Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS FOR WINDING AN ELONGATE STRAP ONTO A WINCH
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for winding an elongate
strap or
other flexible element onto a winch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Flat bed trailers have been used increasingly to transport timber,
lumber, metal
stock, machinery and other cargo. The cargo is usually secured to the flat bed
using long
flexible straps carried on winches mounted to the underside of the flat bed.
In a typical
cargo securing operation, a suitable length of strap is drawn from the winch,
placed across
the top of the cargo and attached to both sides of the flat bed.
[0003] Once the cargo is removed from the flat bed, it becomes necessary to
rewind the
length of strap onto the winch for safe storage. This task is often performed
by manually
rotating the hub member which projects from the side of the winch bracket.
More
specifically, the operator or user grasps the hub member and turns the hub
member
manually in angular increments in the winch take-up direction to effect
winding of the strap
onto the winch. When performed in this manner, the winding tends to be carried
out in an
discontinuous or interrupted fashion because the user is required to
constantly readjust his
grip on the hub member. The user's efforts may be further hampered by the
little clearance
which may exist between the hub member and the flat bed. As a result, manual
winding
tends to be a highly inefficient, tedious, time-consuming and labour-intensive
procedure.
Furthermore, because of the repetitive nature of the movement, the user may be
at risk of
developing repetitive strain disorder or other such condition. These problems
are further
compounded or exacerbated in the case where this procedure needs to be
repeated to effect
strap winding on multiple winches.
[0004] Several attempts have been made to facilitate the winding of a strap
onto a winch.
One such example is described in United States Patent No. 5,791,844 issued to
Anderson.
This patent relates to a portable crank assembly provided with a handle, an
expandable
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compression member adapted for insertion into the hollow core of the hub
member and a
bar connecting the handle to the compression member. The compression member is
attached to the bar with a bolt and wing nut. The bolt extends through the
compression
member and carries thereon a backup washer which bears against the compression
member.
By tightening the wing nut on the bolt, the backup washer can be drawn against
the
compression member to thereby apply a compressive force on the compression
member.
The application of this force causes the compression member to expand
outwardly for
frictional engagement with the inner wall of the winch hub member. Thus
arranged, the
crank assembly and hub member can be locked together for rotation. To wind the
strap
onto the winch, the user grasps the grip element of the handle and manually
operates the
crank assembly. The crank assembly can be decoupled from the hub member by
loosening
the wing nut to allow the compression member to return to its original shape
and size and
be disengaged from the hub member.
[0005] While this crank assembly tends to constitute an improvement over
manual
winding of the strap onto the winch, there are concerns that the device is not
sufficiently
robust to resist wear arising from repeated use. In particular, the
compression member of
the crank assembly may be prone to excessive wear and accordingly, may require
frequent
replacement. In addition, because of its configuration, the repeated use of
this device may
still present some risk of injury to the user by placing undue strain on the
wrist of the user.
[0006] Another approach to winding a strap onto a winch was taken in United
States
Patent No. 6,102,637 issued to Mocci. This patent describes a winch winding
bar in the
nature of a steel rod in which several bends have been formed therein to
define two rod
portions which are axially offset from each other. Sleeves are fitted over
these rod portions
and provide a surface which may be gripped by the user when using the winch
winding bar.
A hook is formed at one end of the steel rod for receipt within the apertures
defined in the
annular wall of the hub member. The hook provides an interface to the winch
and serves to
transfer the rotary motion from the winding bar to the winch. To wind the
strap about the
winch, the user inserts the hook into the apertures of the hub member, places
his/her hands
on the sleeves and then applies a rotary force on the winch winding bar. As
the winding
bar rotates, the strap becomes wound onto the winch. While this device
obviates the
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drawbacks associated with the portable crank assembly described above, its
operation
requires the use of two hands which may not be desirable in certain field
applications.
[0007] In light of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to have a portable
apparatus
for mechanically winding a strap onto the winch that is of robust
construction, is safe,
simple and quick to use and does not require two hands during operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an
apparatus for winding an elongate strap onto a winch. The winch has a hub
member to
which may be coupled the strap winding apparatus and a reel element fixed to
the hub
member about which may be wound the elongate strap. The strap winding
apparatus has a
protective housing and a winding assembly at least partially retained within
the housing.
The winding assembly includes a coupling ring sized to fit over the hub member
for
selective mating therewith and a spool assembly. The spool assembly has a
spool member
mounted in surrounding relation with the coupling ring, a cord which may be
wound about
the spool member and which may be pulled to urge rotation of the spool member
in a first
direction, and a torsion spring member connected to the housing and the spool
member.
The spring member is configured to store spring energy when the cord is pulled
and the
spool member rotates in the first direction, and to release spring energy to
the spool
member when the cord is released thereby urging the spool member to rotate in
a second
direction opposite to the first direction and causing the cord to be wound
about the spool
member. The coupling ring has an engagement member pivotally mounted thereto.
The
engagement member is engageable with both the hub member and the spool member
so as
to allow torque from the spool member to be transmitted to the hub member via
the
coupling ring such that when the cord is pulled and the spool member rotates
in the first
direction the hub member will also rotate thereby causing the elongate strap
to be wound
about the reel member.
[0009] In another feature, the coupling ring has a central aperture extending
therethrough
and includes an outer surface, an inner surface and a plurality of projections
extending
radially inward from the inner surface into the central aperture. The
plurality of projections
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is configured for abutment with a portion of the hub member. Additionally, the
hub
member has an annular wall. Each projection of the plurality has a generally
arcuate
surface configured to correspond substantially with the curvature of the
annular wall. In a
further feature, the plurality of projections includes four projections
equally spaced from
each other.
[00101 In an alternative feature, the coupling ring has a central aperture
extending
therethrough. The central aperture has a generally circular shape.
[0011] In still another feature, the coupling ring has a central aperture
extending
therethrough and includes an outer radial surface, an inner radial surface and
a cutout
defined in the coupling ring extending between the outer radial surface and
the inner radial
surface thereof. The cutout provides access to the central aperture. The
engagement
member is disposed at least partially within the cutout.
[0012] In an additional feature, the engagement member is pivotable between an
engaged
position and a disengaged position and includes a first end and a second end.
When in the
engaged position, the first end of the engagement member extends outwardly of
the cutout
to engage the spool member and the second end of the engagement member
projects into
the central aperture of the coupling ring or engagement with the hub member.
When in the
disengaged position, the first end of the engagement member is at least
substantially
contained within the cutout.
[0013] In a further feature, the coupling ring includes means for biasing the
engagement
member in the engaged position. The biasing means includes a compression coil
spring
having a first end supported by an interior surface of the coupling ring and a
second end
abutting the first end of the engagement member.
[0014] In yet another feature, the engagement member is pivotable between an
engaged
position and a disengaged position. When the engagement member is in the
disengaged
position, the spool member is free to rotate relative to the coupling ring.
Optionally, the
coupling ring may be free to rotate relative to the hub member. The engagement
member
has a first end engageable with the spool member and an opposed second end
engageable
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with the hub member. The hub member includes an annular wall having an outer
surface.
When the engagement member is in the disengaged position, the second end of
the
engagement member bears against the outer surface of the annular wall.
[0015] In an alternative feature, the engagement member has a first end
engageable with
the spool member and an opposed second end engageable with the hub member. The
hub
member has an annular wall with a plurality of openings defined therein. When
the
engagement member is in the disengaged position, the second end of the
engagement
member is received within one of the plurality of openings in the annular
wall.
100161 In still another feature, the hub member has an annular wall with a
plurality of
openings defined therein. The spool member has a generally annular body
defined by an
inner radial surface and an outer radial surface. The inner radial surface has
defined therein
a plurality of grooves. The engagement member has a first end engageable with
the any
one of the plurality of grooves defined in the inner radial surface of the
spool member and
an opposed second end engageable with any one of the plurality of openings
defined in the
annular wall of the hub member. In one feature, the plurality of grooves
includes eight
grooves evenly spaced from each other. In another feature, the plurality of
grooves have a
shape selected from the group consisting of: (a) a V-shape; and (b) a semi-
circle.
[0017] In a further feature, the strap winding apparatus included indexed
mating means
operable to fix the coupling ring for rotation with the spool member at a
predetermined
angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to
the spool
member. The indexed mating means includes a plurality of indexing notches and
an
indexing pin engageable with the any one of the plurality of the indexing
notches. The
spool member has a generally annular body defined by an inner radial surface
and an outer
radial surface, the inner radial surface having defined therein a plurality of
grooves. The
plurality of grooves defining the plurality the indexing notches of the
indexed mating
means. The engagement member has a first end engageable with the one of the
plurality of
grooves defined in the inner radial surface of the spool member and an opposed
second end
engageable with the hub member. The first end of the engagement member defines
the
indexing pin of the indexed mating means.
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[0018] In another feature, the spool member has a generally annular body
defined by an
inner radial surface and an outer radial surface. The annular body has a
groove formed
therein running circumferentially about the radial outer surface. The groove
is configured to
accommodate the cord when it is wound about the spool member.
[00191 In additional feature, the cord has an inner end attached to the spool
member and
an outer end. The spool assembly further includes a handle fastened to the
outer end of the
cord for actuating the winding assembly.
[0020] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided
an apparatus for winding an elongate strap onto a winch. The winch has a hub
member to
which may be coupled the strap winding apparatus and a reel element fixed to
the hub
member about which may be wound the elongate strap. The strap winding
apparatus has a
protective housing and a winding assembly at least partially retained within
the housing.
The winding assembly includes a coupling ring sized to fit over the hub member
for
selective mating therewith and a spool assembly. The spool assembly has a
spool member
mounted in surrounding relation with the coupling ring, a cord which may be
wound about
the spool member and which may be pulled to urge rotation of the spool member
in a first
direction, and means for urging automatic rewinding of the cord onto the spool
member
when the cord is released. The coupling ring has an engagement member
pivotally
mounted thereto. The engagement member is engageable with both the hub member
and
the spool member in a torque transmitting relationship therewith such that
when the cord is
pulled and the spool member rotates in the first direction the hub member will
also rotate
thereby causing the elongate strap to be wound about the reel member.
[0021] In a further feature, the automatic rewinding means includes a torsion
spring
member connected to both the housing and the spool member. The torsion spring
member
is configured to store spring energy when the cord is pulled and the spool
member rotates in
the first direction, and to release spring energy to the spool member when the
cord is
released thereby urging the spool member to rotate in a second direction
opposite to the
first direction and causing the cord to be wound about the spool member. In
another
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feature, the torsion spring member has an inner end fixed to the housing and
an outer end
secured to the spool member for rotation therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearly
understood with
reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the
invention taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a flat bed transport vehicle having
multiple
winches upon which lading straps may be wound, carried on the underside of the
vehicle's
flat bed;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a magnified, elevation view of an apparatus for winding a
strap onto a
winch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the strap winding
apparatus
shown coupled to winch of the flat bed transport vehicle illustrated in the
encircled portion
"2" in FIG. 1, the reel member of the winch carrying a portion of an elongate
strap;
[0025] FIG. 3a is a front left perspective view showing in isolation the winch
and the
strap winding apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, with the strap removed for
clarity;
[0026] FIG. 3b is a front right perspective view showing in isolation the
winch and the
strap winding apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, with the strap removed for
clarity;
[0027] FIG. 4a is an end elevation view of the strap winding apparatus shown
in FIG. 3a;
[0028] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus shown
in FIG. 4a
taken along the line `4a-4a';
[0029] FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the strap winding apparatus similar
to that
illustrated in FIG. 4 showing a first cover member of the apparatus housing
with a
torsion spiral spring mounted therein, a second cover member and remaining
portions of
the internally housed winding assembly being omitted for clarity;
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[0030] FIG. 6 is another end elevation view of the strap winding apparatus
taken
opposite to that shown in FIG. 5, with the end wall of the first cover member
of the
apparatus housing being omitted to reveal details of the internally housed
winding
assembly;
[0031] FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the strap winding apparatus
shown in
FIG. 3a;
[0032] FIG. 8a is a perspective view showing in isolation the coupling member
of the
winding assembly illustrated in FIG. 7;
[0033] FIG. 8b is an elevation view of the coupling member illustrated in FIG.
8a;
[0034] FIG. 8c is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member illustrated in
FIG. 8b
taken along line `8c-8c';
[0035] FIG. 9a is a perspective view showing in isolation the spool member of
the
winding assembly illustrated in FIG. 7, with the handle and cord thereof
omitted for
clarity;
[0036] FIG. 9b is an end elevation view of the spool member shown in FIG. 9b;
[0037] FIG. 9c is another elevation view of the spool member shown in FIG. 9a;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a front left perspective view similar to that shown in FIG.
3a, except
that the strap winding apparatus is shown decoupled and spaced apart from the
winch;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
illustrated in FIG.
2 taken along the line `11-11', showing the spring-loaded engagement member of
the
coupling member in a disengaged position;
[0040] FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 11, showing the handle and cord of the spool member
being pulled
and the spring-loaded engagement member of the coupling member being pivoted
to an
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engaged position such that the coupling ring is now fixed for rotation with
the spool
member;
[0041] FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 11, showing the handle and cord of the spool member
being further
pulled, one end of the spring-loaded engagement member abutting the inner edge
of the
annular wall such that the hub member is fixed for rotation with the coupling
member and
the strap being wound about the reel member of the winch;
[0042] FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
taken from
an end opposite to that illustrated in FIG. 13, showing the spiral torsion
spring moved to a
loaded or at least partially loaded position;
[00431 FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 13, except that it shows the handle being released,
the spring-loaded
engagement member of the coupling member being pivoted to a disengaged
position, and
the cord being retracted into the winding assembly and wound about the spool
member;
[0044] FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of alternate strap winding
apparatus to
that shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 17a is a perspective view showing in isolation the coupling member
of the
winding assembly illustrated in FIG. 16;
[0046] FIG. 17b is an elevation view of the coupling member illustrated in
FIG. 17a;
[0047] FIG. 17c is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member illustrated
in FIG. 17b
taken along line `17c-17c';
[0048] FIG. 18a is a perspective view showing in isolation the spool member of
the
winding assembly illustrated in FIG. 16, with the handle and cord thereof
omitted for
clarity;
[0049] FIG. 18b is an end elevation view of the spool member shown in FIG.
18a;
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[0050] FIG. 18c is another elevation view of the spool member shown in FIG.
18a;
[0051] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
illustrated in FIG.
16, showing the spring-loaded engagement member of the coupling member in a
disengaged position;
[0052] FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 19, showing the handle and cord of the spool member
being pulled,
the spring-loaded engagement member of the coupling member being pivoted to an
engaged position such that the coupling ring is now fixed for rotation with
the spool
member;
[0053] FIG. 21 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 19, showing the handle and cord of the spool member
being further
pulled, the first end of the spring-loaded engagement member being received
within one of
the apertures defined in the hub member;
[0054] FIG. 22 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 19, showing the spool member and the coupling ring
further rotating,
the first end of the engagement member abutting the inner edge of the annular
wall such
that the hub member is fixed for rotation with the coupling member and the
strap being
wound about the reel member of the winch; and
[0055] FIG. 23 is another cross-sectional view of the strap winding apparatus
similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 19, except that it shows the handle being released,
the spring-loaded
engagement member of the coupling member being pivoted to a disengaged
position, and
the cord being retracted into the winding assembly and wound about the spool
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
100561 The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein
are
provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular
embodiments of
principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided
for the
purposes of explanation and not of limitation, of those principles of the
invention. In the
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description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification
and the
drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3a, 3b and 10, there is shown a strap winding
apparatus
designated generally with reference numeral 20. The strap winding apparatus 20
is
designed to wind an elongate strap 22 onto a winch 24 when the strap 22 is not
in use and
needs to be safely stored. In this embodiment, the elongate strap 22 is a
lading strap of the
type used to restrain and/or secure cargo 25 onto a support surface. However,
it will be
appreciated that the strap winding apparatus 20 is not limited to applications
and/or uses
involving lading straps, but rather it may be used to similar advantage for
winding other
elongate flexible elements, such as webbings, ropes, cable, cords or the like.
[0058] In the preferred embodiment, the winch 24 is a winch of the type
carried on the
underside of a vehicle, such as a flat bed transport vehicle 26. As shown in
FIG. 1, the
vehicle 26 has a plurality of winches 24 disposed at spaced apart locations on
one side of
the flat bed 28 of the vehicle 26. Each winch 26 is operable to dispense its
own length of
strap 22 to engage a load carried by the vehicle 26.
[0059] Each winch 24 includes a generally inverted U-shaped bracket member 30
having
a pair of spaced apart, first and second bracket arms 32 and 34 and a back
plate 36 mounted
to extend between, and join, the first arm 32 to the second arm 34. The back
36 is fixedly
secured to the flat bed 28 of the vehicle 26 by welding, bolting or the like.
The first and
second bracket arms 32 and 34 extend downwardly from the back plate 36 and
retain
between them a reel member or winch drum 40 that is mounted for rotation about
a
generally horizontal axis H-H.
[0060] In this embodiment, the reel member 40 takes the form of a generally
cylindrical
shaft 42 having a first end 44 adjacent first bracket arm 32, a second end 46
adjacent the
second bracket arm 34, and a central opening 48 formed in the shaft 42 (as
best shown in
FIG. 11) and extending between the first and second ends 44 and 46 thereo A
pair of
diametrically opposed and aligned longitudinal slots 50 defined in the shaft
42 provide
access to the central opening 48. The aligned slots 50 and the central opening
48 are
configured to receive an end of the elongate strap 22. More specifically, when
attaching
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the elongate strap 22 to the winch 24, an end of the strap 22 is extended
through the aligned
slots 50 and the strap is wound continuously about the shaft 42. The end of
the strap 22 is
secured to the reel member 40 by the winds of the strap itself (i.e. the outer
layers of the
strap).
[0061] Projecting from the first end 44 of the shaft 42 and extending
outwardly from the
first bracket arm 32, is an exposed hub member 52 that is fixed for rotation
with the shaft
42. The hub member 52 has a generally tubular configuration defined by an
annular wall
54. A plurality of apertures 56 are defined in the annular wall 54 at
circumferentially
spaced locations. These apertures 56 are configured to receive a bar or rod to
turn the hub
member 52 to thereby allow an operator or user to tighten or cinch the strap
22 as required
to secure the cargo 25 or load onto the flat bed 28.
100621 The winch 24 is also provided with a ratchet mechanism 60 disposed on
the outer
face 62 of the second bracket arm 34. The ratchet mechanism 60 includes a
ratchet wheel
64 fixed to the second end 46 of the shaft 42 for rotation therewith and a
pawl 66. The pawl
has at its distal of free end 68 a pair of tines 70 and 72 which are
engageable with
circumferentially spaced teeth 74 of the ratchet wheel 64. The pawl 66 is
carried above the
ratchet wheel 64 with its proximal end 76 pivotally mounted to the outer face
62 of the
second bracket arm 34 by a pivot pin 78. During operation, the free end 68 of
the pawl 66
may be biased toward the ratchet wheel 64 such that its tines 70 and 72 are
urged into
engagement with the teeth 74 thereby blocking counterclockwise rotation of the
ratchet
whee164 and preventing the strap 22 from further unwinding.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3a and 7, the strap winding apparatus 20
includes a
generally annular, protective housing 80 and a winding assembly 82 retained at
least
partially within the housing 80. As will be explained in greater detail below,
the winding
assembly 82 includes a coupling ring 84 sized to fit over the hub member 52
for selective
mating therewith; a spool assembly 86 having a spool member 88 mounted in
surrounding
relation with the coupling ring 84 and fixable for rotation therewith, a pull
cord 90 which
may be wound about the spool member 88 and which may be pulled to urge
rotation of the
spool member 88, and a handle 92 secured to one end of the pull cord 90 for
actuating the
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winding assembly 82 ; and a spiral torsion spring (also known as a power or
clock spring)
94 provided with a first inner end 96 fixed to a portion of the housing 80 and
a second outer
end 98 fixed to the spool member 88 and operable to automatically rewind the
cord 90 onto
the spool member 88.
[0064] The housing 80 is sized such that it can be accommodated in the
clearance
between the hub member 52 and the flat bed 28, when the strap winding
apparatus 20 is
coupled to the winch 24. The housing 80 is defined by a first cover member 100
and a
second cover member 102 engageable with the first cover member 100. The first
cover
member 100 has a flanged, generally annular body 104 that is defined at least
partially by
an end wall 106 having an inner face 108, an outer face 110 and a central
aperture 112
formed therethrough, and a sidewall 114 projecting outwardly from the inner
face 108 and
extending circumferentially about the outermost radial edge 116 of the end
wall 106. The
central aperture 112 is sized larger than the diameter of the hub member 52.
100651 The sidewall 114 has a proximal edge 118 that is joined to outermost
radial edge
116 of the end wall 106, and a distal edge 120. At a location intermediate the
proximal
edge 118 and distal edge 120 but closer to the distal edge 120, the thickness
of the sidewall
114 is decreased so as to define a narrow shoulder portion 124 and a
circumferential lip 126
projecting from the shoulder portion 124. As will be explained in greater
detail below,
when the first cover member 100 is fitted for engagement with the second cover
member
102, a portion of the second cover member 102 will surround the
circumferential lip 126 for
snug engagement therewith and abut the shoulder portion 124.
[0066] Jutting radially outward from the outer face 128 of the sidewall 114,
is a
reinforced sidewall portion 130. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the
reinforced sidewall
portion 130 has a generally triangular profile whose apex 132 is defined by
first and second
sides 134 and 136. A bore or passage 138 sized to accommodate therethrough the
pull cord
90, extends into the first side 134 and opens onto the inner face 140 of the
sidewall 114.
The first side 134 presents a stop or abutting surface against which a portion
of the handle
92 may be urged to bear. While in the preferred embodiment, the reinforced
sidewall
portion 130 is integrally formed with the sidewall 114, in other embodiments
the reinforced
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portion and the sidewall could be formed as two distinct components which
could be
fabricated from the same or different materials.
[0067] The first cover member 100 is further provided with a flange member 142
that
projects outwardly from the inner face 108 of the end wall 106 and at least
partially radially
bounds the central aperture 112. The flange member 142 has a generally
penannular
structure provided with a first end 144, an opposed second end 146 and a gap G
extending
between the first and second ends 144 and 146. The wall thickness of the
flange member
142 is decreased at the second end 146 to define a finger-like catch 148 upon
which may be
retained the first inner end 96 of the spiral torsion spring 94.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4b and 7, the second cover member 102 has a flanged
annular
body 150 that generally resembles the body 104 of the first cover member 100.
The body
150 is defined at least partially by an end wall 152 having an inner face 153,
an outer face
154 and a central aperture 156 formed therethrough, and a sidewall 158
projecting
outwardly from the inner face 153 and extending circumferentially about the
outermost
radial edge 160 of the end wall 152. In like fashion to the central aperture
112, the central
aperture 156 is sized larger than the diameter of the hub member 52.
[0069] In contrast to the sidewall 114, the sidewall 158 is relatively short
and has a
relatively constant wall thickness. The diameter of the sidewall 158 is sized
slightly larger
than the diameter of the circumferential lip 126 such that when the second
cover member
102 is fit over the first cover member 100 a snug fit may be achieved. To
prevent
accidental detachment of the first and second cover members 100 and 102, the
first cover
member 100 may be releasably fastened to the second cover member 102 using
screws or
bolts. Alternatively, the cover members 100 and 102 may be permanently
fastened to each
other by gluing or ultrasonic welding or the like.
[0070] The cover members 100 and 102 may be fabricated from a hard, durable
material,
such as a molded plastic or metal, preferably selected for its strength,
robustness and its
ability to withstand impact. As well, the material used is preferably
lightweight so as not to
unduly affect the portability of the strap winding apparatus 20.
Alternatively, the cover
members could be constructed of aluminum or other lightweight metal or alloy.
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
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[0071] With reference to FIGS. 7, 8a, 8b and 8c, the coupling ring 84 is now
described in
greater detail. The coupling ring 84 has a sleeve-like body 160 that is
defined by a
generally cylindrical sidewall 162 having a central aperture 164 extending
therethrough.
The cylindrical sidewall 162 includes a first sidewall end portion 170, an
opposed second
sidewall end portion 172 and an intermediate sidewall portion 174 disposed
between the
first and second end portions 170 and 172. While the cross-sectional area of
the central
aperture 164 remains constant throughout the entire length of the body 160,
the outer
diameter of the body 160 varies. More specifically, the outer diameter of the
body 160 is
greatest at the intermediate sidewall portion 174 and is decreased at both end
sidewall
portions 170 and 172 (as best shown in FIG. 4b).
[0072] At the first sidewall end portion 170, the wall thickness (as measured
between the
outer and inner sidewall surfaces 204 and 206) is relatively thin, thus
defining a first lip
180. Where the first sidewall end portion 170 meets the intermediate sidewall
portion 174,
a first shoulder 182 is formed by the increased wall thickness. The wall
thickness of the
intermediate sidewall portion 174 remains constant, but thins again where the
intermediate
sidewall portion 174 joins the second sidewall end portion 172. At that
juncture location, a
second shoulder 184 is formed. Projecting outwardly from the second shoulder
184 is a
flange 186. The flange 186 includes a proximal flange portion 188 and a distal
flange
portion 190 extending outwardly from the proximal flange portion 188. The wall
thickness
of the distal flange portion 188 is thinner than the wall thickness of the
proximal flange
portion 190. A third shoulder 192 marks the transition between the proximal
flange portion
188 and the distal flange portion 190.
[0073] A cutout 200 extends into the intermediate sidewall portion 174 between
the outer
sidewall surface 204 and the inner sidewall surface 206. The cutout 200 opens
onto an
aperture 202 which provides access to the central opening 164. When viewed in
cross-
section as shown in FIG. 8c, the shape of the cutout 200 can be seen to be
defined at least
partially by the contours of the outer and inner sidewall surfaces 204 and 206
and the faces
208 and 210 of the sidewall 162. The face 208 extends substantially parallel
to a line T,
(shown in dashed line in FIG. 8c) tangent to the curvature of the outer
sidewall surface 204,
while the face 210 has a slightly canted orientation relative to the face 208.
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
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[0074] Accommodated at least partially within the cutout 200 is a generally L-
shaped
engagement member 212. The engagement member 212 is mounted on a pivot pin 214
supported at either end by portions of the sidewall 162. The engagement member
212
includes a first, relatively long arm 216 and a second, relatively short arm
218 connected to
the first arm 216. At its distal end or tip 220, the first arm 216 terminates
with a finger-like
projection 222.
[0075] Adjacent the location where the first arm 216 joins the second arm 218,
the
engagement member 212 has a bore 224 defined therein which receives the pivot
pin 214.
The engagement member 212 is pivotable between a disengaged position 226
(shown in
FIG. 11), and an engaged position 228 (as best shown in FIG. 12).
[0076] In the disengaged position 226, the tip 220 of the first arm 216 is
fully or at least
substantially contained within the cutout 200, but may bear against the inner
radial surface
302 of the spool member 80. When the strap winding apparatus 20 is mounted
onto the hub
member 52 and the engagement member 212 is in the disengaged position 226, the
tip 219
of the second arm 218 may abut the outer radial face 227 of the annular wall
54 or may
only partially extend into one of the apertures 56 of the hub member 52.
[0077] In the engaged position 228, the tip 220 of the first arm 216 extends
outwardly
from the cutout 200 to engage a portion of the spool member 88. When the strap
winding
apparatus 20 is operatively coupled to the hub member 52 with the engagement
member
212 pivoted to its engaged position 228, the distal end 219 of the second arm
218 extends
substantially into the central aperture 164 for engagement with one of the
apertures 56 of
the hub member 52.
[0078] Biasing means 230 in the nature of a helical compression coil spring
234 is
provided to bias the engagement member 212 toward the engaged position 228.
The coil
spring 234 has a first end 236 and a second end 238. The first end 236 of the
coil spring
234 is seated within a blind bore 240 formed in the face 208. The second end
238 is
received within a small rebate 242 defined in the finger-like projection 222
of the first arm
216. While in this embodiment, the biasing means 230 takes the form of a
compression
coil spring 234, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case in
every application. In
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
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other embodiments, the biasing means could be configured differently. For
instance, in one
alternative embodiment, the coil spring could be replaced with a spring clip
or other similar
resilient compression member.
[0079] A plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 250 extend radially
inward
from the inner surface 204 of sidewall 162 into the central aperture 164. Each
projection
250 has a slightly concave surface 252 that is configured to correspond
substantially to the
curvature of the annular wall 54 of the hub member 52. The concave surfaces
252
cooperate with each other to define a notional circle C (shown in dashed lines
in FIG. 8c)
whose diameter D is sized slightly larger than the diameter of the hub member
52. This
configuration permits the hub member 52 to be received within the central
aperture 164,
when the strap winding apparatus 20 is coupled to the winch 24.
[0080] A relatively large indent or recess 254 is disposed between each pair
of adjacent
projections 250. The indents 254 provide additional clearance between the
coupling ring
84 and the hub member 52. The clearance afforded by the indents 254 tends to
be
particularly useful in instances where the strap winding apparatus 20 needs to
be coupled to
a hub member 52 that may have sustained some damage resulting in its no longer
having a
perfectly circular cross-section. By virtue of their configuration, the
indents 254 may tend
to accommodate some of the irregularities in the shape of the hub member 52,
thereby
enhancing the overall versatility of the strap winding apparatus 20.
[0081] In the embodiment shown, the projections 250 are having slightly
concave
surfaces and are integrally formed with the sidewall 162. However, this need
not be the
case in every application. In an alternative embodiment, the projections could
shaped
differently and could be distinct components fastened to the sidewall 162. The
projections
in such an embodiment could be fabricated from a rigid or resilient material.
When
fabricated from a resilient material, the projections could provide a broader
tolerance to
accommodate deformations in the hub member 52. In still another embodiment,
the
projections could be configured to be retractable within the coupling ring.
For instance, the
projections could take the form of ball bearings, each outfitted with a spring-
loaded
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
-18-
mechanism to bias at least a portion of the ball bearing to protrude into the
central aperture
164. Other modifications are also possible.
[0082] In the preferred embodiment, the coupling ring 84 has four projections
250 spaced
at 90 degree intervals from each other. However, in other embodiments, a
greater or lesser
number of projections may be provided. For instance, in one alternative
embodiment, two
projections spaced at 180 degrees from each other and two similarly spaced
indents may
be used. In another embodiment, three, evenly spaced projections and indents
could be
employed to similar advantage.
[0083] In still another embodiment, an alternate coupling ring could be
configured
without any projections and/or indents. Such an alternate coupling ring is
shown in FIGS.
16a, 16b and 16c.
[0084] The spool assembly 86 can be seen in FIG. 7. As previously mentioned,
the spool
assembly 86 includes the handle 92, the pull cord 90 and the spool member 88.
As will be
described in greater detail below, the handle 92 and the pull cord 90 together
define a pull-
type actuator that is used to urge the apparatus 20 to wind the elongate strap
22 onto the
winch 24.
[0085] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 11, the handle 92 has a generally T-
shaped body
262 formed by an elongate gripping portion 264 and a hollow shank portion 266
joined to
the gripping portion 264 and extending perpendicularly therefrom. A bore 268
defined in
the shank portion 266 receives therethrough a portion of the pull cord 90. In
this
embodiment, the gripping portion 264 and the shank portion 266 are of one-
piece
construction and are fabricated from a hard, durable, impact and wear
resistant plastic. In
an alternative embodiment, the gripping portion and the shank portion could be
two
separate components fastenable one to the other and could be made of different
materials.
Optionally, the gripping portion 264 could be provided with a textured
surface, projections
or rebates to enhance gripping of the handle 92.
10086] The pull cord 90 has a inner end (not shown) that is tied to the spool
member 88
and an outer end 272 which is connected to the handle 92. Securely anchored to
the outer
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
- 19-
end 272 of the pull cord 90 is a fitting 274. The fitting 274 is sized larger
than the diameter
of the bore defined in the shank portion 266 so as to prevent the outer end
272 from passing
through the bore and the pull cord 90 becoming detached from the handle 92
when pulled.
The pull cord 90 could also be fastened to the handle in other ways, such as
with the use of
clamping elements.
[0087] While in the preferred embodiment, the pull cord 90 is a heavy duty
braided nylon
cord with high tensile strength characteristics. In alternative embodiments,
the cord 90
could be made with other suitable materials. In still other embodiments, the
cord 90 could
be replaced with a steel cable or the like.
[0088] The length of the pull cord 90 is such that the cord 90 may be wound
about the
spool member 88 at least two times. In this embodiment, the length of the pull
cord 90
measures 44 inches, but may be modified to suit a particular application.
[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c, there is shown the spool member
88. The
spool member 88 has a generally annular body 280 provided with a first side
282, a second
opposite side 284 and a central aperture 286 extending therethrough. The
central aperture
286 is sized to receive the coupling ring 84 therein. Projecting outwardly
from the first side
282 and running circumferentially about the outermost radial edge of the
annular body 280
is a flange 288. The flange 288 has a block-like projection 290 that extends
radially inward
from the inner flange surface 292. A portion of the block-like projection 290
is cutout to
define a generally L-shaped slot or passage 294 and a finger-like catch 296
(see FIGS. 6
and 9a). When connecting the spiral torsion spring 94 to the spool member 88,
the second
outer end 98 of the spiral torsion spring 94 is introduced within the slot 294
and retained by
the catch 296.
[0090] Turning now to FIG. 9b, on the second side 284 thereof, the annular
body 280 has
a plurality of generally V-shaped grooves or notches 300 disposed at
circumferentially
spaced locations. The notches 300 are cut into the inner radial edge 302 of
the annular
body 80 and are configured to correspond generally to the shape of the tip 220
of the
engagement member 212. Together the notches 300 and the engagement member 212
define an indexed mating means that is operable to fix the coupling ring 84
for rotation with
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
-20-
the spool member 88 at a predetermined angular position selected from a set of
discrete
angular positions relative to the spool member 88. In this regard, each notch
300 functions
as an indexing notch and corresponds to one of the predetermined angular
positions.
Moreover, in this arrangement, the tip 220 of the engagement member 212 acts
as an
indexing pin engageable with the indexing notches.
100911 In the preferred embodiment, the annular body 280 is provided with
eight notches
300 spaced 45 degrees from each other. It will however be appreciated that in
other
embodiments, the annular body could be configured with a greater or lesser
number of
notches.
[0092] In this embodiment, the spool member 88 is fabricated from molded
plastic. To
facilitate cooling of the plastic after molding, the second side 284 of the
annular body 280
is formed with a plurality of elongate, generally bullet-shaped hollows or
cavities 306 (best
shown in FIG. 9b). The cavities 306 are disposed circumferentially along the
annular body
280 with each cavity 306 positioned between a pair of adjacent notches 300.
Additionally,
the provision of cavities 306 can serve a weight-reducing function in that it
may reduce the
weight of the spool member 88 and generally improve the portability of the
strap winding
apparatus 20.
[0093] In the present embodiment, eight cavities are formed in the annular
body 280. In
alternative embodiments, a greater or lesser number of cavities may be
provided and such
cavities could be configured to have a different shape. Further still, the
spool member 88
may be configured without any such cavities (see, for example, the alternate
spool member
shown in FIG. 18b and described in greater detail below).
[0094] As best shown in FIG. 9c, a groove 308 extends between the first and
second sides
282 and 284 and along the peripheral edge of the annular body 280 to define a
generally
concave surface 310. When the pull cord 90 is stored on the spool member 88 it
is wound
onto the concave surface 310. A hole 312 is formed in the concave surface 310
through
which the inner end of the pull cord 90 may be introduced to allow the cord 90
to be
securely fastened to the spool member 88.
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
-21-
[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, the spiral torsion spring 94 resembles a typical
spiral torsion
spring. It has a plurality of coils 314 - each coil 314 nesting inside the
next coil 314 of
increasing diameter. The smallest of the coils 314 is sized slightly larger
than the diameter
of the flange member 142 of the first cover member 100. The inner and outer
ends 96 and
98 of the spiral torsion spring 94 are each bent back on themselves to form a
hook 316
adapted to engage the catches 148 and 296.
[0096] Once operatively installed in the winding assembly 82, the torsion
spring member
94 will be movable between a released or unloaded position 318 (shown in FIG.
6) and a
loaded position 320 (shown in FIG. 14). When moved from the released position
318 to the
loaded position 320, the diameter of the nested coils 314 decrease as the
coils 314 become
more tightly wound and the torsion spring member 94 stores spring energy. In
this
embodiment, the spiral torsion spring 94 may be loaded by subjecting the
spring 94 to a
counterclockwise torque. Correspondingly, the application of a clockwise
torque when the
spring 94 is in its loaded position 320, will urge the spring 94 to return or
move to its
unloaded position 320 thereby releasing its spring energy. As will be
explained in greater
detail below, the spiral torsion spring 94 serves to automatically rewind the
pull cord 90
about the spool member 88 when the handle 92 is released by the user.
[0097] In the preferred embodiment, the spiral torsion spring 94 is made of
high carbon
steel. In other embodiments, the spiral torsion spring could be fabricated
from other
suitable materials.
[0098] Having described the various components of the strap winding apparatus
20, what
follows next is an exemplary description of the manner and sequence in which
these
components may be assembled to each other. As shown in FIG. 5, the spiral
torsion spring
94 is placed onto the first cover member 100 with its coils 314 surrounding
the flange
member 142. The hook 316 formed at the inner end 96 of the torsion spiral
spring 94 is
inserted through the gap G in the flange member 142 and urged into engagement
with the
catch 148. Next, the spool member 88 is placed over top the spiral torsion
spring 94. The
outer end 98 of the spiral torsion spring 94 is introduced through slot 294
and the hook 316
is urged into engagement with the catch 296 (see FIG. 6). Thus arranged, the
spiral torsion
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
-22-
spring 94 is in its unloaded position 320 and is captively retained between
the spool
member 88 and the first cover member 100 - the spring 94 being bound by the
end wall
106 and flange member 142 of the first cover member 100 and the flange 288 and
second
side 284 of the annular body 280 (as best shown in FIG. 4b).
[0099] With the spool member 88 in place, the inner end 270 of the cord 90 is
led
through the hole 312 defined in the concave surface 310 of the spool member 88
and
secured to the spool member 88 so as to prevent accidental detachment
therefrom.
Thereafter, the pull cord 90 is wound tightly about the concave surface 310
and the outer
end 272 thereof is pulled through the passage 138 defined in the reinforced
sidewall portion
130 of the first cover member 100. The outer end 272 of the cord 90 is then
led through the
hollow shank portion 266 of the handle 92 and fixedly attached to the gripping
portion 264.
1001001 The coupling ring 84 is then fitted into the central aperture 286 of
the spool
member 88 such that the second shoulder 184 of its sleeve-like body 160 is
supported on
the flange member 142 and the third shoulder 192 abuts the inner face 108 of
the first cover
member 100. With the coupling ring 84 arranged in this fashion, the engagement
member
212 is in its engaged position 228 that is, its tip 230 extends substantially
into the central
aperture 164.
1001011 Thereafter, the housing 80 is sealed by placing the second cover
member 102 over
top the winding assembly 82 such that the inner face 153 of the second cover
member 102
abuts the first shoulder 182 of the sleeve-like body 160 and the sidewall 158
of the second
cover member 102 is urged to snugly engage the circumferential lip 126 of the
first cover
member 100. When sealed in this manner, the housing 80 provides excellent
protection to
the winding assembly 82 preventing dust, dirt, debris or moisture from
penetrating and
possibly interfering with the proper functioning of the winding assembly 82.
This
protection is further enhanced by having the first lip 180 of the coupling
ring 84 abut the
innermost edge of the end wall 152 and extend beyond the outer face 154 of the
second
cover member 102 and similarly, by having the distal flange portion 190 abut
the innermost
edge of the end wall 106 and extend beyond the outer face 110 of the first
cover member
100.
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
- 23 -
[00102] An exemplary use of the strap winding apparatus 20 to wind the
elongate strap 22
onto the winch 24 is now described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15. To couple
the strap
winding apparatus 20 onto the winch 24, the operator or user orients the
housing 80 such
that the handle 92 is pointed away from the vehicle 26 in a direction
generally parallel to
the road surface, and aligns the aperture 164 defined in the coupling ring 84
with the hub
member 52 (see FIG. 10). Thereafter, the coupling ring 84 is urged against the
hub
member 52 such that the hub member 52 is received within the aperture 164 and
the
concave surfaces 252 of the projections 250 are urged to abut the annular wall
54.
[00103] At this time, the engagement member 212 is in its disengaged position
226, with
the distal end 219 of the second arm 218 either abutting the outer radial face
227 of the
annular wall 54 or engaged within one of the apertures 56 defined therein. If
the distal end
219 is positioned so as to abut the outer radial face 227, the user rotates
the housing 80
about the hub member 52 until the distal end 219 partially engages, or is
partially received
within, an aperture 56 (see FIG. 11). When in this position, the finger-like
projection 222 is
fully or at least partially contained within the cutout 200 defined in the
coupling ring 84 and
bears against the inner radial surface 302 of the spool member 80.
[00104] Thus coupled to the winch 24, the strap winding apparatus 20 is ready
to be
actuated. As shown in FIG. 12, the user grasps the handle 92 with one hand and
pulls it
outwardly away from the vehicle 26, thereby causing the pull cord 90 to unwind
from the
spool member 88 which, in turn, urges the spool member 88 to rotate in a
counterclockwise
rotation about the axis H-H of the winch 24. As the spool member 88 rotates,
one of the
notches 300 will be moved into position so as to allow the finger-like
projection 222 to be
received therein. The engagement member 212 is urged to pivot to its engaged
position
228 and to project outwardly from the cutout 200 for receipt into the notch
300. When
pivoted to the engaged position 228, the distal end 219 extends more
substantially into the
apertures 56. Thus arranged, torque applied in the counterclockwise direction
to the spool
member 88 may be transferred to the coupling ring 84.
[00105] Upon further rotation of the spool member 88, the tip 20 of the
engagement
member 212 will be urged to bear against the inner edge 229 of the annular
wall 54 (as
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
-24-
shown in FIG. 13). Once this occurs the coupling ring 84 and the hub member 52
are fixed
or coupled to each other for rotation such that any further counterclockwise
rotation of the
coupling ring 84 will be imparted to the hub member 52 as well.
1001061 As the spool member 88 continues to rotate, the torque generated is
transferred to
the hub member 52 via the coupling ring 84 (see FIG. 13). As a result, the
reel member 40
is urged to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (i.e. the winch take-up
direction) about the
H-H axis, thereby causing the elongate strap 22 to be wound about the reel
member 40.
[00107] Turning now to FIG. 14, it will appreciated that the rotation of the
spool member
88 also serves to load the spiral torsion spring 94 with spring energy. More
specifically, as
the spool member 88 rotates in the counterclockwise rotation, the spiral
torsion spring 94
stores spring energy as it moves from its released position 318 to its loaded
position 320.
[00108] When the full length of the pull cord 90 has been unwound from the
spool
member 88, the user releases the handle 92. In the absence of a force acting
on the spool
member 88 to counteract the spring force in the torsion spring 94, the spring
94 seeks to
return to its released position 318. As it does so, it releases its spring
energy and applies a
clockwise torque on the spool member 88 which causes the pull cord 90 to
automatically
and rapidly wind about the spool member 88 (see FIG. 15). At this stage, no
torque is
transmitted to the coupling ring 84 or the hub member 52 because the clockwise
rotation of
the spool member 88 causes the engagement member 212 to move to its disengaged
position 226.
1001091 Once the pull cord 90 has been fully retracted into the housing 80 and
wound
completely about the spool member 88, the strap winding assembly 20 is ready
to be
actuated again. Depending on the length of the strap 22, it may be necessary
to repeat the
foregoing operation a number of times to wind the entire length of strap 22
onto the winch
24. In one exemplary embodiment where the length of the strap is 25 feet, the
foregoing
operation is repeated ten times.
1001101 When the strap 22 has been entirely wound about the winch 24, the
strap winding
apparatus 20 may be decoupled from the winch 24 by rotating the housing 80
about the H-
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
-25-
H axis in the clockwise direction to cause the engagement member 212 to
disengage from
the hub member 52. More specifically, this action causes the distal end 219 to
pivot out of
the aperture 56 thereby making it possible to disconnect the strap winding
apparatus 20
from the hub member 52. The strap winding apparatus 20 may thus be pulled away
from
the winch 24 and coupled to another winch whose strap is in need of winding.
In this way,
the strap winding apparatus 20 may be successively deployed to wind straps of
each winch
of the vehicle 26.
[00111] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the strap winding
apparatus 20 is
safe and relatively easy to use and can be operated with only one hand to
advantageously
wind a length of strap 22 quickly about a winch 24 with relatively little
physical effort. As
a result, significant savings in both time and effort can be achieved using
this apparatus 20.
By virtue of its relatively compact and lightweight design, the strap winding
apparatus 20
tends to be very portable and may be conveniently stored on board the vehicle
26 when not
in use. Moreover, its rugged construction tends to make it well-suited for
repeated use and
tends to provide the strap winding apparatus 20 with improved wear resistance.
[00112] Turning now to FIG. 16, there is shown an alternate strap winding
apparatus in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention, designated generally with
reference
numeral 330. Strap winding apparatus 330 is generally similar to strap winding
apparatus
20 in that it also has a protective housing 332 and a winding assembly 334
retained within
the housing 332. The housing 332 has a first cover member 336 and a second
cover
member 338, these members so closely resemble their counterpart components in
the
housing 80 (i.e. first and second cover member 100 and 102) that no further
description is
required. In like fashion to the winding assembly 82, the winding assembly 334
includes a
coupling ring 340, a spool assembly 342 having a spool member 344, a cord 346
and a
handle 348, and a spiral torsion spring 350. In this embodiment, the coupling
ring 340 and
the spool member 344 differ from their counterpart components in the winding
assembly
80, but the cord 346, the handle 348 and the spiral torsion spring 350 remain
substantially
the same.
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
-26-
[00113] With reference to FIGS. 17a, 17b and 17c, the coupling ring 340 is
generally
similar to the coupling ring 84 in that it too has a sleeve-like body 352 that
is defined by a
generally cylindrical sidewall 354 with a central aperture 356 extending
therethrough. The
central aperture 356 is bound by the inner surface 358 of the sidewall 354.
However, in
contrast to the central aperture 164 shown in FIG. 8c, the central aperture
356 has a
substantially circular shape as shown in FIG. 17c and is sized relatively
smaller than the
central aperture 164 to more closely correspond to the diameter of the hub
member 52.
[00114] In like fashion to the sidewall 162 of the sleeve-like body 160, the
sidewall 354
includes a first sidewall end portion 360, an opposed second sidewall end
portion 362 and
an intermediate sidewall portion 364 disposed between the first and second end
sidewall
portions 360 and 362 (see FIG. 17c). Each sidewall portion 360, 362, 364 is
configured to
generally resemble its counterpart sidewall portion 170, 172, 174 shown in
FIG. 8b, except
that in this alternate embodiment, the intermediate sidewall portion 364 has,
adjacent the
location where the first sidewall end portion 360 meets the intermediate
sidewall portion
364, a small lip 366 projecting radially outward. Beyond the lip 366, the
intermediate
sidewall portion 364 maintains a constant wall thickness.
[00115] The coupling ring 340 also includes a cutout 370 that extends into the
intermediate sidewall portion 364 between the outer sidewall surface 372 and
the inner
sidewall surface 358. The cutout 370 opens onto an aperture 376 which provides
access to
the central opening 356. When viewed in cross-section as shown in FIG. 17c,
the shape of
the cutout 370 generally resembles that of cutout 220 in that it can be seen
to be defined at
least partially by the contours of the outer and inner sidewall surfaces 372
and 358 and
faces 378 and 380 of the sidewall 354. Similar to the face 208, the face 378
extends
substantially parallel to a line T2 (shown in dashed line in FIG. 17c) tangent
to the
curvature of the outer sidewall surface 372. However, in this embodiment, the
face 380 is
oriented perpendicular to the face 378.
[00116] In like fashion to the cutout 200, the cutout 370 also accommodates an
engagement member 382. However, the engagement member 382 is shaped
differently
than the engagement member 212. Instead of being L-shaped, the engagement
member 382
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
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is shaped like an isosceles triangle with truncated corners 384, 386 and 388,
as best shown
in FIG. 17c. The corner 388 is more truncated than the others and defines a
first end 390 of
the engagement member 382, while the opposing corner 384 defines the second
end 392 of
the engagement member 382. The pivot pin 394 which supports the engagement
member
382 is disposed between the first and second ends 390 and 392, slightly offset
from the
circumcenter of the notional triangle at least partially defined by the
corners 384, 386 and
388.
[00117] The engagement member 382 is pivotable between a disengaged position
396
(shown in FIG. 19) and an engaged position 398 (as best shown in FIG. 20). In
the
disengaged position 396, the second end 392 of the engagement member 382 is
fully or at
least substantially contained within the cutout 370, but may bear against the
inner radial
surface 402 of the spool member 344. When the strap winding apparatus 330 is
mounted
onto the hub member 52 and the engagement member 382 is in the disengaged
position
396, the first end 390 thereof is also fully contained within the cutout 370.
[00118] In the engaged position 398, the second end 392 of the engagement
member 382
extends outwardly from the cutout 370 to engage a portion of the spool member
344.
When the strap winding apparatus 330 is operatively coupled to the hub member
52 with
the engagement member 382 pivoted to its engaged position 398, the first end
390 thereof
may abut the outer radial face 227 of the annular wall 54 or may only
partially extend into
one of the apertures 56 of the hub member 52.
[00119] The coupling ring 340 is also provided with biasing means 404 to bias
the
engagement member 382 toward the engaged position 398. As with the biasing
means 230,
the biasing means 404 in this embodiment takes the form of a helical
compression coil
spring 406. The coil spring 406 has a first end 408 and a second end 410. As
best shown
in FIG. 17c, the first end 408 of the coil spring 406 is seated within a blind
bore 412 formed
in the face 378, while the second end 410 is received within a cutout 414
defined in the
engagement member 382 adjacent the first end thereof 390.
(00120] Referring now to FIGS. 18a, 18b and 18c, there is shown the spool
member 344.
The spool member 344 is generally similar to the spool member 88 in that it
has a generally
CA 02626488 2008-03-19
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annular body 420 provided with a first side 422, a second opposite side 424
and a central
aperture 426 extending therethrough. The central aperture 426 is sized to
receive the
coupling ring 340 for a snug fit therewith. Projecting outwardly from the
first side 422 and
running circumferentially about the outermost radial edge of the annular body
420 is a
flange 428. In like fashion to the flange 288, the flange 428 is fashioned
with a block-like
projection 430 similar to the projection 290 (see FIG. 18a) which is adapted
to receive and
retain one of the ends of the spiral torsion spring 350.
[00121] Referring specifically to FIG. 18b, in contrast to the annular body
280 which has a
plurality of V-shaped notches 300, the annular body 420 is provided with a
plurality of
relatively smaller, rebates 432 having a generally semi-circular shape. The
rebates 432 are
cut into the inner radial edge 434 of the annular body 420 and are configured
to correspond
generally to the shape of the second end 392 of the engagement member 382.
Together the
rebates 432 and the engagement member 382 define an indexed mating means that
resembles the indexed mating means of the strap winding apparatus 20. In this
embodiment, the annular body 420 is formed without the cavities 306 depicted
in FIG. l Ob.
[00122] Turning now to FIG. 18c, the annular body 420 also has a groove 452
that extends
between the first and second sides 422 and 424 and along the peripheral edge
of the annular
body 420 to define a generally concave surface 454. When the cord 346 is
stored on the
spool member 344 it is wound onto the concave surface 454. A hole 456 is
formed in the
concave surface 454 through which the inner end of the cord 346 may be
introduced to
allow the cord 346 to be securely fastened to the spool member 344.
[00123] The various components of the strap winding apparatus 330 are
assembled in
substantially the same manner and substantially the same sequence as the strap
winding
apparatus 20 such that the description above in respect of the latter will
suffice for the
former.
[00124] Referring now to FIGS. 19 to 22, an exemplary use of the strap winding
apparatus
330 is now described. To couple the strap winding apparatus 330 onto the winch
24, the
operator or user orients the housing 332 such that the handle 348 is pointed
away from the
vehicle 26 in a direction generally parallel to the road surface, and aligns
the aperture 356
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defined in the coupling ring 340 with the hub member 52. Thereafter, the
coupling ring
340 is urged against the hub member 52 such that the hub member 52 is received
within the
aperture 356 and the inner surface 358 of the sidewall 354 abuts the annular
wall 54. At
this time, the engagement member 382 is in its disengaged position 396, with
both the first
and second ends 390 and 392 fully or at least partially contained within the
cutout 370, the
second end 392 bearing against the inner radial surface 402 of the spool
member 344 (see
FIG. 19).
[00125] Thus coupled to the winch 24, the strap winding apparatus 330 is ready
to be
actuated. As shown in FIG. 20, the user grasps the handle 348 and pulls it
outwardly away
from the vehicle 26, thereby causing the cord 346 to unwind from the spool
member 344
which, in turn, urges the spool member 344 to rotate in a counterclockwise
rotation about
the axis H-H of the winch 24. As the spool member 344 rotates, one of the
rebates 432
will be moved into position so as to allow the second end 392 of the
engagement member
382 to be received therein. The engagement member 382 is urged to pivot to its
engaged
position 398 and to project outwardly from the cutout 370 for receipt into the
rebate 432.
When pivoted to the engaged position 398, the first end 390 of the engagement
member
382 may brought be bear against outer radial face 227 of the annular wall 54.
Thus
arranged, torque applied in the counterclockwise direction to the spool member
344 may be
transferred to the coupling ring 340.
[00126] Upon further rotation of the spool member 344, the second end 392 of
the
engagement member 382 will find an aperture 56 into which it will be at least
partially
received (as shown in FIG. 21). Ultimately, the second end 392 will abut the
inner edge
229 of the annular wall 54 (as shown in FIG. 22). Once this occurs the
coupling ring 340
and the hub member 52 are fixed or coupled to each other for rotation such
that any further
counterclockwise rotation of the coupling ring 340 will be imparted to the hub
member 52
as well.
[00127] As the spool member 344 continues to rotate, the torque generated is
transferred
to the hub member 52 via the coupling ring 340 (see FIG. 22). As a result, the
reel member
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40 is urged to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the H-H axis,
thereby causing
the elongate strap 22 to be wound onto the reel member 40.
[00128] As in the strap winding apparatus 20, the rotation of the spool member
344 also
serves to load the spiral torsion spring 350. More specifically, as the spool
member 344
rotates in the counterclockwise rotation, the spiral torsion spring 350 is
urged to move from
its released position (similar to that shown in FIG. 5) to its loaded position
(similar to that
shown in FIG. 14).
[00129] When the full length of the cord 346 has been unwound from the spool
member
344, the user releases the handle 348. In the absence of a force acting on the
spool member
344 to counteract the spring force in the torsion spring 350, the spring 350
seeks to return to
its released position. As it does so, it applies a clockwise torque on the
spool member 344
which causes the cord 346 to automatically wind about the spool member 344
(see FIG.
23). At this stage, no torque is transmitted to the coupling ring 340 or the
hub member 52
because the clockwise rotation of the spool member 344 causes the engagement
member
382 to move to its disengaged position 396.
[00130] Once the cord 346 has been fully retracted into the housing 332 and
wound
completely about the spool member 344, the strap winding assembly 330 is ready
to be
actuated again. The foregoing operation may be repeated as necessary to wind
the entire
length of strap 22 onto the winch 24. When the strap 22 has been entirely
wound about the
winch 24, the strap winding apparatus 330 may be decoupled from the winch 24
for further
deployment on other winches 24.
[00131] Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawings relate to
specific
preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by
the inventor,
it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations, may
be made
without departing from the spirit of the invention.
