Load restraint keeper and load restraint strapping incorporating same

Abstract

A hinged cover (51) for a keeper (21) for a hook (17) and keeper (21) strapping mechanism where the keeper (21) has a body formed of rod in a loop configuration with a central aperture, and having a transverse strapping securing portion (23) at one end thereof, and a hook contacting / engaging portion (43) located on the inside at an opposite end thereof. The hinged cover (51) being pivotally attachable to the body at a position spaced from the transverse strapping securing portion (23) and extending toward the hook contacting / engaging portion (43). The hinged cover (51) which when closed sits on the body and over the hook engaging portion (43) to restrain a hook part (39) of the hook and keeper strapping mechanism. The hinged cover (51) includes a sprung closure (61) to retain the hinged cover (51) closed against the body (Figures 30, 31, 32).

Description

Load Restraint Keeper and Load Restraint Strapping Incorporating SameField of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to the securing of loads, inter alia in the transport industry, and in particular the securing of strapping to vehicle coaming and other strap securing mounting points.Background

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Strapping is commonly used to secure loads on vehicles, including on flat deck trucks and trailers. Such strapping has a belt type configuration. Such strapping commonly includes a hook which attaches to tubular coaming or other loop type mounting point, or under a flanged ledge where the hook can gain purchase. The hook usually extends from a transverse bar about which the strapping is folded and sewn onto itself. Located away from the hook, the free end of the strapping is wound onto a ratchet or other type of strap tensioner, and further strapping extends from the strap tensioner via another short length of strapping to a further hook. The further hook also extends from a transverse bar, in like arrangement to the hook described above, with the further strapping folded around the transverse bar and sewn onto itself. Thus, the hook arrangements at both ends of the strapping is usually of identical configuration, although this is not necessarily always the case. With the hook and further hook engaged at both ends, the ratchet strap tensioner can be tightened to tension the strapping and thereby secure the load. A number of such strapping arrangements can be used to secure a load depending on the collective load rating required.

[0004] Another known arrangement for securing to coaming or other loop type mounting point, is known as a hook and keeper. An example of the hook is illustrated in figures 1 to 3 and an example of the keeper is illustrated in figure 4. The hook 11 has a swan-like configurationwith a triangular loop shaped body 12 with an S-shape neck 13 when viewed from the side as can be seen in figure 2. The hook 11 is formed of steel rod and the triangular loop shape of the body 12 provides a triangular aperture 14 extending generally in the same direction as the neck 13.

[0005] The neck 13 has a first inside concave contacting portion 15 located proximal to the annular body 12, the first inside concave contacting portion 15 being provided to make contact with tubular coaming in the manner of a hook. The neck 13 has a second outside concave contacting portion 17 distal from the annular body 12 arranged to engage with the keeper 21 in hook-like manner. The triangular loop shaped body 12 has a transverse bar 19, running transverse to the orientation of the neck 13. The transverse bar 19 is hereinafter referred to the hook transverse bar 19.

[0006] The keeper 21 is typically of a triangular loop configuration and has a transverse bar 23 (hereinafter referred to as the keeper transverse bar 23) located roughly at the same distance away from the point of engagement of the second outside concave contacting portion 17 with the keeper 21, as the second outside concave contacting portion 17 is located from the hook transverse bar 19. The second concave contacting portion 17 engages with the keeper 21 at an inside apex 25 of the triangular keeper 21. The keeper 21 has its keeper transverse bar 23 located proximal to and extending with the hook transverse bar 19, with the inside apex 25 able to contact the second outside hook portion 17, and a loop of strapping 29 passes around both transverse bars 19 and 23, and is sewn onto itself, securing the hook 11 relative to the keeper 21. Both the hook 11 and the keeper 21 are formed of steel rod, being bent to the desired configurations. The hook 11 has body 12 of triangular configuration, with the hook transverse bar 19 being the base of the triangle. The sides 33 and 35 of the triangle extend from either end of the hook transverse bar 19 toward an apex 37, and the rod forming the sides 33, 35 continues to be bent upward, running side by side, to form the S-shape neck 13, so forming the first inside concave contacting portion 15 and the second outside concave contacting portion 17, and terminating in an exposed end 39 of the hook 11 (corresponding to the beak of the swan, to use the illustrative example).

[0007] In use, the hook 11 is secured to the tubular coaming of truck or trailer deck by engaging / contact with the first inside concave contacting portion 15, and the keeper 21 has itsinside apex 25 passed over the exposed end 39 of the hook 11, to secure against the second outside concave contacting portion 17 of the hook 11. The coaming is contained between the hook 11 and the keeper 21. The strapping 29 is sewn onto itself with loop 41 of sufficient size to allow the keeper transverse bar 23 and the hook transverse bar 19 to be manoeuvred relative to each other to allow fitting in this manner.

[0008] When the strapping 29 is tensioned to secure the load, most of the load is taken by cooperation of the first inside concave contacting portion 15 with the coaming on the truck / trailer, and the loop 41 of the strapping 29 applying tension to the hook transverse bar 19. This will cause the keeper transverse bar 23 to ride towards the direction of tension supplied by the strapping 29, and so urge the inside apex 25 toward the second outside concave contacting portion 17. Cooperating in this manner, coaming is contained between the hook 11 and the keeper 21, and the keeper 21 is intended to prevent the hook 11 from detaching from the coaming of the truck / trailer.

[0009] However, in practice this does not always work successfully. The operator will first attach the hook 11 to the coaming and then position the keeper 21, before throwing the free end of the strapping over the load. On the other side of the truck / trailer a ratchet tie down mechanism is attached by further strapping to coaming in like manner, and the free end of the strapping 29 is fed into the ratchet tie down mechanism, and the ratchet tie down mechanism is operated to tension the strap. In many instances, it has been found that while the operator is on the other side of the track, the keeper 29 falls out of position relative to the hook 11, so that when the strapping 29 is tensioned, the keeper stays floating free and its inside apex 25 fails to engage with the second outside concave contacting portion 17. When the operator discovers this, the ratchet tie down mechanism must be operated to release the tension on the strapping before the keeper 29 can be put in the correct position relative to the hook 11, and the securing operation repeated.

[0010] A further problem is that if the load shifts during transport, the tension can be lost on the strapping. This can allow the keeper 21 to come out of engagement with the hook 11, which in turn can result in the first inside concave contacting portion 15 coming out of engagement with the coaming. If this occurs, the assembly of hook 11, keeper 21, and strapping 29 and also hook 11, keeper 21, strapping and ratchet tie down mechanism falling from the truck / trailer,which at speed can become projectiles, causing damage to other vehicles, and potentially personal injury or death. At speed these components can bounce up from the road surface, risking the safety of other road users. The hooks 11 have also been known to puncture tyres, if they are run over.

[0011] The same problems can occur if the strapping is cut by sharp edges on a load. This results in a loss of tension, leading to the disengagement of the keeper 21 and the hook 11.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide an improvement in hook and keeper mechanisms to obviate the aforementioned problem.

[0013] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.Summary of Invention

[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a keeper for a hook and keeper strapping mechanism, said keeper having a body formed of rod in a loop configuration with a central aperture, and having a transverse strapping securing portion at one end thereof, and a hook contacting / engaging portion located on the inside at an opposite end thereof, said keeper being provided with a hinged cover which when closed sits on said body and over said hook engaging portion to restrain a hook part of said hook and keeper strapping mechanism in engagement, said hinged cover including a sprung closure to retain said hinged cover closed against said body.

[0015] Preferably said keeper and said hinged cover, when closed, provides a first aperture adjacent said hook engaging portion to allow a hook part of a hook and keeper mechanism to pass therethrough, to allow a back of the hook to contact an edge of the hinged cover adjacent the first aperture.

[0016] Preferably a second aperture is located adjacent said transverse strapping securing portion.

[0017] When closed, the back of the hook will contact an edge of the hinged cover adjacent the first aperture, preventing the front end of the hook from passing over the hook contacting / engaging portion and becoming accidentally disengaged from the keeper. The hook part of the hook and keeper mechanism may pass through the first aperture only to the extent that it protrudes sufficiently in the first aperture to allow the back of the hook to contact an edge of the hinged cover adjacent the first aperture.

[0018] The loop configuration can be annular, but a triangular loop configuration is most preferred, with the transverse strapping securing portion being the base of the triangle and the hook contacting / engaging portion being located at the apex of the triangle.

[0019] The hinged cover may be mounted at any point around the body, for example pivotally hinging along the sides of a triangular body, providing that when the hinged cover is closed, there is provided both the first aperture between the hinged cover and the body for passage of the hook, as described, and the second aperture for passage of securing strapping.

[0020] Preferably the hinged cover mounts about an axis extending in the plane of the body, spaced from the transverse strapping portion.

[0021] Preferably the sprung closure is provided by a torsion spring mechanism which urges said hinged cover closed against said body.

[0022] Preferably said hinged cover includes an aperture through which, in use, the hook part of the hook and keeper mechanism passes. The aperture may be conveniently rectangular in configuration of a width sufficient to allow the width of the hook part of the hook to pass therethrough.

[0023] Preferably, the aperture includes said edge to contact the hook when fitted. In this arrangement, the edge contacts the back of the neck of the hook.

[0024] Preferably the length of the aperture from said edge extending away from said transverse strapping securing portion is less than the length from the back of the hook to the front end of the hook. In this manner, when strapping is tensioned, the front end of the hook will in use, sit on a front portion of the hinged cover.

[0025] Alternatively the length of the aperture from said edge extending away from said transverse strapping securing portion is less than the length from the back of the hook to the front end of the hook, and the top of the hinged cover is raised, in order to accommodate the front end of the hook thereunder. In this manner, when strapping is tensioned, the front end of the hook will in use, sit underneath a front portion of the hinged cover.

[0026] Preferably a front portion of the hinged cover extends past the aperture, providing an operable lever to allow the hinged cover to be manually urged against the sprung closure. In use, when the tension is released on the strapping, the lever can be manually operated to lift and open the hinged cover in order to release the hook from the keeper, prior to unloading the load from the vehicle.

[0027] Preferably the front portion of the hinged cover is formed with a convex transverse surface, and the front end of the hook abuts the inside of this convex transverse surface. The convex transverse surface minimises the risk that the front portion and front end of the hook will form a pinch point, risking injury to users.

[0028] With the hinged cover closed, should the tension on the strapping be lost due to the load shifting or the strapping being cut, the hook will remain captured in the first aperture of the keeper, with the back of the hook pressing against the edge of the hinged cover (or in an embodiment with an aperture in the hinged cover, the edge of the aperture located toward the transverse strapping securing portion of the keeper).

[0029] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinged cover for a keeper for a hook and keeper strapping mechanism, said keeper having a body formed of rod in a loop configuration with a central aperture, and having a transverse strapping securing portion at one end thereof, and a hook contacting / engaging portion located on the inside at an opposite end thereof, said hinged cover being pivotally attachable to said body at a position spaced from said transverse strapping securing portion and extending toward said hook contacting / engaging portion, said hinged cover which when closed sits on said body and over said hook engaging portion to restrain a hook part of said hook and keeper strapping mechanism in engagement, said hinged cover including a sprung closure to retain said hinged cover closed against said body.

[0030] Preferably said hinged cover in cooperation with said body, provides a first aperture adjacent said hook engaging portion to allow a hook part of a hook and keeper mechanism to pass therethrough. When closed, the back of the hook will contact an edge of the hinged cover adjacent the first aperture, preventing the front end of the hook from passing over the hook contacting / engaging portion and becoming accidentally disengaged from the keeper. The hook part of the hook and keeper mechanism may pass through the first aperture only to the extent that it protrude sufficiently in the first aperture to allow the back of the hook to contact an edge of the hinged cover adjacent the first aperture.

[0031] The loop configuration can be annular, but a triangular loop configuration is most preferred, with the transverse strapping securing portion being the base of the triangle and the hook contacting / engaging portion being located at the apex of the triangle.

[0032] Preferably the hinged cover is pivotally attachable to said body by a clamp mechanism.

[0033] Preferably said clamp mechanism is formed by two opposed formed members which extend across the body of the keeper and are clamped together to retain the clamp mechanism in place.

[0034] Preferably the two opposed formed members are clamped together by at least one bolt.

[0035] Preferably the clamp mechanism and the transverse strapping securing portion form a second aperture through which securing strapping passes.

[0036] The hinged cover may be mounted at any point around the body, for example pivotally hinging along the sides of a triangular body, providing that when the hinged cover is closed, there is provided both the first aperture between the hinged cover and the body for passage of the hook, as described, and the second aperture for passage of securing strapping.

[0037] Preferably the hinged cover mounts about an axis extending in the plane of the body, spaced from the transverse strapping portion.

[0038] Preferably the sprung closure is provided by a torsion spring mechanism which urges said hinged cover closed against said clamp mechanism (and hence against said body).

[0039] Preferably said hinged cover includes an aperture through which, in use, the hook part of the hook and keeper mechanism passes. The aperture may be conveniently rectangular in configuration of a width sufficient to allow the width of the hook part of the hook to pass therethrough.

[0040] Preferably, the aperture includes said edge to contact the hook when fitted. In this arrangement, the edge contacts the back of the neck of the hook.

[0041] Preferably the length of the aperture from said edge extending away from said transverse strapping securing portion is less than the length from the back of the hook to the front end of the hook. In this manner, when strapping is tensioned, the front end of the hook will in use, sit on a front portion of the hinged cover.

[0042] Alternatively the length of the aperture from said edge extending away from said transverse strapping securing portion is less than the length from the back of the hook to the front end of the hook, and the hinged cover accommodates the front end of the hook thereunder. In this manner, when strapping is tensioned, the front end of the hook will in use, sit underneath a front portion of the hinged cover.

[0043] The top of the hinged cover may be raised, in order to accommodate the front end of the hook thereunder. In this manner also, when strapping is tensioned, the front end of the hook will in use, sit underneath a front portion of the hinged cover.

[0044] Preferably a front portion of the hinged cover extends past the aperture, providing an operable lever to allow the hinged cover to be manually urged against the sprung closure. In use, when the tension is released on the strapping, the lever can be manually operated to lift and open the hinged cover in order to release the hook from the keeper, prior to unloading the load from the vehicle.

[0045] Preferably the front portion of the hinged cover is formed with a convex transverse surface, and the front end of the hook abuts the inside of this convex transverse surface. The convex transverse surface minimises the risk that the front portion and front end of the hook will form a pinch point, risking injury to users.

[0046] With the hinged cover closed, should the tension on the strapping be lost due to the load shifting or the strapping being cut, the hook will remain captured in the first aperture of the keeper, with the back of the hook pressing against the edge of the hinged cover (or in an embodiment with an aperture in the hinged cover, the edge of the aperture located toward the transverse strapping securing portion of the keeper).Brief Description of Drawings

[0047] In order to provide a better understanding, four preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a top plan view of a prior art hook for use with a keeper according to either embodiment;Figure 2 is a side plan view of the prior art hook of figure 1;Figure 3 is a perspective view of the prior art hook of figures 1 and 2;Figure 4 is a top plan view of a prior art keeper;Figure 5 is a top plan view of a hinged cover for a keeper according to a first embodiment;Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the hinged cover of figure 5, also showing exploded detail of a hinge mount for the keeper ring;Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the keeper according to the first embodiment;Figure 8 is a side plan view of the keeper of figure 7;Figure 9 is a top plan view of the keeper of figures 7 and 8;Figure 10 is a side plan view showing a hook and keeper according to the first embodiment fitted with strapping and in the process of being fitted to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer;Figure 11 is a side plan view showing a hook and keeper according to the first embodiment fitted with strapping and secured to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer;Figure 12 is a top plan view of a hinged cover for a keeper according to a second embodiment;Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the hinged cover of figure 12;Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the keeper according to the second embodiment;Figure 15 is a side plan view of the keeper of figure 14;Figure 16 is a top plan view of the keeper of figures 14 and 15;Figure 17 is a side plan view showing a hook and keeper according to the second embodiment fitted with strapping and in the process of being fitted to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer;Figure 18 is a side plan view showing a hook and keeper according to the second embodiment fitted with strapping and secured to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer.Figure 19 is a top plan view of a hinged cover for a keeper according to a third and most preferred embodiment;Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the hinged cover of figure 19, also showing exploded detail of a hinge mount for the keeper ring;Figure 21 is a bottom plan view of the keeper according to the third embodiment;Figure 22 is a side plan view of the keeper of figure 21;Figure 23 is a top plan view of the keeper of figures 21 and 22;Figure 24 is a side plan view showing a hook and keeper according to the third embodiment fitted with strapping and in the process of being fitted to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer;Figure 25 is a side plan view showing a hook and keeper according to the third embodiment fitted with strapping and secured to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer;Figure 26 is a bottom plan view of a hinged cover for a keeper according to a fourth embodiment, also showing exploded detail of parts for a clamping mechanism to attach to the keeper;Figure 27 is a top plan view of the hinged cover of figure 26;Figure 28 is a bottom plan view of the hinged cover according to the fourth embodiment, clamped to a keeper;Figure 29 is a side plan view of the hinged cover and clamped keeper of figure 28;Figure 30 is a top plan view of the hinged cover and clamped keeper of figures 28 and 29;Figure 31 is a cut-away view along A-A of figures 28 and 29;Figure 32 is a side plan view showing a hook and clamped keeper according to the fourth embodiment fitted with strapping and in the process of being fitted to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer; andFigure 33 is a side plan view showing a hook and clamped keeper according to the fourth embodiment fitted with strapping and secured to coaming on the deck of a truck or trailer.Description of Embodiments

[0048] Reference is made to the prior art discussion in paragraphs 0004 to 0008 above, explaining the prior art hook which is illustrated in figures 1 to 3, and prior art keeper which is illustrated in figure 4.

[0049] The first three embodiments provide a new keeper 41 as an alternative to the keeper illustrated in figure 4, for a hook and keeper strapping mechanism, for use in load securing in the transport industry, or generally for securing loads that are being transported. Parts of the new keeper 41 according to the embodiments in common with the prior art keeper 21 are identified with like numbering.

[0050] The fourth and most preferred embodiment provides a hinged cover 51 which can be retro-fit to a prior art keeper 21.

[0051] Referring to figures 7 to 9, the keeper 41 according to the first embodiment is illustrated. The keeper 41 has a body 43 formed of round section rod (either solid or tubular if weight saving is required) in a triangular loop configuration with a central aperture 45. The triangular loop configuration of the body 43 is closed and the adjacent ends of the rod welded during fabrication so the body 43 is better able to resist loading under tension. The body 43 has a transverse strapping securing portion in the form of transverse bar 23 at one end thereof, and a hook contacting / engaging portion provided as an inside apex 25 located on the inside at an opposite end thereof. The transverse bar 23 is the base of the hypothetical triangle of the triangular loop configuration, and the inside apex 25 is located inside the apex of the hypothetical triangle. The apex of the triangle and inside apex 25 are connected by sides 47 and 49 of the triangle that extend from either end of the transverse bar 23.

[0052] The keeper 41 is provided with a hinged cover 51 which when closed sits on the body 43 of the keeper 41. The hinged cover 51 is pivotally mounted to a bar 53 which extends parallel to the transverse bar 23 and is spaced therefrom, and is welded to the sides 47 and 49 of the body 43 inside the central aperture 45, bisecting it. The hinged cover 51 is of a triangular configuration, and at its base 55 includes a clevis 57 and pin assembly 58 (refer to figure 6) which connects with a clevis arrangement 59 on the bar 53. The clevis and pin assembly includes a torsion spring 61 with straight ends contacting the bar 53 and the cover 51 under torsion which urges / biases the hinged cover 51 to sit on the body 43 in a closed position as best seen in figure 8. In this closed position, there is provided in the keeper 41, a first aperture 63 adjacent said hook contacting / engaging portion extending between the inside apex 25 of the body 43, and an edge 65 of the hinged cover 51, to allow the neck 13 and particularly the outside concave contacting portion 17 thereof and the exposed end 39 of the hook 11 to pass therethrough.

[0053] A second aperture 67 is located adjacent the transverse bar 23, between the transverse bar 23 and the bar 53, through which strapping is passed when the keeper 41 is configured with a hook 11.

[0054] When the hinged cover 51 is closed, the back 69 of the neck 13 (on the other side from the outside concave contacting portion 17) of the hook 11 will be able to contact the edge 65 of the hinged cover 51, inside the first aperture 63, and together with the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 and the hook transverse bar 19 being co-located by a loop 71 of strapping 73 preventing the front exposed end 39 of the hook 11 from passing over the inside apex 25 of the body 43 and becoming accidentally disengaged from the keeper 41.

[0055] In this first embodiment, the hinged cover 51 includes a rectangular aperture 73 which incorporates the edge 65 located rearward toward the bar 53. The aperture 73 has sides 75 and 77 which assist in aligning the sides of the neck 13 of the hook passing therethrough, and a forward edge 79. The length of the aperture from the rearward edge 65 to the forward edge 79 is commensurate with the length from the back 69 of the neck 13 (on the other side from the outside concave contacting portion 17) of the hook 11 to the front end 39 of the hook, to allow passage of the top parts of the hook 11 comprising the front end 39 to the back 69 of the neck 13 therethrough. When strapping 73 is tensioned, the front exposed end 39 of the hook 11 will be urged forward relative to the keeper 41, to sit on top of a front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51, proximal to the forward edge 79.

[0056] The front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51 extends well past the aperture 73, providing an operable lever 83 to allow the hinged cover to be manually urged against the spring loaded bias of the closure, so a user can lift the cover. In use, when the tension is released on the strapping, the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 and the hook transverse bar 19 can be urged away from each other within the confines of the loop 71 of strapping 73, and lever can be manually operated to lift and ease the front exposed end of the hook 11 past the forward edge of the aperture 73, and open the hinged cover 51 in order to release the hook 11 from the keeper 41, prior to unloading the load from the vehicle.

[0057] The hinged cover 51 includes folded sides 85 and 87, to provide structural rigidity to the cover 51.

[0058] Referring to figures 10 and 11, the combination of hook 11 and keeper 41 according to the first embodiment is illustrated. In figure 10, the hook 11 is shown connected to coaming 89 which coaming is a rod structure mounted under and on the edge of a load carrying tray of atruck or trailer. The coaming rests on the first inside concave contacting portion 15 of the hook 11, and the keeper 41 which can be initially folded backwards retained by the loop 71 is urged toward the end 39 of the hook 39, and with the cover 51 held open against the bias of the spring 61, the inside apex 25 of the keeper 41 is eased over the end 39 of the hook 11. In this position, the cover 51 may be allowed to close while the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased upward relative to the hook transverse bar 19 during which the cover 51 will finally click into position, closed against the body 43 of the keeper 41, and the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is then eased back toward the hook transverse bar 19 to achieve the configuration illustrated in figure 11, with the neck 13 of the hook extending through the first aperture 63 and the end 39 of the hook 11 resting on the front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51.

[0059] With the hinged cover 51 closed, should the tension on the strapping 73 be lost due to the load shifting or the strapping 73 being cut, the hook 11 will remain captured in the first aperture 63 of the keeper 41, with the back 69 of the neck 13 of the hook 11 pressing against the edge 65 in the aperture 63 of the hinged cover 51. Removal of the hook and keeper from the coaming is a reverse of the above described procedure. With the tension released from the strapping 73, the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased upward relative to the hook transverse bar 19 and moved forward toward the end 39 of the hook 11 until the cover 51 can be lifted upward. After this the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased further forward toward the end 39 of the hook 11 until the end is able to pass under the inside apex 25 of the keeper.

[0060] The second embodiment is Illustrated in figures 12 to 18 and differs from the first embodiment in that the hinged cover 51 is frustro-triangular in configuration with the apex of the triangle of the cover of the first embodiment cut off so as that the cover 51 terminates with the edge 65 located at its forward extent. The keeper 41 has a body 43 formed of rod in a triangular loop configuration with a central aperture 45, in the same manner as that of the first embodiment.

[0061] The keeper 41 is provided with hinged cover 51 which when closed sits on the body 43 of the keeper 41. The hinged cover 51 is pivotally mounted to a bar 53 which extends parallel to the transverse bar 23 and is spaced therefrom, and is welded to the sides 47 and 49 of the body 43 inside the central aperture 45, bisecting it. The hinged cover 51 is of a cut-off triangularconfiguration, and at its base 55 includes a clevis 57 and pin assembly 58 (refer to figure 13) which connects with a clevis arrangement 59 on the bar 53 (the same as shown in figure 6). The clevis and pin assembly includes a torsion spring 61 with straight ends contacting the bar 53 and the cover 51 under torsion which urges / biases the hinged cover 51 to sit on the body 43 in a closed position as best seen in figure 8. In this closed position, there is provided in the keeper 41, a first aperture 63 adjacent said hook contacting / engaging portion extending between the inside apex 25 of the body 43, and an edge 65 of the hinged cover 51, and also bound by the sides 47 and 49 of the body as they approach the inside apex 25, to allow the neck 13 and particularly the outside concave contacting portion 17 thereof and the exposed end 39 of the hook 11 to pass therethrough.

[0062] A second aperture 67 is located adjacent the transverse bar 23, between the transverse bar 23 and the bar 53, through which strapping is passed when the keeper 41 is configured with a hook 11.

[0063] When the hinged cover 51 is closed, the back 69 of the neck 13 (on the other side from the outside concave contacting portion 17) of the hook 11 will be able to contact the edge 65 of the hinged cover 51, inside the first aperture 63, and together with the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 and the hook transverse bar 19 being co-located by a loop 71 of strapping 73 preventing the front exposed end 39 of the hook 11 from passing over the inside apex 25 of the body 43 and becoming accidentally disengaged from the keeper 41.

[0064] In this second embodiment, the rectangular aperture 73, front portion 81 and operable lever 83 are absent, and the folded sides 85 and 87, in addition to providing structural rigidity to the cover 51, also provide a fingerhold to allow a user to manipulate the hinged cover. In use, the front exposed end 39 of the hook 11 will locate on top of and past the front 91 of the body 43 adjacent to the inside apex 25.

[0065] Referring to figures 17 and 18, the combination of hook 11 and keeper 41 according to the second embodiment is illustrated. In figure 17, the hook 11 is shown connected to coaming 89 which coaming is a rod structure mounted under and on the edge of a load carrying tray of a truck or trailer. The coaming rests on the first inside concave contacting portion 15 of the hook 11, and the keeper 41 which can be initially folded backwards retained by the loop 71 isurged toward the end 39 of the hook 39, and with the cover 51 held open against the bias of the spring 61, the inside apex of the keeper 41 is eased over the end 39 of the hook 11. In this position, the cover 51 may be allowed to close while the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased upward relative to the hook transverse bar 19 during which the cover 51 will finally click into position, closed against the body 43 of the keeper 41, and the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is then eased back toward the hook transverse bar 19 to achieve the configuration illustrated in figure 18, with the neck 13 of the hook extending through the first aperture 63 and the end 39 of the hook 11 resting over the and past the front portion 91 of the body 43 of the keeper 41.

[0066] With the hinged cover 51 closed, should the tension on the strapping 73 be lost due to the load shifting or the strapping 73 being cut, the hook 11 will remain captured in the first aperture 63 of the keeper 41, with the back 69 of the neck 13 of the hook 11 pressing against the edge 65 in the aperture 63 of the keeper 41 formed by the edge 65 of the cover 51 and the inside of the body 43 near the apex 25.

[0067] In the second embodiment, removal of the hook and keeper from the coaming follows release of tension on the strapping 73, whereafter the hinged cover 51 is opened against the spring bias, while the keeper is urged forward to enable the front 39 of the hook 11 to pass the inside apex 25 of the keeper 41.

[0068] The third embodiment is illustrated in figure 19 to 25. The keeper 41 of the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment apart from differences in the hinged cover 51.

[0069] In this third embodiment, the hinged cover 51 includes the rectangular aperture 73 which incorporates the edge 65 located rearward toward the bar 53. The aperture 73 has sides 75 and 77 which assist in aligning the sides of the neck 13 of the hook passing therethrough, and has the forward edge 79. The length of the aperture from the rearward edge 65 to the forward edge 79 is shorter than the length from the back 69 of the neck 13 (on the other side from the outside concave contacting portion 17) of the hook 11 to the front end 39 of the hook, since in this embodiment when the hinged cover 51 closes under bias from the spring 61, the front portion of the hinged cover 51 rests with its underside 93 contacting the top of the end 39of the hook 11. In this position, the back 69 of the neck 13 of the hook 11 rests contacting the rearward edge 65 of the aperture 73.

[0070] The front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51 is shorter than that of the first embodiment, and includes a rounded rod profile 95 front portion 97 at its most forward edge 99. Behind the rounded rod profile 95 is located a recess 101 at the underside 93 of the front portion 81 in front of the forward edge 79. The front portion 81 has a raised profile curvature 103 as can be seen in the side views of figures 22, 24 and 25. The raised profile curvature 103 forms a convex transverse surface on the top of the front porting 81 of the cover 51, and forms a concave shape in the recess which assists in accommodating the front of the hook 11, with its front end 39 contacting the inside of the rounded rod profile 95 (shown in dashed outline in figures 22 and 25). The front portion 97 provides an operable lever to allow the hinged cover to be manually urged against the spring loaded bias of the closure, so a user can lift the cover. When strapping 73 is tensioned, the front exposed end 39 of the hook 11 will be urged forward relative to the keeper 41, to sit inside the recess 101 and against the rounded rod profile 95 (shown in dashed outline in figures 22 and 25), under the front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51.

[0071] In use, when the tension is released on the strapping, the hinged cover 51 can be opened against the bias of the spring 61, without interference from the front of the hook 11. Then the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 and the hook transverse bar 19 can be urged away from each other within the confines of the loop 71 of strapping 73, and the hook 11 can be released from the keeper 41, prior to unloading the load from the vehicle.

[0072] Referring to figures 24 and 25, the combination of hook 11 and keeper 41 according to the third embodiment is illustrated. In figure 24, the hook 11 is shown connected to coaming 89 which coaming is a rod structure mounted under and on the edge of a load carrying tray of a truck or trailer. The coaming rests on the first inside concave contacting portion 15 of the hook 11, and the keeper 41 which can be initially folded backwards retained by the loop 71 is urged toward the end 39 of the hook 39, and with the cover 51 held open against the bias of the spring 61, the inside apex 25 of the keeper 41 is eased over the end 39 of the hook 11. In this position, the cover 51 may be allowed to close while the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased upward relative to the hook transverse bar 19 during which the cover 51 will finallyclose against the body 43 of the keeper 41, and the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is then eased back toward the hook transverse bar 19 to achieve the configuration illustrated in figure 25, with the neck 13 of the hook extending through the first aperture 63 and the end 39 of the hook 11 resting against the rounded rod profile 95 of the front portion, in the recess 101 in the underside 93 of the front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51.

[0073] With the hinged cover 51 closed, should the tension on the strapping 73 be lost due to the load shifting or the strapping 73 being cut, the hook 11 will remain captured in the first aperture 63 of the keeper 41, with the back 69 of the neck 13 of the hook 11 pressing against the edge 65 in the aperture 63 of the hinged cover 51, and with the end 39 of the hook contained in the recess 101 of the cover 51. Removal of the hook and keeper from the coaming is a reverse of the above described procedure. With the tension released from the strapping 73, cover 51 can be lifted upward. Whist the cover 51 is held open against the bias of the spring, the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased upward relative to the hook transverse bar 19 and moved forward toward the end 39 of the hook 11. After this the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased further forward toward the end 39 of the hook 11 until the end is able to pass under the inside apex 25 of the keeper.

[0074] The fourth embodiment is illustrated in figures 26 to 33. This provides a hinged cover 51 which may be retro-fit to a prior art keeper 21. The hinged cover 51 of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the third embodiment, apart from differences as noted below.

[0075] In this fourth embodiment, the hinged cover 51 includes the rectangular aperture 73 which incorporates the edge 65 located rearward toward the bar 53. The aperture 73 has sides 75 and 77 which assist in aligning the sides of the neck 13 of the hook passing therethrough, and has the forward edge 79. The length of the aperture from the rearward edge 65 to the forward edge 79 is shorter than the length from the back 69 of the neck 13 (on the other side from the outside concave contacting portion 17) of the hook 11 to the front end 39 of the hook, since in this embodiment when the hinged cover 51 closes under bias from the spring 61, the front portion of the hinged cover 51 rests with its underside 93 contacting the top of the end 39 of the hook 11. In this position, the back 69 of the neck 13 of the hook 11 rests contacting the rearward edge 65 of the aperture 73.

[0076] The front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51 is shorter than that of the first embodiment, and includes a rounded rod profile 95 front portion 97 at its most forward edge 99. Behind the rounded rod profile 95 is located a recess 101 at the underside 93 of the front portion 81 in front of the forward edge 79. The front portion 81 is flat in configuration, not having the raised profile curvature 103 of the third embodiment hinged cover shown in figures 22, 24 and 25. The front portion 97 provides an operable lever to allow the hinged cover to be manually urged against the spring loaded bias of the closure, so a user can lift the cover. When strapping 73 is tensioned, the front exposed end 39 of the hook 11 will be urged forward relative to the keeper 41, to sit inside the recess 101 and against the rounded rod profile 95, under the front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51.

[0077] The hinged cover 51 includes a clevis 57 and pin 58 assembly, the pin 58 carrying the spring 61 which biases the hinged cover 51 closed.

[0078] The hinged cover 51 is pivotally attachable to the keeper 21 by a clamp mechanism 105 which is formed by two opposed formed members comprising an outer plate 107 and an inner plate 109 which extend across the body of the keeper and are clamped together to retain the clamp mechanism in place. The outer edges 111 and 113 of the outer plate 107 and inner plate 109 respectively, are bent toward each other to assist in retaining the tube of the body 43 between them.

[0079] The inner plate 109 is folded so that its centre section 115 contacts the inside of the outer plate 109, and the centre section 115 is spaced from the outer wings 117 by upright legs 119. The upright legs 119 each have an aperture 121 to receive the pin 58.

[0080] The inner plate 109 is formed with M5 threaded apertures 123, and the outer plate is formed with 5.0 mm apertures 125. The inner plate 107 and outer plate 109 are clamped together by two M5x8 in-hex pan head screws 127 with lock washers 129 which extend though apertures 125 into the threaded apertures 123.

[0081] In use, when the tension is released on the strapping, the hinged cover 51 can be opened against the bias of the spring 61, without interference from the front of the hook 11. Then the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 and the hook transverse bar 19 can be urged awayfrom each other within the confines of the loop 71 of strapping 73, and the hook 11 can be released from the keeper 41, prior to unloading the load from the vehicle.

[0082] Referring to figures 32 and 33, the combination of hook 11 and keeper 41 according to the fourth embodiment is illustrated. In figure 32, the hook 11 is shown connected to coaming 89 which coaming is a rod structure mounted under and on the edge of a load carrying tray of a truck or trailer. The coaming 89 rests on the first inside concave contacting portion 15 of the hook 11, and the keeper 41 which can be initially folded backwards retained by the loop 71 and is urged toward the end 39 of the hook 39, and with the cover 51 held open against the bias of the spring 61, the inside apex 25 of the keeper 41 is eased over the end 39 of the hook 11. In this position, the cover 51 may be allowed to close while the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased upward relative to the hook transverse bar 19 during which the cover 51 will finally close against the body 43 of the keeper 41, and the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is then eased back toward the hook transverse bar 19 to achieve the configuration illustrated in figure 33, with the neck 13 of the hook extending through the first aperture 63 and the end 39 of the hook 11 resting against the rounded rod profile 95 of the front portion, in the recess 101 in the underside 93 of the front portion 81 of the hinged cover 51.

[0083] With the hinged cover 51 closed, should the tension on the strapping 73 be lost due to the load shifting or the strapping 73 being cut, the hook 11 will remain captured in the first aperture 63 of the keeper 41, with the back 69 of the neck 13 of the hook 11 pressing against the edge 65 in the aperture 63 of the hinged cover 51, and with the end 39 of the hook contained in the recess 101 of the cover 51. Removal of the hook and keeper from the coaming is a reverse of the above described procedure. With the tension released from the strapping 73, cover 51 can be lifted upward. Whist the cover 51 is held open against the bias of the spring 61, the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased upward relative to the hook transverse bar 19 and moved forward toward the end 39 of the hook 11. After this the transverse bar 23 of the keeper 41 is eased further forward toward the end 39 of the hook 11 until the end is able to pass under the inside apex 25 of the keeper.

[0084] All embodiments possess an advantage in that the chance of the keeper becoming disengaged from the hook before the strapping can be tensioned is near zero, and the chance of the strapping and components detaching from the vehicle in the event of load shifting orstrapping breakage is much reduced. The hinged cover of the fourth embodiment has an added advantage in that it requires no modification to be made to existing keepers on the market, and with many hook and keeper load restraints on the market, the hinged cover of the fourth embodiment may be sold alongside existing hook and keeper load restraints.

[0085] It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, and a skilled addressee will readily appreciate that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the cover may be configured to pivot from along the side of a triangular keeper body, and the sprung closure may be provided by bending a side of the cover so that it acts as a clip to secure to an edge of the keeper body, while still providing the first and second apertures. Additionally, the keeper body need to be triangular, and an annular configuration would be equally suitable. All of these arrangements are contemplated by the claims that define the invention that follow.

Claims

Claims1. A hinged cover for a keeper for a hook and keeper strapping mechanism, said keeper having a body formed of rod in a loop configuration with a central aperture, and having a transverse strapping securing portion at one end thereof, and a hook contacting / engaging portion located on the inside at an opposite end thereof, said hinged cover being pivotally attachable to said body at a position spaced from said transverse strapping securing portion and extending toward said hook contacting / engaging portion, said hinged cover which when closed sits on said body and over said hook engaging portion to restrain a hook part of said hook and keeper strapping mechanism in engagement, said hinged cover including a sprung closure to retain said hinged cover closed against said body.

2. The hinged cover of claim 1 characterised by being pivotally attachable to said body by a clamp mechanism.

3. The hinged cover of claim 2 wherein said clamp mechanism is formed by two opposed formed members which extend across the body of the keeper and are clamped together to retain the clamp mechanism in place.

4. The hinged cover of claim 3 wherein the two opposed formed members are clamped together by at least one bolt.

5. A hinged cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said hinged cover in cooperation with said body, forms a first aperture adjacent said hook engaging portion to allow a hook part of a hook and keeper mechanism to pass therethrough, to allow a back of the hook to contact an edge of the hinged cover adjacent the first aperture.

6. The hinged cover of claim 1 wherein the hinged cover pivotally mounts about an axis extending in the plane of the body, spaced from the transverse strapping portion.

7. The hinged cover of claim 1 wherein the sprung closure is provided by a torsion spring mechanism which urges said hinged cover closed against said body.

8. The hinged cover of claim 1 wherein said hinged cover includes an aperture through which, in use, the hook part of the hook and keeper mechanism passes.

9. The hinged cover according to claim 8, wherein the aperture includes said edge to contact a back of the hook when fitted.

10. The hinged cover according to claim 8, wherein the length of the aperture from said edge extending away from said transverse strapping securing portion is less than the length from the back of the hook to the front end of the hook, and the front end of the hook will in use, sit underneath a front portion of the hinged cover.

11. The hinged cover according to claim 8, wherein a front portion of the hinged cover extends past the aperture, providing an operable lever to allow the hinged cover to be manually urged against the sprung closure.

12. A hinged cover according to claim 11 wherein the front portion of the hinged cover is formed with a convex transverse surface, and the front end of the hook abuts the inside of this convex transverse surface.

13. A keeper for a hook and keeper strapping mechanism, said keeper having a body formed of rod in a loop configuration with a central aperture, and having a transverse strapping securing portion at one end thereof, and a hook contacting / engaging portion located on the inside at an opposite end thereof, said keeper being provided with a hinged cover which when closed sits on said body and over said hook engaging portion to restrain a hook part of said hook and keeper strapping mechanism in engagement, said hinged cover including a sprung closure to retain said hinged cover closed against said body.

14. The keeper as claimed in claim 13, wherein said keeper and said hinged cover, when closed, provides a first aperture adjacent said hook engaging portion to allow a hook part of a hook and keeper mechanism to pass therethrough, to allow a back of the hook to contact an edge of the hinged cover adjacent the first aperture.

15. The keeper as claimed in claim 13 wherein the hinged cover pivotally mounts about an axis extending in the plane of the body, spaced from the transverse strapping portion.

16. The keeper of claim 13 wherein the sprung closure is provided by a torsion spring mechanism which urges said hinged cover closed against said body.

17. The keeper of claim 13 wherein said hinged cover includes an aperture through which, in use, the hook part of the hook and keeper mechanism passes.

18. The keeper according to claim 17, wherein the aperture includes said edge to contact a back of the hook when fitted.

19. The keeper according to claim 17, wherein the length of the aperture from said edge extending away from said transverse strapping securing portion is less than the length from the back of the hook to the front end of the hook, and the front end of the hook will in use, sit underneath a front portion of the hinged cover.

20. The keeper according to claim 17, wherein a front portion of the hinged cover extends past the aperture, providing an operable lever to allow the hinged cover to be manually urged against the sprung closure.

21. The keeper according to claim 20 wherein the front portion of the hinged cover is formed with a convex transverse surface, and the front end of the hook abuts the inside of this convex transverse surface.

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