AU2013201457A1

AU2013201457A1 - System for Lashing Loads

Info

Publication number: AU2013201457A1
Application number: AU2013201457A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christopher Lusty
Original assignee: Colron Industries Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Metal Fortress Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-16
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2013-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-13
Also published as: AU2013201457B2

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates generally to lashing systems for attaching a clamping 5 device at a receiving space located at an edge of a loading surface. The apparatus comprising: a base plate secured in said receiving space; a tie down element pivotally attached to the base plate about a pivot axis, the tie down element having a first circular portion and at least one first straight portion, wherein the tie-down element is moveable between a rest position in 10 which it is mainly located in the receiving space, and an operating position in which it at least partially outside of the receiving space; and a return to rest mechanism communicating with said tie-down element, such that when the tie-down element is released the tie-down element returns to the rest position mainly located within the receiving space. Figure 1 to accompany the Abstract. er) cL

Description

1 SYSTEM FOR LASHING LOADS FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates generally to lashing systems, and more particularly to lashing systems having a tie-down mechanism for cargo arranged on transportation trailers including ships, trucks, railway cars and the like, although its use is not limited thereto. 10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is not to be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art. 15 When cargo is being transported, whether that's on the road, on water or air, it is essential that it is firmly attached to prevent inadvertent displacement of the load during transport. In road transport the trailers used generally consist of a flat platform made of wood or metal surrounded by a 20 frame of box beams having a hollow interior, the platform being mounted on a number of axles. In order to secure the loads and hold loads in place and prevent cargo slippage, tie-down straps or chains are attached to the frame of the trailer and 25 either attached to the load or another point on the frame and sufficient tension applied to the tie-down to prevent cargo motion. The tie-downs are generally attached to some form of tie-down ring, anchor or lug which is firmly attached to the frame. 30 These fixed tie-down rings or lugs are usually located at spaced intervals on the floor or frame of the platform of the trailer. Several forms of the tie-down rings have been devised and in their simplest form consist of a tie-down device in which the ring is permanently exposed above the frame member. While providing a simple inexpensive tie-down anchor, such an 2 anchor is permanently exposed to cause damage or be damaged even when not needed or used. Various other anchor or tie-down fittings have been developed for 5 attaching objects to the trailers load bearing surfaces or platforms including devices that engage in permanent tracks or slots in a surface, loops or rings that are permanently attached to the trailer platform surface or the edge of the platform with some form of fastener. 10 Certain types of tie-down fittings have been designed so that during loading and positioning of the cargo on a platform, the tie-down rings are kept folded or contained within their recessed pockets located on the edge of the platform in order to permit a fork-lift loading operation without risk of unnecessary damage to the tie-downs or cargo. 15 The tie-down rings can be raised upwards to attach the tie-down straps or banding after loading is complete. However, if the cargo were to be placed over the folded-down edge or if the cargo was to protrude over or exceed the width of the platform the rings may not be easily raised up for use and the tie 20 downs can be rendered inoperative. Because of the restriction this imposes while loading cargo, the usable width of the cargo-bed, especially for palletised or boxed cargo, is the width measurement between the innermost edges of the folded tie-down rings on opposite sides of the cargo-bed. The full width of the cargo bed or at least the width between tie-down ring pivot 25 centers can not be utilised. Clearly it would be advantageous if a system could be devised that helped to at least ameliorate some of the shortcomings described above. In particular, it would be advantageous if a system for lashing loads could be 30 devised for firmly securing a load to prevent inadvertent displacement of the load during transport.

3 STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention an apparatus for attaching a clamping device at a receiving space located at an edge of a loading surface, 5 the apparatus comprising: a base plate secured in said receiving space; a tie down element pivotally attached to the base plate about a pivot axis, the tie down element having a first circular portion and at least one first straight portion, wherein the tie-down element is moveable between a rest position in which it is mainly located in the receiving space, and an operating position in 10 which it at least partially outside of the receiving space; and a return to rest mechanism communicating with said tie-down element, such that when the tie-down element is released the tie-down element returns to the rest position mainly located within the receiving space. 15 Preferably, the receiving space may extend vertically down from the loading surface and away from the edge of the loading surface. The base plate may be secured to the recess by welding the base plate to the receiving space. The pivot axis of the tie-down element may extend through the first straight portion of the tie-down element. 20 Preferably, the tie-down element may further include two further straight portions joining the first straight portion to the first circular portion and thereby forming an opening between the first straight portion the two further straight portions and the first circular portion. The pivot axis of the tie down 25 element and a central axis passing through the circular portion may be spaced apart and offset from each other such that the circular portion of the tie-down element is inclined at an angle to the two further straight portions. Preferably, the inclined angle that the central axis passing through the 30 circular portion forms with respect to the two further straight portions may range from 10 degrees to 50 degrees.

4 Alternatively, the inclined angle that the central axis passing through the circular portion forms with respect to the two further straight portions may be approximately 20 degrees. 5 Preferably the return to rest mechanism may further comprise: a retainer arm having one end and an opposite end; a retainer arm pivot to rotatably mount the retainer arm to the base plate; a resilient member having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end attached to a member extending from the base plate and the proximal end attached to the opposite 10 end of the retainer arm; and wherein the retainer arm extends through an aperture in the base plate such that the one end is in contact with a locking tab extending from the first straight portion of the tie-down element to thereby retain the tie-down element in the rest position. 15 Preferably, the resilient member may be a spring. Preferably, a plurality of apparatuses may be located in the receiving spaces located at either edge of the loading surface. 20 In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a lashing anchorage for attaching a clamping device at a receiving space located at an edge of a loading surface, the apparatus comprising: a base plate secured in said receiving space; a tie-down ring attached to the base plate and mounted for angular movement about an axis tangential to the tie 25 down ring, wherein the tie-down ring is moveable between a rest position in which it is mainly located in the receiving space, and an operating position in which it at least partially outside of the receiving space; and a return to rest mechanism communicating with said tie-down ring, such that when the tie down ring is released the tie-down ring returns to the rest position mainly 30 located within the receiving space. In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention extends to a platform trailer equipped with a loading area and at least one edge of the 5 loading surface containing an apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect. In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a 5 platform trailer, said platform trailer comprising: a load carrying main frame; a loading deck, supported by said main frame, which defines a horizontal plane and upon which cargo may be loaded, said loading deck including a side rail extending laterally outward from a longitudinal edge of said loading deck; a plurality of wheels attached to said main frame to permit transport of the 10 trailer; and an apparatus for attaching a clamping device at a receiving space located within the side rail of the loading deck, the apparatus comprising: a base plate secured in said receiving space; a tie-down element pivotally attached to the base plate about a pivot axis, the tie-down element having a first circular portion and at least one first straight portion, wherein the tie-down 15 element is moveable between a rest position in which it is mainly located in the receiving space, and an operating position in which it at least partially outside of the receiving space; and a return to rest mechanism communicating with said tie-down element, such that when the tie-down element is released the tie-down element returns to the rest position mainly located within the 20 receiving space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed 25 description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to be limitative to the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only. 30 Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a trailer showing the location of the lashing system on a trailer; Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the components of the lashing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a top view of the lashing system of Fig. 2; 6 Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the lashing system Fig. 2; Fig. 5 shows a front view of the lashing system of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 shows a side view of the lashing system of Fig. 2; Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate a perspective view of a lashing ring used in 5 accordance with the lashing system of Fig. 2; Fig. 9 shows a top view of the lashing ring of Figs. 7 and 8; Fig. 10 illustrates a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 shows a side view of the lashing ring of Figs. 7 and 8; and Figs. 12 to 15 illustrate the lashing system of Fig. 2, showing the 10 lashing ring in different operating positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description, given by way of example only, is described in 15 order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1 a trailer 10 consists of a chassis 11 and a loading platform or deck 13. The loading platform 13 has edges 12 along either side 20 of the loading platform 13 and within the edges 12 along each side of the loading platform 13 tie-down or lashing means 15 are located within a receiving space 16 (See Figs. 12 to 15). The tie-down or lashing means 15 are arranged at spaced intervals on either edge 12 of the platform 13 of the trailer 10 to secure the load and hold the load in place and prevent cargo 25 slippage. Attached to the tie-down or lashing means 15 are tie-down straps or chains (not shown) which secure the load or cargo to the platform 13 with sufficient tension applied to the tie-down 15 to prevent cargo slippage. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the tie-down or lashing means 15. 30 The component parts of the tie-down 15 are the tie-down element or eye 20, a base plate or frame 30 and a return means 40, each will be described in more detail below. The tie-down element 20 is rotatably mounted into the base plate 30 by shaft 25 which is fixed through apertures 31 in the base plate 30 and secured by pins 26 located on either side and outside of the base plate 7 30. The base plate 30 is mounted to the receiving space 16 by attachment means (not shown). The attachment means may be a welding process or may simply be by any other attachment means which will provide a secure attachment to the trailer 10. The receiving spaces 16 are arranged at spaced 5 intervals on either edge 12 of the platform 13. The receiving spaces 16 are recessed into the edge 12 and the platform 13 so that when the tie-down means 15 are installed into the receiving space 16 they are substantially confined within the receiving space 16. The receiving space 16 is shaped such that it extends vertically down from the loading surface 13 and away 10 from the edge 12 of the loading surface 13. The receiving space 16 is therefore shaped in a complementary shape to that of the base plate 30 which is mounted into the receiving space 16. A bottom plate 34 encloses the base plate 30 within the receiving 15 space 16. Obviously the base plate 30 is open at the side in which the tie down element 20 is able to rotate about the shaft 25. The return means 40 is mainly attached to the back side of the base plate 30. Only the retainer arm 47 passes through the aperture 33 in the base 20 plate 30 to releasably secure the tie-down element 20 in the rest position (see Fig.4). The base plate 30 is constructed from steel and bent into the predetermined shape such that the tie-down means 15 can be snugly fitted 25 into the receiving space 16 within the edge 12 of the trailer 10. In this embodiment as shown in Fig. 2 the base plate 30 consists of a U-shaped channel with vertical sides 32 and a rear face 35. The openings 31 in either vertical face 32 are predrilled to allow the shaft 25 to be fixedly retained in the base plate 30. The apertures 33 in the rear wall 35 of the base plate 30 are 30 machine into the rear wall 35 and located on either side of the rear wall 35 so that the return means 40 can be located on either rear side of the base plate 30.

8 The tie-down element or eye 20 is rotatably mounted onto the shaft 25 which passes through opening 24 in the tie-down element 20. The shaft 25 extends sufficiently through the tie-down element 20 and the openings 31 in the base plate 30 so that the shaft 25 can be secured in position by pins 26. 5 The pins 26 are pressed into the holes 27 in the shaft 25 to secure the shaft 25 in the base plate 30. Subsequently the tie-down element 20 through which the shaft 25 passes is rotatably secured to the base plate 30. As illustrated in Fig. 2 the tie-down element 20 consists of a first 10 straight portion 22 which has a circular cross-section and contains the hole 24 through which the shaft 25 is mounted. At the opposite end of the tie-down element 20 is the first circular portion 21. The two first portions 21, 22 are joined by further straight portions 23 to form the tie-down element 20 with an aperture or opening 72 surrounded by the four sides/portions 21, 22, 23. The 15 opening 72 is designed to allow a hook or the like to be inserted into the opening 72. The hook is typically of the type mounted on the end of a tie down straps or chains which is used to secure the load or cargo to the platform 13. 20 The return means 40 is also illustrated in Fig. 2 and in this embodiment is used to return the tie-down element 20 when it is released to the rest position mainly located within the receiving space 16. The return means 40 comprises a retainer arm 47 having two ends 44, 25 51 and is pivotally mounted to the base plate 30 by pivot lugs 49 and securing device 48 is located through opening 50 in the retainer arm 47. The retainer arm 47 extends through the aperture 33 in the base plate 30 and the shoe 52 comes to rest against the locking tab 70 located in the opening 72 of the tie down element 20 to restrain the tie-down element 20 in the rest position. 30 A resilient member 41 in this case a spring 41 having both a distal end 46 and a proximal end 45 is used to return the tie-down element 20 to the rest position. The distal end 46 of the spring 41 is attached to a spring retainer 42 and held in recess 43 of the spring retainer 42 under spring tension. Similarly, 9 the proximal end 45 of the spring 41 is attached in a recess to one end 44 of the retainer arm 47. The spring 41 maintains sufficient tension to allow the tie-down element 20 to be rotated around the pivot or shaft 25 and when the tie-down element 20 is released the tension in the spring 41 returns the tie 5 down element 20 to the rest position located mainly within the receiving space 16. As such the tie-down element 20 is moveable between a rest position in which it is mainly located in the receiving space 16, and an operating position in which it at least partially outside of the receiving space 16 and as illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15. 10 Figs. 3 to 6 show the assembled tie-down means 15 with the tie-down element 20 in the rest position. In Fig. 3 a top view of the tie down means 15 shows the first straight portion 22 of the tie-down element 20 which has a circular cross-section. Also shown is the ends of the shaft 25 protruding 15 outside of the base plate 30 and the pins 26 which hold the shaft 25 in place. Fig. 3 also illustrates the pivot lugs 49 located on either side of the retainer arm 47 which allow the retainer arm 47 to pivot when the tie-down element 20 is rotated. 20 Fig. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the tie-down means 15 as would be located within the receiving space 16. Further Figs 5 and 6 show two further views a front view and a side view of the tie-down means 15. In Fig. 5 we can identify the shoe 52 on the end of the retainer arm 47 which is located in contact with the locking lug 70 on the tie-down element 20. As is 25 shown in Fig. 5 two locking lugs 70 are located on either side of the tie-down element 20 in the opening 72. This allows for the occasions when the return means 40 is required to be located through the aperture 33 on the left side of the base plate 30. 30 Fig. 6 shows that in the rest position substantially all of the tie-down element 20 is located within the base plate 30 of the tie-down means 15. Figs. 7 to 11 show a number of different views of the tie-down element 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 7 and 8 10 show two three-dimensional views of the tie-down element 20 from the top (Fig.8) and from the bottom (Fig. 7). Also clearly identified in these figures are the locking lugs 70 on either side of the first straight portion 22 and extending into the opening 72 of the tie-down element 20. 5 Fig. 10 show a sectional view of the tie-down element 20 showing the circular cross section of the first straight portion 22 with the hole 24 passing through the first straight portion for receiving the shaft 25. At the other end of the tie-down element 20 is the first circular portion 21 which has a 10 substantially rectangular cross-section. Joining the first straight portion 22 and the first circular portion 21 is one of the straight portions 23. At the point or knuckle 71 where the straight portions 23 join the circular portion 21 is also defined by the angle by which the circular portion 21 forms with relation to the straight portions 23. 15 As will be further shown in Figs. 14 and 15 in order to allow the tie down element 20 to reach around a load which extends beyond the width of the platform 13 the circular portion 21 has been placed at an angle with the straight portions 23. As shown in Fig. 8 an axis A passing through the centre 20 of the straight portion 22 and an axis B passing through the centre of the circular portion 21 are spaced apart and offset from each other such that the circular portion 21 of the tie-down element 20 is inclined at an angle to the two further straight portions 23. 25 It is preferred that the angle which the circular portion 21 makes with the straight portions 23 is in the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees. Preferably, the inclined angle that the central axis B passing through the circular portion 21 forms with respect to the two further straight portions 23 is approximately 20 degrees. 30 Figs. 12 to 15 show the tie-down means 15 in use and with the tie down element 20 at different positions. In Fig. 12 the tie-down element 20 is in the rest position and held in this position by the spring tension in the spring 41 which positively holds the shoe 52 in a locking position against the locking 11 tab 70 of the tie-down element 20. In Fig. 13 the tie-down element 20 is in an intermediate position with the shoe 52 now released from contact with the locking tab 70 and the tie-down element 20 is free to rotate around the shaft 25. It is also noted that should the tie-down element 20 be released in this 5 intermediate position or any other position the return means 40 will return the tie-down element 20 to the rest position with the locking tab 70 forced against the shoe 52 of the retainer arm 47 under the spring tension of the spring 41. Fig. 14 shows the tie-down means 15 in use in the situation referred to 10 above when a load 80 is placed on the platform 13 which extends further than or over the width of the platform 13. In this case the inclined section of the tie down element 20 allows the chains or straps to be easily secured around the load 80 in a way which securely retains the load 80 in position on the platform 13. 15 The present invention also caters for the load 81 which does not extend the full width of the platform 13. Fig. 15 shows this embodiment of the invention in which the tie-down element 20 is able to rotate to a position which allows the user to safely secure the load 81 to the platform 13. In this position 20 the tie-down element 20 is located substantially above the level of the platform 13 and at an angle which allows for the safe connection of chains or tie-down straps which will secure the load 81 to the platform 13. ADVANTAGES 25 In order to safely secure loads and hold loads in place and prevent cargo slippage, tie-down straps or chains are attached to the frame of the trailer via the tie-down ring or element and either attached to the load or another point on the frame and sufficient tension applied to the tie-down to 30 prevent cargo motion. By allowing the rotation of the tie-down element to a multitude of positions and in conjunction with the inclined circular portion of the tie-down element ensures that the correct position for the tie-down straps or chains is obtained. This ensures that there is no slippage of the load and the correct tension is always applied to the load to retain it in position.

12 A further advantage of the present invention is that when released the tie-down element is always returned to the rest position by the return means in which it is mainly housed within the receiving portion of the platform. This allows the use of fork lifts during loading and positioning of the cargo on a 5 platform, the tie-down rings are kept folded or contained within their recessed pockets located on the edge of the platform in order to permit a fork-lift loading operation without risk of unnecessary damage to the tie-downs or cargo. Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to load a 10 platform or deck right to the edge or even over the edge of the trailer. The design of the tie-down means allows for the tie down element to be rotated to any position for attachment to a chain or strap. Furthermore by having the inclined angle located at the end of the tie-down element allows the tie-down strap or chain to reach around the load and be securely attached to the tie 15 down means. Furthermore this design does not limit the useable width of the trailer. Some similar devices located on the edge of a platform when in a raised position impinge on the useable width of the platform and therefore limit the useable width of the platform. By locating the tie-down mechanism on either edge of the platform and by allowing the tie-down element to rotate to 20 any position out and around the edge of the platform means that you are not limiting the width upon which loads are positioned on a platform. Also, by positively retaining the tie-down element in the rest position the present invention provides an anti-rattle mechanism for the tie-down 25 elements when they are not in use on a trailer. This is particularly important when a truck for example is travelling at night through a residential area and the level of noise is to be kept to a minimum. The sound of a rattling tie-down mechanism could cause possible noise pollution problems for the driver. 30 VARIATIONS It will be realized that the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example only and that all other modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the 13 broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other 5 integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

Claims

1. An apparatus for attaching a clamping device at a receiving space located at an edge of a loading surface, the apparatus comprising: 5 a base plate secured in said receiving space; a tie-down element pivotally attached to the base plate about a pivot axis, the tie-down element having a first circular portion and at least one first straight portion, wherein the tie-down element is moveable between a rest position in which it is mainly located in the receiving space, and an operating 10 position in which it at least partially outside of the receiving space; and a return to rest mechanism communicating with said tie-down element, such that when the tie-down element is released the tie-down element returns to the rest position mainly located within the receiving space. 15

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving space extends vertically down from the loading surface and away from the edge of the loading surface.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base plate 20 is secured to the recess by welding the base plate to the receiving space.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis of the tie-down element extends through the first straight portion of the tie-down element. 25

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the tie-down element further includes two further straight portions joining the first straight portion to the first circular portion thereby forming an opening between the first straight portion the two further straight portions and the first circular portion. 30

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pivot axis of the tie down element and a central axis passing through the circular portion are spaced apart and offset from each other such that the circular portion of the tie-down element is inclined at an angle to the two further straight portions. 15

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the inclined angle that the central axis passing through the circular portion forms with respect to the two further straight portions is in the range from 10 degrees to 50 degrees. 5

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the inclined angle that the central axis passing through the circular portion forms with respect to the two further straight portions is approximately 20 degrees. 10

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the return to rest mechanism further comprises: a retainer arm having one end and an opposite end; a retainer arm pivot to rotatably mount the retainer arm to the base plate; 15 a resilient member having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end attached to a member extending from the base plate and the proximal end attached to the opposite end of the retainer arm; and wherein the retainer arm extends through an aperture in the base plate such that the one end is in contact with a locking tab extending from the first 20 straight portion of the tie-down element to thereby retain the tie-down element in the rest position.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the resilient member is a spring. 25

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of apparatuses are located in the receiving spaces located at either edge of the loading surface. 30

12. A lashing anchorage for attaching a clamping device at a receiving space located at an edge of a loading surface, the apparatus comprising: a base plate secured in said receiving space; a tie-down ring attached to the base plate and mounted for angular movement about an axis tangential to the tie-down ring, wherein the tie-down 16 ring is moveable between a rest position in which it is mainly located in the receiving space, and an operating position in which it at least partially outside of the receiving space; and a return to rest mechanism communicating with said tie-down ring, 5 such that when the tie-down ring is released the tie-down ring returns to the rest position mainly located within the receiving space.

13. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 12, wherein the receiving space extends vertically down from the loading surface and away from the 10 edge of the loading surface.

14. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the base plate is secured to the recess by welding the base plate to the receiving space. 15

15. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 12, wherein, the tie-down ring further includes two straight portions joining a first straight portion to a first circular portion thereby forming an opening between the first straight portion the two further straight portions and the first circular portion. 20

16. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 15, wherein the axis of the tie down ring and a central axis passing through the circular portion are spaced apart and offset from each other such that the circular portion of the tie-down ring is inclined at an angle to the two further straight portions. 25

17. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the inclined angle that the central axis passing through the circular portion forms with respect to the two further straight portions is in the range from 10 degrees to 50 degrees. 30

18. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the inclined angle that the central axis passing through the circular portion forms with respect to the two further straight portions is approximately 20 degrees. 17

19. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 12, wherein the return to rest mechanism further comprises: a retainer arm having one end and an opposite end; a retainer arm pivot to rotatably mount the retainer arm to the base 5 plate; a resilient member having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end attached to a member extending from the base plate and the proximal end attached to the opposite end of the retainer arm; and wherein the retainer arm extends through an aperture in the base plate 10 such that the one end is in contact with a locking tab extending from the first straight portion of the tie-down element to thereby retain the tie-down element in the rest position.

20. The lashing anchorage as claimed in claim 19, wherein the resilient 15 member is a spring.

21. The lashing anchorage as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein a plurality of lashing anchorages are located in the receiving spaces located at either edge of the loading surface. 20

22. A platform trailer equipped with a loading area and at least one edge of the loading surface containing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 25

23. A platform trailer, said platform trailer comprising: a load carrying main frame; a loading deck, supported by said main frame, which defines a horizontal plane and upon which cargo may be loaded, said loading deck including a side rail extending laterally outward from a longitudinal edge of 30 said loading deck; a plurality of wheels attached to said main frame to permit transport of the trailer; and an apparatus for attaching a clamping device at a receiving space located within the side rail of the loading deck, the apparatus comprising: a base plate secured in said receiving space; 18 a tie-down element pivotally attached to the base plate about a pivot axis, the tie-down element having a first circular portion and at least one first straight portion, wherein the tie-down element is moveable between a rest position in which it is mainly located in the 5 receiving space, and an operating position in which it at least partially outside of the receiving space; and a return to rest mechanism communicating with said tie-down element, such that when the tie-down element is released the tie-down element returns to the rest position mainly located within the receiving 10 space.

24. An apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15

25. A lashing anchorage as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. A platform trailer as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.