Belt binder for cargo binder chains

Claim 1

A belt binder means for securing and for tensioning cargo chains around the cargo of a cargo trailer which cargo trailer requires cargo chains, the binder means comprising a pair of end plates secured to the cargo trailer; a spindle means rotatably attached between said end plates and having a slot disposed therein parallel to the axis of rotation; said spindle means having a ratchet wheel coaxially secured to said spindle means, the wheel having a sufficient number of teeth to facilitate small adjustments; and a pawl means pivotally attached to one of said pair of end plates and engaged with the teeth of said ratchet wheel; a binder strap being constructed of a strong, flexible fiber webbing and having a first end inserted in the slot of said spindle means; a "D" or "v" ring attached to a second end of said binder strap; a segment of cargo chain having a first end attached to said "d" or "V" ring; and a hook attached to a second end of said cargo chain segment for detachably engaging the cargo chain disposed around the cargo, said belt binder means providing ready access by placement remote from the top of the load to allow retensioning of the chains even after the cargo has been tarped, if a tarp is used; said binder means providing a limited elastic strength accommodating some load shifting to thus reduce the accidental release of tensional forces by road vibrations or the like.