CA2848871A1

CA2848871A1 - Trailer tie-down strap retrieval spool

Info

Publication number: CA2848871A1
Application number: CA2848871A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Bruce Hampson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-15
Filing date: 2014-04-15
Publication date: 2015-10-15

Abstract

There is provided a strap collection device for a trailer. The device includes a trailer side rail connector selectively connectable to the trailer. The device includes an L-shaped frame cantilevered to the trailer via the trailer side rail connector. The device includes a spool around which a strap may be wound. The spool rotatably connects to the L-shaped frame member. The device includes a drive member connected to and extending outwards from the spool for selectively rotating the spool thereby.

Description

, Agent's Ref. 5004P01CA
TRAILER TIE-DOWN STRAP RETRIEVAL SPOOL
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to tie down straps and spool devices. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and novel tied down strap spool that can be wound to retrieve a length of tie down strap for a trailer without resorting to winding the strap by hand.
Background of the Invention

[0002] Cargo and tie down straps are well known articles that are widely used in the shipping, transport, and hauling industry. These include elongated material straps with a high tensile strength that are placed over cargo being hauled in a trailer, flatbed, or pickup truck. The straps act as a webbing that is tensioned over the hauled cargo to limit relative movement between the cargo and the carrying vehicle, whereby the condition of the cargo is maintained over long distances and during periods of rapid momentum shifts or rough terrain.

[0003] For open air trailers and highboy trailers, these straps are secured to the trailer and lashed over the cargo to secure the cargo to the trailer surface. These trailers generally have an open configuration that allows for bulky cargo to be secured to a flat surface to be hauled over a distance. The trailers generally have tie down locations or first and second side rails that allow for the straps to be secured and tensioned therefrom. The side rails may be elongated structural members having an open cell configuration, wherein hooks and other mechanical assemblies can be attached therealong without the assembly sliding the entire length of the rail. When deploying cargo straps, the strap ends are secured to the opposing side rails and tensioned over the cargo to limit its movement and press the cargo against trailer surface.

[0004] Deploying cargo straps may be a largely efficient process, whereby the strap is positioned over the cargo, secured to the opposing side rails, and then tensioned therebetween by way of a winch that shortens the length of strap between the rails and over the cargo. However, the act of retrieving and stowing the long cargo straps may be a chore and a time consuming task. Most truckers and hauler may coil the straps about themselves to form wound spools thereof. Others may simply place the unwound cargo straps into a bin or container for later retrieval. The former option is not efficient and the latter is prone to causing time delays when re-deploying and untangling the disorganized the straps.

[0005] There is provided herein a means of coiling a length of tie down strap or cargo strap without requiring the user to wind the strap by hand or neglect to collect it altogether. The device provides a rotatable spool that is supported by an upstanding structure, wherein the structure includes a lower portion that adapted to be supported with the side rails of a trailer without further assistance by the user or a permanent attachment means. The spool can be driven by an electric drill that rotates the spool armature, or alternately a removable hand crank can be positioned onto the spool receiver to drive the spool armature collecting and coiling the strap length. The device is adapted to be deployed for a short time and then stowed, whereby the cargo straps can all be coiled and efficiently collected after a cargo has reached its destination.
Description of the Related Art

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 8,192,119 to Small describes a trailer cargo strap collection device having a hollow base, an upstanding post member, and a winder assembly for winding a length of tie down strap around a cylindrical sleeve. The hollow base is adapted to fit into a trailer stake pocket, while the upstanding post member comprises a first and second telescoping member securable in position by a locking pin. The winder assembly comprises a rotating sleeve member within a channel, which is driven by a hand crank or driven by an electric drill.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,626,621 to Hugg describes a trailer cargo strap winch device that comprises a generally Y-shaped body having a lower portion that fits within the elongated side rails of a flatbed truck. Between the opposing vertical portions of the Y-shaped body is a winch assembly that allows a tie down strap to be ratcheted onto a coil for tie down and for strap collection purposes. When the device is placed within the flatbed side rails, a hook member latches the device securely into position.

[0008] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0022104 to Treat discloses an apparatus for winding a cargo strap, comprising a bracket having a pair of legs extending downwardly from a bracket top, whereby the bracket top is fitted within an elongated rail of a flatbed truck or trailer.
The bracket legs include a pair of aligned notches through which a hand crank is positioned. The hand crank supports the end of a cargo strap and is used to wind the length of strap therearound and between the bracket legs.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 6,179,534 to Weckter discloses a strap roller device for winding cargo straps into a roll using a hand crank. The device comprises a mounting bracket connected to a tubular bore member that rotatably supports an elongated member therethrough. The elongated member has a first hand crank end and a second strap take-up end with a slot therethrough for grasping the strap before winding operations. The user rotates the hand crank handle to wind the elongated strap about the elongated member strap take-up end. The Weckter device requires permanent connection to its support structure.

[0010] There is a need for a cargo strap device that may require fewer parts, which is easy to use, which may be readily connected to and removed from the trailer and which may remain substantially free from the trailer when in use so as to inhibit interference therewith.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] There is accordingly provided an improved strap collection device disclosed herein.

[0012] According to one aspect, there is provided a strap collection device for a trailer. The device includes a trailer side rail connector selectively connectable to the trailer. The device includes an L-shaped frame cantilevered to the trailer via the trailer side rail connector. The device includes a spool around which a strap may be wound. The spool rotatably connects to the L-shaped frame member. The device includes a drive member connected to and extending outwards from the spool for selectively rotating the spool thereby.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cargo strap collection device;
Figure 2 shows a front elevation view of the strap collection device of Figure 1 connected to a truck side rail shown in ghost; and Figure 3 shows a top, side perspective view of the strap collection device of Figure 2 in a working state, the strap collection device being shown connected to the truck side rail of Figure 2, collecting a length of cargo strap and being driven by a drill tool, the truck side rail and the drill tool being shown in fragment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the cargo strap collection device.
For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a tool for rapidly and efficiently winding an elongated cargo strap from a trailer having side rails. The drawings are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0015] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of a cargo strap collection device 6. The device includes a rotatable member, in this example an upstanding spool 30 that is attachable to an L-shaped frame 8. The frame comprises an upstanding member 11 having an upper edge 10 and a lower edge 15 spaced-apart therefrom. The frame 8 includes a horizontally-extending shelf member 12 that extends perpendicular from the lower edge of the upstanding member to form a shelf below the spool 30. The shelf member includes a distal edge

16 spaced-apart from the upstanding member 11.
[0016] The cargo strap collection device 6 includes a trailer side rail connector 20 coupled to the distal edge 16 of the shelf member 12. The connector is L-shaped in this example and includes a vertical member 13 extending downwards from the distal edge of the shelf member.
The vertical member of the connector includes a distal edge 17 spaced-apart from the distal edge 16 of the shelf member 12. The connector 20 includes a horizontal member 14 that connects to and extends perpendicularly from the distal edge 17 of the vertical member of the connector.The connector is shaped to abut a side rail 60 of a trailer 58, seen in Figure 3.
In this example, the connector 20 is shaped to rest within a pocket 61 of the side rail of the trailer and support the L-shaped frame 8 in an upright configuration. The pocket is in the shape of a rectangular prism in this example, though this is not strictly required. Such pockets 61 are conventional and disposed along the truck side rail 60 for connecting cargo accessories or cargo strap connectors. The horizontal member 14 of the connector spans across the width W of the pocket within interior 64, as seen in Figure 2, and bears against a wall 66 of the side rail 60 adjacent thereto to inhibit tipping and rocking back of the L-shaped frame. The vertical member 13 of the connector 20 is shaped to abut wall 66 and be disposed within pocket 61. The frame 8 is shaped to extend outwards from the trailer 58 to hold the connector in place. The connector 20 may thus function to support frame 8 as a user manipulates the spool 30 to draw in a length of cargo strap or tie down thereunto. The frame is thus cantilevered to the trailer via the connector 20.

[0017] The device 6 may be disengaged from the pocket 61 by tilting the frame 8 forwards towards the truck side rail 60. Thus, inward movement of the frame towards the trailer 58 promotes removal of the device when the device is no longer needed. The connector 20 is therefore selectively connectable to the trailer 58.

[0018] As seen in Figure 1, the spool 30 extends through the upstanding member 11 of the frame 8 for drawing in an elongated cargo strap 70, seen in Figure 3.
Referring to Figure 2, the device 6 includes a bearing assembly 40. The spool is rotatably connected to the upstanding member via the bearing assembly. The device 6 includes a drive member 41 coupled to the spool 30 for selectively rotating the spool thereby. The drive member extends outwards from the spool and extends outwards from the backside 68 of the upstanding member 11 of the frame 8. The drive member extends outwards relative to the trailer. The frame 8 is thus shaped to position the drive member 41 upwards and outwards relative to the trailer 58, and the frame is shaped to position the drive member upwards and outwards relative to the connector 20.

[0019] The upstanding member of the frame is interposed between the spool and the drive member 41. The spool 30 is thus spaced-apart above the shelf member 12 of the frame. The frame 8 is shaped to position the spool upwards and outwards relative to the trailer 58 and the frame is shaped to position the spool upwards and outwards relative to the connector 20.

[0020] The spool 30 can be rotated in either direction by way of the drive member 41. The device 6 includes a drive means, in this example a hand crack 50 coupled to the drive member 41. The drive member 41 provides a connection point for the hand crank 50 for winding the spool 30 during the strap collection. A hand crack is not strictly required and other driving means may be used, such as an electrical pneumatic drive means, for example, such as a pneumatic air gun or electric drill.

[0021] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the spool member 30 is u-shaped in this example and includes a first tong 29 and second tong 31 separated by a gap G
therebetween. The gap is used to feed a length of strap therethrough to start the strap collection process. Referring to Figure 3, as the spool member is spun, the tongs 29 and 31 draw the strap 70 around the spool member and wind the strap therearound into a coiled configuration for improved storage. Tongs 29 and 31 connect directly to the drive member 41 such that rotation of the drive member 41 results in a direct drive of the tongs 29 and 31.

[0022] As seen in Figure 2, the drive member 41 is rotatably supported by the bearing assembly, which comprises a bearing housing 42 supported on the upstanding member 11 of the frame 8 by way of bearing housing flanges 43 and securing fasteners 44. The bearing housing 42 comprises a housing of ball bearings supporting a rotatable inner race that mates against the drive member. The drive member 41 freely spins within the housing 42 such that the drive member can be driven by a simple mechanism such as the hand crank 50. The flanges 43 are fastened to the upstanding member 11 via the fasteners 44, while the connection between the drive member 41 and spool 30 passes through an aperture 70 in the upstanding member 11, as seen in Figure 1.

[0023] As seen in Figure 3, there is shown an overhead perspective view of the device 6 in a working state, being driven by a power tool, in this example an electric drill 80. The drill is positioned upwards and outwards relative to the trailer 58. Connector 20 is fit within the pocket 61 of the trailer side rail 60. The shelf member 12 of the L-shaped frame extends over and abuts the top edge 72 of the side rail 60 during operation. The tongs 29 and 31 of the spool 30 are placed in connection with a length of strap 70, whereafter the drive member 41 is driven by an electric motor (or equivalent tool) to winding the cargo strap 70 into a coiled state therearound and above the shelf member 12. The drive member 41 drives the spool 30 through the upstanding member 11 of the frame 8, wherein the spool is supported to freely rotate based on user input. As the spool 30 rotates and the cargo strap 70 is wound in, the vertical member 13 and horizontal member 14 of connector 20 maintain the position of the device 6 and resist motion.

[0024] The device 6 may be referred to as a deployable strap rolling and collecting apparatus for a trailer. The device comprises a frame attachable to the side rail of the trailer. The device may function to enable a user to readily and conveniently collect strap or tie-down straps after a truck or trailer has been unloaded, thereby reducing the amount of time it typically takes to stow these straps by hand. The device may be powered by a hand crank or power tool, and may inhibit the user's hands from becoming tired and sore from rolling the straps.
Overall, the device may represent a simple and ready to use tool that simplifies the stowage and collection of cargo straps for truckers and cargo haulers.

[0025] The device 6 described herein thus provides a cargo strap or tie down strap collection device that allows a rotatable spool to be supported above a trailer by way of a structure that fits within the trailer side rails while in use. The body structure of the device allows for rapid and firm connection to a trailer side rail and subsequent removal thereof after all cargo winding activities have ceased.

[0026] It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0027] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A strap collection device for a trailer, the device comprising:
a trailer side rail connector selectively connectable to the trailer;
an L-shaped frame cantilevered to the trailer via the trailer side rail connector;
a spool around which a strap may be wound, the spool rotatably connecting to the L-shaped frame member; and a drive member connected to and extending outwards from the spool for selectively rotating the spool thereby.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the L-shaped frame comprises a horizontally-extending shelf member abutable against the trailer and an upstanding member coupled to and extending upwards from the shelf member;

3. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the trailer side rail connector is L-shaped and comprises a vertical member and a horizontal member

4. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the trailer side rail connector is shaped to fit within a pocket of a side rail of the trailer.

5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the frame is shaped to extend outwards from the trailer to hold the connector in place.

6. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein inward movement of the frame towards the trailer promotes removal of the device when the device is no longer needed.

7. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the frame includes a horizontally-extending member coupled to the connector and an upstanding member coupled to and extending upwards from the horizontally-extending member.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the spool rotatably connects to the upstanding member of the frame.

9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 7 and 8 wherein the upstanding member of the frame is interposed between the spool and the drive member.

10. The device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the spool is spaced-apart above the horizontally-extending member of the frame.

11. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the drive member extends outwards relative to the trailer.

12. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the frame is shaped to position the drive member upwards and outwards relative to the trailer.

13. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the frame is shaped to position the drive member upwards and outwards relative to the connector.

14. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the frame is shaped to position the spool upwards and outwards relative to the trailer.

15. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the frame is shaped to position the spool upwards and outwards relative to the connector.

16. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the drive member is shaped to be driven by a power tool.

17. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the spool comprises a first tong and a second tong coupled to the first tong, the tongs being separated by a gap.

18. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, further including a bearing coupled to the frame, the spool rotatably connecting to the frame via the bearing.

19. In combination, a power tool and the device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The combination as claimed in claim 19, wherein the power tool is positioned upwards and outwards relative to the trailer.

21. In combination, a trailer and the device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

22. In combination, a trailer, a power tool and the device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.