[001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent Nos. 2016903818 & 2016903819 filed on 21 September 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[002] The invention relates to a system for securing and/or covering a load of a tray of a vehicle, in particular, the invention relates to an automatic strapping or load tie- down system for a truck tray, truck trailer or the like, and a system for covering a load of a vehicle as well as associated methods of use.

Background

[003] Trucks or heavy vehicles often include a trailer or tray on which a load is supported and straps connected to a ratchet mechanism located at a first side of the tray or trailer that are arranged to secure the load to the trailer

[004] In use, the straps are manually passed over the load, such as by throwing the straps over the load, and free ends of the straps are hooked onto a second side of the trailer or tray. The ratchet mechanism is then manually tightened such that the straps bear on the load and secure the load to the trailer or tray.

[005] A problem with the above arrangement is that the truck driver needs to manually throw the straps over the load and then manually tighten the load using the ratchet mechanism. The manual actions may be difficult, time consuming, dangerous or inconvenient.

[006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary

[007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a system for securing a load to a tray of a vehicle, the system including: first and second track structures extending between first and second opposing sides of the tray so as to bridge a load cartable by the tray; a traveller structure spanning between the first and second track structures, the traveller structure having opposing ends thereof moveably coupled to the first and second track structures, one or more straps having first ends thereof coupled to the traveller structure and second ends thereof coupled to one or more strap winches, the one or more strap winches being coupled to the tray; and a traveller actuation mechanism adapted to move the traveller structure along the first and second track structures between the first and second opposing sides of the load carrying tray such that the one or more straps are carried over the load by the traveller structure when moved between the first and second opposing sides of the tray.

[008] In an aspect, the system includes a releasable locking mechanism adapted to secure the traveller structure in a loaded condition in which the one or more straps extend over the load toward the second one of the opposing sides.

[009] In another aspect, the traveller structure is at least one of a bar and cable.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the traveller actuation mechanism includes a traveller motor coupled to the traveller structure via a tether.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the traveller motor has an associated controller.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the traveller structure includes follower at the opposing ends thereof adapted to guide the traveller structure along the first and second track structures.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the first and second track structures include channels and the follower is a wheeled carriage received by respective ones of the channels. [0014] In yet another aspect, the tether is coupled between the followers and the traveller actuation mechanism.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the tether is at least one of a wire, chain and cable.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the one or more straps are coupled to the traveller structure at spaced apart locations along the traveller structure.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the first and second track structures are located at respective forward and read ends of the tray with the traveller structure extending substantially lengthwise of the tray.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the strap winch includes an electric motor and an associated controller.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the first and second track structures are height adjustable.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the system includes a cover coupled between the traveller structure and the other of the opposing sides, the traveller structure carrying the cover to the loaded condition in which the cover extends between the first and second opposing sides and is captured between the one or more straps and the load.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the one or more straps are provided in the form of a single wide strap that forms a cover substantially over the load.

[0022] In yet another aspect, each of the first and second tracks structures include opposing side sections, and interconnecting top and bottom sections that span between the opposing side sections, wherein the opposing side sections and interconnecting top section include a channel and wherein the traveller structure is coupled to the channel via a carriage at opposing ends of the thereof. [0023] In yet another aspect, the traveller actuation mechanism is at least partially housing by the first and second tracks structures and includes a tether coupled to the carriage.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the first and second tracks structures include guides to direct the tether associated with the traveller actuation mechanism about the first and second tracks structures.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the tether is an endless loop chain that extends about the guides so as to pass through the first and second track structures.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the first and second track structures substantially house the endless loop chain.

[0027] In yet another aspect, at least part of the first and second track structures includes a safety guard structure to inhibit an object-entering channel.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the guides include sprockets located at corners of the first and second frame structures.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the carriage is adapted to pass at least two upper ones of the sprockets.

[0030] In yet another aspect the traveller actuation mechanism includes a chain tensioner.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the endless loop chain is coupled to the carriage.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the carriage includes a first wheel arranged roll along the channel and bear on a inner face of the channel and a second wheel, perpendicular to the first wheel, arranged roll along the channel and bear on a side face of the channel toward the traveller structure. [0033] In yet another aspect, the traveller actuation mechanism provides a releasable locking mechanism adapted to secure the traveller structure in a loaded condition, toward the second one of the opposing sides, in which the one or more straps extend over the load.

[0034] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a method for securing a load to a tray of a vehicle, the method including: operating, a bar actuation mechanism to move a traveller structure between a first side and second side of the tray, the traveller structure being guided by first and second tracks extending between the first side and the second side so as to bridge the load with one or more straps coupled to the traveller structure being carried therewith so as to pass across the load; securing, the traveller structure at the second side of the tray using a locking mechanism; and operating, a strap winch so as to tension the one ore more straps across the load, thereby securing the load to the tray.

[0035] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a system for covering a load to a tray of a vehicle, the system including: first and second tracks extending between first and second opposing sides of the tray so as to bridge a load cartable by the tray; a traveller structure spanning between the first and second tracks, the traveller structure having opposing ends thereof moveably coupled to the first and second; a cover having first ends thereof coupled to the traveller structure and second ends thereof coupled to a tensioning winch, the winch being coupled to the tray; and a bar actuation mechanism adapted to move the traveller structure along the first and second tracks between the first and second opposing sides of the load carrying tray such that the cover is carried over the load by the traveller structure when moved between the first and second opposing sides of the tray.

[0036] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a winch for a strap of a truck trailer, the winch including: a spool around which the strap is windable; a structure arranged to rotatably support the spool and couple with the truck trailer; and a driving arrangement adapted to rotatably drive the spool, wherein the driving arrangement includes an electric drive, a manual drive and a selector arranged such that the driving arrangement is selectively operable by the selector between a first engaged mode in which the electric drive is engaged to drive the spool and, a second disengaged mode in which the electric drive is disengaged from the spool such that the spool is drivable by the manual drive.

[0037] In an aspect, the electric drive includes an electric motor and a gear box arranged between the electric motor and the spool, and wherein the selector is operatively associated with the gear box so as to selectively engage and disengage the gearbox in the engaged and disengaged modes respectively.

[0038] In another aspect, the selector includes a hand operable part coupled to a selector gear arranged such that movement of the hand operable part moves the selector gear between the engaged and disengaged modes respectively.

[0039] In yet another aspect, the manual drive is coupled to a first end of the spool and the electric drive is coupled to a second opposing end of the spool.

[0040] In yet another aspect, the drive arrangement includes a drive shaft coupled between the spool and the gear box.

[0041] In yet another aspect, the hand operable part of the selector is located at the first end of the spool, the hand operable part being coupled to the selector gear located proximate the gearbox by a rod extending in an axial direction through centre apertures of the spool and drive shaft.

[0042] In yet another aspect, the selector includes a biasing element arranged to urge the selector gear toward the engaged mode.

[0043] In yet another aspect, the biasing arrangement is provided in the form of a spring concentrically mounted on the rod between the selector gear and the spool.

[0044] In yet another aspect, the manual drive includes a drivable part is adapted to coupled with a hand operable bar so as to be manually driven by the bar. [0045] In yet another aspect, the drivable part includes an aperture transverse to the axis of the spool and the hand operable bar is removably insertable into the aperture to rotate the drivable part.

[0046] In yet another aspect, the hand operable part of the selector is supported at a free end of the drivable part.

[0047] In yet another aspect, the electric drive is in electric communication with a controller adapted to selectively control the operation of the electric drive.

[0048] In yet another aspect, the winch includes a ratchet arrangement between the structure and the spool.

[0049] In yet another aspect, the selector is adapted to selectively lock the drive arrangement in one of the engaged and disengaged modes.

[0050] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, a method of operating a winch for a strap of a truck trailer, the method including: actuating a selector of a driving arrangement of the winch between a first engaged mode in which an electric drive of the winch is engaged to drive a spool thereof about which the strap is windable and, a second disengaged mode in which the electric drive is disengaged from the spool such that the spool is drivable via a manual drive.

In accordance with a sixth broad aspect there is provided, a system for tightening straps of a truck, the system including a plurality of winches as defined above and herein fitted at spaced apart intervals along a side of a tray or trailer of the truck and a controller adapted to selectively control the operation of the electric drives of each of the plurality of winches so as to allow synchronised operation thereof

Brief Description of the Figures

[0051] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which; [0052] Figure 1 is a side perspective view illustrating a system for securing a load to a tray of a truck;

[0053] Figure 2 is a rear side perspective view illustrating the system fitted to the truck with a load secured thereto;

[0054] Figure 3 is a side perspective detailed view illustrating a strap winch of the system;

[0055] Figure 4 is a side perspective detailed view illustrating a cable winch of the system;

[0056] Figure 5 is a side perspective detailed illustrating a traveller structure, carriage and track of the system;

[0057] Figure 6 is a sectional end view illustrating the carriage fitted within the track of the system;

[0058] Figure 7 is a top hidden detail view illustrating the carriage fitted within the track of the system;

[0059] Figure 8 is a rear side perspective view illustrating a second example the system in which the traveller structure is fitted with a cover;

[0060] Figure 9 is a top sectional view illustrating a second example of a carriage fitting within a second example of a track of the system;

[0061] Figure 10 is a rear sectional view illustrating a second example of the tracks and the actuation mechanism;

[0062] Figure 11 is a detailed side view illustrating the actuation mechanism; [0063] Figure 12 is detailed side view illustrating the carriage proximate a top corner of the track;

[0064] Figure 13 is a side view illustrating the system fitted to the truck with the straps being loosened and the traveller being in the form of a cable between front and rear tracks;

[0065] Figure 14 is a perspective end view illustrating a winch for a strap of a truck trailer;

[0066] Figure 15 is another perspective end view illustrating the winch;

[0067] Figure 16 is a perspective opposing end view illustrating the winch;

[0068] Figure 17 is another perspective opposing end view illustrating the winch;

[0069] Figure 18 is a bottom view illustrating the winch;

[0070] Figure 19 is a front view illustrating the winch; and

[0071] Figure 20 is a side exploded parts view illustrating the winch.

Detailed Description

[0072] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a load securing system 10 for a load-carrying tray 12 of a vehicle 14 such as, but not limited to, a tray 12 of a truck 13, trailer for a vehicle or truck, or the like. The system 10 includes a first forward track structure 16 and a second rear track structure 18 that are located at or toward opposing front and rear ends 20, 22 of the tray 12, respectively. In this example, the tracks 16, 18 are generally arc shaped and extend over the tray 12 between the first and second opposing sides 24, 26 of the load-carrying tray 12 so as to bridge a load cartable by the tray 12. However, the tracks structures 16, 18 may take any suitable shape, and may be each formed as a single section or assembly of sections.

[0073] The system 10 further includes a traveller structure 27 in the form of a travelling bar 28 spanning lengthwise of the tray 12 between the forward and rear tracks 16, 18 and having opposing ends 30, 32 thereof moveably coupled to the forward and rear tracks 16, 18. The traveller structure 27 may also be a cable or other flexible or ridged structure.

[0074] The system 10 further includes straps 34 having first ends 36 coupled to the travelling bar 28, and second ends 28 coupled to strap winches 40. The straps 34 are coupled to the travelling bar 28 as spaced apart interval along the travelling bar 28. The strap winches 40 are coupled to the load-carrying tray 12.

[0075] The traveller 27 is moveable by an traveller actuation mechanism 42 adapted to move the traveller 27 along the tracks 16, 18 between the first and second opposing sides 24, 26 of the load carrying tray 12 such that the straps 34 are carried over load by the travelling bar 28 when moved between the first and second opposing sides 24, 26.

[0076] In more detail, as shown best in Figures 5 to 7, the forward and rear tracks 16, 18 include respective guide channels 46 in which followers 48 in the form of small carriages 49 attached to the travelling bar 28 are received. The vertical sections 50 of the forward and rear tracks 16, 18 may be extendable by adding and removing channel sections to change the height of the forward and rear tracks 16, 18 depending on the height of the load.

[0077] The actuation mechanism 42 includes a traveller winch 44 coupled to the travelling bar 28 via a tether 54 that is received by the channels 46 and connects to opposing sides of the carriages 49, as best shown in Figures 5 to 7. The carriage 49 includes friction-reducing parts 51 in the form of wheels 52. In other examples, the travelling bar 28 may be fitted with other follower arrangements 48 such as sliding parts, ball bearing, wheels or the like as is shown below with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

[0078] The traveller or bar winch 44 includes an electric motor 56 and an associated controller 58. In this example, the bar winch 44 is arranged to rotated by a drum 60 about which the tether 54 is wound. In this example, the tether 54 that may be provided in the form of wires 62 extending over and under the tray 12 to connect with each side of the carriage 49. Pulleys and guides (not shown) may be located at corners to reduce friction and guide the wires 62. It is noted that the drum 60 may be arranged to be manually rotated in the event the electric motor 56 of the bar winch 44 is not operations such as a flat battery or the like.

[0079] In use, the actuation mechanism 42 is operated by the associated controller 58 to pull the travelling bar 28 over the tracks 16, 18 between the first side 22, in an initial or unstrapped condition, and the opposing side 24 in a strapped or loaded condition, in which the straps 34 span across. The controller 58 may be located at one or both of the sides 24, 26, and may include emergency stop buttons 25. It is noted during movement of the travelling bar 28 the straps 34 are typically loose and the bar winches 44 may be disengaged or freewheeling. It is noted that the bar actuation mechanism 42 may take various forms and in some examples may be hydraulically and pneumatically actuated.

[0080] The system 10 further includes a releasable locking mechanism 64 adapted to secure the travelling bar 28 in the loaded condition, toward the second one of the opposing sides 24, in which the straps 34 extend over the load. In this example, the releasable locking mechanism 64 may be a fastener 66 such as a pin and/or bolt that second the ends 30, 32 of the travelling bar 28 to the respective tracks 16, 18. It is noted that the releasable locking mechanism 64 may also be adapted to lock the travelling bar 28 directly to a structure of the vehicle tray or the like. In either case, the functionality is to secure the travelling bar 28 so that the straps 34 may be tensioned.

[0081] The strap winches 40 also include an electric drive or motor 66 and an associated controller 68. The strap winches 40 are secured at spaced apart locations at the first side 24 of the tray 12. In this example, the strap winches 40 may be located on an underside 70 of the tray 12 with a straps 34 passing around a guide or bar 72 extending lengthwise along the side 24 of the tray 12. In this example, the strap winches 40 also include a selector 74, a gearbox 75 and a manual drive 76 that allows the strap winches 40 to be driven by the electric motor 66 or by the manual drive 76. The strap winches 40 also include spools 78 about which straps 34 wrap, frames or brackets 80 to rotatably support the spools 78 and couple to the tray 12, and a releasable ratchet 82 to assist to lock the strap 34 under tension. The strap winches 40 are based on 2.5 tonne ratchet strap winches that are adapted to include the electric motor 66, the selector 74, the gearbox 75 and the manual drive 76. An example winch 40 is described in detail below with reference to Figures 14 to 20.

[0082] Referring to Figure 8, it is noted that in some examples a cover 84 such as a tarp or canvas may be attached to the trailing end of the travelling bar 28 so that when the travelling bar 28 is moved from the first side 24 to the second side 26 the cover 84 is drawn by the travelling bar 28 to extend over and cover the load. The straps 34 may be located over or integrated within the cover 84 and may compress the cover 84 over the load with the cover 84 being captured between the straps 34 and the load and/or tray 12. In this example, the cover 84 and straps 34 lie directly over the load.

[0083] In other examples, the cover 84 may be slidably coupled, and in some examples sealably fitted, with the tracks 16, 18 such that edges of the cover are retained by the tracks 16, 18 and formed in a similar shape to the tracks 16, 18. In this example, the straps 34 do not compress the cover 84 onto the load, and only hold down the opposing sides of the cover 84. Accordingly, in this example, the cover 84 is drawn by the traveling bar 28 up and over the load generally following the shape of the tracks 16, 18.

[0084] In use, the travelling bar 28 is generally initially located at the first side 24 of the tray 12 and the tray 12 is loaded with goods. The strap winches 40 are typically disengaged to allow the straps 34 to be pulled by the travelling bar 28. The user then operates the bar actuation mechanism 42, via the controller 58, to move the travelling bar 28 between the first side 24 and the second side 26 of the tray 12. During this movement, the travelling bar 28 is guided by the forward and rear tracks 16, 18 and the straps 34 are carried by the travelling bar 28 so as to pass across the load.

[0085] The user then secures the travelling bar 28 at the second side 26 of the tray 12 using the locking mechanism 64. Once the travelling bar 28 is secured, the user then operates the strap winches 40 by the strap controllers 68 so as to tension the straps 34 across the load thereby securing the load to the tray 12. It is noted that each winch 40 has its own associated strap controller 68 for independent control thereof.

[0086] Turning now to Figures 9 to 13, there is shown a second example of the load securing system 110 in which like sequences of numerals (i.e 10, 110, or 12, 112) denote like parts. In this example, the overall function and operation of the system 110 is similar to that described above and as such all parts are not again described. However, in this example, the structure or form of the track structures 116, 118, carriages 149, traveller 127 and actuation mechanism 142 have been altered to further improve operation and ease of installation,

[0087] Turning firstly to Figure 9, in this example the channels 146 of the respective tracks 116, 118 include opposing side walls 151, 153 and inner and outer walls 155, 157. The outer wall 157 is mostly open and in this example is in the form of a tab 157a to allow passage of the carriage 149. Some sections of the channels 146 may be fitted with a guard 163, shown fitted in Figure 9, that extends along the side wall 153 and partially over the carriage 149 toward the side wall 151. A further tab 154 extends inward from the side wall 153, the tab 154 is parallel to and spaced apart from the tab 157a, and the carriage 149 is captured between the tab 154 and the tab 157a.

[0088] The guard 163 defines an opening 159 between the guard 163 and the outer wall 157 through which the traveller 127 passes. The guide 163 includes an inward turned lip 161 to inhibit unwanted articles or a hand of a person being caught.

[0089] The carriage 149 includes a first rolling or friction reducing parts 164 arranged to rollably bear against the inner wall 155 of the channels 146 and a second rolling or friction reducing part 165 arranged perpendicularly to the first rolling parts 164 so as to rollably bear against the side wall 151 from which the traveller 127 extends. The first rolling parts 164 are arranged to be captured by the tab 154 and the second rolling part 165 is arranged to be captured by the outer wall 157.

[0090] The first rolling parts 164 are fitted a first axle 171 and the second rolling part 165 is fitted to a second axle 173 that extends perpendicularly from the first axle 171. The second axle 173 extends past the second rolling part 165 to provide a stub 165a standing proud of the outer wall 157 to support a coupling 177 to which the traveller 127 is coupled. The first rolling parts 164 and the second rolling part 165 may be provided in the form of bearings, wheels or similar.

[0091] In this example, the carriages 149 are driven by an endless loop chain 179 that is coupled to the first axle 171 of the carriages 149. The chain 179 is driven by the actuation mechanism 142 as best shown in Figures 10 and 11 which drives the chain 179, and hence the carriages 149 in a forward and reverse direction to carry the straps 134 over the load. The chain 179 is arranged to extending within sides sections 181 and a top section 183 of the tracks 116, 118. Sprocket arrangements 185 guide the chain 179 and are located at the corners or bends between the side sections 181 and the top section 183, The sprocket arrangements 185 allow the carriage 149 to pass about the sprocket arrangements 185 and around corners of the track structures 116, 118. The sprocket arrangements 185 includes a bearing housing 185a, a shaft 187a that supports a sprocket 189a and a bearing housing plate 191a.

[0092] The sides sections 181 and a top section 183 of the tracks 116, 118 may be bolted together at flanges 193a and to the tray 112 of the vehicle 113, and may be retrofitted thereto. A bottom section 195 interconnects the sides sections 181, and supports the lower corner sprockets 185 and actuation mechanism 142 generally above the tray 112, It is noted that the track structures 116, 118 being fitted above the tray 112 simplifies installation as the system 110 may be fitted above any suitable tray 112. The sides sections 181, top section 183 and bottom section 195 substantially housed the actuation mechanism 142 and in particular the endless loop chain 179 and sprocket arrangements 185.

[0093] The actuation mechanism 142 includes a drive sprocket 197 coupled to an electric motor 156 and an associated controller 158. The drive sprocket 197 and electric motor 156 may be supported by the bottom section 195. The drive sprocket 197 drives an intermediate sprocket arrangement 187 and an intermediate chain 189 that in turn drives the chain 179. The actuation mechanism 142 includes a chain tensioner 191. This allows that chain 179 to accommodate variances such as when being fitted or retrofitted, The intermediate sprocket arrangement 187 may include a racket arrangement or other releasable locking mechanism 164 to lock the actuation mechanism 142 in the load condition when the straps 134 are tightened,

[0094] Referring now in addition to Figure 12, the traveller 127 that extends between the carriages 149 may be provided in the form of a cable 193. Such a cable 193 may be a wire cable to allow for some lengthwise play or flexibility to allow a smooth progression of the carriages 149 about the tracks 116, 118. For example, when passing over the corner sprockets 185, the carriages 149 may need to some play or movement that is better accommodated with the flexibility of the cable 193. Moreover, if the tracks 116, 118 or become slightly misaligned such as may happen with a retrofit, the flexibility of the cable 193 does not unduly tension the carriages 149.

[0095] The straps 134 are attached at spaced apart intervals along the traveller 127 in this example the cable 193. The second example of the system 110 functions similarly to the first example in which the strap winches 140 may be disengaged to a free-wheel mode and the actuation mechanism 142 is operated via controller 158 to move the straps 134 over the tracks 116, 118, and hence over the tray 112 and any load carried thereby. The cable 193 may then be locked or securing on the opposing side, and the winches 140 may then be operated to tension the straps 134 against the cable 193.

[0096] Advantageously, the above described automatic load strapping and covering system and associated methods allows a load to be secured to a vehicle tray or trailer without the use need to throw or manually pass the straps or cover over the load. Moreover, the straps, being carried, by the travelling structure or bar may be collectively secured using the locking mechanism in the loaded condition and the tightened with the electric strap winch. In particular, the system is able to carry the straps up, over, across and then downwardly over a load, and then each strap may be individually tightened.

[0097] The above system and method thereby reducing the physical effort and time to secure a load, and also improve safety for the user and security of the load as generally higher and more predicable securing loads may be applied to the load. The straps being carried by the traveller cable or bar also reduces or eliminate twists in the straps and also reduce the chances of the straps becoming stuck or caught on the load. The automatic load strapping and covering system may be provided as a kit and may be retrofitted to a variety trailers, trucks, trays or the like. Accordingly, whilst the above example is described as being suitable for a tray - the system is not limited to being used with a tray and may be fitted to a variety of structures such as, but not limited to, trailers, trucks, trays or the like

[0098] Referring to Figures 14 to 20, an example of the strap winch 210 is shown in greater detail. The winch 210 includes a spool 214 around which the straps 212 are windable, a structure 216 arranged to rotatably support the spool 214 and couple with the truck trailer and a driving arrangement 18 adapted to rotatably drive the spool.

[0099] The driving arrangement 218 includes an electric drive 220, a manual drive 222 and a selector or selecting arrangement 224 arranged such that the driving arrangement 218 is selectively operable using the selector 224 between a first engaged mode or condition in which the electric drive 220 is engaged to rotatably drive the spool 214 and, a second disengaged mode or condition in which the electric drive 220 is disengaged from the spool 214 such that the spool 214 to drivable by the manual drive 222.

[00100] In more detail, referring more specifically to Figure 20, the structure

216 includes a frame 226 having opposing side walls 228 between which the spool 214 extend, a securing bar 230 extend between the opposing sides wall 228 that may be positions above or below the spool 214, and a generally rearward a coupling portion (not shown) for coupling the frame with the trailer or tray of the truck. The spool 214 includes a first end 232 and an opposing second end 234 and may be cylindrical and is adapted to receive a suitable length of strap. 212. The winch 210 includes a ratchet arrangement 215 having a cog 217 and a latch 129 between the frame 226 and the spool 214. The ratchet arrangement 215 serves to lock winch and retain tension of the strap 212 in use.

[00101] In this example, the electric drive 220 is coupled to the first end 232 of the spool 214 and the manual drive 222 is coupled to the second end 234 of the spool 214. In more detail, the electric drive 220 includes an electric motor 236 and a gear box 238 arranged between the electric motor 220 and the spool 234. The drive arrangement includes a drive shaft 240 coupled between the spool 214 and the gear box 238.

[00102] The selector 224 is operatively associated with the gear box 238 engage so as to selectively engage and disengage the gearbox 38 in the engaged and disengaged modes, respectively. The selector 224 is adapted to selectively lock the drive arrangement 218 in one of the engaged and disengaged condition.

[00103] The selector 224 includes a hand operable part 242 coupled to a selector gear 244 arranged such that movement of the hand operable part 242 moves the selector gear 244 between the engaged and disengaged modes, respectively. The hand operable part 242 of the selector is located at the first end 232 of the spool and is coupled to the selector gear 244 located proximate or within the gearbox by a rod 246 of the selector 224 extending in an axial direction through centre apertures or passages 248, 250 of the spool 214 and drive shaft 240, respectively.

[00104] In more detail, the selector includes a biasing element 252 arranged to urge the selector gear 244 toward the engaged mode. In this example, the biasing element 252 is provided in the form of a spring 254 concentrically mounted on the rod 246 between the selector gear 244 and the spool 214. The shaft 240 carries a sprocket 241 at its end that is received by and engages with gears 243 of the gear box 238.

[00105] The manual drive 222 includes a drivable part 256 is adapted to couple with a hand operable bar (not shown) so as to be manually driven by a user rotating the bar. In this example, drivable part 256 includes aperture 528 through which the bar is able to be inserted engage the drivable part 256. The hand operable part 242 of the gear selector 224 is supported at a free end 260 of the drivable part 256. The aperture 258 is transverse to the axis of rotation of the spool 214 such that when insert therein the bar provides a radial lever to manually rotate the spool 214.

[00106] The hand operable part 242 in this example is a T-Shaped handle 262 that can be pulled outwardly and rotated, preferably through 180 degrees, to lock the selector 224 in the disengaged condition. The locking is accomplished by a retainer 264 of the handle 262 that becomes engaged with the drivable part 256 when the handle 262 is pulled and rotated thereby maintaining the handle 262 in the disengaged condition.

[00107] The electric drive 220 is in electric commination with a controller 270 adapted to selectively control the operation of the electric drive 220. The controller 270 may include wired or more hand operable switch 272 having buttons 274 that allow the controlled rotation of the spool 214 in either direction. The electric drive 220 may be coupled to a battery of the truck (not shown).

[00108] In use, the winch 210 may be operated in an engaged electric mode via the controlled 270 in which the spool 14 is rotated by the electric drive 220. The reverse rotation of the spool 214 may be locked by the ratchet arrangement 215. If the manual mode is required, the use may actuate the hand operatable part 242 of the selector 224 to disengaged the spool 214 from the gear box 238. The spool 214 may then be rotated via a bar coupled to the manual drive 222. The winch 210 may be disengaged when the traveller 27 is being moved to allow the straps 34 to be moved over load carrying tray 12.

[00109] The winch 210 may be configured to have a 2.5 Tonne capacity or other capacities, as required. In some examples, several of the winches 210 may be positioned at spaced apart intervals along one side of the tray or trailer of a truck, and in some examples, the winches 210 maybe configured for common control by the controller 270 to allow for synchronised operation thereby allowing a plurality of straps to be simultaneously tightened. The plurality of winches and controller 270 thereby providing a strap tensioning system. It is noted that the controller 720 may be configured to monitor a current (or other parameter) of the electric drives 220 indicative of tension so as to selectively stop winches 210 that have reached sufficient tension. This allows an even tension distribution to be applied to the load.

[00110] Advantageously, there has been described a winch for a truck strap that includes both an electric drive, a manual drive and a hand operable selector that allows the winch to be easily changed between the electric and manual modes. Accordingly, if the electric drive were to fail, or if power was not available, the winch may be used in the manual mode in which the electric motor is disengaged thereby allowing ease of manual rotation of the winch with a winch bar or the like. Moreover, the winches maybe configured for common control to allow for synchronised operation thereby allowing a plurality of straps to be simultaneously tightened thereby saving time and effort. If one of the winches fails the other winches may be operated and the failed winch may be manually operated.

[00111] It is noted that whilst the winch has been described herein with reference to tightening load straps of a truck, the winch may find other suitable applications and the winch disclosed herein is not limited to uses with such load straps or trucks.

[00112] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00113] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[00114] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[00115] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.