Abstract: A power driven tool is provided for winding a strap or other flexible component onto a winch. The tool is inserted into the axial opening of the winch spindle and includes a longitudinal slot that receives the inner end of the strap. The tool also includes a head portion that is lockably interengagable with a drive component of a rotary power apparatus. The rotary power apparatus is interengaged with the tool and rotatably driven such that the tool turns the spindle to wind the strap thereon.

Abstract: A strap reel adapter includes an adapter body and a sliding pin. A drive structure is formed in one end of the adapter body. The drive structure could be a drive cavity or a drive projection. A sliding bore is formed through the other end of the adapter body. The sliding bore is sized to receive the sliding pin. An impact tube is preferably slipped over an outside diameter of the adapter body to reduce the amount of chatter between the strap reel adapter and the strap reel. A retention groove is preferably formed in substantially a middle of the sliding pin and a detent device is formed in a wall of the sliding bore to mate with the retention groove. The detent device keeps the sliding pin centered relative to the adapter body. The ends of the sliding pin are restricted from sliding out of the sliding bore with any suitable retention method. A drive device is used to rotate the strap reel adapter. The drive device could be a ratchet, a power tool, or any other suitable device.

Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining barrier assembly (10, 10″) for restraining cargo (90) in a cargo space (25) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″) that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (25) and at least one barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) that includes a barrier support structure, such as a rotatable axle or spindle (140) and barrier housing (100), in which a flexible barrier member (130, 130′, 130″) is stored in a rolled up condition. When not deployed to retain cargo, the barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) is storable in a barrier storage cavity (50, 50′, 50″) in the bed liner. During use, the barrier housing (100, 100′) is pivoted up into the cargo space (25) and the barrier member (130, 130′) is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to wrap around or encircle a portion of a piece of cargo (90) in the cargo space (30).

Abstract: A cargo securing system for securing and organizing cargo being carried by a vehicle. The cargo securing system includes at least one divider chain assembly and at least one anchor chain assembly. The anchor chain assembly is mountable on one of the spaced walls. The divider chain assembly is removably couplable to the anchor chain assembly. In an embodiment each of the chain assemblies includes a chain comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of intermediate members alternately linked together.

Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining barrier assembly (10, 10″) for restraining cargo (90) in a cargo space (25) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″) that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (25) and at least one barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) that includes a barrier support structure, such as a rotatable axle or spindle (140) and barrier housing (100), in which a flexible barrier member (130, 130′, 130″) is stored in a rolled up condition. When not deployed to retain cargo, the barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) is storable in a barrier storage cavity (50, 50′, 50″) in the bed liner. During use, the barrier housing (100, 100′) is pivoted up into the cargo space (25) and the barrier member (130, 130′) is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to wrap around or encircle a portion of a piece of cargo (90) in the cargo space (30).

Abstract: A luggage holding apparatus for a vehicle having a luggage room, a rear floor panel constituting the luggage room and a rear quarter panel constituting the luggage room includes a square opening formed on the rear floor panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a plurality of rectangular floor boards inlaid into the opening, whose respective long sides length is equal to a length of one side of the opening and whose summation of respective short sides length is equal to the length of the one side of the opening, a band-shaped luggage holding member for holding luggage in the luggage room, a retractor secured to at least one of the floor boards, capable of winding the luggage holding member therein for accommodation, at least one hook provided on at least either of the rear quarter panel and the rear floor panel and a hooking means provided at an end of the luggage holding member for hooking the luggage holding member to the hook.

Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction.

Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction.

Abstract: A retractable cargo cover arrangement (10) for the interior of the cargo hold (200) of a freight carrier wherein the cover arrangement (10) includes a generally elongated rectangular cover member (20) fabricated from a sheet of waterproof material (21) and having an upper end affixed to, and wrapped around, a spring loaded retraction cylinder (22) and a lower end affixed to an elongated dowel (24) in a window shade fashion; wherein, the arrangement further includes a first pair of brackets (30), (40) for suspending the upper portion of the cover member (20) in the upper portion of the cargo hold (200) and a second pair of brackets (60) (70) for releasably engaging the lower portion of the cover member (20) in the lower portion of the cargo hold (200) to prevent water damage to the cargo (100) contained within the cargo hold (200).

Abstract: A belt (3) can be pulled out from a spring biased retractor reel (2) when a ratchet mechanism (16) is released. The belt (3) is entrained around a movable shoe (4) before being led to a fastening point. When fastened, the spring bias in the reel (2) takes up the slack. Operation of an actuator, such as by depression of a pedal (10), first causes the ratchet mechanism (16) to engage and then shifts the shoe (4) to stretch and tension the belt between the reel (2) and the fastening point. The pedal (10) is retainable in its fully depressed, belt-tensioning position.

Abstract: A lading tie anchor system for railway box cars which uses lading ties comprising straps of woven webbing with a hook on one end in place of lading ties in the form of one-time useable steel strapping. The new system makes use of the lading tie anchors already installed in many box cars as well as those installed in newly built box cars. In addition to the novel lading ties a slack take-up and tension buckle is used to join the otherwise free or unanchored ends of each pair of lading ties. Preferably the buckles have a handle-crankable ratchet on one end to which the unanchored end of one of the installed ties is adjustably attached while the unanchored end of the other lading tie is threaded over a pair of take-up rollers mounted on the opposite end of the buckle in such a way that this second lading tie can be manually drawn taut. Thereafter the ratchet is operated to remove any remaining slack in the lading ties and then apply the desired tension thereon.

Abstract: A strap winding tool includes a bent metal bar with a short elbow which can fit into a borehole opening in a ratchet extension on a strap winder on a flat bed trailer.

Abstract: A strap assembly comprising a first section (10) made from flat shock cord (11) having a loop (12) at one end and a female sectoin (13) of a side release buckle at the opposite end, and a second section (14) made from flat webbing (15) having a loop (16) and fitted with a pull through male section (17) of a side release buckle that can be connected to the female section (13) in the usually way to form the strap assembly according to the present invention. Thus the section (18) of webbing can be used to tighten the strap assembly against the tension of the shock cord (11).

Abstract: A device and method of loading nursery items on a truck is disclosed wherein a portion of a first panel of high tensile strength sheet material is adhered to a first wall of a truck's storage compartment and a portion of a second panel of high tensile strength sheet material is adhered to a second wall of the truck in mirror relationship to the first panel. Various nursery items are packed in the storage compartment between the first panel and the second panel. A gate is positioned in front of the packed nursery items between the first and second panels. The second ends of the first and second panels are secured together in a tensile state such that the gate and the nursery items are securely held in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load indicator for indicating the tensile stress on traction elements, especially on a lashing strap or rope. A loop or eyelet is provided in the traction element for catching an adaptation part, e.g. a shackle or a bracing ratchet with a bolt as the stopping element. Said adaptation element introduces a counter-retention force to the traction element. The load indicator is positioned in the loop or eyelet, so that it rests on the opposite inner flanks thereof, and expands said loop/eyelet slightly when there is zero stress on the traction element. Said load indicator comprises an indicator body which can be compressed in a crosswise direction to the longitudinal course of the inner flanks of the traction element eyelet, and contains contact areas which act upon the inner flanks of the traction element eyelet. The distance between said contact areas acts as a load indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.

Abstract: A safety net arrangement for a bunk in a truck cab has a net, which is suspended substantially vertically in use. Net belts extend from the net under the bunk and are attached to the back wall of the cab. Elastic means are provided for withdrawing the net under the bunk, when the net is released from its suspension.

Abstract: A winch having a U-shaped frame with a base and a pair of legs extending downwardly from the base. The frame is provided with a transverse, mounting slot extending across the base and into the legs where such terminates at opposed, dog-legged ends. A roller is rotatably secured to the legs. One end of the roller is provided with a number of sockets for engagement with a lever and is reinforced by a collar. A ratchet wheel is affixed to the other end of the roller. A pawl suspended from one of the legs selectively permits the ratchet wheel and attached roller to rotate in one direction.

Abstract: An improved snap buckle tool for opening and closing a snap buckle of the type used in combination with a flexible strap member to adjust the tension thereof is disclosed. The snap buckle tool comprises an elongated handle member integrally formed with a generally C-shaped head member. An elongated slot divides the terminal end of the head member into a pair of parallel tines which engage a snap buckle to alternately manipulate the snap buckle from a closed condition to an open condition to adjust the tension of the strap. The slot is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle member to facilitate use of the tool against a surface of a shipping container to gain a mechanical advantage in opening and closing the snap buckle.

Abstract: The present invention is a support rack with a built-in winch component. The rack unit includes at least two upright members and at least one horizontal support member connected at opposite ends to each of the upright members, and at least one shaft-receiving orifice located on and passing through either an upright member and/or horizontal support member. In some preferred embodiments, a plurality of the orifices may be included, e.g. at lower and higher levels of the uprights, as well as on the horizontal supports. Also, in some preferred embodiments, gussets are included to connect the uprights to the horizontal supports. These gussets may include shaft-receiving orifices. The upright members provide attachment to a motor vehicle, e.g. as part of the uprights, or as separate components.

Abstract: A system for tying down cargo on the deck of a transport vehicle such as a cargo of stacked steel plates on a railway flat car. Link chains are used for tying the cargo down. The system utilizes chain retainers secured to the deck or to the bottoms of C-channels recessed in the deck. The retainers are positioned on opposite sides of the cargo and close in to the bottom. A selected link of a length of each of two tie-down chains is inserted into one of two retainers. The free ends of the two chains are fastened together on top of the cargo and then ratcheted to place the chains under tension. The chain retainers are in the form of one-piece castings with a pair of right and left hand uprights with a slot therebetween in which a chain link will fit and pivot in its narrow orientation but not in its wide orientation. A selected link in its wide orientation serves to anchor the lower end of the chain to a chain retainer.

Abstract: In a winch assembly utilizing a web strap for securing a load on a railroad car, a winch box and/or an alternative spool assembly are provided mounted at a side of the railroad car. The winch box has a winch mandrel with a winding axis extending parallel to a longitudinal extent of the railroad car. An aperture in a side of the winch box facing away from the side of the railroad car is provided for receiving a slotted winding post of a crank. In a stored position, a first portion of the web strap is wound on the winch mandrel and a second portion of the web strap is wound in a roll on the winding past the crank. In the alternative embodiment, the spool assembly includes a spool tube with an adjacent winding mandrel. A first portion of the web is wound on the spool tube and a second portion is wound on the adjacent winding mandrel.

Abstract: A load-support system for supporting a load employing an instantaneously adjustable hook which is freely slideable along a tie-down or load-support cord to any selected operative position where the hook is positively latched to the cord by turning or twisting the hook relative to the cord to a position wherein the inboard end of the cord exiting from the hook is disposed at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore in the hook through which the cord extends. Such twisting or turning action serves to bias a latching element in the hook into latched engagement with the cord, preventing loosening—i.e., decrease in tension—of the effective length of the cord yet, at the same time, permitting movement of the cord through the hook in the opposite direction to increase the tension on the effective length of the cord while the hook remains positively latched thereto.

Abstract: A load securing apparatus for securing a load to a structure, the apparatus having a strap with first and second opposite ends to the first of which is attached a connector part. The connector part enables securement of the strap to a mating connector part on the structure. The second end of the strap is securable to a tie down reel secured to the structure. At least one tie-off loop is securely fastened to the strap to allow attachment of a hook to the strap. The apparatus may be a hold down strap for a transport trailer and the loop, of which there may more than one, may provide securement for a lanyard hook.

Abstract: The present invention is a reversible, portable winch for attachment to a load-bearing structure. It includes a shaft for rotation; a take-up reel for winding and unwinding a flexible securing strap, the take-up reel being connected to the shaft and affixed thereto for rotation therewith; a flexible securing strap attached to the take-up reel at a first end thereof; a plurality of bidirectional pawl-engaging teeth located about the shaft and so as to prevent and permit rotation of the take-up reel and the shaft by being engaged and disengaged with a pawl; a winding mechanism connected to the shaft or the take-up reel for winding the shaft and the take-up reel; support for supporting the shaft and the pawl. The winch is connected via its shaft to a support and the pawl may be movably connected to the support as well. The present invention is also a portable winch component set for installation into a support at some later time.

Abstract: A tool for removing tie down cables from a center beam rail car loaded with cargo, the apparatus comprising a support beam having a width selected to be greater than the span between a number of tie down cables on the center beam rail car. A plurality of hook-shaped cable claws are rigidly attached in a spaced apart, downwardly extending manner to the support beam. At least one lift sleeve rigidly attached to the support beam and having a receiving end for attaching to an external lift mechanism.

Abstract: An improved snap buckle tool for opening and closing a snap buckle of the type used in combination with a flexible strap member to adjust the tension thereof is disclosed. The snap buckle tool comprises an elongated handle member integrally formed with a generally C-shaped head member. An elongated slot divides the terminal end of the head member into a pair of parallel tines which engage a snap buckle to alternately manipulate the snap buckle from a closed condition to an open condition to adjust the tension of the strap. The slot is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle member to facilitate use of the tool against a surface of a shipping container to gain a mechanical advantage in opening and closing the snap buckle.

Abstract: A device for securing objects to a surface, particularly heavy objects—such as steel coil, flat steel, or pipe—being transported by various modes of transportation, such as a flat bed trailer. The device includes a rigid member that is secured to the front to rear frame rails which run lengthwise on the underside of a flat bed trailer. The device further includes chains or other restraining elements that are secured at the opposite extremities of the rigid member, pass over or through the side rails of the flat bed trailer and over or through the payload. The device also has ratchet binders or other tightening to achieve tightening of the restraining elements. Use of the device achieves increased restraint of payloads during transportation.

Abstract: A side rail (10) mounts on the load carrying deck of a transport vehicle to facilitate securing loads to the deck and includes an upright abutment wall (20) that intersects a support surface extension (30). The abutment wall 20 has an inner surface (22) that faces the load carrying deck and an outer surface (24) that faces away from the load carrying deck. An upwardly and outwardly angling winch mount (50) connects the outer surface (24) of the abutment wall (20) to the support surface extension (30). Upper and lower attachment flanges (26) and (28) project inwardly from the abutment wall (20) for mountably engaging the load carrying deck. The support surface extension (30) is bifurcated by a longitudinally disposed channel (32), creating an inner extension portion (36) and an outer extension portion (38). An outwardly disposed hook notched lip (42) is formed along the inner edge of the channel (32) to produce a chain tie-down securing location.

Abstract: A cargo barrier net (10) is preferably made of a high-strength, lightweight, low-elongation material such as a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR®, and includes straps (11, 13) intersecting at intersections (15) at varying angles. A stitching pattern (20) is applied at each intersection (15) which is configured so that it will not fail irrespective of the direction of the force applied to the intersection (15). A hook (16) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. A bracket (17) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach other portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. At least some of the straps (11) are interrupted and a link (18) is provided to selectively join the interrupted ends of the straps (11). The net (10) may thus be quickly removed to load and unload the cargo by releasing the hooks (16) and operating the links (18) to interrupt the net (10).

Abstract: A load restraint method for securing cargo within transport containers such as intermodal containers including first and second load restraining strips with an adhesive coating on one surface of the strips for adherence to sidewalls of an intermodal container and a locking load restraining strip for bonding the free ends of the first and second load restraining strips together into a load restraining system.

Abstract: A package carrier for carrying articles on the trunk lid of a passenger car or the tail gate of a utility vehicle comprising a soft, flat, flexible pad with a plurality of adjustable mounting straps terminating with hooks for attaching the carrier to the vehicle and a plurality of independent binding straps for holding the package in place. The package carrier is capable of conforming to the shape of the trunk lid so that it can be efficiently used with a wide range of vehicles, is quickly deployed and removed, and can be rolled up into a compact cylinder for storage.

Abstract: A reversible, portable winch for attachment to a utility rack. It includes a shaft for rotation; a take-up reel for winding and unwinding a flexible securing strap, the take-up reel being connected to the shaft and affixed thereto for rotation therewith; a flexible securing strap attached to the take-up reel at a first end thereof; a plurality of bidirectional pawl-engaging teeth located about the shaft and so as to prevent and permit rotation of the take-up reel and the shaft by being engaged and disengaged with a pawl; a winding mechanism connected to the shaft or the take-up reel for winding the shaft and the take-up reel; support for supporting the shaft and the pawl. The winch is connected via its shaft to a support and the pawl may be movably connected to the support as well. In preferred embodiments, the support is a component of a utility rack such as a ladder utility rack attached to the cargo bed of a pick-up truck or the top of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A pawl of the type used to lock a ratchet wheel in a cargo restraint winch system, and a method of constructing the pawl. Two planar plates are constructed, one having a projecting fin which is bent at a right angle to provide a finger tab for facilitating release of the pawl from the ratchet wheel. The plates are welded flatly together to form the pawl. Teeth on the pawl are staggered and located in offset planes.

Abstract: A freight transport vehicle convertible for carrying piece goods as well as bulk liquid cargo, includes a collapsible liquid cargo bag and at least one adjustable cinching strap for being tightened down over the bag. Tightening of the strap over the bag causes the pressure of the liquid mass within the bag to increase, serving to make the liquid mass act as a solid mass within the bag. This prevents kinetic energy that is built up in the mass through motion of the vehicle from causing sloshing motion of the liquid during transportation, thus eliminating possible hazards in operation of the vehicle and preventing possible damage to the cargo bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing cargo in the cargo compartment of vehicles is disclosed including a retracting device mounted in the cargo compartment, a flexible band retractably attached to the retracting device so that it can be withdrawn and retracted thereinto, an elongated bar fixed to the flexible band, and at least one recess disposed in the cargo compartment so that the elongated bar can be releasably locked in the recess for securing the cargo with the flexible band in the cargo compartment.

Abstract: A strap roller device for rolling up cargo straps more quickly and with little effort. The strap roller device includes a base having a mounting bracket and a tubular member having open ends and a bore extending therethrough and being securely attached to the mounting bracket, and further includes a strap take-up which includes an elongate member having a longitudinal slot in a first end thereof and having a recessed portion which is rotatably disposed in the bore of the tubular member, the strap take-up also including a handle support member and a handle member used to rotate the elongate member for taking up the cargo strap received in the longitudinal slot.

Abstract: A turnbuckle comprises first and second fastening parts, the first fastening part having a first end fitting and a first rod-shaped portion, and the second fastening part having a second end fitting and a second rod-shaped portion, at least the first of which rod-shaped portions is formed with threads. The turnbuckle further comprises a tightening device comprising first and second tightening members, each having an outer end piece and an inner end piece. The outer end piece of at least the first tightening member has a threaded through-hole to receive in screw engagement the threaded rod portion of the first fastening part. The inner end piece of the second tightening member has a threaded through-hole also to receive in screw engagement the threaded rod portion of the first fastening part. The tightening device is arranged to assume at least two different elongation conditions.

Abstract: A system for tying a load down on a load deck. A plurality of tie-down assemblies are spaced at a plurality of locations along the side sills. Each assembly includes a first aperture in a vertical wall of one of the side sills; a belt router recessed at a first point beneath the deck and between the side sills, immediately adjacent and inward of the one side sill; a second aperture in the deck, above the belt router; a first belt winder mounted at a second point on the one side sill, below the first aperture; a second belt winder mounted at a third point on the other side sill in alignment with the first belt winder; and, a belt having one end secured to the first belt winder. To tie down a narrow load which does not project beyond the side sills, the belt's opposite end is extended through the first aperture and beneath the deck, around the belt router, through the second aperture and above the deck, over the load, and into engagement with the second belt winder.

Abstract: A cargo restraining apparatus includes a cargo net, a plurality of buckles, and a plurality of anchor straps. The cargo net is formed of a plurality of intersecting woven webs and is preferably rectangular with two nonintersecting, free ends of webs at each corner. Each of the buckles include a C-bar to which two nonintersecting, free ends of the cargo net are attached. An anchor strap having an anchor end and a free end is fed through the buckle and used to apply tension to the two nonintersecting, free ends when the anchor end is connected to an anchor and the free end is pulled in a direction generally toward the anchor. Each buckle also includes a release tab for releasing tension applied to the two nonintersecting, free ends. Each buckle is preferable fabricated from a single piece of molded plastic with no moving parts. The apparatus is particularly well suited for use in securing cargo in the bed of a pick-up truck.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a restraint pan into which an auxiliary fuel tank is placed, a harness extending over the fuel tank, and a pair of brackets each having a corner receptacle for engaging a corner of the fuel tank. The corner receptacles are each reinforced by a gusset. Each bracket includes two arms having a pair of holes that align with each other. The first holes receives a bolt, making a pivoting joint between the arms and the second holes receive a removable pin for aligning the two arms in a locked position. Each end of the brackets is a clevis for engaging a cargo ring. The harness includes a pair of straps interconnected by a web and ratchets for tightening the straps. The pan prevents horizontal movement of the fuel tank, the harness resists vertical movement of the fuel tank, and the brackets prevent vertical motion and tipping motion of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A rapid spooling/tightening binding device includes a uniquely designed winch winder mechanism having a rotatable shaft substantially aligned with the center axis of the winch and which is couplable to a drill to rapidly spool the binding strap about a strap spooling reel. In the preferred embodiment, the drill is a cordless drill. The winch winder mechanism is removably coupled to the winch for use with other binding devices.

Abstract: A cargo positioning device includes a base including two side walls having aligned first notches and aligned second notches. A pivotal member includes two side walls and a handle for manual operation. The side walls of the pivotal member includes aligned cams, aligned slots, and aligned restrainers. A latch plate has two lateral sides slidably guided in the slots of the pivotal member, respectively. Each lateral side has a catch. An engaging section is formed between the lateral sides of the latch plate. A spindle is rotatably extended through the side walls of the base. The spindle is connected with the cams on the pivotal member to rotate therewith. A cargo strap has an end securely attached to the spindle and is releasably wound around the spindle. Two ratchet wheels are mounted on the spindle to rotate therewith. A braking member is pivotally mounted to the base and includes two side walls each having a braking section for releasably engaging with an associated ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A web retractor including a spring biased spool upon which is mounted a web. The distal end of the web includes a connector to releasably engage a watercraft to hold the watercraft atop a boat trailer. A release lever is connected to the retractor pawl allowing the spool to rotate and web to be extended. A crank is attached to the spool axle and when engaged rotates the axle to tighten the web. The crank is normally positioned in an unengaged position allowing the spool to rotate without crank movement.

Abstract: A retractable cargo restraint assembly including a housing which contains a retracting mechanism. A belt is maintained in a retracted state within the housing. The retracting mechanism controls the withdrawal and retraction of the belt. A housing connector is attached to the housing which allows the restraint assembly to be selectively connected and disconnected to an E-track. The end of the belt includes a belt connector such that the belt is connectable and disconnectable to an E-track. The restraint assembly is self-contained and portable such that a user can move the assembly and anchor the housing to a desired E-track slot. Cargo or other objects can then be restrained with the belt and secured. The restraint assembly is convenient and versatile due to its non-permanent mounting structure.

Abstract: A system for tying down cargo on the deck of a transport vehicle such as a cargo of stacked steel plates on a railway flat car. Link chains are used for tying the cargo down. The system utilizes chain retainers secured to the deck or to the bottoms of C-channels recessed in the deck. The retainers are positioned on opposite sides of the cargo and close in to the bottom. A selected link of a length of each of two tie-down chains is inserted into one of two retainers. The free ends of the two chains are fastened together on top of the cargo and then ratcheted to place the chains under tension. The chain retainers are in the form of one-piece castings with a pair of right and left hand uprights with a slot therebetween in which a chain link will fit and pivot in its narrow orientation but not in its wide orientation. A selected link in its wide orientation serves to anchor the lower end of the chain to a chain retainer.

Abstract: A winding tool for a winch is disclosed. The winch is used on flatbed trailers to hold webbing used to strap down loads on the trailer. The winding tool is designed to use the winch bar interface on currently available winches.

Abstract: A holder sheet device (100, 200) to securely hold boxes (50) together on a flatcar is disclosed, comprising at least one elongated sheet member (101, 102, 201), anchor belt (3, 23), and fastener (4, 24). Optionally, the holder sheet device is further provided with elastic connector (10). The anchor belt is spanned over the boxes and holds a portion of the holder sheet device so that a single worker can easily mount and set the holder sheet device on the boxes.

Abstract: A net type cargo restraining system for motor vehicles of the type having a cargo floor with a front area, and a hinged exterior door which opens from outside the vehicle to provide access to the cargo floor. The restraining system comprises a net member having a length, the net member being detachably connected between a first point proximate the front area of the cargo floor and a second point on the door, whereby the net member is raised and lowered with the door to provide access to the cargo floor for loading and unloading purposes and to capture cargo on the floor when the door is closed. The restraining system further comprises a mechanism for varying the length of the net member between the first point and the second point while maintaining significant tension in the net member, thereby to accommodate cargo of varying size. A further embodiment comprises a load retention net comprising a netting member adapted to restrain stowage within the cargo area from entering the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A load restraint system and method for securing cargo within transport containers such as intermodal containers including first and second load restraining strips with an adhesive coating on one surface of the strips for adherence to sidewalls of an intermodal container and a locking load restraining strip for bonding the free ends of the first and second load restraining strips together into a load restraining system.