Tie-down and tensioning system

A tie-down and tensioning device including: a device body; an attachment member connected to the device body, the attachment member including an attachment opening; a cord block comprising a cord block hook connected to the device body, and a cord support surface disposed between the cord block hook and the device body; and a cord gripper attached to the device body, the cord gripper comprising a cord gripper hook connected to the device body, the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the surface of the device body opposing the interior surface of the cord gripper hook defining a wedge-shaped opening, and a cord gripping surface formed on one of the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the opposing surface of the device body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tie-down and tensioning system, and in particular to such a system that does not require knots, buckles or other similar connecting parts that take time to utilize, and methods of using the tensioning system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ropes are often used to tie down loads, such as a tarp over a pickup truck bed. Ropes are also used to secure items, such as a tent to a stake. Often, it is difficult to get sufficient tension in the rope when simply tying it to a tie-down point. At other times, it is important to be able to tie an object down quickly, such as when there is imminent danger of capsizing or many ropes must be secured in a short time. Further, when conditions are adverse, such as poor light conditions or in cold weather that requires gloves, or just when hands are cold, it is often difficult to tie down items or properly tension the tie-down. Therefore, it would be useful to have a device that is capable of assisting in tying down and tensioning a rope. There are many rope tie downs and tensioning devices currently available. However, existing devices have drawbacks, including having complicated parts, being too expensive, requiring knots to be tied, or being difficult, time consuming, or complicated to use, particularly in adverse conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention solves the above and other problems by providing a tie-down and tensioning system that includes a tie-down and tensioning device comprising an attachment member, a cord block, and a cord gripper all connected by and integrally formed with a tie-down tensioner device body. The cord gripper preferably is a wedge-shaped opening having a serrated edge that grips the cord. A cord can be quickly attached to the tie-down and tensioning device by wrapping it about the cord block and then slipping it into the cord gripper. The attachment member can take many forms, including a carabiner, a cord attachment and a cord, a flange with fastener holes, a grommet attached to a fabric connector, and many others.

The invention provides a tie-down and tensioning system comprising a tie-down and tensioning device comprising: a device body, an attachment member connected to the device body, the attachment member including an attachment opening; a cord block comprising: a cord block hook connected to the device body and a cord support surface disposed between the cord block hook and the device body; a cord gripper attached to the device body, the cord gripper comprising: a cord gripper hook connected to the device body, the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the surface of the device body opposing the interior surface of the cord gripper hook defining a wedge-shaped opening, and a cord gripping surface formed on one of the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the opposing surface of the device body. Preferably, the attachment member opening comprises an elongated slot, the slot being substantially in a direction parallel to the direction of the cord gripping surface, and wherein the end of the slot nearest the cord block is substantially wedge-shaped. Preferably, the attachment member includes a carabiner having a carabiner body, a carabiner slot, and a carabiner gate for closing the slot. Preferably, the carabiner gate comprises a spring clip. Preferably, the carabiner gate comprises a twist screw gate. Preferably, the attachment member comprises a grommet. Preferably, the attachment member further comprises a fabric connector with the grommet attached to the fabric connector. Preferably, the attachment member further comprises a bracket having a bracket arm, and the fabric connector is connected to the bracket arm. Preferably, the attachment member comprises a flange and the opening comprises a fastener hole in the flange. Preferably, the attachment member comprises a cord. Preferably, the attachment member further comprises a cord attachment member, at least a portion of which is integrally formed with the device body. Preferably, the cord attachment member includes a cord receptacle cover covering the cord receptacle. Preferably, the system further includes a pin connected to the device body and passing through the cord. Preferably, the system further includes glue attaching the receptacle to the cord. Preferably, the system further includes a cord packaged with the tie-down and tensioning device, the cord connected to the device in a manner in which it is to be used.

The invention also provides a method of tying down an object with a cord and tensioning the cord, the method comprising: providing a tie-down and tensioning device comprising an attachment member, a cord block, and a cord gripper, the attachment member, cord block, and cord gripper connected by and integrally formed with a device body; attaching the attachment member to an object; looping a cord about the cord block; applying sufficient tension to the cord to tighten the cord about the cord block to create friction between the cord block and the cord; and inserting the cord into the cord gripper. Preferably, the attaching comprises attaching a carabiner. Preferably, the attaching comprises attaching to a grommet. Preferably, the attachment member comprises the cord. Preferably, the cord gripper includes a wedge opening having a serrated surface with the serrations pointing toward the bottom of the wedge, and the inserting comprises inserting the cord into the wedge opening so that the serrations grip the cord.

The tie-down tensioner system can be quickly used to tie down and tension a cord, even in adverse conditions, since no knots or other similarly complex apparatus are required to secure and tension the cord. Further, the tension can be quickly adjusted without untying and retying a knot. The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The presently preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is described with reference to the drawings. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of this invention are better understood by the following detailed description. However, the embodiments of this invention as described below are by way of example only, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

The invention provides a tie-down and tensioning device for adjusting the tension on a piece of cord. The term “cord” as used herein includes any type of elongated, relatively flexible object that can be used to secure an object, including without limitation ropes, straps, thread, yarn, wires, webs, twine, and fibers, whether circular, oval, flat, rectangular, or any other shape in cross-section. The tensioning is generally incorporated into a tie-down.

An embodiment of the tie-down and tensioning system100comprises a tie-down and tensioning device10attached to a piece of cord20is shown inFIG. 1. Device10has a first wedge opening12. One end of cord20is attached to the object being secured, such as a portion of a tarp30. A first portion22of cord is releasably secured in first wedge opening12. A portion28of cord passes through a tie-down point32, which could be, for example, a bracket or a stake in the ground. Device10has a second wedge opening14. A second portion24of cord is secured in second wedge opening14. Another portion26of cord between tie-down point32and second portion24of cord may be looped around a cord block16. The term “cord block” as used herein means a member, or portion thereof, over or about which the cord passes and can move over easily when the cord is loose, but when tension is applied to the cord, the cord tightens and creates friction which assists in the cord remaining secure to the device, and is not limited to any particular shape or material. Sometimes, because of the friction function when the cord is tight, the cord block may be termed a “cord friction block”.

One embodiment of a tie-down and tensioning system100including a tie-down and tensioning device10and a cord20is shown inFIGS. 1through.4. Device10may be constructed of any suitable material, including plastic, metal, or wood. Device10comprises an attachment member52, a cord friction block16, and a cord gripper53interconnected by a device body54which includes a neck56. Attachment member52includes a pair of opposing first surfaces42,44defining a first wedge opening12. First surfaces42,44are fixed relative to each other. First wedge opening12is shaped to releasably secure a first portion22of cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces46,48defines a second wedge opening14. First and second surfaces46,48are fixed relative to each other. Second wedge opening14is spaced apart from first wedge opening12. Second wedge opening14is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of cord. Cord block16defines a support surface50spaced from first and second wedge openings12,14. Support surface50is positioned to slidably support the cord between first and second wedge openings12,14.

A cross-section along line A-A of tie-down and tensioning device10adjacent second wedge opening14is shown inFIG. 2A. A cross-section along line B-B of device10adjacent first wedge opening12is shown inFIG. 2B. In one embodiment, the maximum preferred radius of curvature of cord block16across cross-section A-A is equal to half the thickness of device10(i.e., support surface50has a semicircular cross-section). This shape allows the cord to slide freely. In one embodiment, surface58of wedge opening12is generally flat across cross-section B-B to provide the maximum gripping surface for the cord. In one embodiment, device10has a relatively thin cross-section. In one embodiment, device10is between about 0.2 and about 0.5 inches thick. However, device10may be less than 0.2 inches and greater than 0.5 inches.

In one embodiment, tie-down and tensioning device10includes a first body portion comprising cord attachment member52, a second body portion comprising a device interconnecting device body54interconnecting a cord gripper53, and cord block16, interconnecting the device body portions. Interconnecting device body54includes a neck portion56. Interconnecting device body54connects attachment member52, cord gripper53, and cord block16. The attachment member of first body portion52defines a first wedge opening12, and second body portion54defines a second wedge opening14. The neck portion56is adapted to support the cord between first and second wedge openings12,14. Neck portion56and opening76allows device10to attach to a piece of cord without untying the cord or having to tie the cord to device10. In one embodiment, the length of neck portion56along the direction connecting body portion52to body portion54is shorter than one dimension of first body portion52in a direction into the paper inFIGS. 1,2, and3so as to provide a surface to support a loop of the cord around neck portion56. In one embodiment, interconnecting body portion54further defines one side of cord block16and gripper53.

In one embodiment, cord block16includes a first hook62. First hook62is disposed laterally from device body54and extends towards, and defines an opening facing, attachment member52. First hook62allows the cord to slide along support surface50but limits lateral movement, that is, movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction along cord portions20and28when tension is applied to the cord. In one embodiment, second wedge opening14is defined by a second hook64with interior surface48. In one embodiment, second wedge opening14is generally V-shaped, with second hook64, particularly second surface48, tapering away from device body54. Second wedge opening14is adapted to secure a portion of cord between second hook64and device body54. In one embodiment, first and second hooks62,64are disposed on opposite sides of device body54. In one embodiment, first and second hooks62,64have first and second mouths66,68opening in the same general direction.

In one embodiment, one or both of the opposing second surfaces of second wedge opening14has gripping members70formed thereon. Gripping members70may be any structure suitable for securing a cord between the second surfaces. In one embodiment, gripping members70are teeth or barbs, preferably forming a serrated surface46, which is adapted to grip the cord. In one embodiment, the teeth are angled downwardly away from mouth68forming serrated surface46.

In one embodiment, attachment member52includes a closed aperture76defined in part by first wedge opening12and further defined in part by a support surface72opposite first wedge opening12. Support surface72is adapted to support a portion of cord. In one embodiment, support surface72has a semicircular shape, and first wedge opening12has a tapered shape. Closed aperture76is adapted to allow a loop80of cord to be inserted through aperture76, passed over second body portion54, and disposed around the neck of tie-down and tensioning device10.

In one embodiment, cord block16includes a second support surface74formed at one end of device body54and facing a direction opposite the direction of the openings of first and second mouths66,68. Second support surface74is adapted to slidably support a portion of cord. In one embodiment, second support surface74is generally flat or slightly indented. However, second support surface74may have a more elaborate structure, such as a concave portion adapted to support the cord, similar to support surface50on cord block16.

Referring toFIG. 1, a tie-down and tensioning system is shown. The tensioning system includes a cord20and tie-down and tensioning device10. A first portion22of the cord is releasably secured in first wedge opening12, and a second portion24of the cord is releasably secured in second wedge opening14. A third portion26of the cord between the first and second portions is slidably supported by the support surface of cord block16.

In one embodiment, the tensioning system includes a tie-down point32spaced from the device body, wherein a fourth portion28of the cord passes through tie-down point32between first wedge opening12and support surface50of cord block16. It should be understood that the tie-down point is not necessarily a single point. For example, tie-down and tensioning device10may be used to secure a box to a push cart. A piece of cord is attached to the top of the cart and runs around the bottom of the box. Device10is secured to the portion of cord near the top of the cart. In this case, the tie-down point is not a single point but rather the bottom surface of the box. Further variations of the tie-down configuration are possible.

In one embodiment, the tensioning system includes a loop portion80of the cord disposed around neck portion56. In one embodiment, a portion82of the cord is supported by second support surface72opposite first wedge opening12. Thus, the cord is supported by support surface72, loops around neck portion56, and is secured in first wedge opening12.

In one embodiment, a portion84of the cord between second and third portions24,26of the cord is slidably supported by third support surface74of cord block16. In one embodiment, first hook62helps to restrain or prevent the cord from moving off of cord block16. In one embodiment, second portion24of the cord is releasably secured in second wedge opening14by gripping members70. Gripping members70push against the surface of the cord to help secure it within second wedge opening14.

In operation, as explained above, a first portion22of the cord is releasably secured in first wedge opening12, as shown inFIG. 3. In one embodiment, the method of tensioning the cord further includes disposing a loop portion80of the cord around neck portion56. This allows tie-down tensioning device10to be secured to the cord without the need either to untie the cord from its existing location or to tie the cord to device10itself. The position of device10on the cord can also be easily adjusted by moving a portion of the cord away from the first wedging surfaces or releasing it from first wedge opening12and then sliding device10along the cord as the cord slides along neck56and surface72. In one embodiment, loop portion80of the cord is inserted through aperture76, then passed over gripper53, cord block16, and device body54, and then slipped about neck56with a portion of the cord supported by second support surface72.

The cord then passes through a tie-down point32. In one embodiment, the user pulls the cord tight and engages a portion24in wedge opening14between wedge surfaces42,44. Alternatively, the cord is tensioned by pulling on portion26of the cord to slide the cord on support surface50of cord block16, as shown inFIG. 4. In this aspect, the system functions as a block and tackle, with the cord allowing a 2:1 mechanical advantage. Thus, less strength is required to reach a given tension that otherwise would be required without tie-down and tensioning device10.

A second portion24of cord is then releasably secured in second wedge opening14, with first and second portions22,24of the cord positioned on opposite sides of tie-down point32, as shown inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the method further includes wrapping the cord around cord block16and supporting the cord on third support surface74on second body portion54. In one embodiment, gripping members70push against second portion24of cord to help to secure it within second wedge opening14. When tension is applied to cord28, and gripping members do not allow portion24of the cord to move, the result is that cord portion84tightens around cord block16creating additional friction that secures the cord to second body portion54.

In a further embodiment, a portion of the cord may be disposed through tie-down point32a second time after passing over cord block16. Thus, the cord travels from tie-down and tensioning device10to a tie-down point32, from tie-down point32to cord block16, from cord block16back again to tie-down point32, and then from tie-down point32to the user. This configuration creates a 4:1 mechanical advantage for the user pulling on the end of the cord, to allow even greater tensioning of the cord. After the cord is tensioned, portion24of the cord is engaged in wedge opening14between wedge surfaces46,48.

FIG. 5shows an alternative embodiment of a tie-down and tensioning device110in which attachment member132comprises a carabiner130with a twist screw type gate115. As known in the carabiner art, gate115comprises a first threaded gate member117, a second threaded gate member118, and a tubular nut119with a roughened surface120. Carabiner body135is roughly C-shaped having a slot139passing through body135providing access to opening136. Slot139is closed by gate115. First gate member117is pivotably attached to one lip125of body135by pivot pin124, and second gate member118is pivotably attached to the other lip121of carabiner body155by pivot pin122. Attachment member opening136includes a wedge-shaped lower end138. Device body134, cord block116, and gripper133are as described in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4. Carabiner130allows device110to be attached to a rope or any other object which are attachable to carabiners.

FIG. 6shows another alternative embodiment140of a tie-down and tensioning device110according to the invention. Device110includes attachment member141, device body154including neck144, cord block156, and cord gripper153. Device body154, cord block156, and cord gripper153are similar to that in the foregoing embodiments. Cord block156includes a hook148and an opposing surface147forming a wedge opening149having a mouth166and a cord support surface150. Gripper153includes a hook152and an opposing surface146forming a wedge opening157having a mouth158. Surface146has serrations180to grip a cord. In this embodiment, attachment member141comprises a carabiner140having a carabiner body145, a carabiner slot169passing through said carabiner body, and a carabiner gate170closing said carabiner slot. Carabiner gate comprises a wire or spring clip gate170. Carabiner140includes a C-shaped circumferal body145having an opening160which can be accessed via slot169. One side174of member135adjacent slot169has a lip173defining a groove175. Spring clip gate170closes slot169in attachment member141which provides access to opening160. Spring clip170comprises a wire loop171, one end165of which pivots in lip163of C-shaped carabiner body member145and the other end166is fixed in lip163at a location further to the outside of carabiner body145. This displacement provides a tension in wire loop171causing loop171to spring back to close the opening after being opened. Loop171is located and shaped so that the top172portion of loop171snaps over lip173into groove175.

It should be understood that the tie-down and tensioning system according to the invention may include attachment members with other carabiner forms known in the art, with various gates, such as straight gate, bent gate, auto-locking gate and others, and with various shapes such as oval, D-shaped, offset-D, pear-shaped, and others.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tie-down and tensioning system200according to the invention. Tie-down and tensioning system200includes cord220and tie-down and tensioning device210. Device210includes cord attachment member241, device body234, gripper233, and cord block216. Attachment member241comprises attachment member body232, first plate252, second plate254, pins260and261, and pins264and266. Attachment member body232preferably is integrally formed with device body234, and pins260and261preferably are integrally formed with first body member232. Attachment member body232includes a receptacle236for the end221of cord220and at least one receptacle cover,252and254, which comprise plates252and254in this embodiment. Plates252and254are identical, each having holes255,256,257, and258. Pins260and262are formed to enable a press fit into holes255and256. Pins264and266pass through opening257and258in plate254, pass through cord end221, and press fit into holes257and258in plate252. Since pins264and266are connected to plates252and254, which in turn are connected to attachment member body232, which is integrally formed with device body234, these pins connect the cord to the device member body. A glue269fills the space between cord end221, plates252and254, and sides238and259of receptacle236. Preferably, glue269is epoxy. The resulting structure leaves an opening276in attachment member210through which cord220passes. Cord block216and cord gripper233are identical to these parts in the previous embodiments.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tie-down and tensioning system300according to the invention. System300includes a device body334, a cord block316, and a cord gripper333similar to those parts in the foregoing embodiments. In this embodiment, attachment member341comprises a flange332which preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the longer surface331of device body334. Openings376are formed in flange332, through which openings pass fasteners377, preferably screws, for attaching tie-down and tensioning device330to a support, such as a wall, a frame, or a post.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tie-down and tensioning system400according to the invention. System400includes a tie-down and tensioning device410having an attachment member441, a device body434, a cord block416, and a cord gripper433as in the foregoing embodiments. In this embodiment, attachment member441comprises a bracket431, a fabric connector450, and a grommet455. Bracket431preferably is triangular and has an opening476and an arm439. Arm439, as well as the sides such as437of bracket431, are rounded, and a rounded rib440is formed on the upper and lower surfaces to minimize wear on fabric450. Rounded rib440is extended into device body434to form a strengthening rib438. Fabric connector450preferably is a flexible material folded to form a sleeve452about arm439. Grommet455, having a grommet hole457, is crimped onto fabric450to hold the fabric together. The fabric may also be sewn. Fabric450may be canvas, cloth webbing made of a material such as nylon or polyester, or other suitable material. InFIG. 11, fabric450is shown as a fabric tab, but it may also be a portion of a tent, a tarpaulin, or other material to which grommets are conventionally attached. Further, grommet455may be attached to material other than fabric. For example, grommet455may be crimped onto or otherwise attached to a plastic or metal sheet.

FIG. 12illustrates how descriptions480,484, and486of how to use the tie-down and tensioning system of the invention are placed directionally on the tie-down and tensioning device. This is illustrated with tie-down and tensioning device10ofFIGS. 1-4. Description480is provided in the form of an illustration which includes a likeness494of the device and a likeness of a cord492, showing how the cord may be connected to the device. Number “1” shown at493indicates that preferably this is the first process performed in the suggested method of using device10. Descriptions484and486are in the form of arrows on likenesses496,498, and488of the cord. Likeness498of the cord is in ghost to indicate that the cord passes along the reverse side from the side on which description484is applied. Numbers “2” and “3” indicate the suggested order of processes484and486. Descriptions480,484, and486may be etched into or printed or stamped onto device10.

FIGS. 13 and 14show a packaging system500for selling a system502according to the invention and illustrates how the packaging system according to the invention explains the use of system502.FIG. 13shows the front of packaging system500andFIG. 14shows the back System502in this embodiment includes a tie-down and tensioning device10as described in reference toFIGS. 1-4, and a cord520, although in this embodiment the cord is attached to attachment member52in a different manner than the manner described with reference toFIG. 1. In this embodiment, cord522passes around neck56forming a loop524, crosses over cord portion522, and then through opening76of attachment member52, with both cord portions522and526running in essentially the same direction. Cord524can again be looped around neck56without untying the ends of the cord by forming loop524with a half twist, passing it through opening76, and slipping it around device body54prior to securing rope520to second body portion526. Packaging system500includes a card530having descriptions532and534showing use of the system and a hanger aperture538. Device10is attached to card530by strap540which passes through holes544and545in card530. Strap540preferably is a plastic strap or other flexible material. Turning toFIG. 14, cord520is wound around a flap560of card530, or alternatively another card, which flap560or other card is attached to card530via strap547, which may be the same as strap540. Flap or card560includes notches562and564which prevents the windings566of cord520from sliding off of flap or card560. A feature of packaging system500is that it presents tie-down and tensioning system502in an assembled manner that makes it easy for the customer to see how it is used. Similarly, device10may be packaged with cord20attached to device10in the manner shown inFIG. 1, or with the cord pre-attached in any useful manner.

Although the embodiments of the tensioning system are shown as discrete parts, it will be apparent that the tensioning system may be incorporated into other systems or pieces of equipment.

The embodiments described above and shown herein are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and attached drawings. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, these and any other changes which come within the scope of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.