US3395892A - Over-center load binder and gripping device - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 6, 1968 R. A. RATCLIFF 3,395,892

OVERCENTER LOAD BINDER AND GRIPPING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 2, 1967 FIG- 2 if F! G- 3 z 5 WWW ,a V 7 3 6, 1968 R. A. RATCLIFF' 3,395,892

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Iran/[rs 3,395,892 OVER-{ENTER LOAD BENDER AND GREPPENG DEVICE Ralph A. Ratcliff, 1300 Sunnyslope Ava, Belmont, Calif. 94002 Filed June 2, 1967, Ser. No. 643,237 15 Claims. (Cl. 254-79) ABSTRACT OF THE DESCLOSURE A cable gripping device which may be released selectively, gradually or rapidly, while the cable is gripped thereby under tension. The device may be used separately, or in combination with an over-center or toggle type load binder as an integral component thereof. The cable engaging jaws of the gripping device are normally urged toward each other by a spring actuated cam mechanism which is operable directly or remotely when the cable is to be released.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates generally to the field of devices for gripping a smooth cable, particularly when such devices are utilized in conjunction with sustaining or binding a load. The gripping device of this invention may be utilized in any environment where prior known cable gripping devices have been employed. Preferably, however, the improved gripping device of this invention is used in a manner heretofore unknown in that in a preferred embodiment such gripping device is used as an integral component of an improved, highly effective overcenter or toggle type load binder. Such an improved overcenter load binder is particularly well adapted for securing together or tensioning holddown elements positioned around a load on a supporting platform. That is, the load binder of this invention is intended, among other uses, to bridge the gap between ends of holddown elements which extend around a load to be sustained or bound by the load binder.

Description 0 the prior art Over-center type load binders have been widely known and generally utilized for many years. By way of illustration, conventional over-center load binders of the type commonly employed heretofore are shown in the patents to Williams, No. 2,089,679 dated Aug. 10, 1937, and Stacy, No. 1,538,412 dated May 19, 1925. Certain shortcomings in known types of over-center load binders have been rectified within recent years by improvements thereto, such as the improvements detailed in Ratcliti Patent No. 3,271,007 dated Sept. 6, 1966.

However, prior known over-center load binders, including those embodying recent improvements, still have one notable shortcoming which limits their adaptability in binding loads, namely, prior known binders are not adapted to engage a smooth steel or like cable type holddown element. Prior known over-center load binders employ hook members of various constructions which are capable only of engaging enlargements formed on holddown elements, such as the links of a coil chain, or some form of clamping device secured to a cable to provide an enlargement thereon. While smooth cables not uncommonly are positioned around a load to be bound on a supporting surface, heretofore it has been necessary to attach a short length of coil chain or the like to opposite ends of such cable so that it could be connected with the hook members of known overcenter load binders. Because the holddown elements could be grasped only where States Patent 0 3,395,892 Patented Aug. 6, 1968 lce there were enlargements thereon, the adaptabilty of a load binder employing conventional hook members was greatly restricted.

This invention rectifies that shortcoming of prior overcenter load binders in that the load binder disclosed herein includes, in combination therewith, improved means adapting the same to grip a smooth cable at any location along its length. Therefore, the subject load binder possesses substantially greater adaptability in the types and sizes of loads which may be bound thereby by employing smooth cable holddown elements.

Heretofore devices also have been known for gripping smooth cables at any location along their length. One illustrative type of such a known cable gripping device is shown in the patent to ORussa, No. 2,001,541 dated May 14, 1935. However, such prior known gripping devices cannot release a cable gripped thereby while the cable is under substantial tension. That is, conventional cable gripping devices include jaw constructions which positively preclude their release from a cable gripped thereby so long as tension is carried by the cable.

While some attention has been directed to developing a gripping device which would permit a release of a cable under tension, such supposed improved devices are incapable of releasing a cable under controlled conditions. As illusstrated by the patent to Tellefson et al., No. 3,279,017 dated Oct. 18, 1966, devices capable of releasing a taut cable are designed to separate from the cable under very quick release conditions which provide no means for a controlled release in selective and progressive increments. That is, prior known gripping devices make no provision for releasing a cable in a controlled fashion so that tension may be relieved selectively, gradually or rapidly, as desired by the user of the device.

The gripping device of the present invention overcomes shortcomings characteristic of the known gripping devices, and by incorporating the improved gripping device of this invention into combination with an over-center load binder, a load bound by a smooth cable holddown element may be released in controlled fashion as desired.

Furthermore, with the load binder disclosed herein, it is not necessary for the operating lever of the load binder to be moved from its over-center closed load binding position. That is, once the load binder operating lever is moved to its load binding position, release of the load may be accomplished by releasing the cable gripping device of the binder.

As is well known, over-center load binders of the conventional type are quite dangerous when a load bound thereby is released in that the operating lever thereof tends to fly unrestrained as it passes the over-center position during an unbinding operation. It is such unrestrained flying of the operating lever which frequently results in injuries to persons utilizing the same. With the load binder of this invention, such injuries are obviated in that it is entirely unnecessary to move the operating lever from its closed load binding position to release a load. Also, as a further safety feature the gripping device of this invention may be actuated from a remote distance, by use of a rope or similar means, so that it is not necessary for the person releasing the load to be in close proximity to the load.

Thus the enumerated drawbacks of prior known gripping devices and load binders are rectified by this invention in a load binder structure which maintains the advantages for which conventional load binders have been historically known. That is, the present load binder retains the advantages of durability, simplicity, inexpensiveness, strength with comparative light weight, and oneman operability, while at the same time adding thereto the improved safety and other features summarized above.

3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an improved device for gripping a smooth cable, which may be used separately in the manner known heretofore, or in a combination heretofore unknown, namely as a component in an improved over-center or toggle load binder.

The gripping device of this invention includes a body mounting a pair of jaws movable relative to each other between which the cable to be gripped is receivable. Means is provided in conjunction with the jaws for normally urging the same towards each other, and other means are included for separating or releasing the jaws so that they may be moved away from each other when it is desired to release a cable engaged therewith. In this latter regard, such. releasing means is designed to permit cable selective release while the cable is under substantial tension in controlled progressive increments, or rapidly, whichever is preferred.

When the novel gripping device of this invention is utilized as part of an improved over-center load binder, the load binder is provided with highly important and desirable safety features and use adaptability heretofore unknown in such load binders. With the binder of this invention, it is entirely unnecessary to actuate the operating lever to release a load bound thereby.

The load binder of this invention may be employed in any environment heretofore known for load binders and, by way of example, it is particularly well suited for binding loads on a vehicle, such as a truck for carrying logs in the lumber industry. In this regard, as is known, load holddown elements are passed around the load to be bound at spaced locations along the length of the load, and a load binder is positioned to bridge the gap between the ends of such holddown elements.

It is desirable because of cost and convenience factors to use steel cables for the holddown elements, rather than coil chains. A necessary compromise in this regard has been effected heretofore by attaching a length of coil chain to each end of a steel cable so that the coil chain portions could be grasped by the hooks of conventional load binders. Such coil chain lengths add to the weight of the holddown element and produce inconvenience as well as unnecessary expense. Also, with such an arrangement only loads of certain size can be handled.

With the improved load binder of this invention, a cable holddown element having only a few links of coil chain, or an eye member, at one end thereof may be employed in that the gripping device of the subject load binder may grasp the cable at any point along its length, thereby imparting substantial flexibility and variation into the size and type of loads which can be bound by a cable holddown element of a given size.

From the foregoing, it should be understood that objects of this invention include: the provision of an improved cable gripping device which may be released in controlled fashion while a cable engaged therewith is under tension; the provision of an improved cable gripping device which may be released gradually in progressive increments, or rapidly, as may be preferred; the provision of an improved cable gripping device which may be released directly, or remotely, as required; the provision of a load binder of the over-center type in which it is unnecessary to actuate the operating lever to release a load bound thereby; the provision of an improved load binder which includes, as an integral part thereof, a cable gripping device; the provision of an improved over-center load binder combination designed to grasp a cable type holddown element at any point along its length; and the provision of an over-center load binder which may be separated remotely from a holddown element engaged therewith. These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following detailed disclosure in which reference is directed to the appended drawings.

4, DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the improved overcenter load binder of this invention showing its operating lever in the open position.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the load binder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken in the plane of line 33 of FIG. 1 through the improved cable gripping device which forms part of the subject load binder.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the load binder showing its operating handle in the closed load binding position.

FIG. 5 is a generally schematic view showing the subject load binder employed to bind a load of logs on a transporting vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing the improved cable gripping device of this invention utilized separate and apart from a load binder.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the cable gripping device taken in the plane of line 77 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1 the incorporation of the improved gripping device of this invention into an improved over-center load binder combination, designated 1, will be described. In keeping with the advantages which make over-center load binders attractive to users, the binder of this invention comprises a minimum of parts and is defined by only three principal components, namely an elongated operating lever 2, means generally designated 3 for connecting the binder with an end of a load holddown element, and the improved gripping device generally designated 4.

In use, referring to FIG. 5, by way of illustration, the binder may be employed to secure a load of logs 5 on a supporting platform defined by one or more spaced cradles 6 located above the wheels 7 of a transporting vehicle, such as a logging trailer. The load binder is interposed between ends 8 and 9 of portions of load holddown elements designated 11 and 12 respectively.

In this regard, it should be understood that the holddown element portions identified as 11 and 112 may be separate elements which are secured to the platform on which the load is supported, or may be opposite ends of the same holddown element which is passed completely around the load supported on the platform. In any event, the load binder bridges the gap between the holddown element ends 8 and 9 so that when the operating lever 2 of the binder is moved from the open position shown in FIG. 1 to the closed load binding position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ends 8 and 9 are drawn towards each other to securely tighten the holddown elements around the load and prevent shifting thereof. Such tightening is effected in the manner characteristic of over-center type load binders.

As seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the operating lever 2 is of substantially conventional construction and is defined by a manually graspable handle portion 13 at one end thereof and a clevis portion 14 at the other end thereof which is defined by a pair of laterally spaced arms 16. Each of the clevis arms includes an offset enlarged portion 17 which imparts a dog-leg configuration to the lever.

The aforementioned means 3 by which the binder is adapted to be engaged with one end of a holddown element is connected with. the operating lever in line with the dog-leg portion 17 of the clevis arms. Such means comprises a flat shank member 18 having a bore through one end thereof which is alignable with bores formed in the dog-leg portions of the clevis arms. A pivot pin 19 is positioned in the aligned bores of the clevis arms 16 and the shank 18 so that the shank is pivotally connected with the operating lever.

At its opposite end shank 18 is formed with a socket 21 in which the enlarged ball-shaped end 22 of a link member 23 is received. The end 21 of shank 18 is swaged over the ball-shaped end 22 of the link to preclude separation thereof from the shank while permitting pivotal movement thereof relative to the shank. A coil chain link 24 connects a conventional hook member 25 with an eye 26 which is formed at the other end of the link 23.

In the environment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, hook 26 is engaged with a cable type holddown element in the end of which an enlarged loop 27 has been formed in known fashion. However, it should be understood that the hook also is adapted to engage the links of a coil chain in the manner well known.

The cable gripping device 4 is pivotally connected with the free ends 28 of the clevis arms 16 of the operating lever 2 as best seen in FIG. 2. While the gripping device could be pivotally mounted between the spaced arms of the clevis, in the preferred embodiment shown herein, the gripping device is formed in such a manner that it straddles those arms and it overlies the outer sides thereof for the purpose to be noted hereinafter.

To this end, the gripping device includes a body, generally designated 31, from one end of which a pair of laterally spaced legs 32 project in parallel relationship. Each of the legs is provided at its free outer end with a bore 34 extending therethrough into which pivot pins 33 project. Preferably the pivot pins 33 are formed integral with the spaced arms 28 of the clevis portion of the operating lever 2. In any event, the gripping device is pivotally connected with the operating lever so that the distance between the hook 26 and the cable engaging portion of the gripping device may be shortened when the operating lever is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 1, from the open position toward the closed position so that a load may be tightened in toggle fashion characteristic of over-center load binders.

The gripping device includes a pair of elongated jaws, designated 36 and 37, between which a smooth steel or like cable 38 may be gripped and securely clamped. To this end, as seen in FIG. 3, the jaws are formed with concave surfaces 39 and 41 respectively which are designed generally to match the outer peripheral contour of cables of various diameters to be engaged thereby. Such surfaces are designed to permit a cable to be repeatedly clamped in the same location without damage resulting thereto.

Lower jaw 37 is formed as an integral part of body 31 and is immovably fixed relative thereto. Upper jaw 36, however, is mounted for movement relative to the lower jaw and is supported for such movement on an upper mounting portion 42 of the body. In this regard, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper jaw is provided with guide means defined by a pair of spaced generally circular openings 43 extending therethrough in which headed pins 44 are received. The diameter of the shanks 46 of the pins is less than the diameter of the holes 43 so that jaw 36 is movable toward and away from the lower immovable jaw 37 during utilization of the gripping device. Separation of jaw 36 from the pins, which project from and are secured to the mounting portion of the body 31, is precluded by split rings 47 interposed between the heads of the pins and the outer surface of jaw 36.

Means is provided in conjunction with the jaws 36 and 37 to normally urge the same towards each other, that is, towards a cable gripping position. In this regard, such urging means includes a cam mechanism defined by a shaft 51 which extends through and is journaled for rotation in a bore 52 extending laterally through the jaw mounting portion 42 of the body 31, as best seen in FIG. 3. Shaft 51 is provided with an enlarged eccentric cam member 53 adjacent end 56 thereof, which is rotatably received in a bore 54 which extends through the movable jaw 36. A peripheral groove 57 is formed inwardly of shaft end 56 in which a split ring 58 is received to prevent separation of the movable jaw 36 from the cam member.

It should be obvious from FIG. 1 that upon rotation of the eccentric cam member in a counterclockwise direction, the movable jaw 36 will be urged away from the fixed jaw 37 by the eccentric action of cam member 53. Conversely, upon rotation of the cam member in a clockwise direction the movable jaw will be urged towards the fixed jaw by the cam member. During such movement the cable engaging surfaces 39 and 41 of the respective jaws are maintained generally parallel to each other by the aforementioned pins 44 and openings 43 in the movable jaw which cooperate to define the guide means mentioned.

The urging means of the gripping device further in cludes mechanism for norm-ally rotaing the eccentric cam member in the clockwise direction viewed in FIG. 1 so that the movable jaw is normally located in close proximity to the fixed jaw in cable gripping position. Such mechanism comprises a spring member 61 which surrounds the end 62 of shaft 51 which is opposite from the eccentric cam member 53. Spring 61 is of the coil type which has its opposite ends deformed as at 63 and 64 to engage the upper surface of releasing means, to be described, and the upper surface of the body 31 of the gripping device. Spring 61 is tensioned in known fashion to urge the cam member in the direction noted.

To permit movement of the cam member in the counterclockwise or cable releasing direction when viewed in FIG. 1, a control handle 66 is positioned on a squared end portion 67 of the shaft 51. A pin 68 extends through the handle and the shaft end to preclude inadvertent separation thereof. As noted from FIGS. 1 and 2, end 63 of the spring member engages the upper surface of the control handle and normally urges the control handle in the clockwise direction to thereby urge the shaft and the eccentric cam member therewith in such direction.

When it is desired to release a cable gripped between the jaws, it is merely necessary to pivot the control handle 66 in the counterclockwise direction about the axis of shaft 52 as viewed in FIG. 1. Such movement of the handle results in rotation of the cam member 53 in the bore provided in the movable jaw 36 and effects movement of the jaw as described. It should be further understood, however, that the cam mechanism further insures that increased tension on a cable gripped between the jaws will result in increased clamping pressure being applied by the jaws to the cable. At its free end control handle 66 is provided with an enlarged eye portion 67 for receipt therethrough of a rope or line so that the control handle may be rotated from a remote distance when desired to release the cable gripped by the jaws.

It should be understood from the foregoing that even when the cable gripping device is securely clamping a cable 38 which is under substantial tension that the cable may be released by the gripping device. Such release may be effected rapidly to release the cable all at one time merely by rapidly moving the control handle 66 towards its released position. However, under most circumstances, it will be preferred to release the cable in gradual stages and this can be done by raising the control handle 66 a little at a time to slowly separate the clamping jaws in small increments so that some clamping pressure may be maintained on the cable but so that the tension on the cable will cause the cable to slide slowly through the jaws until tension is released.

Thus, the gripping device may be actuated rapidly or slowly as a particular need dictates. In any event, it should be understood that it is not necessary in any way to actuate or move the operating lever 2 of the load binder once the same has been located in its closed load binding position as seen in FIG. 4. Thus, the extreme danger frequently encountered with over-center load binders, namely having the operating lever fiy as it passes the over-center position due to pressure of the load being bound, is completely obviated.

In this regard, if it is preferred, means (not shown) may be incorporated and interposed between the operating lever 2 and the gripping device 4 to positively lock the operating lever in the closed position. A suitable locking means which may be incorporated into the subject binder is shown in the aforementioned Ratc iff Patent No. 3,271,007.

As will be noted from FIGS. 2 and 4, the fixed and movable jaws of the gripping device are aligned with each other to securely grasp a cable therebetween but they are both offset laterally relative to one of the legs 32 which project from the body 31 of the device. This lateral offset relationship permits the operating lever 2 of the load binder to be positioned in close proximity with the body of the gripping device as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 without in any way interfering with access to the releasing mechanism when it is desired to pivot the control handle 66 as described. Thus a compact load binder is provided which requires a minimum of space when positioned in the load binding closed position.

As noted previously, the improved cable gripping device of this invention may be used separately and apart from a load binder and has separate utility when so used. Such a separate gripping device construction is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 in which corresponding reference numerals are employed to designate corresponding components of the device. In all essential respects, the gripping device shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is the same as that described previously.

The principal difference of the device of FIGS. 6 and 7 and that of FIGS. 1 through 5, resides in a more compact body structure for connecting the device with another element. In this regard, a single leg 32 is provided in the device of FIGS. 6 and 7 which extends from the body 31. On the outer end of leg 32 enlarged boss 71 is formed having a bore 72 extending therethrough. Any suitable clevis or link member 73 may extend through such bore, the purpose of which is to permit the gripping device to be connected with another element so that the gripping device may be secured in a fixed location, such as to a pole to which the cable 38 gripped thereby is to be secured in known fashion.

From the foregoing it should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are set out by way of illustration rather than limitation. Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention, reference is directed to the appended claims for a determination of the scope to be atforded hereto.

I claim:

1. A device for gripping a cable which may be released under controlled conditions while a cable engaged therewith is under tension, comprising (A) a body including a pair of jaws in conjunction therewith which are movable relative to each other,

(B) means operatively connected with said body which is engageable with an element for securing said device in a generally fixed location when a cable is engaged by said jaws,

(C) means in conjunction with said jaws for normally urging said jaws toward each other to engage the cable to be gripped therebetween, and

'(D) releasing means movable independently of said first mentioned means operatively connected with said urging means for selectively overcoming the effects of said urging means to permit said jaws to be moved selectively relative to each other in controlled increments so that the cable gripped by said device may be selectively released therefrom when under tension, gradually or rapidly, in accordance with the manner in which said releasing means is actuated to move said jaws relative to each other and without se arating said first mentioned means from the securing element engaged therewith to effect release of tension on the cable.

2. 'ljhe device of claim 1 in which said urging means comprises (1) an eccentric cam member in operative contact with one of said jaws,

(2) structure mounting said one jaw on said body for movement relative to the other of said jaws, and

(3) a spring member cooperable with said cam member normally urging said cam member and said one jaw therewith toward a cable gripping position, and in which (E) said releasing means is operatively connected with said cam member for effecting selective movement of said cam member and said one jaw therewith, against the urging etfects of said spring member, toward a cable releasing position without requiring separation of said device from engagement with said securing element.

3. The device of claim 2 in which (F) said other jaw is integral with said body,

(G) said body includes a mounting portion for said one jaw integral therewith, and in which (H) said cam member extends through a bore provided in said mounting portion for pivotal movement in said bore,

(I) said cam member having an eccentric boss on one end thereof,

(J) said one jaw having a bore therein in which said boss of said cam member is rotatably positioned, (K) said releasing means comprising a handle mounted on the other end of said cam member,

(L) said spring member being interposed between said body mounting portion and said releasing handle and normally urging said handle and said cam member therewith toward said cable gripping position.

4. The device of claim 1 which further includes (E) guide means in conjunction with said body in opperative engagement with one of said jaws for maintaining the cable engaging surface thereof generally parallel with the cable engaging surface of the other of said jaws in all operative positions thereof.

5. A cable gripping device as defined in claim 1 in combination with and forming part of a load binder, said combination also including (E) an operating lever comprising part of said load binder which is movable between a load releasing open position and a load binding closed position, and in which (F) said first mentioned means is pivotally connected with said operating lever at a first location for engagement with said securing element,

(G) said cable gripping device being pivotally connected with said operating lever at a second location spaced from said first location,

(H) said first mentioned means and said cable gripping device being drawn toward each other upon movement of said operating lever toward said closed position.

6. A ioad binder comprising (A) an elongated operating lever movable between a load releasing open position and a load binding closed position;

(B) a cable gripping device pivotally connected with said lever at a first location for engaging a cable type load holddown element, said gripping device comprising (1) a body including a pair of jaws movable relative to each other between which such cable may be gripped,

(2) means in conjunction with said jaws for normally urging said jaws toward each other so that such cable may be gripped therebetween, and

(3) releasing means operativcly connected with said urging means for selectively overcoming the effects of said urging means to permit said jaws to be moved relative to each other in controlled increments so that such cable gripped by said device may be selectively released therefrom when under tension, gradually or rapidly, in accordance with the manner in which said rei leasing means is actuated to move said jaws relative to each other, and

(C) other means connected with said operating lever at a second location for engaging another load holddown element.

7. The load binder of claim 6 in which said releasing means of said gripping device includes (a) a control handle which is operatively connected with one of said jaws for effecting movement of said one jaw selectively so that tension on such cable gripped between said jaws may be released, said control handle being movable independently of said operating lever of said load binder so that such cable may be released without requiring movement of said lever from its closed position when a load is bound by said binder.

8. An over-center load binder comprising (A) an elongated operating lever, movable between a load releasing open position and a load binding closed position, which is defined by (1) a graspable handle portion at one end thereof,

(2) a mounting portion atthe other end thereof,

and

(3) an offset portion between said ends which imparts a dog leg configuration to said lever,

(B) a hook type member pivotally connected with said lever at said offset portion thereof,

(1) said hook type member adapting said load binder to engage and hold enlargements, such as chain links, of a load holddown element to be engaged therewith, and

(C) a cable gripping device pivotally connected with said mounting portion adjacent said other end of said lever,

(1) said gripping device including means adapting said load binder to engage and releasably hold a smooth cable type load holddown element to be engaged therewith without distorting or bending such cable, said gripping device being releasable, while a cable held thereby is under tension, independently of the position of said operating lever of said load binder so that a cable held by said gripping device may be selectivey released from said gripping device without moving said operating lever from its closed position when a load is bound by said binder.

9. The load binder of claim 6 in which said other means comprises (1) a hook type member pivotally connected with said lever at said second location,

(2) said hook member adapting said load binder to engage enlargements, such as chain links, of such other holddown elements when said binder is utilized to bind a load.

10. The load binder of claim 6 in which said urging means of said gripping device comprises (a) an eccentric cam member in operative contact with one of said jaws,

(b) structure mounting said one jaw on said body for movement relative to the other of said jaws, and

(c) a spring member cooperable with said cam member normally urging said cam member and said one jaw therewith toward a cable gripping position, and in which (4) said releasing means is operatively connected with said cam member for effecting selective movement thereof and said one jaw therewith,

against the urging effects of said spring member, toward a cable releasing position.

11. The load binder of claim 10 in which (5 said other jaw is integral with said body,

(6) said body includes a mounting portion for said one jaw integral therewith, and in which (7) said cam member extends through a bore provided in said mounting portion for pivotal movement in said bore,

(8) said cam member having an eccentric boss on one end thereof,

(9) said one jaw having a bore therein in which said boss of said cam member is rotatably positioned, (10) said releasing means comprising a handle mounted on the other end of said cam member,

(11) said spring member being interposed between said body mounting portion and said releasing handle and normally urging said handle and said cam member therewith toward said cable gripping position.

12. The load binder of claim 6 in which said gripping device further includes (4) guide means in conjunction with said body in operative engagement with one of said jaws for maintaining the cable engaging surface thereof generally parallel with the cable engaging surface of the other of said jaws in all operative positions thereof.

13. The over-center load binder of claim 8 in which said gripping device comprises (a) a body having a fixed jaw integral therewith,

(b) a movable jaw aligned with said fixed jaw and sjupported on an integral mounting portion of said y,

(c) a shaft journaled for rotation relative to said body mounting portion,

(d) an eccentric cam member on one end of said shaft operatively engaged with said movable jaw for urging the same selectively toward or away from said fixed l (e) a releasing handle mounted on the other end of said shaft for selectively rotating said shaft and said cam member therewith, and

(f) a spring operatively interposed between said releasing handle and said body normally urging said handle and said shaft therewith toward a position in which said cam member and said movable jaw are located in a cable gripping position,

(g) said releasing handle being pivotal away from said cable gripping position against the urging effects of said spring so that said movable jaw may be moved in controlled increments away from said fixed jaw so that said cable type holddown element may be released in controlled fashion without requiring movement of said operating lever of said load binder from its load binding closed position when a load is bound thereby.

14. The load binder of claim 13 in which said gripping device further includes (hl)3 2 pair of laterally spaced legs projecting from said (i) said spaced legs straddling said mounting portion of said operating lever and being pivotally connected therewith,

(j) said fixed and movable jaws of said gripping device being laterally oifset relative to one of said legs so that said operating lever may overlie said body in close proximity thereto without interfering with operation of said gripping device when said operating lever is in said closed load binding position.

15. An over-center load binder comprising (A) an elongated operating lever, movable between a load releasing open position and a load binding closed position, which is defined by (l) a graspable handle portion at one end thereof, and

(2) a clevis portion at the other end thereof,

(3) said clevis portion comprising (a) a pair of laterally spaced arms which are integral with each other and with said graspable handle portion at a location between the opposite ends of said lever,

(b) said arms each including an offset portion which imparts a dog leg configuration to said lever,

(B) a hook type member pivotally connected with said lever between said ofi'set portions of said clevis arms,

(1) said hook type member adapting said load binder to engage and hold enlargements, such as chain links, of a load holddown element to be engaged therewith, and

(C) a cable gripping device pivotally connected with said lever at said other end thereof adjacent the free ends of said clevis arms,

(1) said gripping device adapting said load binder to engage and hold a smooth cable type load holddown element to be engaged therewith, said gripping device comprising (a) a body having a fixed jaw integral therewith,

(b) a movable jaw aligned with said fixed jaw and supported on an integral jaw mounting portion of said body.

(c) a shaft journaled for rotation in a bore extending through said body mounting portion,

(d) an eccentric cam member on one end of said shaft rotatably received in a bore provided in said movable jaw for urging the same selectively toward or away from said fixed jaw,

(e) a releasing handle mounted on the other end of said shaft for selectively rotating said shaft and said cam member therewith, and

(f) a spring operatively interposed between said releasing handle and said body normally urging said handle and said shaft therewith toward a position in which said cam member and said movable jaw are located in a cable gripping position,

(g) said releasing handle being pivotal away References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/ 1934 Hecker. 10/1942 Felton et al 254'77 9/1966 Ratclifie 254-78 FOREIGN PATENTS 12/1910 France. 10/1935 France.

MILTON S. MEHR, Primary Examiner.

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