Dual drive torque load binder and method of use thereof

Abstract

A torque load binder for changing tension in a chain or strap securing a load to a vehicle or support surface. The load binder includes a housing with an internal gear mechanism and a connector mechanism operatively engaged with the gear mechanism and extending outwardly from the housing. A high speed first driveshaft and a lower speed second driveshaft on the load binder are selectively individually actuated to effect movement between first and second end linkages of the connector mechanism. The first driveshaft effects movement between the first and second end linkages at a first speed and the second driveshaft effects movement between the end linkages at a lower second speed. Rotation of either of the first or second driveshafts actuates the connector mechanism, changing the distance between the first and second end linkages, and thereby changing the tension in the tie-down.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 093,729 filed Dec. 1, 2020, which is a reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 448,784 filed Mar. 3, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field[0002]The present disclosure is related generally to load binders and to a method of using such load binders. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to a load binder having a dual drive torque assembly that is actuated utilizing a hand-held drill for relatively rapid operation of the load binder.Background Information[0003]Load binders are well known for use when tightening chains, straps, or other tie-downs that are wrapped around a load carried on a trailer or on another vehicle. Typically, the load binder has end links or linkages which include hooks. The hooks may be engaged with the chain, strap, or other tie-down and the load binder is actua...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The dual drive torque load binder described in this patent allows for easy adjustment of tension in tie-downs used to secure loads to vehicles or support surfaces. The binder includes a housing with an internal gear mechanism and a connector mechanism that can be actuated by a powered hand-held drill. The binder has two separate driveshafts that can be selectively actuated to change the distance between the linkages of the connector mechanism, thereby adjusting tension in the tie-down. This makes it easier to secure loads and reduces the need for a powerful drill. Additionally, the binder can be used to raise or lower a landing gear by engaging it with a rod in the landing gear and actuating the connector mechanism.

Problems solved by technology

While lever load binders are relative fast and easy to operate, they may pose a fairly significant risk to the operator when they are released.

The operator may not move fast enough out of the way of the rotating lever which may then strike the operator and injure him or her.

Ratchet load binders are generally safer to use than lever load binders but they are relatively slow to operate because of the need to move the handle back and forth to actuate the ratchet mechanism.

An additional issue with ratchet binders is that they tend to twist the chains they are being used to tighten.

This twisting motion may interfere with the operator managing to get the chains tight enough around a load and the twisting motion potentially damages or weakens the chains.

A further issue with ratchet binders is that the ratchet gear, pawl, and threads on the threaded rods engaged with the ratchet gear tend to get encrusted with dirt, salt, ice, or snow as the vehicle moves along the roads.

The ratchet load binders have to be frequently cleaned and greased and without this maintenance may tend to lock up and be difficult to use.

Operators also can develop repetitive type stress injuries from using these devices.

Another issue operators experience when using lever or ratchet load binders is that it is difficult to initially tighten the chains to a sufficient degree that they will not tend to loosen as the vehicle travels over bumpy roads.

This perpetual need to stop and check the chains adds up to lost travel time and therefore increases costs of operation.

Furthermore, having loose chains restraining a load may allow the load to shift during travel and this places the operator and others along the operator's route at risk of injury.

One issue experienced by operators of the torque load binder disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 093,729 is that they have to use a decently powerful hand-held drill to actuate the gear mechanism.

If the drill is not powerful enough, then the drill will fail to allow the operator to tighten chains to a sufficient degree to ensure they remain under proper tension and don't loosen as the vehicle travels over the road.

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