US Patent 6957938 Cargo tie-down system

Freight or cargo is secured in place by a system that includes a central crank unit to which a proximal end of each of a plurality of cargo tie-down straps is connected. The central unit is placed on the cargo at a convenient location. The straps are each wound around rollers that are each connected to a main crank. The distal end of each of the cargo tie-down straps is anchored to the vehicle carrying the cargo and the main crank is operated to roll the straps into the central crank unit and to thereby tighten the straps around the cargo. A release unit releases the straps so the cargo can be removed when desired.