Patent Application
20200139876
The present disclosure relates generally to a tension assembly, and more particularly to a convertible tension assembly that converts from a tie down tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly having, among other things, a rotatable device configured and positioned for conversion of the tension assembly resulting in an efficient, versatile, and simple to use convertible tension assembly to secure an object.
Tension assemblies used to secure cargo or various items are of various configurations including, among others, a cam buckle/ratching style technologies, or relatively simpler means such as tethered clips or elastic type bungee cords. A typical ratchet assembly includes a rotatable hub with a plurality of outwardly-extending teeth for engagement with a spring-loaded pawl. A terminal end of the ratchet assembly is anchored to a first point. As the spool is rotated in one direction, a line, such as a flat webbing attached to a second point is wrapped around the hub to apply a tension to the line. As the hub rotates, the pawl engages the teeth to prevent the hub from rotating in the opposite direction due to the tension from the line.
Cam buckle assembly technology differs in that the cam buckle is depressed to open the teeth of the assembly while manual tension in applied to pull the webbing through the cam buckle. The webbing is typically held in place by a back pressure on the closed teeth of the cam buckle.
Relatively simpler tension assemblies include, among others, a clip that grasps or clamps onto a surface and includes a tethered line that is pulled to apply tension. In a very basic form, a rope or a bungee cord may be attached to the device and tied about an object or attached to a point to apply tension and secure an object.
Although tension assemblies are well known, tension assemblies are limited in versatility by having a single attachment means that prohibits different types of loads from being secured. As such, it would be desirable to provide an improved tension assembly having, among other things, a rotatable device configured and positioned for conversion of the tension assembly from a tie down tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly resulting in an efficient, versatile, and simple to use convertible tension assembly to secure an object.
For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, exemplary concepts have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such concepts may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one concept as taught herein without necessarily achieving other concepts as may be taught or suggested herein.
In one embodiment, a convertible tension assembly comprises a rotatable device configured to rotate from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the convertible tension assembly converts to a tie down tension assembly with the rotatable device extended, and the convertible tension assembly converts to a tarp grip tension assembly with the rotatable device in the retracted position.
In other embodiment, convertible tension assembly comprises a body having a first side and a second side spaced apart from each and joined together at a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and a rotatable device configured to rotate from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the rotatable device is positioned at the first end and includes a first device end and a second device end; wherein the first device end includes an attachment device configured to attach to an anchor point, the attachment device extending from the body in the extended position, and the second device end includes a gripping surface and a slot formed in the first end of the body between the first side and the second side, and wherein the slot is configured to accept a tarp, and in the retracted position the gripping surface and slot retain the tarp.
In another embodiment, a method of converting a tension assembly comprises rotating a rotatable device of the convertible tension assembly from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the rotatable device includes an attachment device configured to extending from the tension assembly and attach to an anchor point to convert the tension assembly to a tie down tension assembly, and wherein the rotatable device includes a gripping surface, the tension assembly includes a slot configured to accept a tarp, and the slot and gripping surface retain the tarp to convert the tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly in the retracted position.
These and other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the various embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the disclosure not being limited to any particular embodiment.
Exemplary embodiments will now be described with references to the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments. Furthermore, various embodiments (whether or not specifically described herein) may include novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing any of the embodiments herein described.
The present disclosure relates generally to a tension assembly, and more particularly to a convertible tension assembly that converts from a tie down tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly having, among other things, a rotatable device configured and positioned for conversion of the tension assembly resulting in an efficient, versatile, and simple to use convertible tension assembly to secure an object.
As used herein, the term “hub” is intended to include a spindle, a spool, a sheave, or a similar type article(s) that is configured or may be adapted to permit rotation of the hub to facilitate tensioning of a “line” used for the purpose of applying tension to secure an “object”.
As used herein, the term “line” is intended to include a strap, a rope (round synthetic, natural fiber, metal), a cable, a cord, a flat line (webbing), an anchor line or tensioning line, or a similar type of article(s) that may be adapted to be used with the convertible tension assembly disclosed herein for the purpose of applying tension to secure an “object”.
As used herein, the term “object” is intended to include any load or cargo that are generally secured to prevent movement of the objects(s) while in a static position, or while being moved or transport from one position to another position.
As used herein the term “tarp” is used to include any cloth, material, fabric, or similar item or items that are generally used as a covering or a protective device.
The convertible tension assembly described herein converts from a tie down tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly having, among other things, a rotatable device configured and positioned for conversion of the tension assembly resulting in an efficient, versatile, and simple to use conversion tension assembly to secure an object.
Various parts, elements, components, etc., of the tension assembly disclosed herein may be constructed from metal, plastic, composite, or other suitable material or combination thereof for providing a rigid and sturdy structure to facilitate tensioning of a line for the purpose of securing a load.
The actual size and dimension of any and all of the various parts, elements, components, etc., may vary depending on various factors including, among other things, intending application or usage of the tension assembly, as well as the size of the load to be secured or prevented from moving while in a static position, or while being moved or transport from one position to another position.
Connection(s) between the various parts, elements, components, etc., of the tension assembly may be accomplished using a variety of methods or processes. As such, the connections, whether integral and created via bending, or form molding, for example, or connected via bonding, hardware (nuts, bolts, washers, etc.), welding, or similar techniques, are well known in the art and omitted for simplicity.
Although tension assemblies are well known, the known tension assemblies are limited in versatility by having a single attachment means that prohibits different types of loads from being secured. As disclosed herein, it is desirable to provide an improved tension assembly having, among other things, a rotatable device for conversion of the tension assembly from a tie down tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly resulting in an efficient, versatile, and simple to use convertible tension assembly to secure an object.
The first end 25 includes a rotatable device 55 having a first opening 60 (
Near the second end 30, the body 10 includes a cam 75 having a second opening 80 formed therein. The cam 75 is positioned between the first side 15 and the second side 20 to align the second opening 80 with the second orifices 45 and connect the cam 75 with the first side 15 and the second side 20. The second end 30 further includes a spacer 85 (
As shown in
A notable feature of the convertible tension assembly 5 is the rotatable device 55 that it is positioned and configured to convert the convertible tension assembly 5 from a tie down tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly. Conversion of the convertible tension assembly 5 takes places when the rotatable device 55 is rotated from the extended position 110 to the retracted position 115 (
As previously described in relation to the tie down tension assembly configuration, as a tension is applied to the second line end 104 to overcome the bias placed on the cam 75 a tension is applied to the convertible tension assembly 5, any material 68 placed within the slot 65, and the first line end 102 of the line 100. Upon release of the tension on the second line end 104 the line 100 is held in place by the cam 75 to maintain tension on the convertible tension assembly 5, the material 68, and the first line end 102. In this manner, the conversion tension assembly 5 functions as a tarp grip tension assembly. Tension applied to the cam 75 to overcome the bias of the spring 95 allows the line 100 to move freely between the cam 75 and spacer 85 thereby removing the tension from the convertible tension assembly 5, the material 68, and first line end 102.
A method of converting a tension assembly described herein comprises rotating a rotatable device of the convertible tension assembly from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the rotatable device includes an attachment device configured to extending from the tension assembly and attach to an anchor point to convert the tension assembly to a tie down tension assembly, and wherein the rotatable device includes a gripping surface, the tension assembly includes a slot configured to accept a tarp, and the slot and gripping surface retain the tarp to convert the tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assembly in the retracted position.
As described herein, the convertible tension assembly 5 includes a rotatable device 55 that converts the tension assembly from a tie tension assembly (
As such, the subject matter disclosed herein provides for a convertible tension assembly having, among other things, a rotatable device configured and positioned to convert the tension assembly from tie down tension assembly to a tarp grip tension assemble resulting in an efficient, versatile, and simple to use convertible tension assembly to secure an object.
Although the method(s)/step(s) are illustrated and described herein as occurring in a certain order, the specific order, or any combination or interpretation of the order, is not required. Obvious modifications will make themselves apparent to those skilled in the art, all of which will not depart from the essence of the disclosed subject matter, and all such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims.
