EP2282910A1

EP2282910A1 - Load securing

Info

Publication number: EP2282910A1
Application number: EP09742384A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ralph Millington
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-05-06
Filing date: 2009-04-29
Publication date: 2011-02-16
Also published as: GB0808171D0; GB0819170D0; WO2009136188A1; GB0823576D0

Abstract

A device (10) for arranging a securing- component, e.g. an edge protector (7) on a load. The device (10) comprises: a retaining means (40) for releasably retaining a securing-component and a means (50) for arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from an operator. To facilitate use of the device (10) the retaining means (40) comprises an introducing portion (40b) to open the retaining means (40) under pressure applied thereto by a securing-component.

Description

LOAD SECURING

The present invention relates to devices for arranging a securing-component on a load and to methods of securing a load to a load surface.

It is known to secure a load to a load surface using securing-components such as straps, which are tightened around the load. It is also known to use securing-components such as edge and/or corner protectors, which are located on an edge or corner of a load, over which straps are passed and tightened to prevent damage to the edges/corners of the load.

In the UK, Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007 came into force on 6 April 2007 and apply to people who work at height. As part of the Regulations, those responsible for workers within a working environment must ensure that, amongst other things, (a) that work at height is avoided where possible; (b) that appropriate equipment or other measures are used to prevent falls where working at height cannot be avoided; and (c) that where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, equipment is used, or other measures are taken, to minimize the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur. However, loads are often taller than the average height of an operator charged with the task of using securing-components to secure the load.

When a load is to be secured on a load surface and the top of the load is too high for an operator to reach to position securing-components, it is known to use a raised platform alongside the load upon which the operator can stand. However, such platforms have to be moved into and out of position, which can be inconvenient and time consuming. Furthermore, often an operator is still unable to reach the top of a load without stretching. The disadvantages associated with platforms present opportunities for operators to misuse the platforms which can result in overstretching and ultimately cause an accident.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to address at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether identified herein or otherwise.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device for arranging a securing- component on a load, the device comprising: a retaining means for releasably retaining a securing-component and a means for arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from an operator, wherein the retaining means comprises an introducing portion to open the retaining means under pressure applied thereto by a securing-component.

Advantageously, by providing a device according to the first aspect of the invention, an operator can arrange a securing-component in position on a load and then release the securing-component when the securing-component is in a desired position, for example without the operator leaving a secure surface and without the operator compromising a stable footing by overstretching. A securing-component can be easily slid into the retaining means to be retained therein, without the operator having to operate a mechanism.

Suitably, the retaining means comprises at least one gripping means and a support means. Suitably, the securing-component is retained between the gripping means and the support means. Suitably, the gripping means comprises the introducing portion.

Suitably, the gripping means comprises a gripping member. Suitably, the support means comprises a support member.

Suitably, the introducing portion is disposed at a free end of the gripping member.

Suitably, the gripping member comprises a gripping portion that is biased towards the support means. Suitably, the gripping portion is spaced from the free end of the gripping member. Suitably, the gripping portion is located adjacent to the introducing portion.

Suitably, the gripping member is sprung so that the gripping portion is biased towards the support member in a resting position. Suitably, the gripping portion contacts the support member in a resting position. Suitably, the gripping portion does not contact the support member in a resting position.

Suitably, the free end of the gripping member is spaced from the support member in the resting position to provide the introducing portion. Suitably, the introducing portion comprises a part of the free end of the gripping member that does not contact the support member in the resting position.

Suitably, the gripping portion is deflectable from the resting position in which the gripping portion contacts the support member, into a retaining position by pressure applied thereto by a securing-component. Suitably, the gripping portion is deflectable from the resting position in which the gripping portion is biased towards support member the support member, into a retaining position by pressure applied thereto by a securing-component. Suitably, the deflection from the resting position to the retaining position is facilitated by sliding a securing- component between the gripping member and the support member via the introducing portion.

Suitably, the gripping member comprises a curved free end. Suitably, a portion of the curved free end is biased towards the support member and comprises the gripping portion. Suitably, the portion of the curved free end comprising the gripping portion contacts, or is biased towards the support member in the resting position. Suitably the gripping member comprises a flattened part and a curved free end. Suitably, therefore, the flattened part comprises the gripping portion.

Suitably, the end part of the curved free end comprises the introducing portion.

Suitably, the curved free end tapers away from the support member from the gripping portion to the free end.

Suitably, the gripping member is an arm, or prong. Suitably, the arm, or prong is attached to a base member at a fixed end opposite to the free end. Suitably, the fixed end is spaced from the support member. Suitably, the arm, or prong inclines towards the support member from the fixed end to the free end.

Suitably, the gripping means comprises two gripping members. Suitably, the second gripping member comprises all the attributes of the first described gripping member.

Suitably, the support member comprises a plate.

Suitably, the base member comprises the means for arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from the operator. Suitably, the device comprises a means for attaching said device to a reaching member.

Suitably, the reaching member comprises pole. Suitably, the reaching member comprises any one of: a broom handle; a telescopic extension pole; and a folding extension member; or any other suitable reaching member.

Suitably, the means for attaching said device to a reaching member comprises a threaded portion. Suitably, the threaded portion comprises a threaded bore integral with the base member. Suitably, the screw thread is a screw thread used with conventional reaching members.

Suitably, the device comprises plastics material. Suitably, the plastics material comprises polypropylene.

Suitably, the support member, base member and gripping members are integrally formed. Suitably, the device is adapted to receive a securing-component in the form of load edge protector. Suitably, the device is adapted to receive an arm of a load edge protector. Suitably, the device is adapted to slidably receive an edge protector by sliding one arm thereof in one direction between the gripping mennber(s) and the support member. Suitably, the device is adapted to release a retained edge protector by sliding the retained arm in a second direction between the gripping member(s) and the support member. Suitably the second direction is the reverse of the first direction.

Suitably, the support member comprises a guide channel to receive a securing component in the form of a strap. Suitably, the guide channel is provided by a recessed portion in an upper edge of the plate.

According to a second aspect to the invention there is provided a device for arranging a securing-component on a load, the device comprising: a retaining means for releasably retaining a securing-component and a means for arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from an operator, wherein the device further comprises a guide channel to receive a securing component in the form of a strap.

Suitably, the retaining means comprises a support member. Suitably, the support member comprises the guide channel.

Suitably, the support member comprises a plate. Suitably, the guide channel is provided by a recessed portion in an upper edge of the plate. Suitably the upper edge of the plate comprises a bevelled or rounded edge. Suitably, a base wall of the guide channel comprises a bevelled or rounded edge to aid sliding of the strap through the guide channel.

Suitably, the guide channel comprises at least one retainer to prevent accidental release of the strap from the channel. Suitably, the retainer protrudes into the guide channel from a side wall of the channel. Suitably, the guide channel comprises two retainers that protrude from opposite side walls of the guide channel.

Suitably, the device further comprises a guidance means for a securing strap. Suitably, the guidance means comprises spaced apart guide members for location of a strap therebetween. Suitably, a front facing part of the device comprises the guidance means.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of arranging an edge or corner protector on an edge of a load using a device according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) retaining one arm of an edge or corner protector with the retaining means; (ii) arranging the edge or corner protector on an edge or corner of a load using said means for arranging said edge or corner protector on a load at a distance from an operator; (iii) hooking a free arm of the edge or corner protector over the edge or corner of a load, respectively; and

(iv) releasing the edge or corner protector on the corner or edge of the load.

Suitably, the edge or corner protector is retained by the retaining means by opening the retaining means under pressure applied thereto by a securing-component using an introducing portion.

Suitably, the retaining means comprises a gripping member and a support member. Suitably, the edge or the corner protector is retained by sliding the retained arm between the gripping member and the support member.

Suitably, the edge or the corner protector is released by sliding the retained arm from between the gripping member and the support member.

Suitably, the edge or corner protector is released by pulling the device away from the edge protector such that the retained arm is slidably released from the device. Suitably, the device is pulled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hooked arm, in use.

Suitably, the method further comprises securing a load to a load surface, comprising the steps of:

(v) arranging a strap in a guide channel of the device;

(vi) manoeuvring the strap over the edge or corner protector using said device; (vii) releasing the strap in position over the edge or corner protector; and

(viii) tightening the strap to secure the load.

Suitably, steps (v) to (viii) comprise using a device according to a second aspect of the invention. Suitably, step (v) comprises manipulating the strap past the retainer(s) to rest against the base wall of the guide channel. Suitably, step (v) further comprises locating the strap within the guidance means.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of arranging a securing-strap over an edge or corner protector on an edge of a load using a device according to the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: (i) arranging the securing-strap in the guide channel of the device; (ii) manoeuvring the strap over the edge or corner protector using said device; and (iii) releasing the securing-strap in position over the edge or corner protector. Suitably, steps (i) to (iii) comprise using a device according to a second aspect of the invention. Suitably, step (i) comprises manipulating the strap past the retainer(s) to rest against the base wall of the guide channel. Suitably, step (i) further comprises locating the strap between the guidance means.

Suitably, the method further comprises securing a load to a load surface, comprising the step of tightening the strap to secure the load.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of arranging a securing-component on a load, the method comprising: retaining the securing-component in a retaining means of a device, arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from an operator using the device; and releasing the securing-component from the retaining means.

Any of the features of an aspect of the invention described herein may be combined with any other aspect except where such combinations are mutually exclusive.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a load secured on a load surface in combination with edge protectors and securing straps;

Figure 2 is a front view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 2 in use retaining an edge protector;

Figure 6a shows a device according to an embodiment of the present invention in use positioning an edge protector;

Figure 6b shows the device shown in Figure 6a in use positioning a strap;

Figure 7 shows a back view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a front view of the device shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 shows a top end view of the device shown in Figure 7;

Figure 11 shows a bottom end view of the device shown in Figure 7; and

Figure 12 shows a side view of the device shown in Figure 7.

As shown in Figure 1 , a load comprising a number of load items 1 is secured on a load surface 2, using straps 3, 4 which pass over the load items 1 in perpendicular directions. The straps 3, 4 are tightened to secure the load items 1 by passing the straps 3, 4 through securing members 5. Over-tightening can result in damage to edge portions of the load items 1. Therefore, edge protectors 7 are positioned on the edges of the load items 1 underneath the straps 3, 4, to distribute the force exerted by the straps 3, 4 and thereby reduce damage.

As shown in Figures 2 - 4, a device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a means for releasably retaining a securing-component and a means for arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from an operator.

The device 10 comprises a base member 20, a support plate 30, two arms 40 and an attachment member 50.

The base member 20 is substantially cuboidal in shape and comprises front and rear walls 21 , 22, upper and lower walls 23, 24 and end walls 25, 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment member 50 is a cylindrical elongate member connected to the front wall 21 of the base member 20. The attachment member 50 extends beyond the lower wall 24 of the base member 20 and comprises a bore 51. The longitudinal axis Y of the bore 51 is substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower walls 23, 23 of the base member 20. The bore 51 comprises an internal screw thread 52 provided along the longitudinal axis Y of the bore 51. The screw thread 52 is configured to engage with a screw thread that is adopted on conventional broom handles.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a screw thread is provided externally on the attachment member. In all embodiments, the support plate 30 is substantially rectangular and comprises two free side edges, 31 , 32, a free upper edge 33 and a lower edge 34.

The support plate 30 projects from the upper wall 23 of the base member 20 with the lower edge 34 connected to the junction between the upper wall 23 and the rear wall 22 of the base member 20. The support plate 30 is a continuation of the base member 20.

The upper edge 33 of the support plate 30 comprises a guide channel 34. The guide channel 34 is provided by a recessed or portion of the upper edge 33, which defines side edges 35, 36 and a base edge 37. The base edge 34 is substantially parallel with the upper edge 33.

Each of the arms 40 is an elongate flat member comprising a lower end 41 and a free end 42. Each arm 40 is bent in the region of the free end 42 to provide a contact portion 43. The contact portion 43 is curved between a straight lower arm portion 40a and an upper arm portion 40b. Each of the arms 40 is shorter in length than the side edges 31 , 32 of the support plate 30.

The arms 40 are arranged in substantially parallel arrangement with, and adjacent to the side edges 31 , 32 of the support plate 30. At the lower end 41 , each arm 40 projects from the upper wall 23 of the base member 20 at a distance X from the lower edge 34 of the support plate 30.

The lower arm portion 40a of each arm 40 is inclined at an angle β of approximately 120° relative to the upper and lower walls 23, 24 of the base member 20 so that the contact portion 43 contacts a contact region 38 of the support plate 30. The upper arm portion 40b of each arm 40 is curved away from the support plate 30, such that the free end 42 and the upper arm portion 40b stands off the support plate 30.

Each arm 40 is sprung so that the contact portion 43 is biased towards the support plate 30 when at rest in the position of Figures 2 - 4. From the resting position the contact portions 43 of the arms 40 are deflectable away from the contact regions 38 of the support plate 30 into a second position.

In the illustrated embodiment, a reaching member 60 such as a screw-on broom handle, or telescopic extension arm is detachably connected to the attachment member 50 to allow elevation of the device 10.

Figures 7 to 12 show a further embodiment of the load securing device 100. The device 100 comprises a base member 200, a support plate 300, two arms 400 and an attachment member 500.

The base member 200 is an elongate U-shaped member. The base member 200 comprises a pair of lugs 210 that protrude from a front facing part of the base member 200. The pair of lugs 210 are spaced apart from one another, the distance between the pair of lugs 21 being a distance X, which is corresponds approximately with the width of a securing strap.

The attachment member 500 is an elongate cylinder member that is connected centrally on the lowermost point of the U-shaped base member 200. The attachment member 500 extends perpendicularly to the base member 200 and comprises a bore 510. The bore 510 comprises an internal screw thread (not shown) configured to engage with a typical screw thread that is adopted on conventional broom handles and other extendable and unextendable poles.

The support plate 300 is formed integrally with the base member 200 and extends from the base member 200. The support plate comprises two side edges 310, 320 and a top edge 330. The upper edge 330 of the support plate 300 is bevelled for health and safety reasons.

The upper edge 330 of the support plate 300 comprises a guide channel 340. The guide channel 340 is provided by a recessed or portion of the upper edge 330, which defines side edges 350, 360 and a base edge 370. The base edge 370 is a is length X, which is approximately the same as or slightly greater than the width of a securing strap. The base edge 370 is substantially parallel with the upper edge 330 of the support plate 300. The side edges 350, 360 of the guide channel 340 are adapted to form retaining lugs 350a, 360a that protrude into the guide channel 340 by an amount sufficient to allow manoeuvring of a securing strap past the lugs 350a, 360b to rest against the base edge 370 and yet prevent accidental release of a securing strap from the channel 340. The base edge 370 of the guide channel 340 is bevelled to facilitate sliding of a securing strap through the guide channel 340.

Each of the arms 400 is an elongate flat member comprising a lower end 410 extending from the base member 200 and a free end 420. Each arm 400 curves towards the support plate

300 in near the lower end 410 and levels out into a flattened portion 430 in a mid-section of the arm 400 that lies close to the support plate 300 in a resting position. From the flattened portion 430 the arm 400 curves away from the support plate 300 at the free end 420 to provide an introducing portion. Each of the arms 400 is shorter in length than the side edges 310, 320 of the support plate 300.

The arms 400 are arranged in substantially parallel arrangement with, and adjacent to the side edges 310, 320 of the support plate 300. Each arm 400 is sprung so that the flattened portion 430 is biased towards the support plate 30 in the resting position. From the resting position the flattened portions 430 of the arms 400 are deflectable away from the support plate 300 into a second position.

A reaching member (not shown) such as a screw-on broom handle, or telescopic extension arm can be detachably connected to the attachment member 500 to allow elevation of the device 100.

The devices 10, 100 are used to retain one arm 71 of an edge protector 7 comprising perpendicularly arranged arms 71 , 72. The devices 10, 100 are also used to retain a securing strap 3, 4.

The use of the device 10 with an edge protector and a strap will now be described by referring to Figures 5 and 6, although it will be appreciated that the device 100 is used in much the same way.

In use, one arm 71 of an edge protector 7 is slid between the upper arm portions 40b of the arms 40 and the support plate 30 and pressure is applied to the contact portions 43 by the arm 71 of the edge protector, to open the retaining means and gradually lift the contact portions 43 of the arms 40 away from the contact regions 38. The arm 71 of the edge protector 7 is then slid between the contact portions 43 and the contact regions 38 and beyond until the arm 71 abuts the upper wall 23 of the base member 20 and rests against the support plate 30. In this position, bias of the contact portions 43 towards the contact regions 38 of the support plate 30 grips the arm 71 , holding the arm 71 between the contact portions 43 and the contact regions 38. The second arm 72 of the edge protector projects substantially perpendicularly to the support plate 30 as shown in Figure 5.

The device 10 is then elevated, or distanced from an operator using the reaching member 60 and the edge protector 7 is positioned on an edge of a load item 1 with the second arm 72 of the edge protector 70 hooked over the edge of the load item 1. The reaching member 60 allows the edge protector 70 hooked over the edge of the load item 1 even though the edge of the load item may be some distance from the operator using the device. The reaching member 60 is then pulled in a direction substantially parallel with a side wall of the load item 1 towards a position shown in dotted lines on Figure 6a. This releases the edge protector 7 from between the arms 40 and the support plate 30, with the edge protector 7 remaining in position on the edge of the load item in the position shown in Figure 6a.

Once the edge protector 7 is in place, a strap 3 is passed over the load item. To lift the strap 3 into position over an edge protector 7, the strap 3 is arranged in the guide channel 34. The device 10 is then elevated or distanced from the operator, sliding the guide channel 34 along the strap 3 towards the edge of the load item 1. This process is shown in Figure 6b. Once the device 10 has been arranged in an appropriate position over the edge protector 7, the strap 3 is located over the edge protector 7 and the strap 3 is slidably released from the guide channel 34. The strap 3 is then tightened over the edge protector 7 using securing members 5.

With the embodiment of the device 100 shown in figures 7 - 12, the lugs 210 provide a further guidance means for a strap located in the guide channel 340. When a strap is located between the pair of lugs 210, the strap is prevented from straying too far to one side of the device 100 during sliding of the strap through the guide channel 340. The lugs 210 therefore, resist the twisting of the strap and any resultant accidental disengagement of the strap from the guide channel 340.

In the illustrated embodiments, the base member 20, 200, support plate 30, 300, arms 40, 400and attachment member 50, 500 are integrally formed as a single moulded unit comprising plastics material. The moulded unit comprises a strong shatterproof plastics material, such as polypropylene, although other suitable plastics may be used.

In an alternative embodiments (not shown) the individual members 20, 30, 40 and 50 are formed independently of one another and connected together. In such embodiments, the base member support plate and attachment member are for example formed from wood and the arms formed from plastics or metal. In such embodiments, the arms are sandwiched between two parts of the base member to project towards the support plate at a suitable angle.

With the embodiments described, an operator can use a device to position an edge protector and a strap on a load, without the operator leaving a secure surface or compromising a stable footing by overstretching. Furthermore, an edge protector and a securing strap can be easily retained in the device, without the operator having to operate a clamping or gripping mechanism first. In addition, because of the lack of a moving-part mechanism, the device is more robust and less susceptible to breakage.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A device for arranging a securing- component on a load, the device comprising: a retaining means for releasably retaining a securing-component and a means for arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from an operator, wherein the retaining means comprises an introducing portion to open the retaining means under pressure applied thereto by a securing-component.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the retaining means comprises at least one gripping means and a support means.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the securing-component is retained between the gripping means and the support means.

4. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the gripping means comprises the introducing portion.

5. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the gripping means comprises a gripping member.

6. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the support means comprises a support member.

7. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the introducing portion is disposed at a free end of the gripping member.

8. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the gripping member comprises a gripping portion that is biased towards the support member.

9. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the gripping member is sprung so that the gripping portion is biased towards the support member in a resting position.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the free end of the gripping member is spaced from the support member in the resting position to provide the introducing portion

11. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the gripping member is an arm, or prong.

12. A device according to claim 11 , wherein the arm or prong is attached to a base member at a fixed end opposite to the free end.

13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device comprises a means for attaching said device to a reaching member.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the reaching member comprises pole.

15. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the device is adapted to receive a securing-component in the form of load edge protector.

16. A device for arranging a securing-component on a load, the device comprising: a retaining means for releasably retaining a securing-component and a means for arranging the securing-component on a load at a distance from an operator, wherein the device further comprises a guide channel to receive a securing component in the form of a strap.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the retaining means comprises a support member.

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the support member comprises the guide channel.

19. A device according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the support member comprises a plate and the guide channel is provided by a recessed portion in an upper edge of the plate.

20. A method of arranging an edge or corner protector on an edge of a load using a device according any one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising the steps of: a. retaining one arm of an edge or corner protector with the retaining means; b. arranging the edge or corner protector on an edge or corner of a load using said means for arranging said edge or corner protector on a load at a distance from an operator; c. hooking a free arm of the edge or corner protector over the edge or corner of a load, respectively; and d. releasing the edge or corner protector on the corner or edge of the load.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the edge or corner protector is retained by the retaining means by opening the retaining means under pressure applied thereto by a securing-component using an introducing portion.

22. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 21 , wherein the edge or the corner protector is retained by sliding the retained arm between a gripping member and a support member of the retaining means via the introducing portion.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the edge or the corner protector is released by sliding the retained arm from between the gripping member and the support member.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the method further comprises securing a load to a load surface, comprising the steps of: i. arranging a strap in a guide channel of the device; ii. manoeuvring the strap over the edge or corner protector using said device; iii. releasing the strap in position over the edge or corner protector; and iv. tightening the strap to secure the load.

25. A method of arranging a securing-strap over an edge or corner protector on an edge of a load using a device according to the any one of claims 20 to 24, the method comprising the steps of: a. arranging the securing-strap in the guide channel of the device; b. manoeuvring the strap over the edge or corner protector using said device; and c. releasing the securing-strap in position over the edge or corner protector.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the method further comprises securing a load to a load surface, comprising the step of tightening the strap to secure the load.

27. A method of arranging a securing-component on a load, the method comprising: retaining the securing-component in a retaining means of a device, arranging the securing- component on a load at a distance from an operator using the device; and releasing the securing-component from the retaining means.