FIELD
Embodiments disclosed herein pertain to a tensioning mechanism, and more particularly, to a tensioning mechanism for use with a strap of a vehicle cover.
BACKGROUND
Various techniques are known for securing objects on a vehicle or a tarp or cover on an object, such as a boat for example. One of the most common methods for securing an object includes tying ropes to attachment points on the vehicle and attaching the ropes to the object or tightening the ropes against the object. Bungee cords or the like may be attached to the ropes and to attachment points on the vehicle to additionally secure the object on the vehicle. In some applications, tie-down straps fitted with manual ratchet mechanisms adapted to tighten the straps may be used to secure the object to the vehicle.
SUMMARY
According to an embodiment, a tensioning mechanism is associated with a tension member. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and at least one webbing roller rotatably mounted within the housing. The at least one webbing roller is connectable to at least one end of the tension member. An electric motor is operably coupled to the at least one webbing roller. The electric motor is operable to drive the at least one webbing roller to adjust a tension of the tension member.
According to an embodiment, a method of installing a cover includes providing a cover in a loosened configuration, positioning the cover about a watercraft, and automatically operating a tensioning mechanism to transform the cover from the loosened configuration to a tightened configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS
FIG. 1A is a side view of a watercraft having a cover affixed thereto;
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another watercraft having a cover affixed thereto;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a watercraft and an affixing system of a cover according to an embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tensioning mechanism of the affixing system according to an embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tensioning mechanism of the affixing system according to an embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another tensioning mechanism according to an embodiment;
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of another tensioning mechanism according to an embodiment;
FIG. 6B is a top view of the tensioning mechanism of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another tensioning mechanism according to an embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another tensioning mechanism according to an embodiment; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a control system for operating the tensioning mechanism according to an embodiment.
DESCRIPTION
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
With reference now to FIG. 1A, an example of a watercraft 20, such as a boat for example, is illustrated. As shown, the watercraft 20 includes a hull or body 22 having a bow or forward portion 24, a stern or aft portion 26, and two opposite lateral sides 28, 30. A longitudinal axis L of the boat 20 extends through a center of the bow 24 and a center of the stern 26. In an embodiment, the watercraft is a ski, sport, wakeboard, fishing, or other style of boat 20 that includes a tower or arch type structure 32 extending upwardly from a deck (not shown) of the boat 20. However, it should be appreciated that the illustrated watercraft 20 is intended as an example only and that embodiments that do not include a tower 32 are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, embodiments where the watercraft 20 is a completely different type of boat, such as a pontoon boat for example as shown in FIG. 1B or even a personal watercraft such as a jet ski for example, are also contemplated herein.
With continued reference to FIG. 1A and further reference to FIG. 2, a cover 40 is typically installed over at least a portion of the watercraft 20 to prevent water and other debris from collecting inside the watercraft 20 when not in use. As shown, the cover 40 may be formed from a flexible, air impermeable, such as nylon, canvas, or another suitable weather-proof material for example. The cover 40 may be dimensioned to conform closely to one or more exterior contours of the watercraft 20. A bottom 42 of the cover 40 defines an opening (not shown) configured to fit over the hull 22 of the watercraft 20. The bottom 42 of the cover 40 is fitted to and secured about the periphery of the hull 22, such as to one or more of the bow 24, stern 26, starboard 28, and port 30 sides thereof.
The cover 40 additionally includes an affixing system 44 for securing the cover 40 to the watercraft 20. When properly installed and tightened, the cover 40 will remain securely in place, for example during trailering of the watercraft 20 which includes transport of the watercraft 20 on a trailer at speeds commonly associated with travel on a highway.
The affixing system 44 may include one or more tension members 46 that extend about the bottom 42 of the cover 40. In an embodiment the affixing system 44 includes a single continuous tension member 46. In other embodiments, the affixing system 44 may include one or more tension members 46. In embodiments including a plurality of tension members 46, the tension members 46 may be connected to form a single body having two separate and distinct ends 48, 50. In an embodiment, the bottom 42 or hem of the cover 40 includes one or more pockets (not shown), and the at least one tension member 46 is threaded through the one or more pockets. Although the at least one tension member 46 is illustrated as a piece of webbing or a strap in the FIGS., in other embodiments, the at least one tension member 46 may be a rope, cable, or another suitable member for example. The tension member 46 may be wrapped, anchored, or otherwise connected to a component of the watercraft, such as a cleat (FIG. 2) or an eye (FIG. 3) for example when the cover is attached to the watercraft 20. However, embodiments where the tension member does not connect to a such component are also within the scope of the disclosure.
A force may be applied to the at least one tension member 46 to selectively tighten the at least one tension member 46 about the watercraft 20, thereby restricting movement of the cover 40 relative to the watercraft 20. In an embodiment, one or more tensioning mechanisms or tensioning mechanisms 52 are operably coupled to the at least one tension member 46. In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism(s) 52 may be accessible via a pocket, an access panel, or a zippered slit 54. Operation of the at least one tensioning mechanism 52 applies a tension to the at least one tension member 46, thereby pulling the cover 40 taut about the watercraft 20. This tension is used to transform the cover 40 from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration.
With reference now to FIGS. 3-7, various examples of a tensioning mechanism 52 are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the tensioning mechanism 52 includes a housing 60 configured to receive an end 48, 50 of a tension member 46 therein. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the housing 60 has a bottom 62 and two sides 64 that extend at an angle relative to the bottom 62. As shown, the sides 64 may be perpendicular to the bottom 62 such that the housing has a general C or U-shape. However, embodiments where the housing 60 has another suitable configuration are also within the scope of the disclosure. The housing 60 may be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, and composite for example. One or more webbing rollers 66 are rotatably mounted to the housing 60 and are connectable to at least one end of the tension member 46. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the tensioning mechanism 52 includes a first webbing roller 66a and a second webbing roller 66b. In such embodiments a first end 48 of the at least one tension member 46 may be operably coupled to the first webbing roller 66a and a second end 50 of the at least one tension member 46 may be operably coupled to the second webbing roller 66b. The first webbing roller 66a may be configured to rotate about its axis in a first direction to apply a first tension to the first end 48 of the tension member 46 and the second webbing roller 66b may be configured to rotate about its axis in a second direction to apply a second tension to the second end 50 of the at least one tension member 46. Similarly, to release the tension in the tension member 46, thereby loosening the cover 40, the first webbing roller 66a is rotated about its axis in the second direction and the second webbing roller 66b is rotated about its axis in the first direction. However, it should be understood that embodiments where the first and second webbing rollers rotate in the same direction to increase the tension acting on a corresponding end of the tension member 46 or to release tension from a corresponding end of the tension member are also within the scope of the disclosure.
In other embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 5-7, the tensioning mechanism 52 may include only a single webbing roller 66 and at least one of the first end 48 and the second end 50 may be connected to the webbing roller 66. In such embodiments, the affixing system 44 may include multiple tensioning mechanisms. For example, a first tensioning mechanism 52 may be associated with the first end 48 of the at least one tension member 46 and a second tensioning mechanism 52 may be associated with the second end 50 of the at least one tension member 46. Although the plurality of tensioning mechanisms 52 are described as being separate components, in an embodiment, the first tensioning mechanism and the second tensioning mechanism may share a common housing 60. In embodiments where the affixing system 44 includes a plurality of tensioning mechanisms, the tensioning mechanisms may be operated simultaneously or individually to selectively tighten and loosen the at least one tension member 46 about the watercraft 20.
With reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B and 7, in an embodiment, both the first end 48 and the second end 50 may be associated with the same webbing roller 66 of the tensioning mechanism 52. Similar to the embodiment in FIG. 5, the first end 48 of the at least one tensioning member 46 may be directly connected to the webbing roller 66 and is wound about the webbing roller when the webbing roller 66 is rotated in a first direction about its axis. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the tensioning mechanism 52 additionally includes a diverter roller 68. The second end 50 of the at least one tension member 46 is configured to wrap at least partially about the diverter roller 68 before also being coupled to the webbing roller 66. Via the diverter roller 68, the second end 50 of the tensioning member 46 is also wound about or taken up by the webbing roller 66 when the webbing roller is rotated in the first direction. It should be appreciated that in embodiments where both the first end 48 and second end 50 are wound about the same webbing roller 66, the first end 48 of the tension member 46 may be axially spaced from the second end 50 of the tension member 46, as shown in FIG. 6B. With reference to FIG. 7, in other embodiments, both the first end 48 and the second end 50 are directly connected to a single webbing roller 66. In such embodiments, the first end 48 of the tension member 46 may be axially spaced from the second end 50 of the tension member 46.
The tensioning mechanism 52 additionally includes at least one electric motor 70 operable to drive rotation of the one or more webbing rollers 66. Accordingly, the tensioning mechanism is operable to automatically tighten or loosen the at least one tension member via operation of the motor 70. The electric motor 70 may but need not be arranged within the housing 60. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the tensioning mechanism includes 52 a single motor 70 operably coupled to both the first webbing roller 66a and the second webbing roller 66b. In such embodiments, tension is either applied to or removed from both ends 48, 50 of the at least one tensioning member 46 simultaneously. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 52 may include a plurality of motors. For example, a first motor may be operable to drive the first webbing roller 66a and a second motor may be operable to drive the second webbing roller 66b. In such embodiments, the plurality of motors are operable independently to apply tension to the first and second ends 48, 50 of the at least one tension member 46 both simultaneously and individually. The one or more motors 70 of the tensioning mechanism 52 may be powered by a power source 72 (see FIG. 4), such as located at the tensioning mechanism 52. The power source 72 may include one or more batteries. The batteries may be replaceable, and in some embodiments may be rechargeable. In an embodiment, the power source 72 may include a solar panel that can be used to recharge the power source.
The electric motor 70 is operably coupled to at least one webbing roller 66 of a tensioning mechanism 52 via a transmission device 74, such as a gear train for example. The electric motor 70 includes a shaft 75 (see FIG. 6B) and a pinion or pinion gear 76 may be mounted to and configured to rotate with the shaft about an axis. In an embodiment, each of the webbing rollers 66 have a plurality of gear teeth associated therewith and is driven directly or indirectly via rotation of the pinion 76. As shown, at least one intermediate gear 78 may be configured to transmit rotation from the pinion 76 to the one or more webbing rollers 66. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a single intermediate gear 78, also referred to herein as a drive gear, is rotatable about an axis oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the pinion 76. The drive gear 78 may be directly or indirectly engaged with the pinion 76 and at least one webbing roller 66, such as the first webbing roller 66a for example. In embodiments including a diverter roller 68 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B to redirect one of the ends of the tension member towards a webbing roller 66, the diverter roller 68 may, but need not be an intermediate gear 78 within the transmission device. The drive gear 78 may have a single set of gear teeth operably coupled to both the pinion 76 and a webbing roller 66, or alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6B, may have a first set of gear teeth associated with pinion 76 and a second set of gear teeth associated with a webbing roller 66 or another intermediate roller. In some embodiments, the drive gear 78 is configured as a reduction gear. It should be appreciated that embodiments including more than one intermediate gear positioned between the pinion 76 and a webbing roller 66 are also contemplated herein.
In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 3, the gear teeth of the first webbing roller 66a are directly intermeshed with the gear teeth of the second webbing roller 66b and with the drive gear 78. In such configurations, the first webbing roller 66a and the second webbing roller 66b are rotatable in different directions when the electric motor 70 is energized. However, in other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4, another transmission device, such as one or more gears for example, may be operable to transmit rotation of the first webbing roller 66a indirectly to the second webbing roller 66b. In embodiments where the second webbing roller 66b is indirectly driven by the first webbing roller 66a, the rollers may be configured to rotate in the same direction or in different directions when the motor 70 is energized. Although not shown, in other embodiments, the first webbing roller 66a and the second webbing roller 66b may be operably coupled to the drive gear 78 independently from one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, both the first webbing roller 66a and the second webbing roller 66b may have gear teeth intermeshed directly, or indirectly, with the gear teeth of the drive gear 78. It should be appreciated that the gear train illustrated and described herein as the transmission device 74 is intended as an example only and that embodiments includes additionally gear arranged between the pinion 76 and the at least one webbing roller 66 are within the scope of the disclosure. Further, other types of transmission devices suitable to transfer motion of the motor 70 to the at least one webbing roller 66, such as a pulley system for example, are also contemplated herein.
As best shown in FIG. 9, the electric motor 70 may be operably coupled to a controller C, such as including a processor and/or communication interface for example. In an embodiment, the controller C may be integral with the tensioning mechanism 52. The electric motor 70 may be energized to rotate in either a first direction or a second direction in response to a signal received from the controller C. In an embodiment, one or more sensors S may be associated with the tensioning mechanism 52 and operably coupled to the controller C. The one or more sensors may be operable to monitor one or more parameters of the tensioning mechanism and the controller may control operation of the electric motor in response to the one or more parameters. For example, the one or more sensors S may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor or thermocouple. In such embodiments, the temperature sensor may be used to monitor a temperature of the electric motor 70 and communicate the sensed temperature to the controller C. As the tension applied to the at least one tension member 46 increases, it will become more difficult for the motor 70 to drive further rotation of the at least one webbing roller 66. This extra work will cause the temperature of the motor 70 to increase. Accordingly, the actual temperature of the motor 70 and/or the change in temperature of the motor 70 may be used to indicate when the cover 40 is taut about the watercraft 20. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one sensor S may include a tension indicator operable to directly measure the tension of the at least one tension member 46 or to measure the torque of the at least one webbing roller 66.
A user device 80 may be configured to communicate with the tensioning mechanism 52 via the controller C. The communication link between the user device 80 and the controller C may allow for two-way communication, or alternatively, may only allow for one-way communication from the user device 80 to the controller C. The user device 80 can include several types of devices. In an embodiment, the user device 80 is a remote control. In an embodiment, the user device 80 may be any form of a mobile device (e.g., smart phone, smart watch, wearable technology, laptop, tablet, etc.).
The user device 80 may include a mobile and/or personal device that is typically carried by a person, such as a phone, PDA, etc. The user device 80 may include a processor, memory, and communication module(s), as needed to facilitate operation and interfacing with the controller C. As described below, the processor can be any type or combination of computer processors, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, programmable logic device, and/or field programmable gate array. The memory can be a non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodied in the user device 80 including executable instructions stored therein, for instance, as firmware. The communication module may implement one or more communication protocols as described in further detail herein and may include features to enable wired or wireless communication with external and/or remote devices separate from the user device. The user device 80 may further include a user interface (e.g., a display screen, a microphone, speakers, input elements such as a keyboard or touch screen, etc.) as known in the art.
The user device 80 and the controller C may communicate over one or more networks, for example a communication bus, that may be wired or wireless. Wireless communication networks include but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, short-range radio (e.g., Bluetooth®), near-field infrared, cellular network, etc. In an embodiment, a user device 80 is configured to execute a user interface application, such as a web browser or an application (“app”) for example, to contact the controller C through the network.
In one embodiment, the user device 80 includes a computing system having a computer program stored on nonvolatile memory to execute instructions via a microprocessor related to aspects of operation of the electric motor 70. In some embodiments, the user device 80 includes an input element which allows a user to change one or more operating characteristics of the tensioning mechanism 52, such as the commanded tension applied to the at least one tension member 46 or the temperature at which to stop operation of the electric motor 70 for example.
An affixing system 44 for a cover 40 including an automatic tensioning mechanism as illustrated and described herein has an improved case of installation. Unlike existing systems where an operator has to move back and forth between holding the cover 40 in a desired position and applying tension to the tension member 46, such as via a manual ratchet for example, an operator can hold the cover in place as the tensioning mechanism 52 automatically applies tension to the at least one tension member 46. Further, an automatic tensioning mechanism 52 may be particularly advantageous in instances when a boat is moored such that the rear of the boat is inaccessible from the dock.
The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
Patent Application
20250206415
