WO2013049883A1

WO2013049883A1 - Apparatus for securing an item relative to a surface

Info

Publication number: WO2013049883A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/001197
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin A. Mcdonnell; Robert Nielsen LOVF; Kerren SMITH; Sean DOWLING; Peter Spencer; Aaron LINDSTROM; Nick DODT
Original assignee: Smith Resources International Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-10-04
Filing date: 2012-10-02
Publication date: 2013-04-11

Abstract

The invention relates broadly to apparatus for securing an item relative to a surface, where the surface has a plurality of connection points. The apparatus includes a flexible restraint member and a powered tensioner. The flexible restraint member has at least one portion which is connectable relative to a connection point and is also connected or connectable relative to the powered tensioner. Optionally, the powered tensioner may also be connectable relative to a connection point. The flexible restraint member can be connected relative to a connection point (and connected relative to the powered tensioner if not already so), and positioned over or around at least a portion of the item, and the flexible restraint member and/or the powered tensioner can be connected relative to a connection point. Thereafter the powered tensioner can be operated to apply tension to the flexible restraint member to secure the item relative to the surface.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SECURING AN ITEM RELATIVE TO A SURFACE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One main field to which the invention relates (and in which if may perhaps be used most often), is the general field of freight transport. In this field, the invention is concerned generally with means for securing items of freight in position for, and during, transportation.

The invention is described below often with reference to example situations where the freight item to be transported is itself a wheeled motor vehicle (e.g. a car, truck, van or the like), and the said vehicle is to be secured in position for transportation on the back of a flat-bed truck or vehicle-carrying truck, or on a vehicle trailer or the like. However, these example situations are referred to merely for convenience in describing the invention and this is not to be interpreted as limiting the invention in any way whatsoever. Hence, the invention may also be used to secure any other form of freight (boxes, crates, machines, building supplies, and the like are simply some further possible examples). Also, the invention is not limited to road transportation. It could, for example, be used for securing freight items for transportation by rail (e.g. on or in a freight or cargo carriage of a train), or by air (e.g. in an aeroplane or helicopter), or by sea (e.g. on a ship or inside a shipping container), etc. The invention is therefore potentially applicable to any form of freight or freight item, and to any form of transportation. The invention may also be applicable or useful for securing items in position in fields other than freight transport. BACKGROUND

For the purpose of providing background information, reference will be made to the above-mentioned example situations where the freight item to be secured is a wheeled motor vehicle and the said vehicle is to be secured in position for transportation on the back of a flat-bed truck or the like.

Situations commonly arise in which it is necessary to transport a motor vehicle (such as a car, truck, van etc) from one location to another but where it is not possible or practical to drive the vehicle. In these situations, the vehicle must generally be loaded onto another vehicle for transportation. By way of example, Figure A illustrates a truck and trailer configured to transport a number of vehicles. The truck and trailer arrangement in Figure A is a kind that would typically be used for long- haul transportation (i.e. for transporting vehicles over large distances). Arrangements such as the one shown in Figure A are quite conventional. Smaller trailers designed to be towed behind a car or smaller truck and which carry a single vehicle are also common. In order for a vehicle to be transported on the back of a truck or vehicle-carrying trailer as described above, the vehicle must be secured in position on the truck/trailer so that it does not move or fall off in transit. A restraint system conventionally used for this purpose is illustrated in Figures B and C. In Figures B and C, only a single wheel of the vehicle is shown (the vehicle itself is not shown). This is simply, for illustrative purposes. In practice, the wheel would of course be attached to the vehicle and the restraint system would be applied to the wheel (a similar restraint system might also be applied to one or more of the vehicle's other wheels) to secure the vehicle in position on the truck/trailer. As shown in Figures B and C, the surface of the truck or trailer onto which the vehicle is loaded for transportation (the "deck surface" or "deck" 1 ) typically has a series of holes therein. The holes allow a restraint strap 2 to be secured to the deck by hooks. More specifically, as shown in Figure B, one end of the restraint strap 2 is secured to the deck by a hook 3. From the hook 3 end, the strap 2 passes over the vehicle wheel (or more correctly over the tyre) and the strap 2 is then threaded through a loop or eyelet hook 4 (see Figure C) which is secured to the deck at approximately the same place as hook 3 but on the other side of the wheel. From eyelet hook 4, the strap 2 extends along the deck until it reaches a manual strap tensioner 5. The strap tensioner 5 is a conventional ratchet-type tensioner with a manually operable (i.e. hand-operated) handle. The strap tensioner 5 is itself secured to the deck by a hook 6 on a small length of strap extending in a direction away from the wheel.

In practice, to secure the vehicle in position (once it is placed in the correct position on the deck), the hook 3 on one end of the strap 2 is first connected to the deck and the strap is then loosely passed or draped over the wheel. With the strap 2 still loose, the eyelet hook 4 is then attached to the deck on the other side of the wheel and the strap 2 is passed or threaded through the eyelet. The strap tensioner 5 is then secured to the deck (by attaching hook 6 to the deck at an appropriate position as shown), and the strap 2 is then fed through the tensioner 5. Finally, to secure the wheel (and hence the vehicle) in position, the handle of the tensioner 5 is manually operated causing the tensioner's ratchet mechanism to apply tension to the strap 2 thereby firmly securing the wheel in position on the deck. There are a number of problems with the conventional restraint system described above. For instance, it requires three anchor points - namely the positions where the hook 3, the eyelet hook 4 and the hook 6 respectively attach to the deck. It should be noted that three anchor points are required for each wheel of the vehicle secured in this way. It should also be noted that, for each restraint, the three anchor points must be at least approximately in line (this is to allow tension to be properly applied to the strap and to prevent kinks etc in the strap that could result in undue wear or > damage to the strap when tension is applied). The need for three in line anchor points means that, for each restraint, at least a certain amount of space on the deck is required (for instance there must be at least enough space between the eyelet hook 4 and the hook 6 for the tensioner 5 to be installed and used). This space requirement in turn necessarily creates restrictions in terms of the locations at which a vehicle can be secured on the deck.

There are also problems associated with the manual ratchet-type strap tensioners which are currently used. For example, a certain amount of space is required in order to operate the tensioner handle (because the handle is a certain size and it must be moved through a certain arc of rotation in order to operate the ratchet mechanism). However, when securing a wheel of a vehicle to the deck, it is often necessary to position the strap tensioner beneath the vehicle (roughly in the line between the vehicle's front and rear wheels on one side). This can give rise to a problem if (as is often the case) the underside of the vehicle is low because there is often then very limited space between the deck and the underside of the vehicle in which to operate the handle of the tensioner. This can create difficulties in applying tension to the strap. The time required to operate the manual strap tensioner, particularly in the above-described difficult circumstances, can also make the process of applying this kind of conventional restraint system to secure a vehicle in place time-consuming.

Another problem is that the above-described restraint system is made up of several components, but when the restraint system is not in use the individual components can become separated and lost. The present invention aims to go at least some way to alleviating one or more of the above-mentioned problems, or to at least provide an alternative to the above- described conventional restraint systems. It is to be clearly understood that mere reference herein to previous or existing products, practices or other information, or to any associated problems or issues, does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any of those things, individually or in any combination, are admissible prior art or formed part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, the present invention relates broadly to apparatus for securing an item relative to a surface, the apparatus including a flexible restraint member and a powered tensioner.

In another form, the invention relates broadly to apparatus for securing an item relative to a surface, wherein the surface has at least one connection point, and the apparatus includes a flexible restraint member and a powered tensioner,

the flexible restraint member having at least one portion which is connectable relative to a connection point, the flexible restraint member also being connected or connectable relative to the powered tensioner,

optionally, the powered tensioner being connectable relative to a connection point,

wherein: ^x

^■ the flexible restraint member can be:

- connected relative to a connection point (and connected relative to the powered tensioner if not already so), and

- positioned on, over or around at least a portion of the item, or secured relative to the item, and

^■ the flexible restraint member and/or the powered tensioner can be connected relative to a connection point,

and thereafter the powered tensioner can be operated to apply tension to the flexible restraint member to secure the item relative to the surface.

As explained above, the invention is potentially applicable to any kind of freight or other form of item whatsoever. That is to say, no limitation whatsoever is to be implied as to the kind of item that may be secured in position using the invention. It may be that the invention is more suitable for securing items which are fairly rigid or robust and which will not be deformed or damaged when tension is applied to secure the item in position (although fragile items might of course be placed inside more robust containers, frames or the like and the containers/frames might then be secured using the invention). In any case, this is merely an observation and is not intended to imply any limitation whatsoever. As also explained above, the present invention is not limited to any particular form or mode of transportation. Therefore, the surface to which an item may be secured using the invention may be any kind of surface upon which (or attached/secured to which) an item might be transported. Possible examples include the surface of a flatbed truck or trailer tray, a surface of a shipping container, a surface of a cargo area or hold of a vehicle or vessel, etc. Of course, these are merely a few possible examples and myriad other possible examples will be evident to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the invention is not necessarily limited to use in the field of freight transport and therefore the surface may be any surface to which an item might be secured for some other reason.

Without limiting anything in the previous two paragraphs, and as explained above, it is useful to describe aspects of the invention with reference to the situation where the item to be secured is a wheeled motor vehicle and the vehicle is to be secured in position for transportation (by securing one or more of the wheels) on the back of a flat-bed truck or the like. In the context of this example situation, a number of advantages of the invention become evident.

One advantage is that, at least in some embodiments of the invention, three points of connection between the apparatus and the surface to which the item is secured, or three approximately in-line points of connection, are not necessarily required. It is envisaged that two points of connection may be sufficient in some embodiments. That is, in these embodiments at least, the flexible restraint member may be connected relative to a first connection point (and connected relative to the powered tensioner if not already so), and positioned on, over or around at least a portion of the item, or secured relative to the item, and the flexible restraint member and/or the powered tensioner can be connected relative to a second connection point, and thereafter the powered tensioner can be operated to apply tension to the flexible restraint member to secure the item relative to the surface. It is even possible that some embodiments of the invention might require only a single connection point.

In any event, the present invention, at least in some embodiments, may allow much greater flexibility in terms of how and where an item (e.g. a motor vehicle) can be secured on or relative to a surface, not least because the amount of space required may be considerably less than the amount required by the conventional restraint system. It may also not be necessary, at least with certain embodiments of the present invention, to have three anchor points which are in line. The present invention may therefore allow greater freedom in the way items can be laid out (and then secured) on a surface, or it may enable multiple items to be positioned or laid out (and then secured) on a surface more efficiently. The need for only, say, two points o(f connection (or even one), rather than three, may also mean that the time taken to secure an item to a surface may be reduced.

The present invention can secure an item on (or relative to) a surface. The surface will generally have a plurality of connection points. The connection points may take any suitable form or configuration. That is, the invention may be configured to operate with surface connection points of any kind. In situations where the item is a wheeled vehicle which is to be secured on the surface of a flatbed truck tray or the like, the connection points may take the form of holes or the like in the truck tray (as described in connection with the conventional restraint systems above). In such situations, the portion of the flexible restraint member which can connect to a connection point on the surface, and also any portion of the powered tensioner which can connect to a connection point on the surface, may do so using a hook or the like (again, such hooks may be similar to the hooks described above). Alternatively, the connection points may take the form of indents in the surface, or raised features of the surface, or some other feature of the surface with Which a hook can engage to connect the flexible restraint member and/or the tensioner to the surface. A range of other possible connection or attachment arrangements could also be used at (or as) the connection points, for example, clip or buckle arrangements, mechanical clasps or locking arrangements, rails on the surface to which hooks or shackles may be attached or to which parts of the apparatus may be tied, etc. These are merely a few possible examples and myriad other possible examples will be evident to those skilled in the art. A given surface may also have more than one means of attachment at the connection points (or at some of the connection points), or the means for attachment used at some connection points may be different to the means used at other connection points. In any case the invention may be adapted to operate with any of these various possible alternatives.

The apparatus of the present invention includes a flexible restraint member. The flexible restraint member may be positionable (e.g. by being draped, laid, slung, threaded or otherwise made to extend) over or around the item (or a portion of it) so that the item (or the portion thereof) is between the flexible restraint member and the surface. In this case, when the flexible restraint member (and possibly the powered tensioner) is/are also connected to the surface and the tensioner is operated to apply tension, the tension functions to press or otherwise hold the item against (or in position relative to) the surface, thus securing it in position. It may also be possible for the flexible restraint member to be secured relative to the item in some other way (e.g. the flexible restraint member might be attached to an attachment point on the item, such as a tie-down point on a car or the like) so that when the powered tensioner is operated to apply tension to the flexible restraint member this secures the item relative to the surface.

The flexible restraint member may take any form or configuration capable of functioning as described in the previous paragraph. In the context of the invention, the restraint member should be "flexible" so that if/when it is draped or laid over the item loosely initially (i.e. before being tensioned by the tensioner) it conforms at least somewhat to the shape and size of the item. This is so that the restraint member is not limited to use on items of a set/unchangeable size and shape. The flexible restraint member may also incorporate size adjustment means so that its size, may be adjusted to enable it to be used on items which differ in size and/or shape. Anything having the properties possessed by, for example, ropes, straps, chains and the like which can generally conform to any desired shape (these things can bear tensile loads but are generally unable to support compressive loads) may be considered "flexible" herein. However, the term "flexible" herein is not necessarily limited to this. It is also possible that the flexible restraint member may be able to support compressive loads to some extent, and therefore it may not necessarily be quite as infinitely shapeable as ropes and the like; but provided it is able to function as described in the previous paragraph it may be considered "flexible" and may be used in the present invention.

It is envisaged that, in many embodiments, the flexible restraint member will be a strap or a length of webbing or the like. For the avoidance of doubt, a multi-piece strap (or the like) where separate pieces thereof are connected (e.g. by a buckle or a clip etc) may still function as, and may be considered, a single strap. One end of the strap may be connectable relative to a connection point on the surface, and the other end (or another portion) of the strap may be connected or connectable to the powered tensioner. The size adjustment means in these embodiments may be a buckle or the like which facilitates adjustment of the strap length. A variety of other possible forms and configurations are possible for the flexible restraint member. For example, the flexible restraint member could be a mesh or web or harness arrangement made from a tension-bearing material (such as high tensile strength cord or webbing) which can be draped over or around the item which is to be secured relative to the surface. The flexible restraint member could also be (or it could be made from or include) rope, chain, metal cable, a sheet of high-strength flexible fabric, etc. The apparatus of the present invention also includes a powered tensioner. In the context of the present invention, "powered" means that the tensioner may be operated by any power source, provided it is not power supplied only by the user operating the tensioner by hand or by some other manually applied force. So, for example, the powered tensioner could be electrically powered, pneumatically powered, hydraulically powered, magnetically powered, or it could be powered by some non-manual mechanical mechanism or system, or a combination of these, etc. Indeed, no limitation whatsoever is to be implied as to the power source that may be used to drive the powered tensioner, provided that the power source does not depend only on the physical exertion of the user (as is the case for the manual handle-operated ratchet-type tensioners used in the conventional restraint systems described above). Of course, with the present invention it may still be necessary for the user to physically operate some kind of control in order to operate the tensioner (e.g. by pushing a button to operate an electrically powered tensioner, or turning on an air compressor or opening a tap to operate and pneumatically powered tensioner, etc), however those skilled in the art will recognise the difference between this and a tensioner driven exclusively by the physical exertion of the user.

In some embodiments the powered tensioner may comprise a pneumatic muscle type tensioner. Such a tensioner may include a high-density rubber tube which is sealed on either end. One or both ends may be sealed by an airtight end cap (or some other sealing closure). The end cap (or closure) on the, or each, end of the high-density rubber tube may be made from metal or high-strength plastic. An air or gas inlet (e.g. a valve) may be provided so that air or gas may be supplied to operate the pneumatic muscle tensioner. The inlet may be on (or it may be part of) one of the ends caps. The inlet may also operate as an outlet to allow air or gas to escape. One of the end caps may have attachment means enabling connection relative to a connection point on the surface (the surface relative to which the item is to be secured), and the other end cap may be connected or connectable to the flexible restraint member.

Embodiments of the present invention which include a pneumatic muscle type tensioner of the general kind described in the previous paragraph may operate as follows (although they need not necessarily operate in precisely this way, and other embodiments may well operate in other ways). Firstly, the flexible restraint member may be positioned over or around the item (or a portion of the item). If the flexible restraint member is a strap, one end of the strap may be connected relative to a connection point on the surface and the other end may be connected to an end of the pneumatic muscle tensioner. The other end of the pneumatic muscle tensioner may be connected relative to another connection point on the surface. Hence the pneumatic muscle tensioner and the strap may together form an arc extending over/around the item (or the portion of the item). More specifically, starting at the end of the strap which is connected relative to the surface, the strap may extend over/around the item (or the portion thereof) and the other end of the strap may connect to the tensioner. The tensioner may then form a connection between the strap and a different location on (or relative to) the surface. To operate the tensioner, pressurised air or gas may be supplied to the inlet of the pneumatic muscle. (This may require a compressor or a vessel containing compressed air/gas to be connected to the inlet, possibly via a hose or tube). When compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle, the walls of the high-density rubber tube may be caused to deform by bowing or ballooning outward. As a consequence of this ballooning deformation of the rubber tube, the end caps on either end of the tube may be pulled toward each other. In other words, the deformation may cause the distance between the end caps on either end of the rubber tube to be reduced. This may in turn mean that the combined length of the tensioner and the strap (which together extend in an arc over/around the item) is reduced. Consequently, operating the tensioner as described may Cause the strap to be tightened, thereby applying pressure to hold the item in position on (or relative to) the surface.

In other embodiments, the powered tensioner may be electromechanical. That is, the tensioner may be electrically powered. It may contain an electric motor and the power may be supplied by a battery, or from mains power, or some other source. The electric motor may be part of the tensioner, or it may be separate/removable from the tensioner. The motor may drive a mechanism which applies tension to the flexible restraint member. For example, if the flexible restraint member is a strap, the tensioner may have a spindle (or the like) and a portion of. the strap may be wrapped around the spindle. The spindle may rotate when the tensioner is operated. Rotating the spindle in one direction may cause more of the strap to be wound onto the spindle, and rotating the spindle in the other direction may cause the strap to be progressively wound off the spindle. The, electromechanical tensioner may also incorporate a ratchet mechanism so that if the tensioner is operated to wind the spindle in the direction which causes more of the strap to be wound onto the spindle, the ratchet mechanism may then operate to lock the spindle and prevented it from rotating back the other way (which would otherwise allow the strap to unwind) when the tensioner is stopped or turned off. Means may also be provided for disengaging the ratchet mechanism so that tension in the strap may be released when it is desired to remove the item from its secured position. In these embodiments, the strap (when in use) may form an arc extending all the way over/around the item (or a portion of the item). That is, starting at one end of the strap (which connects relative to the surface at one location), the strap may extend over/around the item (or the portion thereof) and connect to (or relative to) the surface at a different location. The electromechanical tensioner may be installed at some point along the strap. When the tensioner is operated (by pushing a button or operating some other control) some more of the strap may be wound onto the tensioner's spindle, thereby causing the overall length of the arc formed by the strap to be reduced. Consequently, operating the tensioner in this way may cause the strap to be tightened, thereby applying pressure to hold the item in position on (or relative to) the surface.

Another form of powered tensioner which might be used is one which operates in generally the same way as the electromechanical tensioner described in the previous paragraph, but which is instead powered by compressed air or gas (e.g. by some form of pneumatic motor rather than an electric motor).

The previous three paragraphs describe possible examples of the kinds of powered tensioner that might be used and the way these might function together with the flexible restraint member to secure an item relative to a surface. However, it will be appreciated that they are merely examples, and myriad other examples may also be used, all of which fall within the scope of the invention. In addition to the flexible restraint member and the powered tensioner, the apparatus of the present invention may further include, or it may function in conjunction with, an over centre arrangement. The over centre arrangement may assist with applying tension to the flexible restraint member when the powered tensioner is operated, or it may help to increase the amount of tension applied when the powered tensioner is operated. Some possible examples of the kinds of over centre mechanisms that may be used are discussed in further detail below. However, any form of over centre arrangement or mechanism may be used.

In some embodiments, means may be provided for allowing the powered tensioner to be removed or separated from the flexible restraint member and from any other components of the apparatus. For instance, said means may enable the tensioner to be removed after it is used to apply tension to the flexible restraint member. This may allow a single powered tensioner to be used to apply tension to the flexible restraint member of a number of restraint apparatuses. In such embodiments, means may also be provided for maintaining tension in the flexible restraint member (after the powered tensioner has been used to apply tension thereto) such that tension is maintained to keep the item secured in position even after the powered tensioner is removed or detached. Means should also be provided for releasing the tension when required. The above-mentioned means for allowing the powered tensioner to be removed, the means for maintaining tension in the flexible restraint member, and also the means for releasing the tension, could all take any possible form or configuration, and all are considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

As has been explained, in many embodiments, a flexible restraint member in the form of a strap may be used for securing an item relative to a surface. In these situations, an aspect of the invention may reside in a guide for assisting in positioning the strap on, over or around the item (or the portion of the item) which is to be secured to the surface by the strap, the guide being shaped so as to at least approximately conform to the shape of the item (or the portion of the item) on, over, or around which the strap is to be positioned, and the guide also incorporating means for retaining the strap to the guide. Such a guide may be made from any suitable material, although a guide made from flexible plastic which is shaped to at least approximately conform to the shape of the item may be particularly suitable. The means for retaining the strap to the guide may take any suitable form, all of which are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. It is envisaged that, often, the means for retaining the strap to the guide may comprise one or more flaps, tabs, cutouts, holes or the like in the guide and into or through or beneath which the strap can be passed or threaded so as to prevent the strap from becoming separated from the guide. The guide may also incorporate a channel to help keep the strap positioned correctly with respect to the guide. The channel may be configured to receive a strap of a certain width, although the guide could potentially be configured to receive straps of a number of different widths or straps of other kinds (cords, metal cables, etc). The guide may be provided with a high friction surface or portion which engages with the item and helps to hold the guide in position relative to the item. The guide may also (or alternatively) incorporate other means for helping to maintain the guide in position relative to the item. The guide may further have one or more low friction portions or surfaces. The low friction surfaces (if present) may be used, in particular, where the strap contacts the guide in use to minimise strap wear.

Certain embodiments of the invention may also incorporate one or more stabilisers for the strap or strap guide (or for some other flexible restraint member), where the strap or strap guide (or other flexible restraint member) is used in securing an item to a surface. The, or each, stabiliser ma comprise a side stabiliser operable to support, or help in positioning, the strap/strap guide/flexible straight member in or from a direction which is at least partially lateral or transverse to the direction in which the said strap/strap guide/flexible restraint member extends on, over, or around the item. It is envisaged that said one or more stabilisers could each be configured in the form of a high tensile strength (or suitably rigid/strong) plastic arm or rod, however no limitation whatsoever is to be implied from this and the stabilisers could also take any other form whatsoever. Stabilisers of different forms could also be provided for different situations, and different forms of stabilisers could potentially be used together or separately or in different combinations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawings relating to prior art

Certain background information is provided in the section entitled "Background" above. That background information is provided solely for the purpose of assisting in understanding the invention and it makes reference to Figures A, B and C in which:

• Figure A illustrates a truck and trailer of the kind typically be used for long-haul transportation of cars and other such wheeled motor vehicles. Figures B and C illustrate a restraint system which is conventionally applied to one or more wheels of a motor vehicle in order to secure that vehicle on (in this case) a vehicle carrying truck. The truck could be like the one shown in Figure A for example. In Figures B and C, only a single wheel of the secured vehicle is shown (the secured vehicle itself is not shown). However, in practice, the wheel would of course be attached to the secured vehicle and the restraint system would be applied to the wheel (a similar restraint system might also be applied to one or more of the vehicle's other wheels) to secure the vehicle in position.

Drawings relating to embodiments and aspects of the invention

Embodiments and aspects of the present invention are described (in all cases by way of non-limiting example only) with reference to the remaining drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a pneumatic muscle type tensioner used in certain embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates the way the pneumatic muscle may (in some instances) be positioned within a vehicle's wheel well in use.

Figure 3 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 illustrates an over centre arrangement, which is different to the over centre arrangement in the embodiment in Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates the configuration of a mechanical link component used with the embodiment of the invention in Figure 5.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates a tool which may be used in conjunction with the pneumatic muscle to apply tension in embodiments like (and similar to) the one in Figure 8.

Figure 8 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9a is a partial illustration (partial in that not all components are shown) used to explain another possible embodiment of the invention. Figures 9b-9e also illustrate the configuration of the apparatus in the same embodiment as Figure 9a.

Figures 9f-9i show the configuration of an apparatus in an embodiment which differs slightly from the embodiment in Figures 9a-9e.

Figure 10 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates certain components of an alternative powered tensioner which may be used, for example, with the embodiment in Figure 10.

Figure 12 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 illustrates one embodiment of a guide ("strap guide") for assisting in positioning a strap over an item which is to be secured to a surface by the strap (the item in this case being a car or vehicle wheel).

Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment of a strap guide for assisting in positioning a strap over an item which is to be secured to a surface by the strap (the item again being a car or vehicle wheel). Figure 15 illustrates the strap guide of Figure 13 in use.

Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of a side stabiliser for the strap guide in Figures 13 and 15. Figure 17 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18 is a partially cross-sectional side on view of the powered tensioner in the embodiment in Figure 17.

Figure 19 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention. Figure 20 is a plan (top-down) view of the tensioning and clamping assembly (and associated equipment) used in the embodiment in Figure 19. Figure 21 is a side-on view of the tensioning and clamping assembly (and associated equipment) in the embodiment in Figure 19.

Figure 22 illustrates the configuration of an apparatus in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention.

Figure 23 is a plan (top-down) view of the apparatus in Figure 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For reasons that have previously been explained, the aspects and features of the invention and its various embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-23 relate to the situation where the item to be secured is a wheeled motor vehicle (e.g. a car) and the vehicle is to be secured for transportation (by securing one or more of the wheels) on the back of a flat-bed truck or the like. Figure 1 illustrates a pneumatic muscle type tensioner ("pneumatic muscle") 50 which may be used in certain embodiments. It also illustrates a flexible restraint member in the form of a strap 20 attached to the upper end of the pneumatic muscle, and a hook 30 on the lower end of the pneumatic muscle for attaching the pneumatic muscle to the surface. The surface in Figure 1 is the same as the truck/trailer tray surface illustrated in Figures B and C (it therefore has holes which provide connection points for anchoring the restraint system).

The pneumatic muscle 50 incorporates a central cylindrical tube 51 which is hollow and made from high-density rubber. It also incorporates an upper end cap 52 and a lower end cap 53. In this embodiment, both of the end caps are made from metal (a range of metals such as aluminium alloys, brass, steel etc could be used). The strap 20 attaches to the upper end cap 52 by threading through an eyelet which is connected to (or formed as part of) the upper end cap ,52. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the hook 30 is formed as part of the lower end cap 53. However, in other embodiments the hook 30 could be formed separately so as to be attachable to the lower end cap to connect the lower end cap to the surface. The pneumatic muscle 50 also incorporates an air inlet 54. The air inlet 54 is not visible in Figure 1 but it can be made out in Figure 2 and it is clearly shown in Figures 9a, 9c, and 9g. Figures 2 and 9a, 9c and 9g show a slightly different version of the pneumatic muscle 50 compared to Figure 1 , but both versions operate to apply tension in the same way. The air inlet 54 allows compressed air or other gas to be supplied to the pneumatic muscle, and it also allows the air or gas to be expelled. When compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50, the walls of the high-density rubber tube 51 deform by ballooning outward somewhat. As a consequence of this, the end caps 52 and 53 are pulled toward each other. In other words, the ballooning deformation of the tube 51 causes the distance between the end caps to reduce. This in turn reduces the combined length of the pneumatic muscle 50, the strap 20, the hook 30 and whatever hook or other means is used to secure the other end of the strap 20 to the surface on the other side of the wheel. In other words, pressurising the muscle 50 reduces the overall length of the restraint apparatus. Consequently, it causes the strap 20 to be tightened around the wheel, thereby applying pressure to hold the wheel in position on the surface.

It should be appreciated that the use of pneumatic muscle 50 as the powered tensioner overcomes a number of problems associated with the manual ratchet-type . strap tensioners described as part of the conventional restraint systems above. For instance, the amount of space required may (and generally will) be less. Certainly, it is not necessary to allow space to operate the handle of a manual tensioner. This is particularly useful in the case of low vehicles or vehicles where there is very little space underneath. For example, it may be possible in at least some instances for the pneumatic muscle 50 to be positioned in (or partially within) the vehicle's wheel well as illustrated in Figure 2. This could not generally be done with conventional ^•manual (hand-operated) strap tensioners as there would not be sufficient room to operate the tensioner's handle. Another benefit is that the need to manually operate the tensioner handle is alleviated. This reduces the risk and/or incidence of user injury such as muscle strains, repetitive stress injuries, etc. The pneumatic muscle 50 may also be considerably faster than a manual tensioner. That is, the time taken to apply tension to the strap using the pneumatic muscle may be (possibly significantly) less than the time required to apply tension using a manual tensioner. Figure 3 is a schematic side-on illustration of one possible embodiment of the apparatus when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. It can be seen that the flexible restraint member in Figure 3 is a strap 20 which extends over the top of the wheel. On one side of the wheel (the right-hand side in Figure 3) there is a buckle 60 near where the strap 20 connects to the surface. The buckle 60 allows the length of the strap 20 to be adjusted (i.e. lengthened and or shortened) as required for use on wheels or other items of different sizes.

On the other side of the wheel (the left-hand side in Figure 3) there is an over centre arrangement between the strap 20, pneumatic muscle 50, etc and the surface. In this particular configuration, the over centre mechanism includes a fixed vertical strut member 81 , and a pivot member 82 pivotally attached at the top of the strut 81. The pivot 82 is able to rotate in a "seesaw" fashion relative to the fixed strut 81.

In Figure 3, the pneumatic muscle 50 attaches to the strap 20 in the'same way as in Figure 1. That is, the strap 20 attaches to the pneumatic muscle's upper end cap 52. However, unlike Figure 1 , the pneumatic muscle's lower end cap 53 in Figure 3 does not connect by a hook to the surface. Instead, the lower end cap 53 connects on (or near) the end of the pivot member 82 which is nearest the wheel.

The configuration illustrated in Figure 3 also includes an additional strap portion 21. One end of the strap portion 21 is connected to the main strap 20 above the pneumatic muscle 50, and the other end is connected to (or near) the end of the pivot member 82 which points away from the wheel. Therefore, when compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50 causing the distance between the end caps 52 and 53 to reduce, this causes the pivot member 82 to rotate (at least slightly) in the direction of arrow "*" (counter-clockwise in Figure 3).

Consequently, when compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50, this actually has two effects. Firstly, it causes the pneumatic muscle 50 to pull directly on the strap 20 thereby applying tension to the strap 20. Secondly, it also causes the pivot member 82 to rotate as described in the previous paragraph, which causes tension (or additional tension) to be applied to strap portion 21. This in turn assists in applying tension (or additional tension) to the portion of strap 20 which extends over the top of the wheel to hold the wheel in position.

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative over centre configuration to the one shown in Figure 3. The over centre mechanism in Figure 4 includes a slider 83. The slider 83 is connected to the strap 20 by a D-shaped eyelet or shackle 22. The slider 83 is able to slides along (up and down) a vertical strut 84. The vertical strut 84 is similar to the vertical strut 81 in Figure 3 in that it is fixedly attached to, and extends vertically up from, the surface.

The over centre arrangement in Figure 4 also includes a link member 85 and a pivot member 86. The pivot member 86 is a generally triangular component. One corner of the triangular pivot member 86 is pivotally connected relative to the strut 84. The link member 85 forms a rigid link between the slider 83 and another corner of the pivot member 86. The third corner of the pivot member 86 is attached to one of the end caps of the pneumatic muscle 50 (the pneumatic muscle is oriented in a generally horizontal configuration parallel to the surface). In this arrangement, when compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50 causing the distance between the end caps to reduce, this causes the pivot member 86 to pivot about its connection to the strut 84 - that is, in the direction of arrow "#" (clockwise in Figure 4). When the pivot member 86 rotates in this direction, this causes the link member 85 to be pulled generally downwards (it also causes the link member 85 to pivot/rotate slightly). This movement of the link member 85 in turn pulls the slider 83 downwards along the strut 84. When the slider 83 is pulled downwards along the strut 84, this applies tension to the strap 20. Figure 5 is a schematic side-on illustration of another possible embodiment when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. On one side of the wheel (the right-hand side in Figure 5) there is a buckle 60 near where the strap 20 connects to the surface. As in Figure 3, the buckle 60 allows the length of the strap 20 to be adjusted

On the other side of the wheel (the left-hand side in Figure 5) there are two components, namely the pneumatic muscle 50 and a mechanical link 90. The configuration of the mechanical link 90 and the pneumatic muscle 50 is more clearly illustrated in the front-on view in Figure 6.

As shown in Figure 6, the mechanical link 90 comprises a vertical member 91 , an upper horizontal arm 92 and a lower horizontal arm 93. The upper horizontal arm is slidably connected to the vertical member 91 via slider 94. The lower horizontal arm 93 is fixedly connected to (or formed integrally with) the vertical member 91. The pneumatic muscle 50 extends between the horizontal arms 92 and 93. Therefore, when compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50 causing the distance between the end caps to reduce, this causes the upper horizontal arm 92 to slide closer to the lower horizontal arm 93 (i.e. the distance between the two horizontal arms of the mechanical link 90 is reduced). From Figure 6, it will be appreciated that this in turn causes tension to be applied to the strap 20 (because the strap 20 is connected to the upper horizontal arm 92 and the lower horizontal arm 93 is connected to the surface).

The pneumatic muscle 50 may also be removable from the mechanical link 90. More specifically, the pneumatic muscle 50 may be able to slide horizontally off the ends of the horizontal arms 92 and 93 thereby becoming removed from the mechanical link (and hence removed from the apparatus entirely). Importantly, the vertical member 91 of the mechanical link may incorporate a series of ratchet teeth (these are not visible . in the Figures) and the slider 94 may incorporate a ratchet mechanism that can engage with said teeth. This is so that, in use, the pneumatic muscle 50 can first be installed between the horizontal arms of the mechanical link and operated to apply tension to the strap (as described in the previous paragraph), and thereafter the pneumatic muscle 50 can be (depressurised and) removed from the mechanical link. However, tension in the strap may be maintained, even after the pneumatic muscle is (depressurised and) removed, by operation of the above-mentioned ratchet mechanism. Of course, the ratchet mechanism may also incorporate a release mechanism so that the tension in the strap can be released when required.

The ability to remove the pneumatic muscle 50 enables a single pneumatic muscle 50 to be used over and over to apply tension to multiple different restraints. Figure 8 is a schematic side-on illustration of a further possible embodiment of the apparatus when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. In Figure 8, there is a buckle 60 on both sides of the wheel. Therefore, when the strap 20 is initially placed over the wheel, the buckles 60 can be used to adjust the strap to approximately the correct length.

There is also a hook member 95 located above the buckle 60 on one side of the wheel. The pneumatic muscle 50 also has a hook portion 96 which engages with the hook portion 95. The pneumatic muscle 50 is also connectable to the surface. Therefore, when compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50 causing the distance between the end caps to reduce, this causes the strap 20 to be pulled tight over the wheel (i.e. this applies tension to the strap). The buckle 60 located beneath the hook portion 95 can then be readjusted to take up any slack created when the tension is applied, and the pneumatic muscle can then be depressurised and removed. Again, this allows the pneumatic muscle to be used over and over. Figure 7 illustrates a tool that might alternatively be used to apply tension in embodiments similar to that in Figure 8. The configuration and function of the tool in Figure 7 is generally similar to that of the mechanical link 90 in Figure 6. That is, the tool comprises a vertical member 91 ', an upper horizontal arm 92' and a lower horizontal arm 93'. The upper horizontal arm is slidably connected to the vertical member 91 ' via slider 94'. The lower horizontal arm 93' is fixedly connected to (or formed integrally with) the vertical member 91 '. The pneumatic muscle 50 is connected between the horizontal arms 92' and 93' of the tool (the muscle could be removably or permanently connected between the arms 92' and 93'). In use, the tool could be used in embodiments similar to the one in Figure 8 by first connecting the upper horizontal arm 92' to (or relative to) the hook 95, and connecting the lower horizontal arm 93' to (or relative to) the surface. Then, compressed air may be supplied to the muscle 50 via the air-line shown causing the pneumatic muscle to pull the arms 92' and 93' together, thereby applying tension to the strap 20. The buckle 60 beneath the hook 95 can then be readjusted to take up any slack created when the tension is applied, and the tool can then be disconnected and re-used to secure other restraints.

Figures 9a-9e will be used to explain another possible embodiment of the invention which, in several respects, is similar to the embodiment in Figure 8, except that in the embodiment in Figures 9a-9e the pneumatic muscle cannot be removed. The strap used to secure the wheel in position is not shown in Figure 9a, but as can be seen from Figures 9b-9e the strap 20 attaches around the horizontal cylindrical rod 55 on the very top of the pneumatic muscle's upper end cap 52. Hence, the way in which the main strap 20 attaches in Figures 9a-9e is similar to Figure 1. In addition, in the embodiment in Figures 9a-9e, there is also an additional strap portion 21. This is similar to the strap portion 21 in Figure 3. In Figures 9a-9e, one end (the upper end) of the additional strap portion 21 connects to the main strap 20 above the pneumatic muscle (see Figures 9d and 9e). The additional strap 21 then extends down through the eyelet slot 56 and its lower end can be clamped in the clamp 57.

Therefore, in use, the embodiment represented in Figures 9a-9e operates as follows. The strap 20 would initially be placed over the wheel, and a clamp 61 shown in Figure 9e (which performs the same function as the buckle 60 on the right-hand side in Figure 8) would be used to adjust the strap to approximately the correct length. Compressed air or gas would then be supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50 causing the main strap 20 to be pulled tight over the wheel. Then, while the muscle is still pressurised to apply tension to the strap 20, the additional strap 21 portion would be pulled tight and secured tightly in the clamp 57. The pneumatic muscle is then depressurised, but because the additional strap 21 is securely clamped under tension in the clamp 57, the tension is thereby maintained in the main strap 20 even after the pneumatic muscle is depressurised.

The configuration of the apparatus shown in Figures 9f-9i operates in much the same way as the apparatus in Figures 9a-9e. The full operation of the apparatus in Figures 9f-9i therefore need not be explained. There are, however, two main differences between the apparatus in Figures 9a-9e and the apparatus in Figures 9f-9i. The first difference is that, in Figures 9f-9i, the clamp 57' on the lower end of the pneumatic muscle is different to the clamp 57 in Figures 9a-9e. The clamp 57' in Figures 9f-9i is more like the clamp 61 , but it otherwise performs the same function as the clamp 57. The other difference is that, in Figures 9f-9i, the main strap 20 does not connect directly to the cylindrical rod 55 on top of the pneumatic muscle's upper end cap. Instead, the pneumatic muscle is provided with an extra strap 23. The extra strap 23 connects at one end to (or near) the pneumatic muscle's lower end cap 53, and it then extends up and through a floating oval shaped shackle/eyelet 58 before connecting to the cylindrical rod 55. The main strap 20 also attaches by looping through the oval shaped shackle 58 Thus, in Figures 9f-9i, when compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle 50 causing the end caps thereof to be drawn together, this causes of the extra strap.23 to pull vertically downward on the shackle 58, and this in turn applies tension to the main strap 20. The additional strap 21 can then be secured in the clamp 57' to maintain tension in the main strap 20 even after the pneumatic muscle is depressurised, just like in Figures 9a-9e.

Figure 10 is a schematic side-on illustration of an apparatus in accordance with yet another possible embodiment of the invention when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. The embodiment in Figure 10 uses a powered torsional tensioner 50' which is of a different kind to the pneumatic muscle described with reference to earlier embodiments. A sketch of part of a possible mechanism for the powered tensioner 50' is shown in Figure 1 1. In Figure 11 , one of the components is a sprocket having a series of radially extending teeth. A double pawl member is also provided which can engage with the teeth to provide a ratchet mechanism. That is, the sprocket can rotate in the direction of arrow "$" in Figure 11 because the teeth can push past the double pawl member, however the double pawl member engages with the teeth to prevent the sprocket from rotating back the other way. A release mechanism (not shown) may also be provided to allow the sprocket to rotate back the other way. The sprocket component may be attached to a spindle (not shown) and the strap 20 (or a section of strap) may be wrapped around the spindle. Therefore, rotating the sprocket component in the direction of arrow "$" may cause the spindle to turn, thereby applying tension to the strap. A tool may be inserted into the opening in the sprocket in order to cause the sprocket to turn. The tool could be, for example, electrically powered or pneumatically powered. For example, the tool could be similar to an electrically powered drill (but with a fitting adapted to insert into the sprocket), or it could be an air tool powered by compressed air or gas and having an appropriate fitting, etc.

Figure 12 is a schematic side-on illustration of yet a further possible embodiment of the apparatus when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. The embodiment in Figure 12 will not be described in detail. However, it will be appreciated that an over centre arrangement (incorporating an over centre cam) is provided on either side of the wheel in Figure 12. Both over centre arrangements are operated by a pneumatic muscle. Figure 12 is provided to illustrate the fact that a range of possible over centre configurations and mechanisms could be employed, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a strap-centralising guide ("strap guide") 100 which could be used with any of the possible embodiments and strap configurations described with reference to the Figures above. The strap guide 00 is used for assisting in positioning the strap over the item (wheel) which is to be secured. Because the particular strap guide 100 illustrated in Figure 13 is intended for securing vehicle wheels, its shape is configured to conform to the outer shape of the wheel (specifically the outer diameter of tyres of that general size). See Figure 15. The strap guide 100 may of course be somewhat flexible so that it is not limited to use on wheels with tyres of one exact diameter (i.e. it may flex to fit on tyres which are slightly larger or smaller as well); The particular strap guide in Figure 13 could also be used in securing, for example, other round items such as barrels or the like having a similar outer diameter to the tyre in Figure 15. Other strap guides intended for use in securing very different sized wheels would be larger or smaller according to the relevant tyre diameter, and strap guides intended for use in securing other items of different shapes may have entirely different shapes so as to conform (at least approximately) to the shape of the item.

The strap guide 100 incorporates means for retaining the strap to the guide. In this particular embodiment, the means comprises a number of flaps 101 extending at least partially over the central channel 102. In use, the strap resides in the channel 102 as illustrated in Figure 15. The strap is threaded beneath the flaps 101. The flaps 101 therefore function to prevent the strap from becoming separated from the guide, even when not in use (e.g. during storage etc). The central channel 102 has sidewalls that keep the strap centralised relative to the guide. The spacing between the sidewalls will generally be the same as (or just slightly broader) than the width of the strap. This may help to prevent the strap from sliding laterally within the channel (before tension is applied), thus helping to keep the strap in position making it easier (less fiddly) to install. In embodiments where the spacing between the sidewalls of the channel 102 is (approximately) the same as the width of the strap, such strap guides will naturally therefore be designed to operate with straps of a particular width. A range of^different strap guides with different channel widths may therefore be provided for use with different sized straps. The strap guide may also help to prevent tangling of the strap.

Figure 14 illustrates an alternative strap guide 120. The strap guide 120 is actually very similar to the strap guide illustrated in Figures 9d, 9e, 9h and 9i (the only difference being that the strap guide in Figures 9d, 9e, 9h and 9i includes additional side tabs which extend over the edge of the vehicle tyre - these side tabs are not illustrated in Figure 14). Like the strap guide 100, the strap guide 120 could be used with any of the possible embodiments and strap configurations described with respect to the Figures above. The strap guide 120 is again designed to position the strap over the item (wheel) which is to be secured. Its shape is therefore configured to conform to the outer diameter of tyres of that general size, although it may of course be somewhat flexible so that it is not limited to use on wheels with tyres of one exact diameter. The strap guide 120 incorporates means for retaining the strap to the guide. In this particular embodiment, the means comprises a series of cutouts and recessed portions that together form a ladder (or ladder-like) arrangement. In use, the strap would be threaded "over and under" through the ladder arrangement, thereby securing the strap to the guide 120 (as illustrated in Figures 9d, 9e, 9h and 9i). This prevents the strap from becoming separated from the guide (even during storage etc). The width of the various cutouts also defines the maximum width of strap that can be used with the guide 120. Of course, the sidewalls of the cutouts also help prevent the strap from sliding laterally off the guide, thus helping to keep the strap in position and making it easier to install.

It can be seen that the underside of the guide 120 is also provided with a series of raised bumps. These function to provide a high friction engagement between the guide 120 and the tyre. Such bumps could also be provided on, say, guide 00, or on other embodiments of the guide. A smooth or otherwise low friction surface may also be provided on the guide 100 or 120 at (at least some) locations where the strap contacts the guide in order to prevent or minimise wear to the strap. Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of a side stabiliser 110 which is intended to be used with the particular strap guide illustrated in Figures 13 and 15. The stabiliser 1 10 is configured as a lateral rib or arm made from a flexible yet high tensile strength plastic or composite material. The upper end of the stabiliser 1 10 connects to the strap guide 100. A notch 103 is provided at the apex of the strap guide for this purpose (see Figure 3). A plug portion on the upper end of the stabiliser 100 inserts into the notch 103. The lower end of the stabiliser 1 10 can be secured to (or relative to) the surface. In Figure 16, the lower end of the stabiliser 1 10 is hooked onto a rail which is in turn fixed to the surface. This could allow the stabiliser (and hence the whole restraint apparatus) to be secured permanently in place, if desired or appropriate in certain situations. Other means for connecting the stabiliser to the surface may also be used. In use, the stabiliser 1 10 extends in a direction which is substantially transverse to the direction of the strap. The stabiliser 110 therefore helps to maintain the strap guide 100 (and hence the strap) in the correct lateral position. This is particularly helpful in assisting to position the restraint (strap, strap guide, tensioner, etc) relative to the wheel (or other item) before applying the tension to secure the wheel (item) in position. Figure 17 illustrates an apparatus in accordance with yet / another possible embodiment of the invention when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. Figure 18 illustrates the powered tensioner 150 used in the embodiment in Figure 17. From Figure 17 it can be seen that the tensioner 150 is mounted approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the strap 20 extends over the vehicle wheel. The strap also engages with a rotating spindle 157 of the tensioner 150. This is how the tensioner 50 applies tension to the strap, as discussed below.

From Figure 18, it can be seen that the tensioner 150 incorporates a pneumatic muscle and that the pneumatic muscle includes a central cylindrical tube 151 which is hollow and made from high-density rubber. There are also end caps 152 and 153 on either end of the central tube 151. The pneumatic muscle in the tensioner 150 is therefore much the same as the pneumatic muscle in embodiments described above. In use, the end cap 153 is held in position relative to the surface (the end cap 153 is, in fact, secured to the frame/housing of the tensioner 150 which is in turn fixedly mounted to the surface). Therefore, when compressed air or gas is supplied to the pneumatic muscle, the (movable) end cap 152 is drawn towards the (fixed) end cap 153. The tensioner 150 also includes a bush 154 which has a helical groove/slot therein. The bush 154 is rigidly connected to the end cap 52 by a connecting member 155 such that, when the pneumatic muscle is operated, the bush 154 is drawn towards the end cap 153 (i.e. along with the end cap 152). There is also a small component 156 which inserts into, and engages with the sides of, the helical groove in the bush 154. The small component 156 is fixed in position. Therefore, when the bush 154 (along with the end cap 152) is drawn towards the end cap 153, the engagement of the small fixed component 156 with the sides of the helical groove causes the bush 154 to also rotate as it moves linearly towards the end cap 153. The bush 154 is, in turn, linked to the rotatable spindle 157. Rotation of the bush 154 is therefore transmitted to cause rotation of the spindle 157. This is how the pneumatic muscle in tensioner 150 causes the spindle 157 to rotate to apply tension to the strap 20 in Figure 17. The tensioner 150 also includes a ratchet mechanism (not clearly illustrated) such that the spindle 57 can be caused to rotate (as described above) in one direction, but the ratchet mechanism prevents the spindle from rotating back in the opposite direction and therefore enables tension to be maintained in the strap 20. There is, however, also a cam clutch (not clearly illustrated) which can be operated to allow the spindle 157 and bush 154 to rotate back the other way to allow tension to be released. Figure 19 illustrates an apparatus in accordance with yet another possible embodiment of the invention when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the powered tensioner used in the embodiment in Figure 19. The tensioner is powered by a separate/detachable torque source (in this case a high- torque cordless electric drill 251). The tensioner also includes a 90" gearbox 250 (the internal workings of the gearbox 250 are not illustrated). The gearbox 250 operates such that torque applied (vertically) by the drill 251 into the top of the gearbox 250 is transmitted to cause rotation of the gearbox's horizontal output, and to consequently cause rotation of the horizontal spindle 257 which attaches to the gearbox's output. The strap 20 engages with the spindle 257, and thus rotation of the spindle 257 causes tension to be applied to the strap 20. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the gearbox 250 provides a 3:1 ratio such that the torque applied to the spindle 257 is three times that of the torque applied by t e drill. (Of course, this is just an example of other possible gear ratios could be used). The tensioner also incorporates a quick release mechanism. The handle 252 of the quick release mechanism is clearly visible in Figures 19-21. The quick release mechanism allows the tensioner to be easily and quickly connected and disconnected at appropriate locations on the surface. Figures 22 and 23 illustrate an apparatus in accordance with yet another possible embodiment of the invention when used to secure a vehicle (e.g. car) wheel. The apparatus in these figures incorporates a pneumatic muscle which is larger than the pneumatic muscle used in other embodiments described above. A larger pneumatic muscle such as this may be used in situations where a greater amount of strap tension or strap displacement is required. The larger size of the pneumatic muscle necessitates its mounting in the remote position shown in Figure 22 and 23 (rather than e.g. near the wheel or in the wheel arch as in other embodiments described above). A series of self-centre in rollers are also utilised to change the plane of action (i.e. direction) of the strap.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' , and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment" or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Apparatus for securing an item relative to. a surface, wherein the surface has at least one connection point, and the apparatus includes a flexible restraint member and a powered tensioner,

wherein:

^• the flexible restraint member can be:

- connected relative to a connection point and connected relative to the powered tensioner if not already so, and

positioned on, over or around at least a portion of the item, or secured relative to the item, and

• the flexible restraint member and/or the powered tensioner can be connected relative to a connection point,

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the powered tensioner is pneumatically powered, or electrically powered, or hydraulically powered, or mechanically powered, or a combination of two or more of these.

3. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the powered tensioner is, or includes, a pneumatic muscle tensioner.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pneumatic muscle tensioner comprises a high-density rubber tube which is sealed on either end.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein an inlet is provided to allow air or gas to be supplied to the pneumatic muscle tensioner.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the powered tensioner is electrically or pneumatically powered and incorporates a mechanical ratchet mechanism.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including, or being operable in conjunction with, an over centre mechanism which assists with applying tension to the flexible restraint member when the powered tensioner is operated, or which helps to increase the amount of tension applied when the powered tensioner is operated.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powered tensioner can be removed or separated from the apparatus.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further incorporating means operable such that if the powered tensioner is removed after applying tension to the flexible restraint member, said means maintains the tension in the flexible restraint member after the powered tensioner is removed.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, said means comprising a ratchet mechanism.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible restraint member is a strap.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 1 , the apparatus further including a guide for assisting in positioning the strap on, over or around the item or portion of the item, the guide being shaped so as to at least approximately conform to the shape of the item or the portion of the item on, over, or around which the strap is to be positioned, and the guide also incorporating means for retaining the strap to the guide.

13. A guide for assisting in positioning a strap on, over or around an item (or a portion of an item) which is to be secured to a surface by the strap, the guide being shaped so as to at least approximately conform to the shape of the item (or the portion of the item) on, over, or around which the strap is to be positioned, and the guide also incorporating means for retaining the strap to the guide.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, or a guide as claimed in claim 3, wherein the means for retaining the strap to the guide comprises one or more flaps, tabs, cutouts or holes in the guide into or through or beneath which the strap can be passed or threaded to prevent the strap from becoming separated from the guide.

15. Apparatus or a guide according to qlaim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the guide is made from a flexible plastic or composite.

16. Apparatus or guide, according to claim 12, 13, 14 or 15, the guide also incorporating a channel for keeping the strap positioned correctly with respect to the guide.

17. Apparatus or guide, according to claim 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the guide also having a high friction surface or portion which can engage with the item, and/or a low friction surface or portion that can engage with the strap.

18. Apparatus for securing an item relative to a surface, the apparatus including a flexible restraint member and a powered tensioner.

19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 or 14-18, further including one or more stabilisers, said one or more stabilisers being operable to support, or help in positioning, the flexible straight member in or from a direction which is at least partially lateral or transverse to the direction in which the flexible restraint member extends on, over, or around the item.

20. Apparatus for securing an item relative to a surface substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1-23.