Abstract: Provided herein is a electronically-controlled wheelchair securement system with a winch apparatus that is adapted for pulling and steering a mobility device (e.g., wheelchair, scooter, stretcher, etc.) up and down the ramp of a rear-entry wheelchair accessible vehicle and for providing securement for the mobility device during transport. The system includes two motorized front tie-down units adapted to be positioned in the vehicle at the front of the wheelchair securement area. The front tie-down units have extendable/retractable restraints adapted to connect to the front corners of the mobility device frame. By varying the motor speed between the two front tie-down units, the mobility device can be steered up the ramp. For example, when pulling the mobility device up the ramp, the mobility device can be directed to the left by increasing the speed of the right tie-down unit, slowing the speed of the left tie-down unit, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for improving rope, strap, tie downs, hooks, and nets is provided. Includes a new design whereby the apparatus has a thick walled body made of nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel with a spool and center hub and axle throughout the spool body frame and handle. The apparatus uses multiple coils to automatically retract strap or rope within the spool hub. It also contains a tangential rib opposing the face wheel. The apparatus may have gears on the radius of the wheel, spring loaded slidable pawl plates, or pivotally rotatable pawls or plates which allow the proper engagement of the wheel ratchet. It may also have rope, strap, or belt that is non-cuttable and corrosion, petrol, and chemical resistant used in tie downs and nets. The apparatus may have a lockable body frame, and/or hooks that are lockable to prevent theft.

Abstract: A winch apparatus for mounting to a load bed comprises a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to a side edge of the load bed, and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket about a substantially vertical winch swivel axis. A winch is attached to the pivot bracket and configured such that, when the mounting bracket is mounted to the side edge of the load bed, a winch shaft of the winch is oriented substantially horizontally and a bottom of the winch is at a vertical location that is above a top surface of the load bed such that the winch can pivot over the top surface of the load bed. The winch can be configured to be conveniently driven by a conventional and commonly available ratchet wrench of a size appropriate to the particular winch.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for improving rope, strap, tie downs, hooks, and nets is provided. Includes a new design whereby the apparatus has a thick walled body made of nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel with a spool and center hub and axle throughout the spool body frame and handle. The apparatus uses multiple coils to automatically retract strap or rope within the spool hub. It also contains a tangential rib opposing the face wheel. The apparatus may have gears on the radius of the wheel, spring loaded slidable pawl plates, or pivotally rotatable pawls or plates which allow the proper engagement of the wheel ratchet. It may also have rope, strap, or belt that is non-cuttable and corrosion, petrol, and chemical resistant used in tie downs and nets. The apparatus may have a lockable body frame, and/or hooks that are lockable to prevent theft.

Abstract: A retractor may include various features that reduce the amount of space necessary to secure an object, for example, a wheelchair in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the webbing is designed to come off of the top of the retractor spool, which shifts the webbing take-off point from the spool rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In another embodiment, the retractor is provided with a webbing guide that rotates around at least a portion of the circumference of the retractor spool. The rotatable guide also shifts the take-off point from the webbing guide rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In yet another embodiment, the retractor is provided with both a rotatable webbing guide and webbing that comes off of the top of the spool.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a mechanical winch. The mechanical winch includes a body and a spool axle. The spool axle is slidably disposed within the body and coupled to the body by at least one spring. A spool is disposed about the spool axle. A non-electrically-conductive tether is coupled to the spool. A brake axle is slidably disposed within the frame and located a fixed distance from the spool axle. Actuation of the spool applies increasing tension to non-electrically-conductive tether and causes compression of the at least one spring.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a lever to continuously unidirectionally drive a strap fastener is disclosed. The adapter includes a U-shaped frame with two free ends and a junction. The two free ends are separately provided with two shaft holes. Two sliding slots are separately formed near the shaft holes. A lever hole is formed at the junction. A ratchet shaft has an outer section with a radial hole and an inner section inserted in the shaft holes. A bolt is inserted into the radial hole. A ratchet is mounted around the ratchet shaft. A pawl is slidably disposed between the two sliding slots for engaging with the ratchet. A spring stopper is fixed between two sides of the frame. A spring is compressively arranged between the pawl and spring stopper. A holed plate is fixed between the spring stopper and the junction.

Abstract: A strap-tensioning device includes a base that receives a rotatable drum rigidly connected to toothed wheels, and configured to engage a holding pawl; tensioning lever rotatably mounted by hinging onto the drum, and provided with a pawl for driving the toothed wheels; an unlocking pawl configured to release the toothed wheels from the respective engagement thereof with the holding pawl and with the driving pawl, rotatably mounted, independently of the rotation of the tensioning lever, by hinging onto the drum. The unlocking lever is rigidly connected to two parallel cams having the same profile, and configured to simultaneously engage, respectively, the holding pawl and the driving pawl, so as to release the rotation of the drum.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a quick tightener, which addresses the problems existing in the conventional tighteners such as inconvenient operation or failure in use under extreme conditions. The quick tightener includes a support, a handle, a ratchet wheel and a half-moon shaft. The half-moon shaft is composed of a first half-moon shaft and a second half moon shaft. Said first half-moon shaft could be fixedly connected with the ratchet wheel. Said second half-moon shaft could be fixedly connected with the ratchet wheel in the circumferential direction and axially move relative to the ratchet wheel. A clutch device is located between said first half-moon shaft and second half-moon shaft to connect the second half-moon shaft to the first half-moon shaft or disengage the second half-moon shaft from the first half-moon shaft. Such a quick tightener is equipped with the advantages such as preferential reliability and a high practical value.

Abstract: A fence stretcher for use in building fences that can be used by one person and is able to stretch fence wire under a constant tension. The fence stretcher has a winch assembly to which a tensioning cable is connected. A wire grabber is attached to the tensioning cable and is used to securely hold the fence wire. The winch assembly is used to stretch the fence wire such that the fence wire is tensioned, at which point a brake assembly is engaged. The brake assembly allows the fence wire to be fed to the user at the user's desired tension level. A mount assembly allows the present invention to be attached to a brace structure at the desired height for laying the fence. The fence stretcher is able to automatically feed any type of wire or cable across any type of terrain while following the contours of the terrain.

Abstract: A spindle for a winch which comprises a first member for winding a length of a restrain and a second member for rotationally driving the first member. The second member engages with the first member by way of an arrangement which only permits relative rotational movement between the first and second members in one direction. A portion of the second member is received into a bore in the first member to support the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A ratchet buckle has a body and a trigger. One end of the body has two opposite pivotal holes, two opposite positioning notches, and a pivotal shaft penetrating the pivotal holes. Two ends of the pivotal shaft each have a ratchet wheel synchronously rotating with the pivotal shaft. One end of the trigger has two opposite shaft holes engaged to the pivotal shaft of the body and has a positioning rod transversally mounted on the trigger to engage the two positioning notches of the body. By operating the trigger to set the pivotal shaft free, the pivotal shaft is easily rotated to reel a strap.

Abstract: A pull handle structure of a hand puller contains a base including two opposite holes to insert two shafts respectively, with each hole including a ratchet. A pulling handle includes a rotating member with two side plates, each including first and second ends. Each first end includes an axial connecting portion on which a circular opening is formed so that the rotating member swings axially relative to the base. The side plate includes a sliding rail. Between the two side plates is defined a movable retaining element to contact with the ratchet. A movable bar includes two elongated stems and a grip rod defined between the two elongated stems. Each elongated stem is fitted in the sliding rail to move slidably. Between the rotating member and the movable bar is defined a locking device to obtain a positioning purpose when the movable bar is expanded and retracted.

Abstract: Described is a ratchet strap with a free end securing system. The ratchet strap has a strap with an attachment end and a free end and a strap winding shaft which is capable of receiving the free end in a wrapped relationship. A ratchet mechanism is included for simultaneously shortening the attachment end and the free end wherein the free end is drawn from the wrapped relationship with the strap winding shaft.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a driving system for a belt axis of a winch in the field of mechanics, which addresses the problems existing in conventional driving systems, such as a complicated structure and poor reliability. The driving system for the belt axis of the winch is positioned at the extension end of the belt axis on one side of a winch support. The driving system includes a rotary body and a fixed base, in which the fixed base is connected to the extension end of the belt axis via a connection means and the inner end of the rotary body is set on the fixed base. An insertion pore is positioned at the outer end of the rotary body. A spring is provided between the rotary body and the fixed base, under the action of which the inner end face of the rotary body is attached to the outer end face of the fixed base.

Abstract: A strap-tensioning device includes a base that receives a rotatable drum rigidly connected to toothed wheels, and configured to engage a holding pawl; tensioning lever rotatably mounted by hinging onto the drum, and provided with a pawl for driving the toothed wheels; an unlocking pawl configured to release the toothed wheels from the respective engagement thereof with the holding pawl and with the driving pawl, rotatably mounted, independently of the rotation of the tensioning lever, by hinging onto the drum. The unlocking lever is rigidly connected to two parallel cams having the same profile, and configured to simultaneously engage, respectively, the holding pawl and the driving pawl, so as to release the rotation of the drum.

Abstract: The ratchet buckle for tightening a strap under a ratchet action provides a lock to positively prevent the ratchet buckle from inadvertently releasing the strap. The lock requires a removable handle to be installed on the ratchet buckle before the lock can be released. The removable handle extends the ratchet buckle crank arm for increased leverage in exercising the ratchet buckle and when removed reduces the overall size of the ratchet buckle and eliminates a crank arm portion that would otherwise extend beyond the ratchet buckle base.

Abstract: An adjustable tourniquet includes a first component, a second component, a third component and a band. Two ends of the first component respectively have an axle for fixing the band and a buckling trough with an engaging element, wherein two ends of the axle respectively have a ratchet. The first and second components respectively have a rejecting element and a driving element to stop the ratchet. The axle is clamped by an axial cover, and two ends of the axle are respectively connected with a connecting axle for penetrating the second component. Furthermore, the ratchet includes an inner and an outer ratchet surfaces respectively for butting the rejecting element and the driving element, and the teeth of the inner and outer ratchet surfaces are respectively bent toward the same direction and the arrangement of the inner and outer ratchet surfaces are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus is adapted to tension a strap. The tensioning apparatus includes a frame and a shaft rotatably installed on the frame. The strap is inserted through the shaft and includes first and second portions extending in opposite directions. A handle is pivotally connected to the frame and is operable to rotate the shaft and wind the strap on the shaft thereafter. The tensioning apparatus also include a reeling device and the second portion of the strap is adapted to be received and wound onto the reeling device.

Abstract: The present invention is briefly named “The tightener” for fastening a selected securing member around an object and carrying it comprising a set of two independent devices. One of them is an ordinary clamp being in common use everywhere in the world with a strap permanently attached to it and said clamp is modified to enable connecting it with a tightening device and named a jamming clamp to distinguish one clamp from the other. The tightening device comprises a shaft with its ends and with a ratchet mechanism is mounted in a two-arms handle. Said handle operating as a lever of the ratchet mechanism turning said shaft.

Abstract: An improved ratchet strapping device is provided, comprising a frame, an axle, and a handle pivotally installed on the axle. Ratchets are mounted on the axle and adjacent to the exterior of the frame. The frame includes a first detent on the outside of the frame which engages the ratchet. A release device is mounted on the handle, wherein the release device includes a second detent on the outside of the handle which engages the ratchets at another location. The frame includes a first cam having a radius greater than the ratchets and on which the second detent slides, and the handle includes a second cam having a radius greater than the ratchets and on which the first detent slides. Placement of the ratchet and detent components on the outside of the device permits spooling of substantially all of the strap for storage or unused portions of the strap during use.

Abstract: The ratchet buckle for tightening a strap under a ratchet action provides a retention arm that constrains folded excess strap to the buckle to prevent it from flapping free during transport of cargo that the strap secures. A guard is provided outside a crank arm that is rotatably journaled to a base by a spindle on its forward end. The crank arm is secured to the guard intermediate the length of the guard with the guard extending rearward of the crank arm. The guard thus covers a ratchet wheel and the crank arm and with the crank arm forms an effective double-layered crank arm. The retention arm is rotatable on a handle shaft mounted to the guard rearward end, biased down onto folded excess strap.

Abstract: A wire strainer has a ratcheted spool rotatably attached to a frame to rotate in a desired direction when tensioning and able to freewheel otherwise. At least one oval/elliptical hole in the shaft accommodates one, two or more wires therein in a particular orientation on the shaft. The oval/elliptical hole is adapted to be dimensioned and positioned on the shaft such that the integrity and strength of the shaft is not compromised or lessened. A projection and a two plane guide means can be situated on the spool whereby the projection is positioned and engages with a portion of a wire and the two plane guide is positioned and assists in deflecting the length of wire not engaged with the projection away from the projection as the spool is rotated during the straining of a wire. Y-shaped reinforcing ribs on the frame provide strengthening and rigidity while tensioning.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a cargo tie-down includes a unidirectional coupling. The unidirectional coupling is adapted to receive a bidirectional torque at an input thereof, and provide a unidirectional torque to a belt shaft at an output thereof.

Abstract: A fence tensioner has a frame which may be rigid or articulated. The tensioner carries on each end thereof a rotatable cylindrical member which is provided with an axial slot to accommodate the profile of a section of fence. The cylindrical member is provided a ratchet and a pawl to lock the cylinder against loosening rotation. The pawl has a square end to lock the ratchet and eliminate any backlash and any slack in the fence members. The frame of the device is articulated so that each end of the device may accommodate the angle of the fence relative to the post. The vinyl fencing fits into the tensioner and locks itself therein as the cylinder rotates.

Abstract: A binding device for pulling tight a belt comprises a first ratchet wheel and a second ratchet wheel, each having a plurality of mounting openings, a roll, having a plurality of roll sectors that are respectively mounted in the mounting openings of the first and second ratchet wheels, of which at least one roll sector is removable, a lever, connected with the first ratchet wheel, a frame, connected with the second ratchet wheel; an upper blocking assembly, mounted on the lever, blocking the first ratchet wheel from turning, and a lower blocking assembly, mounted on the lever, blocking the second ratchet wheel from turning. Due to removability of one of the roll sectors, the belt is easily mounted and dismounted, and a wide range of applications is provided for.

Abstract: A binding machine includes a tightening mechanism adapted to tension a belt and a limiting mechanism adapted to limit tensioning of the belt. The tightening mechanism includes, for example, a ratchet and a pawl coupled to a body of the tightening mechanism. A handle is adapted to rotate the ratchet in a first direction in response to a first force applied to the handle. The pawl is adapted to prevent the ratchet from returning in a second direction when the first force is released. A spring mechanism allows the handle to indicate when a second force opposing the first force achieves an established magnitude.

Abstract: A chain winch comprising a slack adjustor arranged for attachment to a chain for securing loads. The chain winch has a winding shaft and cooperating slack adjustor mounted on a frame for continuous rotation of the winding shaft by the slack adjustor, and the winding shaft incorporates a chain securing element.

Abstract: A strap tenser includes a frame, a pin, a handle and an automatic reeling device. The pin is installed on the frame. The handle is pivotally installed on the pin. The handle includes a crossbar around which a first strap is wound after it is wound around the pin. The automatic reeling device includes a pin, a wheel, a cap, a crossbar and a spiral spring. The pin is installed on the frame and connected with an end of the second strap. The wheel is rotationally installed on the pin of automatic reeling device. The cap is rotationally installed on the pin thereof. The crossbar extends between the wheel and the cap eccentrically for reeling in the second strap. The spiral spring includes a first end secured to the frame and a second end secured to the cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tension ratchet with a belt magazine, for rapidly fixing a good to be transported to a vehicle, an object to a support, or several objects to each other. The tension ratchet (30) is combined with a belt magazine (1) which receives the entire idle belt supply during use and during storage and ensures rapid tying down/releasing of e.g. a transport load, due to constant availability for use; as well as tidy storage. The belt magazine (1) is arranged in such a way that it lies flat on the lower arm of the tension ratchet (30) in order to reduce the construction height, with a vertical belt winding up shaft (15) for receiving a belt to be wound up in horizontal rotation. The belt runs into the tension ratchet out of the belt magazine on its back side in the winding position, rotates about 90° in said tension ratchet and is then led out through the load tensioning roller (8).

Abstract: A chain link fence tightening assembly for stretching a chain link fence adjacent to and beyond a first vertical post and toward a second vertical post such that the chain link fence may be attached to the first vertical post in a taut manner includes an elongated rod that is selectively coupled to a plurality of links of the chain link fence. A gripping member removably grips the second vertical post. A first cable and a second cable each have a first end and a second end. The first end of the first cable is attached to the rod and the first end of the second cable is attached to the gripping member. A winding assembly is attached to each of the first and second cables and is adapted for pulling the rod and the gripping member toward each other such that the chain link fence is pulled taut.

Abstract: A wire strainer intended for straining of wire in a fence structure. The wire strainer includes a body 12 with which a spool 11 having a plurality of teeth 18 is rotatably mounted. An engagement member 12 extend between and is slidingly engaged in elongate slots 20. Legs 24 of the engagement member 21 slidingly engage with the inside wall surfaces of the divergent arms 15 of body 12. The legs 24 thus apply a force to the engagement member 21 so that it engages with the teeth 18. The engagement member 21 can be removed from contact with the spool 11 by sliding against the biasing effect of the legs 24 so as to engage with a step 27 in the elongate opening 20.

Abstract: A rope tensioning device includes a support base, a handle, a connecting post, two fixing plates, two ratchet wheels, two locking blocks, two shafts, a snap ring, two elastic members, two insertion pins, a bolt, a nut, and a fixing pin. Thus, the rope tensioning device can be assembled rapidly and conveniently, thereby greatly reducing costs of assembly. In addition, the rope tensioning device can wind and unwind the rope easily, conveniently and rapidly.

Abstract: A hold down mechanism for securing a camper to a vehicle bed which provides a spring lever connected to the undercarriage of the vehicle which is flexible in a vertical direction and which acts as a shock absorber when the vehicle is in motion over various rough road conditions and the like. The assembly provides a device for readily releasing the tie-downs of the camper or adjusting the same with regard to the vehicle mounts.

Abstract: A tool for association with a ratchet wheel of a tie-down device, the tie-down device for securing an article by a strap whereby a shaft is journaled for rotation in which the strap is wound around the shaft in a take-up direction, the tie-down device including a ratchet wheel having ratchet teeth rotatable with the shaft and further having a center bore which extends in a direction parallel with the shaft. The tool enables a user to quickly rewind the strap on the shaft in the take-up direction for storing the strap when not being used of securing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning/relaxing element that comprises a base (3), at least one rotating shaft (4) mounted on said base, a mobile part (2) and a lashing device (1). Between said base (3) and the at least one shaft (4) at least one nonpositive and positive element (5, 6) is provided that tightly encloses the shaft (4). The first nonpositive and positive element (5), configured as a tensioning element, is firmly linked on the one side (5a) with a part (2) that is mobile vis-a-vis the base (3) and can be actuated on the other side (5b), with a variable and continuous pretension, via a first actuator (11), while the second nonpositive and positive element (6), configured as a relaxing element, is firmly linked on the one side (6a) with the base (3) and can be actuated on the other side (6b), with a variable and continuous pretension, via a second actuator (11′).

Abstract: A rope tensioning device includes a support base, a handle, a connecting post, two fixing plates, two ratchet wheels, two locking blocks, two shafts, a snap ring, two elastic members, two insertion pins, a bolt, a nut, and a fixing pin. Thus, the rope tensioning device can be assembled rapidly and conveniently, thereby greatly reducing costs of assembly. In addition, the rope tensioning device can wind and unwind the rope easily, conveniently and rapidly.

Abstract: A device for rewinding a load strap onto a winch of the type typically used to secure loads on flat bed truck trailers. The device includes a spindle (10) with engagement pin (20) that fits inside the winch drum (34) of the existing winch (32) (as commonly found on flat bed truck trailers to secure loads). The engagement pin (20) engages the winch bar holes (36) in winch drum (34). The spindle (10) is fitted with either a large hand crank (28), small hand crank (32) or motor (38) allowing the operator to rapidly and conveniently rewind loose load securing straps that will not be immediately reused to secure a new load onto the load securing winch (32).

Abstract: A ratchet and cam buckle tensioning assembly or strap tensioner, interposed between a lashing strap tensioned by the ratchet buckle and a lead strap tensioned by the cam buckle. The invention enables an operator to quickly and conveniently pre-tension the lashing and lead straps by removing an un-tensioned length of the lead strap without having to operate the ratchet buckle. The tensioning assembly includes a ratchet buckle for tensioning the lashing strap in stepped increments and a cam buckle for slidingly adjusting the lead strap. The cam buckle housing and the ratchet buckle frame member are a unitary member, forming an single, integrated tensioning assembly. Alternately, the cam buckle is permanently attached adjacent to the ratchet buckle. The cam buckle includes a housing adapted to slidably receive the lead strap. The housing has a pressure plate with a first restraining surface, such as a friction surface, over which the lead strap slides.

Abstract: A strap tightener includes a limit nub extending outward from each of the wing plates of the seat. An indent is defined in each of the cams of the side plates to correspond to the limit nub and receive the limit nub when releasing the strap to lock the lever and the seat together to reduce the shearing force between the lever and the seat and the pivot pin. Consequently, the pivot holes in the seat and the lever do not wear as much and maintain good concentricity.

Abstract: A ratchet and cam buckle tensioning assembly or strap tensioner, interposed between a lashing strap tensioned by the ratchet buckle and a lead strap tensioned by the cam buckle. The invention enables an operator to quickly and conveniently pre-tension the lashing and lead straps by removing an un-tensioned length of the lead strap without having to operate the ratchet buckle. The tensioning assembly includes a ratchet buckle for tensioning the lashing strap in stepped increments and a cam buckle for slidingly adjusting the lead strap. The cam buckle housing and the ratchet buckle frame member are a unitary member, forming an single, integrated tensioning assembly. Alternately, the cam buckle is permanently attached adjacent to the ratchet buckle. The cam buckle includes a housing adapted to slidably receive the lead strap. The housing has a pressure plate with a first restraining surface, such as a friction surface, over which the lead strap slides.

Abstract: A winding device includes a hand crank, a securing substrate plate, and two unidirectional gears pivotally coupled between the hand crank and the substrate plate by a pivot member. A pivot member is inserted, in one operation, through axial holes of pivot mounting portions of the hand crank and the securing substrate plate, and through a semicircular through holes of the unidirectional gears to pivotally couple the hand crank with the securing substrate plate and unidirectional gears. The pivot member includes two semi-circular pivot portions that are disposed parallel and opposite to each other. Each pivot portion is formed by curling and bending a plate into a semi-circular structure. The pivot portion includes a curved face and two curled portions disposed on an inner side of the curved face. The curled portions have end portions curling in opposite directions and abutting the inner side of the curved face at different points so as to increase the bending strength of the curved face.

Abstract: A reel apparatus for storing a flexible member, such as cable or hose, includes a frame assembly, a drum mounted on the frame assembly, a driving shaft coupled to the drum, and a handle mounted on the driving shaft for manually controlling rotation of the drum. The drum may be aligned vertically or horizontally. The apparatus includes means for maintaining the flexible member in substantially taut coiled form along the drum.

Abstract: A ratchet-type tensioning mechanism for a rope or cord has a rotatable sheave with faces having radially extending serrations. A releasable ratchet mechanism permits rotation of the sheave in one direction but not the other. A plurality of serrations circumscribes the sheave, which is closely fitted within a curved surface within a housing within which the sheave is rotatably mounted. The curved surface forces the rope into the sheave and maintains it in non-slippiong contact therewith. An opening in the side of the housing can be provided to permit hand rotation of the sheave. The device optionally may include a ratcheting lever arm which engages the wheel and affords leveraged tensioning the rope.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for a lashing strap (8) includes a frame (1) having side walls (5, 5'). One end of the lashing strap (8) is fixed to the frame. A spindle (11) is rotatably secured to the frame (1), bridging the space between the side walls (5, 5') and bearing a tensioning lever (17) for winding the lashing strap (8) up from its free end. Ratchet devices that are employed at either end of the spindle (11) permit the operator to select whether a push or a pull on the tensioning lever (17) is to turn the spindle (11). Each ratchet device includes a ratchet wheel (14; 14') fixed to the spindle (11), a ratchet securing mechanism (70) disposed at the frame (1), and a tensioning ratchet mechanism (80) disposed at the tensioning lever (17).

Abstract: A remote release mechanism is disclosed which permits restraints such as flat straps placed around a load and placed in tension by a winch to be released by an operator positioned on the same side of the transportation structure as the winch. Thus, the present invention permits the hook end of a load restraint to be released from the winch side of the transportation structure, thereby eliminating the need to perform separate operations on either side of the restraint mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus comprising a hook bar connected to a rotatable drum which is held from rotation in one direction by a ratchet and pawl. Upon release by the application of force to a remote release rod, the hook bar is released and permitted to rotate, thereby causing the hook which connects the restraint to the hook bar to fall away, releasing the restraint. Methods of remotely releasing a load restraint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote release mechanism is disclosed which permits restraints such as flat straps placed around a load and placed in tension by a winch to be released by an operator positioned on the same side of the transportation structure as the winch. Thus, the present invention permits the hook end of a load restraint to be released from the winch side of the transportation structure, thereby eliminating the need to perform separate operations on either side of the restraint mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus comprising a hook bar connected to a rotatable drum which is held from rotation in one direction by a ratchet and pawl. Upon release by the application of force to a remote release rod, the hookbar is released and permitted to rotate, thereby causing the hook which connects the restraint to the hook bar to fall away, releasing the restraint. Methods of remotely releasing a load restraint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clasping device which has a main assembly including a body, and a lever connected by means of links. A first hook is connected with the body, while a second hook is connected with the lever by means of a strap. The strap can be tightened and loosened by rotating the lever between the release and tightening positions. The body has a claw member for temporarily holding the tightened strap. Therefore, by utilizing the claw member, the lever can be repeatedly operated in order to increasingly tighten the strap.

Abstract: A tensioner for straps, especially for systems for keeping loads in position, has an anchoring means for the fixed end of the strap and a strap drum worked by a ratchet, the drum then acting as a winch for tensioning the strap. The drum has a locking pawl that may be moved clear of it. The tensioning ratchet has tooth means on the side of the strap drum so that a driving pawl fixed on the ratchet lever and loaded towards the strap drum by a spring, may be put into driving connection with the tooth means. The ratchet lever further has means limiting the torque that may be transmitted to the tooth means on operation of the ratchet lever by having the driving pawl spring-pre-loaded tangentially in relation to the strap drum.

Abstract: A removable operating lever is provided for a ratchet buckle device for tightening and tensioning straps. The ratchet buckle has a bifurcated frame member with a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted and employs a bifurcated handle member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms rotatably mounted on the reel. The handle has a ratchet drive plate which engages the teeth of the ratchet wheels such that when the handle is actuated, the reel is rotatably driven. The buckle has a cross member on the handle member thereof which has mounting means thereon for mounting an elongated lever member which can be employed to actuate the handle member.