A side loading ratchet-reel system

Abstract

The invention introduces a reel to improve existing side-loading ratchet efficiency and safety. The reel-based strap apparatus is designed to release only the minimum measured strap length to reach over the load, reducing load securing time and enhancing safety. The design also ensures secure strap storage during transit with inbuilt multiple safety redundancy mechanisms to prevent unwinding and supports ergonomic use and cost-effective production.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention: A Side loading Ratchet-Reel SystemCross-reference to Priority Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Australian Patent No. 2024205510, filed August 2nd, 2024.Background

[0002] Why have side-loading ratchets been commercially available for more than a decade but remain unpopular despite their claimed time savings due to the strap not needing to be fed through the spindle like a conventional ratchet?

[0003] The answer to this question has not been obvious because the product has not changed since their release, regardless of the brand or specific side-loading design. The present invention aims to solve this issue with a side-loading ratchet-reel system based on a systems approach to solving problems.

[0004] Side-loading ratchets have not sold well. During R&D for this invention, the few that are available commercially were either discontinued at many of the advertised distribution outlets or were hard to source. Retailers said they were not popular with their customers as they were 3x more expensive and were not regarded well in terms of their practicality or use. All side-loading ratchets on the market are supplied to consumers with a long loose length of strap (e.g., 9-12m). Note this is ‘exactly’ the same long loose length of strap supplied with ‘conventional’ ratchets.

[0005] As noted, the strap component of side-loading ratchets has remained exactly the same as those used with conventional ratchets. So, regardless of the sales and marketing info from side-loading ratchet brands, testing supported the feedback given by retailers / resellers that there was no significant time and hassle savings because the user still has to deal with the long loose length of strap in ‘exactly’ the same time consuming and problematic manner as when using a conventional ratchet. Why pay 3x the price for a complicated side-loading ratchet device when themost time-consuming aspect of dealing with the long loose length of strap is identical to the process used with conventional ratchets? The present applicant suggests this is why side-loading ratchets have not been commercially successful because they don’t actually work as advertised.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve this longstanding problem by viewing and testing the side-loading ratchet as a ‘system’.

[0007] The system can be broken down into two fundamental elements. These elements are both required and interact with each other in order to efficiently and effectively secure a load.

[0008] The first element in the system is a side-loading ratchet, such as that seen in Australian Patent No. 2024201933, which can connect to one side of a vehicle / truck / tray with a short section of webbing (e.g., 60cm) attached to one end of the ratchet device, and is also able to exert, maintain and release tension on a second element.

[0009] The second element of the system is a strap apparatus, ideally in the form of a reel device, to store and effectively release only the amount of strap needed to reach over a load to element one.

[0010] The introducing of a side-loading ratchet-reel apparatus as a system provides consumers with an effective load securement solution with both element one and element two at the point of sale, which is novel and actually solves all the aforementioned issues associated with side-loading ratchets too date.

[0011] When the system is viewed as a whole, and both elements of the system are included at the point of sale, then the side-loading ratchet is genuinely much faster and easier to use when compared to conventional ratchets and other side-loading ratchets. Our testing indicated a genuine 2-3x faster depending on how much strap was required to reach over the given load. The cycle was timed overall to include both the set up and pack up phase of use over the same load.

[0012] Element two or the reel device part of the side-loading ratchet-reel system is to be supplied to the consumer with the given side-loading ratchet as opposed to just the long loose length of strap common to both conventional and side-loading ratchet manufacturers / suppliers to date. So, the side-loading ratchet will now come with the critical part strap retention part of the system that has been missing.

[0013] Again, it is critical to reiterate that without the reel system approach and subsequent design of the reel apparatus (element two) outlined in the present invention, side-loading ratchets are not effective and thus have not been popular, especially considering their 3x higher retail price point compared to conventional ratchets.

[0014] The reel device part of the system or element two has a number of important features in order to function well for the specific needs of a side-loading ratchet-reel system. It can easily release only the minimal measured amount of strap to reach over a given load so that there is never any excess strap to deal with, ever.

[0015] Being supplied with a system at the point of sale that can tension and release only the minimal measured strap length and not having to roll and unroll any excess strap each use is a major game changer in an industry that is based on selling precious time. Some drivers may have up to 25 straps securing their load. This represents a massive savings in time and hassle and money each time their truck is stopped. Over a year, within a fleet of trucks and over 1000s of deliveries, the 3x higher retail price of the side-loading ratchet is completely insignificant compared to the cost / time savings the system offers.

[0016] The reel part of the system is also able to easily wind and safely store the strap component during transit by being able to attach itself directly to element one of the system, or on to a tensioned portion of strap above element one if there is no room between the load and element one. It can also neatly and conveniently store the strap component when not in use which maximises convenience for the operator.

[0017] R&D also indicated an ergonomic handle is required together with a guide arm to feed the strap into the spool cavity of the reel device to maximise efficiency.In order to manufacture the product in a commercially viable manner, a quick-loading slot in the reel frame strap guide arm is also introduced to allow for fast-loading of the spool into the reel frame during production / assembly with no additional parts / time / labour / screwing / disassembly in relation to getting the strap and spool loading through the guide arm. This quick-loading feature not only reduces parts and manufacturing costs and thus retail pricing, but the rapid loading feature allows operators to easily load a new strap on to the reel in the event the original strap prematurely frays on a rough load, which is quite a common occurrence.

[0018] As yet, there are no devices that house and secure the strap and allow for easy measured release of the minimal strap to reach over a given load with the potential for multiple safety redundancy features to prevent any strap from potentially unwinding during transit in a manner that is also efficient to manufacture and sell directly with a side-loading ratchet-reel system as part of a system as outlined in the present invention.

[0019] There are various excess strap winders and contraptions in the arts and a few that are available commercially, but they have been applied to conventional ratchets and have limitations when considered with a side-loading ratchet-reel system as outlined in the present invention.

[0020] Interestingly, like side-loading ratchets, winding contraptions in the marketplace are also not popular for a reason that becomes rather self-evident when their use is analysed because the operator still has to remove the winder from the entire long length of loose strap ‘twice’ in the cycle of ratchet setup because the strap needs to be completely freed from the winder mechanism so that it can be fed through the spindle of the conventional ratchet. This is very cumbersome and counterintuitive to have to unwind and release the entire 9-12m of strap from the winding device before the ratchet can be tensioned. Then the long loose length of strap needs to be entirely fed through the spindles of the conventional ratchet before tensioning can commence. Only then can the end of the excess strap be fitted back into the winder so that the excess strap can be wound back up before transit. Then after tensioning, the excess strap is typically removed from some winders as a strap roll per se and the operator ties the roll in a knot on itself to stop the roll unravellingduring transit. The abovementioned ramifications involved in using winders highlights their unpopularity.

[0021] There are some winders in the arts, such as WO2023141086 that can attach to the tensioned strap to save the operator having to knot the roll for storage.However, this design, and similar ones, such as US20020030133, are not ergonomic to use, and their design would not be viable on larger common webbing widths / lengths (e.g., 50-75mm wide webbing, 9-12m long) because it is not possible to hold on to these devices that do not have a handle and would be too large in diameter or size to grip in any manner. There is also significant torque on the reel device when attempting to wind on 9-12 metres of 50-75mm wide webbing, which also represents practical limitations of these designs. This analysis is also consistent with their being no commercially available ergonomic reel devices for webbing that can also attach to the ratchet or tensioned portion of the strap for large size long length webbing. This ongoing problem is what the present invention solves.

[0022] It is worthwhile noting that winders in the arts designed for conventional ratchets, as those referenced above, also need to have slots and special spools and profiles to receive and twist / capture the end of the strap. These extra requirements are not needed in the present reel apparatus which simplifies and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0023] The conventional ratchet winders too date are also not designed to release a measured or minimal amount of strap either. This is a critical need for the reel apparatus element within a side-loading ratchet-reel system because this is what in reality saves the operator time and hassle and money because all of that excess strap is never handled with the present side-loading ratchet-reel system. This is a game changer because R&D highlights it is the rolling and unrolling of all the excess amount of strap that actually consumes the most amount of time in set up and this whole stage can now be avoided with the present invention system.

[0024] Overall, there remains to appear a sideloading ratchet that is commercially produced and sold at point-of-sale with a strap apparatus or reel element as part of an effective system for securing a load. The present invention aims to solve thisproblem and address the specific safety, functional, retail and manufacturing considerations for such a side-loading ratchet-reel system.

[0025] There are a number of important safety and design issues that other winders for conventional ratchet devices fall short on in a side-loading ratchet context as all of the following facets are minimally required.

[0026] First and foremost, the reel ideally needs to have the maximum safety redundancy built in to prevent any strap from unwinding off the reel during transit. Excess strap coming off a reel is a primary risk to load securement as the excess strap can get caught under the wheel of the vehicle which represents a major safety and litigation risk. It is common to see broken straps on the side of motorways to highlight this is a real and ongoing safety issue that needs to be rectified.

[0027] The present invention adds potential safety redundancies for this issue by having a connector, in one iteration, such as but not limited to, a spring-biased clip, attached to the outer facing side of the reel spool itself. The clip is then able to connect the spool directly to the ratchet mechanism / frame or on to the tensioned portion of strap above the ratchet thereby preventing any rotation of the spool. This direct spool connection means it is not possible for the spool to potentially rotate and release strap during transit as could be the case with common strap winders / reels in the arts for conventional straps that may have a clip / connector mounted on the frame of the device.

[0028] Whilst other winder designs in the arts may have a drag feature to prevent / slow spool rotation these mechanisms are constantly exposed to harsh environments (UV rays, dust, dirt, wet conditions, road grime, oil, etc) and if there was ever a problem / failure with the drag system or the operator forgets to tighten the drag then the strap could unwind as the reel is able to spin freely once the drag has failed. This represents unnecessary risk and is not considered an ideal mechanism to control the release of a measured minimal amount of strap or to lock the reel spool during transit.

[0029] Some other reel designs incorporate a fold in handle that clips into the reel spool like commercial long-length tape measures but the spools can typically still rotate as the foldable handle is used as a leverage aid to facilitate winding and unwinding of the spool, not to actually prevent the spool from rotating. If the fold-in handle did prevent the spool from rotating, if the operator failed to fully engage the fold-in handle and / or if it failed due to bump / wind / rain, then this also represents a safety risk.

[0030] The present invention attempts to solve the abovementioned safety issue by having the option to include multiple safety mechanisms to stop the spool releasing strap.

[0031] As noted, one iteration entails a primary safety redundancy using a spring biased clip mounted directly to the spool to mechanically prevent any strap releasing from the spool. A spring-biased clip could also be mounted on the handle frame in another iteration. A spring biased ratchet mechanism for the spool itself is also incorporated as a secondary safety back up system which prevents the spool from rotating, and thus preventing any release of webbing without mechanical input during set up from the operator (e.g., thumb operated ergonomic lever). This eliminates the risk associated with other designs in the arts of the operator not properly engaging a folding handle and / or drag system etc, as seen in other inventions. A tertiary redundancy design is also included by means of a guide arm with a quick-loading slot to prevent the webbing from coming off the spool in addition to the spring biased ratchet spool mechanism.

[0032] Having multiple safety redundancies to stop the reel from unwinding strap is incorporated and critical in the event that there was a failure with the clip on the spool / handle during transit. It is important to highlight the length of strap between the reel frame guide arm on the present invention and the ratchet device is often less than 20cm, so if the reel did separate from a clip failure, the ratcheted spool and guide arm design will still prevent the spool from turning in an unwinding direction which will keep the reel within 20cm of the ratchet and not unwind any strap, and thus not represent a safety and load securement risk due to this secondary safetyredundancy design that is preferably spring-biased or work in such as way so that no mistake can be made by human error / omission that could risk load securement.

[0033] The ratchet on the spool to prevent unwinding serves an additional design purpose relating to side-loading ratchets which other winders too date have not needed with conventional ratchet designs. Namely, the inclusion of a measurement guide that is visible on the side of the reel that shows specifically how much strap has been unwound off the reel and to also be able to control how much strap is released from the reel.

[0034] Whilst a measurement index, as seen on common tape measures seems obvious, it has not been obvious too date despite side loading ratchets being in the arts for more than a decade. This application has also not been needed because it is not relevant to conventional strap use because the entire strap needs to be unloaded from the given contraption and fed through the spindle each time the strap is used. As noted, the need for side-loading ratchets to only use the amount of strap to go over the load has not changed since their introduction, yet there remains no commercially available reel system that houses the strap in a safe manner with measurement guides to indicate a measured and convenient release of strap to suit the side-loading ratchet context specifically and thus nor is one sold with a sideloading ratchet device at point-of-sale. The present invention addresses this outstanding issue.

[0035] This measured release and index guide on the reel spool is included for safety and convenience purposes. Ideally, a thumb release lever mechanism attached to the reel frame needs to be depressed in order to allow the reel to spin freely in an unwinding direction to release a measured and minimal amount of strap. However, other mechanisms could be used such as a depress pin / arm / lever on the frame that forms a connection with the spool in some way in order to lock / block spool rotation.

[0036] The side-loading ratchet-reel system in the present invention also enhances the safety and efficiency of using side-loading ratchets for a few reasons. Not only is a significant amount of time saved by not having to roll and unroll the entire length ofstrap every use, but having the measured amount of strap released means less time is spent by the operator working off the side of the vehicle. Less time means less risk of getting hit by a passing fork-lift / vehicle, this enhances the safety facets associated with side-loading ratchet use.

[0037] In addition, safety is further considered in the present design because the measured release function means the operator can only throw the minimal amount of strap over the load which keeps the end of the strap close to the vehicle. It is important to note that truck drivers already throw up to 12m of strap over loads using undertray ratchet straps, so they are already throwing a strap with a hook and keeper over the load which typically extends far off past the side of the vehicle. Another advantage of the present invention is that it is a system that secures load in a convenient and portable and timely manner when compared to the larger underbody reels that act more like a winch and require a pole to tension and are slower to wind and unwind.

[0038] From a safety perspective, it is important to highlight it is already up to the operator to ensure no person / s are on the opposite side of the vehicle in the vicinity of where the conventional strap is likely to be thrown over. Businesses also maintain policies and safety procedures around loading and unloading vehicles. For instance, it is common for there to be a 3m ‘exclusion zone’ around the truck when they are loading and unloading to prevent anyone other than the operator getting close to the vehicle when securing the load. The measured release of strap ensures the operator will be able to land the end of the strap very close to the other side of the truck where the side-loading ratchet (element one) is attached.

[0039] In order for the strap to be wound optimally and ergonomically on to a reel spool, and as previously noted, to also act as an additional mechanism to stop the strap from coming off the spool during use, a guide arm extending perpendicular to the spool frame is considered important. In one iteration, the guide arm is located at the front of the frame, with an ideal gap between the arm and the spool.

[0040] From a manufacturing and cost minimization perspective, the present invention also introduces a fast-loading strap guide slot in to the guide arm design tofeed the strap in to the arm quickly and easily after the strap is spooled on to the reel spool.

[0041] From a manufacturing perspective, it is important to note it is more cost effective and efficient to use a winding machine to fix and wind the strap on to the spool when the spool is separate from the reel frame. It is not as efficient to have a closed slot to feed the strap in and then attach the reel to the frame, then fix the strap to the reel, then wind the 9-12m of strap on to the spool with the spool still being attached to the frame. Having an open slot to load the strap in to, for instance, would require additional parts that would need to be screwed on to the arm to close off the slot to stop the strap from being able to be released, and thus is more expensive and timely to assemble. So, the fast-loading slot solves these potential manufacturing and assembly cost issues, that would also be problematic with other designs in the arts.

[0042] The fast-loading guide slot also allows an operator to load a replacement strap into the reel in the event the original strap prematurely frays prior to the working life of the reel device without having to dismantle the entire reel frame / spool.

[0043] Note guide arms or slots are not new, they are often included into the reel drum / frame as seen in WO 2023 / 141086 A2. However, common guide slots seen in the arts create a significant issue from a manufacturing point of view when specifically applied to a side-loading ratchet. Namely, because the strap needs to be permanently loaded into the reel from factory for side-loading ratchets, the reel device must allow for rapid loading at factory / production to be commercially viable to produce. Common winders and those seen in the arts for conventional ratchets also do not obviously come pre-loaded with a strap at factory because the strap needs to be loose and free to be used with ratchets too date as outlined. The strap also needs to be fixed to the spool of element two, as mentioned, so the strap should not come out of the spool like the various designs of current winders.

[0044] In order to prevent any strap self-unwinding off the spool even after it has passed through the guide arm, the ratchet lever that stops the spool from free- spinning (second safety back up mechanism) and allows for measured release of thestrap may be made with a large offset to act as a strap guide per se to prevent the strap from coming out of the spool whilst the operator is releasing the desired length of strap using the indexed measuring feature on the side of the reel.

[0045] Side-loading ratchets are more expensive to manufacture than conventional ratchets because there are a lot more parts involved in both the ratchet device itself, in addition to the associated reel part of the system outlined in the present invention. Additional design features to minimise manufacturing costs could be further added such as, quick connectors on the ends of the shaft / s to minimise / avoid the use of fasteners to attach the spool or ratchet lever to the reel frame to further save costs / parts. The clip or parts of the clip connector located on the spool, or in another iteration with the clip mounted to the rear of the reel frame, could also be moulded into other parts or formed as a single piece to save parts / costs. Whilst not ideal, the device could be made cheaper without a connector or clip on it so that the operator relies solely on the mechanism that prevents the unwinding rotation of the spool and just stores the apparatus near the side-loading ratchet element one (e.g., under a pallet or between items secured) or just freely hanging as is typically seen with the rolls of excess strap. However, this would be considered a less safe alternative to including a connector or clip on to element two.

[0046] Overall, winding contraptions in the arts and those commercially available have not solved the risky and costly strap-component related problems outlined above that are associated with the specific needs of side-loading ratchet use when compared to the fast-loading measured release reel device that forms part of the side-loading ratchet-reel system outlined in the present invention that also includes the potential for multiple safety redundancies to prevent any strap from unwinding off the reel device during transit and that also minimises parts / costs for manufacturing.

[0047] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.Problems to be solved

[0048] The current invention solves the abovementioned problems associated with side-loading ratchet devices to date by viewing the side-loading ratchet as a system with two fundamental elements: the first element is the side-loading ratchet; the second element being a strap apparatus. Both elements are preferably sold together at point-of-sale so that consumers will finally have immediate access to a complete system solution that can quickly and conveniently secure a load 2-3x faster than side-loading ratchets currently on the market.

[0049] It may be an advantage to provide a strap apparatus (element two) of a sideloading ratchet-reel system, ideally in the form of a reel, for use with a side-loading ratchet (element one), whereby the entire strap length is housed / stored within the reel for ongoing strap use with a side-loading ratchet.

[0050] An index measurement guide on at least one window in the outer side of the reel spool to allow for convenient and measured release of only the amount of strap minimally needed to reach over a given load is included. This is the ideal requirement for side-loading ratchets to become truly efficient that is yet to be seen despite side-loading ratchets being available commercially for a decade. The measured minimal release of strap from element two saves time and thus is also a safer practise as the operator is off the side of the vehicle for a significantly shorter period of time when they are securing their load because all the excess strap is never released from the reel device and thus never needs to be h and I ed / m an ag ed / ro 11 ed / u n ro 11 ed .

[0051] It may be a further advantage for outer side face of the spool to have a connector, such as a spring-biased clip (or channel with a index pin / bar, etc) that is designed to rapidly attach to either the ratchet device or tensioned portion of strap during transit for safe and convenient storage. This also prevents accidental unwinding or movement of the strap during transit because the spool is unable to rotate. Alternatively, the connector could also be fixed or be part of the frame base.

[0052] The reel clip or spool may have a knob or lever of sorts attached to allow for easy leverage and winding or unwinding of the reel.

[0053] The reel device (element two) in the system also allows for fast, tidy, and convenient storage of the strap part of the system when in use or whilst stored.

[0054] It may be a further advantage for the reel to have a guide arm to feed the strap into the spool and prevent the strap from unwinding / releasing off the spool. A guide strap also prevents the strap from twisting and fouling inside the spool cavity.

[0055] It may be a further advantage for the guide arm to have a fast-loading slot offset into the arm to allow for cost-effective assembly / production and lower manufacturing costs due to reduced parts and the ability to load the strap on to the spool before assembling the reel device without any tools / fixtures / parts. The fastloading offset slot not only prevents the strap from coming out of the guide arm but it also allows for the fast and convenient replacement of a new strap on to the reel should the original strap require replacement due to premature wear without any tools / screwing / dismantling of the apparatus.

[0056] Overall, the advantage of having the reel apparatus (element two) for sideloading ratchet devices (element one) is that it solves the long standing problems with the strap component including: only the amount of strap needed to reach over the load can be quickly and conveniently released with the measured release ratchet function on the spool which saves up to 65% of the amount of strap that needs to be handled during use; effective winding of the strap during the loading phase of set up (fast and convenient); effective winding of the strap during the unloading phase of set up (fast and convenient); effective storage of excess strap during transit (safe location of excess strap contained on the reel and attached to either the ratchet device or the tensioned portion of strap); securing of the reel and strap with multiple safety redundancy to prevent the strap unwinding and potentially risking load securement with the clip attached directly on to the spool and the additional ratchet mechanism on the spool to prevent rotation in an unwinding direction; effective storage of straps when not in use (fast and convenient and low profile storage without entanglement and space saving); and safety risks for operator aredramatically reduced because the reel part of the system (element two) makes overall set up 2-3x faster, so less time is spent off the side of the vehicle dealing with the strap component of the ratchet device.

[0057] The combining of elements one and two to form a side-loading ratchet-reel system at point-of-sale also alleviates the problematic and high costs associated with down time whilst trucks are being loaded / unloaded due to a significant and meaningful decrease in the time taken to secure loads.

[0058] It may be an advantage to provide a functional, fast, convenient, and safe load restraint ratchet system as described in this application for side-loading ratchets.

[0059] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.Means for solving the problem

[0060] Preferably, the invention comprises a side-loading ratchet-reel ‘system’, that supplies consumers with the two key elements in the system that are essential to secure a load in a manner that is faster and more convenient than current sideloading ratchets and conventional ratchets available in the market. Namely, element one is a side-loading ratchet device capable of exerting, maintaining and releasing a load force on a strap apparatus (element two), for instance, that seen in Australian Patent No. 2024201933.

[0061] The strap apparatus (element two), is ideally in the form of a reel. Details and reference to the reel part of the system throughout this entire application is in the context of it being the ‘element two’ in a two-piece side-loading ratchet-reel ‘system’.

[0062] It has not been obvious to those in the arts or to those commercially to create a system in order to solve the longstanding unpopularity and inefficiency associated with side-loading ratchets. The present application stresses the importance that these two elements or parts must be considered as part of an essential ‘wholesystem’ for the mechanism to function as desired / planned in terms of significantly increasing the efficiency, convenience and safety of side-loading ratchets. There is also a significant cost savings in terms of operational gains made by reduced downtime securing loads that extends far beyond the monetary value of the sideloading ratchet-reel system retail costing.

[0063] The reel ideally comprises a frame and spool, whereby the reel spool has a connector, ideally a spring-biased clip, moulded / mounted to the base of the frame or the outer side / surface of the spool, to connect element two to one place selected from the group of: the side-loading ratchet device (element one) and, a tensioned strap portion.

[0064] Preferably, the spring-biased clip has a perpendicular platform that can mate with a folded / perpendicular platform on the end of the clip top such that the platforms overlap and secure the reel spool to the ratchet or tensioned portion of strap without releasing the strap / base. The clip could be formed from one moulded section or utilise a separate clip top from material such as, but not limited to, steel or specialised plastics / alloys.

[0065] Preferably, the reel base / frame has a front arm that is perpendicular to the base. The front arm has a slot along the longitudinal axis, wherein the slot is adapted for guiding the strap into the channel of the reel to optimise winding / unwinding. The front guide arm also prevents the strap from coming off the reel.

[0066] Preferably, the front arm also has an additional narrow offset slit to allow for the fast loading of a strap and spool into the front arm and reel frame to reduce manufacturing time / costs / parts and also allow the operator to easily replace the strap in the event the original strap prematurely frays as often happens on rough loads (e.g., timber) without needing to disassemble the device. An alternative quick connector to close off the slot in the guide arm could also be used.

[0067] Preferably, the strap is able to quickly connect with a staple / fastener / screw / clip to the boss of the spool to reduce manufacturing time / costs and also allow for easy strap replacement on to the reel boss.

[0068] Preferably, the reel frame has a low profile with rounded edges and an ergonomic handle, ideally at the rear end of the frame to maximise the ergonomics of winding a strap on to a spool, with an area for multiple fingers to easily insert for winding the reel in an ergonomic and timely fashion.

[0069] Preferably, a ratchet lever mounted on a shaft perpendicular to the reel frame, whereby the lever is spring biased and has an end that follows the perimeter profile of the inner side of the spool. The perimeter of the inner side of the spool preferably has notches to prevent the spool from rotating in an unwinding direction when the lever is positively engaged along the perimeter notch / es. The notches are designed to allow the spool to be easily wound up without resistance, however, the lever prevents the spool from rotating in an unwinding direction without the depression of the ratchet lever.

[0070] The lever ideally has an offset extended arm to prevent the strap from coming out of the spool cavity when the operator is releasing the minimal measured amount of strap during the set-up tensioning phase of operating the system.

[0071] Ideally, thumb depress of the lever is required to release the desired amount of strap from the reel during set up to allow the spool to rotate in an unwinding direction. Again, the ratchet lever prevents the spool from unwinding in transit thus preventing any strap from accidentally releasing from the spool in addition to the safety redundancy design of having the reel spool attach with a spring-biased clip or connector directly to the ratchet / tensioned portion of strap to prevent any rotation of the spool at all.

[0072] Surrounding the ratchet lever may include any number of raised profile tabs that prevent the lever from being damaged or depressed if the reel is dropped or hit with an object accidentally or during transit or storage.

[0073] Note an index lever / pin of sorts on the reel frame or other spring-loaded lever type mechanisms could be used to perform the same function of locking the reel as the spring biased lever in the present invention. This design is not limited to the lever but is preferred over a drag system that could fail if an operator forgot to set whichcould allow undesired unwinding. The same applies to a rotating / pivoting handle, for instance, mounted in the spool, that could clip in to the reel frame / handle to try and stop the reel from rotating, but again, human error could lead to accidental unwinding which is an unnecessary risk. A simple robust design such as the spring-biased lever that can handle UV and weather conditions etc is a preferred choice over a spool anti-rotation system that relies on the operator to perform a function (like set a drag knob, or engage a hinged handle, etc).

[0074] Preferably, all the edges of the reel frame, reel spool and reel clip are rounded.

[0075] Preferably, the connector or clip is low-profile and placed in a manner that is easy to use and ergonomic.

[0076] A knob on the outer face of the reel spool for fast and easy winding of the strap on to the spool is included.

[0077] Preferably, the reel frame and the clip are each made of one material selected from, but not limited to the group of: nylon, HDPE, polycarbonate, steel, alloys and plastics.

[0078] In the context of the present invention, the words “comprise”, “comprising” and the like are to be construed in their inclusive, as opposed to their exclusive sense, that is in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0079] The invention is to be interpreted with reference to the at least one of the technical problems described or affiliated with the background art. The present aims to solve or ameliorate at least one of the technical problems and this may result in one or more advantageous effects as defined by this specification and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.Brief Outline of Drawings

[0080] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective of the reel device.

[0081] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of Figure 1.

[0082] Figure 3 illustrates a view of the quick loading strap guide arm and the ratchet mechanism on the reel spool and ratchet lever with the extended offset arm mounted on a shaft on the reel frame.

[0083] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the reel clipped on to a portion of tensioned strap above a side-loading ratchet device - this storage position is safely and conveniently out of the way from the side of the vehicle.

[0084] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the reel clip in the open loading position.

[0085] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the clip in the closed position highlighting the location of the tension portion of strap trapped inside the clip. The ratchet lever with the combined strap retention arm is also shown that highlights the strap remaining trapped inside the reel spool cavity.

[0086] Figure 7 illustrates the reel apparatus (element two) with a spring biased clip located on the rear of the handle / base in the closed position, whereby the clip would be able to attach element two on to element one (e.g., on to the rear of the base plate on element one) or a tension portion of strap.

[0087] Figure 8 illustrates the reel apparatus (element two) with the spring biased clip in the open loading position.

[0088] Figure 9 is another perspective of the quick loading strap guide arm with the fast-loading slit in the top surface of the main slot that guides the strap into the reel cavity and prevents the strap from unwinding out of the reel apparatus.

[0089] Figure 10 illustrates a rear view of the ratchet lever with cut-outs in the frame for weight savings and to house the arm of the coil spring.

[0090] Figure 11 illustrates the ratchet lever arm with the strap retention arm.

[0091] Figure 12 illustrates one embodiment of the reel clip top with the female inner section that closes over a male rib on the reel outer side wall to effectively trap the tensioned portion of strap inside the clip.

[0092] Figure 13 is a view of the knob to wind the strap on to the reel spool.

[0093] Figure 14 shows a view of the reel apparatus (element two) attached to the ratchet device base (element one) so that the reel clips on to the frame of the sideloading ratchet base when there is space to store the reel here during transit, for instance, if there is room between the load and element one, as an alternative to attaching it to the tensioned portion of strap above element one (i.e., this is the preferred option when there is no room between the load and the side-loading ratchet).Summary of the Invention

[0094] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the reel 1 comprises a base frame 2. The reel guide arm 10 extends perpendicular to base 1 and may have a slot 11 along the longitudinal axis, wherein the slot may be adapted for guiding the strap into the channel in the spool between the outer side face 15 of the spool, and the inner side face 16 of the spool to aid in the winding of the strap on to the spool and to also prevent the strap from unwinding off the spool during operation. The guide arm 10 may also have a fast-loading slot 36 (as shown in Figure 9) that allows for rapid and easy loading of a spool with a pre-loaded strap on to the reel frame during assembly at the factory and also allow for a strap to be easily replaced without any additional parts / disassembly by an operator if a strap needs to be replaced due to premature fraying / damage.

[0096] The reel frame may have a perpendicular shaft 6 extending from its base 2 for a spring biased ratchet lever 5 to pivot on that engages with notches 17 in the perimeter of the inner reel side 16 to prevent the spool from rotating in an unwinding direction and to allow for the rapid winding of the reel. The lever 5 also allows for the measured release of the desired amount of strap required to reach over a given load that is a unique feature of side-loading ratchets using the index measurement guide 8 on the outer reel side 15 during set up. Index guide 8 indicates the length of strap released from the spool and may be located along the edge of the cut outs 9 on the outer face 15 of the reel spool so the amount of strap released off the spool can be easily seen and measured by the operator.

[0097] Lever 5 has an extended offset arm 18 that protrudes into the cavity between the spool inner and spool outer sides, this prevents the strap from trying to unravel off the spool when the operator is releasing the desired length of strap off the reel. The strap is kept between the guide arm 10 and the edge 18 of lever 5, inside the channel area in the spool.

[0098] Lever 5 is ideally spring biased using a spring 23 that is fixed through or to base 2 and then also extends inside a cavity 37 inside lever 5 as seen in Figure 8. A fastener 24 is used to fix the lever 5 to the base 2 but a quick connector mechanism could also be used (not drawn).

[0099] A stopper 4 may protrude perpendicular to frame 2 to stop the spring-biased ratchet from rotating too far in the open position and for ergonomic reasons so pressure can be held on the lever without damage to the spring mechanism during rapid winding.

[0100] The area surrounding the ratchet lever 5 may have raised protective lugs 3 that are perpendicular to frame 2 to act as bumpers to minimise any potential damage to the lever from impact from dropping the reel or if it gets hit by something during set up or storage or transit.

[0101] An area in the frame 2 ideally has a handle cut out 14 large enough for a human hand to fit in to allow for the ergonomic winding, holding and use of the reel device.

[0102] The outer side 15 of the reel spool may have moulded in to the side a raised ledge profile / strip 21 whereby a tensioned portion of strap or ratchet base can be positioned in the area 22 between the raised ledge 21 and the clip bolt mounting lugs 20. Clip top 12 mounts to lugs 20 with a pin / bolt 27 and spring 31 passing through holes 25 in the clip 26 and lugs 20 with lock nut 32 to create a spring-biased clip or connector for the reel device to mount to either the ratchet or tensioned portion of strap. Clip top 12 has an ergonomic knob 13 that attaches to the clip with a fastener 30.

[0103] A perpendicular shaft 29 from reel base 2 may be used for the spool 7 to rotate on. The boss 19 of the spool can be used to connect the end of the strap with using a fast manufacturing assembly method such as a pneumatic staple (not draw) or a screw or clip of sorts could be added to attach the end of the strap to the spool boss. Spool 7 is fixed to reel frame 2 with fastener 28. An alternative quick release mechanism could also be used to fix the spool to the reel frame.

[0104] Figure 4 highlights the reel device 1 attached to a tensioned portion of strap 43 above a side loading ratchet element one 42. The excess strap freely comes out from the spindle area 45 of the ratchet and only a short length of strap 44 is left between the reel 1 and ratchet 42. The length 44 is the only amount the reel could move from the ratchet 42 in the event that the clip failed for some unknown reason, due to impact for instance during transit thus acting as a secondary safety mechanism. The side-loading ratchet 42 is attached to one side of the truck body with a short section of tensioned strap 46 with a conventional hook and keeper of sorts (not drawn).

[0105] Figure 5 shows a side view of the reel with one iteration of a clip 12 mounted on to the outer surface of the spool, whereby the clip is in the open position and the gap 33 allows for the reel to be attached to a tensioned portion of strap 34 or clipped on to the base of a side-loading ratchet device as outlined in Figure 14. Theknob 3 acts as a lever to aid opening the clip and also aids the ergonomic winding of the reel.

[0106] Figure 6 shows a side view of the reel frame with a reel clip that may be made from a thinner material than a plastic mould such as steel, as an alternative with a folded edge 35 that overlaps the ridge / protrusion 21 in the outer face of the reel to trap either a tensioned portion of strap 34 or to trap the base plate of a ratchet device as seen in Figure 14. In another iteration, an alternative clip that is moulded into the entire surface of the outer side face of the reel could be used to minimise parts (not drawn). The section of strap 49 is trapped between the extended arm 38 on lever 5 and the slot in guide arm 10, so that it can not escape or come out of the spool past lever 5 in the area 48. Lever 5 also prevents any rotation of the spool in addition to the clip being on the outer surface of the spool, which prevents any possible rotation of the spool from multiple safety redundancies.

[0107] Figure 7 shows a side view of element two with a spring-biased clip 12 on the base of the frame with the clip in the closed position. A thinner version of clip 12 using a material such as stainless steel can be used for harsh environments and to aid in the ease and ergonomics particularly in relation to attaching element two to the base of element one- a low-profile thin clip made from a suitable material works better than a thicker moulded plastic design / alternative.

[0108] Figure 8 shows the same perspective as Figure 7 except with clip 12 in the open loading position.

[0109] Figure 9 shows the fast-loading offset slot 36 in guide arm 10. The offset position of slit 36 along the guide slot 11 allows for the strap 34 to be quickly folded into the guide slot without the chance of it self-releasing. The slit 36 also negates the need for additional parts / screws to cover the slot area that keeps the strap captive. This slit can also be used by an operator to load a replacement strap without needing to disassemble the reel device.

[0110] Figure 10 shows the rear side of lever 5, with the spring cut out 37.

[0111] Figure 11 shows the addition of a raised ribbed area 39 for thumb activation ease along with the extended arm 38.

[0112] Figure 12 shows one potential iteration of the underside of the clip with cavity 47 that fits over the raised rib 21 (Figure 2) to trap the tensioned portion of strap or ratchet base- this may be made from a suitable material.

[0113] Figure 13 shows spool knob 13 used to ergonomically wind the spool.

[0114] Figure 14 shows the reel device attached to the base of a side-loading ratchet as an alternative to clipping on to the tensioned portion of strap. This is a very convenient and easy place to secure the reel if there is room on the load side of the ratchet. The folds 35 on the end of the clip (refer Figure 4-6) hold on to the bottom edge 50 of the base plate of the side-loading ratchet body to minimise any vertical movement of the reel 1 when it has been clipped on to the side-loading ratchet.

[0115] All parts for the reel could be made from a variety of suitable materials including but not limited to plastics, alloys and steel.

[0116] While the figures of the clip are illustrated as right angles, the edges of the clip 12 are rounded so as not to potentially fray or damage the strap.

[0117] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein.

[0118] The present invention and the described preferred embodiments specifically include at least one feature that is industrial applicable.Citation List

[0119] AU2024201933

[0120] WO2023141086

[0121] US20020030133A1

[0122] WO 023 / 141086 A2

Claims

CLAIMSClaim 1 . A reel device for the strap component of a side-loading ratchet system comprising: a reel frame with a low-profile base; and a means to ergonomically hold the apparatus, such as a handle, located at the rear of the frame / base; and a shaft perpendicular to the base for a reel spool to rotate on or means to connect a reel spool that is able to rotate; and a second shaft perpendicular to the base for a spring-biased lever to pivot on to positively engage with the spool to prevent spool rotation in an unwinding direction; and when depressed, the lever allows the release of only the required amount of strap from the spool to reach over the load to the side-loading ratchet device; and the base around the ratchet lever may contain at least one raised profile perpendicular to the base to protect the lever from damage and accidental depress during transit; and a guide arm extending perpendicular to the base located on the front of the base / frame; wherein the guide arm has a longitudinal slot to keep the strap component guided into the cavity in the spool and to also prevent any strap from freely coming out of the spool cavity during transit / storage; and a secondary slot in the perimeter of the longitudinal slot of the guide arm frame to allow the assembly of a pre-loaded spool of webbing on to the reel frame; anda spring biased clip or connector attached to the frame or outer face of the spool to releasably attach the reel device to either the side-loading ratchet device or a tensioned portion of strap; and a reel spool comprising: a boss with an inner and an outer side wall, wherein; the inner side wall adjacent to the reel frame base has at least one cog-like toothed indent in the perimeter to engage with a releasable spring-loaded locking lever or similar mechanism that can control the rotation of the spool and prevent any strap from unwinding during transit; and a knob attached to the outer side wall of the spool to allow for ergonomic winding / unwinding.

Images