Ratchet and cam buckle tensioning assembly and method for using same

A cargo restraining device comprising:

• a lashing strap having a free end and a securable end;
• a lead strap having a free end and a securable end;
• a ratchet buckle, interposed between said lashing strap and said lead strap, ratchetably connected to said free end of said lashing strap, said ratchet buckle incrementally tensioning said lashing strap about a cargo load, said ratchet buckle comprising:
• a bifurcated frame member having a pair of opposing arms;
• a reel member rotatably supported between said opposing arms;
• ratchet wheels rotatably mounted between said frame arms and fixedly attached to said reel member in a spaced apart relationship;
• a latching plate slidably mounted between said opposing arms for latching said ratchet wheels when said ratchet wheels are not being rotably driven, said lashing strap being wound around said reel member;
• a lever member having a pair of opposing side members rotatably mounted on said reel member;
• and
• a ratchet drive plate slidably mounted between said opposing side members of said lever member for engaging and driving said ratchet wheel when said lever member is actuated;
• and
• a cam buckle that slidably engages and releases said lead strap, said cam buckle connected adjacent to said frame member by an apparatus other than said lead strap and said securing strap, said cam buckle comprising:
• a housing adapted to slidably receive said lead strap, said housing having a pressure plate with a first restraining surface over which said lead strap slides;
• and
• a pawl, having a second restraining surface, movably mounted to said housing, said pawl biased in an engaged position to restrain said lead strap between said first and second restraining surfaces so as to prevent movement of said lead strap in a direction that loosens said lead strap while allowing movement of said lead strap in an opposite direction that tensions said lead strap.

A strap tensioner for tightening and releasing a lashing strap and a lead strap, comprising:

• a bifurcated frame member having a pair of opposing parallel arms between which a reel member around which the lashing strap is wound and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted;
• a lever member rotatably mounted on said reel member and having a pair of opposing side members between which a ratchet drive plate is slidably mounted for engaging and driving said ratchet wheel when said lever member is actuated;
• a lead strap pressure plate, mounted between said opposing arms of said frame member, constructed and arranged to slidably receive the lead strap, said pressure plate having a first restraining surface over which the lead strap slides;
• and
• a pawl, having a second restraining surface, moveably mounted between said opposing arms of said frame member such that said first and second restraining surfaces are in opposed juxtaposition, said pawl biased such that said first and second restraining surfaces contact and prevent movement of the lead strap in a direction that loosens the lead strap while allowing movement of the lead strap in an opposite direction that tensions the lead strap.

A cargo restraining device comprising:

• a lashing strap having a free end and a securable end;
• a lead strap having a free end and a securable end;
• a ratchet buckle, interposed between said lashing strap and said lead strap, ratchetably connected to said free end of said lashing strap, said ratchet buckle incrementally tensioning said lashing strap about a cargo load, and wherein said ratchet buckle comprises:
• a bifurcated frame member having a pair of opposing arms;
• a reel member rotatably supported between said opposing arms;
• ratchet wheels rotatably mounted between said frame arms and fixedly attached to said reel member in spaced apart relationship;
• a latching plate slidably mounted between said opposing arms for latching said ratchet wheels when said ratchet wheels are not being rotatably driven, said free end of said latching strap being wound rid around said reel member;
• a lever member having a pair of opposing side members rotatably mounted on said reel member;
• and
• a ratchet drive plate slidably mounted between said opposing side members of said lever member for engaging and driving said ratchet wheel when said lever member is actuated;
• and
• a cam buckle that slidably engages and release said free end of said lead strap, said cam buckle connected adjacent to said ratchet buckle by an apparatus other than the lead strap and the securing strap, said cam buckle and said lead strap cooperating to prevent movement of said lead strap relative to said cam buckle in a direction that loosens said lead strap whole allowing movement of said lead strap relative to said cam buckle in an opposite direction that tensions said lead strap, wherein said cam buckle includes:
• a housing adapted to slidably receive said free end of said lead strap, said housing having a pressure plate with a first restraining surface over which said lead strap slides;
• and
• a pawl, having a second restraining surface, movably mounted to said housing, said pawl biased in an engaged position to restrain said lead strap between said first and second restraining surfaces.

A cargo restraining device comprising:

• a lashing strap having a free end and a securable end;
• a lead strap having a free end and a securable end;
• a ratchet buckle, interposed between said lashing strap and said lead strap, ratchetably connected to said free end of said lashing strap, said ratchet buckle incrementally tensioning said lashing strap about a cargo load;
• a cam buckle that slidably engages and release said free end of said lead strap, said cam buckle connected adjacent to said ratchet buckle by an apparatus other than the lead strap and the securing strap, said cam buckle and said lead strap cooperating to prevent movement of said lead strap relative to said cam buckle in a direction that loosens said lead strap whole allowing movement of said lead strap relative to said cam buckle in an opposite direction that tensions said lead strap, wherein said cam buckle includes:
• a housing adapted to slidably receive said free end of said lead strap, said housing having a pressure plate with a first restraining surface over which said lead strap slides;
• a pawl, having a second restraining surface, movably mounted to said housing, said pawl biased in an engaged position to restrain said lead strap between said first and second restraining surfaces;
• a pawl lever on a side of said pawl opposing said second strap restraining surface;
• a pivot pin about which said pawl rotates, said housing having two substantially parallel sides members supporting said pivot pin;
• and
• a torsion spring biasing said pawl and having a torque sufficient to maintain securely said second restraining surface of said pawl against said first restraining surface of said housing to contact said lead strap therebetween,
• wherein rotation of said pawl lever causes said second restraining surface to rotate away from said first restraining surface.