Patent Publication Number: US-2023137575-A1

Title: Mounting system for securing items to a spare tire

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates to structures for securing storage to the exterior of a vehicle and, more particularly, to structures for securing storage to an external spare tire of a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Overlanding is the practice of traveling over long distances and for extended periods in a vehicle in remote areas. Participants must therefore provide for all their needs during an excursion. To increase the available storage capacity of a vehicle, some items may be fastened to the exterior of the vehicle, such as to a storage rack on the roof. Fastening on the exterior of the vehicle may aid in placing items in convenient locations for use and may also locate smelly or dirty items outside to avoid soiling the vehicle interior. The storage and accessibility issues also apply to other vehicle uses beyond overlanding. 
     It would be an advantage to provide additional options for external securement of items to a vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for securing one or more items to a tire includes one or more tensioners configured to wrap around a major portion of the tire. The apparatus may include a first tensioning block configured to secure to the one or more tensioners and a second tensioning block configured to secure to the one or more tensioners. A tensioning system couples the first tensioning block to the second tensioning block and is configured to adjust a separation between the first tensioning block and the second tensioning block. The apparatus may include one or more mounting blocks including one or more guides for receiving a portion of each of the one or more tensioners. The one or more mounting blocks may define one or more openings for fastening the one or more items to the one or more mounting blocks. 
     The first tensioning block may be configured to be removably secured to the one or more tensioners including one or more cables by engaging a first widened portion secured to each cable of the one or more cables. The second tensioning block may be non-removably secured to a second widened portion secured to each cable of the one or more cables. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more tensioners include two tensioners. The one or more guides of each mounting block of the one or more mounting blocks may each include two guides offset from one another in each mounting block and each configured to engage one of the two tensioners. Each guide of the two guides may include one or more grooves defined in each mounting block of the one or more mounting blocks. The two guides may be offset from one another in a first direction. Each guide of the two guides may include two ribs offset from one another in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each rib of the two ribs defining a groove of the one or more grooves. 
     In some embodiments, at least one guide of the two guides includes a recess between the two ribs of the at least one guide such that when a first cable of the one or more cables is positioned within the two guides, a portion of the first cable is suspended within the recesses such that at least one of a strap and a clip is fastenable to the portion of the first cable. The portion of the first cable may be covered with a sleeve or other structure to prevent abrasion and facilitate securement to the strap or clip. 
     In some embodiments, the tensioning system includes a nut captured within the first tensioning block and rotatable with respect to the first tensioning block and a threaded shaft secured to the second tensioning block and engaging the nut. The threaded shaft may be secured to the second tensioning block by an indicator such that change in tension in the threaded shaft causes a visual change in state of the indicator. 
     In some embodiments, each of the first tensioning block, the second tensioning block, and one or more mounting blocks has a same design. The same design may include one or more grooves for receiving the one or more tensioners such that the one or more tensioners are slidable along the one or more grooves. The same design may include one or more first structures for fastening to the one or more tensioners in addition to the one or more grooves. The same design may include one or more second structures for capturing a nut and resist rotation of the nut. The same design may include one or more third structures for rotatably retaining a threaded shaft engaging the nut. 
     In some embodiments, a lower surface of each of the one or more mounting blocks, the first tensioning block, and the second tensioning block is curved to conform to the tire. In some embodiments, a lower surface of each of the one or more mounting blocks, the first tensioning block has one or more spikes secured thereto for engaging the tire. 
     In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a mounting block defining one or more first grooves. The mounting block may define one or more second grooves offset from the first groove in a first direction. The one or more first grooves may be configured to receive a first tensioner and the one or more second grooves may be configured to receive a second tensioner. The mounting block may define one or more attachment points defined between the one or more first grooves and one or more second grooves. The attachment points may be configured to secure an item to the mounting block. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting block further defines a first slot including one or more first widened portions, the slot being substantially parallel to the one or more first grooves. The mounting block may define a second slot including one or more second widened portions, the second slot being substantially parallel to the first slot. The first slot and second slot may be positioned between the first one or more grooves and the second one or more grooves. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting block further defines one or more through openings extending therethrough in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mounting block may define one or more cavities, each cavity of the one or more cavities being sized to receive a barrel nut and being intersected by one of the one or more through openings. 
     The one or more attachment points may include one or more first openings passing through the mounting block in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mounting block may define one or more top openings each extending from an upper surface of the mounting block to one of the one or more first openings. A lower surface of the mounting block may be curved to conform to a tire and defines a plurality of spikes. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a method includes securing a plurality of mounting blocks around a tread of a tire with a tensioner extending around the tire with the plurality of mounting blocks being positioned between the tensioner and the tire. An item to be secured to the strap is secured to a plurality of straps. Each strap of the plurality of straps may be secured to the tensioner such that each strap engages a portion of the tensioner passing over a mounting block of the plurality of mounting blocks. 
     In some embodiments, each mounting block of the plurality of mounting blocks defines a pair of ribs each defining a groove and a recess between the pair of ribs. Securing each strap of the plurality of straps to the tensioner may include securing each strap between the pair of ribs of one of the mounting blocks of the plurality of mounting blocks. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a rear elevational view of a tire having mounting blocks and storage secured thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a top view of a first embodiment of a mounting block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2 B  is an isometric view of the mounting block of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  2 C  is a side view of the mounting block of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is an isometric view of the mounting block of  FIG.  2 A  having a strap of a center pouch secured thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3 B  is an isometric view of the mounting block of  FIG.  2 A  having a strap of a center pouch secured thereto with a clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of tensioning blocks for securing mounting blocks to a tire in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 A  is an exploded view of a first tensioning block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 B  is an exploded view of a second tensioning block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 C  is an isometric view of the bottom surface of the first tensioning block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of a tensioner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a lower isometric view of alternative tensioning blocks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a side view of the tensioning block of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 C  is an upper isometric view of the tensioning block of  FIG.  7 C ; 
         FIG.  7 D  is an isometric view of the tensioning block of  FIG.  7 A  on a tire; 
         FIG.  8    is an isometric view of an alternative approach for securing a tensioner to a tensioning block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is an isometric view of a spacer for positioning between mounting blocks and securing extra cable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a side view illustrating securement of a strap to a mounting block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10 B  is an isometric view of the strap secured to the mounting block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  11 A to  11 C  are isometric views illustrating an alternative embodiment for a strap for securing to a mounting block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  12 A to  12 E  are isometric views of approaches for securing to items in accordance with the prior art that may be used with a mounting block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a plate for a tensioning block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  14 A  is an isometric view of alternative tensioning blocks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  14 B  is a cross-sectional view of the tensioning blocks of  FIG.  14 A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , mounting blocks  10 , according to the embodiments disclosed herein, may be understood with respect to a circumferential direction  12   a  corresponding to a circular dimension about the axis of rotation of the tire  14  with which the mounting plates  10  are used and a direction of movement of a point on the tread of the tire  14  about the axis of rotation of the tire  14 . A radial direction  12   b  may be defined as a dimension or movement that is along a line intersecting an axis of rotation of the tire  14 . A longitudinal direction  12   c  may be defined as a dimension or movement parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire  14  (perpendicular to the page in  FIG.  1   ). 
     The mounting blocks  10  may be held in place by a tensioner  16  passing around the tire  14  in the circumferential direction  12   a.  At least a portion of each mounting block  10  is positioned between the tensioner  16  and the tire  14  along the radial direction  12   b  such that tension in the tensioner  16  secures the mounting plates  10  to the tire  14 . The tensioner  16  may be a cable, e.g., braded steel cable, strap, rope, or other type of cordage. In some embodiments, the tensioner  16  is embodied as two or more tensioners  16 . 
     Perimeter pouches  18  may secure to the mounting blocks  10  or the tensioner  16 . Perimeter pouches  18  may be positioned outwardly from the mounting blocks  10  such that the mounting blocks  10  are positioned between the perimeter pouches  18  and the tire  14  in the radial direction  12   b.    
     A center pouch  20  may be completely or partially positioned inwardly from the tread of the tire  14  along the radial direction  12   b.  All or part of the center pouch  20  may also be positioned inwardly from the mounting blocks  10  along the radial direction  12   b.  In some embodiments, at least part of the center pouch  20  is intersected by the axis of rotation of the tire  14 . Center pouch  20  does not need to be “centered on the tire  14 , but at least a portion of center pouch  20  may be positioned anywhere on the back side of the tire  14 . 
     The center pouch  20  may be secured to a plurality of straps  22  that extend outwardly from the center pouch  20  generally along (e.g., within 15 degrees of) the radial direction  12   b  and secure to tensioner  16  or blocks  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the straps  22  secure to portions of the tensioner  16  extending over the mounting blocks  10 . In other embodiments, the straps  22  secure directly to the mounting blocks  10  rather than to the tensioner  16 . Also note that in the illustrated embodiment, some of the mounting blocks  10  do not have straps  22  secured thereto. 
     The straps  22  may secure to locations distributed around the tensioner  16  such that there are at least three straps  22  with an angular separation between points of attachment to the tensioner  16  equal to at least 80 percent of 360/N, where N is the number of straps  22  and angular separation is measured about the axis of rotation of the tire  14 . In a like manner, the straps  22  may be secured to the center pouch  20  such there is a center point on the center pouch  20  such that the points at which the straps  22  emanate from points of attachment to the center pouch  20  are distributed angularly around the center point such that the angular separation between these points of attachment to the tensioner  16  is also equal to at least 80 percent of 360/N. In other embodiments, only two straps are used applying tension directly opposite one another, the two straps being tensioned sufficient to support the center pouch  20  and a load contained therein. 
     The mounting blocks  10  may include or be used with tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b  that are secured to the tensioner  16  and may be drawn together in order to adjust the tension of the tensioner  16 . Various embodiments of the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b  are described below. The tensioner  16  may also be tensioned directly, such as by using a turnbuckle, ratcheting lever, or any other cable or strap tensioning approach known in the art. 
       FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 C  illustrate an example implementation of a mounting block  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block  10  includes cable guides  24 , such as cable guides  24  on either end of the mounting plate  20  and offset from one another along the longitudinal direction  12   c.  Accordingly, two tensioners  16  may be used, one tensioner  16  engaging cable guides  24  on one side (e.g., closer to the vehicle to which the tire  14  is mounted) of the mounting block  10  and a second tensioner  16  engaging cable guides  24  on the other side (farther from the vehicle). In the illustrated embodiment, upper ends of the cable guides  24  define openings allowing tensioners  16  to be laid into the cable guides  24  rather than being threaded through the cable guides  24 . The openings of the cable guides  24  may face outwardly from the mounting block  10  along the radial direction  12   b  during use. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, there are two pairs of guides  24 , one pair on each side of the mounting block  10  defining a recess  26  between them such that a portion of the tensioner  16  passing through a pair of cable guides  24  will extend into the recess  26 . The recess  26  may provide space for attachment of the straps  22  to the tensioner  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block  10  defines ribs  28  including sides that are substantially (e.g., within 15 degrees of) parallel to the longitudinal direction  12   c  and radial direction  12   b  and the recess  26  is a space between these ribs  28 . The cable guides  24  may each be embodied as a notch formed in one of the ribs  28 . 
     The bulk of the mounting block  10  between the guides  24  may include one or more structures for securing perimeter pouches  18  to the mounting block  10 . For example, there may be slots  30  passing through the mounting block  10  parallel to, or tangent to, the circumferential direction  12   a.  The slots  30  may have straight sides that are oriented substantially (e.g., within  15  degrees of) tangent to the circumferential direction  12   a  during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots  30  have rectangular cross-sections in planes perpendicular to a line tangent to the circumferential direction  12   a.    
     In some embodiments, additional openings  32  may be defined in an upper surface of the mounting block  10 . The openings  32  may extend through the mounting block  10  such that they intersect the openings  30 . As is apparent in the embodiment of  FIG.  2 B , each opening  30  has at least one opening  32  over it and intersecting it in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening  30  is wider in the longitudinal direction  12   c  than the lateral openings  30  and may have two or more openings  32  intersecting the central opening  30 . 
     The openings  30  may serve one purpose or multiple purposes. In some embodiments, the openings  30  are used exclusively to fasten perimeter pouches  18  to the mounting block  10 . The openings  32  may likewise be used for this purpose. In other embodiments, the openings  30  provide an alternative structure for engaging a tensioner  16 . For example, if a user desires to use a strap, such as a ratchet strap, rather than cables for the tensioner  16 , the strap may be passed through an opening  30  in each mounting block  10  and tensioned around the tread (circumference) of the tire  14  to secure the mounting blocks  10  to the tire  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening  30  is wider and may be particularly suited for this second purpose. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 C , the lower surface  34  of the mounting block  10  may be curved to conform to the tire  14  with which it is used. The upper surface of the mounting block  10  opposite the lower surface  34  may likewise be curved but is planar in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface  34  is curved in planes parallel to the radial direction  12   b  and longitudinal direction  12   c.  The lower surface  34  may also be curved in a plane such that the circumferential direction  12   a  lies in the plane and the plane is also parallel to the radial direction  12   b  in order to conform to the round circumference of the tire. In other embodiments, the lower surface  34  is flat and the force exerted by the tensioners  16  may elastically or inelastically deform the mounting block  10  to at least partially conform to curvature of the tire  14  with which it is used. 
     The lower surface  34  may have one or more gripping features extending outwardly therefrom to reduce sliding of the mounting block  10  relative to the tire  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, this includes conical, pyramidal, or other-shaped spikes  36  distributed over the lower surface  34 , such as in a two-dimensional array of spikes  36 . The spikes  36  may locally deform the tire  14  or insert within features in the tread of the tire during use and improve grip. 
     The mounting block  10  may be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid polymer, metal, or composite material (e.g., fiberglass, Kevlar, or carbon fiber composite). In a typical application, the mounting block  10  is made of a material that is more rigid than the tire  14  with which it is used, such as greater than Shore 80A. For example, the material may have a hardness of at least Rockwell R90 to R130 (e.g., Polyacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or Polyvinylchloride (PVC)). 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A , in some embodiments, the straps  22  secured to the center pouch  20  secure to the tensioner  16  within the recess  26  by passing around the tensioner  16  and securing back to the strap  22  itself. In the illustrated embodiment, this includes the use of a fastener  38  in the form of a buckle, side release buckle, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), or any other type of fastener known in the art. Referring to  FIG.  3 B , in other embodiments, a clip  40  is secured to the strap  22  and is securable to the tensioner  16 . The clip  40  may be embodied as a carabiner or any other type of clip. Other fastening systems known in the art for securing straps to structures may also be used to secure the strap  22  to the tensioner  16 . 
     As noted above, the tensioner  16  embodied as a cable passing through the cable guides  24  may be omitted in favor of one or more straps passing through one or of the openings  30 . In such uses, the tensioner  16  may be substituted for a bar that fastens within the cable guides  24  in order to provide a structure to which the strap  22  may secure. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates example implementations of the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b.  Tensioning block  10   a  may include one or more attachment points  50  for securing to one end of one or more tensioners  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, each tensioner has secured thereto one or more balls  52 , blocks, or other structure providing a local change in width of the tensioner  16 , either widening or narrowing. For example, the balls  52  may be embodied as beads secured to a tensioner embodied as a steel cable  16  by means of swaging, welding, or other attachment. The attachment points  50  may include a series of widened portions  54  along a central slot  56  such that the ball  52  of each tensioner may be inserted within one of the widened portions  54  in order to be restrained against movement due to circumferential tension on the tensioner  16 . A single widened portion  54  along a central slot  56  may also be used. As is apparent, in embodiments where the balls  52  are used, the widened portions  54  may be rounded and sized to receive the balls  52  with the slot  56  being smaller than the diameter of the balls  52 . The sides of the slot  56 , i.e. long dimension of the slot along which the tensioner  16  extends may be substantially (e.g., within 5 degrees of) parallel to the circumferential direction  12   a  with the widened portions  54  extending outwardly from the slot  56  in the longitudinal direction  12   c.    
     The other end of each tensioner  16  may be secured to the other tensioning block  10   b.  In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioner  16  is non-removably secured to tensioning block  10   b,  e.g., is not removable without the use of tools. However, removable securement may also be used, such as using the ball  52 , widened portion  54 , and slot  56  used for the tensioning block  10   a.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, a tensioning rod  58  is secured to the tensioning block  10   b.  A nut  60  is captured within the tensioning block  10   a  such that the nut  60  is allowed to rotate relative to the tensioning block  10   a  but is not allowed to slide along the circumferential direction  12   a  relative to the tensioning block  10   a  by more than a specified tolerance, e.g., less than 2 mm. 
     The nut  60  engages the tensioning rod  58  such that turning of the nut  60  draws the tensioning rod  58  and the tensioning block  10   b  toward the tensioning block  10   a.  For example, the tensioning rod  58  may be fixed to the tensioning block  10   b  such that rotation relative to the tensioning block  10   b  is not permitted other than some small tolerance, e.g., less than 5 degrees. The tensioning rod  58  may include a threaded portion engaging the nut  60 . Alternatively, the nut  60  may be fixed relative to the tensioning rod  58 , e.g., a hex bolt head, and a threaded portion of the tensioning rod  58  may engage a threaded portion, e.g., nut, fixed relative to the tensioning block  10   a  (e.g., rotation and sliding in the circumferential direction  12   a  prevented other than small tolerances referenced above). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning rod  58  passes through the tensioning block  10   b  and is slidable relative to the tensioning block  10   b  tangent to the circumferential direction  12   a  by an amount sufficient to tension the tensioner  16 , e.g. at least 1 to 5 cm. The tensioning rod  58  may engage an indicator block  62  including a visual indicator  64  such that the visual indicator  64  changes in response to tensioning of the tensioning rod  58 , e.g., changes from red to green when the tension on the tensioning rod  58  reaches a predefined minimum tension. In other embodiments, the functions of the indicator block are integrated into the tensioning block  10   b.    
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are exploded views illustrating example implementations of the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b.  Referring specifically to  FIG.  5 A , the nut  60  may be fastened to an internally threaded shaft  70 . In the illustrated embodiment, the internally threaded shaft  70  has a slot along its length, though this may be omitted in other embodiments. The tensioning rod  58  may include a threaded portion  72  sized to insert within the threaded shaft  70  such that rotation of the nut  60  and threaded shaft  70  in one direction can draw the threaded portion  72  into the internally threaded shaft  70 . 
     The indicator block  62  may include an inner cylinder  74  and an outer cylinder  76 . The inner cylinder  74  has a smaller outer diameter than the outer cylinder  76  in the illustrated embodiment and is positioned at least partially within the tensioning block  10   b,  whereas the outer cylinder  76  is completely external to the tensioning block  10   b.  A spring  78  may be positioned within the outer cylinder  76 . The tensioning rod  58  passes through the cylinders  74 ,  76  and spring  78  and may be retained such that retraction of the tensioning rod  58  results in compression of the spring  78  against the transition between the outer cylinder  76  and the inner cylinder  74 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tensing rod  58  passes through a washer  80  and includes an opening  82  that receives a pin  84  preventing the tensioning rod  58  from sliding back through the washer  80 . 
     The outer cylinder  76  may include an indicator window  86 . In the illustrated embodiment, the window  86  includes a first slot that is parallel to the axis of symmetry of the cylinder  76  and a second slot that is perpendicular to the first slot. The second slot may be positioned such that when the washer  80  is aligned, i.e. visible through, the second slot, the tension exerted by the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b  is at or above a minimum safe tension. The washer  80  may be coated with a distinctive color, e.g., green, to facilitate recognition. The spring  78  may be coated with a different color than the washer  80 , e.g. red, such that when this color is visible in the second slot it can be determined that the minimum safe tension has not been achieved. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a pin  90  is used to retain one or both of the tensioning rod  58  and the inner cylinder  74  to the tensioning block  10   b.  In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning rod  58  includes a slot  92  with straight portions substantially (e.g., within 5 degrees of) parallel to the long dimension of the tensioning rod  58 . The length of the slot  92  may be selected such that the tensioning rod  58  has a range of motion relative to the tensioning block  10   a,  such as between 1 and 5 cm. The range of motion may correspond to an amount of motion required to achieve the minimum safe tension. The pin  90  may further serve to resist rotation of the tensioning rod  58  when the nut  60  is rotated. 
     The inner cylinder  74  may include an opening  94  through which the pin  90  may also pass when inserted through the opening  92 . The inner cylinder  74  may be relatively fixed (e.g., less than 1 mm and less than 5 degrees of play) by the pin  90  passing through the opening  94 . 
     The tensioning block  10   b  may be formed by an upper plate  96  and a lower plate  98  with the tensioning rod and inner cylinder  74  positioned between the plates  96 ,  98 . The upper plate  96  may define an opening  100  and the lower plate  98  may define an opening  102  such that the pin  90  may be inserted through the openings  100 ,  102  as well as the openings  92 ,  94 . One or both of the plates  96 ,  98  may include an offset portion  104  providing clearance for the inner cylinder  74 . 
     In some embodiments, the plates  96 ,  98  are made of metal and may be encased in an upper cover plate  106  and a lower cover plate  108  made of plastic, such as any of the materials described above with respect to the mounting block  10 . The plates  96 ,  98  may secure to one another by means of screws or other fasteners and the cover plates  106   a,    108  may secure to the plates  96 ,  98  with the same fastener or separate fasteners. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 B  while still referring to  FIG.  5 A , one or both of the plates  96 ,  98  may define structures for securing to one or more tensioners  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower plate  98  includes pairs of hooks  110 . Balls  112  or other widened structures secured to the tensioner  16  may seat within the hooks  110  of a pair with the tensioner  16  passing between the hooks of the pair. In this manner, the hooks  110  resist removal of the balls  112  responsive to circumferential tension on the tensioners  16 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  5 A , the tensioning block  10   a  may include an access recess  114  positioned around the nut  60 , such as in the form of a pair of sloped surfaces  114  sloping down to positions below that of the nut  60  when assembled. The access recess  114  may provide clearance for a wrench to both be positioned around the nut  60  and rotate through some range of motion, e.g., at least 45 to 120 degrees. The access recess  114  may be positioned adjacent a recess  114   a  passing through the tensioning block  10   a,  the internally threaded portion  70  being located within the recess  114   a  when assembled. 
     In some embodiments, a pivot extension  116  secures to the nut  60  on an opposite side of the nut from the internally threaded shaft  70 . The pivot extension  116  may pivotally secure to the tensioning block  10   a  in order to support the nut  60  and facilitate rotation of the nut  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, a bushing  118  defines an opening  120  receiving the pivot extension  116 . The bushing  118  may be non-symmetrical about the axis of symmetry of the opening, such as a flattened cylinder or flattened oval with the axis of the cylindrical or oval portion being perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the opening  120 . The bushing  118  may be made of a low friction material such as brass, ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymer, TEFLON, or other suitable material. 
     The tensioning block  10   a  may define a seat  122  for receiving the bushing  118 . A cover plate  124  may be securable to the tensioning block  10   a  using fasteners, such as screws, in order to hold the bushing  118  within the seat  122 . In some embodiments, the pivot extension  116  defines a groove  126  for receiving a snap ring  128  such that the bushing  118  may be positioned between the snap ring  128  and the nut  60 , thereby retaining the bushing  118  with respect to the nut  60 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 C , in the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface  130  of the tensioning block  10   a  may include spikes  132 , e.g., conical, pyramidal, or other-shaped spikes, extending downwardly therefrom for engaging the tire  14 . The lower surface  130  may be curved in a plane parallel to the radial direction  12   b  and longitudinal direction  12   c.  The lower surface  130  may also be curved in a plane such that the circumferential direction  12   a  lies in the plane and the plane is also parallel to the radial direction  12   b  in order to conform to the round circumference of the tire. In other embodiments, the lower surface  130  is flat and the force exerted by the tensioners  16  may deform the mounting block  10  to at least partially conform to curvature of the tire  14  with which it is used. 
     In some embodiments, the lower surface of the tensioning block  10   b,  e.g., lower surface of lower cover plate  208  lacks spikes and may be either flat or curved in one or more planes as for the tensioning block  10   a.  During tensioning, the tensioning block  10   b  may be permitted to slide relative to the tread of the tire whereas the tensioning block  10   a  is maintained still due to the spikes  132 , or moves less than the tensioning block  10   b.    
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , in some embodiments, tires  14  of different circumferences may be accommodated using the illustrated tensioner  16 . A ball  52  is secured to one end of the tensioner  16  for engaging the tensioning block  10   b.  At the other end, a series of balls  112  are secured to the tensioner  16  at substantially uniform (e.g., within 3 mm of uniform) intervals or at non-uniform intervals. The separation between the balls  112  may correspond to the range of adjustability of the tensioning rod  60 , which may be constrained by the range of movement of the pin  90  within the slot. For example, the center-to-center distance of the balls  112  may be from 80 to 100 percent of the range of movement of the pin  90  within the slot  92 . In other embodiments, the separation is determined by the widened portions  54  in the tensioning block  10   a.  For example, the center-to-center distance between balls  112  may be between substantially (e.g., within 3 mm) equal to a plate adjustment range, the plate adjustment range being a center-to-center distance of the first widen portion  54  closest to a first side of the tensioning block  10   a  to a last widened portion  54  closest to a second side of the tensioning block  10   a  opposite the first side along the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the center-to-center separation between the balls  112  may be between 80 and 100 percent of the plate adjustment range plus the range of movement of the pin  90  within the slot  92 . 
       FIGS.  7 A to  7 D  illustrate an alternative embodiment for tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b.  The embodiment of  FIGS.  7 A to  7 D  may include a single block design that may function as a mounting block  10 , a tensioning block  10   a,  and a tensioning block  10   b.    
     As shown in  FIG.  7 A , tensioning may be achieved using one or more screws  140 , such as two screws  140 , passing through mounting block  10   b  and at least partially through mounting block  10   a.  Each screw  140  may engage a nut  142 , such as a barrel nut, that is captured within tensioning block  10   a  such that both rotation of the nut  142  and sliding of the nut  142  in the circumferential direction  12   a  is hindered by the tensioning block  10   a  (e.g., no more than 3 mm and 5 degrees of play in any direction). In embodiments where the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b  are different instances of the same design, both tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b  include a through-opening  144  and a cavity  146  for receiving the nut  142 . The instance used as the block  10   b  lacks a nut  142  in the cavity  146 . The head  148  of the screw is opposed on one side of the tensioning block  10   b  and may be turned using a wrench, e.g., hex wrench, in order to cause the screw  140  to advance through the nut  142  in order to draw the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b toward one another.    
     The mounting blocks  10   a,    10   b  may have some or all of the attributes of mounting blocks  10 ,  10   a,    10   b  described herein, including curvature of the lower surface thereof, the use of spikes  36  on the lower surface, through-openings  30 , top openings  32 , cable guides  24 , recesses  26 , ribs  28 , and widened portions  54  along a slot  56 . 
     In particular, as is apparent in  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D , two slots  56  with widened portions  54  are defined one the upper surface of the mounting blocks  10   a  enabling placement of balls  56  or  112 . Accordingly, each tensioning block according to the illustrated design may function as a tensioning block  10   a  or  10   b.  The slots  56  and widened portions  54  may be positioned inboard along the longitudinal direction  12   a  from cable guides  24  and recesses  26  as described above. Accordingly, each mounting block  10   a,    10   b  may also function as a mounting block  10  receiving the tensioner  16  passing thereover and receiving a strap  22  secured within the recess  26 . 
     As is apparent in  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D , an alternative configuration of the upper surface of the mounting blocks  10   a,    10   b  is used. The central opening  30  may be substantially wider, e.g., between 25 and 50 percent of the width of the mounting block  10   a,    10   b.  A single bar  152  may span over the opening  30  and be one or both of both curving and tapering to a narrowed middle portion. Pairs of openings  32  as in the embodiment of  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 C . In other embodiments, the configuration of the openings  30 ,  32  is the same as that of  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B , and  2 C, with changes in dimension to accommodate the addition of the slots  56  and widened portions  54 . 
     The mounting blocks  10   a,    10   b  of  FIGS.  7 A to  7 D  may be made of any of the materials described above with respect to the mounting block  10  of  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 C . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , in some embodiments, in place of balls  56  and/or balls  112 , securement of the tensioner  16  to either of the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b  according to any of the foregoing embodiments, the tensioner  16  may secure to the illustrated eyelet  160  that may then secure to either of the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b  by means of screws or other fasteners, sliding over a pin secured to the tensioning block  10   a,    10   b.  The eyelet  160  may be secured to the tensioner  16  by means of swaging, welding, adhesive, screw clamps, or other fastening means. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , in some cases, a user may not need many mounting blocks  10 . For example, the user may only need to mount a few peripheral packs or is not using the center pouch  20 . In such cases, a mounting block  10  may be replaced with a spacer  170 . The spacer  170  may serve to raise the one or more tensioners  16  above the tread of the tire. The spacer  170  may include one or more, such as two, cable guides  172  through which the tensioners  16  may pass. As is apparent, the cable guides  172  may be open-ended channels sized to receive the tensioners  16  either freely or with an interference fit. 
     A separation  174  between the cable guides  172 , and thus the tensioners  16  in the cable guides  172 , may be selected to maintain the spacer  170  on the tread of the tire  14  and reduce the likelihood of the spacer  170  sliding off the tire  14 . For example, the separation  174  may be less than 80 percent, less than 50 percent, or less than 25 percent of the separation of the pairs of cable guides  14  on the mounting blocks  10  with which it is used. 
     The spacer  170  may also be used to manage free ends of the tensioners  16  embodied as cables. For example, one cable guide  172  may be engaged with the portion of the tensioner  16  spanning between mounting blocks  10 . A free end of that tensioner  16  or another tensioner  16  may be placed in the other cable guide  172 . The cable guide  172  may be sized such that force is required to insert the free end and a restoring force of the cable guide  172  will hinder removal of the free end. 
       FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate an example approach for securing items, such as peripheral pouches to mounting blocks  10  according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. A strap  180  may include a barb  182  that is biased upward from a surface of the strap  180 . The barb  182  may be positioned above an opening  184  in the strap  180  such that at least part of the bar  180  is received within the opening  184  when the barb  180  is depressed. The strap  180  and barb  182  may be made of a substantially rigid material, e.g. a Shore A hardness of at least 60, such that the barb  182  resists depression and is biased away from the surface of the strap  180  after being depressed. 
     In use, the strap  180  may be inserted into the openings  30  with the barb  182  being depressed during insertion and being biased into the opening  32  above the opening  30  following insertion as shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B . To remove, a user may push the barb  182  inwardly and withdraw the strap  180  from the opening  30 . A ring  186  or other attachment structure may secure to the strap  180  and be exposed when the strap  180  is secured within the opening  130 . The ring  186  or other attachment structure may be used to secure to a perimeter pouch  18  to the mounting block  10  or secure other items to the mounting block  10 . 
       FIGS.  11 A to  11 C  illustrate an alternative approach for securing items to the strap  180 . The strap  180  may include one or more openings  188  for fastening the strap  180  to an item, such as a perimeter pouch  18 . Fastening may include the use of rivets, screws, or other fasteners passing through the openings  188 . In some embodiments, the strap  180  defines a recess  188   a  or indentation  188   a  in the region of the strap  480  defining the openings  188 . A plate or other structure may be positioned within the recess  188   a  and secured thereto. As shown in  FIG.  11 B , during use, the strap  180  may be in a folded configuration. As shown in  FIG.  11 C  there may be multiple straps  180  secure to multiple mounting blocks  10  that may be secured to a single item, such as a single perimeter pouch  18 . The straps  180  may be secured to the item before or after the straps  180  are secured to the mounting blocks  10 . 
       FIGS.  12 A to  12 E  illustrate various structures that may be used to secure perimeter packs  18  to one or more mounting blocks  10 . Referring to  FIG.  12 A , a strap  200  with a first snap fastener portion  202  may be passed through an opening  30 , or an opening  30  and an opening  32  and secured to a second snap fastener portion secured to the strap  200  or the perimeter pouch  18 . Any type of snap fastener or other type of fastener may be used. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 B , A strap  204  may include an end portion  206  that is folded back and secured to the strap  204  such that it functions as a barb. The strap  204  may be passed through an opening  30 , or an opening  30  and an opening  32  and be held in place by the end portion  206  engaging the opening  30  or  32 . Alternatively, the strap  204  may be passed under another strap, such as a MOLLE strap and be held therein by the end portion  206 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 C and  12 D , in other embodiments, a clip including two legs  208 ,  210  that are secured to one another at one end and include fastening portions at the other.  FIGS.  12 C  illustrates a MALICE clip and  12 D illustrate a BLADE TECH MOLLE LOK. One leg  208  may be passed through straps  212  on a perimeter pouch  18 , such as MOLLE straps  212 . The other leg  210  may be passed through an opening  30  in one or more mounting blocks  10  and the fastening portions of the legs  208 ,  210  may be secured to one another. There may be two or more clips engaging two or more openings  30  of the same mounting block  10  and secured to the same perimeter pouch  18 .  FIG.  12 E  illustrates a BLACKHAWK SPEED CLIP  214  that may also be passed through the openings  30  of one or more mounting blocks  10  in order to secure a perimeter pouch  18  or other item to a mounting block  10 . Any approach for securing to MOLLE or PALS straps  212  known in the art may also be used to secure to a mounting block  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , a tensioning block  10   b  according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g.,  FIG.  1   ) may incorporate the illustrated plate  98 . The plate  98  may include a slot  220  and widened portion  222  such that the widened portion  222  is sized to allow a ball  112  of the tensioner  16  to pass therethrough. The slot  220  may be too narrow to permit the ball  112  to pass therethrough but is wide enough to allow the tensioner  16  to freely pass therethrough. 
     The plate  98  may include a top portion  226 , vertical portion  228 , and bottom portion  230  that are each individually flat plates and that are connected together, such as due to being a single plate bent into the illustrated shape, welding, or some other fastening means. The top and bottom portions  226 ,  230  may be substantially (e.g., within 5 degrees of) parallel to one another whereas the vertical portion  228  is substantially (e.g., within 5 degrees of) perpendicular to the top and bottom portions  226 ,  230 . The top portion  226  may be secured at one edge to the vertical portion  228  and the bottom portion  230  may be secured at one edge to the vertical portion  228  such that the top portion  226  and bottom portion  230  are offset from one another with the vertical portion  228  spanning between the top portion  226  and the bottom portion  230 . The widened portion  222  and slot  220  may be formed in the top portion  226 . The vertical portion  228  may define a slot  224  that is connected to the slot  220  such that the slot  220  and slot  224  form a continuous slot. 
     In use, the ball  112  is inserted through the widened portion  220  and the tensioner  16  is tensioned, drawing the ball  112  along the slot  220  until the ball  112  abuts the vertical portion  228  with the tensioner protruding out of the slot  224  as shown. In the illustrated implementation, the vertical portion  228  only extends partially along the top portion  226  and bottom portion  228  on either side of the slot  224 .  FIG.  13    shows only one side of the plate  98  and there may be another vertical portion  228  (or a continuation of a single vertical portion  228 ) and corresponding slot  220 , widened portion  222 , and slot  224  on an opposite side of the plate  98  for receiving another ball  112  and tensioner  16 . 
       FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  illustrate an alternative approach for adjusting the separation between tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b.  In the illustrated embodiment, a turnbuckle  240  spans between the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b.  The turnbuckle  240  may define an internally threaded opening  240   a  and a hollow portion  240   b.  A screw  242  passing through tensioning block  10   a  may engage the threaded opening  240   a  and pass into the hollow portion  240   b.  The hollow portion  240   b  may be open-sided with the opening facing down (toward the tire to which it is secured) during use. Having the opening facing down may hinder the entry of debris into the hollow portion  240   b    
     A head  244  of the screw  242  is exposed on a side of the tensioning block  10   a,  such as a head  244  embodied as an Allen head, hex head, or other type of head. In this manner, the screw  242  may be turned to adjust the position of the screw  242  within the turnbuckle  240 , thereby changing the distance between the tensioning blocks  10   a,    10   b.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, a flange  246  extends around the head  244  and possibly extends outwardly therefrom. The flange  246  may press against a washer  248 . The washer  248  may be made of brass or other material selected for having low friction to facilitate turning of the screw  242 . The washer  248  may abut a partially cylindrical stop  250  and the screw  242  may pass through the stop  250 . The screw  242  may pass through the stop  250  such that the long axis (axis around which threads are defined) is substantially (e.g., within 5 degrees of) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of a cylinder to which portions of the substantially cylindrical stop  250  conform. The cylindrical stop  250  may be captured between the tensioning block  10   a  and a cover  124  fastened to the tensioning block  10   a.  The tensioning block  10   a  may define a seat  252  that includes a portion of a cylinder for receiving the cylindrical portion of the stop  250 . The cover  124  may likewise include seat  254  including a portion of a cylinder that engages the cylindrical portion of the stop  250 . 
     The turnbuckle  240  may define an opening  240   c  such that hollow portion  240   b  is positioned between the opening  240   c  and the threaded portion  240   a.  A pin  258  may be passed through the opening  240   c  and engage the tensioning block  10   b  in order to secure to the turnbuckle  240 . The opening  240   c  may be substantially (e.g., within 5 degrees of) perpendicular to the long dimension of the turnbuckle  240 , e.g., the axis around which threads of the threaded portion  240   a  are formed. The block  98  may be interposed between the tensioning block  10   b  and the turnbuckle  240 . The pin  258  may also pass through the block  98 . 
     In some embodiments, an exterior mark  240   d  may be placed on the turnbuckle  240 . A distance between the mark  240   d  and the end of the internally threaded opening  240   a  along the long dimension of the turnbuckle  240  may be selected such that if the mark  240   d  is visible outside of the tensioning block  10   a,  then the turnbuckle is extended too far. The mark  240   d  may be embodied as a circumferential groove that is partially filled with a durable paint in a highly visible color such as red. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.