Tie down tensioning device

Abstract

A simple and inexpensive device for a reliable tie down tensioning which device enables the tie-down to be quickly and easily applied and the flexible element tensioned and just as quickly and easily removed.

1 . A jamming cleat device for holding a line under tension comprising:
 a groove for receiving a flexible elongated element, said groove being defined between opposed side walls each of which is provided with a plurality of ridges for gripping such a flexible elongated element received in the groove, said ridges being inclined with respect to a base of the groove in an axial direction of the groove away from an end of said groove base;   a locking feature for the flexible elongated element located near the output end of the jamming cleat device.   
   
   
       2 . The jamming cleat of  claim 1 , wherein the jamming cleat includes at least one aperture for a hook or other equivalent securing element. 
   
   
       3 . The jamming cleat of  claim 2 , wherein the jamming cleat includes an opening for ingress of the flexible elongated element into the jamming cleat, and into a channel that guides the flexible elongated element around at least one of the apertures used for a hook. 
   
   
       4 . The jamming cleat of  claim 1 , wherein the jamming cleat includes an opening for ingress of the flexible elongated element into the jamming cleat housing, and a channel that guides the flexible elongated element to the plurality of ridges used for gripping said flexible elongated element. 
   
   
       5 . The jamming cleat of  claim 1 , wherein the jamming cleat groove is generally V-shaped in transverse cross-section. 
   
   
       6 . The jamming cleat of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more apertures, which allow the cleat to be secured to a support. 
   
   
       7 . The jamming cleat of  claim 1 , wherein the shape of the base is not flat. 
   
   
       8 . A tie down tensioning device comprising:
 a housing with a jamming cleat feature;   said housing having an opening for ingress of a flexible elongated element into said housing and through a channel, the channel along at least a portion of its length completely surrounding at least a portion of the length of the flexible elongated element, the channel guides the flexible elongated element into the jamming cleat feature before passing through the output end of said housing; and   housing having at least one aperture for the mounting of a hook or equivalent securing element.   
   
   
       9 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the jamming cleat feature incorporates a locking feature for the flexible elongated element. 
   
   
       10 . The locking feature of  claim 9 , wherein the locking feature is located near the output end of said housing. 
   
   
       11 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the flexible elongated element wraps around at least one aperture in the housing used for the mounting of the hook or equivalent securing element. 
   
   
       12 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing contains a feature that secures the removable hook to the housing and prevents unintended separation of the hook from the housing when the device is not under tension. 
   
   
       13 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the hook contains a feature that secures itself to the housing and prevents unintended separation of the hook from the housing when the device is not under tension. 
   
   
       14 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing incorporates at least two apertures for a hook or other equivalent securing element. 
   
   
       15 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the channel for the flexible element is enclosed for the channel's entire length. 
   
   
       16 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the channel for the flexible element is, in plan view, generally U-shaped. 
   
   
       17 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing is made from plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. 
   
   
       18 . The tie down tensioning device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing is made from one or more pieces, and is fastened together to form a complete unit.