AU2012315497A1 - Restraint apparatus and system for securing loaded packs - Google Patents

Abstract

A restraint apparatus and system for securing loaded packs in an upper pack layer and an underlying lower pack layer that is securable with a load binder. The apparatus comprises a clamp member that is adapted for receiving the load binder, with the clamp member able to be arranged at a pack of the lower layer and secured thereto by the load binder. The apparatus also comprises a stop member extending upwardly from the clamp member whereby, in use, the stop member can resist lateral displacement of a pack of the upper layer with respect to an underlying pack of the lower layer. The restraint apparatus is further provided with a tie restrainer for securing the load binder between the tie restrainer and the clamp.

Description

1 RESTRAINT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR SECURING LOADED PACKS Technical Field 5 A restraint apparatus and a system for securing stacked layers of loaded packs are disclosed. Particularly, though not exclusively, a restraint apparatus is disclosed for preventing one or more packs from falling from a flat bed when being unloaded by a forklift truck or a crane. 10 Background Long low density products, such as pipe and tubular sections, are transported from site to site on flat beds of trucks, trailers, or rail cars. The long low density products may be bundled together in packs containing e.g. 4 to 100 products in stacked layers (such 15 as in a 2 x 2 to 10 x 10 configuration) depending on the profile of the long low density product. The packs are then loaded onto the flat bed by forklift or crane in longitudinal alignment with the flat bed. Several packs may be positioned in adjacent proximity in a layer, and then further packs may be stacked in an overlying layer, and so on. 20 Each layer of loaded packs may be secured to the flat bed with at least one respective load binder (e.g. strap) which is attached to a fixed point, such as a tarp rail, with suitable end fittings. Dunnage is also generally positioned between each layer of loaded packs to space the layers from one another. The dunnage may comprise a plurality of 75 mm thick wooden slats laterally disposed across the layer at regular 25 intervals. Spacing the layers of loaded packs from one another minimises damage and also provides a space between the layers into which the tines of a forklift may be inserted to facilitate loading and unloading. On unloading, the load binder of the uppermost layer is loosened first and a forklift or 30 crane is then used to progressively unload it and subsequent packs in the layer. The forklift can approach the flat bed from one side and position its tines underneath a pack in the uppermost layer in the space between adjacent layers, lift and withdraw the pack from the layer, and then transport the pack from the flat bed to a desired location at the site. Adjacent packs in the layer are similarly unloaded until the entire layer of packs 35 has been removed from the flat bed. The dunnage is then removed and the load binder of the underlying layer of packs is loosened and the unloading process continues in a similar fashion.

2 There is continuing concern in regard to safety in the vicinity of the flat bed when it undergoes unloading as described above. Whilst the greatest of care is generally taken to insert the tines in the spacing between layers of loaded packs, positioning 5 errors inevitably occur. For example, the tines may contact the pack in a manner whereby the pack is caused to shift horizontally towards an adjacent pack in the layer and initiate a 'domino effect', so that an end pack on an opposing side of the flat bed is pushed or rolled to an extent that the end pack is caused to fall from the flat bed. 10 Similar positioning errors are also possible when a crane is used to unload the packs. In view of this hazard, an exclusion zone may be provided around the flat bed during unloading. 15 To prevent end packs falling off the opposing side of the flat bed from which the fork lift is unloading, two forklifts can be employed to unload the flat bed from opposing sides. However, this requires additional coordination and adds cost as a result of the two forklifts. 20 Side posts or a frame may be disposed on the opposing sides of the flat bed, but such posts or frames require space and can provide an obstacle to unloading at that side. For example, the packs are sometimes lifted up and over the height of the side posts during unloading, which can comprise a safety hazard in itself. 25 The above references to background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the apparatus and system as disclosed herein. 30 Summary Generally, a restraint apparatus and system for securing loaded packs are disclosed. In this regard, a restraint apparatus is disclosed. The restraint apparatus can be used 35 with loaded packs comprising an upper pack layer and an underlying lower pack layer that is securable with a load binder. Such packs may, for example, be located on a flat bed of a vehicle (such as on a truck) although it should be understood that the 3 apparatus is not limited to such an application. Such packs may also comprise more than two layers, with the apparatus being suitable for use with multiple of those layers. Also, each layer may comprise a single pack or may define a row of multiple packs. 5 The restraint apparatus comprises a clamp member that is adapted for receiving the load binder. The clamp member is able to be arranged at a pack of the lower layer (e.g. at an outside or end pack, such as at one side of a row of packs that is opposite to where pack(s) are being unloaded). The clamp member can be secured thereto by the load binder. 10 The restraint apparatus also comprises a stop member extending upwardly from the clamp member. In use, the stop member can resist lateral displacement of a pack of the upper layer with respect to an underlying pack of the lower layer. 15 For example, if the upper layer pack is shunted laterally, relative to the lower layer pack, such as by the tines of a forklift, etc, the stop member can resist that displacement and may, for example, prevent the upper layer pack from falling off the lower layer pack. Thus, a second fork lift may be eliminated, as may the use of posts or frames. 20 Such an apparatus can be supplied as a unit and may be highly portable, easy to handle, and easy to deploy. One such unit may be used with each load binder. In one embodiment the clamp member may comprise a laterally extending portion and 25 a downwardly extending portion. This can, for example, allow the clamp member to be secured at a corner of a pack (e.g. the outside or end pack at the opposing side of the row of packs). In this regard, an underside of the laterally extending portion and an inside of the downwardly extending portion may be adapted, in use, for location against and for engagement with a corner of the lower layer pack. 30 In one embodiment the adaptation of the clamp member for receiving the load binder may comprise a guide channel. The load binder may thus be received in the guide channel in use to secure the clamp member to the lower layer pack. 35 In one embodiment the guide channel may comprise a lateral part that has a proximal end and a distal end. The lateral part may be arranged to extend in alignment with the laterally extending portion of the clamp member.

4 The guide channel may further comprise a skirt part that inclines downwardly from the proximal end of the guide channel lateral part. Thus, the load binder (e.g. strap, tie, band, etc) may extend along and across the guide channel lateral part and then down 5 along and across the skirt part. When, for example, the load binder is tightened, the channel can retain the load binder and the inclination can cause the clamp member to be urged against and secured to the lower layer pack (e.g. at the corner thereof). Alternatively, the clamp may be further provided with a tie restrainer disposed on the io downwardly extending portion of the clamp. Thus, the load binder may extend along and across the guide channel lateral part and then down along the downwardly extending portion of the clamp between the tie restrainer. When, for example, the load binder is tightened, the channel retains the load binder and the tie restrainer engages with the load binder and the downwardly extending portion of the clamp, thereby 15 restraining the load binder and maintaining tension on the loaded packs. In one embodiment the tie restrainer comprises an axle mounted on the downwardly extending portion of the clamp, a restraining element in the form of a rigid tongue depending from the axle, and a handle rotatable between an unlocked position and a 20 locked position, wherein the axle and the rigid tongue are rotatable with respect to the downwardly extending portion of the clamp in response to rotation of the handle from one of the unlocked or locked positions to the other position. In use, the rigid tongue engages the load binder between said rigid tongue and the downwardly extending portion of the clamp when the handle is rotated to the locked position. 25 In another embodiment, the tie restrainer comprises a wedge member housed in a cassette body mounted on the downwardly extending portion of the clamp, and a handle in the form of a cam lock handle movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the wedge member is longitudinally translatable with respect 30 to the cassette body in response to urging by the cam lock handle as the handle is moved from one of the unlocked or locked positions to the other position. In use, the wedge member engages the load binder between said wedge member and the downwardly extending portion of the clamp when the handle is moved to the locked position. 35 In a further alternative embodiment, the clamp may be further provided with a tie restrainer disposed on the laterally extending portion of the clamp. Thus, the load 5 binder may extend along and across the guide channel lateral part between the tie restrainer and the clamp. When, for example, the load binder is tightened, the channel retains the load binder and the tie restrainer engages with the load binder and the laterally extending portion of the clamp, thereby restraining the load binder and 5 maintaining tension on the loaded packs. In this embodiment, the tie restrainer may comprise a cam body housed in a cassette body mounted on the laterally extending portion of the clamp, and a handle in the form of a pull handle movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The 10 cam body may be rotatably translatable with respect to the cassette body in response to urging by the pull handle as the handle is moved from one of the unlocked or locked positions to the other position, respectively. In use, the cam body can engage the load binder between said cam body and the laterally extending portion of the clamp when the handle is moved to the locked position. 15 In one embodiment the stop member may be defined by an upright. Further, the upright may be an upward extension of the downwardly extending portion. Thus, the upright can be formed integrally with the clamp member, increasing the strength and integrity of the apparatus. 20 In an alternative embodiment, the upright may be received in an open upper end of the downwardly extending portion. In this way, the upright may be detachable from the downwardly extending portion. The upright may be received in the open upper end of the downwardly extending portion in a friction fit. Alternatively, the upright may be 25 received in the open upper end of the downwardly extending portion in a manner that allows an effective height of the upright to be telescopically adjusted. In use, a plurality of clamp members may be inserted between adjacent pack layers when the flat bed is loaded. Subsequently, when the flat bed arrives at its destination, 30 a plurality of uprights may be received in the open upper ends of respective downwardly extending portions of the previously installed clamp members prior to unloading the adjacent pack layers. In one embodiment the stop member may be provided with a height that is sufficient to 35 restrain an upper layer pack from falling off the underlying lower layer pack. For example, the stop member may be provided with a height that is from about 20% to about 80% of the height of the adjacent upper layer pack.

6 In one embodiment the restraint apparatus may further comprise a handle. This can allow the apparatus to be more easily deployed. 5 Also disclosed is a system for securing stacked loaded packs, for example, for restraining lateral movement of an upper pack layer with respect to an underlying lower pack layer. The system comprises a load binder for securing the lower pack layer with respect to a 1o support (e.g. a flat bed of a vehicle). The system also comprises a restraint apparatus as first disclosed above. Such a system can be adapted for use with stacks of loaded packs on e.g. a flat bed or 15 tray of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. Such a system can remove the requirement for a second forklift, or can replace poles and frame support structures that are employed to prevent an upper pack from falling off a lower pack. In one embodiment the system may further comprise one or more fittings for the load 20 binder to enable the load binder to be tightly secured around the lower pack layer. The one or more fittings may also enable the load binder to be attached to a fixed point (e.g. a tie bar or similar adjacent to a vehicle flat bed or tray). In one embodiment the support may comprise a flat bed of a vehicle upon which the 25 upper and lower pack layers can be located. The load binder may be adapted for being secured with respect to the flat bed. Description of the Figures 30 Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the apparatus and method as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a side view of a system for securing 35 stacked loaded packs in accordance with the disclosure; Figures 2a and 2b are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of one 7 embodiment of a restraint device in accordance with the disclosure for use in the system shown in Figure 1; Figures 3a and 3b are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of another 5 embodiment of a restraint device in accordance with the disclosure for use in the system shown in Figure 1; Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a restraint device in accordance with the disclosure; 10 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a restraint device in accordance with the disclosure; Figure 6a is a perspective view of the restraint device shown in Figure 5 shown 15 in use with a latch box assembly for restraining a load binder, where the latch box assembly is shown in an unlatched position, and Figure 6b is a perspective view of the restraint device shown in Figure 5 shown in use with said latch box assembly, where the latch box assembly is shown in a latched position; 20 Figure 7a is a perspective view of the latch box assembly of Figure 6 in the unlatched position and Figure 7b is a perspective view of the latch box assembly in a latched position; Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a handle as employed in 25 the latch box assembly of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a still further alternative embodiment of a restraint device in accordance with the disclosure; 30 Figure 10 is a perspective view of Detail C of the restraint device shown in Figure 9 with a cam lock assembly for restraining a load binder; and, Figure 11 is a perspective view of the cam lock assembly shown in Figures 9 and 10. 35 8 Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments Embodiments of a restraint apparatus and a system for securing stacked layers of loaded packs will now be described by way of example only, and with particular 5 (though not exclusive) reference to the restraining or prevention of one or more packs falling from a flat bed when being unloaded by a forklift truck or a crane. Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a partial and schematic end view of a flat bed 100 for carrying a plurality of stacked layers of packs of long low density products (e.g. io pipe, tube, RHS, SHS, channel, ducting, etc). The flat bed 100 has a first side (not shown) from which the stacked layers of packs are unloaded by forklift or crane and an opposing side 102 from which adjacently disposed packs may fall during unloading, if unsecured and if shunted, bumped, pushed, rolled or otherwise displaced laterally. 15 The term 'long low density product", as used herein, refers to elongate sections that are commonly used in the construction industry. Typical examples of long low density products include pipe and tubular sections fabricated from metallic or polymeric materials, RHS, SHS, channel, ducts, hollow beams, etc. The term 'pack' as used herein refers to a plurality of long low density products which are bound together with 20 one or more bindings or ties. The pack may, for example, contain 4 to 100 products in stacked layers (e.g. 2 x 2 to 10 x 10) depending on the profile of the long low density product. Alternatively, the pack may have a hexagonal stacking arrangement. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, an upper layer 110 of packs is stacked above a 25 lower layer 120 of packs which resides on the flat bed 100. The lower layer 120 comprises a plurality of packs 122a, 122b and so on which are arranged in adjacent proximity to one another substantially across the width of the flat bed 100 from the first side to the opposing side 102 of the flat bed 100. Similarly, the upper layer 110 comprises a plurality of packs 112a, 112b and so on which are arranged in adjacent 30 proximity to one another substantially across the width of the lower layer 120. End packs 112a and 122a are disposed adjacent the opposing end 102 of the flat bed 100. It will be appreciated that the packs 112a, 112b and 122a, 122b, within their respective upper and lower layers 110, 120, need not be identical in size or composition. For 35 example, packs 112a and 122a comprise 5 x 4 packs, whereas packs 112b and 122b comprise 3 x 2 packs. However, the height of the packs 112a, 112b and 122a, 122b may generally be similar within their respective upper and lower layers 110, 120.

9 The upper layer 110 is spaced apart from the lower layer 120 by dunnage (not shown). The dunnage may comprise a plurality of wooden beams or slats, each being approximately 75 mm thick and optionally covered with a strip of cushioning material, 5 such as rubber. The thickness of the dunnage determines a spacing or gap 130 between the upper and lower layers of packs 110, 120. The gap 130 is of a sufficient size to receive a plurality of (e.g. two) tines of a forklift truck to lift and remove a pack from the upper layer 110. io Each layer of packs can be provided with a load binder in the form of a strap or tie 140 having respective end fittings 150 to secure the layer to the flat bed 100 during transit. The strap 140 is tied to a fixed point of the flat bed 100, such as a tarp rail 160, positioned over the respective layer and tensioned with the end fittings 150. Illustrative examples of load binders include, but are not limited to, strap (e.g. of a woven 15 polymeric fibre), webbing, chains, ties, and so forth. Generally the strap 140 and end fittings 150 will be selected to have a 2.5 to 5 ton tensile rating. It will be appreciated that the load binder is loosened and removed when a layer of packs is ready to be unloaded, as is illustrated in Figure 1 with respect to the upper layer 110. 20 Figure 1 also illustrates one embodiment of a restraint apparatus in the form of a restrainer 10. The restrainer 10 includes a clamp member in the form of pack bracket 12. The bracket 12 is able to receive and support various forms of a load binder therein, such as a strap 140. The restrainer 10 also includes a stop member in the form of an upright 16 upwardly extending from the bracket 12. 25 The bracket 12 is generally L-shaped and comprises a laterally extending part 18 and a downwardly extending part 20. A lower face 22 of the laterally extending part 18 and a front face 24 of the downwardly extending part 20 are adapted, in use, to be disposed against and to engage with the end pack 122a of the lower layer 120. In 30 some embodiments, the laterally extending part 18 may be provided with a magnetised tip (not shown) to strengthen engagement of the bracket 12 with the end pack 122a, particularly when the end pack 122a includes ferrous products. Alternatively, the lower and front faces 22, 24 of the bracket 12 may be fabricated from magnetised material to strengthen engagement of the bracket 12 with the end pack 122a. 35 The bracket 12 comprises a guide channel 26 having a proximal end 26a and a distal end 26b extending in longitudinal parallel alignment with the laterally extending part 18 10 of the bracket 12, and a skirt member 28 inclined downwardly from the proximal end 26a of the guide channel 26. The upright 16 comprises an upright section 30 upwardly extending from and 5 contiguous with the downwardly extending section 20 of the bracket 12 and generally in longitudinal parallel alignment therewith. However, a front face 39 of the upright section 30 is set slightly back relative to the front face 24, and has a curved lower end, to facilitate mounting of the restrainer 10 between the packs. The upright 16 may be provided with sufficient height to restrain the adjacent end pack 112a, especially from io falling from the flat bed if the adjacent end pack 112a is shunted, bumped, pushed or rolled toward the upright 16 consequent to unloading operations on the opposing side of the flat bed 100. The upright 16 may have a height (length) from about 20% to about 80% of the height of the adjacent end pack 112a. 15 In an alternative embodiment, the upright 16 may be provided with sufficient height to restrain more than one end pack in two overlying layers. Consequently, the upright 16 may have a height (length) from about 120% to about 180% of the height of the adjacent end pack 112a. 20 The restrainer 10 may also be provided with a handle 32 for ease of lifting and manoeuvring into place. Generally, the handle 32 is provided on the downwardly extending part 20 of the bracket 12. In use, the strap 140 is loosened. The laterally extending part 18 and the guide 25 channel 26 are then inserted in the gap 130 between the upper and lower layers of packs 110, 120 to an extent where the downwardly extending part 20 contiguously abuts the end pack 122a in the lower layer 110. The loosened strap 140 is used to resecure the lower layer 110 of packs and is threaded through the guide channel 26 and passed over the skirt part 28, before being secured to the tarp rail 160 and 30 subsequently tensioned by end fittings 150. A plurality of restrainers 10 may be installed, as described above, respectively between a plurality of layers of packs for each load. A pair of spaced apart restrainers 10 can be installed for each layer, although it will be appreciated that additional restrainers 35 may be required at spaced intervals along the length of the pack, dependent upon the length of the pack. Further, the restrainers 10 may be installed on both sides of the flat bed 100 if desired.

11 The restrainers 10 may be installed progressively as the flat bed 100 is loaded with layers of packs. Loads frequently become imbalanced during transit and therefore it is advantageous to install the restrainers 10 when loading, prior to transit, to stabilise the 5 load during transit. Alternatively, the restrainers 10 may be retrospectively installed when the load has arrived at its destination, prior to unloading. One specific embodiment of the restrainer 10 is shown in Figure 2. The restrainer 10 includes a pair of spaced parallel side plates 21. Each plate 21 in this embodiment is io configured to define a generally L-shaped portion having a laterally extending part 25 and a downwardly extending part 27, and an upright 29 upwardly extending from the downwardly extending part 27. A front profile 31 of the laterally extending part 25 and the downwardly extending part 15 27 defines a right angled cut-out 33. The right angled cut-out 33 is arranged, in use, to contiguously abut an end pack of a layer in a clamping action. The front profiles 31 of the side plates 21 are interconnected at each end of the downwardly extending parts 27 by a front plate 35. The front plates 35 rigidify the 20 restrainer 10 and are also arranged, in use, to contiguously abut the end pack in the layer. A front profile 37 of the laterally extending part 25 and the upright 29 defines a shallow J-curve. The front profiles 37 of the side plates 21 are each provided with a narrow 25 front plate 39 extending along the length of the front profiles 37. The upright 29 is arranged, in use, to behave as a stop member and restrain the adjacent end pack from falling from the flat bed if the adjacent end pack is shunted, bumped, pushed or rolled toward the upright 29 consequent to unloading operations on the opposing side of the flat bed. The narrow front plates 39 provide a larger surface area with which the end 30 pack may contact. It will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, and for the purposes of rigidifying the restrainer, the front profiles 37 of the side plates 21 may be interconnected by one or more web members disposed at regular intervals along the 35 length of the front profile 37 of the upright 29, or a single front plate extending along the length of the front profile of the upright 29.

12 A rear profile 41 of the side plates 21 defines a tapered surface towards respective distal ends of the downwardly extending portion 27 and the upright 29. The restrainer 10 shown in Figures 2a and 2b also includes an elongate U-shaped 5 channel section 43 and a skirt member 45 that is adapted to receive a load binder such as a strap 140. Respective side walls 47 of the channel section 43 contiguously abut and thereby interconnect laterally extending parts 25 of the side plates 21. The channel section 43 has a distal end 49 extending in longitudinal parallel alignment with the laterally extending parts 25 and a proximal end 51 disposed adjacent to the upper 1o end of the downwardly extending parts 27. The skirt member 45 extends from the proximal end 49 of the channel section 41 in a downward inclination towards the rear profile of the side plates 21. 15 The channel section 41, the skirt member 45, the front plates 35, and the side plates 21 may be provided with lightening holes to reduce the mass of the restrainer 10. Further, the restrainer 10 may be provided with a handle 53 on one or both of the side plates 21. In Figure 2, the handle 53 is disposed on the left-hand side plate 21 but it 20 will be appreciated that it could also be disposed on the opposing side plate 21. Another specific embodiment of the restrainer 10' is shown in Figure 3. The restrainer 10' is identical with the restrainer 10 shown in Figure 2 in several aspects, except in respect to one of the side plates 21'. Accordingly, like numerals will refer to like parts 25 throughout. Restrainer 10' is provided with one side plate 21, as described with reference to Figure 2, and another side plate 21' which differs from side plate 21 in that side plate 21' is configured to define a generally L-shaped portion 23 having a laterally extending part 30 25 and a downwardly extending part 27, but no upright 29 upwardly extending from the downwardly extending part 27. Accordingly, a front profile 37' of side plate 21' is merely defined by an upper edge of the laterally extending part 25 and a rear profile 41' of side plate 21' defines a tapered 35 surface towards a distal end of the downwardly extending part 27. Another specific embodiment of the restrainer 10" is shown in Figures 4a-4c. The 13 restrainer 10" is similar to the restrainers 10, 10' shown in Figures 2 and 3 in several aspects. Accordingly, like numerals will refer to like parts throughout. The restrainer 10" includes a pair of spaced parallel side plates 21. Each plate 21 in 5 this embodiment is configured to define a generally L-shaped portion having a laterally extending part 25 and a downwardly extending part 27. The laterally extending part 25 and the downwardly extending part 27 define a right angled cut-out 33. The right angled cut-out 33 is arranged, in use, to contiguously abut an end pack of a layer in a clamping action. 10 The side plates 21 are interconnected along their length by a web plate 55 thereby defining an elongate U-shaped channel section 41' adapted to receive a load binder 140 such as a strap. The web plate 55 rigidifies the restrainer 10" and is also arranged, in use, to contiguously abut the end pack in the layer. It will be appreciated 15 that in alternative embodiments the web plate 55 may take the form of a plurality of struts disposed at regular intervals along the length of the side plates 21. In contrast to the specific embodiments described with respect to Figures 2 and 3, the restrainer 10" is not provided with a skirt member 45 and therefore, in use, the load binder 140 overlies the web plate 55 of the laterally and downwardly extending parts 25, 27 of the 20 restrainer 10". An upright 29' extends along the length of and upwardly from the downwardly extending part 27 of one of the plates 21. The upright 29' is arranged, in use, to behave as a stop member and restrain the end pack from falling from the flat bed if the 25 adjacent pack is shunted, bumped, pushed or rolled toward the upright 29' consequent to unloading operations on the opposing side of the flat bed. The restrainer 10" may be provided with a handle 53 on the upright 29'. In Figures 4a 4c, the upright 29' is disposed on the left-hand side plate 21 but it will be appreciated 30 that it could also be disposed on the opposing side plate 21. In this specific embodiment, the restrainer 10" may be further provided with a tie restrainer 57 to prevent slippage of the load binder 140 when the restrainer 10" is in use. The tie restrainer 57 includes a distal aperture 59a in one of the side plates 21, a 35 laterally aligned proximal aperture 59b in the opposing side plate 21, and a C-shaped member 61 comprising an axle 63, a lever 65, and a handle 67. The axle 63 is provided with a restraining element in the form of a rigid tongue 69.

14 The distal aperture 59a is shaped to receive a distal end 71 of the axle 63. The proximal aperture 59a is shaped to receive the distal end 71 and the restraining element 69 when the axle 63 is in a first orientation as shown in Figure 4a, whereby 5 the handle 67 is raised in respect of the axle 63. In the first orientation, the rigid tongue 69 downwardly depends from the axle 63. In use, tie restrainer 57 is employed by inserting the distal end 71 and the rigid tongue 69 of the axle 63 of the C-shaped member 61 into the proximal aperture 59b to an 10 extent whereby the distal end 71 is received in the distal aperture 59a, as shown in Figure 4b. The handle 67 may be pressed downwardly, thereby rotating the lever 67 about the axle 63 to a second orientation whereby the handle 67 may be at substantially the same height as the axle 63 or lower than the axle 63, as shown in Figure 4c. In the second orientation the rigid tongue 69 depends laterally from the axle 15 63 towards the web member 55 of the downwardly extending part 27 of the restrainer 10". The apertures 59a, 59b and the length of the rigid tongue 69 are configured such that, in use, a load binder 140 passing between the rigid tongue 69 and the web member 55 is pinched therebetween when the C-member 61 is in the second orientation, thereby securing the load binder 140 and maintaining tension on the 20 loaded packs. An alternative embodiment of the restrainer 10'" is shown in Figure 5 and is arranged, in use, to be employed with a latch box assembly 200 such as shown in Figure 6. The restrainer 10'" is similar to the restrainer 10" shown in Figures 4a-4c in several aspects 25 except that the restrainer 10'" is not provided with apertures 59a, 59b for use with C shaped member 61. Otherwise, like numerals will refer to like parts throughout. In this specific embodiment, the restrainer 10' may be provided with an inner wedge cleat 73, a pair of outer wedge cleats 75, and a pair of thrust boxes 77 arranged, in 30 use, to engage a latch box assembly 200 to prevent slippage of the load binder 140 when the restrainer 10'" is in use, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b. The inner wedge cleat 73 is disposed on the web member 55 on an uppermost end of the downwardly extending part 27 of the restrainer 10"'. The pair of outer wedge cleats 75 is disposed on opposing side plates 21 in lateral alignment with the inner wedge cleat 73. The pair 35 of thrust boxes 77 is disposed on opposing side plates 21 at or proximal to a lower end of the downwardly extending part 27 of the restrainer 10"'.

15 Referring to Figures 7a, 7b, and 8, the latch box assembly 200 includes a wedge member 210 housed in a cassette body 212, and a handle in the form of a cam lock handle 214 movable between an unlocked position 214a and a locked position 214b, wherein the wedge member 210 is longitudinally translatable with respect to the 5 cassette body 212 in response to urging by the cam lock handle 214 as the handle 214 is moved from one of the unlocked or locked positions 214a, 214b to the other. The wedge member 210 is a generally rectangular block with a distal end 216 and a proximal end 218. The distal end 216 is tapered and is arranged, in use, to engage the 10 inner and outer wedge cleats 73, 75 of restrainer 10'" in a manner whereby a load binder 140 passing over the inner wedge cleat 73 is pinched between the distal end 216 of the wedge member 210 and the inner wedge cleat 73, thereby securing the load binder 140 and maintaining tension on the loaded packs, as shown in Figure 6b, when the handle 214 is moved to the locked position 214a. The distal end 216 of the wedge 15 member 210 may be disengaged from the inner and outer wedge cleats 73, 75 when the handle 214 is moved to the unlocked position 214b. The wedge member 210 is provided with a pair of opposing grooves 220 longitudinally extending along respective opposing sides 222 of the wedge member 210. Each 20 groove 220 is configured to receive a complementary shaped ridge 224 provided on opposing side walls 226 of the cassette body 212. The ridges 224 retain the wedge member 210 within the cassette body 212 and guide the translation of the wedge member 210 in a longitudinal direction with respect to the cassette body 212. 25 The proximal end 218 of the wedge member 210 has a recess or aperture 228 therein configured to receive a lug 230 provided on the handle 214. The lug 230 is configured on the handle 214 to engage the wedge member 210 and urge the wedge member 210 to longitudinally translate when the handle 214 is moved from one of the unlocked or locked positions 214a, 214b to the other. 30 The wedge member 210 may also be provided with a centrally disposed longitudinal recess 232. The recess 232 is configured to receive a ram 234 in the form of a hydraulic or a pneumatic ram. The ram 234 may be employed to also urge the wedge member 210 to longitudinally translate with respect to the cassette body 212, as will be 35 described below. The cassette body 212 includes a generally rectangular plate 236 with longitudinally 16 extending opposing side walls 226, thereby defining a channel in which the wedge member 210 is received. The cassette body 212 is open at its upper end 238 to allow the wedge member 210 to protrude therefrom. The cassette body 212 is also open at is lower end 240 to allow freedom of movement for the handle 214. In this particular 5 embodiment the cassette body 212 is provided with a cover plate 242 in opposing relationship to the rectangular plate 236. Side walls 226 of the cassette body 212 are provided with respective ridges 224 which extend longitudinally along at least a portion of the side walls 226. As described above io the ridges 224 retain the wedge member 210 within the cassette body 212 and guide the translation of the wedge member 210 in a longitudinal direction with respect to the cassette body 212. Proximal to the lower end 240 of the cassette body 212, the side walls 226 are 15 provided with laterally aligned recesses 244 configured to receive opposing ends of an axle 246 of the handle 214. A respective retaining plate 248 may additionally be provided and fixed to each side wall 226 to retain the axle 246 in the recesses 244 of the side walls 226 of the cassette body 212. 20 Also proximal to the lower end 240 of the cassette body 212, the rectangular plate 236 is provided with an aperture 250 which underlies, in use, the aperture 228 of the wedge member 210. The lug 230 may also be configured to engage the rectangular plate 236 and urge the cassette body 212 to longitudinally translate when the handle 214 is moved from one of the unlocked or locked positions 214a, 214b to the other. 25 Opposing side walls 226 of the cassette body 212 may also be provided with a cross bar 252 therebetween to which a fixed end of the ram 234 may be fixed by means of a bracket 254. The opposing movable end of the ram 234 may be fixed to the wedge member 210 by a bracket 256. The cross bar 252 does not extend to the rectangular 30 plate 236 of the cassette body 212 and defines a gap between the cross bar 252 and the rectangular plate 236. The proximal end 216 of the wedge member 210 extends between the gap and to the lower end 240 of the cassette body 212 by virtue of a narrowed cut out portion 216a. Accordingly, longitudinal movement of the wedge member 210 within the cassette body 212 is unrestricted by the cross bar 252.. 35 The handle 214 is movable between the unlocked position 214a in which the handle 214 is disposed in parallel longitudinal alignment with the cassette body 212 and the 17 locked position 214b in which the handle 214 outwardly extends from the cassette body 212. The handle 214 is coupled to opposing side walls 222 of the cassette body 212 by engaging opposing ends of the axle 246 with laterally aligned recesses 244. It will be appreciated that handle 214 is movable between the unlocked and locked 5 positions 214a, 21b by rotating the handle 214 about its axle 246. The lug 230 extends from the axle 246 in an opposing direction to the handle 214 so that rotation of the handle 214 about the axle 246 will cause the lug 230 to move in an opposite direction. Therefore, the lug 230 is caused to move upwardly when the io handle 214 is moved downwardly to the locked position 214b. In use, the lug 230 is engaged in the recess 228 of the wedge member 210 and the underlying aperture 250 of the rectangular plate 236 of the cassette body 212, so that both the wedge member 210 and the cassette body 212 are urged upwardly by the lug 230 when the handle 214 is moved downwardly to the locked position 214b. 15 Additionally, a pair of cams 258 is disposed on the axle 246 on either side of the handle 214. In use, the cams 258 engage respective thrust boxes 77. The cams 258 bear against the thrust boxes 77 and effectively cause the cassette body 212 to rise upwardly when the handle 214 is moved downwardly to the locked position 214b. 20 In this way, the wedge member 210 is forced upwardly to engage the inner and outer wedge cleats 73, 75 of restrainer 10' in a manner whereby a load binder 140 passing over the inner wedge cleat 73 is pinched between the distal end 216 of the wedge member 210 and the inner wedge cleat 73, thereby securing the load binder 140 and 25 maintaining tension on the loaded packs, as shown in Figure 6b, when the handle 214 is moved to the locked position 214a. The distal end 216 of the wedge member 210 may be disengaged from the inner and outer wedge cleats 73, 75 when the handle 214 is moved to the unlocked position 214b. 30 An alternative embodiment of the restrainer 10 '" is shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11 and is arranged, in use, to be employed with a cam lock assembly 300. The restrainer 10 'v is similar to the restrainers 10" and 10'" shown in Figures 4a-4c, 5, 6a and 6b in several aspects except that the restrainer 10'" is not provided with apertures 59a, 59b for use with C-shaped member 61; nor is restrainer 10'" provided with inner wedge 35 cleat 73, a pair of outer wedge cleats 75, and a pair of thrust boxes 77. Otherwise, like numerals will refer to like parts throughout.

18 In this specific embodiment, the restrainer 10 'v may be configured for use with hexagonal-shaped packs. Accordingly, the restrainer 10'" can include a pair of spaced parallel side plates 21 that define a laterally extending part 25, a downwardly extending part 27, and a downwardly inclined skirt 45' disposed therebetween. The side plates 5 21 are interconnected along their length by a web plate 55 thereby defining an elongate U-shaped channel section 41' adapted to receive a load binder 140 such as a strap. As described previously, the web plate 55 rigidifies the restrainer 10'" and is also arranged, in use, to contiguously abut the end pack in the hexagonal-packed layer. io The parallel side plates 21 of the laterally extending part 25 are provided with a pair of distal cut outs 79 and a pair of proximal cut outs 81 arranged, in use, to engage a cam lock assembly 300 to prevent slippage of the load binder 140 when the restrainer 10'" is in use, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. 15 As shown in each of Figures 9, 10 and 11, the cam lock assembly 300 includes a cam lock 302 housed in a cassette body 304, and a handle in the form of a pull handle 306 movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The cam lock 302 is rotatably operable with respect to the cassette body 304 in response to urging by the pull handle 306 as the pull handle 306 is moved from one of the unlocked or locked 20 positions to the other. The cassette body 304 includes a generally rectangular plate 308 with longitudinally extending opposing side walls 310. The rectangular plate 308 and the longitudinally extending opposing side walls 310 are generally sized marginally narrower than the 25 parallel side plates 21 of the laterally extending part 25 such that the cassette body 304 is able to be slidingly or snugly received in the elongate U-shaped channel section 41" of the laterally extending part 25 of the restrainer 10'". The side walls 310 are provided with a pair of outwardly extending lugs 312 at or adjacent to a proximal end 314 thereof. The side walls 310 are also provided with a pair of co-extensive mounting 30 plates 316 disposed at a distal end 318 thereof. The mounting plates 316 are provided with a pair of outwardly extending lugs 320 at or adjacent to a distal end 322 thereof, and a pair of apertures 324 configured to receive respective opposing ends of a pivot pin 326 on which the cam lock 302 is rotatably mounted. 35 The pairs of outwardly extending lugs 312, 320 are spaced apart from one another to correspond to the spacing between the pair of distal cut outs 79 and the pair of proximal cut outs 81 in the side walls 25 of the laterally extending part 25. In use, the 19 lugs 312, 320 may be engagingly received in respective cut outs 81, 79, thereby securing the cam lock assembly 300 in the laterally extending part 25 of the channel section 41". 5 The cassette body 304 also includes an end plate 328 extending between opposing side walls 310 at the proximal end 314, and a plate 330 extending between opposing side walls 310 proximal to the mounting plates 316. The end plate 328 is provided with an aperture 332 generally shaped to receive a shaft, in the form of a pull bar 334, of the pull handle 306. The plate 330 is also provided with an aperture 336 generally 1o shaped to receive an actuating pin 338 of the pull handle 306. The apertures 332, 336 are generally in longitudinal alignment with one another in the cassette body 304. The cam lock 302 also includes a cam body 340 and a pair of spaced apart lugs 342. The cam body 340 is provided with an aperture laterally extending through the cam 15 body 340. The aperture 344 is configured to receive the pivot pin 326 on which the cam lock 302 is rotatably mounted between the mounting plates 316 of the cassette body 304, as described above. The spaced apart lugs 342 are provided with laterally aligned respective apertures 346. 20 The apertures 346 are configured to receive respective ends of a clevis pin 348. The clevis pin 348 is arranged, in use, to dispose a clevis 350 between the spaced apart lugs 342. A proximal end 352 of the clevis 350 is provided with a recess 354 configured to 25 receive the actuating pin 338 of the pull handle 306. The actuating pin 338 of the pull handle 306 may be retained in the recess 354 by any suitable fastener. One suitable fastener includes, but is not limited to, a spring pin. The spring pin may be received in a corresponding aperture 356 in the clevis 350. 30 The pull handle 306 includes the pull bar 334 with an actuating pin 338 disposed at a distal end and a handle 358 disposed at a proximal end. The actuating pin 338 is fastened to the pull bar 334 by means of a nut and washer and a compression spring 360. 35 In use, the actuating pin 338 at the end of the pull handle 306 may be translated forwardly by pushing the pull handle 306. Forward translation of the actuating pin 338 urges the clevis 350 to translate forwardly. This movement in turn causes the cam 20 body 340 to rotate on the pivot pin 326 with respect to the cassette body 304 and engage a load binder disposed between the cam body 340 and the laterally extending part 25 of the channel section 41'. 5 Conversely, pulling the pull handle 306 will rearwardly translate the actuating pin 338, thereby urging the clevis 350 to translate rearwardly. This movement causes the cam body 340 to rotate in the opposite direction on the pivot pin 326 with respect to the cassette body 304. Consequently, the cam body 340 disengages the load binder and the load binder may be removed or loosened from the channel section 41' of the 10 restrainer 10'". The benefits of such an arrangement are that the load binder is prevented from twisting in the channel section 41' when the layer of packs is secured. Embodiments of the restrainers 10, 10', 10", 10"', 10'" may be fabricated from metal such as aluminium or steel, or alloys thereof, and may comprise polymeric components 15 such as injection moulded plastic materials. Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing from the disclosure. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope 20 of the disclosure. For example, in some specific embodiments the upright of the restrainer may be detachable from the clamp member. In use, the clamp member of the restrainer may be installed at the same time that the layers of packs are arranged. The uprights may 25 then be attached to the respective clamp members when the load has reached its destination prior to unloading the layers of packs. In other embodiments, the restrainer may be provided with identification means. Such identification means may be by visual identification, such as tags or labels containing 30 indicia, or by electromagnetic identification, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) means. In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word 35 'comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and 21 method as disclosed herein.

Claims (21)

1. A restraint apparatus for use with loaded packs arranged in an upper pack layer 5 and an underlying lower pack layer that is securable with a load binder, the apparatus comprising a clamp member that is adapted for receiving the load binder, with the clamp member able to be arranged at a pack of the lower layer and secured thereto by the load binder, and a stop member extending upwardly from the clamp member whereby, in use, the stop member can resist lateral displacement of 10 a pack of the upper layer with respect to an underlying pack of the lower layer.

2. The restraint apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clamp member comprises a laterally extending portion and a downwardly extending portion. 15

3. The restraint apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an underside of the laterally extending portion and an inside of the downwardly extending portion are adapted, in use, for location against and for engagement with a corner of the lower layer pack. 20

4. The restraint apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, the adaptation of the clamp member for receiving the load binder comprises a guide channel, wherein the load binder is able to be received in the guide channel in use to secure the clamp member to the lower layer pack. 25

5. The restraint apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide channel comprises a lateral part that has a proximal end and a distal end, the lateral part arranged to extend in alignment with the laterally extending portion of the clamp member, with the guide channel further comprising a skirt part that inclines downwardly from the proximal end of the guide channel lateral part. 30

6. The restraint apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the clamp is further provided with a tie restrainer disposed on the downwardly extending portion of the clamp, whereby the load binder extends along and across the lateral part of the guide channel and then down along the downwardly extending portion of the clamp 35 between the tie restrainer and the clamp.

7. The restraint apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the tie restrainer comprises an axle mounted on the downwardly extending portion of the clamp, a restraining 23 element in the form of a rigid tongue depending from the axle, and a handle rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the axle and the rigid tongue are rotatable with respect to the downwardly extending portion of the clamp in response to rotation of the handle from one of the unlocked or locked 5 positions to the other position, whereby in use, the rigid tongue engages the load binder between said rigid tongue and the downwardly extending portion of the clamp when the handle is rotated to the locked position.

8. The restraint apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the tie restrainer comprises 10 a wedge member housed in a cassette body mounted on the downwardly extending portion of the clamp, and a handle in the form of a cam lock handle movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the wedge member is longitudinally translatable with respect to the cassette body in response to urging by the cam lock handle as the handle is moved from one of the unlocked or locked 15 positions to the other position, whereby in use, the wedge member engages the load binder between said wedge member and the downwardly extending portion of the clamp when the handle is moved to the locked position.

9. The restraint apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the clamp is 20 further provided with a tie restrainer disposed on the laterally extending portion of the clamp, whereby the load binder extends along and across the lateral part of the guide channel between the tie restrainer.

10. The restraint apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the tie restrainer comprises 25 a cam body housed in a cassette body mounted on the laterally extending portion of the clamp, and a handle in the form of a pull handle movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the cam body is rotatably translatable with respect to the cassette body in response to urging by the pull handle as the handle is moved from one of the unlocked or locked positions to the other position, 30 respectively, whereby in use, the cam body engages the load binder between said cam body and the laterally extending portion of the clamp when the handle is moved to the locked position.

11. The restraint apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to claim 10, wherein the 35 stop member is defined by an upright that is an upward extension of the downwardly extending portion.

12. The restrain apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the upward extension is 24 detachable from the downwardly extending portion.

13. The restraint apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop member is provided with a height sufficient to restrain an upper layer pack 5 from falling off the underlying lower layer pack.

14. The restraint apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the stop member has a height that is from about 20% to about 80% of the height of the adjacent upper layer pack. 10

15. The restraint apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the stop member has a height that is from about 120% to about 80% of the height of the adjacent upper layer pack. 15

16. The restraint apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a handle.

17. A restraint apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 20

18. A system for restraining lateral movement of an upper pack layer with respect to an underlying lower pack layer, the system comprising: - a load binder for securing the lower pack layer with respect to a support; and 25 - a restraint device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A system according to claim 18 further comprising one or more fittings for the load binder to enable the load binder to be tightly secured around the lower pack layer and/or to enable the load binder to be attached to a fixed point. 30

20. A system according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the support comprises a flat bed of a vehicle upon which the upper and lower pack layers can be located, and wherein the load binder is adapted for being secured with respect to the flat bed. 35

21. A system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.