GB2457090A

GB2457090A - A load restraint system for a vehicle backboard

Info

Publication number: GB2457090A
Application number: GB0801982A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John William Cullen
Original assignee: PPS COMMERCIALS Ltd; SERVEMET
Current assignee: PPS COMMERCIALS Ltd; SERVEMET
Priority date: 2008-02-04
Filing date: 2008-02-04
Publication date: 2009-08-05
Also published as: GB0801982D0

Abstract

A load restraint system for a vehicle having a backboard 21 comprising tensioning means 28 adapted to be attached to the backboard 21 and provided for applying tension, in use, to one or more fixing means 55 provided for restraining loads on the vehicle and means 28a for altering the tension on the tensioning means 28. The fixing means may be one or more cables (71, figure 5) which may be rigidly attached to the tensioning means wherein the tensioning means may comprise a jacking mechanism or a worm gear mechanism. The tensioning means may be located within a housing, the housing formed within an interior section of the backboard. A portion of the tensioning means may protrude from the upper edge, in use, of the backboard. The tensioning means may be provided with a handle 34; a lock may be activated by removal of said handle. The load may, in use, abut an upper edge 27 of the backboard.

Description

1 2457090 Load Restraint System The present invention relates generally to a load restraint systems and particularly to systems that are used to secure loads to vehicles wherein the load is located on a flatbed.

A large proportion of goods are transported by road using trucks (lorries) or vans that comprise a cab area and a flatbed area onto which goods are loaded, The flatbed area may comprise a trailer which is detachable from the cab. Alternatively the cab and flatbed area may be attached to a single chassis. In either case it is usual for there to be a backboard which forms a partition between the flatbed load area and the cab of the vehicle.

Loads carried on such flatbeds must be rigidly held in place, to prevent the load from falling from the flatbed, and this is usually accomplished by the use of cables, ropes, or straps which are attached to appropriate points on the flatbed by means of the use of anchor points.

It is not uncommon for the load carried on the flatbed area to be longer than *: :: : the length of the flatbed and in such cases the load may protrude from the end of the flatbed area. Alternatively, one end of the load may be placed onto the flatbed area * : and the opposite end positioned such that it abuts an upper edge, in use, of the **** backboard. The load is then fixed in place by the use of ropes, cables or straps 20 attached to fixing points on the flatbed. Both of these means of transporting loads *: * longer than the length of the flatbed have problems associated with their use. If the load protrudes beyond the end of the flatbed area it may present a danger to other traffic. If the load is located on the upper edge of the backboard it is not uncommon for the load to move sideways relative to the general direction of travel of the truck, and thus fall off a side of the truck.

The object of the present invention is to provide a system which facilitates the securing of loads to flatbed trucks, particularly when the load abuts an upper edge of the backboard.

According to the present invention there is provided a load restraint system for a vehicle having a backboard comprising tensioning means adapted to be attached to the backboard and for applying tension, in use, to one or more fixing means provided for restraining loads on the vehicle and means for altering the tension on the tensioning means.

Backboards are also referred to, in the relevant field, as headboards.

The rigid attachment of the tensioning means into or onto the backboard means that the tensioning means does not obstruct access to the upper or lower surface of the flatbed, or access to the mechanical components located below the flatbed area.

*:::: Backboards of the type disclosed herein may be attached to any transportation device where tension adjustment means may be used for fixing loads in position. S S*S

*r However, such backboards are preferably used with transport devices comprising a :. flatbed.

* :* 20 The fixing means may comprise ropes or straps but is preferably in the form of * one or more cable(s). Cables are preferred as they are more likely to pass smoothly over the load, without catching, when tension is being applied to the cable to fix the load in position. Preferably the fixing means is rigidly attached to the tensioning means or to one or more attachment point(s) on the backboard. The fixing means may be attached to the attachment points by means of a securing means which is readily detachable from the attachment point(s) A plurality of tensioning means are preferably provided such that the load may be separated into different portions that can be separately fixed in position on the transportation device.

It is preferred that the load abuts an upper edge, in use, of the backboard.

Preferably the one or more attachment point(s) are located in an upper area, in use, of the backboard.

It is particularly beneficial to have the load abut the upper edge of the backboard and for the attachment points to also be located in an upper area of the backboard as this reduces the length of the fixing means required to fix the load in place, thus reducing the likelihood that the load will be able to shift its position.

The position of the attachment point(s) is preferably moveable. In this way the attachment point(s) may be adjusted to facilitate the optimisation of the location of a load which abuts the upper edge of the backboard.

*: : : More preferably the attachment points are located on the upper edge, in use, of the backboard.

In this way the attachment points are readily accessible whilst being as far removed as possible from the flatbed area and also the attachment points are less r 20 likely to be damaged whilst the flatbed is in general day to day use.

Furthermore, the positioning of the attachment points and the portion of the tensioning means to which the fixing means attaches, on the upper edge of the backboard reduces the length of cable used to fix the load in place and this reduces the risk of the position of the load moving during transport.

Preferably the tensioning means is primarily located within a housing. In this way the risk of the tensioning means being damaged is reduced.

Preferably the portion of tensioning means to which the fixing means is attached protrudes from the upper edge, in use, of the backboard.

More preferably the housing is formed within an interior section of the backboard. This provides additional protection to the tensioning means and utilises space within the interior of the backboard that would otherwise not be used.

The tensioning means preferably comprises a jacking mechanism. The jacking mechanism more preferably comprises a rack and pinion mechanism. A locking mechanism may be provided to lock the tensioning means in position.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be automatically activated by the removal of the lever, used to operate the tensioning means, from the jacking mechanism. Suitable mechanisms are known to the person skilled in the art.

Alternatively the tensioning means may comprise a worm gear mechanism. In this way the tensioning mechanism is only operable by the uses of a lever and is *: : :: effectively locked in position when the lever is removed.

*1IS* The backboard further comprises one or more coupling points located on the * : backboard. The coupling point(s) preferably comprises one or more recessed slots S...

into which a correspondingly shaped insert is placed, the shaped insert comprising a * : 20 coupling means used to restrain a load by engaging with the load and the coupling point.

Such additional coupling means helps to retain the position of a load in the event that the transportation device undergoes violent movement, for instance in the event of the transportation device being involved in an accident the coupling means can prevent both forwards and sideways movement of the load when the load is a ladder or the like.

The coupling means preferably engages with a coupling point and the load andlor the fixing means.

Preferably the fixing means is attached to the tensioning means by the use of a pivotal attachment means. This allows vertical movement of the pivotal attachment means relative to the vertical axis of the tensioning means, in use. A suitable pivotal attachment means is a D-shackle.

The tensioning means preferably provides tension to the fixing means by a vertical movement, in use, of a part of the tensioning means to which the fixing means is attached.

The attachment point(s) and/or the part of the tensioning means to which the fixing means attaches is/are located within a protective cowl(s) and are located at a recessed position relative to the opening of the cowl.

The cowl(s) may be rigidly attached to the backboard. This may be beneficial * : * where heavy loads are to be fixed in position, the cowl(s) being rigidly attached to the backboard reduces the chance of the attachment points or tensioning means being **** damaged when loads are being loaded onto, or off, the backboard. I...

*:. Alternatively, the cowl enclosing the attachment point(s) and the attachment 20 point(s) is/are non-rigidly mounted.

*:*. Preferably the tensioning means is operated by means of a crank handle. The crank handle is preferably shaped such that it can be inserted into a housing to engage with the tensioning means or an operating mechanism for the tensioning means. More preferably the crank handle operates a locking mechanism, when engaged with the tensioning means or an operating mechanism for the tensioning means, such that an automatic locking mechanism is released by the insertion of the crank handle and the locking mechanism is automatically engaged by removal of the crank handle.

The backboard of the invention preferably comprises one or more further coupling points on its vertical surface, in use. This provides a means by which cumbersome loads, such as cylinders, may be attached to the backboard using cables and/or ropes and/or webbing which may be engaged with the backboard by means of slots into which correspondingly shaped engagement means may be inserted.

Preferably the backboard is rigidly attached to the sub frame of the vehicle onto which the backboard is mounted. More preferably the backboard, flatbed and cab of the vehicle (truck) are all connected to the same sub-frame (chassis).

Included within the scope of the invention there is provided a backboard for a transportation device comprising a tensioning means substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the drawings.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments of *: : : the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: * S..

* :.. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a truck comprising a flatbed and a S...

:. backboard.

r 20 Figure 2 is a rear view, in use, of a backboard incorporating a tensioning means *: * in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of a rack mechanism.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a series of attachment points in accordance with the invention.

Figure 5 is a rear view, in use, of a backboard incorporating a tensioning means in accordance with the present invention located on a flatbed of a truck.

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a rack and pinion mechanism incorporating a worm gear suitable for use with the present invention.

Figure 7 is a view of an engagement means for use with the disclosed invention.

Figure 8 is a side view of a rack and pinion jack used in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 9 shows the jack of figure 8 in cross-section along the line A-A, wherein a worm gear, incorporated into the rack and pinion mechanism can be seen.

Corresponding parts shown on the various drawings have generally been given the same numbering.

Reference will initially be made to figure 1 of the drawings wherein a * : perspective view of a known form of transportation device in the form of a truck S...

generally indicated by (1), fitted with a flatbed (2), a backboard (3), a cab (4) is 20 shown. A set of ladders (5) are also shown resting on the back of the truck and on the *: . upper edge of the backboard (3) of the truck. The ladder is rigidly fixed to the truck by means of a series of ropes (5) or cables attached to hooks or the like (6) which are rigidly fixed to the backboard and the flatbed.

Reference will now be made to figure 2 of the drawings wherein a backboard, in accordance with the disclosed invention is generally indicated by (21).

The backboard (21) comprises a frame (22) made of box steel which incorporates an upper trapezoid shaped frame (23), to which two legs (24) are attached.

The trapezoid frame (23) forms the upper part of the backboard, in use, and the legs (24) form the lower part of the frame.

The frame (22) further comprises reinforcing members (25) and two pairs of cowls (26a and 26b, 26c and 26d) located on the upper edge (27), in use, of the frame.

The openings of the pairs of cowls (26a and 26b, 26c and 26d) face towards each other. The cowls (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) are rigidly attached to the upper section (30) of the frame by means of welds (not shown).

The reinforcing members (25) define the upright portions of two generally triangular shaped areas of the frame (27a and 27b), in use, within which two tensioning means/tensioning mechanisms (28) are primarily located. The tensioning means (28) comprise two rack and pinion type jacks (28a and 28b) which are rigidly attached to the frame 27, by means of appropriate fixing means such as nuts and bolts S SS* (not shoWfl).

:. The racks of the jacks (29a129b) pass through apertures in the upper section of * :* 20 the frame (30) to allow an upper portion of the racks (31 a and 31 b) to protrude *". through the upper edge (27) of the frame. Such an aperture 41 can be seen in figure 3 of the drawings.

Referring again to figure 2 similar apertures (not shown) are provided in the lower section of the frame (32) to allow a lower section of the racks (33a or 33b) to pass through the lower section of the frame (32).

The racks (29a/29b) of the jacks also include stops (46) which engage with the frame (22) to restrict the vertical movement of the racks (29a/29b).

The rack and pinion mechanisms are actuated by the use of a known type of lever (34) which engages with the jack mechanism (28) by means of a worm mechanism contained within the jack mechanisms (28a and 28b). The rack and pinion mechanisms (28a and 28b) incorporate extension arms (37) which project through further channels in the frame, such that the lever (34) can be engaged with an appropriately shaped fitting on the end of the extension arm to operate the jack mechanisms (28a and 28b).

The lever preferably comprises a handle (34a), as shown in figure 2, which can be moved from its normal position, in use, to lie parallel to the portion of the lever which is at right angle to the handle when the lever is in use, thus facilitating storage :::: of the handle.

The backboard (21) further comprises a central rectangular section (35) into which a wire mesh (36) is rigidly fixed, by welding or other suitable means.

* * The upper portions of the rack mechanism (31 a and 31 b) are located in two of r 20 the cowls (26a and 26d) respectively. Located within the other two cowls (26b and 26c) are attachment points (generally indicated by 51) to which fixing means (42) in the form of cables, are attached as shown in figure 4.

The attachment points (51) are of known type and comprise a series of holes (52) which incorporate a groove (53) at their base. A securing means (54) comprising two protrusions, spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the distance between two adjacent holes (52), is inserted into two adjacent holes (52) and slid downwards and subsequently outwards, towards the opening of the cowl, such that the securing means is prevented from subsequently moving upwards. The attachment points (51) are located within cowls (26b and 26c), and are rigidly fixed to the cowls (26b and 26c) by the use of nuts and bolts (58).

The fixing means that is attached to the attachment points (51) comprises a cable (55) which ends in closed loops (56) which passes through an orifice (57) in the securing means (54).

The opposite end of the cables (55), to that attached to the attachment points (51), also comprises a loop (42) formed in the cable (55) as shown in figure 3. The cowl (26a) and the upper section of the frame (31 a) are shown by broken lines to facilitate viewing of the other components.

The loop (42) engages with a pivotal attachment means in the form of a D-shackle (56) which is pivotally connected to the upper portion (31 a) of the rack.

As can be seen in figure 3, the teeth of the rack (43) are directed away from *:::: the opening of the cowl (26a), this is to improve the safety of the device in use.

* : Reference is now made to figure 5 wherein a backboard (21) incorporating a s*.

*:. tensioning means in accordance with the present invention is shown in combination r 20 with part of a flatbed (61) of a truck and a truck backboard (62). As can be seen from *:*. figure 5 the backboard (21) of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a conventional truck backboard (62) wherein the backboard of the present invention (21) is positioned and sized to stand above the conventional truck backboard (62).

The main mechanisms of the jacks (28a and 28b) and the majority of the racks (29a and 29b) are enclosed within a housing formed by the triangular shaped areas (27a and 27b) of the frame. Two pairs of triangular shaped steel plates enclose the majority of the jack mechanisms, one plate of each pair of plates (63a and 63b) is visible on figure 5. The plates (63a and 63b) are sized to close off the triangular shaped areas (27a and 2Th) and are fixed in place by the use of screws (64) which pass through holes (not shown) in the steel plates (63a and 63b), and engage with appropriately positioned engagement means (64) shown in figure 2. The engagement means (64) comprise a series of metal plates rigidly fixed to the frame (22) which are provided with holes appropriately sized for use with self tapping screws. A set of engagement means are provided for the attachment of each of the two pairs of steel plates. The plates possess appropriately positioned holes to allow fixing of the plates to the engagement means by use of screws, or similar means.

The backboard (21) also includes coupling points in the form of recessed slots (65) which are provided in an upper section of the frame (66), in use, see figure 5.

The recessed slots (65) are preferably located in the upper section of the frame (66) such that they face away from the normal direction of travel of a truck S...

incorporating backboard (21). *.e.

Further coupling points, in the form of three pairs of slots (one pair is s: 20 indicated by 67) are provided in the lower section (69) of the trapezoid frame (23).

* * Corresponding spaced pairs of slots are also provided in the lorry backboard (62) (one pair of slots are indicated by 70).

A fixing means, in the form of a cable (71), is also shown in figure 5.

Figure 6 shows a side view of one of the previously mentioned rack and pinion wall jacks (28a and 28b). The wall jacks comprise two plates (81 and 82) which include apertures (83 and 84) that are used in conjunction with nuts and bolts to attach the jacks to the frame of the backboard.

The location of a worm gear mechanism (85) within the jack mechanism (28) is also indicated in figure 6.

Figures 7a and 7b show an engagement means (91) of the type for use with the slots (65 and 67) located in the backboard (21), and corresponding slots (70) in the backboard of the truck (62).

The engagement means (generally indicated by 90) comprises a metal head piece (91) comprising a locking mechanism in the form of a moveable arm (92) which is pivotally mounted to the head piece (91).

The engagement means (90) is manufactured from a sheet of steel (91) folded to form an elongate sleeve (91) which is closed along the edge generally indicated by "A". An arm (92) is mounted on a pivot (93) within the sleeve (91) and a portion of the arm (92) protrudes beyond the edge of the sleeve. The arm (92) is attached to a spring (not shown) which biases the arm to a position such that it normally abuts the * :* edge indicated by "A", as shown in figure 7a.

Two recesses (99a and 99b) are formed in the sleeve by the cutting of two :. 20 pairs of appropriately located slots in the sheet metal.

*:*. The arm is moveable in the direction indicated by the arrow "B", to the position shown in figure 7b.

Two apertures, one of which can be seen in figure 7a (94), are cut into the sheet of steel (91) and are located in corresponding positions on the opposing faces of the sleeve.

A webbing strap (98), or similar material, is passed through the two apertures and stitching (95) is used to attach the webbing strap to the engagement means. An engagement means may be attached to each end of the webbing strap in this way.

Alternatively, the webbing strap has a loop (generally indicated by 97) formed in its free end by use of appropriate stitching (96), as shown in figure 7b, the loop (97) being sized to allow the sleeve (91) and attached webbing (98) to pass through the loop.

Figure 8 shows a side-view of a rack and pinion jack (28a or 28b) used in the presently described embodiment wherein a tensioning mechanism (28), a rack 29, the teeth of the rack (43), the metal plates (81) and (82), an extension ann (37) and the section of the mechanism (28) enclosing the worm gear mechanism (85) are visible.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of figure 8 showing the worm gear mechanism (85) incorporated within the main mechanism of a rack and pimon jack (28a or 28b). A rack (29) and an extension arm (37) are also visible on figure 9. 4*P*

In use ladders, planks of wood, or similar elongate objects are placed such that r 1:. 20 they contact the flatbed and the upper edge (27) of the backboard (21). The ladders, or the like, are located between one of the pairs of cowls (26a and 26b, or 26c and 26d).

One end of a cable (55) is attached to an attachment point (51), located within a cowl (26b), by use of a securing means (54). The cable (55) is attached to the attachment point (51) by use of the securing means (54) which inserts into a pair of holes (52) in the attachment point (51). The securing means (54) being located slightly below the uppermost point of the ladders (or similar object) in a direct vertical line, in use, above the backboard (21).

The other end of the cable is attached to a D-shackle (56) connected to the upper portion (31) of the opposing rack. The cable (55) is of a length such that it stretches across from the securing means (54) to a corresponding D-shackle (56) (attached to the upper portion (31) of a rack) which is located at corresponding height, above the upper edge of the backboard (21), with little slack available in the cable.

The location of the D-shackle (56), attached to the upper portion of the rack (31), is adjusted to an appropriate initial height by operation of the jack mechanism (28) prior to the cable being attached to the attachment point (51) using the securing means (54).

The lever (34) is then operated such that the rack (29a or 29b) is lowered vertically, any slack in the cable (55) is removed due to the ladders preventing the general movement of the cable vertically downwards towards the backboard, and thus tension is applied to the cable (55). This tension holds the ladders (or similar objects) in position by the application of pressure on the ladders in a direction towards the *r backboard thus preventing the sideward movement (in use) of the ladders (or similar 4. objects).

r 20 Even if insufficient tension is applied to the cable (55) the sideways movement * * of the ladders (or similar objects) is restricted by the presence of the pairs of cowls (26a and 26b, 26c and 26d). Large vertical movement of the ladders (or similar objects) are also restricted by the use of cables (55) of a length that are just long enough to stretch from the securing means (54) attached to the attachment point (51) to a D-shackle (56) on a upper portion (31) of a corresponding rack, when the D-shackle (56) is located at a height above the upper edge of the frame corresponding to the height of the securing means (54), attached to attachment point (51), above the upper edge of the frame.

The ladders (or similar objects) may also be attached, for additional security, to the flatbed by the use of ropes which attach to known fixing means on the flatbed.

When the backboard (21) is to be used to retain ladders, an engagement means (90), as shown in figures 7a and 7b, comprising a loop (97) may be used in conjunction with the backboard (21). The engagement means (90) is attached to the ladders by encircling a rung of the ladders, the rung of the ladder being located close to an appropriately located recessed slot (65), with the webbing strap (98) of the engagement means (90) and then passing the elongate sleeve (91) through the loop (97) such that the rung of the ladder is encircled by the webbing strap (98). The arm (92) of the engagement means is then moved as far as possible in the direction indicated by the arrow labelled "B" as indicated in figure 7a, so that the arm is located in the position shown in figure lb. The recess (99b) is initially inserted into one end of a slot (65) such that the recess (99b) encloses a portion of the frame (22). Then the .. : second recess (99a) is inserted into the opposite end of the slot such that the recess * * * SII (99a) encloses a further portion of the steel frame. The release of the arm (92) results * 20 in movement of the arm, due to pressure exerted by the spring, to the position shown S..

:5 in figure 7a. The effective decrease in length of the recess (99b) by the return of the arm to the position shown in figure 7a results in the engagement means (90) being effectively trapped within the slot (65).

To remove the engagement means the arm (92) is again moved by the application of pressure in the direction indicated by arrow B, to increase the effective depth of the recess (99b), such that the engagement means may be removed from the slot (65). When the engagement means (90) is attached to the rung of a set of ladders and to an appropriately located recessed slot (65), the engagement means restricts the movement of the ladders in a forward or reverse direction relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The engagement means (92) may also restrict the sideways movement of loads.

A pair of slots (67) in conjunction with a pair of slots located in the lorry backboard (70) may be used to attach affix gas cylinders, or other objects, to the flatbed for transportation purposes. The engagement means used comprises a webbing strap which has two elongate sleeves attached to each end of the webbing strap. A length of webbing strap is used such that it encircles the main body of a gas cylinder stood on the flatbed adjacent the backboard. The metallic elongate sleeves (91) located at the end of the webbing strap (98) are inserted into a pair of slots (67).

A second webbing strap, and associated elongate sleeves are then used to encircle the gas cylinder by their insertion into a pair of slots (70) located directly below the first : pair of slots (67) into which the first engagement means is located. The webbing *...

straps may be of a length appropriate to encircle the gas cylinder or alternatively known types of adjustment means may be provided to allow the length of the webbing strap to adjust to suit the size of cylinder concerned.

The slots (67) and (70) are preferably located such that gas cylinders (or the like) affixed to the backboard do not obstruct the area where loads affixed to the backboard, by use of the tensioning means, will be located.

In an alternative embodiment a flatbed may be used which is bordered by vertical uprights (of known type) which define an enclosed area above the flatbed. If this type flatbed is used the ladders (or the like) may be located such that they abut the floor of the flatbed and the reannost (in use) vertical upright. When the ladder (or the like) is located in this way the ladder can be effectively wedged in position by the application of tension by the cable, as previously described.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the above detailed load restraint system.

In an alternative embodiment, the attachment means and the cowl protecting the attachment means are mounted such that they are moveable sideways, in use, along the upper edge of the backboard.

In a further preferred embodiment a metal sheet is attached to a section of legs (24) of the frame, such that there is no need for a backboard (62) to be provided as an integral part of the flatbed itself. Instead the backboard of the truck (62) is replaced by an appropriately sized and, appropriately located metal sheet attached to a section of the legs (24). An appropriate series of slots, corresponding to slots (70), may then be incorporated into the sheet metal. S...

The tensioning means may be used to affix loads to the flatbed by encircling a S...

151. load, located on the flatbed, by the use of a cable passed through hooks or similar S...

means on the flatbed, one end of the cable being affixed to a point on the flatbed. The cable is then further passed through a hook or loop attached to the attachment points : and the free end of the cable attached to the upper portion of a rack mechanism (3 Ia or 31b) by suitable means. Tension is then applied to the cable by lowering of the rack (potentially in this case tension could also be applied to the cable by raising the rack).

It will be appreciated that in this case known means may be provided such that the length of the cable can be adjusted to avoid excessively large movements of the rack being required in order to apply appropriate tension to the cable.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the coupling means can alternatively be attached at one end to the coupling points, in the form of recessed slots (65), and at the other end to the fixing means. The web of the coupling means having been passed between two rungs of a ladder, for instance.

In a further alternative embodiment a singe cable may be used which attaches to a single tensioning means and an attachment point. The tensioning means and the attachment points being located towards the sides, in use, of the backboard such that the cable stretches across almost the full width of the back board. A series of hooks or eyes may be provided which are attached at appropriate points across the upper edge of the back board, such that the cable may be used to entrap a number of different loads abutting the upper edge of the backboard by use of the hooks or eyes.

The cable is provided with means to allow its length to be adjusted such that tension may be applied to the cable by use of the tensioning means to restrain the various loads in a fixed position. *ee. * S S S* S ** * S S... S...

S

S S..

S S. S. * S S * S S. S S S* S *S

Claims

1. A Idad restraint system for a vehicle having a backboard comprising tensioning means adapted to be attached to the backboard and for applying tension, in use, to one or more fixing means provided for restraining loads on the vehicle and means for altering the tension on the tensioning means.

2. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixing means is in the form of one or more cable(s).

3. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in claim I or 2 wherein the fixing means is rigidly attached to the tensioning means or to one or more attachment point(s) on the backboard.

4. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim * : wherein the fixing means is attached to the attachment points by means of a securing * means which is readily detachable from the attachment point(s) S... S...

5. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim *: ::* wherein a plurality of tensioning means are preferably provided such that the load S..

may be separated into different portions that can be separately fixed in position on the transportation device.

6. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the load abuts an upper edge, in use, of the backboard.

7. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the position of the attachment point(s) is preferably moveable.

8. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the attachment points are located on the upper edge, in use, of the backboard.

9. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tensioning means is primarily located within a housing.

10. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 9 wherein the housing is formed within an interior section of a backboard.

* :

11. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim S...

s.' wherein the portion of tensioning means to which the fixing means is attached protrudes from the upper edge, in use, of the backboard.

S S..

S * SS * S 5 * S. *.*

12. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tensioning means preferably comprises a jacking mechanism.

13. A load restraint system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a locking mechanism is provided to lock the tensioning means in position.

14. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 13 wherein the locking mechanism is automatically activated by the removal of a lever, used to operate the tensioning means, from the jacking mechanism.

15. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the tensioning means may comprise a worm gear mechanism.

16. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the backboard further comprises one or more coupling points located on the backboard.

17. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim * : wherein the coupling point(s) comprises one or more recessed slots into which a **** * ***. correspondingly shaped insert is placed, the shaped insert comprising a coupling *. means used to restrain a load by engaging with the load and the coupling point.

S S..

S

*. *..,*

18. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16 wherein the 0S* coupling means engages with a coupling point and the load and/or the fixing means.

19. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fixing means is attached to the tensioning means by the use of a pivotal attachment means.

20. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tensioning means provides tension to the fixing means by a vertical movement, in use, of a part of the tensioning means to which the fixing means is attached.

21. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the attachment point(s) andlor the part of the tensioning means to which the fixing means attaches is/are located within a protective cowl(s) and are located at a recessed position relative to the opening of the cowl.

22. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim * : wherein the cowl is rigidly attached to the backboard. S... * . *..*

23. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

S *..

* 20 wherein the cowl enclosing the attachment point(s) and the attachment point(s) *:::* is/are non-rigidly mounted.

S S..

24. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tensioning means is operated by means of a crank handle, the crank handle being shaped such that it can be inserted into a housing to engage with the tensioning means or an operating mechanism for the tensioning means, wherein the crank handle operates a locking mechanism, when engaged with the tensioning means or an operating mechanism for the tensioning means, such that an automatic locking mechanism is released by the insertion of the crank handle and the locking mechanism is automatically engaged by removal of the crank handle.

25. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the backboard comprises one or more further coupling points on its vertical surface, in use.

26. A load restraint system for a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to wherein the backboard is rigidly attached to the sub frame of the vehicle onto which the backboard is mounted.

27. A load restraint system for a vehicle comprising a backboard for a * : transportation device further comprising a tensioning means substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the p...

: drawings.

I * S. * a I * II * a.. *