Clutch controled load-securing strap tensioning system for trailer
OwnerAndré Brunetinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A strap winch device assembly for fitting on a flat bed open truck trailer, to enable a truck driver to remote actuate this load tightening system without leaving his truck cab, in periodic fashion. A number of these winch devices are connected to a single fore and aft drive shaft, which extends along the side of the trailer. The drive shaft is driven by a motor to tighten any straps that loosen when the trailer is in motion over the road, as trailer load distribution typically shifts during road trailer, due to road-induced vibrations. A clutch mechanism is provided in the winch device, to prevent the motor from overheating once a set tightening torque threshold level has been reached.
Claims19
A strap tightening system for use in securing a load with a wrap-around flexible strap over a flat bed open trailer, said system comprising:
- at least one strap tensioning unit, including:
- a) a main frame, to be mounted to the trailer;
- b) a strap winding member, rotatably mounted to said main frame and to be lockingly engageable by one end portion of the strap;
- c) a gear assembly, rotatably mounted to said main frame;
- a motor, to be mounted to the trailer at a distance from said tensioning unit and to be connected to a power supply;
- a clutch assembly, operatively interconnecting said gear assembly and said strap winding member;
- and
- a drive shaft, operatively interconnecting said tensioning unit gear assembly and said motor, said drive shaft bringing said strap winding member to rotate upon actuation of said motor and rotation of said gear assembly and said clutch assembly;
- wherein upon the load applied by the strap onto said strap winding member exceeding a set load threshold, said clutch assembly disconnects said gear assembly from said strap winding member, whereby transmission of power from said drive shaft to said strap winding member is interrupted.
In combination, an open trailer having a flat bed, and a strap tightening system securing a loud with a wrap-around flexible strap over said flat bed, said system comprising:
- at least one strap tensioning unit, including:
- a) a main frame, mounted to the trailer;
- b) a strap winding member, rotatably mounted to said main frame and lockingly engageable by one end portion of the strap;
- c) a gear assembly, rotatably mounted to said main frame;
- a motor, anchored to the trailer at a distance from said tensioning unit and to be connected to a power supply;
- a clutch assembly, operatively interconnecting said gear assembly and said strap winding member;
- and
- a drive shaft, operatively interconnecting said tensioning unit gear assembly and said motor, said drive shaft bringing said strap winding member to rotate upon actuation of said motor and rotation of said gear assembly and said clutch assembly;
- wherein upon the load applied by the strap onto said strap winding member exceeding a set load threshold, said clutch assembly disconnects said gear assembly from said strap winding member, whereby transmission of power from said drive shaft to said strap winding member is interrupted.
A load tightening device for use in securing a load with a wrap-around flexible strap over a flat bed trailer, said device comprising:
- a main rigid frame, to be anchored to the trailer;
- a strap winding member, rotatably mounted to said main rigid frame and to be connected to the strap for winding the latter;
- power means, for power operating said winding member to wind the strap;
- power transmission means, operatively interconnecting said winding member and said power means;
- clutch means, deactivating said power transmission means once the torque applied by the strap onto said strap winding member exceeds a set load threshold and said strap winding member reaches a threshold cranked state;
- and
- lock means, maintaining said strap winding member in its said threshold cranked state once said power means is deactivated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.