Strap winding apparatus

Abstract

A strap winding apparatus features a bracket with a frame (40, 112) that stores a rotating shaft assembly (50, 120) when not in use, providing compact and secure storage without disassembly. The shaft (52, 122) includes open-ended slots (54, 124) for receiving a strap (20, 108), and a crank (56, 126) extends perpendicularly from the shaft (52, 122) to wind the strap. A handle member (60, 130) permits both handheld operation and mounting to a truck bed (16, 106) via a hook member (68, 134) for tool-free attachment, while an auxiliary connector (140) enables attachment to various structures, such as a wall hook, or to a user's belt or pants, facilitating hands-free carrying or temporary storage. This design offers space-saving storage of the shaft assembly, convenient dual use, and improved portability over conventional strap winding devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 617,368 filed January 3, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Embodiment 1, as described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, is based on the disclosure of this provisional application.

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 18 / 810,630, filed August 21 , 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Embodiment 2, as described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 10-17, is based on the disclosure of this non-provisional application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0003] The present disclosure relates to accessories used in transportation, and in particular, to a strap winding apparatus for winding straps.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART:

[0004] Articles placed on a flatbed truck are typically secured using cargo straps, tie-down straps, or other flexible members. These straps are extended over the articles and fastened to the deck of the flatbed truck. After use, it is preferable to organize the cargo straps for safe storage and to prevent them from tangling with other objects. Typically, cargo straps are rolled for easy storage and transportation. However, rolling cargo straps by hand is a time-consuming task and requires considerable effort by the user or truck driver.

[0005] To aid the user, various strap winding tools have been developed. One example is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,766,271 ("the '271 Patent"), entitled "Strap collection device for tensioning a ratchet." The '271 Patent discloses a hand-activated retention, storage, and deployment device for binding straps used to secure loads on cargo transportation vehicles, such as tractor trailers. The device includes a winding mechanism with a spooling reel. This reel winds excess binding strap during use and allows for removable storage of the strap when it is not deployed.

[0006] Another example is disclosed in PCT Publication No. 2014138777 ("the '777 Publication"), entitled "Strap winding tool." The '777 Publication discloses a strap winding device comprising a pair of tines extending lengthwise from a body, and an interface extending from the body for connection to a rotating driver. The tines rotate about an axis between them when a strap is placed between them. In use, the rotation of the tines winds the strap around the tines.

[0007] A further example is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,824,339 ("the '339 Patent"), entitled "Belt winch speed handle." The '339 Patent describes a handle for speed winding a strap back onto a belt winch having a ratchet mechanism, a winch drum, and an annular cylinder. The speed handle generally includes an elongated arm with a grip on the upper surface adjacent to the first end and a handle drum on the lower surface adjacent to the second end. The handle drum includes a tapered end and is adapted to fit into the annular cylinder of a belt winch. The handle drum also includes a protrusion with a tapered end,adapted to fit into an aperture on the annular cylinder. Once placed on the belt winch, the speed handle allows the user to rapidly rewind a strap back onto the winch drum.

[0008] Although existing strap winding tools are useful, they have some problems. For example, they frequently provide mechanisms of attachment that do not provide sufficient rigidity, leading to unwanted play or movement when installed on a flatbed truck. This lack of rigidity can cause problems during operation and inconvenience for the user. Additionally, many existing tools are designed solely for use when mounted on a flatbed and cannot be easily used manually. In contrast to the present invention, prior art devices commonly lack a convenient and reliable way to store the winding mechanism, often leading to misplacement or loss of components and reducing the overall usability of the device. Moreover, no known prior art discloses a strap winding apparatus that combines a bracket-based integrated storage system for the rotating shaft assembly with a dual-use handle that allows for both mounted and handheld operation. Furthermore, existing tools often lack provisions for easy portability, such as the ability to be conveniently carried on the user's person or hung on a wall for storage. The present invention, however, addresses this limitation by incorporating an auxiliary connector (140) that allows the apparatus to be attached to a user's belt or hung on a suitable structure.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a strap winding apparatus that is easy to install and uninstall from a flatbed truck and can also be operated effectively while being held manually by the user. Furthermore, there is a need for such an apparatus that provides a secure and integrated storage solution for the winding mechanism when not in use, addressing the shortcomings of the existing tools. There is also a need for a more portable solution that simplifies strap handling, making the winding process quicker and more efficient, and that can be conveniently carried by the user when not in use. The present invention fulfills these needs by providing a unique design that incorporates both a bracket with integrated storage for the rotating shaft assembly and a handle that enables dual-use operation. Furthermore, the invention's compact design and open-ended shaft slots facilitate portability and allow for easy strap loading and unloading, unlike many cumbersome prior art devices. The inclusion of an auxiliary connector further enhances portability by allowing the apparatus to be attached to the user's person or hung on a wall.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a strap winding apparatus that avoids the drawbacks of known strap winding tools, particularly their lack of integrated storage for the winding mechanism, their limited usability in both mounted and handheld configurations, their often cumbersome and time-consuming strap handling procedures, and their lack of portability due to their size and complexity. It is a further object to provide an apparatus that can be easily carried by the user when needed, adding to its overall convenience and versatility.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a strap winding apparatus that is easy to install and uninstall from a flatbed truck using a unique, tool-free hook mechanism, and that can also be conveniently operated while being held manually. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a strap winding apparatus that offers improved portability, due to its compact design, integrated storage features, andfacilitates quick and efficient strap handling through its uniquely designed shaft openings and handle configuration. It is yet another object to provide an apparatus with a mechanism for convenient attachment to the user or to a storage structure when not in use.

[0012] To achieve these objects, the present invention provides a strap winding apparatus for winding a strap. The strap winding apparatus includes a bracket and a rotating shaft assembly. The bracket includes a frame with frame holes and a handle member extending from the frame. The handle includes a hook member that connects to a flatbed truck, positioning the frame parallel to the side of the truck. Unlike conventional strap winders, the handle member is also designed to be comfortably gripped by hand, allowing for dualuse of the apparatus either mounted on a truck bed or held manually. The rotating shaft assembly includes a shaft with shaft openings (elongated slots with open ends extending along the shaft's length) and connects to a crank with a grip. The shaft is inserted through the frame holes, positioning the crank outside the frame. The shaft openings receive the strap. Rotation of the shaft assembly winds the strap around the shaft. A key inventive feature is the ability to remove the shaft from the frame while the strap remains in a wound configuration, facilitated by the open-ended design of the shaft openings. In one embodiment, the frame is specifically configured to securely store the rotating shaft assembly when not in use, with features such as internal cut-outs and a plate member with a circular opening designed to receive and hold the shaft and crank. This integrated storage capability is not found in typical prior art strap winding devices. Furthermore, the apparatus includes an auxiliary connector (140) on the handle member, allowing it to be conveniently attached to the user's belt or hung on a suitable storage structure.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the frame has a U-shaped member extending from it. The frame also has a support member that connects at the bottom of the handle member and the U-shaped member. The support member contacts the side of the flatbed truck. The support member, the U-shaped member, and the handle member provide the required strength for the frame to hold the rotating shaft assembly and to wind the strap. Furthermore, the support member, the U-shaped member, and the handle member position the frame at a distance from the flatbed truck, and the space between the frame and the support member is used for winding the strap. This configuration, along with the uniquely designed hook member, allows for quick, secure, and tool-free attachment and detachment of the apparatus to the truck bed, a significant improvement over the complex attachment mechanisms found in many prior art devices.

[0014] In one advantageous feature, the strap winding apparatus has a frame specifically designed to receive the rotating shaft assembly when not in use. This integrated storage solution, facilitated by features such as strategically placed internal cut-outs (118) and a plate member (113) with a precisely dimensioned circular opening (115), eliminates the need for separate storage space for the rotating shaft assembly and simplifies storage and transportation of the strap winding apparatus. The cut-outs (118) are configured to securely cradle the crank (56, 126) and grip (58, 128), while the circular opening (115) is sized to receive the end of the shaft (52, 122), ensuring the rotating shaft assembly is held firmly within the frame when not in use. This thoughtful integration of storage directly intothe frame's structure is a departure from conventional designs and offers significant practical benefits.

[0015] In another advantageous feature, the handle member has a uniquely shaped hook member (68, 134) that allows for easy and tool-free installation and uninstallation from the flatbed truck. This hook member is not a simple hook, but rather incorporates a sharpcornered locking portion (137b) that functions as a clip, enabling quick and secure engagement with a rail (107) commonly found on truck beds. The design of this locking portion (137b) allows the apparatus to be clipped onto the rail without the need for any tools or separate fasteners, representing a significant advancement in terms of usability and efficiency compared to prior art devices that rely on complex or cumbersome attachment methods.

[0016] The features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGS. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. Notably, the FIGS, and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment (10) in which a strap winding apparatus (12) is implemented, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of the strap winding apparatus (12), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a bracket (35) of the strap winding apparatus (12), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a rotating shaft assembly (50) of the strap winding apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates the rotating shaft assembly (50) inserted in a frame (40) from the side, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates the strap winding apparatus (12) connected to a truck bed (16), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates the strap winding apparatus (12) receiving a strap (20), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates the rotating shaft assembly (50) being pulled out of the bracket (35), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates the strap (20) in a wound configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates an environment (100) in which a strap winding apparatus (102) is implemented, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of the strap winding apparatus (102), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of the strap winding apparatus (102), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate a hook member (134) provided at a handle member (130), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates the strap winding apparatus (102) connected to a truck bed (106), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates a strap (108) being wound with the help of the strap winding apparatus (102) receiving the strap (108), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates a user (145) holding the strap winding apparatus (102) for winding the strap (108), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] FIG. 17 illustrates a rotating shaft assembly (120) placed within a frame (112) when not in use and a handle member (130) configured for attachment to a truck bed, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS:

[0035] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary,” used throughout this description, means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed strap winding apparatus. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed strap winding apparatus.

[0036] In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth assuch. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[0037] Although the present invention describes a strap winding apparatus, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the device. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this invention.

[0038] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. Any implementation described herein as "exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.Embodiment 1

[0039] FIGS. 1-17 illustrate various features and embodiments of the strap winding apparatus.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows an environment (10) in which a strap winding apparatus (12) is implemented, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Strap winding apparatus (12) connects to a truck at its bed or deck (16). A user (18) attaches strap winding apparatus (12) to bed (16) and uses it to wind a strap (20). Strap (20) is a cargo strap or a tie-down strap. For example, strap (20) may be a ratchet strap with a flat hook, a ratchet strap with a wire hook, a chain anchor ratchet strap, or a lasso strap.

[0041] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of strap winding apparatus (12), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Strap winding apparatus (12) includes a first end (22), a second end (24), a first side (26), a second side (28), a top end (30), and a bottom end (32). First end (22) is a front end and second end (24) is a rear end. First side (26) is a right side and second side (28) is a left side. Strap winding apparatus (12) includes a bracket (35). FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of bracket (35), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Bracket (35) includes a frame (40) made of metal, hard plastic, or any other suitable material. For instance, frame (40) may be rectangular, square, or any other configuration. Frame (40) has a frame opening (42) formed therein, which is the space within the walls of the frame (40). Frame (40) includes frame slots (44) formed at opposite sides. For example, frame slots (44) are formed at the longer sides of a rectangular frame (40). In this particular embodiment, frame (40) also includes a U-shaped member (46) that extends from frame (40) towards bottom end (32). U-shaped member (46) may be made of metal, hard plastic, or any other suitable material. It is noted that the U-shaped member (46) is an optional feature, and other embodiments may not include it.

[0042] In one embodiment, strap winding apparatus (12) includes a rotating shaft assembly (50). Rotating shaft assembly (50) is configured to be positioned within bracket (35), as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of rotating shaft assembly (50), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Rotatingshaft assembly (50) includes a shaft (52) having shaft openings (54). Shaft openings (54) are elongated slots extending along the length of shaft (52) at the top and bottom for receiving strap. Shaft (52) has a crank (56) that extends perpendicularly from it. Crank (56) has a grip or lever (58) that extends perpendicularly from it.

[0043] Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, bracket (35) includes a handle member (60). As shown in FIG. 3, handle member (60) connects to frame (40) via an extending member (62). Extending member (62) acts as a connecting bridge between handle member (60) and frame (40), allowing handle member (60) to be positioned perpendicularly or at an angle to hold strap winding apparatus (12). Handle member (60) has a finger grip section (64) allowing to hold it securely. In this particular embodiment, Bracket (35) also has a support member (66), which is an elongated member in a flat configuration that extends from the bottom of handle member (60) and connects to U-shaped member (46). Support member (66) contacts bed (16) and helps to rest frame (40) and U-shaped member (46) at a distance from bed (16). Handle member (60) includes a hook member (68). As shown in FIG. 2B, for example, hook member (68) is positioned perpendicularly to handle member (60) and has an angled end. It is noted that the support member (66) is an optional feature related to the U-shaped member (46), and other embodiments may not include it.

[0044] In accordance with the present invention, rotating shaft assembly (50) sits within frame (40) when not in use, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Further, the rotating shaft assembly (50) is removed from frame (40), and shaft (52) is inserted into frame slots (44) from the side, as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of bracket (35) mounted to bed (16). Hook member (68) is inserted into holes provided at bed (16), positioning frame (40) facing downwards. Support member (66) mounts against the side surface of bed (16) and provides the required support for holding frame (40) in place with the help of U-shaped member (46). U-shaped member (46) and handle member (60) help to position frame (40) at a distance from bed (16) such that a large strap can be wound using strap winding apparatus (12).

[0045] After bracket (35) is mounted, the user inserts rotating shaft assembly (50) into frame (40) via frame slots (44). Specifically, shaft (52) is inserted through frame slot (44) from one side and connects to frame slot (44) on the other side. Subsequently, a distal end (70) of strap (20) is drawn through shaft openings (54), as shown in FIG. 7. The user (18) then rotates rotating shaft assembly (50) by holding grip (58) in order to wind strap (20) around shaft (52). (In FIG. 8, shaft (52) and shaft openings (54) are obscured by the strap (20) but are visible in FIG. 7). User (18) continues to wind until a strap hook (72) of strap (20) is reached, as shown in FIG. 8. At this point, user (18) holds strap (20) and pulls out rotating shaft assembly (50). Specifically, user (18) pulls shaft (52) out of frame (40). As shaft openings (54) are open-ended, strap (20) stays inside frame (40) while shaft (52) is being pulled away from frame (40), as shown in FIG. 8. Subsequently, user (18) collects strap (20) in a wound configuration, as shown in FIG. 9.Embodiment 2

[0046] FIG. 10 shows an environment (100) in which a strap winding apparatus (102) is implemented, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Strap winding apparatus (102) connects to a truck (104) at its bed (106) for winding a strap (108). Thetruck (104) includes a cab, as shown in FIG. 10, where the driver would typically be situated. Strap (108) is a cargo strap or a tie-down strap. For example, strap (108) may be a ratchet strap with a flat hook, a ratchet strap with a wire hook, a chain anchor ratchet strap, or a lasso strap.

[0047] FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of strap winding apparatus (102), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Strap winding apparatus (102) includes a bracket (110) and a rotating shaft assembly (120). FIG. 12 shows a side perspective view of bracket (110). The structural features of bracket (110) are explained with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. Bracket (110) includes a frame (112) made of metal, hard plastic, or any other suitable material. For instance, frame (112) may be rectangular, square, or any other configuration. Frame (112) has a frame opening (114) formed therein, which is the space within the walls of the frame (112). Frame (112) includes frame slots (116) formed at opposite sides. For example, frame slots (116) are formed at the longer sides of a rectangular frame (112). In one embodiment, frame (112) includes a plate member (113) that connects at the inner side of frame (112) and includes a circular opening (115). Frame (112) also includes crank receiving cut-sections (118) formed opposite one another on the inner side of frame (112). Circular opening (115) and crank receiving cut-sections (118) help to place rotating shaft assembly (120) within frame (112) when strap winding apparatus (102) is not in use, as shown in FIG. 17, for example.

[0048] Strap winding apparatus (102) includes a handle member (130) with a hook member (134). Handle member (130) connects to frame (112) via an extending member (132). As shown in FIG. 12, extending member (132) acts as a connecting bridge between handle member (130) and frame (112), allowing handle member (130) to be positioned perpendicularly or at an angle with respect to the bed of a truck (e.g., bed (106) as shown in FIG. 10) for holding strap winding apparatus (102).

[0049] FIG. 13A shows an expanded view of hook member (134) connecting perpendicularly to handle member (130). Hook member (134) has a U-shaped structure with a top part (135) and a bottom part (137). In one example, bottom part (137) has a hole (136) that receives a fastening member (not shown) when hook member (134) is in use. Optionally, top part (135) has a connecting member (138) with a threaded portion (139). Connecting member (138) may be tightened or adjusted as needed to ensure proper engagement of the hook member. Bottom part (137) includes a rail receiving portion (137a) and a sharp-cornered portion (137b), as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C. Rail receiving portion (137a) is configured to receive a rail (107) of the truck bed. Sharpcornered portion (137b) allows handle member (130) to lock to the truck bed, for instance, by acting as a clip that engages with rail (107).

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 13B and 13C, bottom part (137) has a rail receiving portion (137a). Here, bottom part (137) includes a sharp-cornered portion (137b). Rail receiving portion (137a) receives a rail (107) of truck bed (106). In one example, sharp-cornered portion (137b) is U-shaped. Sharp-cornered portion (137b) allows handle member (130) to lock to bed (106) such that strap winding apparatus (102) mounts perpendicularly to bed (106), as shown in FIG. 10, for example. Sharp-cornered portion (137b) allows hook member (134) to act as a clip for connecting handle member (130) to bed (106).

[0051] Rotating shaft assembly (120) is configured to be positioned within bracket (110). Rotating shaft assembly (120) includes a shaft (122) having shaft openings (124). Shaft openings (124) are elongated slots extending along the length of shaft (122) at the top and bottom for receiving strap (108). Shaft (122) has a crank (126) that extends perpendicularly from it. Crank (126) has a grip (128) that extends perpendicularly from it. In one example, crank (126) has an extending member (127) that is configured to sit in crank receiving cut-sections (118) in frame (112) when not in use, as shown in FIG. 17, for example. Crank connecting member (127) presents a grip (128). Further, crank (126) includes a crank tip (129).

[0052] The operation of strap winding apparatus (102) for winding strap (108) is explained with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of bracket (110) mounted to bed (106). Hook member (134) is inserted into holes provided at bed (106) and positions frame (112) facing downwards. Handle member (130) provides sufficient strength to hold frame (112), rotating shaft assembly (120), and strap (108). As can be seen, handle member (130) helps to position frame (112) at a distance from bed (106) such that straps (108) of various sizes can be wound using strap winding apparatus (102). After mounting bracket (110), rotating shaft assembly (120) is inserted into frame (112) via frame slots (116). Specifically, shaft (122) is inserted into frame (112) via frame slots (116). Subsequently, the user inserts strap (108) through frame slots (116), as shown in FIG. 15. Then, rotating shaft assembly (120) is rotated using grip (128). Rotating grip (128) causes strap (108) to wind around shaft (122). After winding strap (108) around shaft (122), the user holds strap (108) and pulls out rotating shaft assembly (120), i.e., pulls out shaft (122) from frame (112), as explained above. As shaft openings (124) are open-ended at the distal end of shaft (122), strap (108) stays inside frame (112) while shaft (122) is being pulled away from frame (112).Subsequently, the user collects strap (108) in a wound configuration.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, a user (145) holds handle member (130) and positions strap (108) into shaft openings (124). Subsequently, user (145) rotates crank (126) by holding grip (128) in order to wind strap (108) around shaft (122), as shown in FIG. 16. Here, frame cut-section (150) guides strap (108), preventing it from traveling over frame (112). After winding strap (108), user (145) removes shaft (122) and takes out the wound strap (108). This example illustrates that the strap winding apparatus (102) may be used either by mounting it to the truck bed (106) or by holding it in one’s hand.

[0054] FIG. 17 shows the feature of rotating shaft assembly (120) positioned within frame (112) when not in use. As can be seen, the tip of shaft (122) is positioned within circular opening (115). The frame (112) includes a set of crank receiving cut-sections (118) that are specifically designed to receive and secure the extending member (127) and crank tip (129) of the crank (126). This arrangement allows the rotating shaft assembly (120) to firmly sit in frame (112) when strap winding apparatus (102) is not in use, providing a compact and secure storage solution. Unlike typical strap winding devices that require separate storage or disassembly, the present invention integrates storage directly into the frame's structure. This integrated storage capability is a significant improvement over prior art devices, which often lack such a feature, leading to potential loss of parts, increased storage space requirements, and reduced portability. In this embodiment, handle member(130) has an auxiliary connector (140) at the opposite end of hook member (134). Auxiliary connector (140) is a separate feature, a hook used for conveniently hanging the entire apparatus (102) on a structure (not shown), such as a wall hook, when the apparatus is not in use. This provides an alternative storage option for the complete apparatus. Furthermore, the auxiliary connector (140) can also be used to temporarily attach the apparatus to the user's belt or pants, freeing the user's hands when needed, such as when carrying or arranging straps. This hands-free capability adds to the versatility and convenience of the apparatus. In this way, strap winding apparatus (102) helps to save extra space needed for storing rotating shaft assembly (120), and the auxiliary connector (140) provides further storage versatility and portability for the entire apparatus.

[0055] The presently disclosed strap winding apparatus provides several advantages over the prior art. The strap winding apparatus helps to mount a frame for receiving a strap at a distance from the bed, allowing more space between the frame and the bed and providing a larger area for winding straps of various sizes. The strap winding apparatus has a hook member that removably connects to the bed of the flatbed truck, making it very easy to install and uninstall. The frame is firmly supported by the handle member, so even if the user exerts more pressure while winding, the strap winding apparatus can withstand the pressure. The strap winding apparatus presents a frame that is configured to fit the rotating shaft assembly within when not in use. As a result, the strap winding apparatus takes up less storage space and is easy to transport.

[0056] A person skilled in the art appreciates that the strap winding apparatus can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user.Furthermore, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed strap winding apparatus.

[0057] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

[0058] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementationspecific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence, as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0059] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovativefaculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A strap winding apparatus, comprising: a bracket comprising a frame (40, 112) having frame holes (44, 116); a rotating shaft assembly (50, 120) comprising: a shaft (52, 122) having shaft openings (54, 124) that are elongated slots with open ends for receiving a strap (20, 108), and a crank (56, 126) extending perpendicularly from one end of the shaft (52, 122); a handle member (60, 130) extending from said frame (40, 112), the handle member (60, 130) being configured for both handheld operation and truck-bed mounting; a hook member (68, 134) connected to said handle member (60, 130) and configured to engage a truck bed (16, 106); and an auxiliary connector (140) configured to attach said bracket to various structures, such as a wall hook, and to a user’s belt or pants, facilitating hands-free carrying or temporary storage when not in use, wherein: the shaft (52, 122) is insertable through said frame holes (44, 116) while positioning the crank (56, 126) outside of said frame (40, 112), rotation of the shaft (52, 122) via the crank (56, 126) winds the strap (20, 108) around said shaft (52, 122), and said bracket is further configured to store said rotating shaft assembly (50, 120) within said frame (40, 112) when not in use.

2. The strap winding apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said shaft openings (54, 124) enable removal of the shaft (52, 122) from said frame (40, 112) while said strap (20, 108) remains in a wound configuration.

3. The strap winding apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said frame (40, 112) comprises one or more internal cut-outs (118) and a plate member (113) having a circular opening (115), configured to receive and secure said rotating shaft assembly (50, 120) without disassembly.

4. The strap winding apparatus of Claim 3, wherein said internal cut-outs (118) are arranged to cradle a crank tip (129) and an extending member (127) of the crank (56, 126), thereby holding said rotating shaft assembly (50, 120) firmly in place when stored.

5. The strap winding apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said hook member (68, 134) includes a sharp-cornered locking portion (137b) configured to clip onto a rail (107) of the truck bed (16, 106) for tool-free engagement and disengagement.

6. The strap winding apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said handle member (60, 130) is shaped to be comfortably gripped by a user, enabling handheld operation of the apparatus for winding said strap (20, 108).

7. The strap winding apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said crank (56, 126) further comprises a grip (58, 128) extending perpendicularly to said crank (56, 126).

8. A method of winding a strap (20, 108) using the strap winding apparatus of Claim 1 , the method comprising: providing said bracket comprising said frame (40, 112) with said frame holes (44, 116); providing said rotating shaft assembly (50, 120) comprising said shaft (52, 122) and said crank (56, 126), said shaft (52, 122) having said shaft openings (54, 124); inserting said shaft (52, 122) through said frame holes (44, 116) while positioning said crank (56, 126) outside of said frame (40, 112); placing said strap (20, 108) in said shaft openings (54, 124); and rotating said shaft (52, 122) via said crank (56, 126) to wind said strap (20, 108) around said shaft (52, 122).

9. The method of Claim 8, further comprising: gripping said handle member (60, 130) to hold the apparatus during winding; and engaging said hook member (68, 134) with the truck bed (16, 106) to position said frame (40, 112) parallel to a side of the truck bed (16, 106) without requiring separate tools.

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