Winch for securing a load

A winch for securing a load to a vehicle a is disclosed. The winch includes a mounting bracket with opposed flanges. The winch further includes a drum extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The drum is mounted relative to the opposed flanges so that the drum is rotatable about its axis. The winch includes a gear received on the drum and a worm configured to mesh with the gear so that a rotation of the worm causes a rotation of the gear. The winch further includes a clutch assembly between the drum and the gear. The clutch assembly is biasable between a first configuration in which the gear is fixed relative to the drum about the axis of the drum and a second configuration in which the gear is rotatable relative to the drum about the axis of the drum.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates a mechanical retention device and more specifically relates to a winch retaining a fixing a load to a position by a strap.

BACKGROUND

During road shipping of goods on an open flat-bed trailer, a strap tightening system is required—and is compulsory under government regulations—to maintain the load in place over the trailer flat-bed. Loads on open trailers can be conventionally held in place by wrap-around straps, extending transversely over the load and spaced from one another. Each of these straps is tightened in place by a corresponding winch.

It is known to use winches and straps to secure loads to a trailer. Known winches, for example, may comprise 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. A disadvantage of these known winches is that they require significant force generated from a winch bar which require significant human force and is prone to dislodge from the system causing injury.

In is known to overcome these problems by using a gear assembly with a worm gear wherein the worm is turned to drive the gear and thereby the winch. The friction between the worm and the gear retains tension in the strap after the turning force is applied. A disadvantage of these systems is that it is difficult to release the strap. This is a particular problem when there are multiple winches on a load that must be released or adjusted. In order to expedite this process, the known winches employing this gear assembly provide a worm that is disengageable from the gear. There are several disadvantages with this design. First, there is the potential for the worm to unintentionally disengage from the gear. For example, this could occur during transport of the load, resulting in injury or death and potential damage to the load and other equipment. Another disadvantage of these systems is that movement of the worm relative to the gear can lead to less than full engagement between the worm and the gear. Another problem with these systems is that they are difficult to maintain in a lubricated state. Another disadvantage is that winches in accordance with the prior art are expensive and therefore not readily adopted in the industry.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to these and other problems.

SUMMARY

The needs set forth herein as well as further and other needs and advantages are addressed by the present teachings, which illustrate solutions and advantages described below.

It is an objective of the present teachings to remedy the above drawbacks and issues associated with prior art selective laser sintering methods.

The present invention resides in one aspect in a winch for securing a load to a vehicle with a strap. The winch includes a mounting bracket with opposed flanges. The winch further includes a drum extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The drum is mounted relative to the opposed flanges so that the drum is rotatable about its axis. The drum is configured to retain a strap so that a rotation of the drum about the axis in a first direction pays in the strap and a rotation of the drum about the axis in a second direction pays out the strap. The winch further includes a gear assembly comprising a gear received on the drum and a worm configured to mesh with the gear so that a rotation of the worm causes a rotation of the gear. The winch further includes a clutch assembly between the drum and the gear. The clutch assembly is biasable between a first configuration in which the gear is fixed relative to the drum about the axis of the drum and a second configuration in which the gear is rotatable relative to the drum about the axis of the drum.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the winch includes an actuator operably connected to the clutch assembly to bias the clutch assembly between the first configuration and the second configuration.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the winch includes a bore defined by the drum. The bore extends inward along the axis of the drum from an opening in one of the first end and second ends of the drum.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the drum defines a plurality slots and of each of the slots extends radially between the bore and an outer surface of the drum.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the winch comprises a plurality of locking pins and each of the locking pin is received in one of the plurality of slots.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, in the first configuration of the clutch assembly in which the gear is fixed relative to the drum about the axis of the drum, each of the plurality of pins extend radially beyond the outer surface of the drum to engage with an inside surface of the gear.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, in the second configuration of the clutch assembly in which the gear is rotatable relative to the drum about the axis of the drum, each of the plurality of pins are flush with or below the outer surface of the drum.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the winch comprises a clutch shaft received in the bore of the drum. The clutch shaft is rotatable about the axis of the drum.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the clutch shaft comprises a plurality of axially extending channels in an outer surface of the clutch shaft. Each of the channels define a concave arcuate surface in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the clutch shaft.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the shaft comprises a plurality of axially extending convex arcuate surfaces, wherein each of the convex arcuate surfaces is disposed between concave arcuate surfaces.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein in the first configuration of the clutch assembly in which the gear is fixed relative to the drum about the axis of the drum, each of the plurality of convex arcuate surfaces is radially aligned with each of the plurality of slots.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the second configuration of the clutch assembly in which the gear is rotatable relative to the drum about the axis of the drum, each of the plurality of concave arcuate surfaces is radially aligned with each of the plurality of slots.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the winch further comprises a plurality of biasing members, each of the biasing members extending radially inward from the drum and configured to contact the outer surface of the clutch shaft.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the biasing members inhibit rotation of the clutch shaft relative to the drum.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the inside surface of the gear comprises a plurality of axially extending concave arcuate surfaces for at least partially receiving the locking pins when the clutch assembly is in the first configuration.

The present invention resides in another aspect in a winch for securing a load to a vehicle with a strap. The winch comprises a mounting bracket with opposed flanges. A drum extends along an axis between a first end and a second end. The drum is mounted relative to the opposed flanges so that the drum is rotatable about its axis. The drum is configured to retain a strap so that a rotation of the drum about the axis in a first direction pays in the strap and a rotation of the drum about the axis in a second direction pays out the strap. The winch includes a gear assembly comprising a gear received on the drum and a worm configured to mesh with the gear so that a rotation of the worm causes a rotation of the gear. The winch further includes a clutch shaft disposed in a bore in the drum and rotatable relative to the bore between a first position in which the gear is fixed relative to the drum about the axis of the drum and a second position in which the gear is rotatable relative to the drum about the axis of the drum.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the drum defines an aperture radially connecting an opening in the outer surface of the drum and an opening in a surface of the drum that defines the bore.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the winch comprises a locking member slideably disposed in the aperture.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, in the first position the locking member extends radially from the drum to engage with the gear.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the winch of claim19, further comprises a biasing member to inhibit rotation of the clutch shaft relative to the drum about the drum axis.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the drawings and detailed description provided below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes aspects of the present invention with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings; however, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the present invention include many more embodiments. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are not to be restricted in light of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments.

In reference toFIGS.1-8a winch10in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The winch10comprises a drum20that extends from a first end22and to a second end24. The terms first and second end are used generally to refer to the orientation of the drum20and the position of the strap relative thereto and are not intended to limit the present invention. The terms do not refer to an absolute distal or proximal end, unless specifically stated herein. The disclosure refers to a gear assembly for driving drum20at the second end24of the drum20. A person of skill in the art and familiar with the disclosure will understand generally that the term first and second end, when used in reference to the drum refer to the opposing portions of the drum between which a strap is received.

The drum20extends along an axis from the first end22to the second end24. In some embodiments, the drum20includes a transverse opening26for receiving a retaining strap. A person of skill in the art and familiar with this disclosure will understand that the invention is not limited in this regard and that other methods and techniques for fixing a strap or other binding material may be employed with the winch in accordance with the present invention. In some embodiments a transition is formed between the opening26and the drum20to ensure that a strap received therein is not damaged.

The drum20is rotatably mounted in a bracket30. The bracket30includes a base and opposing flanges32,34extending from the base. The first flange32defines an opening configured to receive the first end22of the drum20. In the embodiment shown, a first bushing42is received in the opening. The first bushing42facilitates rotation of the drum20about its axis relative to the first flange32. A person of skill in the art and familiar with this disclosure will understand that different techniques for receiving the drum20in the first flange42may be employed. For example, in some embodiments a roller bearing may be used. In other embodiments, the drum is received in the first flange32without a bushing. The first end22of the drum20extends through the hole in the first flange32. A hand wheel80is fixed to the distal end of the drum. The hand wheel80enables an operator to turn the drum20in the first direction about its axis and the second direction about its axis. It should be noted that in the embodiment disclosed in the FIGS., the size and shape of the hand wheel80and the gear assembly, discussed further herein, are selected so that force from the gear assembly inhibits rotation of the hand wheel an operator when the worm is engaged with the mesh. Although a hand wheel80is shown in embodiment shown in the FIGS., the present invention is not limited in this regard and other shapes or configurations may be employed for manual rotation of the drum20.

The bracket30may be fixed to a transport vehicle such as a flatbed truck or the like. The bracket30may be fixed to the vehicle by a weld or by fasteners. In other embodiments, the bracket30is received in tracks configured to retain the winch. For example, the first flange32and the second flange34are provided with notches in an outer surface thereof proximate to the base. The notches are configured so that the winch may be received in a track. The present invention is not limited in this regard and other configurations or techniques may be used to fix the winch10relative to the vehicle.

A strap is received in the transverse opening26. The drum20is rotated in a first direction about the drum axis to pay in the strap. This causes a length of strap to wind around the drum20and causes a tension in the strap, thereby generating a force that can be harnessed to retain an otherwise unfixed load on a vehicle. The tension force on the strap and friction between the strap retains the strap about the drum20. The drum20is rotated in a second direction about the axis that is opposite the first direction to pay out the strap, thereby detensioning or releasing the strap.

The second end24of the drum is received in a bushing44in the second flange34of the mounting bracket30. The second end24of the drum20extends through a hole in the flange34and through a housing60. As will be described herein, a clutch actuator50is connected to the second end of the drum24. The actuator50is rotatable relative to the drum20about the drum axis, however, as described herein the clutch assembly may include one or more features that inhibit free rotation of the actuator50relative to the drum axis. It will be understood to a person of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with this disclosure that the actuator50does not enable normal rotation of the drum20to pay in or pay out strapping. The actuator50is provided and configured for biasing a clutch between a first position wherein the drum20is fixed relative to a gear120about the drum axis and a second position wherein the drum20is rotatable relative to the gear120about the drum axis.

The housing60retains a worm gear assembly. The worm gear assembly comprises a gear120. The gear120defines an opening through which a portion of the drum20is received inside the housing40. The gear is round an includes a plurality of gear teeth on the outside surface thereof. The winch10includes a worm70configured to mesh with the teeth in the gear. In the embodiment disclosed FIGS the axis of rotation of the worm70is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the gear120. The worm70extends along an axis to an end where a head72is disposed thereon. The head72is configured to receive a standard ratchet to enable manual or powered rotation of the worm70. As is understood in the art in association with such worm gears, a rotation of the worm70about a worm axis causes a rotation of the gear120about the gear axis. In the embodiment disclosed, the worm70is fixed relative to the gear120and cannot be biased to a position wherein the worm is disengaged from the gear. When rotational power is applied to the worm70, it rotates against the gear120and transfers power to the drum20. The system is designed so that the worm70can easily turn the gear120, but the gear120cannot turn the worm70. The friction between the gear120and worm70holds the worm in place. This feature can be very useful in retaining heavy loads via the strapping. As is described further below, the winch10includes clutch assembly between the drum20and the gear120that enables release of the strapping without having to rotate the worm and gear120that are permanently meshed.

In reference toFIG.2, a side view of the winch10is shown. The actuator50is connected to the winch10by two fasteners52. The housing60includes and end plate62and fasteners63configured to retain the gear assembly and associated structure therein so that it shall remain in a lubricated states. The housing60further includes side plating64. The winch10includes a lubrication port65that is accessible from outside the winch10. The lube port65is in fluid communication with the gear120and clutch assembly and enables introduction of lubricant into the system.

The winch10disclosed in the FIGS. includes a clutch assembly between the drum20and the gear120. The clutch assembly is biasable between a first configuration in which the gear120is fixed relative to the drum20about the axis of the drum20and a second configuration in which the gear120is rotatable relative to the drum20about the axis of the drum.

In reference toFIG.8, the second end24of the drum20is shown. The drum20defines a bore144that extends axially from an opening146in the second end24. The bore144has a circular cross section. The drum20further defines a plurality of slots142that radially extend from the bore144to the outer surface of the drum20so that an area outside the drum20is in fluid communication with the bore144via the slots142. In the embodiment disclosed, the slots142are generally rectangular, but the present invention is not limited in this regard. A person of skill in the art will understand that different shapes may be employed sufficient for retaining locking members. It should be further understood that while the embodiment disclosed inFIG.8includes four slots142, the present invention is not limited in this regard and the number of slots may vary from one to more than four.

The second end of the drum further includes a plurality of holes148spaced axially between the slots142and the distal end of the drum. The holes148extend between the bore144and the outer surface of the drum20so that an area outside the drum20is in fluid communication with the bore144via the holes148. In the embodiment disclosed, the holes148are generally circular, but the present invention is not limited in this regard. A person of skill in the art will understand that different shapes may be employed for retaining biasing members. It should be further understood that while the embodiment disclosed inFIG.8includes four holes148, the present invention is not limited in this regard and the number of holes may vary from one to more than four. It should be further understood that in some embodiments, the holes148may terminate prior to opening in the outer surface of the drum20. It should be further understood to a person of ordinary skill in the art that in some embodiments of the present invention, the holes148are not include a separate means, such a torsional biasing member, is provided for inhibiting rotation of the clutch shaft relative to the drum.

In further reference to the drum20shown inFIG.8, a seat for a gasket is provided in the outer surface of the drum20between the holes148and the slots142. A gasket is received in the seat when the system is assembled to retain lubricant in the system. The present invention is not limited in this regard.

InFIG.4, a cross sectional view through the plane4-4of the winch10as indicated inFIG.2is shown. The actuator50is connected to the second end24of the drum20via a clutch shaft160. The actuator50is connected to the clutch shaft160by two fasteners52so that it is fixed to the clutch shaft160about the axis of rotation. The clutch shaft160is connected to the drum20via fastener168. The fastener168axially retains the clutch shaft160relative to the drum20but permits rotation of the clutch shaft168relative to the drum20about the axis of rotation.

In reference toFIG.5, the second end24of the drum20is received in the hole through the gear120. The clutch shaft160is received in the in the bore144. The winch10includes a plurality of locking members156. In the embodiment shown in the FIGS. the locking members are in the form of cylindrical pins. Each locking pin156is disposed in one of the plurality of slots142. The winch10further includes biasing members150received in the holes148and retained therein at the radial extent by a fastener. The biasing member150includes a ball bearing152at the radial interior end that contacts an outer surface of the clutch shaft160. The biasing member150is retained under compression such that a radial force is applied to the clutch shaft160. This radial force generates a tangential friction force between the bearing150and the surface of the clutch shaft160, thereby inhibiting (but allowing) rotation of the clutch shaft160relative to the drum20. As discussed above, the present invention is not limited in regard and other techniques may be employed such as a torsional biasing member.

In reference toFIGS.6A-6C and7A-7C, the outer surface162of the shaft160defines an alternating pattern of concave arcuate surfaces164and convex arcuate surfaces166in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the clutch shaft. In the embodiment shown in the FIGS., a notch167is provided in the surface of the convex arcuate surfaces166.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the clutch assembly is biasable between a first configuration in which the gear120is fixed relative to the drum about the axis of the drum and a second configuration in which the gear is rotatable relative to the drum about the axis of the drum. In reference toFIGS.6A-6C, the clutch assembly is shown in the first configuration in which the gear120is fixed relative to the drum20about the axis. The clutch shaft160is positioned relative to the drum20so that the convex arcuate surfaces166are aligned with the slots142. The convex arcuate surfaces166pushes the locking pins156radially outside the opening of the slots142in the outer surface of the drum20so that the locking pins engage with an inner surface of the gear120, thereby fixing the drum relative to the gear about the axis of rotation of the gear. In this configuration, rotation of the worm70is transferred to the gear120which in turn is transferred to the drum20, thereby enabling the tensioning of a strap connected to the drum20.

In reference toFIGS.6B and6Cand cross sectional view of the assembly is shown wherein the cross section is axially spaced from the section shown inFIG.6A, but the clutch shaft160is in the same position. In this configuration, the biasing members150are compressed and ball bearing152at the distal end of the biasing member150engage the notch167in the convex arcuate surface of the clutch shaft, thereby further inhibiting rotation of the clutch shaft160relative to the drum20. This feature serves to hold or maintain the position of the clutch shaft160relative to the drum thereby maintaining gear120engagement with the drum20and inhibiting unintentional release thereof through the actuator50.

In reference toFIGS.7A-7C, the clutch assembly is shown in the second configuration in which the gear120is rotatable relative to the drum20about the axis. The clutch shaft160is positioned relative to the drum20so that the concave arcuate surfaces164are aligned with the slots142. The concave arcuate surfaces164partially receive the locking pins156so that the locking pins are flush with or below the outer surface of the drum20. In this manner, the drum20is disengaged from the gear120and is rotatable relative thereto about the axis of rotation. In this configuration, rotation of the worm70is transferred to the gear120, but it is not transferred to the drum20, thereby enabling free rotation of the drum by the hand wheel80. In this second configuration, the operator can quickly pay in or pay out strap from the system without the tedious rotation of the worm gear and its associated gear ratio.

In reference toFIG.7Athe inside surface of the opening in the gear120includes a plurality of concave arcuate surfaces122for receiving the locking pins when the clutch assembly is in the first configuration. When the clutch assembly is rotated in the second configuration, and the locking pins156are retracted, the drum20may rotate relative to the gear120. While gravity may draw on or more of the pins156outside the surface of the drum in this configuration, a subsequent rotation of the gear120relative to the drum will generate a force on the pins which causes them to roll into the channels formed by the concave arcuate sections in the outer surface of the clutch shaft thereby enabling free rotation of drum relative to the gear.

When the system is in the second configuration, the receiving surfaces on the inside surface of the gear may not be aligned with the slots, thereby inhibits biasing into the first configuration. An operator can align the parts by simultaneously adjusting the actuator and the hand wheel until the members are aligned. In some embodiments of the present invention, there are additional receiving surfaces on the inside of the gear.

The present disclosure describes aspects of the invention with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings; however, aspects of the invention are not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the invention include many more embodiments. Accordingly, aspects of the invention are not to be restricted in light of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments.