Abstract: A method is provided of monitoring a tension in a strap secured about a cargo item on a vehicle. The method includes removably attaching at least a first sensor to the strap, the first sensor capable of determining a relative position of the first sensor and to transmit data relating to said first relative position. Relative position is sensed of at least a second sensor operable to determine a relative position of the second sensor. A position of the first and second sensors relative to one another is compared to monitor a change in position of the first and second sensors relative to one another to monitor a change in tension of the strap.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends. One of the ends 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 has at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly. The limiter is 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.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends. One of the ends 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 has at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly. The limiter is 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.

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 restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends. One of the ends 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 has at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly. The limiter is 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.

Abstract: An air suspension system for use with vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles comprises a sealed chamber inside the handlebars and a fluid line that interconnects the chamber with the vehicle's pneumatic shock absorber, typically part of the forks. Preferably, the system includes a control valve in fluid communication with the chamber and disposed at or between the handlebars or at the forks. In the preferred embodiment, the control valve is connected to a port located near the center of the handlebars. The preferred embodiment also includes a manual pressure release valve in communication with the chamber and an oil/air separator and/or check valve configured to generally prevent oil from entering the chamber. The pressure release valve and/or the separator or check valve can be made integral with or separate from the control valve. Handlebar caps or plugs can be used to seal the handlebars.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap (1, 1') for closing a bottle (2) or similar container having a projecting outer annular ridge (10) in the region of its container aperture. The cap (1, 1') has an inner cap section (3) with spring pins (7) which engage the annular ridge (10) of the bottle (2) from under in the closed position and can be secured in this engaged position by an outer cap section (4) in the form of a slide ring.