AU2014200311B1

AU2014200311B1 - Device for securing a load

Info

Publication number: AU2014200311B1
Application number: AU2014200311A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Bradley John Edwards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-25
Filing date: 2014-01-17
Publication date: 2014-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-17

Abstract

H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortb\DCC\CAB\595301 8_1.doc-I16/01/2014 A device for securing a load in a transport space associated with a vehicle, including a grip section to grip onto a strap that extends across the space and a leg that projects down into the space to secure the load.

Description

H:\cabV nIcnvovcn\NRPortb\DCC\CAB\62579731.doc-29/04/2014 DEVICE FOR SECURING A LOAD RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from Australian Patent Application Number AU2013903709, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a device for securing a load in a transport space associated with a vehicle, such as a vehicle tray or trailer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A rope is conventionally used to tie down a load on a vehicle tray or trailer that has side walls and side rails. The rope is passed over the top of the load and lashed to side rails of the tray. The load is generally higher than the side walls and rails so that hold down pressure can be applied to secure the load in place. However, a problem arises when the load is lower than the side rails as no hold down pressure can be applied. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention seeks to provide a device to address the above problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a device for securing a load in a transport space associated with a vehicle, including a grip section to grip onto a strap that extends across the space and a leg that projects down into the space to secure the load, H:\cab\lntenvoven\NRPoribl\DCC\CAB\6257973_I.doc-29/04/2014 -2 wherein the grip section includes bite that locks the strap to the device, and wherein the bite includes a gripping jaw and a tongue that holds the strap in the jaw, in an offset position, so that the strap frictionally locks in the jaw when tension is applied to the strap. [0006] Preferably, the leg is telescopic for height adjustment relative to the load. [0007] Preferably, the leg includes a lateral foot to provide lateral stability to the device. Paragraphs [0008] and [0009] deleted. [0010] Preferably, the device includes a guide channel for the strap, the channel extending between two openings on opposed sides of the device. [0011] Preferably, the channel is profiled to offset the strap from a straight line path between the openings, in order to provide additional grip onto the strap when the strap is tensioned. [0012] Preferably, the device is formed of two parts, with one part carrying the guide channel and gripping jaw and the other part carrying the tongue. [0013] Preferably, the two parts are connected by a hinge coupling whereby the tongue pivots into the jaw as the parts are closed together, in order to push the strap into the jaw. [0014] Preferably, the device includes a fastener to hold the parts together. [0015] Preferably, the device includes an internal space to accommodate telescopic adjustment of the leg and a locating pin to fix the leg in position. [0016] Preferably, one of the sides of the device is profiled to provide a grip surface for applying side-ward holding force to the load.

H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\595301 8_1.doc-I16/01/2014 -3 [0017] Preferably, one of the sides of the device is angled so that the device has a triangular shape and is suitable for holding against a non-vertical load. [0018] Preferably, the two parts form a body and a lid of the device and the body includes storage the strap, hooks for the strap, a ratchet mechanism for tensioning the strap and the leg and foot, when not in use. [0019] Preferably, at least one of the parts is safety orange and/or reflective whereby the device is able to also function as a vehicle break-down warning triangle, with the foot being attached to the leg to provide lateral stability in order to hold the device in an upright and visible position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of a device securing a load in a tray; Figure 2 is a plan view of body and part of a lid of the device; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a tongue of the lid; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a fastener and locating pin of the lid; Figure 5 illustrates a hinge coupling of the device; Figure 6 shows the lid in a partially closed position; Figure 7 shows the lid in a fully closed position; H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\595301 8_1.doc-I16/01/2014 -4 Figure 8 is a perspective view of the closed device; Figure 9 shows the manner in which a strap is fitted in the body of the device; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the strap in a jaw of the body; Figure 11 is a rear view of the device, showing the tongue pushing the strap into the jaw; Figure 12 illustrates the device on a set of scales; Figure 13 shows a reading of the scales; and Figure 14 shows the device used as a vehicle break-down triangle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] Referring firstly to Figure 1, a device 1 includes a grip section 2 for locking onto a strap 3 and a telescopic leg 4 that projects from an aperture 5 of the device 1 onto a base 6 of a trailer tray 7. [0022] The strap 3 is shown attached to a side rail 8 of the tray 7 by a hook 9 and the strap 3 is tensioned across the tray 7, between opposite side walls 10, in order to provide a downward force and hold the leg 4 in position against the base 6 of the tray 7. [0023] One side 11 of the device 1 is profiled, such as with lugs 12, that provide a grip surface 13 for applying side-ward holding force to a load 14, which in this case is in the form of a collection of pipes 15. The pipes 15 are thereby held against the side wall 10 of the tray 7 and prevented from rolling around the tray 7.

H:\cab\Introvn\NRPortb\DCC\CAB\595301 8_l.doc-I16/01/2014 -5 [0024] The opposite side 16 of the device 1 is angled so that the device 1 has a triangular shape suitable for holding against a non-vertical load. [0025] The device 1 is formed of two parts 17, 18, being a body 19 and a lid 20, and a fastener 21 is used to secure the parts 17, 18 together. [0026] Referring to Figure 2, the body 19 includes a storage space 22 for the strap 3, hooks 9 and a ratchet mechanism 23 for tensioning the strap 3. An internal space 24 is also provided for the leg 4, when not in use. The space 24 also accommodates telescopic adjustment of the leg 4. [0027] The storage space 22 fits a foot 25 that attaches to the leg 4 in a lateral orientation, in order to provide lateral stability to the device 1. The foot 25 may be formed of a steel bar cross piece, for strength, and may be overmoulded with plastic to minimize any damage by the foot being placed on loads or surfaces that are subject to scratching or the like. [0028] The body 19 includes a guide channel 26 that forms part of the grip section 2 of the device 1. The guide channel 26 extends between two openings 27 in opposed sides 11, 16 of the device 1. The channel 26 is profiled, with a straight portion 28 that runs parallel to a top edge 29 of the body 19 and two ramped portions 30 near the openings 27. The ramped portions 30 serve to offset the strap 3 from a straight line between the openings 27 whereby to grip against the strap 3 when the strap 3 is placed in tension. [0029] The guide channel 26 passes through a jaw 31 of a bite 32 that is used as the main mechanism of the grip section 2 gripping the strap 3. The jaw 31 has two edges 33 to lock against the strap 3 when the strap 3 is pressed up into the jaw 31 by a tongue 34 of the lid 20. The bite 32 has a window 35 that can be used to check if the strap 3 is properly engaged. [0030] Figure 2 also shows the leg 4 as having adjustment holes 36 that align with and H:\cab\ntrovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\595301 8_1.doc-I16/01/2014 -6 receive pins 37 that are carried by the lid 20. When the lid 20 is fitted onto the body 19, the pins 37 will locate in the associated holes 35, in order to fix the leg 4 at a required telescoped position, at which time the fastener 21 can be screwed into a receiving bore 37, in order to lock the lid 20 to the body 19. [0031] Referring now to Figure 3, the tongue 34 is shown as being welded to the lid 20, although the tongue 34 can take any other suitable form and be integrally constructed with the lid 20 or attached by some other means. [0032] Referring to Figure 4, the fastener 21 is shown as being a threaded bolt 38 with a turn knob 39. However, any other type or form or fastener 21 may be used to secure the lid 20 in place, as required. The locating pins 37 are also shown as threaded bolts 40 but, again, any form of locating pin or lug may be used. [0033] Turning now to Figure 5, the lid 20 and body 19 are connected along the top edge 29 of the body 19 by a hinge coupling 41 that includes tabs 42 that project from the top edge 29 and hook connectors 43 that fit over the tabs 42. [0034] Figure 6 shows the lid 20 in a partially closed position, pivoting around the hinge coupling 41 while Figure 7 shows the lid 20 in a fully closed position, where side flanges 44 of the lid 20 fit over the body 19. In that position, the knob 39 can be turned to lock the lid 20 to the body 19. [0035] Referring to Figure 8, the device 1 is in a closed condition where the lid 20 is secured in place and tongue 34 of the lid 20 is pressed up into the jaw 31 of the body 19, as can be seen through the window 35. [0036] Figure 9 illustrates the manner in which the strap 3 is loaded into the body 19. The strap 3 is fitted sideways into the guide channel 26 so that the strap 3 passes through each opening 27 and then travels internally through the guide channel 26 and past the jaw 31 of the bite 32.

H:\cab\ntrovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\595301 8_l.doc-I16/01/2014 -7 [0037] Figure 10 shows the positioning of the strap 3 adjacent the edges 33 of the jaw 31. A part 45 of the guide channel 26 is removed at that location to allow the tongue 34 of the lid 20 to pivot up from underneath the strap 3 as the lid 20 is hinged closed, in order to force the strap 3 into the bite 32. [0038] The positioning of the tongue 34, in which the strap 3 is offset into the bite 32, is clearly shown in Figure 11. [0039] Referring now to Figure 12, the device 1 is shown with the leg 4 extended down into the trailer tray 7, between the walls 10. The tongue 34 of the lid 20 is pressed up into the bite 32 so that the grip section 2 securely clamps the device 1 to the strap 3. For illustrative purposes, the device 1 is shown holding down a board 46, on the base 6 of the tray 7, although any other form of load could instead be held in place by the device 1. [0040] The lateral foot 25 is also clearly shown, extending transversely of the device 1 to provide lateral support and prevent the device 1 from tipping sideways. [0041] The foot 25 is held against a set of scales 47 and the ratchet strap 3 is shown in tension, to apply hold down force to the scales 47. [0042] As viewed in Figure 13, the scales 47, in this example, read 60kgs of weight force. If more weight force is needed, a larger gauge device 1 and strap 3 could be used. Alternatively, an additional device 1 could be employed and tensioned by an additional strap 3 to increase the loading. [0043] As shown in Figure 14, another use of the device 1 is as a vehicle break-down triangle 48. For that purpose, the device 1 may be rested on one of the sides 11, 16 and the foot 25 attached to the leg 4, in order to provide lateral support so the device 1 stays in an upright and visible position. The body 19 and/or lid 20 are preferably safety orange in colour and/or covered with reflective material, as required.

H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortb\DCC\CAB\595301 8_l.doc-I16/01/2014 [0044] The device 1 has been described as being formed of a body 19 and a lid 20, however, the device 1 could equally be manufactured as a unitary structure and/or possibly moulded of suitable plastics provided strength characteristics are satisfied. The device 1 may otherwise be formed of fabricated steel or pressed metal construction and may be of any suitable shape, other than triangular. Also, the guide channel 26 and bite 32 have been described as only one example implementation of a mechanism suitable for gripping the strap 3 and other forms of grip section 2 may be employed, as appropriate. [0045] Lastly, the invention has been described with reference to the grip section 2 gripping a strap. Reference to a strap should be read as a reference to any other form of suitable rope, chain or tether for holding down a load.

H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\595301 8_1.doc-I16/01/2014 -9 LIST OF PARTS 1. Device 2. Grip section 3. Strap 4. Leg 5. Aperture 6. Base 7. Tray 8. Side rail 9. Hook 10. Wall 11. Side 12. Lugs 13. Grip surface 14. Load 15. Pipes 16. Side 17. Part 18. Part 19. Body 20. Lid 21. 22. Storage space 23. Ratchet mechanism 24. Internal space 25. Foot 26. Guide channel 27. Opening 28. Straight portion 29. Top edge H:\cab\Interwoven\NRPortbI\DCC\CAB\595301 8_I.doc- 16/01/2014 - 10 30. Ramped portions 31. Jaw 32. Bite 33. Edge 34. Tongue 35. Window 36. Holes 37. Pin 38. Bolt 39. Knob 40. Bolts 41. Hinge coupling 42. Tabs 43. Hook connectors 44. Side flanges 45. Part 46. Board 47. Scales 48. Break-down triangle

Claims

1. A device for securing a load in a transport space associated with a vehicle, including a grip section to grip onto a strap that extends across the space and a leg that projects down into the space to secure the load, wherein the grip section includes bite that locks the strap to the device, and wherein the bite includes a gripping jaw and a tongue that holds the strap in the jaw, in an offset position, so that the strap frictionally locks in the jaw when tension is applied to the strap.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the leg is telescopic for height adjustment relative to the load.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the leg has a lateral foot attachment to provide lateral stability to the device.

4. The device of claim 1, further including a guide channel for the strap, the channel extending between two openings on opposed sides of the device.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the channel is profiled to offset the strap from a straight line path between the openings, in order to provide additional grip onto the strap when the strap is tensioned.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the device is formed of two parts, with one part carrying the guide channel and gripping jaw and the other part carrying the tongue.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the two parts are connected by a hinge coupling whereby the tongue pivots into the jaw as the parts are closed together, in order to push the strap into the jaw.

8. The device of claim 7, further including a fastening screw to hold the parts H:\cab\lntenvov'en\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\6257973.dc-29/04/20|4 -12 together.

9. The device of claim 1, further including an internal space to accommodate telescopic adjustment of the leg and a locating pin to fix the leg in position.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the sides of the device is profiled to provide a grip surface for applying side-ward holding force to the load.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the sides of the device is angled so that the device has a triangular shape and is suitable for holding against a non-vertical load.

12. The device of claim 3, formed of a body and a lid, wherein the body includes storage for the strap, hooks for the strap, a ratchet mechanism for tensioning the strap and the leg and foot, when not in use.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the body or lid is safety orange and/or reflective whereby the device is able to also function as a vehicle break-down warning triangle, with the foot being attached to the leg to provide lateral stability in order to hold the device in an upright and visible position.