WO2001051310A1

WO2001051310A1 - A restraining device

Info

Publication number: WO2001051310A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/004849
Authority: WO
Inventors: George Lambert
Original assignee: George Lambert
Priority date: 2000-01-14
Filing date: 2000-12-18
Publication date: 2001-07-19
Also published as: AU2001225302A1

Abstract

The invention provides a restraining device (30) for restraining an inflatable baffle (1) inside a vehicle (not shown). The restraining device (30) has a tether loop (6) attached to upper (4) and lower (2) sections of a valve (20) which is present on the surface of the inflatable baffle (1). A tether (14) passes through the tether loop (6) and is secured to the roof of the tanker thereby restraining and supporting the baffle (1) therein.

Description

RESTRAINING DEVICE

The present invention relates to restraining devices and particularly, although not exclusively, to restraining devices for restraining an inflatable membrane.

Mobile tankers used for transporting loads, particularly liquids by road, rail, sea or air are often subject to load surges especially when the tanker is not completely full. Such load surges are caused by changes in the momentum of the load within the tanker as the tanker changes speed and/or direction, for example, when emergency braking. The motion of the load makes the tanker generally unstable and prone to loss of control and is often the cause of accidents.

GB 9825750.1 describes a solution to such load surging in mobile tankers. It describes the use of inflatable membrane baffles which are inserted into the tanker together with the liquid load and which are inflated via infla -ion/deflation valves with gas :o such a volume that the empty space above the load, ie the ullage, inside the nearly full tanker is efficiently occupied thereby optimising the ullage space in the tanker. The baffles effectively prevent the centre of gravity of the load from rising within the tanker. In addition, the baffles prevent sizeable waves from forming inside the tanker such that an equilibrium resembling a static state is achieved as the kinetic energy of the load is absorbed by the baffles.

Problems associated with using such inflatable baffles are that, because they are essentially free-floating inside the tanker, they have a tendency to move around the inside of the vehicle and, therefore, the operator must relocate the inflation/deflation valves present on the surfaces of the baffles each time he wishes to fill and/or deflate them. This can become difficult since it is often the case that the side(s) of the baffles where the valves are located has rotated away from the manway lid and, hence, they are no longer easily accessible to the operator. In addition, problems arise at the point of loading/unloading the load from the tanker since the baffles have a tendency to get in the way of the operator thereby making loading/unloading an unnecessarily slow process .

It is one of the aims of embodiments of the present invention to address the above mentioned problems and to provide a restraining device for manipulating the position of an inflatable baffle inside a vehicle.

Close examination of currently available proprietary inflatable bags or baffles used for a wide variety of commercial purposes reveals much evidence that, in order to restrain the bags in the manner necessary, special provision for restraint is generally a matter requiring dedicated fabricated loops, bands - sometimes totally circumferential - a great deal of localised reinforcement of the bag membranes containing the air or gas, and in some cases, a multi -directional specially fabricated harness of synthetic fibre woven materials complete with robust fasteners is needed.

Composition of the inflatable membranes embrace a wide and disparate series of material compounds, often especially formulated to give optimum results in defined areas of operation and resistant to any hostile elements foreseeable. Some materials are reinforced at their core with woven fabrics, again, of synthetics materials. Hypalon, PVC, Polyurethane, Meoprene, Travera, Nylon, Polyester, names embracing very complex chemical formulations and compounds; they and other materials are used extensively where flotation is an objective as in buoyancy capsules, water-craft, where lightness and lack of utter rigidity are aims along with rupture resistance and simple deflatability when required.

Joining the components to make up an inflatable is of critical importance. As determined by the composition of the membranes a jointing method is selected and may be of the heat -gun or roller-compression types, adhesives, ultra-sonic welding et al . Joints in membranes are areas of vulnerability to air/gas leaks. It follows, that the fewer joints the better.

Following extensive tests during 1998-2000, I have now discovered methods of restraining flexible inflatables by a substantially reduced number of attachment points to that considered formerly for membranes inflated with air, N₂; C0₂ etc.

The invention in its simplest form comprises a shaped flexible compounded member which may be of any materials commensurate with the function the inflatable is intended to serve. Certain compound-coated fabrics having a high resistance on tensile values are suitable, as are certain semi-rigid plastics, i.e. high strength polyethylene if of appropriate cross sectional area and commensurate with substances on which they will impinge. The invention works on the premise that for every inflatable there must be a point or points of inflation. Membrane filling valves, wherever sited, are generally reinforced at that point and the membrane compensated for the cut-out thus caused upon penetration of the membrane by the valve body. Some forms of the invention not only provide an anchor when in situ so that an inflatable may be adequately restrained, but may become a very good additional compensator if fitted at the time of the valve's insertion through the membrane and after adequate torque is applied on screw-jointed rigid valves. The invention forms a robust loop.

It is envisaged that the present invention may be used with any type of valve suitable for filling and deflating inflatable baffles. However, because there are currently two main manufacturers of inflatable baffles (Philton, UK and Van Leer, Belgium) the inventor has focused the present invention using the two preferred types of valve currently used by these two manufacturers, and these will be referred to as the Philton type and the Van Leer type valve. Both types of valve consist of an upper (external) and a lower (internal) valve fitting.

In situations where a valve is thermically or chemically bonded to the inflatable membrane and has a screw closure with a head greater than the body, the invention may be folded so that its two holes are in alignment and inserted over the screw thread body. Fitting the filler cap traps the formed loop. When the invention is thus positioned its loop formation has a strength which transmits forces applied directly to the valve and compensated areas of the membrane best designed to accept such forces. Relief valve areas may also accept the invention.

Ropes, straps, D shackles, snap- links etc may be used through the invention to link with internal or external anchors or may be trapped by the compressive forces of a manway closure seal/s until release is required and manway fasteners are undone. Preferably two fill valves would be fitted in close proximity on a membrane where large volumes apply: (a) to infuse gases faster where necessary: (b) for insertion of a pressure sensing probe/gas relief tool in cases of overpressure or temperature variant considerations. Flexible valves, preferably two per inflatable may be welded at longitudinal or transverse membrane seams for optimum strength, maximum accessibility and utility. Their duality of function would be as afore-stated for rigid valves .

It has been found that selvedge materials of membranes lying outside the weld-join lines on commercially available bags currently being heat -welded, are, when requiring attachment, fitted with metallic eye holes through the selvedge, through which ropes are threaded. This method is considered unhygienic for some food substances considered. The present proposals envisage the necessary restraint straps or loops being welded to the membrane at construction stage as an integral part of the seam with supplementary welds to the selvedge as required to disperse loads applied. The straps or loops may be "sandwiched" between upper and lower membrane panels and fused to unite with the full maintenance of weld strengths, as would be the procedure of fixing flexible relief valves.

According to first aspect of the present invention there is provided a restraining device for restraining an inflatable baffle inside a vehicle, the restraining device comprising attachment means for attaching the device to the inflatable baffle, tether means, and securing means for securing the baffle to the inside of the vehicle.

The attachment means may comprise a base and restraining means. The restraining means may be a loop attached to the base. The tether means may pass through the loop and be secured to the securing means . The securing means may be attached to the roof of the vehicle. The securing means may comprise support bars extending from the roof of the vehicle. Preferably, the securing means comprises support bars not extending from the roof of the vehicle. Preferably, the support bars extend substantially downwardly from the roof of the vehicle.

Preferably, the tether means comprises first and second ends, the first end attachable to the loop and the second end attachable to the vehicle by the securing means. The first end may pass through the loop. The second end may be suitably attached to the underside of the roof of the vehicle, preferably, on the support bars. Preferably, the roof of the vehicle comprises at least one manway aperture and cover. Alternatively, or additionally, the second end of the tether means may be suitably trapped or jammed in between the manway aperture and cover . The attachment means may be attached to the inflatable baffle at any suitable position and by any suitable means, for example, by adhesive, sticking, welding etc. onto the baffle surface. Preferably, the attachment means is attached to the surface of the baffle closest to the upper region of the vehicle .

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a restraining device for restraining an inflatable baffle having at least one valve inside a vehicle, the restraining device comprising attachment means for attaching the device to the valve, tether means, and securing means for securing the baffle to the inside of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the point of attachment of the restraining device is the valve on the surface of the baffle which aids access by an operator to the valve for filling and/or deflation of the baffle. Advantageously, the valve is the point on the surface of the baffle exhibiting greater tensile strength and, therefore, is less prone to tearing, ripping etc .

The vehicle may be a tanker.

The tether means may limit the separation of the valve from a point inside the vehicle to which the securing means is, in use, attached.

The tether means may be flexible. The attachment means may form an integral part of the tether means . The attachment means may be made of Hypalon, PVC, Polyurethane, Neoprene, Travera or Nylon or any materials of strength compatible with tanker loads.

The attachment means may comprise compensation means positioned substantially around the circumference of the or each valve, the compensation means forming a loop to which the securing means may be attached.

The compensation means may comprise a substantially planar material having apertures extending therethrough, the apertures suitably sized to accommodate the or each valve.

Preferably, the compensation means has two apertures extending therethrough, preferably, one at substantially either end of the compensation means.

Preferably, in use, the compensation means is folded substantially over on itself such that the two apertures align with each other thereby forming a single aperture and the loop. The compensation means may be folded to form a double loop either formed from a single piece of material or separate pieces as preferred.

Preferably, the or each valve is accommodated by the overlapping apertures formed in the compensation means as a result of the folding.

Preferably, the valve has an upper and a lower section.

Preferably, the compensation means is sandwiched substantially between the upper and lower sections of the valve. Preferably, the overlapping apertures of the compensation means accommodate the upper and lower sections of the valve.

Preferably, the tether means comprises first and second ends, the first end attachable to the valve by the attachment means and the second end attachable to the vehicle by the securing means. The second end may be suitably attached to the underside of the roof of the vehicle, preferably, on support bars. Preferably, the roof of the vehicle comprises at least one manway aperture and cover. Alternatively, or additionally, the second end of the tether means may be suitably trapped or jammed in between the manway aperture and cover.

Preferably, the tether means comprises a cord manufactured out of, for example, nylon, rayon, PVC, carbon fibres etc. Preferably, the tether means comprises a sheathe which substantially envelopes the cord. Advantageously, the sheathe is of an appropriate food-safety grade so that it is safe to be used when the load in the tanker is a food, for example, milk. Preferably, the sheathe is substantially impermeable. Advantageously, the tether means may be manufactured out of materials resistant to chemical action when the load is reactive, for example, acid, alkali or other corrosive chemicals. The tether means may be manufactured out of disposable materials.

The tether means may be integral with the baffle. Preferably, the tether means is made of substantially the same material as that of the baffle. Preferably, the tether means is 1-10 inches wide, more preferably, 2-7 inches wide, and most preferably, 3-5 inches wide. Preferably, the tether means is l-30ft in length, more preferably, 5-25ft in length and, most preferably, 12-18ft in length.

The first end of the tether means may be attached to the valve by any suitable means. The first end of the tether means may be passed through the loop and tied thereto. Preferably, the first end of the tether means is passed through the loop thereby presenting two ends capable of restraint at the securing means. A plurality of tether means are provided where a plurality of loops are created. Advantageously, a plurality of tether means pass through the single or a plurality of loops.

The baffle may comprise a selvedge. Preferably, the attachment means is secured to the selvedge of the baffle, preferably by welding.

The attachment means may comprise a ring attachable around the valve, and the tether means being attachable to the ring. Preferably, the ring has a projecting lip.

The upper section of the valve may be separated from the lower section of the valve by a space. The upper section of the valve may have a substantially circumferential slot or collar formed therein. Preferably, the ring is passed over the collar prior to securing the upper section of the valve to the lower section of the valve. Preferably, the ring is accommodated by the slot or collar in the valve.

The first end of the tether means may be secured to the ring via clipping means which is attached thereto. Preferably, the clipping means is attached to the ring and the tether means is attached to the clipping means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of restraining an inflatable baffle inside a vehicle, the baffle having at least one valve on a surface thereof, the method comprising the steps of : -

(i) attaching a restraining device to the valve;

(ii) securing a first end of securing means to the restraining device and securing a second end of securing means to the vehicle.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

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 la is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a restraining device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure lb is a schematic plan view of the restraining device secured to a valve on the surface of an inflatable baffle;

Figure lc is a schematic cross-sectional view of the restraining device and valve as shown in Figure lb; Figure 2a is a schematic cross-sectional and perspective view of the restraining device and valve as shown in Figures lb and lc;

Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the valve and part of the restraining device;

Figure 2c is an alternative schematic side view of the valve and restraining device;

Figure 3a is schematic plan view of an inflatable baffle with associated valve and a second embodiment of the restraining device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3b is a schematic side view of the baffle as shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 4a is a schematic cross-sectional view of two valves on the surface of an inflatable baffle and associated restraining devices;

Figure 4b is a schematic plan view of the restraining device as shown in Figure 4a;

Figure 4c is a schematic plan view of the baffle and restraining device as shown in Figures 4a and 4b;

Figure 5a is a schematic plan view of components of a third embodiment of the restraining device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5b are schematic plan views of the restraining device shown in Figure 5a in association with a valve;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the restraining device in association with two valves on the surface of a baffle;

Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the restraining devices of the present invention in si tu connected to the valves of the two inflatable baffles;

Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the restraining device;

Figure 9a is a schematic cross-sectional and perspective view of the restraining device and valve ;

Figure 9b is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the restraining device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 shows side, plan and end-on views of a tanker showing the first embodiment of the restraining device in si tu;

Figure 11 shows side, plan and end-on views of a tanker showing the fourth embodiment of the restraining device in si tu;

Figure 12 shows side, plan and end-on views of the inflatable baffle illustrating the positions of the valves; and Figure 13 shows side, plan and end-on views of the inflatable baffle illustrating alternative positions of the valves .

Referring to Figures la to lc, there are shown a number of different views of a first embodiment of a restraining device 30 for an inflatable baffle 1. The restraining device 30 comprises a loop 6 (see Figure lc) through which a restraining tether 14 may be passed. The loop 6 consists of a relatively thin sheet of tough material 3, for example manufactured out of PVC or Hypalon, which has apertures 7 at either end thereof. The material 3, which is designed to support the weight of the baffle 1 at the point of attachment to a valve 20 (Philton, UK) is then folded over on itself so that the two apertures 7 align with each other thereby forming the loop 6. The single aperture 7 of the loop 6 is then offered onto the lower

(inner) section 2 of the valve 20 which is fitted onto the inflatable baffle 1. The upper (outer) section 4 of the valve 20 is then fitted and secured onto the lower section 2 of the valve 20 sandwiching the material 3 therebetween.

Referring to Figures 2a to 2c, there are shown alternative views of the first embodiment of the restraining device 30 having a tether loop 6 in conjunction with the upper 4 and lower 2 sections of the valve 20. A tether 14 is shown passing through the tether loop 6. Figure 2a shows the lower section of the valve 2 having a valve spring 5 extending therethrough and these both pass through the aperture 7 in the material 3 and into the upper section of valve 4. The upper section of the valve 4 is threaded for engagement with a cap 9. Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, there is shown a second embodiment of the restraining device 30 attached to the inflatable baffle 1. In this embodiment the baffle 1 has a surrounding selvedge 8 extending around its circumference to which long and a short tether loops 6 made of Valeron are welded.

Referring to Figures 4a to 4c, there are shown two valves 20 in association with the baffle 1, each valve 20 having an associated restraining device 30 and loop 6. Each loop

6 is connected to one end of the tether 14, the other end of the tether 14 being attached to the roof of the vehicle

(not shown) . Alternatively, the tether 14 may simply be passed through the loop 6 and back to the roof of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure 5a, there are shown two separate components which together make up a third embodiment of the restraining device 30. This embodiment is used in conjunction with an alternative design of valve 21 (Van Leer, Belgium) having upper section 24 and lower section 22 with respect to the baffle 1. The components comprise a circular ring 10 and clip 12. The Van Leer type of valve 21 has a circumferential groove (not shown) extending around the upper section 24 around which the ring 10 is arranged to fit. Alternatively, the ring 10 is sandwiched in between the upper 21 and lower sections 22 of the Van Leer valve 21. The clip 12 is then clipped onto the ring 10 and a first end of the tether 14 is tightly secured to the clip 12. The other end of the tether 14 is either attached to the underside of the tanker 40 on specially adapted support bars which extend down from the roof of the tanker, or is trapped underneath a manway lid 16 as shown in Figure 7.

The tether 14 is normally made of a cord or flat reinforced woven or stranded materials, for example, nylon, rayon, PVC or carbon fibres and is of an appropriate inner straight or twist -core which is enveloped within an appropriate food or otherwise grade impermeable integrated sheathe (not shown) , for when the load is to be consumed by humans, for example, beer, milk etc. When the load is chemically reactive, for example, acid, alkali or otherwise corrosive, the tether 14 and sheathe are manufactured out of suitably resistant materials. Other materials may be selected where disposability is preferred or essential in cases of suspected toxic, infections, or otherwise hygienically sensitive tank loads or conditions apply.

The tether 14 maybe made out of the same material as that of the baffle 1 and may be integral with the baffle 1. When this is the case, the tether 14 is normally about 3-4 inches wide. The length of tether needs to be suitable so that the baffles are free to move inside the tanker 40 when in transit, for example, 16 ft long.

Figure 6 illustrates how the ring 10, clip 12 and tether 14 arrangement may be used to restrain an inflatable baffle 1 having two Van Leer type valves 21. Instead of each clip 12 being connected to separate tethers 14, a single tether 14 is secured to the end of a number of clips 12. Referring to Figure 7, there are shown two restraining devices 30 in use inside the tanker 40 trapped in between the manway cover 16. It should be appreciated that the figure is intended to illustrate how the restraining devices 30 are attached to a valve (either the Philton type 20 or the Van Leer type 21) and keep the baffles 1 at the desired height and positioning inside the tanker 40. The restraining devices 30 either comprise loops 6, or ring 10 and clip 12 arrangements to which a tether 14 is attached at one end and the other end being attached to the tanker 40.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown the sheet of tough material 3 which may be manufactured out of PVC (300lb/in tensile strength) or hypalon (6001b/in tensile strength) . Figure 8 shows the two apertures 7 at either end of the material 3 and also suggested dimensions, in millimetres, thereof .

Referring to Figure 9a, there is shown the first embodiment of the restraining device 30 in association with the valve 20 and tether 14 being looped through the tether loop 6.

Referring to Figure 9b, there is shown a fourth embodiment of the restraining device comprising a restraining staple 50 which consists of a ring 52 and base 54. The staple 50 may be attached to any part of the surface of the baffle 1, for example, adhesive, welding or stitching etc, and the tether 14 is passed through the ring 52 and back up to the roof of the vehicle or manway cover. Referring to Figure 10, there are shown three alternative views of the tanker 40 having inflatable baffles 1 suspended therein. The tanker 40 illustrated has been adapted to use the first embodiment of the restraining device 30, i.e. the material 3 forming a tether loop 6 being in close association with the valve 20 of each baffle 1. The tether 14 passes through the tether loop 6 and is then attached by any suitable means to the roof or manway lid 16 of the tanker 40 (see Figure 7) .

Referring to Figure 11, there are shown three alternative views of the tanker 40 having inflatable baffles 1 suspended therein, however, in contrast to Figure 10, Figure 11 illustrates how the fourth embodiment of the restraining device or restraining staple 50 may be used to suspend the baffles 1. The base 54 of the staple 50 is securely attached to the surface of the baffle 1 and the tether 14 is passed through the staple ring 52 and back up to, and attached to, the roof or manway lid 16 of the tanker 40. It will be appreciated that the staple 50 may be secured to any region of the surface of the baffle 1 since the fourth embodiment does not need to be associated with a valve 20, 21.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, there are shown different views of the inflatable baffle 1 showing possible arrangements and positioning of the valves 20. These valves 20 may be either Philton-type 20 or Van Leer-type 21 both of which may be used for filling and/or discharge of the fluid from the baffle 1. In addition, the Figures further show the baffle 1 being fitted with pressure relief valves 23 which are present in case of over inflation to prevent the baffle 1 from bursting. Both types of valve may be two part screw-together units, however, some relief valves are multi-screwed peripherally clamping a spring (not shown) . This arrangement offers a variable spring exchange to higher or lower pressures as preferred by operators. It is possible that inflatable baffles 1 of sufficient strength are used to reduce the costs associated with pressure relief valves 23 (ie their manufacture and fitting into the baffle 1) . It will be apparent that the filling/discharge valves 20, 21 are essential, preferably, at least one but more than one is advantageous for increasing the speed of inflation/discharge. The other advantage of having two filling valves 20 is that one may be used for filling and the other may be used for measuring the pressure of the baffle 1.

The reader's 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 extend 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

A restraining device for restraining an inflatable baffle inside a vehicle, the restraining device comprising attachment means for attaching the device to the inflatable baffle, tether means, and securing means for securing the baffle to the inside of the vehicle .

A restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a base and restraining means .

3. A restraining device according to claim 2, wherein the restraining means is a loop attached to the base.

4. A restraining device according to claim 3, wherein the tether means comprises first and second ends, the first end attachable to the loop and the second end attachable to the vehicle by the securing means.

5. A restraining device according to claim 4, wherein the first end passes through the loop.

6. A restraining device according to either claim 4 or 5, wherein the second end is suitably attached to the underside of the roof of the vehicle.

7. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof of the vehicle comprises at least one manway aperture and cover.

8. A restraining device according to claim 7, wherein the second end of the tether means is suitably trapped or jammed in between the manway aperture and cover.

9. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means is attached to the inflatable baffle at any suitable position and by any suitable means.

10. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means is attached to the surface of the baffle closest to the upper region of the vehicle.

11. A restraining device having at least one valve inside a vehicle, the restraining device comprising attachment means for attaching the device to the valve, tether means, and securing means for securing the baffle to the inside of the vehicle.

12. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle is a tanker.

13. A restraining device according to either claim 11 or 12, wherein the tether means limits the separation of the valve from a point inside the vehicle to which the securing means is, in use, attached.

14. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tether means is flexible.

15. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means forms an integral part of the tether means.

16. A restraining device according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the attachment means comprises compensation means positioned substantially around the circumference of the or each valve.

17. A restraining device according to claim 16, wherein the compensation means forms a loop to which the securing means may be attached.

18. A restraining device according to either of claims 16 or 17, wherein the compensation means comprises a substantially planar material having apertures extending therethrough, the apertures suitably sized to accommodate the or each valve .

19. A restraining device according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the compensation means has two apertures extending therethrough, one at substantially either end of the compensation means.

20. A restraining device according to claim 19, wherein, in use, the compensation means is folded substantially over on itself such that the two apertures align with each other thereby forming a single aperture and the loop.

21. A restraining device according to claim 20, wherein the or each valve is accommodated by the overlapping apertures formed in the compensation means as a result of the folding.

22. A restraining device according to any of claims 11 to 21, wherein the valve has an upper and a lower section.

23. A restraining device according to claim 22, wherein the compensation means is sandwiched substantially between the upper and lower sections of the valve.

24. A restraining device according to any of claims 11 to 23, wherein the tether means comprises first and second ends, the first end attachable to the valve by the attachment means and the second end attachable to the vehicle by the securing means.

25. A restraining device according to claim 24, wherein the second end is suitably attached to the underside of the roof of the vehicle.

26. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tether means comprises a cord.

27. A restraining device according to claim 26, wherein the tether means comprises a sheathe which substantially envelopes the cord.

28. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tether means is integral with the baffle.

29. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tether means is made of substantially the same material as that of the baffle.

30. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tether means is 1-10 inches wide.

31. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tether means is l-30ft in length.

32. A restraining device according to any of claims 11 to

31, wherein the first end of the tether means is attached to the valve by any suitable means.

33. A restraining device according to any of claims 3 to

32, wherein the first end of the tether means is passed through the loop and tied thereto.

34. A restraining device according to any of claims 3 to 33, wherein the first end of the tether means is passed through the loop thereby presenting two ends capable of restraint at the securing means.

35. A restraining device according to any preceding claim, wherein the baffle comprises a selvedge.

36. A restraining device according to claim 35, wherein the attachment means is secured to the selvedge of the baffle.

37. A restraining device according to any of claims 11 to 36, wherein the attachment means comprises a ring attachable around the valve, and the tether means being attachable to the ring.

38. A restraining device according to any of claims 22 to 37, wherein the upper section of the valve is separated from the lower section of the valve by a space .

39. A restraining device according to any of claims 22 to 38, wherein the upper section of the valve has a substantially circumferential slot or collar formed therein.

40. A restraining device according to claim 39, wherein the ring is accommodated by the slot or collar in the valve .

41. A restraining device according to any of claims 37 to 40, wherein the first end of the tether means is secured to the ring via clipping means which is attached thereto.

42. A restraining device according to claim 41, wherein the clipping means is attached to the ring and the tether means is attached to the clipping means.

43. A method of restraining an inflatable baffle inside a vehicle, the baffle having at least one valve on a surface thereof, the method comprising the steps of:-

(iii) attaching a restraining device to the valve; (iv) securing a first end of securing means to the restraining device and securing a second end of securing means to the vehicle.

44. A restraining device for restraining an inflatable baffle inside a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. A method of restraining an inflatable baffle inside a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .