AU2016100760A4 - A Device for Restraining a Plurality of Cylindrical Objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The device 1 may be used to restrain a plurality of cylindrical objects. It includes an elongate body 2, which extends between a proximal end 3 and a distal end 4. A connection assembly 5 is disposed at the proximal end 3 of the elongate body 2, which allows the connection member 5 to be bolted to a platform, such as a pallet, for example. In another embodiment the proximal end 3 of the device 1 is rigidly attached to, or integrally formed with, the platform. A plurality of individually operable cylindrical object securing mechanisms 11 are disposed at the distal end 4 of the elongate body 2. Advantageously, the device 1 allows one or more cylindrical objects to be easily and safely secured onto a platform in a manner that provides independent access to each individual cylindrical object. Fig. 1

Description

A DEVICE FOR RESTRAINING A PLURALITY OF CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the storage and transport of cylindrical objects such as drums and the like. Embodiments of the present invention find application, though not exclusively, in contexts in which multiple drums are required to be secured for purposes such as storage and transportation.

BACKGROUND ART

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of this application.

When storing and transporting cylindrical objects such as drums it is known to position a number of the cylindrical objects onto a platform, such as a pallet for example, and to secure the cylindrical objects in place by wrapping a plastic sheet material around the objects and the platform. Another option is to wrap packing tape or strapping around the cylindrical objects. However, it has been appreciated by the inventor that both of these prior art arrangements suffer a drawback if it is necessary to gain access to some, but not all, of the cylindrical objects. This is because gaining access requires the plastic sheet material, packing tape or strapping, to be tom, cut or released to a significant extent so as to gain access to one or more of the cylindrical objects. This effectively releases the remaining cylindrical objects such that they will typically require re-wrapping in order to be once again secured to the platform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or substantially ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for restraining a plurality of cylindrical objects, the device including: an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end being attached, or attachable, to a platform; and a plurality of individually operable cylindrical object securing mechanisms being disposed at, or adjacent, the distal end, each securing mechanism being operable so as to secure a respective cylindrical object to the device.

In one embodiment at least one of the securing mechanisms is a loop including a fastener having an open configuration that loosens the loop so as to allow the cylindrical object to be placed into, and removed from, the loop and a closed configuration that tightens the loop so as to secure the cylindrical object to the device. In this embodiment the fastener is an over-centre catch. Preferably the plurality of cylindrical objects is a plurality of drums.

In another embodiment at least one of the securing mechanisms is a ratchet strap.

Preferably the platform is a wooden, plastic or metallic pallet.

Preferably at least a portion of the elongate body is shaped so as to key into a region intermediate the plurality of securing mechanisms.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, provided by way of example only, together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Figure lisa perspective view of an embodiment of the device;

Figure 2 is a front view of the device;

Figure 3 is a left side view of the device (with the right side view being identical);

Figure 4 is a plan view of the device; and

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the figures, the device 1, includes an elongate body 2, which, in use, extends vertically between a proximal end 3 and a distal end 4. The elongate body 2 is in the form of four spaced apart parallel elongate members 7. Each of the elongate members 7 is formed from hollow square-sectioned mild steel tubing, although it will be appreciated that any other material having suitable properties may be utilised. The proximal ends of two of the elongate members 7 are attached to a connection assembly 5. The proximal ends of the other two elongate members 7 are attached to a cross member 8. The distal ends of each of the elongate members 7 are retained in position by attachment to an X-shaped brace 9. This arrangement positions the four elongate members 7 in a square configuration when viewed in plan, as best seen in figure 4.

As best shown for example in figure 2, the connection assembly 5 that is disposed at the proximal end 3 of the elongate body 2 has three downwardly extending tabs 6, each of which has a hole 10 disposed towards the lower extremity. This allows the connection member 5 to be bolted to a platform, such as a pallet that may be formed from a wooden, plastic or metallic material, for example. The bolts extend through the holes 10 and into the pallet so as to releasably connect the device 1 to the pallet.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the proximal end 3 of the device 1 is rigidly attached to a platform. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), the device 1 is integrally formed with the platform. A plurality of individually operable cylindrical object securing mechanisms 11 are disposed at the distal end 4 of the elongate body 2. More particularly, each of the securing mechanisms 11 is attached to the distal ends of an adjacent pair of the elongate members 7. Each of the securing mechanisms 11 is operable so as to secure a respective cylindrical object (not illustrated) to the device 1. As shown in the illustrations, each of the securing mechanisms 11 comprises a rigid arcuate member 12, having a curvature that preferably substantially matches the curvature of the cylindrical object that is to be restrained. In use, a cylindrical object that is being restrained by the device 1 abuts the concave side of the rigid arcuate member 12.

Each of the securing mechanisms 11 also comprises a ratchet strap 13. A first end of the strap 13 is attached to one of two pins 14 that are provided upon an assembly 15 that is attached to the ends of two adjacent rigid arcuate members 12. The strap 13 extends from the pin 14 to a ratchet 16. Another strap 17 extends from the ratchet 16 to one of two pins 18 that are provided upon an adjacent assembly 19. This completes a loop into which one of the cylindrical objects may be placed.

One method of engaging the cylindrical object with the device 1 involves loosening the ratchet strap 13 enough to extend the loop such that it exceeds the circumference of the cylindrical object and lowering the cylindrical object through the loop and onto the platform. Another method involves unthreading strap 17 from the ratchet 16, which opens the loop and allows the cylindrical object to be positioned on the platform against the rigid arcuate member 12. The straps are then positioned around the cylindrical object and strap 17 is re-threaded into the ratchet 16 and the handle of the ratchet is then reciprocated so as to draw the strap 17 into the ratchet 16 until tension in the straps 13 and 17 retain the cylindrical object in place against the rigid arcuate member 12.

Releasing one of the cylindrical objects from the device 1 involves releasing the ratchet 16 so as to loosen straps 13 and 17. Once the loop is loose, the cylindrical object can be lifted up out of the loop. Alternatively, the strap 17 can be fully unthreaded from the ratchet so as to open the loop and allow easy removal of the cylindrical object. Advantageously, separate securing mechanisms 11 are provided for each of the cylindrical objects and each of the securing mechanisms 11 is independently operable. Hence, if a plurality of cylindrical objects are being restrained by a device 1, it is possible to remove a single cylindrical object from the device 1, whilst other cylindrical objects remain secured thereto.

As can be best seen, for example, in figures 1, 4 and 5, the elongate body 2 is shaped so as to key into the region intermediate the plurality of securing mechanisms 11. More particularly, the X-shaped brace 9 at the upper end, and the cross member 8 along with the connection assembly 5 at the lower end, maintain the elongate members 7 in positions that project into the tapered regions between adjacent pairs of the loops formed by the securing mechanisms 11. This keeps the overall geometry of the device 1 relatively compact and also contributes to enhanced structural rigidity.

Another embodiment (not illustrated) replaces the ratchet strap 13 with a loop that is fastened by an over-centre catch. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the overcentre catch has an open configuration that either opens or loosens the loop so as to allow the cylindrical object to be placed into, and removed from, the loop. When the catch is pushed over-centre it assumes its closed configuration such that the loop is tightened so as to secure the cylindrical object to the device 1.

The illustrated embodiment is configured for restraining up to four cylindrical objects, such as drums for example. This configuration advantageously offers stability and, depending upon the size of the cylindrical objects in question, may function effectively with standard sized pallets. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments (not illustrated) may be configured for the restraining of less, or more, than four cylindrical objects.

In the illustrated embodiment the four elongate members 7 are rigid. However, in another embodiment (not illustrated) the four elongate members 7 are collapsible, for example by means of telescoping or the like. This allows a number of the collapsed embodiments to be stored in a smaller space than would be necessary to store an identical number of non-collapsible embodiments.

Advantageously, the device 1 allows one or more cylindrical objects to be easily and safely secured onto a platform in a manner that provides independent access to each individual cylindrical object.

While a number of preferred embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (5)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A device for restraining a plurality of cylindrical objects, the device including: an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end being attached, or attachable, to a platform; and a plurality of individually operable cylindrical object securing mechanisms being disposed at, or adjacent, the distal end, each securing mechanism being operable so as to secure a respective cylindrical object to the device.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the securing mechanisms is a loop including a fastener having an open configuration that loosens the loop so as to allow the cylindrical object to be placed into, and removed from, the loop and a closed configuration that tightens the loop so as to secure the cylindrical object to the device.
3. 3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the fastener is an over-centre catch and wherein the plurality of cylindrical objects is a plurality of drums.
4. 4. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the securing mechanisms is a ratchet strap and wherein the platform is a wooden, plastic or metallic pallet.
5. 5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the elongate body is shaped so as to key into a region intermediate the plurality of securing mechanisms.