PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 63/053,865, entitled “Tension Device and Related Methods” filed July 20, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Ratchet straps (also called tie down straps) are used to maintain a load in place during transport and while stationary. The load may include one or more objects. However, ratchet straps may be difficult to use, especially for individuals that use them sporadically. Additionally, it may be difficult for some less experienced individuals to sufficiently tighten down the ratchet strap against the load to prevent the load from moving during transport, or sufficiently release the ratchet strap from the load after transport. As a result, it is desirable to improve the functionality and usability of ratchet straps. However, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made or used the invention described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0004] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a first exemplary ratchet strap device;

[0005] FIG. 2 depicts a front exploded perspective view of the ratchet strap device of FIG. 1;

[0006] FIG. 3 depicts a rear exploded perspective view of the ratchet strap device of FIG. 1;

[0007] FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of the ratchet strap device of FIG. 1 with a housing, a tensioning feature, and a lock and release mechanism removed to expose a frame and a planetary gear train; [0008] FIG. 5 depicts a rear perspective view of the ratchet strap device of FIG. 4, but including the lock and release mechanism;

[0009] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective sectional view of the ratchet strap device of FIG. 1 taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 1 ;

[00010] FIG. 7A depicts a cross-sectional view of the ratchet strap device of FIG. 1 taken along section line 7A-7A of FIG. 1 in a locked configuration;

[00011] FIG. 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of the ratchet strap device similar to FIG. 7A, but in an unlocked configuration;

[00012] FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of a second exemplary ratchet strap device;

[00013] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary method of using the ratchet strap device of FIG. 1; and

[00014] FIG. 10 depicts multiple ratchet strap devices of FIG. 1 being used in combination to tie down a load onto an automobile.

[00015] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00016] The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[00017] To the extent that spatial terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," or the like are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be appreciated that such terms are used for exemplary description purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that devices such as those disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positions not limited to those shown and described herein. Further, the terms “about” and “approximately” as used herein for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

[00018] I. First Exemplary Ratchet Strap Device

[00019] FIGS. 1-7B shows an exemplary tension device in the form of a first exemplary ratchet strap device (10). More specifically, FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of ratchet strap device (10). FIGS. 2 and 3 show front and rear exploded perspective views of ratchet strap device (10) of FIG. 1. As shown, ratchet strap device (10) includes a housing (12), a frame (14), a movable member (e.g., movable strap (16)), a fixed strap (18), a spool assembly (20), a tensioning feature (22), a planetary gear train (24), an optional spring (26), and a lock and release mechanism (28).

[00020] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7B, housing (12) includes first and second housing portions (30, 32). First and second housing portions (30, 32) are configured to surround spool assembly (20) when first and second housing portions (30, 32) contact each another. In this respect, housing (12) covers spool assembly (20) in order to reduce, and in some instances even eliminate, exposed moving parts (e.g., exposed metallic moving parts). Housing (12) may have a variety of shapes and sizes. Housing (12) may include optional gripping features (35) to assist with user ergonomics. As described in greater detail below with reference to planetary gear train (24), a ring gear (34) is formed on first housing portion (30). First and second housing portions (30, 32) may be coupled together using fasteners (36) which may be received in threaded apertures (38). While five fasteners (36) and five threaded apertures (38) are shown, more or fewer fasteners (36) are envisioned. First and second housing portions (30, 32) may be formed of a polymeric material (e.g., plastic) or any other suitable material. First housing portion (30) may be formed together as a single unitary piece. Similarly, second housing portion (32) may be formed together as a single unitary piece.

[00021] As shown in FIGS. 2-5, frame (14) includes first and second frame members (40, 42). While first and second frame members (40, 42) are shown extending generally parallel to one another and being bent from a single unitary piece, it is envisioned that first and second frame members (40, 42) may be completely separate. Frame (14) is completely disposed within housing (12) in the present example. Frame (14) may include a catch plate (44) that is disposed between first and second frame members (40, 42). In some versions, frame (14) may be formed from metal, which may provide greater structural strength than plastic. First and second frame members (40, 42) may be coupled together using cross members (45). Catch plate (44) and cross members (45) may improve the structural rigidity of frame (14).

[00022] As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, movable strap (16) may extend through and exit housing (12) through an aperture (46). Movable strap (16) may be a self-contained, auto-retracting strap. Movable strap (16) may be at least partially wound around spool assembly (20). Straps (16, 18) may have a variety of sizes. In some versions, straps (16, 18) may have a width (W) of approximately two inches, yet in other versions may have a width (W) of approximately 0.5 inches. However, it is envisioned that straps (16, 18) may have a width (W) narrower than 0.5 inches, be between 0.5 inches and 2 inches, or be wider than 2 inches. Length of straps (16, 18) may vary. In some versions, straps (16, 18) may have a working strength of between approximately 100 pound-force and approximately 700 pound-force; in other versions, straps (16, 18) may have a working strength of between approximately 300 pound-force and approximately 500 pound-force; still yet in other versions, straps (16, 18) may have a working strength of approximately 400 pound-force. In some versions, straps (16, 18) may have a breaking strength of between approximately 300 pound-force and approximately 2100 pound- force; in other versions, straps (16, 18) may have a breaking strength of between approximately 900 pound-force and approximately 1500 pound-force; still yet in other versions, straps (16, 18) may have a breaking strength of approximately 1200 pound- force.

[00023] A terminal end (48) of movable strap (16) may be coupled with a first coupling feature (shown as first hook (50)). As shown, a folded over portion of movable strap (16) is sewn together once first hook (50) is inserted. Fixed strap (18) may be fixed relative to frame (14) and housing (12). A terminal end (52) of fixed strap (18) may be coupled with a second coupling feature (shown as second hook (54)). While first and second hooks (50, 54) are shown as S hooks; other suitable hooks such as wire hooks, flat hooks, and E track hooks are also envisioned, While first and second hooks (50, 54) are shown, straps (16, 18) may be coupled with tie down structure(s) (TD) (see FIG. 10) using a variety of suitable features using a variety of suitable methods. Similarly, in alternative examples, straps (16, 18) may be replaced, in whole or in part, with alternative elongate members configured to support tension therethrough, such as one or more cables. The invention is thus not intended to be unnecessarily limited to straps (16, 18) shown and described herein.

[00024] Spool assembly (20) includes a central arbor shaft (58) that may be coaxially disposed within central cavity (55) (see FIG. 2). Central arbor shaft (58) includes an aperture (59) to retain tensioning feature (22). Central arbor shaft (58) may comprise first and second portions (e.g., top and bottom portions), which may be separately extruded and subsequently combined together. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, spool assembly (20), spring (26), and planetary gear train (24) may be coaxially arranged along a central axis (CA). Spool assembly (20) includes first and second spool frame members (60, 62). First spool frame member (60) includes an outer periphery (64) with a plurality of spaced ratchet pawls (66). Similarly, second spool frame member (62) includes an outer periphery (68) with a plurality of spaced ratchet pawls (70). One or more fasteners (72) (shown as slotted pin(s)) in FIG. 5 may couple with central arbor shaft (58) and first frame member (40). As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, spool assembly (20) includes a spring housing (56). A terminal end (49) of movable strap (16), disposed opposite terminal end (48), is coupled with spring housing (56) of spool assembly (20). [00025] Tensioning feature (22) is configured to selectively adjust the tension of movable strap (16). As shown in FIGS. 1-3, tensioning feature (22) includes a tensioning knob (74) configured to be rotated by a user to manually adjust the tension of movable strap (16). Tensioning knob (74) may be secured with a second aperture (59) of central arbor shaft (58) with a fastener (76) (shown as an S-shaped wire in FIG. 2). A washer (78) ( see FIG. 2) may fit over tensioning knob (74). Tensioning knob (74) may have a variety of shapes and sizes and may include gripping features (75). In some versions, an optional label (77) may be fixably attached (e.g., using an adhesive) to a front face of tensioning knob (74). Label (77) may include text and/or graphics.

[00026] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6, planetary gear train (24) includes first and second stages of operation. While not shown, planetary gear train (24) may have a single stage where a high gear ratio is not needed (e.g., a mini ratchet strap (not shown)). Alternatively, ratchet strap device (10) may include additional stages (i.e., a third stage, a fourth stage, a fifth stage etc.) if desired. Planetary gear train (24) provides a mechanical advantage as compared to a simple knob and shaft arrangement. This mechanical advantage may improve the user’s ease of use and require less force from the user to rotate tensioning knob (74). Planetary gear train (24), by providing the mechanical advantage, acts to reduce the input speed provided by the user manually rotating tensioning knob (74). In some versions, the gear ratio may be between approximately 1.1:1 and approximately 15:1; in other versions, the gear ratio of planetary gear train (24) may be between approximately 3:1 and approximately 4:1; still in yet other versions, the gear ratio may be approximately 3.38:1.

[00027] As shown, planetary gear train (24) includes a ring gear (34), a first sun gear (80), a first plurality of planetary gears (82), a first carrier (84), a second sun gear (92), a second plurality of planetary gears (104), a second carrier (106), and a mechanism (108). The first stage may include first sun gear (80), planetary gears (82), and first carrier (84). Similarly, the second stage may include planetary gears (104), second carrier (106), and mechanism (108). While six planetary gears (82, 104) are shown for each of the first and second stages, more or fewer planetary gears for each of the first and second stages are also envisioned. [00028] First sun gear (80) is rotatably coupled with tensioning knob (74), such that as tensioning knob (74) is rotated first sun gear (80) rotates in the same direction. More specifically, first sun gear (80) is disposed on an interior surface of tensioning knob (74) of tensioning feature (22). As shown in FIG. 7, first sun gear (80) is integrally formed together as a unitary piece together with tensioning knob (74). Planetary gears (82) may be configured to rotate relative to first sun gear (80) and ring gear (34), and planetary gears (104) may be configured to rotate relative to second sun gear (92) (see FIG. 3) and ring gear (34) to tension movable strap (16). First carrier (84) may be rotatably coupled with second sun gear (92). As shown, first carrier (84) is integrally formed together as a unitary piece together with second sun gear (92). Similarly, second carrier (106) may be rotatably coupled with mechanism (108). As shown, second carrier (106) is integrally formed together as a unitary piece together with mechanism (108).

[00029] Ring gear (34) includes a plurality of gear teeth (86). First sun gear (80) includes a plurality of gear teeth (88). Planetary gears (82) each include a plurality of gear teeth (90). First carrier (84) includes second sun gear (92), where second sun gear (92) includes a plurality of gear teeth (93). Planetary gears (104) each include a plurality of gear teeth (110). Gear teeth (88) of first sun gear (80) are configured to engage gear teeth (90) of planetary gears (82). Gear teeth (90) of planetary gears (82) and gear teeth (110) of planetary gears (104) are configured to engage gear teeth (86) of ring gear (34). While ring gear (34), first sun gear (80), planetary gears (82), second sun gear (92), planetary gears (104) are shown as spur gears, other suitable gears are also envisioned such as helical gears. While ring gear (34), first sun gear (80), planetary gears (82), and planetary gears (104) are shown as being formed from a polymeric material and second sun gear (92) is shown as being formed from a metallic material (e.g., aluminum), other suitable materials for each of these components are also envisioned,

[00030] Planetary gear train (24) is coupled with tensioning feature (22) and spool frame member (60). Mechanism (108) (see FIG. 3) includes a plurality of engagement features (112) that are configured to couple with corresponding engagement features frame member (60) of spool assembly (20) to drive first frame member (40). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, fasteners (114) are received in apertures (116) of second carrier (106) and apertures (118) of first spool frame member (60) to rotatably couple carrier (106) with first spool frame member (60) of spool assembly (20).

[00031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, spring (26) may be disposed within spring housing (56). Spring (26) is configured to automatically retract movable strap (16) around spool assembly (20). Spring (26) may be omitted in versions where automatic retraction is not desired. As shown, spring (26) includes a constant force spring (96). Constant force spring (96) includes a fixed end (98) and an active end (100). Fixed end (98) of constant force spring (96) is coupled with central arbor shaft (58) and active end (100) may be operatively coupled with an end of movable strap (16). As shown, constant force spring (96) is disposed inside central cavity (55) of spool assembly (20) and applies a spring force to auto-retract movable strap (16). In some versions, constant force spring (96) may be disposed adjacent to spool assembly (20), which may allow for the overall size of ratchet strap device (10) to be reduced. This may be beneficial when there is limited spaced to deploy or use ratchet strap device (10). In some versions, the retraction force of spring (26) may be between approximately 0.25 pound- force and approximately 10 pound-force; in other versions, the retraction force of spring (26) may have a range of between approximately 2.5 pound-force and approximately 3.5 pound-force; still in yet other versions, the retraction force of spring (26) may be approximately 3 pound-force.

[00032] Lock and release mechanism (28) is described with reference to FIGS. 7A-7B. As shown by comparing FIG. 7 A with FIG. 7B, lock and release mechanism (28) is configured to move ratchet strap device (10) between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. More specifically, FIG. 7A depicts a cross-sectional view of ratchet strap device (10) of FIG. 1 in the locked configuration. In the locked configuration, movable strap (16) is inhibited (such as by being prevented) from extending further, and the tension in movable strap (16) may be maintained. For example, ratchet strap device (10) may be in the locked configuration when being used to maintain a load (L) (see FIG. 10) in place during transport and while stationary. Spring (26) may remove slack from movable strap (16), and tensioning knob (74) may be rotated so additional tension may be applied. Ratchet strap device (10) includes torsion springs (102, 103) (see FIG. 5). Torsion spring (102) is configured to engage catch plate (44) with ratchet pawls (66, 70) unless lock and release mechanism (28) is in the unlocked configuration. Torsion spring (102) may maintain catch plate (44) engagement with ratchet pawls (66, 70) in the locked configuration unless the lock and release mechanism (28) is manually actuated so that the external force (E) exceeds the spring force exerted by torsion spring (102). Torsion spring (103) may exert a spring force on lock and release mechanism (28) to return lock and release mechanism (28) to the locked configuration. In some versions, torsion spring (102) may be replaced with a coil spring (not shown) to engage catch plate (44) with ratchet pawls (66, 70) in the locked configuration.

[00033] FIG. 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of the ratchet strap device (10) of FIG. 7A, but in the unlocked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, terminal end (48) of movable strap (16) may be extended outwardly out of aperture (46) as desired (e.g., to unwind additional length of strap (16)). Aperture (46) assists in guiding movable strap (16) back within housing (12) during retraction and may prevent movable strap (16) from becoming tangled. Lock and release mechanism (28) may both lock movable strap (16) and release movable strap (16) depending on direction of positioning of lock and release mechanism (28). While lock and release mechanism (28) is shown the form of a pivoting push button that pivots about pivot axis (PA), a variety of other suitable lock and release mechanisms are envisioned.

[00034] II. Second Exemplary Ratchet Strap Device

[00035] FIG. 8 shows another exemplary tension device in the form of a second exemplary ratchet strap device (210). Components of ratchet strap device (210) may be the same or similar to (and may function the same or similarly to) those components of the same name of ratchet strap device (10) described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-7B, except as where otherwise described below. As shown and as similar to ratchet strap device (10), ratchet strap device (210) includes a housing (212), a movable strap (216), a tensioning feature (222), a lock and release mechanism (228), a first housing portion (230), a second housing portion (232), gripping features (235), an aperture (246), a first hook (250), a tensioning knob (274), and gripping features (275).

[00036] Unlike ratchet strap device (10) described in detail above, ratchet strap device (210) includes fixable member (218) instead of fixed strap (18) and second hook (54). Fixable member (218), shown as a rigid bracket, is secured with at least one of housing (212) or frame (not shown). While fixable member (218) is shown as being rigid, it is also envisioned that fixable member (218) may be at least partially flexible. Fixable member (218) may be secured with a tie down structure (TD) (see FIG. 10) to fix the position of the fixable member (218) relative to that tie down structure (TD) and preventing housing (212) of ratchet strap device (210) from moving relative to the tie down structure (TD). Fixable member (218) includes at least one aperture (221) configured to receive at least one fastener (223) to secure ratchet strap device (210) with the tie down structure (TD).

[00037] III. Exemplary Method of Operation

[00038] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary method (310) of using ratchet strap devices (10,

210). A single ratchet strap device (10, 210) may be used to prevent load (L) from moving. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, two or more ratchet strap devices (10, 210) may be used in combination to prevent load (L) from moving.

[00039] At step (312), method (310) includes securing one of first hook (50, 250) or second hook (54)/fixable member (218) with tie down structure (TD). For example, second hook (54) may be hooked into tie down structure (TD) shown in the form of a tie down anchor of a pick-up truck (T); however, a variety of other tie down structures (TD) are also envisioned. Alternatively, first hook (50, 250) may be secured prior to second hook (54) or fixable member (218) being secured and prior to movable strap (16, 216) being extended.

[00040] At step (314), method (310) includes moving lock and release mechanism (28, 228) from the locked configuration (see FIG. 7A) to the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 7B). At step (316), method (310) includes extending movable strap (16, 216). Steps (314) and (316) may be performed simultaneously. Extending movable strap (16, 216) may include actuating lock and release mechanism (28, 228) which may be in the locked configuration by default (unless acted upon by an external force). At step (318), method (310) includes moving lock and release mechanism (28, 228) from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, which in some versions may be automatically performed by releasing lock and release mechanism (28, 228).

[00041] At step (320), method (310) includes securing the other of first hook (50, 250) or second hook (54)/fixable member (218). For example, first hook (50) may be hooked into the same or another tie down anchor of the pick-up truck (T).

[00042] At step (322), method (310) may also include selectively adjusting the tension of movable strap (16, 216) using tensioning feature (22, 222), which is rotatably coupled with planetary gear train (24). For example, the tension of movable strap (16, 216) may be selectively adjusted by rotating tensioning knob (74, 274). The tension may be adjusted after first hook (50, 250) and second hook (54) or fixable member (218) are secured to one or more tie down structures (TD). In the locked configuration and after the tension is adjusted, load (L) is prevented from moving. FIG. 10 depicts multiple ratchet strap devices (10) of FIG. 1 in the locked configuration being used to tie down load (L) in the bed of a pickup truck (T). Load (L) includes first objects (01), shown as 2 inch by 4 inch boards, as well as second objects (02) shown as 4 inch by 4 inch posts. A variety of uses including both automobile uses (e.g., cars, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks) as well as non-automobile uses are envisioned.

[00043] At step (324), method (310) may include transitioning movable strap (16, 216) from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. At step (326), method (310) may include removing at least one of first hook (50, 250) or second hook (54)/fixable member (218) from tie down structure (TD).

[00044] At step (328), method (310) may include retracting movable strap (16, 216). Once at least one of first hook (50, 250) or second hook (54)/fixable member (218) is decoupled from tie down structure (TD), spring (26) may automatically retract movable strap (16, 216) around spool assembly (20). In some versions, where spring (26) is omitted, movable strap (16, 216) may be manually wound back around spool assembly (20) by rotating tensioning knob (74, 274).

[00045] IV. Exemplary Combinations

[00046] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

[00047] Example 1

[00048] A tension device comprising: (a) a spool assembly; (b) a movable member that is at least partially wound around the spool assembly; (c) a tensioning feature configured to selectively adjust tension of the movable member; and (d) a planetary gear train coupled with the tensioning feature, the planetary gear train comprising: (i) a ring gear, (ii) a sun gear configured to be rotated using the tensioning feature, and (iii) a plurality of planetary gears that are configured to rotate relative to the sun gear and the ring gear to tension the movable member.

[00049] Example 2 [00050] The tension device of Example 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing includes first and second housing portions configured to surround the spool assembly.

[00051] Example 3

[00052] The tension device of Example 2, wherein the first housing portion is rotatably fixed relative to the ring gear.

[00053] Example 4

[00054] The tension device of any one or more of Examples 2 through 3, wherein the housing is formed of a polymeric material.

[00055] Example 5

[00056] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, further comprising a frame that is completely disposed within the first and second housing portions.

[00057] Example 6

[00058] The tension device of Example 5, wherein the frame further comprises a first frame member, a second frame member, and a catch plate that is disposed between the first and second frame members.

[00059] Example 7

[00060] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, further comprising a fixed member configured to couple with a tie down structure, wherein the fixed member is fixed relative to the frame.

[00061] Example 8

[00062] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the spool assembly defines a cavity, the tension device further comprising a spring disposed inside of the cavity, wherein the spring is configured to automatically retract the movable member around the spool assembly.

[00063] Example 9

[00064] The tension device of Example 8, wherein the spring includes a constant force spring.

[00065] Example 10

[00066] The tension device of any one or more of Examples 8 through 9, wherein the retraction force of the spring is between approximately 0.25 pound-force and approximately 10 pound-force.

[00067] Example 11

[00068] The tension device of any one or more of Examples 8 through 10, wherein the spool assembly, the spring, and the planetary gear train are coaxially disposed along a central axis.

[00069] Example 12

[00070] The tension device of any one or more of Examples 8 through 11, wherein the spool assembly includes a central arbor shaft, wherein the spring includes a fixed end and an active end, wherein the fixed end is coupled with the central arbor shaft and the active end is operatively coupled with the movable member.

[00071] Example 13

[00072] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the tensioning feature includes a tensioning knob configured to be rotated by a user to manually adjust the tension of the movable member, wherein the sun gear is rotatably coupled with the tensioning knob.

[00073] Example 14 [00074] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, further comprising a lock and release mechanism selectively movable between locked and unlocked configurations, wherein in the locked configuration the movable member is prevented from moving away from the spool assembly, wherein in the unlocked configuration the movable member is configured to move away from the spool assembly.

[00075] Example 15

[00076] The tension device of Example 14, further comprising a torsion spring and a catch plate, wherein the spool assembly includes first and second spool frame members, wherein the first and second spool frame members each have an outer periphery, wherein the outer peripheries of the first and second spool frame members each include a plurality of spaced ratchet pawls, wherein the torsion spring is configured to selectively engage the catch plate with the spaced ratchet pawls in the locked configuration.

[00077] Example 16

[00078] The tension device of Example 15, wherein the torsion spring is configured to selectively engage the catch plate with the spaced ratchet pawls unless the lock and release mechanism is in the unlocked configuration.

[00079] Example 17

[00080] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the planetary gear train has a gear ratio of between 1.1: 1 and approximately 15: 1.

[00081] Example 18

[00082] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the movable member comprises a flexible strap, wherein the flexible strap includes a terminal end that is coupled with a first coupling feature.

[00083] Example 19 [00084] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the planetary gear train further comprises a carrier, wherein the carrier is rotatably coupled with the spool assembly.

[00085] Example 20

[00086] The tension device of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the ring gear includes a plurality of first teeth, wherein the sun gear includes a plurality of second teeth, wherein the planetary gears each include a plurality of third teeth, wherein the plurality of second teeth of the sun gear are configured to engage the plurality of third teeth of the planetary gears, wherein the plurality of third teeth of the planetary gears are configured to engage the plurality of first teeth of the ring gear.

[00087] Example 21

[00088] The tension device of any one or more of Examples 1 through 18 and Example 20, wherein the planetary gear train further comprises: (i) a second sun gear, (ii) a first carrier configured to guide movement of the plurality of planetary gears, (iii) a second plurality of planetary gears that are configured to rotate relative to the sun gear and the ring gear to tension the movable member, and (iv) a second carrier configured to guide movement of the second plurality of planetary gears.

[00089] Example 22

[00090] A tension device comprising: (a) a spool assembly; (b) a movable member that is at least partially wound around the spool assembly; (c) a tensioning feature configured to selectively adjust tension of the movable member; and (d) a planetary gear train coupled with the tensioning feature, the planetary gear train comprising: (i) a ring gear, (ii) first and second sun gears, (iii) first and second carriers, and (iv) first and second pluralities of planetary gears that are configured to rotate relative to the first sun gear and the ring gear to tension the movable member.

[00091] Example 23 [00092] The tension device of Example 22, wherein the first and second pluralities of planetary gears are configured to each engage the ring gear.

[00093] Example 24

[00094] The tension device of any one or more of Examples 22 through 23, wherein the spool assembly includes a cavity, wherein the tension device further comprises a spring disposed inside of the cavity, wherein the spring is configured to automatically retract the movable member around the spool assembly.

[00095] Example 25

[00096] The tension device of any one or more of Examples 22 through 24, wherein the first carrier is rotatably coupled with the first plurality of planetary gears, wherein the second carrier is rotatably coupled with the second plurality of planetary gears.

[00097] Example 26

[00098] A method of using a tension device, wherein the tension device includes a housing, a spool assembly, a movable member that is at least partially wound around the spool assembly, a tensioning feature, and a planetary gear train, the method comprising: (a) moving the movable member from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration; (b) extending the movable member away from the housing; and (c) selectively adjusting the tension of the movable member using the tensioning feature which is rotatably coupled with a portion of the planetary gear train.

[00099] Example 27

[000100] The method of Example 26, further comprising fixing a fixed member of the tension device with a tie down structure prior to selectively adjusting the tension of the movable member.

[000101] Example 28

[000102] The method of any one or more of Examples 26 through 27, further comprising: (a) attaching the movable member to a tie down structure prior to transitioning the movable member to the unlocked configuration; (b) transitioning the movable member from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration after selectively adjusting the tension; (c) removing the movable member from the tie down structure; (d) automatically retracting the movable member around the spool assembly using a spring disposed inside a cavity of the spool assembly.

[000103] Example 29

[000104] The method of any one or more of Examples 26 through 28, wherein the housing includes first and second housing portions configured to surround the spool assembly.

[000105] Example 30

[000106] The method of Example 29, wherein the first housing portion is rotatably fixed relative to the ring gear.

[000107] Example 31

[000108] The method of any one or more of Examples 26 through 30, further comprising a frame that is completely disposed within the first and second housing portions.

[000109] Example 32

[000110] The method of Example 32, wherein the spool assembly, the spring, and the planetary gear train are coaxially disposed along a central axis.

[000111] Example 33

[000112] The method of any one or more of Examples 26 through 32, wherein the spool assembly includes a central arbor shaft, wherein the spring includes a fixed end and an active end, wherein the fixed end is coupled with the central arbor shaft and the active end is operatively coupled with the movable member.

[000113] Example 34

[000114] The method of any one or more of Examples 26 through 33, wherein the tensioning feature includes a tensioning knob, wherein selectively adjusting the tension further comprises manually rotating the tensioning knob configured to be rotated by to adjust the tension of the movable member.

[000115] Example 35

[000116] The method of any one or more of Example 26 and Examples 28 through 34, further comprising selectively moving a lock and release mechanism between locked and unlocked configurations, wherein in the locked configuration the movable member is prevented from moving away from the spool assembly, wherein in the unlocked configuration the movable member is selectively moved away from the spool assembly.

[000117] Example 36

[000118] The method of any one or more of Examples 26 through 35, wherein the planetary gear train further comprises: (i) a second sun gear, (ii) a first carrier configured to guide movement of the plurality of planetary gears, (iii) a second plurality of planetary gears that are configured to rotate relative to the sun gear and the ring gear to tension the movable member, and (iv) a second carrier configured to guide movement of the second plurality of planetary gears.

[000119] V. Miscellaneous

[000120] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[000121] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.