US Patent 7503546 Light weight strap winder

A strap winder includes a base having a first strap end connecting structure; a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted in the base and having a second strap end connecting structure; and a handle pivotably mounted to the base and preferably engaging the ratchet member so that pivot of the handle in an opening movement, wherein the handle is moved away from the base, does not rotate the ratchet wheel, and wherein pivot of the handle in a closing movement, wherein the handle is moved toward the base, rotates the ratchet wheel. The strap winder is preferably made at least partially from plastic, and has characteristics which facilitate injection molding.