GB2455290A - Load binding using a strap and a winch - Google Patents

Abstract

A load binding includes a strap 11 and a winch 9. The strap 11 is mounted on a drum 21 which is rotatably mounted on and driven by a shaft 23 via a torque-limiting clutch arrangement 25-27. The winch 9 can be set in either an open condition (fig. 2) where the strap 11 can be both wound out from the drum 21 against bias and wound onto the drum under bias or a ratchet condition (fig. 10) in which the strap can only be wound onto the drum. A foot-operable control mechanism is used to set the winch in the open or ratchet position and a pawl lever 45 operated by action on pedals 47, 49 engages ratchet teeth 43 mounted on the drum 21. The winch includes a drive means acting (via gearing) on the shaft 23 for tensioning the strap (via the clutch) when the winch is in the ratchet condition. A locked condition is also disclosed in which the pawl lever is secured against movement.

Description

Load binding The present invention relates generally to a load binding for securing a load to a carrier and in particular, although not exclusively, to a load binding for securing a load to a towed vehicle.

As an example, load bindings are used to secure loads such as mini diggers, road rollers, miscellaneous cargo, cars, vans, and mowers to trailers. Dependant on the specific load being secured, multiple load bindings may be used.

Typically the load binding is attached at either end to the trailer and arranged to pass around the load. A winch is used to tighten the strap in order to secure the load to the trailer such that the load does not slip or move during transportation. Load slippage can cause damage to the load and trailer and can also cause the trailer to become unstable. Load slippage may also occur due to the straps becoming loose during transportation or through the straps being tensioned unevenly.

To remove the load from the trailer, one or both ends of the straps are detached from the trailer. Accordingly the straps can fall off or be stolen. Moreover, when not in use, the straps are generally left loose on the bed of the trailer. This can create a trip hazard and may result in the straps being damaged or cut as the loads are manoeuvred onto and from the trailer.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a load binding that prevents over tensioning of the strap and thereby aids the correct tensioning of the load strap and, where more than one load strap is used, ensures even tensioning of multiple load bindings.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a load binding which prevents loss of or damage to the strap when not in use.

According to the present invention there is provided a load binding, a winch for use in the load binding, a trailer including the load binding and a method of using the load binding, as set forth in the appended claims.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a load binding having a winch that tensions a strap wherein the winch includes a friction clutch that slips in order to prevent over tensioning of the strap. Accordingly the load binding helps to ensure a pre-determined tensioning of the strap is obtained.

In more detail, the winch tensions the strap by winding in the strap and the clutch such as a friction clutch stops the winch from winding in the strap when a predetermined tension is applied to the strap. For instance, the winch includes a winding drum that is rotatable in one direction to wind out the strap and in the opposite direction to wind in the strap. The winch includes a drive mechanism that is operable to wind in the strap. The winding drum is connected to the drive mechanism via the friction clutch and the friction clutch is arranged to limit the torque applied by the drive mechanism to the drum.

Advantageously the load binding can not therefore be over tensioned.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a load binding having a winch for tensioning a strap wherein the strap is biased to wind the strap in.

In more detail, the winch includes a winding drum that is rotatable in one direction to wind out the strap and in the opposite direction to wind in the strap, wherein the winding drum is biased to wind in the strap.

Advantageously, when the load binding is not in use, the strap is automatically stowed by the winch.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a load binding having a winch for tensioning a strap wherein the winch is manually operable such as by the foot or hand between a release position, in which the strap is able to be wound out and wound in, and a ratchet position, in which the strap is only able to be wound in.

In more detail, the winch includes a control mechanism that is manually operable in order to arrange the winch in the positions. For instance, the winch includes a winding drum that is rotatable in one direction to wind out the strap and in the opposite direction to wind in the strap, wherein the control mechanism controls the rotation of the drum. In the release position, the control mechanism controls the drum so that the drum can rotate bi-directionally. In the ratchet position, the control mechanism controls the drum so that the drum can only rotate uni-directionally in order to wind in the strap.

Advantageously, the binding strap is foot operated and thereby frees a user's hands for other tasks.

These aspects of the load binding as described herein may be employed together in any suitable combination.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a winch for use in the load binding according to any of the aspects discussed herein. Here, the winch has a receiving portion to receive a separate strap. The winch and the strap are assembled together prior to using the load binding.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a trailer including at least one load binding according to any of the aspects discussed herein.

In more detail, the trailer includes a locating strip (or strips) that has at least one location point that allows the load binding to be detachably mounted thereto. For instance, the location points include means to mount the load binding fast to the trailer and the load binding includes means to engage the location points.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a load to a carrier wherein the load is secured using a load binding according any of the aspects discussed herein.

The present invention may be carried into practice in various ways but one embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a rear elevation view of a trailer with a load secured by a load binding; Figure 2 is a perspective view from one side of the load binding with a winch in an open position; Figure 3 is a schematic end view of the winch showing a pair of clutch plates; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pair of clutch plates; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the winch showing internal drive components; Figure 6 is a further perspective view of the winch; Figure 7 is a perspective underside view of the winch; Figure 8 is a side view of a control mechanism in an open position; Figure 9 is a side view of a control mechanism in an ratchet position; and Figure 10 is a side view of a control mechanism in an closed position; Figure 1 shows a trailer 1 with a load 3 secured to a bed of the trailer by a load binding I. The load binding 7 comprises a winch 9 and a strap 11, such as an elongate fabric strip, length of chain, or length of wire. The free end of the strap 11 is secured to the trailer by a securing means such as a hook 13. The other end of the strap 11 is wound in by the winch 7 in order to tension the strap 11. The load is secured by arranging the strap 11 around the load and tensioning the strap.

The trailer 1 may include a number of load bindings 7.

The or each load binding 7 may be permanently mounted on the trailer 1, for instance they may be bolted or welded thereto, or formed integrally with the trailer 1.

Alternatively, and as described herein, the load binding 7 may be detachably mounted to the trailer 1.

Still referring to Figure 1, the trailer includes a locating strip 14 that is mounted to the trailer 1. The locating strip 14 includes a plurality of load binding location points, such as spaced key hole slots.

Figure 2 shows the load binding 7. Here the winch 9 includes a housing that comprises a top plate 15, two side plates 16a and 16b, and a back plate 17. A disc 19 is attached to the top plate 15 is arranged to, in use, engage the load binding location points in the locating strip of the trailer. The disc 19 can be inserted into the key hole slot on the trailer and slid relative to the slot in order to secure the housing fast to the trailer 1.

Accordingly, one or more load bindings 7 may be mounted to the trailer 1 as is required to secure the load 3.

As shown in Figure 2, the winch includes a rotatable drum 21 that is rotateably mounted with respect to the housing.

The strap is secured at one end to the drum. The strap 11 winds on to the drum in order to retract and unwinds from the drum to extend.

The arrangement of a clutch such as a friction or bearing or plate type or other clutch for selectively coupling the drum to a drive means is shown in Figure 3. The drum 21 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 23. The shaft 23 is in turn rotatably mounted between the side plates 16a and 16b of the winch's housing. The drum 21 is connected to the shaft 23 via the friction clutch. The friction clutch is suitably a sprag-clutch, which limits the torque applied by the shaft 23 to the drum 21. It is shown here as comprising two clutch plates 25, 26 and a number of Belleville washers 27. Clutch plate 25 is welded to the drum 21. Clutch plate 26 is keyed onto the shaft 14. The Belleville washers are arranged on the opposite side of the drum 21 to the clutch plates and act to urge the drum axially along the shaft 23 to force the clutch plates 25 and 26 together.

The clutch plates 25 and 26 are shown in Figure 4. The plates 25 and 26 each include a series of notches 27 that extend inwardly from the periphery and then in the circumferential direction. The notches 27 allow flanges 29 from each clutch plate to be angled in an axial direction. When arranged on the winch, the flanges on clutch plate 25 are angled to extend toward clutch plate 26 and the flanges on clutch plate 26 are angled to extend toward clutch plate 25.

Accordingly, the Belleville washers urge the two clutch plates together such that the flanges 29 of each clutch plate engage. As such the rotation of the drum 21 and shaft 23 are locked. However, when there is a force resisting the rotation of the drum 21, the flanges begin to ride up over each other thereby forcing the drum and clutch plate 25 away from the clutch plate 26 against the bias of the Belleville washers. When a pre-determined force resisting rotation of the drum is reached, the Belleville washers become compressed such that the two clutch plates slide relative to each other and the clutch slips.

As shown in Figure 5, the shaft 23 is biased to rotate by a band spring 31. The band spring 31 is attached at one end to the shaft 23 and at the other end to a stop peg 33 fast with the side plate 16b of the housing. Accordingly, when the shaft is rotated in an anti-clockwise (winding out) direction, as viewed in Figure 5, the band spring is tensioned. When the shaft is released the band spring urges the shaft to rotate in a clockwise (winding in) direction.

Figure 6 shows the drive means for rotating the shaft 23.

The drive means comprises a gear 35, a drive gear 37, and a drive nut 39. The gear 35 is keyed to the shaft 23.

The drive nut 39 meshes with the gear 35 and is sized so as to provide a mechanical advantage. The drive nut 39 is fixed to the same shaft as the drive gear 37. The drive nut 39 may be driven with a tool. Accordingly, by driving the drive nut 39, the shaft 23 may be rotated.

Referring back to Figure 2, the winch further includes a control mechanism arranged to control the rotation of the drum 21. The control mechanism comprises a ratchet wheel 43, a lever 45, a first pedal 47, a second pedal 49, and a control member 51.

As shown in Figure 7 it can be seen that the ratchet wheel 43 is attached such as by being welded to the drum 21.

The lever 45 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 53. The shaft 53 is fixed between the two side plates 16a, 16b of the housing. One end of the lever 45 includes a ratchet pawl 55 which engages with the ratchet wheel 43. The other end of the lever 45 includes a slot 57. The first pedal 47 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 59. The shaft 59 is fixed between the two side plates 16a, 16b of the housing. A pin 61 projecting sideways from the first pedal 47 extends in to the slot 57. The first pedal 47 is biased in an anticlockwise direction to rotate upwardly (when viewed in Figures 7) by a torsion spring 63.

Accordingly the pawis 55 are biased towards the ratchet wheel 43 by the first pedal 47.

The second pedal 49 is pivotally mounted on the same shaft 53 as that of the lever 45. The second pedal 49 is biased to rotate in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 7), by a torsion spring 65. The second pedal 49 includes a T-bar 67. The control member 51 is mounted on the second pedal 49 at a pivot 69 in the upright of the T-bar 6/. A rod 71 of the first pedal extends through a slot 73 of the control member 51. The slot 73 includes a straight section /5 and a well 77.

Figure 8 shows the control mechanism in an open position, wherein the ratchet pawis 55 are held clear of the ratchet wheel 43. Accordingly the drum 21 is free to rotate as herein described. The lever is held in the open position by a spring biased ball plunger 79, mounted on the inside of side wall 16a, locating in a detent 81 formed on the lever 45. The spring biased ball plunger 79 engages the detent 81 when the lever 45 is in the open position and holds the lever 45 against the biasing force of the first pedal 47 acting to urge the lever 45 towards the ratchet wheel 43.

In order to move the control mechanism from the open or disengaged position to the ratchet position, the spring biased ball plunger 79 first has to be released from the detent 81. The ball plunger 79 can be released by manually pulling the first pedal. With the plunger 79 and detent 81 released, the lever 45 rotates due to the biasing of the first pedal 47 and the ratchet pawis 55 engage the ratchet wheel 43.

Figure 9 shows the control mechanism in the ratchet position the engagement of the ratchet wheel 43 and pawis 55 prevent the drum from rotating in the clockwise (winding out) direction, as viewed in Figure 9.

In the ratchet position, the rod 71 is located in the well 77 of the control member. Accordingly, the second pedal 49 is prevented from being moved in a clockwise position by the torsion spring of the toe pedal 49. As the drum is rotated in an anti-clockwise (winding in) direction as viewed in Figure 9, the lever 45 rocks about its shaft 53 due to the pawls 55 sliding over the teeth of the wheel 43. To allow the rocking, the pin 61 is able to slide away from the end of the slot 57 to a small degree and then back again. The to and fro sliding of the pin 61 in the slot 5/, in turn, causes a small degree of rocking of the first pedal 47. That movement though is not significant as the elongate direction of the slot 57 extends towards the gap between the axis of the ratchet wheel 43 and the axis of the shaft 53.

From the ratchet position, the control mechanism can be moved to a locked position as shown in Figure 10. This is achieved by rotating the toe lever 49 in an anticlockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 10), against its bias.

This causes the rod 71 to move away from its catching with the well allowing the control member to drop with the rod 71 in the straight section 75, the second pedal is free to rotate with its bias in a clockwise direction. This allows the I-bar 67 of the pedal to move under a recess of the foot pedal 47 to prevent further clockwise movement of the foot pedal 47. Consequently the pin 61 is prevented from moving in the slot 57, which thereby prevents the lever 45 from rotating. Accordingly, movement of the ratchet wheel and drum 21 in either direction is prevented.

In use, the load 3 is arranged on the bed 5 of the trailer. The winch 9 is operated by a user's foot and arranged in the open position. This is effected by the toe lever 49 being moved in an anticlockwise direction, against its bias. Immediately after the second lever 49 has been moved such that the T-bar 67 moves clear of the recesses, the first pedal 47 is moved in a clockwise direction against its bias. The pin 61 in the slot 57 then moves to the other end of the slot 57 to hold the pawls 55 of the lever 45 clear of the ratchet wheel 43 as shown in Figure 2. In this position the ball plunger 79 and detent 81 cooperate to hold the control mechanism in the release position.

Once in the release position, the strap 11 is wound out and arranged around the load 3 and the hook 13 secured to the load 3 or trailer 1. Once the free end of the strap 11 is secured, the slack in the strap 11 is automatically taken in due to the bias applied to the winch 9.

The winch 9 may be operated manually such as by a foot of the user. In the ratchet position the winch 9 is used to tension the strap 11 in order to secure the load 3. The strap is tensioned by driving the drive nut in order to turn the shaft 23 to wind in the strap. When a predetermined tension in the strap 11 is reached, the clutch plates slip such that the strap cannot be over tensioned.

When the strap 11 is properly tensioned, the control mechanism is operated again by such as the user's foot and moved to the locked position. Accordingly the strap 11 is not able to loosen during transportation of the load 3.

To detach the load binding 7, the winch 9 may be operated by the user's foot and arranged in the open arrangement.

This is effected by the second lever 49 being moved in an anticlockwise direction against its bias. Immediately after the second lever 49 has been moved such that the T-bar 67 moves clear of the recesses the first pedal 47 is moved in a clockwise direction against its bias. The pin 61 in the slot 5/ then moves to the other end of the slot 57 to hold the pawis 55 of the lever 45 clear of the ratchet wheel 43. In this position the ball plunger 79 and detent 81 cooperate to hold the control mechanism in the open position.

Once in the open position, the free end of the strap 11 is un-secured. The strap 11 automatically retracts due to the winch's bias. When not in use the strap is therefore stowed by the winch by being wound onto the drum.

Accordingly the strap 11 is less likely to be lost or damaged when the load 3 is removed from or manoeuvred onto the trailer 1.

It is intended that the mechanism will normally be located such that the exposed part of the second plate is located above the foot plate. Thus if anything is dropped on the control mechanism this will only act to urge the second plate towards the locked position.

In Figure 11, an alternative to the friction clutch described above is shown as a slip bearing 92. An internal race 93 of the slip bearing is keyed to the shaft 23 and an outer race 94 of the slip bearing 92 is keyed to the drum 21. When a predetermined torque between the inner and outer races is reached, the bearing slips.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. Load binding The present invention relates generally to a load binding for securing a load to a carrier and in particular, although not exclusively, to a load binding for securing a load to a towed vehicle.

As an example, load bindings are used to secure loads such as mini diggers, road rollers, miscellaneous cargo, cars, vans, and mowers to trailers. Dependant on the specific load being secured, multiple load bindings may be used.

Typically the load binding is attached at either end to the trailer and arranged to pass around the load. A winch is used to tighten the strap in order to secure the load to the trailer such that the load does not slip or move during transportation. Load slippage can cause damage to the load and trailer and can also cause the trailer to become unstable. Load slippage may also occur due to the straps becoming loose during transportation or through the straps being tensioned unevenly.

To remove the load from the trailer, one or both ends of the straps are detached from the trailer. Accordingly the straps can fall off or be stolen. Moreover, when not in use, the straps are generally left loose on the bed of the trailer. This can create a trip hazard and may result in the straps being damaged or cut as the loads are manoeuvred onto and from the trailer.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a load binding that prevents over tensioning of the strap and thereby aids the correct tensioning of the load strap and, where more than one load strap is used, ensures even tensioning of multiple load bindings.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a load binding which prevents loss of or damage to the strap when not in use.

According to the present invention there is provided a load binding, a winch for use in the load binding, a trailer including the load binding and a method of using the load binding, as set forth in the appended claims.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a load binding having a winch that tensions a strap wherein the winch includes a friction clutch that slips in order to prevent over tensioning of the strap. Accordingly the load binding helps to ensure a pre-determined tensioning of the strap is obtained.

In more detail, the winch tensions the strap by winding in the strap and the clutch such as a friction clutch stops the winch from winding in the strap when a predetermined tension is applied to the strap. For instance, the winch includes a winding drum that is rotatable in one direction to wind out the strap and in the opposite direction to wind in the strap. The winch includes a drive mechanism that is operable to wind in the strap. The winding drum is connected to the drive mechanism via the friction clutch and the friction clutch is arranged to limit the torque applied by the drive mechanism to the drum.

Advantageously the load binding can not therefore be over tensioned.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a load binding having a winch for tensioning a strap wherein the strap is biased to wind the strap in.

In more detail, the winch includes a winding drum that is rotatable in one direction to wind out the strap and in the opposite direction to wind in the strap, wherein the winding drum is biased to wind in the strap.

Advantageously, when the load binding is not in use, the strap is automatically stowed by the winch.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a load binding having a winch for tensioning a strap wherein the winch is manually operable such as by the foot or hand between a release position, in which the strap is able to be wound out and wound in, and a ratchet position, in which the strap is only able to be wound in.

In more detail, the winch includes a control mechanism that is manually operable in order to arrange the winch in the positions. For instance, the winch includes a winding drum that is rotatable in one direction to wind out the strap and in the opposite direction to wind in the strap, wherein the control mechanism controls the rotation of the drum. In the release position, the control mechanism controls the drum so that the drum can rotate bi-directionally. In the ratchet position, the control mechanism controls the drum so that the drum can only rotate uni-directionally in order to wind in the strap.

Advantageously, the binding strap is foot operated and thereby frees a user's hands for other tasks.

These aspects of the load binding as described herein may be employed together in any suitable combination.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a winch for use in the load binding according to any of the aspects discussed herein. Here, the winch has a receiving portion to receive a separate strap. The winch and the strap are assembled together prior to using the load binding.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a trailer including at least one load binding according to any of the aspects discussed herein.

In more detail, the trailer includes a locating strip (or strips) that has at least one location point that allows the load binding to be detachably mounted thereto. For instance, the location points include means to mount the load binding fast to the trailer and the load binding includes means to engage the location points.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a load to a carrier wherein the load is secured using a load binding according any of the aspects discussed herein.

The present invention may be carried into practice in various ways but one embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a rear elevation view of a trailer with a load secured by a load binding; Figure 2 is a perspective view from one side of the load binding with a winch in an open position; Figure 3 is a schematic end view of the winch showing a pair of clutch plates; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pair of clutch plates; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the winch showing internal drive components; Figure 6 is a further perspective view of the winch; Figure 7 is a perspective underside view of the winch; Figure 8 is a side view of a control mechanism in an open position; Figure 9 is a side view of a control mechanism in an ratchet position; and Figure 10 is a side view of a control mechanism in an closed position; Figure 1 shows a trailer 1 with a load 3 secured to a bed of the trailer by a load binding I. The load binding 7 comprises a winch 9 and a strap 11, such as an elongate fabric strip, length of chain, or length of wire. The free end of the strap 11 is secured to the trailer by a securing means such as a hook 13. The other end of the strap 11 is wound in by the winch 7 in order to tension the strap 11. The load is secured by arranging the strap 11 around the load and tensioning the strap.

The trailer 1 may include a number of load bindings 7.

The or each load binding 7 may be permanently mounted on the trailer 1, for instance they may be bolted or welded thereto, or formed integrally with the trailer 1.

Alternatively, and as described herein, the load binding 7 may be detachably mounted to the trailer 1.

Still referring to Figure 1, the trailer includes a locating strip 14 that is mounted to the trailer 1. The locating strip 14 includes a plurality of load binding location points, such as spaced key hole slots.

Figure 2 shows the load binding 7. Here the winch 9 includes a housing that comprises a top plate 15, two side plates 16a and 16b, and a back plate 17. A disc 19 is attached to the top plate 15 is arranged to, in use, engage the load binding location points in the locating strip of the trailer. The disc 19 can be inserted into the key hole slot on the trailer and slid relative to the slot in order to secure the housing fast to the trailer 1.

Accordingly, one or more load bindings 7 may be mounted to the trailer 1 as is required to secure the load 3.

As shown in Figure 2, the winch includes a rotatable drum 21 that is rotateably mounted with respect to the housing.

The strap is secured at one end to the drum. The strap 11 winds on to the drum in order to retract and unwinds from the drum to extend.

The arrangement of a clutch such as a friction or bearing or plate type or other clutch for selectively coupling the drum to a drive means is shown in Figure 3. The drum 21 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 23. The shaft 23 is in turn rotatably mounted between the side plates 16a and 16b of the winch's housing. The drum 21 is connected to the shaft 23 via the friction clutch. The friction clutch is suitably a sprag-clutch, which limits the torque applied by the shaft 23 to the drum 21. It is shown here as comprising two clutch plates 25, 26 and a number of Belleville washers 27. Clutch plate 25 is welded to the drum 21. Clutch plate 26 is keyed onto the shaft 14. The Belleville washers are arranged on the opposite side of the drum 21 to the clutch plates and act to urge the drum axially along the shaft 23 to force the clutch plates 25 and 26 together.

The clutch plates 25 and 26 are shown in Figure 4. The plates 25 and 26 each include a series of notches 27 that extend inwardly from the periphery and then in the circumferential direction. The notches 27 allow flanges 29 from each clutch plate to be angled in an axial direction. When arranged on the winch, the flanges on clutch plate 25 are angled to extend toward clutch plate 26 and the flanges on clutch plate 26 are angled to extend toward clutch plate 25.

Accordingly, the Belleville washers urge the two clutch plates together such that the flanges 29 of each clutch plate engage. As such the rotation of the drum 21 and shaft 23 are locked. However, when there is a force resisting the rotation of the drum 21, the flanges begin to ride up over each other thereby forcing the drum and clutch plate 25 away from the clutch plate 26 against the bias of the Belleville washers. When a pre-determined force resisting rotation of the drum is reached, the Belleville washers become compressed such that the two clutch plates slide relative to each other and the clutch slips.

As shown in Figure 5, the shaft 23 is biased to rotate by a band spring 31. The band spring 31 is attached at one end to the shaft 23 and at the other end to a stop peg 33 fast with the side plate 16b of the housing. Accordingly, when the shaft is rotated in an anti-clockwise (winding out) direction, as viewed in Figure 5, the band spring is tensioned. When the shaft is released the band spring urges the shaft to rotate in a clockwise (winding in) direction.

Figure 6 shows the drive means for rotating the shaft 23.

The drive means comprises a gear 35, a drive gear 37, and a drive nut 39. The gear 35 is keyed to the shaft 23.

The drive nut 39 meshes with the gear 35 and is sized so as to provide a mechanical advantage. The drive nut 39 is fixed to the same shaft as the drive gear 37. The drive nut 39 may be driven with a tool. Accordingly, by driving the drive nut 39, the shaft 23 may be rotated.

Referring back to Figure 2, the winch further includes a control mechanism arranged to control the rotation of the drum 21. The control mechanism comprises a ratchet wheel 43, a lever 45, a first pedal 47, a second pedal 49, and a control member 51.

As shown in Figure 7 it can be seen that the ratchet wheel 43 is attached such as by being welded to the drum 21.

The lever 45 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 53. The shaft 53 is fixed between the two side plates 16a, 16b of the housing. One end of the lever 45 includes a ratchet pawl 55 which engages with the ratchet wheel 43. The other end of the lever 45 includes a slot 57. The first pedal 47 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 59. The shaft 59 is fixed between the two side plates 16a, 16b of the housing. A pin 61 projecting sideways from the first pedal 47 extends in to the slot 57. The first pedal 47 is biased in an anticlockwise direction to rotate upwardly (when viewed in Figures 7) by a torsion spring 63.

Accordingly the pawis 55 are biased towards the ratchet wheel 43 by the first pedal 47.

The second pedal 49 is pivotally mounted on the same shaft 53 as that of the lever 45. The second pedal 49 is biased to rotate in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 7), by a torsion spring 65. The second pedal 49 includes a T-bar 67. The control member 51 is mounted on the second pedal 49 at a pivot 69 in the upright of the T-bar 6/. A rod 71 of the first pedal extends through a slot 73 of the control member 51. The slot 73 includes a straight section /5 and a well 77.

Figure 8 shows the control mechanism in an open position, wherein the ratchet pawis 55 are held clear of the ratchet wheel 43. Accordingly the drum 21 is free to rotate as herein described. The lever is held in the open position by a spring biased ball plunger 79, mounted on the inside of side wall 16a, locating in a detent 81 formed on the lever 45. The spring biased ball plunger 79 engages the detent 81 when the lever 45 is in the open position and holds the lever 45 against the biasing force of the first pedal 47 acting to urge the lever 45 towards the ratchet wheel 43.

In order to move the control mechanism from the open or disengaged position to the ratchet position, the spring biased ball plunger 79 first has to be released from the detent 81. The ball plunger 79 can be released by manually pulling the first pedal. With the plunger 79 and detent 81 released, the lever 45 rotates due to the biasing of the first pedal 47 and the ratchet pawis 55 engage the ratchet wheel 43.

Figure 9 shows the control mechanism in the ratchet position the engagement of the ratchet wheel 43 and pawis 55 prevent the drum from rotating in the clockwise (winding out) direction, as viewed in Figure 9.

In the ratchet position, the rod 71 is located in the well 77 of the control member. Accordingly, the second pedal 49 is prevented from being moved in a clockwise position by the torsion spring of the toe pedal 49. As the drum is rotated in an anti-clockwise (winding in) direction as viewed in Figure 9, the lever 45 rocks about its shaft 53 due to the pawls 55 sliding over the teeth of the wheel 43. To allow the rocking, the pin 61 is able to slide away from the end of the slot 57 to a small degree and then back again. The to and fro sliding of the pin 61 in the slot 5/, in turn, causes a small degree of rocking of the first pedal 47. That movement though is not significant as the elongate direction of the slot 57 extends towards the gap between the axis of the ratchet wheel 43 and the axis of the shaft 53.

From the ratchet position, the control mechanism can be moved to a locked position as shown in Figure 10. This is achieved by rotating the toe lever 49 in an anticlockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 10), against its bias.

This causes the rod 71 to move away from its catching with the well allowing the control member to drop with the rod 71 in the straight section 75, the second pedal is free to rotate with its bias in a clockwise direction. This allows the I-bar 67 of the pedal to move under a recess of the foot pedal 47 to prevent further clockwise movement of the foot pedal 47. Consequently the pin 61 is prevented from moving in the slot 57, which thereby prevents the lever 45 from rotating. Accordingly, movement of the ratchet wheel and drum 21 in either direction is prevented.

In use, the load 3 is arranged on the bed 5 of the trailer. The winch 9 is operated by a user's foot and arranged in the open position. This is effected by the toe lever 49 being moved in an anticlockwise direction, against its bias. Immediately after the second lever 49 has been moved such that the T-bar 67 moves clear of the recesses, the first pedal 47 is moved in a clockwise direction against its bias. The pin 61 in the slot 57 then moves to the other end of the slot 57 to hold the pawls 55 of the lever 45 clear of the ratchet wheel 43 as shown in Figure 2. In this position the ball plunger 79 and detent 81 cooperate to hold the control mechanism in the release position.

Once in the release position, the strap 11 is wound out and arranged around the load 3 and the hook 13 secured to the load 3 or trailer 1. Once the free end of the strap 11 is secured, the slack in the strap 11 is automatically taken in due to the bias applied to the winch 9.

The winch 9 may be operated manually such as by a foot of the user. In the ratchet position the winch 9 is used to tension the strap 11 in order to secure the load 3. The strap is tensioned by driving the drive nut in order to turn the shaft 23 to wind in the strap. When a predetermined tension in the strap 11 is reached, the clutch plates slip such that the strap cannot be over tensioned.

When the strap 11 is properly tensioned, the control mechanism is operated again by such as the user's foot and moved to the locked position. Accordingly the strap 11 is not able to loosen during transportation of the load 3.

To detach the load binding 7, the winch 9 may be operated by the user's foot and arranged in the open arrangement.

This is effected by the second lever 49 being moved in an anticlockwise direction against its bias. Immediately after the second lever 49 has been moved such that the T-bar 67 moves clear of the recesses the first pedal 47 is moved in a clockwise direction against its bias. The pin 61 in the slot 5/ then moves to the other end of the slot 57 to hold the pawis 55 of the lever 45 clear of the ratchet wheel 43. In this position the ball plunger 79 and detent 81 cooperate to hold the control mechanism in the open position.

Once in the open position, the free end of the strap 11 is un-secured. The strap 11 automatically retracts due to the winch's bias. When not in use the strap is therefore stowed by the winch by being wound onto the drum.

Accordingly the strap 11 is less likely to be lost or damaged when the load 3 is removed from or manoeuvred onto the trailer 1.

It is intended that the mechanism will normally be located such that the exposed part of the second plate is located above the foot plate. Thus if anything is dropped on the control mechanism this will only act to urge the second plate towards the locked position.

In Figure 11, an alternative to the friction clutch described above is shown as a slip bearing 92. An internal race 93 of the slip bearing is keyed to the shaft 23 and an outer race 94 of the slip bearing 92 is keyed to the drum 21. When a predetermined torque between the inner and outer races is reached, the bearing slips.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (39)

1. Claims 1. A load binding comprising a strap and a winch wherein the strap cooperates with the winch, the winch being operable to wind in the strap and wherein the winch includes a clutch arranged to limit the tension applied to the strap.
2. 2. The load binding according to claim 1 in which the winch includes a drive mechanism that is operable to retract the strap and the clutch is arranged to limit the torque applied by the drive mechanism.
3. 3. The load binding according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the winch includes a winding drum, which is rotatable about a first axis, for winding the strap onto and off the drum.
4. 4. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the clutch slips at a predetermined torque.
5. 5. The load binding according to claim 4 wherein the clutch limits the torque applied by the drive mechanism to the drum.
6. 6. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is biased by a bias member to wind in the strap.
7. 7. The load binding according to claim 6, when dependant on claim 3, wherein the bias member is arranged to bias the drum to rotate to wind the strap onto the drum.
8. 8. The load binding according to any of claims 6 to 8 in which, as the strap is being unwound from the drum, the force exerted by the resilient means on the drum is arranged to increase.
9. 9. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is arrangeable in a release position in which the strap is able to be wound out and wound in.
10. 10. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is arrangeable in a ratchet position in which the strap is only able to be wound in.
11. 11. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is arrangeable in a locked position wherein the strap is not able to be wound out or wound in.
12. 12. The load binding according to any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the winch is manually operable between the positions.
13. 13. The load binding according to claim 12 wherein the winch is foot operable between the positions.
14. 14. The load binding according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the winch includes a control mechanism and the control mechanism is operable to arrange the winch between the positions.
15. 15. The load binding according to claim 16 when dependant on claim 9, wherein the control mechanism is biased toward the ratchet position and the control mechanism includes a releasable lock arranged to retain the control mechanism in the release position.
16. 16. The load binding according to claims 14 or 15 wherein the control mechanism includes a ratchet gear, which is mounted fast and concentrically to the drum, and a pawl wherein the pawl cooperates with the ratchet gear when the control mechanism is in the ratchet position and is clear of the ratchet gear when the control mechanism is in the release position.
17. 17. The load binding according to claim 16 wherein the control mechanism includes a lever that is pivotally mounted about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis and wherein the pawl is arranged on one end of the lever.
18. 18. The load binding according to claim 17 in which the control mechanism is arranged so that the lever is pivoted to a position in which the pawl is clear of the ratchet gear when in the release position, and the lever is arranged to pivot to and fro about the first axis when in the ratchet position.
19. 19. The load binding according to claim 17 or 18 in which the lever is held fast in a position in which the pawl engages the ratchet gear when in the locked position.
20. 20. The load binding according to any of claims 14 to 19 in which the control mechanism includes a first pedal that is pivotally mounted about a third axis that is parallel to the first and second axes, the first pedal being arranged to cooperate with the lever by one of the operating member or lever having a projection and the other a guide, wherein pivotal movement of one of the first pedal or lever causes pivoting of the other of the first pedal or lever due to cooperation of the projection and guide.
21. 21. The load binding according to claim 20, when dependant on claim 15, in which the first pedal is biased to urge the lever to rotate towards the ratchet position.
22. 22. The load binding according to claim 20 or 21 in which the first pedal comprises a foot pedal.
23. 23. The load binding according to any of claims 20 to 22 in which the third axis is offset from a line between the first and second axes.
24. 24. The load binding according to claim 23 in which the third axis is along the line that is perpendicular to a line extending between the first and second axes.
25. 25. The load binding according to claim 20 in which the projection is located along a line perpendicular to a line that has gone from the first axis through the second axis and beyond the second axis.
26. 26. The load binding according to claim 20 in which the guide extends in a direction at least partially towards the first axis.
27. 27. The load binding according to claim 20 in which the projection is arranged to abut the end of the guide in at least one of the locked positions or the release position.
28. 28. The load binding according to any of claims 14 to 27 in which the control mechanism includes a second pedal that is pivotally mounted about a fourth axis and moveable between a first position in which the first pedal is able pivot and a second position in which the second pedal restrains the first pedal from pivoting.
29. 29. The load binding according to claim 28 in which the fourth axis is coincident with the second axis.
30. 30. The load binding according to any of claims 28 or 29 in which the second pedal is biased towards the second position and the control mechanism includes a control member that is pivotally mounted to the second pedal and cooperates with the first pedal in a retained position, in which the second pedal is held in its second position, and a free position, in which the second pedal is free to rotate to its first position.
31. 31. The load binding according to any of claims 28 to 30 in which the second pedal comprises a toe pedal.
32. 32. The load binding according to any preceding claim in which the clutch comprises a friction clutch.
33. 33. A load binding substantially as herein described and with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
34. 34. A winch for use in a load binding as claimed in any preceding claim.
35. 35. A trailer including at least one load binding as claimed in any of claims 1 to 32.
36. 36. The trailer according to claim 35 wherein each load binding is detachably mounted to the vehicle and the trailer includes a locating strip including at least one load binding location point and the load binding includes means to mount the load binding to the trailer via the location points.
37. 37. A method of using a load binding to secure a load to a trailer, the method comprising withdrawing a strap from a winch, securing the strap about the load, tensioning the strap and causing a slip clutch to limit the tension applied to the strap.
38. 38. The method according to claim 37 comprising an operative using a foot and toe to control the winch.
39. 39. The method according to claim 37 or 38 wherein the method comprises using a load binding as claimed in any of claims 1 to 32

    39. The method according to claim 37 or 38 wherein the method comprises using a load binding as claimed in any of claims 1 to 32

    Claims 1. A load binding comprising a strap and a winch wherein the strap cooperates with the winch, the winch being operable to wind in the strap and wherein the winch includes a clutch arranged to limit the tension applied to the strap.

    2. The load binding according to claim 1 in which the winch includes a drive mechanism that is operable to retract the strap and the clutch is arranged to limit the torque applied by the drive mechanism.

    3. The load binding according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the winch includes a winding drum, which is rotatable about a first axis, for winding the strap onto and off the drum.

    4. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the clutch slips at a predetermined torque.

    5. The load binding according to claim 4 wherein the clutch limits the torque applied by the drive mechanism to the drum.

    6. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is biased by a bias member to wind in the strap.

    7. The load binding according to claim 6, when dependant on claim 3, wherein the bias member is arranged to bias the drum to rotate to wind the strap onto the drum.

    8. The load binding according to any of claims 6 to 8 in which, as the strap is being unwound from the drum, the force exerted by the resilient means on the drum is arranged to increase.

    9. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is arrangeable in a release position in which the strap is able to be wound out and wound in.

    10. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is arrangeable in a ratchet position in which the strap is only able to be wound in.

    11. The load binding according to any preceding claim wherein the winch is arrangeable in a locked position wherein the strap is not able to be wound out or wound in.

    12. The load binding according to any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the winch is manually operable between the positions.

    13. The load binding according to claim 12 wherein the winch is foot operable between the positions.

    14. The load binding according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the winch includes a control mechanism and the control mechanism is operable to arrange the winch between the positions.

    15. The load binding according to claim 16 when dependant on claim 9, wherein the control mechanism is biased toward the ratchet position and the control mechanism includes a releasable lock arranged to retain the control mechanism in the release position.

    16. The load binding according to claims 14 or 15 wherein the control mechanism includes a ratchet gear, which is mounted fast and concentrically to the drum, and a pawl wherein the pawl cooperates with the ratchet gear when the control mechanism is in the ratchet position and is clear of the ratchet gear when the control mechanism is in the release position.

    17. The load binding according to claim 16 wherein the control mechanism includes a lever that is pivotally mounted about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis and wherein the pawl is arranged on one end of the lever.

    18. The load binding according to claim 17 in which the control mechanism is arranged so that the lever is pivoted to a position in which the pawl is clear of the ratchet gear when in the release position, and the lever is arranged to pivot to and fro about the first axis when in the ratchet position.

    19. The load binding according to claim 17 or 18 in which the lever is held fast in a position in which the pawl engages the ratchet gear when in the locked position.

    20. The load binding according to any of claims 14 to 19 in which the control mechanism includes a first pedal that is pivotally mounted about a third axis that is parallel to the first and second axes, the first pedal being arranged to cooperate with the lever by one of the operating member or lever having a projection and the other a guide, wherein pivotal movement of one of the first pedal or lever causes pivoting of the other of the first pedal or lever due to cooperation of the projection and guide.

    21. The load binding according to claim 20, when dependant on claim 15, in which the first pedal is biased to urge the lever to rotate towards the ratchet position.

    22. The load binding according to claim 20 or 21 in which the first pedal comprises a foot pedal.

    23. The load binding according to any of claims 20 to 22 in which the third axis is offset from a line between the first and second axes.

    24. The load binding according to claim 23 in which the third axis is along the line that is perpendicular to a line extending between the first and second axes.

    25. The load binding according to claim 20 in which the projection is located along a line perpendicular to a line that has gone from the first axis through the second axis and beyond the second axis.

    26. The load binding according to claim 20 in which the guide extends in a direction at least partially towards the first axis.

    27. The load binding according to claim 20 in which the projection is arranged to abut the end of the guide in at least one of the locked positions or the release position.

    28. The load binding according to any of claims 14 to 27 in which the control mechanism includes a second pedal that is pivotally mounted about a fourth axis and moveable between a first position in which the first pedal is able pivot and a second position in which the second pedal restrains the first pedal from pivoting.

    29. The load binding according to claim 28 in which the fourth axis is coincident with the second axis.

    30. The load binding according to any of claims 28 or 29 in which the second pedal is biased towards the second position and the control mechanism includes a control member that is pivotally mounted to the second pedal and cooperates with the first pedal in a retained position, in which the second pedal is held in its second position, and a free position, in which the second pedal is free to rotate to its first position.

    31. The load binding according to any of claims 28 to 30 in which the second pedal comprises a toe pedal.

    32. The load binding according to any preceding claim in which the clutch comprises a friction clutch.

    33. A load binding substantially as herein described and with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

    34. A winch for use in a load binding as claimed in any preceding claim.

    35. A trailer including at least one load binding as claimed in any of claims 1 to 32.

    36. The trailer according to claim 35 wherein each load binding is detachably mounted to the vehicle and the trailer includes a locating strip including at least one load binding location point and the load binding includes means to mount the load binding to the trailer via the location points.

    37. A method of using a load binding to secure a load to a trailer, the method comprising withdrawing a strap from a winch, securing the strap about the load, tensioning the strap and causing a slip clutch to limit the tension applied to the strap.

    38. The method according to claim 37 comprising an operative using a foot and toe to control the winch.