Ratchet strapping device
View Patent ↗An improved ratchet strapping device is provided, comprising a frame, an axle, and a handle pivotally installed on the axle. Ratchets are mounted on the axle and adjacent to the exterior of the frame. The frame includes a first detent on the outside of the frame which engages the ratchet. A release device is mounted on the handle, wherein the release device includes a second detent on the outside of the handle which engages the ratchets at another location. The frame includes a first cam having a radius greater than the ratchets and on which the second detent slides, and the handle includes a second cam having a radius greater than the ratchets and on which the first detent slides. Placement of the ratchet and detent components on the outside of the device permits spooling of substantially all of the strap for storage or unused portions of the strap during use.
1. An improved ratchet strapping device, comprising:
a frame including two lateral members, the lateral members each including a first exterior surface;
a first strap connected to the frame;
an axle installed on the frame and supported by the lateral members of the frame;
a second strap connected to the axle, wherein the axle includes a slot through which the second strap is directed;
two ratchets rigidly mounted on the axle and adjacent to the first exterior surface of the frame;
a non-pivoting first detent slidably installed on the first exterior surface of the frame between an operative position in engagement with the ratchets and an idle position away from the ratchets;
a handle including two support members pivotally installed on the axle, the support members each including a second exterior surface;
a release device mounted on the second exterior surface of the handle, wherein the release device includes a non-pivoting second detent operable between an operative position in engagement with the ratchets and an idle position away from the ratchets;
wherein each of the two lateral members of the frame includes a first cam having a radius greater than the ratchets and on which the non-pivoting second detent slides; and
wherein each of the two support members of the handle includes a second cam having a radius greater than the ratchets and on which the non-pivoting first detent slides.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first cam is positioned on the lateral members of the frame, and the second cam is positioned on the support members of the handle, such that when the second detent is caused to slidably engage the first cam, the first detent is caused to disengage the ratchet and slidably engage the second cam, placing the handle in a release position to permit unspooling of the second strap.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the first cam includes a notch engageable with the second detent of the release device when the handle is in a release position.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first detent comprises a resiliently biased pawl mounted on each of the first exterior surfaces of the lateral members of the frame.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the pawl includes a rod slidably disposed within a closed channel on the first exterior surface of the lateral member, and wherein a compression spring resides between the channel and the pawl.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the pawl is slidably disposed within a slot formed in the lateral member.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second detent comprises a resiliently biased pawl mounted on each of the second exterior surfaces of the support members of the handle.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the pawl includes a rod slidably disposed within a closed channel on the second exterior surface of the support member, and wherein a compression spring resides between the channel and the pawl.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the pawl is slidably disposed within a slot formed in the support member.
10. The device of claim 8 , wherein the rod of each pawl extends beyond the closed channel, and wherein the rods are connected by a grip adjacent to the handle.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the lateral members of the frame includes a notch engageable with the second detent of the release device when the handle is in a locked position.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ratchets are positioned along the axle between the lateral members and the support members.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the axle includes end portions which protrude past the first exterior surfaces of the lateral members, and wherein the axle is retained between the lateral members by pins inserted through the end portions.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the frame and the handle define a free and unrestricted volume for spooling of any excess of the second strap up to a location near the handle.