A load restraint system for restraining a load on a vehicle or a trailer

Abstract

A load restraint system 1 comprises a strap for restraining a load connected to a strap attachment assembly 2 for attaching the strap to a fixing point such as an aperture 3 in a vehicle trailer side

Description

Field of the Invention The invention relates to a load restraint system for restraining a load on a vehicle or trailer. In particular, the invention relates to a load restraint system for restraining a strap to an aperture on a vehicle or trailer. Background It is well known to restrain a load, such as goods for transportation, to a trailer or vehicle to ensure that the load does not move substantially during transit. A typical load restraint system may comprise a strap with a hook at an end of the strap, which can then be fed over the load and attached to a fixing point on the vehicle or trailer. The fixing point could be an aperture in a side rave of a trailer, for example. The tension in the strap can be increased by a ratchet, thus securing the load to the vehicle or trailer. A persisting problem with hooks is that they can often come loose from the aperture, even when the strap is under tension. This typically occurs when the strap or hook is moved, for example, when the load shifts on the vehicle or trailer. It can also occur when the trailer is being reversed into an unloading position with workers adjacent to the trailer, and if the strap catches on an object. This therefore poses a significant risk to workers, especially when the strap is under tension upon its release, as the strap is liable to spring suddenly and may catch on clothing, or even on the body of a worker. Accordingly, there is a need to improve safety regarding current load restraint systems. GB2581254A discloses a load restraint system that cannot easily be removed from the aperture and thus solves the problem of the strap coming loose unintentionally. The solution provided involves a twist lock mechanism. With this mechanism, it can be difficult to align the strap connection with the aperture, especially if working in low light levels. Therefore, there is also a need to improve the simplicity of known load restraint systems that use a twist lock mechanism. The present invention seeks to obviate or mitigate the problem associated with hookbased load restraint systems. Specifically, the present invention seeks to improve the safety of hook-based load restraint systems, wherein the hook can come loose unintentionally and when the strap is under tension. Further, the present invention seeks to obviate or mitigate the problems with twist lock mechanisms for securing a strap to a load. Specifically, the present invention seeks to simplify the operation of a twist lock load restraint system, such that it can be easily operated, even in low light levels. In a worst case scenario, workers may forgo use the straps if they cannot be easily secured. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a load restraint system for restraining a load on a vehicle or a trailer, wherein the load restraint system comprises a strap for restraining a load on the vehicle or trailer, wherein the strap is connected to a strap attachment assembly for releasably attaching the strap to the vehicle or trailer, the load restraint system further comprising the vehicle or trailer having an aperture for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly, the strap attachment assembly comprising a strap element connected to the strap, and an insertion element for insertion into the aperture, and a connector extending between the strap element and insertion element, wherein the insertion element is sized to fit through the aperture when coaxially aligned with the aperture, regardless of the orientation of the insertion element relative to the aperture, and wherein the strap attachment assembly is secured when the insertion element is axially misaligned with the aperture after insertion through the aperture. Ideally, the insertion element is shaped and sized to occupy at least 50% of the area of the aperture. Advantageously, as the insertion element can fit through the aperture when coaxially aligned with the aperture, regardless of the orientation of the insertion element relative to the aperture, the use of the load restraint system is simplified relative to twist lock mechanisms which can only be inserted through the aperture in a specific orientation. Further advantageously, as the insertion element is shaped and sized to occupy at least 50% of the area of the aperture, it cannot easily be removed from the aperture. This is in contrast to hooks which occupy less than 50% of the area of the aperture. Preferably, the insertion element has the same shape, or substantially the same shape, as the aperture. Advantageously, this further reduces the likelihood that the insertion element will unintentionally be removed from the aperture. Again, this contrasts with hooks which are a different shape to the aperture. Ideally, the insertion element is shaped and sized to occupy at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the area of the aperture. This further reduces the likelihood that the insertion element can be removed from the aperture unintentionally. Preferably, the connector has an axis that is off-centre relative to the centre of the insertion element. Ideally, the strap element is a planar or substantially planar plate or plate-like element. Ideally, the strap element comprises an aperture for attaching the strap to the strap element. The strap can thereby be attached to the strap element. Ideally, the connector is arranged on the strap element at a location on the strap element distal to the aperture for attaching the strap to the strap element. Preferably, the insertion element is planar or substantially planar. Ideally, the connector has a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the longitudinal axis is arranged approximately or exactly at a right angle to the plane of the strap element, or to the plane of the insertion element, or both. Ideally, the insertion element is not hook-shaped. Ideally, the insertion element is circular or substantially circular. Advantageously, as the insertion element is not hook-shaped, it is less likely to catch on objects such as worker’s clothing in the event that the strap comes loose. Preferably, the aperture in the trailer or vehicle is circular or substantially circular. Preferably, the aperture or apertures for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly are located on a side rave of the trailer. Ideally, the apertures are spaced apart along the length of the side rave. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a trailer or vehicle comprising the load restraint system of the first aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of restraining a load to a vehicle or trailer using the load restraint system of the first aspect of the invention, the method involving the steps of: aligning the insertion element with the aperture for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly; inserting the insertion element through the aperture; misaligning the axis of the insertion element relative to the aperture, optionally by increasing tension on the strap, to secure the strap to the vehicle or trailer. List of Figures Specific implementations of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A shows the strap attachment assembly according to the invention in three different positions relative to an aperture in a side rave of a trailer. Figure 1B shows a cross-section view of the strap attachment assembly when the insertion element is coaxially aligned with the aperture, and before it has been inserted into the aperture. Figure 1C shows a cross-section view of the strap attachment assembly after the insertion element has been inserted into the aperture. Figure 1D shows a cross-section view of the strap attachment assembly after it has been inserted into the aperture, and when the axis of the of the insertion element has been misaligned with the axis of the aperture. Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the strap attachment assembly. Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the strap attachment assembly. Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the strap element of the strap attachment assembly. Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the strap element of the strap attachment assembly. Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the insertion element of the strap attachment assembly. Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the insertion element of the strap attachment assembly. Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the connector of the strap attachment assembly. Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the connector of the strap attachment assembly. Detailed Description In the figures there is shown a load restraint system indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The load restraint system 1 can be used to restrain a load on a vehicle or a trailer. The load restraint system 1 comprises a strap (not shown) for restraining a load on the vehicle or trailer. The strap is connected to a strap attachment assembly 2 for releasably attaching the strap to the vehicle or trailer. The load restraint system 1 further involves the vehicle or trailer having an aperture 3 for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly 2 to the vehicle or trailer. The strap attachment assembly 2 has a strap element 4 connected to the strap. The strap attachment assembly 2 further has an insertion element 5 for insertion into the aperture 3. Further, the strap attachment assembly 2 has a connector 6 extending between the strap element 4 and insertion element 5. The strap attachment assembly 2 and its component parts are formed preferably from metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap element 4, insertion element 5 and connectors are three separate parts that are welded together. Alternatively, two or more of the parts could be formed as a unitary piece, and they may be joined by means other than welding. The insertion element 5 is sized to fit through the aperture 3 when coaxially aligned with the aperture 3, regardless of the orientation of the insertion element 5 relative to the aperture 3. By “coaxially aligned” we mean the central axis extending through the through the aperture 3 is aligned with a central axis extending through the insertion element 5. It should be understood that the axes need not be precisely coaxially aligned for the insertion element 5 to fit through the aperture 3. The insertion element 5 may be sized smaller than the aperture 3, such that the insertion element 5 will still fit through the aperture even if the axes are not precisely coaxially aligned. The strap attachment assembly 2 is then secured when the insertion element 5 is axially misaligned with the aperture after insertion through the aperture. The extent of misalignment to secure the strap attachment assembly 2 may vary. In embodiments where the insertion element 5 is substantially smaller than the aperture 3, a greater degree of misalignment after insertion will be required to secure the strap attachment assembly 2. In contrast, if the insertion element 5 is almost the same size as the aperture 3, a smaller degree of misalignment is required to secure the strap attachment assembly 2. The axes must therefore be misaligned to a certain extent to secure the strap attachment assembly. In some embodiments, the insertion element 5 must be substantially axially misaligned with the aperture 3 after insertion through the aperture 3 to secure the strap attachment assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion element 5 is shaped and sized to occupy approximately 75% of the area of the aperture. In other embodiments, the exact percentage may be lower than or greater than 75%. The percentage is calculated based on the insertion element 5 when it is disposed in the aperture 3 and when it is arranged coplanar with the plane of the aperture 3. This percentage value is also the maximum amount of the aperture 3 that the insertion element 5 can occupy regardless of orientation. The insertion element 5 is also shaped such that it can fit through the aperture 3 when coaxially aligned with the aperture 3, regardless of the orientation of the insertion element 5 relative to the aperture 3. The insertion element 5 can be disposed in the aperture and can be rotated through 360° without abutting the surface surrounding the aperture 3. Thus, the use of the load restraint system 1 is simplified relative to twist lock mechanisms which can only be inserted through the aperture in a specific orientation, and which cannot be rotated through 360° without abutting the surface surrounding the aperture 3. As the insertion element 5 occupies approximately 75% of the aperture, it cannot easily be removed from the aperture. This is in contrast to hooks which occupy less than 50% of the area of the aperture, and are more liable to come unintentionally loose from the aperture. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion element 5 has the same shape as the aperture 3, in that both the insertion element 5 and aperture 3 are circular. Advantageously, this further reduces the likelihood that the insertion element 5 will unintentionally be removed from the aperture 3. Again, this contrasts with hooks which are a different shape to the aperture. The insertion element 5 also need not be exactly the same shape as the aperture 3, but a similar shape to the aperture can still confer an advantage. The connector 6 has an axis 7 that is off-centre relative to the centre of the insertion element 5. The “centre” in this sense may be the geometric centroid or centre of mass, or both. When the insertion element 5 is inserted through the aperture 3, it can be moved relative to the aperture 3, such that a portion of the insertion element 5 overlaps with the surface around the perimeter of the aperture 3. The extent of this movement is limited by the location of the connector 6 relative to the insertion element 5. The insertion element 5 may only be moved by a distance equivalent to the distance from the connector 6 to the perimeter of the insertion element 5, as the connector 6 will inhibit any movement greater than this. If the connector 6 is centrally aligned, this distance is minimal. By arranging the connector 6 such that its longitudinal axis is off-centre relative to the centre of the insertion element 5, the distance the insertion element 5 may be moved after insertion through the aperture 3 is increased. This further means a greater portion of the insertion element 5 overlaps with the surface around the perimeter of the aperture 3. Accordingly, this further means that it is less likely for the insertion element 5 to be removed from the aperture 3 unintentionally. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap element 4 is a planar or substantially planar plate or plate-like element. The strap element 4 further has an aperture 8 for attaching the strap to the strap element 4. The strap can thereby be attached to the strap element 4. The strap element 4 is sized larger than the aperture 3 such that it cannot pass through the aperture 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 6 is arranged on the strap element 4 at a location on the strap element 4 distal to the aperture 8 for attaching the strap to the strap element 4. The strap element 4 is shaped such that is widest at the part containing the aperture 8, and narrower at the part where the connector 6 is arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion element 5 is planar or substantially planar. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the connectors has a longitudinal axis 7, which is arranged at a right angle to the plane of the strap element 4 and insertion element 5. The aperture 3 for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly 2 may be located on a side rave of the trailer and ideally equally spaced apart along the length of the side rave. The aperture may entirely encircled by the structure in which the aperture is formed, and may be a through-bore. Alternatively, the aperture may have an opening at the edge of the structure, such as an aperture formed by a cut-in. In use, the load restraint system 1 can be used to restrain a load to a vehicle or trailer by: aligning the insertion element 5 with the aperture 3 for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly 2; inserting the insertion element 5 through the aperture 3; misaligning the axis of the insertion element 5 relative to the aperture, optionally by increasing tension on the strap, to secure the strap to the vehicle or trailer. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently described subject matter pertains. Where a range of values is provided, for example, concentration ranges, percentage ranges, or ratio ranges, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the described subject matter. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and such embodiments are also encompassed within the described subject matter, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the described subject matter. It should be understood that the terms "a" and "an" as used above and elsewhere herein refer to "one or more" of the enumerated components. It will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the terms “a,” “an” and “at least one” are used interchangeably in this application. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as size, weight, reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and claims are to the understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present subject matter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Throughout the application, descriptions of various embodiments use "comprising" 5 language; however, it will be understood by one of skill in the art, that in some instances, an embodiment can alternatively be described using the language "consisting essentially of or "consisting of."

Claims

1. A load restraint system for restraining a load on a vehicle or a trailer, wherein the load restraint system comprises a strap for restraining a load on the vehicle or trailer, wherein the strap is connected to a strap attachment assembly for releasably attaching the strap to the vehicle or trailer, the load restraint system further comprising the vehicle or trailer having an aperture for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly, the strap attachment assembly comprising a strap element connected to the strap, and an insertion element for insertion into the aperture, and a connector extending between the strap element and insertion element, wherein the insertion element is sized to fit through the aperture when coaxially aligned with the aperture, regardless of the orientation of the insertion element relative to the aperture, and wherein the strap attachment assembly is secured when the insertion element is axially misaligned with the aperture after insertion through the aperture, and wherein the insertion element is shaped and sized to occupy at least 50% of the area of the aperture.

2. The load restraint system of claim 1 wherein the insertion element has the same shape, or substantially the same shape, as the aperture.

3. The load restraint system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the insertion element is shaped and sized to occupy at least 80% of the area of the aperture.

4. The load restraint system of any preceding claim wherein the connector has an axis that is off-centre relative to the centre of the insertion element.

5. The load restraint system of any preceding claim, wherein the strap element is a planar or substantially planar plate or plate-like element.

6. The load restraint system of claim 5, wherein the strap element comprises an aperture for attaching the strap to the strap element.

7. The load restraint system of claim 6 wherein the connector is arranged on the strap element at a location on the strap element distal to the aperture for attaching the strap to the strap element.

8. The load restraint system of any preceding claim wherein the insertion element is planar or substantially planar.

9. The load restraint system of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the connector has a longitudinal axis.5 10. The load restraint system of claim 9 wherein the longitudinal axis is arrangedapproximately or exactly at a right angle to the plane of the strap element, or to the plane of the insertion element, or both.

11. The load restraint system of any preceding claim wherein the insertion element is circular or substantially circular.10 12. The load restraint system of any preceding claim wherein the aperture in thevehicle or trailer is circular or substantially circular.

13. The load restraint system of any preceding claim wherein the apertures for CO receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly are locatedCXIon a side rave of the trailer.1— 15 14. The load restraint system of claim 13 wherein the apertures are spaced apartalong the length of the side rave.CM15. A trailer or vehicle comprising the load restraint system of any preceding claim.

16. A method of restraining a load to a vehicle or trailer using the load restraint20 system of any preceding claim, the method involving the steps of:aligning the insertion element with the aperture for receiving and releasably securing the strap attachment assembly;- inserting the insertion element through the aperture;misaligning the axis of the insertion element relative to the aperture to25 secure the strap to the vehicle or trailer.

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