PROTECTIVE RATCHET SLEEVE

Abstract

A protective ratchet sleeve is provided for protecting cargo from damage caused by a vibrating ratchet tie down during transport. The protective sleeve also protects the ratchet tie down from exposure to the elements, thus extending ratchet life. The protective ratchet sleeve defines three openings and envelopes the ratchet.

Claims

1. A sleeve for protecting a ratchet tie down, the sleeve comprising: a sleeve for enveloping a ratchet, the sleeve defining an interior recess and three openings, a first strap opening, a second strap opening, and a main opening; interior padding circumscribing the interior recess for softening the impact of the ratchet against cargo during transport; one or more zippers for closing the main opening, enveloping the ratchet inside the sleeve; wherein a ratchet portion of a ratchet tie down is received through the main opening into the interior recess; wherein each of two straps extending distally from the ratchet extend through one of the first strap opening and the second strap opening.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises a polymeric material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the padding comprises foam.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second strap openings are slots.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the padding comprises an oblong pad integrated with a lower surface of the interior recess.

6. A sleeve for protecting a ratchet tie down, the sleeve comprising: a sleeve for enveloping a ratchet, the sleeve defining an interior recess and three openings, a first strap opening, a second strap opening, and a main opening; interior padding circumscribing the interior recess for softening the impact of the ratchet against cargo during transport; one or more closing mechanisms for closing the main opening, enveloping the ratchet inside the sleeve; wherein a ratchet portion of a ratchet tie down is received through the main opening into the interior recess; wherein each of two straps extending distally from the ratchet extend through one of the first strap opening and the second strap opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a zipper.

8. A ratchet tie down with a protective sleeve, the ratchet tie down comprising: a ratchet tie down affixed to a protective sleeve; the sleeve for enveloping a ratchet of the ratchet tie down, the sleeve defining an interior recess and three openings, a first strap opening, a second strap opening, and a main opening; interior padding circumscribing the interior recess for softening the impact of the ratchet against cargo during transport; one or more zippers for closing the main opening, enveloping the ratchet inside the sleeve; wherein a ratchet portion of the ratchet tie down is received through the main opening into the interior recess; wherein each of two straps extending distally from the ratchet extend through one of the first strap opening and the second strap opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an elevational side perspective view of a protective ratchet sleeve in accordance with the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 2 is an elevational environment side perspective view of a protective ratchet sleeve in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment, in an embodiment, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 1 is an elevational side perspective view of a protective ratchet sleeve 100 in accordance with the present invention. The sleeve 100 comprises a protective sleeve 102, a zipper 106, padding 108, and defines a first strap opening 104a, a second strap opening 104b, and main opening 110.

[0021] The sleeve 102 envelopes, when closed, the ratchet of a ratchet tie down. The sleeve 102 defines a main opening 110 and two strap openings 104a-b. The sleeve 102 may be closed with the zipper 106.

[0022] The sleeve 102 may be fabricated from nylon or any polymeric material. The sleeve 102 may be formed from leather, card board, or other organic materials.

[0023] The sleeve 10 defines two slot-shaped opening 104a-b through which straps from the ratchet tie down protrude. The sleeve 102 may be affixed permanently to a ratchet tie down.

[0024] The sleeve 102 forms an interior recess 112 into which the ratchet in inserted. The interior recess may padded with padding 108.

[0025] The padding 108 may be foam padding, inflated pads, or other padding known to those of skill in the art, and may be affixed to the sleeve 102 or formed as an integrated piece with the sleeve 102.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an elevational environment side perspective view of a protective ratchet sleeve 200 in accordance with the present invention, with an exploded view.

[0027] Two sleeves 100a-b are shown in FIG. 2. Sleeve 100b is closed and sleeve 100a is open, with an exploded view of sleeve 100a.

[0028] As shown, the sleeves 100a-b are used to secure an ATV 210 to a truck 212 bed.

[0029] A strap 204 extends through the first opening 104 to be used in securing the ATV 210.

[0030] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.