Abstract:
The metal strap-winding device comprises a winding mechanism, a rotary drive mechanism, a protective shield, and a base member. The protective shield is positioned proximate to the winding mechanism. In an embodiment, the strap is engaged in a guide system to feed the strap to the winding mechanism in a controlled fashion. The device may be operated manually or automatically, and provides simple, effective and safe handling of such straps.

Description:
[0001]     This U.S. utility patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/621,255 filed Oct. 22, 2004, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a strap-winding device and more particularly to a new strap-winding device for use in handling discarded cargo retaining straps used in the shipping industry for palletized goods and the like.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Cargo retaining straps or bands are commonly used in the transportation and shipping industries for securing palletized goods and the like. These straps offer an inexpensive yet effective means for securing various items. Metal straps are often used as they are strong yet relatively inexpensive.  
         [0004]     The handling of such straps poses significant problems after removal from palletized goods. The metal straps conventionally used have a significant spring rate or are stiff and resistant to bending, making them difficult to handle. They also have sharp edges, which together with the stiffness of the metal material of the strap become somewhat dangerous to handle. These and other aspects of the straps result in significant difficulties in handling and create a hazardous situation for workers.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     One aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes an apparatus for including a support member having first and second sides, a drive mechanism operatively associated with the first side of the support member, the drive mechanism having at least a first rotatable drive mechanism output, a winding mechanism operatively connected to the at least a first drive mechanism output, the winding member being positioned in association with the second side of the support member, and, a strap guide operatively attached to the support member for use in circuitously routing an associated strapping material to the winding mechanism under tension.  
         [0006]     Another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a generally planar support member and a base extended from an end of the generally planar support member.  
         [0007]     Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes fastening members fixedly attached with respect to the support member, the fastening members being selectively adjustable for use in attaching the apparatus to an associated rigid object.  
         [0008]     Still another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes threaded members for use in selectively attaching the apparatus to the associated rigid object.  
         [0009]     Even another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a manual drive mechanism, wherein the manual drive mechanism includes a shaft rotatably connected with respect to the support member and a handle operatively connected to the shaft for use in manually turning the drive mechanism.  
         [0010]     Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a motor or other locomotive device, and, wherein the at least a first drive mechanism output includes a rotatable motor shaft operatively associated with the winding mechanism.  
         [0011]     Still another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a shield extended from a first end of the support member.  
         [0012]     A further aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a shaping structure for use in shaping the associated strapping material.  
         [0013]     Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a shaping structure that includes first and second tubular members that receive the associated strapping material between the first and second tubular members for winding the associated strapping material into a circular shaped configuration.  
         [0014]     Still another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes an apparatus for rewinding used segments of associated strapping material, that includes a generally planar support member, a manual drive mechanism operatively associated with the generally planar support member, the drive mechanism having at least a first rotatable drive mechanism output extending through the support member, a winding mechanism operatively connected to the at least a first rotatable drive mechanism output, and, at least a first pair of shafts extending from the support member, the at least a first pair of shafts being juxtaposed to the winding mechanism thereby creating a circuitous route through which a strapping material is guided onto the winding mechanism.  
         [0015]     Still yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a third shaft extending from the support member, the third shaft being juxtaposed between the winding mechanism and the at least a first pair of shafts so as to shape the associated strapping material into a curved configuration as it moves to the winding mechanism.  
         [0016]     Even another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes at least a first tubular member, the at least a first tubular member being adapted to receive the associated curved strapping material.  
         [0017]     Still another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes first and second tubular members that rotate in conjunction with the manual drive mechanism, and, wherein the associated strapping material is initially received between the first and second tubular members and thereafter wound around the tubular members.  
         [0018]     Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a third shaft that is juxtaposed between the winding mechanism and the at least a first pair shafts in a generally orthogonal relationship so as to shape the associated strapping material into a curved configuration.  
         [0019]     Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a third shaft that is juxtaposed between the winding mechanism and the at least a first pair shafts thereby defining a vertex forming an angle A, and, wherein the angle A is in the range of 60 to 120 degrees.  
         [0020]     Still another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes a method of winding associated used strapping material that includes providing a support member having first and second sides, a drive mechanism operatively attached to the first side of the support member, the drive mechanism having at least a first drive mechanism output, a winding mechanism operatively connected to the at least a first drive mechanism output, the winding mechanism being attached to the second side of the support member, and, a strap guide operatively attached to the support member for use in circuitously routing an associated strapping material to the winding mechanism under tension, inserting at least a first section of associated strapping material onto the winding mechanism, activating the driving mechanism thereby shaping the associated strapping material into a curved configuration, and, winding the associated strapping material into a wound shape.  
         [0021]     A further aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes winding the associated strapping material into a generally doughnut or wound shape.  
         [0022]     Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention includes inserting at least a first section of associated strapping material into the strap guide, and, straightening the associated strapping material.  
         [0023]     In view of the foregoing problems in the use and handling of shipping securing straps, the present invention is directed to a device and method for providing safe and effective handling of such straps, by winding the straps into a small, doughnut-type of configuration. The straps are then easily disposed of, or may be recycled as desired. In a preferred embodiment, the strap-winding device comprises a winding mechanism, a rotary drive mechanism, at least one protective shield, and a supporting base member. The base member allows the user to place their own weight on the device for stabilization, and creating the leverage for winding. In this configuration, the device is completely portable to allow its&#39; use anywhere it is needed, and at the site where straps are removed from cargo. The protective shield may be positioned proximate to the winding mechanism, to shield the user from the strap during winding.  
         [0024]     In another embodiment, the strap winding device comprises a base member supporting a winding mechanism, and having an automatic rotary drive mechanism operably attached to the winding mechanism.  
         [0025]     In yet another embodiment, the strap winding device comprises a base member adapted to be removably attached to a support, to allow its&#39; installation at the site of straps as they are removed from cargo. The base may be designed to attach to various typical mounting structures found in these environments. Further, the winding mechanism may comprise a shaping structure, wherein the strap is wound about the shaper to form a doughnut type of configuration for handling. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a strap-winding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a strap-winding device according to the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a strap-winding device according to the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a strap-winding device according to the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]     The present invention will be described herein in reference to the attached figures. It should be understood that although specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described herein, variations of these embodiments are clearly within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIGS. 1-3  show a first embodiment of a strap-winding device  10  according to the present invention. The strap-winding device  10  comprises a winding mechanism  12 , a rotary drive mechanism  14 , a protective shield  16 , and a base member  22 . The protective shield  16  is positioned proximate to the winding mechanism  12 .  
         [0033]     In this particular embodiment, the protective shield  16  is substantially rectangular and extends along the top of the device  10 , to protect the user from the strap  15  as it is wound using device  10 . Alternative configurations of the protective shield  16  are contemplated. For instance, the protective shield  16  may have a downwardly extending lip at the distal edges of the shield  16 , or a variety of other configurations.  
         [0034]     The winding mechanism  12  comprises a shaping structure, wherein a strap  15  is wound about the shaper to form a doughnut-type of configuration, which is compact and easily handled. Other configurations are contemplated, to provide a wound strap that is compact and easily handled. In this embodiment, a mounting plate  18  coupled to the rotary drive mechanism  14  and supports two tubular members  20 , which extend outwardly from the surface of the plate  18 . As the mounting plate  18  rotates in association with the drive mechanism  14 , the tubular members will rotate concurrently. This configuration allows a strap  15  to initially be inserted between the two tubular members  20  to engage the strap. When the mounting plate  18  is rotated along its axis, the strap is wound about the tubular members  20  in a circular or oval shape. Alternative configurations of the shaping structure are contemplated, such as a single tubular member having a slot therethrough.  
         [0035]     This embodiment of the strap-winding device further comprises a strap guide system  25 , which in this embodiment is shown as a plurality of strap path guides  24 . There is also provided a strap-forming member  27 , which may also facilitate guiding the strap to the winding mechanism  12 . Each strap guide  24  comprises a tubular member  26  and a cap  28 . The strap guides may be used to guide a strap  15  along a predetermined path. They also serve to straighten a strap prior to its being wound about the shaper, to ensure a tightly wound configuration about the shaper. The strap guides  24  may be dimensioned and spaced according to the type of strap to be wound, and desirably provide a smooth winding action, in conjunction with the shaping structure. The guide system  25  thus provides a strap retaining mechanism in conjunction with the winding mechanism  12 , to cause the strap to smoothly and safely wind into the desired configuration. The user does not handle the strap  15  in any way once it is positioned in the winding mechanism  12  and guide system  25 . Further, a retaining mechanism  29 , such as a member extending between the guide members  24 , may be provided to retain the strap  15  in association with the guide  25 , to ensure safe winding of strap  15 . If desired, the retainer  29 , may be configured to be selectively moved from its retaining position to allow simpler threading of the strap  15  into the guide system  25 . Alternatively, if desired, the retainer  29  may simply be moved into a flush position to the adjacent wall  23 , so as to be rendered inoperative. The forming member  27  also facilitates proper winding of the strap  15  on the winding mechanism  12 . As the spring tension in such straps  15  is significant, the forming member  27  causes the strap  15  to adopt a curved configuration as the strap passes there over, which allows it to be properly and tightly wound onto the winding mechanism. The forming member  27  may comprise a tubular member  26  and a cap  28 , similar to the guide members  24 , or could have an alternate configuration to impart the desired curvature to the strap  15 . In general, the diameter of the forming member  27  is chosen to impart a desired curvature to the strap as it is pulled around the forming member  27  under tension between the guides  24  and winding mechanism  14 . It should also be noted that the position of the forming member  27  relative to the winding mechanism  12  is such that the proper curvature is imparted to the strap  15  for subsequent winding into the tight configuration desired. As shown in this embodiment, the forming member  27  is positioned approximately orthogonally, but dependant on the characteristics of the strap  15  to be wound, it may be positionable between 60 to 120 degrees relative to the winding mechanism  14 .  
         [0036]     As seen in  FIG. 3 , the rotary drive mechanism  14  of the present embodiment takes the form of a mechanical handle. The handle comprises a first shaft member  30 , a crank member  32 , a second shaft member  34 , and a cover  36 . The cover  36  fits over and rotates relative to the second shaft member  34 , which is operably connected to the crank member  32 . The crank member  32  is operably connected to the first shaft member  30 . Alternative rotary drive mechanisms are contemplated.  
         [0037]     The device  10  also includes a base  22 , designed to enable the user to easily stabilize the device on a flat surface, such as the floor, by placing a foot or other weight on the base  22 . The base  22  is preferably dimensioned to extend outwardly from both sides of the upstanding frame support  23 . This provides a stable platform for the device  10 , and leverage to operate the rotary drive mechanism  14 . In use, the user may stand on the base  22  on the side away from the winding mechanism  12  to operate the drive mechanism  14 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment  100  of the strap-winding device according to the present invention. The strap-winding device  100  comprises a base member  122  adapted to be removably attached to a support, or to be used on a flat surface in a manner similar to the previous embodiment. A protective shield  116  is provided in association with the upstanding support frame  123 , and comprises a first portion  117  extending from support frame  123 , and portion  119  extending downwardly from the distal end of portion  117 . A winding mechanism  112  positioned proximate to the protective shield  116 ; and a rotary drive mechanism  114  is operably attached to the winding mechanism  112 .  
         [0039]     The base member  122  may be adapted to removably attach the strap winding device  100  to a support. In this example, the base member  122  is configured to easily attach to and be supported on an industrial barrel or drum for example. In many of the environments in which straps are used, such drums may be typical, and provide a convenient support for the device  100 . Thus, the base member  122  comprises a plate  140  having a curved lip  142 . Attached to the lip are fastening members  144 . Each fastening member  144  comprises an “L” shaped member  146  and a bolt  148 . The lip  142  may be placed against the upper rim of a drum. The “L” shaped member  146  fits over the top of the barrel rim and extends inside of it. The bolts  148  are then tightened so as to securely attach the strap-winding device  100  to the barrel. As should be recognized, any suitable support or mounting structure for mounting the device  100  is contemplated within the invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a strap-winding device  200  according to the present invention. The strap-winding device  200  comprises a base member  222  adapted to be removably attached to a support, a protective shield  216  extending upwardly around a winding mechanism  212 . A rotary drive mechanism  214  (partially shown) operably connected to the winding mechanism  212 . In this embodiment, the rotary drive mechanism  214  may be an electric or other motor, to automatically cause rotation of the winding mechanism  212  upon operation. The motor  214  may include an on/off switch (not shown) to facilitate operation, or if desired, operation may be automatically initiated once a strap  215  is inserted into the device  200 . Further in this embodiment, a guide system  225  may be provided which automatically engages and advance the strap  215  to the winding mechanism  212  for engagement therewith. In use, the user merely inserts strap  215  into the guide system  225 , which then operates to automatically feed the strap  215  into engagement with the winding mechanism  212 . The winding mechanism then operates to automatically wind the strap  215  into the desired compact configuration, without operator intervention. In this embodiment, the guide and winding mechanisms may be positioned within a housing  220 , so as to be fully enclosed. In this manner, the strap and winding mechanism  212  is shielded completely from the outer environment to ensure that the strap  215  or moving parts of the device  200  cannot injure the user or others in the vicinity. Additionally, the drive motor  214  may be set up to operate for a given period of time corresponding to the length of strap  215  to automatically shut off after the strap  215  is fully wound. Once a strap  215  is wound into the desired configuration, the user may simply remove it by the access panel  224 .  
         [0041]     In this embodiment as described above, the winding and rotary drive mechanisms may be fully automated, to provide for simple, and automatic winding of straps using the device. The motor  214  may comprise an electric, gasoline or other suitable system to provide rotary drive power for the winding mechanism  212 . The guide system  225  may comprise a suitable feed and guide system to cause straightening of the strap  215  as it is fed to the winding mechanism  212 , and may engage and feed strap  215 , such as by rollers or the like, to the winding mechanism  212 . The strap may further be acted upon by a forming member (not shown), such as member  27  described in a prior embodiment, to impart curvature to the strap prior to introduction to the winding mechanism  212 .  
         [0042]     While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.