WO1999040341A1

WO1999040341A1 - Securing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1999040341A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/002574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert J. Bolcerek
Original assignee: P And S Bolcerek's Incorporated
Priority date: 1998-02-05
Filing date: 1999-02-05
Publication date: 1999-08-12
Also published as: WO1999040341A9; AU3286999A

Abstract

A securing apparatus (10) is provided including a frame (12) defining a pathway therethrough to permit the passage of a flexible tension member (18), a locking member (32) slidably disposed on the frame in communication with the pathway, the locking member; and a control portion (26) operatively associated with the locking member such that movement of the control portion from a first position to a second position moves the locking member from a locked position to a released position. In one aspect of the present disclosure the frame defines a first inclined surface (36) formed therein and the locking member defines a second inclined surface (34) formed thereon, the first and second inclined surfaces being disposed at substantially the same angle such that when moved into proximity with each other the first and second inclined surfaces contact each other along respective lengths thereof. The locking member may include a friction enhancing surface formed thereon. In one aspect, the friction enhancing surface may include a series of protuberances which extend outwardly from the locking member. In another aspect of the presently disclosed securing apparatus, the locking member and the control portion are molded as a unitary member.

Description

SECURING APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to securing apparatus and more particularly securing apparatus used to tie down movable loads.

Background of Related Art

There are many applications wherein securing apparatus are used to tie down or secure loads. A great many such applications may be found in the transportation industry, for example, transported goods carried by various types of vehicles such as cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes. Many previous securing apparatus are bulky, expensive to produce and require a great amount of force to release stored tension in a flexible tension member used with the securing apparatus. Due to these constraints, there are many situations wherein utilizing a securing apparatus is prohibitive for economic, size constraints or even the lack of sufficient strength on the part of a use in non-commercial applications, such as cars or light-duty pick up trucks.

Accordingly, a need exists for securing apparatus which are compact, relatively inexpensive to produce and which are easy to use particularly in applications where a great amount of leverage is not available due to space constraints or the like.

SUMMARY The present disclosure meets the above noted need by providing various embodiments of a securing apparatus which are versatile, lightweight and relatively inexpensive to produce. Further, the present disclosure provides embodiments of a securing apparatus which are convenient and easy to use.

In one particular embodiment the present disclosure provides a securing apparatus which includes a frame defining a pathway therethrough to permit the passage of a flexible tension member, a locking member slidably disposed on the frame in communication with the pathway, the locking member; and a control portion operatively associated with the locking member such that movement of the control portion from a first position to a second position moves the locking member from a locked position to a released position.

Preferably the locking member is a wedge shape. In one aspect of the present disclosure the frame defines a first inclined surface formed therein and the locking member defines a second inclined surface formed thereon, the first and second inclined surfaces being disposed at substantially the same angle such that when moved into proximity with each other the first and second inclined surfaces contact each other along respective lengths thereof.

The control portion may be a handle which is connected to the locking member. Further, the handle may be pivotally attached to the frame and the locking member. In another aspect of the presently disclosed securing apparatus, the locking member includes a friction enhancing surface formed thereon. In one aspect, the friction enhancing surface may include a series of protuberances which extend outwardly from the locking member. In another aspect of the presently disclosed securing apparatus, the locking member and the control portion are molded as a unitary member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 2-2 of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 5-5 of FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a released position;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 8-8 of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a top view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 7, showing a plunger bar being retracted;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 10-10 of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is a top view of a further alternative embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 11, showing a pivot arm rotated to a released position;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 13, showing a wedge being retracted;

FIG. 15 is a top view of yet another embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 16 is a side view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 15 taken at section line 16-16;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 17-17 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 18-18 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 15 showing a released position;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a further alternative embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the apparatus embodiment shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 22-22 of FIG. 20, showing a pair of release handles rotated and a roller carriage and wedges released;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 23-23 of FIG. 21, showing a locking mechanism in a locked position;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 23, showing the locking mechanism in a released position; FIG. 25 is a side view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 20, showing the tension adjusting control arms rotated upward;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 20, showing the tension adjusting control arms rotated downward;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 27; FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 27 showing a pair of handles being rotated to release a pair of flexible tension members;

FIG. 30 is a top view of a joining apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 31-31 of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the joining apparatus of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the joining apparatus embodiment of FIG. 32 with a latch in an open position; FIG. 34 is a partial top view of the embodiment of FIG. 32, showing the latch being rotated into a closed position; and

FIG. 35 is a side view of the joining apparatus embodiment of FIG. 32 showing a thumb screw securing a looped end.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view with parts separated of a further alternative embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section line 37-37 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section line 38-38 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the securing apparatus embodiment of FIG. 36; FIG. 40 is a partial view taken along section line 40-40 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 is a view showing the pattern of a friction enhancing surface of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged side view which shows a pair of adjacent teeth which are formed on the friction enhancing surface of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view with parts separated of an alternative frame embodiment;

FIG. 44 is a partial perspective view showing a securing apparatus of the present disclosure installed in the side wall of a pickup truck;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 45-45 of FIG. 44; and

FIG. 46 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 44 which shows the securing apparatus in an operational position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in specific detail to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIGs. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is designated as securing apparatus 10. Securing apparatus 10 includes a frame or housing 12 preferably made from a resilient material having an appropriate strength. For example, suitable plastics, composites or metals may be utilized and formed using known techniques such as molding, casting or bending. Frame 12 includes a first end portion 14 forming an opening 16 which forms part of a pathway through frame 12 for receiving and directing a first flexible tension member such as a webbing belt. Other suitable flexible tension members may also be utilized in conjunction with securing apparatus 10, for example a belt of either materials, a rope, a cable, etc. Webbing belt 18 is received within first end portion 14 during operation and may be adjusted in accordance with the present disclosure as described in greater detail herein. Frame 12 further includes a second end portion 20 forming an opening 22 for receiving a second flexible tension member such as webbing belt 24. Webbing belt 24 holds securing apparatus 10 to a fixed based or platform (not shown).

Alternatively, securing apparatus 10 may be held in fixed relationship with a fixed based or platform by other suitable means, for example, bolting, welding, hinging, bonding, etc. In FIG. 2, apparatus 10 is shown with webbing belt 18 in a secured position. A control lever such as handle 26 is pivotally connected to frame 12 and pivotally connected to a connecting rod 28. Connecting rod 28 is further pivotally connected to a plunger 30 which in turn is pivotally connected to a slidable locking member such as wedge 32. During operation, release handle 26 is moved to its locked position, connecting rod 28 forces plunger 30 and wedge 32 toward opening 16. Wedge 32 has an inclined upper surface 34 which engages a correspondingly inclined surface 36 formed within first end portion 14 of frame 12. Engagement of inclined surface 34 against inclined surface 36 provides a normal force acting against webbing belt 18 and a lower surface 38 of frame 12 such that webbing belt 18 is frictionally secured between lower surface 38 and a friction enhancing surface 40 provided on wedge 32. Friction enhancing surface 40 may have a high friction liner 42 attached thereto to increase frictional engagement of webbing belt 18. Alternatively, friction enhancing surface 40 may include serrations, raised pointed protuberances or the like for increasing frictional forces. A particularly effective configuration has been found when wedge 32 has inclined surface 34 tapered at an angle of between 5 to 20 degrees. Inclined surface 36 is preferably tapered according to the taper of inclined surface 34.

To provide additional adjustability, webbing belt 18 is threaded through a hole 43 formed through lower surface 38 of frame 12. An end portion 44 may be manually adjusted to appropriately tension webbing belt 18 prior to securing the belt, by moving handle 26 to the locked position.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pivotal connection between plunger 30 and wedge 32 is shown. Wedge 32 with friction liner 42 biases against lower surface 38 and secures webbing belt 18 from slipping. Referring to FIG. 4, plunger 30 is shown having a pair of springs 46 connected thereto. Springs 46 are spaced apart symmetrically along the width of plunger 30. In this manner, springs 46 provide a sufficient bias force to assist an operator in maintaining webbing belt 18 in its secured position when handle 26 is moved to its released position as described in further detail herein below with reference to FIG. 6. Also shown in FIG. 4 is the pivotal connection between plunger 30 and connecting rod 28.

Referring to FIG. 5, the pivotal connection between frame 12 and handle 26 is shown. A rod 48 extends through and beyond handle 26 to provide an easy grip for the operator.

Referring to FIG. 6, webbing belt 18 is shown being released from its secured position. Handle 26 is rotated in the direction of arrow "A". The rotation of handle 26 retracts connecting rod 28 and thereby retracts plunger 30 and wedge 32. By retracting wedge 32, frictional engagement between lower surface 38 and friction enhancing surface 40 is broken thereby releasing webbing belt 18 from its secured position. By rotating handle 26 less than fully, a method of adjusting webbing belt 18 is achieved. Plunger 30 is biased by springs 46 thereby assisting the operator in only partially rotating handle 26 to partially release webbing belt 18 and provide some slack in webbing belt 18 to adjust it to an appropriate tension.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment is shown as securing apparatus 100. Securing apparatus 100 is similar to securing apparatus 10. Accordingly, the following description will focus mainly on those features not found in securing apparatus 10. A frame 112 has a bearing wall 108 disposed thereon. A plunger bar 106 passes through a hole formed through bearing wall 108. Plunger bar 106 attaches to a wedge 32 at a first end 104.

A second end 126 of plunger bar 106 has a control lever such as T-handle 128 attached thereto to provide an easy grip for the operator. Frame 112 includes a first end portion 114 forming an opening 116 for receiving webbing belt 18. Webbing belt 18 is received within first end portion 114 during operation and may be adjusted in accordance with the present disclosure. Frame 112 further includes a second end portion 120 forming an opening 122 for receiving webbing belt 24. Webbing belt 24 secures second end portion 120 to a fixed base point or platform (not shown). Securing apparatus may also be held fixed relative to a base or platform in similar alternative fashion as noted above for securing apparatus 10.

In FIGs. 7 and 8, securing apparatus 100 is shown with webbing belt 18 in a secured position. During operation, plunger bar 106 is moved to its secured or locked position and maintained in the secured position with the assistance of the biasing force supplied by, for example, a spring 130. Plunger bar 106 and spring 130 force wedge 32 toward opening 116.

Wedge 32 has an inclined surface 34 which biases against an inclined surface 136 of first end portion 114 of frame 112. The biasing of inclined surface 34 against inclined surface 136 provides a normal force acting against webbing belt 18 and a lower surface 138 of frame 112 such that webbing belt 18 is frictionally secured between lower surface 138 and friction enhancing 40 of wedge 32. Friction enhancing surface 40 may have a high friction liner 42 attached thereto as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, webbing belt 18 is shown being released from its secured position. Plunger bar 106 is retracted thereby retracting wedge 32. By retracting wedge 32, frictional engagement between lower surface 138 and friction enhancing surface 40 is broken thereby releasing webbing belt 18 from its secured position. By retracting plunger bar 106 less than fully, a method of adjusting member 18 is achieved is a similar manner as described above for securing apparatus 10.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a further alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed securing apparatus is shown as securing apparatus 200. A frame 212 has an opening 210 formed therethrough. A control lever such as pivot arm 208 is disposed within opening 210 and pivotally connected to frame 212. A plunger bar 206 attaches to wedge 32 at a first end 204. A second end 226 of plunger bar 206 pivotally connects to a first end portion 230 of pivot arm 208. A second end portion 232 of pivot arm 208 is coupled to a spring 234 to provide a bias on pivot arm 208 in a locked orientation as shown in FIGs. 11 and 12. Frame 212 includes a first end portion 214 forming an opening 216 for receiving webbing belt 18. Webbing belt 18 is received within first end portion 214 during operation and may be adjusted in accordance with the present disclosure. Frame 212 further includes a second end portion 220 for coupling with a webbing belt 24. Webbing belt 24 secures second end portion 220 to a fixed point or platform (not shown). Securing apparatus 200 may also be fixed relative to a base or platform as noted above for securing apparatus 10.

In FIGs. 11 and 12, apparatus 200 is shown with webbing belt 18 in a secured position. During operation, plunger bar 206 is moved to its secured or locked position and maintained in the secured position with the assistance of the biasing force supplied by spring 234. Plunger bar 206 and spring 234 force wedge 32 toward opening 216. Wedge 32 has an inclined surface 34 which biases against an inclined surface 236 of first end portion 214 of frame 212. Webbing belt 18 is frictionally secured between lower surface 238 and friction enhancing surface 40 of wedge 32 as noted above for the previously described embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, webbing belt 18 is shown being released from its secured position. Plunger bar 206 is retracted thereby retracting wedge 32. This is accomplished by rotating pivot arm 208. By retracting wedge 32, frictional engagement between lower surface 238 and friction surface 40 is broken thereby releasing member 18 from its secured position. By retracting plunger bar 206 less than fully, a method of adjusting member 18 is achieved as previously noted.

Referring to FIGs. 15-17, yet another embodiment of a securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is designated as securing apparatus 300. Securing apparatus 300 includes a frame 312. Frame 312 includes a first end portion 314 forming an opening 316, FIG. 17, for receiving a first flexible tension member such as a rope 318. Rope

318 is received within first end portion 314 during operation and may be adjusted in accordance with the present disclosure. Frame 312 further includes a second end portion 320 forming an opening 322, FIG. 17, for receiving a webbing belt which fixes securing apparatus 300 by way of second end portion 320 to a fixed point or platform (not shown). Securing apparatus 300 may also be fixed relative to a base in any other suitable manner such as the examples provided above in connection with securing apparatus 10.

In FIG. 17, securing apparatus 300 is shown with rope 318 in a secured position. A control lever such as handle 326 is pivotally connected to frame 312 and is further pivotally connected to a connecting rod 328. Connecting rod 328 passes through a plate 330 and is rigidly attached thereto. Connecting rod 328 is further pivotally connected to wedge 32.

Springs 334 bias a rod 335 which engages plate 330. By engaging plate 330, rod 335 and springs 334 bias connecting rod and therefore wedge 32 in the towards first end portion 314. During operation, handle 326 is moved to its locked position, as shown in FIG. 17, connecting rod 328 forces wedge 32 toward opening 316. Wedge 32 has an inclined surface 34 which engages an inclined surface 336 of first end portion 314 of frame 312. Biasing inclined surface 34 against inclined surface 336 acts to frictionally secure rope 318 between lower surface 338 and a friction enhancing surface 40 of wedge 32 in a similar manner as previously noted. To provide additional adjustability, rope 318 is threaded through a hole 343 formed in first end portion 314 and extending substantially parallel to lower surface 338 of frame 312. Rope 318 enters securing apparatus 300 through opening 316 is threaded through a hole 344 in lower surface 238 and back out through hole 343. Rope 318 may be manually adjusted to appropriately tension rope 318 prior to securing rope 18 by moving handle 326 to the locked position.

As best seen in FIG. 16, handle 326 is pivotally and slidably coupled to frame 312 by a pin-in-slot connection. A pin 350 slides in a slot 352 formed in frame 312. Handle 326 has a camming end portion 358 which engages a surface 360 formed on frame 312. When handle is rotated upward camming end portion 358 cams against surface 360 and provides a rotation and a retraction motion as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 20 below.

A latch 356 may be provided which is pivotally attached to frame 312. When handle 326 is in its secured position, latch 356 may be rotated to clasp a curved end portion 355 around a rod 354 which passes through handle 326 to permit easier grip by the operator. Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, wedge 32 includes a arcuate shaped recess

362 contoured to receive rope 318.

Referring to FIG. 19, rope 318 is shown being released from its secured position. Handle 326 is rotated in the direction of arrow "B". The rotation of handle 326 retracts connecting rod 328 and thereby wedge 32. By retracting wedge 32, frictional engagement between lower surface 338 and friction surface 40 is broken thereby releasing member 318 from its secured position. By rotating handle 326 less than fully, a method of adjusting member 318 is achieved in a similar manner as previously described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a further alternative embodiment constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is designated generally as securing apparatus 400 which includes a frame 412 having a first end portion 414 and a second end portion 416.

First end portion 414 includes a tensioning assembly 418 for adjusting the length of a flexible tension member such as webbing belt 420. Tensioning assembly 418 includes a pair of arms 422 which are pivotally connected to frame 412 and disposed on opposing sides of frame 412. Arms 422 are connected by a handle 424. Each arm 422 has a spring housing 428 mounted thereon in operative relationship with a rachet gear 426. Rachet gears 426 are rotatably mounted to frame 412 and rigidly connected to a drum 430 for wrapping webbing belt 420 thereabout. Spring housings 428 bias a pin 432 toward rachet gear 426 for engaging teeth 434 on the rachet gear 426. Teeth 434 are shaped like saw-teeth thereby proving a camming portion 436 and a locking portion 438. During operation, pin 432 is cammed over camming portion 426 by rotating arms 422 and springs forward due to the bias of a spring 440 in spring housing 428 when the end of camming portion 436 is reached. After springing forward, pin 432 locks against locking portion 438 to provide a rotation of rachet gear 426 when arm 422 is rotated. To lock rachet gear 426 to allow pin 432 to cam over camming portion 436 during the rotation of arms 422, a pin 442 is biased by springs 444 mounted in a spring housing 446 on opposite sides of frame 412. Pins 442 permit rotation of rachet gear 426 in one direction only, to tighten member 420. Webbing belt 420 is inserted through an opening 448 and guided around drum 430 and threaded around a peg 450 and out the bottom of frame 412. Member 420 is engaged by a pair of rollers 452 which are biased by springs 454 toward drum 430. Rollers 452 apply a force against each other and against webbing belt 420 thereby pinching webbing belt 420 between rollers 452 and drum 430. Drum 430 and rollers 452 take advantage of friction over a drum to apply a force sufficient to draw webbing belt 420 into securing apparatus 400 during tensioning of webbing belt 420. Also since rollers 452 are in contact with each other, rollers 452 are forced to move against each other in order for webbing belt 420 to slip. In other words, for webbing belt 420 to move, rollers 452 must rotate in opposite directions thereby creating friction between them at a point of contact. Rollers 452 and springs 454 are mounted in a roller carriage 456 which is pivotally attached to frame 412. Roller carriage

456 is releasably locked within frame 412 during tensioning. If it is desired that webbing belt 420 be released, roller carriage 456 is unlocked by releasing a locking mechanism 458 and the biasing force of springs 454 drives roller carriage 456 to open by rotating away from frame 412 and thereby releasing webbing belt 420. Locking mechanism 458 for roller carriage 456 is described in more detail below.

A control lever such as first set of handles 460 are pivotally connected to frame 412. A connecting rod 462 pivotally connects each handle 460 to a wedge 464. During operation, handles 460 are moved to a locked position as shown in FIG. 21, connecting rod 462 forces wedge 464 toward opening 446. Wedge 464 has an inclined surface 466 which engages an inclined surface 468 of first end portion 414 of frame 412. Engagement of inclined surface 466 against inclined surface 468 provides a normal force acting against member 420 and a lower surface 470 of frame 412 such that member 420 is frictionally secured between lower surface 470 and a friction surface enhancing 472 of wedge 464 in similar fashion as described above for the various other embodiments. Friction enhancing surface 472 may have a high friction liner 474 attached thereto to increase frictional engagement of member 420.

A control lever such as handle 476 is disposed between handles 460 in a locked or secured position within frame 412. Handles 476 and 460 are compactly stowed in the secured position as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Handle 476 is pivotally attached to frame 412. A connecting rod 478 pivotally connects handle 476 to a wedge 480. During operation, handle 476 is moved to a locked position, connecting rod 478 forces wedge 480 toward opening 482. Wedge 480 has an inclined surface 484 which biases against an inclined surface 486 of second end portion 416 of frame 412. Biasing of inclined surface 484 against inclined surface 486 provides a normal force acting against a webbing belt 488 and a lower surface 490 of frame 412 such that webbing belt 488 is frictionally secured.

Each handle 460 and 476 has an associated spring housing 492, spring 494, contact surface 496 and pin 498 which bias each handle such that wedges 464 and 480 are biased to openings 446 and 482, respectively. Springs 494 bias pins 498 which contact a camming portion 500 of each handle at contact surfaces 496. Thus, handles bias wedges 464 and 480 into the secured position.

Referring to FIG. 22, a release position is shown wherein handles 460 and 476 are rotated in the direction of arrows "C" and "D" respectively to retract wedges 464 and 480 to break the frictional engagement of webbing belts 420 and 488, respectively. To fully release webbing belt 420, roller carriage 456 is released by unlocking locking mechanism 458. Referring to FIG. 23, roller carriage 456 is locked by locking mechanism 458 having pins 502 which are dimensioned and configured to fit inside corresponding holes 504 formed in roller carriage 456. Pins 502 are connected to lever arms 506 which have rods 512 disposed within a tube 510. Rods 512 engage a spring 508 disposed within tube 510 which biases lever arms outward at a first end portion 514. Tube 510 prevents spring 508 from buckling when being compressed as shown in FIG. 24. By depressing lever arms 506 at first end portion 514, pins 502 move out of holes 504 and thereby release roller carriage 456. Since rollers 452 are biased against webbing belt 420 and drum 430, roller carriage 456 springs open upon release of pins 502 as shown in FIG. 22 thereby releasing webbing belt 420. Springs 494 provide a bias force to assist an operator in maintaining webbing belts 420 and 488 in their secured position when handles 460 and 476 are moved to their released position as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, tensioning assembly 418 facilitates tensioning of webbing belt 420, arm 422 is rotated in the direction of arrow "E". Pins 442 hold rachet gear 426 in place while pin 432 ratchets over camming portions 436 of teeth 434. When arm 422 is fully extended as shown in FIG. 25 or extended to a desired location, pins 432 spring forward due to the bias of springs 440 in spring housing 428 when the end of camming portion 436 is reached. After springing forward, pin 432 locks against locking portion 438 to provide a rotation of rachet gear 426 when arm 422 is rotated in the direction of arrow "F" as shown in FIG. 26. Rachet gear 426 rotates to draw webbing belt 420 into frame 412 through opening 446 by rotating drum 430. This process may be repeated to achieve a desired tension in webbing belt 420.

Referring to FIG. 27, a further embodiment of presently disclosed tensioning apparatus 600 includes a first frame portion 602 and a second frame portion 604. First frame portion 602 and second frame portion 604 each have a first end portion 606 and 608, respectively, and a second end portion 610 and 612, respectively. First end portions 606 and

608 receive a flexible tension member which may include for example, a belt, a rope, a cable, etc. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 27, webbing belt 614 and cord 615 are shown.

First frame portion 602 and second frame portion 604 are pivotally attached to each other at second end portions 610 and 612. By providing a hinge-type connection between second end portions 610 and 612, webbing belt 614 and cord 615 may be secured at an angle relative to each other. For example, webbing belt 614 may be disposed at an angle of between about 0 to 90 degrees relative to member 615. In an alternative embodiment, second end portions 610 and 612 may be connected by a universal or other joint to provide additional degrees of freedom, i.e bending and rotation between second end portion 610 and 612. This permits a connection between members 614 and 615 over a drum, a corner, etc. Webbing belt 614 and cord 615 are secured and locked by positioning respective control levers such as a first handle 616 and a second handle 618 into a secured or locked position as shown in FIG. 27 and 28.

Referring to FIG. 28, first end portions 606 and 608 form openings 626 and 628, respectively for permitting webbing belt 614 and cord 615 into and out of first end portions 606 and 608, respectively. Handles 616 and 618 are pivotally connected to first and second frame portions 602 and 604, respectively. Connecting rods 620 are pivotally connected to each handle 616 and 618 which then are pivotally connected to wedges 624. During operation, handles 616 and 618 are moved to a locked position as shown, connecting rods 620 force wedges 624 toward openings 626 and 628. Wedges 624 have an inclined surface 630 which biases against inclined surfaces 632 of first end portions 606 and 608 of frame portions 602 and 604. Engagement of inclined surfaces provide a normal force for frictionally securing webbing belt 614 and cord 615 in the same manner as described above. Each handle 616 and 618 has an associated spring housing 636, spring 638, contact surface 640 and pin 642 which bias each handle such that wedges 624 are biased to openings 626 and 628, respectively. Springs 638 bias pins 642 which contact a camming portion 644 of each handle at contact surfaces 640. Thus, handles bias wedges 624 into the secured position. Referring to FIG. 29, a release position is shown. Handles 616 and 618 are rotated in the direction of arrows "G" and "H", respectively to retract wedges 624 and break the frictional engagement of members 614 and 615, respectively. Springs 638 provide a bias force to assist an operator in maintaining members 614 and 615 in their secured position when handles 616 and 618 are moved to their released position as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, a joining apparatus 700 is used to join two flexible tension members such as webbing belt 702. Apparatus 700 includes an arched plate 704 having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section (FIG. 31). Arched plate 704 has a top portion 706 and inclined portions 708. Arched plate 704 forms two sets of openings. Each set of openings 710 is dimensioned and configured to receive webbing belts 702. One opening of each set of openings is positioned at about the intersection between inclined portions 708 and top portion 706. The second opening of each set is positioned on inclined portions 708. During operation, a first webbing belt 702 is threaded in and out of each set of openings in a first direction and a second webbing belt 702 is threaded in and out of each set of openings in a second direction opposite the first direction. When webbing belts 702 are tensioned, they frictionally engage apparatus joining 700 and each other. The arch-shape of plate 704 provides a mechanical advantage thereby increasing the amount of tension necessary to pull webbing belts 702 out of joining apparatus 700. To maintain the arch-shape of plate 704, lateral supports 712 are rigidly mounted on opposite sides of plate 704. Lateral supports 712 provide structural rigidity to resist deflection of plate 704 thereby maintaining the mechanical advantage.

Referring to FIG. 32, another embodiment of a joining apparatus is shown as apparatus 800. Apparatus 800 has a first portion 806 with an arched plate 802 and two sets of holes 804 formed within arched plate 802 for securing a flexible tension member such as webbing belt 804. First portion 806 operates in the same manner as described above for apparatus 700. A second portion 808 of apparatus 800 is rigidly attached to first portion 806 such that webbing belt 804 may be threaded around a bridge 810 centered in an opening 812 formed in a securing plate 814. Webbing belt 804 is thereby anchored at one end.

Second portion 808 includes a U-shaped base 816. A latch or gate 818 is pivotally connected to base 816 and provides access to a partially enclosed portion 820 within base 816 when latch 818 is opened. More detail for latch 818 is described below.

Securing plate 814 includes a threaded hole 822 for receiving a thumb screw 824. Thumb screw 824 engages a contact plate 826 when tightened.

Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, latch 818 opens to permit access to region 820. Latch 818 has a first end portion 828 having an inclined surface 830. Two guides 832 extend from opposite side of first end portion 828. A securing mechanism 840 is mounted on second portion 806 and configured and dimensioned to engage latch 818 in a closed position. Inclined surface 830 has a recess 836 formed therein to receive a biased locking pin or ball 834. When rotated to the closed position inclined surface 830 engages pin 834 and deflects pin 834 until recess 836 is encountered, wherein pin 834 springs into recess 836 thereby locking latch 818 in the closed position.

Pin 834 is biased by a spring 838. Spring 838 is at least partially enclosed in a housing 842 within securing mechanism 840. Pin 834 is mounted to housing 842. Housing 842 has a hole 844 formed therein for receiving a threaded bolt 846. Bolt 846 extends into a wall 848 of securing mechanism 840, through spring 838 and into housing 842. Bolt 846 is secured at an end 850 by a nut 852. Spring 838 biases housing 842 and pin 834 against an inclined wall 854 of securing mechanism 840 such that inclined surface 830 of latch 818 is substantially parallel to inclined wall 854 when latch is in the closed position. When rotated to the closed position inclined surface 830 engages pin 834 and deflects pin 834 until recess 836 is encountered, wherein pin 834 springs into recess 836 thereby locking latch 818 in the closed position. Guides 832 assist in alignment of recess 836 with pin 834 to lock latch 818 in the closed position. Referring to FIG. 35, during operation, latch 818 is released and opened (FIG. 33) to permit a looped webbing belt end 856 to be installed. Looped end 856 is passed over latch 818 and a portion of base 816 and finally over contact plate 826. Latch 818 is closed and locked. Thumb screw 824 is tightened to apply a force against loop end 856 to secure looped end 856. Referring to FIGs. 36-39, a further alternative embodiment of the presently disclosed securing apparatus is shown as securing apparatus 900. Securing apparatus 900 is similar in many aspects to securing apparatus 100 described above in connection with FIGs. 7-10. Accordingly, the following description will focus mainly on the unique features of securing apparatus 900. As shown in FIG. 36, securing apparatus 900 includes two main components, namely a frame 912 and a wedge 932. Wedge 932 preferably combines the aspects of the wedge and control levers of the previously described embodiments. In particular, wedge 932 includes an upper inclined surface 934 which biases against an inclined surface 936 formed inside frame 912, as shown in FIG. 37. Wedge 932 further includes a control surface such as wall 926 which extends transversely across wedge 932. Wall 926 provides a surface against which a user can push in order to separate inclined surface 934 from inclined surface 936 to release a flexible tensioning member disposed therebetween such as webbing belt 18 as shown in FIG. 39. Wedge 932 is biased toward inclined surface 936 of frame 912 by way of a biasing member, such as a conically shaped coil spring 930 which is mounted over a nipple 931 formed on frame 912 at the end opposite of incline surface 936, as seen in FIGs. 38 and 39. Spring 930 is further held in place by a fmger 933 which is formed on wedge 932 and extends outwardly away from a rear surface thereof, as shown in FIG. 36. In this manner, wedge 932 is biased by spring 930 toward an opening 916 on frame 912. Thus, wedge 932 is normally biased in a locked configuration so as to retain webbing belt 18 in a secured manner as shown in FIG. 39. Wedge 932 further includes an extended lower portion 937 which extends from the bottom of wedge 932 in alignment with the forward end of inclined surface 934 as shown in FIG. 36. Extended portion 937 preferably includes a friction enhancing surface 940 which impinges directly upon webbing belt 18 to secure it from slipping from between wedge 932 and frame 912. As shown in FIG. 41, friction enhancing surface 940 may be formed in a diamond pattern shape so as to form an array of teeth 941 which extend away from the bottom surface of wedge 932. In use, securing apparatus 900 may be secured to a fixed surface or frame by way of any suitable known mounting techniques. For example, frame 912 may be provided with mounting holes to facilitate securement to a base, or the like. When it is desired to loosen webbing belt 18, the user pushes against wall 926 to retract wedge 932 away from inclined surface 936 of frame 912 thereby relieving the normal force applied by incline surface 936 against inclined surface 934 of wedge 932. Once webbing belt 18 is positioned in the desired location, the user may then release the pressure applied to wall 926 allowing spring 930 to urge wedge 932 back into a locked configuration. To tighten webbing belt 18, the user may either pull on the excess portion of webbing belt 18 which exits frame 912 at an opening formed through the bottom or the user may retract wedge 932 as noted above and pull webbing belt 18 through frame 912.

Referring to FIG. 43, an alternative embodiment of a frame for use in connection with securing apparatus 900 is designated as frame 912a. Frame 912a may be formed, for example, by bending a stamped blank material such as aluminum and welding the open corner such as corner 913 by tack welding or the like. A bottom plate 915 having tabs 915a formed extending therefrom may be fitted into place so that tabs 915a fit through slots 915b formed through the upper portion of frame member 912a. Openings 942 may be used to mount frame 912a to a base portion to hold the securing apparatus in place relative to any load which may be tied down by webbing belt 18.

Referring now to FIGs. 44-46, one illustrative example of an application for the previously described securing apparatus embodiments is shown wherein a securing apparatus such as securing apparatus 900 is mounted to a side wall 1010 of a pickup truck body 1012. In particular, securing apparatus 900 may be pivotally mounted in a channel 1014 which forms part of the structural configuration of side wall 1012. In this manner, securing apparatus 900 may be pivoted to an open configuration as shown in FIG. 46 and utilized as shown and described herein above with respect to the various embodiments presently disclosed herein. Securing apparatus 900 may be pivotally mounted either in the middle thereof as shown in FIGs. 45 and 46, or at either end depending on the particular preference of the user.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the various wedge and frame embodiments may be formed of any suitable material having sufficient strength characteristics for tying down loads. In particular, frame and/or wedge elements may be formed from suitable metals, molded plastics or composite materials. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A securing apparatus which comprises: a frame defining a pathway therethrough to permit the passage of a flexible tension member; a locking member slidably disposed on the frame in communication with the pathway, the locking member; and a control portion operatively associated with the locking member such that movement of the control portion from a first position to a second position moves the locking member from a locked position to a released position.

2. A securing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is a wedge.

3. A securing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame defines a first inclined surface formed therein and the locking member defines a second inclined surface formed thereon, the first and second inclined surfaces being disposed at substantially the same angle such that when moved into proximity with each other the first and second inclined surfaces contact each other along respective lengths thereof.

4. A securing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control portion is a handle which is connected to the locking member.

5. A securing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the handle is pivotally attached to the frame and the locking member.

6. A securing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking member includes a friction enhancing surface formed thereon.

7. A securing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the friction enhancing surface includes a series of protuberances which extend outwardly from the locking member.

8. A securing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the locking member and the control portion are molded as a unitary member.