Cargo securement devices and related methods

Abstract

Cargo securement device (CSD) for securing cargo includes a top encasement and a bottom encasement; and, a center gear rotatably secured to at least one of the top encasement and the bottom encasement. The device further includes one or more spools, wherein each spool includes a spool gear for cooperatively engaging with the center gear. A retractable strap attaches to each spool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cargo securement device (CSD) for securing cargo, the device comprising:
 a top encasement and a bottom encasement;   a center gear rotatably secured to at least one of the top encasement and the bottom encasement;   one or more spools, each spool including a spool gear for cooperatively engaging with the center gear; and   a retractable strap attached to the spool.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a securing mechanism provided at a loose end of the strap. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein each spool includes a coiling mechanism or spring mechanism configured to apply tension to the strap to retract the strap and coil the strap about the spool. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the spring mechanism is configured to apply tension to the strap when the securing mechanism is removably attached to an anchor for securing a cargo. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the device comprises at least two spools and at most twelve spools. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein at least two of the straps are configured to be released from the coiling mechanism or spring mechanism, attached to an anchor, and torqued or tightened to hold cargo in place. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a wrench housed in a compartment attached to the device. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the wrench is configured for applying torque to one or more of the center gear and a spool gear of the one or more spools. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the wrench is further configured for releasably interfacing with at least one of the top encasement and the bottom encasement. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises one or more of: a carabiner, a hook, an O-ring and a metal loop. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a kit for holding the device, wherein the kit comprises one or more of a: replacement part, spare strap, spare spring, spare spool, spare spool gear, spare center gear, and wrench. 
     
     
         12 . A multi-armed cargo securement device (CSD) for securing a cargo item, the device comprising:
 a top encasement and a bottom encasement;   a center gear rotatably secured to at least one of the top encasement and the bottom encasement;   one or more spools, each spool including a spool gear for cooperatively engaging with the center gear; and   a cord attached to each spool.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the center gear is configured to releasably engaging the spool gear whereby the spool is configured to rotate freely when the center gear disengages the spool gear. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the cord is configured for mechanical retraction when the center gear is not engaged with the spool. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising a securing mechanism provided at a loose end of the cord. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the device comprises two or more spools, wherein at least two of the cords are configured to be attached to an anchor, and torqued or tightened to hold cargo in place. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising a kit for holding the device, wherein the kit comprises one or more of a: replacement part, spare cord, spare spring, spare spool, spare spool gear, spare center gear, and wrench. 
     
     
         18 . A method for securing cargo, the method comprising:
 providing multi-armed cargo securement device (CSD), the device comprising:
 a top encasement and a bottom encasement; 
 a center gear rotatably secured to at least one of the top encasement and the bottom encasement; 
 two or more spools, each spool including a spool gear for cooperatively engaging with the center gear; and 
 a cord or strap attached to each spool. 
   positioning the device on or adjacent to the cargo to be secured;   extracting at least two cords or straps and securing them to one or more anchors; and,   applying torque to one or more of the center gear and at least one spool gear to secure the cargo.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 disengaging a spool gear from the center gear, and   mechanically recoiling the cord or strap attached to the disengaged spool gear upon completion of cargo securement.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 applying torque to one or more of the center gear and the two or more spools with a wrench housed in a compartment attached to the device.