Ratchet strap binder and method of adjusting a strap in length

Abstract

A ratchet strap binder for tensioning an elongated strap, the ratchet strap binder comprising a main frame, a spool rotatably mounted within the main frame, the spool defining a passageway extending transversely across the spool and having a first opening and a second opening, and a pull tab comprising a strap-receiving portion and a graspable portion, the strap-receiving portion being configured such that, when the pull tab is in an inserted position within the passageway of the spool, the strap- receiving portion forms a strap-receiving aperture between the pull tab and an outer surface of the spool, the strap-receiving aperture being shaped and dimensioned to receive the strap substantially free of interference, wherein the pull tab is configured to be retracted into a retracted position to draw the strap through the passageway of the spool thereby removing slack from the strap prior to actuation of the ratchet strap binder.

Description

RATCHET STRAP BINDER AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING A STRAP IN LENGTHTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field relates generally to ratchet strap binders and to methods of adjusting straps in length.BACKGROUND

[0002] Ratchet strap binders are manually operated devices commonly used to secure objects or loads of various types. They function by drawing two connecting ends of the device closer together while creating tension in a strap as its length is wound around a spool. The connecting ends may be, for example, the two free ends of the strap, or one free end of the strap and an end of another component of the ratchet strap binder. This other component can also be part of the main frame itself, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,180,623 (Humber), issued in 1965.

[0003] Typically, only a relatively short portion of the strap needs to be wound around the spool to achieve the desired tension. However, ratchet strap binders are frequently used with straps that are significantly longer than necessary. This can complicate installation because the excess length requires numerous spool rotations to take up the slack. In some cases, the slack may exceed the spool’s capacity, causing the wound strap to contact the interior of the ratchet strap binder before the desired tension is reached. When this occurs, the user must find an alternative way to shorten the strap while still allowing spool rotation for tensioning. Achieving this can be challenging, particularly when both free ends of the strap serve as the connecting ends.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 9,162,605 (Durand), issued in 2013, discloses a ratchet strap binder equipped with a pull tab for removing slack from the strap prior to rotating the spool, thereby addressing certain shortcomings of the prior art. However, the disclosed pull tab keeps the strap engaged and in frictional contact with the spool at all times, which creates continuous friction when attempting to slide the ratchet strap binder along the strap during installation. In practice, it is often desirable to position the ratchet strap binder at a specific location relative to the strap ends to suit a particular application. For example, the ratchet strap binder may need to be placed so that a longer portion of the strap extends on one side and a shorterportion on the other. Because the strap remains engaged with the spool, frictional forces between the spool and the strap can restrict or prevent translation of the binder along the strap, complicating installation and positioning.

[0005] Accordingly, there remain a number of challenges with respect to the operation of ratchet strap binders, and in particular, challenges related to the placement of ratchet strap binders along a length of the strap during installation thereof.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a ratchet strap binder for tensioning an elongated strap, the ratchet strap binder comprising a main frame, a spool rotatably mounted within the main frame, the spool defining a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a pull tab comprising a strap-receiving portion and a graspable portion, the strap-receiving portion being configured such that, when the pull tab is in an inserted position within the passageway of the spool, the strap-receiving portion forms a strap-receiving aperture between the pull tab and an outer surface of the spool, the strapreceiving aperture being shaped and dimensioned to receive the strap substantially free of interference, wherein the pull tab is configured to be retracted into a retracted position to draw the strap through the passageway of the spool thereby removing slack from the strap prior to actuation of the ratchet strap binder.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the strap-receiving aperture is dimensioned to provide clearance greater than a width and a thickness of the strap by a predetermined tolerance margin.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the predetermined tolerance margin is at least about 10% relative to both the width and the thickness of the strap.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the predetermined tolerance margin is at least about 20% relative to both the width and the thickness of the strap.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the surface of the pull tab defining the strap-receiving aperture are smooth or polished to reduce frictional resistance.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the strap-receiving aperture defines leading and trailing edges, the strap-receiving aperture including at least one of chamfered edges and radiused edges at the entry and exit points to facilitate smooth passage of the strap.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the strap-receiving aperture is oriented to align with a natural path of the strap during installation and adjustment of the ratchet strap binder.

[0013] In certain embodiments, a surface of the pull tab forming the strap-receiving aperture comprised a low-friction material or includes a friction-reducing coating.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the strap-receiving portion of the pull tab includes guiding structures configured to maintain the strap in a centered position during passage through the strap-receiving aperture.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the guiding structures include at least one of flanges and recessed channels.

[0016] T In certain embodiments, the pull tab comprises an insertion-limiting feature configured to restrict an insertion of the pull tab through the passageway of the spool beyond a predetermined depth.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the insertion-limiting feature of the pull tab comprises lateral lobes.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the pull tab is configured to be entirely retracted from the passageway of the spool when in the retracted position.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the first and second openings of the spool are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart relative to a rotational axis of the spool.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the passageway extends transversely across the spool.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method of adjusting an elongated strap in length, the method comprising providing a ratchet strap binder comprising a spool defining a passageway, inserting a pull tab into the passageway of the spool to form a strap-receiving aperture between the pull tab and an outer surface of the spool, the strapreceiving aperture being shaped and dimensioned to receive the strap substantially free ofinterference, and retracting the pull tab from the passageway of the spool to draw the strap through the passageway of the spool thereby removing slack from the strap.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises actuating the ratchet strap binder to wrap the strap around the spool after retracting the pull tab from the passageway.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises the step of adjusting a position of the ratchet strap binder along a length of the strap prior to retracting the pull tab from the passageway.

[0024] In certain embodiments, inserting the pull tab into the passageway of the spool comprises inserting the pull tab up to a predetermined depth defined according to an insertion-limiting feature of the pull tab.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The attached figures illustrate various features, aspects and implementations of the technology described herein.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a ratchet strap binder, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1 .

[0029] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a left-side elevation view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a right-side elevation view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1 .

[0033] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1 .

[0034] FIG. 9 is a top perspective exploded view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1 , shown in association with a strap.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a left-side cross-sectional view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 1 , shown with a strap extending through a pull tab of the ratchet strap binder, the pull tab being in an inserted position.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a left-side cross-sectional view of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 10, the pull tab being shown in a retracted position.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a top perspective exploded view of a ratchet strap binder in accordance with another embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a pull tab of the ratchet strap binder of FIG. 12.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the pull tab of FIG. 13.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the pull tab of FIG. 13.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals, and in order not to weigh down the figures, some elements are not referred to in some figures if they were already identified in a precedent figure. Herein, it shall further be noted that, for avoiding unnecessary details obscuring the invention, only device structures and / or processing steps closely relevant to schemes according to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings while omitting other details less relevant to the invention.

[0042] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”. Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more.

[0043] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “include” and “includes”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements.

[0044] FIGS. 1 to 11 is a top isometric view illustrating an embodiment of a ratchet strap binder 100 as proposed herein. FIG. 1 is a top isometric view illustrating the ratchet strap binder 100. The ratchet strap binder 100 includes a main frame 102 and a spool 104 mount for ration within an open space 106 of the main frame 102. The main frame 102 includes two laterally spaced-apart side plates 102a, 102b, as shown. It will be understood that variations are possible as well

[0045] The spool 104 of the ratchet strap binder 100 serves as the core member around which a given length of an elongated strap 108 (shown in FIGS. 9 to 11) is wound to apply a tension during use. The spool 104 extends transversally relative to a longitudinal axis of the main frame 102 and has opposite ends projecting outward through corresponding side holes formed in the side plates 102a, 102b of the main frame 102. With reference to FIG. 9, the strap 108 is shown as being very short in length only for the sake of illustration. In most embodiments, the length of the strap 108 would have a substantially greater length.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 9, an isometric exploded view of the ratchet strap binder 100 is shown. In certain embodiments, the main frame 102 may include a plurality of transverse pins 136 configured to reinforce the structural integrity of the frame 102 when assembled. Additionally, the ratchet strap binder 100 may include one or more fasteners 138, such as bolts, adapted to secure the components when assembled.

[0047] The main frame 102 and the spool 104 may be constructed from metal; however, in other embodiments, either or both components may be formed from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, the main frame 102 and / or the spool 104 may be made of plastic. Certain embodiments may also employ a composite construction, i.e., the main frame 102 and / or the spool 104 may be formed from more than one material. The spool 104 is illustrated with a substantially circular cross-section, although variants having non-circular profiles are also contemplated.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the strap 108 may generally be defined as an elongated, narrow strip or band of flexible material having a length substantially greater than its width. The strap 108 may be fabricated from various materials, such as high-strength fabric, although other materials may be used, including plastics, leather, or metal, among others. While the strap 108 is depicted as generally flat, it will be understood that straps with non-flat profiles may also be employed in alternative embodiments.

[0049] The strap 108 of the illustrated ratchet strap binder 100 includes two opposite ends 108a, 108b which can be permanently connected to corresponding hooks 110, 112. Each end 108a, 108b of the strap 108 forms an eyelet looped around the corresponding one of the hooks 110, 112 and secured by stitching to ensure a permanent connection. In such embodiments, the strap 108 cannot be detached from the remainder of the ratchet strap binder 100 unless the strap 108 is cut or one of the hooks 110, 112 is removed. Variations are also contemplated. For instance, in certain embodiments, one or both hooks 110, 112 may be replaced with alternative connectors, such as rings, clips, carabiners, etc. In yet other embodiments, the strap 108 may omit hooks entirely, with the ends 108a, 108b being configured for direct attachment to the item being secured.

[0050] The illustrated strap binder 100 includes a double-sided ratchet mechanism actuated by a handle 114 pivotally mounted to the main frame 102 and disposed coaxially with the spool 104. The ratchet mechanism includes a pair of ratchet wheels 116 in torquetransmitting engagement with the spool 104, and a spring-loaded pawl 118 mounted on the handle 114. In operation, the pawl 118 is selectively movable between a first position in which it engages the ratchet wheels 116 to prevent the spool 104 from rotating in one direction unless accompanied by rotation of the handle 114, and a second position in which it is disengaged from the ratchet wheels 116, allowing the spool 104 to rotate freely in any direction.

[0051] Transitioning the pawl 118 to the second position typically requires the user to pull the pawl manually against the spring force until its proximal end clears the ratchet wheels 116. Thus, the pawl 118 is finger-actuated. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the spool 104 remains in torque-transmitting engagement with the pawl 118 when torque is applied to the spool in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 1). Under these conditions, the spool 104 is prevented from rotating when the handle 114 is fully collapsed against the main frame 102. Conversely, the pawl 118 also transmits torque when a pulling force is applied to the handle 114 in the counterclockwise direction, such as when winding a portion of the strap 108 around the spool 104.

[0052] In certain embodiments, a second spring-loaded pawl 120 (see, for example, FIG. 9) may be mounted on the main frame 102 to inhibit reverse rotation of the spool 104 when the handle 114 is swung backward. The second pawl 120 is configured to engage the ratchet wheels 116 in a manner similar to the first pawl.

[0053] In operation, swinging the handle 114 in a counterclockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 1) rotates the spool 104 in the same direction, winding a portion of the strap 108 around the spool 104 and thereby drawing the opposite ends 108a, 108b closer together. The handle 114 is typically moved back and forth several times until the strap 108 reaches the desired tension. The spring-loaded pawls 118, 120 function as automatic stoppers and generally do not require user intervention during winding. In certain embodiments, the pawls 118, 120 need only be manually depressed by the user to release tension and permit unwinding of the strap 108. It should be noted that the exact construction of the ratchet mechanism can vary from one embodiment to another. The ratchet mechanism that is thus illustrated and described herein is only one possible example. Variations are contemplated.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the spool 104 may be formed as a monolithic component, such as a machined part, or as an assembly comprising multiple parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the spool 104 has a split-shaft construction. Specifically, the spool 104 includes two spaced-apart portions 104a, 104b facing one another and joined at their ends through corresponding positioning holes provided in the ratchet wheels 116 (see FIG. 9). In some embodiments, similar positioning holes may also be formed in opposite washers 122. The washers 122 are interposed between respective side members of the handle 114 and corresponding cotter pins (not shown). Together, the two spool portions 104a, 104b define a generally cylindrical surface around the spool 104 configured to receive the wound strap 108 during operation of the ratchet strap binder 100.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , cross-sectional views of the ratchet strap binder 100 are shown. In accordance with its split-shaft construction, the spool 104 defines a passageway 130 extending diametrically across the spool 104 between opposite first and second openings 131 , 132 located on its outer surface. In this manner, the passageway 130 of the spool 104 defines an inner chamber providing a path for the strap 108 therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the passageway 130 is configured as a straight radial slot extending between the first and second openings 131 , 132. These openings 131 , 132 are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart relative to the rotational axis of the spool 104, however, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the first and second openings 131 , 132 may be spaced at any suitable angular interval. During operation of the ratchet strap binder 100, the strap 108 may pass through the passageway 130 from the first opening 131 to reduce a slack in the strap 108. More specifically, when the strap 108 is assembled with the spool 104, it may be pulled through the passageway 130 via the first opening 131 to forma loop 134 around the opposite exterior side of the spool 104, and then re-enter the passageway 130 through the second opening 132 to exit the spool 104. The operation of the ratchet strap binder 100 for slack reduction is described in greater detail below.

[0056] Still referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the relationship between the spool 104 and the strap 108 is illustrated. FIG. 10 shows the strap 108 during installation of the ratchet strap binder 100, prior to pulling the loop 134 through the passageway 130 of the spool 104 to remove slack. FIG. 11 depicts a similar view, with the loop 134 being pulled upward through the passageway 130. In this configuration, the strap 108 is shortened to reduce the distance between its opposite ends 108a, 108b. The loop 134 may be pulled manually by the user’s fingers or with the aid of a structural element of the ratchet strap binder 100. For example, in certain embodiments, the ratchet strap binder 100 may include a pull tab 140 configured to assist in drawing the strap 108 upward through the passageway 130 during installation thereof. The pull tab 140 may be finger-actuated or adapted for engagement with a tool to facilitate pulling. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull tab 140 comprises a graspable portion 142 for manual gripping and a strap-receiving portion 144 extending from the graspable portion 142. The strap-receiving portion 144 defines an opening sized to receive the strap 108 and is shaped for removable insertion into the passageway 130 of the spool 104, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0057] During operation of the ratchet strap binder 100, the pull tab 140 may be moved between an inserted position, in which the strap-receiving portion 144 is positioned within the passageway 130 of the spool 104, and a retracted position, in which the pull tab 140 is withdrawn to remove excess strap length and adjust the strap 108. Specifically, pulling the pull tab 140 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11 forces the loop 134 of the strap 108 outward through the passageway 130 toward a distal position.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the pull tab 140 may include an insertion-limiting feature configured to restrict insertion of the pull tab through the spool 104 beyond a predetermined depth. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the graspable portion 142 of the pull tab 140 includes lateral lobes 146 that increase its width beyond that of the passageway 130, thereby limiting insertion. In this manner, the insertion-limiting feature (i.e., the lateral lobes 146 in the illustrated embodiment) is adapted to abut an upper edge of the spool 104 or the main frame 102 when the pull tab 140 is in an inserted position within the passageway 130.Alternatively, in other embodiments, the pull tab 140 may be shaped and sized for complete insertion within the passageway 130 of the spool 104.

[0059] Still referring to FIG. 10, the pull tab 140 is shown in its inserted position, with the strap-receiving portion 144 extending through the passageway 130 of the spool 104. When in the inserted position, the strap-receiving portion 144 has a length greater than that of the passageway 130, such that a segment of the strap-receiving portion 144 opposite the graspable portion 142 projects outward from the first opening 131 to define a strap-receiving aperture 148. The strap-receiving aperture 148, formed between the strap-receiving portion 144 and the outer surface of the spool 104, is sized to allow the strap 108 to slide freely without interference. As used herein, the expression “free of interference" refers to a condition in which the strap-receiving aperture 148 is sufficiently large to permit the strap 108 to pass through without significant frictional resistance (i.e., without significant obstruction or friction that would impede its movement). More specifically, the strap-receiving aperture 148 is sized to enable the strap 108 to slide therethrough smoothly, without binding, jamming, or requiring excessive force. In this manner, the expression “free of interference" does not imply a complete absence of friction, but rather the absence of any significant resistance that would impede normal operation. Accordingly, when the ratchet strap binder 100 is in this configuration and the strap length remains unadjusted, the ratchet strap binder 100 can slide along the strap 108, enabling the user to easily position the ratchet strap binder 100 at a desired location during installation.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the strap-receiving aperture 148 is dimensioned to provide clearance greater than the width and thickness of the strap 108. The clearance may include a tolerance margin sufficient to accommodate strap deformation under load and environmental conditions, such as moisture or debris. For instance, the clearance of the strap-receiving aperture 148 may include a tolerance margin of at least about 10% or at least about 20%. This dimensional relationship ensures that the strap can slide through the strapreceiving aperture 148 without binding or jamming during adjustment.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the surfaces defining the strap-receiving aperture 148 may be smooth or polished to minimize frictional resistance. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the strap-receiving aperture 148 may include chamfered or radiused edges at its leading and trailing edges to guide the strap 108 and prevent abrasion. The leading and trailing edges of the strap-receiving aperture 148 may be functional zones defined relative to the path oftravel and direction of movement of the strap 108. These features may reduce localized stress on the strap 108 and facilitate smooth movement through the strap-receiving aperture 148.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the strap-receiving aperture 148 may be oriented to align with the natural travel path of the strap 108 during installation and adjustment of the ratchet strap binder 100 (i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the ratchet strap binder 100 in the illustrated embodiment). In certain embodiments, the strap-receiving aperture 148 is positioned such that the strap 108 enters and exits along a substantially straight or gently curved path, thereby reducing angular friction and operational resistance.

[0063] In some embodiments, the surfaces of the pull tab 140 forming the strap-receiving aperture 148 may be constructed from low-friction materials or include friction-reducing coatings. Examples include polished metal, polymer inserts, corrosion-resistant finishes, or the like. These materials may maintain smooth movement of the strap 108 over prolonged use and under varying environmental conditions. The strap-receiving aperture 148 may further include guiding structures, such as flanges or recessed channels (not shown), to maintain the strap 108 in a centered position during passage therethrough. These features may prevent lateral misalignment and ensure consistent clearance between the strap 108 and the pull tab 140.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 11 , the pull tab 140 is shown in its retracted position, drawing the loop 134 through the passageway 130 of the spool 104 to adjust the length of the strap 108. This operation removes slack from the strap prior to actuation of the ratchet strap binder 100. Once slack is eliminated, the binder 100 can be operated to wind a portion of the strap 108 around the spool 104, thereby bringing the opposite strap ends 108a and 108b closer together. By removing slack before ratcheting, fewer spool rotations are required to achieve the desired tension. Advantageously, the ability to reposition the binder 100 along the strap prior to pulling the pull tab 140 enables the user to eliminate a greater amount of slack, further reducing the number of rotations of the spool 104 needed and facilitating overall operation.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 15, a ratchet strap binder 100' is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment, the ratchet strap binder 100' includes a pull tab 150 having a graspable portion 152, which comprises a flexible member153. It is to be noted that the remaining features of the ratchet strap binder 100’ of FIG. 12 that are similar to the features of the ratchet strap binder 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 will not be described again for the sake of conciseness. Accordingly, features of the ratchet strap binder 100’ shown in FIG. 12 not further described in the following paragraphs are intended to be interpreted as being similar to corresponding features described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the pull tab 150 includes a graspable portion 152 in the form of the flexible member 153 and a strap-receiving portion 154 secured to the flexible member 153 to define the strap-receiving aperture 148 sized to receive the strap 108. In certain embodiments, the pull tab 150 may include an insertion-limiting feature configured to restrict its insertion through the spool 104 beyond a predetermined depth. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the graspable portion 152 of the pull tab 150 includes a layer of material folded upon itself to increase a thickness of the pull tab 150 beyond that of the passageway 130, thereby limiting insertion. In this manner, the insertion-limiting feature is adapted to abut an upper edge of the spool 104 or the main frame 102 when the pull tab 140 is in an inserted position within the passageway 130. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the pull tab 150 may be shaped and sized for complete insertion within the passageway 130 of the spool 104.

[0067] In contrast to the pull tab 140 of the ratchet strap binder 100 described above, at least a portion of the pull tab 150 may be configured to wrap around the spool 104 together with the strap 108 without substantially interfering with the winding of the strap 108. To achieve this, the strap-receiving portion 154 may be dimensioned to maintain a low-profile configuration when wrapped around the spool 104, thereby minimizing any protrusion or bump that could impede the uniform layering of the strap 108. In some embodiments, the thickness of the strap-receiving portion 154 is sufficiently small relative to the strap thickness and spool diameter to avoid creating a localized elevation that disrupts strap alignment during winding. In this manner, the flexible member 153 facilitates bending and conforming of the pull tab 150 around the spool, while the rigid or semi-rigid strap-receiving portion 154 provides structural integrity for secure attachment to the strap 108. This arrangement may ensure that the pull tab 150 remains functional for manual engagement while allowing smooth and unobstructed winding of the strap 108 around the spool 104.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the flexible member 153 may be formed from any suitable material that provides the desired flexibility and structural integrity of the pull tab 150. For instance, in certain embodiments, the flexible member 153 may include a textile material, such as woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabrics, which may include natural fibers (e.g., cotton, hemp, or the like) or synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon, or the like). In other embodiments, the flexible member 153 may include a polymeric or elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic elastomers, silicone, polyurethane, or other flexible plastics. The flexible member 153 may alternatively be constructed from metallic materials, including but not limited to braided wire, metal mesh (e.g., Milanese mesh), or thin metallic strips or foils such as stainless steel or titanium. Composite materials may also be employed, such as fiber-reinforced polymers or laminates combining metal and polymer layers. In certain embodiments, natural materials such as leather or plant-based fibers may be used. The selection of material may depend on factors such as strength, durability, aesthetic properties, and manufacturing considerations.

[0069] To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions provided herein are qualified with the term "about". It will be understood that whether the term "about" is used explicitly or not, every quantity recited herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and / or measurement conditions for such given value.

[0070] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A ratchet strap binder for tensioning an elongated strap, the ratchet strap binder comprising: a main frame; a spool rotatably mounted within the main frame, the spool defining a passageway having a first opening and a second opening; and a pull tab comprising a strap-receiving portion and a graspable portion, the st rap- receiving portion being configured such that, when the pull tab is in an inserted position within the passageway of the spool, the strapreceiving portion forms a strap-receiving aperture between the pull tab and an outer surface of the spool, the strap-receiving aperture being shaped and dimensioned to receive the strap substantially free of interference; wherein the pull tab is configured to be retracted into a retracted position to draw the strap through the passageway of the spool thereby removing slack from the strap prior to actuation of the ratchet strap binder.

2. The ratchet strap binder of claim 1 , wherein the strap-receiving aperture is dimensioned to provide clearance greater than a width and a thickness of the strap by a predetermined tolerance margin.

3. The ratchet strap binder of claim 2, wherein the predetermined tolerance margin is at least about 10% relative to both the width and the thickness of the strap.

4. The ratchet strap binder of claim 2, wherein the predetermined tolerance margin is at least about 20% relative to both the width and the thickness of the strap.

5. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a surface of the pull tab defining the strap-receiving aperture are smooth or polished to reduce frictional resistance.

6. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a surface of the pull tab forming the strap-receiving aperture comprised a low-friction material or includes a friction-reducing coating.

7. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the strap-receiving aperture defines leading and trailing edges, the strap-receiving aperture including at least one of chamfered edges and radiused edges at the entry and exit points to facilitate smooth passage of the strap.

8. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the strap-receiving aperture is oriented to align with a natural path of the strap during installation and adjustment of the ratchet strap binder.

9. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the strap-receiving portion of the pull tab includes guiding structures configured to maintain the strap in a centered position during passage through the strap-receiving aperture.

10. The ratchet strap binder of claim 9, wherein the guiding structures include at least one of flanges and recessed channels.

11. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pull tab comprises an insertion-limiting feature configured to restrict an insertion of the pull tab through the passageway of the spool beyond a predetermined depth.

12. The ratchet strap binder of claim 11 , wherein the insertion-limiting feature of the pull tab comprises lateral lobes.

13. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the pull tab is configured to be entirely retracted from the passageway of the spool when in the retracted position.

14. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and second openings of the spool are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart relative to a rotational axis of the spool.

15. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claim 1 to 14, wherein the passageway extends transversely across the spool.

16. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the strapreceiving portion and the graspable portion of the pull tab are integral.

17. The ratchet strap binder of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the graspable portion comprises a flexible member secured to the strap-receiving portion, the strap-receiving portion comprising a rigid or semi-rigid frame.

18. The ratchet strap binder of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the pull tab is configured to wrap around the spool together with the strap when the ratchet strap binder is actuated.

19. A method of adjusting an elongated strap in length, the method comprising: providing a ratchet strap binder comprising a spool defining a passageway; inserting a pull tab into the passageway of the spool to form a strapreceiving aperture between the pull tab and an outer surface of the spool, the strap-receiving aperture being shaped and dimensioned to receive the strap substantially free of interference; and retracting the pull tab from the passageway of the spool to draw the strap through the passageway of the spool thereby removing slack from the strap.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising actuating the ratchet strap binder to wrap the strap around the spool after retracting the pull tab from the passageway.

21. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising the step of adjusting a position of the ratchet strap binder along a length of the strap prior to retracting the pull tab from the passageway.

2. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein inserting the pull tab into the passageway of the spool comprises inserting the pull tab up to a predetermined depth defined according to an insertion-limiting feature of the pull tab.

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