AU2015268634A1 - Holding strap component - Google Patents

Abstract

A holding strap component, including, an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member directly secured at either end to respective parts of the sleeve or tube, the flexible material being adapted to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched, and a first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic section, wherein the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-stretched, such that, in use the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, and wherein to stretch the elastic member to the expanded length requires a force of between 20 and 28 Newtons (N). /1 77 /~J ~ SI ~'NJ~ ~ '1' A 'K I, A-, I I \fr>~ I;41 // f/if ',g 'K I K / V I K ' / 0 -,/ (47/ / c~4 ~ ~ -J 1 -~-~ / -i2. ~ j /7 4 7/' 46 It I - 7 II (N~ / Is, "~ -4 K J 4 -A ~ 7" /11 i-~N

Description

HOLDING STRAP COMPONENT FIELD OFTHF. INVENTION

[0001] The piment inyeniim and may he particularly applicable lo bolding simps wi(h clastic sections.

BACKGROUND 1001)2] Sonic holding straps are known as octopus straps. They comprise an elastic cord with hooks at either end, The hooks are made of plastic coated -wire and are formed by winding a howl into which a knot at the end of Ihe elastic cord sits and a hook section at the (op of the howl [0003] Such sirups are commonly used, to hold down the boot of a car when the luggage inside the boot prevents the hoot from being-dosed securely or to hold down luggage on car roof racks or loads on light trailers. The stretching nature ol' the elastic cord allows the strap to be bent around corners and to apply a sufficient force to ensure the boot remains closed. These straps are cheap* popular and easy to-fit.

[0004] Gne problem with holding straps is that the elastic cord may be exposed to high friction contact and/or rubbing, especially when in use. The contact aind/or rubbing may occur at a point, or various points, where the elastic cord comes into contact with an object being secured by the holding strap. Additionally, when in use. the elastic cord may be in contact with, for exampfe, edges of the boot of a car, edges of a roof rack or mher various points.

[0005-1 The high friction contact and/or the riibbing, d)|y cause the elastic cord to become frayed, and/or to he cut and/or to be damaged in some other way. The Raying, cutting and/or damaging of the elastic cord may occur at one point, various multiple points or along a length or various multiple lengths of the elastic cord. Fraying, cutting and/or damage to the elastic cord may occur especially where there is movementofthe elastic eopf with respect to n point or vm iouc multiple points of contact. Such movement may occur, for example. when u car or other vehicle on winch objects sre seemed with a holding strap b nun Irtg <<r vibinfinr duo η» the car or other vehicle moving on a surface, 'litis may he pari is ularh the case where a cor or other u-1'». !e * tuvehrg or art uneven surface, -mob as ,m unsealed rood, IM06] The-fraying, cutting and/or other damage to lip elastic cord may lead to weakening of the clastic cord, and the weakened clastic cord may then he subject to failure. Hie failure may bo catastrophic failure, where the elastic cord completely breaks at a point, in this situation, objects seemed by tire holding strap may become unsecured and may then, faii off or out of a ear or other vehicle, Thb can be particularly dangerous when a car or other vehicle is moving along a road wait other cars or vehicles, as the previously secured object may cause a dtiving hazatd. 10007] Another w ay in wine:': a holding strap may become damaged is hv the effects of cm is cement,d conditions. Such environmental conditions include. ,‘m example, ultraviolet light. When a holding strap is exposed in ultraviolet light, either in use or otherwise, the elastic cord may degrade. The degradation of the elastic cord may lead to failure when the holding strap is in use. As mentioned before, failure of the holding strap, in certain circumstances, cun lead to a very dangerous situation. jfpQ&amp;j A further problem w lhal the holding straps can he overstretched when an operator secures a load. '1 he elastic cord of the holding strap also tends to loosen off if the load moves, ami as men!toned above, can rub on the load, which can weaken the elastic cord, jOOQtl A further problem with tin. above* mentioned prior ho .ding straps is that such holding straps cannot be easily o.knded if an operator desires to secure a load having &amp; larger volume. In .fact, some of the ah- >w -mentioned poor holding straps cannot, be safely extended at all. In circumstances in which a larger load must be secured, some operators have resorted to hooking a number ni holding xiraps together so as to form a longer strapping system. However, tins can he a very dangerous way to secure a load.

[OOlOj ®R.e solution has been to make;available holding straps of various lengths, each des^®^;ii?sec'd?iag a load of a particular range of volumes. However, tins solution reqnisos nn operator to have a supply uf various length holding strap, which onube tedhyenient arid expensive. fOflll A further problem with prior holding so aps i> that. Jot example. where there are hooks at either cud el the holding strap, in order to attach those hooks to respective anchoring points, the operator must apply tension to the holding strap so as to he able to stretch the holding strap Sufficiently, thereby allowing the unattached hook to:be able to be. attached to its respective anchor point, Such stretching can ho inconvenient, and. in certain circumstances, can actually be dangerous. i00] 2j Yet another problem with certain types of holding straps is that, when a load moves during transport, the holding soup can become slack, which o-tidcis the holding strap a* being ineffective for securing the moved load. Tins may particularly be the circumstasKO where the ho'.umg soup n termed only of, for example, a. non-stretchable •webbing material with hooks on etlher end and a tightening meJsan’.sm. Τ>ρκ«ιΗ, such a holding strap is fitted over the load, i^iib^:lEe:^adK3i to anchoring points, and the tightening mechanism, for example, a ratchet mechanism, is operated to tighten the strap over the load. The had may be secured to, for example, the roof of a car, and when the ear moves over a bumpy road, the load will mdvegpd may cause the holding strap to become slack and thus ineffective at securing the load, {0013] Solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in Australian Patent No, 743604. m which there is provided a holding strap including an elastic cord having hook means at each end thereof and a sleeve or tube surrounding a substantial portion of said clastic cord and said sleeve or tube Is located between bod· of said hoo!·. means and said sleeve or tube is formed ot a benrsable plasties -matenai, especially PVtk [00 Mj Other sohibons to at least seme of these psubtems were described'in various embodiments in Australian Patent No, 200/331854 in which there was provided a holding strap, including. a main strap. at least one elastic member, wherein oar end ot the elastic member is secured to (he main snap at one end thereof, or wherein the elastic member is secured at two ends to and between parts of the main strap and. at least one bridging member, wherein each end of tie brid§titp8®efliber'is secured to a respective end of the elastic member, w herein the main strap, the elastic tMmi» and theMdging member are ^bf*!^mi|si;:fnMn «:fial material, arid wherein ttie bridging member is ofa length longer than the elastic member when the elasticmember is in a ngmsiretched state, such that, in use,::th| elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the extended length of the bridging member.

[0013] Yet other solutions to at least some of these problems wise described in

Various embodiments in Australian Patent Application No. 3009201184,· in which there is provided a holding strap including aa elastic cord having hook means at each end thereof and «sleeve or tube surrotmding a substantial portion.of said elastic cord and said sleeve or tube is located between both of said hook means and said sleeve or tube is formed ofa. bendable plastics mater ial, especially P/C. jOt) 1 if 1 Further solution', to at least some of the above-mentioned problems were dewnhea in various embodiments m Ausunhan Application No, 2012301153, in which ilsem is provided a bolding simp component with an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible mate! hi ami at least one elastic member directly secured at either end to respective points of the sleeve or tube. When the holding si rap component is sis etched. it can only divieh to ire nusnnum expandable length o the iespecine points of the sleeve or tube, 100i 71 However, a pmbk m w ith the prior art holding straps, including the holding simp component of Australian Application No. 2013201 i 22, ts that the elastic member ss not strong enough to hold bads in a number of circumstances, such as when the load is tts-avic! or is snbjeA to Huhci ίο sees. for example. wnen a trailer on which the load ss situated turns a corner at a high speed. For example, some straps become fully stretched under d.g Newtons i.NY being i kilogram fkg > under FarthN gravity. However, it has been found tiuti tins ions ion is not sufficient in seme conditions. ptlhj Λ Ties rosemvh into v trious conditions expected for !o;tA in certain application*. it has been determined hy the nvcntor that there afe desimble parameters for tension in the holding strap or holding strap component, and desirable, parameters for the length of stretch from fully contracted to Cully expanded states of the holding strap or holding strop component. The parameters have been selected «sing differently configured straps or strap components on a rouge of loads having di ffereni mass and different distributions, and under a range of conditions, such as bumpy roads or cornering. Tension and stretch length have been selected so as to achieve effective securing of loads for a range oi practical lead masses and u i nngc · -i force to which such loads may be subjected. (0019] One problem Shat is encountered with, strops having tnsimLtent tension is loosening or moving of a load under serious condition*. This can readily occur with certain load weights under force where the simp tension is. for example, «.mis N. Another problem occurs sf tlie strap has «> too high tension. 'This can cause some objects in a load tobecome crushed, such .w cardboard boxes, or can resutt m a strap ot strap component that is too expensive to manufacture or too bulky due to the amount of elastic* required. (0020] Another problem with straps or strap components having insufficient tension is that they cannot accommodate sufficient load settlement in many circumstances. Load settlement occurs, tor example, when a load is tied to a trailer which is traveling, on a bun spy road ,exl various objects sr. the load move in relation to each other and/or in relation to the trailer such that the volume of the load can reduce m si/e, or some segments of the !><;sd volume can reduce in si/.e. This ean cause snaps to lx come loose even if they me under some tension. Some prior art straps a as e a limited total stretch length oi, for example, only 4 cm. If the load volume around v, hich the strap is tired reduces in cross-sectional perimeter length by more than 4 cm, the strap can become- loose, which can lead ie- the loud being unsecured. \ strap haven·; insufficient tension can also contribute to the problem of loosening of tin· strap when there is load settlement. fOOifJ 1 Is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, at least one of the abou'-mentioned problems In the prior art. and/or to overcome, or at least ameliorate, at least one problem in prior art, which has not been mentioned above and/or to provide at leased. usetui alternative tdp-ior art devices, systems and/or methods.

SUffViAEY OF THE.INVENTION Γ00221 iiie present invention provides a holding strap component, including: an elastic section including a sleeve or Cube formed from a .flexible material and at least du§ elastic member directly seMred at either end to respective pads of the sleeve or tube, the .flexible material being adapted to expand when the.elastic member is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic rheniber is tin-stretched; and a: first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic section, wherein the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, when die sleeve or tube is expanded* are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-sireiched, such that, in use the elastic rneftiber is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, and wherein to stretch the elastic membei to the expanded length requires between about 20 ami 28 Newtons tN * of force

SUMMARY OP OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS 1'0023‘j in an embodiment. the required force to stretch the elastic member to the. expanded length is between about 22 and .26 N. In one optional embodiment the tension is 24 N. j<KY>4j in an embodiment, the elastic section has a maximum stretch length between the elu-me member being lady u no retched nod the clastic member being stretched ru she expanded length, and where::: the max imam stretch length is between about 0 08 end t.s 12 meters smf [002.6] ht a further cmbodtmcisi, the maximum stretch length is about 0.1 m.

[0026] In another embodiment. the flexible material is adapted to contract by dimpling, ϊο this regard, the flexible sleeve or lube 'may be formed from webbing material, such as a canvas-like material or a woven polymer, usually polyester, material. Further, the first extent and the second extent may also be formed from same or similar materials.

[0027} The holding sti ap component may farther: include a first holding means co-

Opemting willy the first ex tent. In another embodimen t, there may be a second holding means:.co-operating, with the second extent, wherein the holding strap component then forms a holding strap. The first and second holding means may he selected from a group including: hooks, boekles,loi^ing:membem. s-shaped type hooks, cumbiner type hooks, swan hooks or the like.

[0028} In another embodiment, the first and second extents are attached, respectively, to the first holding means arid second holding means by forhhhg a loop at or near respective end parts of the first and second extents for cooperation with respective lopp: parts of tile; first: and second holdingmeans.

[00?9j in an alternative embodiment, the holding strap component includes an attachment means, which co-operates with the second extent. The attachment means being for attaching an extension 'trap, wherein the holding strap component and the extension strap term a holding strap.

[00301 The extension st rap may further include a holding means located at or near a first end of the extension strap. The extension strap holding means may be selected from a gteup including: hooks, buckles, locking member* s-shaped type hooks, carabincr type hooks; swan hooks or the like.

[0031 j 1'he attachmenl means may be a ratchet means which is adapted to accept a second end part of the extension strap and, in use., to bo operated to tighten She holding strap on a load, such (hat the elastic, member is stretched up to the expanded length ofthc respective parts ofthc sleeve or lube. In this wgv,when initially securing a load to. for example, a rack, (he load sviil be secured under Tension as provided by the elastic member being stretched, it may be the ease that the load moves, or individual components of the load move, during liiMsptridNibm wherein the tension provided hyvfbesimtcbed elastic member nitty operate to keep the load substantially secured.

[00.12] R will be understood by a person skilled in the technology that, if such a

Situation occurs, the elastic member will then be in a configuration which is iess stretched: than whet) flic load was initially secured, thus resulting in there being less tension in the holding strap component, and less tension in the holding strap. However, it is intended; that the clastic member shoo Id be able to provide sufficient tension in siich a situation so as to provide at leaM suit idem securing force to the load, thus allowing the load to remain· substantially secured to the- tack. The elastic member should be able to provide sufficient tension so as to assist in preventing the hooks of the holding strap component and the holdi ng strap from disengaging from their anchor points, which may be designated anchor points or trailer rack or tray bars. As mentioned before, prior art holding straps had only about 9.K Newtons of force in tension, whereas the present invention has between; about W and IS Newtons of force in tension, [0033 | In another embodiment, the slee\ o or tube forms either or both the first extent or/and the second extent, hi such an embodiment, the sleeve or lube may also form the loops at respective end parts of the first and second ex tents.

BRIEF DESCRJFHON OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034} For a better understanding of the invention and to show hew it Bray be performed, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the drawings in which: [0035] FIG- I is a perspective view of an embodiment of the holding strap component, also showing an embodiment of an extension strap, "i he holding strap component and tiic extension simp, when u~ed together, form a holding strap: if 0036] FIG, 2 is aside perspective view; of the emltediment of the holding simp component show η in FIG .6 An elastic section of the holding strap component is shown in a non-stretched eooFgmhtiob; [0037] FIG:,: | is hAjniilhr view to ΒΚ1::ί, with the elastic section shown in a stretched'configuration: [0038] FIG. 4a is a perspective view representing two similar parts of the holding strap component, as shown by the two dotted circles appearing In FIG, !: [0039] HG eb rs n v e-- sc<. non \ Sew ,>iOw, ' e A <\ from FIG -hi; [0040] FIG. 5a is a side elevation view of the holding strap component in two with tire extension strap, forming a hoi ding strap, and operating to secure a load (in art initial conlig!iiattois· to a rack: [0041 ] FIG. 5b is a similar view to FIG, 5a, wherein the load has moved from its initial configurat ion (by movement M), thus the elastic section is shown in a contracted state so ns to provide tension T; and [0042] FIG, 6a is a similar view to FIG, 5a, wherein below is shown as being: secured by an e xarnple prior art holding s trap: and [0043] FIG, 6b is a sinrilar view to FIG. 5b- as with FIG. 6a, showingJlterdfie^i^ of an example prior art holding strap when the load has moved from its initial configuration (by movement M), wherein the prior art holding strap fails to keep theioad secured.

DETAILED DESCRIPTTON OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION (ΧΧ144[ FIG. i -shows an embodiment of a holding strap component 10. which is-also shown with an extension -0,(0 [03. Ίίν homing soap component id and the extension strap 102. together'form asholling strap 100.

[0045] The holding strap component includes an elastic section 1:¾This elastic 'section including a skew or tube kh which is formed from a flexible material, and at least one ekotu member 16 (.-hewn inside she skew: oi tube 14 by dotted lines). The at least one elastic member 16 has two ends 22, 24. with one end 22 (refer to Fig, 2} secured to a part 18 of the slee ve or tube {4 and another end 24 of the elastic member 16 (refer to 1¾. 2) seemed to a: respecti ve part 20 of the sleeve or tube 34, (3¾¾] in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the ends of the clastic member 22, 24 are seemed to respecti ve pails of the sleeve or tube 18, 20 by being s titched together ( refer to FIGS. 4a, 4b). (0047] The sleeve or tube 14 is formed from a flexible material, such as a canvas-like material ora woven polymer material. Such material is substantially inelastic, but is able to crumple so as to be able to expand and contract, la this way, the flexible material of the tube or slee ve is able to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the f lexible material is able to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched. (0048] The holding strap component also includes a firs! extern 26 and a second extent 28. '! he t'rst extent eh peids from one end 18. 22 ofthe elastic sewn ·η and the second extent derx eos ftotn six other end 20. 26 of the elastic section 12. In the embodiment of the holding strap component 10 shown in FIG. :. the first and second extents 2b. 2b arc formed from the tube or sleeve, fins enables a simplified manufacturing process, which can reduce costs in manufacturing. However, it will be appreciated that the 'first and second extents 26, 28 may also be formed from another webbing material layer canvas-like material, or a single-layer woven polyester material. (0049] The holding strap component 10 also includes a holding mean* 30. whichIs located at or towards the end of the first extent 26, The holding means 30 co-operates with the first extent 26, wherein the holding means includes a loop 32 and a part of the first extent 26 is placed through the holding means loop .32 and folded back-over to form a loop 62 in the it si extent 26. The part of the first extern winch is folded over is ditched -18 (refer fo tugs. 4;j and 4b) onto another part of the i iist extent. For extra strengthening of the loop 42 the folded over part of the first extent 26 can afsoshe stitched 46 ht aSeepiiti: point (refer to Mgs. Taiand 4b).

[00503 It is possible to configure the holding meaos 30 and the first extent 26 so as to co-operate in other ways, aparfcffom that Mlibh has been described: above. j(;M>51j The holding means 30, as shown in Fig, I» is a houfe However, the bolding; means could be a buckle, a locking member, an s-shaped type hook, swan hook or a carabiner type hook, or any other hoiditvg tntntris snitabie for connection to an anchoring point. It wilt be appreciated that them exists a large yafidty of holding Means capable of being used for this purpose. 10()523 In another embodiment (not shown) it is possible to attach a second holding means to the second extent 28. In this configuration, the holding strap component forms a holding strap, as no Otherscomponent Is required for such a configuration to perform as a holding Mrap, [0()53] in the example embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the holding strap component F) further includes an attachment nu, m )4. which tot joiate« wtth the second extent 28, The exemplified attachment means 34 includes a ratchet assembly with a ratchet mechanism, which allows the holding strap component 10 to be connected wnh the extension strap !02. so as to form a holding strap 100.

[Q05:4] The at(aehm§M .means 34 (ratchet asse nhlymcehantsui) includes a ratchet· lever 56 for upending the ratchet mechanism and a raichet spool .38 onto which a part of tire extension strap i()2 may be wound for tightening the holding strap 100 (as describee later in this speed lent ion.). The spool 38 includes a slot -Ό. adapted to accept a second end pari 114 of the extension strap 102. prior to operating the raichet mechanism so as to wind at least a part of the main strap 104 oft lit· extension soar) 102 onto the spool 38. |0055j .Similarly to the holding means 30 co-updating with the -‘irst extent 26. the attachment means 34 eo operates with the second extent 28 via a loop 44. which is formed 'η the second extent The loop 44 is Ik apap:pf' thetpsehef Msetpbly 14:. (0056] The ex tension strap 102 is shown as dashed anti dotted lines in Fig. 1, as the extension strap docs not form. a par! of the holding strap component. However, in cooperation. tire holding strap component and the extension st tap.form a holding strap 100; §|ieextensfon strap induces a main strap |04 and an extension strap holding means 106.; which in this example is a hook with a loop 108 lor co-operation with the main strap i04. A loop 110 is formed in the first 112 of the main strap KM- for co-operation with the loop 108 in the extension; strap holding means 106. (0057] As shown in this eptbodiment. the extension strap main: strap 104 may he formed from a single-ply webbing material, such us a canvas-tike material or a woven polyester material. It will be understood that the main strap may be formal from other types of material suitable for such an application,. 10058J Fun her, the extension strap holding means 106 may he another type of holding means apart from a hook. (0059( Also shown in Fig. 1 are dotted ovals around the first extent 26 and the second extent 28. Details of the eonstrnctioo of the first nod second extents are represented in Figs. 4 a and 4b. h will be understood that, as the details rtf construction of the first and vCso id e xtei !<· a o qm.c similar, i tg 4a represents both the first and second;extent construction details. Similarly, Fig. 4b shevs both the first and second extent construction, details, [0060] Fig. 2 chows, perltaps mote dearly, respective ends 22,24 of the elastic member 16. Respective pads iS. 20 of the sleeve m tube 14 arc seouied to the ends 22,24 of the clastic member.

[Ode I ] Referring to both f igs. 2 and 3, the respective parts 18,20 of the. sleeve or tube I -t. when the sleev e or tube is expanded, arc separated by a length 1.2 longer than the elastic member when the clastic tnumber is nn-stretched fas shown by length Li in Fig. 2). 1·: this way. in use, the elaxfieufismher Is ate!© fo be streicfeed. hut no! stretched feephiThe· expanded lohgth L2 of the respective partkbf ithe sleeve or: tube. |0062J 1» Fig. 2, iheilisiigth kI repesethk both th® fuily arMttete!ied: length of the clastic member 16 and the amt raeied length separet »φ respei. ti vc parts 18.2.0 of the sleeve ui tube ' ! in 1 g k i 2 leptcvenb the indy slukho i icig-h of the elastic member and the expanded length -ope:..* mg theiesuective parts ot the -k.c\e <>r tube. '1 he difference between LI and Ϊ.2 in the preset'.* invention, referred to a? the maximum stretch length, is between about UTf, rn and 0 12 m. but may be a little mme ->ra hole less length.

[OOis.tj lag. 4a shows details of the construct ton rtf an end of the ebstic section 12 of the holding strap component 10. along with details of construction of the first extent 26 or the second extent 2$. in this cmhodunent, the cie'w m tube 14 tormx the ftrst/seconcl extent, as well ax forming the loop 42, 44 in the fust/seeond extent, |0t>ii -t { big. 4b is a ci'oss-sCvttonal view across line A-A front Fig- 4a, Mofohlearly shown in Fig. 4b is the layering oi the respective parts of 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 40, seem ed to respective ends 22, '24 of the elastic member 16. In this embodiment, the extent 26. 28 is folded over so us to form the loop 42,44. wherein ihe folded over part is doubled: back and stitched in two locations 48, 46. The stitching penetrates from one side to the other, thus forming a strong attachment.

[0065)., Figs. 5 a and 5b are side elevation views of the holding strap component 10 in use when securing a load 206 to a rack 200 (or pallet). Fig. 5 a showkvyjmt may be described as an initial cottfigtjnit.ion of the load, having a .first arrangernfftt of containers 210.212, 214 and 216. This initial, configuration may be the arrangement of containers when the load is first placed on the rack 200, prior to transportation, Typically, in such circumstances. the individual containers 210,. 212, 214,216 are stacked onto the rack in a particular arrangement, then the holding means 30 shook) of the holding strap component 10 is attached around a first anchor point 204 of the rack, flic holding means 106 of the extension strap l Of is attached to a second anchoring point 202 of the rack 200. the main strap 1.04 of the extension strap 102 is placed over the load 206, with an end part 114 of the main strap 104 fed into fee slot 40 of fh&amp;aafehet spool 3i:ift: fifeffefel>et::assdfefel;j’4l4:: (attachment means}. |0066j Alter the pen of the tnain strap 104 of the extension strap 102 is fed into the slot 40, fee holding strap UK) can he held ia;«|krby the operator, so that: there is a certain amount of tension on both holding means 106 and. 40 against their respecti ve anchoring points 202 and 204, The operator may then operate the ratchet oteehanistn by pulling the ratchet fever 36 hack and forth, so as to further tension the holding strap 1.00. The holding strap may foe tensioned until the clastic section. 12 of the holding strap component 10 is strctehed.'exp&amp;ndcri substantially to its maximum length ri 31. In sins way. the initial coniigurafiort of the load 200 is secured to the rack 2ri0 with sufiiciertt force. In the present invention the force will he between about 20 and 28 N. but may be between about 22 to 20 N. in an embodiment the force will he about 24 N. I0067J fig. 5b shows a configuration of the load 206 at a filer time yt hem for example, the configuration of fee load has shifted due to movement of the load during transportation. The movement of the load in Fig. 5b is represented by double ended arm# M. As will he shown in Figs, 6a and 6b, with aijpiir^. ronventimi&amp;^ttG&amp;fst tfe-down holding strap the hooks would have disengaged from the anchor points, W-horein the load and. holding strap would have likely been lost, h has been found that the aittotmf of movement.!» many circumstances for many load types results tit cross; sectional perimeter length decrease of, for example, about 0.06 rn. Accordingly, the strap being configured to have a maximum stretch length of, for example, about 0.08 mwill allow the strap to take up the alack in those circumstances. In anothej example, the.cross-sectional perimeter length decrease may be up to about 0.09 m. A strap having a maximum -stretch length of about 0.1 m should be suitable for taking up slack in such eircumstaoces. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that previous straps or strap components are configured to have a maximum stretch length that is too small to take .up the slack where the movement of the load: is as large as between about 0.06 m and 0.09 m. j()t368j feup to the load1|6 moving af^^ 214. 2|6 being in a ;; diriemnt coniigurnbon. the etieeftve cross sectional jvnmeiet length of the load configuration, where the holding simp 100 is located, is somewhat reduced, Accordingly, such a rearrangement would tjsuaily pixahice a siackness in the holding strap due to a loss of tension. Howeverc as; the holding strap component 10 includes theelastie section 12, the produced slackness is taken up by a contraction of the elastic member 16. so as to maintain a&amp;uiiable amount of tension T, which assists it! keeping the load 200 substantially secured onto the rack 200.

[0069] It has been found that the tension in the elastic member should be between gbo'ut 20 N to 28 N in order to keep loads sufficiently secure in many circumstances: This range of tension allows the strap to .contract with sufficient force to hold the load, but not too much force so as to crush items, such as cardboard boxes! [0070] The tension may be measured by suspending one end of a slap to an elevated fixing point, then placing a load on the other end of the strap. The tension is calculated by adding to the load until the strap becomes stretcher! to its maximum stretch length t for example, between 0.08 m to 0,12 m). If the load mass is, say, 2.5 kg to reach maximum stretch length, then the tension 2.5 kg x 9.8 ms ' - 24.5N.

[0071] Figs. 6.j and 6b are side elevathm views of an example prior art holding strap 300 in use. whet? securing, the load 206 to the nek 200, wheo-m FIG 6b shows an example situation where die prior art holding simp may fail. Fig. 6a shows the in-tut! configuration of the load, having a first arrangement oi containers 210, 212, 2U. ?!6 are stacked:oato the rack in a particular arrangement, then the hooks 302, 301 of the prior art holding strap are attached around respective anchor points 204. 202 of the rack eOO.

[()072] Fig. 6b shows: a configuration of the load 206 moving and the eoniaiudis 210. 212, 214,216 being in a different configuration, the effective cross-sectional perimeter length of the load configuration, where the prior art holding strap 300 is located, is somewhat reduced. Accordingly, such a rearrangement produces a slackness in the prior art holding strap 300. due to a loss of tension. In such circumstances, it is likely that at least one of the hdbks 302 will become disengaged from its respective anchor point 204, :ΐiiis ipinre of the prior art holding:strap .1()0 may then leadiO ips« of all or part of the load 206, along with the prior art bolding; strap300litSelf.

[00733 t he invention is susceptible to variaiions, modifications and/or additions other than those speeiScally deseribai!, and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions:, which fall within the scope of the following elainis,: [0074] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and; shahid hot be taken as an acknowl.edgement or any form of suggestion that the poor ad part of the common genera I knowledge.

[0075] Throughout this specification and the .claims. which follow, unless the context requires utherwive. the word "comprise", and variations such as ’’comprises" and ’’comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion ot a stated integer or step or;group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or step:®.

Claims (8)

1. Π. Λ; MS

   1. A holding strap component, including: an clastic section includingi-a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member directly secured a< eilhei end lo respective parts of the sleeve or tube, the flexible material being adapted to expand'when the elastic nwmbet is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched; iad a first extent and ;t second extent depending from respective ends df theeiastic section, ^herein the respective parts of the sleeve dr tube, when the sleeve- or tube is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is utr-strelched, such that, in use the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond die expanded length.of the respecti ve parts of the sleeve or tube; and wherein to stretch the elastic member lo the expanded length requires a force of between 20 a ml 38 Newtons <N),
2. 2. A holding strap component accoiding to claim 1. wherein the force is between about 22 and '26 N.
3. 3. A holding strap component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the force is about 24· m,
4. 4. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 1 to 3. wherein the elastic section has a maximum stretch length which is the length between being lolly unstretehed and being stretched to the expanded length, and wherein the maximum stretch length is between about 0.08 and 0.12 meters (m). 52 A holding strap component according to claim 4» length is about 0.1 m. fi Λ holdingeonipshdrii according to any one of claims 1 to 5, -wherein the flexible materialis adapted I* A. holding strap eo«$®*P!$ according to any one of claims i to 6. wherein the $ΐρψβ or lube* the first ex:tea|^ f|e seoend exte#aiv forraed;i^5»i a wj^iing-matenal.. % A holding strap component according to any one of claims 1tqM. further including a first holding moans co-operating with the first extent. iv A holding stray) exponent according to claim 8. further including a second holding means cooperating’with the second ..extent, wherein the holding strap component forms a holding sifilif
5. 10. A holding strap component according so claim 8. wliereiaihe first holding means is selected from a gtoup including: hooks. buckles, locking members, swan hooks,S-shapec type hooks, carubiner type hooks, ortho like. ; 1 Λ holding atom compor* nt .K.o»rdlm to claim 9. wherein the second holding means is selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking members, swim hooks. S-shaped type hooks, combiner type hooks, or the like.
6. 12. A holding strap component according to either claim 8 or claim 10. wherein the first extent is attached to the first holding means hy forming a loop at an end part of the first extent for co -operation with a loop part of the firs! holding means, IS. A holding strap component according to eitherefatro 9 df elainf 11, wherem the second extent is attached to the second holding means by forming ariloopakatt end;fad of the second extent for eo operation with a loop part of the sCvond holding means;. M, A holding strap component according to claim.:#, .farther including an attachment means co-opcruting with the second extent, the attachment means for attaching an extension strap, :¾¾¾¾¾ the holding strap eoTrgldheht and iheiextenidMr stmp:f orthiS: holding strap. 1 i. A holding strap component according to claim 14, wherein the: extension strap further includes avoiding nteank located at oflnSara first end thereof.::
7. 16. A holding strap component according to claim 15, wherein the extension strap holding means is selected from a group including: hooks, buckles,locking members, swan hooks, S> shaped type hooks. earabincr type books, or the like.
8. 17. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the attachment means is a ratchet means, A holding strap component according to claim 17, wherein the ratchet means is adapted to accept a second end part of the extension strap and. in uSe, to he opOfated to tighten the holding strap on a loach such that the elastic hiemher is stretched sip to the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or mho. 1¾ A holding strap component according to any one of claims L to 1:8, wheretp the sleeve or tube forms either or both the first extent or/and the second extent.