Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Strap tighteners – Accordion straps
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-14
2001-03-06
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Strap tighteners
Accordion straps
C024S698100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06195848
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tie-down assembly for tightening down and tensioning a strap for tying down and securing loads, and more particularly to a tie-down assembly that includes a tensioning device that uses ratchet means to wind up and secure a tensioning strap in a tensioned condition.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ratchet-type strap tensioning devices are well known for winding up tensioning straps and securing the straps in a tensioned condition to secure loads for hauling or transport. An example of such a device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,360 to Prete, Jr. et al. and generally consists of a frame or base member and a lever arm which is moved relative to the frame that drives a ratchet mechanism that rotates a slotted reel through which the tensioning strap is thread, advancing the strap into a tensioned condition. Typical ratchet-type strap tensioning devices have one end of the frame secured in a fixed relationship to an anchor point, for example, by means of short piece of strap attached at one end of the frame with the other end fixed to a hook that is secured to the anchor point. A second hook fixed to a longer length of tensioning strap is then secured to a second anchor point and the strap is threaded through a slotted reel on the tensioning device. Rotation of the reel by means of the ratchet mechanism winds the strap into a tensioned condition and secures the load. A disadvantage of such a configuration is that the device cannot be relocated or repositioned along the length of the tensioning strap to facilitate easier operation of the device, as would be desirable for instance where the position of the anchor points results in awkward or confined spaces for ratcheting the device. Another disadvantage is that the device cannot be repositioned to better conform the device to the configuration of the secured load prior to tensioning the strap, as would be desirable, for example, when the configuration of the secured load presents a fragile or a non-planar surface near the anchor points that would lead to damage to the load were the tensioning device tightened down a that location.
Attempts have been made to provide a strap tensioning device that provides for movement of the device along the tensioning strap. U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,473 to Huber, discloses such a device. This device consists of a single frame structure that includes a reel for winding up a tension strap where the reel is driven by means of a torque wrench.
It would be advantageous to provide a tensioning device that is easily moveable along a tensioning strap and that also provides for ease of operation. Ideally, such a device will be of a configuration that provides for a minimum of wear on the tensioning strap during adjustment of the device along the strap prior to winding up the strap into a tensioned condition and that also ensures good control of the device during the winding up operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for such a device. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a strap tensioning device having a base member pivotably coupled to a handle member, a slotted reel for receiving a tensioning strap, a pair of ratchet wheels attached to the reel member, a locking plate mounted on the base member for engagement with the ratchet wheels, and a pawl mounted on the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheel. Movement of the handle away from the base member drives the ratchet wheels and reel to wind up the tensioning strap around the reel. The base member further includes a slotted member having a guide slot for receiving the tension strap that is aligned with the reel slot. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a U-shaped pin forms the slotted member, the pin itself having one leg rotatably mounted between the arms of the base member and the other free end of the pin extending across the arms. The reel slot and guide slot are aligned to allow for ease of movement of the device along a tension strap thread through the slots which results in reduced frictional forces applied to the strap, thereby minimizing wear on the strap itself. Preferably, the alignment is parallel to the bottom edges of the frame member which are in contact with surface of the secured load during use of the device. Another advantage of the slotted member is that it provides reaction points both above and below the threaded strap. The dual reaction points restrain the device from cocking in directions perpendicular to the strap and twisting in directions away from the strap, thereby allowing for improved control of device while actuating the handle member to wind up the strap. In another aspect of the invention, the handle member can include notches that engage with the slotted member. In the preferred embodiment, the notches engage with the free end of the U-shaped guide pin, thereby securing the pin in a fixed position.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a tie-down assembly is provided that includes a strap tensioning device with the aforementioned features and a tensioning strap having a sliding hook for attachment to an anchor point that is moveable along the strap length. The hook includes a guide clip that provides for a narrow hook eye through which the strap can be threaded. The provision of the guide clip restrains the strap from twisting and helps keep the strap in even alignment as it is thread through the guide slot and slotted reel of the tensioning device itself. In this fashion, the guide clip helps to minimize wear and tear on the strap both as the device is positioned along the strap and as the device is activated to tighten down the strap in a tensioned condition.
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Headd James A.
Jackson Stephen D.
Brittain James R.
Limbach & Limbach LLP
USA Products
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