Load securing device

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for quickly and efficiently tensioning chain or cable and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to tumbuckles or load binders used for adjusting and tensioning chains or cables to secure equipment. In particular, the present invention provides a powered or manually operated device for securing a load to a cart, trailer, or other equipment carrier.

1 . An apparatus for securing a load, comprising:
 a load binder having an axially extending tubular body with first and second opposite end portions having right and left hand threads on their respective inner or outer surfaces, said load binder including first and second axially extending threaded members with exterior or interior threads, each said axially extending threaded member being configured to engage said threads of one of said opposite end portions;   a ratchet member attached to said load binder, said ratchet member being configured to transfer torque from a powered torque submitting device to said load binder to draw said axially extending threaded members toward one another or force said axially extending threaded members away from one another; and   a handle member attached to said ratchet member wherein said ratchet member may be converted for manual application of torque to said load binder.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus for securing a load, comprising:
 a first end member having a distal and proximal end, said first end member being externally or internally threaded at said first end member distal end, said second end member having a first attachment means at said first end member proximal end;   a second end member having a distal and proximal end, said second end member being externally or internally threaded at said second end member distal end, said second end member having a second attachment means at said second end member proximal end;   an elongate tube member having a proximal and distal end, said elongate tube member being internally or externally right-hand threaded at said proximal end and being internally or externally left-hand threaded at said distal end, said first and second end members being threaded into or onto said elongate tube member proximal and distal ends, said elongate tube member being configured such that when said elongate tube member is rotated in one direction, said first and second end members are drawn together and when said elongate tube member is rotated in the opposite direction said first and second end members are pushed apart;   a first power transmission member, said first power transmission member being attached to said elongate tube member;   a second power transmission member;   an input member, said input member being attached to said second power transmission member, said second power transmission member being configured to transfer torque from said input member to said first power transmission member, said input member being configured to receive torque from an externally powered torque submitting device;   a housing member, said housing member substantially enclosing said first and second power transmission members, said housing member substantially enclosing said input member; and   a power source securing member, said power source securing member being attached to said housing member, said power source member being configured to secure an externally powered torque submitting device.   
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive chain. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive cable. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive straps. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said first and second power transmission members are gears. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said input member is a socket drive. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising an extended handle member attached to said housing member. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said input member and said housing member are engaged with one another through a removable pin member to allow manual application of torque to said elongate tube member. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive chain. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive cable. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive straps. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said first and second power transmission members are gears. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said input member is a drive socket. 
   
   
       15 . A method of securing a load, comprising:
 applying a first load securing member and a second load securing member to a load;   selecting an apparatus for securing a load comprising:
 a first end member having a distal and proximal end, said first end member being externally or internally right-hand threaded at said first end member distal end, said second end member having a first attachment means at said first end member proximal end; 
 a second end member having a distal and proximal end, said second end member being externally or internally left-hand threaded at said second end member distal end, said second end member having a second attachment means at said second end member proximal end; 
 an elongate tube member having a proximal and distal end, said elongate tube member being internally or externally right-hand threaded at said proximal end and being internally or externally left-hand threaded at said distal end, said first and second end members being threaded into said elongate tube member proximal and distal ends, said elongate tube member being configured such that when said elongate tube member is rotated in one direction, said first and second end members are drawn together and when said elongate tube member is rotated in the opposite direction said first and second end members are pushed apart; 
 a first power transmission member, said first power transmission member being attached to said elongate tube member; 
 a second power transmission member; 
 an input member, said input member being attached to said second power transmission member, said second power transmission member being configured to transfer torque from said input member to said first power transmission member, said input member being configured to receive torque from an externally powered torque submitting device; 
 a housing member, said housing member substantially enclosing said first and second power transmission members, said housing member substantially enclosing said input member; and 
 a power source securing member, said power source securing member being attached to said housing member, said power source member being configured to secure an externally powered torque submitting device; 
   securing said first attachment means to said first load securing member;   securing said second attachment means to said second load securing member;   engaging a torque submitting device with said input means;   securing said torque submitting device in said power source securing member; and   applying torque to said apparatus via said torque submitting device until said first and second load securing members are properly tensioned to secure said load.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive chain. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive cable. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive straps. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said first and second power transmission members are gears. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said input member is a socket drive. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said apparatus is further comprising an extended handle member attached to said housing member. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein said input member and said housing member are engaged with one another through a removable pin member to allow manual application of torque to said elongate tube member. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive chain. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive cable. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first and second end member attachment means are adapted to receive straps. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first and second power transmission members are gears. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said input member is a drive socket. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said torque submitting device is a pneumatic ratchet. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said torque submitting device is an electric ratchet. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said torque submitting device is a hydraulic ratchet. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first and second load securing members are chain. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first and second load securing members are cable. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first and second load securing members are straps.