Abstract: A locking winch bar having a locking mechanism for securing the winch bar in a winch sprocket so that the bar does not accidentally exit the sprocket. The winch bar has an elongated shaft with a grasping end and a tapering bend at the other end. The shaft includes a groove located at the tapering bend, and within the groove is position a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lock member having a pawl element at one end and a trigger at the other end. The other end of the lock member is pivotally secured within the groove by a pivot pin, and a spring member is positioned within the groove to act upon the lock member by biasing it outwardly, from the groove. A retaining member secured to the shaft across the groove limits the outward extent of the lock member. Upon pressing the trigger, the lock member is forced into the groove against the action of the spring member, which thereby causes the pawl element to become recessed within the groove.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be secured to a truck or trailer bed, for transporting on roads or highways, using adjustable-length connectors with rigid shafts, rather than chains, ropes, or cables. Two steel "tine pins" (or comparable rigid structures, such as rounded eye hooks) are securely mounted on opposed ends or sides of the ATV. Similar tine pins are also mounted on the bed of a trailer or truck used to carry the ATV. The ATV is loaded onto the trailer or truck, moved into position (this does not require precise placement) and secured by turnbuckle-type securing connectors which have adjustable lengths. Unlike chains or ropes, these adjustable connectors become rigid and non-yielding after their lengths have been adjusted. An eyehole which accommodates a tine pin is provided at each end of each connector.

Abstract: A self-propelled grain combine head is transported on a wheel supported trailer having an elongated lower support bar on which is mounted a pair of slidable head support units each having a bracket supporting a repositionable support member. Each support member has peripherally spaced different support surfaces for receiving frame members of different combine heads, and each bracket and corresponding head support member have a plurality of sets of alignable holes for receiving a pair of removable cross pins. A pair of hold down units are also slidably mounted on the lower support bar, and each unit carries a manually actuated ratchet winch having a flexible hold down strap. Each strap is connected to a combine head by a hook which may also receive a claw-type hook and a cross pin.

Abstract: A securement system for vertically upstanding articles on a platform such as paper rolls inside a boxcar includes vertical anchor channels, the anchor channels having notches along their length for setting a position of spools carried by the channels. The spools hold coiled webbing and one of the webbings includes a ratchet buckle fastener. The webbings can be uncoiled from the spools to the desired length to wrap around the vertical articles and secure the vertical articles using the fastener. In an alternative embodiment, movable elements finctioning as anchors for ends of the webs are vertically positionable along verticle anchor channels.

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 platform trailer includes a load carrying main frame and an elongated loading deck supported by the main frame and defining a generally planar surface upon which cargo may be loaded. An elongated side rail is attached to at least one of the loading deck and the main frame so that the side rail is disposed along a longitudinal edge of the trailer. The side rail defines an upwardly opening channel extending along the longitudinal edge. The channel has a planar central portion substantially parallel to a plane defined by an upper horizontal surface of the loading deck and opposing side portions extending vertically upward from the central portion.

Abstract: A load holding strap having a J-shaped hook on one end is provided together with a strap winding mechanism including a handled rotary torque input shaft driving a rotary torque output shaft having an exposed outer end equipped with a blade-type support structure with which the strap hook is loosely engageable. The strap hook and support structure are configured relative to each other such that when the hook is loosely engageable over the support structure for rotary torque drive therefrom and the strap is at least lightly tensioned the strap may be tightly wound about the strap hook when the support structure is rotated in a direction initially winding the strap across the open throat of the strap hook and the tension of the strap will cause the hook to be disengaged from the support structure when the support structure is rotated in the opposite direction attempting to initially wind the strap about the outer surfaces of the strap hook.

Abstract: A cargo restraining system for a truck bed is provided including at least one crank unit mounted to a side of the truck bed. Also included is a flexible, inelastic strap having at least one end coupled to the crank unit. This allows the tightening of the strap to restrain cargo within the truck bed.

Abstract: A tie-down device (11) to hold tractor trailer dunnage (19) securely to the landing gear (15) of a trailer when the dunnage is not in use. The tie-down device includes a pawl and ratchet winding mechanism (13) having a securement strap (14) which wraps around the dunnage and hooks to an eye hook (38) which is resiliently mounted to a support member (33) to maintain tension upon the securement strap.

Abstract: A securement system for a centerbeam railcar for securing lumber or like products includes overhead spools for holding polyester webbing straps, and columns arranged along a length of the railcar having horizontally arranged intermediate web posts for receiving the straps partially wrapped around the intermediate web posts, and winches secured to a bottom side sill of the floor structure of the railcar for receiving an end of the webbing straps to pull the webbing straps tight on the cargo. A plurality of the intermediate web posts are provided vertically arranged to change the effective holding shape of the web onto a varying cargo height.

Abstract: An improved cargo restraint attachment assembly for use with a platform trailer includes a body having an interior side and an exterior side opposite thereto. A first section is adjacent to the interior side and configured to attach the body to a loading deck of the platform trailer so that the body extends outwardly from and along at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the loading deck. A second section is configured to selectively secure the cargo restraint device at a desired position with respect to the longitudinal edge. The assembly may secure at least one cargo restraint device at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane to minimize bending moment on the cargo restraint device from force applied thereto by engagement with a load on a loading deck of the platform trailer.

Abstract: An improved cargo restraint attachment assembly for use with a platform trailer includes a body having an interior side and an exterior side opposite thereto. A first section is adjacent to the interior side and configured to attach the body to a loading deck of the platform trailer so that the body extends outwardly from and along at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the loading deck. A second section is configured to selectively secure the cargo restraint device at a desired position with respect to the longitudinal edge. The assembly may secure at least one cargo restraint device at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane to minimize bending moment on the cargo restraint device from force applied thereto by engagement with a load on a loading deck of the platform trailer.

Abstract: A winch for mounting upon a track having hooks and flanges wherein the winch includes a base having lips homogeneously formed of the base material which engage the track flanges. The winch construction, and the method for making the winch, permits a high strength construction to be economically formed by punching and bending operations.

Abstract: A tie-down mechanism has a spool portion which is operable by manual engagement with a pivoting handle which engages a spool portion at selected angular positions and is used to provide additional force to turn the spool. At the opposite end of the spool, a spring loaded locking pin is manually disengaged to enable the spool to turn and take up a webbed strap, cord or rope which is being engaged. As the handle is moved downward to its maximum extent, the pin is allowed to engage and lock the spool as the handle is re-positioned for a further pull. The spool can be disengaged only by manual operation of the locking pin, and the locking pin cannot be removed while the spool is under turning force. In addition, the tie-down mechanism of the present invention is fitted with a special plate and locking mechanism which enables it to pivot without becoming disengaged from a vehicle body, and provides for a locking mechanism to deter theft.

Abstract: An improved winch crank assembly for use on typical flatbed trailers whereon cargo is secured using flexible straps is described. The present invention permits the rapid winding of the straps onto the winch and reduces the time required for winding the straps by tenfold or more. The present winch crank assembly comprises a portable crank assembly wherein a single crank can be used to wind the straps onto a plurality of winches on a single trailer. In addition, the portability allows the user to conveniently carry the crank for use on other truck trailers.

Abstract: An elongated divider panel comprising a widened bead-like top rail, an integrally attached thin intermediate portion and an integrally attached widened mount-base at the bottom thereof. The mount-base rests atop strut channel members, and is adjustably securable thereon allowing the divider panel to be shifted laterally as desired. The mount-base includes vertical through-bores for accepting bolts for bolting the mount-base atop the strut channel members. Spring-nuts are utilized within the strut channel members to receive the bolts mounting the mount-base. The vertical bores of the mount-base include space to recess the bolt heads. Multiple strut channel members are used in spaced parallel relationship to one another and extending transversely to the long axis of a fire truck cargo bed and the divider panel.

Abstract: A cargo tie down device includes a winch having a mounting bracket, a winch shaft support and a winch shaft. The mounting bracket is secured to a vehicle, and the winch shaft support is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket. The winch shaft is rotatable within the winch shaft support and is connected to a flexible member which is either attached to or extends over the cargo on the trailer. Tightening of the belt by the winch causes the winch to align relative to the belt in a position wherein the axis of the winch shaft is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the belt, regardless of the angle at which the belt is disposed.

Abstract: A strap collector (1) is provided which is designed to be attached to the connecting arm (6) of a cargo tightener (2). The strap collector includes a magazine (8, 9) for the protection and storage of the long tensioning strap of the cargo tightener when wound to the shaft (14) of the strap collector. In this manner the strap will be stored, without affecting or impeding the active parts of the strap tightener and without having the tensile force, applied by the cargo tightener upon lashing the cargo down, loading the strap collector or the end of the strap wound thereto.

Abstract: Restraining and tensioning apparatus (10) for a cargo tie-down belt (12) has a chassis (26) with a fluted spindle (98) onto which the belt is wound, ratchet gears (120,122), tensioning lever (28), and two pairs of locking pawls (136, 138, 148, 150), each locking pawl being engaged by an individual spring urging the pawl into contact with a ratchet gear.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for a cargo lashing strap that secures cargo to a cargo deck and is configured to have a frame having a first portion adapted to couple the frame to the cargo deck an intermediate portion, and a second portion. The frame has two side walls extending continuously therealong and are generally parallel to one another in the first and second portions, and taper in the intermediate portion. A spindle receives the cargo lashing strap and extends through apertures in the side walls in the second portion of the frame. The spindle is provided with an axial slot therethrough for engaging the cargo lashing strap. Ratchet wheels arranged on the first and second spindle ends, rotate with the spindle. An adapter facilitates engagement and disengagement of a torquing lever with the spindle. A pawl shaft has ends that extend through apertures in both side walls in the second portion of the frame.

Abstract: A winch for securing the tie down straps used to restrain cargo transported on a flatbed vehicle. The winch includes a rigid frame having a rotatable winch drum on which the strap may be wound. A ratchet wheel on the end of the winch drum includes two sets of teeth which are axially offset and circumferentially staggered relative to each other. A pawl for locking the ratchet wheel has two similarly offset and staggered sets of teeth. The teeth of the pawl and ratchet wheel interlock at locations that are both axially and circumferentially offset to distribute the stresses and enhance the structural strength of the winch.

Abstract: A belt winch mounting apparatus for use on flat bed trailers using a single mounting support shaft on which winch elements can be selectively secured therealong. The mounting support shaft is secured to the trailer on one side with independent winch elements rotatably positioned thereon. Ratchet supports extend from the trailer for engagement with the winch configuration, as required.

Abstract: There is a winch bar for winding a winch having a winding drum with an annular wall and a circular opening. A plurality of winch bar receiving apertures extend diametrically through the drum on opposite sides of the wall. The winch bar has an outer portion dimensioned to extend through the apertures. The winch bar also has an inner portion larger than the apertures and a first shoulder between the inner portion and the outer portion. The outer portion includes an outer tip which tapers outwardly. There is a first segment of reduced section adjacent the tip and dimensioned to receive the wall of the drum on the first side thereof. A second shoulder is located between the tip and the first segment. There is a second segment of reduced section adjacent the first shoulder and which is dimensioned to receive the wall of the drum on a second side thereof. The bar has a third segment having a larger section than the first and second segments and which is located therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining articles in the bed of a truck such as a pick-up truck. The apparatus of the present invention includes a rigid support member secured at its upper end to one side wall of the bed of a truck, a pulley assembly secured to the lower end of the support member and to the floor of the bed of the truck adjacent the one side wall, a strap anchoring assembly secured to the floor of the truck adjacent the other of the side walls of the truck bed, a winch secured to the upper end of the rigid support member, and a flexible strap having a first end secured to the winch, a second end secured to the strap anchoring assembly, and an intermediate portion for engaging the articles loaded within the trunk bed to restrain them against the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: A safety tie-down roller (1) has a spring laden ratchet pawl (9) positioned at an opposite side of structural framework (11) from a ratchet gear (8) and its related working conditions. A handle (33, 34, 35) is provided to release the ratchet pawl (9) against pressure of a spring (20, 37, 40, 42) for unloading cars and for straightening out chain to prevent loosening hazards. A wrench socket (45, 46, 51) is provided in addition to bar wrench apertures (15) for fast ratchet wrench rotation or optionally for motorized wrench rotation of the tie-down ratchet gear (8). Accurate torque control is made possible by the wrench sockets with either a hand torque wrench or a motorized torque wrench. Adapter plates (47, 49) are provided in addition to convenient forms of special hand wrenches (57, 58, 60).

Abstract: To hold a solar panel array of a satellite in a folded position, cable runs from a support on the outside panel through the four corners of the array to a tie down device. Each tie down device has a rotatable shaft with a hook for holding a loop at the end of a cable offset slightly from the center of rotation of the shaft. A lever arm depending from the shaft extends a significant distance from the center of rotation so that the force required to hold the shaft in the tie down position with a cable hooked on the hook is relatively small. Furthermore, because of this relatively small force, the lever arm may be readily released whereupon the small torque applied by the cable to the shaft rotates the shaft thereby releasing the cable. In this way, the satellite solar panel array is released for deployment.

Abstract: A friction winch assembly for securing automobiles or other heavy objects to a transporting vehicle includes a spindle rotatably mounted on the transporting vehicle, a ratchet gear axially mounted on said spindle, and an actuator cap for threaded engagement on said spindle. A chain or other flexible elongated member is connected at one of its ends to the spindle for winding or unwinding thereon, and at its other end to the automobile. To wind the chain and secure the vehicle, the actuator cap is rotated with a tool for longitudinal movement along the spindle toward the ratchet until longitudinal movement is limited by a collar affixed to the spindle. The actuator cap, ratchet and spindle eventually frictionally engage each other sufficiently so that they rotate synchronously with the spindle while the chain is wound, until the chain tension secures the automobile.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining a restraining device placed over a load in constant tension as the load shifts during transit are disclosed. The present invention provides a winch having two ratchets, the first of which provides the initial tension in the restraining device. The second ratchet is connected to a spring, which is connected to the shaft upon which the restraining device is wound. By operating the second ratchet, the spring is displaced and an urging force is created. Upon a reduction of the initial tension in the restraining device, the urging force acts upon the shaft, advancing the shaft and the first ratchet, thereby maintaining the tension in the restraining device. Since the first ratchet is advanced, any slack in the restraining device is accumulated and the strap is locked into a tighter position. Methods and apparatus providing a locking bar to prevent unauthorized use of the winch and theft of the restraining device 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 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 load tie-down and arrangement for securing loads onto vehicles, particularly non-uniform and abrasive loads such as logs onto log-hauling trailers, and for enhancing the safety with which such loads can be transported. The tie-down includes a high abrasion resistant webbing capable of being attached at one end to the vehicle and at the other to a winching mechanism. The winching mechanism easily accommodates excess webbing for small load situations and is capable of being easily and quickly tightened or retightened during transport to offset any slack in the webbing which may have been created due to load shifting or settling. A modified tie-down can be used to encircle the load without attachment to the vehicle for increased security.

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: An apparatus is disclosed for tying down wheeled vehicles such as automobiles, to a flat bed or other base support by which the vehicles are to be transported. Two wheels which are positioned in fore and aft tandem are each secured to the base support by respective harnesses while a centrally positioned tensioning unit receives chains connected to the harnesses for application of tie-down tension to the chains by simple back and forth motion of a pivotally mounted handle. Between each wheel harness and the chain tensioning unit is provided a chain pocket wheel and ratchet and pawl arrangement in a housing, with means to attach the entire housing and arrangement to the base support so as to transfer the actual chain tension to the ratchet/pawl arrangement and the base support.

Abstract: A cargo restrainer for restraining cargo carried in a vehicle compartment having walls, such as the bed of a pick-up truck, the cargo restrainer including a generally rectangular panel of flexible material having sleeves extending along its opposing edges. A plurality of anchors are mounted at spaced apart locations on at least one wall of the vehicle comaprtment and cords extend through the sleeves of the panel and engage the anchors at their spaced apart locations to suspend the panel between the anchors with the panel opposing a wall of the vehicle compartment such that cargo may be placed between the wall and the panel for restraint of the cargo during transport.

Abstract: This is a device to be used on motor vehicles to haul various loads. The device has a stabilizer bar with fixed or adjustable pins called isolator pins. These pins are located at various positions along the stabilizer bar to provide a tie down point for the load to be hauled. A strap can then be woven through the desired isolator pins to firmly hold down the load. The stabilizer bar has at one of its terminal ends a securing means for the strap, and at the opposite terminal end of the stabilizer bar is a tension device such as a ratchet which tightens the strap after it is wound around the load.

Abstract: A strap tightening device for cinching an elongated strap to firmly hold cargo in place on a carrier is provided. The strap tightening device includes a frame having a drum rotationally mounted thereto. The drum has a longitudinal axis of rotation and three longitudinally extending slots for receiving the strap. A locking means is provided for selectively preventing the drum from rotating in at least one direction. To utilize the device for tightening straps, the elongated strap is threaded into the drum through a first one of the slots, out of the drum through a second one of the slots, back into the drum through a third one of the slots to form a loop (between the second and third slots), and back out of the drum through the first slot. Cranking means are provided to facilitate rotating the drum about its longitudinal axis to wind the strap about the drum.

Abstract: Combination belt binder for securing and tensioning cargo binder chain, wherein the combination belt binder has an odd number of links of chain attached, by a "D" or "V" ring to a length of standard cargo belt binder. Attached to the other end of the cargo binder chain is a chain hook for attachment to a standard cargo binder chain, and further where the belt binder is suitable for use with standard slotted spindle and ratchet assemblies normally used to secure and tension standard cargo belt binders.

Abstract: An improved geometry for links used in a tiedown chain adapted for attachment to a widely used style of a chain tensioning and securing device. The links are nonreversible, and are longitudinally nonuniform to prevent inadvertent reversed insertion of the chain in the anchoring device.

Abstract: A tie-down arrangement for releasably securing a load to the floor of a truck bed by the use of a tensioned strap or belt. One end of the belt is looped about a spindle after passing through a slot in the hub of a reel. A securement pin interconnects the hub to the spindle so that a unitary construction is produced. A spring retractor is operably coupled between the reel and a fixed mounting bracket so that the belt or strap is biased into a storage position in the form of a coil about the hub. The opposite end of the belt or strap terminates in a fastening hook and an adjustment clamp is carried on the belt or strap for shortening or lengthening the belt or strap.

Abstract: A rope grip apparatus for use in the field of tying down cargo in delivery trucks, construction, tying down aircraft, mountain climbing, farming, ranching, boating or other similar uses where rope is used and is typically tied in knots to secure articles while in transit, use, or storage. The rope grip apparatus includes a rope-receiving member having a hingeably secured and latchable rope-gripping member. The functional elements of the rope grip apparatus include a springed latch, and a plurality of ratcheted, grooved pulley rollers. In using the apparatus, a rope is threaded between the grooved pulley rollers located within the rope-receiving member and the rope-gripping member and unidirectionally clamped therebetween by latching the apparatus.

Abstract: An hydraulic load binder is disclosed for universal application, the piston rod assembly, the reservoir assembly and the pump assembly all being commonly housed. The channels to and from the pump and the piston rod chamber and the reservoir chamber are controlled by simple check valves. Two additional channels are provided for communicating the top of the piston rod chamber with the reservoir chamber. One of these additional channels includes a check valve which opens when the pressure in the piston rod chamber reaches a predetermined limit. The other additional channel is controlled by a needle valve, which is opened once a rotatable mechanical locking means is placed in locking position against the extended piston rod. Opening the needle valve depressurizes the piston rod chamber. The piston rod chamber is again pressurized to permit the mechanical lock to be released.

Abstract: A clasping device for fastening a large cargo which includes a lever pivotally connected to a body through a pair of links. A belt is tightened by pivoting the lever relative to the body in a fastening direction in such a way that the pivotal connection between the links and the lever move in the direction of the interior of the body when the lever is pivoted in a fastening direction, thereby to render the device compact in the fastening position.

Abstract: A universal automotive battery holddown system employing a chain or a cable stretched over a bracket placed on one edge of the battery. The bracket carries a bolt with a nut over which the chain or cable is placed. When the ends of the chain or cable are attached to the chassis or body of the vehicle and the platform on which the battery is located, the nut on the bolt is rotated until the chain or cable is taut, thereby securing the battery. The system can be used for any size or shape battery.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device having a plate with side walls and end walls and spaced-apart strap-receiving openings with an intermediate strap-supporting web between the openings for cooperatively receiving and supporting a strap threaded through the strap-receiving openings and supporting a removable fixture having strap tightening ratchet means on the plate for tightening a strap threaded through the plate by inserting fastening means through the strap and the strap receiving openings before removal of the fixture from cooperation with the tensioner plate.

Abstract: A hold-down apparatus clamps functional elements, for instance solar cell nels which are unfoldable from a carrying body, possibly a spacecraft, in their folded condition. The folded functional elements (15) rest on a counter support (3) provided on the carrying body. A pressure piece (4) is mounted on the outermost functional element (15a). A swingable retaining arm or bail (5) rests with its one end on the pressure piece (4). In order to produce a high biasing force in the locked position, and in order to be able in an easy and reliable manner to reverse at any time from the unlocked to the locked position, the hold-down apparatus has the following features. A lever arm (7) is articulated or journalled to the counter support (3) and may be rotated by means of a drive element (10). The lever (7) is rotatably connected at one of its ends to the retaining arm or bail (5) which is biased by a spring (9) pressing in the direction toward the pressure piece (4).

Abstract: The lift system for the mast assembly of a lift truck normally includes at least one hydraulic cylinder and a pair of lift chains for selectively raising and lowering a movable assembly (upright or carriage assembly) on a fixed upright assembly. The tensions in the lift chains must be precisely set and periodically adjusted by use of an adjustable anchor, including a bolt threadably mounted on the fixed upright assembly and connected to the chain. Space limitations in present day mast assemblies have dictated the need for an adjustable chain anchor that is compact and is designed to be conveniently mounted on an upper end of the fixed upright assembly for ready access. The adjustable chain anchor (19) of this invention solves this problem by providing a cam member (26) adapted to be rotated to adjust chain tension in response to selective rotation of an end of the chain (17) about a fixed pivot axis (A).

Abstract: A lashing device for securing objects on ship's decks. The lashing device comprises a U-shaped frame member having two legs and an attachment part. Between the frame member legs extend a strap winding-on drum and a spring-biased shaft, and a holding pawl member is attached on the shaft portion that projects laterally beyond one of the frame member legs. The pawl member engages with a cogged ratchet wheel on the winding-on drum and prevents the strap from being unwound from the latter.The shaft is movable in a direction coinciding with the rotational direction of the winding-on drum. Owing to this arrangement the holding pawl member is pressed out of its engaged holding position upon actuation of said shaft, preferably effected by impact thereon by means of a ratchet wrench, and when the holding pawl is thus in its disengaged position the strap may be unwound from the drum through the action of the tension in said strap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning apparatus for tensioning a flexible member, such as a strap (11, 62) or a panel (P) and wherein the flexible member (11, 62, P) presents a rigid element (13) at or near its free end or edge, the rigid insert (13) is located in a slot (15, 53) in a rotary member (16, 51) and said rotary member (16, 51) is rotated to tension the flexible member (11, 62, P). The apparatus includes locking means (21, 22 or 54, 56, 64 and 65) for locking the rotary member (16, 51) with the flexible member (11, 62 or P) in tension and said flexible member (11, 62, P) preferably includes a resilient member (14) which, when passed through the slot (15, 53) in advance of the rigid element (13) resiliently retains the flexible member (11, 62, P) with the rotary member (16, 51).

Abstract: A strap tightener in which a specific releasable tensioning and clasping mechanism for a strap is incorporated to hold heavy loads under tension firmly in a given position. The strap tightener can advantageously be used to tie down cargo containers, motor vehicles and the like heavy loads to fixing structures on carrier vessels or carts. The strap tightener has a simple and economical structure with a reduced number of parts and is thus smoothly operable to attain good strap tensioning without incurring any damage of the strap and any loosening of the tensioned strap during the use.

Abstract: A belt winch apparatus for holding a belt at the side of a load carrying trailer vehicle the apparatus having interlocking means so that the apparatus can be supported by interlocking between the tie rail and the outer side of the vehicle tray and hold the belt under tension holding the load while in the same position.

Abstract: Cargo carried on freight cars such as flat bed railway cars is secured in place by lading strapping that is tensioned around the cargo so as to compress a snubber unit of an integral, telescoping quick-release device that includes a sleeve slidably mounted in a housing secured directly to the side of the freight car, which sleeve is locked in a collapsed condition within the housing and unlocked to move between the collapsed condition and a telescoping condition, the sleeve having therewithin an anchor rod that telescopes from the sleeve in opposition to bias provided by the snubber unit. Unlocking of the quick-release device substantially reduces tension within the lading strapping before it is removed from the cargo.