Latching over-center type load binder

Claim 1

An over-center type latching load binder comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portion at one end thereof and a manually graspable handle portion at the other end thereof, B. a first clevis member pivotally connected with said lever adjacent said one end thereof, including 1. structure thereon for operatively connecting said binder to a first load hold down element, C. a second clevis member operably connected with said lever and movable between predetermined positions along said offset portion, whereby variable mechanical advantage features are imparted to said binder as the same is moved between an open or load unbinding position and a closed or load binding position, said second clevis member including 1. structure therein for operatively connecting said binder to a second load hold-down element; D. said lever having a curved bearing surface in said offset portion thereof over which said second clevis member rides during load binding and unbinding, E. a pin operatively connecting said second clevis member with said lever which is ridable over said bearing surface thereon as said lever moves between said load unbinding and binding positions, F. latching structure on said first clevis member with which said pin is engageable as said lever is moved into the deadcenter position during load binding, and G. means on said lever engageable with said pin to positively urge the same from engagement with said latching structure when said lever is moved from said load binding position toward said load unbinding position, 1. said means comprising a tongue at the end of said lever which is opposite said handle portion, 2. said tongue normally being spaced from said pin when said pin is engaged with said latching structure so that said lever may be moved a substantial distance from said load binding position toward said load unbinding position before said tongue engages said pin to positively urge said pin out of engagement with said latching structure.