Patent Application
20250213009
The present disclosure is generally related to safety and, more particularly, is related to systems and methods of securing and releasing.
In order to secure certain items such as, for example, a stage/lighting truss, it is often preferable to use straps such as webbing which is typically made of nylon or a fabric and a tensioning device. Webbing is usually stronger than a rope or similar item and webbing design allows the webbing to lay flat on an item, while a rope (or a chain) cannot.
In cargo-securing solutions, webbing straps are a versatile and essential tool. Webbing straps offer a rapid and secure method for securing and protecting a wide array of items, from furniture and appliances during relocation to motorcycles and ATVs during transportation.
Load capacity and strength requirements are important factors in selected and designing the strapping and securing system. Webbing is typically categorized by its working load limit (WLL), which indicates the maximum weight it can safely secure.
Webbing may be placed on or around an item manually, or a ratcheting device may be used to provide an extremely tight, or high-tension securement. Depending on what the webbing is used to secure, the process may require effort and can be time consuming, especially when a single person is placing the webbing for securement. There is also a safety issue in that if webbing is not placed on an item correctly there could be a false sense that the item is adequately secured. This can be particularly problematic if webbing is used to secure an item that is elevated, such as on a stage where secured items are directly above people performing. There are heretofore unaddressed issues in securing and releasing using webbing and other straps.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for wormgear securement and release. Briefly described in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented by a rotatable shaft configured to receive a strap and rotate to tighten and release the strap, the rotatable shaft comprising: a first toothed gear; a latch integrated with the first toothed gear to form a rachet mechanism; a second toothed gear; and a wormgear integrated with the second toothed gear configured to control the release of the strap when the latch is opened.
Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods for wormgear securement and release. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: receiving a strap by a rotatable shaft, the rotatable shaft configured to rotate to tighten and to release the tension on a strap, the rotatable shaft integrated with a wormgear; and turning the wormgear to control the release of the tension on the strap.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
A solution to the aforementioned problems would be to provide a device that would facilitate the quick and comparatively easy placing on and tightening of webbing onto an item or object and the ability to release it slowly. In at least one example embodiment, a wormgear securement and release device as described herein includes a device with a lockout shaft and an integrated wormgear to regulate the speed of the turning of the lockout shaft, thereby regulating the speed at which the webbing releases the object that is strapped in. Optimally, a person would be able to use a length of conventional webbing to secure an item/object in a desired or required position. A device that could provide this functionality while controlling the release would greatly benefit many occupations that often rely on webbing for securement. A reduction in the time required to secure items may be achieved, especially when there is a significant number of items, and the level of safety may also be increased.
In this example embodiment, first plate 101 and second plate 102 are held in place by first support shaft 105, second support shaft 106, and third support shaft 107. Although this example embodiment uses these three support shafts, other means of supporting the plates are possible, including metal casting. Support shafts 105, 106, and 107, may also have a dual purpose in attaching and/or securing webbing. Support shafts 105, 106, and 107 may be thread locked, flanged, and secured with a cotter pin, among other means. First ratchet gear 103 and central gear 104 are attached to a central shaft (not shown in this figure). In an example embodiment, the central shaft comprises a lockout shaft as will be further described below. First ratchet gear 103 may be operationally integrated with first pawl 117 of latch 110, which may be spring-loaded. In an example embodiment, latch 110 rotates around third support shaft 107. When latch 110 is in an engaged or down position, first pawl 117 allows first ratchet gear 103 to move in a tightening direction, but does not allow first ratchet gear 103 to turn in a loosening or releasing direction. When latch 100 is in an up position, first pawl 117 is disengaged from first ratchet gear 103 and first ratchet gear 103 is allowed to turn in a loosening or releasing direction.
Central gear 104 is integrated with wormgear 109, typically, a spiral gear. In an example embodiment, wormgear 109 is part of wormgear shaft 108. Wormgear shaft 108 may comprise a bore into which a peg may be inserted to facilitate the turning of wormgear shaft 108. Central gear 104 is smaller than first ratchet gear 103. When wormgear 109 is turned, causing central gear 104 to turn, the integration of wormgear 109 with central gear 104 enables a fine tuning of the turning of central gear 104, allowing for a slower disengagement of the central shaft. Wormgear shaft 108 may be turned by ratchet, screwdriver, and nut driver, among other turning means. Wormgear shaft 108 may be positioned to integrate with central gear 104 such that the base of wormgear shaft 108 forms a substantially 20-degree angle with the perpendicular. In an alternative embodiment, the base of wormgear shaft 108 forms a substantially 30-degree angle with the perpendicular. The smaller the angle, the smaller the base can be, and the smaller the device can be. However, if the angle is too small, wormgear 109 may lose traction with central gear 104.
In an example embodiment, oval wedge member 642 is comprised of first section 644 with first end 646, inner surface 652 and cavity 654 preferably at the substantial center of the first section 644. Second section 656 has second end 660, inner surface 664, outward extending tab 666 that is dimensioned and located to fit into cavity 654 on first section 644. Additionally, first section 644 has at least one opening 674 and second section 656 also has at least one opening 672.
In an example embodiment, ratchet gear 882 is enclosed around hollow cylindrical body 812. In an example embodiment, internal oval section 892 of ratchet gear 882 slides into the oval opening and support arm 894 slides into slot 828. Hollow cylindrical body 812 fits in center opening 890. In an example embodiment, at least one securing pin is inserted into one of bore 830, 834 on cylindrical body 812 to secure ratchet gear 882 in place.
Ratchet gear 882 is dimensioned to slidably fit over one end of cylindrical body 812 and to remain on cylindrical body 812. Ratchet gear 882 comprises inner surface 884, outer surface 886, and perimeter teeth 888. In an example embodiment, ratchet gear 882 is configured to slide over cylindrical body 812, slotting into place and capping the interior of cylindrical body 812. Center opening 890 corresponds to the dimensions of cylindrical body 812 which allows ratchet gear 882 to slide over and onto cylindrical body 812 with cylindrical body 812 fitting into center opening 890 and internal oval section 892 fitting within cylindrical body 812.
Ratchet gear 882 may be maintained in place on cylindrical body 812 by at least one securing pin that may be inserted into bore 830 on cylindrical body 812. Extending into center opening 890 is internal oval section 892 that is secured to an inner perimeter of center opening 890 of ratchet gear 882 by support arm 894. Ratchet gear 882 is a component of a wormgear securement and release device 100, 200, 300, 400, and functions as a cap for wedge member 842, as a “key” for lockout shaft 810, thus maintaining wedge member 842 within cylindrical body 812, and stopping the crushing or biting of webbing within lockout shaft 810.
In an example embodiment, a second ratchet gear is used at the opposite end from ratchet gear 882. Additionally, the lockout shaft interior, or a component such as the body may be various shapes. Although the lockout shaft may be designed in many shapes, the oval shape of the wedge member overs specific advantages. When webbing is inserted into the lockout shaft and wrapped around the wedge member, the oval shape provides significantly increased strength/holding power to the webbing, when compared to a simple circular design.
An example embodiment of webbing securement and release device 912 comprises a first securing and release assembly having a first side member, a second side member, an upper jaw, a center wedge and a lower jaw. Pivot rods extend outward from side edges of the two jaws and the center wedge. The pivot rods from the jaws extend outward from the two side members through pivot rod openings on each side member. The center wedge pivot rod extends outward from the two side members through an angled slot in each side member. A spring-loaded retaining clip maintains the center wedge pivot rod within the slot. The pivot rods allow the two jaws and the center wedge to pivot into an open configuration to allow a length of webbing to be inserted into/through the first assembly, and then to pivot into a position that closes and locks the webbing in place within the assembly. The two jaws and center wedge can then pivot back to the open configuration to remove the webbing from webbing securement and release device 912.
In an alternative embodiment, the center wedge pivot rod slot of the webbing securement and release device is horizontally configured, as opposed to angled, and a spring-loaded retaining clip is not utilized to maintain the center wedge pivot rod within the slot. Also, the center wedge pivot rod may be removable from the center wedge by sliding the pivot rod out via a pivot rod opening that extends through the center wedge from one side edge to the other side edge.
In order to secure webbing within the webbing securement and release device, one end of a length of webbing is inserted into the assembly from the front, below the upper jaw and along the upper surface of the center wedge. The webbing continues around the rear edge of the center edge, with the rear edge being rounded to allow smooth movement of the webbing around the rear edge. The webbing continues outward toward the front of the assembly between the lower surface of the center edge and the upper surface of the lower jaw. When the webbing is pulled, the upper and lower jaws, and center wedge pivot to a position that locks the webbing within the webbing securement and release device.
Webbing securement and release device 912 provides a means by which a length of webbing can be quickly and correctly secured around an object, and released when necessary. Webbing securement and release device 912 comprises first side member 914, second side member 950, upper jaw 984, center wedge 904, and lower jaw 926. First side member 914 has an outer surface, inner surface 918, upper edge 920, lower edge 922, front vertical edge 924, rear angled edge 926, rear vertical edge 928, curved slot 930, a web attachment opening 932, retaining clip 934, upper pivot rod opening 940, and lower pivot rod opening 942. In an example embodiment, retaining clip 934 comprises clip spring 936 and clip stop 938 to maintain retaining clip 934 in a position that closes slot 930. This also allowing the retaining clip 934 to be manually placed in a position that opens slot 930 and then forces retaining clip 934 back into the closed slot position when released.
Second side member 950 is configured parallel to first side member 914 and also has outer surface 952, inner surface 950, upper edge 956, lower edge 958, front vertical edge 960, rear angled edge 962, rear vertical edge 964, curved slot, web attachment opening 968, retaining clip 970, an upper pivot rod opening, and a lower pivot rod opening. In an example embodiment, an attachment rod is inserted between web attachment opening 932 and web attachment opening 968. In an example embodiment, retaining clip 970 utilizes a clip spring and clip stop 974 to maintain the retaining clip 970 in a position that closes the slot while also allowing retaining clip 970 to be manually placed in a position that opens the slot and then forces retaining clip 970 back into the closing slot position when released.
The upper jaw 984 is located adjacent and below upper edge 920, 956 of parallel side members 914, 950, and includes an upper surface, a lower surface, front edge 990, rear edge 992, first side edge, second side edge 996 and pivot rod 998 that extends outward from the two side edges and through the respective upper pivot rod openings on the two side members 914, 950. Pivot rod 998 facilitates the upward and downward pivoting of upper jaw 984.
In an example embodiment, the center wedge 904 is located below upper jaw 984. Center wedge 904 comprises upper front edge 910, a rear edge that is rounded to allow webbing to easily slide about the rear edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a pivot rod bore extending through center wedge 904 from the first side edge to the second side edge, and pivot rod 921 that is inserted through the pivot rod bore while also being removable. The pivot rod 921 allows center wedge 904 to pivot upward and downward when center wedge 904 is located between the two side members within webbing securement and release device 912.
In an example embodiment, lower jaw 926 is located below center wedge 904 adjacent to the lower edges of side members 914, 950 and has an outer surface, an inner surface, a front edge 926, a rear edge, a first side edge, a second side edge and a pivot rod that, like pivot rod 998 on upper jaw 984, extends outward from the two side edges, and through the respective lower pivot rod openings on side members 914, 950. The pivot rod facilitates the upward and downward pivoting of lower jaw 926 when lower jaw 926 is located between side members 914, 950.
To use webbing securement and release device 912, one end of a length of webbing is inserted into the assembly 912 from the front, below upper jaw 984, along the upper surface of center wedge 904. The webbing continues around the rear rounded edge of center wedge 904 and then outward toward the front of the assembly between the lower surface of center wedge 904 and the upper surface of lower jaw 926. When the webbing is pulled, upper and lower jaws 984, 926 and center wedge 904 pivot into a position that locks the webbing within the assembly.
Second side member 1014 is configured parallel to first side member 1050 and also has an outer surface, an inner surface, upper edge 1020, a lower edge, a front vertical edge 1028, a front rounded corner, a rear upper angled edge, a rear lower angled edge, slot 1030 that is horizontally configured in side member 1014, upper pivot rod opening 1040, and lower pivot rod opening 1042.
The upper jaw 1084 is located between the two parallel side members 1050, 1014 below the upper edges 1020, 1056 of the side members and has an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge 1090, a rear edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and a pivot rod 1098 that extends outward from the side edges, and into the respective upper pivot rod openings 1040, 1076 on each side member 1014,1050.
Center wedge 1004 is located below upper jaw 1084 and has an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge 1090, a rear edge that is rounded to allow webbing to easily slide about the rear edge, a first side edge 1016, a second side edge 1015, a first pivot rod 1040 that extends outward from the first side edge and through the slot 1030 on the first side member 1014.
Lower jaw 1026 is located below center wedge 1004 between side members 1014, 1050, has an upper surface, a lower surface, front edge 1028, a rear edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a first pivot rod 1020 extending outward from the first side edge and through lower pivot rod opening 1042 on the first side member 1014 and through lower pivot rod opening 1078 on the second side member 1050.
In an example embodiment, second webbing 1137 comprises first loop 1135 on a first end of second webbing 1130. Second webbing first loop 1135 may be attached to wormgear secure and release device connection shaft 1136. In an example embodiment, a second loop in second webbing 1130 is connected to connection shaft 1140 of second lockjaw 1113.
In an example embodiment, second webbing 1237 comprises first end 1235 of second webbing 1230. Second webbing first end 1235 may be attached to wormgear secure and release device connection shaft 1236. In an example embodiment, second loop 1237 in second webbing 1230 is connected to connection shaft 1240 of second lockjaw 1213. Second webbing 1230 may then be wrapped around an object to be secured and into first lockjaw 1212. In an example embodiment, first lockjaw 1212 is constructed as lockjaw 912 of
When the object is to be released the wormgear mechanism of wormgear secure and release device 1200 is rotated to control the turning of center shaft 1234 and the release of webbing 1220 from wormgear secure and release device 1200. Once webbing 1220 has been released enough and the object is safely released, second webbing 1230 can be released from first lockjaw 1212.
In an example implementation of securing an object with the system of
The flow chart of
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/627,595, filed on Apr. 5, 2024, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/130,912, filed on Apr. 5, 2023, and issued under U.S. Pat. No. 11,950,661 on Apr. 9, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/608,316, filed on Mar. 18, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18130912 | Apr 2023 | US |
| Child | 18627595 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18627595 | Apr 2024 | US |
| Child | 18988936 | US |
