U.S. patent application number 10/255038 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-27 for cargo restraint apparatus.
Invention is credited to Bosley, James Michael.
Application Number | 20030059269 10/255038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26944397 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030059269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bosley, James Michael |
March 27, 2003 |
Cargo restraint apparatus
Abstract
A cargo restraint apparatus for use to secure a load on a
vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a reel, and an
elongated strap. The frame assembly is mountable to the vehicle,
and the reel is rotatably mounted on the frame assembly. The
elongated strap has a first end and a second end with the second
end of the elongated strap being connectable to the vehicle. The
elongated strap is adapted to be wound about and withdrawn from the
reel. The reel is biased so that the strap is maintained in a wound
position on the reel. The reel is lockingly engaged so as to
restrict withdrawal of the elongated strap from the reel while
permitting automatic retraction of the elongated strap onto the
reel.
Inventors: |
Bosley, James Michael;
(Edmond, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dunlap, Codding & Rogers, P.C.
P. O. Box 16370
Oklahoma City
OK
73113
US
|
Family ID: |
26944397 |
Appl. No.: |
10/255038 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60324293 |
Sep 24, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
410/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/083 20130101;
B61D 45/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
410/100 |
International
Class: |
B61D 045/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus in combination with a vehicle for restraining the
movement of a cargo of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a
frame assembly connected to the vehicle; a reel rotatably mounted
on the frame assembly; an elongated strap having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the elongated strap connected to the
reel and the second end of the elongated strap attached to the
cargo, the elongated strap adapted to be wound about and withdrawn
from the reel; means for biasing the reel in a strap winding
position; and means for locking the reel at a selected position to
prevent withdrawal of the elongated strap from the reel while
permitting automatic retraction of the elongated strap onto the
reel thereby maintaining the strap in a taut condition to restrain
movement of the cargo.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising adjustment means
attached to the elongated strap for cinching the elongated strap
into the taut condition when the reel is locked.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the adjustment means comprises:
a buckle slidably connected to the second end of the elongated
strap; and an extension strap having one end connected to the
buckle and another end connected to the cargo.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the adjustment means further
comprises a hook attached to the extension strap for connecting the
extension strap to the cargo.
5. An apparatus in combination with a vehicle for restraining the
movement of a cargo of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a
frame assembly connected to the vehicle; a reel rotatably mounted
on the frame assembly; an elongated strap having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the elongated strap connected to the
reel and the second end of the elongated strap attached to the
vehicle with the elongated strap positioned over the cargo, the
elongated strap adapted to be wound about and withdrawn from the
reel; means for biasing the reel in a strap winding position; means
for locking the reel at a selected position to prevent withdrawal
of the elongated strap from the reel while permitting automatic
retraction of the elongated strap onto the reel; and adjustment
means attached to the elongated strap for cinching the elongated
strap into a taut condition to restrain movement of the cargo.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the adjustment means comprises:
a buckle slidably connected to the second end of the elongated
strap; and an extension strap having one end connected to the
buckle and another end connected to the vehicle.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the adjustment means further
comprises a hook attached to the extension strap for connecting the
extension strap to the vehicle.
8. A cargo restraint apparatus, comprising: a frame assembly
connectable to a support surface; a reel rotatably mounted on the
frame assembly; an elongated strap having a first end and a second
end, the first end of the elongated strap connected to the reel and
the second end of the elongated strap attachable to the support
surface with the elongated strap positioned over the cargo, the
elongated strap adapted to be wound and withdrawn from the reel;
means for biasing the reel in a strap winding position; means for
locking the reel at a selected position to prevent withdrawal of
the elongated strap from the reel while permitting automatic
retraction of the elongated strap onto the reel; and adjustment
means attached to the elongated strap for cinching the elongated
strap into a taut condition to restrain movement of the cargo.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the adjustment means comprises:
a buckle slidably connected to the second end of the elongated
strap; and an extension strap having one end connected to the
buckle and another end connected to the support surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the adjustment means further
comprises a hook attached to the extension strap for connecting the
extension strap to the support surface.
11. A method of restraining the movement of cargo in a vehicle, the
method comprising: connecting a frame assembly to the vehicle;
withdrawing an elongated strap from a reel rotatably mounted on the
frame assembly, one end of the elongated strap being connected to
the reel; positioning the elongated strap about the cargo;
attaching the elongated strap to the vehicle; pulling the elongated
strap sharply in the direction away from the reel so that the reel
locks at a selected position to prevent withdrawal of the elongated
strap from the reel; and cinching the elongated strap into a taut
condition when the reel is locked to restrain movement of the
cargo.
12. A method of restraining the movement of cargo in a vehicle, the
method comprising: connecting a frame assembly to the vehicle;
withdrawing an elongated strap from a reel rotatably mounted on the
frame assembly, one end of the elongated strap being connected to
the reel; positioning the elongated strap about the cargo;
attaching the elongated strap to the cargo; pulling the elongated
strap sharply in the direction away from the reel so that the reel
locks at a selected position to prevent withdrawal of the elongated
strap from the reel; and cinching the elongated strap into a taut
condition when the reel is locked to restrain movement of the
cargo.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/324,293, filed Sep. 24, 2001, entitled
"RETRACTABLE AND LOCKING SECURING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE
THEREOF," the contents of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a cargo restraint
apparatus for securing cargo, and more particularly, but not by way
of limitation, to an improved cargo restraint apparatus having a
locking mechanism.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0006] Straps, belts, ropes, cables, and other devices have
generally been used to secure a cargo to a vehicle. The
conventional practice has been to employ tie-down straps or elastic
cords having a hook at each end to secure the cargo to a variety of
vehicles, such as a truck bed, a golf cart, or a
sport-utility-vehicle ("SUV") cargo compartment. Other securing
devices for use as seat belts employ a retractable strap apparatus
with an elongated strap positionable about individuals in the
vehicle.
[0007] One type of retractable strap apparatus employed as a seat
belt is known as an automatic locking retractor (ALR). The ALR is
constructed so that if the elongated strap is retracted slightly
after having been pulled out to an arbitrary length, further
withdrawal of the elongated strap is automatically prevented and
the withdrawal prevention state of the elongated strap is released
by the elongated strap being substantially retracted to its full
length, so that withdrawal of the elongated strap is allowed
again.
[0008] One of the problems associated with using the ALR is that
the ALR has a tendency to lock prematurely. The ALR can be
troublesome if it locks while withdrawing the elongated strap. The
elongated strap must then be fully retracted to be able to withdraw
the elongated strap, thus adding time and frustration to the
process of securing cargo.
[0009] To this end, a need exists for a cargo restraint apparatus
for use with a vehicle that permits the cargo to be efficiently and
effectively secured and stores itself by retracting the full length
of the webbing when not in use. It is to such a cargo restraint
apparatus that the present invention is directed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a truck bed carrying a cargo
which is secured in position by a pair of cargo restraint
apparatuses constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective representation of a cargo restraint
apparatus shown constructed in accordance with the present
invention in an extended position.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cargo restraint apparatus
of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the cargo
restraint apparatus of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the cargo
restraint apparatus illustrating a locking assembly in an unlocked
position.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the
locking assembly of the cargo restraint apparatus in a locked
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, a pair of cargo restraint apparatuses 10 and 12 constructed in
accordance with the present invention is shown employed in a truck
bed 14 of a vehicle to support a motorcycle 16 in an upright
position. It should be understood that though a truck bed 14 is
shown supporting the motorcycle 16, any suitable mounting surface
of a vehicle, including a trailer, may be used to secure and
transport the motorcycle 16. In addition, though a motorcycle 16 is
shown as the object being transported by a vehicle, it should be
understood that the cargo restraint apparatus 10 is not limited to
use with a vehicle, but may be used to secure cargo, loads, or
other equipment to other structures, such as shelving, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the cargo restraint apparatus 10
includes a retractor assembly 22 and a strap assembly 24. The
retractor assembly 22 includes a frame assembly 26, a biasing
assembly 28, and a locking assembly 30. A suitable retractor
assembly 22 for the cargo restraint apparatus 10, as shown in FIG.
4 and described hereinafter, is commercially available from Klippan
Safety AB, Type 23, Part No. 59921. However, it should be
understood that other retractor assemblies may be used in
accordance with the present invention. For example, the retractor
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,885, which is expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
[0018] The frame assembly 26 includes a frame 32, a shaft 34, and a
reel 36. The frame 32 has a front end 38, a rear end 40, a first
side 42, and a second side 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear end 40
of the frame 32 is provided with an opening 46 which allows the
frame 32 of the frame assembly 26 to be mounted to a vehicle
permanently by a threaded nut and bolt arrangement (not shown) or
to be mounted with a snap hook (not shown) allowing for a quick
connection and disconnection of the frame assembly 26 from the
vehicle. It should be understood that any suitable attachment of
the frame 32 to the vehicle may be used. The frame 32 is preferably
constructed from stainless steel, but may also be constructed from
a polymeric material or another suitable, rigid material.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 4, the shaft 34 of the frame assembly
26 has a first end 48, a second end 50, and an elongated opening 52
extending therebetween. The shaft 32 may be constructed from any
rigid, durable material, such as steel, or a polymer, such as
polyethylene or polypropylene. The shaft 34 is positioned between
the front end 38 and the rear end 40 of the frame 32 so that the
first end 48 and the second end 50 of the shaft 34 each extend
outwardly from the first side 42 and the second side 44 of the
frame 32, respectively.
[0020] The reel 36 of the frame assembly 26 has a first end 54, a
second end 56, and an elongated tubular hub portion 58 extending
therebetween. The hub portion 58 is provided with an elongated
opening 60. The reel 36 is positioned between the first side 42 and
the second side 44 of the frame 32 so as to be rotatably mounted on
the shaft 34.
[0021] The biasing assembly 28 includes a rotor 62, a spring
bearing subassembly 64, a spring 66, and a spring cover 68. The
rotor 62 provides a connection between the shaft 34 and the spring
66 so that as the shaft 34 is rotated, the rotor 62 and the spring
66 rotate in the same direction as the shaft 34 is moved. The
spring 66 is positioned between the spring-bearing sub-assembly 64
and the spring cover 68 in a coiled, stored position. The spring
cover 68 is connected to the spring-bearing sub-assembly 64 and the
frame 32 by screws 74 and 76. However, it should be understood that
any suitable fastener may be used in connecting the spring cover 68
and the spring-bearing sub-assembly 64 to hold the coiled spring
66.
[0022] The locking assembly 30 has a front cover 78 and a rear
cover 80. The rear cover 80 is provided with an opening 82 so that
the first end 48 of the shaft 34 is disposed through the opening
82. The rear cover 80 is disposed against an inner surface 87 of
the frame assembly 26 and positioned so as to face the first end 54
of the reel 36. A locking wheel 88 is provided with a plurality of
teeth 90 along an outer edge 92 and a central opening 94. The
locking wheel 88 is mounted on the first end 48 of the shaft 34 so
that the first end 48 of the shaft 34 is disposed through the
opening 94 of the locking wheel 88. The locking wheel 88 is
positioned against the rear cover 80. A rotor 98 is attached to the
first end 48 of the shaft 34 so as to rotate in the same direction
as the shaft 34 is moved. In addition, a support member 96 is
attached inside the rear cover 80 to provide a filler between the
front and rear covers 78 and 80.
[0023] The locking assembly 30 further includes a pair of locking
bars 100 and 102 which are each positioned through separate
openings 104 and 106 in the frame 32. A guide disc 108 is attached
to the frame 32. The guide disc 108 is provided with a pair of
openings 112 and 114 and has an inner surface 111 provided with
teeth-like indentations. The locking bars 100 and 102 are
positioned in the openings 112 and 114 of the guide disc 108. Each
opening 112 and 114 includes a guiding member 116 and 117, shown in
FIGS. 4-6, for guiding the locking bars 100 and 102 into the
openings 112 and 114. The guide disc 108 is further provided with
an elongated member 118 that extends past the frame 32 into the
rear cover 80. A spring 119 is provided in the rear cover 80 to
bias the elongated member 118 of the guide disc 108.
[0024] The shaft 34 and rotor 98 are positioned so as to extend
into the guide disc 108. A locking wheel 120 having a plurality of
teeth 122 around an outer edge 124 of the locking wheel 120 is
mounted on the shaft 34 so as to rotate in the same direction as
the shaft 34. A bushing 126 is provided having an opening 127. The
rotor 98 is positioned in the opening 127. A circular inertia mass
128 is positioned in a ratchet wheel 130. The ratchet wheel 130 is
provided with a plurality of teeth 131 along its outer edge 132.
The bushing 126 is connected to the ratchet wheel 130. The circular
inertia mass 128 provides weight to the bushing 126 and the ratchet
wheel 130. A pivoting lever 133 is attached to the ratchet wheel
130 and is maintained in place by a spring 134. The ratchet wheel
130, circular inertia mass 128 and the bushing 126 all rotate
together in the same direction as the attached rotor 98.
[0025] The strap assembly 24 includes an elongated strap 136, a
strap tensioning assembly 137, and a fastener 138. The elongated
strap 136 may be composed of any natural or synthetic material
strong enough to be used in the present invention. The elongated
strap 136 has a first end 139 and a second end 140. The first end
139 of the elongated strap 136 is disposed through the elongated
opening 60 of the reel 36 for securing the first end 139 of the
elongated strap 136 to the reel 36. The first end 139 of the
elongated strap 136 is provided with a loop 142. A pin 144 is
provided and is slid through the loop 142 at the first end 139 of
the elongated strap 136, so as to be disposed within the elongated
opening 60 of the reel 36 thus connecting the elongated strap 136
to the reel 36. The elongated strap 136 is adapted to be wound
about and withdrawn from the reel 36.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the strap tensioning assembly 137 has
a buckle or inline adjuster 146 slidingly attached to the elongated
strap 136. The second end 140 of the elongated strap 136 is
provided with a handle 148 to facilitate tightening of the
elongated strap 136 about a load. The buckle 146 is also provided
with a handle 152 to loosen the elongated strap 136 from about the
load. An extension strap 154 is attached to the buckle 146 and is
attached to the fastener 138 for attaching the elongated strap 136
to the object, vehicle, or load. The fastener 138 is shown to be a
hook with a general S-configuration.
[0027] In use, the frame assembly 26 is connected to the vehicle.
The elongated strap 136 is withdrawn from the reel 36 and
positioned about the cargo. The shaft 34 and the reel 36
interconnect with the biasing assembly 28 and the locking assembly
30 so that the entire locking assembly 30 rotates against the
spring 66 of the biasing assembly 28 as the elongated strap 136 is
withdrawn from the reel 36. The fastener 138 of the strap assembly
24 is then attached to the cargo or the vehicle.
[0028] As the reel 36 moves slowly, the lever 133 mounted to the
ratchet wheel 130 is maintained in a stationary condition by the
spring 134. The elongated strap 136 is allowed to be pulled back
onto the reel 36 thereby providing a loose tension on the elongated
strap 136. In order to lock the reel 36, the elongated strap 136 is
pulled sharply in a direction generally away from the reel 36. When
the elongated strap 136 is pulled sharply the reel 36 is caused to
move quickly, as is the shaft 34. Centrifugal force drives the
pivoting lever 133 to engage the teeth-like indentations on the
inner surface 111 of the guide disc 108. The lever 133 pushes the
guide disc 108 which in turn causes the guiding members 116 and 117
to guide the locking bars 100 and 102 into the openings 112 and
114, thus locking the guide disc 108. The movement of the locking
bars 100 and 102 into the openings 112 and 114, also causes the
locking bars 100 and 102 to engage the plurality of teeth 90 and
122 of the rotating locking wheels 88 and 120, respectively,
attached to the shaft 34, thus locking the reel 36 and preventing
rotation and the withdrawal of the elongated strap 136 (FIG.
6).
[0029] Once the reel 36 is locked into place, the handle 148 of the
elongated strap 136 is grasped and the elongated strap 136 is
cinched so as to remove any additional slack in the elongated strap
136, thus securing the load on the vehicle.
[0030] To remove the elongated strap 136 from the cargo, the strap
150 is grasped and pulled sharply in a direction generally away
from the reel-36, thus releasing the tension on and creating slack
in the elongated strap 136. The lever 133 is disengaged from the
teeth-like indentation on the inner surface 111 of the guide disc
108 allowing the guide disc 108 to move so that the locking bars
100 and 102 disengage the plurality of teeth 90 and 122 of the
rotating locking wheels 88 and 120, thus unlocking the reel 36
(FIG. 5).
[0031] The slack in the elongated strap 136 allows the fastener 138
to be unattached from the cargo or vehicle. The bias of the spring
66 rotates the reel 36 so as to wind and draw the elongated strap
136 back into its coiled, stored position. The reel 36 freely
rotates so as to permit the winding and withdrawal of the elongated
strap 136.
[0032] From the above description, it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain
the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be
understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are
accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed and as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *