Patent Publication Number: US-9428290-B2

Title: Systems, methods, and devices for tensioning straps

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/750,388, filed on Jan. 25, 2013, entitled “SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR TENSIONING STRAPS”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,221,567 (“the &#39;567 patent”), which is related to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/590,517, filed on Jan. 25, 2012, entitled “SYSTEMS, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR TENSIONING STRAPS” (“the &#39;517 application”). The &#39;517 application and &#39;567 patent are hereby incorporated in their entireties by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention relates to the tensioning of straps and the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Existing methods and devices for tensioning straps are often inefficient, non-ergonomic, too complex, otherwise undesirable, and problematic. Such methods and devices fail to produce optimal tensioning and may also cause slips, binds, or breaks of the strap to be tensioned. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a strap tensioning device that may provide a higher tensioning value when loads are initially tensioned and/or without damaging the strap during the tensioning process. 
     Additionally, in some cases, loads may shift or otherwise lose tension prior to or during transport. In these cases, it may be necessary to re-tension the load. Conventional tensioning devices are often unable to re-tension straps in cases where the straps are already under some tension because a certain amount of inherent slack may be required in the straps for the tensioning device to properly operate. In the absence of such slack, these conventional tensioning devices are typically unable to grip or secure the strap for tensioning. As a result, these conventional tensioning devices typically ride up the strap during attempts to tension the strap, rather than actually tension the strap. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a strap tensioning device that may be able to re-tension a load to a desired tensioning value when the straps are already under some amount of tension load. 
     Additionally, in some cases, tensioning devices are also configured to release some of the tension in the strap when the strap tensioning device is removed from the strap. Often, with conventional tensioning devices, the amount of tension loss is unacceptable because the strap tension has dropped below minimum standards or the load becomes too loose for transport. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a strap tensioning device that may be able to be removed from the strap, while avoiding a tension release that would generate a remaining tension value that does not meet minimum standards and/or a load that is too loose for transport. 
     Additionally, conventional tensioning devices are often configured for use with particular strap sizes and thicknesses, so that a specific strap tensioning device is needed for each strap size and/or thickness. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a universal strap tensioning device for use with different types and sizes of strap. 
     SUMMARY 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention include a tensioning device comprising: a base housing comprising: a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and comprising a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, thereby effecting a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle. 
     In some embodiments, the spindle comprises a slot. In some embodiments, the pawl is configured to limit rotation of the spindle gear absent rotation of the drive gear in the second direction. In some embodiments, the brake assembly is configured to operate independently from the lever. In some embodiments, the brake assembly comprises a biasing mechanism. In some embodiments, the tensioning device further comprises a support handle. In some embodiments, the tensioning device further comprises a guide. 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention also include a method for tensioning a strap with a tensioning device, such as the above-described device, the method steps comprising: securing the strap about a load with a buckle mechanism; securing the strap via the brake assembly; coupling a free end of the strap downstream from the buckle mechanism to the spindle; rotating the lever in a first direction away from the load, wherein the lug does not engage the drive gear; and rotating the lever in a second direction toward the load, wherein the lug engages the drive gear and rotates the drive gear in the second direction, wherein the drive gear engages the spindle gear and rotates the spindle gear, and thereby the spindle, in a counter direction, thereby tensioning the strap. 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention also include a method for removing the free end of a strap from a tensioning device, such as the above-described device, after tensioning of the strap about a load, the method steps comprising: first, engaging the lever with the drive gear; second, displacing the pawl from proximate the spindle gear; third, rotating the lever a first direction away from the load, wherein the drive gear engages the spindle gear and rotates the spindle gear, and thereby the spindle, in a counter direction, releasing the tension on the free end of the strap; and fourth, decoupling the free end of the strap from the spindle. 
     The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should not be understood to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this patent, all drawings and each claim. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawing figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tensioning device according to certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the tensioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the tensioning device of  FIG. 1 , wherein the lever handle is in a raised position. 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the tensioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the tensioning device of  FIG. 1 , wherein the lever handle is in a raised position. 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the tensioning device of  FIG. 1  in combination with a strap about an object. 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of the tensioning device of  FIG. 1  in combination with a strap, wherein the lever handle is in a raised position. 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the tensioning device of  FIG. 1  in combination with a strap. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a lug in combination with a drive gear in combination with a spindle gear in combination with a pawl, all according to certain embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. 
     Embodiments of the invention provide tensioning devices configured to tighten or tension straps around a load or object. For example, the tensioning devices may be used to tension a non-woven polyester strap, which may be configured to minimize or eliminate elongation, around a load or object. The tensioning devices may also be configured for universally tensioning straps of various sizes, including but not limited to a ¾ inch strap, a 1¼ inch strap, and a 2 inch strap, via the “open-ended” design illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . While the tensioning devices are generally discussed for use with straps, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the tensioning devices may be used in connection with any strapping or similar securing means. 
       FIGS. 1-8  illustrate embodiments of a tensioning device  100 . In these embodiments, the tensioning device  100  comprises a base housing  102 , a lever  104 , a spindle  106 , and a support handle  108 . The base housing  102  may comprise a set of gears  200 , including a drive gear  202  and a spindle gear  204 , and corresponding shafts  300 , including a drive shaft  302  and spindle shaft  304 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 1-8 , the tensioning device  100  may also comprise a brake assembly  400 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 1-8 , the tensioning device  100  may also comprise a guide  500 . 
     The base housing  102 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , provides the foundation of the tensioning device  100 . The base housing  102  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the base housing  102  may be formed of two or more parts, such as a bottom plate  110 , and side plates  112  and  114 . In these embodiments, the parts may be coupled together by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to an adhesive, bolts, fasteners, screws, welding, and other coupling mechanisms. In other embodiments, the base housing  102  may be integrally formed. Throughout embodiments, the dimensions of the base housing  102  may vary as needed. For example, in some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the bottom plate  110  of the base housing  102  may include a flat surface (not pictured) configured to interface with the load or object about which the strap  600  is being tensioned, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the base housing  102  houses the set of gears  200  and corresponding shafts  300 . The drive gear  202  is rotatably coupled to the base housing  102  by the drive shaft  302 . In some embodiments, the drive gear  202  may be fixedly coupled to the drive shaft  302 . As a result, rotation of the drive gear  202  may induce a corresponding rotation of the drive shaft  302 , and vice versa. The drive gear  202  is positioned within the base housing  102  proximate the spindle gear  204 , such that teeth  203  of the drive gear  202  may interact with teeth  205  of the spindle gear  204 . The drive gear  202  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. 
     The spindle gear  204  is rotatably coupled to the base housing  102  by the spindle shaft  304 . In some embodiments, the spindle gear  204  may be fixedly coupled to the spindle shaft  304 . As a result, rotation of the spindle gear  204  may induce a corresponding rotation of the spindle shaft  304 , and vice versa. The spindle gear  204  is positioned within the base housing  102  proximate the drive gear  202 , such that the teeth  205  of the spindle gear  204  may interact with the teeth  203  of the drive gear  202 . The spindle gear  204  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. 
     In some embodiments, the gears  200  may be configured to minimize the spacing between teeth  203  and  205 . Such configurations minimize or eliminate any otherwise limited amount of potential backward motion of the gears  200 , commonly referred as “backlash.” 
     The lever  104  is configured to control the drive gear  202 , and thereby the tensioning process. In these embodiments, the lever  104  may be rotatably coupled to the base housing  102 , allowing the lever  104  to achieve a number of raised positions relative to the base housing  102 , as illustrated for example in  FIGS. 3, 5, and 7 . In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the lever  104  is rotatably coupled to the base housing  102  by the drive shaft  302 . One of ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will understand that the lever  104  may be rotatably coupled to the base housing  102  by a variety of other mechanisms, including but not limited to pins, hinges, and other coupling mechanisms. The lever  104  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. In some embodiments, the lever  104  may be formed of two or more parts. In these embodiments, the parts may be coupled together by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to an adhesive, bolts, fasteners, screws, welding, and other coupling mechanisms. In other embodiments, the lever  104  may be integrally formed. Throughout embodiments, the dimensions of the lever  104  may vary as needed. For example, in some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the lever  104  may have an elongated shape. In some embodiments, a distal end  105  of the lever  104  may comprise a rubber grip or similar material to contribute to the ease of use of the device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the lever  104  may comprise a lug  116  positioned and configured to selectively contact the teeth  203  of the drive gear  202 . In some embodiments, the lug  116  may be pivotally coupled to the lever  104  by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to shafts, pins, hinges, and other coupling mechanisms. In some embodiments, the lug  116  may be similar to a pawl in a ratchet device, and be configured to selectively interact with teeth  203  of the drive gear  202 , as illustrated for example in  FIGS. 5 and 9 . In these embodiments, the lug  116  may be configured to engage a tooth  203  of the drive gear  202  so as to rotate the drive gear  202  in a certain direction when the lever  104  is rotated in the same certain direction, but avoid engagement with a tooth  203  of the drive gear  202  when the lever is rotated in an alternative direction. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the lug  116  is configured to engage a tooth  203  of the drive gear  202  so as to rotate the drive gear  202  in a clockwise direction when the lever  104  is pulled in a clockwise direction, toward the support handle  108 . Conversely, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the lug  116  is configured to not engage any teeth  203  of the drive gear  202 , but rather slide up and over the teeth  203 , when the lever  104  is moved in a counter-clockwise direction, away from the support handle  108  (e.g., raised to a reset position). In some embodiments, the lug  116  may be spring-loaded. The lug  116  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. The dimensions of the lug  116  may vary throughout embodiments, and, in particular, may vary based on the dimensions of the drive gear  202  and its teeth  203 . 
     The spindle  106  is configured to secure a free end  601  of the strap  600  for tensioning and collect any excess strapping during the tensioning process. In some embodiments, the spindle  106  may be rotatably coupled to the base housing  102 . In some embodiments, the spindle  106  may be fixedly coupled to the spindle gear  204 . As a result, rotation of the spindle gear  204  may induce a corresponding rotation of the spindle  106 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the spindle  106  may be fixedly coupled to the spindle gear  204  by the spindle shaft  304 . As a result, rotation of the spindle shaft  304  may induce a corresponding rotation of the spindle  106 . The spindle  106  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. Throughout embodiments, the dimensions of the spindle  106  may vary as needed. For example, in some embodiments, the spindle  106  may have a cylindrical shape, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , extending outward from the base housing  102 . In these embodiments, the height of the spindle  106  extending outward from the base housing  102  may vary throughout the embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the height of the spindle  106  is greater than or equal to the width of the strap  600  sought to be tensioned. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the spindle  106  may comprise a slot  118 . The slot  118  may be configured to accept a portion of the strap  600  within the spindle  106  to facilitate the tensioning process, and facilitate the collection of excess strapping about the spindle  106  during the tensioning process. As illustrated in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , the slot  118  may extend through a cross-sectional diameter or chord of the spindle  106 . In these embodiments, the slot  118  may comprise an “open-ended” design, as illustrated for example in  FIG. 1 , such that straps  600  of various widths may be housed within the slot  118  during the tensioning process. The depth of the slot  118  within the spindle  106  may vary throughout embodiments, and, in particular, may vary based on the width of the strap  600  to be tensioned. The width of the slot  118  may also vary throughout embodiments, and, in particular, may vary based on the thickness of the strap  600  to be tensioned. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the spindle  106  may comprise an outer rim  120 . In these embodiments, the outer rim  120  may assist in the collection of excess strapping about the spindle  106  during the tensioning process, and maintain the strapping about the spindle  106  during the tensioning process. In these embodiments, the outer rim  120  may extend around the circumference of a distal end  107  of the spindle  106 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     Contrary to some existing tensioning devices, no footer or similar apparatus is required in correlation with the spindle  106 . Such a footer or similar apparatus may limit the potential number of winds of the spindle  106 , thereby limiting the utility of the tensioning device  100 . One of ordinary skill in the art, however, will understand that a footer or other similar apparatus may be included in certain embodiments as needed or desired to achieve the desired tensioning result. 
     In some embodiments, the base housing  102  may also comprise a pawl  122 , which may limit the rotation of the spindle gear  204 , akin to a ratchet device. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , the pawl  122  may be positioned and configured to selectively contact the teeth  205  of the spindle gear  204 . In these embodiments, the pawl  122  may be configured to slide up and over the teeth  205  of the spindle gear  204  when the spindle gear  204  is rotated in a first direction. When the spindle gear  204  is rotated in a second direction (or attempt to be so rotated), however, the pawl  122  may be configured to catch against the edge of the first tooth  205  it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth  205  and preventing any further rotation of the spindle gear  204  in that direction. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , the pawl  122  may be configured to slide up and over the teeth  205  of the spindle gear  204  when the spindle gear  204  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. When the spindle gear  204  is rotated in a clockwise direction (or attempt to be so rotated), however, the pawl  122  may be configured to catch against the edge of the first tooth  205  it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth  205  and preventing any further rotation of the spindle gear  204  in that direction. In these embodiments, the pawl  122  may be pivotally coupled to the base housing  102  by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to shafts, pins, hinges, and other coupling mechanisms. In some embodiments, the pawl  122  may be spring-loaded. The pawl  122  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. 
     In some embodiments, the pawl  122  may be capable of being released so as to permit rotation of the spindle gear  204  in both a first and second direction in limited circumstances. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , the pawl  122  may be capable of being released so as to permit intentional clockwise rotation of the spindle gear  204 . In these embodiments, a direct, upward force may be applied to a distal end  123  of the pawl  122  to displace the pawl  122  from contact with the teeth  205  of the spindle gear  204 . 
     The support handle  108  may extend toward a rear  101  of the tensioning device  100  and may contribute to the ease of use of the device  100 . For example, in some embodiments, the support handle  108  may facilitate carrying and/or positioning of the tensioning device  100 . The support handle  108  may be coupled to the base housing  102 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the support handle  108  may be coupled to the base housing  102  by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to an adhesive, bolts, fasteners, screws, welding, and other coupling mechanisms. In other embodiments, the support handle  108  may be integrally formed with the base housing  102 . In some embodiments, the support handle  108  may be fixedly coupled to the base housing  102 . The support handle  108  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. Throughout embodiments, the dimensions of the support handle  108  may vary as needed. For example, in some embodiments, the support handle  108  may have an elongated shape, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . In some embodiments, the support handle  108  may include a flat surface (not pictured) configured to interface with the load or object about which the strap  600  is being tensioned, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, a distal end  109  of the support handle  108  may comprise a rubber grip or similar material to contribute to the ease of use of the device  100 . 
     The brake assembly  400  may secure the strap  600  for tensioning. The brake assembly  400  may be coupled to the tensioning device  100 , but may operate independent of the balance of the tensioning device  100  (e.g., lever  104 ), such that the strap  600  may remain secured by the brake assembly  400  during tensioning. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the brake assembly  400  may comprise a brake shaft  402 , a body  404  coupled to the brake shaft  402 , a brake lever  406  coupled to the body  404 , a brake plate  408  coupled to the body  404 , and a footer  410 . The brake assembly  400  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. The position of the brake assembly  400  may vary throughout embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the brake assembly  400  may be positioned to engage the strap  600  to be tensioned prior to the strap  600  engaging a buckle mechanism  700  about the load or object. 
     In these embodiments, the body  404  may be rotatably coupled to the base housing  102  by the brake shaft  402 . In these embodiments, the body  404  may be fixedly coupled to the brake shaft  402 . As a result, rotation of the brake shaft  402  may induce a corresponding rotation of the body  404  (and thereby the brake plate  408 ), and vice versa. The body  404  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. 
     The brake lever  406  may be coupled to the body  404  and may be configured to enable a user to effect rotation of the body  404  and brake shaft  402  about the base housing  102 , thereby releasing or engaging the brake plate  408 . Throughout embodiments, the dimensions of the brake lever  406  may vary as needed. For example, in some embodiments, the brake lever  406  may have an elongated shape, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . In some embodiments, a distal end  407  of the brake lever  406  may comprise a rubber grip or similar material to contribute to the ease of use of the brake assembly  400 . In some embodiments, the brake lever  406  may be integrally formed with the body  404 . The brake lever  406  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. 
     The brake plate  408  may be coupled to the body  404  and may be positioned and configured to secure the strap  600  to be tensioned between the brake plate  408  and the footer  410  of the brake assembly  400 , so as to prevent movement of the strap  600 . In some embodiments, the brake plate  408  may be integrally formed with the body  404 . In other embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the brake plate  408  may be pivotally coupled to the body  404  to increase its braking power. In some embodiments, the brake plate  408  may be spring-loaded. The brake plate  408  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. In some embodiments, a contact surface  412  of the brake plate  408  may be textured or otherwise coarse to assist in preventing movement of the strap  600 . The shape and dimensions of the brake plate  408  may vary throughout embodiments. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the contact surface  412  of the brake plate  408  may have a generally rectangular shape. 
     The footer  410  may be coupled to the base housing  102  and may extend therefrom to provide a surface  414  underneath the brake plate  408 . In some embodiments, the surface  414  may be textured or otherwise coarse to assist in preventing movement of the strap  600 . The dimensions of the footer  410  may vary throughout embodiments. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the footer  410  is generally rectangular. The position, dimensions, and/or configuration of the footer  410  may also vary based on the thickness of the strap  600  to be tensioned. In some embodiments, the footer  410  may comprise an “open-ended” design, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , such that straps  600  of various widths may be secured within the brake assembly  400 . In some embodiments, the footer  410  may include a flat surface (not pictured) configured to interface with the load or object about which the strap  600  is being tensioned, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The footer  410  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the brake assembly  400 , as a whole, may be loaded, so as to increase the braking power of the brake assembly  400 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the brake assembly  400  may comprise a biasing mechanism  416 , such as a coil spring, coupled to and about the brake shaft  402 . In these embodiments, the brake assembly  400  may provide up to 35 lbs. or more of down pressure to hold the strap  600  in place. In these embodiments, the brake assembly  400  may provide sufficient down pressure to hold a previously tensioned strap  600  in place for any re-tensioning of the strap  600 . One of ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will understand that the brake may be configured to provide any suitable amount of down pressure as needed or desired to achieve the desired tensioning result. In some embodiments, the brake assembly  400  may also be configured such that the brake plate  408  contacts the footer  410  when no strap  600  in contained within the device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the guide  500  may aid in the securing and/or aligning of the strap  600  for tensioning. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the guide  500  may be configured to accept a portion of the strap  600  to be tensioned so as to align the strap  600  with the balance of the tensioning device  100 , and vice versa. In these embodiments, the guide  500  may be coupled to the support handle  108  of the tensioning device  100 . The guide  500  may be coupled to the support handle  108  by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to an adhesive, bolts, fasteners, screws, welding, and other coupling mechanisms. In some embodiments, the guide  500  may be integrally formed with the support handle  108 . The position of the guide  500  along the support handle  108  may vary throughout embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the guide  500  may be releasably coupled to the support handle  108  to allow for adjustment of the position of the guide  500  along the support handle  108 . The guide  500  may be formed of materials including but not limited to plastics, composite plastics, steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. Throughout embodiments, the dimensions of the guide  500  may vary as needed and, in particular, may vary based on the width and/or thickness of the strap  600  to be tensioned. For example, in some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the guide  500  may resemble a clip mechanism. In some embodiments, the guide  500  may comprise an “open-ended” design, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , such that straps  600  of various widths may be secured within the guide  500 . 
     In use, a strap  600  is first placed around a desired load or object, and secured by the buckle mechanism  700 , and possibly tightened by hand, as illustrated by example in  FIG. 6 . This results in a hand-tightened strap  600  about the load or object and the free end  601  of the strap  600  downstream from the buckle mechanism  700 . In these embodiments, a variety of buckle mechanisms  700  may be used in combination with the strap  600 , including but not limited to a ladder buckle and a wire buckle. 
     The free end  601  of the strap  600  may then be coupled to the spindle  106  for tensioning. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , the free end  601  of the strap  600  may be coupled to the spindle  106  via the slot  118 . If applicable, a portion of the hand-tightened strap  600  (i.e., upstream from the buckle mechanism  700 ) may also be placed along the footer  410  of the brake assembly  400 , wherein it may be secured by the brake plate  408 , as illustrated by example in  FIGS. 6-8 . Similarly, if applicable, a portion of the hand-tightened strap  600  (i.e., upstream from the buckle/tie mechanism  700 ) may also be secured with the guide  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     Once the strap  600  is adequately positioned, the strap  600  may be tensioned through the application of a force to the lever  104 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8 , the lever  104  may be pulled in a work direction (e.g., clockwise), toward to the support handle  108 , thereby engaging the set of gears  200  within the base housing  102 , which in turn rotate the spindle  106  in an opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise), thereby tensioning the strap  600 . More specifically, the lug  116  of the lever  104  engages a tooth  203  of the drive gear  202 , rotating the drive gear  202  in the same direction as the lever  104  (e.g., clockwise). Due to the interaction between the teeth  203 ,  205  of the two gears  200 , this rotation effects a counter rotation of the spindle gear  204  (e.g., counter-clockwise), and thereby the spindle shaft  304  and spindle  106  as well. The lever  104  may repeatedly be raised (i.e., reset) and pulled again to effect further tensioning as desired. The raising of the lever  104  shall not affect the tensioning of the strap  600  because the lug  116  of the lever  104  will slide up and over the teeth  203  of the drive gear  202 , rather than engage the drive gear  202 . During the tensioning process, the spindle  106  will tension the strap  600  and also collect the excess strapping about the spindle  106 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8 . 
     Unlike existing tensioning methods and devices, the required tensioning force may be applied to the lever  104  in the direction of the strap  600  and load or object (similar to a squeeze). This application of force is more ergonomic than applications of force in a stretching or lifting motion in existing methods and devices, which are directed away from the strap  600  and load or object. The use of the set of gears  200  (two or more), rather than a single gear as in existing methods and devices, may provide for this inverted tensioning force application. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will understand that other types of apparatuses may be used in combination with the device  100  that provide for such an inverted tensioning. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the tensioning device  100  may be able to be removed from the strap  600  after the tensioning process while avoiding a substantial tension release. In conventional tensioning devices, such substantial tension release is common during removal and may generate a remaining tension value that does not meet minimum standards and/or a load that is too loose for transport. In these embodiments, disengagement of the pawl  122  may enable reversal of the spindle  106  (e.g., clockwise rotation) a few degrees to allow for efficient, controlled removal of the strap  600  from the tensioning device  100 . Such efficient, controlled removal may increase the amount of tension remaining on the strap  600  after the tensioning device  100  is removed. 
     In these embodiments, after desired tensioning is completed, the pawl  122  may be released via the application of a constant, upward force to a distal end  123  of the pawl  122  so as to displace the pawl  122  away from the spindle gear  204 , allowing the spindle gear  204 , and thereby the spindle  106 , to be rotated in a clockwise manner. Specifically, while the lug  116  is engaged with a tooth  203  of the drive gear  202 , and the drive gear  202  is simultaneously engaged with the spindle gear  204 , the pawl  122  may be released to allow for reversal of the spindle gear  204  and spindle  106  a few degrees by a raising of the lever  104 , allowing for efficient, controlled removal of the strap  600  from the tensioning device  100 . For example, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the pawl  122  may be released to allow for reversal of the spindle gear  204  and spindle  106  a few degrees by a raising of the lever  104  in a counter-clockwise manner, away from the support handle  108 . 
     In accordance with the teachings above, the tensioning device  100  may provide up to 2500 lbs. or more of tension to the strap  600  in certain embodiments, prior to removing the device  100  from the strap  600 . In some embodiments, the device  100  may provide up to 1200 lbs. or more of tension to the strap  600  that remains after the device  100  is removed from the strap  600 . In these embodiments, the amount of tension remaining on the strap  600  after the device  100  is removed from the strap  600  exceeds all common shipping tension standards and the amount of tension delivered by conventional tensioning devices. 
     The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. Further modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.