Apparatus and method for securing large objects

An apparatus for securing an object to a surface with restraining elements comprising:

• a pair of brackets, where each bracket comprises a pair of cleats pivotally connected to opposing ends of an elongated member, said elongated member having a pair of openings therein, each of said cleats having a passage to receive one of said restraining elements, wherein each of said cleats further comprises:
• a first portion containing said passage on one side thereof, and also having a first opening adjacent an opposing side;
• a second portion extending substantially perpendicularly to said first portion and separating said passage from said first opening;
• and,
• a connector operatively arranged to pass through said first opening in said first portion and one of said pair of openings in a respective one of said elongated members to pivotally secure said cleat to said one elongated member.

A method for securing an object to a surface, comprising the steps of:

• placing a first pair of cleats on the object, each of said first pair of cleats having a first passage, and said first pair of cleats pivotally connected to opposing ends of a rigid elongated member;
• passing a first restraining element having a first end and a second end through the first passage in one of said first pair of cleats;
• passing a second restraining element having a first end and a second end through the first passage in the other one of said first pair of cleats;
• securing the first ends of said first and second restraining elements to the surface;
• placing a second pair of cleats on the object, each of said second cleats having a second passage, and said second pair of cleats pivotally connected to opposing ends of a second rigid elongated member;
• passing said first restraining element having a first end and a second end through the second passage in one of said second pair of cleats;
• passing said second restraining element having a first end and a second end through the second passage in the other one of said second pair of cleats;
• and,
• securing the second ends of said first and second restraining elements to the surface.