An anchor device for a cargo securement strap includes a frame configured to engage a mounting track. The anchor device further includes a hook receiver coupled to the frame. The hook receiver is configured to receive a hook of the cargo securement strap. The anchor device further includes a keeper coupled to the frame. The keeper includes a keeper body and at least one keeper finger extending from a side of the keeper body. The keeper is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one keeper finger contacts a bolt and the keeper body is positioned to retain the hook. In the second position, the keeper body is positioned to allow for removal of the hook from the hook receiver.

A tensioning apparatus tensions straps, and in particular is configured to tension belts. In order to achieve good tensioning characteristics, the tensioning apparatus has a dynamically acting element, and by use of the dynamically acting element a transmission of force takes place indirectly in the case of the tensioning apparatus.

A tie down anchor tension monitoring system includes a tension level monitoring module and at least one tie down anchoring point integrated into a cargo carrying space configured for connecting to a free end of a cargo tie down strap. The system further includes at least one tension level monitoring sensor integrated with the at least one tie down anchoring point, wherein the at least one tension monitoring sensor is configured to output a signal to the tension monitoring module that is indicative of a tension level of the cargo tie down strap.

A device and method are disclosed for sensing the tension of a securing member and generating a signal indicative of a loose securing member when the tension of the securing member drops below a threshold level. The device can further include features for detection of tampering with either the device itself or the tensioning members.

The present invention is comprised of a color changing device in the form of film or fabric that can be either integrated with a vehicle seatbelt or an add-on device that can be easily attached to the seatbelt. The color changing device will change its color when experiencing external stress. Different colors will indicate different external load applied to the seatbelt, which is used to determine if the seatbelt is properly tightened to secure a CRS. The invention can also be integrated into cargo mounting webbing to indicate webbing tightness used for securing and transporting cargo on trucks or other vehicles.

A cable reel restraint device comprises a cable reel, a retractable cable, first and second springs, first and second attachment interfaces, and a preload selection control. The retractable cable is configured to extend from and retract onto the cable reel. The first spring is configured to exert force for preloading the second spring, and the second spring is configured to exert force for retracting the retractable cable. The first attachment interface is coupled to the cable reel by a first spherical bearing, and the second attachment interface is coupled to the retractable cable by a second spherical bearing. Moreover, the first and second attachment interfaces are configured for being fastened to first and second attachment points. The preload selection control is configured to select a particular preload magnitude and cause the first spring to preload the second spring with a load of the particular preload magnitude.

Loadbinders are disclosed including: two attachment points for attaching the loadbinder to secure a load on a vehicle; an adjustment mechanism is provided between the two attachment points for adjusting the effective length of the loadbinder; the adjustment mechanism includes at least one threaded rotating component and rotation of the rotating component gives rise to a change in the effective length of the loadbinder; a generally elongate handle; the handle is pivotally coupled to the adjustment mechanism; the handle is arranged to drive the at least one rotating component by pivoting in a plane which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating component. An overload indicator is also disclosed.

A tie down anchor tension monitoring system includes a tension level monitoring module and at least one tie down anchoring point integrated into a cargo carrying space configured for connecting to a free end of a cargo tie down strap. The system further includes at least one tension level monitoring sensor integrated with the at least one tie down anchoring point, wherein the at least one tension monitoring sensor is configured to output a signal to the tension monitoring module that is indicative of a tension level of the cargo tie down strap.

The technology relates to cargo vehicles. National, regional and/or local regulations set requirements for operating cargo vehicles, including how to distribute and secure cargo, and how often the cargo should be inspected during a trip. However, such regulations have been focused on traditional human-driven vehicles. Aspects of the technology address various issues involved with securement and inspection of cargo before a trip, as well as monitoring during the trip so that corrective action may be taken as warranted. For instance, imagery and other sensor information may be used to enable proper securement of cargo before starting a trip. Onboard sensors along the vehicle monitor the cargo and securement devices/systems during the trip to identify issues as they arise. Such information is used by the onboard autonomous driving system (or a human driver) to take corrective action depending on the nature of the issue.

The present disclosure provides a new method and apparatus for a ratchet tensioning mechanism. The apparatus uses a spring release mechanism to limit the torque applied via the tensioning device to a predetermined level. In an alternative configuration the limit of the tension could be adjusted by the user.