WO2018185589A1

WO2018185589A1 - Restraining of loads on a vehicle load bed

Info

Publication number: WO2018185589A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/051927
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sephamo Michael SEKOKOTLA; Willie Gija NKHWASHU
Original assignee: University Of Limpopo
Priority date: 2017-04-04
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2018-10-11

Abstract

The invention provides a load restraining system, which includes at least one pair of load restraining devices. Each device comprises a base mounted to a vehicle load bed, a load restraining member movable relative to the base, and adjustment means for adjusting the positon of the load restraining member relative to the base through movement of the load restraining member relative to the base.

Description

RESTRAINING OF LOADS ON A VEHICLE LOAD BED

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates to restraining of loads on a vehicle load bed. It relates in particular to a load restraining system, to a fitted vehicle, and to a load restraining kit for fitment to a vehicle load bed.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The Applicant is aware of the difficulty in quickly, safely and efficiently securing loads to be transported on a vehicle load bed such as the load bed of a light delivery vehicle or pick-up van. Traditionally, loads are secured by means of ropes or straps, but these are cumbersome and time consuming to use. Additionally, modern-day vehicle load beds are often not equipped with adequate facilities such as hooks for securing ropes or straps to.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a means for restraining loads on vehicle load beds whereby these difficulties are addressed. In particular, it is an object of this invention to provide means for easily and efficiently securing a load to a vehicle load bed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a load restraining system, which includes at least one pair of load restraining devices, each device comprising a base mounted to a vehicle load bed, a load restraining member movable relative to the base, and adjustment means for adjusting the positon of the load restraining member relative to the base through movement of the load restraining member relative to the base.

The devices may be aligned with each other on the load bed so that the distance between the load restraining members of the two devices can be varied or adjusted by adjusting the position of the load restraining member of at least one of the devices, preferably the load restraining member of each device, relative to its base by means of the adjustment means, until the devices are in a desired position relative to each other. The desired position will thus be one in which a load to be conveyed on the load bed is gripped firmly between the load restraining members. It will be appreciated that alignment of the devices of the, or each, pair of devices would typically be such that the load restraining members are opposite to and face each other.

In particular, the devices of the, or each, pair of devices may be aligned with each other at an angle relative to the direction of intended movement of the load bed, e.g. at right angles to the direction of intended movement or travel of the load bed, i.e. that they are aligned laterally. More particularly, the load restraining members of the, or each, pair of devices may face each other across, e.g. perpendicularly across, the direction of intended movement of the load bed, with the load restraining members thus being movable relative to the base to reduce the distance between them while continuing to face each other.

Two pairs of the devices may be provided, the one pair preferably located at or towards a rear of the load bed and the other pair preferably located at or near a front of the load bed.

The bases of the devices may be such that the load restraining members of the devices are raised or elevated relative to a floor of the load bed.

The bases of the devices of at least one of the pairs of devices may include length adjustable supports for adjusting the height at which the load restraining members of the devices are located above the load bed floor. The adjustable supports may then each comprise a first mounting member attached to the load bed, a second mounting member slidable, e.g. in telescopic fashion, relative to the first mounting member for adjusting the height of the load restraining member of the device relative to the load bed, and securing means for securing the mounting members to one another at a desired relative position.

In one embodiment of the invention, the bases of the pair of devices, or those of at least one of the pairs of devices, may be connected, e.g. may be integral with each other. Preferably, the bases of the both pairs of devices may then be integral with each other. The integral or common base may then comprise at least one transverse rail extending from the mounting member of the one device to the mounting member of the other device. The adjustment means may, generally speaking but then in particular, comprise a common threaded rod connecting the load restraining members of the pair of devices, with the threaded rod engaging internally threaded components of the load restraining members so that by rotating the threaded rod, the load restraining members are moved towards or away from each other. In other embodiments, the adjustment means may comprise a connecting belt or a winch.

When the system includes more than one pair of devices, devices of the pairs of devices may be longitudinally aligned, i.e. in the direction of intended movement of the load bed. Thus, one device of one pair of devices may be so aligned with one device of another pair of devices, and the other device of the former pair of devices may be so aligned with the other device of the later pair of devices. In other words, the system may include more than one pair of devices, and wherein at least one device of one of the pairs of devices is longitudinally aligned with at least one device of another pair of devices. In such a case, the system may include at least one connecting rod connecting the load restraining members of at least two longitudinally aligned, i.e. aligned in the direction of intended movement of the load bed, devices of respective pairs of devices. In particular, the rod may then extend from the load bearing member of one device of each pair of devices, to the longitudinally aligned load bearing member of one device of the other pair of devices.

The adjustment means may comprise actuating components such as gears, return springs, etc. for the adjustment means and the connecting rods may be housed in housings mounted to the load restraining members.

The devices of at least one of the pairs of devices may also include securing means, e.g. at least one strap or belt, for further securing a load gripped between the load restraining members of the pair of devices. The devices may then include adjustment means, e.g. strap tensioning means, for adjusting the securing means to engage the load firmly.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a fitted vehicle, comprising a wheeled vehicle having a load bed; and

a load restraining system according to the first aspect of the invention, mounted to the load bed. The vehicle may be a driven vehicle having a drive source, e.g. an internal combustion engine, which drives at least one pair of the wheels. Typically, the vehicle may be a truck, pick-up van, light delivery van, or the like.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a load restraining kit for fitment to a vehicle load bed, at least one pair of load restraining devices, each device comprising a base mountable to a vehicle load bed, and adjustment means for adjusting the positon of the load restraining member relative to the base through movement of the load restraining member relative to the base, and releasable securing means for releasably securing the load restraining member to the base in a desired position.

The devices of the kit may, in particular, be the same as, or similar to, the devices of the system of the first aspect of the invention. In particular, the kit may include two pairs of the devices, as hereinbefore described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings,

FIGURE 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a load restraining system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 shows the load restraining system of Figure 1, mounted or fitted to a load bed of a wheeled vehicle in the form of a pick-up or light delivery van;

FIGURE 3 shows the fitted vehicle of Figure 2, with load restrained by its load restraining system;

FIGURE 4 shows a sectional view through IV-IV in Figure 1;

FIGURE 5 shows a three-dimensional view of part of a load restraining system according to a second embodiment of the invention, with a load restrained between a pair of its load restraining devices;

FIGURE 6 shows a three-dimensional view of a load restraining system according to a third embodiment of the invention, mounted or fitted to a pick-up or light delivery van; and

FIGURE 7 shows a side view of the fitted vehicle of Figure 6, with a load located on its load bed. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a load restraining system according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The system 10 includes two pairs (designated generally by reference numerals 12 and 14 respectively) of load restraining devices, each generally indicated by reference numeral 16.

The system 10 is mounted, in a fashion hereinafter described, to the load bed 18 of a pick-up van, generally indicated by reference numeral 20. The load bed 18 is defined by a rectangular load bed floor 22, a pair of spaced lateral sides 24, 26, a rear panel 28 of a vehicle cabin 30, and a tailgate 32.

The devices 16 of each pair 12, 14, share a common base in the form of parallel spaced transverse rails 34, which are mounted with clearance above the load bed floor 22 of the vehicle 20 by means of adjustable supports 36. The supports 36 of the rear pair 12 of devices 216 are length adjustable. Each of these supports 36 includes a first mounting member 38 having a free end which is attached to the load bed floor 22 and a second sleeve-like mounting member 40 which receives the upper end portion of the mounting member 38 telescopic fashion. Securing means (not shown) for securing the support or mounting members 38, 40 in a desired position relative to each other are also provided. Typically, the securing means may comprise a plurality of diametrically extending longitudinally spaced pairs of openings in the mounting member 38 and a corresponding pair of diametrically opposed openings in the mounting member 40, and a retaining pin for engaging aligned apertures in the mounting members 38, 40. If desired, suitable springs, for assisting movement of the mounting members 38, 40 relative to each other, may be provided inside the support member.

Each device 16 also includes a U- or horn-shaped load restraining member 42 to which is mounted a primary box, holder or housing 44. The load restraining member 42 / holder 44 combination is slidably mounted on the rails 34 by means of arcuate guide members 46. The guide members 46 may include guide wheels (not shown) to facilitate movement of the members 42 along the rails 34. Each device 16 also includes adjustment means for moving its load restraining member 42 relative to the rails 34 and for releasably securing its load restraining member 42 to the rails 34 in a desired position. The adjustment means includes a common threaded rod 48 located between the pairs of rails 34 and protected by cover plates 50. The end portions of the rod 48 are mounted to rotate in nut-like components or screw-type heads housed within the housing 44. Each device 44 includes actuating means, such as a crank handle (not shown) for actuating, i.e. rotating, the nut-like components. In this fashion, the devices 16 of each pair of the devices can be urged away from or towards each other. The restraining members 42 also serve to protect the housings 44 from damage. If necessary, secondary housings (not shown) can be provided in addition to the primary housing 44, with the secondary housings then typically being located below the primary housings.

The system 10 also includes two pairs of connecting rods 52 which extend longitudinally, i.e. in the direction of intended movement of the vehicle 20, and which pass through apertures in the limbs of the load restraining members 42, thereby connecting the two pairs of devices together and stabilizing the system. The connecting rods 52 can be removed, if desired.

It will be appreciated that the mounting members 36 of the front device pair 14 are of fixed length, i.e. their length is not adjustable.

In use, when it is desired to transport a load, generally indicated by reference numeral 53 on the load bed 18 of the vehicle 20, the load, which is typically in the form of lengths of lengths of sheeting 54 are located on the rails 34. The position of the devices 16 along their rails 34 is then adjusted as hereinbefore described, until the load is gripped firmly between the load restraining members 42 of the devices 16.

If desired, the rails 34 can be further bolstered by means of a hydraulic operated jack (not shown) located below the rails on the load bed floor.

Referring to Figure 5, reference numeral 100 generally indicates load restraining members of a load restraining system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The load restraining members 100 are similar to the load restraining members 16 hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, and hence similar components will be identified by similar reference numerals. However, each of the load restraining members 100 additionally includes a winding mechanism (not shown), housed within the housing 44 and actuated by means of a crank handle 102 protruding from the side of the housing, and a pair of belts 104 extending from the one device 100 to the other device 100.

In use, the belts 104 will be passed over pipes 106 to be held between the devices 100. As in the case of the devices 16, the devices 100 will be actuated so that their load restraining members 44 grip the pipes 106. However, the pipes will then additionally be secured in position by means of the belts 104 which will be tensioned, by turning the crank handles 102, thereby securing the pipes against both lateral and vertical movement. Instead, one belt can pass over the pipes 106 while the other passes under the pipes 106 (not shown). In other embodiments (not shown) the pipes 106 can be secured by means of a belt and winch arrangement or a belt and screw arrangement.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, reference numeral 150 generally indicates a load restraining system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Again, parts of the system 150 which are the same or similar to those of the system 10 hereinbefore described by reference to Figures 1 to 4, are indicated with the same reference numerals.

In the system 150, the connecting rods 52 are dispensed with. Instead, two pairs of shortened connecting rods 152, mounted only in the load restraining members 42 of the rearmost pair 12 of load restraining devices 16, are provided.

Additionally, in the system 150, the rearmost load restraining devices are not mounted on a pair of common rails; instead, the load restraining member 42 of each of the devices 16 is hingedly mounted to a component 156, a single vertical base member 154 which is fixed to the load bed floor 22. The inclination of the load restraining members 16, and hence the rods 52 relative to the load bed floor 22, can hence be varied, which can assist in transport of certain loads, as indicated most clearly in Figure 7. The system 150 can then include a restraining member, generally indicated by reference numeral 158 in Figure 7, by means of which the protruding or free ends of the poles 106 can be gripped and held against longitudinal displacement and secured to a component of the vehicle, e.g. to a tow hitch 160 of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A load restraining system, which includes at least one pair of load restraining devices, each device comprising a base mounted to a vehicle load bed, a load restraining member movable relative to the base, and adjustment means for adjusting the positon of the load restraining member relative to the base through movement of the load restraining member relative to the base.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein devices are aligned with each other on the load bed so that the distance between load restraining members of the two devices can be varied or adjusted by adjusting the position of the load restraining member of at least one of the devices relative to its base by means of the adjustment means, until the load restraining members are in a desired position relative to each other.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the devices of the, or each, pair of devices are aligned with each other such that the load restraining members face each other perpendicularly across a direction of intended movement of the load bed, with the load restraining members thus being movable relative to the base to reduce the distance between them while continuing to face each other.

4. The system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein two pairs of the devices are provided, the one pair located at or near a rear of the load bed and the other pair located at or near a front of the load bed.

5. The system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bases of the devices are such that the load restraining members of the devices are raised or elevated relative to a floor of the load bed.

6. The system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bases of the devices of at least one of the pairs of devices include length adjustable supports for adjusting the height at which the load restraining members of the devices are located above the load bed floor.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the adjustable supports each comprises a first mounting member attached to the load bed, a second mounting member slidable relative to the first mounting member for adjusting the height of the load restraining member of the device relative to the load bed, and securing means for securing the mounting members to one another at a desired relative position.

8. The system according to any of claims 1 to 7, which includes more than one pair of devices, and wherein at least one device of one of the pairs of devices is longitudinally aligned with at least one device of another pair of devices.

9. The system according to claim 8, which includes at least one connecting rod connecting the load restraining members of at least two longitudinally aligned devices of respective pairs of devices.

10. The system according to any of claims 1 to 9, which includes securing means for further securing a load gripped between the load restraining members of the device/s of the system.

11. A fitted vehicle, comprising

a wheeled vehicle having a load bed; and

a load restraining system according to any of claims 1 to 10, mounted to the load bed.

12. A load restraining kit for fitment to a vehicle load bed, which includes at least one pair of load restraining devices, each device comprising a base mountable to a vehicle load bed, and adjustment means for adjusting the positon of the load restraining mem ber relative to the base through movement of the load restraining member relative to the base, and releasable securing means for releasably securing the load restraining member to the base in a desired position.