Patent Publication Number: US-2010125986-A1

Title: Locking Mechanism for A Tie Down

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Locking devices for securing a strap are known. However, a need exists for a locking device that includes positive locking features that better secure a tie down strap within a housing to hold an object in place. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a locking device and system for a tie down that positively secures a strap within a locking housing to hold one or more objects in place. The locking housing is secured to one location and one end of the strap is secured to a different location relative to the locking housing. In one embodiment, the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive a securing strap. The locking housing includes, among other elements, a user actuable lever and a gripping element. When the strap is threaded through the cavity of the locking housing and the strap is in a desired positioned within the locking housing, the locking device enables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against the strap and positively secure the position of the strap within the locking housing. In one embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt having predetermined ridges and grooves (e.g., teeth) and the gripping element includes a surface of ridges and grooves (e.g., teeth) that substantially mesh with the teeth of the cogged belt. In one such example, when the gripping element is pressed into securing contact with the strap, the teeth of the strap mesh with the teeth of the gripping element to positively secure the strap in the desired position within the locking housing. 
     In one embodiment of the locking device and system, the locking device includes a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, wherein the second opening is opposite from the first opening, and the top having a channel. The locking device includes a lever pivotally coupled to the housing, wherein the lever is positioned partially within the first opening of the sloped housing, an arm pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing, an angle block having a plurality of sides, wherein the bottom includes a gripping element and the top of the angle block including at least two guide pins, the angle block pivotally coupled to the arm and slidably coupled to the top of the sloped housing, wherein the angle block is at least partially positioned within the sloped housing, and a strap, wherein at least part of the strap is positioned within the housing. 
     In one embodiment, one end of the lever is in the shape of a cam. In one embodiment, the bottom of the sloped housing includes at least two securing apertures for securing the position of the sloped housing. 
     In one embodiment, the channel in the top of the sloped housing runs the entire length of the top. 
     In one embodiment, the lever is pivotally coupled to the housing with a pin, the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever a second pin, and the arm is pivotally coupled to the angle block with a third pin. 
     In one embodiment, the strap includes ridges and grooves. In one such embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt. In another such embodiment, the gripping element of the angle block also includes ridges and grooves such that the ridges of the angle block fit within the grooves on the cogged belt and the ridges of the cogged belt fit within the grooves of the angle block when the angle block is pressed against the strap. 
     In one embodiment, if an additional load is applied to the strap, the load causes the lever to pivot further thereby causing the angle block to further press against the strap. 
     In one such embodiment, the gripping element of the angle block includes a plurality of ridges and grooves. In one such embodiment, the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of the angle block. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping element is integrally formed with the bottom of the angle block. 
     In one embodiment, the guide pins are coupled to the top of the angle block. In an alternative embodiment, the guide pins are integrally formed with the top of the angle block. 
     In one embodiment, the strap is coupled to a load buckle. 
     In one embodiment, the method of securing a strap includes inserting a strap into a desired position within a sloped housing, the sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, and the top including a channel. The method includes pivoting a lever towards the base of the sloped housing, wherein the lever is pivotally coupled to the sloped housing and positioned at least partially within the first opening of the sloped housing. The method also includes pivoting and pushing an arm to move in the direction of the second opening of the sloped housing based on the pivoting motion of the lever, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever and positioned within the sloped housing. The method further includes pushing the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing and sliding the angle block into the strap such that the angle block at least temporarily secures the position of the strap within the sloped housing based on the pivoting and pushing of the arm. The angle block is pivotally coupled to the arm. The angle block also includes a guide pin coupled to the top of the angle block and positioned within the channel of the sloped housing, which causes the angle block to move towards the base of the sloped housing and removably couple the angle block to the strap when pushed by the arm. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a locking system to removably secure objects includes a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top. The base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, and wherein top includes a channel. The locking system includes a lever pivotally coupled to the sloped housing, wherein the lever is positioned partially with the first opening of the sloped housing. The locking system also includes an arm pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing. The locking system further includes an angle block positioned within the sloped housing and pivotally coupled to the arm and slidably coupled to the top of the sloped housing. The angle block includes a guide pin and a gripping element, wherein the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of the angle block and includes ridges and grooves. The guide pin is coupled to the top of the angle block and opposite of the gripping element. The guide pin also positioned within the channel of the top of the sloped housing. The locking system further includes a strap having a plurality of ridges and grooves, wherein at least part of the strap is configured to be positioned within the housing such that the ridges and grooves of the strap are parallel to, and facing the ridges and grooves of the bottom of the angle block. In this embodiment, when the strap is positioned within the sloped housing and the lever is pivoted towards the base of the sloped housing, the lever causes the arm to push the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing. The channel of the sloped housing also causes the angle block to slide towards the base of the housing such that the ridges and grooves of the angle block fit within the ridges and grooves of the strap, thereby securing the strap within the sloped housing. 
     Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In various embodiments, a locking device and system is described, wherein the locking device enables a user to secure or hold an object in place (e.g., hold an object within the bed of a truck; however it should be appreciated that the locking system can be configured to hold any object in place in any suitable situation). In one example embodiment, the locking mechanism can be used to secure a boat within the bed of a truck. The locking housing is secured to one location of the truck bed and one end of the strap is secured to a different location on the truck bed relative to the position of the locking housing. In one embodiment, the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive the unsecured end of the strap. The locking housing includes, among other elements, a user actuable lever and a gripping element. When the strap is threaded through the cavity of locking housing and the strap is in a desired positioned within the housing (e.g., the strap is pulled taut over the boat in the bed of the truck), the locking device enables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against the strap and positively secure the position of the strap within the housing. In one preferred embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt having teeth and the gripping element includes teeth that substantially match the teeth of the cogged belt. In one such example, when the gripping element is pressed into securing contact with the strap, the teeth of the strap mesh with the grooves between the teeth of the gripping element to positively secure the strap in the desired position within the locking housing. Thus, the positive locking between the locking housing and the strap enable a user to hold the boat within the bed of the truck. 
     In one embodiment, the locking device is positioned in a neutral and unlocked position as illustrated in the cut-away view of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the locking mechanism  10  includes a housing  100 , a lever  102 , an arm  104 , an angle block  106 , a strap  108 , and a load buckle  110  that together enable a user to secure or hold an object in place. 
     In one embodiment, housing  100  forms a four sided, substantially rigid and angled, sloped, or tapered structure that includes a base  100   a , at least two walls  100   b  and  100   c , and a top  100   d . Walls  100   b  and  100   c  are sloped such that top  100   d  is positioned at an angle relative to base  100   a . The slope of top  100   d  can be any suitable slope. Base  100   a , walls  100   b  and  100   c , and top  100   d  form a first opening  100   e  that is located on one end of the housing. A second opening  100   f , is located on an end of the housing opposite from the first opening  100   e  and is formed from base  100   a , walls  100   b  and  100   c , and top  100   d.    
     Top  100   d  includes a channel  100   g , wherein top  100   d  and channel  100   g  are located opposite of base  100   a  of housing  100 . In one embodiment, channel  100   g  completely divides top  100   d  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; however, it should be appreciated that channel  100   g  may not completely divide top  100   d  and channel  100   g  can be any suitable length of top  100   d  (i.e., top  100   d  may not be split into two sections). Housing  100  also includes at least one aperture  100   h  in each of the walls  100   b  and  100   c  that are configured to accept a pin or link member. Housing  100  further includes apertures  100   i  and  100   j  that accept a securing element. It should be appreciated that housing  100  can include any suitable number of apertures on any wall for securing the housing  100 . In one embodiment, the securing element is a screw, wherein apertures  100   i  and  100   j  can be threaded or unthreaded; however any suitable securing element can be used (i.e., a bolt and nut combination, rivets, etc.). It should also be appreciated that housing  100  can be at least partially flexible and can be formed into any suitable shape. In one embodiment, housing  100  can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum; however, it should be appreciated that housing  100  can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). 
     In one embodiment, lever  102  is an elongated member wherein one end is formed into an eccentric circle such as the cam illustrated as  102   a . One end of lever  102  is configured for a user to grasp. Lever  102  also includes at least two apertures  102   b  and  102   c  that are each configured to accept a pin or a link member such as pins  103   a  and  103   b . In one embodiment, lever  102  can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that lever  102  can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). 
     In one embodiment, arm  104  is an elongated member with a first and second end. Each end of arm  104  includes at least one aperture such as apertures  104   a  and  104   b . Apertures  104   a  and  104   b  are configured to accept at least one pin or link such as pin  103   b  and pin  103   c . In one embodiment, arm  104  can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that arm  104  can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). 
     In one embodiment, pins  103   a - 103   d  can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that pins  103   a - 103   d  can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). 
     In one embodiment, angle block  106  is a wedged or angle shaped member that conforms to the shape of housing  100 . In one embodiment, angle block  106  includes a surface element  106   a  that can include teeth or ridges and grooves that run along at least part of the bottom of angle block  106 ; however it should be appreciated that surface element  106   a  can run the entire length of the bottom of angle block  106  or any other suitable length. In one embodiment, wherein the surface  106   a  is configured as teeth or ridges and grooves, a distance between teeth of surface  106   a  of angle block  106  are configured to match the teeth of at least one cogged belt or strap; however the distance between teeth can be irregular or any suitable distance that do not match with any cogged belt or strap. 
     In one embodiment, angle block  106  can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that angle block  106  can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). In one embodiment, wherein the surface  106   a  includes teeth, the teeth can be milled directly into surface  106   a  of angle block  106 . However, it should be appreciated that the surface  106   a  can be formed as one or more separate elements from angle block  106 . For example, the teeth can be formed from rubber or any other suitable material that has a high friction coefficient. In one embodiment, if the teeth are formed from separate elements, the teeth can be coupled to angle block  106  in any suitable manner (e.g., glue, screws, rivets, etc.) to form a single element. Further still, surface  106   a  of angle block  106  can be configured without teeth. In one such embodiment, surface  106   a  can be configured from any suitable material with a high coefficient of friction. Surface  106   a  can also include any suitable pattern that enables the surface  106   a  to positively grip another surface that is in contact with surface  106   a.    
     Angle block  106  also includes guide pins  106   b  and  106   c . In one embodiment, guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  are coupled to the top of angle block  106 . In one such embodiment, guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  are welded or glued to the top of angle block  106  to form a single member  106 . Guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  may also be coupled to angle block  106  through apertures formed in the top of angle block  106  (i.e., screwed to angle block  106  or coupled in any suitable manner). Guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  can also be formed from steel or a steel composite; however, like angle block  106 , guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  can be formed form any suitable material. Angle block  106  also includes at least one aperture  106   d  configured to accept a pin or link such as pin  103   c.    
     In one embodiment, strap  108  is a strap or a belt that includes, ridges and grooves, or teeth. In one such embodiment, strap  108  is a cogged belt that has teeth molded directly into its surface such as those used in vehicle timing belts. In a preferred embodiment, the cogged belt is an open-end timing belt commercially available in various widths, strengths, and lengths. However, strap  108  can be formed from nylon webbing or any other suitable material and can be configured without ridges and grooves. Strap  108  also includes at least two apertures  108   a  and  108   b . Apertures  108   a  and  108   b  are configured to accept at least one pin or link such as pin  103   d . However any suitable element such as a screw or a bolt can be inserted through apertures  108   a  and  108   b.    
     Load buckle  110  can be a formed as a D-ring or any other suitable shape. In one alternative embodiment, load buckle  110  can be a carabineer that enables rapid coupling and release to a securing point. In one embodiment, load buckle  110  can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that load buckle  110  can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cutaway side perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the cam end  102   a  of lever  102  is positioned at least partially within the second opening  100   f  of housing  100 . The cam end  102   a  of lever  102  is rotatably coupled to housing  100  with pin  103   a , wherein pin  103   a  is inserted through apertures  100   h  of housing  100  and aperture  102   b  of lever  102 . It should be appreciated that two or more pins or links may be used to rotatably couple lever  102  to housing  100 . In one embodiment, a spring washer (not shown) can be inserted over pin  103   a  such that spring washer sits between at least one side of lever  102  and housing  100  (i.e., either side  100   b  or side  100   c ). In one embodiment, two spring washers can be used such that a spring washer sits between either side of lever  102  and housing  100  (i.e., between side  100   b  and side  100   c  of housing  100 ). 
     Arm  104  is located within housing  100 . One end of arm  104  is rotatably coupled to lever  102  with pin  103   b , wherein pin  103   b  is inserted through apertures  104   a  of arm  104  and through aperture  102   c  of lever  102 . It should be appreciated that two or more pins or links may be used to rotatably couple arm  104  to lever  102 . The other end of arm  104  is rotatably coupled to angle block  106  with pin  103   c , wherein pin  103   c  is inserted through apertures  104   b  of arm  104  and aperture  106   d  of angle block  106 . It should be appreciated that more than one arm  104  can be coupled to angle block  106 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the position of lever  102  having cam end  102   a  within housing  100  can be inverted such that lever  102  is rotatably coupled to aperture  100   h  of housing  100  at aperture  102   c  of lever  102 . In one such embodiment, one end of arm  104  is rotatably coupled to lever  102  with pin  103   b , wherein pin  103   b  is inserted through apertures  104   a  of arm  104  and through aperture  102   b  of lever  102 . In this manner, the rotation of the lever can be reversed as discussed below. 
     Angle block  106  is at least partially located within housing  100 . That is, guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  protrude from housing  100  through channel  100   g , while the body of angle block  106  is located within housing  100 . However, it should be appreciated that guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  can remain within housing  100  (e.g., unexposed) if a recessed channel is created within housing  100  and top  100   d  is solid. The surface  106   a  of angle block  106  is situated parallel to base  100   a  of housing  100 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a top perspective view wherein the neck of guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  are shown within channel  100   g  while the heads of guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  are above top  100   d  of housing  100 . 
     One end of strap  108  can be inserted within housing  100  through opening  100   e  and  100   f  of housing  100 . In one embodiment, strap  108  protrudes through both openings  100   e  and  100   f  of housing  100 ; however, strap  108  may not protrude though both openings as illustrated in the cutaway section  120  of  FIG. 2  (it should be noted that the cutaway section is merely for illustration purposes; however, in one embodiment, housing  100  can include a translucent section to enable a user to view the internal locking mechanism to enable the user to verify that the locking mechanism is properly engaged). Strap  108  is also positioned between the bottom of angle block  108  and base  100   a  of housing  100 . In one embodiment, load buckle  110  can be coupled to strap  108  through a loop created by folding one end of strap  108  onto itself. One end of strap  108  having aperture  108   b  is threaded through load buckle  110  and folded around load buckle  110  such that apertures  108   a  and  108   b  are aligned. A pin such as  103   d  can be inserted through apertures  108   a  and  108   b  to secure the folded portion of strap  108  together. In one embodiment, plates  122   a  and  122   b  can be positioned on either side of strap  108  to further secure strap  108  around load buckle  110 . In this embodiment, plates  122   a  and  122   b  further include apertures to pass pin  103   d  through to apertures  108   a  and  108   b . It should also be appreciated that load buckle  110  can be coupled to strap  108  in any suitable manner. 
     Operation 
     In one embodiment of the locking device and system incorporating a cogged belt as strap  108  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the locking mechanism is used as a cargo tie down wherein the strap  108  (i.e., the cogged belt) is used as the adjustable portion of the securing tie down. 
     Housing  100  is coupled to a surface, such as bolting housing  100  through apertures  100   i  and  100   j  to one edge of a desired surface such as a truck bed. One end of strap  108  is coupled to load buckle  110 . Load buckle  110  is attached to the end of a lanyard such as a rope or other device, which is coupled to an opposite edge of the pickup truck bed. However, it should be appreciated that load buckle  110  can be directly coupled to the opposite edge of the pickup truck. Strap  108  is placed over or threaded through an object that a user desires to secure to the bed of the pickup truck. The end of strap  108  opposite of the end coupled to load buckle  110  is threaded through opening  100   e  of housing  100 . If strap  108  is long enough, strap  108  is also threaded through opening  100   f  of housing  100 . Strap  108  is pulled through housing  100  such that strap  108  is sufficiently taut to secure the object within the bed of the pickup truck. 
     When strap  108  is determined to be sufficiently taut, the locking mechanism enables a user to pivot lever  102  towards the base  100   a  of housing  100  (i.e., counterclockwise from the perspective of  FIG. 2 ) to secure strap  108 . When the user pivots lever  102  counterclockwise, lever  102  pivots on pin  103   a . Pivoting lever  102  causes arm  104  to pivot around pin  103   b  and to push arm  104  towards opening  100   e  of housing  100 . Pivoting lever  102  also causes arm  104  to push angle block  106  towards opening  100   e  due to the rotatable coupling at pin  103   c . As angle block  106  is pushed towards opening  100   e , the pivoting motion of lever  102  also causes angle block  106  to move towards base  100   a  and the surface of strap  108  due to guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  which are slidably coupled in channel  100   g  of the top  100   d  of housing  100 . When angle block  106  moves, guide pins  106   b  and  106   c  slide in channel  100   g  and cause angle block  106  to move parallel to channel  100   g . The surface  106   a  (e.g., the teeth) of angle block  106  engage and hold the surface of strap  108  when lever  102  is sufficiently pivoted. In this illustrated embodiment, the teeth of surface  106   a  of angle block  106  are formed such that they fit within the grooves of strap  108  (i.e., the cogged belt). In this configuration, if any additional load is exerted on strap  108  or on load buckle  110 , the force causes an increase in the engagement of angle block  106  with strap  108  as angle block  106  is pushed further towards opening  100   e  of housing  100  and slides further down channel  100   g  into strap  108 . 
     When the user desires to release the tension in strap  108 , the user rotates lever  102  to cause angle block  106  to move towards opening  100   f  in housing  100  (i.e. away from base  100   a  or clockwise from the perspective of  FIG. 2 ). Strap  108  can thereafter be removed from housing  100  or loosened such that the load can be removed from the bed of the pickup truck. It should be appreciated that the locking mechanism of the present invention can be secured in any suitable location of any desired object such as a boat, motorcycle, or even stationary objects such as a deck. In other words, the locking mechanism is not limited to applications in the bed of a pickup truck. 
     In one alternative embodiment, wherein lever  102  is inverted within housing  100  (i.e., the direction of the cam end  102   a  is inverted), rotating lever  102  away from the base  100   a  of housing  100  (i.e., clockwise from the perspective of  FIG. 2 ) secures strap  108 . In this embodiment, when the user desires to release the tension in strap  108 , the user rotates lever  102  to cause angle block  106  to move towards opening  100   f  in housing  100  (i.e., lever  102  is pivoted towards base  100   a  or counterclockwise from the perspective of  FIG. 2 ). 
     While a cogged belt provides a preferable amount of interlocking securement with the teeth or grooves of the surface  106   a  of angle block  106 , it should be appreciated that strap  108  can be any suitable strap material such as nylon webbing. The teeth or grooves of surface  106   a  of angle block  106  can create a sufficient amount of friction to prevent the nylon webbing strap from sliding between angle block  106  and base  100   a . In one alternative embodiment, the surface  106   a  of angle block  106  does not include teeth or grooves, but is configured with a material having a high coefficient of friction. In one such embodiment, when the surface  106   a  of angle block  106  is in positive contact with the surface of the strap  108 , the pressure exerted from angle block  106  and the high coefficient of friction of surface  106   a  causes strap  108  to be secured. In another embodiment, surface  106   a  may be configured with teeth or grooves and a material with a high coefficient of friction to further ensure that strap  108  is positively secured when the angle block  106  is pressed against strap  108 . 
     In one alternative embodiment, wherein the spring washer is incorporated at location  115  (i.e., over pin  103   a  and between lever  102  and housing  100 ), if the load on load buckle  110  becomes negative, the spring washer creates friction to prevent inadvertent movement of lever  102  that may have otherwise caused disengagement of angle block  106  from strap  108 . 
     Thus, it should be appreciated that the locking mechanism described herein enables a user to positively secure any object to any suitable location. The locking mechanism enables the user to quickly secure the object and enables the object to remain secured because if an additional load is placed on the locking mechanism in a secured position, the locking mechanism further secures the strap within the housing of the locking mechanism. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.