Device for securing loads

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for securing cargo. This device comprises a securing device (12) by means of which a cargo (14) to be secured can be at least partially enclosed. This securing device (12) has at least two receiving devices (16) which are arranged spaced apart from one another in a predetermined clamping direction (18). Furthermore, the device for securing cargo has a clamping device (20) which is received in the at least two receiving devices (16). The securing device (12) can be subjected to a clamping force by reducing a distance (22) existing between the at least two receiving devices (16) in the clamping direction (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for securing loads and a method for securing a load.

[0002] Strapping has established itself as an efficient and cost-effective option for load securing. A load to be secured is bundled and / or lashed using strapping. To do this, the load to be secured is first completely enclosed by the strapping. The strapping is then tensioned using an external tool and secured in this state with the addition of clamps, sleeves, or seals, or alternatively by welding. This type of load securing has proven particularly effective for securing palletized goods. However, such strapping is only intended for single use. Therefore, the use of strapping generates a high amount of packaging waste. In addition to the purchase costs, the use of strapping also incurs not insignificant disposal costs.In addition, strapping intended for single use consumes resources and pollutes the environment with additional plastic waste. Lashing straps, on the other hand, offer a reusable alternative. Conventional lashing straps generally consist of a strap and an attached mechanical tensioning device, by means of which the strap can be subjected to a tensioning force. These tensioning devices are usually ratchets, such as long-lever ratchets or short-lever ratchets. Since these tensioning devices are usually permanently joined to the strap, they must be carried along when transporting the secured load. This means that the efficiency of transporting the secured load is impaired both by the weight of the tensioning devices, which are usually made of metal, and by the space they require.If, for example, a load arranged on a pallet is to be secured using a conventional tensioning strap, the tensioning device often protrudes beyond a base area of ​​the pallet that is completely covered by the load. This creates the risk that a palletized load will be damaged by parts of the conventional tensioning device. To avoid such damage, pallets are often arranged at a distance from one another. Although this can reduce the risk of damage to the load, it also means that the usually limited available loading space is not fully utilized. Furthermore, the spacing between the pallets can impair load securing due to a lack of form fit. For these reasons alone, the aforementioned strapping bands intended for single use are preferred to tensioning belts intended for multiple use.

[0003] The present invention is based on the object of providing a load securing device.

[0004] This object is achieved by a device for securing a load having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a method for securing a load having the features of the independent method claim.

[0005] The device for securing loads according to the invention has a securing device by means of which a load to be secured can be at least partially encompassed. Preferably, at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 75%, of a circumference of the load to be secured can be encompassed by the securing device. Expediently, a load arranged on a pallet can be encompassed by the securing device. This securing device has at least two receiving devices. The at least two receiving devices are arranged at a distance from one another in a provided tensioning direction. Expediently, the two receiving devices are arranged at a distance from one another in the provided tensioning direction when the load to be secured is at least partially encompassed. Advantageously, the at least two receiving devices are arranged at a distance from one another at a distance that can be changed in the tensioning direction.This makes it easy to reduce the distance. Furthermore, the at least two receiving devices are preferably arranged at a distance from one another without overlapping. In the context of the present invention, “without overlapping” is understood to mean that projections of the at least two receiving devices, viewed in a state intended for use and in a plane which extends substantially parallel to the intended clamping direction, do not overlap. The state intended for use relates both to a state in which a distance between the at least two receiving devices is reduced and to a state in which said distance is reduced. An overlap of the at least two receiving devices entails a distance that can only be changed to a limited extent and thus to a possibly limited clamping force.This can be avoided by means of an overlap-free arrangement.

[0006] Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises a clamping device. This is accommodated in at least two receiving devices. Furthermore, the securing device can be subjected to a clamping force by reducing a distance existing between the at least two receiving devices in the clamping direction. Preferably, the clamping device can be subjected to the clamping force by means of the clamping device. Particularly preferably, a distance existing in the clamping direction between the at least two receiving devices of the securing device can be reduced at least temporarily by means of the clamping device. Advantageously, said distance can initially be reduced by means of the clamping device and then maintained in this state. In this way, the securing device can be reliably subjected to a clamping force by means of the clamping device and / or a clamping force can be maintained.Preferably, the clamping device and the securing device are each designed separately. Furthermore, it is proposed that the clamping device and the at least two receiving devices be designed to be coordinated with one another such that the clamping device can be received in each of the at least two receiving devices.

[0007] The device allows for securing a load in a simple and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the device can provide durable and reliable load securing. Furthermore, various tensioning devices can be combined with various securing devices as needed.

[0008] In a preferred application, the clamping device is designed for single use. This allows for easy handling of the device. The securing device can also be designed for multiple use. In a suitable combination, this makes it possible to combine the advantages of a clamping device designed for single use with the advantages of a securing device designed for multiple use in order to overcome the disadvantages that arise with separate use. For example, this can keep the need for consumables to a minimum. Furthermore, resources can be conserved and disposal costs can be saved. Furthermore, securing devices with a long service life and high stability can be used with easy-to-handle and space-saving clamping devices.

[0009] The securing device is preferably made of a plastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the securing device can be made of a textile material. A textile-plastic material is advantageously provided. This allows for a lightweight and space-saving securing device. Furthermore, the securing device can be easily handled. Furthermore, the securing device can be flexibly adapted to the external geometry of the load to be secured.

[0010] Particularly preferably, at least one strap is provided as the securing device. This allows for the simple use of already classified and / or certified straps for load securing. In particular, straps that are already used in conventional tensioning straps can be used.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, pallet packaging can be provided as a securing device. For example, the pallet packaging is a pallet belt or a pallet hood. Preferably, the pallet packaging is pallet packaging intended for multiple use. Particularly preferably, the pallet packaging is pallet packaging of the type described in more detail in patent specification DE 10 2022 103 834 B3. This makes it possible to combine easy-to-handle load securing with protection of a load arranged on a pallet. In particular, the at least two receiving devices of the securing device can be integrated into the pallet packaging. The pallet packaging can thus be used as a securing device. This makes additional load securing elements, such as a strap, unnecessary.Furthermore, this allows for efficient and safe use of pallet packaging intended for multiple use. It can also speed up the load securing process.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least two receiving devices is provided with an opening that is usually partially delimited by the securing device. This allows the tensioning device to be easily and securely received. Furthermore, the tensioning device can be engaged with the securing device in a cost-effective manner. In individual applications, effective load securing can thus be provided by simply modifying a webbing strap.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, a loop, a tab, or a ring can be provided as at least one of the at least two receiving devices. This allows for a wide range of applications for the device.

[0014] Furthermore, at least one of the at least two receiving devices is advantageously reinforced. Preferably, an edge of said opening is reinforced. This allows the receiving device to be subjected to high clamping forces. High load-bearing capacity can thus be achieved in a simple manner. Particularly preferably, the edge of said opening is reinforced relative to a material of the securing device surrounding the respective receiving device. Said edge can be reinforced using a plastic or a metal.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least two receiving devices is reinforced by means of an eyelet. In particular, the edge of the opening is reinforced by means of an eyelet. Tearing and / or fraying of a receiving device of the securing device can be prevented in this way. As a result, the safety device's wear and tear can be delayed. This leads to an increased service life of the securing device, which can potentially save costs and resources.

[0016] In a further advantageous development, a strap is provided as the tensioning device. Particularly preferably, the strap is a separate strap. In particular, it is designed separately from the securing device. Expediently, the securing device can be subjected to a tensioning force by means of the strap. External tools can be used for this purpose. This makes it easy to dispense with the need to carry tensioning devices during transport of the load to be secured. In particular, this makes it possible to dispense with the need to carry long-lever ratchets or short-lever ratchets provided with conventional tensioning straps. This allows lightweight and space-saving load securing to be achieved. In the preferred application, this way a loading area of ​​the order of magnitude that corresponds at least to the size of a standard pallet area can be released.This means that the essentially limited loading space available in a vehicle can be used to its full potential.

[0017] Preferably, the strap is designed as a plastic strap. Alternatively or additionally, the strap can be designed as a textile strap. The textile strap can be made at least partially of a plastic material. Such straps offer high holding power while being lightweight.

[0018] Preferably, the band is a strapping band or a cable tie. Both strapping bands and cable ties are inexpensive and available in a wide variety of designs. In addition, materials and tools for using strapping bands are often already available. Furthermore, the intended use of the strapping band can be limited to relatively short sections. A strapping band that completely encloses the load to be secured can therefore be dispensed with. This way, the resulting packaging waste and the associated costs can be kept to a minimum. Despite everything, the mostly familiar handling of strapping bands and / or cable ties can provide a simple and efficient process for securing a load. In addition, this can ensure a high level of reliability of the device.Furthermore, the space occupied by the clamping device can be minimized.

[0019] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that different sections of the tensioning device are connected in a tensioned state of the securing device by means of a snap connection, a clamp connection, or a materially bonded connection. Preferably, the two different sections are connected to one another by welding. A tensioned state of the securing device created by means of the tensioning device can thus be easily maintained. This allows for resilient and reliable load security. If strapping bands are used, a conventional connection type can be used by means of welding. Additional clamp or snap connections can be dispensed with in preferred applications. This makes it possible to provide a weight- and space-saving device.

[0020] The method according to the invention can be carried out by means of the device according to the invention.

[0021] The method according to the invention provides that a tensioning device designed as a separate strap is received in at least two receiving devices of the securing device, which are arranged at a distance from one another in a predetermined tensioning direction. The said separate strap is in particular a strap of the type described in connection with the device. The strap is preferably intended for single use. The separate strap is in particular designed separately from the securing device. The securing device is preferably a securing device of the type previously described in connection with the device. Expediently, the load to be secured is at least partially enclosed by the securing device. Advantageously, the at least two receiving devices are arranged at a distance from one another that can be varied in the tensioning direction.It is further proposed that the at least two receiving devices are arranged without overlapping.

[0022] Furthermore, the method according to the invention provides that the securing device is subjected to a tensioning force for the purpose of securing the load by means of the separate strap. Particularly preferably, the securing device is subjected to the tensioning force for the purpose of securing the load by means of a strap designed separately from the securing device. The tensioning force can be generated manually or with the aid of external tools acting on the strap.

[0023] The method can be used to provide a quickly implemented securing process. Furthermore, stable and reliable load securing can be achieved. Lashing and / or tensioning devices such as ratchets or buckles remaining on the securing device can be dispensed with. This makes it possible to secure the load in a space-saving manner. This increases load density in a cargo space. Furthermore, load securing can be achieved safely using positive locking. The risk of local damage to a load being secured or to an adjacent load caused by conventional tensioning devices can be prevented. Furthermore, the securing device can be prevented from becoming obsolete due to damaged or worn-out mechanics.

[0024] Preferably, a strapping band or a cable tie is used as the band, which applies the tensioning force to the securing device. Strapping bands or cable ties offer ease of handling. Strapping bands, along with the necessary tools, that are often already available for packaging or load securing can be used cost-effectively. Furthermore, a familiar and established operational process can be maintained and accelerated. Thus, quick and uncomplicated load securing can be achieved in this way.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the securing device is subjected to a tensioning force for the purpose of load securing by reducing the distance between the at least two receiving devices by bringing two sections of the strap together. The tensioning force can thus be provided by an external tool or manually. Carrying the external tool is not necessary.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the strap is fixed in a state that applies tension to the securing device. By fixing this state, a stable and reliable load securing device can be created quickly and cost-effectively.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the band is secured by connecting two different sections of the band. This allows for a space-saving connection of the band.

[0028] Preferably, the two different sections are connected to one another by means of a snap-in connection, a clamp connection, or a material-to-material connection. Particularly preferably, the two different sections are connected to one another by means of a welded connection. The connection of the two different sections of the strap can thus be carried out in a manner that is already familiar to the user. Existing operating procedures can thus be retained. The method described here can therefore be easily and flexibly integrated into existing operating procedures. Existing tools and / or materials for the purpose of producing clamp and / or weld connections in connection with strapping can be used without additional effort. A restructuring of operating procedures can be avoided.Furthermore, workers can secure cargo for transport in a familiar way. This provides a cost-effective and time-efficient method for securing cargo.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures. Where appropriate, elements with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures - not even with regard to functional features. The previous description as well as the following description of the figures contain numerous features, some of which are summarized in the dependent claims. However, a person skilled in the art will also consider these features, as well as all other features disclosed above and in the following description of the figures, individually and combine them to form further useful combinations. In particular, all of the features mentioned can be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the method, use and device according to the invention.

[0030] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a load arranged on a pallet, which is secured by means of an embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a front view of the embodiment of the device for securing loads according to the invention in a schematic representation; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of the embodiment of the device for securing loads according to the invention in a sectional representation; Fig. 4 a schematic illustration of an example of the method according to the invention for securing the load.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a load 14 arranged on a pallet 28, which is secured by means of several devices 10 for the purpose of transport.

[0032] In the presently described embodiment, the load 14 arranged on the pallet 28 is protected from external influences by a pallet wrap 30. This pallet wrap 30 is, for example, a pallet wrap intended for multiple use. Preferably, the pallet wrap 30 is a pallet wrap of the type described in patent DE 10 2022 103 834 B3 or a reusable pallet cover.

[0033] The pallet packaging 30 and the load 14 are secured in this case by means of a plurality of devices 10. For example, each of the plurality of devices 10 has a securing device 12 designed as a strap 12, which surrounds the load 14 arranged on the pallet 28 in a circumferential direction. The strap 12 is expediently intended for multiple use. For example, the straps 12 each encompass at least 75% of a circumference of the load 14. These straps 12 can have different widths according to an intended requirement. The straps 12 are designed here as straps made of a textile plastic material, as used in conventional tensioning straps. Furthermore, the straps 12 are each formed as a single piece.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, instead of the straps 12 or in addition to the straps 12, the pallet packaging 30 can be provided as a securing device 12. Preferably, a pallet packaging 30 made of textile material intended for multiple use is used. This makes it possible to at least partially dispense with the straps 12 provided by way of example.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the device 10 for securing the load 14 in a schematic front view. Two free end sections of a belt strap 12 of the several in Fig. 1 shown as an example devices 10.

[0036] In the present case, one of two receiving devices 16 is arranged at each of these two free ends of the webbing 12. In this way, the two receiving devices 16 are arranged at a distance from one another in a provided tensioning direction 18. These two receiving devices 16 are arranged without overlapping. As a result, the webbing 12 can be subjected to a high tensioning force without being limited by a distance 22 between the receiving devices 16. Such a receiving device 16 can, for example, be a loop, a tab, or an opening delimited by the webbing 12. In the present exemplary embodiment, the two receiving devices 16 are each designed as an opening delimited by the webbing 12. The webbing 12 therefore forms an edge 24 of each of the aforementioned receiving devices 16. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment described here, this edge 24 is reinforced by means of an eyelet 26.This makes it easy to increase the service life of the device 10.

[0037] Furthermore, the device 10 has a tensioning device 20. By means of the tensioning device 20, the belt strap 12 can be subjected to a tensioning force in the tensioning direction 18. For this purpose, the tensioning device 20 and the two receiving devices 16 are coordinated with one another in such a way that the tensioning device 20 can be received in the two receiving devices 16.

[0038] In Fig. 3 is this in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described embodiment of the device 10 is shown schematically in a side view cut through the receiving devices 16.

[0039] Furthermore, Fig. 3, that by means of the tensioning device 20, a distance 22 between the two receiving devices 16 can be reduced in the tensioning direction 18. By way of example, the tensioning device 20 is designed as a separate band intended for single use. This band is received in the two receiving devices 16 in such a way that a circumference of the band extends through them. Preferably, the band is a strapping band or a cable tie. In the present exemplary embodiment, the distance 22 between the two receiving devices 16 in the tensioning direction 18 can be reduced by means of the band provided as the tensioning device 20. In this way, the belt webbing 12 is subjected to a tensioning force in the tensioning direction 18.To maintain this tensioning force, the present embodiment provides for different sections of the band provided as tensioning device 20 to be connected to one another when the belt webbing 12 is tensioned. If a cable tie is used as tensioning device 20, the two different sections are connected to one another by means of a snap connection typically provided with cable ties. Alternatively, if a strapping band is used as tensioning device 20, the different sections can be connected to one another either by a clamp connection or by welding.

[0040] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a method 100 for securing the exemplary Fig. 1. For the purpose of simplified illustration, the presently described example of the method 100 is exemplified by means of the method described in connection with the Fig. 1 to 3 described embodiment of the device 10.

[0041] The example of the method 100 initially provides that the load 14 to be secured is at least partially encompassed 102 by means of the belt strap 12 provided as the securing device 12. Furthermore, the securing device 12 is subjected to the tensioning force in the tensioning direction 18 by means of the separate strap provided as the tensioning device 20 104. Alternatively or additionally, a pallet packaging 30 of the type described in connection with Fig. 1.

[0042] In a preferred variant of the example of the method 100, a strapping band or a cable tie is provided as the separate band, by means of which the securing device 12 is subjected to the tensioning force 104. The said tensioning force is generated by reducing 106 the distance 22 between the two receiving devices 16 in the tensioning direction 18. In the present case, this is achieved by first receiving 112 the strapping band provided as the tensioning device 20 or the cable tie provided as the tensioning device 20 into the receiving devices 16 of the securing device 12, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the tensioning direction 18. Subsequently, two sections of the tensioning device 20, i.e. two sections of a cable tie or a strapping band, are brought together. The tensioning force can be provided either by an external tool or manually.Furthermore, it is provided that the tensioning device 20, designed as a strapping band or cable tie, is fixed 108 in a state in which the securing device 12 is subjected to the tensioning force. As a result, the reduced distance 22 between the two receiving devices 16 is maintained by means of the tensioning device 20. In order to fix the cable tie 108, a snap-in connection, which is customary for cable ties, is provided. In order to fix the strapping band 108, two different sections of the strapping band are connected to one another 110 in a manner known to those skilled in the art by means of a clamping connection or a welded connection. In this way, the packaging waste caused by the cable ties or the strapping band and the associated costs can be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, in this way, an easy-to-handle and space-saving load securing device can be provided. In particular, the need to carry tensioning devices can be dispensed with.The available cargo space for transport purposes can be utilized efficiently and effectively. This allows both load securing and logistics processes to be optimized.

[0043] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in connection with the figures, it is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols 10 Device 12 Safety device / webbing 14 cargo 16 Mounting device 18 Clamping direction 20 clamping device 22 distance 24 Rand 26 eyelet 28 pallets 30 pallet packaging 100 procedures 102 include 104 apply 106 reduce 108 fix Connect 110 Record 112 QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 103 834 B3 [0011, 0032]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for securing loads - comprising a securing device (12) by means of which a load (14) to be secured can be at least partially encompassed; - wherein the securing device (12) has at least two receiving devices (16) which are arranged spaced apart from one another in an intended clamping direction (18); - wherein the device for securing loads comprises a tensioning device (20) which is received in the at least two receiving devices (16); - the securing device (12) can be subjected to a clamping force by reducing a distance (22) existing between the at least two receiving devices (16) in the clamping direction (18). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the securing device (12) is formed from a plastic material or a textile material, preferably a textile plastic material. [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that at least one belt strap is provided as a securing device (12). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an opening at least partially delimited by the securing device (12) is provided as at least one of the at least two receiving devices (16). [5] Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that an edge (24) of the opening is reinforced. [6] Device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that an edge (24) of the opening is reinforced by means of an eyelet (26). [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a band, in particular a separate band, is provided as the tensioning device (20), which is preferably designed as a plastic band or a textile band. [8] Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the tape is a strapping tape or a cable tie. [9] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that different sections of the tensioning device (20) are connected to one another in a tensioned state of the securing device (12) by means of a snap-in connection, a clamping connection or a material connection, in particular by means of welding. [10] Method (100) for securing a load (14), in which - a tensioning device (20) designed as a separate band is received (112) in at least two receiving devices (16) of the securing device (12) arranged spaced apart from one another in an intended tensioning direction (18); - the securing device (12) is subjected to a tensioning force by means of the separate strap (104) for the purpose of securing the load. [11] Method (100) according to claim 10, wherein a strapping band or a cable tie is provided as the band, by means of which the securing device (12) is subjected to the tensioning force (104). [12] Method (100) according to one of claims 10 to 11, in which the securing device (12) is subjected to a tensioning force for the purpose of securing the load (104) by reducing a distance (22) between the at least two receiving devices (16) by bringing two sections of the band together (106). [13] Method (100) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the band is fixed (108) in a state in which the securing device (12) is subjected to the tensioning force. [14] Method (100) according to claim 13, wherein the band is fixed (108) by joining two different sections of the band together (110). [15] Method (100) according to claim 14, wherein the two different sections are connected to one another by means of a snap-in connection, a clamping connection or a material connection, in particular a welded connection (110).

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