LEVER AND RATCHET HYBRID LOAD BINDER

The invention combines two types of tension load-binders normally used with chains to secure a load to the deck of a truck or trailer. The combination of the two types of load-binds forms a hybrid-load-binder. One of the load-binders is a lever-load-binder and the other is a ratchet-load-binder. A modification is made to the lever-load-hinder to allow the handle of the lever-load-binder to be locked in the closed position when substantial tension is applied pulling on the two hooks of the hybrid-load-binder. Although, the lever-load-binder cannot release the hybrid-load-binder form the substantial tension pulling on the hooks, the ratchet-binder is able to release the tension pulling on the hooks by rotating the handle of the ratchet-load-binder in the loosening direction. The modification to the lever-load-binder makes the lever-load-binder useless is used independently from the ratchet-load-binder. The modification to the lever-load-binder results in the lever-load-binder not being able to independently apply substantial tension on a binding chain to secure a load on a truck or trailer deck. M The two binders work in combination for a faster and more secure binding of a load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to two different styles of a mechanical device used to bind and secure a load usually for transportation on a truck or trailer deck, particularly cargo such as equipment or merchandise that would normally shift during transport when not secured in place. The mechanical device being either a ratchet-load-binder or a lever-load-binder used normally in conjunction with a chain. Each load securing chain is usually attached to one load binder.

2. Description of Related Art

Ratchet-load-binders and lever-load-binders serve the purpose of binding a chain on the load, the chain holding the load in place during transportation or for the general securing of the load. The load can be material such as construction materials, or in many cases the load is machinery and equipment. Load securing chains are generally used in place of load securing straps when the weight of the load is great or especially used when a high weighted load has the ability to roll, such as an agricultural tractor. Chains generally have a higher weight supporting capacity than straps. In some situations, the load may be directly connected to the load binder with hooks or other means mounted to the load and also mounted to the truck deck eliminating the need for straps or chains. Usually, at least two and many times more than two load-binders in combination with chains are used to secure a single load. When using a load binder with attached hooks for attaching to a chain link, only one end of the chain requires a hook, the hook on the load binder can attach to the chain, negating the need for a second hook on the chain. The hook on the chain can attach to the trailer deck or the load to be transported.

Although there are a few different ways to secure a load with a load binder and chains, a common method is attaching the load binder to separate chains at each end of the load binder, then securing one of the chains to the truck deck and the other chain to the load or over the load and to the opposing side of the truck deck. In the alternative, one chain can be attached to the ratchet-load-binder or the lever-load-binder and then attach the other side of the binder directly to a truck deck eyelet, then securing the chain to the load or over the load and attaching to the opposing side of the truck deck at another eyelet. These two above stated chain securing methods prevents any part of the chain from being positioned along side of the load binder, allowing a full rotational motion of the load binder handle operation with no interference from the chain blocking the rotation of the handle. Chain load securing methods that align the chain along side of the load binder can sometimes be difficult to use in some instances and tend to limit the rotational operation of the load binder handle that can be further complicated when additional obstructions are in the way such as the truck deck or a trailer fender well. Even though, with the chain along side of the load binder, this method is a common method of securing a load while using one chain with one hook hooked to the load and the other end of the chain through a trailer deck eyelet and then attached to the load-binder and then the other end of the load binder attached to the chain closer to the load chain attachment point. The single chain with a single hook method is common and convenient in many situations. Another method of binding a load on a truck deck is to attach the load binder directly to the truck deck on one end of the binder and the other end of the binder directly to the load with an eyelet attachment on the load, this method also normally allows a full rotational motion of the load binder handle operation with no interference.

There are stark differences between lever-load-binders and ratchet-load-binders. Both binders employ a lever that is used as a handle for the binder to compress or expand the length between the load binder's hooks in order to tighten or release the tension on the load binder and the chain. For clarity in the contents of this description,the lever-load-binder handle is referred to as a lever-handle, andthe ratchet-load-binder handle is referred to as a ratchet-handle.

The lever-load-binder generally employs a long lever-handle using a single motion of the lever-handle to achieve sufficient leverage to tighten the chain on the load, while the ratchet-load-binder generally employs a somewhat shorter ratchet-handle that utilizes many multiple shorter motions of the ratchet-handle to tighten the chain on the load. The operation of the ratchet-load-binder generally takes a longer time period to tighten the chain on the load when compared to the lever-load-binder, although the ratchet-load-binder usually is more effective at securing a very tight chain tension on the load. If the single motion of the lever-load-binder lever-handle does not achieve the desired tension on the chain, the operator of the binder will then reset the position of one of the binder hooks on the chain to remove more slack from the chain and then attempt a second motion of the lever-handle to securely tighten the chain. The lever-load-binder utilizes a quicker but less dependable process to tighten the chain on the load when compared to the ratchet-load-binder, while the ratchet-load-binder is a slower, more dependable, and more labor intensive process to tighten the chain on the load.

The main reason the ratchet-load-binder is slower than the lever-load-binder is that the ratchet-load-binder takes much longer to remove the slack from the chain than the lever-load-binder. The lever-load-bind usually takes just one (1) throw motion of the lever-handle in a motion of 180 degrees while the ratchet-load-binder may require about fifteen (15) ninety degree throws of motion to remove the slack in the chain, the reason being, the high tension producing screw threads of the ratchet-load-binder moves the hooks of the load-binder at a substantially slower rate than the lever-load-binder moves the hooks. During the removal of the chains from the load, either load-binder is required to produce the same slack in the chain that was present after the install of the load-binder on the chain before tightening the chain tension. The reason for the requirement of the production of slack in the chain for the removal of the chain is to allow the hooks to clear the chain link it was initially installed on to tighten the chain.

The lever-load-binder can also present a situation that can cause bodily harm to the user of the binder if the lever-handle is not released properly from a closed-and-bound-position or when the lever-handle is accidentally released from the closed-and-bound-position position. Releasing the lever-handle from the closed-and-bound-position must be carefully completed because the tension on the bound chain may cause the lever-handle to release with great force and fast movement. The operator of the lever-load-binder normally holds onto and controls the release speed of the lever-handle when releasing the lever-load-binder from the closed-and-bound-position.

The great force and speed movement of the lever-handle may be responsible for bodily injury of the lever-load-binder operator if the lever-handle accidentally comes in contact with the operator when releasing with great force and speed. In some instances, an operator of the lever-load-binder has been known to tie and secure the lever-handle in the bound position to prevent an accidental release of the lever-handle to the unbound position, although tying and securing of the lever-handle in the bound position is not known to be suggested by the manufacture's of the lever-load-binders. The ratchet-load-binder uses screw threads and a much slower rate of relieving tension from the bound chain, reducing the changes of the operator being injured by the ratchet load binder.

Description of the Lever-Load-Binder

The lever-load-binder comprises a lever-handle100, a lever-handle-base104, a straight-arm110, a straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114, a U-arm106, a U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112, a U-arm-pivot-joint116, two hooks128,130one loosely and pivotally attached to the straight arm110and one loosely and pivotally attached to the U-arm106, each with a rotating connector120,122and a flexible connector124,126. The lever-handle-base104comprises the straight-arm-pivot-connection to handle114which is near the lever-handle-pivot-point101which is in the same position as the U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112. The connection position of the straight-arm to the lever-handle base104is about ¾ of the length of the straight-arm measuring from the lever-handle-pivot-point, the straight-arm110pivots in the lever-handle-slot105, the lever-handle-base and the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle pivots in and out of the U-arm.

While the lever-binder96two hooks are being pulled and tension-bound, the determining factors of when the lever binder is positioned in either:a) a closed-and-held-position138138.b) a neutral position (wherein tension forces are not forcing the lever-handle to move to the closed-and-held-position138138or to the opening position), orc) an opening position,
is described below:a) closed-and-held-position318138:the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114is on or mostly on the opposing side of the U-arm-centerline108as compared to the position of the lever-handle,the U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112position is on or mostly on the same side of the straight-arm-centerline109as compared to the position of the lever-handle, andthe lever-handle is pressed against the U-arm-pivot-joint116.b) neutral position:the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114is inline with the U-arm-centerline108.the U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112is aligned and inline with the straight-arm-centerline109, andthe U-arm-centerline108is parallel and inline with the straight-arm-centerline109.c) the opening position:the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114is on or mostly on the same side of the U-arm-centerline108as compared to the position of the lever-handle,the straight-arm-centerline109is not inline with the U-arm-centerline108, andthe straight-arm-centerline109is on the same side of the U-arm-centerline108as compared to the position of the lever-handle.

In a closed-and-held-position138138of the lever handle (seeFIG.4andFIG.8) and when the two hooks are being pulled and tension-bound, this causes the lever-handle100to be held in the closed-and-held-position138138while the lever-handle100is positioned against the U-arm pivot joint116, and the U-arm-centerline108is approximately six (6) degrees of pivot from the straight-arm-centerline109. The U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112is on or mostly on the same side of the straight-arm-centerline109as the lever-handle. The straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114is on or mostly on the opposing side of the straight-arm-centerline109that the lever-handle is on. Tension pulling on the hooks maintains the lever-handle in the closed position until the lever-handle is forced out of this position by the operator of the load binder.

A neutral position of the lever-load-binder lever-handle (seeFIG.5andFIG.9): is attained when the U-arm-centerline108is aligned inline with the straight-arm-centerline109. In the neutral position of the lever-handle, the lever-handle is neither being pulled to the opening-position or pulled to the closed-position, although if the lever-handle maintains the neutral position, the lever-load-binder bound position is somewhat tighter when compared to the lever-handle being in the closed-position. The additional tightness of the neutral position is the result of the removal of the

An opening position of the lever-load-binder lever-handle (seeFIG.6andFIG.10): and with the two hooks being pulled tension-bound causing the lever-handle100to go to an open position when the lever-handle100is positioned off of the U-arm pivot joint116and the U-arm-centerline108is not aligned inline with the straight-arm-centerline109, the U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112is opposed to the same side of the straight-arm-centerline109as the lever-handle, and the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114is on or mostly on the same side of the straight-arm-centerline109as the major portion of the lever-handle. Tension pulling on the hooks maintains the lever-handle open position and the opening force of the handle will increase as the handle moved further in the opening position.

The lever-handle100controls the tension on the hooks128,130through pivoting of the lever-handle. Moving the lever-handle100from the open position to the neutral position provides tension on the hooks when the hooks are connected to a chain that is connected to a load being carried on a trailer deck. The neutral position draws the straight-arm-pivot connection to handle114closer to the U-arm-pivot-joint116(seeFIG.5), and the neutral position draws the U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112closer to the straight-arm-pivot-joint118(seeFIG.5), therefore drawing the LI-arm and the straight-arm closer together shortening the overall length of the lever binder and creating tension on the hooks by shortening the overall length of the lever-binder. Moving the lever-handle from the neutral position (seeFIG.5), to the closed-and-held-position138138(seeFIG.4) will release a small amount of tension from the hooks as a pivoting of the lever-handle causes a movement of the U-arm-centerline108alignment degrees when compared to the straight-arm-centerline109alignment degrees to shift from zero degrees alignment between the two centerlines to approximately six (6) degrees of difference133between the two centerlines (seeFIGS.8and9). The six degrees shift in the alignment of the U-arm and the straight-arm does slightly loosen the tension on the hooks, but also provides an important purpose of holding the lever-handle in the closed position when tension is on the chains with a load being bound in place. With the lever-handle moved into the closed-and-held-position138138, the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114moves from an inline alignment with the U-arm-centerline108of the neutral position (seeFIG.5) to an offset alignment with the U-arm-centerline108in the closed-and-held-position138138(seeFIG.4). With tension on the hooks, the new offset position of the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114pulls the lever-handle tight to contact the U-arm-pivot-joint116and be held in place with substantial pressure that usually maintains the closed position of the lever-handle (seeFIG.4). Since the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114moved from an inline alignment with the U-arm-centerline108and is now on the opposing side of the U-arm-centerline108when compared to the lever-handle and the straight-arm is being pulled on by tension on the hooks, the lever-handle is held against the U-arm-pivot-joint116with pressure.

Moving the lever-handle from the closed-and-held-position138138to the opening positions no only takes a substantial amount of strength for the reason that moving the lever-handle from the closed-and-held-position138138requires the operator to move the lever-handle into the neutral position, therefore adding more tension to the hooks of the lever-binder. Since the neutral position provides the greatest amount of tension on the hooks, moving the lever-handle from the neutral position to the opening positions will cause the lever-handle to move on its own once the lever-handle moves past the neutral position and many times depending on the tension supplied to the hooks while in the neutral position, the lever-handle will move with great force and speed. The great force and speed of movement of the lever-handle has created documented instances of injuries sustained to the operators of lever-binders. In summary, the lever-binder is a faster method of binding a load on a trailer, but the lever-binder is also a more dangerous method of binding a load on a trailer when compared to the slower moving ratchet-binder.

REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR THE LEVER-BINDER

For the convenience of the reader, the following is a list of reference numbers used in this description.96Lever load binder (prior art)98Modified lever load binder—disclosed invention part100lever-handle101lever-handle-pivot-point102lever-handle-grasp-end104lever-handle-base105lever-handle-slot106U-arm108U-arm-longitudinal-centerline109straight-arm-longitudinal-centerline110straight-arm111straight-arm attachment to short second rod112U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle116U-arm-pivot-joint118straight-arm-pivot-joint120first rotating connector122second rotating connector124first flexible connector126second flexible connector128first hook130second hook132Approximate twelve (12) degrees of difference133Approximate six (6) degrees of difference134lever-handle to U-arm-pivot-joint spread136lever-handle to straight-arm-pivot-joint spread138closed-and-held-position140neutral-position142opening-positions

DESCRIPTION OF THE RATCHET-LOAD-BINDER

A ratchet-load-binder primarily comprises an elongated tube having opposing open ends and internal threads, two rods, a handle with a gear and a ratcheting U-shaped pawl mounted in the handle. The U-shaped pawl herein referred to as a U-pawl. The tube has interior threads starting at each end with each end threading in opposite directions, a first end having right-hand internal threads and a tube second end having left-hand internal threads. A gear with exterior teeth is rigidly attached around the tube and causes the tube to rotate with the gear. The two rods have exterior threads starting on one end and proceeding along the rod, the rod threads matching the tube threads. A releasable means for connection such as a hook is usually loosely and flexibly attached to the other end of each rod for attaching to a chain, eyelet or strap. The handle has two sides that wrap around the tube and is rotatably independent from the gear and tube, the ratcheting U-pawl when attached to the handle and pivotally secured next to the gear provides a first-driving-position of the tube, a second-driving-position of the tube and a neutral-position located between the two driving positions, therefore, able to drive the rotation of the gear and the tube in a first-rotational-direction or a second-rotational-direction, depending on the chosen position of the U-pawl. A means for applying flexible pressure on the U-pawl18such as a first spring10holds the U-pawl in its selected position, the spring providing a sizable amount of pressure towards the U-pawl. The first-rotation-direction draws the rods closer together, therefore tightening the chain on the load and the second rotational direction causing the rods to move farther apart, therefore loosening the chain on the load. After loosely installing the ratchet-load-binder and the accompanied chains on or around a load to be secured, the binder U-pawl is set to the first-driving-position to tighten the chain for transportation of the load. After the load is ready for removal from the truck or trailer, the binder U-pawl is set to the second-driving-position to loosen and remove the chains and the binder from the load.

REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR THE RATCHET BINDER

For the convenience of the reader, the following is a list of reference numbers used in this description.1Lever and Ratchet Hybrid Load Binder (disclosed invention)2Ratchet load binder—prior Art3Modified ratchet load binder—disclosed invention part4Handle assembly5Handle assembly U-pawl housing6Handle assembly shaft7Handle assembly first side8Handle assembly second side9Handle assembly U-pawl axle hole10First spring12First spring hook14First spring stabilizer stem16First spring stabilizer stein ball end18U-Pawl18afirst-driving-position18bsecond-driving-position18cmiddle-neutral-position19U-Pawl head20U-Pawl eyelet22U-Pawl first arm24U-Pawl second arm26U-Pawl first tooth28U-Pawl second tooth30U-Pawl pivot axle32U-Pawl pivot hole34Gear35Gear teeth36Gear teeth roots37Gear teeth tips38Tube38aShort tube39Tube first end internal threads40Tube second end internal threads41First rod41aShort first rod42Second rod42aShort second rod44First rod external threads, right hand threads45Second rod external threads, left hand threads46Rod eyelet47Rod first end48Rod flexible connector49Rod second end50Rod hook76U-Pawl head, narrow shape.84First rotational direction86Second rotational direction

For clarity of the drawings the U-pawl position will also reflect the disclosed invention mode of operation as follows:“18aU-pawl first-driving-position” corresponds to turning the tube to tighten the bind on the load, with or without the blocking device installed.“18bU-pawl second-driving-position” corresponds to turning the tube to loosen the bind on the load with no blocking device installed.“18cU-pawl middle-neutral-position” corresponds to a U-pawl position allowing freewheeling of the gear and the tube in either the tightening or loosening direction.

Comparisons of the Lever-Load-Binder and the Ratchet-Load-Binder

After the end user secures a load-binder to a chain that is also secured to the load and is ready to have tension applied to the chain to bind the load, the chain will have excess slack in the chain that will have to be removed before the chain will begin to tighten with tension. One of the reasons there will be excess slack in the chain is because the end user can only pull the chain to a minimal tightness while attaching the second of the two hooks to a chain link. The chain is usually heavy in nature and moving the chain through the load securing eyelet or the trailer deck eyelet can be an arduous task. Another reason there will be excess slack in the chain is because the most popular hooks that are used to attach to the chain link requires the hook to clear one link and then attach to the next link after the cleared link. When the hook attaches to the chain link, the hook will slide back about one and a half inches through the slot in the hook and then stop at the next chain link. The one and a half inches of travel of the hook over the chain link creates a considerable amount of slack in the chain that also needs to be taken up before tight tension to the chain is applied by the load-binder. This excess slack in the chain is created whether the load binder is the ratchet-load-binder or the lever-load-binder.

The lever-load-binder uses a single approximately 180 degree movement of the lever-handle to remove the slack in the chain and also apply the required tension on the chain to properly secure the load. The ratchet-load-binder uses many multiple shorter motions of the ratchet-handle to tighten the chain on the load, each motion of the ratchet binder handle is usually 90 degrees and the number of 90 degree motions of the handle may be as much as 15 motions to remove the slack in the chain before the chain starts to tighten with tension. 15 motions of the ratchet-load-binder handle not only takes excess time by the end user, it will expend some energy from the end user after performing this task on four to eight ratchet-load binders at each removal or installation of the securing chains. After the slack it taken up on the chain using the ratchet-load-binder, usually 5-9 more 90 degree motions of the handle is sufficient to provide the proper tension on the chain to secure the load. The screw threads on the ratchet-load-binder move the hooks of the binder very slowly but with great tensioning ability and safety for the end user of the ratchet-load-binder, although the slack-removing-phase of the chain tightening will require the movement of the load-binder handle of approximately 1350 degrees of rotation.

If the lever-load-binder centerlines degrees difference would be designed to be positioned at a degrees substantially more than about six (6) degrees, such as about twelve (12) degrees out of parallel alignment with each other when the lever-handle is in the closed-position, the binding chain would be in a quite loose position and not providing a tight bind on the load to be effective in securing the load correctly. The further the centerlines degrees difference pivots, the looser the bind on the chain is because the further the centerlines degrees difference pivots away from the parallel position, the shorter the effective length of the straight-arm becomes because of the two centerlines degrees difference, therefore loosening the binding chain. The above scenario is the reason the lever-load-binder is designed with the U-arm-centerline being positioned approximately 6 degrees off of the straight-arm-centerline.

Upon placing the lever-handle of the lever-load-binder in the closed- and held-position after passing through the neutral position, the slight loosening of the binding chain is a disadvantage when compared to using the ratchet-load-binder in securing a load with a chain. The lever binder slight loosening of the chain is required to position the centerlines degrees difference maintaining the lever-load-binder lever-handle in the closed-and-held-position138, although if the lever-load-binder is properly installed, the chain still remains relatively tight and bound on the load with the handle in the closed position.

In summary, the lever-load-binder is a quicker, less labor intensive, but a less dependable and a more dangerous process of securing a load, while the ratchet-load-binder is slower, and much more labor intensive, but a more dependable and safer process of securing a load.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The popularity of the lever-load-binder has waned during the previous years while the ratchet-load-binder has gained in popularity in recent years most likely because the ratchet-load-binder is safer in use for the end user and the ratchet-load-binder ease of applying the proper tension on the load securing chains is desirable. The lever-load-binder can sometimes be “hit and miss” when the tension on the chain after the first throw of the handle is not sufficient, in effect, the lever-load binder may be more difficult to use for the non-professional or the part-time user. For these reasons, many end users prefer the ratchet-load-binders instead of the lever-load-binders. Although, the end user may distain the length of time and effort it takes to remove the excess slack from the chain before the ratchet-load-binder begins to apply tension on the chain to secure the load, and the end user may also distain the length of time and effort it takes to create excess slack in the chain in order to remove the load binder hooks from the chain during the removal process of the load from the truck or trailer.

During the tightening-operation of the chains on the load, there is a slack-removing-phase and a tension-tightening-phase to both the lever load-binder and the ratchet load-binder, the slack-removing-phase being first in succession and the tension-tightening-phase being second in succession. In addition, during the loosening-operation of the chains on the load, there is a tension-loosening-phase and a slack-creating-phase to each type of load-binder, the tension-loosening-phase being first in succession and the slack-creating-phase being second in succession. The lever-load-binder completes both the slack-removing-phase and the tension-tightening-phase in one 180 degree motion of the lever-handle, while the ratchet-load-binder uses approximately 1350 degrees of rotation to complete the slack-removing-phase and another approximately 450 degrees of rotation to complete the tension-tightening-phase when tightening the chains on the load.

The current invention creates a solution to this problem by not only combining the ratchet-load-binder and the lever-load-binder into a single hybrid-load binder, but also provides a much needed modification to the lever-load-binder that requires the tension-tightening-phase of the tightening operation to be accomplished by the ratchet-load-binder and also requires the tension-loosening-phase of the loosening operation to be accomplished by the ratchet-load-binder. The tension-tightening-phase and the tension-loosening-phase when performed by the ratchet-load-binder are a safer and more efficient method when compared to the conventional lever-load binder in applying or removing tension from the chain. In addition, the slack-removing-phase of the tightening-operation is substantially more quickly accomplished by the modified-lever-load-binder, and the slack-creating-phase of the loosening-operation is substantially more quickly accomplished by the modified-lever-load-binder. Since the slack-removing-phase and the slack-creating-phase when accomplished by the modified-lever-load-binder is completed in one quick 180 degrees of motion by the lever-handle, and it takes the ratchet-load-binder1350degrees of motion to complete the same action of the slack-removing-phase or the slack-creating-phase as the modified-lever-load-binder, the end user will choose the modified-lever-load-binder portion of the hybrid-load-binder to quickly complete these two phases. Being the hybrid-load-binder is safer and more effective to use than independently using the lever-load-binder, and the hybrid-load-binder is quicker and less tiresome to use than independently using the ratchet-load-binder, each use for completing the process of binding the load and removing the load from a truck or trailer, the invention creates a solution to a problem in the industrial use of the product.

The invention in this application for patent comprises a modified ratchet-load-binder combined with a modified lever-load-binder. The modification to the lever-load-binder renders the lever-load-binder useless when used independently as a stand-alone lever-load-binder, the modification, therefore, is not a modification that would normally be considered by an end user of the product. Using the modified-lever-load-binder separately from the ratchet-load-binder would be useless in securing a load on a truck or trailer, the modification would prevent the securing chains from securing the load with enough tension to properly tightly secure the load in place. The modified lever-load-hinder must be used in combination with the modified ratchet-load-binder to achieve its effective use. In the combined use of the modified lever-load-binder with the modified ratchet-load-binder, the operator of the hybrid-load-binder uses the lever-load-binder to first remove the excess slack of the securing chain with one 180 degree throw of the lever handle, then, the operator uses the ratchet-load-binder to perform the task of applying substantial tightening tension on the securing chain with approximately five 90 degree turns of the ratchet-load-binder handle, securing the load properly in place. To remove the securing chain from a load, the operator of the hybrid-load-binder would first remove the tension from the chain using the modified ratchet-load-binder with approximately five 90 degree turns of the ratchet-load-binder handle, and then create excess slack in the chain to remove the chain from the load using the modified lever-load-binder with one 180 degree throw of the lever handle.

After the modified-lever-load-binder is in the closed position, and substantial tension is placed on the chain by the ratchet-load-binder, the modified and increased degree angle of about 12 degrees between the angles of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109makes releasing the lever-handle of the modified-lever-load-binder virtually impossible and keeps the lever-handle in a non-releasable position until tension is relieved from the chain using the ratchet-load-binder. With substantial tension already placed on the chain, attempting to move the lever-load-binder lever-handle from the closed position resting against the U-arm-pivot-joint116to the opening position would attempt to move the lever-handle100to the neutral position, which would be virtually impossible as this would require the distance between the binder hooks to be reduced requiring additional tension to be placed on the chain. To move the lever-handle into the neutral position, the distance between the hybrid-load-binder hooks would have to be reduced further than possible, this movement is not possible because of the substantial tension already placed on the chain by the ratchet load binder portion of the hybrid-load-binder, consequently, the chain would not be able to accept more tension, therefore preventing the hybrid-lever-load-binder handle from being moved from the closed position to the neutral position, which also prevents the hybrid-lever-load-binder handle from being moved to the opening position from the closed position.

In the situation of a chain bound load on a truck or trailer deck with the hybrid-load-binder lever-handle in the closed-and-held-position138, the lever-handle cannot be moved to the opening position while the chain is under substantial tension. This situation just mentioned results in the ability to assist in preventing the unauthorized removal or loosening of the hybrid-load-binder by installing a blocking device on the ratchet-load-binder that prevents the U-pawl of the ratchet-load-binder from being moved in the position that would loosen the bound chain, although, this device allows the tightening of the chain using the ratchet-load-binder handle. In this situation, there is no need to lock the handle of the modified-lever-load-binder in place since it is securely held in place by the tension of the chain, meaning only one security device is needed to be installed on the hybrid-load-binder to assist in providing security for the bound load. The blocking device can be identified in the U.S. patent application by Mollick Ser. No. 17/083,811 filed Oct. 29, 2020 and granted as a U.S. Pat. No. 11,440,458.

When combining the modified lever-load-binder with the ratchet-load-binder to assemble the hybrid-load-binder, in the addition of the modification of the U-arm-centerline108in relation to the straight-arm-centerline109to cause the hooks of the hybrid-load-binder to move closer together than when releasing the lever-handle of a conventional lever-load-binder to allow the handle of the lever-load-binder to be held in place very securely after substantial tension is placed on the load securing chains using the ratchet-load-binder, other modifications are made to both binders to combine the binders. The modified-lever-load-binder and the modified ratchet-load-binder are additionally modified by removing certain parts that are not required by their use because they are replaced by the same or near same parts in the other binder in the combination, these parts being one hook and rotating and flexible connecting parts. In addition, the tube of the ratchet-load-binder is decreased in length since the extended length of tube is not required in its new use by the fact that the ratchet-load-binder tube is now not needed to remove excess slack from the chain since this excess chain slack removal is accomplished by the modified-lever-load-binder.

The modification to the lever-load-binder U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109degrees difference makes the lever-load-binder useless if used independently from the ratchet-load-binder (seeFIG.13). The modification to the lever-load-binder results in the lever-load-binder not being able to independently apply substantial tension on a binding chain to secure a load on a truck or trailer deck.

The modification to the ratchet-load-binder shortened tube and rods makes the ratchet-load-binder useless if used independently from the lever-load-binder (seeFIG.12). The modification to the ratchet-load-binder results in the short tube not being able to independently apply substantial tension on a binding chain to secure a load on a truck or trailer deck. The tube of a conventional ratchet-load-binder will allow at approximately seventy 90-degree turns of the handle, whereas the tube of the modified ratchet-load-binder will allow approximately twenty to twenty five 90-degree turns of the handle, not allowing a properly tension bound chain on the load in some situations. Although the length of the tube in the modified ratchet-load-binder may be adjusted to any needed length. Although, the modification of the lever-load-binder is a required change to effect a securely bound chain that will deter vandalism or theft.

An example of the Lever and Ratchet Hybrid Load Binder1may be described below:I) a ratchet-load-binder comprising:a) an elongated tube having opposing open ends and internal threads, a first end having right-hand internal threads and a second end having left-hand internal threads, a gear encircling the tube, the gear rigidly attached to the tube, the gear having externally facing teeth;b) a first rod comprising right hand external threads mating to the threads in the first end of the tube, the threads starting at a first end of the rod and extending along the rod, a second rod comprising left hand external threads mating to the threads in the second end of the tube, the threads starting at a first end of the rod and extending along the rod, the first rod threading into the first end of the tube, the second rod threading into the second end of the tube, the tube movable in a first-rotational-direction and the tube movable in a second-rotational-direction, the first-rotational-direction of the tube moves the rods closer to each other while the rods are stationary in rotation, the second-rotational-direction of the tube moves the rods farther away from each other while the rods are stationary in rotation, each second end of each rod having a connection device or the ability to attach another device to the rod;c) a handle assembly comprising a shaft and two separated sides, the sides rotatably mounted around the tube to rotate completely around the tube while straddling the gear, the handle assembly generally perpendicular to the tube, the handle assembly having a first side positioned on one side of the gear and a second side positioned on the opposing side of the gear, the handle assembly first and second sides encircling the tube;d) a pivotal attached U-shaped-pawl referred herein as a U-pawl with a first tooth on one end of the U-pawl and a second tooth on the opposing end of the U-pawl, the first tooth for driving rotation of the tube in the first-rotational-direction and the second tooth for driving the rotation of the tube in the second-rotational-direction, the U-pawl teeth for engaging the gear teeth, the U-pawl attached to the handle assembly between the first side and the second side, the U-pawl pivoting on an axle inserted at a pivot hole on the U-pawl, the axle being attached to the handle assembly first side and the second side that straddles the gear, a pivot axle on the U-pawl being generally centered between the first tooth and the second tooth of the U-pawl, the U-pawl comprising;a. a first-driving-position:b. a second-driving-position;c. a middle-neutral-position, and wherein either i) the middle-neutral-position is not securely held in position, or ii) the middle-neutral-position is securely held in position;e) a means for applying flexible pressure on the U-pawl causing the U-pawl to be held securely in either the first-driving-position or the second-driving-position, the means for applying flexible pressure on the U-pawl keeping the U-pawl first tooth or the second tooth engaged with the gear teeth during ratcheting rotation of the tube, the means for applying flexible pressure on the U-pawl allowing flexible pivotal movement of the U-pawl first tooth or the second tooth around gear teeth roots and gear teeth tips for incremental back and forth movement of the handle assembly and the U-pawl during a ratcheting rotational movement of the tube, wherein moving the U-pawl from the first-driving-position to the second-driving-position or vice versa requires the U-pawl to be manually and forcefully pivoted;f) The tube and the rods being reduced in length when compared to a conventional ratchet load binder, the reduction length of the tube being approximately two inches on each side of the tube for an approximate four inch reduction of the overall length of the tube, and each rod reduced approximately two inches in length;II) a lever-load-binder comprising:a) a handle with a base and a grab end;b) a U-arm that straddles the handle and is pivotally connected to the handle;c) a straight-arm that pivots in and out of a handle slot and is pivotally connected to the handle;d) the U-arm comprising a pivot joint on the end opposing the U-arm handle connection;e) a means of attaching a connection device to the U-arm pivot joint;f) the lever load binder comprising a i) closed and held position of the handle, ii) a middle neutral position of the handle, and iii) opening positions of the handle;the lever-load-binder when drawn with a U-arm-longitudinal-centerline and a straight-arm-longitudinal-centerline comprises an approximate pivot degree difference of approximately twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference of the i-arm-centerline and the straight-arm-centerline when the lever-handle100is in the closed and held position;III) a means of attaching the straight-arm of the lever-load binder to the second rod of the ratchet binder creating a single combination device.

For the convenience of the reader, the following is a reference number used in this description of the invention.1lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder (disclosed invention)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1is a perspective view andFIG.2is a side view showing a prior art ratchet load binder1. The handle assembly4comprises the handle assembly U-pawl housing5with a handle assembly first side7and a handle assembly second side8attached to a handle assembly shaft6. The handle assembly comprising a shaft and two separated sides, the sides rotatably mounted around the tube to rotate completely around the tube while straddling the gear, the handle assembly generally perpendicular to the tube, the handle assembly having a first side positioned on one side of the gear and a second side positioned on the opposing side of the gear, the handle assembly first and second sides encircling the tube. The U-pawl18is positioned between the handle assembly first side7and second side8. Attached to the U-pawl18is the U-pawl head19where the first spring attaches. The U-pawl18pivots on the U-pawl pivot axle30through the U-pawl pivot hole30. The U-pawl18ratchet turns the gear encircling the tube, the gear rigidly attached to the tube, the gear having externally facing teeth, the U-pawl18ratchet turning the tube38in a chosen direction. The tube38comprises internal threads40located inside the tube38. The tube38having opposing open ends and internal threads, the tube first end threads39are right hand internal threads and the tube second end threads40are left hand internal threads. A first rod41comprising right hand external threads44mating to the threads in the first end of the tube39, the threads starting at the rod first end47and extending along the first rod41, and a second rod42comprising left hand external threads mating to the threads in the tube second end40, the threads starting at the rod first end47and extending along the second rod42, the external threads of the first rod41match the tube first end internal threads39and the external threads of the second rod42match the tube second end internal threads40, the first rod41threading into the first end of the tube39, the second rod42threading into the second end of the tube40. The tube38movable in a first-rotational-direction84and the tube38movable in a second-rotational-direction86. The first-rotational-direction84of the tube38moves the rods closer to each other while the rods are stationary in rotation, the second-rotational-direction86of the tube38moves the rods farther away from each other while the rods are stationary in rotation, each rod second end49having a releasable connection device such as a rod hook50. Attached to the end of the first rod41is a rod eyelet46and attached to the end of the second rod42is a rod eyelet46. The rod eyelet46flexibly connecting to a rod flexible connector48, and the rod flexible connector48is flexibly connecting to a rod hook50. The U-pawl18is shown in the first-driving-position18a(seeFIG.3a).

FIGS.3a,3b,3care side view elevation section views of a prior art ratchet load binder1schematically showing the interior parts of the handle assembly U-pawl housing5between the handle assembly4first side7(seeFIG.1) and second side8(seeFIG.1). The handle assembly shaft6is shown attached to the handle assembly U-pawl assembly5that houses the first spring10that is wrapped around the first spring stabilizer stein14with a first spring stabilizer stem ball end16attached to the end of the stabilizer stem14. The first spring stabilizer stem ball end16pivots at the top of the handle assembly U-pawl housing5as the U-pawl18is moved from one position to another position allowing pivotal movement of the first spring10. The pivotal attached U-shaped-pawl18referred herein as a U-pawl18with a first tooth22on one end of the U-pawl18and a second tooth24on the opposing end of the U-pawl18, the first tooth22for driving the rotation of the tube38in the first-rotational-direction84and the second tooth24for driving the rotation of the tube38in the second-rotational-direction86, the U-pawl teeth22+24for engaging the gear teeth35, the U-pawl18attached to the handle assembly between the first side7and the second side8, the U-pawl18pivoting on an axle30inserted at a pivot hole32on the U-pawl18, the axle30being attached to the handle assembly first side7and the second side8that straddles the gear34, the pivot axle30on the U-pawl18being generally centered between the first tooth22and the second tooth24of the U-pawl18, the U-pawl18having;i. a first-driving-position18a,ii. a second-driving-position18b, andiii. a middle-neutral-position18c.

The first spring hook12attaches to the U-pawl head19through a U-pawl eyelet20allowing pivoting action of the U-pawl18and the first spring10. The U-pawl first arm22is shown with the U-pawl first tooth26located at the end of the U-pawl first arm22. The U-pawl second arm24is shown with the U-pawl second tooth28located at the end of the U-pawl second arm24. The U-pawl pivot hole32is located at a center point of the U-pawl18to pivot on a U-pawl pivot axle30, the U-pawl pivot axle30attaching to the handle assembly4first side7(not shown) and second side8(not identified). The U-pawl first tooth26is shown engaging the gear34between the gear teeth35at the gear tooth root36and also showing the gear teeth tips37. The handle assembly U-pawl assembly5connects to the handle assembly first side7(not shown) and the handle assembly second side8(not identified). The tube38is shown with the tube first end internal threads39(not shown) and the tube second end internal threads40. The first spring10applying flexible pressure on the U-pawl18causing the U-pawl18to be held securely in either the first-driving-position18aor the second-driving-position18b. The first spring10being secured in the handle assembly4and keeping the U-pawl18first tooth26or the second tooth28engaged with the gear teeth35during ratcheting rotation of the tube38. The first spring10allowing flexible pivotal movement of the U-pawl18first tooth26or the second tooth28around the gear teeth roots36and the gear teeth tips37for incremental back and forth movement of the handle assembly4and the U-pawl18during the ratcheting rotational movement of the tube38while maintaining the U-pawl18first tooth26or the second tooth28in contact with the gear34. Moving the U-pawl18from the first-driving-position18ato the second-driving-position18bor vice versa requires the U-pawl18to be manually and forcefully pivoted, and wherein pivoting the U-pawl18initially contracts the first spring10while moving the U-pawl18towards the middle-neutral-position18cand then expands the first spring10when the U-pawl moves past the middle-neutral-position18cto the opposing driving position18aor18b.

FIG.4is a side view elevation of a prior art conventional lever-load-binder96with the lever-handle100in the closed-and-held-position138and with an approximate pivot degree difference of approximately six (6) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. The centerlines108,109are not shown in this drawing, seeFIG.8for the displayed centerlines108,109. Shown is the lever-handle100in the closed-and-held-position138, the lever-handle-grasp-end102, the lever-handle-base104, the U-arm-pivot-joint116, the U-arm106, the U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112, the straight-arm110, the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114, the straight-arm-pivot-joint118, the first rotating connector120, the first flexible connector124, the first hook128, the second rotating connector122, the second flexible connector126, the second hook130. Additionally shown is the lever-handle to U-arm-pivot-joint spread134and the lever-handle to straight-arm-pivot-joint spread136when the handle is in the closed-and-held-position138. The lever-handle to U-arm-pivot-joint spread134and the lever-handle to straight-arm-pivot-joint spread136are noticeably larger than the same spreads inFIG.5. The reason for the larger spreads inFIG.4is the U-arm's pivot degree difference when compared to the straight-arm pivot degrees. The U-arm's pivot degree difference moves straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114towards the first hook128increasing the overall length of the lever-load-binder96and providing less tension on the lever-load binder96when bound.

FIG.5is a side view elevation of a prior art conventional lever-load-binder96with the lever-handle100in the neutral position and with an approximate pivot degree difference of approximately six (6) degrees of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. The centerlines108,109are not shown in this drawing, SeeFIG.8for the displayed centerlines. The lever-handle to U-arm-pivot-joint spread134and the lever-handle to straight-arm-pivot-joint spread136are noticeably smaller than the same spreads inFIG.4. The reason for the smaller spreads inFIG.4is the U-arm's pivot degree is the same as the straight-arm pivot degree. This alignment of the pivot degrees between the U-arm and the straight-arm moves straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114towards the second hook1130shortening the overall length of the lever-load-binder96and providing more tension on the lever-load binder96when bound.

FIG.6is a side view elevation of a prior art conventional lever-load-binder96with the lever-handle100in the opening position showing the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114moving up and towards the first-hook128increasing the overall length of the lever-load-binder96and providing less tension on the lever-load hinder96when hound.

FIG.7is a side view elevation of the fully open prior art, conventional lever-load binder96.

FIG.8is a side view elevation of a prior art conventional lever-load-binder96with the lever-handle in the closed-and-held-position138and with an approximate pivot degree difference of approximately six (6) degrees of the U-arm-centerline and the straight-arm-centerline when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. The centerlines108,109are shown in this drawing. The U-arm-centerline108is shown along the U-arm and the straight-arm-centerline109is shown along the straight-arm110. The degrees spread difference is shown as133on both ends of the binder.

FIG.9is a side view elevation of a prior art conventional lever-load-binder96with the lever-handle in the neutral position and with matching pivot degrees of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109. The centerlines108,109are shown in this drawing. The U-arm-centerline108is shown along the U-arm106and the straight-arm-centerline109is shown along the straight-arm110. There is no degrees spread difference between the two centerlines108,109and the centerlines are parallel and inline with each other.

FIG.10is a side view elevation of a prior art conventional lever-load-binder96with the lever-handle100in the beginning of the opening position and with the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109being parallel and not inline with each other. The centerlines108,109are shown in this drawing. The U-arm-centerline108is shown along the U-arm106and the straight-arm-centerline109is shown along the straight-arm110. There is no degrees spread difference between the two centerlines108,109.

FIG.11is the same drawing asFIG.7and is used as reference on this page.

FIG.12is a side view elevation showing a modified ratchet-load-binder3modified for the purpose of the disclosed invention. The modified ratchet-load-binder3is to be combined and attached to the modified lever-load-binder98to complete the disclosed invention lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1. The modification to the ratchet-load-binder3is a shortened tube38aand shortened rods41aand42a. For the modified ratchet-load-binder3to be combined with the modified lever-load-binder, removal is required of one of the hooks50, one of the rod flexible connectors48, and one of the rod eyelets46, each on the same side of the binder. The handle assembly4comprises the handle assembly U-pawl housing5with a handle assembly first side7and a handle assembly4second side8attached to a handle assembly shaft6. The handle assembly4comprising a shaft6and two separated sides7,8, the sides7,8rotatably mounted around the tube38ato rotate completely around the tube38awhile straddling the gear34, the handle assembly4generally perpendicular to the tube38a, the handle assembly4having a first side7positioned on one side of the gear34and a second side8positioned on the opposing side of the gear34, the handle assembly first and second sides encircling the short tube38a. The U-pawl18is positioned between the handle assembly first side7and second side8. Attached to the U-pawl18is the U-pawl head19where the first spring attaches. The U-pawl18pivots on the U-pawl pivot axle30through the U-pawl pivot hole30. The U-pawl18ratchet turns the gear encircling the short tube38a, the gear34rigidly attached to the tube38a, the gear34having externally facing teeth, the U-pawl18ratchet turning the short tube38ain a chosen direction. The short tube38acomprises internal threads40located inside the short tube38a. The short tube38ahaving opposing open ends and internal threads, the tube38afirst end threads39are right hand internal threads and the tube38asecond end threads40are left hand internal threads. A short first rod41acomprising right hand external threads44mating to the threads in the first end39of the tube38a, the threads44starting at the rod first end47and extending along the short first rod41a, and a short second rod42acomprising left hand external threads45mating to the threads in the tube38asecond end40, the threads45starting at the rod second end49and extending along the short second rod42a, the external threads44of the short first rod41amatch the tube38afirst end internal threads39and the external threads of the short second rod42amatch the tube38asecond end internal threads40, the short first rod41athreading into the first end39of the tube38a, the short second rod42athreading into the second end40of the tube38a. The short tube38amovable in a first-rotational-direction84and the short tube38amovable in a second-rotational-direction86. The first-rotational-direction84of the short tube38amoves the rods closer to each other while the rods are stationary in rotation, the second-rotational-direction86of the short tube38amoves the rods farther away from each other while the rods are stationary in rotation, each rod second end49having a releasable connection device such as a rod hook50. Attached to the end of the short first rod41ais a rod eyelet46and attached to the end of the short second rod42ais a rod eyelet46. The rod eyelet46flexibly connecting to a rod flexible connector48, and the rod flexible connector48is flexibly connecting to a rod hook50. The U-pawl18is shown in the first-driving-position18a(seeFIG.3a).

FIG.12is also a side view elevation showing a modified ratchet-load-binder3modified for the purpose of the disclosed invention. The modified ratchet-load-binder3is to be combined and attached to the modified lever-load-binder98to complete the disclosed invention lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1. The modification to the ratchet-load-binder3is a shortened tube38aand shortened rods41aand42a. For the modified ratchet-load-binder3to be combined with the modified lever-load-binder,

FIG.13is a side view elevation showing a modified lever-load-binder98modified for the purpose of the disclosed invention lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1. The modified lever-load-binder98is to be combined and attached to the modified ratchet-load-binder3to complete the disclosed invention lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1. The modification to the lever-load-binder98is an approximate pivot degree difference of approximately twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline and the straight-arm-centerline when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. A prior art lever-load-binder comprises approximately six (6) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. To attach the modified lever-load-binder98to the modified ratchet-load-binder3, certain components of each binder must be removed. The straight-arm-pivot-joint118, the first rotating connector120, the first flexible connector124, and the first hook128are removed from the modified lever-load-binder98. (seeFIG.14) The modified lever-load-binder98straight-arm110is to be attached to the modified ratchet-load-binder3short second rod42awith an attachment means such as metal welding. The rod eyelet46is to be removed from the short second rod42a.

FIG.13shows a side view elevation of the modified lever-load-hinder98with the lever-handle100in the closed-and-held-position138and with an approximate pivot degree difference of approximately twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline and the straight-arm-centerline when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. The approximately twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138is a deviation from the prior art lever-load-binder96that is approximately six (6) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. The centerlines108,109are not shown in this drawing, seeFIG.16for the displayed centerlines108,109on the disclosed invention lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1with a twelve (12) degrees centerlines difference. (seeFIG.17) for the displayed centerlines108,109on the disclosed invention lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1with a six (6) degrees centerlines difference.FIG.13shows the lever-handle100in the closed-and-held-position138, the lever-handle-grasp-end102, the lever-handle-base104, the U-arm-pivot-joint116, the U-arm106, the U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112, the straight-arm110, the straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114, the straight-arm-pivot-joint118, the first rotating connector120, the first flexible connector124, the first hook128, the second rotating connector122, the second flexible connector126, the second hook130.

FIG.14shows a side view elevation of the disclosed invention, lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1with the lever-handle100of the modified lever-load-binder3in the closed-and-held-position138. The lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1is created by combining a modified prior art lever-load-binder98with a modified prior art ratchet-load binder3. The modifications to each prior art binder would render each binder useless if used on their own without combining the two binders together. The modifications to each binder are not obvious to perform since the modifications render the binder useless when used on their own. Each modified binder used on its own cannot properly bind a chain to a load in a tightly bound configuration, the two modified binders must work as attached partners to attain a tight bind on a chain and a load. The two modified binders98,3are attached at the straight-arm attachment to short second rod111of the modified lever-load-binder and to the second short rod42aof the modified ratchet-load-binder3. The modified-ratchet-load-binder3second rod45inFIG.14does not comprise the hook50, flexible connector48and the eyelet46. These components are removed and in their place are similar items comprised on the modified lever-load-binder98of the hook130, flexible connector126, and second rotating connector122.

FIG.14shows the modified lever-load-binder98ofFIG.13of approximately twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. (seeFIG.16) for the displayed centerlines108,109on the drawing.FIG.14also shows the modified ratchet-load-binder3with the rod hook50, rod flexible connector48, and the eyelet46removed to allow the attachment of the modified lever-load-binder98straight-arm110to the short second rod42a.FIG.14is the preferred configuration of the lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1. In the operation of this preferred lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1, after the tension on the hooks130,50is substantially exerted using the ratchet-load binder portion of the lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1, it would be nearly impossible to move the handle100of the modified lever-load-binder98to the opening position due to the additional tension applied to the hooks130,50when the modified lever-load-binder98handle100is moved from the closed and held position to the neutral position. Shown inFIG.14of the modified ratchet-load-binder3is the handle assembly first side7, the handle assembly second side8, the tube second end internal threads40, the rod eyelet46, the rod flexible connector48, the first rod external threads, right hand threads44, the tube first end internal threads39, the U-Pawl first tooth26, the U-Pawl pivot axle30, the U-Pawl18, the U-Pawl eyelet20, the first spring hook12, the first spring10, first spring stabilizer stem14, the first spring stabilizer stem ball end16, the handle assembly shaft6, the handle assembly4, the handle assembly U-pawl housing5, the U-Pawl head19.

FIG.15shows the lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1with the prior art lever-load-binder96with the lever-handle in the closed-and-held-position138and with an approximate pivot degree difference of approximately six (6) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. Also shown is the modified ratchet-load binder3with the short tube38a, short first rod41a, and the short second rod42a. Although this configuration of the invention may not be the preferred design since it would allow the prior art lever-load-binder96lever-handle to be placed in the opening position after the modified ratchet-load binder3has been tightened with substantial tension.

FIG.14andFIG.15show the lever-handle to U-arm-pivot-joint spread134and the lever-handle to straight-arm-pivot-joint spread136on each drawing. As noted, the spreads134and136are a smaller spread inFIG.15when compared toFIG.14. The difference in the spreads134and136are the result of the difference in degrees of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109when the handle100is in the closed-and-held-position138. The prior art lever-load-binder96has approximately six (6) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109and the modified lever-load-binder98has approximately twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference of the U-arm-centerline108and the straight-arm-centerline109. SinceFIG.14comprises twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference, the straight-arm110extends further away from the lever-handle100increasing the overall length of the lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1when compared toFIG.15. The lever-handle to U-arm-pivot-joint spread134and the lever-handle to straight-arm-pivot-joint spread136inFIG.14are larger than the same areas ofFIG.15.

To release created tension on theFIG.14andFIG.15hooks130,50without first releasing the tension on the hooks130,50using the ratchet-load binder98portion of the invention1, both lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1inFIG.14andFIG.15would need to have the handle moved from the closed-and-held-position138to the neutral position and then to the opening position. The lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1inFIG.14with the twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference is required to close a larger gap of both the U-arm-pivot-joint spread134and the lever-handle to straight-arm-pivot-joint spread136requiring more force to move the lever-handle from the closed-and-held-position138to the neutral position. The additional force needed by the lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1inFIG.14with the twelve (12) degrees of pivot difference may be preferential in only allowing the modified ratchet-load binder3to remove the tension from the binder hooks130,50and not allowing the modified lever-load-binder98to remove the tension from the binder hooks130,150prior to using the modified ratchet-load binder3. In this instance of preference, if the modified ratchet-load binder3only was locked out of use in the loosening rotation, there would be no reason to also lock out the use of the modified lever-load-binder98.

FIG.16the same drawing atFIG.14with the added U-arm-centerline108displayed and the added straight-arm-centerline109displayed. Approximate twelve (12) degrees of difference132between the two centerlines108,109is shown.

FIG.17the same drawing atFIG.15with the added U-arm-centerline108displayed and the added straight-arm-centerline109displayed. Approximate six (6) degrees of difference133between the two centerlines108,109is shown.

FIG.18shown the lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1in the fully open position.

FIG.19is a top view elevation of the lever-load-binder handle100, straight-arm110, lever-handle-grasp-end102, lever-handle-base104, straight-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle114, lever-handle-slot105, straight-arm-pivot-joint118, first rotating connector120, U-arm-pivot-joint116, second rotating connector122, lever-handle-pivot-point101. U-arm-pivot-connection-to-handle112. The lever-handle-slot105can be modified for various fully opening positions of the lever-and-ratchet-hybrid-load-binder1.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood there from, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.