CA2537284C - Securing device for chains for use on flatbed truck - Google Patents

Securing device for chains for use on flatbed truck Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2537284C
CA2537284C CA002537284A CA2537284A CA2537284C CA 2537284 C CA2537284 C CA 2537284C CA 002537284 A CA002537284 A CA 002537284A CA 2537284 A CA2537284 A CA 2537284A CA 2537284 C CA2537284 C CA 2537284C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
chain
slit
chains
securing device
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002537284A
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French (fr)
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CA2537284A1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Fortin
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to CA002537284A priority Critical patent/CA2537284C/en
Publication of CA2537284A1 publication Critical patent/CA2537284A1/en
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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60PVEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P7/00Securing or covering of load on vehicles
    • B60P7/06Securing of load
    • B60P7/08Securing to the vehicle floor or sides
    • B60P7/0823Straps; Tighteners
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60PVEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P7/00Securing or covering of load on vehicles
    • B60P7/06Securing of load
    • B60P7/08Securing to the vehicle floor or sides
    • B60P7/0823Straps; Tighteners
    • B60P7/0838Tensioning by single movement of an actuating member

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A securing device for chains used on flatbed trucks comprises an electric pneumatic system with a piston set partially inside a slit and which pushes the chain out. Instead of attaching the chain to a lever arm, the chain is passed through a loop attached to a small piece of chain, which in fact replaces where the lever arm would normally be. Once the chain is passed through the loop, it continues its course over to a slit at which point the user pulls on the chain and introduces the chain links into a slit in order to secure it tightly. In order to remove the links of the chain from the slit, a piston pushes the chain from the slit. The piston which is pneumatic hydraulic or electric is remotely actuated by an electric switch which can be situated in the trucks cabin so as to insure that no one is near the chain when it is released. The slit and piston arrangement are designed to fit into a single compact package.

Description

Securing cevice for chains t~ use o flatbed t cks FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to the general field of vehicte accessories and is particuiariy concemed with a device used for securing chains used for tying down lumber logs carried on a flatbed truck.

BACKGROUND OF '1'HE INVENTION:

Flatbed trucks used in the transport of timber reguiroe the logs to be well secured.
Usually, side guard posts can hold the logs relatively well but because trucks move, all kinds of longitudinal and lateral forces are appiied to the load as well as upper and downward forces. Over the course of a run, the logs can shift in positon to the point that some could slip in between the guard posts, that is why chains or straps are used tu further tie down the logs to prevent any movements of the iogs.

Over time, truckers have used chains so as to tie down the togs in a pretty standardized fashion which is to have a chain, attached to one side of the fiatbed, passing over the load and dropping on the opposite side of the flatbed so as to wrap the load. In order to secure the chain tightly, the end of the chain is hooked onto a hook attached to a fever arm or tackle of sort which creates the necessary tension.
This part of the process is reiativety easy and safe but releasing the chain afterwards can be a daunting task fraught with possible Pnjury as a tight chain let loose can whip into an unwary trucker or passerby, in fact, just the mere action of releasing the lever arm can hit the face or body of the user_ There are currently no devices to make the operation of removing tight chains safe, secure and easy. Accordingly, there exists a need for improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIUtV

In view of the foregoing lack of krlown devices in the prior art, the present invention, which will be described subsequently In greater detail, is to provide objects and advantages which are:

To have a simple device that safely releases a chain tied around a load.

To have a device that can be actuated remotely so as to eliminate the risk of having someone nearby be injured.

To have a device which allows a trucker to put his attention on the surroundings to secure the area rather than be concentrated on untying chains.

To attain these ends, the present invention generally connprises an electric pneumatic system with a piston set partially inside a slit and which pushes the chain out, Instead of attaching the chain to a lever arm, the chain is passed through a[oop attached to a small piece of chain, which in fact replaces where tlie lever arm would normally be.
Once the chain is passed through the loop, it oontinues its course over to a slit at which point the user pulls on the chain and introduces the chain links into a slit in order to secure it tightly. In order to remove the links of the chain from the slit, a piston pushes the chain from the slit. The piston which Is pneumabc hydraulic or electric is remotely actuated by an electric switch which can be situated in the truck's cabin so as to insure that no one is near the chain when it is released. The slit and piston arrangement are designed to fit into a single compact package. Because trucks already have a pneumatic system as part of their standard equipment, the use of an electrically actuated pneumatic piston appears to be the most pracficai, reliable and economical system to use. Trucks also have pneumatically assisted hydraulic system which makes the use of hydraulic systems equally feasible for use as part of this invention_ iiowever, to simplify matters, the system will be described as a pushing means which can also inGude electrically actuated worm screws among other such mechanically equivalent means.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention In order that the detailed descripfion thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the imrention that will be descxibed hereinafter and which wiii forrn the subjW matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention Is not limited in its application to the details of eonstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following descripfiion or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Aiso, it is to be understood that the phraseology and tenninoiogy employed herein are for the purpose of description and shouid not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the aTt wiii appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as Including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and fonning a part of this disotosuce. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the spe 'crFic objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invenfion.

R! P D~CRlP710N DF THE REFERRED EMBabIMFNT

Figs.la-d Isometric view of the container and top views of the pushing means, C-shaped rod, and side view of the slit plate, respectivety_ Figs. Za-c Front, side and top view, respectively, of the device.

Fig. 3 Side view of the device in context on a flatbed seen acrass its side.
Fig. 4 Front view of the device in context on a flatbed seen across its length.

DMILED DESCR PT!ON QF THE ~'REPERRED EMBODIMENT

A securing device for chains (10) generally comprises a chain (22) passing over a load, as is known in the art, but with the diffference that the chain (22) is passed through a loop (26) fixedly attached to a small segment of chain (24), which in fact replaces where the lever arm (not shown) would normatly be_ Once the chain is passed through the loop (26), it continues its course over to a slit (18) at which point the user pulls on the chain (22) and introduces the chain links (28) into the slit (18) in order to secure it tightly. A pushing means (12) encased within a box like container (14) moves a piston (21) linearly so as to push a U-shaped rod (16) connected to it, by way of a connnector (15), across and through the slit (18) made into a slit plate (20). By moving within the space occupied by the slit (18), the U-shaped rod (16) can push out the chain (22) previously put inside the slit (18). The pushing means (12), can be any one of known means such as a pneumatiuc apparatus, a hydraulic apparatus, or even an etectrically actuated worm screw apparatus, all of which being able to move a piston over a linear course. These means, being well known in the art won't be further discussed. The pushing means (12) Is fixedly attached to the inside of the box-like container (14) by any of a variety of mechnical means such as welding, mechanical fasteners, adhesive means and any combination thereof. For example, a combination nuts and bolts (13) using holes (19). A conduit input (11) situated onto the pushing means (12) provides for the actuation of the pushing means (12).
The conduit input (11) can be a pneumatic hose, a hydraulic hose or an electrical cable depending upon the nature of the pushing means (12), whether pneumatic, hydraulic or electric.

The connector (15) is bolted into the U-shaped rod (16) by way of a bolt hole (23) into which is threadably inserReci a U-shaped rod bolt (13'). Of course, any mechanical equivalent can be used for fmdiy attaching the connectar (15) to the U-shaped rod (16) . The connector (15) forins an integral extension of the piston (21). The connector (15) and piston (21) pass through a cavity (25) made into a front wall (27) nt'the box-like container (14).

The sii# plate (20) and the box-like container (14) are positioned proximal each other and securedly and fixedly attached underneath a guide post (30) of a truck.
Altemativeiy, an optional connector plate (29) welded or otherwise mechanically fixedly attached to both the slit plate (20) and the box-like container (14) can be used for easier on-site Installation. The slit (18) made into the slit plate (20) is generally horizantally o#Fset upwardly towards an apen end (23) so as to help in keeping the chaln (22) inside the slit (18) when installing it in. There can of course be more than one securing device torchains (10) per truck (40).

In order to use the securing devioe for chains (10), with the U-shaped rod (16) being retracted, that is, away from the oiaen end (23), a user sets uia the chain (22) over the load as is known in the art, and then uses the small segment of chain (24) terminating with a loop (26) to pass the chain (22) through the loop (26), the chain (22) is then pulled hard so as to tighten it and while taught, the chain (22) is inserted into the slit (18) so that the links (28) hoid the chain (22) in place within the slit (18).

When the user wants to slacken the chain (22), such as when arfiving at the unloading site, the user will actuate asn+itoh (not shown) of some kind which is set some distance away from the securing device for chains (10) to actuate the U-spaped rod (16) which pushes the chain (22) outside the siit (18). For example, the switch (not shown) can be inside the truck' cab (not shown). The details of the connection between the switch (not shown) and the securing deviee for chains (10) need not be explained here sinoe they are obvious to those versed in the art.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description.
Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realted that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to inciude variations in size, materials, shape, forrn, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent reiationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as iilustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will nvadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accorrciingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. For example, welding can be replaced with boiting or glueing or any suitable fastening means.

Claims (13)

1. A device for securing and releasing chains used in securing loads to a flatbed of a vehicle comprising a box like container being securedly and fixedly mechanically fastened underneath a side guard post located on a flatbed of a vehicle and comprising:

a segment of chain anchored to the flatbed a distance from the side guard post and having a loop at its free end for anchoring a mid-point of a load securing chain;

a pushing means encased within said box-like container;
said pushing means moving a piston linearly so as to push a U-shaped rod connected to said piston, by way of a connnector;

said U-shaped rod moving linearly across and through a silt;

said slit for recieving and anchoring the free end of the load securing chain, said slit being loacted on a slit plate;

said pushing means being fixedly attached to the inside of said box-like container by mechnical means;

said connector and said piston passing through a cavity made into a front wall of said box-like container;

a conduit input situated onto said pushing means to provide for the actuation of said pushing means;

said slit plate and said box-like container being positioned proximal each other and securedly and fixedly attached underneath a guide post of a truck.
2. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

said actuating means being selected from the group comprised of hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical means.
3. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

said conduit being selected from the group comprised of pneumatic hose, hydraulic hose or electrical cable.
4. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

said mechanical means for said pushing means being mechnical means such as welding, mechanical fasteners, adhesive means and any combination thereof.
5. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

said mechanical means for said pushing means being a combination nuts and bolts using holes.
6. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

said connector being bolted into said U-shaped rod by way of a bolt hole into which is threadably inserted a U-shaped rod bolt.
7. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

said slit plate being connected to said box-like container by way of a connector plate.
8. A securing device for chains as in claim 7 wherein:

said connector plate being welded to both said slit plate and said box-like container, or otherwise mechanically fixedly attached.
9. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

said slit made into said slit plate being generally horizontally offset upwardly towards an open end so as to keep said chain inside said slit when installing said chain inside said slit.
10. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 wherein:

a connector plate welded or otherwise mechanically fixedly attached to both said slit plate and said box-like container to connect together said slit plate and said box-like container proximal each other.
11. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 having a mode of operation comprising the steps of:

when moving within the space occupied by said slit, said U-shaped rod pushes out said chain having been previously put inside said slit.
12. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 having a method of use comprising the steps of:

having said U-shaped rod retracted away from an open end of said slit;
setting up said chain over the load;

using said small segment of chain with a loop to pass said chain through said loop;
pulling onto said chain so as to tighten said chain;

said chain, being taught, is inserted into said slit so that said links from said chain hold said chain in place within said slit;
13. A securing device for chains as in claim 1 having a method of use comprising the steps of:

actuating a switch to slacken said chain:

said actuated switch actuating said U-spaped rod;

said U-spaped rod pushing said chain outside of said slit.
CA002537284A 2005-12-31 2005-12-31 Securing device for chains for use on flatbed truck Expired - Fee Related CA2537284C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002537284A CA2537284C (en) 2005-12-31 2005-12-31 Securing device for chains for use on flatbed truck

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002537284A CA2537284C (en) 2005-12-31 2005-12-31 Securing device for chains for use on flatbed truck

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2537284A1 CA2537284A1 (en) 2007-06-30
CA2537284C true CA2537284C (en) 2008-04-29

Family

ID=38227651

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002537284A Expired - Fee Related CA2537284C (en) 2005-12-31 2005-12-31 Securing device for chains for use on flatbed truck

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2537284A1 (en) 2007-06-30

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Effective date: 20201231