Winding assembly comprising an access port

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a winding assembly (16) and a method of installing a tensioning line (10) in the winding assembly (16). The winding assembly (16) comprises a housing (84). The winding assembly (

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to a winding assembly and a method. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION It is known to load goods on pallets. Lids can be mounted on the loads. Such lids are provided with straps to tighten the lid against the load when the ends of the straps as secured to the pallet. The lids include tightening mechanisms, operated by levers, to tighten the strap, thereby pulling the lid against the load. Straps may wear out faster than other parts of the winding assembly, and may need replacing. A housing of the winding assembly may be partially disassembled to gain access to the worn strap. When the worn strap is removed, some parts of the winding assembly may remain attached to the strap and therefore may be discarded along with the worn strap. The new strap is then assembled to the winding assembly, along with any other replacement parts that are needed. The housing of the winding assembly is then reassembled. These operations take considerable time and may cause damage to snap-fit connectors holding parts of the housing together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a winding assembly comprising: a housing; a tensioning line; a channel within the housing, the channel comprising an entrance and an exit opposite the entrance, wherein the tensioning line extends through the channel; a tensioner within the channel, wherein the tensioner is engageable with the tensioning line; and an access port in the housing, wherein the access port is closer to the tensioner than the entrance and exit of the channel are. An advantage is ease of assembly. This is because installing or swapping in a new tensioning line is easier. The access port provides a convenient location for retrieving the end of a new tensioning line inside the channel, and inserting it into engagement with the tensioner. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a winding assembly comprising: a housing; a rotatable drum; a tensioning line comprising an end portion secured to the rotatable drum, an end portion secured to an anchor, and an elongate portion extending between the end portions and wound around the rotatable drum; a channel within the housing, the channel comprising an entrance facing the rotatable drum and an exit opposite the entrance, wherein the elongate portion of the tensioning line extends through the channel; a tensioner within the channel, wherein the tensioner is engageable with the elongate portion of the tensioning line; and an access port in the housing, wherein the access port is closer to the tensioner than the entrance and exit of the channel are. Optionally, the access port is sized to allow two or more fingers of a human hand to enter the channel through the access port and engage the tensioning line with the tensioner. Optionally, the tensioner is located at a location along the channel which is at least partially aligned with the access port. Optionally, the location is such that the whole tensioner is aligned with the access port. Optionally, the access port extends to both upstream and downstream sides of the tensioner. Optionally, the access port is a through hole. Optionally, the through hole is uncovered or is covered by an access panel, the access panel movably secured to the housing. Optionally, the access port faces a different direction than the entrance and exit. Optionally, the access port, entrance, and exit, are separate openings of the housing. Alternatively, the access port is a same opening as the exit or entrance and is defined as a portion of the opening that extends longitudinally along the channel whereas the entrance and exit extend transverse to the channel. Optionally, the access port is located in a wall (e.g., ceiling or base or side wall) of the channel. Optionally, the access port faces a different direction than the entrance and exit. Optionally, the access port is perpendicular or mostly perpendicular relative to the entrance and exit. Optionally, the entrance and exit are upright and the access port is horizontal. Optionally, the access port has a width across the channel equal to or greater than a width of the tensioning line. Optionally, the tensioning line is a strap, such as a webbing strap. Optionally, the access port has a length parallel to the channel at least double or at least triple a length of the tensioner in the same direction. Optionally, the channel is an enclosed channel except for the access port. Optionally, the access port is less than 5cm away from a centroid of the tensioner, measured in a distance axis perpendicular to a plane of the access port. Optionally, the access port is less than 3.5cm away from the centroid. Optionally, the entrance and exit each have a smaller opening area than the access port. Optionally, the entrance and exit each have a minimum dimension, defined as a height or width in the plane of the entrance or exit, which is less on average than an average value of a minimum dimension of the access port, defined as a length or width in the plane of the access port. Optionally, the tensioner comprises a slotted spindle, slotted to receive the tensioning line therethrough. Optionally, a slot of the slotted spindle has a smaller cross-sectional area than the anchor. Optionally, the anchor is larger in cross-section than the exit of the channel, such that when the tensioning line is in a fully retracted condition, the anchor is located outboard of the exit of the channel. Optionally, the access port is above or below the tensioning line. Optionally, the housing further comprises a cover. Optionally, the cover is a cap secured to a main body of the housing. Optionally, the cover extends above an elevation of the tensioner and encloses the channel, wherein the access port is located in the cover of the housing. Optionally, the housing further comprises a main body defining a channel base and channel side walls, wherein the channel base, channel side walls and cover enclose the channel, wherein the channel is enclosed except for at least the access port. In examples, the cover is secured to the main body of the housing either permanently or via connectors such as snap-fit connectors. An advantage of the access port is that the cover does not need to be removed from the main body for the purposes of installing a new tensioning line. Optionally, the housing including the cover encapsulates a drive linkage for actuating the tensioner. Therefore, the cover may be removable to enable replacement of at least part of the drive linkage. Optionally, the end portions of the tensioning line comprise loops and / or tabs for securing the tensioning line to the rotatable drum and the anchor. Optionally, the tensioner is movable between a loose position in which the tensioning line is loose relative to the tensioner, and a tensioning position in which the tensioning line is tensioned by the tensioner. Optionally, the winding assembly comprises a lever comprising a fulcrum body and an elongate handle extending from the fulcrum body, wherein the elongate handle has a stroke length between a first position and a second position. Alternatively, or additionally, the winding assembly comprises a connector (e.g., socket) and / or a locator for receiving an external tool for actuating the winding assembly. Optionally, the winding assembly comprises a drive linkage coupling actuation of the elongate handle to motion of the tensioner, wherein movement of the elongate handle from the first position to the second position moves the tensioner from the loose position towards the tensioning position. Optionally, the cover of the housing covers the drive linkage. Optionally, the cover of the housing covers an axis of rotation of the elongate handle. Optionally, the cover of the housing supports an axle of the lever. 5 Optionally, the lever is configured for hand actuation of the elongate handle. Optionally, the winding assembly comprises a retainer to hold the tensioner in the tensioning position. Optionally, the retainer is automatically engaged in dependence on the elongate handle reaching the second position corresponding to the tensioning position of the tensioner. Optionally, the retainer comprises a catch configured to automatically engage following movement of the elongate handle from the first position to the second position, to prevent movement of the elongate handle from the second position to the first position. Optionally, the retainer comprises the catch in the form of a spring-loaded catch, and comprises a spiral cam against which the spring-loaded catch is biased. Optionally, the spiral cam is a single-drop spiral cam, consisting of only one drop into which the spring-loaded catch can be urged. Alternatively, the retainer may comprise a handle retainer to engage with the elongate handle of the elongate handle at the second position. Optionally, the winding assembly comprises a releaser to release the retainer. Optionally, the releaser is push-to-release. Optionally, the releaser is exterior-facing on the winding assembly, and deflectable by a user’s finger pushing the releaser, to deflect the catch of the retainer out of engagement. Optionally, the releaser and the catch are a common part. Optionally, rotation of the tensioner winds the tensioning line around the tensioner. Optionally, actuation of the elongate handle by the stroke length from the first position to the second position moves (e.g., rotates) the tensioner from the loose position of the tensioner to the tensioning position of the tensioner. 6 Optionally, the stroke length of the elongate handle rotates the tensioner by more than an acute angle. Optionally, the drive linkage has a gear ratio so that the stroke length of the elongate handle rotates the tensioner by a greater angle than the stroke length of the elongate handle. Optionally, the stroke length of the elongate handle rotates the tensioner by a reflex angle. Optionally, the stroke length of the elongate handle is approximately 180 degrees or is an obtuse angle. Optionally, the winding assembly further comprises a return spring to at least bias the elongate handle towards the first position. The first position may be a rest position of the elongate handle. The second position may be a full stroke position of the elongate handle. Optionally, the winding assembly comprises the return spring in a tensioner load path between the elongate handle and the tensioner. Optionally, a bias force of the return spring reaches the elongate handle via the drive linkage. Optionally, the drive linkage of the winding assembly comprises a driver actuatable by the lever, and wherein the tensioner comprises a tensioner drive input directly or indirectly coupled to the driver and actuatable by the driver. Optionally, the tensioner drive input is coupled to the driver by a transmission line such as a cable, or meshes directly or indirectly with the driver. Optionally, the driver and the tensioner drive input are rotatable about different non-parallel axes of rotation. Optionally, the driver and the tensioner drive input are rotatable about perpendicular axes of rotation. Optionally, the driver is rotatable about an upright axis of rotation. Optionally, the tensioner drive input is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation. Optionally, an axis of rotation of the tensioner is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the tensioner drive input. Optionally, an axis of rotation of the lever is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the driver. Optionally, the tensioner is rotatable about a tensioner axis of rotation nonparallel to the lever axis of rotation. Optionally, the tensioner axis of rotation is perpendicular to the lever axis of rotation. Optionally, the lever axis of rotation is upright. Optionally, the tensioner axis of rotation is horizontal. Optionally, the tensioner comprises the slotted spindle as defined earlier. Optionally, at the loose position of the tensioner, the slot of the slotted spindle is aligned with a direction of the channel of the winding assembly. Optionally, at the tensioning position of the tensioner, the slot of the slotted spindle is transverse to the direction of the channel. Optionally, the winding assembly comprises a drum axle configured to receive the rotatable drum from which the tensioning line can be unwound and to which the tensioning line can be wound. Optionally, the drum axle comprises an urger to bias the drum fitted to the drum axle in a winding direction. Optionally, the system comprises a pallet lid which houses the winding assembly. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of installing a tensioning line in the winding assembly, the method comprising: inserting a first of the end portions of the tensioning line into the channel of the winding assembly, via the entrance or exit; inserting one or more fingers of a hand through the access port into the channel; using the one or more fingers to retrieve the first end portion of the tensioning line; engaging the first end portion of the tensioning line with the tensioner; and feeding the tensioning line through the tensioner. 8 Optionally, installing the tensioning line further comprises securing the first end portion to the rotatable drum or to the anchor. This depends on which end portion was inserted. Optionally, the method is a method of replacing tensioning lines, the method comprising removing an existing one of the tensioning line and installing a new one of the tensioning line. Optionally, removing the existing tensioning line comprises: severing the existing tensioning line with a tool to separate the existing tensioning line into cut lengths; and removing cut lengths of the existing tensioning line from the winding assembly, including feeding a severed end of one of the cut lengths out of engagement with the tensioner. This provides the advantage of faster disassembly, without needing to release the end portions of the tensioning line from the anchor and rotatable drum. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid in use on a load; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a winding assembly for use in the lid shown in FIG. 1, before a strap is tensioned; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the winding assembly of FIG. 2, after tensioning the strap; FIG. 4A is a detail view of a handle retainer engaging an elongate handle of a lever and FIG. 84 is a detail view of the handle retainer releasing the elongate handle; FIG. 5A is a detail view of a bevel gear drive linkage and FIG. 5B is a detail view of a worm gear drive linkage; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative winding assembly for use in the lid shown in FIG. 1, before a strap is tensioned; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the winding assembly of FIG. 6, after tensioning the strap; and FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate another design of a catch for the alternative winding assembly of FIG. 6; and FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative cable actuator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a lid 1 for securing a load 2 on a pallet 3. The lid 1 comprises a body 4 with upstanding sides 5 and depending skirt 6 for capping the top sides of the load 2 (and also enabling a plurality of the lids 1 to be nested with each other or with pallets). The body 4 comprises a cover member 7 shown formed by a plurality of plastics mouldings 8, but which could be formed as a single moulding. The body 4 further includes a lower portion 9 formed by a main plastics moulding. The lid 1 includes four tensioning lines in the form of straps 10 (e.g., webbing straps or ropes). Each tensioning line 10 is movable between a retracted condition within the cover member 7, and an extended condition in which the tensioning line 10 extends from the cover member 7. Each tensioning line 10 is provided at a respective side of the lid 1. Each tensioning line 10 has a distal end portion to which an anchor 14 is attached. An anchor 14 can comprise a hook, loop or any other suitable 10 attacher. In the extended condition of the tensioning lines 10, the anchors 14 can be secured to the pallet 3. As best shown in FIG. 10, each tensioning line 10 also has a proximal end portion 10A attached to a rotatable drum 12 and a distal end portion 10C secured to the anchor 14. The proximal end portion 10A of the tensioning line 10 secured to the rotatable drum 12 may comprise a permanent loop or other anchor point in the tensioning line 10, secured for example by stitches and / or ultrasonic welding. The loop is anchored to a suitable fastening point (not shown) formed in a barrel of the rotatable drum 12. The distal end portion 10C of the tensioning line 10 secured to the anchor 14 may comprise a permanent loop or other anchor point in the tensioning line 10, secured for example by stitches and / or ultrasonic welding. The loop is wrapped around a portion of the anchor 14. The region of the tensioning line 10 extending between the end portions can be referred to as an elongate portion 10B, i.e., the elongate flat part of the webbing. When the anchors 14 are secured to the pallet 3, as shown in FIG. 1, the tensioning lines 10 can then be tensioned by the use of respective winding assemblies 16 operable on each tensioning line 10. Each winding assembly 16 is provided within the body 4. Only two of the tensioning lines 10 are visible in FIG. 1, extending from two of the sides of the body 4. The skilled person will realise that the other two tensioning lines 10 extend from the other two sides. Each tensioning line 10 may have its own winding assembly 16. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate an example winding assembly 16. The winding assembly 16 may comprise a housing 84 in the form of a plastic moulding securable to a winding assembly aperture in an upstanding side 5 of the body 4 of the lid 1. Alternatively, the winding assembly 16 may be integrally moulded with the body 4 of the lid 1, such that the body 4 of the lid forms the housing 84. The winding assembly 16 comprises a drum axle 13 configured to receive the rotatable drum 12 from which the tensioning line 10 can be unwound when in use, and to which the tensioning line 10 can be re-wound when not in use. The drum axle 13 may comprise an urger (hidden from view), such as a spring connected at one end to the drum axle 13 and at the other end to the rotatable drum 12. The urger rotatably biases the rotatable drum 12 in a winding direction to wind the tensioning line 10 on the rotatable drum 12, to move the tensioning line 10 to its retracted condition. For example, the urger may comprise a spiral spring. The tensioning line 10 extends away from the rotatable drum 12 along a mostly enclosed channel 22 and through an exit 24 of the channel 22 in the lateral exterior of the winding assembly 16. The anchor 14 of the tensioning line 10 may be oversized relative to the exit 24 of the channel 22 so that the distal end of the tensioning line 10 can be easily retrieved and is not 'swallowed' by the winding assembly 16. Each winding assembly 16 comprises a tensioner 37 in the form of a slotted spindle 40. The tensioner 37 is actuated to pull the tensioning line 10 once the anchor 14 of the tensioning line 10 has been secured to the pallet 3. The tensioner 37 is rotatably mounted in the winding assembly 16. The tensioner 37 spans across the channel 22 and engages with the tensioning line 12 10. The illustrated tensioner 37 is rotatable about a lateral, tensioner axis of rotation 62 perpendicular to the vertical axis of rotation of the rotatable drum 12. This ensures that the winding assembly 16 is low-height. The tensioner 37 is rotatable by operation of a drive linkage actuated by an operating member in the form of a lever 19. The illustrated lever 19 comprises a fulcrum body 21 and an elongate handle 20 extending from the fulcrum body 21, which a user can turn. Alternatively, or additionally, the drive linkage may comprise a connector (not shown) to receive an external tool to allow automated or tool-assisted actuation of the drive linkage. The connector could comprise a socket such as a hex socket, to receive a tool plug (bit). The elongate handle 20 may therefore be omitted in some implementations. The lever 19 is operated by pivotally moving its elongate handle 20 about a lever axis of rotation 61 from a first position (rest position) defining a start of the stroke length of the elongate handle 20 (FIG. 2) to a second position defining the end of its stroke length (FIG. 3). The lever axis of rotation 61 may be an upwards axis such as a vertical axis. Therefore, the lever 19 may move laterally. This ensures that the winding assembly 16 is low-height. The illustrated tensioner 37 has a slotted spindle 40 defining a slot 38 through which the tensioning line 10 passes. The tensioner 37 is rotatably held in the winding assembly 16 by bearings 41 A, 41B. By rotating the slotted spindle 40 after the tensioning line 10 has been anchored to the pallet 3, the tensioning line 10 is wound around the slotted spindle 40 which pulls any slack in the tensioning line 10 to tension the tensioning line 10. In another embodiment, the tensioner 37 has an eccentric cross-section, and is rotatable so that a nose of the eccentric cross-section clamps the tensioning 13 line 10 against a reaction surface such as a recess in a base of the channel 22, or any other appropriate reaction surface. Such a tensioner 37 may not require a slot 38. The movement of the elongate handle 20 from the rest position to the end of the stroke length rotates the slotted spindle 40 from a loose position (home position) of the slotted spindle 40 to a tensioning position of the slotted spindle 40. This wraps the tensioning line 10 around the slotted spindle 40 to tension the anchored tensioning line 10. Only one stroke of the elongate handle 20 is necessary. When the slotted spindle 40 is at the home position, its slot 38 may be aligned with the direction in which the tensioning line 10 can be wound and unwound, to not resist pulling of the tensioning line 10 therethrough. The slot 38 may be parallel to the channel 22. The slot 38 may face the exit 24 of the channel 22. The tensioning line 10 is therefore loose relative to the slotted spindle 40 in the home position. When the slotted spindle 40 is at the tensioning position, as shown in FIG. 3, the tensioning line 10 is sufficiently wound around the slotted spindle 40 to tension the tensioning line 10 and frictionally react against further unwinding of the tensioning line 10. The angular distance from the home position of the slotted spindle 40 to the tensioning position of the slotted spindle 40 may be a reflex angle. The elongate handle 20 may have a stroke length of approximately 180 degrees (or a different, obtuse angle). Only one stroke of the elongate handle 20 (e.g., 180 degrees) is necessary to rotate the slotted spindle 40 by the reflex angle (e.g., 300 degrees). The drive linkage has the necessary diameter ratio / gear ratio to effect this single-stroke operation. It would be appreciated that a tensioner 37 could be implemented in another manner than via a slotted spindle. For example, the slotted spindle could be replaced by an over-centre cam (not shown) at the same location, rotatable to compress the webbing of a strap 10 against a reaction surface, such as a base of the channel 22. As the nose of the cam approaches perpendicular to the reaction surface, the normal compressive force of the tensioning line 10 increases to create sufficient traction to drag the tensioning line 10 back in a tensioning direction. Once the nose of the cam has passed over-centre (nose passes perpendicular), the tensioning line 10 is tensioned. Further it is difficult to unwind the tensioning line 10 by pulling on the tensioning line 10 because pulling hard increases the friction. In FIGS. 2-3, a non-slip drive linkage couples the lever 19 to the tensioner 37. The non-slip drive linkage has a driver 18 actuatable by the lever 19, and a tensioner drive input 42 connected to the tensioner 37. The driver 18 and tensioner drive input 42 may connect directly as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, or indirectly via a transmission line 53 shown in FIGS. 2-3. If the non-slip drive linkage is a mesh drive linkage, the driver 18 may be a sprocket actuatable by the lever 19; the tensioner drive input 42 may be a sprocket; and the transmission line 53 may be a transverse-ribbed belt or chain that meshes with the sprockets 18, 42 If the non-slip drive linkage is instead a cable actuator, the transmission line 53 would be a wire or wire rope, connected at one end to a radial part of the driver 18 and at the other end to a radial part of the tensioner drive input 42. The driver 18 may be an integral part of the fulcrum body 21 of the lever 19. For example, the lever 19 may be comprised of an elongate handle 20 connected to a driver 18, defining a Class 2 lever. The mechanical advantage of the lever 19 is the radius of the distal end of the elongate handle 20 from the lever axis of rotation 61, divided by the shorter radius of the driver 18 from the lever axis of rotation 61. The tensioner drive input 42 is coaxial with and connected to the slotted spindle 40. The tensioner drive input 42 may be integrally moulded with, or secured to, the slotted spindle 40. The tensioner axis of rotation 62 of the tensioner drive input 42 is perpendicular to the lever axis of rotation 61 about which the driver 18 rotates. Therefore, the drive loop 53 can comprise a quarter-twist to connect the axes. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate example alternative implementations of a drive linkage connecting different axes. Instead of a sprocket and a loop, the driver is a gear and the tensioner drive input is a gear. The driver gear meshes directly or indirectly with the tensioner drive input gear. In FIG. 5A, the driver gear is a bevel gear 18A and the tensioner drive input gear is a bevel gear 42A. In FIG. 5B, the driver gear is a worm drive 18B and the tensioner drive input gear is a worm wheel 42B. Returning to FIGS. 2-3, the winding assembly 16 is provided with a handle retainer 70 configured to engage with the elongate handle 20 of the lever 19 following actuation of the lever 19 in a first, tensioning direction (from the rest position of the elongate handle 20 to the end of the stroke length of the elongate handle 20), to prevent movement of the elongate handle of the elongate handle 20 in a second, opposite direction despite the bias force from the urger of the drum axle 13 biasing the elongate handle 20 back towards its rest position. FIG. 2 shows the elongate handle 20 at its rest position wherein the tensioner 37 is at its home position. FIG. 3 shows the elongate handle 20 at its full stroke 16 position wherein the tensioner 37 is at its tensioning position. In FIG. 3, the elongate handle 20 of the lever 19 is engaged with the handle retainer 70. FIGS. 4A-4B show the handle retainer 70 in more detail. The handle retainer 70 comprises a catch 72 configured to automatically (i.e., without user intervention) engage and hold the elongate handle 20 of the lever 19 when the elongate handle 20 of the lever 19 is moved into the catch 72 (the full stroke position of the elongate handle 20). The catch 72 operates in the manner of a one-way gate that the lever 19 can enter but cannot leave without first undoing the catch 72. The catch 72 is implemented as a snap-fit catch 72. The snap-fit catch 72 is in the path of the elongate handle 20. The elongate handle 20 pushes against the snap-fit catch 72 to deflect the snap-fit catch 72 away from its neutral undeflected position, for example by flexing the snap-fit catch 72. The axis of flex / rotation of the snap-fit catch 72 may be a lateral axis. When the elongate handle 20 passes an over-centre detent 74 of the snap-fit catch 72, the snap-fit catch 72 toggles into engagement with the elongate handle 20. The whole elongate handle 20 may be within the detent 74. The detent 74 is hook-shaped to create the over-centre actuation. The elongate handle 20 is itself shaped to deflect the snap-fit catch 72 until the portion of the elongate handle 20 settles into the detent 74. As shown, the elongate handle 20 comprises a curved surface to deflect the snap-fit catch 72. Alternatively, the surface could be sloped and ramp-like. Likewise, the snap-fit catch 72 comprises a sloped and / or curved deflection surface for deflection by the elongate handle 20. The shape of the detent 74 of the snap-fit catch 72 may also match a portion of the cross-section shape of the elongate handle 20 (e.g., oval shaped in the Figures). As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the handle retainer 70, the elongate handle 20 and the exit 24 of the channel 22 are exterior parts of the winding assembly 16. They are at an upstanding side 5 of the lid 1 of FIG. 1. Therefore, a user can grab the elongate handle 20, turn the elongate handle 20 and see how the elongate handle 20 is engaged. The engagement of the elongate handle 20 into the handle retainer 70 provides clear feedback that the tensioning line 10 is now sufficiently tensioned. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the handle retainer 70 is aligned with a distal end portion of the elongate handle 20, distal from the fulcrum body 21 of the lever 19. The term 'distal end portion' refers to alignment with the end or to the final third, quarter or fifth of the length of the elongate handle 20 (length not including the radius of the fulcrum body 21). To release the elongate handle 20 from the handle retainer 70, the user pushes (e.g., flexes) the catch 72 vertically with their finger, to separate the detent 74 from the elongate handle 20. The deflection surface of the catch 72 may function as the handle releaser by being sized to receive a user's fingertip. This disengagement of the handle retainer 70 is sufficient to allow the urger of the drum axle 13 to pull the line 10 hard enough to rotate the tensioner 37 back to its home position, the back-rotation of the tensioner 37 causing rotation of the elongate handle 20 back to its rest position. The tensioning line 10 is now slack which allows the user to separate the anchor 14 from the pallet 3 and retract the tensioning line 10. FIGS. 6-7 show an alternative design of retainer 70B, compared to the handle retainer 70 of FIGS. 2-4. Relative to the handle retainer 70 of FIGS. 2-4, the retainer 70B engages a downstream part of the drive linkage connecting the handle to the tensioner. This downstream retainer 70B is at least partially hidden / internal rather than being exposed. The retainer 70B of FIGS. 6-7 comprises a single-drop spiral cam 76 comprised in the fulcrum body 21 of the lever 19, and a spring-loaded catch 72B configured to engage with the spiral cam 76. The axis of the spiral cam 76 may be coaxial with the lever axis of rotation 61. The illustrated spiral cam 76 is above the driver 18, but could alternatively be below the driver 18. The retainer 70B is configured to engage with the lever 19 following actuation of the elongate handle 20 in the first, tensioning direction (from the rest position of the elongate handle 20 to the end of the stroke length of the elongate handle 20), to prevent movement of the elongate handle 20 in the second, opposite direction despite the bias force from the urger of the drum axle 13 biasing the lever 19 back towards the rest position of the elongate handle 20 of the lever 19. FIG. 6 shows the elongate handle 20 at its rest position wherein the tensioner 37 is at its home position. As the elongate handle 20 is rotated to the full stroke position shown in FIG. 7, the rotating spiral cam 76 deflects the catch 72B, acting against the spring 80 of the catch 72B. FIG. 7 shows the elongate handle 20 at its full stroke position wherein the tensioner 37 is at its tensioning position. In FIG. 7, the retainer 70B is in an engaged state. Specifically, the catch 72B has fallen into the drop 77 of the spiral cam 76. Therefore, when the user releases the handle 20, the elongate handle 20 remains stationary because the spiral cam 76 is unable to back-rotate due to the engagement between the catch 72B and the drop 77 of the spiral cam 76. The catch 72B operates in the manner of a one-way gate that the spiral cam 76 can enter but cannot leave without first undoing the catch 72B. The catch 72B is implemented as a spring-loaded catch 72B. 19 As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the elongate handle 20 and the exit 24 of the channel 22 are exterior parts of the winding assembly 16. They are at an upstanding side 5 of the lid 1 of FIG. 1. Therefore, a user can grab the elongate handle 20, turn the elongate handle 20 and feel the elongate handle 20 being engaged by the retainer 70B. The engagement of the retainer 70B provides clear haptic feedback that the tensioning line 10 is now sufficiently tensioned. To release the elongate handle 20 from the retainer 70B, the user pushes a releaser in the form of a release button 78 with their finger, to separate the catch 72B from the drop 77 of the spiral cam 76. The release button 78 is sized to receive a user's fingertip. This disengagement of the retainer 70B by the release button 78 may or may not be sufficient to allow the urger of the drum axle 13 to pull the line 10 hard enough to rotate the tensioner 37 back to its home position. Should the urger of the drum axle 13 not be powerful or consistent enough to cause rotation of the tensioner 37 to its home position, a return spring 82 can be provided. FIGS. 6-7 illustrate an example return spring 82, described below. One end of the illustrated return spring 82 is connected to the slotted spindle 40 and another end of the return spring 82 is attached to the housing of the winding assembly 16. The return spring 82 is wrapped around the slotted spindle 40. The return spring 82 is configured to bias the tensioner 37 back to its home position upon actuation of the release button 78. If the handle 20 is connected to the slotted spindle 40 via a non-slip drive linkage, then the return spring 82 is able to simultaneously bias the tensioner 37 back to its home position and the elongate handle 20 to its rest position. Otherwise, a separate return spring may be provided for the lever 19 at the cost of an increased part count. In other implementations, the return spring 82 could be connected to another part of the tensioner load path connecting the handle 20 to the rotation of the slotted spindle 40. In some examples, a return spring 82 of the type described in relation to FIGS. 6 and 7 could be employed in the winding assembly 16 of FIGS. 2 to 4B. The tensioning line 10 is now slack which allows the user to separate the anchor 14 from the pallet 3 and retract the tensioning line 10. The release button 78, the catch 72B, and optionally the spring 80, may be an integral part such as an integrally-moulded part. This obviates the need for a mechanism connecting the release button 78 to the catch 72B, or multiple parts during manufacture. For intuitive use, the release button 78 is an exterior part of the winding assembly. The release button 78 is adjacent the lever 19. The release button 78 is exposed at the upstanding side 5 of the lid 1 of FIG. 1. The spring 80 may be internal and anchored against a part of the lid 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 illustrates a further example cable actuator providing a non-slip drive. As shown in the detail view of FIG. 9, the transmission line 53B is in the form of a cable. The cable is connected at one end to a first seat 92 mounted to the lever 19, and connected at its opposite end to a tensioner drive input 42B of the tensioner 37, the input 42B being in the form of a second seat. The seats 42B, 92 and cable 53B define a winding mechanism. It would be appreciated that a different form of connection could be provided, in other examples. It would be appreciated that a different type of retainer and / or releaser could be implemented than that shown. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a winding assembly 16 showing the full housing 84, including a cover 96 which was omitted in the earlier Figures. The housing 84 comprises a main body 86 as shown in the earlier Figures, and a cover 96 in the form of a top cap connected to the top of the main body 86. The cover 96 is connected to the main body 86 via snap fit connectors, or similar. The main body 86 and cover 96 collectively encapsulate the drive linkage 18, 42, 53 and channel 22. The cover 96 of the winding assembly 16 is a separate part than the cover member 7 of the pallet lid 1 (FIG. 1). The cover member 7 of the pallet lid 1 extends over the entire winding assembly 16 including the cover 96 of the winding assembly 16. The channel 22 interconnects a drum cavity 88 of the housing 84 with the exit 24 of the channel 22. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate cross-sections at three respective locations along the channel 22. FIG. 11 illustrates an entrance 23 of the channel 22 in crosssection. FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of the channel 22 where the tensioner 37 is located. FIG. 13 illustrates the exit 24 of the channel 22. The channel 22 has a base 92 and side walls 94, as well as a ceiling. The channel 22 is recessed into the main body 86 of the housing 84. Therefore, the main body 86 of the housing 84 defines the channel base 92 and channel side walls 94 of the channel 22. The cover 96 of the housing 84 is located over the channel 22, defining the ceiling of the channel 22. FIG. 10 shows that the entrance 23 of the channel 22 faces the drum cavity 88 of the main body 86 of the housing 84 of the winding assembly 16. The entrance 23 is directly or indirectly connected to the drum cavity 88. FIG. 11 illustrates that the entrance 23 is an upright opening, perpendicular to the direction of the channel 22. Portions of the main body 86 and of the cover 96 of the housing 84 form the perimeter of the entrance 23. FIG. 11 illustrates the entrance 23 comprising an optional diagonal guide wall 99, to guide the elongate portion 10B of the tensioning line 10 from a vertical orientation on the rotatable drum 12 towards a horizontal orientation of the slot 38 of the tensioner 37 in the channel 22. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section through a central region of the channel 22 between the entrance 23 and exit 24, where the tensioner 37 is located. The cross-section extends through the tensioner 37 and shows the slot 38 through the tensioner 37. The elongate portion 10B of the tensioning line 10 is shown, extending through the slot 38 of the tensioner 37. FIGS. 10 and 13 show the exit 24 of the channel 22. The exit 24 of the channel 22 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the anchor 14, so that the anchor 14 cannot be retracted into the channel 22. FIGS. 10 and 12 also show the cover 96 of the housing 84 comprising an access port 98 located directly above the tensioner 37. The access port 98 is for enabling an assembly worker or maintenance worker to insert their fingers into the channel 22 when retrieving the end portion 10A, 10C of a new tensioning line 10 located within the channel 22. This makes it easy to feed the end portion 10A, 10C of the new tensioning line 10 through the tensioner 37 without needing to release the cover 96 from the main body 86 of the housing 84. The cover 96 can therefore always remain attached to the main body 86 unless the drive linkage 18, 42, 53 needs to be repaired or replaced. In another example, the access port 98 may be located below the channel 22, extending through the channel base 92 in the main body 86 of the housing 84. 23 The illustrated access port 98 is an opening having a length parallel to the channel 22 and a width across the channel 22, and a vertical depth through the cover 96. The illustrated access port 98 is a separate opening than the entrance 23 and exit 24 of the channel 22, at a higher elevation and facing generally perpendicular to the entrance 23 and exit 24. In another example, the access port 98 is a portion of the same opening as the entrance 23 or exit 24, but extends generally perpendicularly to the entrance 23 or exit 24. The illustrated access port 98 is a through hole without an access panel covering it. When the winding assembly 16 is inserted into the pallet lid 1, the cover member 7 of the pallet lid 1 will extend over the top of the access port 98 to block it while the pallet lid 1 is in use. The access port 98 becomes available when the winding assembly 16 is released and removed from the body 4 of the pallet lid 1. In another example, if the winding assembly 16 not covered by a cover member 7 in use, then an access panel specific to the access port 98 may be useful. The access port 98 is large. The access port 98 has a width across the channel 22 which is greater than the width of the tensioning line 10, and optionally approximately equal to or greater than the width of the slot 38 of the tensioner 37. The access port 98 has a length parallel to the channel 22 which is approximately equal to or greater than the width of the access port 98. This provides a large opening for the insertion of multiple fingers. The access port 98 is only a short vertical distance above the tensioner 37, e.g., less than 5cm or less than 3.5cm above the slot 38 or centroid of the tensioner 37. To further improve ease of engagement of the tensioning line 10 with the slot 38 of the tensioner 37, a worker (user) could rotate the elongate handle until one end of the slot 38 of the tensioner 37 faces the access port 98. 24 The access port 98 in the cover 96 is also centred over the location of the tensioner 37, and is longer than the tensioner 37 to provide space both in front and behind (downstream and upstream) the tensioner 37 for fingers. The access port 98 is closer to the tensioner 37 than the entrance 23 and exit 24 of the channel 22 are. The access port 98 is also larger in cross-sectional opening area than the cross-sectional opening areas of the entrance 23 and exit 24. Optionally, a cross-sectional area of the access port is greater than 10cmA2. The access port 98 is also unobstructed from above by any other parts of the winding assembly 16. By contrast, as shown the entrance 23 and exit 24 are vertically narrow as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. Furthermore, FIG. 10 shows that the entrance 23 and exit 24 are further away from the tensioner 37 and the entrance 23 is partially blocked by the rotatable drum 12 making access difficult. The average vertical height across the entrance 23 and of the exit 24 of the channel 22 each define a minimum dimension of the entrance 23 and of the exit 24, respectively. The average length and average width of the access port 98 are each at least 1,5x greater than the minimum dimensions of the entrance 23 and exit 24. The average length and width of the access port 98 may each be at least 3cm or at least 4cm. The width of the access port 98 may be greater than the width of the tensioning line 10. The average height of the entrance 23 and of the exit 24 of the channel 22 may each be less than 3cm. A method of installing the tensioning line 10 in the winding assembly 16 is now described, the method utilising the access port 98 of FIGS. 10, 12 for convenience. If the method is performed during maintenance of an existing winding assembly 16 rather than original manufacture, then the method may first comprise removing an existing tensioning line 10 for disposal. 25 Removing the existing tensioning line 10 may first comprise pulling out the tensioning line 10 to an extended length, or to its full length. This rotates the rotatable drum 12 to a tensioned state. The user will then insert a retaining pin (not shown) into the rotatable drum 12 to hold the tension. The user will then use a pair of fabric scissors or another tool with an equivalent function to sever the tensioning line 10. Cutting is more convenient than non-destructively releasing an end portion 10A, 10C of the existing tensioning line 10 from the anchor 14 or rotatable drum 12. Then, the user feeds the severed end of one of the cut lengths of the existing tensioning line 10 out of the slot 38 of the tensioner 37 so that the tensioner 37 is not engaged with the either cut length of the existing tensioning line 10. The existing tensioning line 10 may also be released from the rotatable drum 12 so that the rotatable drum 12 can be reused. The rotatable drum 12 may not need to be removed. Then, the user installs the new tensioning line 10. If the rotatable drum 12 is being reused, the new tensioning line 10 may already be connected to the anchor 14 but not to the rotatable drum 12. The proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 may already comprise a loop for attaching to the rotatable drum 12. This loop may be narrow enough to fit through the slot 38 of the tensioner 37. Alternatively, the loop could be added later by ultrasonic welding and / or stitching The proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 is pushed upstream through the exit 24 of the channel 22 and into proximity with the slot 38 of the tensioner 37. The next stage is intricate, and involves inserting the proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 through the narrow slot 38 of the 26 tensioner 37. To assist with this, the user inserts fingers of their hand through the access port 98 into the channel, to retrieve and grab the proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10. The user can then manipulate the proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 into the slot 38 of the tensioner 37. For convenience, some users might pull the proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 out of the access port 98, and then turn the elongate handle 20 to wind the tensioner 37 into an orientation where the slot 38 faces upwards, and then push the proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 down into the upwards-facing slot 38 of the tensioner 37. This allows the user’s fingers to work in a mostly unconfined space outside the channel 22. Once in the slot 38, the user feeds the new tensioning line 10 through the tensioner 37 until the proximal end portion 10A protrudes out of the upstream end of the slot 38. The user will continue to feed the tensioning line 10 through the channel 22 until the proximal end portion 10A has passed through the entrance 23 of the channel 22, or is close enough to the entrance 23 that it is within hand reach of the entrance 23. Once the user has extracted the proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 from the entrance 23 of the channel 22, the user can then engage the proximal end portion 10A of the new tensioning line 10 with the rotatable drum 12. Before this step, the user could ultrasonically weld or stitch a stopper tab (not shown) to a side face of the new tensioning line 10, between the rotatable drum 12 and the entrance 23 of the channel 22. The stopper tab is configured to prevent too much of the tensioning line 10 from passing through the slot 38 of the tensioner 37 and defines a maximum length by which the tensioning line 10 can be unwound. Then, the user can remove the retaining pin from the rotatable drum 12, so the rotatable drum 12 will wind the new tensioning line 10 to its retracted condition shown in FIG. 10. In a second example, the upstream insertion direction may not be practical or possible for various reasons. For example, an upstream part of the new tensioning line 10 may be pre-attached to something that will not fit through the slot 38 of the tensioner 37, such as the stopper tab or even a new rotatable drum 12. In this method, the distal end portion 10C of the new tensioning line 10 is not yet attached to the anchor 14, so it may be a plain or looped end which fits through the slot 38 of the tensioner 37. Therefore, in the second example, the user will feed the new tensioning line 10 in a downstream direction. The distal end portion 10C of the new tensioning line 10 is inserted through the entrance 23 of the channel 22 into proximity with the slot 38 of the tensioner 37. The user then feeds the distal end portion 10C through the slot 38 of the tensioner 37, using the access port 98 for access. This process is similar to the first example except the feeding direction is downstream towards the exit 24 of the channel 22, rather than upstream towards the entrance 23. Once the user has extracted the distal end portion 10C of the new tensioning line 10 from the exit 24 of the channel 22, the user can then secure the distal end portion 10C to the anchor 14. For example, this can be performed by wrapping the distal end portion 10C into a loop and securing the loop to the anchor 14 with an ultrasonic weld and / or stitches. The anchor 14 is now permanently attached to the new tensioning line 10. Then, the user can remove the retaining pin and the rotatable drum 12 will wind the new tensioning line 10 to its retracted condition shown in FIG. 10. In a third example, the new tensioning line 10 is wholly inserted through the access port 98, rather than through the entrance 23 or exit 24 of the channel 22. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, aspects of the invention are applicable to winding assemblies with ratchet mechanisms, that require multiple turns of the elongate handle 20 to rotate the tensioner 37 to its tensioning position. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A winding assembly comprising:a housing;a tensioning line;a channel within the housing, the channel comprising an entrance and an exit opposite the entrance, wherein the tensioning line extends through the channel;a tensioner within the channel, wherein the tensioner is engageable with the tensioning line; andan access port in the housing, wherein the access port is closer to the tensioner than the entrance and exit of the channel are.

2. The winding assembly of claim 1, wherein the winding assembly further comprises a rotatable drum, wherein the tensioning line comprises an end portion secured to the rotatable drum, an end portion secured to an anchor, and an elongate portion extending between the end portions and wound around the rotatable drum, wherein the tensioner is engageable with the elongate portion of the tensioning line, wherein the entrance of the channel faces the rotatable drum, and wherein the elongate portion of the tensioning line extends through the channel.

3. The winding assembly of claim 2, wherein the end portions of the tensioning line comprise loops and / or tabs for securing the tensioning line to the rotatable drum and the anchor.

4. The winding assembly of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the access port is sized to allow two or more fingers of a human hand to enter the channel through the access port and engage the tensioning line with the tensioner.

5. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioner is located at a location along the channel which is at least partially aligned with the channel.

6. The winding assembly of claim 5, wherein the location is such that the whole tensioner is aligned with the access port, wherein the access port extends to both upstream and downstream sides of the tensioner.

7. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the access port is a through hole, wherein the access port faces a different direction than the entrance and the exit.

8. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the access port, entrance, and exit, are separate openings of the housing, or wherein the access port is a same opening as the exit or entrance and is defined as a portion of the opening that extends longitudinally along the channel whereas the entrance and exit extend transverse to the channel.

9. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the access port is located in a wall of the channel, wherein the access port faces a different direction than the entrance and exit, wherein the access port is perpendicular or mostly perpendicular relative to the entrance and exit.

10. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the access port is less than 5cm or less than 3.5cm away from a centroid of the tensioner, measured in a distance axis perpendicular to a plane of the access port.

11. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the entrance and exit each have a smaller opening area than the access port.

12. The winding assembly of claim 11, wherein the entrance and exit each have a minimum dimension, defined as a height or width in the plane of the entrance or exit, which is less on average than an average value of a minimum dimension of the access port, defined as a length or width in the plane of the access port.

13. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioner comprises a slotted spindle, slotted to receive the tensioning line therethrough.

14. The winding assembly of claim 13 as dependent through claim 2, wherein a slot of the slotted spindle has a smaller cross-sectional area than the anchor, and wherein the anchor is larger in cross-section than the exit of the channel, such that when the tensioning line is in a fully retracted condition, the anchor is located outboard of the exit of the channel.

15. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the housing further comprises a cover, wherein the cover is a cap secured to a main body of the housing, wherein the cover extends above an elevation of the tensioner and encloses the channel, and wherein the access port is located in the cover of the housing.

16. The winding assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioner is movable between a loose position in which the tensioning line is loose relative to the tensioner, and a tensioning position in which the tensioning line is tensioned by the tensioner, wherein the wherein the winding assembly comprises a lever comprising a fulcrum body and an elongate handle extending from the fulcrum body, wherein the elongate handle has a stroke length between a first position and a second position17. The winding assembly of claim 16, wherein the winding assembly comprises a drive linkage coupling actuation of the elongate handle to motion 32of the tensioner, wherein movement of the elongate handle from the first position to the second position moves the tensioner from the loose position towards the tensioning position.

18. The winding assembly of claim 17, wherein the stroke length of the elongate hand rotates the tensioner by a reflex angle.

19. The winding assembly of claim 17 or 18 as dependent through claim 15, wherein the cover of the housing covers the drive linkage, wherein the cover of the housing covers an axis of rotation of the elongate handle, and wherein the cover of the housing supports an axle of the lever.

20. The winding assembly of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the winding assembly comprises a retainer to hold the tensioner in the tensioning position, wherein the retainer is automatically engaged in dependence on the elongate handle reaching the second position corresponding to the tensioning position of the tensioner.

21. The winding assembly of claim 20, wherein the retainer comprises a catch configured to automatically engage following movement of the elongate handle from the first position to the second position, to prevent movement of the elongate handle from the second position to the first position.

22. The winding assembly of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the winding assembly further comprises a return spring to at least bias the elongate handle towards the first position, wherein he first position is a rest position of the elongate handle, and wherein the second position is a full stroke position of the elongate handle.

23. A method of installing a tensioning line in the winding assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:33inserting a first of the end portions of the tensioning line into the channel of the winding assembly, via the entrance or exit;inserting one or more fingers of a hand through the access port into the channel;using the one or more fingers to retrieve the first end portion of the tensioning line;engaging the first end portion of the tensioning line with the tensioner; andfeeding the tensioning line through the tensioner.

24. The method of claim 23 as dependent through claim 2, wherein installing the tensioning line further comprises securing the first end portion to the rotatable drum or to the anchor.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the method is a method of replacing tensioning lines, the method comprising removing an existing one of the tensioning line and installing a new one of the tensioning line, wherein removing the tensioning line comprises:severing the existing tensioning line with a tool to separate the existing tensioning line into cut lengths; andremoving cut lengths of the existing tensioning line from the winding assembly, including feeding a severed end of one of the cut lengths out of engagement with the tensioner.IntellectualPropertyOfficeApplication GB2508686.9Search report under Section 17 of the Patents Act 1977Date search completed: 12 November 2025Claims searched: 1-25International classificationSubclass and subgroup Valid from B60P7 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006 B65B13 / 22 01 / 01 / 2006 B65D63 / 06 01 / 01 / 2006Field of searchWorldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC:B60P, B65B, B65DDatabases used in the preparation of this search report:SEARCH-PATENTDocuments considered to be relevantPatent literatureCategory Relevant Document of relevanceclaimsIntellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Officewww.gov.uk / ipoX 1-25 WO 2011 / 020249 A1 SHANGHAI HOREN SCIENCE &TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, A line 2 extending through a channel in a housing 10; a tensioner 3 in the channel engagable 4 with the line; an access port above closer to the tensioner than the channel ends (abstract, figs, esp fig 1). X 1-13, 1618, 20, 21, 23-25 KR 19980065267 U DONG A ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS C, A line T extending through a channel in a housing 16; a tensioner 31 in the channel engagable with the line; an access port above closer to the tensioner than the channel ends (abstract -machine translated, figs). X 1,4-8, 10 12, 15-17, 19-23, 35 US 11730527 B2 ESSER et al., A line 3 extending through a channel in a housing 1; a tensioner 27 in the channel engagable with the line; an access port below closer to the tensioner than the channel ends (abstract, figs). X 1,4-12, 15 17, 19-22 US 5193592 A EVILSIZER et al., A line 24 extending through a channel in a housing 12; a tensioner 50 in the channel engagable with the line; an access port below closer to the tensioner than the channel ends (abstract, figs, esp fig 3). X 1-25 US 2005 / 0260055 A1 FACEY et al., A line 13 extending through a channel in a housing 43; a tensioner 37 in the channel engagable 38 with the line; an access port above closer to the tensioner than the channel ends (abstract, figs, esp fig 9). Non-patent literature Category Relevant claims Document of relevanceCategories Letter or symbol Description X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step, if combined with another document of the same category. & Member of the same patent family. A Document indicating technological background. P Document published on or after the priority date but before the fling date of the present application. E Earlier application published on or after the filing date of the present application.

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