Cargo Strap Winding Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/711,215, which was filed on Oct. 24, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of cargo straps. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for efficiently winding cargo straps, featuring a fixed base with a mounting bracket and a rotatable winding mechanism that can be powered by a motorized tool or operated manually. The design, which includes friction-reducing bearings and horizontal support members for even winding, minimizes manual effort, improves productivity, and provides a secure, compact storage solution for tie-down straps. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Commercial truck operators routinely use tie-down straps to secure cargo during transportation, ensuring that loads remain stable and reducing the risk of damage or accidents caused by shifting freight. The process of securing cargo with these straps is straightforward, but managing the straps once they are no longer in use presents a significant challenge. After a delivery or unloading operation, operators must quickly and efficiently wind these straps to store them for future use. However, rolling straps by hand is a labor-intensive process that becomes increasingly difficult when performed multiple times per day. The repetitive nature of the task can cause fatigue, hand strain, and lost productivity. Furthermore, manually wound straps are often inconsistent in their tightness and compactness, leading to storage inefficiencies, tangling, and potential damage to the straps. Poorly wound straps can also become difficult to manage, slowing down future operations and increasing the risk of delays. Additionally, if straps are not stored properly, they may develop wear and tear over time, decreasing their effectiveness and lifespan. This problem is exacerbated in environments where time is critical, such as logistics operations, freight transportation, and delivery services. Given the frequency of these tasks, a reliable solution that minimizes the physical effort and time required to wind and store tie-down straps is essential. An effective device that automates or streamlines this process would greatly enhance productivity, reduce strain on operators, and ensure that cargo straps are consistently wound and properly stored, preserving their longevity and effectiveness.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cargo strap winding device that provides an efficient means to wind and store tie-down straps quickly. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a cargo strap winding device that minimizes manual effort and physical strain during the strap winding process. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cargo strap winding device that ensures straps are consistently wound and organized, facilitating convenient storage and easy handling.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cargo strap winding device. The device is comprised of a device designed for efficiently winding cargo straps into a compact configuration, particularly benefiting commercial truck operators who frequently handle tie-down straps. The device comprises a fixed base that stabilizes a rotatable winding mechanism, which is capable of 360-degree rotation and can be powered by a motorized tool like a drill or operated manually using a handle with a non-slip grip. The base incorporates a mounting bracket for flexible attachment to trailers or similar structures, while the winding member includes radially arranged horizontal support members to ensure even winding and prevent tangling. A bearing assembly minimizes friction during operation, and a locking mechanism secures the shaft when not in use. This design facilitates quick and consistent winding, reducing manual effort, improving productivity, and enhancing workflow efficiency for users handling multiple straps daily.

In this manner, the cargo strap winding device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device for winding cargo straps comprising a stable base and a rotatable winding mechanism that can be powered by a motorized tool or operated manually. The fixed base ensures the device remains stationary during use, allowing for smooth and consistent winding. The integration of a shaft compatible with standard drill chucks enables rapid and effortless strap winding, while the manual handle option offers flexibility in non-powered scenarios. The horizontal support members provide reliable engagement with the strap, ensuring even winding and preventing tangling. Additionally, the mounting brackets accommodate different trailer configurations, making the device adaptable to various user needs. This design ultimately enhances productivity, minimizes strain, and ensures efficient and organized storage of cargo straps.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cargo strap winding device. The device is designed to wind cargo straps into a compact configuration, addressing the challenges faced by commercial truck operators who store tie-down straps. The design facilitates efficient and repeatable operation, minimizing physical strain and enhancing productivity. The device is different from other strap rollers as the 4″ diameter hole in the middle allows users to cup their fingers into the rolled up strap for easier and more accurate throwing and ease of handling.

The device comprises a base that remains fixed during use, providing a stable platform to support the winding mechanism. The base includes at least one mounting bracket for attachment to a trailer or similar vehicle structure, such as a truck frame or cargo bed rail. The mounting bracket can take the form of a right-angled bracket, clip, clamp, or magnet, offering flexibility for various mounting applications. The base contains a cylindrical receiving area with an opening to hold the first end of a winding mechanism shaft, allowing the mechanism to rotate freely while the base remains stationary.

The winding mechanism includes a shaft with a second end designed to attach to a motorized tool, such as a drill, enabling rapid, powered rotation. The second end may feature a standardized configuration compatible with common drill chucks. The winding mechanism further comprises multiple horizontal support members arranged radially around the shaft. These support members ensure consistent contact with the strap during rotation, promoting even winding and preventing tangling. The strap loop can be secured around one of the support members to maintain alignment during the winding process.

For manual operation, the winding mechanism can be equipped with a handle featuring a non-slip grip made from durable materials like rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer. The grip may be textured to enhance control and reduce slippage during use.

A bearing assembly facilitates free rotation of the shaft within the receiving area, minimizing friction and wear. The device may include a locking mechanism, such as a locking pin, to secure the shaft in place when not in use, ensuring safe transport and storage.

The device offers an efficient solution for winding and storing cargo straps, saving time and effort for frequent users. The fixed base, rotatable winding mechanism, and compatibility with power tools improve workflow for commercial truck operators and others who rely on tie-down straps.

The invention also includes a method for using the device to wind cargo straps. The method involves securing the base to a vehicle structure, inserting the winding mechanism shaft into the base, attaching the strap loop to a support member, and using a motorized tool or manual handle to wind the strap into a compact shape. The wound strap can then be removed for storage.

Accordingly, the cargo strap winding device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device for winding cargo straps comprising a stable base and a rotatable winding mechanism that can be powered by a motorized tool or operated manually. The fixed base ensures the device remains stationary during use, allowing for smooth and consistent winding. The integration of a shaft compatible with standard drill chucks enables rapid and effortless strap winding, while the manual handle option offers flexibility in non-powered scenarios. The horizontal support members provide reliable engagement with the strap, ensuring even winding and preventing tangling. Additionally, the mounting brackets accommodate different trailer configurations, making the device adaptable to various user needs. This design ultimately enhances productivity, minimizes strain, and ensures efficient and organized storage of cargo straps. In this manner, the cargo strap winding device overcomes the limitations of winding cargo straps known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cargo strap winding device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cargo strap winding device of the present invention while the winding member is attached to a drill and the base is attached to a trailer in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cargo strap winding device of the present invention while the winding member is attached to a drill and the base is attached to a trailer, and wherein the winding member is attached to the base and a strap is attached to the winding member in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cargo strap winding device of the present invention while the winding member is attached to a drill and the base is attached to a trailer, and wherein the winding member is attached to the base and a strap is wound around the winding member in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a cargo strap winding device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cargo strap winding device that provides an efficient means to wind and store tie-down straps quickly. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a cargo strap winding device that minimizes manual effort and physical strain during the strap winding process. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cargo strap winding device that ensures straps are consistently wound and organized, facilitating convenient storage and easy handling.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a cargo strap winding device. The device winds cargo straps into a compact configuration, addressing challenges faced by commercial truck operators storing tie-down straps. The design enables efficient, repeatable operation, reducing physical strain and improving productivity. The device is different from other strap rollers as the 4″ diameter hole in the middle allows users to cup their fingers into the rolled up strap for easier and more accurate throwing and ease of handling.

The device comprises a fixed base that provides a stable platform to support the winding mechanism during use. The base includes at least one mounting bracket for attachment to a trailer or similar vehicle structure, such as a truck frame or cargo bed rail. The mounting bracket may be a right-angled bracket, clip, clamp, or magnet, offering flexibility for various mounting applications. The base features a cylindrical receiving area with an opening to hold the first end of a winding mechanism shaft, allowing free rotation of the mechanism while the base remains stationary.

The winding mechanism includes a shaft with a second end designed for attachment to a motorized tool, such as a drill, enabling rapid, powered rotation. This second end may have a standardized configuration compatible with common drill chucks. The winding mechanism also features multiple horizontal support members arranged radially around the shaft, ensuring consistent contact with the strap to promote even winding and prevent tangling. The strap loop can be secured around one of the support members to maintain alignment during winding.

For manual use, the winding mechanism can include a handle with a non-slip grip made from durable materials like rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer. The grip may be textured to enhance control and reduce slippage during operation.

A bearing assembly allows the shaft to rotate freely within the receiving area, minimizing friction and wear. A locking mechanism, such as a locking pin, may secure the shaft when not in use, ensuring safe transport and storage.

The device efficiently winds and stores cargo straps, saving time and effort for frequent users. The combination of a fixed base, rotatable winding mechanism, and compatibility with power tools improves workflow for commercial truck operators and others who rely on tie-down straps.

The invention also comprises a method for winding cargo straps. The method involves securing the base to a vehicle structure, inserting the winding mechanism shaft into the base, attaching the strap loop to a support member, and using a motorized tool or manual handle to wind the strap into a compact shape. The wound strap can then be removed for storage.

Accordingly, the cargo strap winding device provides a stable base and a rotatable winding mechanism powered by a motorized tool or operated manually. The fixed base ensures stationary operation for smooth and consistent winding. The shaft's compatibility with standard drill chucks enables rapid and effortless winding, while the manual handle offers flexibility for non-powered use. Horizontal support members provide reliable strap engagement, ensuring even winding and preventing tangling. The mounting brackets accommodate various trailer configurations, making the device adaptable to user needs. This design enhances productivity, minimizes strain, and ensures efficient storage of cargo straps, overcoming limitations associated with existing cargo strap winding methods.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cargo strap winding device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is designed to wind a cargo strap 10 into a compact configuration, addressing the challenges of manually rolling straps, particularly for commercial truck operators who frequently need to store tie-down straps. The design facilitates efficient, repeatable operation, minimizing physical strain and improving productivity when handling multiple straps throughout the workday.

The device 100 comprises a base 110 that remains fixed during use. The base 110 provides a stable platform, ensuring that the winding mechanism 120 can function without shifting or destabilizing during operation. The base 110 includes at least one mounting bracket 112 configured for attachment to a trailer 14 or similar vehicle structure, such as a truck frame, cargo bed rail, or support beam, as seen in FIG. 2. The mounting bracket 112 may be a right-angled bracket or may be in the form of fastening mechanisms such as a clip, a clamp, or a magnet. These various configurations offer flexibility for different mounting applications, accommodating a range of trailer structures, materials, and mounting preferences. The fixed nature of the base 110 supports the winding member 120 while allowing it to rotate freely, as will be described more fully below.

The base 110 is comprised of a cylindrical receiving area 114 that features an opening 116 for securely holding the first end 132 of a shaft 130 of the winding member 120, as seen in FIG. 3. The winding mechanism 120 can rotate 360 degrees parallel to the horizontal axis of the receiving area 114 while the base 110 remains stationary. The free rotation of the winding mechanism 120 allows for smooth, continuous winding action. A second end 134 of the shaft 130 is designed to attach to a motorized tool, such as a drill (as seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), thereby facilitating rapid, powered rotation to wind the cargo strap 10 around the winding member 120. The second end 134 may be shaped as a hexagonal bit, cylindrical post, or other standardized configuration compatible with common drill chucks. This winding process reduces the need for manual effort, making it highly efficient for repetitive use, particularly in applications where multiple straps must be wound daily.

The winding member 120 comprises a plurality of horizontal support members 136 arranged radially around the shaft 130. The horizontal support members 136 are evenly spaced from and extend outward from the shaft 130, forming a structure that effectively engages the strap 10. These support members 136 are configured to provide consistent contact with the strap 10 during rotation, ensuring even winding and preventing tangling or uneven layering of the strap 10. The support members 136 engage the strap 10 during rotation, rolling the strap 10 into a circular shape suitable for compact storage. The loop 12 of the strap 10 can be conveniently secured around one of the horizontal support members 136 to maintain alignment during the winding process, as seen in FIG. 3. This arrangement helps stabilize the strap 10, ensuring it winds uniformly and remains securely in place throughout the operation, as seen in FIG. 4.

For instances where a motorized tool is not used to spin the winding member 120, the winding member 120 may be equipped with a handle 140 for manual operation. The handle 140 is attached to the winding member 120 and provides an alternative means of rotating the shaft 130. The handle 140 can feature a non-slip grip area 142 made from materials such as rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). These materials are selected for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear. To provide additional control and user comfort, the grip area 142 may be textured with patterns like raised ridges, knurling, or stippling. These textures enhance the user's ability to maintain a firm grip, even in wet or oily conditions, reducing the likelihood of slippage during manual operation.

In operation, the shaft 130 rotates freely within the receiving area 114, facilitated by a bearing assembly 150 to minimize friction. The bearing assembly 150 may include ball bearings, roller bearings, or plain bearings designed to provide low-friction support, ensuring smooth and consistent winding action. This reduction in friction allows for easier rotation, whether powered or manual, and extends the lifespan of the components by minimizing wear. For safety and ease of use, the device 100 may incorporate a locking mechanism 160 that secures the shaft 130 in place within the receiving area 114 when not in use. The locking mechanism 160 may include but is not limited to a locking pin, which can be inserted through aligned holes 115 in the receiving area 114 and/or the holes 131 in the shaft 130 to prevent unintended movement or rotation. This feature ensures the device 100 remains secure during transport or storage, preventing potential damage or injury.

As a result, the device 100 offers an efficient and reliable solution for winding and storing cargo straps 10, saving significant time and effort for users who frequently handle tie-down straps. The fixed base 110, rotatable winding mechanism 120, and compatibility with power tools make the device 100 highly functional and convenient for daily use. The design addresses the need for consistent, time-efficient strap storage, reducing manual labor and improving workflow for commercial truck operators and other users who rely on tie-down straps for securing cargo.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100 to wind a cargo strap 10 for storage, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided, comprising a base 110 with at least one mounting bracket 112 and a winding member 120 with a shaft 130, wherein the shaft 130 has a first end 132 and a second end 134 [Step 202]. Next, the mounting bracket 112 is attached to a trailer 114 or similar vehicle structure to secure the base 110 in a fixed position [Step 204]. Then, the first end 132 of the shaft 130 of the winding member 120 is inserted into the cylindrical receiving area 114 of the base 110 [Step 206]. Afterward, the loop 12 of a cargo strap 10 is secured around one of the horizontal support members 136 of the winding member 120 [Step 208]. Subsequently, a motorized tool, such as a drill, is attached to the second end 134 of the shaft 130 [Step 210]. The motorized tool is then activated to rotate the shaft 130, causing the winding member 120 to spin and wind the cargo strap 10 into a compact, circular shape [Step 212]. If manual operation is desired, the handle 140 of the winding member 120 can be used to rotate the shaft 130 by hand [Step 214]. Finally, once the cargo strap 10 is fully wound, the strap 10 can be removed from the winding member 120 in a wrapped configuration [Step 216].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “cargo strap winding device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the cargo strap winding device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the cargo strap winding device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the cargo strap winding device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the cargo strap winding device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the cargo strap winding device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the cargo strap winding device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.