Various disclosed embodiments include systems for securing cargo to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle, systems for securing a bicycle to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle, and systems for securing cargo to a tailgate of an automotive vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a system for securing cargo to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle includes: a dropdown tailgate including a first elongated groove running along an inner panel of the dropdown tailgate; a first securing member, the first securing member including a first elongated arm; the first securing member being configured to be inserted into the first elongated groove, the received portion of the first securing member being slidingly moveable to a selectable position in the first elongated groove; and a first attachment mechanism, the first attachment mechanism being configured to secure the securing member to the first elongated groove.

A ratcheting device according to the solution comprises a rotatable cogwheel comprising a plurality of teeth, a spring-loaded primary pawl, a spring-loaded handle pawl, a handle comprising a handle pawl disengagement lever, a handle pawl disengagement plate and a primary pawl disengagement plate. The primary pawl disengagement plate is mechanically coupled to the handle such that the handle may be rotated around the cogwheel to a point that the primary pawl disengagement plate contacts the spring-loaded primary pawl and causes it to disengage from the cogwheel. At the same time that the primary pawl is disengaged from the cogwheel teeth by the primary pawl disengagement plate, the handle pawl is similarly disengaged from the cogwheel teeth via contact with a handle pawl disengagement plate. Advantageously, the ratcheting device may be transitioned between a ratcheting state and a free-to-rotate state with only a single hand of the user and without requiring the handle to travel beyond a 180-degree arc of motion.

According to some embodiments, a wheel, restraint system comprises a chock track coupled to a vehicle transport, an anchor mandrel, a ratchet mandrel, and a strap. The anchor mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a first side of a vehicle tire and comprises a pair of strap guides. The distance between the pair of strap guides is wider than the strap. The ratchet mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a second side of the tire. The ratchet mandrel comprises a ratchet for applying a rotational force and a slot for receiving the strap. The slot is wider than the strap. One end of the strap is coupled to the anchor mandrel and the other is inserted into the ratchet mandrel slot. Applying a rotational force to the ratchet mandrel produces a tightening force that tightens the strap around a portion of the vehicle tire.

According to some embodiments, a wheel, restraint system comprises a chock track coupled to a vehicle transport, an anchor mandrel, a ratchet mandrel, and a strap. The anchor mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a first side of a vehicle tire and comprises a pair of strap guides. The distance between the pair of strap guides is wider than the strap. The ratchet mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a second side of the tire. The ratchet mandrel comprises a ratchet for applying a rotational force and a slot for receiving the strap. The slot is wider than the strap. One end of the strap is coupled to the anchor mandrel and the other is inserted into the ratchet mandrel slot. Applying a rotational force to the ratchet mandrel produces a tightening force that tightens the strap around a portion of the vehicle tire.

An occupancy sensor is provided for detecting the occupancy status of a wheeled mobility device securement system. The occupancy sensor may additionally confirm adequate “tightness” of the wheeled mobility device securement system and/or provide an indication of the magnitude of “tightness.” In one embodiment, the occupancy sensor comprises a spring-loaded follower that breaks the straight-line path of a wheeled mobility device tie down as it travels between two touch points. The follower is displaceable from an extended position to a compressed position in response to the magnitude of tension applied to the tie down. Proximity sensors are used to detect the displacement distance of the follower, thereby providing an indication of occupancy, adequate securement, and/or the magnitude of tension.

An occupancy sensor is provided for detecting the occupancy status of a wheeled mobility device securement system. The occupancy sensor may additionally confirm adequate “tightness” of the wheeled mobility device securement system and/or provide an indication of the magnitude of “tightness.” In one embodiment, the occupancy sensor comprises a spring-loaded follower that breaks the straight-line path of a wheeled mobility device tie down as it travels between two touch points. The follower is displaceable from an extended position to a compressed position in response to the magnitude of tension applied to the tie down. Proximity sensors are used to detect the displacement distance of the follower, thereby providing an indication of occupancy, adequate securement, and/or the magnitude of tension.

A load securing device includes a lever binder used with chains or a similar fastener. The binder includes a sealed bearing, a shock cover, and ergonomic operational handles. The load securing device includes a first draw bolt and a second draw bolt that extends away from opposing sides of the bearing and are thus linearly arranged with respect to each other. The bearing is sealed to prevent rust or binding of the ratchet device with environmental debris.

An apparatus for securing cargo to a flatbed of a carrier vehicle. The apparatus includes two pulley blocks, the first pulley block and the second pulley block. The first pulley block having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having two pulleys arranged side-by-side. The second pulley block having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the second pulley having two pulleys arranged side-by-side. A first strap having a first end coupled to a first hook and the second end is coupled to a proximal end of the first pulley block. A second strap having a second hook at one end and the other end can be inserted into the second block pulley through its proximal end. The free end loops around the pulleys of the two pulley blocks and exits from the first pulley block. The free end of the second strap is having a handle.

According to some embodiments, a wheel restraint system comprises a chock track coupled to a vehicle transport, an anchor mandrel, a ratchet mandrel, and a strap. The anchor mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a first side of a vehicle tire and comprises a pair of strap guides. The distance between the pair of strap guides is wider than the strap. The ratchet mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a second side of the tire. The ratchet mandrel comprises a ratchet for applying a rotational force and a slot for receiving the strap. The slot is wider than the strap. One end of the strap is coupled to the anchor mandrel and the other is inserted into the ratchet mandrel slot. Applying a rotational force to the ratchet mandrel produces a tightening force that tightens the strap around a portion of the vehicle tire.

According to some embodiments, a wheel restraint system comprises a chock track coupled to a vehicle transport, an anchor mandrel, a ratchet mandrel, and a strap. The anchor mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a first side of a vehicle tire and comprises a pair of strap guides. The distance between the pair of strap guides is wider than the strap. The ratchet mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a second side of the tire. The ratchet mandrel comprises a ratchet for applying a rotational force and a slot for receiving the strap. The slot is wider than the strap. One end of the strap is coupled to the anchor mandrel and the other is inserted into the ratchet mandrel slot. Applying a rotational force to the ratchet mandrel produces a tightening force that tightens the strap around a portion of the vehicle tire.