Here's an example of a product invention that does a lot with a little. The Jeri-Rigg is a polyester webbing strap that terminates in a hook or an eye, your choice. The strap can be looped around anything and the hook or eye drawn through the slit in the strap, creating a tie-down point.

The idea, writes Michigan-based inventor Jerry Hill, is to avoid doing what's shown in the two photos below when there's no suitable tie-down point:

That's not a secure connection, as you might find out the hard way. Thus Hill's solution:

The applications are numerous:

"The Jeri-Rigg (Eye version) has a tested workload between 1100-3000 pounds and has a breaking strength between 3300-9000 pounds and comes in 4 sizes; the "Hook" version has a working load between 280-500 pounds and a breaking strength between 840-1500 pounds and comes in three sizes."

"The strap is made of 100% high strength polyester and the eyes are made of 316 marine grade stainless steel. The hooks are made of 1020 steel, then powder coated to protect them from corrosion."

"It is designed to handle the toughest of elements and conditions."

Prices start at $17 for the eye version and $19 for the hook version.