GB2030965A - Restraint system for cargo in a container - Google Patents

Abstract

A restraint system for cargo in a container comprises restraining means, for example two curtains in the form of nets of webbing (11), support means, for example runners sliding on rails (10), that permit movement of the restraining means into contact with the loaded cargo, and operating means, for example drawstrings (15), for effecting such movement of the restraining means. On pulling the drawstrings (15) the nets are drawn tightly around the cargo to prevent movement in transit, the nets being held taut by jamming cleats 20 acting on the drawstrings (15). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Container cargo restraint system Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for restraining a cargo from undesirable movement within a container.

Background to the Invention Cargo is commonly loaded into containers for ease of handling during transportation. However, it is desirable to provide means whereby movement of the cargo, which may consist of a plurality of items, within the container can be inhibited, yet which does not substantially impede loading and unloading.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with this invention, a restraint system for cargo in a container comprises restraining means which in a first position define a volume therebetween into which cargo may be loaded; support means that perm it move me nt of the restraining means from said first position whereby the volume between the restraining means is reduced; and operating means for effecting such movement of restraining means.

Preferably the restraining means comprise two curtains that can be moved towards, and apart from, each other. It is also preferred that the restraining means be fabricated from a net of webbing.

Advantageously, the support means comprise rails on which runners are mounted, the restraining means being attached to said runners.

Appropriately, rails are provided adjacent the ceiling and adjacent the floor of the container, the rails running transversely with respect to the loading port of the container.

Conveniently, the operating means for moving the restraining means will comprise one or more drawstrings. In order to avoid relaxation of the restraint on the cargo during transportation, it is desirable to provide means whereby the operating means can be held in position after movement of the restraining means into contact with the cargo.

BriefDescription of Drawings Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a cargo container incorporating a restraint system according to this invention.

Figure 2 is a section along the line A-A in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is front view of the container of Figure 1, when loaded and with the restraint system in operation.

Figure 4 is a section analogous to Figure 2 of an alternative construction of container floor.

Figures 5-8 are each schematic top views of possible drawstring arrangements that can be used in the restraint system of this invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments The containershown in Figures 1-3 comprises a base 1 providing a floor 2, said base having recesses 3 therein as aids to handling.

Upstanding from the base are two opposed sidewalls 4 joined by an end wall 5. A roof 6 provides a ceiling 7. Remote from the end wall 5 is a loading port 8 closeable by doors 9.

Mounted on the floor 2 and on the ceiling 7 are rails 10 having a T-section. The rails are parallel and extend between the sidewalls 4, that is transversely to the loading port 8. (It is possible for the rails to have other constructions, for example they may have L- or I-sections, or they may be formed as round bars suspended clear of the ceiling and floor by end and/or central brackets or trunnions).

Two curtains 11 are provided in the form of nets of webbing having vertical strips 1 2 and horizontal strips 13, which strips are conveniently sewn together at the intersections thereof. As illustrated, alternate vertical strips 12 are attached at each end to a runner 14 slidably mounted on a rail 10. The nets may have, e.g. 1-foot spacing.

Drawstrings 15 are provided at the top and at the bottom of each curtain 11. The drawstring is anchored at a point 16 near the end wall 5 and is laced through the runners 14, as indicated in Figure 5.

It is clearly desirable that the rails 10 adjacent the floor of the container should not impede the loading and unloading of the cargo. As illustrated in Figure 2, raised floorboards 17 may be provided between the rails 10 to provide a flat loading surface above the rails 10. An alternative construction is shown schematically in Figure 4, wherein the floor is corrugated and the rails 10 are mounted within the depressions.

During loading, each net 11 is withdrawn to a position adjacent a respective sidewall 4; the net may hang loosely in this position. If need be, removable stops 18 may be provided at the ends of the rails 10 in order to retain the curtains. In this position, the curtains define a space therebetween, into which the cargo is loaded through the loading port 8.

After loading, the drawstrings 1 5 may be pulled by their ends remote from the anchor point 1 6, which will cause the runners 14 to move away from the sidewalls 4. Carried by the runners 1 4, the two nets 11 will be brought into contact with the cargo 19 (which may consist of a plurality of items) and will be drawn tightly around that cargo, thereby restraining it from undesirable movement within the container during transport. This position is indicated schematicaliy in Figure 3.

Jamming cleats 20 are provided top and bottom for holding the drawstrings 1 5 in position with the cargo restrained. By this means, any unwanted relaxation of the restraint is avoided.

Moreover, guides 21 are provided, top and bottom, in order to facilitate the pulling of the drawstrings 1 5. Having been pulled through the jamming cleats 20, the loose ends of the drawstrings 1 5 may be laid in the container.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate alternative lacing arrangements, which may be more appropriate than the arrangement of Figure 5 in some circumstances. It will be seen that the drawstrings may be passed around pulleys, as well as through the runners 15, in some arrangements, For unloading, it is a simple matter to release the drawstrings from the jamming cleats and to move the curtains 11 apart, thereby releasing the cargo for unloading through the port 8.

Claims (8)

1. A restraint system for cargo in a container, characterised by restraining means which in a first position define a volume therebetween into which cargo may be loaded; support means that permit movement of the restraining means from said first position whereby the volume between the restraining means is reduced; and operating means for effecting such movement of the restraining means.

2. A system according to claim 1, characterised in that the restraining means comprise two curtains movable selectively towards, and apart from, each other.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the restraining means are fabricated from a net of webbing.

4. A system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the support means comprise rails on which runners are mounted, the restraining means being attached to said runners.

5. A system according to claim 4, characterised in that rails are disposed adjacent the ceiling and adjacent the floor of the container and run transversely to the loading port of the container.

6. A system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the operating means are drawstrings.

7. A system according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that means are provided to hold the pperating means in position after movement of the restraining means.

8. A restraint system for cargo in a container, being a system substantially as described and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 5, or as so illustrated and modified as shown in Figure 4 and/or Figure 6, 7 or 8 of the accompanying drawings.

8. A restraint system for cargo in a container, being a system substantially as described and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 5, or as so illustrated and modified as shown in Figure 4 and/or Figure 6,7 or 8.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on 29.11.79.

Superseded claims 1 - 8 New or Amended Claims

1. A restraint system for cargo in a container, comprising a plurality of rails disposed adjacent one of the interior faces of the container, a respective runner on each rail and flexible restraining means which in a first position define a volume into which cargo may be loaded, the restraining means being connected to said runners so as to be movable therewith from said first position whereby the volume defined by the restraining means is reduced, and operating means for effecting such movement of the restraining means.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the restraining means are fabricated from a net of webbing.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two sets of rails are disposed adjacent respective opposite interior faces of the container and the restraining means extends between runners on both sets of rails.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein rails are disposed adjacent the ceiling and adjacent the floor of the container and nun transversely to the loading port of the container.

5. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the restraining means comprise two curtains movable selectively towards, and apart from, each other.

6. A system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating means are drawstrings.

7. A system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operating means are drawstrings.