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Spooling tool for ratchet straps

Introduction

The present invention relates to a separate spooling tool for ratchet straps comprising a holder with a guide for a loading strap and a spool for winding the loading strap, as defined in the preamble of claim 1 .

The present invention provides a tool which can be used in conjunction with existing jacking straps and which can diminish the time by half spent in load securing by having the spooling tool handle the loading strap both when securing the load, in the load secured condition, and when winding up after the loading strap has been in use. By avoiding unnecessary time spent when handling loose straps, the spooling tool is perceived as an effective and good tool. Another advantage of the spooling tool is that it is separate and that the jacking strap, which has proven its functionality over a long period of time, remain unchanged. The original characteristics of the jacking strap are thus the same as before.

The peculiarity of the tool is that it adopts a new method of connecting the loading strap to the load tensioner. Before the strap enters the ratchet mechanism, a loop is formed on the loading strap. When the double strap is passed through the ratchet mechanism, the strap goes in and out the same way without the loose end of the loading strap entering the ratchet mechanism. The spooling tool can hence be attached to the loading strap during the entire operation and keeps control of any loose strap at all times. In addition only the required strap length is used when lashing loads, which provides an additional advantage and time savings at short lengths.

Another distinctive feature is that the spooling tool can be offered in many variants, but will have some common features in order to be functional and able to function as intended. When entering the loading strap through the ratchet mechanism, it is necessary to use one hand to handle the loading strap and one hand to handle the load tensioner. Therefore, it must be possible to park the spool in order to release both hands when the strap is to be connected to the load tensioner. Thus, a common feature of the spooling tools is that they can be fastened and secured to the loading strap after the loop is formed, and that the spool is prevented from unintentionally entering and/or unrolling the strap on the spool. NPI

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Prior art

The most famous version of jacking straps has remained virtually unchanged for over 50 years. It consists of two parts, one of which (load tensioner) has a ratchet solution with a jacking arm connected to a hook solution via a short strap of about 30 cm. The other part is a loading strap with lengths from typically 4 m upwards and with a hook solution at one end. When securing the load, the loose strap enters through the ratchet mechanism and the strap is tightened with the jack arm. Hooks secured to the ground on each side of the load provide restraint. This is a simple and practical solution that still constitutes the most widely used tool for load securing. The disadvantage of this solution is that there is an unnecessary amount of time wasted in handling the strap itself, both when securing the load and when assembling the strap after use.

Therefore, many different solutions have been developed to make load securing with jacking straps easier by winding up loose jacking straps. Most of these consist of a spool integrated into the load strap itself. Rewinding of the jacking strap can be done manually by hand or be equipped with leaf springs or the like for automatic rewinding. For load securing, where the strap can easily be passed over the load and secured on the opposite side, this solution will be time-saving compared to a standard jacking strap. However, there is often a need to enter the jacking strap through or around load objects and lashing the strap becomes more demanding. When the ratchet and jacking arm are connected to the spool, these must also follow the jacking strap during the cargo lashing. This may be perceived as cumbersome compared to a standard jacking strap, and the latter will thus often appear more applicable and is, therefore, also the most preferred solution when securing loads.

A standard jacking strap is a simple and safe tool that has proven its functionality over time. It is, therefore, desirable to retain the existing characteristics and, at the same time, be able to reduce the time spent when handling the jacking strap. With this as a starting point, a separate tool for winding up the jacking strap has been developed, as well as a method that simplifies the work of load securing with existing standard jacking straps.

A separate spool solution provides good control of the jacking strap, and with the right design, it will be easy to handle, even with demanding load lashing around and through load objects. The challenge with this solution is how the jacking strap can be connected to the load strap. NPI

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Therefore, a spooling tool has been developed that is specially adapted to adopt a new method of connecting the strap to the ratchet mechanism. This method consists of making a loop on the loading strap before it enters the ratchet mechanism, and the strap is thus brought back and out the same way as it came in. This means that the loose end of the loading strap must not be entered into the ratchet mechanism and can remain attached to the special holder with spool.

Such a spooling tool must have the right characteristics to function as intended, and over time, solutions have been developed that provide functional tools that are good to handle and that can halve the time of load securing.

There are many types of spool tools for unspooling loose straps. Within separate spooling tools, various tools have been developed that roll up the strap after it has been used. These tools often consist of a forked solution in which the strap can be entered, and which rolls up the strap either manually with a crank solution or, for example, by means of a drill or the like. This type of tool is not suitable for handling the strap during load securing, or is intended to be used when the load is secured.

Within the existing patents, a spool tool is found which is equipped with a leaf spring for automatic strap winding and which has the possibility to be separated from the load strap. "US9193295 B2 - Separate strap storage in a ratchet arrangement" describes a spooling tool associated with the load strap, but which can be disconnected by unhooking the hook from the load strap, before the strap is then discharged from the ratchet mechanism. This solution is not suitable or intended for separate load lashing. In addition, the spooling tool also has no means of securing the tool to the loading strap, or a stop function to secure against undesired wrapping of the strap. Thus, the spooling tool is very unsuitable to adopt the new method of connecting the load strap to load straps, where the spooling tool must be parked in order to have the hands free to enter the double strap through the ratchet mechanism.

There are many patents relating to spool solutions associated with load straps. Patent documents US6609275, US20120233824A1 , US7874047 and US8375525 describe various jacking straps with integrated spools that cannot be separated from the load strap. Like US9193295 B2, they are not suitable for adopting the new loadsecuring method. NPI

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From US7100902B1 there is known a load strap with integrated spool and with manual winding of strap. In the case of manual spools, it is easy to unhook the strap, and these can thus be used almost like a normal jacking strap. The spooling tool is not a separate unit that can be used without load tensioning during load lashing.

Reference is made to US 2020377003 A1 , which relates to a spool tool for unwinding a loose jacking strap, which consists of a holder with side walls/gripping surfaces, a spool with groove and strap attachment on the spool, and a manual crank-operated by turning a freely rotating knob on the crank. The spooling tool is adapted for hooking the holder to the jack, where the loading strap first enters through the jack and then onto the spooling tool. Loose straps that are not in use may thus be rolled up and attached to the jack. This solution will thus work much like many other solutions that have a spool solution attached to a jack.

NO 20171502 A1 shows a line handling device for roll-up, roll-out and locking of line, which consists of a holder with guide and pivot shaft, and a flat spool with guide for the line and a knob for cranking. In addition, the tool is equipped with a locking device for securing the spool against rotation and means for tensioning the tool with a line up between two points.

US 4913608 A shows a jacking tool for loading straps that do not move during clamping of load. The document describes a jack with the entry of a double strap through the ratchet mechanism. The tool is used to tighten a load strap secured at both ends.

No known solutions have been found for separate spooling tools which are adapted to hook the spooling tool itself to the strap after first forming a loop and which are additionally provided with a stop means to prevent undesired strap entry/ unrolling.

Object of the Invention

The present invention aims to provide a new type of spooling tool that can be used in conjunction with existing standard jacking straps, with the purpose of keeping order and control on loose loading straps, thereby simplifying the work and reducing the time in load securing. The purpose is also to retain the original characteristics of a standard jacking strap. NPI

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Summary of the invention

The above object is achieved with a spooling tool according to the present invention, wherein the spooling tool for jacking straps comprises a holder with a guide for a loading strap and a spool for winding the loading strap. The spooling tool is provided with a securing strap for fastening and securing the spooling tool to the loading strap and for locking the loading strap in a loop, and the safety strap is being arranged to be slidable under and around the spool and the loading strap and to be secured to prevent displacement between the spool tool and the loading strap, whereby the loading strap is arranged to lie double before it can enter a ratchet mechanism of the jacking strap. The spooling tool is further adapted to secure against undesired entry and/or unwinding of the loading strap after the loop is formed by providing the spooling tool with a stopper for the spool and/or by providing the spool with a flat or elongated configuration that prevents rotation when the loading strap is tightened and the spooling tool is secured to the loading strap.

Alternative embodiments are specified in respective dependent claims.

The securing strap can be elastic, or it can be equipped with an elastic or spring- loaded connection, as the securing strap, when fastened around the loading strap, is designed to secure the connection between the loading strap and the spool tool.

The securing strap may be supported on the spool holder and may be arranged to secure the spooling tool to the loading strap at parking.

In one embodiment, the spool may have a flat or elongated shape.

The spool may further comprise a center bolt for receiving the securing strap when it is stretched around the spool, the securing strap being arranged to cross the loading strap at least in two locations and lock the orientation between the spool and the loading strap.

The securing strap may comprise a cord, rope, or tie and in various materials, and be arranged to be secured in a tight position by extending around the entire spooling tool, before being secured to the holder, the spool or to the securing strap itself.

In one embodiment, hooking and securing of the spooling tool to the loading strap may include the securing strap crossing the loading strap being hookable to a center NPI

6 bolt, as well as the loading strap also being hookable to the guide on the holder for additional securing and locking orientation between the spool and the loading strap.

The stopper may comprise a lock or brake means arranged to prevent undesired rotation of the spool.

The stopper may be equipped with a fastening solution in the form of a hook or a slot in the holder to support the securing strap when the securing strap is not in use.

The holder may be provided with a flat or elongated spool and include a rotatable handle and a locking device that enables switching between a fixed and rotatable handle.

The stopper may comprise a rotatable locking arm mounted in the holder and adapted to engage in locking engagement with a groove in the spool, the stopper being adapted to rotate between a free position in which the spool can rotate relative to the holder and a locked position in which the stopper enters the groove of the spool.

The spool may further comprise at one, or both ends a guide arranged to secure the loading strap on the spool.

The inventions will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a double-loading strap that enters through a ratchet mechanism to a jacking strap.

Figure 2 shows a variant of a spooling tool with a flat spool, according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows the securing of spooling tools according to the invention with flat spool to load strap.

Figure 4 shows securing the strap and hook to the spooling tool according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a spooling tool according to the invention with a rotatable handle.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show the handle in various positions relative to the holder. NPI

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Figure 9 shows a flat spooling solution for the spooling tool according to the invention.

Figure 10 shows the spool tool with elastic strap parking.

Figure 1 1 shows a handle adapted for rotation in a holder.

Figures 12, 13 and 14 show another variant of the spooling tool.

Figure 15 shows the spooling tool with spooled loading strap.

Figure 16 shows the spooling tool secured to the loading strap.

Figure 17 shows a securing strap with 2-point fuse.

Overview referral numbers

2 Rolled up loading strap

7 Holder

15 Looped loading strap

16 Load tensioner/jacking strap

17 Double loading strap

18 Ratchet mechanism on the jacking strap

20 Guide for loading strap on the holder

21 Loading strap hook

24 Flat spool

25 Holder

26 Handle

27 Elastic strap

28 Track in shaft

29 Center bolt on spool

30 Guide for strap on spool

31 Handle for operating spool

32 Shaft on handle

33 Square profile at the outer end of the shaft

34 Track in shaft

35 Elastic ring in holder

36 Locking segment on holder

37 Square profile

38 Spool support

39 Lock segments on spool

40 Slots for hooking elastic strap

41 Parking for elastic strap

42 Slot in holder for hooking securing strap NPI

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Detailed description

A spooling tool intended for handling straps during load lashing and when coupling to load straps must be simple and intuitive to use. Therefore, over time, special solutions with the right properties have been developed and tested that facilitate the work of securing loads with jacking straps. It has also been important to be able to retain the original characteristics of existing jacking straps when developing the spooling tool.

A two-part solution where the loading strap is spooled up on a separate holder has several advantages over existing solutions with a spool attached to the loading strap. A separate solution without the loading strap reduces weight and will, with a simpler and better design, make it more versatile and easier to handle when securing loads. This is especially true for more demanding load securing.

Compared to a standard jacking strap without spool solution, the spooling tool will be able to halve the time spent per load securing. When securing the load, pull out only the strap length necessary to secure the load - the rest remains on the spool. After use, rewind loose strap easily and quickly. The spooling tool also makes it easy to keep track of the loading straps.

When connecting the loading strap to the load tensioner, the loading strap is entered through the ratchet mechanism of the jacking strap in the same way as before. The only difference is that the loading strap forms a loop before entry and thus is brought out again the same way it came in. Manual preloading and tightening of jack will work the same as before.

Entering the loading strap through the ratchet mechanism requires a "two-hand grip", where one hand handles the loading strap and the other hand holds the load tensioner. Therefore, when using a separate spooling tool, it is appropriate to be able to park the spooling tool before the loading strap enters the ratchet mechanism. Thus, an important part of the spooling tool is a device that enables securing the spooling tool to the loading strap, after first forming a loop on the loading strap. It is also important that the loop remains intact after the spooling tool is parked.

Therefore, a device will also be required to prevent undesired insertion/unwinding of the spool strap. Furthermore, it is important that the spooling tool is firmly attached to the loading strap in the secured position so that there are no offsets affecting the NPI

9 loop. Thus, the securing strap must be tight and ensure that the spooling tool and the loading strap are well secured relative to each other.

A spooling tool can be offered in different variants with different solutions for spool and holder etc., depending on the qualities and properties demanded. Thus, a device for parking the spooling tool to the loading strap may require various solutions and is adapted to the design of the spooling tool. The same will apply to the selection of spool solution and the selection of device to prevent undesired rotation of the spool.

A jacking strap is often used in connection with securing cargo during transport. A spool that is secured to a loading strap must, therefore, be prevented from loosening and thus pose a danger to the environment. The mentioned devices for the spooling tool must, therefore, also ensure that it cannot come loose from the loading strap in the parked position.

Flat spool

One embodiment of the spooling tool is to have a flat spool 24 for winding a loading strap 2. Such a solution will provide a simple spooling tool with few parts and a good parking of the spooling tool, where the flat spool 24 lies flat against the loading strap 2. When securing to a tight loading strap, a flat spool 24 will also be prevented from undesired rotation of the flat spool 24, resulting in inadvertent deployment of the loading strap 2. Thus, a flat spool solution 24 may have several advantages over a round spool solution.

Figure 2 shows a spooling tool with flat spool 24 and a holder 25 with a handle 26 on the side of the flat spool 24. An elastic securing strap 27 is mounted on the holder 25 and is used both to secure the spooling tool to the loading strap when parking, and to secure the loading strap 2 with hook 21 to the spooling tool when the jacking strap 16 is not in use. In front of the holder 25 is a guide 20 for the loading strap 2 which provides correct orientation, before the loading strap 2 enters the flat spool 24.

The elastic securing strap 27 is extended towards the guide 20 in front of the holder 25. The position in front provides good access to the elastic securing strap 27 when it is to be stretched around the flat spool 24 for securing the spooling tool. In Figure 3 it is shown how the elastic securing strap 27 is oriented when the spooling tool is secured to the loading strap 2. By running the elastic securing strap 27 over the flat NPI

10 spool 24 both in front and in the middle, the spooling tool is ensured a good orientation towards the loading strap 2 in the parked position.

In the center of the flat spool 24 there is a center bolt 29 with parking for the elastic securing strap 27 when it is pulled around the flat spool 24. The location and design make it easy to handle the elastic securing strap 27 when it is to be hooked on or off the flat spool 24. A handle 31 on one side of the flat spool 24 provides a good grip when the flat spool 24 is to be rotated for wrapping the loading strap 2. To secure the loading strap on the flat spool 24, there are guides 30 at each end of the flat spool 24. Figure 4 shows securing the loading strap 2 and hook 21 to the spooling tool during storage.

Upon entry of the loose loading strap 2 to the flat spool 24, the loading strap 2 is first pulled through the guide 20 in front of the holder 25, and then over the center bolt 29 of the flat spool 24 so that about 30 cm of the loose end of the loading strap 2 is extended past the center bolt 29. When rotating the flat spool 24, the loose end of the loading strap 2 will then settle nicely on the flat spool 24.

When the loading strap is to be connected to the load tensioner, a Ioop15 is formed by advancing the loading strap and the spooling tool until it remains approx. 15 cm to the hook fastening. There, the loading strap 2 itself is grasped before the spooling tool is retracted approx. 40 cm and secured to the loading strap 2 by the elastic securing strap 27. This is accomplished by clamping the spooling tool with the flat spool 24 against the loading strap 2 and clamping them together before using the free hand to grasp the elastic securing strap 27 and stretch it around the underside of the flat spool 24 and then hooking it to the parking feature of the center bolt 29. The loading strap is then provided with a loop 15, which can be passed through the ratchet mechanism 18 of the load tensioner 16 and tightened in the usual manner. Figure 1 shows the loading strap and load tensioner 16 after entering of the double strap 17.

The spooling tool can be designed with many different variants. For example, securing with elastic securing strap 27 is a simple method of parking the special holder of the loading strap 2, but there will also be other solutions that can be used and which may have features that are useful. The guides 30 of the loading strap on the flat spool 24 may also be designed in a manner that makes it easy to unhook the loading strap 2 from the flat spool 24 after reeling. Thus, the spooling tool will be well NPI

11 suited as a spooling tool for multiple load loops. As a loading strap is rolled up, it can be unhooked, and the tool can be used to rewind the next loading strap.

Flat spool solution 24 provides a simple solution with a few parts that can consist of only one holder and one spool, in addition to the elastic securing strap 27. For load securing with jacking straps 16, the spooling tool will be useful in keeping track of the loading strap, simplifying and reducing the time per operation. In addition, it is easy to unhook the spooling tool and use the jacking strap with the original characteristics intact.

Rotating handle

A flat spool solution 24 with handles 26 on the side will be easier and more intuitive to operate if the handle 26 can rotate relative to the holder 25. For example, when the loop 15 is to be made on the loading strap 2, the spooling tool is first moved towards the hook attachment of the load tensioner 16, and then back the same way. With handle 26 that is free to rotate, holder 25 will automatically turn 180 degrees when the loading strap 2 is moved in the opposite direction. The same applies when wrapping around load objects, where the holder 25 will always orient itself in relation to the loading strap 2 which is pulled out from the flat spool 24. For a holder 25 with fixed handle 26, on the other hand, one must adapt the grip and possibly change the grip if necessary. This will be perceived as more demanding and not always as intuitive.

On the other hand, when retracting the loading strap 2, it is advantageous to have a handle 26 fixed to the holder 25. With a good grip on the holder 25, it will be easier to rewind loose loading straps 2. It would, therefore, be desirable to be able to switch between fixed and rotating handles 26 for the holder 25.

It may also be advantageous to have a flat spool 24 that can be locked relative to the holder 25. The loading strap 2 will then be prevented from unwanted unrolling from the flat spool 24, and in some cases, this may be practical in case of load lashing. For example, it may be necessary to release the spooling tool to correct placement of the loading strap 2 or the like. Thus, a simple lock or stop that prevents the flat spool 24 from rotating may be a better solution than optionally using the elastic securing strap 27 to prevent the flat spool 24 from rotating. NPI

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Locking the spool 24 may also act as an additional safety during transportation. A spooling tool parked on the loading strap 2 and secured by the elastic securing strap 27 may, in an imaginary case, detach from the loading strap 2 and thus be capable of constituting a falling object from a moving vehicle, should the elastic securing strap 27 break. With locked flat spool 24, the spool tool will be prevented from detaching from the loading strap and thus be extra secure during transportation.

Figure 5 shows a flat bolt spool tool 24 and a rotatable handle 26. In Figures 6 through 8, the same tool is shown in sectional views through the center of the tool and shows the handle 26 in different positions relative to the holder 25. The handle 26 itself is provided with a center shaft 32, which runs through both the holder 25 and the flat spool 24. On the center shaft 32, there is a square profile 33 at the outer end of the shaft for locking the flat spool 24. Inside there is a track 28 (Fig. 11 ) which locks the handle 26 to the holder 25, but which allows than certain axial displacement. At the innermost, there are three tracks 34, which make up the various positions into which the handle 26 can be inserted. An elastic ring 35 placed in the holder 25 provides resistance between the different positions, but is overcome with a small pressure. In each position, there is little resistance from the elastic ring 35 and both holder 25 and flat spool 24 can be rotated around with little friction when free to rotate.

Figure 6 shows the fully extended handle 26 in which both handle 26 and flat spool 24 are free to rotate. During load lashing, holder 25 will then orient itself to the loading strap 2 when it is pulled out from the flat spool 24. If handle 26 is pushed one position inward, handle 26 and holder 25 will be in the locked position, while the flat spool 24 is still free to rotate. This position is used during the retraction of the loading strap and is shown in Figure 7. In Figure 8, handle 26 is fully pushed in, and both the handle 26 and the flat spool 24 are locked relative to the holder 25.

The spooling tool will typically consist of a plastic molded material. Figure 5 shows the holder 25, molded as a part and fitted with elastic securing strap 27. The guide 20 for the loading strap 2 in front of the holder 25 is shown as a closed solution, but may as well have a side opening for entering the loading strap 2. In the center of holder 25, there is an opening for the entry of the handle 26 with the center shaft 32. Two locking segments 36 flex out when mounting the center shaft 32 and click into position when they have entered the track 34 of the center shaft 32. The handle 26 will then be prevented from detaching from the holder 25. The holder 25 is also NPI

13 adapted for locking against the handle 26 with a square groove that fits the square profile 37 at the inner end of the handle.

Figure 9 shows how the flat spool 24 can be configured. In the center there is a spool storage 38 (Fig. 10) which enters the holder 25 and which locks with locking segments 39 which flex during assembly and lock when the flat spool 24 is in the correct position on the holder 25.

Parking for the elastic securing strap 27 is shown in the center where a slot 40 is made in which the elastic securing strap 27 is parked. A handle 31 in one part of the flat spool 24 provides a good grip and a good torque when a loose loading strap 2 is to be wound in. As mentioned, in order to ensure that the loading strap 2 remains in position on the spool 24, there are guides 30 at each end in which the loading strap 2 will settle upon entry onto the spool 24.

Good access to the elastic securing strap 27 is important when it is to be operated, and a parking 41 is therefore provided for it in the front part of the holder 25. As Fig. 5 shows, the elastic securing strap 27 is stretched along the holder 25 and all the way to parking 41 at the front. When securing the spooling tool to the loading strap 2, the front part of the holder 25 will be turned and point back towards the operator. This makes it easy to grab the elastic securing strap 27 and slide it under the spool 24 before hooking it to the parking 41 on the spool. In Figure 11 , the rotating solution handle 26 is shown.

Other variants

Another variation of the flat spool solution spooling tool is shown in Figure 12. The securing strap 27 is here mounted on the holder 25 with access on the opposite side as the guide 20 for the loading strap 2. When the spooling tool is used to form a loop 15 on the loading strap 2, the spooling tool is turned in the opposite direction, so that the guide 20 is turned inward and the securing strap 27 is turned away from the operator. This provides good access to the securing strap 27 running through a slot 42 for parking the elastic securing strap 27 on the holder 25. When securing the spooling tool to the loading strap 2, the securing strap 27 is unhooked from slot 42 and pulled under the loading strap 2 and the spool 24, before being hooked to the center bolt 29. NPI

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The guide 20 in front of holder 25 is designed for hooking the loading strap 2 both on the upside and on the underside of holder 25, instead of entering from the side. The loading strap 2 then enters a groove/the guide 20 in the holder and controls the loading strap 2 before it enters the spool 24. The guide 20 will then have a center piece which absorbs the forces from the loading strap 2 and which provides a more favourable solution with a view to embedding strength in the guide 20 itself.

On the side of the holder 25 there is access to operate a holder 7 in the form of a lock for the spool 24. The holder 7 is designed to rotate in the holder 25 and has an arm that fits in a groove in the spool 24. The holder 7 can rotate between two positions: a free position and a locked position, where the holder 7 enters the groove of the spool 24. The holder 7 is thus adapted for locking engagement with the spool 24.

In Figure 13, the spooling tool is shown with the securing strap 27 in the parked position. When the securing strap 27 is hooked free from the slot 42 for parking, it is secured in two places on the holder 25. One front and one rear center bolt 29 for supporting spool 24. With the spool secured to the loading strap, the securing strap 27 will cross the loading strap in two places and provide a 3-point securing that locks the orientation of the spool relative to the loading strap 2.

Figure 14 shows the holder 7 in relation to the spool 24. Before the holder can enter the locking groove of the spool 24, the spool 24 must be rotated to lie parallel to the holder 25. In Figure 15, the loading strap 2 is rolled up on the spool 24 and shown with the loading strap 2 passing through the guide 20 of the holder 25.

Figures 16 and 17 show the spooling tool in the secured position on the loading strap 2 and with two different methods of hooking the spooling tool to the loading strap 2. Figure 16 shows a 3-point securing where the securing strap 27 crosses the loading strap 2 in two places and locks the orientation. Figure 17 shows an alternative securing method in which the securing strap 27 crosses the loading strap only once and thus has a 2-point securing. To help lock the orientation, the spooling tool is also hooked to the guide 20 on the underside of the holder 25. Thus, when the loading strap 2 is tightened via the loading strap 16, the spooling tool will be hooked and locked to the loading strap 2, even if the securing strap 27 should break. NPI

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Different types of securing straps

A tight securing strap 27 is important to lock the spooling tool to the loading strap so that the loop 15 remains intact when the spooling tool is released. With an elastic securing strap 27, a good preload is obtained and with a tight connection that clamps the spooling tool to the loading strap 2. Thus, a securing strap that is elastic may be preferred.

Another possibility is to use a non-elastic securing strap which may instead be elastically supported. Such a solution may, for example, be that the securing strap consists of a rope, cord or the like which is supported to a tension spring or the like on the holder 25. When tightening and securing, the spring will provide a preload and make sure that the securing strap 27 is tight. Thus, the spooling tool will be well secured to the loading strap 2. The service life of such a solution may be longer than that of an elastic securing strap 27, which tends to lose some of its elasticity within a few years.

Other types of securing straps 27 may also be suitable for securing the spooling tool to the loading strap 2. Elastic securing straps 27 that provide good bias are likely to be the best solution, but it is conceivable that a rubber-coated, non-elastic securing strap may have enough friction to provide a good securing of the spooling tool to the loading strap 2.

The securing strap 27 will thus comprise a number of different types of straps, ropes, cords, bands or the like, and is not limited solely to straps consisting of an elastic material or possibly that the securing strap is connected to a spring device.

Similarly, flat spools 24 and holders 25 may occur in many variants. For example, a spool need not be flat, although a flat spool solution has the advantage that it will lie flat and fine along the loading strap 2 in the secured position. A holder 25 with side handles as shown in Figure 15 may be a suitable solution, but this is not an essential feature of the invention, and consequently the holder 25 may also occur in other variants. The same will apply to the holder solution 7 between the spool 24 and the holder 25.