AU701649B2 - Load restraining device - Google Patents

Description

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P/00/0011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

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0 0* 0* Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors: Address for service FIRM GRIP PRODUCTS PTY. LTD.

Achille FARACE and Craig NYGRIN in Australia: CARTER SMITH BEADLE 2 Railway Parade Camberwell Victoria 3124 Australia Invention Title: LOAD RESTRAINING DEVICE Details of Associated Provisional Application: PM9266 filed 4 November 1994 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us -2- TITLE: LOAD RESTRAINING DEVICE The present invention relates to devices for restraining loads. The invention is particularly suitable for, but not exclusively limited to, use in restraining or covering loads on trailers, roof racks and the like.

Loads placed on roof racks or trailers are often held in place by tying the loads down with ropes or cords. Although this method of restraining loads works satisfactorily for loads that comprise a small number of large objects, it can be difficult to tie down loads that consist of a number of small objects with the use of ropes alone. To adequately secure such loads, a tarpaulin or other sheet of material placed over the load and tied to the load with ropes.

The present invention provides a load restraining net including a meshed material, t- elongate members connected to the meshed material and positioned along or to two opposed edges of the meshed material, and attachment means positioned on or adjacent the two opposed edges.

In one embodiment, the rigid elongate members comprise a plurality of poles.

The poles may be positioned along the two opposed edges. It is preferred that the poles are fixed to the net but it is possible that the poles may be releasably connected to the net and may be able to be removed from the net. This may be 0~ achieved, for example, by forming the load restraining net such that a series of loops are formed along the two opposed edges, which loops are sized to receive the poles.

The poles may be inserted through the loops to position the poles along the two opposed edges of the meshed material and subsequently removed from the loops to A thereby remove the poles from the two opposed edges of the meshed material. The poles may be made from any suitable material. Steel is preferred although other 25 metals or rigid plastics materials may also be used. The poles may have a diameter that varies over a large range with a diameter of 5-12 mmn being preferred.

In one embodiment, one pole is positioned along each of the two opposed A.Aedges. In this embodiment, the one pole may be formed from two or more poles joined together. Preferably, each of the poles is hinged to enable the net to be folded for easier storage.

GWN:A14:0?16182.CA'P 2"Otbr19 2:1 October 1995 I -_JQ t: -3- The load restraining net of the present invention includes attachment means.

The attachment means are used to secure the net to the vehicle, trailer or other apparatus carrying the load. The attachment means may comprise a plurality of elastic members connected to the meshed material along or adjacent to the two opposed edges of the meshed material. Each of the elastic members may be provided with securing means to enable the load restraining net to be secured. The securing means may comprise hooks, velcro strips, buckles or any other apparatus that enables the net to be secured.

Preferably, the attachment means along or adjacent to the two opposed edges 0to are connected to the load restraining net such that the attachment means bear against the rigid elongate members when force is applied to the attachment means (as would happen when the attachment means are pulled and attached to the vehicle, trailer or roof rack). In this arrangement, the rigid elongate elements provide reinforcement to the net.

The meshed material used in the load restraining net is preferably a net made from inelastic material. Polyethylene netting is one suitable net material for use in the present invention. The mesh size of the net is preferably quite small to enable small objects to be restrained by the net. A net havying a mesh size of 50 mm by mm has been found to be especially suitable.

20 The load restraining net of the present invention also preferably has a cord, preferably an inelastic cord, positioned along the edges of the net that do not have the rigid elongate members located thereon. The cord provides reinforcement of the .o.net at the edges thereof Nylon rope, such as 6 mm diameter nylon rope, has been found to be suitable for this purpose.

In an especially preferred embodiment, a beading of material may be provided S" around the edges of the net. The beading assists in reinforcing the periphery of the °".net and also aids in keeping the net in shape and renders folding or rolling of the net for storage more simple. The beading may be of any suitable material or fabric.

An especially suitable material is a plastic polythene material sold under the trade name NO TEAR, which is commonly used in tent manufacture. Other materials that GWN:AM 07 :16182.CAP 23 October 1995 IY PI I ICC -C11(33 llCCll Ib C ;i- -4are relatively tough and weather resistant, such as canvas, may also be used for the beading.

The beading will extend a short distance in from the edge of the load restraining net, with 50 mm being a suitable width for the beading. In cases where the poles are fixed to the netting, the beading will cover the poles and hide them from view.

The load restraining net may also include further attachment means located on the other edges of the net such that attachment means are located on all peripheral edges of the net. This will allow all edges of the net to be secured over io and/or around the load to thereby securely restrain the load. It will be appreciated, however, that in a number of situations, adequate restraint of the load will be achieved by securing the attachment means located on the two opposed edges of the net.

The load restraining net may be sold as a separate item that is not permanently attached to any particular vehicle, trailer or the like. In this case, the load restraining net may be used to restrain loads on a number of different vehicles, trailers or the like. Preferably, the load restraining net is supplied in a protective cover, such as a box, bag or similar, to allow for convenient storage of the net.

In cases where a vehicle or a trailer is frequently used for or dedicated to 20 carrying loads, where the vehicle is a tray top vehicle, a utility or the like), the load restraining net may be provided with a box affixed to the vehicle or trailer.

The attachment means on one of the two opposed edges of the net may be secured to or within the box and the net may be stored in the box when not in use. The box may have an opening top therein to enable the box to be closed to protect the net 25 from the weather when not in use. When the net is to be used, the top of the box is opened and the net is pulled across the load by pulling and moving the rigid elongate member on the free edge of the net. The net is then secured by securing the attachment means on the free edge of the net to the vehicle or trailer.

The net may be secured within the box by securing the attachment means of one edge of the net to a bar positioned within the box or to any other mounting o o c a o n o ~o oa a ooi o

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,i& point or points located within the box. In one embodiment, the attachment means of one edge of the net are secured to a bar of a trailer that extends along one side of the trailer, the box being mounted on the trailer such that the bar of the trailer is located within the box.

In this embodiment of the invention, the net is conveniently available for use in restraining loads on the vehicle or trailer. Furthermore, as the net is secured in the box by way of the attachment means of one edge of the net, the net may be completely removed from the box if it is desired to use the net on another load carrying apparatus.

Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for restraining a load on a trailer or the like comprising a cover having first and second opposed edges, two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent the first opposed edge, each of the rigid elongate members being positioned end-to-end relative to an adjacent rigid elongate member, two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent the second opposed edge, each of the rigid elongate members being positioned end-to-end relative to an adjacent rigid elongate member, first attachment means including at least one strap adapted to extend underneath a bar located on a side of the trailer and holding means to hold the strap, the first attachment means being affixed to the first opposed edge at at least one point, said at least one point 20 including a point located between a pair of adjacent ends of the two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent to the first opposed edge and second attachment means including at least one strap adapted to extend underneath a bar located on a side of the trailer and holding means for holding the strap, the second attachment means being affixed to the second opposed edge at at least one point 25 including a point located between a pair of adjacent ends of the two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent to the second opposed edge.

In use of the load restraining apparatus, the apparatus is placed over the load on a trailer so that the cover substantially covers the load. The strap of the first attachment means is then passed under the bar on the side of the trailer and the holding means is used to hold the strap in place under the bar. Similarly, on the oe oo o eo o o eeo o r •o eo GWH:AM:.07 :.16182.CAP 23 October 1995 1- LI L

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-6other side of the trailer, the strap of the second attachment means is passed under the bar on that side of the trailer and the holding means is used to hold the strap in place. As the straps of both the first and second attachment means are held in place underneath respective side bars of the trailer, the load restraining apparatus is pulled outwardly and downwardly at the points at which the first and second attachment means are affixed to the edges of the cover. This firmly holds the cover on the trailer.

It is preferred that the two or more rigid elongate members on or adjacent either opposed edge are not rigidly connected to adjacent rigid elongate members.

This allows a degree of movement between the adjacent rigid elongate members and as the first and second attachment means are affixed to the respective opposed edges at least at a part located between two adjacent rigid elongate members, attaching the first and second attachment means to the trailer causes those points to be pulled outwardly and downwardly to thereby attach the cover to the trailer.

Alternatively, the rigid elongate members may be hingedly connected to adjacent rigid elongate members.

The rigid elongate member- i y be attached to the cover by connecting a beading to the opposed edges, which beading includes pockets for receiving the rigid elongate members. The beading may be formed by sewing or otherwise attaching 20 a strip of strong material to the opposed edges, folding the strip back upon itself and sewing or otherwise attaching the other edge of the strip to the cover. After inserting the rigid elongate members into the pockets, the pockets may be closed, for example by sewing closed the ends thereof, to prevent removal of the rigid elongate members.

25 The first and second attachment means may comprise one or more of the following: i) a loop of elastic material attached to the point between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members, and one or more straps having one end thereof attached to the edge. In this embodiment the one or more straps are passed under the bar of the side of the trailer and then are connected to the loop of elastic oooe oo oo4f e e ft fto o r o oo fttt ft ft f ft tf GWN:AM 07: 16182. CAP 23 October 1995

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~z l(i -7material, for example, by looping the one or more straps around the loop of elastic material and subsequently closing the loops in the strap. This pulls the loop of elastic material downwardly and outwardly and also pulls the edge downwardly and outwardly at the point(s) where the one end of the one or more straps are affixed to the edge.

ii) a loop attached to the point between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members and one or more straps affixed to the edge at one end thereof.

The one or more straps may pass under the bar on the side of the trailer and subsequently be connected to the loop. The loop may be of an inelastic material.

t iii) one or more straps affixed at one end thereof to the edge and adapted to be held in place by holding means affixed at the point between the ends of the two adjacent iigid elongate members.

iv) one or more straps affixed to the edge at a point between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members, the strap(s) adapted to be passed under the bar is on the side of ihe trailer and held in place by holding means affixed to the respective opposed edge; or v) one or more straps affixed to a point located between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members, the strap(s) adapted to be passed under the bar on the side of the trailer and held in place by holding means affixed to the point or to the strap enabling the strap to be closed to form a loop around the bar.

The cover is preferably made from a net material or a meshed material. This allows long objects in the load, such as sticks, to extend through the cover without ripping or tearing the cover. The net is preferably made from a substantially nonextendible material. The cover may also be made from woven or non-woven 25 materials, such as canvas, tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, etc.

The holding means preferably comprises co-operating strips of a hook and loop closure material, such as the closure material sold under the trade mark VELCRO, attached to the straps whereby each strap can be folded back upon itself to form a loop and the closure material holds that loop in place. Of course, other holding means may be used, such as hooks, buckles, ties, etc. The skilled person

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LL*II LF~ld~ pl -8o• o ••c ooec e eeoc 0o e o o Su• will appreciate that there are many other holding means that could be used that are not specifically described herein.

In one embodiment, each of the opposed edges is provided with two rigid elongate members. The first attachment means comprises a loop of elastic mater:al s connected either directly or indirectly to a point located between the adjacent ends of the two rigid elongate members. The first attachment means further comprises two straps, one of which is affixed to the first opposed edge at a point located between the ends of one of the rigid elongate elements. The other strap is connected to the first opposed edge at a point located between the ends of the other rigid 0 elongate elements.

The second attachment means includes similar features affixed to the second opposed edge.

To attach the load restraining apparatus to the trailer, the apparatus is placed over the load. The straps on the first opposed edge are passed under the bar on the side of the trailer and are then looped around the elastic loop and held in place. A similar action is carried out in respect of the second opposed edge. As one end of the straps is connected to the edges at points located between the ends of each of the rigid elongate members, applying tension to the straps and connecting the straps to the elastic loop causes the straps to pull each of the rigid elongate members downwardly and outwardly. At the same time, the elastic loops pull the points between the rigid elongate members downwardly and outwardly. This arrangement of the first and second attachment means thereby results in substantially the whole length of the opposed edges being pulled downwardly and outwardly, even though only two straps per opposed edge are utilised. The arrangement allows for simple 25 and very effective attachment of the load restraining apparatus to the trailer.

Even more effective attachment of the load restraining apparatus to the trailer is achieved by providing further attachment means to attach the edges of the cover located between the opposed edges to the trailer.

Preferably, the further attachment means includes a third attachment means attached to an edge of the cover and fourth attachment means attached to another 4' GWNAM-,O1 .16182.CAP 23 October 1995 2/4 II 4L~ -9edge of the cover, the third attachment means being adapted to be releasably connected to the fourth attachment means wherein the third and/or fourth attachment means are adapted to extend at least partly under the trailer and be connected to thereby attach the cover to the trailer.

In one embodiment, the third attachment means includes two further straps affixed to the first opposed edge and two further straps affixed to the second opposed edge. The further straps are adapted to pass under corners of the trailer and be connected to fourth attachment means affixed to the edges of the cover that are located between the two opposed edges. The further straps are preferably affixed a short distance, for example, 100-250mm, from the ends of the first and second opposed edges of the cover. When connected to the fourth attachment means, the straps and fourth attachment means act to pull the other edges of the cover outwardly and downwardly. This provides even more secure attachment of the load iestraining apparatus to the cover.

15 In another alternative, the fourth attachment means are affixed to the opposed edges and the straps are affixed to the other edges. This arrangement is the inverse of the arrangement described directly above.

oa' In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for restraining a load on a trailer or the like comprising a cover having first and second 20 opposed edges, at least one rigid elongate element attached to or adjacent to each of the first and second opposed edges, and attachment means for attaching the apparatus to the trailer, said attachment means including first attachment means affixed to an edge of the cover and second attachment means affixed to another edge of the cover, the first attachment means adapted to be connected to the second attachment means 25 wherein the first and/or second affixing means are adapted to extend at least partly under the trailer when connected.

Preferably, the first attachment means is affixed to the first or second opposed edge. Preferably, the attachment means of this aspect of the invention are similar to the further attachment means of the previous aspect of the invention.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the S2 Oie GWNtAM:07:16182CAP 23 October 1995

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3/4 I I rmJ i accompanying Figures which show in detail preferred embodiments of the invention.

The Figures attached hereto are intended to exeriiplify the invention and are not to be taken to limit the invention. In the Figures: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a load restraining net in an extended position. The net is associated with a box affixed to the side of a trailer; Figure 2 shows a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows one method of securing the box to the trailer; Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a load iestraining net according to the present invention; and Figure "5 Phows a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the load restraining net 10 of the present 15 invention includes a net 12 made of meshed material, in this case a polyethylene net having a mesh size of 50 mm x 50 mm. Opposed edges 14,16 of net 12 are provided with poles 18,20, respectively. Poles 18,20 are fixed to the net. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, poles 18,20 are hinged at their centre to allow the load restraining net 10 to be folded in half for easier storage when the net is 20 removed from its storage box.

The net includes a plurality of attachment members which comprise rubber straps or cords 22,24 attached at respective edges 14,16. Rubber straps 22 are provided at their free ends with velcro strips 23 to enable straps 22 to be secured to mounting points. for example, by passing the velcro strips around mounting points and sticking one end of the velcro strip to its other end.

Straps 24 are provided with attachment clips (not shown) that enable the straps 24 to be attached to a bar 26 mounted within a box In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the load restraining net 10 is provided with a box 30 mounted or affixed to one side of tr -'ler body 28. Box is provided with a lid 32 that can close the box 30 when the load restraining net C N:AMH 07.16182.CAP 23 October 1995 "I 4 1" 11 is placed in the box when not in use. This protects the net from the effects of weather when it is not being used.

In order to use the load restraining net 10 to restrain a load ?laced in trailer body 28, the lid 32 of box 30 is opened and the operator grabs pole 18 attached to s the free edge 14 of the net 12. The operator lifts pole 18 over the load, which has the effect of also pulling net 12 over the load. Once the net is over the load, straps 22 are attached to a bar 34 mounted on the trailer body by passing velcro strips 23 around bar 34 and sticking down the velcro strips.

To remove the net from the load after use, velcro strips 23 are undone and separated rrom bar 34. The operator then uses pole 18 to pull the net over and away i m the load. The net can be easily placed into box 30 for neat and simple storage.

If it is desired to use the load restraining net 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 with a different vehicle, it is a simple matter to unclip straps 24 from bar 26 to enable the net to be completely removed from box 30. The load restraining net 15 can then be used with any other load carrying apparatus, with straps 22 and 24 enabling the net to be secured over or around a load.

Box 30 may be attached to trailer body 28 by any convenient means, such as screwing or bolting. One particularly preferred embodiment for securing the box to the trailer is shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, box 30 is provided with two 20 or more slots (not shown) in the floor thereof. Clamps can pass through these slots.

o. Clamps 36 engage bar 26 mounted inside box 30 and also engage bar 38 mounted to the trailer. It will be realised that trailers are commonly provided with bars running down each side thereof. Cl,-.p 36 thereby engages trailer bar 38 and secures the box 30 to the trailer. Ideally, two or more clamps 36 are used to secure C 25 the box 30 to the trailer, as is shown in Figure 1. The method of mounting box to the trailer as shown in Figure 3 allows for simple mounting of the box without requiring the drilling of any holes in the trailer.

Rferring now to Figure 5, which shows a load restraining net in accordance with the present invention that is not provided in a box mounted to a trailer or other load carrying device. The load restraining net 50 shown in Figure 4 is generally GWN.AM 07 16182.CAP 23 October 1995 12 similar to that shown in Figure 1 and like reference numerals have been used to refer to like parts. In particular, load restraining net 50 includes meshed material 12 having poles 18,20 mounted along respective opposed edges 14,16 of meshed material 12. As shown in Figure 4, poles 18,20 are hinged at thcir centre portion 1 8a, 20a in order to enable the poles to be folded in half for easier storage of the load restraining net. The load restraining net 50 is also provided with rubber straps 22,24 along respective opposed edges 14,16. Rubber straps 22,24 are provided with securing means (not shown) at their free ends in order to allow the straps to be secured, e.g. to a vehicle, trailer or roof rack. Rubber straps 22,24 are preferably of a short length, such as 300 mm when fully stretched, in order to minimise the danger of the ends flying about when they are being attached to or removed from a vehicle, trailer or roof rack. The rubber straps 22,24 may suitably be 6 mm "bungee" cords.

Edges 40,42 of meshed material 12 have a nylon rope, preferably of 6 mm 15 diameter, passing therealong to provide greater strength to meshed material 12. In the embodiment shown in edges 40,42 are also provided with rubber straps in order to enable the load restraining net 50 to be secured completely around a load. These further straps may comprise a plurality of separate straps 41, as shown attached to edge 40. Alternatively, a looped strap 43, as shown attached to edge 42, may be 20 used as the further straps.

Although not shown in any of Figures 1 to 4, a beading may extend around the outer periphery of the net. A 50 mm beading made from polythene material sold under the trade name NO TEAR is especially suitable.

The load restraining net of the present invention provides a simple to use and convenient means for restraining a load. The poles provided along two edges of the net allow the net to be easily positioned over a load and assist in avoiding tangling of the net. The facility to fold the poles enables storage of the net in a small space when not in use. A cover bag or box may be provided for storage.

The attachment straps are connected to the net which largely eliminates the chances of losing the straps. The net can come in many different sizes.

GWM.,AN*O7 .1G182.CAP23Oobr99 23 October 1995 -13- It will also be realised that the net can be used in many different applications beside restraining loads. For example, the net could be used as a display for produce or merchandise in a store.

Referring now to Figure 5, an apparatus 100 for restraining a load on a trailer includes a generally rectangular shaped meshed material, G, which in the present case comprises 50mm mesh woven polyester. The net G has first and second opposed edges 102, 104 and end edges 106, 108. First opposed edge 102 is provided with two mild steel rods, F, each having a diameter of 8mm. The rods extend for approximately half the length of side 102. The rods F are positioned to within closed pockets formed within a sewn beading attached to edge of the net.

Adjacent ends of the rods F are separated by a gap of approximately 50mm and this gap is located at the position represented by reference numeral 110 in Figure 4. The second opposed edge 104 is provided with a similar arrmgement of rods.

Attached to the first opposed edge 102 at a point located between adjacent 15 ends of the rods F is a loop of cord elastic E. The cord elastic is attached to edge 102 by strapping 112. First opposed edge 102 is also provided with two straps D affixed to the edge on either side of loop E. The straps D are affixed to edge 102 ot in a position that is located between the ends of each respective metal rod F. Again, second opposed edge 104 is provided with a similar arrangement.

20 End edges 106, 108 have a loop of cord elastic C attached via strapping 114

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to the end edges 106, 108. Strapping 114 is connected to the end edges at approximately their mid points. Strapping B is attached to cord elastic loop C by way of a sewn loop in strapping B. Strapping B is provided with a hook and loop fastening material, such as that material sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO, and the hook and loop material is used to allow strapping B to be folded back upon itself to form a loop. The hook and loop material is used to close and hol' the loop.

Attached a short distance away from each end of the first and second opposed edges 102, 104 is strapping A having a looped end. This strapping is of sufficient length to enable it to be passed under the comer of a trailer and subsequently be attached to strapping B. As shown in Figure 5, strapping A has a looped end GIA AM: 07:16182.CP 23 October 1995 -14formed in the free ends thereof.

In use of t"h load restraining apparatus shown in Figure 4, the net is placed over the load on a trailer. Strapping D is then passed underneath a bar that extends along the sides of the trailer. After passing the strapping D under the side bar of the trailer, strapping D is then lifted and passed through loop E. Strapping D is also provided with VELCRO closure material and when suitable tension has been placed to strapping D, strapping D is folded back upon itself and the VELCRO closure material holds strapping D in place. If desired, the loop of cord elastic E may be stretched around the wheel arch of the trailer in order to provide further tension.

Straps A are then passed underneath respecive corners of the trailer and straps B are passed through the loops in the ends of straps A. Straps B are folded back upon themselves and the VELCRO closure material is used to hold straps B in place. The combination of strap A, strap B and cord elastic loop C acts to pull edges 106, 108 of the net G downwardly at the points where cord elastic loops C are attached to ends 106, 108. Similarly, the edges 102, 104 are pulled outwardly and downwardly at the point where straps A are connected thereto.

In a similar fashion, opposed edges 102, 104 are pulled downwardly and *000 outwardly at point 110 and also at the points where straps D are connected to the edges. As the straps D are connected to the edges at points that are located between 20 the respective ends of steel rods F, pulling the edges outwardly at those points will act to effectively pull out all of edges 102 and 104.

The arrangement of loops and straps shown in Figure 4 provides a net that is very easy to affix to a trailer. The net also sits very securely on the trailer once .attached thereto and it is virtually impossible for any of the load of the trailer to fly

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25 off once the net has been affixed.

Turning now to Figure 6, this Figure shows a generally similar net to that shown in Figure 5, with the exception that the net is longer. This has necessitated a third metal rod F being inserted along the opposed edges 102, 104. As with the apparatus shown in Figure 5, a loop of cord material E is positioned on edges 102, 104 at points located between the ends of adjacent metal rods F. Each loop E has only one strapping member D associated therewith. Use of the load restraining net shown in Figure 5 is basically identical to that shown in Figure 5, with strapping D co-operating with cord loop E and strapping A co-operating with cord loop C and VELCRO strapping B.

If longer nets are desired, it may be possible to provide those nets with even more metal rods along the opposed edges thereof.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. In partizular, the straps A, B and D and the cord elastic loops C, E as shown in Figures 4 and 0o may be replaced by any known attachment means. For example, cord elastic loops C, E, could be replaced with non-elastic materials. Similarly, strappings A, B, D, which are essentially non-elastic, may be replaced with elastic materials, although this is not preferred due to possible dangers associated with the ends of such elastic materials flying about if placed under tension and subsequently let go. Furthermore, the use of VELCRO backed strapping B, D, may be replaced by hooks or buckles.

A number of other modifications will also be apparent to the skilled addressee.

The load restraining device of the present invention allows for easy and secure fitment to a trailer or the like. The device may be easily folded and can be provided with a convenient carry case.

20 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically disclosed.

It is to be understood that the invention is considered to encompass all such Sa.

variations and modifications that are all within its spirit and scope.

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Claims (17)

1. An apparatus for restraining a load on a trailer or the like comprising a cover having first and second opposed edges, two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent the first opposed edge, each of the rigid elongate members being positioned end-to-end relative to an adjacent rigid elongate member, two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent the second opposed edge, each of the rigid elongate members being positioned end-to-end relative to an adjacent rigid elongate member, first attachment means including at least one strap adapted to extend underneath a bar located on a side of the trailer and holding means to hold the strap, the first attachment means being affixed to the first opposed edge at at least one point, said at least one point including a point located between a pair of adjacent ends of the two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent to the first opposed edge and second attachment means including at least one strap adapted to extend underneath a bar located on a side of the trailer and holding mneans for holding the strap, the second attachment means being affixed to the second opposed edge at at least one point including a point located between a pair of V, adjacent ends of the two or more rigid elongate members located at or adjacent to a the second opposed edge.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first attachment means comprises a loop attached to a point on the first opposed edge between the ends of a' .two adjacent rigid elongate members a.-id one or more straps having one end thereof .'**,attached to the first opposed edge, said one or more straps adapted to pass under the bar on the side of the trailer and to be connected to the loop, and the second attachment nteans comprises a loop attached to a point on the second opposed edge between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members and one or more straps having one end thereof attached to the second opposed edge, said one or more straps adapted to pass uinder the bar on the side of the trailer and to be connected to the loop.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the loop is a loop of elastic material. GWN:AM.-07 ,16182 .CAP23Otbr15 23 October 1995 I 17

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the one end of the straps are attached to the respective first or second opposed edge at positions located between the ends of respective rigid elongate elements.

Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first attachment means includes one or more straps affixed at one end thereof to the first opposed edge and adapted to be held in place by holding means affixed to the first opposed edge at a position located between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members and the second attachment means includes one or more straps affixed at one end thereof to the second opposed edge at a position located between the ends o "acent rigid to elongate members.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first attachment means includes one or more straps affixed to the first opposed edge at a position between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members, the one or more straps adapted to be passed under the bar and held in place by holding means affixed to the first o. is opposed edge and the second attachment means includes one or more straps affixed to the second opposed edge at a position between the ends of two adjacent rigid S" elongate elements, the one or more straps adapted to be passed under the bar and held in place by holding means affixed to the second opposed edge.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second 20 attachment means include one or more straps affixed to a point located between the ends of two adjacent rigid elongate members the strap(s) adapted to be passed under the bar on the side of the trailer and held in place by holding means affixed to the °000 point or to the strap enabling the strap to be closed to form a loop around the bar.

8. Apparatus as claimed in ,ny one of the preceding claims where the S" 25 first and second opposed edges are each provided with two rigid elongate members.

9. Appartus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including further attachment means to attach the edges of the cover located between the first and second opposed edges to the trailer.

Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the further attachment means includes a third attachment means attached to an edge of the cover and fourth -18- attachment means attached to another edge of the cover, the third attachment means being adapted to be releasably connected to the fourth attachment means wherein the third and/or fourth attachment means are adapted to extend at least partly under the trailer and be connected to thereby attach the cover to the trailer.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the third attachment means includes two further straps affixed to the first opposed edge and two further straps affixed to the second opposed edge, the further straps adapted to pass underneath respective comers of the trailer and be releaseably connected to fourth attachment means affixed to edges of the cover located between the first and second opposed to edges.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the third attachment means include straps affixed to the edges located between the first and second opposed edges and the fourth attachment means are affixed to the first and second opposed edges.

S13. An apparatus for restraining a load on a trailer or the like comprising a cover having first and second opposed edges, at least one rigid elongate element attached to or adjacent to each of the first and second opposed edges, and attachment means for attaching the apparatus to the trailer, said attachment means including first attachment means affixed to an edge of the cover and second attachment means 20 affixed to another edge of the cover, the first attachment means adapted to be r connected to the second attachment means wherein the first and/or second affixing means are adapted to extend at least partly under the trailer when connected.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first attachment means is affixed to the first opposed edge or the second opposed edge. V. 9 S: 25

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the first attachment means includes two further straps affixed to the first opposed edge and two further straps affixed to the second opposed edge, the further straps adapted to pass underneath respective corners of the trailer and be releaseably connected to second attachment means affixed to edges of the cover located between the first and second opposed edges. GIO AM:07. '16182.CAP3 23 Otober 1995 F t p. 19

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover comprises a net.

17. Apparatus for restraining a load in a trailer or the like substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. DATED: 8 December 1998 CARTER SMITH BEADLE Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: FIRM GRIP PRODUCTS PTY LTD S.. S*o S SeS S S. SS i~RA 1- ABSTRACT A device for restraining a load on a trailer includes a net G. Steel rods F are positioned along edges 102,104 of net G. Loops of cord elastic E is attached to edges 102,104 at points located between adjacent ends of steel rods F. Two straps D are also attached to each of edges 102,104. End edges 106,108 of net G each have a loop of cord elastic C attached thereto via strapping 114. Straps B are attached to loop C. Straps A are attached a short distance from ends 102,104. In use, the net G is placed over a load. Straps D are passed under side bars running along each side of the trailer. Straps D are then attached to loops E which acts to pull the net downwardly and outwardly along edges 102,104. Straps A are passed under respective comers of the trailer and attached to straps B, which acts to pull the end edges downwardly and outwardly. The net is easily and securely attached to the trailer. OV ft *9 0 0 ft o f GWNH:.H:07:1 5182.CAP 23 October 1995