U.S. patent application number 12/389242 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for ratchet buckle with c-shape bar.
Invention is credited to Weiguo Chen.
Application Number | 20100205790 12/389242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42558626 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100205790 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Weiguo |
August 19, 2010 |
RATCHET BUCKLE WITH C-SHAPE BAR
Abstract
The tie-down provides an adjustable strap under control of a
ratchet during retraction and pay-out. The tie-down is provided
with a strap issuing rearward from a transverse bar between base
sides, the bar being an integral part of the base, three sides
having been rolled up from the base bottom into a C-shaped bar
opening rearward. A forward strap issues forward from the tie-down
secured to a spindle to which ratchet wheels attach. The forward
strap wraps the spindle during tie-down strap retraction.
Inventors: |
Chen; Weiguo; (Ningbo,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF DAVID L. TINGEY
15 SOUTH GRADY WAY, SUITE 336
RENTON
WA
98057
US
|
Family ID: |
42558626 |
Appl. No.: |
12/389242 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/68CD |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/2175 20150115;
B60P 7/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/68CD |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/25 20060101
A44B011/25 |
Claims
1. A tie down including a base and a crank mutually pivoting at a
spindle by a ratchet action, the base including opposing base sides
upstanding from a base bottom, each base side including a ring and
having a base spindle hole in each ring for receiving the spindle,
which spindle rotates within the base spindle holes between the
base sides, the crank including crank sides spaced apart and
further including a crank handle extending between crank sides, the
crank having a pair of crank holes on respective crank sides that
are aligned with the base holes together with ratchet wheels with
ratchet teeth at each spindle end such that the spindle passes
rotatably through the aligned crank and base holes, the tie down
adapted to receive a forward strap in attachment to the spindle to
extend forward from the tie down and adapted to receive a rearward
strap in attachment to the base to extend rearward from the tie
down such that as the crank is rotated forward with the base and
crank pivoting apart in cooperation with the ratchet action, the
effective length of the combined forward and rearward straps is
reduced, the improvement comprising: a rearward lug rearward on and
projecting outward from said curvilinear outer edge, a ratchet
plate slidable in respective crank side slots directed toward the
ratchet wheel, the ratchet plate extending between the crank sides
and including a ratchet plate leg portion disposed to releasably
engage and disengage from teeth of the ratchet wheels, the ratchet
plate leg portion movable between a ratchet condition forward of
the lug and a lock condition rearward of the lug, wherein the
ratchet plate moves generally along the outer edge during said
ratchet action with the ratchet plate in said ratchet condition
wherein movement of the ratchet plate between said ratchet and lock
conditions is effected by lifting said ratchet plate leg portion
over said rearward lug and wherein the crank is prevented from
rotating when said ratchet plate is in lock condition, a lock plate
slidable in respective base side slots directed toward teeth of the
ratchet wheel, the lock plate extending between the crank sides and
including a lock plate leg portion disposed to releasably engage
teeth of the ratchet wheels, preventing the ratchet wheel from
rotating rearward as the ratchet plate disengages from said teeth
and said crank and ratchet plate rotate rearward with the base and
crank pivoting together in said ratchet action, wherein at least
one of said crank sides has a notch such that with the lock plate
in engagement with the teeth, as the crank with ratchet plate
lowers into said lock position, the lock plate is received into
said notch, preventing the lock plate from disengaging from the
teeth and thus the ratchet wheel from rotating. a forward lug
forward on and projecting outward from said curvilinear outer edge,
a cam on the crank sides moving the lock plate out of engagement
with the ratchet teeth when the rotating plate in the crank is
rotated over and forward of the forward lug from said ratchet
condition to a forward position wherein the ratchet plate is
supported out of engagement with the said teeth and wherein
movement of the ratchet plate between said ratchet condition and
said forward position is effected by lifting said ratchet plate leg
portion over said forward lug, wherein with the crank with ratchet
plate in forward position the spindle can rotate freely with the
ratchet plate and the lock plate out of engagement with the teeth
the ratchet wheel, a rear strap bar attached between the base
sides, the rear strap bar being unitary with the base bottom being
bent therefrom on a strap bar side that remains integral with the
base.
2. The tie down of claim 1 wherein the bar comprises ears on each
bar side that fit into bar receiving holes sized to receive the
ears.
3. The tie down of claim 1 wherein the rear strap bar comprises an
ear on each rear strap bar side that fits into a rear strap bar
receiving hole in each base side, the respective rear strap bar
receiving holes being of size to receive the respective ears
therein preventing the rear strap bar from moving rearward past the
bar receiving holes under pull of the rear strap under load,
wherein the rear strap bar is adapted to receive the rear strap in
securement thereto by the rear strap entering through a hole in the
base bottom and then wrapping around the rear strap bar and back
upon the rear strap to which it is affixed therein securing the
rear strap against slippage in length under load in its securement
to the rear bar.
4. The tie down of claim 3 wherein the rear strap bar is formed
with three sides of the rear strap bar having been cut and rolled
up from the base bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward of the
tie down.
5. The tie down of claim 1 wherein the rear strap bar is formed
with three sides of the rear strap bar having been cut and rolled
up from the base bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward of the
tie down.
6. A tie down including a base and a crank mutually pivoting at a
spindle by a ratchet action, the base including opposing base sides
upstanding from a base bottom, each base side including a ring and
having a base spindle hole in each ring for receiving the spindle,
which spindle rotates within the base spindle holes between the
base sides, the crank including crank sides spaced apart and
further including a crank handle extending between crank sides, the
crank having a pair of crank holes on respective crank sides that
are aligned with the base holes together with ratchet wheels with
ratchet teeth at each spindle end such that the spindle passes
rotatably through the aligned crank and base holes, the tie down
adapted to receive a forward strap in attachment to the spindle to
extend forward from the tie down and adapted to receive a rearward
strap in attachment to the base to extend rearward from the tie
down such that as the crank is rotated forward with the base and
crank pivoting apart in cooperation with the ratchet action, the
effective length of the combined forward and rearward straps is
reduced, the improvement comprising a rear strap bar attached
between the base sides, the rear strap bar being unitary with the
base bottom being bent therefrom on a strap bar side that remains
integral with the base.
7. The tie down of claim 6 wherein the rear strap bar is formed
with three sides of the rear strap bar having been cut and rolled
up from the base bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward of the
tie down.
8. The tie down of claim 6 wherein the rear strap bar comprises
ears on each rear strap bar side that fit into rear strap bar
receiving holes sized to receive the ears therein preventing the
rear strap bar from moving rearward past the bar receiving holes
under pull of the rear strap under load.
9. The tie down of claim 6 wherein the rear strap bar is adapted to
receive the rear strap in securement thereto by the rear strap
entering through a hole in the base bottom and then wrapping around
the rear strap bar and back upon the rear strap to which it is
affixed therein securing the rear strap against slippage in length
under load in its securement to the rear bar.
10. The tie down of claim 6 wherein the rear strap bar comprises an
ear on each rear strap bar side that fits into a rear strap bar
receiving hole in each base side, the respective rear strap bar
receiving holes being of size to receive the respective ears
therein preventing the rear strap bar from moving rearward past the
bar receiving holes under pull of the rear strap under load,
wherein the rear strap bar is adapted to receive the rear strap in
securement thereto by the rear strap entering through a hole in the
base bottom and then wrapping around the rear strap bar and back
upon the rear strap to which it is affixed therein securing the
rear strap against slippage in length under load in its securement
to the rear bar.
11. The tie down of claim 6 wherein said hole in the base bottom is
formed as the rear strap bar is cut and bent out of the base
bottom.
12. A tie down including a base and a crank mutually pivoting at a
spindle by a ratchet action, the base including opposing base sides
upstanding from a base bottom, the tie down adapted to receive a
forward strap in attachment to the spindle to extend forward from
the tie down and adapted to receive a rearward strap in attachment
to the base to extend rearward from the tie down such that as the
crank is rotated forward with the base and crank pivoting apart in
cooperation with the ratchet action, the effective length of the
combined forward and rearward straps is reduced, the improvement
comprising a rear strap bar attached between the base sides, the
rear strap bar being unitary with the base bottom with three sides
of the rear strap bar having been cut and rolled up from the base
bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward of the tie down having
been bent therefrom on a strap bar side that remains integral with
the base bottom wherein the rear strap bar includes an ear on each
rear strap bar side that fits into a rear strap bar receiving hole
in each base side, the respective rear strap bar receiving holes
being of size to receive the respective ears therein preventing the
rear strap bar from moving rearward past the bar receiving holes
under pull of the rear strap under load, wherein the rear strap bar
is adapted to receive the rear strap in securement thereto by
entering through a hole in the base bottom and then wrapping around
the rear strap bar and back upon the rear strap to which it is
affixed therein securing the rear strap against slippage in length
under load in its securement to the rear bar, which hole in the
base bottom is formed as the rear strap bar is cut and bent out of
the base bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward of the tie
down.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to tie-downs, as may be used to
secure a load to a vehicle.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] It is known to have a tie down assembly that secures a load
to a vehicle. Typical is that tie-down assembly disclosed by
Anthony et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,706 in which Anthony et al.
describes an assembly secured directly to a chassis with a strap
issuing therefrom for connection around or to a load. The strap is
wrapped around a spool and unwound on release to pay out as
necessary. When the strap is secured about the load, the strap is
released and it automatically retracts around the spool. The
strapping apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,767 is also known. Other
prior art references are also known, these references being only
typical.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The ratchet-based tie-down of the present invention features
a spindle as a ratchet spool without a retraction spring. In a pay
out configuration, a forward directed strap simply unwinds from the
spool under user pulling action, without spring bias to rewind. A
rearward directed strap extends from the tie-down without length
adjustment to assure against slippage in length of the rearward
directed strap. Without a retraction spring; when the spindle not
connected to anchor points under strap tension, the spindle remains
in payout unless and until it is positively rewound by a user onto
the spindle.
[0006] A forward hold on the base holds a ratchet crank out of
engagement with a ratchet wheel, allowing the spindle to rotate
freely. A rearward hold on the base holds the crank in a locked
position in which the crank captures a locking plate when the
locking plate is engaged with the teeth of the ratchet wheel,
preventing the ratchet wheel from rotating, thus holding straps of
the tie-down taut to forward and rearward anchor points to which
they may be attached, respectively.
[0007] As in ratchet based tie-downs of the prior art, a ratchet
spool, or instead in this instant configuration, a spindle without
a retraction spring, extends between sides of a tie-down base.
Particular to this instant configuration, the spindle comprises two
semi-cylindrical halves with opposing diametric surfaces slightly
spaced apart. Ends of each of the halves extend through matching
holes on each side of the ratchet wheels therein providing a
heavy-duty link between the wheels and the crank. The spindle
halves continue through the crank sides and through matching holes
in base sides, thus connecting the base sides and crank sides
rotationally about the spindle.
[0008] The tie-down is configurable between a pay-out mode or
configuration and a retraction, or ratchet, configuration. With the
tie-down assembly in pay-out mode the user simply pulls the strap
out without a counter bias from a retraction spring as it unwinds
from a spindle, or spool.
[0009] The strap is tightened to a load when the tie-down is moved
to its retraction mode. Reconfiguration between modes requires
positive action by the user so there is no inadvertent switch
between operation modes. In retract mode, a crank is repeatedly
lifted and lowered in effecting a ratcheting of the spindle
rotation in strap retraction. A ratchet plate engages teeth of a
ratchet wheel attached to the spindle to secure the spool from
releasing when the crank is lowered in normal ratcheting retraction
operation to engage a new pair of ratchet teeth on the ratchet
wheels.
[0010] A lock plate engages the ratchet wheel teeth to lock against
rotation of the ratchet wheel, taking the ratchet wheel out of
ratcheting operation. To return the ratchet wheel to ratchet
operation, the crank is lifted forward into operation position
which releases the lock plate from ratchet teeth. A cam on the
crank also moves the lock plate away from the ratchet wheel as the
crank is moved forward allowing the ratchet wheel to freely rotate
through the ratcheting mechanism.
[0011] The tie-down is changed from ratchet mode to pay-out mode by
moving the crank forward over a forward hold that is beyond a
normal ratcheting range of motion locking the crank forward as the
ratchet plate and the lock plate are both withdrawn from the
ratchet wheel allowing it to rotate freely. Thus, in pay-out mode
the strap is pulled by the user without restriction.
[0012] A further feature of the invention incorporates the rearward
strap attached rearward on the base on a base buckle that includes
a "C shaped" bar transverse the tie-down between base sides. This
is a design feature that is an improvement over a bolt and nut
typical of the prior art in that its C shaped structure provides an
enhanced strength and flexural resistance much improved over a bolt
and nut configuration where the strap passes over a nut
transversely attached to base sides by nuts. The bar is formed by
stamping three sides of a generally rectangular shape out of the
base bottom and further including attachment ears on cut corners
that connect to the base sides. The three sided rectangular is then
rolled from the base bottom back toward the uncut rectangular side
forming the C shaped opening rearward with the ears secured into
matching holes in the base sides. This rear strap bar structure
then improves the tie down structure by simplifying the design and
configuration and inherently reduces failure of the tie down from
breakage of parts as parts are eliminated, which also helps reduce
construction cost. It also provides an increase in strength by the
rear strap bar being unitary with the base bottom.
BRIEF DECRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tie down of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the tie down of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the tie down of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the tie down of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base of the tie down of
FIG. 2
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side section view of the base of FIG. 2 showing
the connection of the rearward strap to the base.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top planar view of the base of the present
invention prior to it being stamped and folded.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cut-away perspective view of the rear strap
bar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] The tie down 1 of the present invention comprises a base 10
and a crank 30 mutually pivoting at a spindle 40 by a ratchet
action.
[0022] The base 10 includes opposing base sides 11 upstanding from
a base bottom 12, each side 11 having a base spindle hole 13 for
receiving the spindle 40 that rotates coaxially within the base
spindle holes 13 between the base sides 11. The crank 30 includes
crank sides 31 spaced apart by a spacer 32 that extends
intermediate the length of each of the crank sides 31 between the
crank sides 31. Crank sides 31 partially overlap the base sides 11
outside the base sides 11 as the base sides 11 and the crank sides
31 mutually pivot at the spindle. A crank handle 32 extends between
crank sides 31 rearward in the crank 30. The crank 30 also has a
pair of crank holes 33 on respective crank sides 31 aligned with
the base holes 13 such that the spindle 40 passes rotatably through
the aligned holes 13, 33. A ratchet wheel 50 is located between
respective base 11 and crank sides 31 align coaxially with the
spindle 40 and aligned base spindle and crank holes 13, 33 and
orthogonal to the base and crank sides 11, 31.
[0023] The spindle 40 is forward in the tie-down and comprises two
half spindles 41a, 41b disposed with opposing diametric faces 42
spaced apart. Ends 43 of each half spindle 41a, 41b fit into
matching semi circular holes 51 in the respective ratchet wheels 50
with each semi circular hole 51 receiving a half spindle end 43
such that as the crank 30 rotates the ratchet wheels 50, the
spindle 40 also rotates. The half spindles 41a, 41b are held in
place in the semi-circular holes 51 by pins 44 passing through pin
holes 45 in ends 46 of the half spindles 41a, 41b. A forward strap
60 wraps around the spindle 40, for example with a forward strap
end 61 passing between the half spindles 41a, 41b to bind the
forward strap 60 to the spindle 40 such that as the crank 30
rotates the forward strap 60 further wraps or unwraps the spindle
40.
[0024] The tie-down functions in the normal manner of a ratchet to
controllably rotate the spindle. 1n implementing the ratchet 70,
each crank side 31 has a crank through side slot 34 angled radial
to the spindle 40. A ratchet plate 71 extends between the crank
sides 31 (and over the base sides 11) disposed to engage both
ratchet wheels 50 at respective crank sides 31. The ratchet plate
71 is withdrawn from engagement with ratchet teeth 72 by a user's
pull of a ratchet release 73 that is connected to the ratchet plate
71. Typically, the ratchet release 73 and the ratchet plate 71 are
a single piece with opposite ends defining the ratchet plate 71 and
the ratchet release 73. Ends of the ratchet plate 71 fit slidably
in a radial direction with respective to the spindle 40 in
respectively crank side slots 34, into and out of engagement with
the ratchet teeth 72. The ratchet plate 71 is disposed to be pulled
radially outward by action of the ratchet release 73 or released
radially inward under bias of a first spring 75. Thus, sliding the
ratchet plate 71 inward through the crank side slots 34 causes the
ratchet plate 71 to engage the ratchet teeth 72. Similarly, sliding
the ratchet plate 71 outward through the crank side slots 34 causes
the ratchet plate 71 to disengage from the ratchet teeth 72,
therein allowing the crank to rotate with the ratchet plate 71
outside of the ratchet teeth 72.
[0025] With the crank 30 rotated rearward generally, the ratchet
plate 71 may be pulled further outward, also radially, and lifted
over a rearward hold 15 that is on an upper edge 16 of each
respective base side 11 to a rotational position 17 behind the
rearward hold 15 on the edge 16 of the base side 11 therein
preventing the crank 30 from rotating until the crank side 31 is
lifted back over the rearward hold 15 to rest on the edge 16 of the
base side 11 forward of the rearward hold 15.
[0026] To effect a ratchet wheel lock, a lock plate 80 is provided
in the base 10, extending between base sides 11 and passing through
base slots 17. As with the crank slots, the base slots 15 are
directed radially to the spindle 40 and ratchet wheels 50 below the
crank 30. As the crank 30 is rotated rearward with the ratchet
plate 71 rearward of the rearward hold 15, a notch 36 in the
respective crank sides 31 engage the lock plate 80 in the lock
plate lock position 81, that is, with the lock plate 80 engaging
the ratchet teeth 72, thus preventing the lock plate 80 from moving
rearward out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 72. In the lock
position 81, the ratchet wheels 50 and thus the spindle 40 are
prevented from rotating. The lock plate 80 is released by lifting
the crank 40 such that the notch 36 does not engage the lock plate
80. A lock spring 82 continues to bias the lock plate 80 into
engagement with the ratchet teeth 72. As the crank 30 is further
lifted and the ratchet release 73 is pulled backward as the crank
30 is rotated forward to a forward side 18 of the rearward hold 15,
a cam 19 forward on the crank respective sides 31 engages the lock
plate 80 and moves the lock plate 80 rearward out of engagement
with the ratchet teeth 72. The cam 19 continues to move the lock
plate 80 away from the ratchet teeth 72 as long as the ratchet
plate 71 is forward of the rearward hold 15. In the reverse crank
motion, the cam 19 releases from engagement with the lock plate 80
allowing the lock plate 80 under spring bias to engage the ratchet
teeth 72 as the lock plate 80 is received into the notch 36. The
notch 36 is prevented from engaging the lock plate 71 except when
the crank 30 is lowered rearward of the rearward hold 15.
[0027] With the ratchet 70 thus enabled, as the crank 30 is
lowered, the ratchet plate 71 continually slides over the ratchet
teeth 72 from one pair of teeth 72a on respective ratchet wheels 50
to a subsequent pair of teeth 72b. When the crank motion is
reversed the ratchet plate 71 engages the ratchet teeth 72 and
rotates the ratchet wheels 50 as the crank 30 is moved forward
relative to the base 10 in the normal method of ratcheting.
[0028] A forward hold 20 is located forward on respective base side
edges 16. The ratchet plate 71 may be pulled by the ratchet release
73 radially away from the ratchet teeth 72 and over the forward
hold 20 on each base side 11 into engagement with a forward notch
21 on the forward side 22 of the forward hold 20 radially outward
from the ratchet teeth 72 thus preventing the ratchet plate 71 from
engaging the ratchet teeth 72. With the crank 30 forward, the cam
19 continues to maintain the ratchet plate 71 and the lock plate 80
disengaged from the ratchet teeth 72. Thus, the spindle can rotate
freely, normally unwinding.
[0029] To effect a tie-down tightening action, as noted above the
forward strap 60 is secured around the spindle, the forward strap
60 extending forward. Further, a rearward strap 62 is secured to
the tie-down, extending rearward. As the spindle 40 is rotated as
described above the effective combined strap length is extended or
shortened, which combined strap comprises the forward and rearward
straps 60, 63 joined by the tie-down therebetween.
[0030] A rear strap bar 90 is cut out of the base bottom 12 by
three sided stamping. The bar 90 is then rolled from the base
bottom 12 leaving a hole 95. The bar 90 is rolled upward from the
base bottom 12 about a uncut fourth side 94 that remains integral
with the base 12. The bar includes ears 91 on each bar end 92 that
fit into bar receiving holes 93 in the base sides 11 that are of
size to receive the ears 91 as base sides 11 are bent upward from
the base bottom 12 on each base side 11 which provides attachment
of the bar 90 to the base bottom 12. With the ears in the rear
strap bar 90 received into bar receiving holes 93, the rear strap
bar 90 is prevented from moving further rearward past the bar
receiving holes 93 under pull of the rear strap 96 under load. The
rear strap 96 secures to the rear strap bar 90 by entering around
the rear strap bar 90 through a hole 95 in the base bottom 12 and
then wrapping around the rear strap bar 90 and back upon the rear
strap 96 to which it is affixed therein securing the rear strap
against slippage in length under load in its securement to the rear
strap bar 90.
[0031] and secures the rear strap 96 against slippage in length in
its securement to the rear strap bar 90.
[0032] In summary, then the invention disclosed herein
comprises
[0033] A tie down including a base and a crank mutually pivoting at
a spindle by a ratchet action, the base including opposing base
sides upstanding from a base bottom, each base side including a
ring and having a base spindle hole in each ring for receiving the
spindle, which spindle rotates within the base spindle holes
between the base sides, the crank including crank sides spaced
apart and further including a crank handle extending between crank
sides, the crank having a pair of crank holes on respective crank
sides that are aligned with the base holes together with ratchet
wheels with ratchet teeth at each spindle end such that the spindle
passes rotatably through the aligned crank and base holes, the tie
down adapted to receive a forward strap in attachment to the
spindle to extend forward from the tie down and adapted to receive
a rearward strap in attachment to the base to extend rearward from
the tie down such that as the crank is rotated forward with the
base and crank pivoting apart in cooperation with the ratchet
action, the effective length of the combined forward and rearward
straps is reduced, the improvement comprising: [0034] a rearward
lug rearward on and projecting outward from said curvilinear outer
edge, [0035] a ratchet plate slidable in respective crank side
slots directed toward the ratchet wheel, the ratchet plate
extending between the crank sides and including a ratchet plate leg
portion disposed to releasably engage and disengage from teeth of
the ratchet wheels, the ratchet plate leg portion movable between a
ratchet condition forward of the lug and a lock condition rearward
of the lug, wherein the ratchet plate moves generally along the
outer edge during said ratchet action with the ratchet plate in
said ratchet condition wherein movement of the ratchet plate
between said ratchet and lock conditions is effected by lifting
said ratchet plate leg portion over said rearward lug and wherein
the crank is prevented from rotating when said ratchet plate is in
lock condition, [0036] a lock plate slidable in respective base
side slots directed toward teeth of the ratchet wheel, the lock
plate extending between the crank sides and including a lock plate
leg portion disposed to releasably engage teeth of the ratchet
wheels, preventing the ratchet wheel from rotating rearward as the
ratchet plate disengages from said teeth and said crank and ratchet
plate rotate rearward with the base and crank pivoting together in
said ratchet action, [0037] wherein at least one of said crank
sides has a notch such that with the lock plate in engagement with
the teeth, as the crank with ratchet plate lowers into said lock
position, the lock plate is received into said notch, preventing
the lock plate from disengaging from the teeth and thus the ratchet
wheel from rotating. [0038] a forward lug forward on and projecting
outward from said curvilinear outer edge, [0039] a cam on the crank
sides moving the lock plate out of engagement with the ratchet
teeth when the rotating plate in the crank is rotated over and
forward of the forward lug from said ratchet condition to a forward
position wherein the ratchet plate is supported out of engagement
with the said teeth and wherein movement of the ratchet plate
between said ratchet condition and said forward position is
effected by lifting said ratchet plate leg portion over said
forward lug, wherein with the crank with ratchet plate in forward
position the spindle can rotate freely with the ratchet plate and
the lock plate out of engagement with the teeth the ratchet wheel,
[0040] a rear strap bar attached between the base sides, the rear
strap bar being unitary with the base bottom being bent therefrom
on a strap bar side that remains integral with the base, [0041]
wherein the rear strap bar comprises an ear on each rear strap bar
side that fits into a rear strap bar receiving hole in each base
side, the respective rear strap bar receiving holes being of size
to receive the respective ears therein preventing the rear strap
bar from moving rearward past the bar receiving holes under pull of
the rear strap under load, [0042] wherein the rear strap bar is
adapted to receive the rear strap in securement thereto by the rear
strap entering through a hole in the base bottom and then wrapping
around the rear strap bar and back upon the rear strap to which it
is affixed therein securing the rear strap against slippage in
length under load in its securement to the rear bar, [0043] wherein
the rear strap bar is formed with three sides of the rear strap bar
having been cut and rolled up from the base bottom into a C-shaped
bar opening rearward of the tie down, wherein the rear strap bar is
formed with three sides of the rear strap bar having been cut and
rolled up from the base bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward
of the tie down, and [0044] wherein said hole in the base bottom is
formed as the rear strap bar is cut and bent out of the base
bottom.
* * * * *