U.S. patent application number 10/781235 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for tie down harness.
Invention is credited to Schneider, Brian D..
Application Number | 20050180835 10/781235 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838703 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050180835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneider, Brian D. |
August 18, 2005 |
Tie down harness
Abstract
A device for securing cargo includes at least first and second
anchoring straps, means for adjusting the length of at least one of
the first and second anchoring straps, at least two cargo securing
straps, at least two hub means for slideably securing an end of
each of the anchoring straps and an end of the at least two cargo
securing straps. In a preferred embodiment the anchoring straps and
cargo straps are formed from a fabric webbed material and the means
for adjusting the length of an anchoring strap comprises a ratchet
clamp.
Inventors: |
Schneider, Brian D.; (West
Valley, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S. Peter Konzel, Esq.
Simpson & Simpson, PLLC
5555 Main Street
Williamsville
NY
14221-5406
US
|
Family ID: |
34838703 |
Appl. No.: |
10/781235 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
410/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/0823
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
410/100 |
International
Class: |
B61D 045/00 |
Claims
1. A device for securing cargo comprising: at least first and
second anchoring straps, means for adjusting the length of at least
one of said first and second anchoring straps; at least two cargo
securing straps; at least first and second hub means, wherein said
at least first and second hub means slidably secure each of said at
least two cargo securing straps therebetween, each of said first
and second hub means secures a first end of each said first and
second anchoring straps for rotatable sliding movement therewith,
and a second free end of one of said first and second anchoring
straps comprises a fastener means.
2. (canceled)
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said anchoring straps comprise
loop means for securing said anchoring straps to said
substrate.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said loop means are adapted for
slidably securing said fastener means for securing said anchoring
straps.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein said fastener means comprises a
S-hook.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein said S-hook comprises an open
eyelet and a substantially closed eyelet.
7. (canceled)
8. The device of claim 1 wherein said hub means is a closed ringed
structure.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said closed ringed structure is
circular and said anchoring straps and said at least two cargo
straps are adapted for slidable movement thereon.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein said closed ringed structure is
fabricated from metal.
11. (canceled)
12. The device of claim 10 wherein said metal is hardened.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for adjusting the
length of at least one of said anchoring straps comprises a ratchet
clamp.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The device of claim 1 wherein one of said at least two cargo
securing straps is operatively arranged to traverse the sides of
said cargo at a position proximate a topside of said cargo.
17. The device of claim 1 wherein one of said at least two cargo
securing straps is arranged to traverse the sides of said cargo at
a position at or above the center of gravity of said cargo.
18. The device of claim 17 comprising at least three cargo securing
straps wherein two of said at least three cargo securing straps is
arranged to traverse the sides of said cargo at positions at or
above the center of gravity of said cargo.
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. A device for securing cargo comprising: at least two hub means;
at least two cargo securing straps; and, at least first and second
anchoring straps, wherein at least one of said first and second
anchoring straps comprises means for adjusting the length thereof,
said at least two hub means slidably secure said at least two cargo
securing straps therebetween, each of said at last two hub means
slidably secures a first end of each said first and second
anchoring straps, and a second free end of each said anchoring
strap comprises a fastener means.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device for
securing items for transport, and more particularly, to a device
for releasably securing items to a moving vehicle operated under
adverse conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Devices for securing items for transport are fairly well
known. For example, simple pieces of twine are commonly utilized to
secure items such as oversized boxes, mattresses, Christmas trees
and the like on top of, or in the trunk, of automobiles. The use of
twine and lengths of rope for securing such items for transport
typically occurs when an individual does not foresee that they will
need to transport such items.
[0003] On the contrary, when an individual intends to transport
items, measures are usually taken to properly secure the items to
be transported. Typical means and measures for securing cargo
usually includes the use of multiple bungee cords, straps, storage
racks, cargo nets, tarpaulins, etc. which secure cargo on or in
vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, boats,
airplanes, trains, recreational type vehicles, etc. However, while
individuals often perceive that the measures they undertake are
sufficient for safely transporting their cargo, their measures are
often insufficient and/or that they have not used the proper means
for securing their cargo. As a result, their cargo may shift or
become loose during transport, resulting in damage or loss of the
cargo. While damage and loss of cargo is often associated with
"common" transport of cargo, that is, over paved roads and
highways, increased damage and loss occurs when individuals attempt
to secure items to recreational vehicles that are operated under
extreme off-road conditions, for example, off-road four
wheelers.
[0004] Indeed, when attempting to secure items to such types of
off-road vehicles, users typically utilize multiple bungee cords,
straps or cargo type nets that are not designed for the extreme
off-road conditions or rapid and extreme changes in the directional
movement/momentum of the vehicle or cargo. As a result, the cargo
can shift and become loose, or worse, the means used to secure the
cargo may undergo catastrophic failure, which may result in loss or
damage to the cargo.
[0005] Thus, what is needed then is means for effectively securing
cargo to an off-road vehicle such that the cargo remains secured to
the vehicle when it is operated under off-road conditions and/or
the cargo undergoes extreme changes in directional
movement/momentum.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The tie down harness of the present invention broadly
comprises at least first and second anchoring straps, means for
adjusting the length of at least one of the first and second
anchoring straps, at least two cargo securing straps, at least two
hub means for slideably securing an end of each of the anchoring
straps and an end of the at least two cargo straps.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment the anchoring straps include means
for securing the tie down harness to a substrate, for example, a
vehicle cargo rack, and the cargo straps fit about the cargo. The
hub means allow the ends of the anchoring and cargo straps to move
thereabout such that the straps may be adjusted about the cargo in
order to effectively secure it to the substrate by means of a
ratchet clamp, which adjusts the length of one or more of the
anchoring straps. The anchoring straps and cargo straps are,
preferably, formed from a webbed material, for example a nylon or
cotton webbed material, of a type typically associated with cargo
straps and/or transporting cargo.
[0008] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a tie down harness for securing cargo;
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
tie down harness whose means for securing the cargo are adjustable
thereabout;
[0010] It is still yet another object of the present invention to
provide tie down harness which minimizes and/or prevents damage to,
or loss of, cargo, when a vehicle transporting the cargo is
submitted to extremely adverse conditions, for example, off-road
conditions.
[0011] The present invention relates to the above features and
objects both individually and collectively and these and other
objects, features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon
study of the following detailed description in view of the drawings
and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention
will now be more fully described in the following detailed
description of the invention in view of the accompanying drawing
figures, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a tie down harness
according to the present invention securing cargo to an off-road
vehicle;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the tie down harness
according to present invention securing cargo to an off-road
vehicle;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a tie down harness
according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a close up view of the means for adjusting
according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a close up view of the hub means according to the
present invention; and,
[0018] FIG. 6 is a close up view of a fastening means according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like reference
numbers on different drawing figures represent identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements. It should also be
appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein as the claims
define a broader invention that can take many different shapes and
structures. In the present disclosure and claims, the terms "up"
and "down", "forward" and "rearward" and "side" to "side" and their
likenesses are intended to be taken in relation to the vehicle as
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0020] Adverting now to the figures, as shown in FIGS. 1-6 tie down
harness 16 of the present invention is illustrated as broadly
comprising first and second anchoring straps, 18 and 20,
respectively, cargo securing straps 22, hub means 24, means for
adjusting 26, and fastening means 28.
[0021] As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 1-3, the outer terminal
ends of first and second anchor straps 18 and 20, respectively,
each comprise fastening means 28 for securing the tie down harness
to substrate 12 of vehicle 10. In this case vehicle 10 comprises an
all terrain vehicle (ATV) and substrate 12 comprises a cargo rack
for an ATV. As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 6, in a preferred
embodiment, fastening means 28 comprise substantially S-shaped
hooks wherein one eyelet of the S-hooks is open and another is
substantially closed. The open eyelets allow the S-hooks to be
removeably secured to and from a substrate whereas the
substantially closed eyelets adequately secure the S-hooks to the
anchoring straps. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the art that while a preferred embodiment of the present
invention comprises S-shaped hooks having open and closed eyelets,
other means for fastening the tie down harness to a vehicle
substrate are contemplated. For example, the outer terminal ends of
the anchoring straps could be tied about a portion of the substrate
using non-slip knots. Alternatively, male and female fastener
means, such as hook and loop, snaps or buttons, etc., could be
disposed proximate the outer ends of the anchoring straps such that
the outer ends of the anchoring straps could be wrapped about the
substrate and secured upon the anchoring straps using the male and
female fasteners. Of course, fastening means, other than the
S-hooks described herein, could be utilized, for example,
carabiners, closeable C-hooks, and J-hooks, etc.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment anchoring straps 18 and 20
comprise a flexible webbed material, such as nylon, cotton or
nylon/cotton mix, of substantial tensile strength, whose outer
terminal ends may be looped through the substantially closed eyelet
of an S-hook and secured thereto by means of stitching 44, or other
suitable means. Arranged in this manner, the outer terminal ends of
the anchoring straps comprise loops 42 that can slide along the
circumference of the substantially closed eyelets of the S-hooks
for movement and/or removal of the S-hooks from the loops.
Similarly, the inner terminal ends of anchoring straps 18 and 20
may be secured in a like manner to hub means 24. In other words,
the inner ends of the anchoring straps may be passed through the
hub means and folded and stitched to form loops 42. Thus, the loops
of the inner ends of the anchoring straps may be slid about the
circumference of the hub means for adjustment. Of course, other
appropriate means may be utilized for securing the anchoring straps
to hub means 24. Anchoring straps may also be provided with sliding
buckles (not shown) of the types typically associated with over the
shoulder luggage for adjusting the length of the anchoring
straps.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, anchoring strap 18 further
comprises means for adjusting 26 the length of the strap for
securing cargo to a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, means for
adjusting 26 comprises a ratchet clamp. As illustrated more clearly
in FIG. 4, end 32 of the anchoring strap may be fixedly secured to
the ratchet clamp by stitching 44 (not shown), or by other
appropriate means, and end 34 is free such that it may be
wrapped/unwrapped about the hub of the ratchet clamp. The ratchet
clamp is similar to those currently available in the art and
generally comprises ratchet handle 36, catch teeth 40, and lock
release 38. When operated, ratchet handle 36 allows an operator to
shorten the length of end 34 of anchoring strap 18 such that the
tie down harness may be tightened about cargo to render the cargo
immobile in relation to a substrate. Catch teeth 40 are provided
for locking the hub in place as the ratchet clamp is tightened down
about cargo. Thus, maximum tightening of the tie down harness can
be obtained as the position of end 34 is incrementally locked in
place as the ratchet handle is operated under increased tension.
Lock release 38 is provided for releasing cargo that has been
secured. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in
the art that while a preferred embodiment of the present invention
comprises a ratchet clamp for tightening the tie down harness about
cargo, other means available in the art may be utilized for
securing cargo, for example, buckles and the like; albeit such
devices may not be as effective.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tie down harness of the
present invention comprises hub means 24. Hub means 24 is
preferably a circular ring fabricated from a metal, such as
hardened steel, aluminum, etc., and is capable of withstanding the
forces applied thereto by tightening of the ratchet clamp and/or by
those forces created when an off-road, or other, vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse conditions. As previously
described, anchoring straps 18 and 20 and cargo securing straps 22
are secured to hub means 24 by passing the free ends of the various
straps through the appropriate hub means and then securing the ends
by means of stitching 44 to form loops 42. Other appropriate means
may be utilized for securing the anchoring straps and cargo
securing straps to the hub means, for example, rivets, snaps,
buttons, etc. It should be appreciated that loops 42 allow the
anchoring straps and cargo securing straps to slide about the
circumference of hub means 24, in he direction of the various
arrows, such that the position of the straps can be adjusted to
accommodate different types and differently shaped cargoes. It
should also be appreciated that while in a preferred embodiment,
the hub means is circular, other shape of hub means may be
utilized, for example, oval, arcuate, polygonal, or combinations
thereof.
[0025] FIGS. 2 and 5 further illustrate that the present invention
comprises at least two, and preferably three, cargo securing straps
22. Similar to the anchoring straps, cargo securing straps 22
comprise a flexible, webbed material, such as nylon, cotton or
nylon/cotton mix, of substantial tensile strength. Center cargo
securing straps 46 are provided for traversing the top of cargo
such that up and down movement of the cargo in relation to the
substrate, may be prevented and/or minimized. Outer cargo securing
straps 48 and 50 are provided for traversing the cargo along the
sides thereof such that forward and rearward movement of the cargo,
in relation to the substrate, may be prevented and/or minimized.
Both the center and the outer cargo securing straps further act to
prevent side to side, or rightward and leftward, movement of cargo,
in relation to the substrate. While the cargo securing straps of
the present invention may further comprise sliding buckles for
adjusting the length of the straps, in a preferred embodiment,
outer cargo securing straps 48 and 50 are arranged to traverse the
sides of the cargo along upper portions thereof, or at or above the
center of gravity of the cargo, such that they do not apply a
destabilizing, or undercutting, force upon the cargo. Finally, it
should be appreciated that while a preferred embodiment of the
invention comprises three cargo securing straps, embodiments of the
invention comprising two cargo securing straps may be configured
and/or adjusted such that cargo may be secured to a substrate
having more than one side, for example, a cargo rack having
horizontal and vertical securing surfaces. Arranged in this manner,
one cargo securing strap preferably applies a securing force to
prevent vertical movement of cargo and the remaining cargo securing
strap applies a force to prevent horizontal movement of cargo.
[0026] Hence, as illustrated in FIG. 1, tie down harness 16 of the
present invention may be secured to an off-road vehicle,
appropriately positioned and sufficiently tightened down about
cargo such that up and down, forward and rearward, and side to side
movement of cargo 14 is prevented and/or minimized when vehicle 10
is submitted to adverse conditions (off-road conditions involving
quick starts, stops, turns, crashes, flipping over of the vehicle,
etc.). Consequently, the tie down harness of the present invention
is particularly well suited for preventing damage and/or loss of
cargo under adverse conditions when compared to other known means
for securing cargo that is subjected to similar conditions.
[0027] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention
are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the
invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill
in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the
spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *