Abstract: A tie down positioning extension arm 1.012 for positioning tie downs 1.032 on a vehicle's load 1.002 includes a protector gripping head 1.018, a shaft 1.017, and a handle 1.014, wherein the head includes a pair of opposed jaws 1.022, 1.024 adapted to grip an angle protector 1.030. The head can include a tie down guide 1.020.

Abstract: A device for supplying heavy duty strapping for use in a cargo area. The device includes a housing, a two-way motor supported within the housing having a shaft for paying out, winding and storing the heavy duty strapping and a magnet affixed to the housing and sized to releaseably affix the device to a magnetically attractable support.

Abstract: A load securing device (310) is provided with which a flexible tie down (320) is engaged to secure a load (100) to an object (210). The load securing device (310) includes: a first mandrel (312) that is substantially rigid; a second mandrel (312) that is substantially rigid; and, a linkage (318) joining the the first and second mandels (312) to one another.

Abstract: An anchoring device including a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to an object. The mounting bracket has a slot. The anchoring device also includes an end clip adapted to be removably connected to a first mounting structure. The anchoring device further includes a strap extending between the end clip and the mounting bracket and an anchoring ring adapted to be connected to a second mounting structure. The anchoring ring is attached to the strap between the mounting bracket and the end clip. The end clip is adapted to be removably retained in the slot of the mounting bracket when the object is secured to the second mounting structure by the anchoring ring. In addition, a method for removably securing a pallet jack to an inside wall of a tractor trailer. The method includes providing a pallet jack anchoring device, securing the pallet jack mounting bracket to a pallet jack, and securing the end clip to a first mounting structure.

Abstract: A safety strap device for hazardous materials containers includes a hazardous materials container having an outer wall and a retractable safety strap device mounted within the hazardous materials container. The safety strap device includes an extendable and retractable securement strap having an outer end, the securement strap extending outwards from the safety strap device through the outer wall of the hazardous materials container, a biasing device operative to forcibly retract the securement strap into the safety strap device and a strap extension and retraction locking device operative to prevent extension and retraction of the securement strap when engaged. Finally, a latch device is mounted on the outer end of the securement strap for releasably connecting the securement strap to a selected securement point thereby releasably securing the hazardous materials container in an upright position.

Abstract: A molded base having a first base section and a second base section arranged at an obtuse angle so that the base has a preformed bend. The base includes a plurality of guide walls carried by the first and second base sections extending along opposing peripheral edges of each base section to define a strap receiving channel for receiving a securing strap and guiding the molded base along the securing strap during positioning. A strap biasing tab is carried by each of the guide walls extending laterally from the guide walls above the strap receiving channel for engaging a securing strap in the strap receiving channel. The obtuse angle between the first base section and the second base section biases each of the strap biasing tabs against the securing strap when under non-load bearing conditions to hold the molded base at a desired location along the securing strap.

Abstract: A retainer having an elongated body secures one end of a cargo-engaging strapping to a wall anchor of a cargo transport unit wall. In operation, a loop is formed in the strapping and passed from a first side of the anchor to a second side, where the retainer is inserted within the loop, such that the loop engages a portion of a strapping-engaging surface of the retainer body. Then the loop is pulled toward the anchor until the retainer seats against the anchor. Finally, the portion of the strapping extending from the first side is pulled toward the second side, whereby a loose end of the loop is secured against the anchor. The retainer prevents strapping slippage along the anchor, which preserves the tension in the strapping and prevents the cargo from shifting and becoming damaged. The retainer also allows for improved application and removal of the strapping.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system comprising, a tie-down assembly of restraining tie-down arms having interconnected common proximal extremities and a plurality of distal extremities, the tie-down assembly arranged to form an angle between each arm, the vertex of the angle being congruent with the common proximal extremities, with a first fastener secured to the arms at the vertex of the angle and a second fastener secured to each of the distal extremities of the arms. Preferably, each of the arms carries a third fastener or connecting eye intermediate the first and second fasteners.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a cargo container includes a first fastener component, a second fastener component, and a lock assembly. The first fastener includes a pair of rods which bridge a first and a second fixed body. The lock assembly is disposed between and slidable along the pair of rods. A rotary member is disposed in the lock assembly and rotatable relative to the lock assembly within a limited angular distance, the rotary member having a non-circular locking hole. The second fastener component extends between the pair of rods through a screw hole formed in the first fixed body, and has a locking portion of non-circular cross section extending into and engaging the locking hole of the rotary member.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for restraining an individual in the cargo area of a vehicle. Such restraints can be utilized to protect medical technicians in ambulances, fire rescue trucks and other emergency vehicles. The apparatus is constructed so that the user can control the amount of restraint on his various body movements while he medically treats a patient.

Abstract: Tension alert device is attached between opposing ends of a securing member attached to a load bed to secure a load thereupon. The device has a strip with a curved portion, which is resiliently movable towards a proximity sensor disposed on a wall in device. When tension in securing member decreases, proximity of curved portion relative wall decreases. When curved portion enters a proximity actuation state relative first wall corresponding to a low tension state where tension is below a tension threshold level, a proximity sensor actuates a signaling device which alerts a user.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a cargo container includes a first fastener component and a second fastener component. The first fastener includes a pair of rails which bridge a first and a second fixed body. A lock body is slidably mounted on the rails, and has two opposite ends abutting respectively against the rails and a locking hole between the opposite ends. The second fastener component includes a threaded stem which extends between the pair of rails through a screw hole formed in the first fixed body, and a locking portion extending into the locking hole. An engagement unit provides engagement of the locking portion in the locking hole such that relative rotation of the stem and the lock body is permitted only in one single direction that causes the stem to move toward the second fixed body.

Abstract: A cargo netting having a knotted bottom webbing and an upper knotted rope strand section. The bottom webbing is flat to reduce abrasion and wear and tear. The bottom webbing attaches to a cargo pallet using pallet attachment fittings.

Abstract: A loading system for securing cargo with, typically, at least two spaced forwardly located pin and receptacle assemblies and at least two spaced rearwardly located tensioning systems.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system comprising, a network of restraining tie-down arms having interconnected common proximal extremities and a plurality of distal extremities, said network arranged to form an angle between each arm, the vertex of said angle being congruent with the common proximal extremities, with a first fastener secured to the arms at the vertex of the angle and a second fastener secured to each of the distal extremities of the arms. Preferably, each of the arms carries a third fastener or connecting eye intermediate the first and second fasteners.

Abstract: A positioning assembly includes a first connecting rod with a threaded end section, a second connecting rod with a threaded end section, an adjusting member having two opposite threaded ends that threadedly engage the threaded end sections of the first and second connecting rods, and a third connecting rod that is pivoted to the second connecting rod so as to pivot relative to the second connecting rod between used and folded states.

Abstract: A positioning assembly includes a connecting rod, a pivot pin, and a hook member. The connecting rod has a U-shaped end with opposing first and second arm portions which cooperatively define a gap therebetween and which are respectively formed with first and second through-holes. The first arm portion is formed with a first flange that projects outwardly and that converges from a periphery of the first through-hole. The second arm portion is formed with a second flange that projects inwardly from a periphery of the second through-hole. The first and second flanges confine first and second openings, respectively. The pivot pin extends into the first and second through-holes, and has a diameter greater than dimensions of the first and second openings so as to be limited in the first and second through-holes. The hook member has a pivot end that is disposed in the gap and that is rotatably sleeved on the pivot pin.

Abstract: A positioning assembly includes a first connecting rod with a threaded end section, a second connecting rod with a threaded end section, an adjusting member having two opposite threaded ends that threadedly engage the threaded end sections of the first and second connecting rods and an intermediate section extending between the threaded ends, and a restricting member mounted on one of the first and second connecting rods and releasably engageable with the intermediate section when said one of the first and second connecting rods rotates relative to the adjusting member in a loosening direction, thereby preventing further rotation of said one of the first and second connecting rods relative to the adjusting member.

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: Various embodiments of a utility cart load binder provide for positively securing a load in or to a utility cart, such as a garden cart, wheelbarrow, etc. Each embodiment includes a series of preferably four cords or lines, with each having a cart attachment end and an opposite load securing end. The cart attachment ends of the lines are removably or permanently secured to the upper portion of the side walls of the cart, where they may be extended to a point above the center of the load contained in the cart. A generally central binder attachment fitting (ring, tarp or the like, etc.) is positioned atop the load, with each of the lines then being removably and adjustably attached to the fitting. The lines may comprise elastic bungee cords, or inelastic material as desired, with various cart side wall attachment systems being provided.

Abstract: A positioning assembly includes a connecting rod, a pivot pin, and a hook member. The connecting rod has a U-shaped end with opposing first and second arm portions which cooperatively define a gap therebetween and which are respectively formed with first and second through-holes. The left arm portion is formed with a first flange that projects outwardly and that converges from a periphery of the first through-hole. The right arm portion is formed with a second flange that projects inwardly from a periphery of the second through-hole. The first and second flanges confine first and second openings, respectively. The pivot pin extends into the first and second through-holes, and has a diameter greater than the dimensions of the first and second openings so as to be limited in the first and second through-holes. The hook member has a pivot end that is disposed in the gap and that is rotatably sleeved on the pivot pin.

Abstract: A cargo-securing panel adapted to form a body of a cargo-carrying vehicle is provided. Such a panel comprises a honeycomb-configured core having opposed faces, wherein the core defines an angular groove having a portion extending between the faces and a portion extending through one of the faces. The core further defines a recess adjacent to the groove. A facing sheet is engaged with the one face of the core so as to form a composite. The facing sheet defines a gap extending therethrough in correspondence with the portion of the groove extending through the one face. An angular member includes a flange corresponding to the groove and is configured to be slidably engaged with the groove in order to secure the member to the composite. The member further includes an external portion extending outside the core and parallel to the one face, wherein the external portion defining an aperture corresponding to the recess in the core.

Abstract: A retractable securement apparatus and system for securing cargo to a support structure to prevent undesired relative movement between the cargo and the support. The apparatus comprises a strap contained in an elongate tubular member that is a component of one or both of the cargo or the support structure. One way strap stops fix ends of the strap relative to the tubular member yet allow the strap to be extended from a normally retracted position to an extended position in which hook members on one or both ends of the straps secure the cargo to the support.

Abstract: A load restraint system for securing cargo within transport containers such as intermodal containers (10), railroad cars, truck trailers, and the like, including first and second load restraining strips (24) with an adhesive coating (30) on at least a portion of one surface of the strips for adherence to sidewalls of a container and a locking and load restraining strip for bonding the free ends of the first and second load restraining strips (24) together into a load restraining system wherein the width of the adhesive portion (30) of the load restraining system is less than the width of the wrap around section of the load restraint system.

Abstract: A Motorcycle and All-Terrain Vehicle Mounted Tie Down Bracket is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that easily attaches to a conventional cycle or vehicle “triple clamp” and remains there during normal use of the cycle or vehicle. The device includes a portion for bolting to the cycle or vehicle as well as a portion for hooking a conventional tie-down strap through. The tie-down portion is bent out respective to the mounting portion in order to make it easier to reach the tie-down portion for tying it down.

Abstract: A pallet for wheeled items comprises a base frame, a platform on the base frame, a first plurality of ramps on the base frame and sloping from the platform toward the base and a first end of the base frame, and a second plurality of ramps on the base frame and sloping from the platform toward the base frame and a second end of the base frame. The support, the first plurality of ramps, and the second plurality of ramps are structured and arranged so that when the first wheeled item is shifted on its wheels from the support surface along the first plurality of ramps and a second of the wheeled items is shifted on its wheels along the support surface along the second plurality of ramps, the undercarriages of the first and second wheeled items move toward the platform and the wheels of the item nest into the platform. Systems for securing items to the pallet including brackets and strapping mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle having a structural reinforcement system for maintaining the integrity of the vehicle during aircraft transportation is disclosed. The structural reinforcement system includes a pair of cables attached to a body member and a pair of frame members of the vehicle. The cables divert loads placed upon the frame members by aircraft restraints to the body member.

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 extender for a truck of the type which includes a pivoting tailgate includes a panel mounted to the upper edge of the tailgate and a pair of wings mounted pivotally to the ends of the panel. Cargo space is extended by lowering the existing truck tailgate, pivoting the panel to a vertical position and opening the wings on either side to engage the sides of the truck. Cargo space is thus extended by a length approximately equal to the height of the tailgate. A tie-down system which may be used with the cargo extension system or with other types of trucks includes channels, preferably running longitudinally of the truck axis. Tie-down cords are attached at either end of the channels and a drain may be provided in the channels to permit liquids from accumulating in the channels. The tie-down system allows the cargo floor to remain substantially flat while permitting ready access to the expandable cords.

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 liner for the bed of a pick-up truck or an article-receiving tray has elongated coplanar corrugated ribs, with selected ribs or portions of ribs having spaced holes or openings extending horizontally therethrough for enabling hook-ended elastic tie downs to anchor objects that are being transported. Provision is made to avoid communication through the holes from one side of the liner or tray to the other, thus rendering it leak-proof. The strength, minimal friction during loading, cleanability and water impermeability characteristics of the liner are retained, while adding the desirable feature of being able to selectively anchor objects of any shape and size in any location on the bed.

Abstract: A retractable securement apparatus and system for securing cargo to a support structure to prevent undesired relative movement between the cargo and the support. The apparatus comprises a strap contained in an elongate tubular member that is a component of one or both of the cargo or the support structure. One way strap stops fix ends of the strap relative to the tubular member yet allow the strap to be extended from a normally retracted position to an extended position in which hook members on one or both ends of the straps secure the cargo to the support.

Abstract: A hook and rail for use with tensioned webs and the like wherein the hook is defined by an opening in a stamped plate body having a throat through which a rail is received when the hook is angularly oriented to the rail in a particular manner. The hook body has a tension axis and the dimension of the hook throat parallel to the tension axis is less than the dimension of the rail in the direction of the tension axis during hook operation. The hook opening includes a recess and a guide surface whereby upon release of the tension in the web, and movement of the hook under gravity, positions the rail in the opening recess maintaining the anchor captured within the hook opening and the rail configuration prevents disengagement of the hook unless the hook is rotated through a specific motion.

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 retractable securement apparatus and system for securing cargo to a support structure to prevent undesired relative movement between the cargo and the support. The apparatus comprises a strap contained in an elongate tubular member that is a component of one or both of the cargo or the support structure. One way strap stops fix ends of the strap relative to the tubular member yet allow the strap to be extended from a normally retracted position to an extended position in which has hook members on one or both ends of the straps secure the cargo to the support. The apparatus is particularly suited for securing ladders, hand trucks and wheelbarrows and the like to pick up truck racks or racks for standard automobiles.

Abstract: Anchoring systems include a panel having a surface and a channel recessed from the surface and a tracking plate having a spine connected with the panel in the channel. The anchoring systems further include receiving units for receiving a cargo anchoring mechanism. The tracking plate preferably further includes a face member connected with the spine member such that a portion of the spine member and the face member are spaced apart to define a cavity. The tracking plate is preferably adhered with the panel having the spine connected in the channel and the face member adhered with and coextensively overlying the inner surface of the panel. Further, the receiving units, preferably apertures of the tracking plate, can be aligned with a cavity formed between the face member and the spine member.

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: An apparatus for securing a vehicle includes an elongated body, at least two attachment devices in communication with the body at opposite ends thereof, a tensioning device in communication with the body and configured to constantly apply a tightening force between at least two attachment devices, and an adjustment device in communication with the body for selectively applying a tightening force between two attachment devices.

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: A securing element is constructed of a solid elastic block having a pair of longitudinally extending bores. A pair of chain links are passed through each bore and are connected at the ends to fastening rings. Upon tensioning of the lengths of chain links, the block is compressed while the effective length of the length of chain links increases slightly.

Abstract: Anchoring systems include a panel having a surface and a channel recessed from the surface and a tracking plate having a spine connected with the panel in the channel. The anchoring systems further include receiving units for receiving a cargo anchoring mechanism. The tracking plate preferably further includes a face member connected with the spine member such that a portion of the spine member and the face member are spaced apart to define a cavity. The tracking plate is preferably adhered with the panel having the spine connected in the channel and the face member adhered with and coextensively overlying the inner surface of the panel. Further, the receiving units, preferably apertures of the tracking plate, can be aligned with a cavity formed between the face member and the spine member.

Abstract: A new Adjustable Magnetic Cargo Strap System for securing various quantities and sizes of objects within a bed of a pickup without damaging the pickup. The inventive device includes a strap having a first and second end, a spring-loaded buckle secured to the first end for removably securing the second end forming a loop, a first and second magnet removably secured to the strap for engaging opposing sides of the bed. The strap is preferably in a slidable engagement with the first and second magnets allowing a concentrical positioning of the spring-loaded buckle with the objects. The first and second magnets also having a resilient coating for preventing the scratching of the bed of the pickup. An end magnet is attached to the second end for securing the second end down during use to prevent fluttering of the second end of the strap during driving.

Abstract: A load retainer useable with tie down lines on a vehicle. The retainer includes a flexible body having first and second end portions and an intermediate end portion between the first and second end portions. Sites on the flexible body are intended for engaging the tie down lines. The flexible body is also adjustable along a certain dimension to permit the flexible body to fit around a load. The adjustment means includes a first flap, anchor place, and fastener for the first flap and anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a carrying platform to a vehicle in which a carrier bar is grasped and pressed by a pressing section against a stay which is connected to the vehicle, with this pressure applied by a hook latched to the vehicle via a hook-holding member; and when the pressing section is shifted by a load applied to the carrier bar, the hook-holding member is also shifted so as to increase the tightening force of the hook; thus preventing the hook from being loosened by the astride phenomenon which would occur when a load is applied to the carrier bar.

Abstract: A fitting for anchoring a flexible covering to a planar, air cargo sheet pallet, the fitting including a base portion adapted for mating engagement with a selected mounting portion of a planar sheet pallet; and gripping apparatus, attached to the base portion, for grippingly engaging a portion of the flexible covering so as to anchor it to the pallet, thereby to restrain cargo located thereon in a preselected position when subjected to in-flight dislodgement forces.

Abstract: An adjustable securing device for securing a flexible line in a selected position to an elongate member including a base with a threaded shaft projecting from one of the base's surfaces. A line lock is screwed onto the threaded shaft and is operable to clamp a flexible line against the base. A mounting member is mounted for shifting to selected positions along the elongated member. A locking device connects the base plate to the mounting member and secures the mounting member in a selected position on the elongate member.

Abstract: A safety chain storage pocket for use with a tow truck comprises a user access surface with a gull wing opening defining a chain access opening providing safety chain exit and storage from and to the pocket. A pair of slotted wings extend from the opening to provide a pair of chain locking positions. The opening has a lower surface providing free movement of the safety chain out of the pocket by allowing the weight of the chain to assist the user to pull the chain out of the pocket, and the chain access opening allows the user vertical access into the pocket to use the weight of the chain to store the chain in the pocket. The slotted wings extend proximate to the chain access opening to provide a locking position for said safety chain.

Abstract: A strapping system for attaching ladders and the like to a vehicle rack is comprised of a flexible strap of fabric or plastic with a cinch ring attached to one end. One surface of the strap is covered by loop fabric of a complementary loop and hook fastening system. The other surface of the strap is covered by hook material, although the hook material is preferably restricted to a relatively short segment of the strap adjacent to the free end opposite the end bearing the cinch ring. The system is installed on the rack by encircling the rack with the strap-loop surface outward, and the free end is threaded through the ring and pulled tight. A retainer clip comprising a C-shaped spring wire attached to the ring is used to stabilize the installation on the rack. The system can be advantageously left installed on the rack between uses. A ladder, or like object, is placed on the rack and wrapped tightly with the rack-attached strap.