Locking Mechanism for A Tie Down

Abstract

A locking device and system for a tie down includes elements that positively secure a securing strap within a locking housing to hold one or more objects in place. In one embodiment, the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive one end of the securing strap. The locking housing includes at least a user actuable lever and a gripping element. When the securing strap is threaded through the cavity of locking housing and the securing strap is in a desired positioned within the locking housing, the locking device enables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against the strap and positively secure the position of the strap within the housing. In one embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt having teeth and the gripping element includes a surface with teeth that mesh with the teeth of the strap.

Description

BACKGROUND

Locking devices for securing a strap are known. However, a need exists for a locking device that includes positive locking features that better secure a tie down strap within a housing to hold an object in place.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a locking device and system for a tie down that positively secures a strap within a locking housing to hold one or more objects in place. The locking housing is secured to one location and one end of the strap is secured to a different location relative to the locking housing. In one embodiment, the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive a securing strap. The locking housing includes, among other elements, a user actuable lever and a gripping element. When the strap is threaded through the cavity of the locking housing and the strap is in a desired positioned within the locking housing, the locking device enables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against the strap and positively secure the position of the strap within the locking housing. In one embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt having predetermined ridges and grooves (e.g., teeth) and the gripping element includes a surface of ridges and grooves (e.g., teeth) that substantially mesh with the teeth of the cogged belt. In one such example, when the gripping element is pressed into securing contact with the strap, the teeth of the strap mesh with the teeth of the gripping element to positively secure the strap in the desired position within the locking housing.

In one embodiment of the locking device and system, the locking device includes a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, wherein the second opening is opposite from the first opening, and the top having a channel. The locking device includes a lever pivotally coupled to the housing, wherein the lever is positioned partially within the first opening of the sloped housing, an arm pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing, an angle block having a plurality of sides, wherein the bottom includes a gripping element and the top of the angle block including at least two guide pins, the angle block pivotally coupled to the arm and slidably coupled to the top of the sloped housing, wherein the angle block is at least partially positioned within the sloped housing, and a strap, wherein at least part of the strap is positioned within the housing.

In one embodiment, one end of the lever is in the shape of a cam. In one embodiment, the bottom of the sloped housing includes at least two securing apertures for securing the position of the sloped housing.

In one embodiment, the channel in the top of the sloped housing runs the entire length of the top.

In one embodiment, the lever is pivotally coupled to the housing with a pin, the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever a second pin, and the arm is pivotally coupled to the angle block with a third pin.

In one embodiment, the strap includes ridges and grooves. In one such embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt. In another such embodiment, the gripping element of the angle block also includes ridges and grooves such that the ridges of the angle block fit within the grooves on the cogged belt and the ridges of the cogged belt fit within the grooves of the angle block when the angle block is pressed against the strap.

In one embodiment, if an additional load is applied to the strap, the load causes the lever to pivot further thereby causing the angle block to further press against the strap.

In one such embodiment, the gripping element of the angle block includes a plurality of ridges and grooves. In one such embodiment, the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of the angle block. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping element is integrally formed with the bottom of the angle block.

In one embodiment, the guide pins are coupled to the top of the angle block. In an alternative embodiment, the guide pins are integrally formed with the top of the angle block.

In one embodiment, the strap is coupled to a load buckle.

In one embodiment, the method of securing a strap includes inserting a strap into a desired position within a sloped housing, the sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, and the top including a channel. The method includes pivoting a lever towards the base of the sloped housing, wherein the lever is pivotally coupled to the sloped housing and positioned at least partially within the first opening of the sloped housing. The method also includes pivoting and pushing an arm to move in the direction of the second opening of the sloped housing based on the pivoting motion of the lever, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever and positioned within the sloped housing. The method further includes pushing the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing and sliding the angle block into the strap such that the angle block at least temporarily secures the position of the strap within the sloped housing based on the pivoting and pushing of the arm. The angle block is pivotally coupled to the arm. The angle block also includes a guide pin coupled to the top of the angle block and positioned within the channel of the sloped housing, which causes the angle block to move towards the base of the sloped housing and removably couple the angle block to the strap when pushed by the arm.

In an alternative embodiment, a locking system to removably secure objects includes a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top. The base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, and wherein top includes a channel. The locking system includes a lever pivotally coupled to the sloped housing, wherein the lever is positioned partially with the first opening of the sloped housing. The locking system also includes an arm pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing. The locking system further includes an angle block positioned within the sloped housing and pivotally coupled to the arm and slidably coupled to the top of the sloped housing. The angle block includes a guide pin and a gripping element, wherein the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of the angle block and includes ridges and grooves. The guide pin is coupled to the top of the angle block and opposite of the gripping element. The guide pin also positioned within the channel of the top of the sloped housing. The locking system further includes a strap having a plurality of ridges and grooves, wherein at least part of the strap is configured to be positioned within the housing such that the ridges and grooves of the strap are parallel to, and facing the ridges and grooves of the bottom of the angle block. In this embodiment, when the strap is positioned within the sloped housing and the lever is pivoted towards the base of the sloped housing, the lever causes the arm to push the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing. The channel of the sloped housing also causes the angle block to slide towards the base of the housing such that the ridges and grooves of the angle block fit within the ridges and grooves of the strap, thereby securing the strap within the sloped housing.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, a locking device and system is described, wherein the locking device enables a user to secure or hold an object in place (e.g., hold an object within the bed of a truck; however it should be appreciated that the locking system can be configured to hold any object in place in any suitable situation). In one example embodiment, the locking mechanism can be used to secure a boat within the bed of a truck. The locking housing is secured to one location of the truck bed and one end of the strap is secured to a different location on the truck bed relative to the position of the locking housing. In one embodiment, the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive the unsecured end of the strap. The locking housing includes, among other elements, a user actuable lever and a gripping element. When the strap is threaded through the cavity of locking housing and the strap is in a desired positioned within the housing (e.g., the strap is pulled taut over the boat in the bed of the truck), the locking device enables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against the strap and positively secure the position of the strap within the housing. In one preferred embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt having teeth and the gripping element includes teeth that substantially match the teeth of the cogged belt. In one such example, when the gripping element is pressed into securing contact with the strap, the teeth of the strap mesh with the grooves between the teeth of the gripping element to positively secure the strap in the desired position within the locking housing. Thus, the positive locking between the locking housing and the strap enable a user to hold the boat within the bed of the truck.

In one embodiment, the locking device is positioned in a neutral and unlocked position as illustrated in the cut-away view of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 10 includes a housing 100, a lever 102, an arm 104, an angle block 106, a strap 108, and a load buckle 110 that together enable a user to secure or hold an object in place.

In one embodiment, housing 100 forms a four sided, substantially rigid and angled, sloped, or tapered structure that includes a base 100a, at least two walls 100b and 100c, and a top 100d. Walls 100b and 100c are sloped such that top 100d is positioned at an angle relative to base 100a. The slope of top 100d can be any suitable slope. Base 100a, walls 100b and 100c, and top 100d form a first opening 100e that is located on one end of the housing. A second opening 100f, is located on an end of the housing opposite from the first opening 100e and is formed from base 100a, walls 100b and 100c, and top 100d.

Top 100d includes a channel 100g, wherein top 100d and channel 100g are located opposite of base 100a of housing 100. In one embodiment, channel 100g completely divides top 100d as illustrated in FIG. 1; however, it should be appreciated that channel 100g may not completely divide top 100d and channel 100g can be any suitable length of top 100d (i.e., top 100d may not be split into two sections). Housing 100 also includes at least one aperture 100h in each of the walls 100b and 100c that are configured to accept a pin or link member. Housing 100 further includes apertures 100i and 100j that accept a securing element. It should be appreciated that housing 100 can include any suitable number of apertures on any wall for securing the housing 100. In one embodiment, the securing element is a screw, wherein apertures 100i and 100j can be threaded or unthreaded; however any suitable securing element can be used (i.e., a bolt and nut combination, rivets, etc.). It should also be appreciated that housing 100 can be at least partially flexible and can be formed into any suitable shape. In one embodiment, housing 100 can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum; however, it should be appreciated that housing 100 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, lever 102 is an elongated member wherein one end is formed into an eccentric circle such as the cam illustrated as 102a. One end of lever 102 is configured for a user to grasp. Lever 102 also includes at least two apertures 102b and 102c that are each configured to accept a pin or a link member such as pins 103a and 103b. In one embodiment, lever 102 can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that lever 102 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, arm 104 is an elongated member with a first and second end. Each end of arm 104 includes at least one aperture such as apertures 104a and 104b. Apertures 104a and 104b are configured to accept at least one pin or link such as pin 103b and pin 103c. In one embodiment, arm 104 can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that arm 104 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, pins 103a-103d can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that pins 103a-103d can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, angle block 106 is a wedged or angle shaped member that conforms to the shape of housing 100. In one embodiment, angle block 106 includes a surface element 106a that can include teeth or ridges and grooves that run along at least part of the bottom of angle block 106; however it should be appreciated that surface element 106a can run the entire length of the bottom of angle block 106 or any other suitable length. In one embodiment, wherein the surface 106a is configured as teeth or ridges and grooves, a distance between teeth of surface 106a of angle block 106 are configured to match the teeth of at least one cogged belt or strap; however the distance between teeth can be irregular or any suitable distance that do not match with any cogged belt or strap.

In one embodiment, angle block 106 can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that angle block 106 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). In one embodiment, wherein the surface 106a includes teeth, the teeth can be milled directly into surface 106a of angle block 106. However, it should be appreciated that the surface 106a can be formed as one or more separate elements from angle block 106. For example, the teeth can be formed from rubber or any other suitable material that has a high friction coefficient. In one embodiment, if the teeth are formed from separate elements, the teeth can be coupled to angle block 106 in any suitable manner (e.g., glue, screws, rivets, etc.) to form a single element. Further still, surface 106a of angle block 106 can be configured without teeth. In one such embodiment, surface 106a can be configured from any suitable material with a high coefficient of friction. Surface 106a can also include any suitable pattern that enables the surface 106a to positively grip another surface that is in contact with surface 106a.

Angle block 106 also includes guide pins 106b and 106c. In one embodiment, guide pins 106b and 106c are coupled to the top of angle block 106. In one such embodiment, guide pins 106b and 106c are welded or glued to the top of angle block 106 to form a single member 106. Guide pins 106b and 106c may also be coupled to angle block 106 through apertures formed in the top of angle block 106 (i.e., screwed to angle block 106 or coupled in any suitable manner). Guide pins 106b and 106c can also be formed from steel or a steel composite; however, like angle block 106, guide pins 106b and 106c can be formed form any suitable material. Angle block 106 also includes at least one aperture 106d configured to accept a pin or link such as pin 103c.

In one embodiment, strap 108 is a strap or a belt that includes, ridges and grooves, or teeth. In one such embodiment, strap 108 is a cogged belt that has teeth molded directly into its surface such as those used in vehicle timing belts. In a preferred embodiment, the cogged belt is an open-end timing belt commercially available in various widths, strengths, and lengths. However, strap 108 can be formed from nylon webbing or any other suitable material and can be configured without ridges and grooves. Strap 108 also includes at least two apertures 108a and 108b. Apertures 108a and 108b are configured to accept at least one pin or link such as pin 103d. However any suitable element such as a screw or a bolt can be inserted through apertures 108a and 108b.

Load buckle 110 can be a formed as a D-ring or any other suitable shape. In one alternative embodiment, load buckle 110 can be a carabineer that enables rapid coupling and release to a securing point. In one embodiment, load buckle 110 can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that load buckle 110 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway side perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the cam end 102a of lever 102 is positioned at least partially within the second opening 100f of housing 100. The cam end 102a of lever 102 is rotatably coupled to housing 100 with pin 103a, wherein pin 103a is inserted through apertures 100h of housing 100 and aperture 102b of lever 102. It should be appreciated that two or more pins or links may be used to rotatably couple lever 102 to housing 100. In one embodiment, a spring washer (not shown) can be inserted over pin 103a such that spring washer sits between at least one side of lever 102 and housing 100 (i.e., either side 100b or side 100c). In one embodiment, two spring washers can be used such that a spring washer sits between either side of lever 102 and housing 100 (i.e., between side 100b and side 100c of housing 100).

Arm 104 is located within housing 100. One end of arm 104 is rotatably coupled to lever 102 with pin 103b, wherein pin 103b is inserted through apertures 104a of arm 104 and through aperture 102c of lever 102. It should be appreciated that two or more pins or links may be used to rotatably couple arm 104 to lever 102. The other end of arm 104 is rotatably coupled to angle block 106 with pin 103c, wherein pin 103c is inserted through apertures 104b of arm 104 and aperture 106d of angle block 106. It should be appreciated that more than one arm 104 can be coupled to angle block 106.

In an alternative embodiment, the position of lever 102 having cam end 102a within housing 100 can be inverted such that lever 102 is rotatably coupled to aperture 100h of housing 100 at aperture 102c of lever 102. In one such embodiment, one end of arm 104 is rotatably coupled to lever 102 with pin 103b, wherein pin 103b is inserted through apertures 104a of arm 104 and through aperture 102b of lever 102. In this manner, the rotation of the lever can be reversed as discussed below.

Angle block 106 is at least partially located within housing 100. That is, guide pins 106b and 106c protrude from housing 100 through channel 100g, while the body of angle block 106 is located within housing 100. However, it should be appreciated that guide pins 106b and 106c can remain within housing 100 (e.g., unexposed) if a recessed channel is created within housing 100 and top 100d is solid. The surface 106a of angle block 106 is situated parallel to base 100a of housing 100. FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view wherein the neck of guide pins 106b and 106c are shown within channel 100g while the heads of guide pins 106b and 106c are above top 100d of housing 100.

One end of strap 108 can be inserted within housing 100 through opening 100e and 100f of housing 100. In one embodiment, strap 108 protrudes through both openings 100e and 100f of housing 100; however, strap 108 may not protrude though both openings as illustrated in the cutaway section 120 of FIG. 2 (it should be noted that the cutaway section is merely for illustration purposes; however, in one embodiment, housing 100 can include a translucent section to enable a user to view the internal locking mechanism to enable the user to verify that the locking mechanism is properly engaged). Strap 108 is also positioned between the bottom of angle block 108 and base 100a of housing 100. In one embodiment, load buckle 110 can be coupled to strap 108 through a loop created by folding one end of strap 108 onto itself. One end of strap 108 having aperture 108b is threaded through load buckle 110 and folded around load buckle 110 such that apertures 108a and 108b are aligned. A pin such as 103d can be inserted through apertures 108a and 108b to secure the folded portion of strap 108 together. In one embodiment, plates 122a and 122b can be positioned on either side of strap 108 to further secure strap 108 around load buckle 110. In this embodiment, plates 122a and 122b further include apertures to pass pin 103d through to apertures 108a and 108b. It should also be appreciated that load buckle 110 can be coupled to strap 108 in any suitable manner.

Operation

In one embodiment of the locking device and system incorporating a cogged belt as strap 108 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the locking mechanism is used as a cargo tie down wherein the strap 108 (i.e., the cogged belt) is used as the adjustable portion of the securing tie down.

Housing 100 is coupled to a surface, such as bolting housing 100 through apertures 100i and 100j to one edge of a desired surface such as a truck bed. One end of strap 108 is coupled to load buckle 110. Load buckle 110 is attached to the end of a lanyard such as a rope or other device, which is coupled to an opposite edge of the pickup truck bed. However, it should be appreciated that load buckle 110 can be directly coupled to the opposite edge of the pickup truck. Strap 108 is placed over or threaded through an object that a user desires to secure to the bed of the pickup truck. The end of strap 108 opposite of the end coupled to load buckle 110 is threaded through opening 100e of housing 100. If strap 108 is long enough, strap 108 is also threaded through opening 100f of housing 100. Strap 108 is pulled through housing 100 such that strap 108 is sufficiently taut to secure the object within the bed of the pickup truck.

When strap 108 is determined to be sufficiently taut, the locking mechanism enables a user to pivot lever 102 towards the base 100a of housing 100 (i.e., counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2) to secure strap 108. When the user pivots lever 102 counterclockwise, lever 102 pivots on pin 103a. Pivoting lever 102 causes arm 104 to pivot around pin 103b and to push arm 104 towards opening 100e of housing 100. Pivoting lever 102 also causes arm 104 to push angle block 106 towards opening 100e due to the rotatable coupling at pin 103c. As angle block 106 is pushed towards opening 100e, the pivoting motion of lever 102 also causes angle block 106 to move towards base 100a and the surface of strap 108 due to guide pins 106b and 106c which are slidably coupled in channel 100g of the top 100d of housing 100. When angle block 106 moves, guide pins 106b and 106c slide in channel 100g and cause angle block 106 to move parallel to channel 100g. The surface 106a (e.g., the teeth) of angle block 106 engage and hold the surface of strap 108 when lever 102 is sufficiently pivoted. In this illustrated embodiment, the teeth of surface 106a of angle block 106 are formed such that they fit within the grooves of strap 108 (i.e., the cogged belt). In this configuration, if any additional load is exerted on strap 108 or on load buckle 110, the force causes an increase in the engagement of angle block 106 with strap 108 as angle block 106 is pushed further towards opening 100e of housing 100 and slides further down channel 100g into strap 108.

When the user desires to release the tension in strap 108, the user rotates lever 102 to cause angle block 106 to move towards opening 100f in housing 100 (i.e. away from base 100a or clockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2). Strap 108 can thereafter be removed from housing 100 or loosened such that the load can be removed from the bed of the pickup truck. It should be appreciated that the locking mechanism of the present invention can be secured in any suitable location of any desired object such as a boat, motorcycle, or even stationary objects such as a deck. In other words, the locking mechanism is not limited to applications in the bed of a pickup truck.

In one alternative embodiment, wherein lever 102 is inverted within housing 100 (i.e., the direction of the cam end 102a is inverted), rotating lever 102 away from the base 100a of housing 100 (i.e., clockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2) secures strap 108. In this embodiment, when the user desires to release the tension in strap 108, the user rotates lever 102 to cause angle block 106 to move towards opening 100f in housing 100 (i.e., lever 102 is pivoted towards base 100a or counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2).

While a cogged belt provides a preferable amount of interlocking securement with the teeth or grooves of the surface 106a of angle block 106, it should be appreciated that strap 108 can be any suitable strap material such as nylon webbing. The teeth or grooves of surface 106a of angle block 106 can create a sufficient amount of friction to prevent the nylon webbing strap from sliding between angle block 106 and base 100a. In one alternative embodiment, the surface 106a of angle block 106 does not include teeth or grooves, but is configured with a material having a high coefficient of friction. In one such embodiment, when the surface 106a of angle block 106 is in positive contact with the surface of the strap 108, the pressure exerted from angle block 106 and the high coefficient of friction of surface 106a causes strap 108 to be secured. In another embodiment, surface 106a may be configured with teeth or grooves and a material with a high coefficient of friction to further ensure that strap 108 is positively secured when the angle block 106 is pressed against strap 108.

In one alternative embodiment, wherein the spring washer is incorporated at location 115 (i.e., over pin 103a and between lever 102 and housing 100), if the load on load buckle 110 becomes negative, the spring washer creates friction to prevent inadvertent movement of lever 102 that may have otherwise caused disengagement of angle block 106 from strap 108.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the locking mechanism described herein enables a user to positively secure any object to any suitable location. The locking mechanism enables the user to quickly secure the object and enables the object to remain secured because if an additional load is placed on the locking mechanism in a secured position, the locking mechanism further secures the strap within the housing of the locking mechanism.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A locking device for securing an object, the locking device comprising:

a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, and the top having a channel;

a lever pivotally coupled to the housing, wherein the lever is positioned partially within the first opening of the sloped housing;

an arm pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing; and

an angle block having a bottom surface with a gripping element, the angle block pivotally coupled to the arm, wherein the angle block is at least partially positioned within the sloped housing.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein one end of the lever is formed in the shape of a cam.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base of the sloped housing includes at least two securing apertures for securing the position of the sloped housing.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel in the top of the sloped housing extends through the entire length of the top.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the lever is pivotally coupled to the housing with a pin, the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever with a second pin, and the arm is pivotally coupled to the angle block with a third pin.

6. The device of claim 1, further including a strap, wherein at least part of the strap is positioned within the housing and the strap includes ridges and grooves.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap is a cogged belt.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the gripping element of the angle block includes ridges and grooves such that the ridges of the angle block fit within the grooves on the cogged belt and the ridges of the cogged belt fit within the grooves of the angle block when the angle block is pressed against the strap.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein when the strap is positioned within the sloped housing and the lever is pivoted towards the base of the sloped housing, the lever causes the arm to push the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing and the channel of the sloped housing causes the angle block to slide towards the base of the housing such that the ridges and grooves of the angle block fit within the ridges and grooves of the strap to secure the strap within the sloped housing.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein if a load is applied to the strap, the movement of the strap causes the lever to further pivot towards the based of the sloped housing and increases the pressure of the gripping element of the angle block on the strap.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the gripping element of the angle block includes a plurality of ridges and grooves.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of the angle block.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the gripping element is integrally formed with the bottom of the angle block.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the angle block further includes a top surface having at least two guide pins, the guide pins slidably coupled to the channel of the sloped housing

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the guide pins are coupled to the top of the angle block.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the guide pins are integrally formed with the top of the angle block.

17. The device of claim 6, wherein the strap is coupled to a load buckle.

18. A method of securing a strap, the method comprising:

inserting a strap into a desired position within a sloped housing, the sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, and the top having a channel;

pivoting a lever towards the base of the sloped housing, wherein the lever is pivotally coupled to the sloped housing and positioned at least partially within the first opening of the sloped housing;

pivoting and pushing an arm to move in the direction of the second opening of the sloped housing based on the pivoting motion of the lever, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever and positioned within the sloped housing, and

pushing the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing and sliding the angle block into the strap such that the angle block at least temporarily secures the position of the strap within the sloped housing based on the pivoting and pushing of the arm, wherein the angle block is pivotally coupled to the arm, and a guide pin coupled to the top of the angle block enables the angle block to be slidably coupled within the channel of the sloped housing.

19. A locking system to removably secure objects, the locking device comprising:

a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, and a channel formed in the top;

a lever pivotally coupled to the housing, wherein the lever is positioned partially with the first opening of the sloped housing;

an arm pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing;

an angle block positioned within the sloped housing and pivotally coupled to the arm and slidably coupled to the top of the sloped housing, the angle block having a guide pin and a gripping element, wherein the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of the angle block, the guide pin coupled to the top of the angle block opposite of the gripping element, and the guide pin being slidably coupled within the channel of the top of the sloped housing; and

a strap having a plurality of ridges and grooves, wherein at least part of the strap is configured to be positioned within the housing such that the ridges and grooves of the strap are parallel to and facing the gripping element of the angle block;

wherein when the strap is positioned within the sloped housing and the lever is pivoted towards the base of the sloped housing, the lever causes the arm to push the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing and the channel of the sloped housing causes the angle block to slide towards the base of the housing such that the gripping element of the angle block is pressed against the ridges and grooves of the strap, securing the strap within the sloped housing.