Patent ID: 7690319
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: B60P,B63B,B65H

Abstract:
1. A method of anchoring a vehicle or load comprising: mounting a housing unit containing a spool at a first location, wherein said mounting of the housing unit is substantially flush with at least one surface of the first location; providing a rope or cable having a first end and a second end comprising an engagement member; attaching said first end of said rope or cable to the spool; extending said second end of the rope or cable from said spool; biasing said extended rope or cable to continuously urge retraction; providing a second location with a generally flat cleat, wherein said generally flat cleat is substantially flush with the second location, wherein said generally flat cleat comprises at least one groove configured to retain a portion of said rope or cable or the engagement member, and wherein said generally flat cleat prevents of said extended rope or cable; and attaching said second end of the rope or cable to the second location by engaging the portion of said rope or cable or the engagement member with said at least one groove of the generally flat cleat.