Dual spool ratcheting web retractor

Abstract

A web retractor may include a frame including spaced-apart side walls, first and second spaced apart spools rotatably mounted to and between the side walls, a first web mounted to the first spool, a second web mounted to the second spool, a handle movably mounted to the side walls and engageable with the first spool, and a lock pawl positioned between the first and second spools and rotatably mounted to and between the side walls, the lock pawl configured to simultaneously engage the first and second spools to prevent each of the first and second spools from rotating in the respective web pay-out directions while also allowing the first spool to be responsive to movement of the handle in a first direction relative to the side walls to rotate in the web take-up direction.

Description

DUAL SPOOL RATCHETING WEB RETRACTORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 553,252, filed February 14, 2024, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to web retractors, and more specifically to ratcheting web retractors including two separate web spools.BACKGROUND

[0003] Ratcheting web retractors may typically be implemented in motor vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and / or cargo transportation apparatuses to selectively pay-out and take-up restraint webs to secure cargo and / or other items in and / or relative to the motor vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, or cargo transportation apparatus. It may be desirable in some implementations to have a substantial length of webbing available for use without increasing the spool diameter and corresponding height of the retractor.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the features recited in the attached claims, and / or one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. In a first aspect, a web retractor may comprise a frame including spaced-apart side walls, first and second spaced apart spools each rotatably mounted to and between the side walls such that axes of rotation of the first and second spools are parallel, a first web having one end mounted to the first spool, the first spool rotatable relative to the side walls in a web take-up direction to wrap the first web onto the first spool and in a web pay-out direction to pay out the first web from the first spool, a handle movably mounted to the side walls and engageable with the first spool such that, with the handle engaged with the first spool, movement of the handle in a first direction relative to the side walls rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction, a second web having one end mounted to the second spool, the second spool rotatable relative to the side walls in a web take-updirection to wrap the second web onto the second spool and in a web pay-out direction to pay out the second web from the second spool, and a lock pawl positioned between the first and second spools and rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame, the lock pawl configured to simultaneously engage the first and second spools to prevent each of the first and second spools from rotating in the respective web pay-out directions while also allowing the first spool to be responsive to movement of the handle in the first direction to rotate in the web take-up direction.

[0005] A second aspect includes the features of the first aspect, and wherein an opposite end of the first web may extend out of a first end of the frame, and an opposite end of the second web may extend out of a second end of the frame opposite the first end of the frame.

[0006] A third aspect includes the features of the first aspect or the second aspect, and may further comprise at least one toothed gear fixed to the first spool such that the at least one toothed gear rotates with the first spool, wherein the handle includes a ratchet pawl biased into engagement with the at least one toothed gear such that, with the ratchet pawl engaged with the at least one toothed gear, movement of the handle in the first direction relative to the side walls of the frame rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction.

[0007] A fourth aspect includes the features of the third aspect, and wherein the lock pawl has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the lock pawl is rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame between the first and second ends of the lock pawl, and wherein the first end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the first spool by engaging between teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

[0008] A fifth aspect includes the features of the fourth aspect, and may further comprise at least another toothed gear fixed to the second spool such that the at least another toothed gear rotates with the second spool, and wherein the second end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the second spool by engaging between teeth of the at least another toothed gear as the first end of the lock pawl simultaneously engages between the teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

[0009] A sixth aspect includes the features of any of the first through fifth aspects, and wherein the handle is movable to a position relative to the side walls ofthe frame in which at least a portion of the handle contacts the lock pawl and causes the lock pawl to simultaneously disengage from the first and second spools to allow each of the first and second spools to rotate in the respective web pay-out directions.

[0010] A seventh aspect includes the features of the sixth aspect, and may further comprise a first power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the first spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the first spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the first spool allows the first spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in the web pay out direction of the first spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the first power spring assembly.

[0011] An eighth aspect includes the features of the sixth aspect, and may further comprise a second power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the second spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the second spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the second spool allows the second spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in the web pay out direction of the second spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the second power spring assembly.

[0012] A ninth aspect includes the features of the second aspect, and may further comprise a first engagement member attached to the opposite end of the first web, and a second engagement member attached to the opposite end of the second web, the first and second engagement member each configured to releasably engage a respective securement structure.

[0013] A tenth aspect includes the features of any of the first through ninth aspect, and wherein the frame includes at least one bottom wall coupled to and between the side walls, and wherein the at least one bottom wall is configured to mount the frame to a support structure.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect, a web retractor may comprise a frame including spaced-apart side walls, first and second spaced apart spools each rotatably mounted to and between the side walls such that axes of rotation of the first and second spools are parallel, a first web mounted to the first spool, the first spool rotatable in a web take-up direction to wrap the first web onto the first spool and in aweb pay-out direction to pay out the first web from the first spool, a second web mounted to the second spool, the second spool rotatable in a web take-up direction to wrap the second web onto the second spool and in a web pay-out direction to pay out the second web from the second spool, a handle movably mounted to the side walls, a lock pawl positioned between the first and second spools and rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame, and a biasing member coupled to and between the lock pawl and one of the side walls, the biasing member configured to rotate the lock pawl to a position in which the lock pawl simultaneously engages the first and second spools to prevent each of the first and second spools from rotating in the respective web pay-out directions, wherein the handle is movable to a position relative to the side walls of the frame in which at least a portion of the handle contacts the lock pawl and causes the lock pawl to simultaneously disengage from the first and second spools to allow each of the first and second spools to rotate in the respective web pay-out directions.

[0015] A twelfth aspect includes the features of the eleventh aspect, and wherein the handle is configured to be engageable with the first spool such that, with the handle engaged with the first spool and with the lock pawl simultaneously engaged with the first and second spools, movement of the handle in a first direction relative to the side walls rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction.

[0016] A thirteenth aspect includes the features of the twelfth aspect, and may further comprise at least one toothed gear fixed to the first spool such that the at least one toothed gear rotates with the first spool, wherein the handle includes a ratchet pawl biased into engagement with the at least one toothed gear such that, with the ratchet pawl engaged with the at least one toothed gear and with the lock pawl simultaneously engaged with the first and second spools, movement of the handle in the first direction relative to the side walls of the frame rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction.

[0017] A fourteenth aspect includes the features of the eleventh aspect, and may further comprise at least one toothed gear fixed to the first spool such that the at least one toothed gear rotates with the first spool, wherein the lock pawl has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the lock pawl is rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame between the first and second ends of thelock pawl, and wherein the first end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the first spool by engaging between teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

[0018] A fifteenth aspect includes the features of the fourteenth aspect, and may further comprise at least another toothed gear fixed to the second spool such that the at least another toothed gear rotates with the second spool, and wherein the second end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the second spool by engaging between teeth of the at least another toothed gear as the first end of the lock pawl simultaneously engages between the teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

[0019] A sixteenth aspect includes the features of the eleventh aspect, and may further comprise a first power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the first spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the first spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the first spool in response to movement of the handle allows the first spool to rotate in the web take up direction thereof under the bias of the at least one biasing member of the first power spring assembly, and to allow the first spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in the web pay out direction of the first spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the first power spring assembly.

[0020] A seventeenth aspect includes the features of the sixteenths aspect, and may further comprise a second power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the second spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the second spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the second spool in response to movement of the handle allows the second spool to rotate in the web take up direction thereof under the bias of the at least one biasing member of the second power spring assembly, and to allow the second spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in the web pay out direction of the second spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the second power spring assembly.

[0021] An eighteenth aspect includes the features of any of the eleventh through seventeenth aspects, and may further comprise a first engagement member attached to an opposite end of the first web, and a second engagement memberattached to the opposite end of the second web, the first and second engagement member each configured to releasably engage a respective securement structure.

[0022] A nineteenth aspect includes the features of the eighteenth aspect, and wherein the opposite end of the first web extends out of a first end of the frame, and wherein an opposite end of the second web extends out of a second end of the frame opposite the first end of the frame.

[0023] A twentieth aspect includes the features of any of the eleventh through nineteenth aspects, and wherein the frame includes at least one bottom wall coupled to and between the side walls, and wherein the at least one bottom wall is configured to mount the frame to a support structure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dual spool ratcheting web retractor with the ratchet handle in a spool locked position relative to the web retractor frame.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the dual spool ratcheting web retractor of FIG. 1 with the ratchet handle in the spool locked position.

[0026] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the dual spool ratcheting web retractor of FIGS. 1 and 2, as viewed along section lines 3A-3D - 3A-3D of FIG. 2, with the ratchet handle in the spool locked position.

[0027] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the dual spool ratcheting web retractor of FIGS. 1 and 2, as viewed along section lines 3A-3D - 3A-3D of FIG. 2, with the ratchet handle at a bottom stroke position, relative to the web retractor frame, in a web ratcheting mode of the web retractor.

[0028] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the dual spool ratcheting web retractor of FIGS. 1 and 2, as viewed along section lines 3A-3D - 3A-3D of FIG. 2, with the ratchet handle at a top stroke position, relative to the web retractor frame, in the web ratcheting mode of the web retractor.

[0029] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the dual spool ratcheting web retractor of FIGS. 1 and 2, as viewed along section lines 3A-3D - 3A-3D of FIG. 2, with the ratchet handle at a spool release position, relative to the web retractor frame, in a free spooling mode of the web retractor.DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3D, an embodiment is shown of a ratcheting web retractor 10 (sometimes referred to as a ratcheting tie down, retractable ratchet tie down device or strap, ratcheting cargo strap or the like). In the illustrated embodiment, the retractor 10 includes a frame 12, wherein the frame 12 includes spaced-apart upstanding side walls 12A, 12B joined at their base by a number of spaced-apart bottom walls 12C1 -12C3, although in some alternate embodiments the frame 12 may include more or fewer bottom walls. The frame 12 illustratively defines an open U or C shape with the free ends of the spaced-apart side walls 12A, 12B each extending upwardly away from the bottom walls 12C1 -12C3. One or more of the bottom walls 12C1-12C3 of the frame 12 is / are illustratively configured to mount to a support structure, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, a mobile structure such as a motor vehicle, a trailer or the like, any stationary structure such as a wall, floor, pallet or other product transport device or assembly, a rail or frame member coupled to a motor vehicle, trailer or stationary structure, or the like, so as to secure the frame 12 to the structure.

[0032] A first spool assembly 14 is rotatably mounted to and between the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 above the space between the bottom walls 12C2 and 12C3, and one end of a conventional web 16 is mounted to the spool assembly 14 such that the web 16 can be taken up on, and paid out from, the spool assembly 14. A conventional engagement member 18 is attached to the opposite end of the web 16, and the engagement member 18 may be used to releasably couple to or otherwise releasably engage one or more securement structures, i.e. , structures to be secured to and / or by the retractor 10, or to releasably couple to or otherwise releasably engage one or more securement structures so as to secure cargo by and between the retractor 10 and the one or more structures. A conventional ratchet handle 20 is operatively coupled to the spool assembly 14, and is manually movable to and between three primary operating modes as will be described in detail below. A conventional power spring assembly 22 is coupled to the side wall 12B of the frame 12, and is operatively coupled to the spool assembly 14 in a conventional manner.

[0033] A second spool assembly 24 is rotatably mounted to and between the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 above the space between the bottom walls 12C1 and 12C2, and one end of another conventional web 26 is mounted to the spool assembly 24 in a conventional manner such that the web 26 can be taken up on, and paid out from, the spool assembly 24. A conventional engagement member 28 is attached to the opposite end of the web 26, and the engagement member 28 may be used to releasably couple to or otherwise releasably engage one or more securement structures, i.e., structures to be secured to and / or by the retractor 10, or to releasably couple to or otherwise releasably engage one or more securement structures so as to secure cargo by and between the retractor 10 and the one or more structures. It will be understood that whereas the engagement members 18, 28 are each depicted in FIG. 1 in the form of a hook, this depiction is provided only by way of example, and that the engagement member 18 and / or 28 may alternatively be any conventional engagement device, apparatus or assembly, without limitation, configured to be coupled to the free end of the respective web 16, 26 and configured to releasably engage one or more structures external to the retractor 10, and / or to releasably engage a portion of the retractor 10, a structure attached to the retractor 10, the other web 16, 26 or engagement member 18, 28, or the web 16, 26 itself after wrapping a portion of the web 16, 26 between the retractor 10 and the engagement device 18, 28 at least partially about one or more structures to be restrained. In any case, a web guide 30, e.g., in the form of a bar or shaft, is attached to and between the side walls 12A, 12B, and is positioned to guide passage of the web 26 exiting, or being fed onto, the spool assembly 24 adjacent or proximate to the upwardly-facing surface of the bottom wall 12C1 of the frame 12. Another conventional power spring assembly 32 is coupled to the side wall 12B of the frame 12, and is operatively coupled to the spool assembly 24 in a conventional manner.

[0034] A lock pawl 40 is movably, e.g., pivotably or rotatably, mounted to and between the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 above the bottom wall 12C2 and between the spool assemblies 14, 24 so as to operatively engage each of the spool assemblies 14, 24 according to the different operating modes of the retractor 10 described below. A biasing member 42, e.g., at least one spring, is mounted to and between the lock pawl 40 and the side wall 12B of the frame 12, and is configured tobias the lock pawl 40 to a locked position relative to the spool assemblies 14, 24 as also described below. A ratchet pawl assembly 44 is movably mounted to the ratchet handle assembly 20, and is configured to be manually movable relative to the ratchet handle assembly 44 to engage, and disengage from, the spool assembly 14 and the top edges of the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 above the spool assembly 14 as further described below.

[0035] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top edges of the side walls 12A, 12B above the spool assembly 14 are profiled to define the different operating modes of the web retractor 10 by the manner in which they engage the ratchet pawl assembly 44. For example, the top edge surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B each define a respective notch or channel 50A, 50B extending into the top edge of the side walls 12A, 12B generally above the spool assembly 14 and directly across from one another. A respective protrusion 52A, 52B extends away from the top edge of the respective side wall 12A, 12B adjacent to the respective notch 50A, 50B. Spaced apart from a respective protrusion 52A, 52B by a respective arcuate region 54A, 54B the top edges of the respective side walls 12A, 12B define a respective stop wall 56A, 56B, e.g., in the form of a step. Beyond a respective stop wall 56A, 56B, the top edges of the respective side walls 12A, 12B define another arcuate region 58A, 58B which terminates at another stop wall 59A, 59B. The protrusions 52A, 52B are thus positioned between a respective notch 50A, 50B and a respective arcuate region 54A, 54B, and the arcuate regions 54A, 54B extend between the respective protrusion 52A, 52B and a respective stop wall 56A, 56B, and the respective arcuate region 58A, 58B extends between the respective stop wall 56A, 56B and the respective stop wall 59A, 59B.

[0036] The spool assembly 14 illustratively includes a rotatable shaft 60 extending through each side wall 12A, 12B such that the shaft 60 rotates about a rotational axis between and relative to the side walls 12A, 12B in a conventional manner. A conventional spool 62 is mounted over the shaft 60, e.g., the shaft 60 is received within the spool 62 and is coupled thereto, such that the shaft 60 and the spool 62 rotate together relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12. One end of the web 16 is attached or affixed to the spool 62, and at least a portion of the web 16 is wrapped about the spool 62 in a conventional manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the web 16 illustratively exits the spool 62 from a bottom of the spool62 along the bottom wall 12C3 of the frame, and exits the frame 12 adjacent to a forward edge of the bottom wall 12C3. The web 16 is wrapped around the spool 62 such that shaft 60 and spool 62 rotate in the clockwise direction to pay out the web 16 from the spool 62, and rotate in the counterclockwise direction to take up the web 16 onto the spool 62 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3D). The power spring assembly 22 is conventional and includes at least one conventional biasing member, e.g., a coiled spring, configured to engage a respective end of the shaft 60, and / or a portion of the shaft 60 adjacent to the respective end, and to bias the shaft 60 and spool 62 to rotate in the web take-up direction. To draw web 16 from the retractor 10 (without the spool 62 rotationally locked by the lock pawl 40 in the web pay out direction as described below), sufficient force must be applied to the web 16 in the web pay-out direction, i.e., out of and away from the retractor 10, to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member of the power spring assembly 22 as is conventional.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the spool assembly 14 further includes toothed web ratcheting gears or wheel 64A, 64B positioned on opposite sides of the spool 62 such that the web 16 is positioned on the spool 62 between the two gears 64A, 64B and such that the gears 64A, 64B rotate with the spool 62 and shaft 60 relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12. The gears 64A, 64B illustratively define teeth 65 which extend along an outer periphery thereof. In some alternate embodiments, the spool assembly 14 may include only one of the gears 64A, 64B. One end 40A of the lock pawl 40 is pivotable or rotatable relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 toward and away from the toothed gears 64A, 64B, and is normally biased by the biasing member 42 toward and into engagement with the teeth 65 of the gears 64A, 64B of the spool assembly 14. In some operating modes of the web retractor 10, as will be described below, the end 40A of the lock pawl 40 engages between adjacent teeth 65 of the toothed gears 64A, 64B, and in this regard the teeth 65 are illustratively oriented in a conventional manner, e.g., arcuateshaped in a common direction, such that, when engaged by the end 40A of the lock pawl 40, the lock pawl 40 prevents the spool assembly 14 from rotating in the web payout direction but allows the spool assembly 14 to rotate, in the web take up direction with the end 40A of the lock pawl 40 riding against the outer surfaces of the teeth 65 in response to rotational movement of the ratchet handle assembly 20 relative to the frame 12 as described more fully below.

[0038] The spool assembly 24 illustratively includes a rotatable shaft 70 extending through each side wall 12A, 12B such that the shaft 70 rotates about a rotational axis between and relative to the side walls 12A, 12B in a conventional manner. A conventional spool 72 is mounted over the shaft 70, e.g., the shaft 70 is received within the spool 72 and is coupled thereto, such that the shaft 70 and the spool 72 rotate together relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12. One end of the web 26 is attached or affixed to the spool 72, and at least a portion of the web 26 is wrapped about the spool 72 in a conventional manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the web 26 illustratively exits the spool 72 from a top of the spool 72, and is then fed through and guided by the web guide 30 to exits the frame 12 adjacent to a rearward edge of the bottom wall 12C1 . The web 26 is wrapped around the spool 72 such that shaft 70 and spool 72 rotate in the clockwise direction to pay out the web 26 from the spool 72, and rotate in the counterclockwise direction to take up the web 26 onto the spool 72 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3D). The power spring assembly 32 is conventional and includes at least one conventional biasing member, e.g., a coiled spring, configured to engage a respective end of the shaft 70, and / or a portion of the shaft 70 adjacent to the respective end, and to bias the shaft 70 and spool 72 to rotate in the web take-up direction. To draw web 26 from the retractor 10 (without the spool 72 rotationally locked by the lock pawl 40 in the web pay out direction as described below), sufficient force must be applied to the web 26 in the web pay-out direction, i.e., out of and away from the retractor 10, to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member of the power spring assembly 32 as is conventional.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the spool assembly 24 further includes toothed web ratcheting gears or wheel 74A, 74B positioned on opposite sides of the spool 72 such that the web 26 is positioned on the spool 72 between the two gears 74A, 74B and such that the gears 74A, 74B rotate with the spool 72 and shaft 70 relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12. The gears 74A, 74B illustratively define teeth 75 which extend along an outer periphery thereof. In some alternate embodiments, the spool assembly 24 may include only one of the gears 74A, 74B. One end 40B of the lock pawl 40 is pivotable or rotatable relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 toward and away from the toothed gears 74A, 74B, and is normally biased by the biasing member 42 toward and into engagement with theteeth 75 of the gears 74A, 74B of the spool assembly 14. In some operating modes of the web retractor 10, as will be described below, the end 40B of the lock pawl 40 engages between adjacent teeth 75 of the toothed gears 74A, 74B, and in this regard the teeth 75 are illustratively oriented in a conventional manner, e.g., arcuateshaped in a common direction, such that, when engaged by the end 40B of the lock pawl 40, the lock pawl 40 prevents the spool assembly 24 from rotating in the web payout direction. The opposite ends 40A, 40B of the lock pawl 40 are thus normally biased by the biasing member 42 toward and into engagement with the teeth 65 of the toothed gears 64A, 64B and with the teeth 75 of the toothed gears 74A, 74B. As the top end 40A of the lock pawl 40 engages the teeth 65 of the spool assembly 14 while the bottom end 40B of the lock pawl 40 engages the teeth 75 of the spool assembly 24, and because the webs 16, 26 are paid out of the respective spool assemblies 14, 24 rotating in the same direction, (e.g., clockwise in the illustrated embodiment), the teeth 65 and the teeth 75 are oriented opposite one another to allow the lock pawl 40 to simultaneously prevent rotation of both of the spool assemblies 14, 24 in the web payout direction. Thus, as illustrated by example in FIGS. 3A-3D, the teeth 65 are oriented such that the top end 40A of the lock pawl 40 engages the bottom surfaces of the teeth 65 to prevent rotation of the spool assembly 14 in the web payout direction, whereas the teeth 75 are oriented such that the bottom end 40B of the lock pawl 40 engages the top surfaces of the teeth 75 to prevent rotation of the spool assembly 24 in the web payout direction.

[0040] The ratchet handle assembly 20 is illustratively formed of a handle frame having a top frame member 20A joined to top ends of spaced apart side members 20B, 20C. In some embodiments, a handle grip (not shown), e.g., flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid material, may be fitted onto and secured to the top frame member 20A. Opposite, free ends of the side members 20B, 20C extend downwardly on opposite sides of the spool assembly 14, and the shaft 60 of the spool assembly 14 passes through each of the side frame members 20B, 20C adjacent to the free ends thereof, with the side member 20B positioned between the toothed gear 64A and the side wall 12A of the frame 12 and the side member 20C positioned between the toothed gear 64B and the side wall 12B of the frame 12. The side members 20B, 20C of the handle frame rotate about, and not with, the shaft 60 or spool 62 of the spool assembly 14. As briefly described above, the ratchet pawl assembly 44 ismovably mounted to the ratchet handle assembly 20, and is configured to be manually movable relative to the ratchet handle assembly 20 to engage, and disengage from, the spool assembly 14 and the top edges of the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 above the spool assembly 14. In this regard, the ratchet pawl assembly 44 includes a ratchet pawl 80 having a top end 80A which extends through an opening in the top frame member 20A, and is movably coupled to the top frame member 20A in a conventional manner, e.g., by a spring (not shown). The opposite end of the ratchet pawl 80 is spilt into two legs 80B, 80C, wherein a portion of one leg 80B extends into a slot 21 A formed in and through the side member 20B of the ratchet handle assembly 20, and a portion of the other leg 80C extends into another slot 21 B formed in and through the side member 20C of the ratchet handle assembly 20. Movement of the ratchet pawl 80 toward and away from the top frame member 20A of the ratchet handle assembly 20 is guided by the slots 21 A, 21 B acting on the respective legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80. The leg 80B of the ratchet pawl 80, in particular the free end of the leg 80B of the ratchet pawl 80, is configured to engage the teeth 65 of the toothed gear 64A and / or the top edge of the side wall 12A of the frame 20, and the other leg 80C of the ratchet pawl 80, in particular the free end of the leg 80C of the ratchet pawl 80, is configured to engage the teeth 65 of the toothed gear 64B and / or the top edge of the side wall 12B of the frame 12, each depending upon the operating mode of the retractor 10 as described below. In some embodiments, a ratchet pawl grip 82, e.g., flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid material, is fitted onto and secured to the ratchet pawl 80. As described above, a conventional biasing member (not shown), e.g., a coiled spring, biases the ratchet pawl 80, and thus free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 36, toward the toothed wheels 64A, 64B and the tops of the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12.

[0041] The ratchet pawl assembly 44 is illustratively movable against the bias of the biasing member described above, e.g., manually and / or by the top portion of the side walls 12A, 12B, relative to the top frame member 20A of the ratchet handle assembly 20. In an engaged position of the ratchet pawl assembly 44, the free ends of the ratchet pawl legs 80B, 80C engage the toothed wheels 64A, 64B between adjacent pairs of teeth 65, and in a disengaged position of the ratchet pawl assembly 44, the free ends of the ratchet pawl legs 80B, 80C are spaced apart from the spool assembly 14 such that the free ends of the ratchet pawl legs 80B, 80C of the ratchetpawl 80 do not engage the toothed wheels 64A, 64B. In some positions of the ratchet handle assembly 20 relative to the side walls 12A, 12B, the top surface of the side walls 12A, 12B act on the free ends of the ratchet pawl legs 80B, 80C allow the ratchet pawl 80 to move under bias of the biasing member to its engaged position to engage the toothed wheels 64A, 64B, and in other positions of the ratchet handle assembly 20 relative to the side walls 12A, 12B the top surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B act on the ends of the ratchet pawl legs 80B, 80C to maintain the ratchet pawl assembly 20 in its disengaged position by preventing the ratchet pawl assembly 20 from moving under bias of the biasing member into engagement with the toothed wheels 64A, 64B, as will be described in detail below. When the ratchet pawl assembly 44 is in the engaged position and the ratchet handle assembly 20 is in a ratcheting position as will be described below, the ends 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 engage the toothed wheels 64A, 64B between adjacent pairs of teeth 65 such that upward and forward movement, e.g., rotation, of the ratchet handle assembly 20 relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 from a bottom stroke position to a top stroke position, illustrated by example in FIGS. 3B and 3C respectively, causes rotates the spool 62 in the web take-up direction, as will also be described in detail below.

[0042] As briefly described above, the ratcheting web retractor 10 has three primary operating modes, wherein each operating mode is determined and defined by the position of the ratchet pawl assembly 44 (as well as the ratchet handle assembly 20 to which the ratchet pawl assembly 44 is mounted), and in particular the position of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80, relative to the top edge surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 above the spool assembly 14. A first operating mode will be referred to herein as a “locked web” operating mode, and in the locked web operating mode the lock pawl 40 prevents both spool assemblies 14, 24 from rotating in the web payout direction, and the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame prevent the ratchet handle assembly 20 from moving relative to the frame. A second operating mode will be referred to herein as a “web ratcheting” operating mode, and in the web ratcheting operating mode the lock pawl 40 prevents both spool assemblies 14, 24 from rotating in the web payout direction and the ratchet handle assembly is movable along the top surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame back and forth between the respective protrusions 52A, 52B and therespective stop walls 56A, 56B to cause the ratchet pawl 80 to incrementally rotate or “ratchet” the spool assembly 14 in the web take up direction. A third operating mode will be referred to herein as a “free spooling” operating mode, and in the free spooling operating mode the ratchet pawl 80 is disengaged from the spool assembly 14, and the ratchet handle assembly 20 disengages the lock pawl 40 from both of the spool assemblies 14, 24 such that the power spring assemblies 22, 32 cause the respective spool assemblies 14, 24 to rotate in a web take-up direction to wind the respective web 16, 26 onto and around the respective spools 62, 72, and such that each web 16, 26 may be drawn from, i.e., paid out from, the respective spool assembly 14, 24 against the bias of the respective power spring assembly 22, 32, as described above.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3A, the locked web operating mode of the retractor 10 is shown. In the locked web operating mode illustrated in FIG. 3A, the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 are positioned within the respective notches or channels 50A, 50B defined by the top edge surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12 above the spool assembly 14 as described above (see also FIGS. 1 and 2). With the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 so positioned within the respective notches or channels 50A, 50B, the handle assembly 20 is prevented from moving along and relative to the top edge surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B, and in the locked web operating mode the lock pawl 40 is biased by the biasing member 42 into engagement with the toothed gears 64A, 64B of the spool assembly 14 and also with the toothed gears 74A, 74B of the spool assembly 24 to simultaneously prevent both spool assemblies 14, 24 from rotating in the web pay out direction. As depicted by example in FIG. 3A, the top end 40A of the lock pawl 40 abuts the toothed wheels 64A, 64B between adjacent teeth 65 thereof to prevent the spool assembly 14 from rotating in the web pay-out direction, and the bottom end 40B of the lock pawl abuts the toothed wheels 74A, 74B between adjacent teeth 75 thereof to prevent the spool assembly 24 from rotating in the web pay out direction. This position of the lock pawl 40 relative to the spool assemblies 14, 24 may be referred to as the “spool locked” position of the lock pawl 40.

[0044] In order to position the ratchet handle assembly 20 and the ratchet pawl assembly 44 in the web locked operating mode, the ratchet pawl 80 is manuallydrawn toward the top frame member 20A of the ratchet handle assembly 20, i.e., against the bias of the biasing member coupled to and between the ratchet pawl 80 and the top frame member 20A (not shown) described above, so that the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 are drawn toward the top frame member 20A along the respective channels 21 A, 21 B defined through the respective side members 20B, 20C of the ratchet handle assembly 20, and so that the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 clear the respective protrusions 52A, 52B defined on the top edges surfaces of the respective side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12. The ratchet handle assembly 20 is then moved, e.g., rotated, about the spool assembly 14 and relative to the top surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B such that the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 move downwardly toward and past the protrusions 52A, 52B defined in the side walls 12A, 12B, and are positioned over the respective channels or notches 50A, 50B. With the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 positioned over and aligned with the respective channels or notches 50A, 50B, the ratchet pawl assembly 44 is then released and the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 pass, under bias of the biasing member coupled to and between the ratchet pawl 80 and the top frame member 20A, into the respective channels 50A, 50B defined in the respective side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12. This position of the ratchet handle assembly 20 relative to the frame 12 is referred to as the “locked” position of the ratchet handle assembly 20, as the ratchet handle assembly 20 is prevented from moving, i.e., from rotating relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12. Typically, although not exclusively, the ratchet handle assembly 20 may be placed in the “locked” position illustrated in FIG. 3A after the engagement members 18, 28 have each been coupled to another structure and the web 16 has been drawn taut by ratcheting the ratchet handle assembly 20, as described below, to draw at least some of the web 16 onto the spool assembly 14 in the web take-up direction.

[0045] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the web ratcheting operating mode of the retractor 10 is shown. In the web ratcheting operating mode, the ratchet handle assembly 20 is first moved to the bottom stroke position illustrated in FIG. 3B in which the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 engage the respective arcuate regions or portions 54A, 54B of the top edge surfaces of the respective side walls 12A, 12B at or adjacent to the respective protrusions 52A, 52B.In order to relocate the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 from the notches or channels 50A, 50B (i.e., in the locked position of the ratchet handle assembly 20 illustrated by example in FIG. 3A) to the arcuate regions 54A, 54B of the top edge surfaces of the respective side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12, the ratchet pawl 80 is manually drawn toward the top handle member 20A, as described previously, so that the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 are drawn toward the top handle member 20A along the channels 21 A, 21 B defined through the respective side members 20B, 20C of the ratchet handle assembly 20, and the ratchet handle assembly 20 is then moved, e.g., rotated, relative to the top surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B over the protrusions 52A, 52B and toward the arcuate regions 54A, 54B. With the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 positioned over the respective arcuate regions 54A, 54C adjacent to the respective protrusions 52A, 52B, the ratchet pawl 80 is then released and the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 extend downwardly into contact with the respective arcuate regions 54A, 54B as illustrated by example in FIG. 3B. In this bottom stroke position of the ratchet handle assembly 20 and the ratchet pawl assembly 44, the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 engage the respective toothed gears 64A, 64B, i.e., between adjacent teeth 65 of each of the toothed gears 64A, 64B, and the lock pawl 40 is maintained in the spool locked position defined above, as also illustrated by example in FIG. 3B.

[0046] In the bottom stroke position of the ratchet handle assembly 20 and ratchet pawl assembly 44 illustrated in FIG. 3B, the spool assembly 14 is prevented by both the lock pawl 40 and the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 from rotating in the web pay-out direction. From this bottom stroke position of the ratchet handle assembly 20, the ratchet handle assembly 20 may be moved upwardly along the arcuate regions 54A, 54B (i.e., from right to left in each of FIGS. 3B and 3C) toward, and to, a top stroke position where further movement of the ratchet handle assembly 20 is blocked by engagement of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 with the stop walls 56A, 56B defined at the top edge surfaces of the respective side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12, as illustrated by example in FIG. 3C. As the ratchet handle assembly 20 moves, e.g., rotates, toward the respective stop walls 56A, 56B with the free ends 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 riding along the arcuate trajectory defined by the top edge surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B in the respective arcuate regions 54A, 54B, the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 engagedbetween adjacent teeth 65 of the respective toothed gears 64A, 64B rotate the spool assembly 14 in the web take-up direction as the upper end 40A of the lock pawl 40 rides against the outer surfaces of the teeth 65 of the toothed gears 64A, 64B, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 3B and 30.

[0047] Throughout the ratcheting movement of the ratchet handle assembly 20 between the bottom stroke position illustrated in FIG. 3B and the top stroke position illustrated in FIG. 3C, and then back from the top stroke position to the bottom stroke position, the bottom end 40B of the lock pawl 40 maintains the spool assembly 24 in a locked position, i.e., such that the lock pawl 40 prevents the spool assembly 24 from rotating in the web pay out direction. This is accomplished by configuring the lock pawl 40 such that the axis of rotation of the lock pawl 40 relative to the side walls 12A, 12B is off center along the length of the lock pawl 40 defined between the two ends 40A, 40B, which requires more rotation of the lock pawl 40 relative to the side walls 12A, 12B to engage / disengage the toothed gears 74A, 74B of the spool assembly 24 than to engage / disengage the toothed gears 64A, 64B of the spool assembly 14. With the engagement members 18, 28 secured to respective structures and with at least some of the web 16 paid out of the spool assembly 14, ratcheting movement of the ratchet handle assembly 20 from the bottom stroke position illustrated in FIG. 3B toward the top stroke position illustrated in FIG. 3C causes at least some of the web 16 between the spool assembly 14 and the engagement member 18 to be taken up on the spool assembly 14 while the lock pawl 40 maintains the spool assembly 24 in a locked position by preventing rotation of the spool assembly 24 in the web pay-out direction, thereby resulting in a decrease in the length of the portion of the web 16 between the spool assembly 14 and the engagement member 18. Additional ratcheting action of the ratchet handle assembly 20 will therefore increase tension on the web 16, and the ratcheting action of the ratchet handle 20 may be continued until a desired amount of tension is applied to the web 16. In implementations in which at least some amount of the web 26 is paid out of the spool assembly 24, ratcheting action of the ratchet handle assembly 20 will likewise increase tension on the web 26, and in such implementations the ratcheting action of the ratchet handle 20 may be carried out until a desired amount of tension is applied to both of the webs 16, 26.

[0048] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3D, the free spooling operating mode of the retractor 10 is shown. In the free spooling operating mode, the ratchet handle assembly 20 is moved to the illustrated in FIG. 3D in which the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 engage the respective arcuate regions or portions 58A, 58B of the top edge surfaces of the respective side walls 12A, 12B between the respective stop walls 56A, 56B and the respective stop walls 59A, 59B (see also FIGS. 1 and 2). In order to relocate the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 from the arcuate regions 54A, 54B to the arcuate regions 58A, 58B of the top edge surfaces of the respective side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12, the ratchet pawl 80 is manually drawn toward the top handle member 20A, as described previously, so that the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 are drawn toward the top handle member 20A along the channels 21 A, 21 B defined through the respective side members 20B, 20C of the ratchet handle assembly 20. The ratchet handle assembly 20 is then moved, e.g., rotated, relative to the top surfaces of the side walls 12A, 12B such that the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 move over the stop walls 56A, 56B and toward the arcuate regions 54A, 54B. With the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 positioned over the respective arcuate regions 58A, 58C between the respective stop walls 56A, 56B and 59A, 59B, the ratchet pawl 80 is then released and the free ends of the legs 80B, 80C of the ratchet pawl 80 extend downwardly into contact with the respective arcuate regions 58A, 58B as illustrated by example in FIG. 3D. This position of the ratchet handle assembly 20 is referred to as the free spooling position of the ratchet handle assembly 20.

[0049] As illustrated in each of FIGS. 3A-3D, the side members 20B, 20C of the ratchet handle assembly 20 each define lobes protruding from the bottom ends thereof. In FIGS. 3A-3D, only the lobe 20D protruding from the bottom end of the side member 20B of the ratchet handle assembly 20 is shown because of the cross- sectional views of the ratcheting web retractor 10 illustrated in these figures, and it will be understood that an identical lobe 20D protrudes from the bottom end of the side member 20A of the ratchet handle assembly 20. The lobes 20D are illustratively configured and positioned relative to the bottom ends of the respective side members 20A, 20B of the ratchet handle assembly 20 such that, as the ratchet handle assembly 20 is moved to the free spooling position, the lobes 20D contact the lock pawl 40, between the pivot axis and the top end 40A of the lock pawl 40, andforce the lock pawl 40, against the bias of the biasing member 42, away from engagement with the toothed gears 64A, 64B of the spool assembly 14 and away from engagement with the toothed gears 74A, 74B of the spool assembly 24 as illustrated by example in FIG. 3D. In FIG. 3C in which the ratchet handle assembly 20 is at the top stroke position of the web ratcheting operating mode, for example, the lobe 20D is positioned at or near the lock pawl 40, but does not displace the lock pawl 40 from the locked position, whereas in FIG. 3D the ratchet handle assembly 20 has moved to the free spooling position in which the lobe 20D has contacted and pivoted the lock pawl 40 from the spool locked position to a “free spool” position in which the lock pawl 40 is disengaged from both of the spool assemblies 14, 24. In the free spool position of the lock pawl 40 illustrated by example in FIG. 3D, which defines the free spooling operating mode of the ratcheting web retractor 10, each of the spool assemblies 14, 24 are each independently rotatable in either direction, e.g., in the web take-up direction under bias of the biasing member(s) of the respective power spring assembly 22, 32, or in the web pay-out direction by moving the web 16, 26 in the web pay-out direction with a force greater than that of the biasing member(s) of the respective power spring assembly 22, 32.

[0050] According to one example method of securing cargo using the ratcheting web retractor 10, or of securing the ratcheting web retractor 10 to and between any structure(s), the ratchet handle assembly 20 of the ratcheting web retractor 10 is first moved to the free spooling position described above and illustrated by example in FIG. 3D. The engagement members 18, 28 are then secured to respective structures by after drawing a sufficient amount of the web 16 from the spool assembly 14 and / or drawing a sufficient amount of web 18 from the spool assembly 24. In some embodiments of the method, the frame 12 of the ratcheting web retractor 10 may be secured in place on or to a particular structure and / or at a particular location prior to securing the engagement members 18, 28 to their respective structures. In such embodiments, the position of the frame 12 relative to the respective structures will dictate the length of the webs 16, 26 that must be drawn from the respective spool assembly 14, 24 in order to secure the respective engagement members 18, 28 to the respective structures. In other embodiments, the frame 12 may not be or fixed in place relative to the respective structures to which the engagement members 18, 28 are to be secured, and in suchembodiments the engagement members 18, 28 may first be secured to their respective structures and the frame 12 may then be moved to any desired location along the two webs 16, 26 and then secured in place at the desired location to a particular structure.

[0051] In any case, after the engagement members 18, 28 are secured to their respective structures, the ratchet handle assembly 20 is moved to the bottom stroke position of the ratcheting operating mode of the ratcheting web retractor 10 illustrated in by example in FIGS. 3B-3C and described above. Movement of the ratchet handle assembly 20 away from the free spooling position moves the lobes 20D of the side members 20A, 20B of the ratchet handle assembly 20 out of engagement with the lock pawl 40, which then causes the lock pawl 40 to rotate relative to the side walls 12A, 12B of the frame 12, under the biasing force of the biasing member 42, from the free spool position illustrated in FIG. 3D to the spool locked position illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. With the lock pawl 40 in the spool locked position, the spool assembly 24 is prevented by the lock pawl 40 from rotating in either the web pay out or web take up directions, and the length of the web 26 extending from the retractor 10 at the time the lock pawl 40 moves to the spool locked position is thus set and fixed.

[0052] With the lock pawl 40 in the spool locked position, the spool assembly 14 is likewise prevented from rotating in the web pay out direction, and may only be rotated incrementally in the web take up direction by ratcheting action of the ratchet handle assembly 20 in the web ratcheting mode of the ratcheting web retractor 10 illustrated by example in FIGS. 3B-3C and described above. In this example method, the ratchet handle assembly 20 is rotated one or more times away from the bottom stroke position and toward the top stroke position until a desired amount of tension between the secured engagement members 18, 28 has been applied by the ratcheting web retractor 10 to the two webs 16, 26. In some embodiments of this example method, the securement method may be complete once the desired amount of tension has been applied to the webs 16, 26. In other embodiments in which it may be desirable to minimize the height of the ratcheting web retractor 10, e.g., as measured from the downwardly-facing surfaces of the bottom walls 12C1 - 12C3 to the portion of the upwardly-facing surface of the top frame member 20A that is maximally displaced from the bottom walls 12C1-12C3, the method may furtherinclude, after the conclusion of the web ratcheting operating mode just described, moving the ratchet handle assembly 20 to the locked position of the ratchet handle assembly 20 illustrated in by example in FIG. 3A and described above.

[0053] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of this disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A web retractor, comprising: a frame including spaced-apart side walls, first and second spaced apart spools each rotatably mounted to and between the side walls such that axes of rotation of the first and second spools are parallel, a first web having one end mounted to the first spool, the first spool rotatable relative to the side walls in a web take-up direction to wrap the first web onto the first spool and in a web pay-out direction to pay out the first web from the first spool, a handle movably mounted to the side walls and engageable with the first spool such that, with the handle engaged with the first spool, movement of the handle in a first direction relative to the side walls rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction, a second web having one end mounted to the second spool, the second spool rotatable relative to the side walls in a web take-up direction to wrap the second web onto the second spool and in a web pay-out direction to pay out the second web from the second spool, and a lock pawl positioned between the first and second spools and rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame, the lock pawl configured to simultaneously engage the first and second spools to prevent each of the first and second spools from rotating in the respective web pay-out directions while also allowing the first spool to be responsive to movement of the handle in the first direction to rotate in the web take-up direction.

2. The web retractor of claim 1 , wherein an opposite end of the first web extends out of a first end of the frame, and an opposite end of the second web extends out of a second end of the frame opposite the first end of the frame.

3. The web retractor of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one toothed gear fixed to the first spool such that the at least one toothed gear rotates with the first spool,wherein the handle includes a ratchet pawl biased into engagement with the at least one toothed gear such that, with the ratchet pawl engaged with the at least one toothed gear, movement of the handle in the first direction relative to the side walls of the frame rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction.

4. The web retractor of claim 3, wherein the lock pawl has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the lock pawl is rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame between the first and second ends of the lock pawl, and wherein the first end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the first spool by engaging between teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

5. The web retractor of claim 4, further comprising at least another toothed gear fixed to the second spool such that the at least another toothed gear rotates with the second spool, and wherein the second end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the second spool by engaging between teeth of the at least another toothed gear as the first end of the lock pawl simultaneously engages between the teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

6. The web retractor of any of claims 1 through 5, wherein the handle is movable to a position relative to the side walls of the frame in which at least a portion of the handle contacts the lock pawl and causes the lock pawl to simultaneously disengage from the first and second spools to allow each of the first and second spools to rotate in the respective web pay-out directions.

7. The web retractor of claim 6, further comprising a first power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the first spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the first spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the first spool allows the first spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in theweb pay out direction of the first spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the first power spring assembly.

8. The web retractor of claim 6, further comprising a second power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the second spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the second spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the second spool allows the second spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in the web pay out direction of the second spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the second power spring assembly.

9. The web retractor of any of claim 2, further comprising: a first engagement member attached to the opposite end of the first web, and a second engagement member attached to the opposite end of the second web, the first and second engagement member each configured to releasably engage a respective securement structure.

10. The web retractor of any of claims 1 through 9, wherein the frame includes at least one bottom wall coupled to and between the side walls, and wherein the at least one bottom wall is configured to mount the frame to a support structure.

11. A web retractor, comprising: a frame including spaced-apart side walls, first and second spaced apart spools each rotatably mounted to and between the side walls such that axes of rotation of the first and second spools are parallel, a first web mounted to the first spool, the first spool rotatable in a web take-up direction to wrap the first web onto the first spool and in a web pay-out direction to pay out the first web from the first spool, a second web mounted to the second spool, the second spool rotatable in a web take-up direction to wrap the second web onto the second spool and in a web pay-out direction to pay out the second web from the second spool,a handle movably mounted to the side walls, a lock pawl positioned between the first and second spools and rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame, and a biasing member coupled to and between the lock pawl and one of the side walls, the biasing member configured to rotate the lock pawl to a position in which the lock pawl simultaneously engages the first and second spools to prevent each of the first and second spools from rotating in the respective web pay-out directions, wherein the handle is movable to a position relative to the side walls of the frame in which at least a portion of the handle contacts the lock pawl and causes the lock pawl to simultaneously disengage from the first and second spools to allow each of the first and second spools to rotate in the respective web pay-out directions.

12. The web retractor of claim 11 , wherein the handle is configured to be engageable with the first spool such that, with the handle engaged with the first spool and with the lock pawl simultaneously engaged with the first and second spools, movement of the handle in a first direction relative to the side walls rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction.

13. The web retractor of claim 12, further comprising at least one toothed gear fixed to the first spool such that the at least one toothed gear rotates with the first spool, wherein the handle includes a ratchet pawl biased into engagement with the at least one toothed gear such that, with the ratchet pawl engaged with the at least one toothed gear and with the lock pawl simultaneously engaged with the first and second spools, movement of the handle in the first direction relative to the side walls of the frame rotates the first spool in the web take-up direction.

14. The web retractor of claim 11 , further comprising at least one toothed gear fixed to the first spool such that the at least one toothed gear rotates with the first spool, wherein the lock pawl has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the lock pawl is rotatably mounted to and between the side walls of the frame between the first and second ends of the lock pawl,and wherein the first end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the first spool by engaging between teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

15. The web retractor of claim 14, further comprising at least another toothed gear fixed to the second spool such that the at least another toothed gear rotates with the second spool, and wherein the second end of the lock pawl is configured to engage the second spool by engaging between teeth of the at least another toothed gear as the first end of the lock pawl simultaneously engages between the teeth of the at least one toothed gear.

16. The web retractor of claim 11 , further comprising a first power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the first spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the first spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the first spool in response to movement of the handle allows the first spool to rotate in the web take up direction thereof under the bias of the at least one biasing member of the first power spring assembly, and to allow the first spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in the web pay out direction of the first spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the first power spring assembly.

17. The web retractor of claim 16, further comprising a second power spring assembly mounted to one of the side walls of the frame and including at least one biasing member configured to bias the second spool to rotate in the web take up direction of the second spool, wherein disengagement of the lock pawl from the second spool in response to movement of the handle allows the second spool to rotate in the web take up direction thereof under the bias of the at least one biasing member of the second power spring assembly, and to allow the second spool to rotate in the web pay out direction thereof upon application of a force in the web pay out direction of thesecond spool that is greater than the bias of the at least one biasing member of the second power spring assembly.

18. The web retractor of any of any of claims 11 through 17, further comprising: a first engagement member attached to an opposite end of the first web, and a second engagement member attached to the opposite end of the second web, the first and second engagement member each configured to releasably engage a respective securement structure.

19. The web retractor of claim 18, wherein the opposite end of the first web extends out of a first end of the frame, and wherein an opposite end of the second web extends out of a second end of the frame opposite the first end of the frame.

20. The web retractor of any of claims 11 through 19, wherein the frame includes at least one bottom wall coupled to and between the side walls, and wherein the at least one bottom wall is configured to mount the frame to a support structure.

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