CA2573731A1 - Improved e-track connector - Google Patents
Improved e-track connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2573731A1 CA2573731A1 CA002573731A CA2573731A CA2573731A1 CA 2573731 A1 CA2573731 A1 CA 2573731A1 CA 002573731 A CA002573731 A CA 002573731A CA 2573731 A CA2573731 A CA 2573731A CA 2573731 A1 CA2573731 A1 CA 2573731A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- buckle receiver
- buckle
- tang
- improved
- connector
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract 8
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001209 Low-carbon steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- KJLPSBMDOIVXSN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-[4-[2-[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propan-2-yl]phenoxy]phthalic acid Chemical compound C=1C=C(OC=2C=C(C(C(O)=O)=CC=2)C(O)=O)C=CC=1C(C)(C)C(C=C1)=CC=C1OC1=CC=C(C(O)=O)C(C(O)=O)=C1 KJLPSBMDOIVXSN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 11
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R7/00—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps
- B60R7/02—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps in separate luggage compartment
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Abstract
An improved e-track connector, or lockdown, is presented that can be installed in single locations instead of provided in tracks as in the industry. It also possesses a finished slot that accepts logistics straps buckles. The slot is a complete rectangle with no excess material folded under it and has been deburred and finished smooth. The device also possesses a drain slot along the side of the tang and drain holes in the buckle receiver such that liquid will drain out of the connector when it is mounted horizontally.
Description
IMPROVED E-TRACK CONNECTOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices developed to secure logistics straps to load beds, dollies, or other cargo areas.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the fittings used in the transportation industry to secure flexible belts to load rails mounted on the sides of the containers.
The straps are used for holding the objects in partially loaded containers so that they will not shift within the container and damage the goods by either striking the sides of the containers or other items within the container. The load rails are mounted in such containers as trucks, railroad cars, airplanes and ship containers.
The load rails are comprised of sequences of lock-down points. These points are fitted with connectors referred to as "e-track" connectors.
The e-track connectors accept an industry standard buckle on the end of canvas logistics straps, used to secure cargos. The straps are wrapped over and around cargo items and then buckled to the e-track connectors. The straps can then be tightened with attached winches.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The e-track connector is an industry-standard metal device that is shaped and cut to accept the buckle end of a standard logistics strap. The standard e-track connector is made of steel and is created by forming a steel plate into a rounded, humped structure and then punching a rectangular hole through the top such that the edges of the punched hole are forced inward. The connector is usually made in "tracks" consisting of a plurality of connectors formed from a single sheet of metal.
The metal This leaves a relatively thin rectangular hole with straight edges along the ends that accepts the buckle of a logistics strap.
The hole is essentially unfinished and possesses metal burrs and irregularities, as well as folded metal extending into the humped structure along the long ends of the rectangle. The industry-standard e-track connector is inexpensive to manufacture because it is unfinished and untrimmed.
This invention consists of individually-manufactured and mounted e-track connectors that have been deburred and finished to remove sharp metal edges.
The invention is a single connector with a plurality of connection means for securing it to the side of a container, such as an aircraft interior or truck bed. This individual connector, when attached to. the side of a container, is stronger in terms of its holding capacity and easier to place in the container.
The e-track connector of this invention is bolted, glued, or welded onto a floor or other surface where a logistics strap can be secured. The invention possesses a technological improvement consisting of two drainage ports, a slot on the side of the connector and a pair of holes on the buckle receiver that permit fluid to drain from within the invention at any orientation.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices developed to secure logistics straps to load beds, dollies, or other cargo areas.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the fittings used in the transportation industry to secure flexible belts to load rails mounted on the sides of the containers.
The straps are used for holding the objects in partially loaded containers so that they will not shift within the container and damage the goods by either striking the sides of the containers or other items within the container. The load rails are mounted in such containers as trucks, railroad cars, airplanes and ship containers.
The load rails are comprised of sequences of lock-down points. These points are fitted with connectors referred to as "e-track" connectors.
The e-track connectors accept an industry standard buckle on the end of canvas logistics straps, used to secure cargos. The straps are wrapped over and around cargo items and then buckled to the e-track connectors. The straps can then be tightened with attached winches.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The e-track connector is an industry-standard metal device that is shaped and cut to accept the buckle end of a standard logistics strap. The standard e-track connector is made of steel and is created by forming a steel plate into a rounded, humped structure and then punching a rectangular hole through the top such that the edges of the punched hole are forced inward. The connector is usually made in "tracks" consisting of a plurality of connectors formed from a single sheet of metal.
The metal This leaves a relatively thin rectangular hole with straight edges along the ends that accepts the buckle of a logistics strap.
The hole is essentially unfinished and possesses metal burrs and irregularities, as well as folded metal extending into the humped structure along the long ends of the rectangle. The industry-standard e-track connector is inexpensive to manufacture because it is unfinished and untrimmed.
This invention consists of individually-manufactured and mounted e-track connectors that have been deburred and finished to remove sharp metal edges.
The invention is a single connector with a plurality of connection means for securing it to the side of a container, such as an aircraft interior or truck bed. This individual connector, when attached to. the side of a container, is stronger in terms of its holding capacity and easier to place in the container.
The e-track connector of this invention is bolted, glued, or welded onto a floor or other surface where a logistics strap can be secured. The invention possesses a technological improvement consisting of two drainage ports, a slot on the side of the connector and a pair of holes on the buckle receiver that permit fluid to drain from within the invention at any orientation.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an inexpensive single placement e-track connector that is trimmed and deburred, improving user safety.
It is an additional object of this invention to make an single placement e-track connector that has a self-draining feature, permitting water and other liquids to drain out of the enclosure.
It is an additional object of this invention to make the present invention in a variety of metals, including mild and stainless steel, brass, aluminum and lighter metals to address multiple applications.
It is an additional object of this invention to allowing the user to place a single unit where an e-track will not fit.
It is an object of this invention to provide an inexpensive single placement e-track connector that is trimmed and deburred, improving user safety.
It is an additional object of this invention to make an single placement e-track connector that has a self-draining feature, permitting water and other liquids to drain out of the enclosure.
It is an additional object of this invention to make the present invention in a variety of metals, including mild and stainless steel, brass, aluminum and lighter metals to address multiple applications.
It is an additional object of this invention to allowing the user to place a single unit where an e-track will not fit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1. Perspective view of the invention with connector holes Figure 2. Perspective view of the invention suitable for welding Figure 3. Depiction of the invention used to secure logistics straps Figure 4. Top view of the invention Figure 5. Side view of the invention Figure 6. End view of the invention Figure 7. cross-section view of the invention Figure 8. Cross-section of standard e-track connector Figure 9. Side cross-section of standard e-track connector Figure 10 Side view of two copies of invention attached back-to-back DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in Fig. 1, the invention 100 consists of a flat piece of metal pressed into a characteristic shape, consisting of a tanglOl, a buckle receiver102, a buckle receiver slot103, and two connector holes 104. In Fig. 2, an alternate embodiment possesses a smaller welding tang 105 and no connector holes. The alternate embodiment would be attached to a surface by welding or gluing.
Figure 3 shows the inventionl00 bolted to the floor111 and walls112 of a storage area, with logistics straps110 restraining a boxl 13. Each logistics strap110 possesses a buckle114 at each end that can be inserted into the buckle receiver slot 103 of the invention 100 and firmly connected.
Each embodiment of the invention possesses characteristic drain features, including a drain gap107 on each side of the device which is approximately 1/32 of an inch in width when the invention 100 is bolted or welded down to a flat surface, and two drain holes 130,131. The drain gap 107 is sufficiently wide to allow water or other liquids to flow out of the buckle receiver102 when the invention is placed horizontally on a surface and water cannot flow out of the buckle receiver slot 103.
The drain holes130,131 allow water to drain out of the buckle receiver102 when the invention is installed in a vertical orientation.
As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the industry-standard e-track connector120 is manufactured by punching a slotl2l into the buckle receiverl22 like punching a hole in a can with a can opener. This process leaves folded-over metal remnants123 lining the long side of the buckle receiver slotl2l. The buckle receiver slotl2l is not finished and the edges are sharp and rough.
With the present invention, the long edges 106 of the buckle receiver slot 103 are trimmed of the excess metal and deburred. This makes a connector that is less likely to cut human hands or other equipment that come into contact with the buckle receiver slot103.
As in Fig. 10, in a further alternate embodiment, two of the inventions100 can be welded or bolted "back-to-back"125, with the tangslOl contacting each other. This embodiment permits logistics strapsl 10 to be extended by providing a "double-female" connector that accepts the "male" buckles of two straps.
This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled in the art could discover these. The explication of the features of this invention does not limit the claims of this application; other applications developed.by those skilled in the art will be included in this invention.
Figure 1. Perspective view of the invention with connector holes Figure 2. Perspective view of the invention suitable for welding Figure 3. Depiction of the invention used to secure logistics straps Figure 4. Top view of the invention Figure 5. Side view of the invention Figure 6. End view of the invention Figure 7. cross-section view of the invention Figure 8. Cross-section of standard e-track connector Figure 9. Side cross-section of standard e-track connector Figure 10 Side view of two copies of invention attached back-to-back DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in Fig. 1, the invention 100 consists of a flat piece of metal pressed into a characteristic shape, consisting of a tanglOl, a buckle receiver102, a buckle receiver slot103, and two connector holes 104. In Fig. 2, an alternate embodiment possesses a smaller welding tang 105 and no connector holes. The alternate embodiment would be attached to a surface by welding or gluing.
Figure 3 shows the inventionl00 bolted to the floor111 and walls112 of a storage area, with logistics straps110 restraining a boxl 13. Each logistics strap110 possesses a buckle114 at each end that can be inserted into the buckle receiver slot 103 of the invention 100 and firmly connected.
Each embodiment of the invention possesses characteristic drain features, including a drain gap107 on each side of the device which is approximately 1/32 of an inch in width when the invention 100 is bolted or welded down to a flat surface, and two drain holes 130,131. The drain gap 107 is sufficiently wide to allow water or other liquids to flow out of the buckle receiver102 when the invention is placed horizontally on a surface and water cannot flow out of the buckle receiver slot 103.
The drain holes130,131 allow water to drain out of the buckle receiver102 when the invention is installed in a vertical orientation.
As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the industry-standard e-track connector120 is manufactured by punching a slotl2l into the buckle receiverl22 like punching a hole in a can with a can opener. This process leaves folded-over metal remnants123 lining the long side of the buckle receiver slotl2l. The buckle receiver slotl2l is not finished and the edges are sharp and rough.
With the present invention, the long edges 106 of the buckle receiver slot 103 are trimmed of the excess metal and deburred. This makes a connector that is less likely to cut human hands or other equipment that come into contact with the buckle receiver slot103.
As in Fig. 10, in a further alternate embodiment, two of the inventions100 can be welded or bolted "back-to-back"125, with the tangslOl contacting each other. This embodiment permits logistics strapsl 10 to be extended by providing a "double-female" connector that accepts the "male" buckles of two straps.
This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled in the art could discover these. The explication of the features of this invention does not limit the claims of this application; other applications developed.by those skilled in the art will be included in this invention.
Claims (3)
1. An improved e-track connector, the improved e-track connector comprised of a single piece of material, the single piece of material in the shape of a long, flat rectangle, the single piece of material formed into a buckle receiver and a tang, the buckle receiver having a long hump in the middle of the single piece of material, the hump formed by pressing or molding, the hump possessing a buckle receiver slot, the buckle receiver slot sized to accept an industry-standard buckle on a logistics strap, the edges of the buckle receiver slot finished smooth by deburring or other abrasive means, the edges of the buckle receiver slot trimmed of excess material such that the buckle receiver slot forms a rectangle, the buckle receiver possessing two drain holes extending from the interior of the buckle receiver to the exterior of the buckle receiver, one hole located at one end of the buckle receiver, the other hole located at the other end of the buckle receiver, the holes positioned so that fluid may flow easily from the interior of the buckle receiver to the outside of the buckle receiver when the improved e-track connector is installed in a vertical orientation, the tang a rim of material surrounding the buckle receiver, the tang generally flat, the tang possessing a shallow curvature at its center in parallel with the buckle receiver, this curvature making a gap approximately 1/32 of an inch wide when the tang is pressed against a flat surface, this gap permitting liquid to flow out of the buckle receiver when the improved e-track connector is installed in a horizontal orientation.
2. The improved e-track connector of Claim 1, where the single piece of material is mild steel, steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, or magnesium.
3. The improved e-track connector of Claim 1 or Claim 2, where the tang possesses a plurality of connector holes passing through the tang sized to fit industry-standard connector devices.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/544,212 | 2006-10-06 | ||
| US11/544,212 US20080083860A1 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2006-10-06 | E-track connector |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2573731A1 true CA2573731A1 (en) | 2008-04-06 |
| CA2573731C CA2573731C (en) | 2015-06-16 |
Family
ID=39274315
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2573731A Active CA2573731C (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2007-01-11 | Improved e-track connector |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20080083860A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2573731C (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8066240B2 (en) * | 2006-03-06 | 2011-11-29 | Steelcase Inc. | Height adjustable support assembly for supporting a furniture component above a work surface |
| US20100162538A1 (en) * | 2006-10-06 | 2010-07-01 | Timothy Neumann | E-track connector |
| US8690502B1 (en) * | 2012-11-11 | 2014-04-08 | Han-Ching Huang | Apparatus for engagement with buckle |
| CN102941992B (en) * | 2012-12-01 | 2015-09-09 | 浙江双友物流器械股份有限公司 | A kind of for the decker in container |
| US11001189B1 (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2021-05-11 | Sheridan, Llc | Interlocking, quick-release horizontal logistic track |
| USD902786S1 (en) | 2019-05-09 | 2020-11-24 | Corey B. Johnson | Mounting rack |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5251947A (en) * | 1992-09-09 | 1993-10-12 | Kirila Ii Gene E | Chain box |
-
2006
- 2006-10-06 US US11/544,212 patent/US20080083860A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-01-11 CA CA2573731A patent/CA2573731C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20080083860A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
| CA2573731C (en) | 2015-06-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |