Load spacer

Abstract

A load spacer 10 comprises a first support 12 for placement on a first load, a second support 24 for placement on a second load, and an extendable member 36 spanning between the first and second suppo

Description

The present invention relates to a load spacer, for example for separating loads which are being transported on a platform such as a vehicle or trailer platform. Load spacers are often used to prevent loads from coming into contact with each other when being transported on vehicle or trailer platforms. Load spacers may, for example, take the form of packing blocks which are placed between the loads. However, such packing blocks typically come in a limited range of sizes, and it is not always possible to separate variously sized loads appropriately on a given platform using the packing blocks available. To address this issue, it is known to provide extendable load spacers, for example having contact plates separated by concentrically arranged threaded parts. Relative rotation of the threaded parts will cause the contact plates to move towards or away from each other. However, such extendable load spacers can be cumbersome to deploy and difficult to keep in place. Separately from load spacers, edge protectors are often used to protect the edges of loads when secured to platforms. Typically, a pair of edge protectors are positioned on opposite sides of the load, with a first plate of each edge protector contacting a vertical side face of the load and a perpendicular second plate of the edge protector contacting a horizontal top face of the load. A tethering strap, such as a webbing strap, is then attached at one side of the platform, passed up and over the first edge protector, passed across the load, passed over and down the second edge protector, and then attached at the opposite side of the platform so as to secure the load. The tethering strap may then be tightened, 29 09 23 for example with a ratchet. Such edge protectors accordingly protect the edges of the load from being damaged by the downward restraining force exerted by the tethering strap. However, such edge protectors typically are used to secure contiguous loads and are not used to separate loads from one another. 5          It is therefore desired to provide improved arrangements for separating loads. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a load spacer comprising: a first support for placement on a first load; a second support for placement on a second load; and an extendable member spanning between 10 the first support and the second support, wherein each support comprises first and second retaining structures for retaining a tethering strap laterally therebetween. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of separating loads using a load spacer as described herein in any aspect 15 or embodiment, the method comprising: placing the first support on a first load; placing the second support on a second load; and adjusting the extendable member such that the load spacer spans between the loads. As will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention can allow a load spacer to be readily deployed and retained in place. In particular, by placing 20 first and second supports on the first and second loads respectively, the load spacer can be prevented from dropping down into the gap between the loads. In embodiments, each support may comprise an edge protector for placement on an edge of the load. However, in other embodiments, each support may have the general shape of an edge protector but without actually being an 29 09 23 edge protector per se. Each support may comprise a first plate for contacting a first (e.g. top and / or horizontal) surface of the load and a second plate for contacting a second (e.g. side and / or vertical) surface of the load. The first plate may be substantially perpendicular to the second plate. These embodiments can 5 allow the supports to be used with cuboid loads. The first and second plates may be joined at an interface. The interface between the first and second plates may comprise a channel which is configured not to contact the load. These embodiments can help to protect the edge of the load from damage caused by a restraining and / or separating force. 10          As discussed above, each support (e.g. the first plate and / or the second plate thereof) comprises first and second retaining structures for retaining a tethering strap laterally therebetween. The first and second retaining structures may comprise first and second wall structures. The first and second retaining structures may extend substantially parallel to one another. By providing first and 15 second retaining structures on the supports, a tethering strap can be prevented from slipping laterally off the supports. This can allow the loads to be secured in a more reliable manner using a tethering strap that spans between both supports. As will be discussed in more detail below, the length of the extendable member may be adjusted (e.g. extended and / or retracted) in situ when the load 20 spacer is between and / or placed on the loads. Furthermore, the length of the extendable member may be adjusted (e.g. extended and / or retracted) without rotation of the first support and / or without rotation of the second support. This can greatly facilitate deployment of the load spacer. 29 09 23 ln embodiments, the extendable member may comprise first and second shafts. The first shaft may be coupled to the first support and the second shaft may be coupled to the second support. The first and second shafts may be concentrically arranged. The second shaft may be received within the first shaft, 5 or vice versa. The first and second shafts may be threadingly engaged. The second shaft may have an outer thread and the first shaft may have an inner thread, or vice versa. Relative rotation of the first and second shafts may cause the length of the extendable member to be adjusted (e.g. increased and / or decreased). Thus, relative rotation of the first and second shafts may cause the 10 first and second supports to move towards or away from each other. Relative rotation of the first and second shafts may be selectively preventable, e.g. once the desired adjustment (e.g. extension and / or retraction) has been made. For example, a locking nut may be provided on an outer thread of the second shaft, the locking nut selectively preventing relative rotation by abutting an end of the 15 first shaft, or vice versa. In embodiments, a first end of the first shaft may be seated in a first mount. The first end of the shaft may be configured to rotate within the first mount. For example, the first end of the first shaft may be circular to allow rotation within the first mount. The first mount may have a corresponding (e.g. substantially circular) 20 recess for receiving the first end of the first shaft. This can allow the extendable member to be adjusted, for example in situ, without rotation of the first mount and / or first support. Rotation of the first end of the first shaft within the first mount may be selectively preventable, e.g. once the desired adjustment (e.g. extension or retraction) has been made. For example, a locking nut may be provided on an 29 09 23 outer threaded portion of the first end of the first shaft, the locking nut selectively preventing rotation of the first end of the first shaft within the first mount. The first shaft may be coupled to the first mount by passing a second end of the first shaft through a retention plate and securing that retention plate to the first mount, for 5 example with one or more mechanical fasteners such as one or more screws or bolts. The first end of the first shaft may have a flange which prevents the first shaft from passing all the way through the retention plate of the first mount. The first mount (and, e.g., its retention plate) may be (e.g. irrotationally) coupled to the first support, for example with one or more mechanical fasteners such as one 10 or more screws or bolts. The first mount (and, e.g., its retention plate) may sit between the first and second retaining structures of the first support. These embodiments can provide for a more secure (e.g. irrotational) arrangement. Similarly, in embodiments, a first end of the second shaft may be seated in a second mount. However, the first end of the second shaft may be configured 15 not to rotate within the second mount. For example, the first end of the second shaft may have one or more radially projecting elements that prevent rotation relative to the second mount. The second mount may have a corresponding recess (e.g. with one or more blocking structures such as notches) for receiving the one or more radially projecting elements. This can prevent the second shaft 20 of the extendable member from rotating together with the first shaft, and thus can allow the first shaft to be rotated relative to the second shaft. Again, this can allow the extendable member to be adjusted, for example in situ, without rotation of the second mount and / or second support. The second shaft may be coupled to the second mount by passing a second end of the second shaft through a retention 29 09 23 plate and securing that retention plate to the second mount, for example with one or more mechanical fasteners such as one or more screws or bolts. The second end of the second shaft may have a flange which prevents the second shaft from passing all the way through the retention plate of the second mount. The one or 5 more radially projecting elements may be provided on the flange of the first end of the second shaft. The second mount (and, e.g., its retention plate) may be (e.g. irrotationally) coupled to the second support, for example with one or more mechanical fasteners such as one or more screws or bolts. The second retention plate (and, e.g., its retention plate) may sit between the first and second retaining 10 structures of the second support. Again, these embodiments can provide for a more secure (e.g. irrotational) arrangement. In embodiments, the second mount (and, e.g., its retention plate) may be substantially identical to the first mount (and, e.g., its retention plate). For example, each mount may comprise a circular recess as discussed in respect of 15 the first mount but may also have one or more blocking structures as discussed in respect of the second mount. This can allow such mounts to be used at either end of the extendable member. In embodiments, each support, shaft, mount, retaining plate and / or locking nut, etc., may respectively be of unitary construction. Each support, shaft, mount, 20 retaining plate and / or locking nut, etc., may respectively be formed of polymeric (e.g. moulded) material. These embodiments can help to provide a load spacer which is robust, lightweight, and easy to manufacture. In embodiments, the method may comprise placing the load spacer on the loads using a pole. The pole may have an (e.g. removable) tool configured for 29 09 23 attachment to the extendable member or for attachment to one or both of the supports. These embodiments can facilitate use of the load spacer with high loads. The method may comprise passing a tethering strap over the first and second supports (and, e.g., between the first and second retaining structures of 5 each support). The method may comprise attaching one or both ends of the tethering strap to a platform, such as a vehicle or trailer platform. The method may further comprise operating one or more ratchets for the tethering strap to tighten the tethering strap. As will be appreciated, the method may be performed in respect of plural load spacers as described herein in any aspect or 10 embodiment. By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a load spacer according to an 15 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the load spacer of Figure 1 in a retracted configuration; Figure 3 is a side view of the load spacer of Figure 1 in an extended configuration; 20          Figure 4 shows a first shaft and first mount of the load spacer of Figure 1 in greater detail; and Figure 5 shows a second shaft and second mount of the load spacer of Figure 1 in greater detail. 29 09 23 Figures 1-3 show a load spacer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The load spacer 10 comprises a first support in the form of a first edge protector 12 for placement on an edge of a first load 80. The first edge protector 12 comprises a first plate 14 for contacting a horizontal top surface of 5 the first load 80 and a perpendicular second plate 16 for contacting a vertical side surface of the first load 80. The first plate 14 has first and second parallel retaining walls 18, 20 for retaining a tethering strap laterally therebetween. The retaining walls 18, 20 also extend onto the second plate 16. The interface between the first and second plates 14, 16 comprises a channel 22 which is provided so as to 10 reduce edge damage by not contacting the first load 80. The load spacer 10 also comprises a second support in the form of a second edge protector 24 for placement on an edge of a second load 82. As with the first edge protector 12, the second edge protector 24 comprises a first plate 26 for contacting a horizontal top surface of the second load 82 and a perpendicular second plate 28 for 15 contacting a vertical side surface of the second load 82. The first plate 26 again comprises first and second parallel retaining walls 30,32 for retaining the tethering strap laterally therebetween. Again, the retaining walls 30,32 extend onto the second plate 28. The interface between the first and second plates 26, 28 again comprises a channel 34 which is provided so as to reduce edge damage by not 20 contacting the second load 82. The load spacer 10 also comprises an extendable member 36 spanning between the first edge protector 12 and the second edge protector 24. The extendable member 36 comprises a first shaft 38 rotationally coupled to the first edge protector 12 via a first mount 40. The first mount 40 is seated between the retaining walls 18,20 on the second plate 16. Referring also 29 09 23 now to Figure 4, a circular first end 58 of the first shaft 38 is held within a circular recess 60 of the first mount 40 by passing a second end 64 of the first shaft 38 through a retaining plate 42 and then securing that retaining plate 42 to the first mount 40 and first edge protector 12 with screws 46. The first end 58 of the first 5 shaft 38 has a flange to prevent that end 58 from passing through the aperture in the retaining plate 42. A locking nut 44 is then provided on a threaded portion 62 of the first shaft 38. The locking nut 44 can be used selectively to prevent rotation of the first shaft 38 within the first mount 40 by pressing the first end 58 tightly against the retaining plate 42. As is shown in Figure 4, the first shaft 38 also has 10 a threaded bore 66. Referring again to Figures 1-3, the extendable member 36 further comprises a second shaft 48 irrotationally coupled to the second edge protector 24 via a second mount 50. Again, the second mount 50 is seated between the retaining walls 30,32 on the second plate 28. Referring also now to Figure 5, a first end 68 of the second shaft 48 is held within a recess 70 of the 15 second mount 50 by passing a second end 76 of the second shaft 48 through a retaining plate 52 and then securing that retaining plate 52 to the second mount 50 and second edge protector 24 with screws 56. The first end 68 of the second shaft 48 again has a flange to prevent that end from passing through the aperture in the retaining plate 52. Radially projecting elements 72 are also provided on the 20 first end 68 of the second shaft 48, which engage with blocking notches 74 to prevent rotation of the second shaft 48 within the second mount 50. In this embodiment, the first and second mounts 40, 50 are identical and the first and second retaining plates 42, 52 are identical to allow those components to be used at either end. The second shaft 48 also has an outer thread which is received 29 09 23 within the threaded bore 66 of the first shaft 38. Before being inserted into the threaded bore 66, a locking nut 54 is provided on the second shaft 48. The locking nut 54 can be used selectively to prevent rotation of the first shaft 38 relative to the second shaft 48 by frictional engagement with the second end 64 of the first 5 shaft 38, and thereby prevent inadvertent adjustment of the length of the extendable member 36. Figure 2 shows the load spacer 10 in a retracted configuration prior to being deployed and Figure 3 shows the load spacer 10 in an extended configuration in use when separating first and second loads 80, 82. In order to move between these configurations, the locking nuts 44 and 54 are 10 loosened, the first shaft 38 is then rotated relative to the second shaft 48, and the locking nuts 44 and 54 are then tightened again. This allows the length of the extendable member 36 to be selectively adjusted in situ without rotation of the edge protectors 12, 24.

Claims

1. A load spacer comprising: a first support for placement on a first load; a second support for placement on a second load; and an extendable member spanning between the first support and the second support, wherein each support5 comprises first and second retaining structures for retaining a tethering strap laterally therebetween.

2. A load spacer as claimed in claim 1, wherein each support comprises a first plate for contacting a first surface of the load and a second plate for contacting a second surface of the load.10   3. A load spacer as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first plate is substantiallyperpendicular to the second plate.

4. A load spacer as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first and second retaining structures comprise first and second wall structures.

5. A load spacer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the15 first and second retaining structures extend substantially parallel to one another.

6. A load spacer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the extendable member is adjustable in situ when the load spacer is between and / or placed on the loads.

7. A load spacer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 20 extendable member comprises first and second shafts.

8. A load spacer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and second shafts are concentrically arranged.

9. A load spacer as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the second shaft is received within the first shaft.29 09 2310. A load spacer as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the first and second shafts are threadingly engaged.

11. A load spacer as claimed in any one of claims 7-10, wherein relative rotation of the first and second shafts is selectively preventable.5   12. A load spacer as claimed in any one of claims 7-11, wherein a locking nutis provided on an outer thread of the second shaft, the locking nut selectively preventing relative rotation by abutting an end of the first shaft.

13. A load spacer as claimed in any one of claims 7-12, wherein a first end of the first shaft is seated in a first mount.1 o   14. A load spacer as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first end of the first shaftis configured to rotate within the first mount.

15. A load spacer as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein rotation of the first endof the first shaft relative to the first mount is selectively preventable.

16. A load spacer as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein a locking nut is15 provided on an outer threaded portion of the first end of the first shaft, the locking nut selectively preventing rotation of the first end of the first shaft within the first mount.

17. A load spacer as claimed in any one of claims 13-16, wherein the first shaft is coupled to the first mount by passing a second end of the first shaft through a 20 retention plate and securing that retention plate to the first mount.

18. A load spacer as claimed in any one of claims 13-17, wherein the first mount sits between first and second retaining structures of the first support.

19. A load spacer as claimed in any one of claims 7-18, wherein a first end ofthe second shaft is seated in a second mount.29 09 2320. A load spacer as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first end of the second shaft is configured not to rotate within the second mount.

21. A load spacer as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the first end of the second shaft has one or more radially projecting elements that prevent rotation 5 within the second mount.

22. A load spacer as claimed in claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the second shaft is coupled to the second mount by passing a second end of the second shaft through a retention plate and securing that retention plate to the second mount.

23. A load spacer as claimed in any one of claims 19-22, wherein the second 10 mount sits between first and second wall structures of the second support.

24. A method of separating loads using a load spacer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: placing the first support on a first load; placing the second support on a second load; and adjusting the extendable member such that the load spacer spans between the loads.

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