AU2016203964B2

AU2016203964B2 - Load strapping system

Info

Publication number: AU2016203964B2
Application number: AU2016203964A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rami CHARMAND; Mohamad ETER
Original assignee: Strap N Go Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Strap N Go Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-17
Filing date: 2016-06-14
Publication date: 2020-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-14
Also published as: AU2016203964A1

Abstract

Load strapping system Abstract A load strapping system (10) comprises first and second channel sections (100), each channel section (100) having a base (110) and two arms (120, 130) extending away from the base (110) thereby defining a receptacle, a longitudinally extending opening (150) being define between the arms (120, 130). The load strapping system (10) has a first carriage assembly (200) having a first carriage body (210) located within the first channel receptacle and being longitudinally movable within the first channel receptacle, the first carriage assembly (200) including at a first sheave housing (230) and a second carriage assembly (200) having a second carriage body (210) located within the second channel receptacle and being longitudinally movable within the second channel receptacle, the second carriage assembly (200) including a second sheave housing (230). An elastic cord (300) reeved between the first sheave housing (230) and the second sheave housing (230), wherein a ring (320) is located at each end of the elastic cord (300). 1/5 130 10 210 240 400 320 10 450 500 410 420 ___ 520 510 Fig. 1

Description

1/5

130 10 210 240

400

320 10

450 500 410 420 ___

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Fig. 1

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

Standard Patent Specification

Title: Load strapping system

Applicant(s): STRAP N GO PTY LTD

Inventor(s): Mohamad ETER and RamiCHARMAND

Agent: © COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys

The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

Load strapping system

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a load strapping system. In particular, the present invention relates to a load strapping system for use in trucks. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the load strapping system may be utilised in other transportation and storage applications.

Background of the Invention

[0002] When loading pallets or other cargo onto a truck, it is generally necessary for the pallets to be strapped to ensure that there is no movement of the load during transportation, for example, during cornering of the truck. In particular, this applies to curtain wall type trucks. In such trucks the walls are made from fabric which is not sufficiently strong to withhold an unsecured load. In many countries such as Australia, it is mandatory to strap cargo within curtain wall trucks.

[0003] Typically the process commences with a forklift (or another loading vehicle) loading the pallets into the desired position within the truck. Once the pallets have been located, the truck driver (or another person) proceeds with the strapping.

[0004] The process generally requires the driver to initially stand on one side of the truck, and connect straps with hooks to a horizontal bar or another hooking point located on the side of the truck, generally at or beneath the floor level. The driver then throws the free end of the straps over the cargo. After this is completed, the driver moves to the other side of the truck, and the driver proceeds to hook the free end of the straps to another horizontal bar or similar hooking point. Once this process is completed, the driver then tensions the straps. This is normally achieved by operating a manual ratchet system. As the straps become tensioned, the straps shorten in length, and a force is applied to the cargo. The force assists to secure the cargo to the truck floor, significantly reducing the risk of the cargo moving during transportation.

[0005] However, the process described above is both time and labour intensive. This may add to the overall cost of transportation, and reduce the efficiency of the truck and driver.

[0006] The pallets may be stacked up to three layers high. This means that the driver is unlikely to have visibility over the stack of pallets when throwing the straps over the pallets.

In addition, when the pallet stack is high, it is common that the free end of the strap, once thrown, may become stuck on top of the pallets. If this occurs, the driver may proceed from the initial side of the truck to the second side of the truck only to discover that one or more of the strap free ends is not readily accessible. At that point, the truck driver may need to climb onto the cargo load to locate the free end of the strap. Alternatively, the driver may return to the starting point and attempt to pull the strap back down and commence the process again. Either way, a considerable amount of time and effort may be lost in the process.

[0007] A still further problem with the above described process is the risk of injury to a person standing near the truck in the event that they are hit by the free end of the strap as it is thrown over the cargo.

[0008] In addition, the truck driver is generally required to move between the left and right sides of the truck. This can expose the truck driver to risk of injury in loading dock environments where there may be several fork lifts operating.

Object of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a load strapping system comprising: first and second channel sections, each channel section having a base and two arms extending away from the base thereby defining a receptacle, a longitudinally extending opening being defined between the arms; a first carriage assembly having a first carriage body located within the first channel receptacle and being longitudinally movable within the first channel receptacle, the first carriage assembly including at a first sheave housing; and a second carriage assembly having a second carriage body located within the second channel receptacle and being longitudinally movable within the second channel receptacle, the second carriage assembly including a second sheave housing; and an elastic cord reeved between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing, wherein a ring is located at each end of the elastic cord wherein each of the first and second sheave housings includes at least three pulleys, and wherein there are five sections of the elastic cord extending between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing.

[0011] (Intentionally left blank)

[0012] (Intentionally left blank)

[0013] Preferably the first and second channel sections are securable to opposing walls or spaced portions of a roof of a truck.

[0014] The first carriage body and the second carriage body each preferably include a plurality of wheels, sized to fit between the channel section arms.

[0015] Each carriage assembly preferably includes a stem extending between the carriage body and the sheave housing.

[0016] Each sheave housing is preferably pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the stem and/or an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem.

[0017] The first and second channel sections preferably include mounting lugs, each lug having mounting holes or mounting notches adapted to receive a fastener.

[0018] Each end of the first and second channel sections is preferably closed with a plug.

[0019] (Intentionally left blank)

[0020] (Intentionally left blank)

[0021] Each channel section preferably includes two returns, each return extending away from one of the two arms wherein the longitudinally extending opening is define by a space formed between the returns.

4a

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of securing a load, the method including the steps of: securing a first hook to a first engagement formation formed on a truck, the first hook being located at an end of a strap, and a second hook being located at an opposing end of the strap; locating a pallet or other cargo on a floor of the truck, wherein the strap is supported in two locations by a first loop and a second loop, the first and second loops being secured to opposing ends of an elastic cord, further wherein the elastic cord is supported at two locations by three pulleys of a first sheave housing and three pulleys of a second sheave housing, each sheave housing being secured to a channel section, wherein the elastic cord is reeved between the three pulleys of a first sheave housing and the three pulleys of a second sheave housing such that there are five sections of the elastic cord extending between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing; securing the second hook to a second engagement formation formed on the truck; and tightening the strap.

[0023] The method further preferably including the step of longitudinally moving one or both sheave housings within the channel sections in order to move the first and second sheave housings generally above the load.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a load strapping system comprising: a first sheave housing having at least three pulleys, the first sheave housing being adapted to be secured to a surface within a cargo hold; and a second sheave housing having at least three pulleys, the second sheave housing being adapted to be secured to a surface within the cargo hold, such that a space is defined between the first and second sheave housings, and an elastic cord reeved between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing such that there are five sections of the elastic cord extending between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing, wherein a loop is located at or near each end of the elastic cord, the loop being adapted to receive a load securing strap.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a load strapping system according to the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 2 depicts a channel section of the load strapping system of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 3 depicts a carriage assembly of the load strapping system of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of a carriage assembly of the load strapping system of Fig. 1; and

[0030] Fig. 5 depicts a channel section according to the load strapping system according to an alternative embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0031] A load strapping system 10 is disclosed herein. The load strapping system 10 has been designed for use with trucks 125 and in particular curtain wall type trucks 125. However, the load strapping system 10 may also be deployed in other applications where load securement is desirable, such as cargo planes, cargo train carriages or warehouse storage facilities.

[0032] The load strapping system 10 is schematically depicted in Fig. 1. The system 10 includes first and second channel sections 100. One channel section 100 is shown in isolation in Fig. 2. Each channel section 100 is fabricated as an aluminium or steel extrusion. The channel sections 100 are attached to the roof or wall of a truck 125. In particular, the channel sections 100 are secured to opposing walls, or generally opposing locations on the roof of the truck 125.

[0033] It is intended that each channel section 100 is secured at multiple locations along its length to the steel ribbing which defines the skeleton of the curtain wall truck 125.

[0034] The channel section 100 has a base 110, and two opposing arms 120, 130, thereby defining a receptacle. The arms 120, 130 are generally parallel to each other. Each arm 120, 130 terminates in a return 122, 132. A longitudinally extending opening 150 is present between each return 122, 132. As depicted in Fig. 2, the returns 122, 132 are generally perpendicular relative to the arms 120, 130. Accordingly, the channel section 100 is generally rectangular in cross-sectional profile, with an opening 150 located on one of the four sides.

[0035] The channel sections 100 may be secured with screws, rivets, or other suitable fasteners. The fasteners may be inserted through holes formed in the base 110. The channel sections 100 may alternatively be welded to the truck 125 walls or roof.

[0036] Alternatively, as depicted in Fig. 2, each channel section 100 may be provided with mounting lugs 140. The mounting lugs 140 may extend continuously along the length of the channel section 110 or the mounting lugs 140 may be intermittently spaced, as depicted in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the spacing of the mounting lugs 140 is designed to correspond with typical spacing of the ribbing of the truck 125 frame. In one embodiment, the mounting lugs 140 are approximately 25mm wide. However, the length may vary as noted above.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, each mounting lug may be provided with mounting holes 142 or mounting notches 144 or a combination thereof.

[0038] In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 5, a channel section 100 is shown for use with roof mounting installations. In this embodiment, a longitudinally extending mounting plate 141 is integrally formed with the channel section 100. The mounting plate 141 enables the installation of the channel section 100 on the joists which are located on the roof of the truck. During installation, self-tapping tek screws or other suitable fasteners are tapped into the mounting plate 141 and into the roof joists.

[0039] As described above, each channel section 100 has a longitudinally extending opening 150. The ends of each channel section 100 may be closed with rubber, plastic or other suitable plugs (not shown). The channel sections 100 may be provided in short lengths of approximately one metre. Alternatively, each channel section 100 may be produced in custom sized lengths to correspond with the length of the truck 125 body, or portions thereof.

[0040] A first embodiment of a carriage assembly 200 of the load strapping system 10 is depicted in Fig. 3. The carriage assembly 200 has a carriage body 210 which includes a generally planar portion 212 and four wheels or rollers 214. The wheels 214 are sized to fit within the clearance which is defined between the arms 120, 130 of the channel section 100. In addition, the wheels 214 are also sized to fit within the clearance between the returns 122, 132 and the channel section base 110. The wheels 214 are mounted on bearings for increased service life.

[0041] A stem 220 of the carriage assembly 200 has a proximal end 222 which extends away from the carriage body 210, and a distal end 224 of the stem 220 is connected to a sheave housing 230. The stem 220 projects through the opening 150 of the channel section 100.

[0042] The carriage assembly 200 includes a sheave housing 230. The sheave housing 230 provides a structure which rotationally supports at least one sheave or pulley 240, but preferably two or three pulleys 240. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, there are two pulleys 240. In the alternative embodiment depicted in Fig. 4, there are three pulleys 240. It will be appreciate that more than 3 pulleys 240 may be used.

[0043] In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the sheave housing 230, includes an L shaped or right angled bracket 232. The bracket 232 is secured to the distal end 224 of the stem 220 with two nuts 242 seated on a threaded portion of the distal end 224 of the stem 220.

[0044] The sheave housing 230 of Fig. 3 includes a first swivel or pivot 250 which enables the sheaves 240 to pivot about an axis being the longitudinal axis YY of the stem 220.

[0045] A second pivot 260 enables the sheaves 240 to pivot about an axis XX which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis YY of the stem 220.

[0046] As shown in the embodiment of Fig 3, the two sheaves 240 are mounted side by side, and are adapted to rotate about the common axis XX.

[0047] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the stem 220 is secured directly to the sheave housing 230, with two nuts 243. This prevents any rotation of the sheave housing 230 relative to the stem 220.

[0048] The carriage body 210 is insertable into one of the open ends of the channel section 100, before the rubber or plastic plugs (not shown) are secured. Once the plugs are applied, the carriage assembly 200 is secured to the channel section 100. However, on account of the wheels 214, the carriage assembly 210 is able to move longitudinally within the channel section 100, and is unable to be removed from the channel section 100 while the plugs remain in position.

[0049] The load strapping system 10 is schematically depicted installed in Fig. 1. As shown, the system 10 uses two of the channel sections 100 mounted on opposing walls or regions of the truck 125 roof. The two channel sections 100 are generally parallel to each other. Each of the opposing channel sections 100 has at least one (and possibly several) carriage assembly 200 mounted therein.

[0050] A continuous elastic cord or strap 300 extends between each pair of opposing sheave housings 230. The elastic cord 300 is of a type that permits the length to significantly increase under tensile loading. The resting length (and extended length) of the elastic cord 300 is a function of how many sheaves 240 are included in each sheave housing, as the reeving arrangement of the elastic cord 300 defines the length of the cord 300. Accordingly, in situations where a longer elastic cord 300 is desirable (for example, where the stack of pallets to be secured is high) then additional sheaves 240 may be utilised.

[0051] At each end of the elastic cord 300, a ring or loop 320 is provided. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, the ring or loop 320 is generally triangular in shape. However, it will be appreciated that it may be provided in other shapes such as circular or square, or D shaped.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the loop is triangular, and a roller sheath is seated on the side of the triangle on which the cargo strapping 400 is seated.

[0053] The ring 320 provides a support for a high tensile cargo webbing or strapping 400, as depicted in Fig. 1.

[0054] Referring to Fig. 1, a first hook 410 of the cargo strap 400 is secured to a first anchoring rail 510 which is located on one side of the truck 125. This first hook 410 may generally be left in this position on a continuous basis. When a user wishes to secure a pallet

500, after the pallet 500 has been loaded into the truck 125, the user pulls down the second hook 420 of the cargo strap 400. This has the effect of applying a tensile force on the elastic cord 300.

[0055] The elastic cord 300 extends in length, until such a time as the second hook 420 is able to be secured to the second anchoring rail 520. At this time, the user then actuates the ratchet fastening system 450 to shorten the strapping, and apply a downward force to the pallet 500, preventing (or at least inhibiting) the pallet 500 from moving relative to the truck 125 floor.

[0056] The elastic cord 300 does not at any time carry any of the pallet 500 securing force, as this is applied exclusively by the strapping 400.

[0057] When the user wishes to unload the cargo, the ratchet fastening system 450 is released and the second hook 420 is removed from the second anchoring rail 520. This has the effect of releasing the holding force acting on the pallet 500. Once this occurs, the tensile force in the elastic cord 300 become greater than the weight of the strapping 400 and the second hook 420. Accordingly, the second hook 420 and the strapping 400 is lifted upwardly, and out of the user's way, as the elastic cord 300 returns to the unextended starting configuration. A forklift can then be used to remove the pallet 500.

[0058] Each carriage assembly 200 can be selectively moved longitudinally within the channel sections 100 to a desired location. As such, the user may select a preferred longitudinal position for each carriage assembly 200 based on load specific factors such as the positioning of the pallets 500, and the arrangement and constituents of each individual pallet 500.

[0059] In one embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the sheave housing 230 may be mounted directly to a wall or roof portion of the truck, without the use of the channel section 100. For example, each stem 220 may have a proximal end, furthest from the sheave housing 230 which is secured to a mounting plate or other structure that can be fastened or welded or otherwise attached directly to the truck. In this embodiment, the operation of the load strapping system 10 is similar, with the exception that each sheave housing 230 is not longitudinally moveable relative to the truck. As such, in this embodiment, each sheave housing 230 is fixed.

[0060] Advantageously, the driver (or other user) can load, secure, unsecure and unload the truck 125 from only one side. This obviates the need for the driver to continually keep changing sides of the truck 125, or climbing into the cargo hold.

[0061] In one embodiment (not shown) the system 100 may include a single channel section 100 located on one side of the truck 125, and in particular, the loading side. In replacement of the second channel section 100, the elastic cord 300 is fastened directly to an anchor point, such as a hook or other formation secured to the truck 125.

[0062] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A load strapping system comprising: first and second channel sections, each channel section having a base and two arms extending away from the base thereby defining a receptacle, a longitudinally extending opening being defined between the arms; a first carriage assembly having a first carriage body located within the first channel receptacle and being longitudinally movable within the first channel receptacle, the first carriage assembly including at a first sheave housing; and a second carriage assembly having a second carriage body located within the second channel receptacle and being longitudinally movable within the second channel receptacle, the second carriage assembly including a second sheave housing; and an elastic cord reeved between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing, wherein a ring is located at each end of the elastic cord, wherein each of the first and second sheave housings includes at least three pulleys, and wherein there are five sections of the elastic cord extending between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing.

2. The load strapping system of claim 1, wherein the first and second channel sections are securable to opposing walls or spaced portions of a roof of a truck.

3. The load strapping system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first carriage body and the second carriage body each include a plurality of wheels, sized to fit between the channel section arms.

4. The load strapping system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each carriage assembly includes a stem extending between the carriage body and the sheave housing.

5. The load strapping system of claim 4, wherein each sheave housing is pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the stem and/or an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem.

6. The load strapping system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second channel sections include mounting lugs, each lug having mounting holes or mounting notches adapted to receive a fastener.

7. The load strapping system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each end of the first and second channel sections is closed with a plug.

8. The load strapping system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each channel section includes two returns, each return extending away from one of the two arms wherein the longitudinally extending opening is defined by a space formed between the returns.

9. A method of securing a load, the method including the steps of: securing a first hook to a first engagement formation formed on a truck, the first hook being located at an end of a strap, and a second hook being located at an opposing end of the strap; locating a pallet or other cargo on a floor of the truck, wherein the strap is supported in two locations by a first loop and a second loop, the first and second loops being secured to opposing ends of an elastic cord, further wherein the elastic cord is supported at two locations by three pulleys of a first sheave housing and three pulleys of a second sheave housing, each sheave housing being secured to a channel section, wherein the elastic cord is reeved between the three pulleys of a first sheave housing and the three pulleys of a second sheave housing such that there are five sections of the elastic cord extending between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing; securing the second hook to a second engagement formation formed on the truck; and tightening the strap.

10. The method of claim 9 further including the step of longitudinally moving one or both sheave housings within the channel sections in order to move the first and second sheave housings generally above the load.

11. A load strapping system comprising: a first sheave housing having at least three pulleys, the first sheave housing being adapted to be secured to a surface within a cargo hold; and a second sheave housing having at least three pulleys, the second sheave housing being adapted to be secured to a surface within the cargo hold, such that a space is defined between the first and second sheave housings, and an elastic cord reeved between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing such that there are five sections of the elastic cord extending between the first sheave housing and the second sheave housing, wherein a loop is located at or near each end of the elastic cord, the loop being adapted to receive a load securing strap.

STRAP N GO PTY LTD By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant