US3826469A

US3826469A - Over-center load binder with variable mechanical advantage

Info

Publication number: US3826469A
Application number: US00187467A
Authority: US
Inventors: B Ratcliff; R Ratcliff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-10-07
Filing date: 1971-10-07
Publication date: 1974-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-30
Also published as: CA990939A

Abstract

An improved over-center type load binder having means to provide a variable mechanical advantage in conjunction with binding or unbinding a load and to facilitate unbinding a load in quick release fashion under safe operating conditions. The binder is defined by an elongated operating lever having a clevis configuration at one end, a pivoted yoke mounted adjacent such end, and a movable shank also mounted adjacent such end. Curved slots are formed in the clevis arm of the lever and the shank is provided with a pin which extends into such slots for rolling engagement with edge margins thereof. As the lever is moved towards the closed or load binding position, the location and configuration of the slots impart a variable mechanical advantage to the binder. Additionally, during movement of the lever toward the open or unbinding position, initial movement of the lever for a predetermined distance is under full control of the operator so that ''''flying'''' of the lever is obviated to minimize the chance of injury to the operator of the binder.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 Ratcliff et a1.

1 July 30, 1974 Primary E.\'aminerAl Lawrence Smith Assistant ExaminerRobert C. Watson 5 7 ABSTRACT An improved over-center type load binder having means to provide a variable mechanical advantage in conjunction with binding or unbinding a load and to facilitate unbinding a load in quick release fashion under safe operating conditions. The binder is defined by an elongated operating lever having a clevis configuration at one end, a pivoted yoke mounted adjacent such end, and a movable shank also mounted adjacent such end. Curved slots are formed in the clevis arm of the lever and the shank is provided with a pin which extends into such slots for rolling engagement with edge margins thereof. As the lever is moved towards the closed or load binding position, the location and configuration of the slots impart a variable mechanical advantage to the binder. Additionally, during movement of the lever toward the open or unbinding position, initial movement of the lever for a predetermined distance is under full control of the operator so that flying of the lever is obviated to minimize the chance of injury to the operator of the binder.

28 Claims, 11 Drawing igures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of devices for binding a load, and more particularly to the field of over-center type load binders in which an operating lever, having generally a dog-leg configuration, with yoke and shank members connected therewith, is movable between first and second positions for selectively binding or unbinding a load secured by hold-down elements operatively connected with the shank and yoke members by suitable means, such as grab hook members attached to the yoke and shank members. The load binder of this invention may be utilized in any environment where prior known over-center load binders have been employed heretofore.

The field of this invention particularly relates to improved over-center load binders having safety characteristics and variable mechanical advantage features heretofore unknown in conjunction with movement of the over-center operating lever from an open or load unbinding position towards a closed or load binding position, and vice versa. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the field of load binders which are imparted with improved operating features'which are effective during load binding and unbinding to assist the operator in reducing this energy output and to produce enhanced safety during both binding and unbinding a load.

The improved load binder of this invention is particularly well adapted for securing together or tensioning load hold-down elements positioned around the load on a supporting platform. That is, the load binder of this invention is intended, among other uses, to bridge the gap between the ends of load hold-down elements which are positioned to extend around a load to be sustained upon or bound to a load supporting surface.

DESCRIPTION OF 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 disclosed in the patents to Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 2,089,679 dated Aug. 10, 1937, and Stacy, U.S. Pat. No. 1,538,412 dated May 19, 1925. Certain shortcomings in such long known types of conventional over-center load binders have been rectified .within recent years by patented improvements thereto, such as the improvements detailed in Ratcliff, U.S. Pat. No. 3,271,007 dated Sept. 6, 1966; Ratcliff, U.S. Pat. No. 3,395,892 dated Aug. 6, 1968; and Ratcliff, U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,141 dated July 6,1971.

However, prior known over-center load binders, including those embodying recent improvements as noted, do not incorporate or utilize therein the particular improved variable mechanical advantage features and specific safety features of the binder of this invention. While such improvements in the noted Ratcliff patents include features which impart greatly enhanced safety characteristics and improved operating features thereto in comparison to conventional over-center load binders of the type in use for many years prior to their development, such improved patented binders do not incorporate therein the specific and novel features of this invention. In that regard, while Ratcliff U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,141 incorporates therein an operating lever having a clevis portion at one end thereof in which slots are formed in each of the clevis arms for receiving a pin therein in movable relationship during binding and unbinding operation, such Ratcliff patent does not possess the variable mechanical advantage features of this invention and the structural details for providing such features.

It should be understood, of course, that the Ratcliff patents noted previously are substantial improvements over the prior art known before their development, the particular features emphasized herein have been specially designed as additional specific improvements over the prior art, including the prior Ratcliff patents noted.

The present invention retains the basic construction of a conventional over-center load binder of the type known for many years and adds thereto improved structural features and operating mechanisms not heretofore known. That is, the general configuration and structural features recognized by and long accepted by users of over-center load binders in the trade are retained by the subject binder while at the same time providing improved operating characteristics and safety features noted at a cost which is generally competitive with conventional over-center load binders of the type long known.

In that connection, the improved mechanical advantage features and safety features of the present invention are provided by a modified operating handle construction having a slotted clevis portion at one end thereof in which a pin of a shank member is movably positioned. The slots in the clevis arms of the operating lever are specially contoured to impart variable mechanical advantage features to this invention.

While some special design of the operating lever is required at its clevis end, an entire redesign of a conventional binder to produce a structure which is entirely unfamiliar in appearance to those binders commonly used in the trade is not required. Thus, the basically familiar overall design and appearance of conventional binders is retained so that those familiar with such binders are not required to accept an entirely different appearing binder than those with which they are familiar.

Additionally, in basic operation, the present binder is analogous to that of over-center binders long known in the art so that no specific dexterity or change in operating function need be learned by an operator utilizing the binder of this invention.

Thus, the drawbacks of certain prior known overcenter load binders are overcome by the present invention in a structure which retains the basic advantages for which conventional over-center load binders have been long accepted. That is, the subject load binder retains the advantages of durability, simplicity, low cost and strength with comparative light weight, and one man operability, while at the same time providing improved operating and safety features therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an improved device for binding a load or tensioning a load hold-down element, and more particularly to an overcenter type load binder having means provided in conjunction with operative components thereof which are releasably engageable with load hold-down elements to be utilized to secure a load to be'sustained or bound thereby.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an over-center type load binder'd'efrned by three principal operating components; namely: (1) an elongated generally dog-leg contoured operating lever having a clevis portion at one end thereof; (2) a yoke member pivotally connected with the clevis end of the binder operating lever; and (3) a shank member movably connected with the operating lever in slots provided at the clevis end thereof. Means are connected with the shank and yoke which permit the binder to be operatively engaged with load hold-down elements. Such means may take various forms 'but in conformance with the construction of conventional over-center load binders well accepted in the trade, such means in the illustrated embodiment comprise grab hook members connected by swivels with the binder components noted.

Improved operating and safety features are imparted to the subject binder by providing curved, generally arcuate slots in the opposed clevisarms of the operating lever in which opposite ends of a pin positioned to extend through the binder shank member are receivable for selective movement in theslots as the binder is moved between a load binding and load unbinding position, and vice versa. The slots in the operating lever clevis arms are designed to impart a variable mechanical advantage to the binder which facilitates operation thereof under safer conditions and with less operator effort than heretofore required in conventional load binders. Also, the slots in the operating lever clevis arms are designed so that initial movement of the operating lever from the load binding position under load conditions may be effected while the lever is still under control of the operator and without danger of the lever flying in the manner well known with conventional over-center load binders. Such lever flying characteristic of conventional binders frequently and commonly results in personal injuryto and even death of the operator.

With the present binder,leverflying is precluded be cause movement of the lever is under full control of the operator during initial movement of the lever from the binding position until the operating lever has reached the over-center position at which flying would normally occur with a conventional binder. However, by the time the operating lever has reached that position, sufficient tension has already been released from the load hold-down elements engaged with the binder so that the danger of lever flying and operator injury is obviated.

, Thus, the improved operating and safety features of this invention are imparted into an improved construction of the type heretofore unknown in the over-center load binder art.

From the foregoing it should be understood that objects of this invention include the provision of an improved over-center load binder which incorporates therein improved operating and safety features heretofore unknown; the provision of an over-center load binder which possesses variable mechanical advantage features which facilitate utilization thereof during load binding and unbinding; the provision in an over-center load binder of means for preventing operator injury during unbinding of a load held thereby; and the provision in an over-center load binder of improved interconnected-slot and pin structure on an operating lever and a shank member operatively engaged with load hold-down elements to impart a variable mechanical advantage to the binder which is utilizable during load a binding and unbinding operations.

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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a generally schematic view showing the subject binder employed to hold a series of cylindrical objects, such as logs, in place on a load supporting surface.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the load binder with the operating lever thereof shown in closed or load binding orientation.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the binder taken in the plane of line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

. FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a portion of the binder taken in the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 isa vertical sectional view through a portion of the binder taken in the plane of line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are side elevational views of the binder illustrating the sequence of operation thereof as the operating lever is moved from the open or load unbinding position to the load binding position.

FIG. 8 is a generally schematic view illustrating the relative positions of the shank member mounting pin in the operating lever clevis arm slots during the sequence of movement as a load is being bound.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of the subject binder.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a portion of the modified binder taken in the plane of line 1010 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partially cut away side elevational view of a portion of a further modified embodiment of the subject binder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In keeping with the aforementioned advantages which make over-center type load binders attractive to users, the binder of this invention, generally designated 1, is simple in construction and-comprisesa minimum number of operating parts of sturdy'metal, such as steel. The illustrated embodiment is defined by three principal operatively interconnected components,

.namely an elongated manually operable operating lever 2, a yoke member 3 and a shank member 4.

The yoke and shank members each include means associated therewith by which the binder may be operatively connected with load hold-down elements in known fashion. In that connection, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the embodiment illustrated utilizes conventional grab hook and swivel constructions for engaging the binder with load hold-down elements. That is, at its free end 6 the shank 4 is formed with an internal ball shaped socket 7 in which a link 8 having an enlarged ball shaped end 9 is swivelly received. The opposite end of link 8 is connected with a conventional grab hook 13 by a chain link 12.

The free end 16 of yoke 3 similarly is provided with an internal ball shaped socket 17 in which a link 18 corresponding in construction to link 8 just described is swivelly received and with which a conventional grab hook 19 is connected by a chain link 21. In that regard, the end 16 of yoke 3 is defined by a separate socket forming member which is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the end of the body of the yoke to'facilitate manufacture thereof.

FIG. 1 shows the binder l in an illustrative load binding arrangement in which the respective grab hooks 13 and 19 are engaged with load hold-down

elements

22 and 23 positioned around a load to be bound. Such load, for purposes of illustration, comprises a stack of logs L positioned on a load supporting surface such as a logging trailer (not shown) and held in place thereon by the hold-down

elements

22 and 23 positioned therearound. The load binder 1 bridges the gap between adjacent ends of the hold-down elements and tensions the same to prevent shifting of the load when the operating lever 2 of the binder is in the closed or load binding position. As noted previously, the ends of the respective hold-down elements are defined by short lengths of

coil chain

22 and 23 with which the grab hooks 13 and 19 are engaged in known fashion as betterseen in FIG. 2. Other types of load hold-down elements obviously may be employed if preferred.

It should be understood that operating lever 2 is manipulated in the fashion well known with over-center load binders to move the same between the closed or load binding position shown in FIG. 2 to the, open or load unbinding position shown in FIG. 6. In that connection, when the grab hooks 13 and 19V onthe shank 4 and yoke 3 are connected with the respective load hold-down

elements

22 and 23 as noted, tension is applied to the hold-down elements by drawing the shank and yoke towards each other as the operating lever 2 is moved toward and beyond its over-center position during movement of the lever from the load unbinding position of FIG. 6 towards the load binding position of FIG. 2. So long as the operating lever remains in the load binding position, tension is maintained on the load hold-down elements to preclude the load from shifting due to the over-center relationship of the components which is characteristic of binders of the type in which this invention is embodied.

It should be understood that the improvements to conventional over-center binders imparted by this invention reside in modifications made to the construction of the operating lever, the yoke and the shank as will be described.

As seen in FIG. 2, the operating lever includes a graspable handle portion 26 at one end thereof and a clevis portion 27 at its opposite end, the latter being defined by two parallel laterally spaced

arms

28 and 29, respectively, which are joined with each other and with the handle portion of the operating lever between opposite ends of the lever at a location generally designated 31. As best seen in FIG. 6, each of the clevis arms is similarly contoured and each includes an offset portion generally designated 32 which imparts a dog-leg configuration to the operating lever in a fashion characteristic of over-center type load binders. Such offset portion is formed on the lever on the outer side thereof, that is, the side opposite and spaced from the yoke 3 when the lever is in the load binding position of FIG. 2'

Formed in the offset portion of each of the clevis arms of the operating lever is an opening defined by a curved slot 36, the configuration of which may be described as generally arcuate in that the opposite edges or

margins

37 and 38 thereof are formed generally as the arcs of circles for at least part of their length. Each slot generally traverses the longitudinal axis of the operating lever; that is, each slot extends generally transversely of the lever rather than longitudinally thereof. The opposed slots are identically contoured and aligned with each other. The ends 39 and 41, respectively, of the slots 36 are provided with semi-circular configurations adapted to receive thereagainst a round pin to be described.

It will be noted from FIGS. 6 and 8 that each of the slots 36 tapers or decreases in width from end 41 towards end 39 thereof. It will also be noted, as perhaps best seen from FIG. 8, that each of the slots 36 is provided with a generally straight portion or section 42 for a predetermined length of edge 37 thereof, the purpose and function of which will be described hereinafter. The remainder of edge 37 is defined by the arc of a circle which merges with said generally straight portion intermediate the slot ends.

The slots 36 form means for operatively and movably connecting the shank member 4 with the operating lever and in that regard reference is directed to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. As noted in those figures, the shank is defined by a generally flat body 46 terminating in an enlarged rounded end 47 having a bore 48 extending therethrough. A connecting pin 49 having a tapered section 51 at at least one of its ends is positioned within bore 48. The tapered end 51 is provided to facilitate positioning of the connecting pin within bore 48.

In that regard, it will be noted that a connector in the form of a resilient split ring 52 is received within a groove 53 formed generally intermediate the opposite ends of pin 49. Such split ring extends around the periphery of the pin in the groove for a major portion of the length of the groove, as best seen in FIG. 5, and is interposed between the pin and a cooperating groove 54 formed centrally of bore 48 in shank member 4.

The split ring may be compressed as required to position the same within groove 54 in the shank 4 prior to introduction of pin 49 therein. When the split ring is thus positioned in groove 54 in the shank member, the pin 49 may be urged with its tapered 'end 51 first against the split ring to expand the ring into the groove 54 an amount sufiicient to allow the pin to pass through the split ring until the slot 53 inthe pin is aligned with the split ring. At that time, the ring contracts due to its resilience so that the same lies partially within each of groove 54 and groove 53 to positively hold the pin in the operative position shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the. pin is substantially permanently connected with the shank member 4 and may be removed therefrom only by destroying the split ring if the pin is forcibly removed from the shank member.

It should also be understood from FIG. 4 that the pin is inserted into bore 48 after the end 47 of the shank member 4 has ben positioned between the

arms

28 and 29 of the clevis end of the operating lever. When the shank is thus positioned, the split ring is used to pivotally and movably secure the shank to the operating lever in the manner described with the opposite ends of the pin 49 received within the opposed slots 36 in the clevis portion of the lever as seen in FIG. 4.

Thus, the shank member is positively connected with the operating lever and is movable between opposite ends 39 and 41 of the slots 36. In that regard, because the pin 49 is of slightly less diameter than bore 48 in the shank member, the pin may rotate in the shank member and accordingly it may also rotate relative to the operating lever as the shank member moves from one end of the slots 36 towards the other end thereof during binding or unbinding of the load binder. Such rolling movement cuts down friction and facilitates creation of the variable mechanical advantage produced by the subject binder as noted previously and in the manner to be described. I,

The yoke 3 is pivotally connected with the operating lever in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 closely adjacent the end of the dog-leg portion of the

clevis arms

28 and 29 of the operating lever. In that regard, during formation by forging, casting or other suitable means, the operating lever is provided adjacent its end with oppositely projecting aligned pivot pins 56 and 57 which are integral therewith as best seen in'FIG. 3. The yoke 3 is defined by a pair of laterally spaced

legs

58 and 59 which have apertures 61 and 62, respectively, formed therein to accommodate the pivot pins 56 and 57.

In that regard, although the yoke is formed from a suitable metal as noted, it may initially be formed with the legs thereof formed in non-parallel relationship to permit the same to be received in alignment with the pivot pins 56 and 57, after which the legs may be physically deformed into the parallel relationship shown in FIG. 3 to retain the yoke in engagement with the pivot pins. Alternatively, the

legs

58 and 59 of the yokemay be formed in parallel relationship as seen in FIG. 3 and temporarily distorted to accommodate the pivot pins 56 and 57 therein during assembly of the binder components.

Thus, it will be understood that the shank member 4 and the yoke 3 are both pivotally connected with the reaches the position in which the slots 36 extend generally horizontally (referring to FIG. 6 coupled with FIG. 8) the pin 49 will move along the edge margins 37 of the respective slots, such movement normally being accompanied by rotation of the pin within the bore 48 of the shank member and along the edges 37 of the slots.

When such position is reached, as noted in FIG. 8, pin 49 will move from the right hand dotted line position to the center dotted line position shown in FIG. 8. Continued movement of the operating handle in the direction of the arrow shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will cause the pin to continue its movement until it reaches the opposite larger ends 41 of the slots 36, in which position the binder is in the closed or load binding position shown in FIG. 2. Such movement is accompanied by a variance in the amount of mechanical advantage produced which works in the operators favor to facilitate load binding.

In that regard, and again referring to FIG. 8, it will be noted that the generally straight section 42 of the edge 37 of the respective slots comes into play when the binder reaches the dead center position. Such straight edge section permits-the lever to move rapidly to the fully closed position without requiring substantial additional force after the dead center position has been reached.

The slot configuration thus facilitates binding and produces a variable mechanical advantage which works operating lever 2 with the shank member being additionally movably connected thereto for lateral movement within the limits imposed by slots 36. Referring to FIG. 2, it will be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, yoke 3 is pivotally connected with the operating lever at a position between the end of the operating lever and the slots 36. With an alternative embodiment to be described hereinafter, the center of pivotal movement of the shank relative to the operating lever is changed to overlie the slots as will be described hereinafter with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10.

Comparing FIGS. 2 and 6 through 8, the operation of the subject load binder will'be described. In that regard. in FIG. 6 the binder is illustrated in the open or unbinding position in which pin 49'is received at the smaller ends 39 of the slots 36 and with the yoke 3 and shank 4 generally in axial alignment with each other. When in such position, the grab hooks 13 and 19 may be secured within suitable links of chain of the

holddown elements

22 and 23 in known fashion. When thus engaged, the operating lever may be manually grasped at its end 26 by the operator thereof and moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6, which draws the yoke and shank towards each other thereby applying tension to the load hold-down elements and tightening the load held thereby. It will be understood that during initial movement of the operating lever downwardly in FIG. 6, pin 49 will remain engaged with the ends 39 of the slots 36. However, when the operating lever in the operators favor during load binding thereby substantially decreasing the amount of manual effort required to apply maximum tension to the

load holddown elements

22 and 23 engaged with the yoke and shank members of the binder.

In unbinding, the operation just described is reversed by moving the operating lever 2 from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 6. Such unbinding is accompanied by safety features incorporated into the binder. Because the mechanical advantage of the binder is under control of the operator during the initial stages of unbinding, the dangers inherent in conventional over-center binders are not present with the subject binder. That is, because of the specific design of the slots 36, and particularly the generally straight edge portions 42 thereof, initial movement of the operating lever toward the open position is under full control of the operator'and by the time the operating lever reaches the over-center position shown generally in FIG. 7, a substantial amount of tension has already been released from the load hold-down

elements

22 and 23 engaged with the binder. Thus, the tendency of the operating lever to fly is greatly minimized if not completely eliminated with the present construction.

Furthermore, unbinding is facilitated because pin 49 is free to rotate in slots 36 as the operating lever reaches the dead center position, and prior thereto, which results in a quick release of tension from the load hold-down elements without attendant lever flying.

It should be noted that when the operating lever is in the closed or load binding position shown in FIG. 2, the over-center relationship, and the particular design of the slots 36, maintain the operating lever in the closed position so that accidental unlocking thereof is posi tively obviated.

With the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, the novel features emphasized herein before, particularly the operating features by which the mechanical advantage of the binder is increased progressively as the pin 49 moves through slots 36 closer to the dead center position, are produced. Those same advantages are present in the modified embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In that latter regard, the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and incorporates the same basic features of the FIGS. 1 through 8 embodiment and corresponding reference numerals primed are utilized to identify corresponding parts in each of the embodiments. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the clevis portion of the operating lever 2' is modified somewhat in design compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 8 so that the curved slots 36 may be positioned forwardly as far as practically possible in the clevis portion of the operating lever, without sacrificing strength, so that the pin 49' may pass through the pivot center 71 of the yoke 3 during binding and unbinding. Such rearrangement of the slot and the pivot center for the yoke 3' allows the maximum mechanical advantage in binding and unbinding and produces additional features of safety and operator control.

While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is a specific modification over that described previously herein, the basic operating features are the same as noted. In that connection, to permit the pivot center 71 of the yoke to be moved to overlie the slots 36 as seen in FIG. 9, it is necessary to slightly modify the construction of the operating lever. In that regard, the end of the operating lever is provided with enlarged outwardly directed

boss members

66 and 67 which traverse or straddle the respective slots 36 in the fashion best seen in FIG. 10. Pivot pins 56 and 57' project from the boss members and the yoke 3 is pivotally mounted thereon. With the arrangement shown, the connecting pin 49' passes throughthe pivot center 71 of the yoke as the lever passes the dead center position, thereby producing the maximum mechanical advantage during binding and unbinding, while also producing the other desirable operating features mentioned previously.

Except for the relocation of the pivot center of yoke 3, the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is essentially the same as the previously described embodiment. However, it will be noted that the redesigned construction of the operating lever also results in a somewhat different orientation of the slots 36' when compared with the slots 36 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 8. That is, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, slots 36' extend generally transversely of the operating lever for a substantial portion of their length for the reasons mentioned previously. However, the inner portions ofslots 36 extend somewhat more longitudinally of the lever than do slots 36. Such slight directional modification of the slots does not alter the basic operating characteristics of the binder, however.

The two embodiments of the binder illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 1 0 positively remain in the load binding positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 under all rough usage conditions due to the over-center orientation of the operating lever when in the closed position as noted previously. However, if it is desired to impart even more secure load binding capability to the subject binder, positive holding means may be provided in conjunction with the slots formed in the spaced arms of the operating lever clevis portion. Such means is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11 and comprises detent structure provided at the ends of the curved slots formed in the lever clevis portion.

I In that regard, such detent structure is shown in FIG. 11 in conjunction with the embodiment of the binder seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. It should be understood, of course, that such detent structure may also be incorporated into the binder embodiment seen in FIGS. I through 8.

The detent structure which comprises the positive holding means in the FIG. 11 embodiment is defined by a recess or groove 72 formed at the end of each of the slots 36 in the operating lever clevis

arms

28 and 29. Also, the

boss members

66 and 67 may also be recessed or relieved slightly as indicated at 73. Each detent recess thus formed at the end of the lever arm slots 36' preferably is contoured to conform to the size and shape of pin 49 so that the pin may be securely and compatibly received in each detent recess as seen in FIG. 11.

The detent recesses shown not only provide a positive locking of the binder lever in the closed position, but additionally impart additional control over the lever during initial stages of load unbinding to provide more operator control with increased safety by obviating lever flying as the binder passes through the dead center position.

In that regard, while the detent structure shown in FIG. 11 is provided at the ends of slots 36 which terminate in the over-center position, if desired such detent structure could be provided in line with the dead center position of the operating lever. In such case, the detent structure would impart positive resistance to accidental movement of the lever from the closed dead center position when under load. Such further modification could be effective by terminating the slots 36 generally in line with the dead center position of the binder so that the detent recesses 72 would be oriented as noted at such dead center position.

Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention and two preferred embodiments thereof, reference is directed to the appended claims for the scope of protection to be afforded thereto.

We claim:

1. In an over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load without manual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load binding position, comprising an operating lever having an offset dog leg portion at one end thereof, a yoke pivotally connected with said lever in said offset portion, and a shank movably connected with said lever in said offset portion, the improvement comprising,

A. a curved slot formed in said lever offset portion and extending, generally transversely thereof, and

B. a pin received in said shank and projecting laterally thereof and extending intosaid slot in said lever,

I. said pin being movable in said slot during movement of said lever between an over-center load binding position and a load unbinding position to permit movement of said shank between opposite ends of said slot during load binding and unbinding to impart variable mechanical advantage features to said binder,

2. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbinding position toward said load binding position passing through and beyond a dead center location, whereby said lever will remain in said load binding position until physically moved therefrom,

C. said slot being generally arcuate in overall contour but including a generally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which said pin is received when said binder is in said load binding position to facilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever with attendant safety.

2. The binder of claim 1 in which said pin is rotatably received within said shank in a bore extending therethrough so that said pin is rollable along an edge margin of said slot during movement of said lever between load binding and unbinding positions.

3. The binder of claim 1 in which the remainder of said edge of said slot is formed as the arc of a circle and merges with said generally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.

4. The binder of claim 1 in which said offset portion of said lever is clevis shaped and is defined by two generally parallel spaced arms each of which has a curved slot therein, the slots in said arms being generally identically contoured and aligned with each other, said pin extending laterally through a bore in said shank and projecting from said shank in opposite directions with opposite ends thereof received within said slots to movably connect said shank between said lever arms.

5. The binder of claim 4in which said pin is provided with a peripheral groove intermediate its ends, said bore in said shank is provided with an internal groove, and a resilient split ring is interposed between said pin and said shank within said grooves to substantially permanently join said shank to said pin and thereby to said lever.

6. The binder of claim 1 which further includes detent structure at said one end of said slot for receiving said pin therein when said lever is in said load binding position.

7. The binder of claim 6 in which said detent structure comprises a pin receiving recess at said end of said slot.

8. The binder of claim 4 in which said slots are formed inwardly of the end of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotally connected with said lever at a location between. said slot and said lever offset portion end.

9. The binder of claim 4 in which said binder offset portion is provided with boss members on said arms thereof which traverse said slots in said arms, said yoke being pivotally connected with said boss members generally in alignment with said slots.

10. In a load binder of the over-center type comprising A. an operating lever,

B. a yoke member movably connected with said lever adjacent an end thereof, and

C. a shank member also movably connected with said lever adjacent said end thereof,

D. means connecting said shank member with said lever comprising 1. an opening in said lever,

2. a pin extending through a bore provided in said shank,

3. said pin and bore having aligned grooves therein,

and

4. a resilient split ring connector interposed between said pin and said shank within said grooves to substantially permanently join said pin to said shank,

5. at least part of said pin projecting into said lever opening to join said shank with said lever. 11. The binder of claim 10 in which said lever end is defined by l. a pair of spaced generally parallel arms between which said shank is positioned, 2. each of said arms having an opening therein, said pin projecting laterally in opposite directions from said'shank with opposite ends thereof received in said lever arm openings. 12.'The binder of claim 10 in which one end of said pin is tapered to facilitate insertion thereof through said split ring to effect expansion thereof when said pin and shank are interconnected with said lever.

13. An over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load without manual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load binding position, comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portion comprising laterally spaced arms defining one end thereof,

B. a yoke pivotally connected with said lever offset portion,

C. a shank movably connected with said lever offset portion between said arms thereof,

D. generally curved opposed aligned slots formed in said arms of said offset portion and extending generally laterally thereof, and

E. a pin extending through a bore in said shank and "rotatably retained therein,

1. opposite ends of said pin projecting into said slots and rollably engaged with edge margins thereof, said movable connection provided between said shank and said lever offset portion by said rollable pin moving in said slots imparting variable mechanical advantage features to said binder during movement with said lever between load unbinding and load binding positions,

F. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbinding position toward said load binding position passing through and beyond a dead center location, whereby said lever will remain in said load'binding position until physically moved therefrom,

G. said slots each being generally arcuate in overall contour but including a generally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which ,said pin is received when said binder is in said load binding position to facilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever with attendant safety.

14. The binder of claim 13 which further includes H. means connected with a free end of each said yoke and said shank for engaging said binder with a load hold-down element.

15. The binder of claim 13 in which the remainder of said edge of each said slot is formed as the are of a circle and merges with said generally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.

16. The binder of claim 13 in which said pin is provided with a peripheral groove intermediate its ends, said bore in said shank is provided with an internal groove, and a resilient split ring is interposed between said pin and said shank within said grooves to substantially permanently join said shank to said pin and thereby to said lever.

17. The binder of claim 13 in which said slots are formed inwardly of the end of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotally connected with said lever at a location between said slot and said lever offset portion end.

18. The binder of claim 13 in which said lever offset portion is provided with boss members on said arms thereof which traverse said slots in said arms, said yoke being pivotally connected with said boss members generally in alignment with said slots.

19. The binder of claim 13 which further includes H. detent structure provided at said one ends of said slots for receiving said pin therein when said lever is in said load binding position.

20. The binder of claim 19 in which said detent structure comprises a pin receiving recess at said end of each of said slots.

21. In an over-center load binder comprising an operating lever having an offset dog leg portion at one end thereof, a yoke pivotally connected with said lever in said offset portion, and a shank movably connected with said lever in said offset portion,

A. said lever offset portion being clevis shaped and defined by two generally parallel spaced arms each of which has a curved slot therein which extends generally transversely thereof,

1. said slots in said arms being generally identically contoured and aligned with each other, and

B. a pin extending through a bore provided in said shank and projecting laterally from said shank in opposite directions, opposite ends of said pin being received with said slots in said arms of said lever offset portion and movably connecting said shank with said lever between said arms,

1. said pin being movable in said slots during movement of said lever between load binding and unbinding positions to permit movement of said shank between opposite endsof said slots during load binding and unbinding to impart variable mechanical advantage features to said binder,

2. said pin having a peripheral groove intermediate its ends,

3. said bore in said shank having an internal groove therein, and

4. a resilient split ring interposed between said pin and said shank within said grooves to substantially permanently join said shank to said pin and thereby to said lever.

22. An over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load without manual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load binding position, comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portion comprising laterally spaced arms defining one end thereof,

B. a yoke pivotally connected with said lever offset 14 portion,

E. a pin extending through a bore in said shank and retained therein,

1. opposite ends of said pin projecting into said slots and being movably engaged with edge margins thereof, said movable connection provided between said shank and said lever offset portion by said pin moving in said slots imparting variable mechanical advantage features to said binder during movement of said lever between load unbinding and load binding positions,

F. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbinding position towards said load binding position passing through and beyond a dead center location, whereby said lever will remain in said load binding position until physically moved therefrom,

G. said slots each being generally arcuate in overall contour but including a generally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which said pin is received when said binder is in said load binding position to facilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever with attendant safety.

23. The binder of claim 22 which further includes H. means connected with a free end of each said yoke and said shank for engaging said binder with a load hold-down element.

24. The binder of claim 22 in which the remainder of said edge of each of said slot is formed as the arc of a circle and merges with said generally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.

25. The binder of claim 22 in which said slots are formed inwardly of the end of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotally connected with said lever at a location between said slots and said lever offset portion end.

26. The binder of claim 22 in which said lever offset portion is provided with boss members on said arms thereof which traverse said slots in said arms, said yoke being pivotally connected with said boss members generally in alignment with said slots.

27. The binder of claim 22 which further includes H. detent structure provided at said one ends of said slots for receiving said pin therein when said lever is in said load binding position.

28. The binder of claim 27 in which said detent structure comprises a pin receiving recess at said end of each of said slots.

l i i

Claims

1. In an over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load without manual assistance when said binder is in an overcenter load binding position, comprising an operating lever having an offset dog leg portion at one end thereof, a yoke pivotally connected with said lever in said offset portion, and a shank movably connected with said lever in said offset portion, the improvement comprising, A. a curved slot formed in said lever offset portion and extending generally transversely thereof, and B. a pin received in said shank and projecting laterally thereof and extending into said slot in said lever, 1. said pin being movable in said slot during movement of said lever between an over-center load binding position and a load unbinding position to permit movement of said shank between opposite ends of said slot during load binding and unbinding to impart variable mechanical advantage features to said binder, 2. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbinding position toward said load binding position passing through and beyond a dead center location, whereby said lever will remain in said load binding position until physically moved therefrom, C. said slot being generally arcuate in overall contour but including a generally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which said pin is received when said binder is in said load binding position to facilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever with attendant safety.

2. each of said arms having an opening therein, said pin projecting laterally in opposite directions from said shank with opposite ends thereof received in said lever arm openings.

2. a pin extending through a bore provided in said shank,

2. said pin having a peripheral groove intermediate its ends,

2. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbinding position toward said load binding position passing through and beyond a dead center location, whereby said lever will remain in said load binding position until physically moved therefrom, C. said slot being generally arcuate in overall contour but including a generally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which said pin is received when said binder is in said load binding position to facilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever with attendant safety.

3. said bore in said shank having an internal groove therein, and

3. said pin and bore having aligned grooves therein, and

5. The binder of claim 4 in which said pin is provided with a peripheral groove intermediate its ends, said bore in said shank is provided with an internal groove, and a resilient split ring is interposed between said pin and said shank within said grooves to substantially permanently join said shank to said pin and thereby to said lever.

5. at least part of said pin projecting into said lever opening to join said shank with said lever.

8. The binder of claim 4 in which said slots are formed inwardly of the end of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotally connected with said lever at a location between said slot and said lever offset portion end.

10. In a load binder of the over-center type comprising A. an operating lever, B. a yoke member movably connected with said lever adjacent an end thereof, and C. a shank member also movably connected with said lever adjacent said end thereof, D. means connecting said shank member with said lever comprising

11. The binder of claim 10 in which said lever end is defined by

12. The binder of claim 10 in which one end of said pin is tapered to facilitate insertion thereof through said split ring to effect expansion thereof when said pin and shank are interconnected with said lever.

13. An over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load without manual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load binding position, comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portion comprising laterally spaced arms defining one end thereof, B. a yoke pivotally connected with said lever offset portion, C. a shank movably connected with said lever offset portion between said arms thereof, D. generally curved opposed aligned slots formed in said arms of said offset portion and extending generally laterally thereof, and E. a pin extending through a bore in said shank and roTatably retained therein,

15. The binder of claim 13 in which the remainder of said edge of each said slot is formed as the arc of a circle and merges with said generally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.

21. In an over-center load binder comprising an operating lever having an offset dog leg portion at one end thereof, a yoke pivotally connected with said lever in said offset portion, and a shank movably connected with said lever in said offset portion, A. said lever offset portion being clevis shaped and defined by two generally parallel spaced arms each of which has a curved slot therein which extends generally transversely thereof,

22. An over-centEr load binder for positively sustaining a load without manual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load binding position, comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portion comprising laterally spaced arms defining one end thereof, B. a yoke pivotally connected with said lever offset portion, C. a shank movably connected with said lever offset portion between said arms thereof, D. generally curved opposed aligned slots formed in said arms of said offset portion and extending generally laterally thereof, and E. a pin extending through a bore in said shank and retained therein,