AU2019100263A4 - A retroreflective, fluorescent, and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent tie down - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A tie down including at least one strap and one or more securing devices, the at least one strap including one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion. Figure 1 oili CA-

Description

A RETROREFLECTIVE, FLUORESCENT, AND/OR COMBINED RETROREFLECTIVE-FLUORESCENT TIE DOWN

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a tie down such as those employed in securing items. The invention may be useful for tie downs such as those employed for tying down loads on a utility vehicle. The invention may be particularly useful for a tie down including, straps, hooks and a ratchet mechanism for tightening the tie down to secure a load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Tie downs typically include at least a strap often formed from a webbing of woven material, such as nylon thread. Other tie down straps may be formed from a non-woven material, such as leather or plastic.

[0003] Presently, tie downs are used for securing items together, or to secure the items to a load bearer, such as the tray of a utility vehicle. Some such tie downs include a strap with hooks at either end thereof, the hooks for engaging with each other or for engaging with respective engagement points on a load bearer. For example, some utility vehicles include a plurality of bars on the deck of the utility vehicle or on the side gates of the utility vehicle for accepting the hooks of one or more such tie downs when securing a load of one or more items on the utility vehicle.

[0004] Some other tie downs have different means from hooks for engagement, including buckles, rings, and the like. Some other tie downs include a loop in the strap which is formed from a portion of the strap material folded back on itself, and often stitched to form the loop.

[0005] Yet other tie downs include a ratchet mechanism which is used for tightening two strap components of the tie down, each strap component having an engagement means, such as a hook, at one end, with the other end of a first strap component attached to the ratchet mechanism, and with the other end of the second strap component free to engage

2019100263 12 Mar 2019 with the ratchet mechanism. In use, the hooks of such a tie down are attached to engagement points, for example, on a utility vehicle deck, with the strap being loose. The tie down ratchet mechanism is then operated to draw the free end of the second strap component towards the first strap component, thus tightening the tie down to secure a load.

[0006] Often loads are secured to a utility vehicle and the vehicle is driven at night or in other darkened conditions, such as in a tunnel. Particularly, when a load is large, bulky and/or not fully contained within the tray of the utility vehicle, it may present a danger as other people driving other vehicles may not see the extent of the load, despite, perhaps, seeing the utility vehicle itself. Sometimes such circumstances can lead to an accident causing damage to the load and even injury to occupants of the utility vehicle or the other vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention provides a tie down including at least one strap and one or more securing devices, the at least one strap including one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion.

SUMMARY OF SOME OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0008] In embodiments, each portion complies with, respectively, retroreflective, fluorescent and combined retroreflective-fluorescent requirements in American National Standards Institute/lnternational Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) 107. In some embodiments, each portion complies with, respectively, retroreflective, fluorescent and combined retroreflective-fluorescent requirements in American National Standards Institute/lnternational Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) 107-2010. In other embodiments, each portion complies with, respectively, retroreflective, fluorescent and combined retroreflective-fluorescent requirements in American National Standards Institute/lnternational Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) 107-2015.

2019100263 12 Mar 2019 [0009] In embodiments, the one or more retroreflective portions, fluorescent portions and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions include at least one strip secured to one or both sides of the at least one strap. In some such embodiments, the at least one strip is secured to the at least one strap by adhesive. In other such embodiments, the at least one strip is secured to the at least one strap by being stitched thereto.

[0010] In other embodiments, the at least one strip is releasably attached to the at least one strap. In such embodiments, the at least one strip may be releasably attached to the at least one strap by a hook-and-loop fastener, for example, VELCRO™.

[0011] In yet other embodiments, where the at least one strap is formed in part or whole by a webbing of woven material, the one or more retroreflective portions, fluorescent portions and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions are integrated in the weave. In some such embodiments, retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflectivefluorescent material is attached to or impregnated into thread before being woven to form webbing for the at least one strap. In other such embodiments, the retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent material is attached to or impregnated into a portion of the webbing after it is woven.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more retroreflective portions, fluorescent portions and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions are coloured to reflect selected one or more frequencies of visible light. In some such embodiments, the frequencies include any one or more of red and yellow frequencies. In other embodiments, the reflective portion has a silver or mirror-like appearance. In yet other embodiments, the fluorescent portions or the combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions include yellowgreen, orange-red and red background materials.

[0013] In some other embodiments, the one or more retroreflective portions, fluorescent portions and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions include one or more visual effects including any one or more of sparkle, a pattern formed from areas of different colours, and a moire pattern.

[0014] In embodiments where the at least one strip is formed from a material including one of a plastic strip, a webbing of woven material, a gel. In the embodiment using a gel,

2019100263 12 Mar 2019 the gel can be applied when in an uncured state and allowed to cure to form a pliable strip adhered to the at least one strap.

[0015] In further embodiments, the one or more retroreflective portions, fluorescent portions and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions are formed from a plurality of one or more of retroreflective, fluorescent, and combined retroreflective-fluorescent areas.

[0016] In yet further embodiments, the one or more securing devices include one or more hooks, one or more buckles, and one or more loops formed from the strap material. In embodiments, the one or more securing devices include different devices at each end of the tie down. For example, a tie down may include a hook at one end and a buckle at the other end. In yet other embodiments, the one or more securing devices include one or more securing devices located between the ends of the tie down. For example, a tie down may include three hooks, with a hook at each end of the tie down and a third hook intermediate the ends of the tie down.

[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one strap includes two strap components and the tie down includes a ratchet mechanism for joining the two strap components, the ratchet mechanism operable for tightening the tie down by drawing the strap components towards each other, and operable for loosening or disengaging the tie down by allowing the strap components to be drawn away from each other, wherein the ratchet mechanism is located on an end of one strap component and an end of the other strap component is configured to engage with the ratchet mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments, the ratchet mechanism includes a hook or other type of securing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] At least one embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following, non-limiting illustrations representing the at least one embodiment of the present invention, in which:

2019100263 12 Mar 2019 [0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a tie down including retroreflective portions, fluorescent portions and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions represented in speckled patterning to delimit the reflective portions from other portions of the tie down. The speckled patterning should not be understood as limiting the nature of the invention. One strap component is illustrated with a discontinuity shown by two long-short dashed lines indicating the strap may be of any selected length;

[0021] Figures 2a and 2b are, respectively, a top plan view and an end elevation crosssectional view (as indicated by the arrows labelled 2b) of an embodiment of a tie down wherein the retroreflective portion, fluorescent portion and/or combined retroreflectivefluorescent portion is woven into the webbing forming the strap;

[0022] Figures 3a and 3b are, respectively, a top plan view and an end elevation crosssectional view (as indicated by the arrows labelled 3b) of an embodiment of a tie down wherein the retroreflective portion, fluorescent portion and/or combined retroreflectivefluorescent portion is a strip of material adhered to the strap; and, [0023] Figures 4a and 4b are, respectively, a top plan view and an end elevation crosssectional view (as indicated by the arrows labelled 4b) of an embodiment of a strap wherein the retroreflective portion, fluorescent portion and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion is a strip of material stitched to the strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS [0024] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a tie down 10 including one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion 22, 24 (shown in speckled pattern to illustratively delimit the reflective portion from other portions of the tie down). The tie down also includes securing devices, in this embodiment, being hooks 16,18 at either end of the at least one strap, the strap formed from two strap components 12,14.

[0025] It will be appreciated that the tie down could include various configurations of retroreflective portions, fluorescent portions and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portions. For example, both strap components 12, 14 could have a retroreflective portion.

2019100263 12 Mar 2019

Alternatively, one strap portion 12 could have a retroreflective portion and the other strap component 14 could have a fluorescent portion. In another alternative embodiment, one strap component 12 could have a fluorescent portion and the other strap component 14 could have a combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion. Further, it will be appreciated that each strap component could include more than one retroreflective portion, fluorescent portion and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion. The possible configurations of the portions are not limited by those specifically described in this specification.

[0026] The tie down 10 of Figure 1 includes a ratchet mechanism 20 attached to a first strap component 12. The ratchet mechanism located at a first end of the first strap component, with the securing device (hook) 16 located at a second end of the first strap component. The ratchet means accepts a first end of a second strap component 14, being a free end of the second strap component, with the securing device (hook) 18 located at a second end of the second strap component.

[0027] The ratchet mechanism 20 is operable to tighten the strap components 12,14 of the tie down 10 when the securing devices 16,18 are anchored or otherwise engaged with, for example, engagement points on a utility vehicle tray, such as bars on the deck or on the side gates of the tray, the first free end of the second strap component 14 is inserted into the ratchet mechanism, and the lever handle 26 of the ratchet mechanism is pulled and released in a reciprocating action to draw the second strap component into the ratchet mechanism and so as to draw the first strap component 12 and the second strap component 14 together. The ratchet mechanism 20 is further operable to release the second strap component 14 so as to allow the tie down 10 to be loosened for release of a load.

[0028] In other embodiments, the securing devices can be other than hooks and may include buckles or a loop formed in the end of the strap.

[0029] One part of the one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion 22 of the strap 10 is located on the first strap component 12, and the other part of the one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one

2019100263 12 Mar 2019 combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion 24 of the strap is located on the second strap component 14.

[0030] In an example use, the tie down 10 is employed to secure a load, for example, to a utility vehicle. The tie down, when securing the load, is located in relation to the load in such a way as the one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion 22, 24 is visible external of the load and the vehicle. If the vehicle is driven in darkened conditions, such as during the night or in a tunnel, other vehicles having their vehicle lights in operation will cause that light to be reflected from the portion(s) of the tie down, which allows the tie down to be more-easily seen by people in other vehicles, thus providing greater safety.

[0031] Further, in use, the tie down 10 typically follows the outer contours of a load, thus allowing the visible retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion(s) to indicate to others the location and configuration of a load. In a circumstance where a load is large or bulky, some of the load may be outside of the tray of a utility vehicle, so that a tie down having a retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion(s) for the tie down is useful for showing others where extended portions of a load are located, particularly in darkened conditions.

[0032] Figure 2a shows an embodiment of a tie down strap 200 formed from a webbing of woven material 202, in which a retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflectivefluorescent portion 204 is woven. The retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion may be formed by weaving a pre-treated thread or threads having sections of retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflectivefluorescent material coated on or impregnated into the thread or threads, the sections selected so as to align with location of the intended retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion 204 when woven to form the webbing. Alternatively, the material forming the webbing 202 of the tie down strap 200 could be treated after weaving, wherein, for example, a strip of the webbing is exposed to retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent material which coats or impregnates the desired portion of the webbing so as to form the reflective portion 204.

2019100263 12 Mar 2019 [0033] Figure 2b shows a cross-section of the tie down strap 200, with the retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion 204 illustrated as being integral with the webbing 202.

[0034] Figure 3a shows an embodiment of a tie down strap 300, formed from a material 302, onto which a retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion strip 304 is attached. In other such embodiments, though not shown in Figures 3a or 3b, retroreflective, fluorescent and/or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strips may be located on both sides of the tie down strap 300, such that a retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion is apparent whichever way the tie down is used. The retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strip 304 is attached to the material 302 of the tie down strap 300 by adhesive. The retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strip is configured to be flexible to move with the strap and the adhesive selected to be sufficiently strong for retaining the retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strip to the material of the strap when repeatedly flexed and moved.

[0035] Figure 3b shows a cross-section from Figure 3a across the line indicated by arrows 3b. As mentioned above, though Figure 3b shows a retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strip 304 only on the upper-shown side of the strap 300, it is possible to have a retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strip affixed to both the upper-shown side and the lower-shown side, such that the strap is retroreflective, fluorescent or retroreflective and fluorescent whichever side is presented outwardly when securing a load.

[0036] Figure 4a shows a tie down strap 400 with a retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strip 404 stitched to the material 402 of the strap. The stitching lines 406 run either side of the reflective strip. In other embodiments, the stitching could include further stitching lines, or could be stitched across the retroreflective, fluorescent or combined retroreflective-fluorescent strip to further secure the strip to the material of the strap.

2019100263 12 Mar 2019 [0037] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, 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 integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0038] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A tie down including at least one strap and one or more securing devices, the at least one strap including one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion.
2. 2. A tie down according to claim 1, wherein the one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion includes at least one strip secured to one or both sides of the at least one strap.
3. 3. A tie down according to claim 2, wherein each at least one strip is secured to the at least one strap by one of adhesive, by being stitched thereto, and by a hook-and-loop fastener.
4. 4. A tie down according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more of at least one retroreflective portion, at least one fluorescent portion and at least one combined retroreflective-fluorescent portion are coloured to reflect selected one or more frequencies of visible light, including any one or more of red and yellow frequencies.
5. 5. A tie down according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more securing devices include one or more hooks, one or more buckles, and one or more loops formed from the strap material.