Including Winch Or Tensioner Patents (Class 410/103)
  • Patent number: 11752922
    Abstract: A load securement device may comprise an extendable pole and a plurality of attachments. The device may be operable to manipulate a tie down of a cargo trailer. As non-limiting examples, the tie down may be a cargo strap, a cargo chain, or an elastic cord used to secure a cargo or to secure a tarp over the cargo. The extendable pole may be lengthened to reach the top of the cargo. The extendable pole may be shortened to take up less space for storage. The plurality of attachments may alter a distal end of the extendable pole to enable the extendable pole to perform multiple tasks necessary for securing the cargo. As non-limiting examples, the plurality of attachments may enable the extendable pole to toss the cargo strap, to pull the cargo strap, or lift a hard corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Galton, Randy Martin, Bruce Murphy, Susan Bailey
  • Patent number: 11613200
    Abstract: An improved tensioning system and method of restraining cargo is provided. The tensioning system is easy and quick to operate. The tensioning system is compact and minimises space within a cargo bay. The tensioning system allows a greater angular displacement of a tensioning line over conventional tensioning system, such as a ratchet and strap mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: NIGEL CARTER TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel Carter
  • Patent number: 11597312
    Abstract: A retractor may include various features that reduce the amount of space necessary to secure an object, for example, a wheelchair in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the webbing is designed to come off of the top of the retractor spool, which shifts the webbing take-off point from the spool rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In another embodiment, the retractor is provided with a webbing guide that rotates around at least a portion of the circumference of the retractor spool. The rotatable guide also shifts the take-off point from the webbing guide rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In yet another embodiment, the retractor is provided with both a rotatable webbing guide and webbing that comes off of the top of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: VALEDA COMPANY
    Inventors: Edgardo Cardona, Patrick Girardin
  • Patent number: 11453326
    Abstract: A tie down system having a first attachment member having an engagement portion adapted to engage with a portion of a track, a second attachment member having an engagement portion adapted to engage with a portion of the track, the second attachment member rotatably attached relative to the first attachment member, a cam member rotatably attached relative to the first attachment member, and rotatable between a biased position in which the cam member engages with a portion of the track and a release position in which the cam member is disengaged from the track, and a connection portion adapted to connect to a strap, wherein the first and second attachment members are rotatable relative to each other between an engagement position in which the engagement portions engage with the track and inhibit movement of the attachment members relative to the track, and an open position in which the attachment members are movable relative to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Anthony Reardon
  • Patent number: 11357328
    Abstract: A furniture securing system includes abase attachable to a wall, abase attachable to a piece of furniture, and a connector connected to both bases to help prevent tipping of a piece of furniture. One or both of the bases include a pivotable attachment element that attaches the connector to the base. By allowing pivoting of the attachment element, the force from the connector when the furniture pulls on the connector orients the attachment element along the same direction as the force. The system may include limited parts, a low profile, and have a straightforward assembly. The base may limit the total pivot sweep angle of the attachment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Elbee Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Marsden
  • Patent number: 11338720
    Abstract: A tie-down apparatus includes a frame, a reel, a coils spring and a strap-replacing tool. The reel is supported on the frame. The coil spring includes an end connected to the frame and another end connected to the reel. The strap-replacing tool for gear includes a gear and a pawl. The gear is connected to the reel at an end and formed with teeth on a periphery. The is pawl engaged with the teeth of the gear so that the pawl prevents the gear from rotation in a first sense of direction and that the pawl allows the gear to spin in a second sense of direction opposite to the first sense of direction. The pawl keeps the gear in position against torque provided from the coil spring via the reel that tends to rotate the gear in the first sense of direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Ping-Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 11313437
    Abstract: A dual-sided ratchet strap apparatus has a strap cam configured on the ratchet base configured to lock a cam strap against a cam lock interface to secure the cam strap in position. The dual-sided ratchet strap apparatus has the cam strap extension, extending in a first direction from the ratchet buckle and a ratchet strap extension, extending in an opposing direction from the ratchet buckle. The ratchet buckle is actuated by the ratchet handle that can be rotated about the ratchet shaft. The strap cam is self-locking wherein tension from the extended end of the strap cam pulls the cam surface into engagement with the cam lock interface. The cam strap can however be pulled out of the cam interface toward the ratchet buckle to enable quick and easy positioning of the ratchet. The cam handle may be configured to rotate in a ratchet base aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: George Frederic Williams
  • Patent number: 11118654
    Abstract: An apparatus for timely and securely locking and releasing a rope includes a housing having an interior space and a communication portion for entering a rope into the housing. The housing includes an abutment portion fixed into the housing, a rotatable cam configured to be corresponsive to the abutment portion and pivotally connected to an inner side of one of the side panels, an elastic member installed between the side panel and the cam, and a rotatable start portion having an engagement surface and a first engagement portion. The rotatable start portion is configured to be corresponsive to an end of the cam and pivotally connected to an end of an inner side of one of the side panels, and an end of the start portion has a second engagement portion corresponding to the first engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Ti-An Chih, Ti-Fan Shih
  • Patent number: 11118655
    Abstract: An assembling structure for timely and securely locking and releasing a rope includes a housing including two integral side walls for defining a space to allow a rope to pass through; a contact surface on an inner surface of the housing; a pivotal cam including an occlusion section and an engagement surface adapted to pivot about the contact surface from a first position to a second position and vice versa; a torsion spring on one pivot of the cam and having one end fastened in the cam and the other end passing through a limit member of the cam; and a pivotal trigger adapted to pivot about the housing from a third position to a fourth position and vice versa, the trigger including an occlusion member at one end in gear engagement with the occlusion section and a lever at the other end and extending out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Ti-An Chih, Ti-Fan Shih
  • Patent number: 11001190
    Abstract: An expandable net, including a plurality of spring reels. Each spring reel has a housing defining an interior and having a central anchor, in the interior, and further defining an opening; a spool rotatably mounted inside the housing, and having a side wall; a tension member wound about the spool and extending through the opening and having a distal end; and a spiral spring anchored at the anchor and having an outer end, attached to the side wall. Further, the distal end of each tension member is attached to the housing of another spring reel, thereby forming the expandable net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Dahl
  • Patent number: 10945897
    Abstract: The restraint and retractor assembly described and claimed herein are for securing a wheelchair to a support while the wheelchair is in transit. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one securement assembly having a configuration in which a portion of the wheelchair is secured in the vehicle. In this embodiment, the securement assembly includes a retractor secured to the vehicle and a restraint that has both of its ends secured to or near the retractor and a middle segment extends to and from a spool in the retractor, a middle segment is connected to the wheelchair by a connector and passes through an opening in the connector, providing a double length of flexible webbing to secure the wheelchair to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Valeda Company
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Girardin, Joseph Esteireiro, Patrick Girardin
  • Patent number: 10850658
    Abstract: A tie down strap system is provided. The system includes a first flexible strap, a first hook disposed on the first flexible strap, a pair of adjusters disposed on the first flexible strap on each side of the first hook, a first connector attached to a first end of the first flexible strap, and a second connector attached to a second end of the first flexible strap. The system may be used to secure an item, such as a two-wheeled vehicle, to an object, such as a bed of a tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Josh Carmo
  • Patent number: 10479175
    Abstract: A tarpaulin fastening device includes a support frame for support of one or more winch/spool assemblies and associated interconnecting line cord. The interconnecting line cord is extracted/retracted from/to its respective winch/spool assembly through actuation of a gear assembly. The interconnecting line cord is woven through eyelets of one or more connection pins and terminated with an anchoring mechanism. Once extracted from the winch/spool assembly, the interconnecting line cord is anchored to a flatbed trailer using the anchor mechanism and each connection pin is alternatingly connected to connection points along a length of tarp covering a payload supported by the flatbed and to connection points along a length of the flatbed trailer. Once the interconnecting line cord is anchored and connected to the tarp and flatbed, the tarp is secured onto the payload by actuation of the gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Royer Ent., LLC
    Inventor: Rad Allen Royer
  • Patent number: 10202062
    Abstract: A winch with an anti-locking structure comprises a support and a worm wheel, the two sides of the worm wheel are provided with a ring-shaped left positioning boss and a ring-shaped right positioning boss which protrude outward, the left positioning boss is sleeved with a left positioning sleeve, the right positioning boss is sleeved with a right positioning sleeve, and the outer circumferential surface of the left positioning boss is gaplessly sleeved with a circular hole wall of the left positioning sleeve, the outer circumferential surface of the left positioning sleeve is gaplessly sleeved with an inner hole of the case body, the outer circumferential surface of right positioning boss is gaplessly sleeved with a circular hole wall of the right positioning sleeve, the outer circumferential surface of the right positioning sleeve is gaplessly sleeved with the inner hole of the case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shengliang Niu
  • Patent number: 9637043
    Abstract: A bale strapping apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a floor to receive at least one bale of material, a bar, and means for moving the bar. The bar may include at least one dispenser for receiving and dispensing securing members. The securing members may be permanently attached to the dispenser. Furthermore, the bar may be moved laterally above and across the floor and, accordingly, over the at least one bale of material, thereby causing the dispenser to dispense the securing member around the at least one bale. The apparatus may then tighten the securing members, thus securing the bale to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce Edward Nelson, Chad Warren Anderson, Jonathan David Tesch
  • Patent number: 9616801
    Abstract: A winding device including a spindle and an inner cylinder is provided, the inner cylinder is positioned at least partially in a first opening of the spindle extending along an axial direction and is rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the spindle. The winding device additionally includes an engagement bolt positioned in a second opening of the spindle extending along a radial direction and mechanically engaged with the inner cylinder. Rotation of the inner cylinder between the first position and the second position automatically extends or retracts the engagement bolt along the radial direction. When the engagement bolt is extended, the winding device is in an engaged position and configured to rotate a collar of a strap winch, and when the engagement bolt is retracted, the winding device is in a disengaged position and configured to be removed from or inserted into the collar of the strap winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Strap Commander, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Williams
  • Patent number: 9554625
    Abstract: An apparatus for ratcheting multiple restraint webs includes first and second locking web retractors each coupled to one end of a different restraint web. When locked, the web retractors each prevent web movement in a web pay-out direction relative thereto. The apparatus further includes first and second ratcheting devices each coupled to a corresponding one of the web retractors, and each is movable in a direction that moves the corresponding web in a web take-up direction relative to its web retractor when the web retractors are locked. The apparatus further includes an actuator movable between two positions and coupled to each of the ratcheting devices. The ratcheting devices are each responsive to a moving force applied thereto by the actuator as the actuator moves between its two positions to move in the direction that moves its corresponding web in the web take-up direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacutring, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Latuszek, Kent Bahler, Guy R. Dingman
  • Patent number: 9440777
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel anchor for securing differently sized bicycle wheels onto a load carrier is disclosed. A bicycle wheel anchor can include a bicycle wheel receiver configured to accept bicycle wheels of different sizes. The anchor can include an elongate wheel securement strap having a tongue portion which is spaced apart from a tail portion located on an opposite side of an intermediate extension portion of the strap. The tail portion of the strap can comprise a catch to be anchored at different locations on the anchor in a plurality of variously located catch-trap. The anchor can include a first catch-trap positioned a distance away from a second catch-trap, such that a different length of the strap is available for extension about the wheel receiver in a first installed configuration than in a second installed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Keith L. Prescott
  • Patent number: 9296328
    Abstract: A movable strap securement system for moving and positioning the strap securement member as needed. The movable strap securement system includes a bracket adapted to be movable along a transport and having a strap securement member for securing a hook attached to an end of a strap and also includes a rail adapted to extend along a side of the transport and having a top wall and flanges extending along and depending from opposed side edges of the top wall to form a channel between the top wall and the flanges with the bracket slidably received in the channel and supported by the rail with the flanges received in the slots to support the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Landon Jerome Dewald, Kenneth Valentine Axtman
  • Patent number: 9126521
    Abstract: A winch supported cargo strap coil launching device has a telescopic cantilever beam. A transverse support member has a first end connected to a first lateral side wall of an outer cantilever beam tubular member, and a second end capable of being carried in a spool aperture of a cargo strap winch assembly. A U-shaped bracket member has a base connected to a distal end of an inner tubular cantilever beam member, and a first and second parallel legs extending outwardly at opposite ends thereof. The parallel legs include respectively aligned apertures adapted to pivotally connect a launching pole to the cantilever beam assembly. The launching pole has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is pivotally connected to the U-shaped bracket. A cargo strap coil bucket is connected to the upper end of the launching pole, and has a generally rectangular ejection opening so that the bucket is capable of retaining and then releasing the cargo strap coil by exerting an upward thrusting motion on the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: David McCullough
  • Patent number: 9102259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus useful for utilizing, for example, as tie-downs for heavy equipment on the decks of railcars, trucks, or other vehicles, although the invention should not be limited to its preferred application. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus for winching and holding a chain, such as a ½? chain, and for tensioning the chain for the afore-mentioned tie-down applications. Methods of use are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventors: John B. Brewster, Mark B. Eenigenburg
  • Patent number: 9027725
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a driving device for a belt axle of a winch, which addresses the problems existing in conventional winches, for example the driving devices being out of work attributing to wearing of the unidirectional teeth on the fixed base and rotary body of the winch. The rotary cylinder of the driving device of the invention is provided with insertion holes into which a crow bar can be inserted. The fixed base is fixedly connected with the belt axle of the winch. The rotary cylinder is covered on the fixed base and fixed thereto in the axial direction. A unidirectional mechanism is located between the rotary cylinder and the belt axle to be engaged by unidirectional teeth. As the shift element and shift plates can be conveniently removed, the worn shift plates or shift element can be conveniently replaced after being used for a long period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhaoyin Xiao
  • Publication number: 20150117975
    Abstract: In one example, a tie-down apparatus can include a tie-down device and a housing adapted to receive the tie-down device. The tie-down apparatus can be transitionable between a stowed state and a deployed state. In the stowed state, the tie-down device can be stored entirely within the housing. The stowed state can be convenient for storing the tie-down device when not in use. In the deployed state, certain metal portions of the tie down device can be concealed within the housing while other portions of the tie-down device (e.g. attachment mechanisms) are deployed through openings in the housing. The deployed state can be convenient for securing cargo without damaging (e.g. scratching or denting) the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Edwin A. Wright
  • Patent number: 9010732
    Abstract: A drive device for a belt axis of a winch, to address the problems existing in the conventional drive device for the belt axis of the winch including a short service life and a high cost. The drive device is disposed at the end of the belt axis of the winch. The drive device comprises a stationary seat and a rotary cylinder. The rotary cylinder is provided with a socket for inserting a crowbar. The stationary seat is fixedly connected with the belt axis. The rotary cylinder is axially fixed to the stationary seat. A unidirectional mechanism is provided between the rotary cylinder and the belt axis and operates by means of the engagement of teeth of the ratchet wheel. The belt axis is brought into continuous one-way rotation by using the unidirectional mechanism while the rotary cylinder is turned back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: ZhengZhong Zhu
  • Publication number: 20150063937
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus useful for utilizing, for example, as tie-downs for heavy equipment on the decks of railcars, trucks, or other vehicles, although the invention should not be limited to its preferred application. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus for winching and holding a chain, such as a ½? chain, and for tensioning the chain for the afore-mentioned tie-down applications. Methods of use are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: John B. Brewster, Mark B. Eenigenburg
  • Patent number: 8757945
    Abstract: A winch for a cargo restraining strap includes a frame having a base and first and second parallel spaced sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls define respective first and second apertures. A protective wall extends from the base and is spaced from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the protective wall cooperate to define a clevis structure including a channel. A pawl is movably secured to the frame, with an inner end thereof located in the clevis channel. A spool extends between the first and second sidewalls and is rotatably supported in the first and second apertures of the first and second sidewalls. A ratchet wheel is connected to the spool and is located adjacent the first sidewall. The ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by the pawl. The frame, spool and ratchet wheel can be defined from aluminum alloy. The frame can be extruded as a one-piece construction. The spool and ratchet wheel can be extruded as a one-piece construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Howard D. Booher
  • Patent number: 8647034
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a load onto a trailer is described. Specifically, a load-securing device can comprise a first casing mountable to a trailer, wherein said casing comprises a first front driveshaft access orifice and a first plate screw orifice, a first threaded driveshaft mounted in said casing wherein the first end of said first driveshaft is mateable with a first rotation actuator, further wherein the front end of said first threaded drive shaft is accessible by said first front driveshaft access orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jesus Villalon-Regalado
  • Publication number: 20130272814
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a load onto a trailer is described. Specifically, a load-securing device can comprise a first casing mountable to a trailer, wherein said casing comprises a first front driveshaft access orifice and a first plate screw orifice, a first threaded driveshaft mounted in said casing wherein the first end of said first driveshaft is mateable with a first rotation actuator, further wherein the front end of said first threaded drive shaft is accessible by said first front driveshaft access orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jesus Villalon-Regalado
  • Patent number: 8483942
    Abstract: A center-of-gravity detection system includes a vehicle capable of carrying cargo and adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle, a shake detector configured to detect shakes in the directions of the self-weight and width of the towed vehicle during travel of the towed vehicle, and an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit is configured to derive, based upon physical quantities that correlate with the shakes, the location of the center of gravity, in three-dimensional space, of the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporatioin Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8434979
    Abstract: An apparatus to assist tightening of cargo straps used on flat-bed vehicles comprises a gearbox having a worm gear and matching wheel gear to tighten the strap. The output of the gearbox is coupled to a tie-down strap. The apparatus enables a user to quickly and properly tighten a tie-down strap regardless of the user's physical size and strength. The apparatus can be provided at each tie-down strap or be moved from strap location to strap location as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: David Genge
  • Patent number: 8432290
    Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Publication number: 20130101368
    Abstract: A winch for a cargo restraining strap includes a frame having a base and first and second parallel spaced sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls define respective first and second apertures. A protective wall extends from the base and is spaced from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the protective wall cooperate to define a clevis structure including a channel. A pawl is movably secured to the frame, with an inner end thereof located in the clevis channel. A spool extends between the first and second sidewalls and is rotatably supported in the first and second apertures of the first and second sidewalls. A ratchet wheel is connected to the spool and is located adjacent the first sidewall. The ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by the pawl. The frame, spool and ratchet wheel can be defined from aluminum alloy. The frame can be extruded as a one-piece construction. The spool and ratchet wheel can be extruded as a one-piece construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Howard D. Booher
  • Patent number: 8382406
    Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cottrell, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Bryan Howes, Neil H. M. Robertson, David Trenbeath
  • Patent number: 8376674
    Abstract: A cargo strap assembly constructed and arranged for receipt by a stake pocket of a vehicle wherein the vehicle includes a sidewall which further defines an opening in communication with the stake pocket. The cargo strap assembly includes a cargo strap module which is constructed and arranged to fit within the stake pocket, the cargo strap module including a retractable cargo strap having an extendable end which is constructed and arranged to extend through the sidewall opening of the vehicle. The cargo strap assembly is completed by the addition of a cover plate which is constructed and arranged to be positioned against the sidewall of the vehicle and attach directly to the cargo strap module for securing the cargo strap module within the stake pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Davis, III
  • Publication number: 20130026430
    Abstract: A manual fork truck using a tightening device is disclosed. The tightening device applied to a manual fork truck, comprises a tightening rod; a fixing portion on one end of the tightening rod; and a plurality of tightening assemblies separately assembled to the tightening rod axially; each of the plurality of tightening assemblies comprising at least one tightening arm on the tightening rod, and a tightening belt having one end connected to the at least one tightening arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHEN-HSING CHENG, TSUNG-YU HUNG, HSING-YI HU
  • Patent number: 8348239
    Abstract: A clutchable pry bar includes a bar member with a fitting connector; a rack member fitted with the fitting connector of the bar member, including two slots adjacent to a closed end of the rack member, and including two through holes proximate to an opened end of the rack member; a ratchet shaft inserted to the through hole of the rack member, and including a first end portion disposed on one end thereof; at least one ratchet member fitted to the ratchet shaft, a plate member movably fixed to the slots of the rack member, a returning spring between pegs of the plate member and a central extension of the bar member; a stem member to be retained with the ratchet shaft after the stem member is inserted to a radial bore of the ratchet shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yeh-Chien Chou
  • Patent number: 8328480
    Abstract: A winch for a cargo restraining strap includes a frame having a base and first and second parallel spaced sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls define respective first and second apertures. A protective wall extends from the base and is spaced from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the protective wall cooperate to define a clevis structure including a channel. A pawl is movably secured to the frame, with an inner end thereof located in the clevis channel. A spool extends between the first and second sidewalls and is rotatably supported in the first and second apertures of the first and second sidewalls. A ratchet wheel is connected to the spool and is located adjacent the first sidewall. The ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by the pawl. The frame, spool and ratchet wheel can be defined from aluminum alloy. The frame can be extruded as a one-piece construction. The spool and ratchet wheel can be extruded as a one-piece construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Howard D. Booher
  • Patent number: 8308410
    Abstract: A tie-down winch system includes a tie-down winch and a winch bar member. The tie-down winch includes frame, a cylinder member rotatably carried by the frame, a first lock member connected to a second end of the cylinder member, and a second lock member pivotally connected to the frame adjacent the second end of the cylinder member and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position is defined as a portion of the second lock member engaging a portion of the first lock member to prevent rotation of the cylinder member, and the disengaged position is defined as the second lock member being spaced apart from the first lock member so that the cylinder member is freely rotatable with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Foryan
  • Patent number: 8302751
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a driving system for a belt axis of a winch in the field of mechanics, which addresses the problems existing in conventional driving systems, such as a complicated structure and poor reliability. The driving system for the belt axis of the winch is positioned at the extension end of the belt axis on one side of a winch support. The driving system includes a rotary body and a fixed base, in which the fixed base is connected to the extension end of the belt axis via a connection means and the inner end of the rotary body is set on the fixed base. An insertion pore is positioned at the outer end of the rotary body. A spring is provided between the rotary body and the fixed base, under the action of which the inner end face of the rotary body is attached to the outer end face of the fixed base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Publication number: 20120257942
    Abstract: A tie-down assembly to be mounted in a deck portion to secure an object to the deck portion, including a frame and a pair of ratchet subassemblies. Each ratchet subassembly includes an elongate ratchet body to which a selected one of two straps is attachable, and a ratchet head secured to the ratchet body. Each of the ratchet bodies is mounted in the frame to permit rotation thereof in a predetermined rotary direction to tighten the selected one of the straps attached thereto, for securing the object to the deck portion. Each ratchet subassembly additionally includes a pawl, for preventing rotation of the ratchet head engageable therewith about the axis thereof in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotary direction. Each of the ratchet bodies is rotatable in the same predetermined rotary direction to tighten the selected one of the straps attached thereto respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Empey
  • Patent number: 8272820
    Abstract: A rope fastening device (11) can be provided at a predetermined position of a vehicle for fastening a rope (20) placed over freight on the vehicle. The rope fastening device (11) has a rope winding drum (12) having a rope hitch opening (19), a worm wheel (13) with which the drum (12) is operatively associated, a worm (14) meshing with the worm wheel (13), a rotation shaft (15) connected to the worm (14), a rotating tool (16) provided at an end of the rotation shaft (15), a gear box (17) in which the worm wheel (13) and the worm (14) are received, and an installation section (18) fitted to the gear box (17). The rope fastening device (11) can prevent a collapse of freight on a vehicle etc. by reliably fastening with simple operation a rope or other fastening materials placed over the freight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Yukio Numata
  • Patent number: 8192119
    Abstract: A trailer cargo strap rolling device for conestoga-style and flatbed trailers including a base that fits into a trailer stake pocket, an adjustable post member secured into a selected height with a lock pin, and a winder assembly operated either manually or with a wireless drill with two prongs around which a trailer strap can be wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Stacy L. Small
  • Patent number: 8096740
    Abstract: An apparatus designed to aid in the winding of cargo straps used on flatbed trailers of tractor-trailer rigs comprising a metal cylinder with an internal power/spiral spring is herein disclosed. A first end of the cylinder is closed with an outer spring case while a second end is slipped through a standard cargo strap winch bracket system commonly found on conventional flatbed tractor-trailers. A similar arrangement is used on all cargo straps systems on a truck. The user pulls out enough strap to anchor on an opposite side of the truck and over a carried load. The strap is then tightened and cinched down in a conventional manner. When unloaded, a lever is released, and the entire cargo strap is quickly retracted back onto the winch shaft. This not only represents huge timesavings for the truck driver, but also protects the stored cargo strap from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Chester V. Parker, Carrie Ledet
  • Patent number: 8075231
    Abstract: A mechanically actuated, air release, binding device adapted for use on trucks or trailers, commonly known as a load binder, comprises a horizontally aligned frame, truck air brake cylinder, lever arm and attachment connection. The air brake includes an internal piston and exposed drive shaft which are spring driven outwards from the cylinder. Application of compressed air to the cylinder drives the piston and drive shaft inwards, rotating the lever arm and providing a fully slack condition in binding straps or chains attached to the binder. Release of all or part of the cylinder compressed air draws in upon the lever arm rotating it to a full or floating binding condition automatically. A ratchet and pawl secured to the lever arm mechanically locks the binder and adjusts when the binder becomes slack due to load shift or transportation conditions. The pawl is fully released to permit the binder to provide full load strap slack for attachment or removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Leon Wesley Welch
  • Patent number: 8061941
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting chain tie down systems to strap tie down systems. Exemplary embodiments include a method for retrofitting a chain tie down apparatus to a strap tie down apparatus, the chain tie down apparatus having a central shaft, the method including affixing a first parallel shaft adjacent the central shaft and affixing shaft plates to the central shaft, wherein the first parallel shaft is radially moveable with respect to the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cottrell, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Bryan Howes
  • Patent number: 8056884
    Abstract: A portable hoist assembly having a housing. The housing has a recoil spring secured thereto wherein the recoil spring is secured to a cable spool such that constant tension is provided on the cable spool. The cable spool contains a cable that is secured thereto and has a hook member secured at a first end. An actuating member having a self contained power source and connected to the cable is thus operable to feed and retract the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Randy A. LaFreniere
  • Patent number: 8025470
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pay-out and take-up device for a tightener in the mechanical field. The pay-out and take-up device of the invention includes a casing fixedly connected to the side of the holder and a worm, a worm axis and a worm wheel set within the casing, in which the worm wheel is fixedly connected to the extension end of the belt axis, and the worm axis is provided on the side of the worm wheel and could move in the axial direction thereof within the casing, and the worm is covered on the worm axis and fixedly connected to the worm axis. A guide mechanism is placed between the casing and the worm or between the casing and the worm axis, in which the worm axis could move in the axial direction thereof when the worm axis rotates. The worm axis or the worm could be detached from the guide mechanism when the worm is engaged with the worm wheel. A power mechanism is further provided on the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Patent number: 8025469
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent logistics goods binding system in the field of control technology. The problems of the conventional intelligent logistics goods binding systems, such as inconvenience in operation of the intelligent logistics goods binding system, low operation efficiency and complicated adjusting of control parameters, are addressed by the system of the invention. The intelligent logistics goods binding system of the invention includes an upper controller and a lower controller connected thereto. A sensor and a power mechanism are connected to the lower controller, which are respectively provided on the pay-out and take-up device. An upper input means is connected with the upper controller and a lower input means is connected to the lower controller. The activation or deactivation of the power mechanism is controlled by the upper controller through the lower controller or directly controlled by the lower controller based on the pressure signal of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Publication number: 20110176884
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rigid tie down in the field of mechanics, which addresses the problems of the existing tie downs, for example, they occupy a large space and have a low binding efficiency. The rigid tie down comprises a body, a first hook and a second hook provided on both ends of the body, and a handle connected to the body. The body has a cylindrical shape. The first hook has a first screw thereon, and the second hook has a second screw thereon. The first screw is threadedly connected with one end of the body, and the second screw is threadedly connected with the other end of the body. The direction of the threads of the first screw is reverse to that of the second screw. The rigid tie down could be operated in a convenient manner, have a high binding efficiency and occupy a small space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Patent number: 7972099
    Abstract: A self-tensioning tie down assembly and safety system for tightening the retaining straps securing cargo on a carrier. Retaining straps are connected to winches connected to the carrier. A ratchet system is used to tighten the winch. A two bar torque linkage has a ratchet arm connectable to the ratchet wheel of the winch via a socket and has a connector arm connected to an actuator. The actuator is connected to a pneumatic/electrical circuit and provides reciprocating linear motion thereby actuating the torque linkage. The torque linkage may be set in a tightening or loosening position. The required tension level of the retaining strap is pre-set. Pressure within the circuit drives the actuator thereby actuating the torque linkage which tightens the strap on the winch until the tension level is reached. Signals are sent to a display panel to indicate when a strap is loose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy S. Leggett, Casey K. Dundass, Andrew R. Ross