Load strapping device

Abstract

A load strapping device includes a ratchet device so the strap may be pulled through the mechanism uninterrupted. The ratcheting device has an entrance and exit on a common side of a housing of the device in which the load strap enters and exits to adjust the length of the device. A fixed length strap is attached at an opposite end to attach to a surface, and the movable strap is attached to a separate surface. The device is operated to move the strap through the housing to control the length of the strap between the surface connections to tighten or loosen the strap relative to the two surface connections.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A load strapping device comprising:
 an enclosed housing having a strap entry and a strap exit, wherein a load strap is guided through the device entrance to said exit;   a drive mechanism within the housing that is rotatable and including a ratchet assembly to control the movement of the drive mechanism; and   at least one idler gear in communication with the drive mechanism to aid in urging the strap through the housing.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an attachment point opposite strap entry and exit end for attaching a fixed length strap;   at least one ratchet mechanism which allows motion in one direction only;   a ratchet handle;   a ratchet engagement/disengagement handle;   at least one idler;   a strap entrance; and   a strap exit.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism includes a drive gear with an outer surface. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the drive gear, and the idler gear comprises a herringbone pattern. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the drive gear comprises a mirrored herringbone pattern. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the drive gear, and the idler gear is knurled. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the drive gear is straight. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the drive gear comprises a helical pattern. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the idler gear comprises a helical pattern. 
     
     
         10 . A load strapping device, comprising:
 an enclosed housing having a strap entry and a strap exit on a common end, wherein a load strap is guided through the device entrance, through the housing, and to said exit;   an attachment point opposite the strap entry and exit end for attaching a fixed length strap;   a mechanism which allows motion in one direction only for moving the loading strap from the strap entry to the strap exit, wherein the mechanism comprises:
 at least one idler; and 
 a drive assembly. 
   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the drive assembly comprises a drive wheel driven by a handle and spaced from the at least one idler to allow the load strap to pass between the drive wheel and the at least one idler. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one idler comprises four idler wheels surrounding the drive wheel. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the drive assembly comprises a ratchet assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the mechanism further comprises a lock and release assembly. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the lock and release mechanism comprises a locking handle moveable to engage and disengage the ratchet assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the locking handle includes a cam surface to interact with the ratchet assembly to engage and disengage the ratchet. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the mechanism comprises a roller clutch. 
     
     
         18 . A retractable load strapping device comprising:
 a housing;   a drive gear rotatably mounted within the housing;   a tie down strap attached to the drive gear, the tie down strap having and entrance and an exit on a common first end of the housing and being wound around the drive gear;   a fixed length strap at a second end of the housing;   a drive handle for rotating the drive gear to wind the drive gear strap around the drive gear such that tension on the load is transmitted directly through the drive gear; and   a release handle, wherein the release handle is configured to remove the tension from the drive gear.   
     
     
         19 . The retractable load strapping device of  claim 18 , further comprising a roller clutch operatively connected to the drive handle and drive gear to provide one-way drive of the strap through the housing. 
     
     
         20 . The retractable load strapping device of  claim 18 , further comprising a sprag clutch operatively connected to the drive handle and drive gear to provide one-way drive of the strap through the housing.