US3418008A

US3418008A - Load binders

Info

Publication number: US3418008A
Application number: US570873A
Authority: US
Inventors: Votaw S Durbin
Original assignee: DURBIN DURCO Inc
Current assignee: DURBIN DURCO Inc
Priority date: 1966-08-08
Filing date: 1966-08-08
Publication date: 1968-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 1985-12-24

Description

V. S. DURBIN LOAD BINDERS Dec. 24, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 8, 1966 INVENTOR VOTAW S. DURBIN MuMd Pwd-Q ATTORNEYS V. S. DURBIN LOAD BINDERS Dec. 24, 1968 s SheetS-Shet :5

Filed Aug. 8, 1966 I QI up UE INVENTOR VOTAW S. DURBIN ATTO RN EYS United States Patent 0 3,418,608 LGAD BINDERS Votaw S. Din-bin, Durbin-Durco, Inc., 1435 Woodson Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63132 Filed Aug. 3, 1966, Ser. No. 570,873 6 Claims. (Cl. 280-179) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The load binder includes a lever with a bifurcated end providing a pair of jaws. Tension membres are pivotally mounted internally and externally of the jaws, the pivot axes of the members being relatively spaced longitudinally of the jaws. With the lever disposed in one position, the tension members are extended. In a reversed position the tension members are retracted. The jaws include outwardly projecting ears received by keyhole slots in the external or clevis member, whereby to secure said member pivotally to the jaws. A latch pin holds the tension members in a locked position when the binder is in use.

This invention relates generally to improvements in load binders, and more particularly to improvements in toggle-type tensioning devices such as may be employed in tightening a chain, cable or the like, as for example, in the securement of logs, pipes, poles and similar articles together as a unit load in place on vehicles for the purpose of preventing shifting of the load. Numerous other fields of usage of devices of this general order are well known.

An important objective is achieved by constructing the lever of the load binder so that it can be forged or cast in one piece. The lever comprises an elongate handle having a furcate end with a month between jaws, the mouth being open at the end and at opposite sides of the handle, and having an elongate groove in one said side to provide a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The surfaces of the handle are drafted and tapered in the same direction from an elongate draft axis toward the said one side so that the handle can be forged or cast.

Another important objective is realized by the provision of an ear integral with the extending outwardly from each jaw, the ears being located on the draft axis of the handle so that the ears can be formed when the handle is forged or cast. It is advantageous to provide an angularly related end portion on each ear extending and tapered in the same direction from the draft axis toward the said one side.

.Yet another important objective is attained by the provision of a first tension member pivotally mounted to the jaws and located in the mouth, and a second tension member pivotally mounted to the jaws and located externally of the mouth, the pivot axes of the tension members being relatively spaced longitudinally of the jaws. When the lever is disposed in one relative position of the pivot axes, the tension members are held extended, and when disposed in a relatively reversed position, the tension members are retracted. A feature of the present invention is to provide a safety lock that selectively interconnects at least one of the jaws with one of the tension members to preclude unintentional movement of the tension members from the retracted position. Specifically, the safety lock includes a pin selectively extending across the mouth between the jaws, the pin blocking pivotal movement of one tension member relative to the jaws.

An important objective is afforded in one embodiment by the provision of transversely aligned holes receiving the latch pin, the latch pin blocking pivotal movement of one tension member relative to the jaws. In one construction, the latch pin engages the said first tension member.

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Another important objective is provided by another embodiment in which the said first tension member is pivotally mounted on a first pivot axis located near the ends of the jaws, while the said second tension member is pivotally mounted on a second pivot axis located at a distance inwardly of the first pivot axis. Aligned holes in the jaws are located at a distance inwardly of the second pivot axis. In a similar embodiment, the said second tension member is pivotally mounted on a second pivot axis located near the ends of the jaws while the said first tension member is pivotally mounted on a first pivot axis located at a distance inwardly of the second pivot axis. In this instance, the aligned holes are located near the ends of the jaws outwardly of the second pivot axis.

Still another important objective is achieved by the structural arrangement in which one of the tension members is provided with a transverse hole receiving the latch pin, the latch pin engaging the jaws so as to block pivotal movement of said one tension member relative to the jaws to preclude unintentional movement of the tension members from the retracted position.

An important objective is realized by the provision of a clevis, constituting the second tension member, having spaced arms embracing the jaws, the clevis arms being provided with key-hole slots receiving the outwardly extending ears for ready assembly of the clevis to the lever. The cars and key-hole slots are relatively misaligned when the tension members are in the extended or retracted position to preclude spreading of the clevis arms under tensional forces.

Another important objective is to provide a load binder that is simple and durable in construction, economical to manufacture and assemble, highly eflicient in operation, and which can be readily utilized by any one with little or no instruction.

The foregoing and numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will more clearly appear from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, particularly when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load binder showing the component parts in extended position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the load binder of FIG. 1, but illustrating the component parts in a retracted position, and showing the safety lock;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged, cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the component parts illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5' is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the safety lock, operatively assembled, taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified load binder with the component parts in the retracted position and retained by a modified safety lock;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a modified load binder with the component parts in an extended position;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the load binder of FIG. 7 showing the component parts in the retracted position, and showing the coacting safety lock;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, enlarged cross-sectional view of the safety lock, in operative position, taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a lever construction;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view as taken on staggered line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view as taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view as taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view as taken on line 14-14 of FIG. 10, and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view as taken on line 1515 of FIG. 11.

Referring now by characters of reference to the drawing, and first to the lever construction illustrated in FIGS. 15 inclusive, it will be understood that the lever generally indicated by 10 includes an elongate handle 11 having a furcate end with a mouth 12 between jaws 13. It will be noted that the jaws 13 have a slight angular bend longitudinally to provide heels 14 having an arcuate configuration adapting the heels 14 to be used as a cam when desired.

Formed substantially the length of handle 11 and in the underside is an elongate groove 15. The surfaces of the handle 11, including those defining the groove 15 and the jaws 13, are drafted and tapered in the same direction from an elongate draft axis referred to by 16 toward the underside of handle 11. This draft or taper of the handle 11 and jaws 13 is perhaps best shown by the cross-sectional views, FIGS. 12-15. The structural arrangement enables the lever 10 to be forged or cast.

An ear 17 is formed integrally with each of the jaws 13, the ears 17 being transversely aligned and extending laterally outwardly. The ears 17 are substantially circular as seen in FIG. 11 and have their coincident transverse axes located on the draft axis 16 of handle 11 so that the ears 17 can be formed when the handle 11 is forged or cast. Each of the ears 17 includes an angularly related end portion 20 extending and tapered toward the upper side of the lever 10 in a direction away from the draft axis 16, as is best illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 15. This construction enables the cars 17, together with their end portions 20, to be cast integrally with the jaws 13.

FIGS. 1 through 5 relate to a load binder of a type that can utilize a forged or cast lever such as that disclosed in FIGS. 10 through 15 and previously described. However, for the sake of clarity, the structure of the lever 21 in FIGS. 1 and 2 has been simplified. In this embodiment, the lever 21 includes a handle 22 having a furcate end with a mouth 23 between jaws 24. A tongue 25, constituting a first tension member, is pivotally mounted by pin 26 to and between the jaws 24 at a so-called first pivot axis located at a distance inwardly of the jaw ends. The tongue 25 includes a pair of adjacent parallel leg portions 27 extending into and operating along or across the mouth 23. Besides the parallel legs 27, the tongue 25 is so formed as to provide a triangularly-shaped bight 30 at its outermost end. Swivelly attached to the bight 30 is an eye 31. A chain link 32 operatively connects the eye 31 to a hook 33.

In this embodiment, ears 34 are attached to the jaws 24 and extend laterally outward, the ears 34 including angularly related end portions 35 tapered toward the upper side of lever 21. The ears 34 are transversely aligned to provide a so-called second pivot axis located near the ends of jaws 24.

A clevis referred to by 37, constituting a second tension member, is pivotally mounted to the jaws 24 at the second pivot axis defined by ears 34 and is located externally of the mouth 23. Specifically, the clevis 37 includes a pair of

arms

40 and 41 adapted to embrace the opposite, outer sides of jaws 24, the

arms

40 and 41 being integrally connected by a transverse bridge 42. Each of the

clevis arms

40 and 41 is provided with a key-hole slot 43 adapted to receive a coacting ear 34 and angularly related end portion 35' in a predetermined angular position of the clevis 37 relative to the jaws 24. These cars 34 and cooperating key-hole slots 43 connections enable quick and easy assembly of the clevis 37 to the jaws 24. In all other positions, the cars 34 and cooperating key-hole slots 43 are misaligned to preclude spreading of the

clevis arms

40 and 41 under tensional force, and thereby preclude detachment of the clevis 37 from the jaws 24.

Swivelly mounted to the bridge 42 is an eye 44. A hook 45 is operatively connected to the eye 44 by an intervening chain link 46.

When the lever 21 is disposed to place the first and second pivot axes defined respectively by pin 26 and by cars 34 in one relative position, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the tongue 25 and clevis 37 are held in the socalled extended position of the load binder. When the lever 21 is swung approximately 180 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2, the positions of the first and second pivot axes are relatively reversed, and the tongue 25 and clevis 37 are disposed in the so-called retracted position.

A safety lock selectively interconnects at least one of the jaws 24 with one of the tension members to preclude unintentional movement of the tongue 25 and clevis 37 from the retracted position of FIG. 2. This safety lock includes a latch pin 47 extending across the mouth 23 between the jaws 24, the pin 47 blocking pivotal movement of tongue 25 relative to the jaws 24. A crosspiece 50 is attached to one end of pin 47 to facilitate digital manipulation. Hingedly connected to the opposite end of pin 47 is a spring loop 51. The jaws 24 are provided with transversely aligned holes 52 near the ends of the jaws 24 outwardly of the ears 34. When the spring loop 51 is axially extended as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pin 47 can be inserted through the holes 52. When fully inserted, the spring loop 51 is flipped to one side of the pin 47 so as to preclude unintentional removal of the pin 47. When the pin 47 is inserted in the retracted position shown in FIG. 2, the pin 47 will engage the tongue 25 and thereby prevent the tongue 25 from moving through the mouth 23 and between the jaws 24 back to the extended position. Thus, the lever 21 cannot be turned to release the tension load applied by the tongue 25 and clevis 37 in the retracted position until the pin 47 is intentionally removed. The pin 47 precludes the tongue 25 and clevis 37 from moving out of the retracted position shown in FIG. 2.

To utilize the load binder disclosed in FIGS. 1-5 inclusive, the tongue 25 and clevis 37 are located in their extended position so that the

hooks

33 and 45 can be attached to the load element, such as a chain (not shown). When attached, the lever 21 is swung from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2

to bring the tongue 25 and clevis 37 to the retracted position under tension. In moving to the retracted position, the tongue 25 moves through the mouth 23 and across the holes 52. After the holes 52 are cleared by the tongue 25, the latch pin 47 is inserted through the holes 52 and locked in place by the spring loop 51. The tongue 25 bears on the latch pin 47 and precludes unintentional movement of the tongue 25 and clevis 37 from the retracted position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the component parts are substantially identical with the load binder of FIGS. 1-5, and corresponding reference numerals will be utilized Wherever possible. The basic distinction resides in the difierent construction of the safety lock. For example, in this embodiment of FIG. 6, a transverse hole 53 is provided in the tongue 25, the hole 53 clearing the jaws 24 when the tongue and clevis 37 are disposed in the retracted position. A latch pin 54 is selectively inserted through the hole 53 and engages the opposed jaws 24 to preclude return movement of the tongue 25 through the mouth 23 and between the jaws 24, and retains the tongue 25 and clevis 37 in the retracted position. To avoid loss of the latch pin 54, the pin 54 is carried by [a chain 55 fastened to link 32.

The load binder of FIGS. 7-9 inclusive is of slightly difierent construction than the load binder of FIGS. 1-5 inclusive. In this embodiment, the lever 56 includes an elongate handle 57 formed of contiguous, mating plates that are spaced at one end to provide a mouth 60 between opposed jaws 61. The jaws 61 have an angular configuration to form an arcuate heel 62.

The tongue 63, constituting the first tension member, includes a shank 64 located in the mouth 60 and between the jaws 61, the shank 64 being pivotally mounted near the ends of the jaws 61 by pivot pin 65. The tongue 63 includes a hook 66 integral with the shank 64.

The clevis 37, constituting the second tension member, embrace the outer sides of jaws 61. The clevis 67 includes spaced clevis arms 70 interconnected by an integral bridge 71. The clevis arms 70 are pivotally connected to the jaws 61 inwardly of the pivot pin 65 by another pivot pin 72. A hook 73 is swivelly mounted to the clevis bridge 71.

The safety lock includes a latch pin 47 of substantially the same type and construction as the latch pin 47 previously described with respect to the embodiemnt of FIGS. 1-5 inclusive. However, in this embodiment the pin 47 is adapted to interfit aligned holes 74 formed in the heels 62 of jaws 61, the holes 74 being located rearwardly of the pivot axis defined by pivot pin 72.

To utilize the load binder of FIGS. 7-9, the torque 63 and clevis 67 are located in the extended position illustrated in FIG. 7 so that the

hooks

66 and 73 can be fastened to the load, such as a chain (not shown). After connection to the load, the lever 56 is swung from the position illustrated in FIG. 7 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8 to relatively reverse the longitudinal positions of the pivot axes defined by

pivot pins

65 and 72. When so moved, the tongue 63 and clevis 67 will be moved to the retracted position under tension. In this retracted position, the shank 64 of tongue 63 will clear the aligned transverse holes 74 so that the latch pin 47 can be selectively inserted. When the latch pin 47 is attached, as shown in FIG. 9, the shank of the tongue 63 will bear against the latch pin 47 and will be precluded from moving relative to the jaws 61 in a direction such as would cause a return of the tongue 63 and clevis 67 back to the extended position.

In order to release the load binder, the latch pin 47 must be removed first. Then the lever 56 can be swung from the position shown in FIG. -8 to the position shown in FIGURE 7 so as to relatively reverse the longitudinal positions of the pivot axes defined by

pivot pins

72 and 65, and thereby move the tongue 63 and clevis 67 to the extended position and release the tension exerted on the chain (not shown).

Although the invention has been described by making detailed reference to several embodiments, such detail is to be understood in an instructive, rather than in any restrictive sense, many variants being possible within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a load binder:

(a) an elongate lever including a handle and a furcate end with a mouth between jaws,

(b) a first tension member pivotally mounted to the jaws and located in the mouth,

(c) a second tension member pivotally mounted to the jaws and located externally of the mouth,

(d) the pivot axes of the tension members being relatively spaced longitudinally of the jaws,

(e) the lever being disposed in one relative position of the pivot axes to hold the tension members extended, and being disposed in a relatively reversed position of the pivot axes to hold the tension members retracted, and

(f) a safety lock selectively interconnecting at least one of the jaws with one of the tension members to preclude unintentional movement of the tension members from the retracted position, g) the safety lock includes a latch pin,

(h) the jaws being provided with transversely aligned holes receiving the latch pin between the jaws, said holes being located outwardly of said second tension member wherein the retracted position, the latch pin blocking pivotal movement of said one tension member in one direction relative to the jaws to preclude unintentional movement of the tension members from the retracted position.

2. A load binder as defined in claim 1, in which:

(i) the latch pin engages the said first tension member to preclude pivotal movement of the first tension member within the jaws from its relative retracted position.

3. A load binder as defined in claim 2, in which:

(j) the said first tension member is pivotally mounted on a first pivot axis located near the ends of the jaws,

(k) the said second tension member is pivotally mounted on a second pivot axis located at a distance inwardly of the first pivot axis, and

(l) the said aligned holes are located at a distance inwardly of the second pivot axis.

4. A load binder as defined in claim 2, in which:

(j) the said second tension member is pivotally mounted on a second pivot axis located near the ends of the aws,

(k) the said first tension member is pivotally mounted on a first pivot axis located at a distance inwardly of the second pivot axis, and

(l) the aligned holes are located near the ends of the jaws outwardly of the second pivot axis,

(In) the handle of the elongate lever blocks pivotal movement of said first tension member in the other direction.

5. A load binder as defined in claim 1, in which:

(i) the aligned holes are located near the ends of the jaws outwardly of both pivot axes of the tension members, and

(j) the handle of the elongate lever blocks pivotal movement of said one tension member in the other direction.

6. A load binder as defined in claim 1, in which:

(i) an ear is integral with and extends outwardly from each jaw, each ear having an angularly related end portion of smaller cross section than the integrated portion to provide an over-all L-shape,

(k) the clevis arms are provided with keyhole slots receiving the ears substantially without movement longitudinal of the slots, the ears and keyhole slots begin relatively misaligned when the tension members are in extended or retracted positions.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,518,769 12/ 1924 Brunk 280-179 1,972,346 9/1934 Juline 24-68 2,512,491 6/ 1950 Durbin 25478 BENJAMIN HERSH, Primary Examiner.

I. SIEGEL, Assistant Examiner.