Method and apparatus for improved use of ratcheting tie-down strap or the like

Abstract

An apparatus includes an elongate flexible strap defining first and second ends and first and second sides, a ring attached to said first end of said strap, a first length of hook and loop fastener secured to a mid-portion of said strap on said second side, a second length of hook and loop fastener secured to said strap on said second side near said second end, and a flexible loop attached to said strap at said second end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 an elongate flexible strap defining first and second ends and first and second sides;   a ring attached to said first end of said strap;   a first length of hook and loop fastener secured to a mid-portion of said strap on said second side;   a second length of hook and loop fastener secured to said strap on said second side near said second end; and   a flexible loop attached to said strap at said second end,   wherein said apparatus is configured to be wrapped around a tie-down apparatus, said second end of said strap inserted through said ring, and said second length of hook and loop fastener configured to engage said first length of hook and loop fastener to secure said apparatus thereabout said tie-down apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector adapted for connecting said strap to a ratchet of a tie-down apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible strap comprises a material of synthetic webbing. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first length of hook and loop fastener spans from approximately ⅓ to ¾ of the length of said strap. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said ring comprises a material of plastic or steel. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first length of hook and loop fastener comprises female hook and loop material, and second said second length of hook and loop fastener comprises male hook and loop material. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first length of hook and loop fastener comprises male hook and loop material, and second said second length of hook and loop fastener comprises female hook and loop material.