Abstract: The present invention includes an improved cargo restraint apparatus (10). The cargo restraint apparatus (10) comprises a pallet (20), a reel (30) having a locking mechanism, and a lock release (43, 143, 243) having a pressure plate (44, 144, 244) and a release shaft (45, 145, 245) having a rotation restricting widthwise cross-section. A force is applied to the pressure plate (44, 144, 244) to unlock the reel (30). The pressure plate (44, 144, 244) allows a user to release the restraints quickly and easily by kicking the pressure plate while keeping the user's hands free.

Abstract: A speed handle for use in combination with a strap winch on a flat bed trailer. The straps used to secure loads on trailers can be 30 to 40 feet in length. There is no good way to wind these straps onto their winch when they are not in use. Currently the job is done by hand which is very slow and tedious. The speed handle engages a lug of the winch and allows the strap to be wound back onto the winch very quickly. The speed handle allows the winding to occur with only one hand so that another hand is free to guide the strap onto the winch drum.

Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system which includes a floor mounting track, an anchor slidably mountable in said mounting track, and a seat belt retractor directly swivelly mounted on the anchor for movement in a single plane. In a preferred embodiment the seat belt retractor has a planar lower surface which lies in a substantially horizontal plane which is parallel to the mounting track when in operative position.

Abstract: A winch bar has an insertion portion adapted to fit in openings of a winch drum of non-circular cross-section, typically square or hexagonal, whereby the winch bar cannot rotate relative to the openings to present hazards of injury to persons or property which can result with prior art circular drum openings and circular cross-section bars.

Abstract: A device for quickly winding strap around a spool of a ratcheting binder assembly having a longitudinal axis includes a leverage hole engaging mechanism, a longitudinal axis generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the spool, and two generally freely rotatable handles offset from the longitudinal axis spaced 180 degrees apart. An alternate embodiment includes an extended tail end portion adapted to rest within an adjacent ratcheting binder and may include another leverage hole engaging mechanism to turn two adjacent spools coincidently.

Abstract: A handle for speed winding a strap back onto a belt winch having a ratchet mechanism, a winch drum and an annular cylinder is described. The speed handle generally includes an elongated arm having a grip on the upper surface adjacent the first end and a handle drum on the lower surface adjacent the second end. The handle drum includes a tapered end and is adapted to fit into the annular cylinder of a belt winch. The handler drum includes a protrusion with a tapered end, adapted to fit into an aperture on the annular cylinder. Once placed on the belt winch, the speed handle allows the user to rapidly rewind a strap back onto the winch drum.

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. Moreover, the anchor may include a slot which with a side edge of the “L” shaped aperture defines a restraining post-like member therebetween. The restraining strap can be then threaded into and through the slot, around the post-like member, and exit the aperture so as to form a loop about the post-like member for restraining movement of the strap.

Abstract: A speed handle and portable hub for use in combination with a strap winch on a flat bed trailer. The straps used to secure loads on trailers can be 30 to 40 feet in length. There is no good way to wind these straps and to securely store the straps when not in use. Currently the job is done by hand which is very slow and tedious. A portable hub can be mounted for rotation through the winch and a speed handle can be used to quickly wind the strap up on the portable hub forming a strap roll. Once the strap is wound on the portable hub, the portable hub can be removed from the winch and the strap roll can be removed from the portable hub for safe storage. The combination of the portable hub and speed handle provides an efficient way to create a strap roll that can be stored to prevent theft of the strap.

Abstract: A device for quickly winding strap around a spool of a ratcheting binder assembly having a longitudinal axis includes a leverage hole engaging mechanism, a longitudinal axis generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the spool, and two generally freely rotatable handles offset from the longitudinal axis spaced 180 degrees apart. An alternate embodiment includes an extended tail end portion adapted to rest within an adjacent ratcheting binder and may include another leverage hole engaging mechanism to turn two adjacent spools coincidently.

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 speed handle for use in combination with a strap winch on a flat bed trailer. The straps used to secure loads on trailers can be 30 to 40 feet in length. There is no good way to wind these straps onto their winch when they are not in use. Currently the job is done by hand which is very slow and tedious. The speed handle engages a lug of the winch and allows the strap to be wound back onto the winch very quickly. The speed handle allows the winding to occur with only one hand so that another hand is free to guide the strap onto the winch drum.

Abstract: A strap winch device assembly for fitting on a flat bed open truck trailer, to enable a truck driver to remote actuate this load tightening system without leaving his truck cab, in periodic fashion. A number of these winch devices are connected to a single fore and aft drive shaft, which extends along the side of the trailer. The drive shaft is driven by a motor to tighten any straps that loosen when the trailer is in motion over the road, as trailer load distribution typically shifts during road trailer, due to road-induced vibrations. A clutch mechanism is provided in the winch device, to prevent the motor from overheating once a set tightening torque threshold level has been reached.

Abstract: A winch bar for use with tie-down strap winches has an elongated bar member, an insert member attached to the bar member, a bar pawl pivotally attached to the bar member and a spring to bias the bar pawl toward the insert member. The bar pawl abuts the insert member when the winch bar is in a closed position. The spring is disposed between a first spring connector attached to the bar member and a second spring connector attached to the bar pawl. With the insert member engaged in the strap winch, the winch bar winds the strap winch winding drum by operatively engaging the strap winch ratchet wheel when pivoted in the tightening direction. When pivoted in the opposite direction, the bar pawl ratchets against the ratchet wheel to allow winding of the winding drum without having to remove the winch bar from the strap winch.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented web work structure for carrying vertical shear loads between the top truss and the center sill and decking. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a deep upper beam structure that has downwardly extending skirts. The skirts provide an extended bearing area upon against which bundled loads can be secured. The skirts are inwardly reinforced to discourage deflection between adjacent upright members of the vertical web work.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a cargo handling system which is arranged for use on board a ship. Long lane dividers, which are in the form of profiles, are so arranged as to be laid out on the deck of a ship along the longitudinal extent of the intended desired cargo lane. Attachment devices matching existing standard openings in the deck and capable of being introduced vertically into these attach the lane dividers to the deck. At least a number of the aforementioned lane dividers exhibit recesses to accommodate locking devices for the purpose of locking a cargo securely to them.

Abstract: A 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 drive apparatus. The rotary drive apparatus is interengaged with the tool and rotatably driven such that the tool turns the spindle to wind the strap thereon.

Abstract: A winch bar has an insertion portion adapted to fit in openings of a winch drum of non-circular cross-section, typically square or hexagonal, whereby the winch bar cannot rotate relative to the openings to present hazards of injury to persons or property which can result with prior art circular drum openings and circular cross-section bars.

Abstract: An add-on spring driven tensioner for a load restraint winch incorporates in an OEM embodiment or a reworked winch, an axially extended barrel portion of the tensioner that extends through the endplate of the winch, to withstand added bending stresses from the overhung tensioner. The loading provision for the tensioner limits spring tensioning to one half of a revolution. A reinforced winch structure includes a twin ratchet wheel, which can have spring-loaded ratchet pawls. A safety ratchet clip removably attached to the winch endplate can secure the ratchet pawl/pawls, in a positively engaged or a positively disengaged condition.

Abstract: Method of securing cargo to a deck with includes providing a beam of rectangular structural tubing or other shape having multiple D-rings or other lashing apertures along its length. The cargo is then lashed to the deck of a roll-on roll-off ship through the beam, with indexed aperture connections at each end which removabley connects the beam to the ship's deck using a pair of twist locks. With the application of the method, cargo lashing schemes with tighter packing of cargo and faster, more accurate placement, and safer stevedoring operations are effected according to shoreside prestowage plans. Top and bottom mounting points for twist locks allow easy storage, transport, and shoring.

Abstract: A winch bar is provided for use in combination with a strap winding winch for flat bed trailers. The winch bar has two stable positions of engagement with the strap winch. The winch bar will reduce accidents commonly caused by slippage of the winch bar relative to the winch during application of high torque.

Abstract: A winch bar for use in combination with a strap winding winch for flat bed trailers. The winch bar has two stable positions of engagement with the strap winch. The winch bar will reduce accidents commonly caused by slippage of the winch bar relative to the winch during application of high torque.

Abstract: A generally Y-shaped winch assembly is described for use with a trailer or truck. The winch assembly includes a stem portion having a pair of horizontally spaced-apart plates extending upwardly from the upper end thereof. A strap receiver mechanism is rotatably mounted on the plates and is controlled by a conventional winch ratchet assembly. A spring-loaded hook member is mounted on the stem portion for engagement with the lower end of a side rail, the lower end of the side area of the trailer, or the lower end of a stand-off plate to maintain the winch assembly in a desired position at one side of the trailer.

Abstract: A manually operated winch system secures cargo to a transport vehicle. The winch system has a shaft rotationally mounted relative a frame. A ratchet drive mechanism controls rotation of the shaft. A handle received in the drive mechanism can be used both to control rotation of the shaft and to control operation of a pawl. The drive mechanism is configured such that tilting the handle moves a member axially. Sufficient axial movement of the member causes the pawl to disengage mating ratchet teeth and thereby allows the shaft to rotate freely. In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism limits the extent to which the member can move axially.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for securing an article by a strap has a frame to which one end of the strap is immovably connected and a winding shaft about which the other end of the strap is wound and unwound. A handle pivoted to the frame engages ratchet teeth on the winding shaft to rotate the winding shaft in a strap take-up direction when the handle moves from a second to a first position while not rotating the winding shaft when the handle moves the first toward the second position. A lock mechanism actuated by a key is provided to positively and selectively lock the handle to the frame when the handle is in the second position.

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: In a load tie-down system that incorporates a wind-down winch for securing and tensioning a hold-down member, the improvement consists of incorporating a tensioning spring that maintains a resilient loading upon the drum of the winch, such that in the event of reduction in the tension of the hold-down member, the drum is driven in a winding-on sense, to maintain tension in the hold-down member. A releasable coupling between the spring and the winch drum enables independent operation of the winch and of the tensioning spring. One embodiment incorporates a spring mounted upon an extension of the winch drum, outside the frame. Helical springs are used. The spring torque is automatically connected to the winch drum, and is automatically disconnected when the spring is de-tensioned.

Abstract: A winch assembly (10) including a winch shaft (12) adapted for rotation about a first axis (14) and a substantially right angled drive transferring mechanism (20) having a drive input (24) coupled to a tool engagement device (32) and drive output (26) coupled to the winch shaft (12). The tool engagement device (32) is adapted for rotation about a second axis (34) extending substantially radially from the first axis (14). Rotation of the tool engagement device (32) causes rotation of the winch shaft (12).

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 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 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 new piece of cargo lashing gear is provided which is a load transmitting beam of rectangular structural tubing or other shape having multiple D-rings or other lashing apertures along its length for lashing cargo to the deck of a roll-on roll-off ship through the beam, with indexed aperture connections at each end for removably connecting the apparatus to the ship's deck using a pair of twist locks. With the apparatus, cargo lashing schemes with tighter packing of cargo and faster, more accurate, and safer stevedoring operations are effected according to shoreside prestowage plans. Top and bottom mounting points for twist locks allow easy storage, transport, and shoring.

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: 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 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: 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 container for storing a tie down strap having a tray with a well and winding spindle is disclosed. The strap is fed through a slit in the side of the well to engage the winding spindle. A handle is attached to the spindle to allow the user to wind the strap into the container. A lid is pivotally attached to the tray by a hinge pin. The lid is secured in place by an indentation in the lid engaging a post on the tray. To further secure the container in a closed position, a hook may be placed through a pair of apertures: one in the tray and one in the lid. The hook may be attached to the wall of a truck bed for easy storage.

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: 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 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 belt winding and storage compartment is fixed to an outward facing railcar surface. An aperture is provided in a front wall portion of the compartment. A belt winder is removably insertable through the front wall aperture to coil at least a portion of the belt inside the compartment. The belt winder incorporates first and second rods which are fixed at a right angle. A spaced-apart pair of belt-receiving members are fixed to and extend outwardly from an upper end of the first rod, parallel to the second rod and in a direction opposite to the direction at which the second rod extends relative to the first rod. In one embodiment, an aperture is provided in the railcar surface, in alignment with the front wall aperture. The aligned apertures rotatably support opposed ends of the belt-receiving members as the belt is coiled inside the compartment. In an alternative embodiment, a belt winder support and belt guide plate is fixed to the outward facing railcar surface.

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 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 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 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 strap tensioning and collecting device disclosed has a variable length strap and a fixed length strap operatively associated with a strap storage section and a strap tensioning section. The strap storage section includes a spool housing and a spool in the housing mounted for rotation about an axis with the spool having exposed serrated edges extending beyond the walls of the housing so that the user holding the device with one hand may use the thumb to rotate the spool. The variable length strap extends through the strap tensioning section and has a lever arm which upon rotation selectively decreases the length of the strap to place a tension on the straps when the straps are connected at free ends to a fixed location.

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 load security system for a storage and transport framework for storing and/or transporting two-dimensional articles comprises an abutment element for engaging one side edge of the two-dimensional articles, a spring or pivoted element for engaging an opposite side edge of the two-dimensional articles, and a tensioning device connected between the spring or pivoted element and a framework supporting the two-dimensional articles so that the spring or pivoted element exerts pressure on the surface of the two-dimensional articles for flat pressure thereof onto the framework and, simultaneously, exerts pressure on the side edges of the two-dimensional articles in a direction toward the abutment element.

Abstract: A retractable strap assembly is provided including a housing. Also included is a threaded post and a pair of clamps for removably and fixedly mounting the housing to a vehicle. Next included is a spool assembly situated within the housing and having a strap with a coupler on an end thereof. The strap is capable of being retracted within the housing.