold assembly for use in a cargo bed of a pickup truck. The cargo hold assembly comprises a base configured to be mounted to a side-wall portion of the cargo bed; and a clamping assembly pivotally mounted to the base. The clamping assembly provides a clamp mechanism including a top clamp arm and a bottom clamp arm, wherein the top clamp arm is moveable relative to the bottom clamp arm to permit the engagement and retention of cargo therebetween.

Abstract: A mat hauler, comprising a fifth wheel tractor having a chassis and a fifth wheel hitch. A mat elevating mechanism is secured to the chassis. A frame is supported by the mat elevating mechanism. The frame provides a minimum of four mat contacting elements. The mat elevating mechanism may be pneumatic.

Abstract: A wheel securing apparatus includes a first tube having a plate positioned at a first end; a second tube engaged with the first tube such that the second tube is to extend away from the first tube; a cuff attached to a first end of the second tube and to engage with the wheel; a brace engaged with the first tube; a ratcheting wheel having teeth to engage with a openings associated with the first tube, the ratcheting wheel supported by the brace; and a handle engaged with the ratcheting wheel and to extend the second tube away from the first tube via movement of the teeth with the openings; the plate secures within a wheel guard and the cuff secures to the wheel via pressure created by extending the first tube away from the second tube.

Abstract: A baggage storage and retention system includes a first vehicle seat receiving a first passenger in a vehicle. A second vehicle seat of the vehicle receives a second passenger. Each vehicle seat has a seatbelt assembly generating a seatbelt locked signal when one of the first or second passengers seated in the vehicle seat closes the seatbelt assembly defining a seatbelt closed condition. A vehicle storage compartment has multiple strap and/or lock assemblies. A first strap assembly generates a first strap locked signal when a first baggage item of the first passenger is placed in the vehicle storage compartment, engaged with the first baggage item and closed defining a strap assembly closed condition. A passenger and baggage identification system receives the seatbelt locked signal and the first strap locked signal and links the first passenger to the first seat and the first baggage item to the first passenger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for tying down an object that employs one or more tie downs. Each tie down includes a flexible connector having first and second end portions and a floating cleat. When the object is properly tied down, the flexible connector and the floating cleat are suspended between the object and an anchor point.

Abstract: A retractable strap load tie-down device includes a housing containing a tubular spool with a flat helical spring in its interior and a flexible tie-down strap wrapped on its exterior. The housing also includes a frame journaling a tensioning shaft for rotation where the tensioning shaft includes a slot through which the strap passes. Keyed to the end portions of the shaft are ratchet wheels and associate with the ratchet wheels are pawls that engage and disengage from the teeth of the ratchet wheels by action of a handle mounted, squeezable release bar that selectively displaces slide rods leading to the pawls. The handle will selectively rotate the tensioning shaft depending on the engagement of the pawls with the ratchet wheels. Swinging of the handle through an arc will tension the strap when the free end of the strap is anchored.

Abstract: Provided is a ratchet tie down including a main body portion, a reel assembly rotatable relative to the main body portion, a first sprocket surrounding the reel assembly, a second sprocket surrounding the reel assembly, at least one first noise reduction disk, at least one second noise reduction disk, and a release pawl biased in a locked position to land on the noise reduction disks to dampen the sound as the release pawl engages teeth of the sprockets.

Abstract: A weather proof cover for a strap winch that is mounted on a truck bed or flat trailer. The cover is capable of protecting the strap winch assembly from dust, dirt and moisture, while remaining securely attached to the assembly during transport.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a motor vehicle having at least one flap, which can be moved between an open and a closed position, an encodable locking device for locking the flap, an unlocking device for unlocking the encodable locking device, and at least one further access opening which is adapted to the size of a specific postal article and can be closed by at least one additional flap. The access opening can be locked by an encodable locking device and can be unlocked by an unlocking device.

Abstract: A device for securing at least one object that is disposed on a load surface of a vehicle is provided. The device having at least one securing element which by external power is adjustable at least from a loading position to a securing position, wherein in the loading position at least one object can be disposed on the load surface, and the at least one object in the securing position by way of the securing element is held in a location on the load surface in that the securing element in the securing position is in contact with the at least one object and a force that acts in the direction of the load surface is applied to the securing element in the securing position.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel in a frame, a first flexible tether, a base and a pawl. The frame includes a cog having a single tooth. The first flexible tether has a first end coupled to the rotatable reel and a second end capable of being coupled to one of a vehicle and a cargo item. The first flexible tether is windable around the rotatable reel. The base rotate with the reel. The pawl is pivotally connected to the base, and is biased in a first position that allows rotation of the pawl with respect to the cog. The pawl moves to a second position responsive to centrifugal force associated with a velocity of rotation of the rotatable reel exceeding a threshold. The pawl engages the cog in the second position to inhibit relative movement of the pawl with respect to the cog.

Abstract: A cargo-restraint system includes a cargo-restraint apparatus and an anchor plate disposed on a sidewall of a pickup-truck box. The cargo-restraint apparatus includes a spool supported for rotation within a housing, and a strap wound on the spool and extendable and retractable relative to the housing. A strap-return mechanism rotationally biases the spool in a return direction of the strap. A ratchet assembly is supported by the housing and is configured to resist rotation of the spool in the return direction when engaged and to permit rotation when disengaged. The housing is configured to connect with the anchor plate to secure the cargo-restraint apparatus to the box.

Abstract: A load securing system for transporting a coil includes a coil that may be transported on a trailer. The coil has top side, an outwardly facing side and a central aperture. The central aperture has a bounding surface. A plurality of securing units is provided and hingedly coupled together such that the plurality of securing units forms a circle. Each of the securing units is selectively positioned on the coil when the coil is transported to protect the coil from impact damage. A chain plurality of chains is each extended over an associated one of the securing units to secure the coil to the trailer. Each of the securing units is comprised of a rigid material to inhibit the chains from damaging the coil.

Abstract: A cargo securing apparatus and a method of maintaining a user configured tension in a cargo securing element are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one sensor arranged to measure a first and second tension in a tensile element (used to secure the cargo) at different times and a processor in data communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to receive the tension measurements from the sensor and to distinguish between acute and sustained deviations in tension based on the tension measurements. Conditionally, the processor may compare the first and second tension measurements to a user configured tension setting and determine tension correction parameters required to maintain the tension in the tensile element within a range of the user configured setting. The apparatus may include one or more manual or automated adjustment drives to adjust the tension in the tensile element in accordance with the tension correction parameters.

Abstract: A dunnage bag and load strap hanger apparatus includes a dunnage bag and load strap hanger and a handle mounted applicator block operative to support and affix the dunnage bag and load strap hanger. The dunnage bag and load strap hanger is fabricated from three distinct and separate parts: a generally planar support substrate and two release papers covering adhesive patches or regions on the support substrate. The support substrate in one embodiment is a sheet that is further divided into two contact members separated by a resilient coupler. Each contact member preferably has a contact body, a hanging loop distal to the resilient coupler, and in alternative embodiments an adhesive coating or other fasteners and affixers. In one alternative embodiment there is one affixing surface, and a fastener to couple two contact members together to support a load strap.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modular fuel storage and transportation are provided. In an embodiment, a fuel storage system includes one or more fuel containers each supported by a fuel container support assembly. The fuel storage system may be mounted to a transportation device such as a vehicle or used in a stand-alone fashion. Each support assembly may include a plurality of detachable end support members such as end support members configured to support the end portions of the fuel container and side support members configured to support the body portion of the fuel container. Some of the end support members may include neck grooves such that when the end support members are coupled, the neck grooves form an enclosure around the neck portion of the fuel container. In an embodiment, the support assembly is configured to facilitate release of excess pressure in the fuel container.

Abstract: A semi-trailer includes first and second main beams and left and right side rails. A cargo platform extends between the left and right side rails. Each of the side rails includes an aluminum extrusion including an upper portion including a platform engaging portion, and a lower portion including a winch track. The lower portion further includes a projecting hook engagement wall. The hook engagement wall includes an upper surface oriented toward the cargo supporting platform and an opposite lower surface. The hook engagement wall includes a tapered nose including first and second nose walls that define a nose angle X such that said tapered nose is adapted to be received in an open recess of an associated cargo strap hook that defines a hook recess angle X?.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic tightening device with rolling and unrolling control functions. A handle, a base, and a spool are pivotally connected together by a reel having an associated relationship with the spool and provided with a coil spring driving structure at an end. The handle and the base each has two parallel sidewalls. A movable pawl/stop pawl is mounted between the sidewalls of the handle/base. The two pawls can be in contact with any tooth around ratchet wheel sheets. A no-load webbing unrolling-rolling-stopping region, a safe lock position, a tightening operation region, and a load releasing region are provided at an edge of the base. The no-load webbing unrolling-rolling-stopping regions at the edges of the base are inclined surfaces, end surfaces of the stop and movable pawls are chamfers, and a no-load releasing cam rim and a load releasing cam rim are provided at an edge of the handle.

Abstract: A roll-up grout bag apparatus includes a dowel with a slot formed therethrough from an open end to a closed end thereof. A lever is engaged with the dowel at the closed end to facilitate rolling the dowel about an axis thereof. The slot receives a filling end of a grout bag and is rolled onto the dowel using the lever to urge grout within the bag to be dispensed from an opening at a narrow dispensing end of the bag. The apparatus may include a ratchet mechanism to engage the lever with the dowel.

Abstract: A universal wrench assembly includes a wrench, one end has a head, and the other end has a handle. The head has a groove with a partial spherical surface for engaging a workpiece. One side of the groove has a through-hole, a rotating shaft is rotatablely installed in the through-hole. A supporting housing has a side wall and an upper wall, and the side wall and the upper wall connect and form an installing cavity. The upper wall has an insert hole. An elastic slot is disposed on an upper wall at one side of the insert hole, the side wall has a through groove, a lower end of the through groove has an opening, and an upside has a lateral limiting area. A fixing rod, with one end pass through the insert hole and the rotating cavity and rotatablely disposed at an axial central area of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for preventing cargo in the cargo area of a vehicle from shifting forward in an accident, the vehicle having a horizontally hinged rear door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport carriage for cargo, particularly balls compressed from agricultural crops such as straw or silage, having a loading platform, which is designed to reach under the cargo in the loading state of the transport carriage, and having a strapping system which enables the cargo to be secured on the loading platform. The strapping system has comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of tensioning devices, arranged spaced apart from each other, which can be guided around the cargo loaded on the loading platform, at least in sections, by a common conveying device.

Abstract: A pickup-truck box includes a bed and a sidewall connected to a longitudinal side of the bed. The sidewall includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and a top rail. The top rail defines a stake-pocket hole and extends between the panels to define a sidewall interior. A stake-pocket bracket includes a tubular body defining an opening. The bracket is disposed within the sidewall interior with a first side of the tubular body secured to the inner panel at a location that vertical aligns the opening with the hole to receive an object within the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus used for winding or unwinding winch straps includes a clevis, a first engagement plate, and a second engagement plate. Both the first engagement plate and the second engagement plate contain a lobe, a lug, an oblong body, and a plate pinhole which are rotatably connected to the clevis with a plate retaining pin which traverses through the plate pinhole. When in use, a power tool is attached to a tool-receiving slot, which is integrated into a structural body of the clevis. Next, the lobe of the first engagement plate and the second engagement plate establishes a connection with the spool hub the apparatus is being used on. Simultaneously, the lug of the first engagement plate and the second engagement plate are pressed against the spool hub. Therefore, the force is transferred from the power tool to the spool via the introduced apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel in a frame, first and second flexible tethers, and a mechanical device. The first flexible tether has a first end coupled to the rotatable reel and a second end capable of being coupled to a cargo item, the first flexible tether is windable around the rotatable reel. The mechanical device includes a pawl and cog that are movable with respect to each other, the pawl coupled to the rotatable reel for rotatable movement therewith. Movement of a cargo item attached to the first flexible tether that causes the first flexible tether to move in an unwinding direction on the rotatable reel causes movement of the pawl-containing member relative to the cog. Velocity in the unwinding direction such as that encountered during a crash or free-fall engages the pawl into the cog, thereby inhibiting movement of the first flexible tether in an unwinding direction on the rotatable reel.

Abstract: A vehicle tie down device includes a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base plate defining at least two base plate bores therethrough, and a first bolt extending through a first of the base plate bores and a second bolt extending through a second of the base plate bores. The device further includes a first arm coupled to a lower end of the first bolt and a second arm coupled to a lower end of the second bolt, the arms configured to engage a T-slot, and a guide member extending from the lower surface of the base plate, the guide member disposed between the base plate bores. The device further includes a flange extending away from and substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate, the flange configured to support a tow hook.

Abstract: A tensioning device uses two perpendicular gears so that common hand tool such as wrenches or socket wrenches can be used to drive the gears to rotate a barrel having two oppositely threaded apertures. Shafts having complementary threads inserted into the threaded apertures and means for connecting chain, wire rope, cable, or straps will be extended or retracted when tools rotate the driving gear. End effectors on the shafts include hooks or clevises for securing cargo, pads for use as a jack, and ball ends for use as an adjustable mechanical linkage such as the top link of a three-point agricultural hitch. Load locks can secure the threaded shafts from unwanted rotation while in transit or in other service.

Abstract: A propane trunk support apparatus for a car trunk comprising: a base including a pair of pegs; a cylindrical receptacle portion having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an opening configured and sized to receive a propane tank, wherein the opening has an outer circumference and an inner circumference; and a trunk opening device removably attached to the pair of pegs, wherein the trunk opening device is configured to position a car trunk lid in a partially open position.

Abstract: A tensioning device comprised of; a gear box containing a bevel gear assembly inside the gear box with one gear attached directly to a barrel which passes through the gear box and threaded shafts at either end of the barrel. Inside the gear box is a guide which is placed such that a drive gear and the barrel gear are engaged when assembled and a socket wrench receptacle is part of the drive gear. The threaded shafts move in and out of the barrel based on the rotation of the gear. The tensioning device uses direct gearing of the rotational motion of the drive gear to rotate the barrel causing the shafts to be linearly displaced tightening or loosening a chain, cable or strap.

Abstract: An adjustable load restraint system includes a chain binder has handle, a first coupling and a second coupling. Each of the first coupling and the second coupling may be removably secured to an associated one of a pair of chains. The handle may be manipulated such that the first coupling is selectively moved toward and away from the second coupling. Thus, the chain binder selectively urges the pair of chains toward each other and away from each other. A grapple is movably coupled to the second coupling. The grapple may engage the associated chain at a selected one of a pair of locations on the associated chain. Thus, the chain binder may accommodate a variety of distances between the pair of chains.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly may include a steer ring, a steer ring side structure, a steer cylinder bracket arm, a steer cylinder, a ratchet lock gear, a steering collar, a ratchet cylinder, a ratchet lock bar, and at least one sensor. When in a particular locked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring, the ratchet lock gear, and the steering collar. When in an unlocked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring around the ratchet lock gear.

Abstract: A cargo retainer system incorporates a load-bearing strap that extends over a cargo element, and a strap-retainer having an elastic portion that is stretched to a stretched length and attached to the load-bearing strap. The strap-retainer has clamp that attaches to the load-bearing strap and a hook on an opposing end to secure the strap retainer under tension, or with the elastic portion stretched. The strap-retainer provides an elastic retaining force on the load-bearing strap wherein the force exerted on the load bearing strap increase when the cargo shift away from strap-retainer and the force decreases when the cargo shifts toward the strap-retainer. A cargo retainer system may incorporate a strap-retainer on either side of the cargo element to provide complimentary and corrective elastic retaining forces on the load-bearing strap.

Abstract: A lashing rod assembly includes a lashing rod and a hook member. The lashing rod is displaceable between upper and lower positions. The hook member includes a weight segment, a power segment, a hook, and a flange. The weight segment is configured to extend into an inner space of a corner casting of a shipping container. The power segment extends into a through hole of the lashing rod. The hook is configured to be in abutting engagement with an inner surface of the corner casting when the lashing rod is displaced to the lower position. The flange has an interior fulcrum area configured to bear on a shoulder region of the through hole so as to permit the weight segment to be angularly movable during downward displacement of the lashing rod.

Abstract: A hay strap hook for positioning and holding a strap straight in place over rows of hay stacks or bales on a trailer for tightening the strap in place is disclosed. The hay strap hook is comprised of two upper vertical arms that are connected at their lower end individually to one end of two horizontal arms, two lower vertical arms connected at their upper end individually to other end of the two horizontal arms, a central bar joining the two horizontal arms together, and a pole joined at the center of the bottom of the central bar. To use the hay strap hook, use the pole to reach the straps on the top of the hay bales, use the upper vertical arms to lift the strap, turn the hook half over and poke the pointed ends into a hay bale that is held by the strap while tightening the strap across hay bales to trailer on other side.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends, at least one of which is coupled to the strap such that the resilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link within the restraint assembly. A limiter haves at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly, the limiter being longer than the resilient member when the resilient member is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter prevents the resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition. At least one side rail is coupled to the resilient member and the strap, the side rail being positioned aside the resilient member and the strap, the side rail including coupling structure operable to couple the resilient member to the strap.

Abstract: A temporary supporting fixture for use during painting of a vehicle hood. The fixture has a first elongated beam with a first length and includes at least two adjustable length hook members extending from an engagement side for releasable attachment to the hood. A second elongated beam having a second length greater than the first length is also provided and includes at least two hook elements extending from the engagement side of the fixture and configured for releasable attachment to the hood. The second elongated beam further includes at least two adjustable extensions protruding from the engagement side of the fixture and configured for engagement with a surface of the hood. The second beam further includes an at least generally tangential projection configured to engage a striker of the hood. At least two struts extend between the first and second elongated beams.

Abstract: A bale carrier including a “C” clamp whose front and rear jaws have lower segments and upper segments, the “C” clamp having a load bed frame; first hydraulic cylinders connected to one of the jaws for extending and retracting the front and rear jaws, second hydraulic cylinders connected to the jaws' upper segments for extending and retracting the upper segments; bale straps extending between the jaws' upper segments, pivot joints interconnecting the jaws' lower and upper segments for pivoting the bale straps for bale securing and bale clearing; and a plurality of wheels fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the load bed frame.

Abstract: A tie down device comprised of a tie down strap and a ratchet take-up device, with the ratchet being suitable for taking up the tie down strap in order to change the effective length of the strap for use with different sized loads and to create tension over a load when securing it, with the tie down strap having a relatively long inelastic proximate portion and a relatively short elastic distal portion; such that the inelastic portion of the strap maintains tension on a load being secured and the elastic portion of the strap serves as an automatic re-tensioning means if the load shifts.

Abstract: Provided herein is a load binding device for securing and/or tightening the load on a flatbed trailer or deck; wherein the device comprises a winch in operable association with a manual slack adjuster. Also provided herein is a system or kit comprising the load binding device disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cargo holding apparatus configured to secure cargo in a pickup truck cargo bed and facilitate unloading of the cargo therefrom is provided with a holding frame having cross members forming a top and a bottom of the holding frame; and side support members forming a left side and a right side of the holding frame, where the cross members being joined to the side support members at each end; a strap secured to each side support member, the strap being dimensioned to extend at least a length of the cargo bed; and a clamping member disposed and a left and a right side vertical walls of the cargo bed at a position nearest a lift gate of the cargo bed, each of the straps being fed through respective clamping members, the respective clamping members securely holding each strap when in an engaged aspect and allowing each strap to slide unrestricted when in a disengaged aspect.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a deck of a transport. The strap assembly is also configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport on a first side of the tire of the vehicle. The system also includes a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly on a second side of the tire of the vehicle, opposite the first side. The system further includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport and the mandrel assembly on the second side of the tire of the vehicle, the winch assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire.

Abstract: A shipping strap assembly for use in securing items during transport. The shipping strap assembly includes a first locking element and a second locking element disposed within a frame. The locking elements may be cam buckles oriented in the same direction. In certain embodiments, the shipping strap assembly further includes a strap extending from one side of the frame to the other and engaging both the first and second locking elements, the strap being adjustable to form a nose between the first and second locking elements. In certain embodiments, the strap further terminates at one or both ends in an attachment element, which may include an E, L, or A-track fitting or a hook, ring, clip, clamp, coupler, shackle, or loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double folding seat for a vehicle, particularly a public transportation vehicle such as a bus or a train, with a bench seat positioned in the direction of travel of the vehicle that has a backrest and a seating surface that can be folded between a home position and a sitting position, with a retaining device for holding a wheelchair or the like that has at least two hooks arranged in extension of the backrest and mounted on a wall supported on a floor of the vehicle, which hooks can be tightened by respective tightening members and loosened by respective loosening members, with a safety belt for the wheelchair user and with a covering for the tightening members and loosening members.

Abstract: A strap provides additional connection points in a vehicle bed to tethers at more convenient locations than OEM anchor points. The strap includes a ring or series of rings that are connected by webbing segments. A tensioning device is included in the strap to adjust the length of the strap and to provide tension when installed. Two straps can be used along the lateral sides of a pickup-truck bed. Tether such as bungee chords, ropes, straps, or cargo nets can be placed from one strap to another to secure cargo in the bed in ways that are not possible when using the OEM anchor points alone.

Abstract: A cargo securing device for securing cargo is provided. The device includes an attachment means having a first and a second end portion; a peripherally rotatable storage spool onto which the first end portion of the attachment means is fastened and is spoolable upon; a lockable and releasable tightening device connected to the attachment means for the tightening thereof; and a common support structure for supporting said storage spool and tightening device. The support structure is provided with at least one fastening device to be fixed to an external anchor object. The storage spool and the tightening device are arranged separate from one another; wherein the tightening device is adapted for free passage of the attachment means via the tightening device; and wherein the second and free end portion of the attachment means is conducted from the storage spool via the tightening device.

Abstract: A cargo tie down device includes a bracket for mounting on a vehicle such as a truck, trailer, rail car or the like. The bracket may be U-shaped and a hand ratchet may be mounted between the ends of the bracket to wind up a load strap on a spindle rotated by a pivotally mounted handle. A tension release mechanism operates independently of the load strap to safely release the load on the strap. In some embodiments, the bracket slides on a rail of the underside of the vehicle so it may be positioned at any of a series of locations on the vehicle. The device eliminates a conventional removable winch bar and thereby eliminates safety problems associated with winch bars.