AU2005201830B2 - Hand lever for a binding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (43) International Publication Date (10) International Publication Number 25 August 2005 (25.08.2005) PCT W O 2005/077080 A3 (51) International Patent Classification 7: B66F 3/00 (74) Agents: BERGMAN, Michael et al.; Bergman Kuta LLP, P.O. Box 400167, Cambridge, MA 02140 (US). (21) International Application Number: PCT/US2005/004273 (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, (22) International Filing Date: 9 February 2005 (09.02.2005) AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CI, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, (25) Filing Language: English GB, GD, GE, GI, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, (26) Publication Language: English KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NA, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PG, (30) Priority Data: PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, SY, TJ, 2004 2 0020002.9 9 February 2004 (09.02.2004) CN TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW. (71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): ASIAN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS - USA, INC. [US/US]; Poly- (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every gon Plaza, Suite 325, 2050 Center Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GI, 07024 (US). GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), (72) Inventor; and European (AT, BE, BG, CI, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, (75) Inventor/Applicant (for US only): RUAN, Bu, Qin FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, MC, NL, PL, PT, RO, [CN/CN]; Yuhuan Top Sun Machinery Tool Co., Ltd., SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, Chengbei Industrial Area, 317600 Yuhuan (CN). GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). [Continued on next page] (54) Title: HAND LEVER FOR A BINDING MACHINE ~ j - 14 S(57) Abstract: A binding machine includes a tightening mechanism adapted to tension a belt (7) and a limiting mechanism adapted Cto limit tensioning of the belt (7). The tightening mechanism includes, for example, a ratchet (6) and a pawl coupled to a body of the tightening mechanism. A handle (11) is adapted to rotate the ratchet (6) in a first direction in response to a first force applied to the handle (11). The pawl is adapted to prevent the ratchet (6) from returning in a second direction when the first force is released. A spring mechanism (3) allows the handle (11) to indicate when a second force opposing the first force achieves an established magnitude. W O 2005/077080 A 3 ||||||||||||||||||11111 ||||||||||||||||||11111|||||||| 11 |||||||||||||II||||| |I 1111111 I | Declarations under Rule 4.17: - of inventorship (Rule 4.17(iv))for US only as to the identity of the inventor (Rule 4.17(i)) for the fol lowing designations AE, AG, AL, AM, AT AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BW BY BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, Published: DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, with international search report HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP KE, KG, KP KR, KZ, LC, LK, before the expiration of the time limit for amending the LR, LS, LT LU, LV MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW MX, MZ, claims and to be republished in the event of receipt of NA, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH, PL, PT RO, RU, SC, SD, amendments SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, SY TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT 77, UA, UG, UZ, VC, VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW ARIPO patent (BW GH, (88) Date of publication of the international search report: GM, KE, LS, MW MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), 29 December 2005 Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT BE, BG, CH, CY CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IS, IT LT LU, MC, NL, PL, For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid PT RO, SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI patent (BFI BJ, CF CG, CI, ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG) ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.

Description

Hand Lever for a Binding Machine Cross Reference to Related Applications [0001] This invention claims priority to Chinese Patent Application 200420020002-9, filed on February 9,2004, the disclosure of which is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention belongs to the technical field of mechanics, and it involves a type of binding tool, specifically, a type of binding machine used for transport vehicles and other large, non-standard cargo. Background [0003] When a truck is transporting cargo, it is necessary to bind up the cargo. If common nylon cord or steel wire is employed for binding, not only is the efficiency low, but also operations are very strenuous. By using a binding machine one is able to quickly and conveniently bind cargo into a fixed position. It can bind as one wishes on trucks, and operations are simple and save on labor and time. As a result, it is now widely used. [0004] When using a binding machine to bind cargo, it requires appropriate binding strength. If the binding strength is excessively large, this can cause the cargo to be damaged; at the same time, excessively great binding strength also easily results in damage to the binding machine and the fixed end of the band. On the contrary, if the binding force is excessively small, the cargo will then be loose and will not have any binding effects. [0005] However, in the existing structures of binding machines, each time binding operations are carried out on cargo, the level of binding is determined based on the experiences and feelings of the operator. The binding machines are unable to indicate to the operator as to whether or not the binding force has already reached an appropriate level. This inadequacy directly affects the operating speed and binding quality of binding machines.

Summary of the Invention [0006] The present invention provides a binding machine including, a body portion; a ratchet device coupled to the body portion; a first handle portion including first and second side members, the first and second side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, thee first handle portion being coupled to the ratchet device for rotational activation of the ratchet device; a second handle portion including third and fourth side members, the third and fourth side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, the second handle portion being pivotally coupled to the first handle portion at respective mutually proximate ends thereof; a helical spring, the helical spring being disposed between the first and second side members, the helical spring being adapted to provide a monotonically increasing force in opposition to a pivotal displacement of the first handle portion with respect to the second handle portion; an inner cross member, the inner cross member having a first end coupled to the first side member and a second end coupled to the second side member, the helical spring having a first end coupled to the inner cross member; and an outer cross member, the outer cross member having a third end coupled to the third side member and a fourth end coupled to the fourth side member, the helical spring having a second end coupled to the outer cross member. [0007] The binding machine can also include a further helical spring, the further helical spring being disposed between the first and second side members, the helical spring and the further helical spring being wound in opposite directions. [0008] The helical spring can include a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being substantially fixedly coupled to the first handle portion and the second end portion being substantially fixedly coupled to the second handle portion. [0009] The first, second, third and fourth side members can include respective first, second, third and fourth through-holes, the first, second, third and fourth through-holes being disposed coaxially with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis of a shaft, the shaft being adapted to effect the pivotal coupling of the second handle portion to the first handle portion. 2 [0010] A coil of said helical spring can be disposed coaxially about the shaft. [0011] A flexure of the helical spring can be adapted to exert a substantially negligible torsional force on the shaft. [0012] The inner cross member can include a bore, the bore being disposed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the inner cross member, the first end being disposed within the bore. [0013] The outer cross member can include circumferential groove in a surface thereof, and the second end of the helical spring can include a hooked portion, the hooked portion being disposed within the circumferential groove. [0014] The first handle portion, the second handle portion and the helical spring can define a torque indicator, the torque indicator being adapted to indicate a torque related to the rotational activation of the ratchet device. [0015] A magnitude of the torque can correspond to a deflection of the helical spring. [0016] The deflection of the helical spring can include an angular deflection of the helical spring. [0017] The deflection of the helical spring can correspond to a pivotal motion of the first handle portion with respect to the second handle portion. [0018] The binding machine can further include a reel, the reel being coupled to the ratchet device; and a band, the band being coupled to the reel, wherein the magnitude of the torque is related to a tension of the band. [0019] The first handle portion can be pivotally coupled to the second handle portion about a pin roll. 3 [0020] The helical spring can have a longitudinal axis disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pin roll, the helical spring having an internal circumference, the pin roll being disposed within the internal circumference of the helical spring. [0021] The binding machine can further include a pawl, the pawl being coupled to the body portion, the pawl being adapted to control a motion of the ratchet device. [0022] The present invention also provides a binding machine including: a reel, the reel being adapted to receive a band thereon; a handle, the handle being coupled to the reel, the handle being adapted to receive an applied torque and to transmit the applied torque to the reel, whereby the reel rotates to receives the band; and a torque indicator, the torque indicator being adapted to indicate a magnitude of the applied torque by a deflection of a portion of the handle, the deflection increasing against a substantially continuous spring force in relation to an increase in the magnitude. [0023] The torque indicator can include: a handle extension, the handle extension being pivotally coupled to the handle; and a spring, the spring having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end coupled to the handle extension whereby a deflection of the spring indicates a magnitude of the applied torque. [0024] The handle can include a first side member and a second side member and a wherein the handle extension includes a third side member and a fourth side member, the first and third side members having respective first and second apertures therein, the first and second apertures being disposed about a first end of a pin roll, the second and fourth side members having respective third and fourth apertures therein, the third and fourth apertures being disposed about a second end of the pin roll such that the third and fourth side members are adapted to pivot with respect to the first and second side members about the pin roll. [0025] The spring can include a helical spring, the helical spring having a longitudinal axis disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pin roll, the helical spring having an internal circumference, the pin roll being disposed within the internal circumference of the helical spring. 4 [0026] The binding machine can further include: a body member having an aperture therethrough, the reel being supported within the aperture; a ratchet, the ratchet being coupled to the reel; a pawl, the pawl being coupled to the body member, the pawl being adapted to control a motion of the ratchet. [0027] The binding machine can include: a further band, the further band being coupled to the body member, whereby the body member may be disposed in tension between the band and the further band by application of the applied torque. [0028] The torque indicator can include a spring, the spring being adapted to deflect through a particular angle when the specific magnitude of the torque corresponds to an operational tension of the band. [0029] The present invention also provides a binding machine including: a body portion; a ratchet device coupled to the body portion; a first handle portion including first and second side members, the first and second side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, the first handle portion being coupled to the ratchet device for rotational activation of the ratchet device; a second handle portion including third and fourth side members, the third and fourth side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, the second handle portion being pivotally coupled to the first handle portion at respective mutually proximate ends thereof; a helical spring, the helical spring being disposed between the first and second side members, the helical spring being adapted to provide a monotonically increasing force in opposition to a pivotal displacement of the first handle portion with respect to the second handle portion. [0030] The binding machine can further include an inner cross member, the inner cross member having a first end coupled to the first side member and a second end coupled to the second side member, the helical spring having a first end coupled to the inner cross member. [0031] The present invention also provides a ratchet belt tension device, the ratchet 5 belt tension device including: a drive handle, the drive handle having a first portion with a first longitudinal axis and a second portion with a second longitudinal axis, the first portion being adapted to deflect in relation to the second portion; and a helical spring, the helical spring having a first end coupled to the first portion and a second end coupled to the second portion, wherein the helical spring is adapted to urge the first longitudinal axis into a substantially coplanar relation with respect to the second longitudinal axis, whereupon the first portion deflects in relation to the second portion an amount related to a tensioning state of the ratchet belt tension device. [0032] The present invention also provides a tensioner including: a base; a first handle portion pivotally coupled to the base; a second handle portion, the second handle portion being pivotally coupled to the first handle portion at respective adjacent ends thereof; and a spring, the spring having a first spring portion substantially fixedly coupled to the first handle portion and a second spring portion substantially fixedly coupled to the second handle portion, the spring being adapted to flex in response to a force applied to the second handle portion; whereupon a first longitudinal axis of the first spring portion is rotationally displaced with respect to a second longitudinal axis of the second spring portion. [0033] The present invention also provides a method of forming a tensioning device including: rotatably coupling a first handle portion to a drum at a first end of the first handle portion; pivotally coupling a second handle portion to a second end of the first handle portion; disposing a helical spring between the first and second handle portions, the helical spring having a first elongated portion coupled to the first handle portion and a second elongated portion coupled to the second handle portion, the helical spring being adapted to urge the first and second handle portions into relative first and second orientations whereby a longitudinal axis of the first handle portion is disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second handle portion. 6 Brief Description of the Drawings [0034] Fig. 1 is a structural schematic of the binding machine with the hand lever of this invention, [0035] Fig. 2 is a front view of the binding machine with the hand lever of this invention. [0036] Fig. 3 is a side view of the binding machine with the hand lever of this invention in a loosened state. [0037] Fig-4 is a side view of the binding machine with the hand lever of this invention wherein the hand is in a wound up state. [0038] Within these: 1. Side plate; 11. Connecting piece 1; 12. Connecting piece 2; 13. Block edge; 14. Cross bar 1; 15. Cross bar 2; 2. Handle; 3, Spring; 4. Pin roll; 5. Reel; 6. Notch wheel; 7. Adjustable band; 8. Body; 9. Fixed position band. Detailed Description of the Invention [0039] As shown in Fig. 1, the binding machine includes a handle, body (8), reel (5), notch wheel (6), adjustable band (7), fixed position band (9), and other parts. The inside end of the fixed position band (9) is firmly connected on the body (8), the adjustable band (7) then winds on the reel (5), and the notch wheel (6) is firmly connected to the reel (5). [0040] When the binding machine is used, the outside end of the fixed position band (9) and adjustable band (7) are fixed on the truck or cargo, and afterwards the hand lever is turned repeatedly setting in motion the notch wheel (6), rotating the reel (5) that is firmly connected with the notch wheel (6), and tightening the adjustable band. Lastly, the cargo is tightened and fixed in place. [0041] As shown in Figs. 1,2 and 3. in this embodiment, the hand lever of the binding machine includes a handle (2) and two side plates (1). Each plate is composed from connecting piece 1 (11) and connecting piece 2 (12), connecting piece 1 (11) is firmly 7 connected to the end section of the handle (2), and the end section of connecting piece 2 (12) is cup jointed on the reel (5) of the binding machine. The other ends of connecting piece 1 (11) and connecting piece 2 (12) are both cup jointed on the pin roll (4). It is clear that connecting piece 1 (11) and connecting piece 2 (12) are joined to each other with a hinge. [0042] As shown in Fig. 2, in this example of implementation, the spring (3) is cup jointed on the pin roll (4). At the same time, cross bar 1 (14) is fixed between the two connecting pieces 1 (11), and cross bar 2 (15) is fixed between the two connecting pieces 2 (12). The two ends of the spring (3) are separately fixed on cross bar 1 (14) and cross bar 2 (15). Aside from being fixed on the ends of the spring (3), cross bar 1 (14) and cross bar 2 (15) also connect the two connecting pieces 1 (11) and two connecting pieces 2 (12) together so as to raise the firmness of the hand lever 3. [0043] As shown in Figs. 2,3 and 4, the block edge (13) is installed on the edge of connecting piece 1 (11), the block edge (13) bends towards the outside to block the edge of connecting piece 2 (12), and it is in the direction that blocks the elastic force effects of the spring (3). As a result, the blocking effects of the block edge (13) are used to keep connecting piece 1 (11) and connecting piece 2 (12) extended and straight. Fig. 1 displays the position of connecting piece 1 (11) shown in the example of implementation. [0044] It is evident that the installation of the block edge (13) on the edge of connecting piece 2 (12) is also completely feasible. [0045] As shown in Fig. 4. turning the hand lever in the opposite direction along the elastic force of the spring (3) also causes the reel (5) to rotate in the direction of tightening the adjustable band, and the block edge (13) will not have any blocking effects. [0046] If the required tightening force reaches or slightly exceeds the elastic force of the spring (3) during the course of turning the hand lever, this will cause connecting piece 1 (11) to overcome the elastic force of the spring (3) and rotate a certain angle in relation to connecting piece 2 (12). The position of connecting piece 1 (11) as shown by the broken line in Fig. 1 indicates that the binding force of the binding machine has already reached an appropriate level by the operator, and that the tightening operations can be stopped. 8

Claims (28)

1. A binding machine including: a body portion; a ratchet device coupled to said body portion; a first handle portion including first and second side members, said first and second side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, said first handle portion being coupled to said ratchet device for rotational activation of said ratchet device; a second handle portion including third and fourth side members, said third and fourth side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, said second handle portion being pivotally coupled to said first handle portion at respective mutually proximate ends thereof; a helical spring, said helical spring being disposed between said first and second side members, said helical spring being adapted to provide a monotonically increasing force in opposition to a pivotal displacement of said first handle portion with respect to said second handle portion; an inner cross member, said inner cross member having a first end coupled to said first side member and a second end coupled to said second side member, said helical spring having a first end coupled to said inner cross member; and an outer cross member, said outer cross member having a third end coupled to said third side member and a fourth end coupled to said fourth side member, said helical spring having a second end coupled to said outer cross member.

2. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 further including: a further helical spring, said further helical spring being disposed between said first and second side members, said helical spring and said further helical spring being wound in opposite directions.

3. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said helical spring includes a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion being substantially fixedly coupled to said first handle portion and said second end portion being substantially fixedly coupled to said second handle portion. 9

4. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said first, second, third and fourth side members include respective first, second, third and fourth through-holes, said first, second, third and fourth through-holes being disposed coaxially with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis of a shaft, said shaft being adapted to effect said pivotal coupling of said second handle portion to said first handle portion.

5. A binding machine as defined in claim 4 wherein a coil of said helical spring is disposed coaxially about said shaft.

6. A binding machine as defined in claim 5 wherein a flexure of said helical spring is adapted to exert a substantially negligible torsional force on said shaft.

7. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 wherein, said inner cross member includes a bore, said bore being disposed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said inner cross member, said first end being disposed within said bore.

8. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said outer cross member includes circumferential groove in a surface thereof, and wherein said second end of said helical spring includes a hooked portion, said hooked portion being disposed within said circumferential groove.

9. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said first handle portion, said second handle portion and said helical spring define a torque indicator, said torque indicator being adapted to indicate a torque related to said rotational activation of said ratchet device.

10. A binding machine as defined in claim 9 wherein a magnitude of said torque corresponds to a deflection of said helical spring.

11. A binding machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said deflection of said helical spring includes an angular deflection of said helical spring.

12. A binding machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said deflection of said helical 10 spring corresponds to a pivotal motion of said first handle portion with respect to said second handle portion.

13. A binding machine as defined in claim 10 further including a reel, said reel being coupled to said ratchet device; and a band, said band being coupled to said reel, wherein said magnitude of said torque is related to a tension of said band.

14. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said first handle portion is pivotally coupled to said second handle portion about a pin roll.

15. A binding machine as defined in claim 14 wherein said helical spring has a longitudinal axis disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said pin roll, said helical spring having an internal circumference, said pin roll being disposed within said internal circumference of said helical spring.

16. A binding machine as defined in claim 1 further including a pawl, said pawl being coupled to said body portion, said pawl being adapted to control a motion of said ratchet device.

17. A binding machine including: a reel, said reel being adapted to receive a band thereon; a handle, said handle being coupled to said reel, said handle being adapted to receive an applied torque and to transmit said applied torque to said reel, whereby said reel rotates to receives said band; and a torque indicator, said torque indicator being adapted to indicate a magnitude of said applied torque by a deflection of a portion of said handle, said deflection increasing against a substantially continuous spring force in relation to an increase in said magnitude.

18. A binding machine as defined in claim 17 wherein said torque indicator includes: a handle extension, said handle extension being pivotally coupled to said handle; and a spring, said spring having a first end coupled to said handle and a second end coupled to said handle extension whereby a deflection of said spring indicates a magnitude of said applied torque. I l

19. A binding machine as defined in claim 18 wherein said handle includes a first side member and a second side member and a wherein said handle extension includes a third side member and a fourth side member, said first and third side members having respective first and second apertures therein, said first and second apertures being disposed about a first end of a pin roll, said second and fourth side members having respective third and fourth apertures therein, said third and fourth apertures being disposed about a second end of said pin roll such that said third and fourth side members are adapted to pivot with respect to said first and second side members about said pin roll.

20. A binding machine as defined in claim 19 wherein said spring includes a helical spring, said helical spring having a longitudinal axis disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said pin roll, said helical spring having an internal circumference, said pin roll being disposed within said internal circumference of said helical spring.

21. A binding machine as defined in claim 17 further including: a body member having an aperture therethrough, said reel being supported within said aperture; a ratchet, said ratchet being coupled to said reel; a pawl, said pawl being coupled to said body member, said pawl being adapted to control a motion of said ratchet.

22. A binding machine as defined in claim 21 including: a further band, said further band being coupled to said body member, whereby said body member may be disposed in tension between said band and said further band by application of said applied torque.

23. A binding machine as defined in claim 17 wherein said torque indicator includes a spring, said spring being adapted to deflect through a particular angle when said specific magnitude of said torque corresponds to an operational tension of said band.

24. A binding machine including: a body portion; a ratchet device coupled to said body portion; a first handle portion including first and second side members, said first and second side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, said first handle portion being coupled to said ratchet device for rotational activation of said ratchet device; a second handle portion including third and fourth side 12 members, said third and fourth side members being disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with respect to one another, said second handle portion being pivotally coupled to said first handle portion at respective mutually proximate ends thereof; a helical spring, said helical spring being disposed between said first and second side members, said helical spring being adapted to provide a monotonically increasing force in opposition to a pivotal displacement of said first handle portion with respect to said second handle portion.

25. A binding machine as defined in claim 24 further including an inner cross member, said inner cross member having a first end coupled to said first side member and a second end coupled to said second side member, said helical spring having a first end coupled to said inner cross member.

26. A ratchet belt tension device, said ratchet belt tension device including: a drive handle, said drive handle having a first portion with a first longitudinal axis and a second portion with a second longitudinal axis, said first portion being adapted to deflect in relation to said second portion; and a helical spring, said helical spring having a first end coupled to said first portion and a second end coupled to said second portion, wherein said helical spring is adapted to urge said first longitudinal axis into a substantially coplanar relation with respect to said second longitudinal axis, whereupon said first portion deflects in relation to said second portion an amount related to a tensioning state of said ratchet belt tension device.

27. A tensioner including: a base; a first handle portion pivotally coupled to said base; a second handle portion, said second handle portion being pivotally coupled to said first handle portion at respective adjacent ends thereof; and a spring, said spring having a first spring portion substantially fixedly coupled to said first handle portion and a second spring portion substantially fixedly coupled to said second handle portion, said spring being adapted to flex in response to a force applied to said second handle portion; whereupon a first longitudinal axis of said first spring portion is rotationally displaced with respect to a second longitudinal axis of said second spring portion.

28. A method of forming a tensioning device including: rotatably coupling a first handle 13 portion to a drum at a first end of said first handle portion; pivotally coupling a second handle portion to a second end of said first handle portion; disposing a helical spring between said first and second handle portions, said helical spring having a first elongated portion coupled to said first handle portion and a second elongated portion coupled to said second handle portion said helical spring being adapted to urge said first and second handle portions into relative first and second orientations whereby a longitudinal axis of said first handle portion is disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said second handle portion. 14