Tensioning reel

Abstract

A cord tensioning device has three modes of operation: a tightening mode, a release to loosen and then hold mode, and a release mode for relieving all tension in the cord. In the tightening mode, the shape of ratchet pawls and ratchet teeth allow a cord winding spool to rotate in only a tightening direction. In the release to loosen and then hold mode, an actuator associated with the knob releases the ratchet pawl from the ratchet teeth in a reverse direction, but upon release of the knob, the pawl re-engages the ratchet teeth to prevent further loosening. In this manner, the tension can be incrementally loosened. In the release mode, the pawls are disengaged from the ratchet teeth, even after release of the knob, and the spool can continue to rotate within the base when an external tension is applied to the cord.

1 . A cord tension device comprising:
 a base having ratchet teeth positioned along at least a portion of an inside circumference of the base;   a spool positioned within the base, wherein the spool is rotatable relative to the base to gather and release a cord;   a pawl ring having a flexible pawl arm configured to engage the ratchet teeth of the base; and   a knob having a first actuator configured such that when the knob is rotated in a first direction, the first actuator rotates the pawl ring;   wherein the knob further includes a second actuator configured such that when the knob is rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the second actuator deflects the pawl arm to move the pawl arm out of engagement with the ratchet teeth.   
     
     
         2 . The cord tension device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the spool has a first engagement portion; and   the pawl ring has a second engagement portion which is releasably engageable with the first engagement formation of the spool   
     
     
         3 . The cord tension device of  claim 2 , comprising a retainer that is mounted to the base and captures the knob onto the base, the knob axially capturing the pawl ring, wherein:
 the retainer provides for first and second axial positions of the knob with respect to the base;   in the first axial position, the first and second engagement formations are engaged such that the pawl ring can rotate the spool and the spool can rotate the pawl; and   in the second axial position, the first and second engagement formations are not engaged such that relative rotation between the pawl ring and the spool is permitted.   
     
     
         4 . The cord tension device of  claim 3 , wherein the first engagement formation comprises first axially extending teeth, and the second engagement formation comprises second axially extending teeth that are configured to mesh with the first axially extending teeth when the knob is in the first axial position, and to de-mesh when the knob is in the second axial position. 
     
     
         5 . The cord tension device of  claim 4 , wherein when the knob is moved to the second axial position, the pawl head is axially displaced from the ratchet teeth to a non-engagement position. 
     
     
         6 . The cord tension device of  claim 5 , wherein the retainer comprises a disc-shaped flange and a cylindrical body depending from said flange, and the base comprises a cylindrical attachment boss that fits inside the cylindrical body, and the flange is fastened to the cylindrical attachment boss. 
     
     
         7 . The cord tension device of  claim 6 , wherein the retainer includes two grooves to define the first and second axial positions. 
     
     
         8 . The cord tension device of  claim 6 , wherein the knob comprises an opening which permits axial movement on the retainer, wherein the flange can move axially through the opening. 
     
     
         9 . The cord tension device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the knob comprises a top wall, a depending surrounding side wall, and lift arms and detent arms depending from the top wall, wherein the lift arms axially capture the pawl ring such that axial movement of knob axially moves the pawl ring;   the retainer includes two grooves defining first and second axial positions of the knob with respect to the base; and   the detent arms include detent heads that are configured to snap into one of the two grooves based on the axial position of the knob.   
     
     
         10 . The cord tension device of  claim 2 , wherein the knob comprises a top wall having a lift arm depending from the top wall to axially capture the pawl ring. 
     
     
         11 . The cord tension device of  claim 3 , wherein the base has an attachment boss and the retainer is fastened to the attachment boss. 
     
     
         12 . The cord tension device of  claim 2 , in combination with a strap for retaining a helmet on a user's head, the strap operatively connected to a cord and positionable to engage a user's chin, wherein turning the knob of the cord tension device in a first direction tensions the cord and tightens the strap on the user's chin, and turning the knob of the reel in a second direction relaxes the cord and loosens the strap on the user's chin. 
     
     
         13 . The cord tension device of  claim 1 , further comprising a retainer that is mounted to the base and captures the knob onto the base, wherein:
 the retainer provides for first and second axial positions of the knob with respect to the base;   in the first axial position, the pawl head is engaged to the ratchet teeth; and   in the second axial position, the pawl head is displaced from the ratchet teeth to a non-engagement position.   
     
     
         14 . The cord tension device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a disc-shaped flange and a cylindrical body depending from said flange, and the base comprises a cylindrical attachment boss that fits inside the cylindrical body, and the flange is fastened to the cylindrical attachment boss. 
     
     
         15 . The cord tension device of  claim 14 , wherein the retainer includes two grooves to define the first and second axial positions. 
     
     
         16 . The cord tension device of  claim 1 , wherein the knob comprises a top wall having a lift arm depending from the top wall to axially capture the pawl head and pawl arm. 
     
     
         17 . The cord tension device of  claim 1 , wherein the base has an attachment boss and the retainer is fastened to the attachment boss. 
     
     
         18 . The cord tension device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cord and a helmet strap system, wherein the spool coils a cord to tension the strap system.