Tie-down assembly
A tie-down assembly includes a housing configured to receive a pair of bails. A cross-bar and post are used to rotatably connect the bails to the housing. The pair of bails can be identical to allow a strap to be cinched to the housing. Alternatively, the bails can be shaped differently, for example, to center a strap within the bail or to facilitate the use of multiple straps.
1. A tie-down assembly, comprising:
a housing;
a cross-bar;
first and second bails each having a portion disposed between the cross-bar and the housing; and
a post rotatably connecting the cross-bar and the housing, wherein the first and second bails are movably connected to the housing by the cross-bar and the post.
2. The tie-down assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first bail has a different shape than the second bail.
3. The tie-down assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first bail is curved.
4. The tie-down assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first bail is arcuate.
5. The tie-down assembly of claim 3 , wherein the second bail is curved.
6. The tie-down assembly of claim 2 , wherein the second bail has a flattened portion.
7. The tie-down assembly of claim 3 , wherein the second bail is square.
8. The tie-down assembly of claim 3 , wherein the second bail is rectangular.
9. The tie-down assembly of claim 3 , wherein the second bail is trapezoidal.
10. The tie-down assembly of claim 2 , wherein the cross-bar has an opening therethrough and the post extends through the opening.
11. The tie-down assembly of claim 10 , wherein a portion of the post is deformed, thereby securing the post to the cross-bar.
12. The tie-down assembly of claim 10 , wherein the post is welded to the cross-bar.
13. The tie-down assembly of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a recessed portion adapted to receive the first and second bails.
14. A tie-down assembly, comprising:
a housing;
a cross-bar having an opening;
a first bail having a portion disposed between the housing and the cross-bar, the first bail having a curved portion;
a second bail having a portion disposed between the housing and the cross-bar, the second bail having a flattened portion;
a post rotatably connecting the housing and the cross-bar, a first portion of the post being disposed through the opening of the cross-bar, a second portion of the post being secured to the housing, wherein the first bail and the second bail are movably connected to the housing by the cross-bar and the post.
15. The tie-down assembly of claim 14 , wherein the housing comprises a recessed portion adapted to receive the first and second bails.
16. The tie-down assembly of claim 14 , wherein the first bail is arcuate.
17. The tie-down assembly of claim 16 , wherein the second bail is trapezoidal.
18. The tie-down assembly of claim 14 , wherein the second bail is square.
19. The tie-down assembly of claim 14 , wherein the second bail is rectangular.
20. The tie-down assembly of claim 14 , wherein the second bail is trapezoidal.
21. A method of securing cargo, comprising:
a) providing a tie-down assembly comprising:
a housing;
a cross-bar;
first and second bails each having a portion disposed between the cross-bar and the housing; and
a post rotatably connecting the cross-bar and the housing,
wherein the first bail and the second bail are movably connected to the housing by the cross-bar and the post;
b) providing a strap;
c) inserting the strap through the first and second bails;
d) cinching the strap, thereby securing the cargo.