Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates generally to the field of load straps used on flat bed trucks, and in particular to a device for quickly winding strap around the spool of a ratcheting binder assembly. 
   Securing a truckload of flatbed freight has evolved over the years into what is now a convenient way of accomplishing this task while protecting the freight from damage by the securing mechanism itself. Load straps are typically nylon fibers woven together to provide a lengthy, strong and broad band of convenient lightweight material. Ratcheting binders mounted on the side of the trailer, some in sliding tracks, further simplify and extend the versatility of these straps by enabling the operator to locate the strap where it is most needed on diverse freight loads and to easily tighten the strap to a desired tension to ensure safe transport. Many ratcheting binders are designed to allow the operator to spool the strap on the binder&#39;s spool for storage when it is not in use securing a load. 
   Currently, rewrapping straps to their stored position about the spool of a ratcheting binder assembly is to wind the strap by hand on to the binder spool. In the case of a load of freight that requires ten or more straps, this can be an arduous task for the operator. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One advantage of the invention is to provide an improved way of quickly winding strap about a spool in a ratcheting binder assembly as used in the flatbed trucking industry. 
   Another advantage of the invention is to allow increased stability in the device while quickly winding strap about the spool. 
   In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device for quickly winding strap around a spool of a ratcheting binder assembly having a longitudinal axis comprises a leverage hole engaging mechanism, a longitudinal axis generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the spool, and one or more handles, at least one of which is offset from the longitudinal axis. 
   Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the winding device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention inserted in a leverage hole of a ratcheting binder assembly. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the winding device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the winding device in accordance with an alternate view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the winding device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an expanded, angled view of the ratchet engagement in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Various aspects of the invention may be inverted, or changed in reference to specific part shape and detail, part location, or part composition. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown in more detail a winding device  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Winding device  10  has a longitudinal axis A that is coincident with the longitudinal axis of a spool  13  upon which is wound binding strap  15 . Winding device  10  includes a ratchet engagement  21  designed to engage with an aperture or leverage hole of spool  13 , of which there are four on typical spools in use. Further two handles  23 ,  25  are provided and offset from longitudinal axis A by a set distance. In the preferred embodiment, the offset is approximately four inches so as to have adequate clearance between the handles and operator handles and the flat bed truck. In the illustrated embodiment, each handle  23 ,  25  is offset 180° about axis A from each other in a crank fashion so as to increase operator efficiency. In addition, each handle  23 ,  25  includes a sheath  27 ,  29 , respectively, rotatable about the winding device main shaft  20 . Rotatable sheaths  27 ,  29  allow for the operator to grip at handle portions  23 ,  25  and not have friction at the operator&#39;s hand, allowing for increased speed and ease of use. 
   In operation, winding device  10  is used by inserting ratchet engagement  21  in spool  13  aperture. Thereafter, the user grabs handles  23 ,  25  by sheaths  27 ,  29 , one in each hand, successively pulls one handle while pulling the other end then vice versa, much the same as feet move pedals of a bicycle. In this way, ratchet engagement  21  is moved in a circular fashion and thereby rotates spool  13 . Since strap  15  is engaged on spool  13 , strap  15  is quickly and easily wound about spool  13 . 
   Winding device  10  may be made of a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, composites, etc., and may be rigid or semi-rigid. In addition, the transition portion between main shaft  20  and handles  23 ,  25  may be at a ninety degree angle, as shown, or may be of a degree something less than ninety, depending upon the particular design considerations of a situation. Further, it will be appreciated that sheaths  27 ,  29  may be installed around main shaft  20  before main shaft  20  is bent to form handles  23 ,  25 , or sheaths  27 ,  29  may be attached afterwards. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 2  there is shown a cross-sectional perspective view of a winding device in accordance with an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. Winding device  30  is similar to winding device  10  shown in FIG.  1  and includes a extended tail portion  35 . Extended tail portion  35  is of sufficient length to touch an adjacent spool when ratchet engagement  31  is engaged for winding a strap on a spool. In this manner, winding device  30  is supported without an operator required to support the weight of winding device  30  while winding strap about a spool, nor maintain winding device  30  in longitudinal alignment with the spool. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 3  there is shown a perspective view of a winding device in accordance with an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. Winding device  40  is similar to winding device  30  shown in FIG.  2  and includes a second ratchet engagement  41  at the generally opposite end from first ratchet engagement  21 . After ratchet engagement  41  and ratchet engagement  21  engage adjacent spools  13 ,  43 , when rotated at handles  23 ,  25  through sheaths  27 ,  29 , winding device  40  may simultaneously turn two spools, winding strap about each spool. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 4  there is shown a perspective view of a winding device in accordance with an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. Winding device  50  is similar to winding device  20  of  FIG. 2  but has first handle  53 , and first handle sheath  57 , along axis A without being offset spaced from axis A. In operation, the operator also holds handles  53 ,  55 , one in each hand, but only rotates the hand holding handle  53 , keeping handle  53  generally stationary. This arrangement of  FIG. 4  may be employed in the configurations of  FIG. 2  showing an extended tail portion, and of  FIG. 3  showing a second ratchet engagement. 
     FIG. 5  shows an expanded, angled view of the ratchet engagement  21  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, ratchet engagement  21  includes a tip  22  approximately ¼ to {fraction (3/8 )} inch long at about a 90 degree angle from the tip of ratchet engagement  21  to help maintain contact between winding device  10  and ratcheting binder leverage hole of spool  13  during operation. A similar tip may be included on any of the embodiments discussed above. 
   While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 4