GB2458326A

GB2458326A - Device for coiling a strap

Info

Publication number: GB2458326A
Application number: GB0804861A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Clifford Whilock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-15
Filing date: 2008-03-15
Publication date: 2009-09-16
Also published as: GB0804861D0

Abstract

A device for coiling a strap comprises a frame 1 supporting an axially rotatable shaft 2 having a cranked winding handle 3 and a longitudinal slot 4 that in use receives one end of the strap to be wound, the shaft and handle being removable from the frame. The frame may have a guide member 5 and a gate 8 to retain the strap within the frame.

Description

1 2458326 Strap coiling device The present device relates to a device for coiling straps, such as cargo straps for securing loads

Background

Cargo straps and similar are a well-known and commonly-used means of securing loads on vehicles and trailers. Although effective and simple to use, such straps require collection and storage when not in use, usually requiring coiling by hand. This is a repetitive and time-consuming task especially when longer straps, which may be lOm or more in length, need to be wound. It is difficult to wind such long straps neatly and when wet and cold the job is unpleasant and arduous.

Description

The invention provides a simple device for coiling cargo straps and similar, which has a robust and easily manufactured construction and which quickly and efficiently coils cargo straps. The coiled straps can then be quickly removed from the device for storage or reuse.

EiQurelA shows a plan view of the device with the shaft (2) and winding handle (3) in place through the frame (1).

HQure 1 B is an axial view along the shaft (2) from the free end, showing the slot (4).

FiQure 1 C is an end view of the frame (1) showing the strap guide (5), gate (8) and cross-sectional form of the frame (1) Referring to Figure 1, the device comprises a frame (1) with holes supporting an axially rotatable shaft (2) continuous with a cranked winding handle (3), said shaft comprising a longitudinal slot (4) suitable for receiving a free end of said strap, said slot being open to a free end of said shaft and wherein said shaft and winding handle may be withdrawn axially and disengaged from said frame. Alternatively, the buckle end of a strap may be engaged within the frame, as the shaft is inserted. in one embodiment, the shaft is of approximately 20mm diameter, with a slot of approximately 5mm width. A skilled person will understand that these dimensions are not critical, and depend on the type of strap to be wound and on the material from which the shaft is constructed. The frame, shaft and winding handle may be of any suitable material, but may be conveniently constructed from steel, aluminium, plastics or composite materials.

The slot in the shaft is sized so as to conveniently receive the free end of a strap, yet be sufficiently narrow so as to provide an attachment means, anchoring the free end sufficiently to allow the strap to be drawn onto the shaft by winding. One winding is complete, the shaft may be axially withdrawn from both the frame and the coiled strap, allowing the latter to be removed and stored.

The frame is so shaped as to constrain lateral movement of successive layers of said strap during winding onto the shaft. It is conveniently of a substantially rectangular form, seen from a plan view, so that it guides the strap into substantially overlapping layers, providing a neat coil. In one preferred embodiment the internal width of the frame is approximately 50mm but, again, this is determined by the width of the strap to be wound. The frame may be of any form that provides sufficient rigidity, but is conveniently made from shaped mild steel plate, aluminium alloy or moulded from suitable plastics or composite materials.

The device is robust and easy to use for hand winching of straps. For situations where many straps, or straps of exceptional length, are to be coiled, it may adapted for motorised winching with a suitable electric or other motor.

In one alternative embodiment, the device further comprises an attachment means (6), allowing it to be securely fastened to a suitable member of a trailer or vehicle, or any other convenient structure, to allow faster and more hands-free' winding. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment means (6) may be an adjustable clamp, such a G-clamp arrangement, although alternative spring-loaded or strap-based attachment means are possible. Such attachment means (6) may attached to the frame (1) by means of an adjustable or rotatable joint (7) to allow optimum positioning of the device in use. A preferred embodiment incorporates a joint allowing axial rotation between the attachment means and the frame.

In a further preferred embodiment the device further comprises a strap guide (5), which acts to guide, straighten and untangle the strap, allowing it to feed smoothly onto the shaft. The strap guide may of any suitable form, but may conveniently be of stout wire or shaped welded rod construction. Additionally, the strap guide may be gated by a pivoted or spring-biased gate (8), which allows easy insertion of a strap but which prevents it from slipping out during winding.

The invention provides a device for coiling a strap substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the drawings.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for coiling a strap, comprising a frame (1) supporting an axially rotatable shaft (2) continuous with a cranked winding handle (3), said shaft comprising a longitudinal slot (4) suitable for receiving a free end of said strap, said slot being open to a free end of said shaft and wherein said shaft and winding handle may be withdrawn axially and disengaged from said frame.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said frame is so shaped as to constrain lateral movement of successive layers of said strap during winding onto the shaft.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said frame is substantially rectangular, such that it surrounds and constrains a strap during winding.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an attachment means (6).
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said attachment means (6) is an adjustable clamp
6. A device according to either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said attachment means (6) is attached to the frame (1) by means of an adjustable joint (7).
7. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a strap guide (5).
8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the strap guide comprises a gate (8).
9. A device for coiling a strap substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.