GB2468038A

GB2468038A - Strap guard with force indicating means

Info

Publication number: GB2468038A
Application number: GB1002863A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alister James Richardson; Alexander Richardson
Original assignee: Chok A Block Ltd
Current assignee: Chok A Block Ltd
Priority date: 2009-02-20
Filing date: 2010-02-19
Publication date: 2010-08-25
Also published as: GB201002863D0; GB0902866D0; WO2010094974A1

Abstract

A strap guard 100 comprising a base 11 and means 12 for locating a strap on the guard, the guard having either a force indicting means or the base having first and second sections 27, 28 spaced by coupling means 29 which enables relative movement between the sections. The base is preferably a resiliently deformable material of trapezoidal cross section. Indicator material may be located within grooves 23 and recess 19 giving visual indication of the applied force, or a strain gauge may be used. The location means may be a covered channel 12 on the base, the covers 16, 17 such that rotation of the guard (figures 4-5) engages the strap beneath the covers. The coupling means 29 may be resiliently biased and permit the sections to pivot such that the corner of the box is not engaged by the base, and thus no force is applied to the corner. The guard may allow correct force to be applied to cargo held down by straps or rope and may alert if a strap becomes unintentionally loose.

Description

Strap Guard The present invention relates to a strap guard and particularly, but not exclusively to a strap guard for protecting a cargo that is secured using straps and the like.

When transporting cargo within a ship or lorry, for example, the cargo is typically secured using nylon webbing straps. The amount of tension that is applied to the straps to secure the cargo often exceeds that which would be required to hold the cargo in place. As a result, the cargo often becomes damaged.

It is known to provide strap guards between the strap and the cargo to protect the cargo from the strap. However, the guards do not prevent an excessive tension from being applied to the strap and so it is still possible to over tighten the straps, which can similarly damage the cargo.

I have now devised a strap guard which alleviates the above mentioned problems.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a strap guard, the guard comprising a base and means for locating a strap on the guard, the guard further comprising means for providing an indication of the force exerted by the strap upon the base.

The strap guard thus enables the correct holding force to be applied to cargo that is held down using straps, ropes and the like. By suitably locating the strap within the strap locating means and placing the guard between the strap and the cargo, the tension in the strap, and thus the holding force applied to the cargo, can be monitored as the strap is tightened to prevent damaging the cargo.

The base is preferably formed of a resiliently deformable material.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the base increases along the base from a top of the base to a bottom of the base.

Preferably the force indication means comprises at least one recess or aperture that extends along the base. The at least one recess or aperture preferably comprises an indicator that is arranged to move within the at least one recess or aperture in dependence upon the force applied to the base.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the force indication means preferably comprises a strain gauge. The strain gauge is preferably substantially embedded within the base.

The strap locating means preferably comprises a channel disposed upon the base.

The channel is preferably defined by a first wall and second wall which separately extend along opposite sides of an upper surface of the base.

The strap guard further comprises a first channel cover and a second channel cover which extend from the first and second wall, respectively. Preferably, the first and second channel covers extend substantially over the channel between the first and second channel wall.

The first channel cover preferably extends from the first wall at a first end of the strap guard. The second channel cover preferably extends from the second wall at a second end of the strap guard.

The extent to which the first channel cover extends over the channel preferably decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the first end of the strap guard to the second end.

The extent to which the second channel cover extends over the channel preferably decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the second end of the strap guard to the first end.

Preferably, the first end of the strap guard and the second end of the strap guard comprise connecting means for connecting with the second end and the first end respectively, of additional strap guards.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a strap guard, the guard comprising a first section and a second section, the first and second section comprising a base and means for locating a strap on the guard, wherein the first and second sections are arranged in spaced relation by coupling means which couples the first and second sections and which enables the first section to move relative to the second section.

The coupling means thus enables the first and second sections to be positioned either side of an edge of a cargo box, for example, such that the strap can be held off the edge. In addition, the spacing between the first and second sections that is also provided by the coupling means enables the base of each section to be positioned away from the edge of the cargo, such that the tension in the strap can be distributed either side of the edge, thereby further minimising damage to the cargo.

Preferably, the coupling means is resiliently biased to bias the first and second section into a predefined configuration.

The coupling means preferably comprises a resiliently deformable hinge that permits the first section to pivot with respect to the second section.

The strap locating means preferably comprises a channel disposed upon the base of the first and second sections.

The channel is preferably defined by a first wall and second wall which separately extend along opposite sides of an upper surface of the base of the first and second section.

The first wall preferably extends along the first and second sections but is separated at the coupling between the first and second sections. Similarly, the second wall preferably extends along the first and second sections but is separated at the coupling between the first and second sections.

The strap guard further comprises a first channel cover which extends from the first wall of the first section, and a second channel cover which extends from the second wall of the second section. Preferably, the first and second channel covers extend substantially over the channel between the first and second channel wall.

The extent to which the first channel cover extends over the channel preferably decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the first section to the second section.

The extent to which the second channel cover extends over the channel preferably decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the second section to the first section.

Preferably, the end of the first and second sections that is opposite the coupling means, comprise connecting means for connecting with the second section and the first section respectively, of additional strap guards.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the strap guard according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the strap guard according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the strap guard of figure 1 and the strap guard of figure 2 upon a box of cargo; Figure 4 is a plan view of the strap guard of figure 2 and a strap suitably aligned for location within the channel; Figure 5 is a plan view of the strap guard of figure 2 and a strap suitably located within the channel; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the strap guard according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the strap guard of figure 2 illustrating the position of a strain gauge of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a strap guard 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The guard 10 comprises a base 11 and a channel 12 formed upon the base 11, for receiving a strap or rope or similar. The base 11 and channel 12 are formed of a resiliently deformable material and may be formed as a one-piece unit, or separately, and fastened together using fastening means (not shown).

The channel 12 is defined by a first wall 13 and second wall 14 which separately extend substantially upwardly away from an upper surface 15 of the base 11, from a position that is along opposite longitudinal sides thereof. The channel 12 further comprises a first channel cover 16 and second channel cover 17, which extend over the channel 12 from an upper region of the first and second wall 13, 14, respectively.

The first cover 16 extends from the first wall 13 over the channel 12 from a position on the first wall 13 that is to one side of the centre of a longitudinal axis of the strap guard 10. The second cover 17 extends from the second wall 14 over the channel 12 from a position on the second wall 14 that is to the other side of the centre of a longitudinal axis of the strap guard 10.

The first and second covers 16, 17 extend to a position that is substantially over the centre of the channel 12. However, the extent to which the first cover 16 extends over the channel 12 decreases along the channel 12 in a direction that is from the one side of the guard 10 to the other side. Similarly, the extent to which the second cover 17 extends over the channel 12 decreases along the channel 12 in a direction that is from the other side of the guard 10 to the one side. Accordingly, a section of the channel 12 that is intermediate opposite ends thereof remains uncovered.

The covers 16, 17 are illustrated in the figures of the drawings as being substantially triangular in plan view, however, the skilled person will readily recognise that the extent to which the covers 16, 17 extend over the channel does not need to vary linearly with position along the channel 12.

The base 11 comprises a substantially trapezoidal cross-section in the x-y plane, such that the cross-sectional area of the base 11 in the y-z plane increases from the upper surface 15 of the base 11 to the bottom 18 of the base 11. The base 11 further comprises a plurality of recesses or apertures 19 which extend into the base 11 from a position that is on the sloping side faces 20 of the base 11. End faces 21, 22 of the base 11 comprise elongate grooves 23 which extend across the base 11 between opposite sloping side faces 20.

Each end face 21, 22 of the guard 10 comprises a first face portion 21a, 22a, respectively and a second face portion 21 b, 22b which are stepped longitudinally of the guard 10, with respect to each other. The step is arranged within a plane that is substantially transverse to the plane of the bottom 18 of the base 11. The plane of the step extends from the first face portion 21a, 22a to the second face portion 21b, 22b respectively, to form an undercut region 24 between the first 21a, 22a and second face portions 21b, 22b, respectively. The undercut 24 formed at one end face extends in the opposite direction to the undercut formed at the other end face, such that the undercut 24 at the one end face of one strap guard 10 can locate with the undercut 24 at the other end face of another guard so as to link guards 10 together. The linkage between strap guards 10 is further facilitated by a resiliently flexible barb 25 that is formed on each step, which provides a positive engagement between strap guards 10. In an alternative embodiment (that is not illustrated), it is envisaged that the end faces 21, 22 of the strap guard 10 may comprise a planar end face with no step region.

Referring to figure 2 of the drawings, there is shown a strap guard 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The strap guard 100 of the second embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment and so similar features have been referenced using the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment however, in that the second embodiment comprises a groove 26 formed within the base 11 which extends across the strap guard 100. The groove 26 defines a first section 27 and a second section 28, which are coupled via a bridge section 29 that extends over the groove 26. The first section 27, second section 28 and bridge section 29 are formed of a resiliently deformable material and may be formed as one-piece, or separately and fastened together using fastening means (not shown).

The first 13 and second walls 14 do not extend over the bridge section 29 and so the first wall 13a on the first section 27 and the first wall 13b on the second section 28 are spaced either side of the bridge section 29. The second wall 14a, 14b on the first 27 and second sections 28 is similarly spaced either side of the bridge section 29.

Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, there is shown a strap guard 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The strap guard 200 of the third embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first and second embodiment and similar features have been referenced using the same reference numerals. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiment, in that the third embodiment comprises a groove 26 in the shape of a cuboid. The base ha, lib, comprises individual foam pads attached to the underside of the channel within which a strap or rope or similar is received. The base ha, lib and the channel 12 are secured together with a suitable adhesive. The gap or groove 26 formed in the base 1 la, 11 b defines, as in the second embodiment of the present invention, a first section 27 and a second section 28, which are coupled via bridge section 29 which extends over the groove 26. The first section 27, the second section 28 and the bridge section 29 are formed of a resiliently deformable material and may be formed as one-piece, or separately, and fastened together using fastening means (not shown). The channel 12 may feature a ridged portion to grip the strap if required. The first and second walls 13, 14 do not extend over the bridge section 29 and so the first wall 13a on the first section 27 and the first wall 1 3b on the second section 28 are spaced either side of the bridge section 29. The portion joining first wall 13a and first wall 13b to the upper surface 15 of the base 11 is of a varying height and decreases along the strap guard in a direction towards the centre point of bridge section 29. The second wall 14a, 14b on the first and second sections is similarly spaced and of a similarly varying height either side of the bridge section 29.

In use, the strap guard 10 of the first embodiment is positioned upon a box of cargo as shown in figure 3, for example, with the base in contact with the box 30. A strap 31 which is used to hold the box 30 in place is then placed over the strap guard 10. The guard 10 is then rotated in a first direction, for example anti-clockwise, relative to the strap 31 such that the strap 31 extends between the channel covers 16, 17 as shown in figure 4 of the drawings. The guard 10 is then slowly rotated in the opposite sense, for example clockwise so that the strap 31 becomes engaged within the channel 12 under the channel covers 16, 17, as shown in figure 5 of the drawings. The strap 31 can then be tightened upon the box 30 to secure the box 30 in place.

As the tension in the strap 31 increases, the grooves 23 formed at the end faces 21, 22 of the strap guard 10 and the recesses or apertures 19 formed at the sloping side faces of the base 11 will begin to compress, thereby providing a visual indication of the force applied to the base 11 of the guard 10 by the strap 31. The strap guard 10 further comprises an indicator material (not shown) situated within the recesses or apertures 19 formed within the base 11. The indicator material (not shown) is resiliently deformable and can move along the respective recesses or apertures 19. Accordingly, as the strap 31 is tightened upon the guard 10, the indicator material (not shown) will become squeezed along the respective recesses or apertures 19 and eventually become visible at the opening to the respective recess or aperture 19 on the sloping side faces 20 of the base 11. It is envisaged that by placing different indicator materials having different resistances to flow in different recesses or apertures 19, then as the strap 31 is tightened upon the guard 10, the different indicator materials will become visible as the force subjected to the base 11 increases. This will provide a clear indication of various force thresholds subjected to the base 11 and thus the underlying box 30 of cargo.

The base 11 of the guard 10, 100, 200 of the first, second and third embodiment further protects the box 30 by providing an increased area over which the force of the strap 31 is applied. This therefore reduces the pressure experienced by the box 30 under the force of the strap 31. The third embodiment further protects the box 30 by providing adjustment in the material and depth used for base ha, lib. The degree of cushioning can be varied, by choosing from a suitable foam density, thickness and shape of base 11 a, 11 b to be attached to channel 12. Suitable materials for channel 12 and base 11 a, 11 b are chosen such that the strap guard 10 is lightweight and thin and flexible so as to bend with the strap while providing support for the strap guard 10 on and around the box 30.

In order to protect the edges 32 of the box 30, the guard 100, 200 of the second and third embodiment is positioned upon the strap 31 as described above. The guard 100 is then moved along the strap 31 until the bridge section 29 is positioned opposite an edge 32 of the box 30, as shown in figure 3 of the drawings. As the strap 31 is tightened the first and second sections 27, 28 pivot about the bridge section 29 such that the base 11 of the first and second sections 27, 28 move into abutment with the sides 33 of the box 30 arranged either side of the edge 32. The bridge section 29 spaces the first and second section 27, 28 apart sufficiently, such that the base 11 of the first and second sections 27, 28 do not extend over the edge 32 of the box 30.

Accordingly, as the strap 31 is tightened, the force of the strap 31 is distributed either side of the edge 32 and is not applied directly to the edge 32 of the box 30, which could otherwise damage the edge 32. Thus a region of no contact is provided between first and second sections 27, 28 and base 1 la, 11 b.

As the strap 31 is tightened over the edge 32 of the box 30 the indicator material (not shown) within the recesses or apertures 19 of the base 11 will provide an indication of the force applied to the box 30 to therefore prevent any unnecessary over-tightening of the strap 31 which could otherwise damage the box 30.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention as shown in figure 7 of the drawings, the strap guard 300 comprises a strain gauge 34 substantially embedded within the base 11. The strain gauge 34 is arranged in communication with processing means (not shown) via connecting wires 35. The processing means (not shown) processes signals output from the strain gauge 34 as the strap (not shown in figure 6) is tightened over the base 11, to provide a measurement of the force subjected to the cargo. It is envisaged that this will find suitable applications where an accurate indication of the force subjected to the cargo is required. In addition suitable applications of monitoring an indication of the force and strap tension may be used in order to alert if a strap tension is lost and thus when a loose cargo may have developed. With suitable monitoring and safety or checking mechanisms a loose cargo may be avoided and action taken after a loss of strap tension is detected.

From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the strap guard of the present invention provides a simple yet effective means of protecting cargo, while simultaneously providing a clear indication the force applied to the cargo as the securing strap is tightened.

Various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example the shape and size of the strap guard may be altered to match the shape and requirements of different types of cargo.

In addition the force indication means may comprise alternatives to the strain gauge in the embodiment described above, for example an electronic detection device may be incorporated into the base or be provided separately to the base and connected thereto

by suitable means.

Claims

Claims 1. A strap guard, the guard comprising a base and means for locating a strap on the guard, the guard further comprising means for providing an indication of the force exerted by the strap upon the base.
2. A strap guard according to claim 1, wherein the base is formed of a resiliently deformable material.
3. A strap guard according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of the base increases along the base from a top of the base to a bottom of the base.
4. A strap guard according to any preceding claim, wherein the force indication means comprises at least one recess or aperture that extends along the base.
5. A strap guard according to claim 4, wherein the at least one recess or aperture comprises an indicator that is arranged to move within the at least one recess or aperture in dependence upon the force applied to the base.
6. A strap guard according to any preceding claim, wherein the force indication means comprises a strain gauge.
7. A strap guard according to claim 6, wherein the strain gauge is substantially embedded within the base.
8. A strap guard according to any preceding claim, wherein the strap locating means comprises a channel disposed upon the base.
9. A strap guard according to any preceding claim wherein the channel is defined by a first wall and second wall which separately extend along opposite sides of an upper surface of the base.
10. A strap guard according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a first channel cover and a second channel cover which extend from the first and second wall, respectively.
11. A strap guard according to claim 10, wherein the first and second channel cover extends substantially over the channel between the first and second channel wall.
12. A strap guard according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first channel cover extends from the first wall at a first end of the strap guard.
13. A strap guard according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second channel cover extends from the second wall at a second end of the strap guard.
14. A strap guard according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the extent to which the first channel cover extends over the channel decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the first end of the strap guard to the second end.
15. A strap guard according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the extent to which the second channel cover extends over the channel decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the second end of the strap guard to the first end.
16. A strap guard according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the first end of the strap guard and the second end of the strap guard comprise connecting means for connecting with the second end and the first end, respectively, of additional strap guards.
17. A strap guard, the guard comprising a first section and a second section, the first and second sections comprising a base and means for locating a strap on the guard, wherein the first and second sections are arranged in spaced relation by coupling means which couples the first and second sections and which enables the first section to move relative to the second section.
18. A strap guard according to claim 17, wherein the coupling means is resiliently biased to bias the first and second sections into a predefined configuration.
19. A strap guard according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the coupling means comprises a resiliently deformable hinge that permits the first section to pivot with respect to the second section.
20. A strap guard according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the strap locating means comprises a channel disposed upon the base of the first and second sections.
21. A strap guard according to claim 20, wherein the channel is defined by a first wall and second wall which separately extend along opposite sides of an upper surface of the base of the first and second section.
22. A strap guard according to claim 21, wherein the first wall extends along the first and second sections but is separated at the coupling between the first and second sections.
23. A strap guard according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the second wall extends along the first and second sections but is separated at the coupling between the first and second sections.
24. A strap guard according to any of claims 21 to 23, further comprising a first channel cover which extends from the first wall of the first section, and a second channel cover which extends from the second wall of the second section.
25. A strap guard according to claim 24, wherein the first and second channel covers extend substantially over the channel between the first and second channel wall.
26. A strap guard according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the extent to which the first channel cover extends over the channel decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the first section to the second section.
27. A strap guard according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the extent to which the second channel cover extends over the channel decreases along the channel in a direction that is from the second section to the first section.
28. A strap guard according to any of claims 17 to 27, wherein an end of the first and second sections that is opposite the coupling means, comprise connecting means for connecting with the second section and the first section, respectively, of additional strap guards.
29. A strap guard according to any of claims 17 to 27, wherein the guard further comprises means for providing an indication of the force exerted by the strap upon the base of the first and/or second sections.
30. A strap guard according to claim 29, wherein the force indication means comprises at least one recess or aperture that extends along the base of the first and/or second sections.
31. A strap guard according to claim 30, wherein the at least one recess or aperture comprises an indicator that is arranged to move within the at least one recess or aperture in dependence upon the force applied to the base of the first and/or second sections.
32. A strap guard according to any of claims 29 to 31, wherein the force indication means comprises or further comprises a strain gauge.
33. A strap guard according to claim 32, wherein the strain gauge is substantially embedded within the base of the first and/or second section.
34. A strap guard substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.