Patent ID: 8020737

Claim:
A variable-width ratcheting strap-down system for use with a crossbar, comprising: a flexible strap having a first end and a second end; a first receiver adapted to engage the first end of the flexible strap, the first receiver comprising a first crossbar bracket that is mounted on the crossbar at a first crossbar location; and a second receiver adapted to receive the second end of the flexible strap, the second receiver comprising a second bracket that is mounted on the crossbar at a second crossbar location that is different from the first crossbar location to provide a gap having a width that is between the first and second receivers and is spanned by the flexible strap, the second receiver having a ratcheting assembly that is adapted to tighten the flexible strap within the gap between the first and second receivers, wherein at least one of the first and second crossbar brackets is adapted to be moveably adjusted along the crossbar to vary the width of the gap between the first and second receivers, wherein the first receiver houses a cam clamp, and wherein the cam clamp presses the flexible strap against the crossbar when the flexible strap is pulled in the direction of the second receiver, the cam clamp cinching the strap and the first receiver to the first crossbar location.