Winch, vehicle including the same and method of operating associated thereto

A winch (1), a vehicle including the same and a method of operating associated thereto. The winch (1) is used with a strap (15) for fastening a load onto a transportation vehicle, and comprises a tightening assembly (3) and a gear assembly (5). The tightening assembly (3) comprises a support structure having first and second support flanges (7, 9) and a cross member (11) extending between the flanges (7, 9). The cross member (11) is devised for mounting onto a corresponding side track of the vehicle. The tightening assembly (3) also comprises a tightening reel (13) for receiving a portion of the strap (15) to be tightened about said reel (13), the tightening reel (13) being pivotally mounted onto the first and second support flanges (7,9). The gear assembly (5) is operatively connected to the tightening assembly (3), and comprises a gear (17), a worm (19), and a casing (21). The gear (17) is securely mounted about the tightening reel (13) so as to rotate with said reel (13). The worm (19) is positioned adjacent to the gear the worm (17) is threadedly engaged with the gear (19) so that a rotation of the worm (17) drives the tightening reel (13) via the gear (17), along opposite directions of rotation, for either fastening or unfastening the strap (15) onto the tightening reel (13). Excess portion of the strap 15 may be wound about a winding assembly (27) which is removably mountable onto the tightening assembly (3).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a winch, to a vehicle including the same, and to a method of operating associated thereto, namely to a method of securing cargo on a vehicle with the winch and a corresponding fastening strap. The winch is particularly useful for various types of transportation vehicles, such as flatbed trucks, railcars, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art that a trailer with platform is a road transportation vehicle which comprises a loading tray. There are various types of loads which may be transported on such a vehicle with platform and these generally consist of heavy objects, objects disposed on pallets, and/or other types of objects whose handling requires the use of hauling mechanisms, such as hoists, which typically have access to the load either by the side(s) of the vehicle or by the top thereof.

It is also known in the art that these types of transportation vehicles are generally equipped with transversal securement devices which are typically arranged along the longitudinal axis of the loading tray, onto corresponding side rails or tracks. The users of these vehicles must conform to the requirements of security standards, in regards to the use of securement devices of adequate capacity, the required number thereof being established according to the payload being transported and to the length of the load to be secured.

Typical securement devices are tie down winches which are very well known in the art. Indeed, these types of winches are generally installed on a trailer, and more particularly are inserted onto rails present on each side of the trailer, and positioned at desired locations. They are used for tightening the fastening belts, also known as straps, etc., as well as the chains and other fastening accessories used to secure different loads carried by the trailer.

Known in the art are several types of rails. On most trailers, winches are inserted onto the rails by means of corresponding grooves provided on the winches. On other trailers, winches are inserted on the rails by means of an optional plate which is typically welded on the top of the winch. On yet other trailers, other suitable mounting means may be used.

A conventional tie down winch generally comprises a slit for receiving an end of a fastening strap, a reel for winding the strap about the same, and a hole or opening for receiving a winding bar so as to be able to wind and tighten the strap about the reel. The installation of belts on conventional winches is generally carried out as follows. Firstly, the belt is inserted through the slit or opening(s) of the winch reel. This step is done only at the first installation of the belt on the winch. Secondly, the belt is then rolled-up onto the winch reel. The winding-up of the belt is generally done manually. The belt is then passed over the load and fixed to the other side of the trailer by means of its hook, and tightened in place about the reel with a winding bar. The conventional tie down winch is typically provided with a ratchet safety mechanism for maintaining a certain tightening of the strap and for preventing unwinding thereof.

A problem associated with this type of tie down winch and method of tightening is that it is impossible to tighten rather securely the winch in position when it is not used. Indeed, this is explained by the fact that during the tightening, the winch moves in the same direction as the force applied which in turn provokes a premature wear of the trailer rails caused by the vibrations which result when the vehicle circulates.

It is also known in the art that the operation of a conventional winch and corresponding belt is typically carried out by means of a winding bar which is generally inserted into a corresponding hole on the right-hand side of the winch. The belt may be loosened by pushing the bar downwards. However, the latch must be raised to allow the reel to turn freely. As can be appreciated, this step is difficult because the use of both hands by an operator is required to manipulate and the bar and the latch at the same time. The belt is then unwound in the desired length simply by pulling it. The belt is then pulled over a load to be fastened, to the opposite side of the trailer. The belt is then fixed to the trailer support (or rail) on the opposite side of the trailer by means of its hook.

The excess of the belt is then rolled-up and aligned manually on the winch reel, as aforementioned. The bar is then inserted into the hole or opening on the right-hand side of the winch. The belt is then tightened by pushing and pulling the bar downwards. It has been found in the art that this method of tightening requires a significant amount of force by the user on the bar and thus has been found to cause wounds, namely stresses and strains on different body parts of an operator of such typical tie down winches. Furthermore, since the tightening force transmitted to the fastening belt is directly proportional to the force applied by the operator with the bar, it has been found that the physical requirements and resulting fatigue of an operator generally have adverse consequences on the tightening tension applied to the different fastening belts (they are not uniform, not constant, etc.).

Furthermore, it has also been found that since the belt is rolled-up on itself several times, there will be a loss of tension in the belt due to the yielding of the wound portion of the belt and as a result thereof, it is necessary that the transportation vehicle be stopped periodically and that the load be retightened several times during the transportation of the cargo.

Also known in the art are other types of securement devices which are typically known as chain benders. A typical chain bender generally comprises a bender and a tightening bar. These chain benders and corresponding chains are often stored at the back of the vehicle when they are not used. Similarly to the fastening straps, a chain is generally pulled over the load and fixed to the trailer support (or rail) on the opposite side of the trailer by means of its hook.

It is known in the art that the bender is then fixed to a link of the chain and to the support of the trailer by means of its hooks. The hook of the chain bender must be moved on the link that will allow a tightening. The tightening bar is then inserted on the handle of the chain bender, and tightening of the chain is carried out with the tightening bar.

It has been found in the art that what often happens is that the link used does not allow an adequate tightening of the chain. As a result thereof, a proper tightening is very difficult to obtain. Moreover, the handle of the chain bender is often reassured by means of an elastic belt provided with hooks, in order to impede the bender from opening itself and from having to retighten it (loss of time).

Also known in the art are the various disadvantages associated with the above-described types of conventional winches. Indeed, in regards to the tightening of straps/chains, the conventional winch uses a principle of lever so as to enable to tightening the straps/chains. Indeed, a bar (typically three feet in length) must be inserted into a corresponding hole in the reel of the winch and pushed downwards to tighten the fastening straps by means of substantial physical requirement to the operator of the winch. The substantial disadvantages of such tightening method is that it is very demanding physically and can cause serious harms and/or injuries to an operator. Furthermore, due to the poor design and components of such typical tie down winch and corresponding straps, the tightening is often uneven on all the different winches of a trailer because the level of fatigue of the operator increases from the tightening of a first winch to the tightening of a subsequent winch. Indeed, it has been found that there are substantial tightening tension discrepancies between the first winch tightened by the operator and the last winch tightened by the operator which in turn causes tightening unbalances along the cargo supported by the vehicle, which is very undesirable for stability reasons, as can be easily understood.

Another substantial disadvantage associated with conventional winches is that the tightening force thereof is not constant and not uniform. As aforementioned, very often there is not enough tightening force present in the fastening straps, and/or there are differences in the tightening forces from one strap to another, and this increases the risk of slipping and shifting of the load during transportation, which is very undesirable.

Another disadvantage associated with conventional winches is that the tension applied to the belt is maintained by means of a latch fixed to the frame of the winch, which blocks the reel. In the advent of a reversal of the trailer, the pressure will thus be distributed by the latch onto the frame of the winch, and in turn this will tend to deform the winch under the impact and release the load, which is very undesirable for obvious reasons known in the art.

Another problem associated with conventional winches is that the belt is squeezed on itself around the reel of the winch during the tightening process which is undesirable because the belt presses on itself during the tightening, thereby resulting in a loss of tightening tension. Moreover, as a result thereof, the tightening is uneven on all the different winches of the trailer which in turn provokes a deformation and a premature wear of the trailer. Moreover, as a result of the aforementioned, there is a loss of tension in the belts due to the vibrations during the transportation which in turn obliges the operator to frequently stop the vehicle and retighten the belt several times during a given trip. Moreover, there is a premature wear of the belt resulting when the tightening in the presence of sand, dust and/or other debris between the windings of the belt.

Another problem associated with conventional winches is that the belt must be manually rolled-up on all its length about the reel of the winch before being tightening in place with the winding bar. This is undesirable because it is a long procedure and very time-consuming; does not allow to fix solidly the winch to the rails of the trailer because the winch moves in the same direction as the tightening force; and causes wear of the trailer rails to which winches are fixed due to the vibrations of the winches when the vehicle circulates. Indeed, in certain cases, rails must be replaced on a yearly basis, which is very costly.

Another problem associated with conventional winches is that the operator must raise the latch to unblock the reel at the same time as he/she is attempting to loosen the belt by means of the winding bar. This is very undesirable because it is difficult to operate the winch since the operator must use both hands to operate both the latch and the winding bar at the same time.

Another problem associated with conventional winches and with the chain benders used therewith is that once again, the principle of lever is required to tighten the chains, which in turn results in the same disadvantages associated with conventional winches and their straps. Indeed, this is very undesirable in that the method is very demanding physically and can cause serious harms and/or injuries to the operator of the winch. Moreover, an operator is often required to go over the load in order to operate the chain benders, which may in turn result in falls from the load and serious injuries to the operator. Furthermore, the load is often unsufficiently or excessively tightened because the step of tightening is based on the length of a given chain link, which in turn causes an improper tightening and damages to the equipment.

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved winch which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome some of the aforementioned prior art problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a winch which satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and which is thus an improvement over other related winches known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a winch for use with a strap for fastening a load onto a transportation vehicle, the winch comprising:a tightening assembly, the tightening assembly comprising:a support structure having first and second support flanges and a cross member extending between the support flanges, the cross member being devised for mounting onto a corresponding side track of the vehicle; anda tightening reel for receiving a portion of the strap to be tightened about said reel, the tightening reel being pivotally mounted onto the first and second support flanges;a gear assembly operatively connected to the tightening assembly, the gear assembly comprising:a gear securely mounted about the tightening reel so as to rotate with said reel;a worm positioned adjacent to the gear and operable between a first configuration where the worm is away from the gear, and a second configuration where the worm is threadedly engaged with the gear so that a rotation of the worm drives the tightening reel via the gear; anda casing mounted onto the first support flange of the support structure and having corresponding recesses for containing the gear and worm respectively.

Preferably, the winch comprises a winding assembly removably mountable onto the tightening assembly, the winding assembly comprising:a support structure having first and second extensions and a cross member extending between the extensions, the ends of the extensions being removably mountable onto the tightening assembly; anda winding reel for receiving an excess portion of the strap to be wound about the same, the winding reel being pivotally mounted onto the first and second extensions.

Preferably also, the ends of the extensions of the winding assembly are removably mountable onto the tightening reel of the tightening assembly, and wherein the winding assembly is pivotably movable with respect to said tightening assembly, the winch further comprising adjustment means37for selectively adjusting the positioning of the winding assembly with respect to the tightening assembly.

Preferably also, the tightening assembly comprises a clamping lamella removably mounted onto the tightening reel, the clamping lamella being provided with at least one leg mounted into the tightening reel and being movable thereabout, the clamping lamella being operable between a first configuration where it is positioned away from the tightening reel so as to enable a portion of the strap to be brought onto and removed from the tightening reel, and a second configuration where the clamping lamella is positioned with respect to the tightening reel so as to define a slit between the lamella and the tightening reel for receiving a segment of the strap thereinbetween, and where further rotation of the tightening reel, and further rotation of the strap about the clamping lamella, biases the clamping lamella towards the tightening reel for clamping the strap segment against the tightening reel.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also a transportation vehicle provided with a winch such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of fastening a load with a strap onto the above-mentioned transportation vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:a) providing the transportation vehicle;b) mounting the winch onto a corresponding side track of the transportation vehicle;c) attaching a first extremity of the strap onto an anchoring point;d) clamping a portion of the strap about the tightening reel;e) rotating the tightening reel so as to tighten the strap.

Preferably, step e) comprises the step of: f) operating the worm in its second configuration so as rotate the tightening reel via the gear. Preferably also, the method comprises the steps of: g) mounting a winding assembly onto the tightening assembly of the winch; and h) winding an excess portion of the strap onto the winding reel of the winding assembly.

The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments shown in the figures are preferred.

Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use with a flatbed truck, it may be used with other types of transportation vehicles and objects, such as railcars for example and the like, and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as “flatbed”, “truck”, “railcar”, etc., used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of objects or fields with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.

Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions “winch”, “device”, “assembly”, “system”, and any other equivalent expression and/or compound words thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as “belt”, “chain”, and “strap”, or “fasten” and “secure”, as well as “cargo” and “load”, or even “rail” and “track”, for example, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings may comprise various components such as pins, notches, washers, rods, knobs, heads, a clamping lamella, a hook, holes, a ratchet wheel, a pawl arm, etc., and although the preferred embodiment of the winch1as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the winch1and corresponding parts according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Broadly described, the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, relates to a winch1to be used as a securement device used for securing cargo during transportation on flatbeds, railcars, and the like, as is well known in the art. The present winch1may be used for fastening various types of straps, belts, and/or chains used to hold down different types of loads during the transportation thereof on such vehicles. The present winch1is preferably of simple design and inexpensive to manufacture. As will be shown hereinbelow, the present winch1possesses several advantages when compared to conventional winches known in the art.

According to the present invention, and as better shown inFIGS. 1 to 16, the winch1comprises a tightening assembly3and a gear assembly5. The tightening assembly3comprises a support structure having first and second support flanges7,9and a cross member11extending between the support flanges7,9. The cross member11is devised for mounting onto a corresponding side track of the vehicle, by suitable means, as is well known in the art. The tightening assembly3also comprises a tightening reel13for receiving a portion of the strap15to be tightened about said reel, the tightening reel13being pivotally mounted onto the first and second support flanges7,9, as can be easily understood when referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, andFIGS. 10 and 11.

As better shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, the gear assembly5is operatively connected to the tightening assembly3, and comprises a gear17, a worm19, and a casing21. The gear17is securely mounted about the tightening reel13so as to rotate with said reel. The worm19is positioned adjacent to the gear17and operable between a first configuration where the worm19is away from the gear17, and a second configuration where the worm19is threadedly engaged with the gear17so that a rotation of the worm19drives the tightening reel13via the gear17, along opposite directions of rotation, for either fastening or unfastening the strap15onto the tightening reel13. It is worth mentioning that the gear assembly5is preferably devised so that if the worm19is in the second configuration, it may be triggered automatically back into the first configuration when rotating the worm19in a direction corresponding to an untightening of the strap15.

The casing21is mounted onto the first support flange7of the support structure and has corresponding recesses for containing the gear17and worm19respectively. The casing21is preferably devised so as to enclose the gear17and the worm19and to protect them from water, sand, dust and other debris. The casing21may also comprise a lubrication point23, as better shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, so as to introduce a suitable lubrication material, such as grease for example, into the worm-gear assembly, with a suitable lubrication device, such a standard “grease gun” for example. Preferably, the recess of the casing21containing the worm19is a bore, and the worm19is preferably slidably movable within said bore so as to facilitate operation of the worm19between its first and second configurations. The bore may be provided with a suitable bushing25, as better illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 15. It is worth mentioning that the casing21may take on other shapes and forms and may consist of other components, so long as it provides a coupling and an uncoupling mode of the worm19onto the gear17, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, the casing21may comprise a pivoting support containing the worm19and being pivotable between first and second positions corresponding to the first and second configurations of the worm19where it is respectively uncoupled and coupled onto the gear17.

Preferably, the gear17is welded onto the tightening reel13and is provided with suitable gear teeth, preferably driven by the worm19and allowing the rotation of the tightening reel13in the desired direction via a rotation of the worm19when in the second configuration, so as to transmit a suitable tightening force thereto.

According to the present invention, as better shown inFIGS. 1 to 7, the winch1also preferably comprises a winding assembly27being removably mountable onto the tightening assembly3. The winding assembly27comprises a support structure and a winding reel29. The support structure has first and second extensions31,33and a cross member35extending between the extensions, the ends of the extensions being removably mountable onto the tightening assembly3. The winding reel29is used for receiving an excess portion of the strap15to be wound about the same, and is pivotally mounted onto the first and second extensions of the winding assembly27.

Preferably, the support structures of the tightening and winding assemblies are substantially U-shaped. In regards to the support structure of the tightening assembly3, it is preferably a piece in the shape of an inverted “U” to which the components of the tightening assembly3and gear assembly5are operatively assembled or fixed to. Its faces or sides are preferably provided with corresponding holes through which the tightening reel13is inserted and pivotally mounted. Preferably, there is two grooves on each side of the support structure of the tightening assembly3which allow to insert the winch1on the side rails of a trailer and to make it slide to a desired position therealong. As previously mentioned, the support structure of the tightening assembly3may be provided with other suitable means for adequately mounting the winch1onto a corresponding rail or track of a transportation vehicle, as is well known in the art.

In regards to the support structure of the winding assembly27, it is preferably a piece in the shape of a “U” also to which all the components of the winding assembly27are operatively assembled or fixed to. Its faces or sides are preferably provided with corresponding holes through which the winding reel29is inserted and pivotally mounted.

Preferably, the ends of the extensions of the winding assembly27are removably mountable onto the tightening reel13of the tightening assembly3, and the winding assembly27is pivotably movable with respect to said tightening assembly3. Accordingly, the winch1preferably further comprises adjustment means37for selectively adjusting the positioning of the winding assembly27with respect to the tightening assembly3. As better shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the adjustment means37preferably comprise a plurality of notches37provided along a peripheral side portion of the second support flange9of the tightening assembly3, and a locking pin41provided on the second extension33of the support structure of the winding assembly27for removably inserting into a corresponding notch37of the peripheral side portion of the second support flange9of the tightening assembly3so as to lock the winding assembly27into a corresponding position with respect to the tightening assembly3. It is worth mentioning that other suitable adjustment means37may be used with the winch1according to the present invention, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the ends of the first and second extensions of the winding assembly27are provided with a hook43and a hole45respectively, the hook43being shaped and sized for hooking the first extension31onto the tightening reel13, between the first and second support flanges7,9of the support structure of the tightening assembly3, adjacent to the first support flange7, and the hole45being shaped and sized for mounting the second extension33onto an end of the tightening reel13, adjacent to an outer face of the second support flange9, and can be easily understood when referring toFIGS. 1 and 16.

Preferably also, as better shown inFIG. 16, the winch1comprises an abutment pin47provided on an inner face of the first support flange7of the tightening assembly3, said abutment pin47cooperating with a curved portion of the hook43of the first extension31, the abutment pin47being positioned on said inner face and the curved portion being shaped and sized so as to prevent the hook43from being removed from the tightening reel13along a predetermined range of rotation of the winding assembly27with respect to the tightening assembly3. Indeed, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 13, the winding assembly27may be adjustably pivoted with respect to the tightening assembly3without the hook43of the first extension31not removing itself from the tightening reel13due to its abutment relationship with the abutment pin47, but said winding assembly27may be removably detached from the tightening assembly3by pivoting the winding assembly27at a certain angle with respect to the tightening assembly3where the curved portion of the hook43of the first extension31is no longer in an abutment relationship with the abutment pin47, thereby enabling the winding assembly27to be removed from the tightening assembly3when the end of the second extension33of the winding assembly27is removed from the end of the tightening reel13of the tightening assembly3, as can be easily understood when referring toFIGS. 1 and 16. This preferably results also from the fact that the support structure of the winding assembly27is made of a suitable metallic material, containing certain resilient properties, and having a pre-established shape for mounting onto the tightening reel13of the tightening assembly3. The end of the tightening reel13on which the end of the second extension33of the winding assembly27is mounted may be provided with a suitable pin being removably insertable into the end of the tightening reel13for selectively preventing the end of the second extension33of the winding assembly27from being removed from said tightening reel13. As will be explained hereinbelow, the winding assembly27may comprise suitable knobs51for enabling the U-shaped support structure of the winding assembly27to be spread out so as to enable the end of the second extension33to be removed from the end of the tightening reel13. The fact that the winding assembly27, with the possibility of a corresponding strap15being wound about the winding reel29, may be easily removable from the tightening assembly3and similarly, easily mountable thereon, is particularly advantageous in that, if the straps15of a given vehicle need to be changed by other types of straps15, or stored for that matter, the necessary changes can be made by changing the winding assemblies for example, or removing in the case of storing, which is done very easily, quickly, and easily as briefly explained hereinabove. Indeed, the winding assemblies can be seen as strap “cartridges”. In contrast, with conventional winches, each strap15would have to be unwound from its corresponding tightening reel, which is extremely tedious.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as better shown inFIGS. 17 to 19, andFIGS. 21 to 25, the tightening assembly3comprises a clamping lamella53removably mounted onto the tightening reel13, the clamping lamella53being provided with at least one leg55mounted into the tightening reel13and being movable thereabout, the clamping lamella53being operable between a first configuration where it is positioned away from the tightening reel13so as to enable a portion of the strap15to be brought onto and removed from the tightening reel13, and a second configuration where the clamping lamella53is positioned with respect to the tightening reel13so as to define a slit between the lamella53and the tightening reel13for receiving a segment of the strap15thereinbetween, and where further rotation of the tightening reel13, and further rotation of the strap15about the clamping lamella53, biases the clamping lamella53towards the tightening reel13for clamping the strap segment against the tightening reel13. The clamping lamella53is preferably devised to enable to quickly attach and detach the strap15from the tightening reel13, irrespectively of the end piece (e.g. a chain, a hook, etc.) attached to the end portion of the strap15.

FIGS. 21 to 25illustrate different preferred embodiments of the clamping lamella53according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 21, there is shown one particular embodiment of a clamping lamella53where the longest of the legs55is provided with an abutment portion at its extremity preventing it from being detached from the corresponding recess of the tightening reel13.

Referring toFIG. 22, there is shown another preferred embodiment of a clamping lamella53where the two legs55are each provided with an abutment portion at their extremities preventing them from being detached from the reel.

Referring now toFIGS. 23 to 25, there is shown another preferred embodiment of a clamping lamella53where the longest leg55is preferably provided with threading at its extremity and is preferably inserted through the tightening reel13and secured with a nut57. The smallest leg55is preferably inserted into a hole on the reel and is intended to block the movement of the lamella53in a tightening configuration. The hole in which the longest of the legs55is inserted is preferably bored so as to enable a limited movement of the lamella53in the axis of the legs55and thus enable it to pivot about the reel. This configuration enables namely to be able to remove quickly the belt from the tightening reel13simply by raising the lamella53. The lamella53also enables to remove the winding assembly27, and corresponding strap15, from the tightening assembly3by unscrewing the nut57.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 to 3, the ends of the tightening reel13and of the worm19are preferably provided with corresponding heads59,61for receiving a socket of a corresponding tool, such as a cranking tool. Preferably, the head59of the tightening reel13is securely mounted (i.e. by welding, machining, and the like) onto the tightening reel13. It allows to drive the tightening reel13via a rotation of its head59. Preferably, the head61of the worm19is non-securely mounted thereon (i.e. press fitting, and the like) and is preferably provided with a shear pin63extending between said head61and the end of the worm19on which the head61is mounted, as can be easily understood when referring toFIGS. 1,12and13. Activated in both directions by rotating its head61, the worm19drives the tightening reel13via the gear17so as to transmit a tightening force onto the strap15. Preferably also, the shear pin63protects the strap15and the tightening mechanism from damages caused by an excessive tightening, by breaking itself at a predetermined tension, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Preferably also, one end of the winding reel29may be provided with a corresponding head for receiving a socket of the cranking tool, said corresponding head being securely mounted to the winding reel29so as to rotate therewith, and another end of the winding reel29may be provided with a knob51being theadedly mountable onto said another end of the winding reel29. As better shown inFIGS. 3 to 13, a pair of knobs51are preferably used for manually winding the belt about its winding reel29. A first handle or knob51is preferably securely mounted, such as by welding, for example, to an extremity of the winding reel29enabling the winding of the strap15. A second handle or knob51is preferably screwed into the other extremity of the winding reel29for enabling to securely tighten the winding assembly27so as to avoid that the belt unwinds once wounded. Furthermore, this second handle is preferably further devised so that an untightening thereof enables to spread apart the ends of the extensions of the support structure of the winding assembly27for removably mounting and/or detaching the winding assembly27onto and/or from the tightening assembly3.

The different heads of the winch1preferably have a same hexagonal shape. Preferably, the winch1is operated with a crank ratchet provided with an hexagonal socket coming to couple on the corresponding heads, and allowing to pass on the necessary force to make the corresponding components turn in a direction or in the other one. Thus, the heads are preferably shaped so as to be operated by a same tool. It worth mentioning that some heads (e.g. the head of the tightening reel13, the head of the winding reel29, etc.) may be operated by other suitable means, such a manually for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the gear assembly5may comprise a ratchet wheel65and a pawl lever67. The ratchet wheel65is preferably securely mounted about the tightening reel13so as to rotate with said reel, the ratchet wheel65being provided with a plurality of peripheral teeth. The pawl lever67preferably has an extremity positioned adjacent to the ratchet wheel65and operable between a first configuration where the extremity of the pawl lever67is away from the ratchet wheel65, and a second configuration where the extremity of the pawl lever67is inserted into a corresponding tooth of the ratchet wheel65, thereby preventing the ratchet wheel65and the tightening wheel from further rotating along a given direction.

Preferably, as shown inFIG. 26, the pawl lever67can be disengaged so to allow the ratchet wheel65to turn in both directions. However, when engaged onto the ratchet wheel65, as shown inFIG. 27, the pawl lever67blocks the wheel and allows its rotation in the direction of tightening only to avoid that the belt be unrolled. The pawl lever67may be shaped and sized so as to be biased by gravity in order to be biased into the second configuration, the first configuration being only activated manually by an operator for example. It is worth mentioning also that according to the present invention, the presence of the ratchet wheel65is not necessary since the gear assembly5is devised so as to maintain the tightening assembly3in a corresponding tightened configuration, due to the nature of the interaction between the gear17and the worm19when in the second configuration, which can be seen as a locking and/or driving configuration of the worm19onto the gear17, and thus onto the tightening reel13.

Preferably, the winch1comprises with a rod69mounted onto the winding reel29so as to define a slit between the rod69and the winding reel29, said slit being shaped and sized for receiving an end portion of the strap15. This enables namely to facilitate the winding of the excess portion of the strap15onto the winding assembly27.

As can be easily understood from the above-described, the preferred embodiment of winch1illustrated in the accompanying drawings is preferably intended for minimizing components and assembling steps, while providing a suitable manner for easily, quickly and safely fastening a load with a winch1and corresponding strap15onto a transportation vehicle.

Moreover, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a transportation vehicle provided with a winch1such as the ones described and illustrated herein, as exemplified in the accompanying figures.

It is worth mentioning that according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating the above-described winch1, i.e. a method for fastening a load with a winch1and corresponding strap15onto a transportation vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the above-described transportation vehicle; b) mounting the winch1onto a corresponding side track of the transportation vehicle; c) attaching a first extremity of the strap15onto an anchoring point; d) clamping a portion of the strap15about the tightening reel13; and e) rotating the tightening reel13so as to tighten the strap15.

Preferably, step e) comprises the step of: f) operating the worm19in its second configuration so as rotate the tightening reel13via the gear17. Preferably also, the method further comprises the steps of: g) mounting a winding assembly27onto the tightening assembly3of the winch1; and h) winding an excess portion of the strap15onto the winding reel29of the winding assembly27.

The winch1according to the present invention is preferably inserted onto a corresponding rail on a proper side of the trailer and positioned at a suitable location for securing the cargo on the trailer. Preferably, a plurality of such winches1is used, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. The present winch1may be inserted onto the rail by means of grooves or may be inserted on the rail by means of an optional plate welded on the top of the winch1, as well as by other suitable means, as previously mentioned and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, better illustrated inFIGS. 8 to 13, the installation of a strap15on a winch1and the fastening of said strap15onto a load to be secured on a vehicle with the winch1is preferably carried out as follows. Firstly, the strap15is inserted through a slit or opening of the tightening reel13.FIG. 8illustrates an end portion of the strap15from a vehicle being inserted into the slit defined between the clamping lamella53and the tightening reel13, the worm19of the winch1being preferably in the first configuration. The strap15is then inserted through the slit of the winding reel29, as better shown inFIG. 9. Indeed, this figure illustrates the winch1being shown now with the end portion of the strap15being wound about a portion of the tightening reel13and inserted into the slit defined between the rod69and the winding reel29. These steps are generally done only at the first installation of the strap15on the winch1. Preferably, the belt is then rolled-up by means of the handle (or head) on the winding reel29of the winch1, as can be easily understood fromFIG. 10. Indeed, this figure illustrates the winch1with an excess portion of the strap15being wound about the winding reel29. This winding step is very fast when compared to what is possible with conventional winches because the handle (or head) of the winding reel29may be easily and quickly rotated, either manually, or preferably with a tool in the case where the end of the winding reel29is provided with a head (not shown). Moreover, it further allows to wind strap15in an aligned manner.

The belt is then fixed by means of its hook, or other suitable device, onto a corresponding anchoring point, whether it is by passing the strap15over the cargo to be secured and onto the opposite side of the trailer, or by attaching the strap15onto an end of a chain used to secure the cargo. The strap15is then tightened in place via the winch1.FIG. 11shows the winch1after the tightening reel13has been rotated so as to remove the slack on the strap15and clamp a segment of the strap15between the clamping lamella53and the tightening reel13. After which, the worm19of the winch1is triggered into in the second configuration, preferably simply by pushing the worm19into the bore and rotating the worm19so as to threadedly engage the gear17, and thus drive the gear17and in turn tightening reel13, causing the strap15to tighten, as can be easily understood when referring toFIGS. 14 and 15.FIG. 13illustrates the winch1after the strap15has being tighten onto the tightening reel13by means of the worm19, and with the winding assembly27pulled back into a retracted horizontal position.

It is worth mentioning that, according to the present invention, some of the above-mentioned steps may be interchanged in order without affecting the proper operation of the winch1, as apparent to a person skilled in the art, and without departing form the scope of the present invention. Indeed, for example, the winding of the excess portion of the strap15onto the winding reel29may be done before or after the tightening of the strap15onto the tightening reel13.

Moreover, as can be easily understood from the aforementioned, since the portion of the strap15which is not used to secure the cargo is wound about the winding reel29, only a few turns about the tightening reel13, i.e. about two to four turns around the tightening reel13are required according to the present invention for properly securing the strap15and applying the necessary tension thereon. This method of tightening also allows to fix solidly the winch1to the side of the trailer when it is not being used to secure cargo on the vehicle, and thus prevents it from vibrating when the vehicle circulates.

The operation of the winch1according to the present invention is also advantageous in that the strap15may be loosened by means of the worm19simply by turning it some turns along a given direction, preferably counterclockwise.

Preferably, the strap15is tightened by means of the worm19simply by turning it via its head61some turns along a given direction, preferably in the clockwise direction. This method of tightening does not require a lot of force because the ratio of the worm19and the gear17according to the present invention is devised to be important and to multiply the force applied by the operator onto the crank. This method of tightening also allows to obtain a more uniform tightening on all the winches1because the fatigue and physical capabilities (i.e. strength) of the operator are no longer significant factors which influence the tightening of the straps15.

Preferably, as aforementioned, about two to four turns of the strap15about the tightening reel13are sufficient. The winch1is fast and allows the belt to keep its tension because it winds on itself (i.e. the tightening reel13, rather than on a large portion of wound strap portions). Indeed, the portion of the strap15which is not used for fastening the load is wound about a separate winding reel29, and not the tightening reel13.

Alternatively, it is possible to use a ratchet key with a conventional socket to make the tightening. The key is then inserted on the tightening head59of the tightening reel13and activated in the clockwise direction for example to tighten the strap15.

As may now be appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement over other related winches known in the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, the winch1according to the present invention overcomes several of the prior art problems.

More particularly, in regards to tightening, the present winch1preferably uses a worm19which drives a gear17. The worm19is preferably activated by means of a crank ratchet and the necessary effort is substantially reduced and practically nonexistent due to an important ratio of couple between the worm19and the gear17. The advantages resulting therefrom are that the use of this type of system eliminates the risk of injuries to the operator of the winch1; the tightening does not require a big physical effort by the operator; and the tightening is more uniform on all the winches1throughout the trailer. Alternatively, as aforementioned, it is also possible to use a ratchet key with a standard socket to make the tightening. Preferably, the key is inserted on the tightening head59of the tightening reel13and activated in the clockwise direction to tighten the load. Preferably also, the worm19is devised to be automatically triggered into corresponding first and second configurations when rotated along corresponding untightening and tightening directions of the strap15. Preferably also, once the load is tightened, the tension in the strap15is maintained by the gear assembly5, and the ratchet wheel65device is only provided alternatively, as a fail safe mechanism.

Concerning the tightening force, the winch1according to the present invention is advantageous in that, as can be easily understood from the aforementioned and the accompanying drawings, the tightening force which is achievable with the present winch1is more constant and uniform than what is possible with the winches of the prior art. Indeed, a bigger force of tightening may be achieved and there is less risk that the resulting secured load moves during the transportation.

Concerning the maintaining of the tightening tension in the fastening strap15s, the present winch1according to the present invention is also advantageous in that the tension of tightening is maintained by the pressure exercised between the gear17and the worm19. Advantages resulting therefrom are that the casing21stands by the tightening reel13and becomes independent from the frame of the winch1. The winch1will thus less tend to deform during a reversal of the trailer for example.

Concerning the roll-up of the belt during the tightening, the winch1according to the present invention is also advantageous when compared to those of the prior art in that only about two to four turns of belt are preferably rolled-up on the tightening reel13to provide the belt with a suitable tension. The excess of the belt is rolled-up on the winding reel29. Advantages resulting therefrom are that there is a greater tightening force because a reduced portion of the strap15presses onto itself; the tightening is more uniform on all of the winches1; it allows the operator to avoid stopping the vehicle and retightening the belts during the transportation; and there is a decrease of the wear of the belts.

Concerning the roll-up of the belt when the winch1is not being used for securing cargo on the vehicle, it can be also be appreciated that the winch1according to the present invention is also advantageous when compared to those of the prior art. Indeed, only about two to four turns of the belt is rolled-up on the tightening reel13of the winch1in order to fix it securely. Moreover, the excess of the belt not used for securing is rolled-up on the winding up reel by means of a crank. Advantages resulting therefrom are the following: a fast procedure; a principle of tightening which allows to fix securely the winch1to the rail of the trailer; and the elimination of wear of rails due to vibrations which occur during circulation of the trailer.

Concerning the unrolling of a belt, the present winch1according to the present invention is also advantageous in that once the worm19is uncoupled (i.e. the first configuration), the operator has only to raise the clamping lamella53and unroll the belt. Indeed, the winch1according to the present invention allows the use of a single hand to unroll the belt.

The winch1according to the present invention is also advantageous in that it may be provided with an optional dynamometric socket. Indeed, according to the present invention, it is possible to use a crank or a key provided preferably with an hexagonal dynamometric socket such that it is possible to obtain exactly the same tension of tightening on all the winches1, something that is not possible with conventional winches, as aforementioned.

The multifunction tie down winch1according to the present invention may be used on flatbed trailers, or may be used on other types of transportation vehicles, such as railway vehicles, maritime transportation, and the like.

The winch1according to the present invention is preferably devised so as to conform with the requirements of most security standards, in regards to the use of securement devices of suitable capacity, the required number thereof being established namely according to the load being transported and to the length of the load to be fastened.

Preferably, the components of the multifunction tie down winch1according to the present invention are made of suitable metallic materials, such as steel for example, or any other suitable materials, for properly sustaining the different loads to which the winch1may be suggested to, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

As also apparent to a person skilled in the art, it is possible to make the winch1without the winding up reel. This way, the winch1will be more similar to a conventional winch but will still be provided with all the advantages of using the worm-gear assembly instead of a winding bar.

As also apparent to a person skilled in the art, it is possible to provide the winch1with a locking system for the winding up reel. Indeed, instead of using an indented wheel and a latch to lock the winding reel29once the load is tightened, it is possible to use two pivoting arms for example, fixed at the bottom of each internal side of the frame. These two arms will preferably serve as a support for the tightening reel13, and the worm-gear assembly. During the tightening, the arms can rotate and move up due to the force applied, and lock the winding reel29at the end of their movement.

According to the present invention, the use of the winch1as a chain bender can be carried out by hooking the end hook of the strap15to the chain and by carrying out the same procedure of tightening, as above-discussed.

As may now be better appreciated, the fact of being able to place the winding assembly27in different positions with respect to the tightening assembly3enables to get around or avoid certain obstacles located under the trailer, such as chests, wheels, lights, and the like.

As may now be also better appreciated, the fact of being able of dismounting quickly the support of the winch1enables to remove the belt from the winch1and also to conform to this requirement where it applies. Certain operators remove the belts simply for protecting them against precipitations and/or theft.

As may now be appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the winches of the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, as briefly explained herein, the winch1according to the present invention a) eliminates the risk of accidents and serious injuries associated to the use of conventional winches; b) facilitates the return to the work of people having suffered from recent injuries (e.g. back or other body parts) since the physical requirements for operating the present winch1are fairly negligible; c) allows people with limited physical strength to reach more easily the market of the transportation by flatbed trailers, thus opening the door to woman drivers for example; d) allows to obtain a more powerful tightening of the loads without requiring much physical effort from the operator; e) allows to obtain a more uniform tightening on all the winches1of the trailer; f) allows to avoid having to frequently stop the vehicle and retighten the load several times during the transportation of the cargo; g) decreases the time required for the tightening of a load; h) eliminates the use of conventional chain benders; i) increases the road safety by decreasing the risk of slipping and shifting of a load during transportation; j) reduces the wear of the belts; k) reduces the operational costs in terms of time and material being used; l) will possibly allow the owners to benefit from reduction on insurance allowances or premiums paid to organisms involved in the management of transportation due to the decrease in the probability of injuries related to the use of the winches1; and m) is preferably devised to meet with the requirements of security standards.

Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.