U.S. patent application number 11/276357 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for independently drawing and tensioning lines with bi-directional rotary device having two spools.
Invention is credited to Daniel Lee Bizzell, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Ian D. Kovacevich, Tom Philpott.
Application Number | 20060185357 11/276357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36928135 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060185357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kovacevich; Ian D. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
INDEPENDENTLY DRAWING AND TENSIONING LINES WITH BI-DIRECTIONAL
ROTARY DEVICE HAVING TWO SPOOLS
Abstract
A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a
dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first
spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated
in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line
thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational
direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a
second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically
rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second
line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second,
opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the
first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial
in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of
the second line from the second spool.
Inventors: |
Kovacevich; Ian D.;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Dahlquist; Kevin J.; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Philpott; Tom; (Charlotte, NC) ;
Bizzell; Daniel Lee; (Davidson, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN WRIGHT, PLLC
PO BOX 471581
CHARLOTTE
NC
28247
US
|
Family ID: |
36928135 |
Appl. No.: |
11/276357 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11222549 |
Sep 9, 2005 |
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11276357 |
Feb 24, 2006 |
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11123942 |
May 6, 2005 |
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11222549 |
Sep 9, 2005 |
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11123900 |
May 6, 2005 |
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11222549 |
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60569304 |
May 7, 2004 |
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60608397 |
Sep 9, 2004 |
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60656335 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
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60569304 |
May 7, 2004 |
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60608397 |
Sep 9, 2004 |
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60656335 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
60/487 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20130101;
F16G 11/12 20130101; A41D 13/0518 20130101; A41D 2400/38 20130101;
F41H 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
060/487 |
International
Class: |
F16D 39/00 20060101
F16D039/00 |
Claims
1. A method of drawing lines into a housing, comprising the steps
of: (a) rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial
such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is
mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby
winding a first line thereabout; and (b) rotating the dial in a
second rotational direction of the dial opposite to the first
rotational direction of the dial such that a second spool located
in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first
rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of, (c)
during rotation of the dial in the second rotational direction of
the dial, inhibiting the first spool from rotating in the second
rotational direction of the first spool, thereby keeping the first
line from unwinding from the first spool; and (d) during rotation
of the dial in the first rotational direction of the dial,
inhibiting the second spool from rotating in the second rotational
direction of the second spool, thereby keeping the second line from
unwinding from the second spool.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of, (e)
disengaging a first pawl inhibiting the first spool from rotating
in the second rotational direction of the first spool, whereby the
first line may be unwound from the first spool and withdrawn from
the housing; and (f) disengaging a second pawl inhibiting the
second spool from rotating in the second rotational direction of
the second spool, whereby the second line may be unwound from the
second spool and withdrawn from the housing.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first pawl is disengaged
independently of the second pawl and wherein the second pawl is
disengaged independently of the first pawl.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the first pawl is first
disengaged and then the second pawl is disengaged.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein the first pawl and the second
pawl are simultaneously disengaged.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein each line is anchored at a point
exterior to the housing whereby each line is tensioned as each line
is drawn into the housing, each line being independently tensioned
in accordance with the method.
8. A method of tensioning lines, comprising the steps of: (a)
rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such
that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is
mechanically rotated by the dial in a first rotational direction
thereby winding a first and second lines thereabout; and (b)
rotating the dial in a second rotational direction of the dial
opposite to the first rotational direction of the dial such that a
second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically
rotated by the dial in a first rotational direction thereby winding
a third and fourth line thereabout.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first and second lines form
an endless loop and wherein the third and fourth lines form an
endless loop.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second lines are
connected by a line segment extending through the first spool, and
wherein the third and fourth lines are connected by a line segment
extending through the second spool.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of, (c)
during rotation of the dial in the second rotational direction of
the dial, inhibiting the first spool from rotating in the second
rotational direction of the first spool, thereby keeping the first
and second lines from unwinding from the first spool; and (d)
during rotation of the dial in the first rotational direction of
the dial, inhibiting the second spool from rotating in the second
rotational direction of the second spool, thereby keeping the third
and fourth lines from unwinding from the second spool.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of, (e)
disengaging a first pawl inhibiting the first spool from rotating
in the second rotational direction of the first spool, whereby the
first and second lines may be unwound from the first spool and
withdrawn from the housing; and (f) disengaging a second pawl
inhibiting the second spool from rotating in the second rotational
direction of the second spool, whereby the third and fourth lines
may be unwound from the second spool and withdrawn from the
housing.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first pawl is disengaged
independently of the second pawl and wherein the second pawl is
disengaged independently of the first pawl.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first pawl is first
disengaged and then the second pawl is disengaged.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the first pawl and the second
pawl are simultaneously disengaged.
16. The method of claim 8, wherein the first and second lines are
tensioned together, wherein the third and fourth lines are
tensioned together, and wherein the first and second lines are
independently tensioned with respect to the third and fourth
lines.
17. A method, comprising: (a) a step for winding a first line about
a first spool located within a housing by rotating a dial in a
first rotational direction, whereby the first line is drawn into
the housing while inhibiting unwinding of a second line from a
second spool also located within the housing; and (b) a step for
winding the second line about the second spool by rotating the dial
in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational
direction, whereby the second line is drawn into the housing while
inhibiting unwinding of the first line from the first spool.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, (c) a step for
unwinding the first line from the first spool; and (d) a step for
unwinding the second line from the second spool independent of the
unwinding of the first line from the first spool.
19. A device for winding lines within a housing, comprising: (a)
means for winding a first line about a first spool located within a
housing by rotating a dial in a first rotational direction, whereby
the first line is drawn into the housing while inhibiting unwinding
of a second line from a second spool also located within the
housing; and (b) means for winding the second line about the second
spool by rotating the dial in a second rotational direction
opposite the first rotational direction, whereby the second line is
drawn into the housing while inhibiting unwinding of the first line
from the first spool.
20. The device of claim 19, further comprising, (c) means for
unwinding the first line from the first spool; and (d) means for
unwinding the second line from the second spool independent of the
unwinding of the first line from the first spool.
21-63. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/222,549, filed Sep. 9, 2005, which is a
continuation-in-part of: U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/123,942, filed May 6, 2005, which published as U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. US 2006/0015988 A1, and which is a
nonprovisional of 60/569,304, 60/608,397, and 60/656,335; and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/123,900 filed May 6, 2005, which
published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US
2005/0247813 A1, and which is a nonprovisional of 60/569,304,
60/608,397, and 60/656,335. This application is a nonprovisional
of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/656,335, filed Feb. 25, 2005.
The entire disclosure of each of these patent applications and
patent application publications is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document, including that
of the figures, is subject to copyright protection under the
copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other
copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to methods and
apparatus for tensioning lines, and may be described in the context
of adjustably fitted articles of protective apparel, such as
ballistic vests, the present invention is not limited to use only
in protective apparel, as will become apparent from the following
summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one
or more embodiments of the invention.
[0004] In an aspect of the invention, a method of drawing lines
into a housing includes the steps of: rotating a dial in a first
rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in
an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first
rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and
rotating the dial in a second rotational direction of the dial
opposite to the first rotational direction of the dial such that a
second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically
rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second
line thereabout.
[0005] In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the
steps of: during rotation of the dial in the second rotational
direction of the dial, inhibiting the first spool from rotating in
the second rotational direction of the first spool, thereby keeping
the first line from unwinding from the first spool; and during
rotation of the dial in the first rotational direction of the dial,
inhibiting the second spool from rotating in the second rotational
direction of the second spool, thereby keeping the second line from
unwinding from the second spool. Furthermore, the method further
preferably includes the steps of: disengaging a first pawl
inhibiting the first spool from rotating in the second rotational
direction of the first spool, whereby the first line may be unwound
from the first spool and withdrawn from the housing; and
disengaging a second pawl inhibiting the second spool from rotating
in the second rotational direction of the second spool, whereby the
second line may be unwound from the second spool and withdrawn from
the housing. The first pawl may be disengaged independently of the
second pawl and the second pawl may be disengaged independently of
the first pawl. Alternatively, the first pawl may be first
disengaged and then the second pawl may be disengaged, or the first
pawl and the second pawl may be simultaneously disengaged.
[0006] In another feature of the invention, each line is anchored
at a point exterior to the housing whereby each line is tensioned
as each line is drawn into the housing, each line being
independently tensioned in accordance with the method.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a method of tensioning
lines includes the steps of: rotating a dial in a first rotational
direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an
interior of the housing is mechanically rotated by the dial in a
first rotational direction thereby winding a first and second lines
thereabout; and rotating the dial in a second rotational direction
of the dial opposite to the first rotational direction of the dial
such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is
mechanically rotated by the dial in a first rotational direction
thereby winding a third and fourth line thereabout. The first and
second lines may be tensioned together, the third and fourth lines
may be tensioned together, and the first and second lines may be
independently tensioned with respect to the third and fourth lines.
With further respect to this aspect, the first and second lines
also may form an endless loop and the third and fourth lines may
form an endless loop. In particular, the first and second lines may
be connected by a line segment extending through the first spool,
and the third and fourth lines may be connected by a line segment
extending through the second spool.
[0008] The method also may further include the steps of: during
rotation of the dial in the second rotational direction of the
dial, inhibiting the first spool from rotating in the second
rotational direction of the first spool, thereby keeping the first
and second lines from unwinding from the first spool; and during
rotation of the dial in the first rotational direction of the dial,
inhibiting the second spool from rotating in the second rotational
direction of the second spool, thereby keeping the third and fourth
lines from unwinding from the second spool.
[0009] Moreover, the method also may include the steps of:
disengaging a first pawl inhibiting the first spool from rotating
in the second rotational direction of the first spool, whereby the
first and second lines may be unwound from the first spool and
withdrawn from the housing; and disengaging a second pawl
inhibiting the second spool from rotating in the second rotational
direction of the second spool, whereby the third and fourth lines
may be unwound from the second spool and withdrawn from the
housing. The first pawl may be disengaged independently of the
second pawl and wherein the second pawl is disengaged independently
of the first pawl; the first pawl may be first disengaged then
followed by disengagement of the second pawl; or the first pawl and
the second pawl may be simultaneously disengaged.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a method includes: a
step for winding a first line about a first spool located within a
housing by rotating a dial in a first rotational direction, whereby
the first line is drawn into the housing while inhibiting unwinding
of a second line from a second spool also located within the
housing; and a step for winding the second line about the second
spool by rotating the dial in a second rotational direction
opposite the first rotational direction, whereby the second line is
drawn into the housing while inhibiting unwinding of the first line
from the first spool. The method may further include: a step for
unwinding the first line from the first spool; and a step for
unwinding the second line from the second spool independent of the
unwinding of the first line from the first spool.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a device for winding
lines within a housing includes: means for winding a first line
about a first spool located within a housing by rotating a dial in
a first rotational direction, whereby the first line is drawn into
the housing while inhibiting unwinding of a second line from a
second spool also located within the housing; and means for winding
the second line about the second spool by rotating the dial in a
second rotational direction opposite the first rotational
direction, whereby the second line is drawn into the housing while
inhibiting unwinding of the first line from the first spool. The
device also may include: means for unwinding the first line from
the first spool; and means for unwinding the second line from the
second spool independent of the unwinding of the first line from
the first spool.
[0012] In still yet another aspect of the invention, a device for
independently tensioning lines includes: a dial including a drive
shaft that extends from the dial, the dial and drive shaft
rotatable about a drive axis; a drive gear fixed on drive shaft for
rotation with the drive shaft about the drive axis during rotation
of the dial; a pinion mounted on a pivot arm and rotatable relative
to the pivot arm about a pinion axis, wherein teeth of the pinion
are engaged with teeth of the drive gear, and wherein the pivot arm
is mounted on the drive shaft and rotatable relative to the drive
shaft about the drive axis to different positions including a first
position, in which teeth of the pinion engage teeth of a first gear
but not teeth of a second gear, a second position, in which teeth
of the pinion engage teeth of the second gear but do not engage
teeth of the first gear, and an intermediate position, in which
teeth of the pinion do not engage teeth of either the first gear or
teeth of the second gear; a first spool fixed on a first spindle
for rotation with the first spindle about a first spindle axis, the
first spindle being coaxial with, and fixedly connected to, the
first gear for rotation therewith about the first spindle axis, the
fist spool including a first ratchet wheel coaxial with the first
gear; a second spool fixed on a second spindle for rotation with
the second spindle about a second spindle axis, the second spindle
being coaxial with, and fixedly connected to, the second gear for
rotation therewith about the second spindle axis, the second spool
including a second ratchet wheel coaxial with the second gear; a
first pawl configured to engage ratchet teeth of the first ratchet
wheel thereby preventing rotation of the first spool in a first
rotational direction of the first spool, but permitting rotation of
the first spool in a second rotational direction of the first
spool; a second pawl configured to engage ratchet teeth of the
second ratchet wheel thereby preventing rotation of the second
spool in a first rotational direction of the second spool, but
permitting rotation of the second spool in a second rotational
direction of the second spool; a first release member configured to
selectively displace the first pawl from engagement with the
ratchet teeth of the first spool, thereby permitting rotation of
the first spool in the first rotational direction of the first
spool; and a second release member configured to selectively
displace the second pawl from engagement with the ratchet teeth of
the second spool, thereby permitting rotation of the second spool
in the first rotational direction of the second spool.
[0013] In accordance with this aspect, rotation of the dial in a
first rotational direction about the drive axis results in rotation
of the first spool in the second rotational direction of the first
spool, but does not result in rotation of the second spool, and
rotation of the dial in a second rotational direction about the
drive axis results in rotation of the second spool in the second
rotational direction of the second spool, but does not result in
rotation of the first spool.
[0014] In a feature of this aspect, a first line is wound about the
first spool when the first spool is rotated in the second
rotational direction of the first spool, whereby tension may be
applied to the first line, and a second line is wound about the
second spool when the second spool is rotated in the second
rotational direction of the second spool, whereby tension may be
applied to the second line independent of tension that is applied
to the first line. The first spool may include an radial opening
through which a first line extends and the second spool may include
a radial opening through which a second line extends. Furthermore,
the first spool may include a pair of opposed radial openings
through both of which a first line extends and the second spool may
include a pair of opposed radial openings through both of which a
second line extends.
[0015] In another feature, the first release member is additionally
configured to selectively displace the pivot arm from the first
position when the first release member is selectively displacing
the first pawl from engagement with the ratchet teeth of the first
spool, and the second release member is additionally configured to
selectively displace the pivot arm from the second position when
the second release member is selectively displacing the second pawl
from engagement with the ratchet teeth of the second spool.
[0016] In still yet another feature, the first release member is
movable between a position in which the first pawl is displaced
from engagement with the ratchet teeth of the first spool and a
second position in which the first pawl is not displaced from
engagement with the ratchet teeth of the first spool, and wherein
the first release member is biased by a first elastic component
toward the second position; and the second release member is
movable between a position in which the second pawl is displaced
from engagement with the ratchet teeth of the second spool and a
second position in which the second pawl is not displaced from
engagement with the ratchet teeth of the second spool, and wherein
the second release member is biased by a second elastic component
toward the second position. The first elastic component may be
integrally formed with the first release member, and the second
elastic component may be integrally formed with the second release
member.
[0017] In another feature, the device further may include a housing
in which the drive shaft, the drive gear, the pinion, the pivot
arm, the first gear, the second gear, the first spool, the first
spindle, the first ratchet wheel, the second spool, the second
spindle, the second ratchet wheel, the first pawl, and the second
pawl are located. The first release member and the second release
member also may extend partially within the housing and partially
outside of the housing, and the first and second elastic components
may engage an exterior of the housing and respectively urge the
first and second release members further out of the housing.
[0018] The housing also may include a length and a width that are
substantially greater than a height such that the housing is
relatively thin, thereby giving the housing a planar appearance.
The housing also may include a bottom surface that is substantially
planar. The housing also may include a top casing and a bottom
casing that are coupled together. The dial in such instance may be
located exterior to the top casing, and the drive shaft may extend
from the dial through coaxial openings of the top casing and the
bottom casing and include and end thereof that snaps into locking
engagement to the bottom casing within the coaxial opening of the
bottom casing. The first and second pawls also may be integrally
formed with the bottom casing; and the bottom casing may define
cableways providing protected passageways to the first and second
spools for the unobstructed tensioning of lines by the first and
second spools.
[0019] The bottom casing also may define two pair of cableways,
each respective cableways of a pair having coaxial passageways.
[0020] In a feature, the top casing defines a guide slot and
wherein the pivot arm includes a extension that is received within
the guide slot during movement of the pivot arm between the first,
second, and intermediate positions.
[0021] In still yet other features of the invention, the first
spindle and the first gear and integrally formed, and the second
spindle and the second gear are integrally formed; the dial and the
drive shaft are integrally formed; the first pool and the first
ratchet wheel are integrally formed, and the second spool and the
second ratchet wheel are integrally formed; the device consists of
only injection molded pieces; and/or the device does not include
any metallic components.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention, a device for
independently tensioning lines includes: a dial; a drive gear that
is fixedly connected to the dial, the dial and drive gear being
concentric and rotatable together about a drive axis; a pinion
rotatable about a pinion axis and having teeth engaged with teeth
of the drive gear, the pinion being pivotable about the drive axis
to different positions including, a first position, in which teeth
of the pinion engage teeth of a first gear but not teeth of a
second gear, a second position, in which teeth of the pinion engage
teeth of the second gear but do not engage teeth of the first gear,
and an intermediate position, in which teeth of the pinion do not
engage teeth of either the first gear or teeth of the second gear;
a first spool fixed on a first spindle for rotation with the first
spindle about a first spindle axis, the first spindle being coaxial
with, and fixedly connected to, the first gear for rotation
therewith about the first spindle axis; a second spool fixed on a
second spindle for rotation with the second spindle about a second
spindle axis, the second spindle being coaxial with, and fixedly
connected to, the second gear for rotation therewith about the
second spindle axis; a first pawl configured to engage, and thereby
prevent rotation of, the first spool in a first rotational
direction of the first spool, while permitting rotation of the
first spool in a second rotational direction of the first spool; a
second pawl configured to engage, and thereby prevent rotation of,
the second spool in a first rotational direction of the second
spool, while permitting rotation of the second spool in a second
rotational direction of the second spool; a first release member
configured to selectively displace the first pawl from engagement
with the first spool, thereby permitting rotation of the first
spool in the first rotational direction of the first spool; and a
second release member configured to selectively displace the second
pawl from engagement with the second spool, thereby permitting
rotation of the second spool in the first rotational direction of
the second spool.
[0023] In accordance with this aspect, rotation of the dial in a
first rotational direction about the drive axis results in rotation
of the first spool in the second rotational direction of the first
spool, but does not result in rotation of the second spool, and
rotation of the dial in a second rotational direction about the
drive axis results in rotation of the second spool in the second
rotational direction of the second spool, but does not result in
rotation of the first spool.
[0024] In a feature of this aspect, the first release member and
the second release member respectively comprise opposite ends of a
center-pivoted lever that is pivotal between a first position, in
which the first release member engages and displaces the first
pawl, a second position, in which the second release member engages
and displaces the second pawl, and an intermediate position in
which the lever arm displaces neither the first pawl nor the second
pawl.
[0025] In another feature, the device further includes a first line
that is wound about the first spool when the first spool is rotated
in the second rotational direction of the first spool, whereby
tension may be applied to the first line, and a second line that is
wound about the second spool when the second spool is rotated in
the second rotational direction of the second spool, whereby
tension may be applied to the second line independent of tension
that is applied to the first line. The first spool may include an
radial opening through which a first line extends and the second
spool may include a radial opening through which a second line
extends; and the first spool may include a pair of opposed radial
openings through both of which a first line extends and the second
spool may include a pair of opposed radial openings through both of
which a second line extends.
[0026] Additionally, the first release member may be movable
between a position in which the first pawl is displaced from
engagement with the first spool and a second position in which the
first pawl is not displaced from engagement with the first spool,
wherein the first release member is biased by an elastic component
toward the second position; and the second release member may be
movable between a position in which the second pawl is displaced
from engagement with the second spool and a second position in
which the second pawl is not displaced from engagement with the
second spool, wherein the second release member is biased by an
elastic component toward the second position. Moreover, the same
elastic member, such as a spring, may bias both the first release
member toward the second position and the second release member
toward the second position.
[0027] In another feature, the device further includes a housing in
which the drive gear, the pinion, the first gear, the second gear,
the first spool, the first spindle, the second spool, the second
spindle, the first pawl, and the second pawl are located. The
housing may include a length and a width that are substantially
greater than a height such that the housing is relatively thin and
include a generally planar appearance. Furthermore, the housing may
includes=a bottom surface that is substantially planar for mounting
of the device to a generally planar surface.
[0028] In another feature of this aspect, the housing includes a
top casing and a bottom casing that are coupled together. The
bottom casing may define cableways providing protected passageways
to the first and second spools for the unobstructed tensioning of
lines by the first and second spools, and the bottom casing may
define two pair of cableways.
[0029] The top casing may define a guide slot and an extension
fixedly connected to the pinion may be received within the guide
slot during movement of the pinion between the first, second, and
intermediate positions, whereby the pinion may be guided and
supported in its movement.
[0030] In another feature, both the first pawl and the second pawl
are pivotably disposed within the housing.
[0031] In still yet another aspect of the invention, a device for
independently tensioning lines includes: a housing; a control
handle extending from the housing; a first line extending from the
housing; and a second line extending from the housing. The control
handle is rotatable about an axis in a first rotational direction,
whereby at least a portion of said first line is drawn into said
housing when said control handle is rotated in the first rotational
direction. The control handle also is rotatable about said axis in
a second rotational direction, whereby at least a portion of said
second line is drawn into said housing when said control handle is
rotated in the second rotational direction, wherein the second
rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction.
The control handle preferably comprises a dial.
[0032] In another aspect of the invention, a device for
independently drawing lines into a housing includes: means for
drawing at least a portion of a first line into the housing when a
control handle is rotated in a first rotational direction; means
for drawing at least a portion of a second line into the housing
when the control handle is rotated in a second rotational direction
opposite the first rotational direction; and means for retaining
the portion of the first line within the housing when a portion of
the second line is drawn into the housing and for retaining a
portion of the second line within the housing when a portion of the
first line is drawn into the housing.
[0033] In a feature of this invention, the device further includes
means for releasing a portion of the first line from the housing
without also releasing a portion of the second line from the
housing. The device further may include means for releasing a
portion of the second line from the housing without also releasing
a portion of the first line from the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention
now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same
reference numerals, and wherein,
[0035] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a device for independently
tensioning lines in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of an interior of the device of
FIG. 1
[0037] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of rotatable components of the
device of FIG. 2;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the interior of the device of
FIG. 1, shown with most of the rotatable components removed
therefrom;
[0039] FIGS. 5 and 6 are front plan views of the device of FIG. 1
illustrating the alternative movement of the respective release
members relative to the rest of the device;
[0040] FIG. 7A which is a front plan view of the pivot arm together
with the various gears all shown in isolation from the rest of the
components of the device, wherein the pivot arm is in a neutral
position;
[0041] FIG. 7B which is a side plan view of the pivot arm together
with the various gears all shown in isolation from the rest of the
components of the device, wherein the pivot arm is in a neutral
position;
[0042] FIG. 8A which is a front plan view of the pivot arm together
with the various gears all shown in isolation from the rest of the
components of the device, wherein the pivot arm is in a first
engaged position;
[0043] FIG. 8B which is a side plan view of the pivot arm together
with the various gears all shown in isolation from the rest of the
components of the device, wherein the pivot arm is in a first
engaged position;
[0044] FIG. 9A which is a front plan view of the pivot arm together
with the various gears all shown in isolation from the rest of the
components of the device, wherein the pivot arm is in a second
engaged position;
[0045] FIG. 9B which is a side plan view of the pivot arm together
with the various gears all shown in isolation from the rest of the
components of the device, wherein the pivot arm is in a second
engaged position;
[0046] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a device for independently
tensioning lines in accordance with a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the rear half of a device
for independently tensioning lines in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention, wherein a pinion gear is in a
neutral position;
[0048] FIG. 12 is a rear plan view of the front half of a device
for independently tensioning lines in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the rear half of the device
of FIG. 10, wherein the pinion gear is in a first engaged
position;
[0050] FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the rear of the device of
FIG. 10, wherein the pinion gear is in a second engaged position;
and
[0051] FIGS. 15-19 illustrate a method of using a device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for
independently tensioning lines merely by clockwise and
counter-clockwise rotation of a disk-shaped dial.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the
embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0053] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0054] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0055] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0056] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0057] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
lease one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0058] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a device 10 for independently
tensioning lines in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, while FIG. 2 is a front plan view of an interior of the
device 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a side plan view of rotatable
components of the device 10 of FIG. 2. As collectively shown
therein, the device 10 includes a base 12 and a cover 14, mounted
within which are a drive assembly 20, one or more spool assemblies
30,50, a ratcheting assembly including a pawl 40,60 for each
respective spool assembly 30,50, and a release assembly including
release member 72,82 for each respective spool assembly 30,50. Each
of these components of the device 10 is described in detail
hereinbelow.
[0059] The drive assembly 20 includes a dial 22, a drive gear 24
and a pinion 26 mounted on a pivot arm 28. The dial 22 includes a
drive shaft 23 extending therefrom, and the dial 22 and drive shaft
23 are rotatable about a drive axis. The outer surface of the dial
22 may include indentations 21 or other features to make it
possible for a user to grasp and turn it easily. The drive gear 24
is fixed on the drive shaft 23 for rotation with the drive shaft 23
about the drive axis. A proximal end of the pivot arm 28 is
rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 23, while the pinion 26 is
mounted on the distal end of the pivot arm 28 and is rotatable
relative to the pivot arm 28 about a pinion axis. The teeth of the
pinion 26 are arranged for a purpose made apparent hereinbelow.
[0060] The end of the drive shaft 23 is preferably bifurcated and
provided with a wedge-shaped retention flange 25, wherein the
wedge-shaped retention flange 25 may be forced into a corresponding
opening in the pivot arm 28, thereby deflecting the two bifurcated
portions of the shaft 23 inward, toward each other, thus permitting
the wedge-shaped retention flange 25 to pass there through. Once
the flange 25 has passed completely through the opening, the two
bifurcated portions of the shaft 23 are biased outward again,
thereby retaining the pivot arm 28 on the drive shaft 23.
[0061] Similarly, the cover 14 and the base 12, which collectively
form a housing and are described in further detail below, include
coaxial openings through which the end of the drive shaft 23
extends. Furthermore, because the dial 22 is located generally
exterior to the cover 14, when the wedge-shaped retention flange 25
is forced through the openings in the cover 14 and the base 12, and
is retained to the base 12 by the snap-fit connection of the
retention flange 25 to the flanged opening of the base 12, the base
12 and cover 14 are securely coupled together and preferably retain
all of the components therein without aid of additional fasteners,
such as screws. Indeed, due to this design, the device 10 may be
constructed without use of any metallic fasteners, and the device
10 may be constructed solely from injection molded components. Such
a construction is particularly beneficial when the device 10 is
utilized, for example, with ballistic vests or other body armor,
where the use of a screw poses an unnecessary risk to a wearer.
[0062] Each spool assembly 30,50 includes a spindle (not shown)
upon which a respective spool 32,52, gear 34,54 and ratchet wheel
36,56 are all fixed. Two or more of the spindle, spool 32,52, gear
34,54 and ratchet wheel 36,56 of a respective spool assembly may be
integrally formed, or all of the components may comprise separate
pieces that are connected together. In any event, a respective
spool assembly 30,50 includes a spindle, spool 32,52, gear 34,54
and ratchet wheel 36,56 that all rotate together about a respective
spindle axis, with each spool 32,52 arranged between a respective
gear 34,54 and ratchet wheel 36,56.
[0063] Furthermore, each gear 34,54 includes a plurality of gear
teeth adapted to couple with the teeth of the pinion 26 when the
pinion 26 is positioned next to the gear 34,54. The teeth of each
ratchet wheel 36,56 are arranged to be engaged by a respective pawl
40,60, as will be more fully described hereinbelow. Each spool
32,52 further includes a pair of openings 42 to permit a cable to
be routed there through and for winding on the spool 32,52 during
rotation of the spool in a particular direction, as more fully
described hereinbelow.
[0064] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the interior of the device 10
of FIG. 1, shown with most of the rotatable components removed
therefrom. With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the pawls
40,60 are shown arranged in, and optionally contiguous to, the base
12. As will be appreciated, the pawls 40,60 furthermore extend
upwardly (are raised) from the base for selective engagement by the
release members 72,82 and for engagement with the ratchet wheels
36,56. Each pawl 40,60 further comprises a gooseneck structure
extending from a central region of the base 12 and curving around
so as to be adapted to engage the teeth of a respective ratchet
wheel 36,56. When so engaged, each pawl 40,60 prevents its
respective ratchet wheel 36, 56 from rotating in a particular
rotational direction, while permitting rotation in the opposite
rotational direction, due to the engagement between the pawl 40,60
with the ratchet teeth.
[0065] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a release member
72,82 is shown for each spool assembly 30,50. Each release member
72,82 comprises a horseshoe-shaped (or "U" shaped) member that is
slidably contained between the base 12 and the cover 14. The
release members 72,82 are preferably operable independently of each
other.
[0066] The movement of each the release members 72,82 may be best
understood as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. In each case, a first
release member 72 is configured in its retracted position, wherein
no contact is made between the open ends of the release member 72
and the adjacent pawl 40, while a second release member 82 is
configured in its depressed position, wherein one of the open ends
of the release member 82 has been placed in contact with its
adjacent pawl 60, thereby displacing the gooseneck assembly of the
pawl 60 from its normal position in engagement with ratchet teeth.
As best seen in FIG. 4, this has the effect of displacing the
second pawl 60 from its position against one of the teeth of the
ratchet wheel 56, while the first pawl 40 remains in its previous
state (i.e., in contact with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel
36). As will be apparent, when a pawl 40,60 remains in contact with
one of the teeth of its respective ratchet wheel 36,56, the ratchet
wheel 36,56 is thereby prevented from rotating in a particular
rotational direction, while if a pawl 40,60 is displaced from its
position against one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 36,56 by the
corresponding release member 72,82, then the ratchet wheel 36,56 is
allowed to rotate by the pawl 40,60 freely in either rotational
direction.
[0067] FIGS. 5 and 6 are front plan views of the device 10 of FIG.
1 that serve to illustrate the movement of the respective release
members 72,82 relative to the rest of the device 10, and in
particular, relative to the cover 14. As shown, and with reference
also to FIG. 1, each release member 72,82 includes an elastic
component in the form of a pair of spring arms 74 that extend
therefrom and are arranged to receive and engage the rounded end
surface of the cover 14. In normal operation, the spring arms 74
tend to bias the respective release members 72,82 out of the
housing of the device 10 and away from the ends of the cover 14,
thereby keeping (with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4) the open ends of
the release members 72,82 from engaging the respective pawls 40,60.
However, if it is desired to release one or both pawls 40,60 from
the ratchet wheels 36,56, then pressure sufficient to overcome the
biasing strength of the spring arms 74 may be applied, thereby
causing the selected release member(s) 72,82 to move toward the
cover 14 until the spring arms 72 are pressed into the inner curve
of the horseshoe-shape of the release member. By this stage, the
open end of the selected release member(s) 72,82 preferably have
engaged a respective pawl 40,60, and the pawl 40,60 has been forced
out of engagement with the teeth of a respective ratchet wheel
36,56, thereby providing for (i.e., permitting by a pawl) the free
rotation of the respective spool assembly 30,50 of the ratchet
wheel 36,56.
[0068] This effect may be seen by comparing and aligning the
relative positions of the components in FIG. 4 with those in FIG.
5, as each shows the second release member 82 in its depressed
position and the resulting disengagement of the second pawl 60 from
the ratchet wheel 56. On the other hand, FIG. 6 illustrates an
opposite situation, wherein the first release member 72 is in its
depressed position, resulting in the disengagement of the first
pawl 40 from the first ratchet wheel 36. Notably, although not
specifically illustrated herein, it also will be apparent that both
release members 72,82 may be depressed simultaneously, as described
previously, thereby releasing both ratchet wheels 36, 56
simultaneously.
[0069] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 12 may be
seen to include appropriate mounting features to receive the
various other components of the device 10. Such mounting features
may include contours shaped to receive and retain the components of
the device 10 when the cover 14 is securely coupled to the base 12
and retained thereto by the snap-on attachment of the retention
flange 25 to the base 12. These features will generally be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein,
and are likely to include features for coupling to the cover 14,
for receiving the ratchet wheels 36,56 in snug fit, for receiving
the drive shaft 23 and pivot arm 28, and the like.
[0070] As illustrated, the base 12 may also include features for
receiving, guiding and routing lines or cables from the spools
32,52 to the lateral edges of the device 10. These features may
take the form of conduits, passageways, cable guides, openings,
tube-like structures, and the like, and may be formed in the body
of the base 12 or separately attached thereto. The purpose and use
of these features will become evident hereinbelow.
[0071] Likewise, referring generally to FIG. 1, the cover 14 may be
seen or understood to include its own appropriate mounting features
to receive the various other components of the device 10. These
features will generally be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art, but are likely to include corresponding features for
coupling to the base 12, for receiving the gears 34, 54, for
receiving the pinion 26 and the pivot arm 28, and the like.
[0072] In order to operate the device 10, a separate line or cable
capable of experiencing tension (not shown), which once routed may
or may not be in the form of a continuous loop, is first routed
through each spool assembly 30,50 and through the guide features in
the base 12 as well as any other components as appropriate. Once
the cables are installed, each cable may be tightened (placed in
greater tension) by turning the dial 22 in one direction or the
other. More specifically, turning the dial 22 in one rotational
direction causes a first cable (i.e., the one routed through the
first spool assembly 30) to be tightened, while turning the dial in
the opposite rotational direction causes a second cable (i.e., the
one routed through the second spool assembly 50) to be tightened.
This is accomplished as follows.
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, which are
all front and side plan views of the pivot arm 28 together with the
various gears 24,26,34,54, all shown in isolation from the rest of
the components of the device 10. Beginning with FIGS. 7A and 7B,
the various components are shown in a neutral state, wherein the
pinion 26 is not meshed or engaged with either of the gears 34,54
of the respective spool assemblies 30,50. In this intermediate
position, rotation would not be applied to either of the gears
34,54 by the pinion 26 during rotation of the dial 22, drive shaft
23, and drive gear 24. Indeed, rotation of the dial 22, drive shaft
23, and drive gear 24 results in pivoting of the pivot arm 28 upon
which the pinion is 26 is carried, and does not result in rotation
of the pinion 26 itself about the pinion axis.
[0074] As will be appreciated, this is a temporary, transient
position only, as rotation of the dial 22 in one rotational
direction or the other causes the drive shaft 23 to rotate and in
turn tends to cause the pivot arm 28 to rotate and carries the
pinion 26 along with it. When the pinion 26 reaches one or the
other of the gears 34,54, further rotation of the pivot arm 28 is
thereby prevented. At this point, continued rotation of the dial 22
causes the drive gear 24, which is constantly engaged with the
pinion 26, to rotate relative to the pinion axis. The pinion 26
then tends to settle into meshed relationship with the first gear
34, thereby causing rotation, in turn, of the gear 34. This
relationship is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0075] Conversely, if the dial 22 is rotated in the opposite
rotational direction, the drive shaft 23 is caused to
correspondingly rotate, in turn tending to cause the pivot arm 28
to rotate and carry the pinion 26 along with it. When the pinion 26
reaches the opposite gear 54, further rotation of the pivot arm 28
is again prevented. At this point, continued rotation of the dial
22 causes the drive gear 24, which is meshed with the pinion 26, to
rotate relative to the pinion axis. The pinion 26 then tends to
settle into meshed relationship with the gear 54, thereby causing
the gear 54 itself to rotate. This relationship is illustrated in
FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0076] FIGS. 10-14 are plan views of elements of a device 110 for
independently tensioning lines in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention. The device 110 shares
substantial similarity in design and characteristics of operation
with regard to those of device 10.
[0077] With regard to this second embodiment, FIG. 10 is a front
plan view of a device 110 for independently tensioning lines in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, while
FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the rear half of the device 110 of
FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a rear plan view of the front half of the
device 110 of FIG. 10. As collectively shown therein, the device
110 includes a rear housing 112 and a front housing 114, mounted
within which are a drive assembly 120, spool assemblies 30,50, a
ratcheting assembly including pawls, and a release assembly 90.
Each of these elements is described in detail hereinbelow.
[0078] The drive assembly 120 includes a dial 122, a drive gear 124
and a pinion 126. The dial 122 includes a drive shaft (not shown)
extending therefrom, and the dial 122 and drive shaft are rotatable
about a drive axis. The outer surface of the dial 122 may include
indentations or other features 121 to make it possible for a user
to grasp and turn it easily. As in the first device 10, the drive
gear 124 is fixed on the drive shaft for rotation with the drive
shaft about the drive axis. On the other hand, the pinion 126,
which is carried on a pivot arm in the device 10, is rotatable
around a spindle that is allowed to move along curved slots in the
top and bottom casings 114,112 in the device 110. The teeth of the
pinion 126 are arranged for a purpose made apparent
hereinbelow.
[0079] Similar to the first device 110, each spool assembly 130,150
preferably includes a spindle (not shown) upon which a respective
spool (not shown) and a respective gear 135,155 are all fixed. The
relationship of the spindle, spools, and gears 135,155 is all
generally similar in arrangement and function to that of the
spindle, spool 32,52, gears 34,54 and ratchet wheel 36,56 of the
first device 10, except that in device 110, the gears 135,155 serve
the function of gears 34,54 and ratchet wheels 36,56. In this
respect, each spool assembly 130,150, is rotatable about a
respective spindle axis, with each spool arranged concentric with
its respective gear 135,155. Each gear 135,155 includes a plurality
of gear teeth adapted to couple with the teeth of the pinion 126
when the pinion 126 is positioned next to a gear 135,155. The teeth
of each gear 135,155 also are arranged to be engaged by a
respective pawl 141,161. Each spool further includes a pair of
openings (not shown), similar to the openings 42 of the first
device 10, to permit a cable to be routed there through and then
wound on the spool.
[0080] Referring generally to FIG. 11, the ratcheting assembly 85
includes a pawl 141,161 for each spool assembly 130,150. Each pawl
141,161 comprises a lever-like structure extending from a
respective rotating cylindrical base 143,163 and having a curved
tip at the distal end thereof so as to be adapted to engage the
teeth of a respective gear 135,155. When so engaged, each pawl
141,161 inhibits rotation of a gear 135,155 in a respective first
rotational direction.
[0081] Still referring generally to FIG. 11, the release assembly
90 includes a dual function release lever 92 having a tab or pad
93, 94 at each end thereof. The release lever 92, when selectively
depressed, in turn selectively depresses one or both of the pawls
thereby freeing, in turn, one or both of the gears 135,155 for
rotation uninhibited by a respective pawl.
[0082] The pinion 126 is illustrated in a neutral position in FIG.
11, wherein it is disengaged from both of the gears 135,155. The
pinion 126 is illustrated in a first engaged position with one of
the gears 135,155 in FIG. 13, and the pinion 126 is illustrated in
a second engaged position with the other gear in FIG. 14. The
pinion 126 is moved into and between these positions by rotation of
the drive assembly.
[0083] While having some differences in design from that of device
10, the device 110 operates to draw lines into the housing and
release lines for withdrawal from the housing in similar manner to
device 10. In this regard, operation of the device 110 is
illustrated in FIGS. 15-19 and is exemplary of the operation of
many different devices in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0084] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *