Patent ID: 12241523

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A chain binder is depicted throughout the figures generally at10. Chain binder10includes a first end opposite a second end14defining a longitudinal direction therebetween. A first axis16extends centrally in the longitudinal direction. Chain binder10includes a first side18opposite a second side20defining a transverse direction therebetween. The longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transverse direction. Chain binder10includes a transverse second axis22, a transverse third axis24, and a transverse fourth axis26. Various components rotate about or more relative to the transverse second axis22, the transverse third axis24, and the transverse fourth axis26as described herein.

Chain binder10includes a lever body28, generally, that has a length that extends in the longitudinal direction. The length of the lever body is centered on first axis16and extends generally fully from first end12to second end14. The lever body28defines an interior space30(FIG.2). As detailed herein, the lever body28moves about the transverse second axis22. The lever body includes a first pair of bosses32that is composed of a first boss32A extending outward in the transverse direction from one side of the lever body28and a second boss32B extending outward in the transverse direction from another side of the lever body28. The lever body includes a second pair of bosses34that is composed of a third boss34A extending outward in the transverse direction from one side of the lever body28and a fourth boss34B extending outward in the transverse direction from another side of the lever body28. Each of the bosses is shaped or configured as a rigid tube or collar.

Chain binder10includes a ratchet mechanism36comprising a pawl38coupled to a drive assembly39. Drive assembly39comprises at least one gear40within the interior space30of the lever body28. Additionally, the drive assembly39has a drive axle42fixedly connected to the at least one gear40, wherein the drive axle42includes a first drive head44A adapted to driven by a device, such as a power tool to rotate the drive axle42and the at least one gear40about the transverse third axis24. The drive axle42includes a second drive head44B adapted to driven by a device, such as a power tool to rotate the drive axle42and the at least one gear40about the transverse third axis24. First drive head44A extends outward in the transverse direction from one side of the lever body28and the second drive head44B extends outward in the transverse direction from another side of the lever body28. Chain binder is operable such that the at least one gear40moves in response to one (i) the ratchet mechanism36moving in response to movement of the lever body28about transverse second axis22and (ii) the drive axle42being driven about transverse third axis24by the device, such as a power tool, to rotate the at least one gear40. The drive axle42defines third axis24. Typically, only one mode of operation is operation at a single time. Stated otherwise, although it may be possible for an operation to both ratchet the lever body28and use a device178(FIG.7), such as an electric driver or drill, or a torque wrench, at the same time, this is not typically the case, and an operator will ordinarily select one mode or the other.

Chain binder10includes a tubular assembly45having tubular member46with a second gear48fixedly attached to the tubular member46. The second gear48is in rotational communication with the at least one drive gear48, wherein a portion of the tubular member46extends in the transverse direction through the first boss32A, the interior space30, and the second boss32B.

Chain binder10has a first hook50A adjacent the first side18and a second hook50B adjacent the second side20, wherein movement of the drive assembly39, namely, movement of at least one gear40is configured to move the first and second hooks50A,50B relative to each other to tension or relax an element, such as a chain or strap, to which the chain binder10is attached. While hook50A and hook50B are shown as open ended hooks, it is to be understood that any suitable connector would suffice. As such, the term hook can be any suitable connector that effectuates a permanent, semi-permanent, or releasable connection between two components. For example, other types of connectors that could be utilized on any embodiment of the chain binders detailed herein include carabineers, slide locks, rings, splices, lugs, tangs, or any other type of mechanical connectors. As such, the term connector may be used in the appended claim that includes the exemplary hooks50A,50B but also encompasses these other types of connectors.

On the chain binder10, the drive axle42comprises an end52A on the first drive head44A and an end52B on the second drive head44B. Wherein the total length of the drive axle42extend from end52A to end52B and is aligned along third axis24. A first portion of the length of the first drive44A head is defined between the end52A of first drive head44A and the at least one gear40. A second portion of the length of the second drive head44B is defined between the end52B of second drive head44B and the at least one gear40. There is a first indicator54A on the first drive head44A located between the end52A and the at least one gear40, wherein the first indicator54A divides the first drive head44A into a first portion56A and a second portion56B, wherein the end52A is in the first portion56A, and wherein the first portion56A is sacrificially used to drive the at least one gear40and if the first portion56A becomes damaged, then the first portion56A may be sacrificed and cut off at the first indicator54A to leave the second portion56B connected to the at least one gear40and the second portion56B may continue to be used by the device to drive the at least one gear40after the first portion56A was sacrificed and discarded. There is a second indicator54B on the second drive head44B located between the end52B and the at least one gear40, wherein the second indicator54B divides the second drive head44B into a first portion56C and a second portion56D, wherein the end52B is in the first portion56C, and wherein the first portion56C is sacrificially used to drive the at least one gear40and if the first portion56C becomes damaged, then the first portion56C may be sacrificed and cut off at the second indicator54B to leave the second portion56D connected to the at least one gear40and the second portion56D may continue to be used by the device to drive the at least one gear40after the first portion56C was sacrificed and discarded. In one embodiment, the first indicator54A is a notch in an outer surface of the first drive head44A. Similarly, the second indicator54B may be a notch in an outer surface of the second drive head44B. The first indicator54A may be located at a location that divides the first portion56A and the second portion56B equally. The second indicator54B may be located at a location that divides the first portion56C and the second portion56D equally. However, the indicators54A,54B may be located at different location to divide portions56A,56B and portions56C,56D into different lengths. In some implementations, the heads44A,44B of drive axle42have a hexagonal configuration and the indicators54A,54B are located at an edge of the hexagonal configuration. When a hexagonal configuration is utilized, the first indicator54A may be one of six first indicators on the drive axle42. The second indicator54B may be one of six second indicators on the drive axle42.

In one embodiment, the first pair of bosses32have the same diameter. The second pair of bosses34have the same diameter, however the diameter of the second pair of bosses is smaller than the diameter of the first pair of bosses32. Stated otherwise, the diameter of the first pair of bosses32is larger than the diameter of the second pair of bosses34. There is a pair of grease fittings58with a first grease fitting58A on the first boss32A and a second grease fitting58B on the second boss32B. The grease fittings58A,58B are in operative fluid communication with the interior space30of the lever body28. There is a pair of grease fittings60with a first grease fitting60A on the first boss34A and a second grease fitting60B (not seen in the Figures due to the orientation thereof) on the second boss34B. The grease fittings60A,60B are in operative fluid communication with the interior space30of the lever body28.

FIG.1andFIG.2depict the lever body28that includes a first portion62AA and a second portion62B that are largely structurally similar to each other. Second portion62B has a cantilevered wall66extending from a side thereof when the first portion62A and the second portion62B are separated from each other.

First portion62A includes a first end68A opposite a second end70A. First portion62A includes a first major surface72A opposite a second major surface74A. A minor surface76A is defined by the thickness of the first portion62A and extends around the periphery of first portion62A.

First portion62A is formed generally in the shape of a rigid plate, preferably constructed of metal such as steel, that has a length extending between the first end68A and second end70A that is aligned in the longitudinal direction and offset parallel to axis16. First portion62A defines a plurality of transversely aligned apertures that extend fully through the plate or body of the first portion62A from the first major surface72A to the second major surface74A. In one particular embodiment the first portion62A defines at least one, or a plurality of bolt apertures78A that extend transversely through first portion62A. The bolt apertures78A are located adjacent the second end70A and are spaced apart from each other relative to the longitudinal direction in one particular embodiment. The bolt apertures78A have a diameter. First portion62A may also include a larger bolt aperture80A that extends in a transverse direction through the plate of the first portion62A between the first major surface72A and the second major surface74A. The larger bolt aperture80A has a diameter that is larger than the bolt aperture78A. Larger bolt aperture80A is disposed approximately half-way between the first end68A and the second end70A. Stated otherwise, the larger bolt aperture80A is located closer to the first end68A than the at least one bolt aperture78A.

The first end68A of the first portion62A is wider than the second end70A of the first portion62A. As such, the minor surface76A flares outwardly at a neck region82A and continues to span wider as the first and second surfaces72A,74A extend towards the first end68A. The first end68A may be defined by a rounded edge84A. Between the neck region82A and the rounded edge84A, the first portion62A defines an additional two apertures. Namely, first aperture86A and a second aperture88A extend fully through the widened portion87A of the plate that defines the first portion62A in the transverse direction between the first major surface72A and the second major surface74A. First aperture86A has a larger diameter than the second aperture88A. As will be described in greater detail below first aperture86A receives tubular member46therethrough. Second aperture88A receives the drive axle42therethrough.

First boss32A is fixedly connected with first major surface72A and extends outwardly in the transverse direction towards the first side18. First boss32A defines a bore90A that is in open fluid communication with first aperture86. In one embodiment the bore90A (i.e., inner diameter of first boss32A) may have the same diameter as first aperture86A such that the outer diameter of first boss32A may circumscribe the first aperture86A. In the embodiment shown inFIG.2, the first aperture86A is slightly larger than the bore90A (i.e., inner diameter of first boss32A) such that the outer diameter of first boss32A fits within first aperture86A such that the outer cylindrical surface92A fits within the first aperture86A to allow the first boss32A to be welded or fixedly connected to the first portion62A at edge94A that defines first aperture86A. The first grease fitting58A extends through the cylindrical sidewall of the first boss32A and extends outwardly from cylindrical surface92A. First grease fitting58A is in open fluid communication with bore90A and first aperture86A to allow grease or other lubricants to be inserted through grease fitting58A into the interior space30to lubricate gear40and gear48.

First boss34A is located closer to the second end70A of the first portion62A than the first boss32A. First boss34A is fixedly connected to the first major surface72A and is disposed within the second aperture88A. First boss34A defines a bore96A and an outer cylindrical surface98A. In one particular embodiment, the outer diameter of first boss34A is similar to the diameter defined by the circular edge100A that defines the second aperture88A to allow the first boss34A to fit within aperture88A and allow the first boss34A to be fixedly welded to the first portion62A. However, the inner diameter of bore96A could be similar to the diameter of second aperture88A to allow first boss34A to circumscribed edge100A. Grease fitting60A extends through the cylindrical surface98A of the first boss34A. Grease fitting60A is in open fluid communication with the bore96A and the second aperture88A to allow grease or other lubricant to enter into the interior space30to lubricate gear40and gear48.

Second portion62B includes a first end68B opposite a second end70B. Second portion62B includes a first major surface72B opposite a second major surface74B. A minor surface76B is defined by the thickness of the second portion62B and extends around the periphery of second portion62B.

Second portion62B is formed generally in the shape of a rigid plate, preferably constructed of metal such as steel, that has a length extending between the first end68B and second end70B that is aligned in the longitudinal direction and offset parallel to axis16. Second portion62B defines a plurality of transversely aligned apertures that extend fully through the plate or body of the second portion62B from the first major surface72B to the second major surface74B. In one particular embodiment the second portion62B defines at least one, or a plurality of bolt apertures78B that extend transversely through second portion62B. The bolt apertures78B are located adjacent the second end70B and are spaced apart from each other relative to the longitudinal direction in one particular embodiment. The bolt apertures78B have a diameter. Second portion62B may also include a larger bolt aperture80B that extends in a transverse direction through the plate of the second portion62B between the first major surface72B and the second major surface74B. The larger bolt aperture80B has a diameter that is larger than the bolt aperture78B. Larger bolt aperture80B is disposed approximately half-way between the first end68B and the second end70B. Stated otherwise, the larger bolt aperture80B is located closer to the first end68B than the at least one bolt aperture78B.

The first end68B of the second portion62B is wider than the second end70B of the second portion62B. As such, the minor surface76B flares outwardly at a neck region82B and continues to span wider as the first and second surfaces72B,74B extend towards the first end68B. The first end68B may be defined by a rounded edge84B. Between the neck region82B and the rounded edge84B, the second portion62B defines an additional two apertures. Namely, first aperture86B and a second aperture88B extend fully through the widened portion87B of the plate that defines the second portion62B in the transverse direction between the first major surface72B and the second major surface74B. First aperture86B has a larger diameter than the second aperture88B. As will be described in greater detail below first aperture86B receives tubular member46therethrough. Second aperture88B receives the drive axle42therethrough.

Second boss32B is fixedly connected with first major surface72B and extends outwardly in the transverse direction towards the second side20. Second boss32B defines a bore90B that is in open fluid communication with first aperture86. In one embodiment the bore90B (i.e., inner diameter of second boss32B) may have the same diameter as first aperture86B such that the outer diameter of second boss32B may circumscribe the first aperture86B. In the embodiment shown inFIG.2, the first aperture86B is slightly larger than the bore90B (i.e., inner diameter of second boss32B) such that the outer diameter of second boss32B fits within first aperture86B such that the outer cylindrical surface92B fits within the first aperture86B to allow the second boss32B to be welded or fixedly connected to the second portion62B at edge94B that defines first aperture86B. The second grease fitting58B extends through the cylindrical sidewall of the second boss32B and extends outwardly from cylindrical surface92B. Second grease fitting58B is in open fluid communication with bore90B and first aperture86B to allow grease or other lubricants to be inserted through grease fitting58A into the interior space30to lubricate gear40and gear48.

Second boss34B is located closer to the second end70B of the second portion62B than the first boss32B. Second boss34B is fixedly connected to the first major surface72B and is disposed within the second aperture88B. Second boss34B defines a bore96B and an outer cylindrical surface98B. In one particular embodiment, the outer diameter of second boss34B is similar to the diameter defined by the circular edge100B that defines the second aperture88B to allow the second boss34B to fit within aperture88B and allow the second boss34B to be fixedly welded to the second portion62B. However, the inner diameter of bore96B could be similar to the diameter of second aperture88B to allow second boss34B to circumscribe edge100B. Grease fitting60B extends through the cylindrical surface98B of the second boss34B. Grease fitting60B is in open fluid communication with the bore96B and the second aperture88B to allow grease or other lubricant to enter into the interior space30to lubricate gear40and gear48.

Wall66includes a first end102and a second end104. First end102is disposed adjacent the neck region82B and the wall66extends longitudinally from neck region82B towards the first end68B. Wall66is conformal and wraps around the rounded edge84B and extends longitudinally towards the second end70B terminating at the second end104adjacent neck region82B. In one particular embodiment wall66is welded to the first portion62A and the second portion62B. Thus, wall66is only a cantilevered wall when it is connected to one of the first portion62A and the second portion62B. When chain binder10is fully assembled, the wall66extends between first portion62A and second portion62B and is rigidly connected to both portions62A,62B. In one particular embodiment, wall66may be fixedly connected with destructable connections, such as tack welds that may be cut or grinded/ground away (i.e., severed) in the event that the interior space30needs to be accessed to replace damaged components, such as the drive assembly39(i.e., either the drive axle42, gear40, or both) or the tubular assembly45(i.e., either tubular member46, gear48, or both). The width of the wall66, which is aligned in the transverse direction, may be slightly greater than the width of gear40and/or gear48(as shown inFIG.5). Wall66includes an interior surface108and an exterior surface110. The interior surface108of wall66partially bounds and defines interior space30.

Lever body28also includes a handle112. Handle112includes a first end114and a second end116that defines the second end14of chain binder10. Handle112is centered along axis16and extends in the longitudinal direction. Handle112also is generally a rigid elongated plate, formed of metal such as steel, having side major surfaces118and120. Adjacent the first end114of handle112, there are transversely aligned through apertures122. Apertures122are transversely aligned with aperture78A on first portion62A of lever body28and aligned with aperture78B on second portion62B. Apertures122and apertures78A,78B are configured to receive a bolt124there through that couples with nut126to rigidly secure handle112to first portion62A and second portion62B of lever body28. Near the second end116of handle112is formed a gripping surface127defining a wave-like configuration having alternating peaks and valleys to assist with gripability for the operator maneuvering handle112to operate the lever body28.

The lever body28includes spacer plates128A and128B located on respective sides of the handle112. Spacer plates128A,128B sandwich the handle112therebetween and are formed with apertures that receive bolt124there through. Spacer plates can be formed from any rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal or a polymer material.

The pawl38of ratchet mechanism36is disposed between first portion62A and second portion62B of lever body28. Pawl38defines an aperture130that is aligned with aperture80A and aperture80B. A larger bolt132that defines axis26extends through apertures80A,80B and through aperture130. Bolt132is secured by nut134to retain pawl38between first portion62A and second portion62B of lever body28. Pawl38is configured to rotate about axis26to engage the cogs of the at least one gear40in a ratcheting manner.

Tubular member46is a rigid member preferably constructed of metal such as steel. Tubular member46includes a first end136and a second end138. The length of the tubular member extends between the first end136and the second end138, wherein the length of the tubular member46is aligned in the transverse direction and centered along axis22tubular member46defines a bore140. The interior surface of the tubular member that defines bore140may be entirely threaded through the bore140or partially threaded near the first end136and the second end138. The threads142engage first and second eye-bolts144A,144B. The exterior cylindrical surface146is rigidly secured with gear48. In one particular embodiment, gear48is centered along the length of tubular member46. Gear48has cogs that engage complementary cogs on gear40. Tubular member46rotates about axis22in response to movement of the at least one gear40. As described herein, movement of the gear48effectuates rotational movement of the tubular member46. This imparts the threads142to operationally engage complementary threads148A,148B on the eye-bolts144A,144B. The engagement of threads142A with threads148A and threads142B with threads148B during operational movement imparts rotation-to-translation movement of the eye-bolts144A,144B in the transverse direction along axis22. The rotation-to-translation movement of eye-bolts144A,144B imparts tension to the device, chain or strap to which hooks50A,50B are connected when the eye-bolts144A,144B are translated towards each other and it relaxes the tension on the device, chain or strap when the eye-bolts144A,144B are translated away from each other.

FIG.3depicts the drive assembly39including drive axle42with the drive gear40fixedly connected thereto. Drive gear40and drive axle drive42are fixedly connected to such that drive assembly39forms or defines a unitary component formed from rigid material, such as steel. However, it is not requirement that the drive gear40and drive axle drive42are formed from the same rigid material. Gear40includes a plurality of cogs150that extend circumferentially around gear40. Cogs150extend radially outward from axis24to terminal end152, which may be flat or planar and define a flat surface154that is offset parallel to axis24. Cogs150may have rounded or convexly curved sidewalls156that extend radially from the flat surface154towards axis24. The curved sidewall156terminates at a U-shaped surface158defining a valley between adjacent cogs150. Gear40is fixedly connected to drive axle42at edge160.

In the configuration shown inFIG.3, the hexagonal ends52A,52B of the drive axle42do not extend fully to edge160. Rather, the center portion of the drive axle42is cylindrical having a smooth convex exterior surface162. The cylindrical convex surface162is disposed within first boss34A and second boss34B. This allows drive axle42to rotate about axis24within bore96A of first boss34A and rotate within bore96B of second boss34B. Further the placement of surface162within the bores96A,96B allows for the hexagonal ends52A,52B to project outwardly in the transverse direction from the respective sides of the lever body28. When assembled, the cylindrical surface162is closely adjacent the interior surface of bosses34A,34B that define bore96A and bore96B, respectively. When grease or lubricant is applied to grease fittings60A,60B the grease may cover surface162as the grease moves towards gear40to coat the cogs150. The number of cogs150on gear40, as well as the diameter of gear40, may vary depending on the application specific needs of chain binder10. In shown configuration, there are ten cogs on gear40. However, the number of cogs150could be increased or decreased depending on the desired gear ratio and size of the chain binder10.

As will be described herein, the first portion56A of hexagonal end52A and the first portion56C of hexagonal end52B are considered to be sacrificial ends. Stated otherwise, even though the drive axle42is formed from a rigid metal, there is still a chance that the hexagonal ends52A,52B may “strip” or “wear down” over time due to the high stress/strain forces applied when a device, such as a drill or torque wrench, is coupled with one of the ends52A,52B. The “stripping” or “wearing” of the hexagonal ends52A,52B is considered a detrimental or damaging event that would ordinarily render a tool ineffective or inoperable. As such, the drive axle42is configure to allow for the damaged ends to be severed and sacrificed (i.e., cut off or grinded/ground away) and discarded in order to reveal a “fresh” or “new” end that maintains the preferred hexagonal configuration for use with a socket or drive nut of the device (i.e., a pneumatic or electric drill, or a torque wrench). In the event that all four portions (i.e.,56A,56B,56C, and56D) of the hexagonal configuration are damaged or stripped, then the entire unitary component formed from the drive axle42and drive gear40may be replaced, as detailed below, which is a great cost savings as opposed to having to replace the entire chain binder when one components fails.

FIG.4depicts the wave-like configuration of griping surface127at the second end116of handle112. The wave-like configuration may be defined by corresponding peaks164and valleys166. The peaks164and valleys166provide an ergonomic handle design of the gripping surface127for an operator to grasp or grip when moving the handle112to manually ratchet the lever body28to impart rotational drive movement to the drive gear in a manual manner. The movement of handle112causes the drive gear to engage gear48. Rotational movement of gear48imparts rotation-to-translation movement of eye bolts144A,144B to increase tension or relax tension on a chain, strap, or the like to which hooks50A,50B are coupled.

FIG.5depicts a cross section of the lever body28. Within the tubular member46, the threads148A of eye-bolt144A and threads148B of eye-bolt144B are shown. More particularly threads148A on eye-bolt144A have a first spiral configuration and the threads148B of eye-bolt144B have a second configuration. In one particular embodiment the threads148A,148B on the respective eye-bolts144A,144B are an equal but oppositely wound. Thus, when the tubular member46rotates about axis22in a first direction the end166A of eye-bolt148A translates away from the end166B of the second eye-bolt144B. Additionally, when the tubular member46rotates in an opposite second direction about axis22the ends166A,166B translate towards each other. This movement is effectuated by the threads142A and threads142B that defined the interior surface of tubular member46that are equal and opposite each other on respective sides of axis16.

When tubular member46is disposed within the first boss32A and the second boss32B the exterior surface146is closely adjacent the interior surface of bosses32A,32B that enables the exterior surface146of tubular member46to be lubricated or greased when a lubricant is applied to either one or both of first grease fitting58A and second grease fitting58B. The grease may enter through either one of the grease fittings58A,58B (or grease fittings60A,60B) to enter into the interior space30to lubricate gear40and gear48.

The positioning of the tubular member46within first boss32A and second boss32B may provide the benefit of the bosses functioning a race of a bearing or a race bearing. More particularly, the when tubular member46is disposed within first boss32A and second boss32B, the bosses32A,32B function as an outer race. While no rolling elements are depicted in the figures, it is possible for them to be added to this design without departing from the scope of the disclosure. However, when rolling elements are not utilized, there should be a tight tolerance between outer surface146of tubular member46and the inner surface93A that defines bore90A and the inner surface93B that defines bore90B. In some instances, the term tight tolerance reference to less than about ½ inch. In other instances, the term tight tolerance refers less than about ¼ inch. Or, the tight tolerances can refer to the two elements directly contacting each other with grease or lubricant on their surfaces. The width of each of the bosses32A,32B (measured in the transverse direction) may be in a range from about one inch to about two inches. In one particular embodiment, the width of each of the bosses32A,32B is about 1.5 inches. In some instances, there may some criticality to the tight tolerances and range of widths to assist the bosses32A,32B functioning as an outer race of a bearing for rotating tubular member46about axis22. Further, there may some criticality to the tight tolerances and range of widths to assist reducing wear on the components of chain binder10that is ordinarily caused in the absence of a bosses on a conventional chain binder. Consequently, the bosses32A,32B avoid some of the excessive wear concerns in a conventional chain binder.

With continued reference toFIG.5, the positioning of the drive axle42within first boss34A and second boss34B may provide the benefit of the bosses functioning a race of a bearing or a “race bearing.” More particularly, the when drive axle42is disposed within first boss34A and second boss34B, the bosses34A,34B function as an outer race. While no rolling elements are depicted in the figures, it is possible for them to be added to this design without departing from the scope of the disclosure. However, when rolling elements are not utilized, there should be a tight tolerance between outer surface162of drive axle42and the inner surface97A that defines bore96A and the inner surface97B that defines bore96B. In some instances, the term tight tolerance reference to less than about ½ inch. In other instances, the term tight tolerance refers less than about ¼ inch. Or, the tight tolerances can refer to the two elements directly contacting each other with grease or lubricant on their surfaces. The width of each of the bosses34A,34B (measured in the transverse direction) may be in a range from about ½ inch to about 1.5 inches. In one particular embodiment, the width of each of the bosses34A,34B is about one inch. In some instances, there may some criticality to the tight tolerances and range of widths to assist the bosses34A,34B functioning as an outer race of a bearing for rotating drive axle42about axis24. Further, there may some criticality to the tight tolerances and range of widths to assist reducing wear on the components of chain binder10that is ordinarily caused in the absence of a bosses on a conventional chain binder. Consequently, the bosses34A,34B avoid some of the excessive wear concerns in a conventional chain binder.

The width of the boss32A is measured in the transverse direction, as shown in cross section ofFIG.5. The width of the boss34A (which may also be referred to as a “third boss” in the appended claims due to nomenclature of the first boss32A and second boss32B is measured in the transverse direction. In one particular embodiment of chain binder10, the width of the first boss32A is greater than the width of the boss34A (i.e., third boss34A), however that is not required in every embodiment. There is a ratio of the width of the first boss32A to the width of boss34A (i.e., the third boss). When the width of the first boss is 1.5 inches and the width of the boss34A is one inch, then the ratio is about 1.5:1. However, other embodiments prove useful when the ratio is a range from 4:1 to 1:1.5. A ratio of 4:1 would mean that the width of boss32A is two inches and the width of boss34A is ½ inch. A ratio of 1:1.5 would mean that the width of boss32A is one inch and the width of boss34A is 1.5 inches (this would be an example of another embodiment in which the width of the boss34A is greater than the width of the boss32A). Any ratio within these ranges are suitable depending on application specific needs of chain binder10to functionally reduce wear and on the components while enabling bosses32A,34A to act as race bearings as previously described. The same ratios and widths are equally applicable to bosses32B,34B for the same purpose.

FIG.6depicts the gear48as having a plurality of cogs168. The cogs168on gear48are shaped similar to that of cogs150on gear40in that the cogs168include a flat surface170, a curved sidewall172, and a u-shaped valley174defining a space between adjacent cogs on gear48. When gear40interacts with gear48, the cogs150on gear40are disposed in a complementary valley of gear48. Thus, rotational movement of gear40imparts rotational movement of gear48. In the shown embodiment, gear48includes thirteen cogs168. Thus, the two gears40,48may collectively define a ten-thirteen gear train ratio. While this gear train configuration or gear ratio is envisioned, other gear train or gear ratio-configurations are possible depending on the application specific needs of chain binder10and the torque needed to impart rotational-to-translation movement of the eye-bolts144A,144B.

As with continued reference toFIG.6, gear40is disposed between gear48and pawl38. The end176of pawl38engages one of the cogs150on gear40. In one particular embodiment, the end176of pawl38engages the cog that is diametrically opposite the cog that engages gear48. For example, when the end176of pawl38engages cog150A, the cog150B that is diametrically opposite cog150A (relative to axis24), engages the valley defined by u-shaped wall174between adjacent cogs168on gear48.

As described previously, chain binder10has two modes of operation. Namely, a power driven first mode of operation in which a device, such as an electric drill178or torque wrench, can be used to impart rotational movement to gear40via drive axle42and a second manual mode of operation in which the handle112is maneuvered to utilize a manual lever action to ratchet and rotate gear40.

FIG.7depicts the power driven first mode of operation in which the electric drill, pneumatic drill, torque wrench or other similar device is coupled to the drive axle42to impart a rotation movement of the drive axle about axis24. For the shown example, the electric drill178(which could also be any other type of device, such as a pneumatic drill, a hydraulic drill, or a torque wrench, or any other) includes a socket or nut driver180that is sized with a complementary hexagonal configuration that receives one end of the drive axle42. In the shown configuration, the socket is coupled with the first end52A of first drive head44A of drive axle42. When the socket180is coupled to the first end52A of first drive head44A, the socket180receives the first portion56A of the first drive head44A. The electric drill178may be powered to rotate the socket180and thus impart rotation to the drive axle42as indicated by arrow182.

As depicted inFIG.7andFIG.8A, when the drive axle42is driven by electric drill178, the rotational movement of the drive axle42imparts rotational movement to the at least one drive gear40. The interacting gears40,48cause rotational movement with each other. Namely, when the at last one drive gear40rotates in a first direction as indicated by arrow184, the gear48is caused to be rotated in a second direction, as indicated by arrow186, wherein the second direction identified by arrow186(e.g. counterclockwise) is opposite that of arrow184(e.g. clockwise). When the drive gear40moves in the direction of arrow184, the pawl38is free to pivot about axis26in the direction indicated by arrow188this allows free movement of gear40in the direction indicated by arrow184.

FIG.8Bdepicts the ratcheting feature of pawl38that would be utilized when the chain binder10is used in the manual second mode of operation that is effectuated by a user maneuvering the handle112of lever body28to pivot the lever body about axis22. In response to pivoting action of the lever body about the axis22, the end176of pawl38moves in the direction indicated by arrow190. This drives the rotation of gear40. Namely, when the pawl38moves in the direction of arrow190, the gear40is rotates in the direction of the arrow192and the gear48rotates in the direction indicated by arrow194.

With continued reference toFIG.7,FIG.8A, andFIG.8B, the rotational movement of gears40and48cause the tubular member46to rotate within the first pair of bosses32. As the tubular member46rotates about axis22, linear movement is imparted to the threads148A,148B of eye-bolts144A,144B, respectively. The linear translation of the eye-bolts144A and144B are indicated by arrows196. When the ends166A,166B are translated closer together the chain binder10applies tension to the chain or strap to which hooks50A,50B are connected. When the ends166A and166B are translated away from each other, this relaxes (i.e., decrease tension) the chain or strap to which hooks50A,50B are connected.

FIG.9further details one exemplary advantage of the present disclosure. As may happen from time-to-time when using an electric tool, such as a drill or nut driver, or other tool, such as a torque wrench, to effectuate rotation of drive axle42(as depicted inFIG.7), there is a chance that the tool has too much torque that can strip or wear down the edges of the drive head44A (or head44B).FIG.9depicts such a scenario where the first drive head44A has been stripped such that the longitudinal edges defining the hexagonal configuration of head44A become rounded at rounded portions198, which damage the first drive head44A. The rounded edges198A typically extend from end52A to the first indicator54A when the edges are rounded at rounded edge198A, it makes it difficult for the socket180to grasp the first drive head44A to impart the rotational action, indicated by arrow182, in order to drive the components for chain binder10. As such, one exemplary advantage of the present disclosure is that the drive axle has sacrificial portions that can be severed or removed once they are damaged or if they become damaged.

FIG.10AandFIG.10Bdepict the scenario in which the first portion56A of the first drive head44A has been damaged due to rounded edges198A caused by the socket180of the electric drill or electric device178. A saw blade200(or electric grinder) may be used to cut the first drive head44A at the first indicator54A.FIG.10Adepicts aligning the saw200(or grinder) with the indicator54A.FIG.10Bdepicts the saw blade200(or grinder) cutting through the first drive head44A at indicator54A remove the first portion56A so that the damaged first portion56A (i.e., damaged due to having rounded edge198A) may be sacrificed and discarded. The removal and sacrifice/severance of first portion56A is indicated by arrow202. After the first portion56A has been removed and discarded as indicated inFIG.10B, the second portion56B of first drive head44A is exposed and may be used by electric drill178(or torque wrench or the like) by fitting socket180onto second portion56B in order to drive the drive axle42to impart rotational movement into gear40and ultimately into gear48to thereby impart linear movement to eye-bolts144A and144B to tension or relax the chain or strap to which chain binder10is attached.

While the indicators54A,54B have been shown in the figures as notches formed in the edges that define the sections of the hexagonal configuration, other types of indicators are entirely possible. For example, instead of notches, the indicator could be a line that is painted, etched, carved, or otherwise formed in the outer surface of the drive head that extends around the periphery to divide the drive head into the sacrificial first portion and the second portion. Alternatively, the indicator does not need to be distinct element itself. The term indicator could also refer to the absence of an element. This would mean that the first portion of the drive head could have a marking, striation or color that the second portion of the drive head does not have. In that sense, the indicator could be the location at which the first portion transitions to the second portion due to the absence of that marking or striation on the other element. For example, the first portion could be bare-exposed metal and the second portion could be painted. Thus, the “indicator” on the drive head in this instance would be transition point between the bare/non-painted first portion and the painted second portion of the drive head coupled to drive axle42.

The operator will continue to use second portion56B of the first drive head44A. In the event that the second portion56B of the first drive head44A is stripped and gets rounded edges198A, as shown inFIG.11, then the operator may use the second drive head44B and repeat the process described above but from the other side of the lever body28. A similar process is implemented in which the first portion56C is coupled with socket180and used to drive the drive axle42until the edges are stripped and worn to create rounded edges198B on the first portion56C of the second drive head44B. Once the first portion56C is stripped with rounded edges198B, the second drive head44B may be severed at the second indicator54B so that the first portion56C may be sacrificed, severed, and discarded leaving the second portion56D of the second drive head44B to be utilized.

FIG.12AandFIG.12Bdepict the scenario after which the drive axle42on drive assembly39has been completely utilized in which the second portions have rounded edges198A and198B (after sacrificing or severing the respective first portions56A and56C of the first drive head44A and second drive head44B).FIG.12Adepicts that the second portion62B of the lever body28may be separated from the first portion62A. Separating second portion62B from first portion62A may be accomplished by removing the nuts126and134. Additionally, if wall66is tack-welded or fully welded to the minor surface76A on the first portion62A, then a grinder or saw may be utilized to cut that weld to separate the second portion62B from the first portion62A as indicated by arrow204. Then, once the second portion62B is separated from the first portion62A the drive axle42carrying the at least one gear40may be removed from its connection with the second pair of bosses34as indicated by arrow206.

Thereafter, as depicted inFIG.12B, the entire drive assembly39having drive axle42carrying the at least one gear40may be removed and discarded as indicated by arrow208. Then, a new drive assembly39-1with drive axle42-1carrying a near drive gear40-1as a unitary component identical the original (prior to being damaged) may be inserted in the position that the former drive axle42and drive gear40previously occupied as indicated by arrow210. Then, the first portion62A and the62B may be reassembled so that the new drive axle42-1and gear40-1may be utilized in the manner as previously taught having sacrificial ends thereof that may be utilized until they are stripped or otherwise worn. This process is repeatable and allows the damaged unitary component formed by drive axle42and gear40to be replaced when damaged without needing to replace the entire chain binder10. As such, various components of chain binder10are modular and can be replaced when damaged without needing to replace the entirety of binder10.

FIG.13AandFIG.13Bdepict a similar module-replacement process in which gear48can be replaced if it is damaged. For example,FIG.13Adepicts a scenario in which gear48has broken one or more of its cogs168, wherein the broken cog is represented by broken cog212. When the first portion62A is separated from the second portion62B (in the manner described above) the tubular assembly45having tubular member46with the broken cog212may be removed as indicated by arrow214. Then, a new tubular assembly45-1having a tubular member46-1carrying a new gear48-1may be inserted in the space and positioned in the same manner that the broken tubular member46previously occupied as indicated by arrow216. The chain binder10, and more particularly the lever body28, may be reassembled the continue operations previously discussed.

The advantage of chain binder10having replaceable components significantly reduces costs of previous chain binders. Particularly, a new chain binder costs multiple thousands of dollars. The ability to have replaceable components reduces the costs and enables an operator to simply replace a broken part rather than having to discard the entire chain binder if either the drive axle strips or breaks of one of the gears breaks. Similarly, this module-replacement process could be implemented if handle112is ever broken. Namely, the portions62A,62B would be separated and a replacement handle would be installed, and then the portions62A,62B would be reassembled so chain binder10can resume normal operations. These broken components may simply be replaced by disassembling the portions62A,62B of the lever body28and replace the broken component rather than discarding the entire chain binder10and purchasing a new one.

FIG.14,FIG.15andFIG.16depict a second embodiment of a chain binder generally at310. Notably, chain binder310includes many of the components described with respect to chain binder10and thus reference elements shown with similar numerals are understood to have the same structure and operation as previously described. The differences with chain binder310are in its ability to be separated in order to access the drive axle42and the tubular member46.

Chain binder310includes a first portion362A and a second portion362B that are connected together with bolts365. Wall366is retained between the first portion362A and the second portion362B in a U-shaped channel367B. The U-shaped channel367extends from a first end369to a second end371that is formed in the interior surface374B of the second portion362B. Bolts365extend through apertures in the first portion362A and the second portion362B. Spacers375receive bolts365therethrough and are disposed within the interior space30of the lever body328. Bolts365are secured with nuts377. The use of the bolts365and nuts377enable to lever body328to be easily disassembled when the drive axle42, gear40, tubular member46, or gear48need replaced as described herein in a similar manner with respect to the previous embodiment of chain binder10.

Spacers375may provide some criticality to the chain binder310to ensure proper side-to-side dimension are maintained between the first portion362A and the second portion362B. Spacers375may be rigid members shaped as a short rigid cylindrical tube having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter extends to an inner surface defining a bore that is aligned in the transverse direction. The ends of the spacers may directly contact the inner surfaces of the first portion362A and the second portion362B. In one embodiment, there may be four spacers that are spaced equally about the axis about which the tubular member rotates. The bolts that extend through the spacers would be spaced at the same location about the axis about which the tubular member rotates.

While the embodiments shown herein depict chain binder10or chain binder310as having both the gear40and gear48in operative communication, it is to be understood that the techniques disclosed herein can be utilized with an alternative chain binder utilizing only a single gear. For example, there may be a chain binder having a lever body comprising a ratchet mechanism having a pawl in operative communication with a gear on a tubular member, which may be akin to a turnbuckle. In this instance, the chain binder embodiment having a single gear can include a pair of boss that extend in opposite direction from respective sides of the lever body that function as races for the tubular body when it turns about a transverse axis. Similarly, this embodiment can be outfitted with the ability for the respective sides to be separated in the event the single gear or pawl needs to be replaced if damaged. As such, it is to be understood that a chain binder with a single gear may be envisioned within the scope of the appended claims unless expressly claimed otherwise.

As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other similar secondary components and/or systems therein. The present disclosure is therefore contemplated and will be understood to include any necessary operational components thereof. For example, electrical components will be understood to include any suitable and necessary wiring, fuses, or the like for normal operation thereof. Similarly, any pneumatic systems provided may include any secondary or peripheral components such as air hoses, compressors, valves, meters, or the like. It will be further understood that any connections between various components not explicitly described herein may be made through any suitable means including mechanical fasteners, or more permanent attachment means, such as welding or the like. Alternatively, where feasible and/or desirable, various components of the present disclosure may be integrally formed as a single unit.

Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The term “grease fitting” encompasses all types of grease fittings. For example, the grease fitting may be a standard grease fitting, a drive (push-in) grease fitting, a pressure relief grease fitting, a button head grease fitting, a Zerk grease fitting, or a thread forming grease fitting. Further, the grease fitting (regardless of type) may have any angle to effectuate the application grease to the tool. For example, some grease fittings are straight, 90°, 67.5°, 65°, 45°, or 30°, any of which may be utilized. In one embodiment, all the grease fittings on the tool are the same type of grease fitting with the same angle. However, that need not be the case. For example, it is possible that some grease fittings on the tool are one type of grease fitting and that other grease fittings on the tool are another type of grease fitting. Or, it is possible that the grease fitting are all the same type of grease fittings but some grease fittings on the tool have one angle and that other grease fittings on the tool have a different angle.

The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “effecting” or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term “effecting” should be understood to mean to cause something to happen or to bring something about. For example, effecting an event to occur may be caused by actions of a first party even though a second party actually performed the event or had the event occur to the second party. Stated otherwise, effecting refers to one party giving another party the tools, objects, or resources to cause an event to occur. Thus, in this example a claim element of “effecting an event to occur” would mean that a first party is giving a second party the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, however the affirmative single action is the responsibility of the first party to provide the tools or resources to cause said event to occur.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. For example, due to naming nomenclature, it is to be understood that the second pair of bosses34composing the first boss34A and second boss34B are to be understood as the third boss and the fourth boss in the appended claims. Stated otherwise, in the appended claims, when the term “third boss” is used, it refers to boss34A and when the term “fourth boss” is used, it refers to boss34B. The reason for this is because in the appended claims, the first boss refers to boss32A and the second boss32B.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.