US 12,459,417 B2
Method and apparatus for utilizing a repairable chain binder
Steven M. Helline, Canal Fulton, OH (US)
Assigned to Kellysrt, LCC, Canal Fulton, OH (US)
Filed by Kellysrt, LLC, Canal Fulton, OH (US)
Filed on Oct. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/971,286.
Prior Publication US 2024/0131979 A1, Apr. 25, 2024
Prior Publication US 2024/0227659 A9, Jul. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. B60P 7/00 (2006.01); B60P 7/08 (2006.01)
CPC B60P 7/083 (2013.01) 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A chain binder comprising:
a first end opposite a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, and a first side opposite a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transverse direction;
a lever body having a length that extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lever body defines an interior space, and the lever body rotates about an axis that is aligned in the transverse direction, and the lever body includes a first portion defining a first side of the lever body and a second portion defining a second portion of the lever body;
a ratchet mechanism comprising a pawl adjacent or within the interior space of the lever body;
a tubular member extending along the axis, and the tubular member having a gear fixedly attached to the tubular member, wherein the gear is in direct or indirect rotational communication with the ratchet mechanism, wherein a portion of the tubular member extends in the transverse direction through the interior space;
a first connector adjacent the first side and a second connector adjacent the second side, wherein movement of gear imparts movement to the first and second connectors relative to each other to tension or relax an element to which the chain binder is attached; and
a wall connected to the first portion of the lever body and the second portion of the lever body, the wall at least partially wrapping around the lever body and partially defining the interior space, the gear being disposed within the interior space;
wherein the first portion of the lever body and the second portion of the lever body are configured to be separated in the event one of the gear and the tubular member is damaged, wherein separation of the first portion and the second portion is adapted to enable the one of the gear and the tubular member that is damaged to be removed and replaced.