Strap Tensioning Assembly

A strap tensioning assembly includes a frame having two lateral walls and each of which includes a perimeter defining a first, a second, and a third engaging sections, an axle, and an automatic reeling device. A ratcheting device is mounted on and is rotatable with the axle and includes a ratchet wheel selectively engaged with a first detent as well as a brake mechanism. An operating device includes a pivotal end mounted on the axle and including a first, a second, and a third cams, and a locking member selectively engagable with the first, second and third engaging sections. The operating device is pivoted in the first engaging section in order to tension a strap, and is pivoted in the second engaging section in order to release a strap, and is adapted to be rotated by the automatic reeling device, and under or without resistance imposed by the braking mechanism.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a strap tensioning assembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,736 shows a retractable tie-down assembly including a spool rotatably mounted on a frame, a strap having an end attached on the spool, a ratchet wheel mounted on the spool, and a handle pivotally mounted on the frame. The handle is selectively engaged with the ratchet wheel and pivotal of the handle causes the ratchet wheel mounted to rotate in a first direction to tension and collect the strap on the spool and, if the handle is disengaged from the ratchet wheel the spool can be rotated in a second direction such that the strap collected on the spool can be released from the spool. Additionally, the tie down assembly includes a rotation brake urged against the ratchet wheel so that the brake prevents rotation of the ratchet wheel in the first direction while releasing the strap. The tie down assembly further includes a spool spring which rotates automatically to collect the strap, but the spool spring has to encounter resistance from the brake upon rotation in the first direction.

The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a strap tensioning assembly includes a frame having two lateral walls and each of which includes a perimeter defining a first, a second, and a third engaging sections, an axle, and an automatic reeling device. A ratcheting device is mounted on and is rotatable with the axle and includes a ratchet wheel selectively engaged with a first detent as well as a brake mechanism. An operating device includes a pivotal end mounted on the axle and a locking member selectively engagable with the first, second and third engaging sections. The operating device is pivoted in the first engaging section in order to tension a strap, and is pivoted in the second engaging section in order to release a strap, and is pivoted in the second engaging section in order to release a strap, and is pivoted in the third engaging section in order to enable a strap to be rotated by the automatic reeling device, and under or without resistance imposed by the braking mechanism.

It is an object of the present invention that the brake mechanisms provides resistance to slow down rotation speed of the ratchet wheel in order to prevent the ratchet wheel rotating too fast and the strap hurts user.

It is another object of the present invention that the ratchet wheel is adapted to be rotated without resistance from the brake mechanism, and a strap is adapted to be quickly collected on the assembly via the automatic reeling device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap tensioning assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the strap tensioning assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a ratchet wheel rotated in a first direction upon pivoting of an operating device in a first engaging section in order to tension a strap.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating device engaged in a second engaging section and disengaged from the ratchet wheel.

FIG. 7 is an extended view of FIG. 6 and in which a first detent and a second detent are alternately disengaged from the ratchet wheel upon pivotal of the operating device in the second engaging section in order to release a strap.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating device engaged in a third engaging section and disengaged from the ratchet wheel, and the ratchet wheel rotated in the first direction via the automatic reeling device.

FIG. 9 is an extended view of FIG. 8 and in which the operating device is pivoted to a different location in the third engaging section, and the ratchet wheel is rotated without resistance from a brake mechanism.

FIG. 10 is an extended view of FIG. 9 and showing the automatic reeling device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a strap tensioning assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating device engaged in a second engaging section and disengaged from a ratchet wheel.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating device engaged in a third engaging section and disengaged from a ratchet wheel.

FIG. 15 is an extended view of FIG. 14 and in which the operating device is pivoted to a different location in the third engaging section, and the ratchet wheel is rotated without resistance from a brake mechanism.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 through 10 show a strap tensioning assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The assembly includes a frame 10 including a base 104 and two lateral walls 103 extending from the base 104, with the two lateral walls 103 of the same configuration and spaced from and parallel with each other. At least one strut 11 interconnects the lateral walls 103. In this embodiment, one strut 11 is disposed in proximity to a first end 101 of the frame 10 and another strut 11 is disposed in proximity to a second end 102 of the frame 10. Each lateral wall 103 includes a perimeter defining a first 105, a second 106, and a third 107 engaging sections. An axle 12 is utilized to connect a ratcheting device 20 and an operating device 30 with the frame 10. The axle 12 has two ends mounted on the two lateral walls 103, respectively. Additionally, the axle 12 is spaced from the first engaging section 105 at a first distance r1, the second engaging section 106 at a second distance r2, and the third engaging section 107 at a third distance r3, with the first distance r1 smaller than the second r2 and third r3 distances. Further, a supporting member 108 is extended upwardly from the base 104. Further, a first detent 14 and a second detent 15 are disposed between the axle 12 and the support member 108 and each has two lateral sides mounted on the two lateral walls 103, respectively. The first 14 and second 15 detents each includes a first end 141, 151 selectively engaging with the ratcheting device 20 and the operating device 30 and a second end 142, 152 receiving a resilient member 143, 153 and mounted on the supporting member 108. Further, a brake mechanism 13 is disposed between the two lateral walls 103. In this embodiment, two brake mechanisms 13 are utilized. Each brake mechanism 13 includes a braking member 131 including a compartment 1311 for receiving a resilient member 1321, preferably a torsion spring, in order to enable the brake mechanism 13 biasably moved, and the resilient member 1321 having a leg abutted against the compartment 1311 and another leg abutted against the base 104. Each brake mechanism 13 further includes an engaging portion 1312 and a braking portion 1313 extended therefrom. The engaging portion 1312, as described in detail hereafter, is adapted to be depressed by the operating device 30 and causes the braking portion 1313 to disengage from the ratcheting device 20. Additionally, the engaging portion 1312 and the braking portion 1313 are at a different level of height with respect to the base 104. Furthermore, each braking mechanism 13 may include a fastener 133 inserted through the resilient member 1321 and the compartment 1311 and mounted on one of the lateral wall 103 to fix the braking mechanism 13.

The assembly also includes an automatic reeling device 16 mounted on the axle 12. The axle 12 includes a first end having a head 121 with a diameter larger than that of a hole which receives the axle 12. Thus, the head 121 is retained on an outer side of one of the lateral walls 103. The axle 12 further has a second end opposite to the first end and engaged with a clip after the axle 12 is mounted on the frame 10. Further, a slot 122 is formed on the second end of the axle 12 and the automatic reeling device 16, preferably a torsion spring, includes a first end 161 engaged in the slot 122 and a second end 162 engaged in a retaining section 171 formed in a cap 17. Additionally, the cap 17 protects the automatic reeling device 16 from dust.

The ratcheting device 20 includes a spool 21 and at least one ratchet wheel mounted thereon. In this embodiment, two ratchet wheels 22, 23 are utilized. The spool 21 includes a peripheral wall including a through slot 211. Thus, a strap is adapted to be inserted through the through slot 211 and includes an end connected with the spool 21. Additionally, the spool 21 may include two plates 212 on which the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 are mounted, respectively. Each plate 212 includes a plurality of retaining members 213 protruded from the plate 212, and the ratchet wheel 22 includes a plurality of retaining holes 223 engaged with the retaining members 213 of one plate 212 for secure attachment. Likewise, the ratchet wheel 23 includes a plurality of retaining holes 233 engaged with the retaining members 213 of the other plate 212. Each ratchet wheel 22, 23 includes a perimeter with a plurality of unsymmetrical teeth 221, 231. Furthermore, the axle 12 connects the ratcheting device 20 with the frame 10 by inserting through the spool 21, and a connecting hole 222 of the ratchet wheel 22 and a connecting hole 232 of the ratchet wheel 23. Additionally, the axle 12 has a non-circular peripheral wall which defines a flat retaining side 123, and the connecting hole 222 is also non-circular and is engaged with the retaining side. Thus, the axle 12 and the ratcheting device 20 are rotatable concurrently.

The operating device 30 includes an operating end 31 for user to grab during pivotal operation thereof. The operating device 30 also includes two pivotal ends 32 mounted on the axle 12 and each includes a perimeter defining a first 321, a second 322, and a third 323 cams and a recess 324. Additionally, each pivotal end 32 is disposed between the ratcheting device 20 and one lateral wall 103 in this embodiment. The operating device 30 further includes a locking member 33 moveably mounted between the operating end 31 and the pivotal end 32. The locking member 33 is selectively engagable with the first 105, second 106 and third 107 engaging sections of each lateral wall 103. Specifically, when the locking member 33 is engaged in the first engaging section 105, the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 are engaged by the locking member 33, and the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 are rotated in a first direction upon reciprocal pivoting of the operating device 30 in the first engaging section 105 in order to tension and collect a strap (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). Furthermore, the first 14 and second 15 detents prevent the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 from rotating in a second direction. Additionally, the second cam 322 depresses the engaging portions 1312 of the brake mechanisms 13 to urge the braking portions 1313 thereof away and disengaged from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the locking member 33 disengaged from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 and engaged in the second engaging section 106. The first detent 14 and the second detent 15 are alternately disengaged from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 upon pivoting of the operating device 30 in the second engaging section 106 in order to release a strap. Furthermore, the engaging portions 1312 of the brake mechanisms 13 is depressed by the second cam 323 and the braking portion 1313 thereof is away and disengaged from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 during pivoting of the operating device 30 in the second engaging section 106.

FIG. 8 shows the locking member 33 disengaged from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 and engaged in a first position 1071 of the third engaging section 107. The first detent 14 is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 by the first cam 321 of the operating device 30. The second detent 15 is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 by the second cam 322 of the operating device 30. Furthermore, the engaging portion 1312 is disengaged from the pivotal end 32 of the operating device 30 as the engaging portion 1312 is disposed in the recess 324. Thus, the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 are rotated in the first direction by the automatic reeling device 16 for collecting a strap automatically without maneuvering the operating device 30. Additionally, the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 are engaged with braking portions 1313 of the brake mechanisms 13 and the braking portions 1313 provide resistance to slow down rotation speed of the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 in order to prevent the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 rotating too fast and the strap hurts user.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the locking member 33 engaged in a second position 1072 of the third engaging section 107. The first detent 14 is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 by the first cam 321 of the operating device 30. The second detent 15 is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 by the second cam 322 of the operating device 30. Furthermore, the third cam 323 depresses the engaging portions 1312 of the brake mechanisms 13 to urge the braking portions 1313 thereof away and disengaged from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23. Thus, the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 are rotated without resistance from the brake mechanism 13, and a strap is adapted to be quickly collected on the assembly via the automatic reeling device 16.

FIGS. 11 through 15 show a strap tensioning assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the second detent 15 is eliminated. Thus, when the locking member 33 is engaged in the first engaging section 105 and the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 are rotated in a first direction upon reciprocal pivoting of the operating device 30 in the first engaging section 105 in order to tension and collect a strap, the first 14 detent prevent the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 from rotating in a second direction. When the locking member 33 is engaged in the second engaging section 106, the first detent 14 is selectively disengaged from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 by the first cam 321 of the operating device 30 upon pivoting of the operating device 30. When the locking member 33 is engaged in the third engaging section 107, the first detent 14 is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheels 22 and 23 by the first cam 321 of the operating device 30.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of invention and the scope of invention is only limited by the scope of accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A strap tensioning assembly comprising:

a frame including two lateral walls spaced from and parallel with each other, with each lateral wall including a perimeter defining a first, a second, and a third engaging sections, an axle having two ends mounted on the two lateral walls respectively and being rotatable, an automatic reeling device mounted on the axle, a first detent having two lateral sides biasably mounted on the two lateral walls respectively, and a brake mechanism biasably mounted between the two lateral walls;
a ratcheting device including a spool mounted on the axle and rotatable with the axle, a ratchet wheel mounted on the spool, with the ratchet wheel selectively engaged with the first detent, and with ratchet wheel selectively engaged with the brake mechanism; and
an operating device includes a pivotal end pivotally mounted on the axle, with the pivotal end including a perimeter defining a first, a second, and a third cams, with the first cam selectively urging the first detent away from the ratchet wheel, and with the second and third cams selectively urging the braking mechanism away from the ratchet wheel, a locking member selectively engagable with the first, second and third engaging sections of each lateral wall, and with the locking member selectively engaged with the ratchet wheel; and
wherein the locking member is engaged in the first engaging section, the ratchet wheel is engaged by the locking member, the brake mechanism is urged away and disengaged from the ratchet wheel by the second cam, and the ratchet wheel is rotated in a first direction upon reciprocal pivoting of the operating device in the first engaging section in order to tension and collect a strap; and
wherein the locking member is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and engaged in the second engaging section, the brake mechanism is urged away and disengaged from the ratchet wheel by the second cam, and the first detent is selectively disengaged from the ratchet wheel upon pivoting of the operating device in the second engaging section in order to release a strap; and
wherein the locking member is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and is engaged in a first position of the third engaging section, the first detent is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheel by the first cam, the brake mechanism is engaged with the ratchet wheel, the ratchet wheel is rotated in the first direction by the automatic reeling device without maneuvering the operating device, and the brake mechanism provides resistance to slow down rotation speed of the ratchet wheel; and
wherein the locking member is engaged in a second position of the third engaging section, the first detent is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheel by the first cam, the brake mechanism is urged away and disengaged from the ratchet wheel by the third cam, and the ratchet wheel is rotated without resistance from the brake mechanism.

2. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 1 further including a second detent having two lateral sides biasably mounted on the two lateral walls respectively and selectively engaging with the ratcheting device and the operating device, and wherein the first and second detents are alternately disengaged from the ratchet wheel upon pivoting of the operating device in the second engaging section, and wherein the second detent is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheel by the second cam as the locking member is engaged in the third engaging section.

3. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the axle is spaced from the first engaging section at a first distance, the second engaging section at a second distance, and the third engaging section at a third distance, with the first distance smaller than the second and third distances.

4. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the brake mechanism includes a braking member including a compartment for receiving a resilient member in order to enable the brake mechanism biasably moved, an engaging portion and a braking portion extended therefrom, with the engaging portion adapted to be depressed by the operating device and cause the braking portion to disengage from the ratcheting device.

5. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the engaging portion and the braking portion are at a different level of height with respect to the frame.

6. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the braking mechanism includes a fastener inserted through the resilient member and the compartment and mounted on one of the lateral wall to fix the braking mechanism.

7. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the axle includes a slot formed thereon, wherein the automatic reeling device includes a first end engaged in the slot, wherein the frame includes a cap mounted thereon, with the cap includes a retaining section formed thereon, and wherein the reeling device includes a second end engaged in the retaining section.

8. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the axle has a non-circular peripheral wall which defines a flat retaining side, and wherein the ratchet wheel includes a connecting hole which is non-circular and is engaged with the retaining side.

9. A strap tensioning assembly comprising:

a frame including two lateral walls spaced from and parallel with each other, with each lateral wall including a perimeter defining a first, a second, and a third engaging sections, an axle having two ends mounted on the two lateral walls respectively and being rotatable, an automatic reeling device mounted on the axle, a first detent having two lateral sides biasably mounted on the two lateral walls respectively, and a brake mechanism biasably mounted between the two lateral walls;
a ratcheting device including a spool mounted on the axle and rotatable with the axle, a ratchet wheel mounted on the spool, with the ratchet wheel selectively engaged with the first detent, and with ratchet wheel selectively engaged with the brake mechanism; and
an operating device includes a pivotal end pivotally mounted on the axle, with the pivotal end including a perimeter defining a first, a second, and a third cams, with the first cam selectively urging the first detent away from the ratchet wheel, and with the second and third cams selectively urging the braking mechanism away from the ratchet wheel, a locking member selectively engagable with the first, second and third engaging sections of each lateral wall, and with the locking member selectively engaged with the ratchet wheel; and
wherein the locking member is engaged in the first engaging section, the ratchet wheel is engaged by the locking member, the brake mechanism is urged away and disengaged from the ratchet wheel by the second cam, and the ratchet wheel is rotated in a first direction upon reciprocal pivoting of the operating device in the first engaging section in order to tension and collect a strap; and
wherein the locking member is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and engaged in the second engaging section, the brake mechanism is urged away and disengaged from the ratchet wheel by the second cam, and the first detent is selectively disengaged from the ratchet wheel upon pivoting of the operating device in the second engaging section in order to release a strap; and
wherein the locking member is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and is engaged in the third engaging section, the first detent is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheel by the first cam, and the ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by the brake mechanism, and the ratchet wheel is rotated in the first direction by the automatic reeling device without maneuvering the operating device.

10. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the third engaging section includes a first position and a second position, and wherein the locking member is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and is engaged in the first position, the first detent is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheel by the first cam, the brake mechanism is engaged with the ratchet wheel, the ratchet wheel is rotated in the first direction by the automatic reeling device without maneuvering the operating device, and the brake mechanism provides resistance to slow down rotation speed of the ratchet wheel, and wherein the locking member is engaged in the second position, the first detent is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheel by the first cam, the brake mechanism is urged away and disengaged from the ratchet wheel by the third cam, and the ratchet wheel is rotated without resistance from the brake mechanism.

11. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 10 further including a second detent having two lateral sides biasably mounted on the two lateral walls respectively and selectively engaging with the ratcheting device and the operating device, and wherein the first and second detents are alternately disengaged from the ratchet wheel upon pivoting of the operating device in the second engaging section, and wherein the second detent is urged to disengage from the ratchet wheel by the second cam as the locking member is engaged in the third engaging section.

12. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the axle is spaced from the first engaging section at a first distance, the second engaging section at a second distance, and the third engaging section at a third distance, with the first distance smaller than the second and third distances.

13. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the brake mechanism includes a braking member including a compartment for receiving a resilient member in order to enable the brake mechanism biasably moved, an engaging portion and a braking portion extended therefrom, with the engaging portion adapted to be depressed by the operating device and cause the braking portion to disengage from the ratcheting device.

14. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the engaging portion and the braking portion are at a different level of height with respect to the frame.

15. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the braking mechanism includes a fastener inserted through the resilient member and the compartment and mounted on one of the lateral wall to fix the braking mechanism.

16. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the axle includes a slot formed thereon, wherein the automatic reeling device includes a first end engaged in the slot, wherein the frame includes a cap mounted thereon, with the cap includes a retaining section formed thereon, and wherein the reeling device includes a second end engaged in the retaining section.

17. The strap tensioning assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the axle has a non-circular peripheral wall which defines a flat retaining side, and wherein the ratchet wheel includes a connecting hole which is non-circular and is engaged with the retaining side.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100322737
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 22, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 23, 2010
Inventor: Han-Ching Huang (Taichung)
Application Number: 12/488,618
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Including Tightener Or Tensioner (410/100)
International Classification: B65H 59/38 (20060101);