US 11,696,622 B2
Systems and methods for an improved ratcheting device including pivoting tooth
Rex Seader, Florissant, CO (US)
Filed by Nite Ize, Inc., Boulder, CO (US)
Filed on Jul. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/813,109.
Application 17/813,109 is a division of application No. 17/095,534, filed on Nov. 11, 2020, granted, now 11,406,162.
Prior Publication US 2022/0346505 A1, Nov. 3, 2022
Int. Cl. B60P 7/06 (2006.01); B60P 7/08 (2006.01); A44B 11/06 (2006.01); B23P 19/04 (2006.01)
CPC A44B 11/065 (2013.01) [B60P 7/083 (2013.01); B23P 19/04 (2013.01); Y10T 24/2121 (2015.01); Y10T 24/2175 (2015.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of using a ratchet device, the method comprising:
providing a ratchet device including
a ratchet wheel;
a first lever, the first lever rotatably interconnected with the ratchet wheel;
a second lever, the second lever rotatably interconnected with the ratchet wheel;
a first pivoting bracket, the first pivoting bracket pivotally interconnected with the first lever; and
a second pivoting bracket, the second pivoting bracket pivotally interconnected with the second lever;
wherein the first pivoting bracket has a first position where the first pivoting bracket is rotated to engage the ratchet wheel and a second position where the first pivoting bracket is rotated to disengage from the ratchet wheel and the second pivoting bracket has a third position where the second pivoting bracket is rotated to engage the ratchet wheel and a fourth position where the second pivoting bracket is rotated to disengage from the ratchet wheel;
inserting a flat strap to the ratchet device;
ratcheting the ratchet device to increase tension by moving at least one of the first and second lever; and
pivoting the first and second pivoting bracket to release tension on the flat strap;
removing the flat strap, wherein the ratchet device further includes a capture assembly, the capture assembly configured to capture a flat strap in a secure fashion, wherein the second lever includes a first and second side plate, the capture assembly located between the first and second side plate and the capture assembly includes a third side plate, a fourth side plate, a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin, the first pin interconnecting the first and second side plate and the third side plate, the second pin interconnecting the first and second side plate, the third side plate, and the fourth side plate, the third pin mounted on the fourth side plate, the fourth side plate is interconnected to the second pin via a slotted opening allowing the fourth side plate to rotate and slide about the second pin.