Systems, methods, and devices for tensioning straps
Tensioning devices include a base housing with a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle.
1. A tensioning device comprising:
(a) a base housing comprising:
(i) a drive gear;
(ii) a spindle gear proximate the drive gear; and
(iii) a pawl proximate the spindle gear;
(b) a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and comprising a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear;
(c) a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and
(d) a brake assembly coupled to the base housing,
wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction;
wherein, the lug is configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction;
wherein, the drive gear is configured to effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear when the drive gear is rotated in the second direction;
wherein the pawl is configured to limit rotation of the spindle gear absent rotation of the drive gear in the second direction; and
wherein, the brake assembly is configured to operate independently from the lever.
2. The tensioning device of claim 1 further comprising a support handle coupled to the base housing.
3. The tensioning device of claim 2 further comprising a guide coupled to the support handle.
4. The tensioning device of claim 1 wherein the brake assembly comprises a biasing mechanism.
5. The tensioning device of claim 1 wherein the brake assembly comprises:
(a) a brake shaft rotatably coupled to the base housing;
b) a body fixedly coupled to the brake shaft;
(c) a brake lever coupled to the body;
(d) a brake plate coupled to the body; and
(e) a footer coupled to the base housing.
6. The tensioning device of claim 5 wherein the brake assembly further comprises a coil spring coupled to the brake shaft.
7. The tensioning device of claim 5 wherein the brake plate is pivotally coupled to the body.
8. The tensioning device of claim 7 wherein the brake plate is spring-loaded.
9. The tensioning device of claim 5 wherein the brake plate comprises a textured contact surface.
10. The tensioning device of claim 5 wherein the footer comprises a textured contact surface.
11. The tensioning device of claim 1 wherein the spindle comprises a slot.
12. The tensioning device of claim 1 wherein the lug is spring-loaded.
13. The tensioning device of claim 1 wherein the pawl is capable of being displaced from proximate the spindle gear.