AU2021100857A4

AU2021100857A4 - Load restraining device

Info

Publication number: AU2021100857A4
Application number: AU2021100857A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wally Galas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-11
Filing date: 2021-02-11
Publication date: 2021-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-11
Also published as: AU2022100072A4; AU2022100072B4; AU2021100857B4

Abstract

Docu e nt7-ll/022021 ABSTRACT A device for restraining a load comprises a body being locatable about an upper edge of the load and over load retaining means extending over an upper surface of the load. The body has an upper section and a side section. The upper section has a recess formed in at least a lower surface of the upper section for at least partly receiving the retaining means. Figure 11. 7/10 90 30 38 64 48 20 26 24 32 44 FIGURE 11 86

Description

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FIGURE 11

LOAD RESTRAINING DEVICE

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and related method for restraining a load. In particular, the present invention relates to a device which can be utilised for restraining cylindrical loads, or other regular or irregular, shaped but solid loads.

Background

[0002] My earlier Australian Patent No. 782664 (AU 782664) relates to a load restraining device and method for safely transporting solid loads, such as loads that have cylindrical shapes or other irregular shapes that are difficult to fasten onto transport vehicles because of their shape. The complete specification of AU 782664, as originally filed, was published as AU 200133411 Al. The entire content of AU 200133411 Al is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] With reference to Figure 1 of this present specification, the load restraining device 1 disclosed in AU 200133411 Al is locatable about an upper edge of a load 13. The device comprises two (or more) members 2, and at least one spacer 3 arranged, and that provides a connection, between members 2 and serves to prevent lateral movement of the members 2 relatively away from one another past a defined extent. The members 2 each comprise an upper section 8 and a side section 5. The upper section 8 is intended to be located above an upper surface 17 of the load 13. The side section 5 is intended to be located against an outer side surface 15 of the load 13. At least one abutment 11, against which securing means 9 can be located to exert a downward and lateral force in order to stabilize the load 13, is located on each upper section 8.

[0004] The method of restraining a load 13, such as on a platform provided by a pallet 12 of a transport vehicle, disclosed in AU 200133411 Al comprises locating the device 1 against an upper edge of the load 13. The securing means 9, such as rope or chain, is fastened to a first fastening point 10 associated with the vehicle, passed over the load 13 and against one or more of the abutments 8, and fastened to a second fastening point 10 associated with the vehicle. During

21170779_ doex fastening, the securing means 9 may be tensioned to exert a downward force on the load via the members 2 and a lateral force against the abutments 8.

[0005] A problem exists, however, when the device 1is used to tie down a load 13 that has retaining means 14 arranged about the load 13 to retain the shape of the load 13 and/or hold the load 13 together. For example, a load 13 in the form of steel coils that has a cylindrical shape and having retaining means 14 in the form of crimped retaining straps that extend around the coils, axially along the cylindrical outer 15 and inner surfaces 16 and radially across the typically flat end surfaces 17. The crimped or similar connecting portions typically are arranged adjacent and/or extend along the end surfaces 17. When locating a member 2 of the device 1 about an edge of the load 13 where the outer cylindrical surface 15 meets one of the end surfaces 17, over a restraining strap 14, a crimped, or similar connecting, portion of the restraining strap 14 that is normally thicker relative to the non-crimped portions of the strap 14 can inhibit a lower surface of the upper section 8 being pressed against the end surface 17 such that the two surfaces are substantially co-planar or at least parallel, in a face-to-face type relationship. The retaining strap 14, by inhibiting the upper section 8 from sitting neatly on the load 13 and reducing the contact area between the lower surfaces of the upper section 8 and the end surface 17, can result in unwanted vertical and/or lateral movement of the restrained load 13 relative to the vehicle and/or the platform 12 during travel. The unwanted movement can result in damage to, and/or loss of, the load 13.

[0006] Further, the device 1 is typically made from, or comprises, steel or a similar material and is normally relatively heavy. The side section 5 is typically weighed down by the spacer 6 and is often at least as heavy as, or heavier than, the upper section 8. It is often difficult for an operator to safely retain the device 1 in place, located about the upper edge of a load 13, while fastening securing means about the load 13. If the device 1 inadvertently falls, there is the potential for injury to the operator, and/or damage to the surrounding platform 12 and/or vehicle.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention seeks to provide one or more further developments to the members disclosed in AU 200133411 Al.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, an embodiment of the present invention seeks to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

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Summary

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a device for restraining a load, the

device comprising a body being locatable about an upper edge of the load and over load retaining

means extending over an upper surface of the load, the body having an upper section and a side

section, the upper section having a recess formed in at least a lower surface of the upper section

for at least partly receiving the retaining means.

[0010] The recess may extend from at or near a first edge of the upper section that is

proximal the side section to at or near, or at least towards, a second edge of the upper section that

is distal the side section.

[0011] The recess may be an elongated recess.

[0012] The recess may comprise an opening that extends through a thickness of the upper

section.

[0013] The device may comprise at least one magnet for magnetically holding the body

against the load.

[0014] A distance the at least one magnet is located above the lower surface of the upper

section may be adjustable.

[0015] A further aspect of the present invention provides a device for restraining a load, the

restraining device comprising a body being locatable about an upper edge of the load; and at least

one magnet for magnetically holding the body against the load.

[0016] The body may have an upper section and a side section

[0017] A distance the at least one magnet is located above a lower surface of the upper

section may be adjustable.

[0018] The device may comprise two spaced apart magnets.

[0019] The at least one magnet may be removably secured to the body.

[0020] The device may comprise at least one formation arranged to be engaged by load

securing means extending over an upper surface of the upper section.

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[0021] The device may comprise two spaced apart formations.

[0022] The at least one formation may be located on an upper surface of the upper section.

[0023] The at least one formation may be an abutment, or projection or protrusion, that extends upwardly from the upper surface.

[0024] The at least one formation may comprise a cavity, and a respective one of the at least one magnet may be at least partly located in the cavity.

[0025] The upper section may have the first and second portions that extend from the side section and are located on opposed sides of the opening, and a bridge portion that extends between the first and second portions, the bridge positon being located distal the opening relative to the side section.

[0026] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of restraining a load having retaining means that extends across or along a surface of the load, the method comprising: locating a device according to the first aspect of the present invention about an edge of the load such that the retaining means is at least partly received in the recess; fastening securing means to a first fastening point; fastening the securing means over the load and against the at least one formation; and fastening the securing means to a second securing point such that the securing means exerts force on the load via the load restraining device and force against the at least one formation.

[0027] The retaining means may be or comprise rope, strap, wire, cable, cord, chain or a combination of any one or more thereof.

[0028] The securing means may be or comprises rope, strap, wire, cable, cord chain or any combination thereof.

[0029] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, including parts, elements and features described in AU 200133411 A (incorporated herein), individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

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[0030] In the description in this specification reference may be made to subject matter which is not within the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the invention as defined in the presently appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cylindrical load being restrained with the use of a previously proposed restraining device (as disclosed in AU 200133411 Al) on a pellet which may be located on a tray of a vehicle;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic top perspective view of a load restraining device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic side perspective view of the device of figure 2;

[0035] Figure 4 is another schematic top perspective view of the device of figure 2;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the device of figure 2;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic top view of the device of figure 2, with a cap removed from a an abutment that extends from an upper surface of the device to show a magnet located in the abutment;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the device of figure 2, with a cap removed from a an abutment that extends from an upper surface of the device, and a magnet that is locatable within the abutment;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view of the device of figure 2, with the cap removed from the abutment, the magnet removed from within the abutment, and a protective or resilient layer arranged on a lower surface of the upper section (and an inner surface of the side section) partly peeled back to show a cavity in the abutment for the magnet;

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[0040] Figure 9 is another schematic bottom view of the device of figure 2, with the magnet removed from within the abutment;

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic top view of the device of figure 2 being located about and/or on an upper edge of a cylindrical load;

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the device of figure 2 being located about and/or on an upper edge of a cylindrical load;

[0043] Figure 12 is another schematic top view of the device of figure 2 being located about and/or on an upper edge of a cylindrical load;

[0044] Figure 13 is a schematic side perspective view of the device of figure 2 being located about and/or on an upper edge of a cylindrical load;

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic side view of the device of figure 2 being used to restrain cylindrical loads stacked on a platform, such as deck of a truck; and

[0046] Figure 15 is another schematic side view of the device of figure 2 being used to restrain cylindrical loads stacked on a platform.

Detailed Description

[0047] With reference to Figures 1-15, a load restraining or tie down device 20 (referred to as a "member" in AU 200133411 A) according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a body 22 having an upper or first section 24 and a side or second section 26. The device 20 is locatable about an edge 28, typically an upper edge, of a load 30 to be restrained. The upper section 24 is typically intended to be located above, against and/or on an upper surface 32 of the load 30. The side section 26 is typically intended to be located against or on a side surface 34 of the load 30.

[0048] The device 20 will typically be made from a strong, rigid material. The device 20 is preferably made from metal, such as steel. The example side and upper sections 24, 26 are typically connected about a substantially 90° angle, although the angle may be varied according to the shape and dimensions of the load concerned. The upper and side sections 24, 26 may be a unitary part formed from a single piece of material that has been bent, moulded or shaped into

21170779_ Idoex the appropriate configuration, or alternatively from separate pieces of material which have been joined together, for example, by welding.

[0049] With reference to Figure 10, the device may be used to restrain or secure a substantially cylindrical load 30 in the form, for example, of steel coils. A retaining means 38 in the form of crimped retaining straps may extend around the coils, axially along the substantially cylindrical inner surface 34 and the substantially cylindrical outer surface 44 of the load 30 and radially across the typically flat end surfaces 32. The typically relatively flexible, elongated retaining means 38 may be applied around the load 30 and used to retain the shape of the load 30 and/or hold the load 30 together. The retaining means 38 may be or comprise, for example, rope, strap, wire, cable, cord, chain or a combination of any one or more thereof. However, a person skilled in the relevant art will understand that devices according to embodiments of the present invention may be used to restrain or secure other substantially regular, or alternatively irregular, shaped but solid loads.

[0050] A lower surface 36 of the upper section 14 arranged to bear against the load 30 is typically a substantially planar surface. The example upper section 24 is a substantially planar section. The side section 26 is intended to be located against an outer side surface 44 of the load 30. An inner surface 46 of the side section 26 may be substantially curved or arcuate to aid location about, and conform to, the outer curved outer surface 44 of the load 30. However, it will be understood that the device 20 may be formed in a different shape to ensure compatibility with different shaped loads. For example, there may be instances when the load retaining device 20 according to the present invention may be utilised with a square or rectangular load and as such the device could conveniently be shaped with a straight edge to fit about an upper straight edge of the load or alternatively to include a right angle to enable location about the upper corners of the load.

[0051] The upper section 24 of the example device 20 has a recess, or cavity or opening, 48 for at least partly receiving retaining means 38, when the upper section 14 is located above, against and/or on the upper end surface 32 of the load 30. The recess 48 is formed in at least the lower surface of the upper section 24. The recess 48 comprises an opening 50 that extends through a thickness of the upper section 24. The example recess 48 is in the form of a slot or channel. The slot is sized to enable the device to, in use, be seated over retaining means 38 such as a crimped restraining strap that holds the load 30, such as coiled steel, together such that the device 20 sits neatly/closely on the upper edge 28 of the steel coils.

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[0052] The example recess 48 extends from at or near a first substantially curved or arcuate edge 52 of the upper section 24 that is proximal the side section 26 to or near, or at least towards, a second edge 54 of the upper section 24 that is distal the side section 26. The recess 48 extends in a substantially radial direction from at or near the side section 26 towards the edge 54. The example recess 48 is a substantially straight elongated recess that has a substantially rectangular cross-section. However, it will be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that the recess 48 may have other shapes. Advantageously, the width of the recess 48 will be selected to be wider than the retaining means 38 so that, in use, the recess 48 receives the part of the retaining means 38 below the recess 48 when the upper section 24 is located above, against and/or on the upper end surface 32/edge 28 of the load 30.

[0053] The example upper section 24 is a bifurcated component that has first and second lateral or side portions, or legs, 56, 58 that extend from the side section 26 and are located on opposed sides of the opening 50. The example upper section 24 may also comprise a bridge or nose portion 60 that extends between the first and second portions 56, 58 and that is located distal, or on the opposite side of, the opening 50, relative to the side section 26. Advantageously, the bridge portion 60 includes and/or defines at least part of the recess 48 so that, in use, the at least part of the retaining means 38 is received in the recess 48 between the bridge portion and the load. For example, the bridge portion 60 that extends between the side portions 56, 58 may be raised relative to side portions 56, 58 to accommodate retaining means 38 under the bridge portion.

[0054] The bridge portion 60 extends across, and above or over, the recess 48 and is secured to the upper section 24 on either side of the recess 48. The bridge portion 60 advantageously strengthens, or at least maintains or promotes the structural and/or mechanical integrity of, the upper section 24/body 22 around or adjacent the recess 48/opening 50 by securely coupling and/or connecting ends of the first and second portions 56, 58 relative to one another. The bridge portion 60 will preferably be made from the same material as, or a similar material to, the portions 56, 58. The bridge portion 60 may be welded to the first and second portions 56, 58. Alternatively, the bridge portion 60 may be joined to the spaced apart portions 56, 58, for example, using fasteners that extend through the portions 56, 58, or the bridge portion 60 may be adhered, or similarly fixed, to the portions 56, 58. In one form of the device 20, the bridge portion 60 may be substantially coplanar or at least parallel with the upper section 24. The

21170779_ doex device 20 may comprise a plurality of the spaced apart bridge portions 60. Further, alternatively, the bridge portion 60 may be formed as a unitary part with the side portions 56, 58.

[0055] In an alternative form of the device 20 according to an example of the present invention, the recess 48 may not extend through a thickness of the upper section 24. Instead, for example, the recess 48 may be a groove, or trench, channel or depression, (not shown) formed in the lower surface 36 of the upper section 24.

[0056] The example device 20 comprises at least one formation 62 in the form of an abutment or protrusion 64 against which securing means (not shown) can be located to exert a typically downward force on the load 30 via the body 22 and a typically lateral force against the abutments 64 in order to stabilize the load 30. The device 20 comprises two abutments 64. The typically relatively flexible, elongated securing means, which may substantially the same as the securing means 9 shown in Figure 1, may be or comprise, for example, rope, strap, wire, cable, cord, chain or any combination thereof. The abutments 64 are provided or located on the body 22. Preferably, the abutments 64 are provided or located on the upper section 24. Each abutment 64 constitutes a projection that extends upwardly from an upper surface 68 of the upper section 24. In other forms of the invention, however, each abutment 64 may constitute a loop through which the securing means 60 can pass. Alternatively, each abutment 64 may take the form of a locking means arranged to lock, preferably releasably lock, the securing means into place about the device 20. The example device 20 comprises two spaced-apart abutments 64 that are located one at each end of the upper section 24. Alternatively, the device 20 may have a single abutment 64, or three or more spaced-apart abutments 64.

[0057] The formations in the form of the abutments 64 may be secured, for example welded or similarly joined, to the upper sections 24. Alternatively, the abutments 64 and the upper section 24 may be a unitary part that has been bent, moulded or shaped into the appropriate configuration. Additionally and/or alternatively or more of the abutments 64 may by secured to, and/or form part of the, side section 26 and extend from an outer surface 70 of the section 26.

[0058] The example abutments 64 are substantially cylindrically-shaped abutments or posts. The example abutments 64 each have a substantially cylindrically-shaped cavity, or opening or hollow, 72. Each of the abutments 64 comprises an upper opening 74 in the form of a circular upper opening, and a lower opening 76 in the form of a circular upper opening in the abutment and/or lower surface and that extends through the upper section 24. The cylindrical cavity 72

21170779_ doex extends between the openings 74, 76 through the upper section 24. However, a person skilled in the relevant art will understand the formations/abutments 64 may be other suitable shape(s).

[0059] The device 20 comprises at least one magnet 78 for magnetically holding the body 22 against the load 30. The example device 20 comprises two spaced apart magnets 78. Advantageously, the magnet(s) 78 are arranged to at least temporarily and magnetically secure the body 22 to the load 30 about the upper edge 28 of the load 30 when the magnets(s) 78 are in sufficiently close proximity to the load 30.

[0060] Each of the example magnets 78 is secured relative to the upper section 24. Specifically, each magnet 78 is removably or releasably secured to a respective one of the abutments 64. Each magnet 78 is located in the cavity 72 of the respective abutment 64. The example magnets 78 are substantially cylindrical or disc-shaped magnets sized to be received in the respective cavities 78. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the magnets 78 may be secured relative to the side section 26. Alternatively or additionally, the upper section 24 and/or the side section 26 may each comprise one or more of the magnets.

[0061] Advantageously, a distance the or each magnet 78 is located above, or height the or each magnet 78 is located, relative to the lower surface 36 of the upper section 24 is adjustable. Each of the abutments 64 comprises a supporting, or cross- or branch, member 80 member arranged inside the cavity 72. The example supporting member 80 extends is secured to a body of the abutment 64, and extends transversely, and optionally also horizontally, across the cavity 72. The supporting member 80 may be located intermediate the upper and lower openings 74, 76. The supporting member comprises an aperture in the form of a through hole 82. A fastener 84, in form of a screw or bolt, extends through the hole 82 and threadably engages the magnet 78, or a formation secured to the magnet 78, to secure the magnet 78 relative to the support member 80. The magnet 78 is preferably located beneath the support member 80. One or more magnet spacers (not shown), for example one or more washers through which the fastener 84 may extend, can be used to adjust the distance the or each magnet 78 is located above lower surface 36 of the upper section 24, or height the magnet 78 is located relative to the lower surface 36, and thereby the proximity of the magnet 28 to the upper surface 32 of the load 30 in use. However, it will be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that other configurations may be used to adjustably secure the magnets 78 relative to the body 22. For example, alternatively, a projection, or a bolt and/or screw, may extend from or through the magnet 78 and through the hole 82, and threadably engage a nut on the other side of the support member 80 to

21170779_ Idoex secure the magnet 78 relative to the support member. Alternatively, the magnets 78 maybe fixed relative to the body 22.

[0062] Load restraining or tie down apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise two more of the devices coupled or connected to each other. Each of the devices may be coupled or connected to, and separated from, each other by a spacer. For that purpose, each device 20 may further comprise attachment means in the form of one or more hooks 86 for releasably connecting or attaching to at least one spacer and/or to another device 20. Example attachment means and spacer(s) are described in AU 200133411 Al (see spacer 3 in the form of a chain in Figure 1). One hook 86 is located at or near each end or side of the side section 26. The spacer can provide a connection between two adjacent devices 20 and may be arranged to at least inhibit, preferably prevent, lateral movement of the adjacent devices 20 relatively away from one another beyond or past a defined extent. The example hooks 86 are each pivotally mounted relative to the side section 26 to facilitate engagement with a spacer. The hooks 86 can adjustably engage a spacer, for example, different parts of the links of the spacer/chain 3 shown in Figure 1, in order to vary the length of the spacer and consequently the distance between the devices 20. This type of spacer arrangement enables the load retaining apparatus to be adapted for use in relation to loads 30 of different sizes.

[0063] The example device 30 further comprises a layer (or layers) 88, preferably comprising and/or being formed from a protective and/or resilient material. The layer 88 is provided on the load-facing lower surface 36 of the upper section 24 and inner surface 46 of the side section 26 that, in use, bear against the load 30. The resilient material advantageously serves to minimise damage to the load 30 when the device 20 is located about an edge 28 of the load 30, and provides a surface with a relatively high coefficient of friction to prevent sliding of the device 20 relative to the load 30. The layer of resilient material 88 will typically be secured to the sections 24, 26 using an adhesive. The layer of resilient material 88 preferably covers the lower openings 76 that extend through the upper section 24 such that, in use, a portion of the resilient material 88 is located between the magnet 78 and the load 30. In Figures 8 and 9, the layer 88 is shown partly peeled back from the lower surface 36 of the upper section 24 to show the cavity 72 that extends through the abutment 64 and the support member 80 for supporting the magnet 78 located in the abutment 64.

[0064] The device also comprises removable caps or lids 90 that close the upper openings 76. Advantageously, the caps 90 may be removed to gain access to the cavities 72 and magnets

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78 to facilitate adjustment the height of the magnets relative to the . For example, the caps 90 may be press-fit on upper ends the abutments 78, or the caps may be to threadably engage the ends of the abutments 78. The caps 90 are preferably comprises a resilient material and each provide a high friction upper surface for when another load is stacked supported on top of the device 20/caps 90 when being used on a first load. For example, the caps 90 may comprises a similar material to the layer 88.

Method

[0065] With reference to Figures 10-15, a method of restraining or tying down a load 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention on a platform in the form of a pellet 92, such as a metal or wooden pellet on a tray of a vehicle, will be described.

[0066] The load 30 is a substantially cylindrically-shaped load. The load 30 has retaining means 38 in the form of a plurality crimped retaining straps arranged around the load 30 to retain the shape of the load 30 and/or hold the load 30 together. The retaining means 38 extends around the load 30, axially along the cylindrical outer and inner surfaces 44, 34 and radially across the typically flat end surfaces 32. The load 30 may be, by way of non-limiting example, steel coils (or coiled steel). Alternatively, the load 30 may be other shapes. Of course, the load 30 may comprise other materials.

[0067] The load 30 is placed on the pellet 92, preferably with a layer of resilient material (not shown) between the pellet 92 and the load 30. The resilient material advantageously serves to minimise damage to the load 30 and/or the pellet 92, and provides a surface with a high coefficient of friction to prevent sliding of the load 30 off the pellet 92.

[0068] The example method comprises locating one or more of the restraining devices 20 about the upper edge 28 of the load 30 such that the retaining means 38 is at least partly received in the one or more of the recess 48 of at least one of the load restraining devices 20. The part of the retaining means 38 that is received in recess 48 when the upper section 24 is located above, against and/or over the load 30 may comprise a thicker, for example crimped or similar connecting, portion of the retaining means 38 that would normally prevent the device 20 from sitting neatly on the upper edge 28. Advantageously, when the device 20 is located about the upper edge 28 of the load 30, the upper surface 32 of the load 30 and the lower surface 36 of the upper section 24 are substantially coplanar, or at least substantially parallel, in a face-to-face type relationship. Preferably, similar to the arrangement Figure 1, the method comprises positioning a

21170779_ Idoex plurality of devices 20 according to an embodiment the invention at opposing sides of the load 30.

[0069] The example method comprises fastening securing means (not shown) to a first fastening point, fastening the securing means (similar fastening the securing means 9 in Figure 1) over the load 30 and against at least one of the abutments 64, and fastening the securing means to a second securing point such that the securing means is positioned to exert downward force on the load 30 via the load restraining devices 20 and lateral force against the abutments 78. Ideally, the fastening points will be located at points on the tray of the vehicle bearing the load 30 which is located laterally relative to the abutments 78 of the devices 20 against which the securing means will rest. The layer of resilient material will typically resiliently compress 88 as the securing means is tensioned.

[0070] A spacer (not shown), similar to the spacer 3 shown in Figure 1, may be arranged, and provide a connection, between adjacent devices 20. The spacer(s) may be connected or attached to the devices 20 via the hooks 86 that are arranged to releasably engage the spacers. The spacers advantageously serve to prevent lateral movement of adjacent devices relatively away from one another pasta defined extent. The method may comprise adjusting the length of any spacer(s) and therefore the distance between the devices 20 to adapt the load retaining devices for use in relation to loads 30 of different sizes.

[0071] With reference to Figures 14 and 15, the device 20 is schematically shown being used to secure and retain cylindrical loads 30 relative to a platform in the form of a deck 94 of a truck. The cylindrical loads are vertically stacked on top of the deck 94. The attachment means in the form of one or more hooks 86 may be used to releasably engage securing means in the form of one or more chains 92. The chain(s) 92 can be wrapped around the upper load 30a to exert a lateral force on an upper one or uppermost of the loads 30a and prevent, or at least inhibit, lateral movement of the load 30a relative to the lower load(s) 30b and/or the deck 94. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that it may not be necessary to also secure the or another chain 92 around the lower load(s) 30b because of the weight of the upper load 30a acting on the lower load(s) 30b may tend to prevent or inhibit lateral movement of the lower load(s) 30b relative to the upper load 30(a) and/or the deck 94. However, it will be understood that a chain 92, releasably engaged by the hook(s) 86, may additionally or alternatively be wrapped around one or more of the lower load(s) 30b to laterally secure and retain one or more of the lower load(s) 30b.

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[0072] The magnets 78 advantageously secure or retain the devices 20 when the load 30 comprises steel or another ferromagnetic or magnetically attractable material. The magnets 78 prevent the devices 20 falling on an operator while the devices are being fastened against the load 30, as part of fastening the load 30 to the platform. An operator can safely, temporarily, magnetically secure or hold the device 20 in place, about the upper edge 28 of the load 30, while fastening the securing means about the load 30.

[0073] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

[0074] It is to be understood that directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", and similar terms and variants thereof when used in the following claims and elsewhere in the specification are relative terms in relation to the typical orientation of the device when used out the upper edge 28 of a load 30 to secure and/or tie down the load 30.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

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Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A device for restraining a load, the device comprising a body being locatable about an upper edge of the load and over load retaining means extending over an upper surface of the load, the body having an upper section and a side section, the upper section having a recess formed in at least a lower surface of the upper section for at least partly receiving the retaining means.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recess extends from at or near a first edge of the upper section that is proximal the side section to at or near, or at least towards, a second edge of the upper section that is distal the side section.

3. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, comprising at least one magnet for magnetically holding the body against the load.

4. A device for restraining a load, the restraining device comprising a body being locatable about an upper edge of the load, and at least one magnet for magnetically holding the body against the load.

5. A method of restraining a load having retaining means that extends across or along a surface of the load, the method comprising: locating a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 about an edge of the load such that the retaining means is at least partly received in the recess; fastening securing means to a first fastening point; fastening the securing means over the load and against the at least one formation; and fastening the securing means to a second securing point such that the securing means exerts force on the load via the load restraining device and force against the at least one formation.

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