Load binder device

Abstract

A load binder apparatus includes a housing and a shaft at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing. The shaft includes a first gear, a first attachment member coupled with a first end or a first portion of the shaft, and a second attachment member coupled with a second end or a second portion of the shaft. A second gear is rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to engage the first gear to rotate the shaft about the first axis so as to move the first and second attachment members in opposite directions along the first axis. A lever is pivotally mounted to the housing and configured to operate the second gear. The second gear is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a load tie down device, a load tie down device kit, and an associated method for securing a load. Background Art

[0002] Load tie down devices or ratchet load tie downs are typically used to tension chains, cables, etc. for applications such as securing loads in place during transport, particularly on vehicles and boats. Very high tensioning forces can usually be achieved, even on short chains or cables. Precise adjustment is achieved by incremental movement of the ratchet lever, and there are a variety of sizes and ratings of such load tie downs available for different applications.

[0003] Known ratchet load tie-down devices typically include a shaft member rotatably mounted in a housing, wherein a first attachment member is coupled to a first end of the shaft member and a second attachment member is coupled to a second end of the shaft member. Chains, cables, etc. are typically coupled to each attachment member using links and hooks. The shaft member includes gears that are engaged by a ratchet mounted to a lever. When the ratchet engages the gears, rotation of the lever causes the attachment members to move toward each other along the axis of the shaft member, thereby increasing tension in the chain, cable, etc.

[0004] One problem with known ratchet load tie-down devices is that the lever rotates about the same axis of rotation as the shaft, which can cause twisting of the chain, cable, etc. The twisted chain, cable, etc. can then untwist, reducing the tension and causing the load to become loose. This is particularly common when the load is secured to vehicles and boats. The movement of the vehicle or boat can cause the chain, cable, etc. to untwist, causing the load to become loose, which can have devastating consequences.

[0005] Another problem with known ratchet load tie down devices is that they have a tendency to lock up in cold environments.

[0006] A further problem with known ratchet load tie down devices is that they may be operated by unauthorised parties which may result in the secured load being stolen or in the load becoming unsecured.

[0007] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a load tie down device or similar device which solves or at least ameliorates one or more of the above problems and / or provides a useful commercial alternative.

[0009] In general, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load tie down apparatus including a pivotally mounted lever that increases and decreases tension applied by the load tie down. The pivotally mounted lever is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a shaft coupled to an attachment member, thereby reducing or avoiding torsion in a chain, cable, etc. coupled to the attachment member and providing a more securely secured load than the prior art.

[0010] According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest or only aspect, the present invention relates to a load tie down device comprising:

[0011] case;

[0012] a shaft member at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing, the shaft member comprising a first gear;

[0013] a first attachment member coupled to a first end or portion of the shaft;

[0014] a second attachment member coupled to a second end or portion of the shaft;

[0015] a second gear rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to engage the first gear to rotate the shaft about the first axis to move the first attachment member and the second attachment member in opposite directions along the first axis; and

[0016] a lever pivotally mounted to the housing and configured to operate the second gear;

[0017] Wherein, the second gear is rotatable around a second axis which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

[0018] Suitably, the lever pivots in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0019] Suitably, the first gear and / or the second gear are helical gears or screw gears.

[0020] Suitably, the first gear and the shaft member are a single-piece body.

[0021] Suitably, the load tie down apparatus further comprises a ratchet mechanism to allow the second gear to rotate in one direction only.

[0022] Suitably, the ratchet mechanism comprises a third gear coupled to the second gear, and a pawl member configured to engage the third gear.

[0023] Suitably, the pawl member comprises at least two mating members engageable with the third gear to restrict the third gear from rotating in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.

[0024] Suitably, the first portion of the shaft comprises a first thread in a first direction and the second portion of the shaft comprises a second thread in a second direction.

[0025] Suitably, the first and second attachment members comprise internal threads for engaging the first and second ends of the shaft respectively.

[0026] Suitably, the first and second attachment members comprise one or more of: a link; a lashing hook; a claw hook; a loop; an eyelet; a buckle; a claw.

[0027] Suitably, the load tie down apparatus further comprises a locking arrangement for securing the lever in at least one position.

[0028] Suitably, the locking arrangement comprises at least one aperture in the housing, the at least one aperture being configured to align with the aperture in the lever to receive a locking device therethrough to secure the lever in place. The locking device may be one of: a padlock; a shaft locking pin; a cable; a shackle; a clip.

[0029] Suitably, the at least one aperture is provided in the elongate raised portion of the housing and the lever comprises a passage extending therethrough to receive the elongate raised portion.

[0030] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for securing a load using a load tie-down device, the method comprising:

[0031] attaching a first attachment member of the load tie-down device to the first attachment point;

[0032] attaching a second attachment member of the load tie-down device to the second attachment point;

[0033] wherein the first attachment member is coupled to a first end or a first portion of a shaft member at least partially rotatably mounted in a housing of the load tie-down device, and the second attachment member is coupled to a second end or a second portion of the shaft member, the shaft member including a first gear and being rotatable about a first axis to move the first attachment member and the second attachment member in opposite directions along the first axis; and

[0034] A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is operated to rotate a second gear rotatably mounted to the housing about a second axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the second gear being configured to mesh with the first gear.

[0035] In the method, the load tie-down device may include any one or more of the features described above or any one or more of the features described herein.

[0036] According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a load tie down device kit comprising:

[0037] case;

[0038] a shaft member at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing, the shaft member comprising a first gear;

[0039] a first attachment member coupleable to a first end or portion of a shaft member;

[0040] a second attachment member coupleable to a second end or portion of the shaft;

[0041] a second gear rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to engage the first gear to rotate the shaft about the first axis to move the first attachment member and the second attachment member in opposite directions along the first axis; and

[0042] a lever pivotably mounted to the housing and configured to operate the second gear;

[0043] Wherein, when assembled, the second gear is rotatable about a second axis that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

[0044] The load tie-down device kit may include any one or more of the features described above or any one or more of the features described herein.

[0045] Further features and / or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of example only and in which like reference numerals refer to like features. In the drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a load tie-down device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the load tie-down device in an assembled state shown in FIG.

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side view of the load tie down device shown in;

[0050] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An end view of the load tie down device shown in FIG. 1 ; and

[0051] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of an end portion of a lever of a load tie down showing details of the pawl member.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the relative sizes of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention may be represented schematically, and / or one or more features may be omitted from the drawings for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] refer to Figure 1 , a load tie-down device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 is formed into two halves 12A, 12B that are joined together by a plurality of fasteners 14 that pass through corresponding apertures 16 in the housing halves 12A, 12B. In some embodiments, the fasteners are in the form of M4x8 screws, but other fasteners may be used.

[0054] The housing 12 has a substantially cylindrical form and comprises an internal cavity 18 for receiving a shaft member 20 which is at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing 12. Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the entirety of the shaft member 20 is within the housing 12 .

[0055] The shaft member 20 includes a first gear 22. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first gear 22 is centrally located along the length of the shaft 20. The first gear 22 may be a helical gear or a screw gear. In a preferred embodiment, the first gear 22 and the shaft 20 are a single-piece body and may be formed by any suitable means known in the art.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the first portion 30 of the shaft 20 includes a first thread 32 in a first direction, and the second portion 34 of the shaft 20 includes a second thread 36 in a second direction. For example, the first thread 32 may be a clockwise thread and the second thread 36 may be a counterclockwise thread, or vice versa.

[0057] On either side of the first gear 22 are bearing surfaces 24 that are rotatably mounted on inner parallel walls 26 of the housing 12. The inner parallel walls 26 are spaced apart by a length or distance corresponding to the spacing of the bearing surfaces 24 on either side of the first gear 22. Therefore, the first gear 22 is also accommodated between the inner parallel walls 26 of the housing 12.

[0058] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the load tie down device 10 includes a first attachment member 40 coupled to the first end or portion 30 of the shaft 20 and a second attachment member 42 coupled to the second end or portion 34 of the shaft 20 .

[0059] The first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 each have a substantially cylindrical form and each include an internal cavity 44. The first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 each include internal threads 46 on the inner wall of the internal cavity 44 to engage the first end or first portion 30 of the shaft 20 and the second end or second portion 34 of the shaft 20, respectively. In particular, the internal threads 46 of the first attachment member 40 are complementary or matching to the first threads 32 of the shaft 20, and the internal threads 46 of the second attachment member 42 are complementary or matching to the second threads 36 of the shaft 20. Therefore, rotation of the shaft 20 about the first axis 48 causes the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 to move in opposite directions along the first axis 48. For example, clockwise rotation of the shaft 20 about the first axis 48 moves the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 away from each other along the first axis 48, and counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 20 about the first axis 48 moves the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 toward each other along the first axis 48, depending on the direction of the threads 32, 36 on the shaft 20.

[0060] The distal ends of the first and second attachment members 40 and 42 each include a flange or shoulder 52 that abuts the end of the housing 12 when the first and second attachment members 40 and 42 are fully retracted and prevents the first and second attachment members 40 and 42 from moving further into the housing 12 .

[0061] According to various embodiments, the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 include one or more of the following: a link; a lashing hook; a claw hook; a ring; an eyelet; a buckle; a claw. Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 each include a ring 54 welded to the flange or shoulder 52. A respective link 56 is coupled to each ring 54, and a respective tie hook 58 is coupled to each link 54. Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second attachment members 40 , 42 each include the same combination of loops 54 , links 56 , and cinch hooks 58 , but this is not necessarily the case.

[0062] exist Figures 1 to 5In the illustrated embodiment, the load tie-down device 10 includes a second gear 60 rotatably mounted to the housing 12. Each housing half 12A, 12B of the housing 12 includes a raised portion, extension, or protrusion 62 that includes a corresponding aperture 64 therethrough. The second gear 60 includes an aperture 66 therethrough, and a fastener 68 passes through the aperture 64 in the housing half 12A, 12B and the aperture 66 in the second gear 60 to rotatably mount the second gear 60 to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the fastener 68 is in the form of an M6x40 barrel screw set, but other fasteners may be used.

[0063] The second gear 60 is configured to engage the first gear 22 to rotate the shaft 20 about the first axis 48 so as to move the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 in opposite directions along the first axis 48. In particular, the second gear 60 is mounted to the housing 12 above and substantially perpendicular to the first gear 22 at a distance sufficient to engage the first gear 22. The second gear 60 is rotatable about a second axis 70 substantially perpendicular to the first axis 48. In some embodiments, the second gear 60 is a helical gear or a screw gear, depending on the form of the first gear 22.

[0064] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the load tie-down device 10 includes a lever 72 pivotally mounted to the housing 12 and configured to operate the second gear 60. In particular, the lever 72 includes a pair of arms 74 sufficiently spaced apart to fit outside of the raised portion, extension, or protrusion 62 of the housing 12. Each arm 74 includes an aperture 76 that allows the fastener 68 to pass therethrough to enable pivotal movement of the lever 72 relative to the housing 12. It can be seen that the lever 72 pivots in a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis 48. In other words, the lever 72 pivots in unison with the first axis 48.

[0065] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the load tie-down device 10 includes a ratchet mechanism to allow the second gear 60 to rotate in only one direction. In particular, the ratchet mechanism includes a third gear 78 coupled to the second gear 60, and a pawl member 80 configured to engage the third gear 78. The pawl member 80 includes at least two mating members 82 that can engage with the third gear 78 to limit the third gear from rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The pawl member 80 is pivotally mounted to the lever 72. In particular, the pawl member 80 is pivotally mounted between the spaced arms 74 of the lever 72 using at least one fastener 75 that passes through an aperture (not visible) in the arm 74 and in the pawl member 80. In other embodiments, the pawl member 80 may include a notch or recess on both sides thereof for receiving the ends of the corresponding fasteners 75 on both sides.

[0066] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the third gear 78 is coupled to both sides of the second gear 60, and the pawl member 80 includes a pair of upper mating members 82 that are sufficiently spaced apart to pass through both sides of the second gear 60 so as to be engageable with the third gear 78. The pawl member 80 also includes Figure 5 A pair of lower mating members 82 are shown in the drawing, which are also sufficiently spaced apart to pass on both sides of the second gear 60 so as to be engageable with the third gear 78.

[0067] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the pawl member 80 is controlled using an actuator 84 coupled to the pawl member 80. The actuator 84 is provided on both sides of the lever 72 to enable the pawl member 80 to be operated regardless of the side of the load tie down device 10 facing the user.

[0068] When the pawl member 80 is in the Figures 1 to 4 When the pair of upper mating members 82 are disengaged from the third gear 78 and the pair of lower mating members 82 are engaged with the third gear 78 in the first position shown in FIG. Figure 1 The counterclockwise rotation indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6 does not cause the second gear 60 to rotate.

[0069] While the pawl member 80 is still in the first position, rotation of the lever 72 in the clockwise direction back to the original position of the lever 72 causes rotation of the second gear 60 as the pair of lower mating members 82 mesh with the third gear 78, causing the shaft 20 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction and the first and second attachment members 40, 42 to move toward each other, thereby increasing the tension in any chain, cable, etc. coupled to the first and second attachment members 40, 42. Repeating this counterclockwise and then clockwise movement of the lever 72 in unison with the first axis 48 of the shaft 20 further increases the tension in the chain, cable, etc. coupled to the first and second attachment members 40, 42.

[0070] When the pawl member 80 moves to the second position so that the pair of upper engaging members 82 engages with the third gear 78 and the pair of lower engaging members 82 disengages from the third gear 78, the lever 72 is in the position as shown in FIG. Figure 1Rotation in the counterclockwise direction, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8 , rotates the second gear 60 in the counterclockwise direction, thereby rotating the first gear 22 and the shaft 20 coupled to the first gear 22 in the clockwise direction. This moves the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 away from each other along the first axis 48, thereby reducing tension in any chain, cable, etc. coupled to the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42. Repeating this counterclockwise and then clockwise movement of the lever 72 in unison with the first axis 48 of the shaft 20 while the pawl member 80 remains in the second position further reduces tension in the chain, cable, etc. coupled to the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42.

[0071] Thus, the ratchet mechanism allows the second gear 60 to rotate in only one direction, and the direction depends on whether the pair of upper mating members 82 or the pair of lower mating members 82 of the ratchet mechanism are engaged with the third gear 78 .

[0072] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the load tie-down device 10 includes a locking arrangement for securing the lever 72 in at least one position. In particular, the locking arrangement includes at least one aperture 86 in the housing 12, the at least one aperture being configured to align with an aperture 88 in the lever 72 to receive a locking device (not shown) therethrough to secure the lever 72 in position. The locking device may be one of the following: a padlock; a shaft locking pin; a cable; a shackle; a clip or other locking device.

[0073] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the load tie down device 10 includes two apertures 86 to enable the lever 72 to be secured in two different positions, one at or toward each end of the housing 12. The two different positions are when the lever 72 is completely over to one side or the other and when the lever 72 is substantially parallel to the housing 12.

[0074] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one aperture 86 is provided in an elongated raised portion 90 in each half 12A, 12B of the housing 12. The lever 72 includes a passage 92 extending therethrough to receive the elongated raised portion 90 when the lever 72 is in the locked position.

[0075] In some embodiments, the housing 12 includes a further aperture 94 that is sealed by a backing ring 96. Removing the backing ring 96 allows lubrication to be applied to the shaft 20, to the shaft threads 32, 36, and thus to the internal cavity 44 and internal threads 46.

[0076] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for securing a load with a load tie down device 10. The method comprises attaching a first attachment member 40 of the load tie down device 10 to a first attachment point such as a chain, a cable or the like or a fixing point such as a structure of a vehicle or a vessel, and attaching a second attachment member 42 of the load tie down device 10 to a second attachment point such as another chain, a cable or the like or a fixing point such as a structure of a vehicle or a vessel.

[0077] As described herein, the first attachment member 40 is coupled to the first end or portion 30 of the shaft 20 at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing 12 of the load tie-down device 10 , and the second attachment member 42 is coupled to the second end or portion 34 of the shaft 20 .

[0078] As described herein, the shaft 20 includes the first gear 22 and is rotatable about the first axis 48. The second gear 60 is configured to engage the first gear 22 to move the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 along the first axis 48 in opposite directions.

[0079] As described herein, the method includes operating a lever 72 pivotally mounted to the housing 12 to rotate a second gear 60 rotatably mounted to the housing 12 about a second axis 70 that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis 48 .

[0080] As described herein, depending on whether the pair of upper mating members 82 or the pair of lower mating members 82 are engaged with the third gear 78, the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 will move toward or away from each other to increase or decrease the tension in the chain, cable, etc. coupled to the load tie-down device 10.

[0081] It is contemplated that the load tie down device may be provided as a kit and assembled by, for example, an end user. Thus, another aspect of the present invention is a load tie down device kit comprising a housing 12 and a shaft 20 at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing 12, the shaft comprising a first gear 22. The load tie down device kit comprises a first attachment member 40 coupleable to a first end or portion 30 of the shaft 20 and a second attachment member 42 coupleable to a second end or portion 34 of the shaft 20. The load tie down device kit comprises a second gear 60 rotatably mounted to the housing 20 and configured to engage the first gear 22 to rotate the shaft 20 about a first axis 48 so as to move the first attachment member 40 and the second attachment member 42 in opposite directions along the first axis 48. The load tie down device kit comprises a lever 72 pivotally mounted to the housing 12 and configured to operate the second gear 60. When assembled, the second gear 60 is rotatable about a second axis 70 that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis 48.

[0082] Thus, the load tie down device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention solves or at least ameliorates one or more of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and provides a useful commercial alternative. For example, the pivotally mounted lever 72 (which increases and decreases the tension applied by the load tie down device 10) can be rotated about an axis 70 that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 48 of the shaft 20 coupled to the attachment members 40, 42, thereby reducing or avoiding torsion in the chain, cable, etc. coupled to the attachment members and thus providing a more securely secured load compared to the prior art.

[0083] Another advantage of the load tie down device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is that a locking arrangement is provided for securing the lever 72 in at least one position to prevent unauthorized persons from tampering with the load tie down device.

[0084] Furthermore, because the load tie down device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention avoids the twisting and reverse rotation problems associated with the prior art, the load tie down device 10 will not lock up in cold environments.

[0085] Any of the features of the load tie down device 10 described herein may be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the present invention.

[0086] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, etc. may be used only to distinguish one element or action from another element or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, references to integers or components or steps (etc.) should not be interpreted as limited to only one of the integers, components or steps, but may be one or more of the integers, components or steps, etc.

[0087] In this specification, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device comprising a list of elements does not solely include those elements but is likely to include other elements that are not listed.

[0088] Throughout the specification, the aim is to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific set of features. A person skilled in the relevant art may recognize variations from the specific embodiments that will still fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A load binding device, comprising: case; a shaft member at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing, the shaft member comprising a first gear; a first attachment member coupled to a first end or portion of the shaft; a second attachment member coupled to the second end or first portion of the shaft; a second gear rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to engage the first gear to rotate the shaft about a first axis to move the first attachment member and the second attachment member in opposite directions along the first axis; as well as a lever pivotally mounted to the housing and configured to operate the second gear; Wherein, the second gear is rotatable about a second axis which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

2. The load tie-down device of claim 1, wherein: The lever pivots in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis.

3. The load tie device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first gear and / or the second gear is a helical gear or a screw gear.

4. A load tie down device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The first gear and the shaft member are a single-piece body.

5. A load tie down device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a ratchet mechanism to allow the second gear to rotate in one direction only.

6. The load tie-down device of claim 5, wherein: The ratchet mechanism includes a third gear coupled to the second gear, and a pawl member configured to engage the third gear.

7. The load tie-down device of claim 6, wherein: The pawl member includes at least two mating members that can mesh with the third gear to restrict the third gear from rotating in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.

8. A load tie down device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The first portion of the shaft includes first threads in a first direction, and the second portion of the shaft includes second threads in a second direction.

9. A load tie down device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The first and second attachment members include internal threads for engaging the first and second ends of the shaft, respectively.

10. A load tie down device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The first attachment member and the second attachment member include one or more of the following: a link; a lashing hook; a claw hook; a ring; an eyelet; a buckle; a claw.

11. A load tie down apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a locking arrangement for securing the lever in at least one position.

12. The load tie down device of claim 11, wherein: The locking arrangement comprises at least one aperture in the housing configured to align with an aperture in the lever to receive a locking device therethrough to secure the lever in position.

13. The load tie down device of claim 12, wherein: The at least one aperture is disposed in an elongated raised portion of the housing, and the lever includes a channel extending therethrough to receive the elongated raised portion.

14. A load tie down device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein: The locking device is one of the following: a padlock; a shaft locking pin; a cable; a shackle; a clip.

15. A method for securing a load using a load tie down device, the method comprising: attaching a first attachment member of the load tie-down device to a first attachment point; attaching a second attachment member of the load tie-down device to a second attachment point; wherein the first attachment member is coupled to a first end or a first portion of a shaft member at least partially rotatably mounted in a housing of the load tie-down device, and the second attachment member is coupled to a second end or a second portion of the shaft member, the shaft member including a first gear and being rotatable about a first axis to move the first attachment member and the second attachment member in opposite directions along the first axis; as well as A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is operated to rotate a second gear rotatably mounted to the housing about a second axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the second gear being configured to mesh with the first gear.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The load tie down device comprises the features of any one or more of claims 2 to 14.

17. A load tie down device kit, comprising: case; a shaft member at least partially rotatably mounted in the housing, the shaft member comprising a first gear; a first attachment member coupleable to a first end or portion of the shaft; a second attachment member coupleable to a second end or portion of the shaft; a second gear rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to engage the first gear to rotate the shaft about a first axis to move the first attachment member and the second attachment member in opposite directions along the first axis; as well as a lever pivotably mounted to the housing and configured to operate the second gear; Wherein, when assembled, the second gear is rotatable about a second axis that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

18. The load tie down device kit of claim 17, wherein: The load tie down device kit comprises the features of any one or more of claims 2 to 14.

Images