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Amaros -> RE: a question of restraint (10/10/2006 9:54:28 AM)
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If all you have to work with is a mattress, a couple of long straps, long enough to go around the entire mattress can be prety quickly fabricated, and you can also run another pair longitudinally to secure better from slippage, and you can tension them with bungee cords.
Nylon webbing straps can be found in a variety of widths, strengths, and even colors - Black for instance - by the foot or yard at most military surplus stores, who also usually carry rope of all varieties.
They should also sell some hardware: speed clips, D-rings, etc., usually behind the counter, to accessorize.
Get a stitching tool, which they should also have, if not, most places that sell outdoor equiptment carry them - it's a large needle holder with a reel and a bulb shaped handle, usually hollow with a screw of end-cap and you store the needles, etc., inside the handle.
It's equipped with heavy waxed thread, that you can use to stitch any hardware in place without needing to know too much about sewing - it's a lock stitch, you drive the needle through, then pull out a length of thread, withdraw the needle, then drive it through again, pull back slightly so that the thread makes a loop, then thread the end you pulled out through the loop, withdraw the needle, to tighten the loop, and repeat.
A simple X pattern works, enough to take the amount of tension you're going to put on it.
Otherwise, many smaller sewing supply shops will do stitching, try the Yellow pages for one that fits your requirements, but make sure you lay it all out and mark the strapping where you want it to be sewn.
This webbing can also be used to fabricate harnasses, restraints, etc., even floggers.
You can use a stud finder to locate a rafter, and measure to help locate the others - they'll typically be on either 16" or 24" centers for the larger ones, and use lag screw eyebolts available at hardware stores if you desire suspension. These can also be used on a wooden Captains bed, or similar, Waterbed, etc, and there are also flush mount or hinged D-Rings available that attach with wood screws.
A Good hardware should also carry a wide variety of hardware, pullys, clips, etc., Use your imagination, but be sure to test the anchors before you use them - especially ceiling anchors, it's best not to put too much weight on them, i.e., large wooden frames, etc. If you do, use several to distribute the weight more evenly, a frame can be hung using rows of eyebolt anchors.
If it's your house, you might be able to get into the attic crawlspace to assess the situation: shore up the joists, install cross beams to distribute the weight across more joists, tie into the rafters, and even install can lights, etc.
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