Load restraining device

Abstract

A load restraining device that provides a system in which straps extending from one side of a web strap arrangement initially run parallel to the wall to which they are connected, as opposed to extending perpendicular to the wall as in the prior art. The anchor itself is a horizontal wall member running longitudinally along the wall of the railcar or trailer. An adjustable anchor is used to permit moving the attachment point several inches to allow for load variations. The attachment of the web strap arrangement is normally 14″ to 18″ behind the face of the load. Unlike previous systems, this provision of anchor points behind the load effectively “encapsulates” the load rather than merely providing a bulkhead effect.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 280,348 filed Oct. 25, 2002, currently allowed, which claimed priority based on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 343,106 filed Oct. 25, 2001 and entitled “LOAD RESTRAINING DEVICE.”BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to securement of loads and in particular to securement of loads for transport by railcar, and is more particularly directed toward a system for restraining loads in box cars or other transportation vehicles by use of a web strap net and ratchets. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Loads being transported generally require some type of restraint system in order to prevent damage to both the load and the transportation vehicle. Loads on rail cars need to be restrained from shifting under the various loads imposed by draft, buff, and rocking of the car. [0006] For particular types of loads, such as large ro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Along the wall opposite the “fixed” anchors is a series of ratchets mounted on the wall horizontally and parallel to the wall. The ratchets may be mounted either permanently or in such a way as to allow easy removal by unscrewing, unbolting or tack weld cutting. Damaged ratchets can thus be removed easily for repair or replacement, if needed.

[0015] Using a web strap netting that starts behind the load instead of the traditional “straight across” method allows the web strap net to pull the load toward the center of the railcar or trailer to prevent load shift. “Behind the load” securement allows load-shifting forces to be taken down the length of the car instead of across the car. This eliminates the potential to pull car walls in. It also keeps the load centered in the car, and thus eliminates the need for center void fillers.

[0016] An alternative embodiment utilizing multiple restraining net portions and flush-mounted anchors is also described. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a load restraining system adapted for installation in a cargo transportation vehicle comprises a cargo restraining net including horizontal and vertical strap elements attached at their intersections, and an extension portion proximate an upper edge, the extension portion adapted to engage with one or more corners of a cargo being restrained, a plurality of anchors affixed to a first sidewall of the transportation vehicle, a plurality of strap adjustment mechanisms affixed to an opposing sidewall of the transportation vehicle, a first plurality of web straps extending from a first side of the cargo restraining net and affixed to the plurality of anchors, and a second plurality of web straps extending from a second side of the cargo restraining net and engaged with the plurality of strap adjustment mechanisms. The cargo restraining net firmly restrains the cargo when the strap adjustment mechanisms apply tension to the web straps, each of the first and second plurality of web straps extending from the cargo restraining net to the anchors and strap adjustment mechanisms is substantially parallel to the first and second sidewalls of the transportation vehicle, and the extension portion of the cargo restraining net engages the corners of the cargo to prevent horizontal strap damage to cargo corners.

Problems solved by technology

This bulkhead approach has become less popular in recent years due to high maintenance.

A bulkhead unit will frequently fail because the unit ceases to roll well, or fails to lock properly.

There is also a safety concern, since bulkheads can disengage from the top track and fall, causing injury or death to workers, and damage to railcars and cargoes.

This system has a number of disadvantages, among which are an inherent “cross-car” load distribution that has a tendency to pull car walls in.

In addition, the bulkhead web is not easily positioned or adjusted to prevent undesired load shift.

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