Abstract:
A simple and inexpensive device for a reliable tie down tensioning which device enables the tie-down to be quickly and easily applied and the flexible element tensioned and just as quickly and easily removed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/360,286 filed Jun. 30, 2010 which, in its entirety, is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the tensioning of lines, ropes, webbing, elastic cables, and other flexible elongated elements used to tie down cargo, hoisting, and other similar applications. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    This invention relates to a simple and inexpensive device for enabling the tie down of lines, ropes or elastic cables to be quickly and easily attached, tensioned, and reliably fixed in place under tension, while also enabling them to be quickly and easily released. It also relates to a tie down device that maintains tension of the load even upon a sudden and unexpected potential failure of the primary tie down device. 
         [0004]    A variety of devices for tie-down tensioning are known in the art. However, such devices have been subject to one or more disadvantages in use. For example, some of the devices of the prior art have made it difficult to adjust the length of the tie-down to size prior to tensioning. This is especially true for those devices incorporating complex and inconvenient ratcheting or cam mechanisms. Most other devices are complicated and expensive to manufacture. Others incorporate sheaves, pins, springs, ratchets, cams, and other small parts that will wear out, potentially fail suddenly and without warning, and not work properly in harsh, muddy, wet, and extremely cold environments. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, until now most prior art devices have required the user to engage a special unlocking feature at the device to release the rope tension. Unavoidably, this positions the user in close proximity to the load and provides no easy way to put distance between the user and the potentially harmful affects of releasing the tension. 
         [0006]    Other more pressing problems with the prior art relate to potential unintended and catastrophic sudden failure due to inherent design flaws. For example, in most prior art devices the hook is connected to the main tensioning device with some form of rope or strapping. In other devices the hook is fastened directly to the housing. In all these examples, should the housing or mechanism in the housing fail, the load tension will release. Furthermore, there is no back up method for maintaining the tension in such an event. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a significantly enhanced mechanism for hoisting loads and performing other similar functions. When tension is introduced to the rope, a larger proportion of that tension is applied toward lifting a load, as opposed to being countered by frictional forces between the rope and the device. In preferred embodiments, the rope passes over a means for reducing friction (e.g., a wheel that rotates) as the rope is moved. In many such embodiments, there is substantially no relative movement between the wheel and the rope. In some embodiments, the resulting device combines the functionality of a pulley and a jamming cleat. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art tensioning device; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a disassembled prior art tensioning device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a tensioning device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a disassembled tensioning device of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a tensioning device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a disassembled tensioning device of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    While multiple embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed, alternate embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description describes only illustrative embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like elements are designated by like numerals. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the invention in any form or manner to that described herein. As such, all alternatives are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0015]      FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively, are perspective views of an assembled and a disassembled prior art tensioning device  100 . Detailed descriptions of the features and methods of using tensioning device  100  are provided in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,769 and co-owned U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0307612 and 2010/0212116 all of which, in their entirety, are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, housing  102  of tensioning device  100  comprises two opposed walls  104  and  106 . When assembled, opposed walls  104  and  106  together define jamming cleat  108 , locking element  110  and channel  112  within housing  102 . Jamming cleat  108  comprising a plurality of opposing ridges  114  and  116  in opposed walls  104  and  106 , respectively, is configured for imparting a non-slip grip on flexible elongated element  118  therewithin. Locking element  110  comprising locking arm  120  is configured for retaining flexible elongated element  118  within jamming cleat  108  upon placement of flexible elongated element  118  in the space between housing  102  and locking arm  120 . Housing  102  further includes at least one aperture  122  extending therethrough, wherein aperture  122  is formed by aligned apertures  124  and  126  in opposed walls  104  and  106 , respectively. Alternate embodiments of tensioning device  100  include additional apertures extending through housing  102 , such as aperture  128  formed by aligned apertures  130  and  132  in opposed walls  104  and  106 , respectively. In the prior art tensioning device  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , channel  112  extends through housing  102  between openings  134  and  136  and around the interior surface of aperture  122 . As shown, channel  112  functions as a passage for flexible elongated element  118  within housing  102 , extending from the first opening  134 , through an approximately 180° turn, to the second opening  136 . Securing elements, such as removable securing element  138  extending through aperture  122  in housing  102 , are used for attaching tensioning device  100  to a substantially fixed object for the purpose of tensioning flexible elongated element  118 . 
         [0016]    In use, channel  112  guides flexible elongated element  118  through housing  102 . An end of flexible elongated element  118  extends away from housing  102  at opening  134 , another end of flexible elongated element  118  extends away from housing  102  at opening  136 , and a portion of flexible elongated element  118  is movably engaged within housing  102 . The portion of flexible elongated element  118  extending away from housing  102  at opening  136  is herein after referred to as an end section of flexible elongated element  118 . After an object has been secured to the end of flexible elongated element  118  extending away from housing  102  at opening  134  and removable securing element  138  extending through aperture  122  (or aperture  128 ) in housing  102  attaches tensioning device  100  to a substantially fixed object, the end section of flexible elongated element  118  is pulled in a general direction away from housing  102  at opening  136  until a desired tension is achieved in flexible elongated element  118 . Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a portion of the end section proximate opening  136  is first placed within jamming cleat  108  and then secured within locking element  110  by placing flexible elongated element  118  into the space between housing  102  and locking arm  120 . Accordingly, both flexible elongated element  118  and the object secured to the end of flexible elongated element  118  extending away from housing  102  at opening  134  are held under tension. The applied tension is relieved by performing the steps in the reverse order. 
         [0017]      FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively, are perspective views of an assembled and a disassembled tensioning device  200  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Several components and features of tensioning device  200  are substantially similar to those of tensioning device  100  described herein above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , housing  202  of tensioning device  200  comprises two opposed walls  204  and  206 . When assembled, opposed walls  204  and  206  together define jamming cleat  208 , locking element  210  and channel  212  within housing  202 . Jamming cleat  208  comprising a plurality of opposing ridges  214  and  216  in opposed walls  204  and  206 , respectively, is configured for imparting a non-slip grip on a flexible elongated element (not shown) that is placed therewithin. Locking element  210  comprising locking arm  220  is configured for retaining the flexible elongated element within jamming cleat  208  upon placement of the flexible elongated element within the space between housing  202  and locking arm  220 . Housing  202  further includes at least one aperture  222  extending therethrough, wherein aperture  222  is formed by aligned apertures  224  and  226  in opposed walls  204  and  206 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the inside surface of wall  206  includes indentation (or hollow)  240  around aperture  226 . A complimentary indentation or hollow (not shown) on the inside surface of wall  204  around aperture  224  aligns with indentation  240  to define nest  242  for housing wheel  244 . In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of hub  246  of wheel  244  is essentially equal to the diameters of apertures  224  and  226  such that upon assembly of opposed walls  204  and  206 , aperture  222  extending through housing  202  also extends through hub  246  of wheel  244 . Alternate embodiments of tensioning device  200  include additional apertures extending through housing  202 , such as aperture  228  formed by aligned apertures  230  and  232  in opposed walls  204  and  206 , respectively. 
         [0018]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , channel  212  extends through housing  202  between openings  234  and  236  and around the outside circumferential surface of wheel  244 . As such, channel  212  functions as a passage for the flexible elongated element within housing  202  from the first opening  234 , through an approximately 180° turn, to the second opening  236 . As described herein below, movement of the flexible elongated element within channel  212  imparts a rotational movement on wheel  244 . 
         [0019]    As can be seen from  FIGS. 3 and 4 , opposed walls  204  and  206  have substantially complementary outer edges and form housing  202  when these outer edges are positioned against one another and opposed walls  204  and  206  are secured in place by fastening elements. As shown, bolts  248  extending through apertures  250  and  252  in opposed walls  204  and  206 , respectively, are secured by nuts  254 . Alternate fastening elements for forming housing  202  by securing opposed walls  204  and  206  in place are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0020]    Securement elements, such as removable securing element  238  extending through aperture  222  in housing  202 , are used for attaching tensioning device  200  to a substantially fixed object for the purpose of tensioning the flexible elongated element extending through housing  202 . Securing element  238  includes substantially straight section  256  extending through both aperture  222  in housing  202  and hub  246  of wheel  244 . As such, substantially straight section  256  of securing element  238  is essentially configured to function as an axle for wheel  244  around which wheel  244  rotates when the flexible elongated element moves within channel  212  and through housing  202 . In an embodiment of the invention, tip (or end)  258  of substantially straight section  256  includes securement means well known in the art for inhibiting removal or disengagement of securing element  238  from aperture  222  of housing  202 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , tip  258  comprises one or more circumferential ridges or indentations configured for securing clip  260  such as a spring clip or any other similar element. In an alternate embodiment, tip  258  is configured for securement with a pin such as a cotter pin, hair pin, clevis pin, and the like. In another embodiment, tip  258  is threaded for securement with a nut or other similar element. In another embodiment, tip  258  is configured for securement with a rivet. In some embodiments, the structure of tip  258  includes a feature (e.g., a crimp, a bend, etc.) that serve to secure the securement element  238  in place. Other structural features of the securing element can also serve the securement purpose. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, sliding movement of tensioning device  200  along substantially straight section  256  is limited (or restricted) by including at least two spaced apart securement means, similar to one or more of those described in the foregoing, on either side of housing  202 . In another embodiments of the invention, the spaced apart securement means on either side of housing  202  are used for fixedly attaching tensioning device  200  to securing element  238  for inhibiting both rotational and translational movement of housing  202  relative to substantially straight section  256 . In yet another embodiments of the invention, the spaced apart securement means on either side of housing  202  are used for attaching tensioning device  200  to securing element  238  such that rotational movement of housing  202  about substantially straight section  256  is permitted, however translational movement of housing  202  along substantially straight section  256  is inhibited. To one skilled in the art, additional securement means enabling alternate movements of housing  202  relative to securing element  238  will apparent. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , substantially straight section  256  of securing element  238  entering aperture  222  of housing  202  through aperture  226  in wall  206 , extending through hub  246  of wheel  244 , exiting aperture  222  of housing  202  through aperture  224  in wall  204 , and retained in this configuration with the installment of clip  260  in tip  258  extending through wall  204 . As it will be clearly apparent to one skilled in the art, the exemplary configuration for attaching housing  202  to securing element  238  illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is reversible in that substantially straight section  256  of securing element  238  enters aperture  222  of housing  202  through aperture  224  in wall  204 , extends through hub  246  of wheel  244 , exits aperture  222  of housing  202  through aperture  226  in wall  206 , and retained in this configuration with the installment of clip  260  in tip  258  extending through wall  206 . Alternate securement means for attaching tensioning device  200  to a substantially fixed object are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0021]    In use, channel  212  guides the flexible elongated element through housing  202 . An end of the flexible elongated element extends away from housing  202  at opening  234 , another end of the flexible elongated element extends away from housing  202  at opening  236 , and a portion of the flexible elongated element is movably engaged within housing  202 . The portion of the flexible elongated element extending away from housing  202  at opening  236  is herein after referred to as an end section of the flexible elongated element. After an object has been secured to the end of the flexible elongated element extending away from housing  202  at opening  234  and removable securing element  238  extending through both aperture  222  in housing  202  and hub  246  of wheel  244  attaches tensioning device  200  to a substantially fixed object, the end section of the flexible elongated element is pulled in a general direction away from housing  202  at opening  236  until a desired tension is achieved in the flexible elongated element. Next, as previously described in reference to  FIG. 2 , a portion of the end section proximate opening  236  is first placed within jamming cleat  208  and then secured within locking element  210  by placing the flexible elongated element into the space between housing  202  and locking arm  220 . Accordingly, both the flexible elongated element and the object secured to the end of the flexible elongated element extending away from housing  202  at opening  234  are held under tension. The applied tension is relieved by performing the steps in the reverse order. 
         [0022]    As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, substantially straight section  256  of securing element  238 , when attached to housing  202  as described herein above, functions as an axle for wheel  244 . In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wheel  244  is dimensioned such that there is minimal contact between wheel  244  and any internal surface of housing  202 , including any surface of nest  242 , while substantially straight section  256  of securing element  238  extends through hub  246  of wheel  244 . A portion of the flexible elongated element within channel  212  of housing  202  will be in contact with a portion of the outer circumferential surface of wheel  244  such that any movement of the flexible elongated element within channel  212  will impart a rotational movement on wheel  244  around substantially straight section  256  functioning as the axle for wheel  244 . Referring back to the prior art embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is seen that at least a portion of aperture  122  shares a common surface with at least a portion of channel  112 . As it will be apparent to one skilled in the art, this common surface between aperture  122  and channel  112  will impart a frictional resistance to the movement of flexible elongated element  118  within housing  102 . As it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art, this friction resistance inherent in the prior art embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is essentially eliminated with the incorporation of wheel  244  in the embodiment of the instant invention as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As can be seen, wheel  244  will rotate in conjunction with the movement of the flexible elongated element around aperture  222  in housing  202 . 
         [0023]    While the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a simple wheel  244  as the means for reducing friction, alternate configurations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For instance, an alternate embodiment of the invention will incorporate a wheel with a locking mechanism which will permit the wheel to rotate in a first direction but not in a second direction opposite the first direction. One such locking mechanism that can be easily incorporated is a ratcheting mechanism as is well known in the art. As such, the wheel will rotate in conjunction with the movement of the flexible elongated element in the first direction; however, movement of the flexible elongated element in the second direction opposite the first direction will lock the wheel and impart frictional resistance between the circumferential surface of the wheel and the flexible elongated element. In some instances, the friction resistance resulting from the locked wheel and the movement of the flexible elongated element in the second direction can be substantial and, as such, can be advantageous when relieving the tension in the flexible elongated element. All wheel locking mechanisms and/or any combinations thereof are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0024]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wheel  244  functions as a pulley. In an alternate embodiment, wheel  244  comprises a groove between a pair of flanges around a circumference of the wheel wherein the flexible elongated element is housed within the groove. In another embodiment of the invention, the outer circumferential surface of wheel  244  includes a plurality of longitudinally or angularly extending ribs or ridges or grooves for providing the flexible elongated element a “grip” on the wheel. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the outer circumferential surface of wheel  244  comprises a non-smooth, for example a roughened, texture for enhancing a “grip” between the flexible elongated element and the wheel. Combinations of one or more of such design considerations and/or other means for reducing friction will be apparent to one skilled in the art. All such configurations are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 5 and 6 , respectively, are perspective views of an assembled and a disassembled tensioning device  300  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Several components and features of tensioning device  300  are substantially similar to those of tensioning device  200  described herein above with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , housing  302  of tensioning device  300  comprises two opposed walls  304  and  306 . When assembled, opposed walls  304  and  306  together define jamming cleat  308 , locking element  310  and channel  312  within housing  302 . Jamming cleat  308  comprising a plurality of opposing ridges  314  and  316  in opposed walls  304  and  306 , respectively, is configured for imparting a non-slip grip on a flexible elongated element (not shown) that is placed therewithin. Locking element  310  comprising locking arm  320  is configured for retaining the flexible elongated element within jamming cleat  308  upon placement of the flexible elongated element within the space between housing  302  and locking arm  320 . 
         [0026]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the inside surface of wall  306  includes cylindrical extension  340  with clearance  342  therearound for housing wheel  344 . A complimentary cylindrical extension on the inside surface of wall  304  aligns with cylindrical extension  340  to define an axle for hub  346  of wheel  344 . Additionally, a complementary clearance around the complimentary cylindrical extension on the inside surface of wall  304  aligns with clearance  342  to define a housing for wheel  344 . The cylindrical extensions, the clearances around the cylindrical extensions, wheel  344  and hub  346  are all dimensioned for ensuring smooth rotation of wheel  344  around the axle formed by the cylindrical extensions and within the housing formed by the clearances around the cylindrical extensions. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wheel  344  is dimensioned such that there is minimal contact between the outer circumferential surface of wheel  344  and any internal surface of housing  302 , including any surfaces of the wheel housing formed by complimentary clearances such as clearance  342 . Other means for supporting wheel  344  may involve a separate metal shaft rather than the cylindrical extensions, along with other structures known by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0027]    Housing  302  includes one or more apertures  322  and  328  for attaching tensioning device  300  to a removable securing element (not shown) such as securing elements  138  and  238  as described in the foregoing with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . Aperture  322  is defined between opposed walls  304  and  306  when housing  302  is formed. As shown, aperture  328  extending through housing  302 , is formed by aligned apertures  330  and  332  in opposed walls  304  and  306 , respectively. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , channel  312  extends through housing  302  between openings  334  and  336  and around the outside circumferential surface of wheel  344 . As such, channel  312  functions as a passage for the flexible elongated element within housing  302  from the first opening  334 , through an approximately  180 ° turn, to the second opening  336 . Movement of the flexible elongated element within channel  312  imparts a rotational movement on wheel  344 . As can be seen, a portion of the flexible elongated element within channel  312  of housing  302  will be in contact with a portion of the outer circumferential surface of wheel  344  such that any movement of the flexible elongated element within channel  312  will impart a rotational movement on wheel  344  around the complimentary cylindrical extensions. As previously described, the complimentary cylindrical extensions, such as cylindrical extension  340  on the inside surface of wall  306 , form an axle for wheel  344 . Referring back to the prior art embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is seen that at least a portion of aperture  122  shares a common surface with at least a portion of channel  112 . As it will be apparent to one skilled in the art, this common surface between aperture  122  and channel  112  will impart a frictional resistance to the movement of flexible elongated element  118  within housing  102 . As it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art, this friction resistance inherent in the prior art embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is essentially eliminated with the incorporation of wheel  344  in the embodiment of the instant invention as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . As can be seen, wheel  344  will rotate in conjunction with the movement of the flexible elongated element around the complimentary cylindrical extensions on the inside surfaces of opposed walls  304  and  306  of housing  302 . 
         [0029]    As can be seen from  FIGS. 5 and 6 , opposed walls  304  and  306  have substantially complementary outer edges and form housing  302  when these outer edges are positioned against one another and opposed walls  304  and  306  are secured in place by fastening elements. As shown, bolts  348  extending through apertures  350  and  352  in opposed walls  304  and  306 , respectively, are secured by nuts  354 . Alternate fastening elements for forming housing  302  by securing opposed walls  304  and  306  in place are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0030]    Securement elements, such as removable securing elements  138  and  238  described in the foregoing with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , extending through one or more apertures, such as apertures  322  and  328  in housing  302 , are used for attaching tensioning device  300  to a substantially fixed object for the purpose of tensioning the flexible elongated element extending through housing  302 . In some preferred embodiments, a carabineer can be extended through aperture  322  to serve as the securing element. As previously stated, alternate securement means for attaching tensioning device  300  to a substantially fixed object are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. Embodiments like those shown in  FIGS. 5-6   6  can be advantageous in that the securing element does not affect the movement of the flexible elongated element relative to the wheel  344 . 
         [0031]    In use, channel  312  guides the flexible elongated element through housing  302 . An end of the flexible elongated element extends away from housing  302  at opening  334 , another end of the flexible elongated element extends away from housing  302  at opening  336 , and a portion of the flexible elongated element is movably engaged within housing  302 . The portion of the flexible elongated element extending away from housing  302  at opening  336  is herein after referred to as an end section of the flexible elongated element. After a securement element attaches tensioning device  300  to a substantially fixed object and an object has been secured to the end of the flexible elongated element extending away from housing  302  at opening  334 , the end section of the flexible elongated element is pulled in a general direction away from housing  302  at opening  336  until a desired tension is achieved in the flexible elongated element. Next, as previously described in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , a portion of the end section proximate opening  336  is first placed within jamming cleat  308  and then secured within locking element  310  by placing the flexible elongated element into the space between housing  302  and locking arm  320 . Accordingly, both the flexible elongated element and the object secured to the end of the flexible elongated element extending away from housing  302  at opening  334  are held under tension. The applied tension is relieved by performing the steps in the reverse order. 
         [0032]    While the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a simple wheel  344 , alternate wheel configurations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For instance, and as previously described in the foregoing with reference to wheel  244  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an alternate embodiment of the invention will incorporate a wheel with a locking mechanism which will permit the wheel to rotate in a first direction but not in a second direction opposite the first direction. All alternate wheel locking mechanisms and/or any combinations thereof are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0033]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wheel  344  functions as a pulley similar to wheel  244 . Alternate embodiments of the means for reducing friction, such as those previously described as alternate embodiments for wheel  244 , are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. Exemplary embodiments for wheel  344  comprise a groove between a pair of flanges around a circumference of the wheel, a plurality of longitudinally or angularly extending ribs or ridges or grooves on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel, non-smooth or roughened outer circumferential surface, etc. All such variations are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention. 
         [0034]    Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments described hereinabove without departing from the scope, intent and spirit of the instant invention. For example, while the disclosed embodiments refer to particular features, the scope of the instant invention is considered to also include embodiments having various combinations of features different from and/or in addition to those described hereinabove. Accordingly, the present invention embraces all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as within the scope, intent and spirit of the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof.