Patent ID: 6851163

Claim:
An axial, adjustable tie-down stretch cord terminus, having a first side and a second side opposite from said first side, comprising a one-piece molded plastic body including: a generally circular hook with a transverse axis, said hook defining a first end of said terminus; and a cord receiving stem integrally attached to said hook and defining a second end of said terminus, said stem having a cord receiving bore, extending from said second end, with a longitudinal axis and a diameter suitable to receive a stretch cord with which said terminus is to be used; an extension of said longitudinal axis being within a predetermined distance of said transverse axis, said predetermined distance being less than said diameter; said hook opening at said first side of said terminus; said stem having a cord passage extending outwardly from said bore, a distance from said second end, on said second side of said terminus; and a cord-gripping cleat formed in said second side of said stem, said cleat opening into said cord passage, the inner edge of said cleat communicating with said bore so that a cord passing through said bore and through said cord passage can be pulled at least partially from said passage into said cleat, thereby force directed away from said terminus in a cleated cord will be transferred to said hook along a line within said predetermined distance of said transverse axis.