US 6,981,827 B2
Cargo restraint torque apparatus
Matthew Bullock, 4509 N. 7th St., Arlington, Va. 22203 (US)
Filed on Feb. 05, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/772,191.
Prior Publication US 2005/0175427 A1, Aug. 11, 2005
Int. Cl. B60P 7/08 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 410—100 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for tensioning flexible load restraining strips for use in securing cargo within a transport container, which cargo is subject to shifting forces during transport, said apparatus for tensioning comprising:
a torque rod having a first proximal end and a second distal end with a longitudinal channel extending through said torque rod from the distal end substantially along the length of said torque rod toward said first proximal end to form a tension mechanism having first and second tines operable to be positioned upon opposite sides of overlapped free ends of flexible load restraining strips,
said first and second tines having a channel spacing between said tines at the proximal end of said torque rod that is less than the channel spacing at the distal end of said torque rod;
a reaction arm connected to the proximal end of said torque rod for supporting said torque rod and ratchet rotation of said torque rod; and
a ratchet mechanism connected to the proximal end of said torque rod for selectively providing ratchet rotation of said torque rod to tension the flexible load restraining strips by twisting the overlapping free ends of the flexible load restraining strips and thereby drawing the load restraining strips together to tension said load restraining strips across a load to be secured within a transport container.