GB2474868A

GB2474868A - Safety device for load restraints on vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2474868A
Application number: GB0918943A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Karl Rae Jarvis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-29
Filing date: 2009-10-29
Publication date: 2011-05-04
Also published as: GB0918943D0

Abstract

A safety device for load restraints used to secure a load in position on a vehicle and alert an individual if a load restraint is not adapted properly to secure the load. The device comprises at least one detector 2 for detecting loss of tension in a secured load restraint and a signaling device 30 for alerting an individual to the tension loss. The detector 2 may comprise a first element 4 and a second element 38, between which is a switch 16. The first element 4 is adapted to be fastened to the secured load restraint and the second element 38 is adapted to be fastened in a first position a first distance from the first element so that the switch 16 is held open in the first position and becomes closed when the first element 4 and the second element 38 move towards one another closing the switch 16 and causing the signaling device 30 to actuate.

Description

SAFETY DEVICE FOR LOAD RESTRAINTS ON VEHICLES

The present invention relates to a safety device for load restraints used to secure a load in position on a vehicle and in particular to a safety device for alerting an individual in the event that a load restraint may no longer be adapted properly to secure the load in position.

It is known to provide load restraints, typically in the form of strapping, to secure goods for transport on the load beds of transport vehicles such as trucks. Many devices, such as those incorporating ratchet mechanisms, are known for tightening the load restraints to an operating tension in which they are taut but not over tensioned. This is to prevent the load restraints from being damaged by being tensioned beyond their operating range.

For some goods, the tension introduced when securing the load does not always result in the optimum packing of the goods. One example is the securing of loads of tubular piping, which when loaded onto a vehicle may not necessarily be loaded in the optimum packing configuration. Another would be loading of bar like materials in which small lateral gaps between the bars will tend to occur. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The load restraints will nevertheless be tightened around this non-optimum configuration, but tightening does not of itself move the load towards adopting the optimum packing configuration. In some cases, there is a further concern that while the load restraint should be tightened to hold the load in place, there is a relatively small window before further tensioning of the load restraint beyond that needed to hold the goods in place may lead to damage of the goods.

The load restraint will typically be tightened using a ratchet mechanism and then secured in position prior to transport of the goods. However, as the vehicle is driven, either due to the natural vibrations of the vehicle or due to sudden vibration (such as when a road vehicle encounters a pot hole or mounts a kerb) the load may tend to settle towards the optimum load configuration within the region defined by the load restraint. This will then result in the load restraints developing a degree of slack and being in lower tension than needed properly to secure the load in place.

When the vehicle turns or encounters another sudden vibration the load may then be displaced in a manner that causes shedding of the load -a clearly undesirable occurrence.

It will be appreciated that the transport of goods by water going vehicles or air transport vehicles will also be subject to settling due to vibrations encountered during transport.

It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides notice to an individual, for example the driver of a road vehicle, that the load restraint means may no longer be sufficiently tensioned to secure the load properly.

This means that remedial action can be taken -for example the driver can pull over to re-tension the load restraints or take additional care when driving until such time as it is safe to pull over to re-tension the load restraints, before the load becomes loosed from its restraints.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a safety device for a secured load restraint comprises at least one detector for detecting a loss of tension in a load restraint and a signalling device for alerting an individual to the detected loss of tension.

Preferably, the or each detector comprises a first element, a second element, and a switch between the first element and second element the first element adapted to be fastened to the secured load restraint and the second element adapted to be fastened in a first position a first distance from the first element such that the switch is held open in the first position and becomes closed when the first element and the second element move towards one another by a second distance to assume a second position relative to one another, closing of the switch causing the signalling device to actuate.

Preferably the signalling device comprises i) a transmitting device to transmit a signal when the signalling device is actuated, and ii) a receiving device to receive the signal and provide an alert indicative of the loss of tension in the load restraint.

Preferably the safety device comprises a plurality of detectors, each to be fastened to a different secured load restraint and each adapted to generate a signal characteristic of a one of the plurality of detectors.

Preferably, the safety device comprises a power supply for the transmitting device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of detecting a loss of tension in a load restraint securing a load to a vehicle and alerting an individual to the detected loss of tension comprises the steps of securing a load using a load restraint securing a detector comprising a first element, a second element, and a switch between the first element and second element, by fastening the first element to the secured load restraint, and fastening the second element in a first position a first distance from the first element such that the switch is held open in the first position and becomes closed when the first element and the second element move towards one another by a second distance to assume a second position relative to one another, closing of the switch causing a signalling device to actuate Preferably the signalling device communicates a signal to a receiver remote from the detector.

Preferably the receiver is within the vehicle in a vicinity of a driver of the vehicle. More preferably, an additional receiver is provided remote from the vehicle.

Alternatively the receiver is remote from the vehicle.

Preferably, the receiver on receipt of the signal provides an audible alert, a visible alert or both.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a section of a detector for use in a safety device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the detector of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of an example receiver for use in the present invention.

Referring first to Figure 1 and Figure 2, there is shown a detector 2 for use in a safety device according to the present invention. The detector 2 comprises a first element in the form of a housing 4. Within the housing 4 are a number of elements. A push rod 6 is supported for sliding axial movement with respect to the housing 4. The push rod 6 extends through a first wall 8 of the housing 4. The push rod 6 is provided within the housing 4 with a radial extending part, preferably a radially extending flange 10 extending around a circumference of the push rod 6. During assembly biasing means such as a spring, and in particular a helical spring 12, is introduced between the first wall 8 of the housing 4 and the flange 10, to urge the flange 10 away from the first wall 8 of the housing 4, such that a first end 14 of the push rod 6 is urged into contact with a switch 16 located on an internal web 18 provided within the housing 4 so as to close the switch 16. The web 18 preferably, but need not, divide the housing 4 into first and second enclosures 20, 22.

In a rest position the switch 16 is closed by the action of the push rod 6 due to the action of the biasing means. The switch 16 forms part of a circuit with a power supply 24, a second switch 26, visual signalling means 28 and a transmitter 30. Preferably, the elements of the circuit are all retained within the second enclosure 22. Conveniently, the second enclosure 22 is sealable from the surrounding environment to provide protection for the electrical components. The second enclosure 22 may be provided with a resealable access panel to enable checking and maintenance of the electrical components, for example to enable replacement of the power supply 24.

The power supply 24 may take the form of a replaceable battery. The second switch 26 is preferably a three position switch. The visual signalling means 28 is preferably an LED visible from a front of the housing. The transmitter 30 may use any suitable communication medium such as a Bluetooth, RF or other communication means suitable for transmitting a signal over the required distance.

The housing 4 is further provided with a first securing means 32.

Load restraints may take a variety of forms. Commonly a load restraint takes the form of a strap for example of woven plastics material such as polypropylene. However other load restraints such as ropes and chains are also commonly used.

Preferably, the housing 4 is secured to a first point on a secured load restraint, by any suitable securing means 32 for example by a toothed clasp, one limb of which is securely attached to a rear surface of the housing 4. A toothed clasp is particularly advantageous where the load restraint is a woven strap. It will be understood that other appropriate securing means may be used if the load restraint takes another form.

The housing 4 is secured in such a manner so as not to slip in relation to the first point. Preferably, the housing 4 is releasably secured to the load restraint such that the detector 2 can for example be re-used with a different load restraint when transporting a subsequent load. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the housing 4 is permanently secured to the load restraint to ensure that the housing does not move with respect to the load restraint.

Alternatively the housing 4 may be secured to the same fixing point as the secured load restraint, for example a fixed point on the vehicle.

A second end 34 of the push rod 6 is secured by any suitable means to a first end 36 of a flexible inelastic tether 38. The second end 40 of the tether 38 is provided with a fastening means 42. Preferably the fastening means 42 is in the form of a toothed clasp that will remain attached to a desired point on the load restraint without slippage. A toothed clasp is particularly advantageous where the load restraint is a woven strap. It will be understood that other appropriate fastening means may be used if the load restraint takes another form.

Preferably the inelastic tether 38 comprises a nylon cord, though any suitable material may be used.

In use the housing 4 is secured in position. The second end 40 of the tether 38 is pulled tight and fastened in position on the secured load restraint using fastening means 42. In this first position the switch 16 is open.

One advantage of securing the device to a load restraint once the load restraint has been secured in position is that a user can judge the best place to site the device, for example so that the device is not impeded by the load being secured by the load restraint or other obstacles that might hinder the proper working of the device.

Should the secured load restraint remain secured, that is there is no settling of the load, the relative separation (or first distance) between the securing means 32 and the fastening means 42 (and thus the first end 14 of the push rod 6 and the switch 16) will remain relatively constant. However, if there is sufficient settling of the load the load restraint will become slackened allowing the tether 38 to be drawn in by the biased push rod 6 and for the switch 16 to be closed when the first end 34 of the push rod 6 moves a sufficient distance (a second distance) to close the switch 16.

It will be appreciated that the extent (the second distance) to which the push rod 6 is drawn back by the tether 38 will determine the amount by which the secured load restraint may slacken before the switch 16 is closed.

When the three way switch 26 is in a first position, the LED 28 will indicate the condition of the power supply 24. If the LED 28 does not light, the user should replace the power supply 24. When the three way switch is in a second position the power supply 24 is disconnected. When the switch 26 is in the third position, the detector 2 will be armed, such that if the biased push rod 6 is not withdrawn the transmitter 30 will transmit a signal and the LED 28 will light. The LED 28 will then provide a visual indication that the load restraint means may no longer be sufficiently tensioned to secure the load properly.

An example receiver 50 is shown in Figure 3. This receiver 50 may conveniently be mounted within a passenger cell of the vehicle where it may be noticed by a driver of the vehicle. The receiver 50 is provided with an on/off switch 52 to actuate the receiver 50, a plurality of visual indicators 54 (such as LED5) and an audio indicator 56 such as a buzzer or other audible alarm.

Preferably the receiver 50 is used together with a number of detectors 2.

Conveniently each detector 2 is adapted to issue its own characteristic signal.

This has as an advantage that a signal from a specific detector 2 will cause a relevant one of the visual indicators 54 of the receiver 50 to signal informing the driver that action needs to be taken to re-secure the indicated load restraint or indicated load restraints at the earliest opportunity. In each case, preferably the audio indicator 56 will sound to alert the driver to inspect the visual indicators 54. Alternative visual indicators may be used for example a visual display providing a graphical indication, a numerical indication or other indication that action needs to be taken.

It will be appreciated that depending on the circumstances of use that the transmitter 30 may also send the signal to an individual other than the driver of the vehicle, as well as or instead of the driver of the vehicle. If the individual is not the driver of the vehicle, the receiver 50 may provide only a visual indication that a signal has been received.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A safety device for a secured load restraint comprising at least one detector for detecting a loss of tension in a load restraint and a signalling device for alerting an individual to the detected loss of tension.
2 A safety device according to claim 1, in which the or each detector comprises a first element, a second element, and a switch between the first element and second element, the first element adapted to be fastened to the secured load restraint and the second element adapted to be fastened in a first position a first distance from the first element such that the switch is open in the first position and becomes closed when the first element and the second element move towards one another by a second distance to assume a second position relative to one another, closing of the switch causing the signalling device to actuate.
3 A safety deice according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the signalling device comprises i) a transmitting device to transmit a signal when the signalling device is actuated, and ii) a receiving device to receive the signal and provide an alert indicative of the loss of tension in the load restraint.
4 A safety device according to any previous claim, comprising a plurality of detectors, each to be fastened to a different secured load restraint and each adapted to generate a signal characteristic of a one of the plurality of detectors.A safety device according to any previous claim, comprising a power supply for the transmitting device 6 A method of detecting a loss of tension in a load restraint securing a load to a vehicle and alerting an individual to the detected loss of tension comprising the steps of securing a load using a load restraint securing a detector comprising a first element, a second element, and a switch between the first element and second element the first element adapted to be fastened to the secured load restraint, the second element being fastened in a first position a first predetermined distance from the first element such that the switch is held open in the first position and becomes closed when the first element and the second element move towards one another by a second predetermined distance to assume a second position relative to one another, closing of the switch causing a signalling device to actuate 7 A method according to claim 6, in which the signalling device communicates a signal to a receiver remote from the detector.8 A method according to claim 6 or claim 7, in which the receiver is located within the vehicle in a vicinity of a driver of the vehicle.9 A method according to claim 6 or claim 7, in which the receiver is remote from the vehicle.A method according to claim 8 in which an additional receiver is provided remote from the vehicle.11 A method according to any of claims 6 to 9, in which the receiver on receipt of the signal provides an audible alert, a visible alert or both.Amended claims have been filed as follows:-CLAIMS1 A safety device for a secured load restraint comprising at least one detector for detecting a loss of tension in a secured load restraint and a signalling device for alerting an individual to the detected loss of tension, in which the or each detector comprises a first element, a second element, and a switch between the first element and second element, the first element adapted to be fastened to the secured load restraint and the second element adapted to be fastened in a first position a first distance from the first element such that the switch is open in the first position and becomes closed when the first element and the second element move towards one another by a second distance to assume a second position relative to one another, closing of the switch causing the C" signalling device to actuate.2 A safety device according to claim 1, in which the signalling device comprises i) a transmitting device to transmit a signal when the signalling device is actuated, and ii) a receiving device to receive the signal and provide an alert indicative of the loss of tension in the load restraint.3 A safety device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a plurality of detectors, each to be fastened to a different secured load restraint.4 A safety device according to claim 3, in which each detector is adapted to generate a signal characteristic of a one of the plurality of detectors.A safety device according to any previous Claim, comprising a power supply for the transmitting device.6 A safety device according to any previous claim, in which the detector is adapted to generate an audible alert, a visible alert or both.7 A method of detecting a loss of tension in a load restraint securing a load to a vehicle and alerting an individual to the detected loss of tension comprising the steps of securing a load using a load restraint securing a detector comprising a first element, a second element, and a switch between the first element and second element, by fastening the first element to the secured load restraint, and by fastening the second element in a first position a first distance from the first element such that the switch is held open in the first position and becomes closed when the first element and the second element move towards one another by a second distance to assume a second position relative to one another, closing of the switch causing a signalling device to actuate.8 A method according to claim 7, in which the signalling device communicates a signal to a receiver remote from the detector.9 A method according to claim 6 or claim 7, in which the receiver is located within the vehicle in a vicinity of a driver of the vehicle.A method according to claim 8, in which the receiver is remote from the vehicle.11 A method according to claim 9 in which an additional receiver is provided remote from the vehicle.12 A method according to any of claims 8 to 10, in which the receiver on receipt of the signal provides an audible alert, a visible alert or both.13 A method according to any previous claim in which the detector is 0 adapted to generate an audible alert, a visible alert or both. a) (\J