Multi-positional flat hook bracket

Abstract

A multi-positional flat hook bracket for cargo securement is provided. The bracket allows for the securement of tie-down flat hooks in such a way as to conform to the recent regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Namely, the tie-down will stay inboard of the trailer's rub rails, and any loss in tension to the tie-downs will not result in the flat hook coming loose.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention generally relates to the field of commercial trucking. In particular, the present invention relates to cargo securement. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for securing tie-down flat hooks to flatbed trailers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) promulgated new regulations for cargo securement. According to these regulations, “all tie-downs and other components of a cargo securement system used to secure loads on a trailer equipped with rub rails, must be located inboard of the rub rails whenever practicable.” 49 CFR § 393.104(f)(4). Furthermore, such tie-downs “must be attached and secured in a manner that prevents it from becoming loose, unfastening, opening or releasing while the vehicle is in transit.” 49 CFR § 393.104(f)(3). [0003] A common method of securing cargo to flatbed trailers involves placing winches which house cargo tie-downs, or str...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a multi-positional flat hook bracket for securely attaching cargo tie-downs to flatbed trailers. The bracket allows for the attachment of tie-down flat hooks and conforms to applicable regulations. It is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and has no moving parts. The bracket can be placed anywhere along the side of the trailer to mirror the winch and receive the tie-down flat hook. The bracket can be modified and variations can be made without changing the main idea. The technical effects of the invention are improved cargo security and efficiency in trailer transportation."

Problems solved by technology

Many of the current means for connecting the tie-down flat hooks to the trailer do not conform to the new FMCSA regulations.

This method fails to conform to the applicable cargo securement regulations because the cargo securement system is not located inboard of the rub rail.

If the vehicle overturns, the flat hook could come loose or the tie-down could sever due to abrasion forces.

Furthermore, if the tie-down tension is lost, the flat hook would come loose.

While this method would prevent the tie-down from becoming loose upon a loss of tension in the tie-down, the flat hook is located outside of the rub rail in violation of the applicable regulations.

This method keeps the tie-downs inboard of the rub rails, however, if the tie-downs lose tension, the winch flat hook would come loose.

Other devices which have addressed these concerns are expensive, difficult to manufacture, and may contain moving parts which could lead to failure of the device.

For example, in addition to being extremely expensive and difficult to manufacture, the Glidelock bracket, manufactured by Ancra International, requires the use of a latch to prevent the tie-down flat hook from coming loose.

Furthermore, the PortaAnchor, manufactured by Hugg Manufacturing, Inc., is expensive and appears difficult to manufacture.

Images