U.S. patent application number 16/425395 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-02 for hook for tying down a load on the deck of a transport vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is LOHR INDUSTRIE. Invention is credited to Jean-Luc Andre.
Application Number | 20200001768 16/425395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63963149 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200001768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andre; Jean-Luc |
January 2, 2020 |
HOOK FOR TYING DOWN A LOAD ON THE DECK OF A TRANSPORT VEHICLE
Abstract
The tie-down hook includes a curved hooking finger whereof the
free end, intended to be inserted in oblong through orifices
provided in the deck of a transport vehicle, includes a flattened
spatula extending laterally on each side by a lateral extension. It
also includes an elongated intermediate part with a round or oval
section, and a connecting part that is preferably annular whereof
the orifice is delimited in its inner part by rounded edges. The
upper surface of the spatula that is oriented facing toward the
connecting part is rounded in relief when considered in profile.
The tie-down hook preferably includes a conventional second curved
hooking finger provided opposite the other finger so as to form an
S.
Inventors: |
Andre; Jean-Luc; (Molsheim,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LOHR INDUSTRIE |
Hangenbieten |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
63963149 |
Appl. No.: |
16/425395 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/079 20130101;
B60P 3/075 20130101; B60P 7/0823 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60P 3/079 20060101
B60P003/079; B60P 3/075 20060101 B60P003/075 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 29, 2018 |
FR |
1855930 |
Claims
1. A tie-down hook for tying down a load on a deck of a transport
vehicle by means of a strap, said tie-down hook including a curved
hooking finger, the free end of which is intended to be inserted
into through orifices provided in the deck of the transport vehicle
and including a connecting part having an orifice intended to
receive the strap or a connecting member fastened to the strap, the
curved hooking finger and the connecting part being connected by an
intermediate part, wherein: the intermediate part is elongated and
the portions thereof which are intended to come into contact with
the through orifices of the deck are rounded; the curved hooking
finger includes a curved part whereof the portions intended to come
into contact with the through orifices are rounded; the curved
hooking finger includes, at a free end thereof, a spatula, said
spatula having a flattened shape and laterally extending from each
side by a lateral extension, a upper surface of the spatula that is
oriented facing toward the connecting part and is intended, during
use, to come into contact against the underside of the deck, being
rounded in relief when considered in profile and being a convex
bulging contact surface, such that the upper surface of the spatula
is an orthogonal combination of two positive curves; and the curved
hooking finger, the intermediate part and the spatula are
configured in a single piece of metal.
2. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein the connecting
part is annular shaped and wherein the orifice is central and has a
generally circular or oval shape.
3. The tie-down hook according to claim 1 wherein an axis in which
the lateral extensions extend is orthogonal to a plane in which the
connecting part extends.
4. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein an axis of the
lateral extensions is orthogonal to the intermediate part.
5. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein the curved
hooking finger and the connecting part are situated in a same
plane.
6. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein each lateral
extension has a free end which is convex bulging.
7. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein the curved
hooking finger does not have any projecting angular part.
8. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein the connecting
part is equipped with a stirrup for fastening the strap, and
wherein: either the connecting part is configured in a stirrup; or
the stirrup is a separate piece from the connecting part that is
mounted rotating in the orifice the connecting part.
9. The tie-down hook according to claim 8, wherein the stirrup is
mounted rotating in the orifice of the connecting part according to
three rotation degrees of freedom.
10. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein a lower surface
of the spatula that is oriented away from the connecting part is a
substantially flat surface.
11. The tie-down hook according to claim 2, wherein the connecting
part is toroidal.
12. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein the tie-down
hook includes a second curved hooking finger with a free end that
is not flattened, or laterally widened, the second curved hooking
finger and the connecting part being connected by an elongated
second intermediate part.
13. The tie-down hook according to claim 12, wherein the second
curved hooking finger is provided opposite the other curved hooking
finger relative to the connecting part such that the tie-down hook
forms an S.
14. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein the tie-down
hook is forged from steel.
15. The tie-down hook according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate part has a substantially round or oval general
section.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hook for anchoring a
load on the deck of a transport vehicle using a strap.
[0002] The disclosure more particularly relates to a tie-down hook
including a curved hooking finger, the free end of which is
intended to be inserted into through orifices provided in the deck
of the transport vehicle and a connecting part, typically annular,
intended to receive the strap, or more preferably, a connecting
member fastened to the strap, the curved hooking finger and the
connecting part being connected by an intermediate part.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In particular in the field of the transport of vehicles on
the deck of a railway car or an auto carrier, it is known to use
tie-down systems to immobilize the wheels of the vehicles on said
deck. Of course, very similar tie-down systems can also be provided
to immobilize any type of load on a deck.
[0004] These tie-down systems generally comprise a strap connected
to tie-down hooks. A tie-down hook is generally provided at one end
of the strap, while the other end is engaged with a tensioning
device, for example a strap tensioner with ratchet or a dedicated
device provided on the deck of the transport vehicle. The strap is
typically passed over a wheel of a vehicle to be immobilized, then
tensioned so as to press the wheel downward on the deck. A tie-down
hook is generally provided in front of and behind the wheel to be
immobilized so as to connect the strap locally to the deck. More
specifically, the strap is typically connected to an end hook; it
slides in another tie-down hook situated between the wheel and the
strap tensioner. Seen from above, the tie-down hooks are aligned
optimally in the axis of the wheel. However, since the tensioner
can be located below the body of the car, it is generally offset
toward the outside. This results in lateral forces primarily at the
sliding hook that tend to tilt it outward.
[0005] With the aim of allowing a strap to be fastened on the deck,
the deck of railway cars or auto carriers has oblong through
orifices extending longitudinally in the axis of the transport
vehicle. The curved end of the tie-down hooks is then inserted into
these through orifices in order to catch at their front or rear
border. When the strap is tensioned, the free end of the hooks
presses against the deck, bearing on the underside thereof.
[0006] With the increased weights of cars, the tension present in
the tie-down systems must be increased. As a result, the
traditional hooks tend to damage the deck of the transport
vehicles. It has in fact been observed that the free end of the
tie-down hooks had a tendency to deform the material on the
underside of the plates, sometimes leading to the breaking of the
decking of the decks, and thus to poor restraint of the
vehicle.
[0007] This problem should therefore be resolved, preferably
without having to modify the deck of the transport vehicles.
[0008] Known from documents EP 3238990 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,353
A and U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,228 B2 is a tie-down hook including a
cylindrical and rectilinear spatula. Due to its rectilinear shape
having a curve in a single plane, the spatula does not allow a
slight pivoting of the lateral extensions relative to the deck when
they are pressed against the underside thereof. Thus, the spatula
may damage the underside of the deck when the strap is urged
laterally.
[0009] Known from document AU 611700 B2 is a tie-down hook that is
not intended to be inserted into through orifices provided in the
deck, but into loops attached on said deck. At its free end, this
hook includes a round part with angular edges that could damage the
underside of the deck when it is pressed against the underside of
the deck.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] Having noted that during the tensioning of the straps, the
prior tie-down hooks create an excessive stress concentration for
the material, the subject matter of the present disclosure
therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by
proposing a new type of hook that does not damage the deck of
transport vehicles, even in case of strong tensioning of the
strap.
[0011] The subject matter of the present disclosure is achieved
owing to a tie-down hook for tying down a load on the deck of a
transport vehicle by means of a strap, said hook including a curved
hooking finger, a free end of which is intended to be inserted into
through orifices provided in the deck of the transport vehicle, and
a connecting part having an orifice intended to receive the strap
or a connecting member fastened to the strap, the curved hooking
finger and the connecting part being connected by an intermediate
part, characterized in that:
[0012] the intermediate part is elongated and its portions intended
to come into contact with the through orifices of the deck are
rounded;
[0013] the curved hooking finger includes a curved part whereof the
portions intended to come into contact with the through orifices
are rounded;
[0014] at its free end, the curved hooking finger includes a
spatula, said spatula having a flattened shape and laterally
extending from each side by a lateral extension, the upper surface
of the spatula that is oriented facing toward the connecting part
being rounded in relief when considered in profile; and
[0015] the curved hooking finger, the intermediate part and the
spatula are configured in a single piece of metal.
[0016] Since it can be formed in a single piece of metal, at least
for its curved hooking finger, its intermediate part and its
spatula, the hook is very strong and can be produced at a lower
cost.
[0017] The intermediate part creates a distance between the curved
hooking finger and the connecting part so as to allow the hook to
pivot freely when it is engaged in one of the through orifices of
the deck. It also makes it possible to position bearing in a flat
zone situated between the through orifices provided in the
deck.
[0018] The shape of the curved part of the curved hooking finger
that connects the spatula to the intermediate part is studied so
that bearing always happens in this flat zone even if the hook is
inclined. This curved part makes it possible to position the
spatula in "spherical" contact below the deck, with free hook
angles. This curved part has rounded bearing surfaces so as not to
damage the rim of the through orifices of the deck.
[0019] The rounded shape of the portions of the intermediate part
intended to come into contact with the through orifices in
particular makes it possible not to damage the rim of the through
orifices of the deck when the hook pivots around a substantially
vertical axis. When the hook is inclined, there is a force with a
direction parallel to the deck. This force is taken-up by the
bearing of the intermediate part on the stamping of the through
orifices provided in the deck of the transport vehicle.
[0020] Due to their orientation, their length and their shape, the
lateral extensions advantageously make it possible to distribute
the stresses over a greater length, in particular the Hertz
pressures, exerted by the spatula against the underside of the deck
so as not to damage said deck.
[0021] By the rounded upper part of the lateral extensions, one
advantageously guarantees that the hook is still in contact against
the underside of the deck by the lateral extensions, irrespective
of the longitudinal inclination angle of the hook relative to said
deck.
[0022] According to one example embodiment, the connecting part has
an annular shape and has a central orifice with a generally
circular shape in order in particular to allow a free rotation of
the stirrup or the strap inserted into this orifice.
[0023] This orifice can also have a general oval shape, which
allows a slight travel of said stirrup or said strap in the central
orifice. The stirrup makes it possible to loop the strap correctly
and produce a seam. Since there can be several strap widths,
several stirrup models can advantageously be provided for a single
hook. This variant of the hook including a stirrup allows an
additional freedom in the orientation of the strap, which lets the
hook position itself in the through orifices of the deck. The
stirrup is particularly advantageous for passing the strap when the
hook is used for the return as shown in FIG. 2 between the wheel
and the ratchet device for tensioning the strap.
[0024] According to another example embodiment, the axis in which
the lateral extensions extend is orthogonal to the plane in which
the connecting part extends. Likewise, according to another example
embodiment, the axis of the lateral extensions is orthogonal to the
intermediate part. Thus, the hook is preferably symmetrical
relative to the plane in which the connecting part extends such
that the lateral extensions come into contact against the underside
of the deck over their entire length when the hook is moved
vertically upward.
[0025] According to an additional example embodiment, the upper
face of the spatula that is oriented facing toward the connecting
part is a convex bulging contact surface. The fact that the contact
surface is slightly bulging advantageously allows a slight pivoting
of the lateral extensions relative to the deck when they are in
contact against the underside thereof.
[0026] According to one example embodiment, the curved hooking
finger and the connecting part are situated in a same plane.
Indeed, as previously mentioned, the hook is preferably symmetrical
relative to the plane in which the connecting part extends.
[0027] According to another example embodiment, the free end of
each lateral extension is convex bulging. Thus, the spatula only
has rounded parts, or even convex bulging parts, such that
irrespective of the orientation thereof when it is bearing against
the underside of the deck, no projecting angular part can damage
the deck by generating excessive stress concentrations, even when
the hook comes into contact against the deck by the free end of one
of its lateral extensions.
[0028] According to an additional example embodiment, the curved
hooking finger has no projecting angular part. Thus, as previously
mentioned, irrespective of the orientation of the hook when it is
bearing against the underside of the deck, no projecting angular
part can damage the deck.
[0029] According to an example embodiment, the connecting part is
equipped with a strap fastening stirrup, and:
[0030] either the connecting part is configured in a stirrup;
[0031] or the stirrup is a separate piece from the connecting part
that is mounted rotating in the orifice of the connecting part.
[0032] According to another example embodiment, the stirrup is
mounted rotating in the orifice of the connecting part according to
three rotation degrees of freedom. Owing to this stirrup and its
swivel-type assembly with the hook, the strap provided to be guided
by the stirrup can orient itself freely and adapt to the
configuration necessary for tying down a load, or a wheel, on a
deck. This swiveling also makes it possible to provide additional
degrees of freedom to absorb the strapping variations.
[0033] According to an additional example embodiment, the lower
surface of the spatula that is oriented away from the connecting
part is a substantially flat surface, although very slightly convex
bulging. Thus, despite its preferably slightly convex bulging
configuration in its upper part, the spatula is thin enough to be
able to be inserted into the through orifices of the deck, while
remaining very robust to withstand the mechanical forces
experienced by the hook.
[0034] According to one example embodiment, the connecting part is
toroidal. Thus, the rounded edges of the orifice of the connecting
part allow a free orientation of the stirrup or the strap that is
inserted therein, without having a risk of deterioration of said
strap by abrasion on protruding parts and the connecting part does
not have an angular protrusion to the outside that could damage the
deck.
[0035] According to another example embodiment, the hook includes a
second curved hooking finger, the free end of which is not
flattened or laterally widened. Thus, including both a curved
hooking finger according to the present disclosure and a
traditional curved hooking finger, the hook allows the user to
choose to fasten his hook traditionally or in the new manner
depending on the configuration of the load presented to the user.
In the case where a through orifice of the deck does not allow the
penetration of the curved hooking finger, for example due to a
deformation thereof, the user can then cause the traditional curved
hooking finger, which is narrower, to penetrate therein. Thus, the
double hook has a particularly advantageous versatile nature. The
double hook is also useful to secure loads on a deck in a zone
thereof not including oblong through orifices, but simple circular
through orifices, for example of the simple hole type in a thick
metal sheet or on a vertical sheet edge.
[0036] According to an additional embodiment, the second curved
hooking finger is provided opposite the other curved hooking finger
relative to the connecting part such that the tie-down hook forms
an S.
[0037] According to an example embodiment, the tie-down hook is
forged from steel, which advantageously allows it to be produced at
a reduced cost.
[0038] According to another example embodiment, the intermediate
part has a substantially round or oval general section, such that,
irrespective of the orientation of the intermediate part when the
hook is engaged in a through orifice provided in the deck of the
transport vehicle, the intermediate part cannot damage the edges of
said through orifice.
[0039] The advantages of the presently described embodiments are
particularly numerous. The hook according to the present
description makes it possible to prevent its free end from digging
into the material on the underside of the decks through a burring
phenomenon of the material, without having to make the slightest
change to the current decks.
[0040] Its configuration allows it multiple orientations relative
to the deck, and none of these orientations can damage said deck.
The swiveling of a stirrup further offers a great freedom of
movement and orientation for the strap connected to the hook.
[0041] The specific shape of the hook, and in particular near the
spatula, procures other advantages.
[0042] Owing to the lateral extensions that are positioned
transversely relative to the oblong orifices of the deck, the hook
cannot easily disengage from said orifices. To disengage the hook,
it is necessary to completely release the tension of the strap and
even to relax it completely, and next to remove the hook from the
orifice where it is housed by pivoting it around itself. Thus, in
case of temporary loss of tension, the hook will never be able to
leave the orifice.
[0043] Likewise, the tie-down is independent of the orientation of
the hook in the orifice of the deck.
[0044] The oblong orifices of the deck can be oriented in the
longitudinal direction of the deck or can be perpendicular.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] Other characteristics and advantages of the presently
described embodiments will be seen more clearly from the following
description, provided with reference to the appended drawings,
provided by way of non-limiting examples, in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a profile view illustrating the immobilization of
a wheel on the deck of a transport vehicle by a tie-down system
comprising hooks according to the prior art;
[0047] FIG. 2 is a profile view illustrating the immobilization of
a wheel on the deck of a transport vehicle by a tie-down system
comprising hooks;
[0048] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the housing of a
hook in one of the oblong through orifices of the deck of a
transport vehicle;
[0049] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a hook equipped with a
stirrup;
[0050] FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of a hook;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a front view of a hook;
[0052] FIG. 7 is a profile view of a hook;
[0053] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of a hook according to
an embodiment called "double hook" and equipped with a stirrup;
[0054] FIGS. 10 to 13 are profile views of a hook equipped with a
stirrup and housed in one of the oblong through orifices of the
deck of a transport vehicle, these figures illustrating several
orientation angles of the hook;
[0055] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a "double hook"
in which the stirrup is in the form of a clevis rotatably housed in
the orifice of the connecting part;
[0056] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a hook in which
the connecting part is configured in a stirrup; and
[0057] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a "double hook"
in which the connecting part is configured in a stirrup.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] The structurally and functionally identical elements shown
in several different figures are assigned the same numerical or
alphanumerical reference.
[0059] The tie-down hook (1) is intended to tie down a load (2),
for example the wheel (3) of a vehicle, on the deck (4) of a
transport vehicle using a strap (5).
[0060] It includes a curved hooking finger (6), an intermediate
part (7) and a connecting part (8).
[0061] The connecting part (8) is preferably annular and has an
orifice (9), preferably delimited in its inner part by rounded
edges (10), and intended to receive the strap (5) or, more
preferably, a connecting member (11) fastened to the strap (5), for
example a stirrup (12). The connecting part (8) is preferably
toroidal.
[0062] Stirrup (12) refers to any piece of the tie-down hook (1)
that is provided to return the strap (5) connected to the hook (1)
and to allow the easy sliding of the strap (5) relative to the hook
(1). Different variants of stirrup (12) are illustrated as examples
in FIGS. 8, 14, 15 and 16. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the
connecting part (8) can take any other form, since it is typically
not in contact with the deck (4) and is therefore not able to
damage it by the presence of projecting sharp edges.
[0063] The intermediate part (7) connects the curved hooking finger
(6) to the connecting part (8). It is elongated, preferably
rectilinear, and extends along an axis C. The portions of the
intermediate part (7) that are intended to come into contact with
the through orifices (14) of the deck (4) are rounded. The
intermediate part (7) preferably has a substantially round or oval
general section.
[0064] The curved hooking finger (6) includes a curved part (23)
whereof the portions intended to come into contact with the through
orifices are rounded. Since this curved part (23) could come into
contact with the edge of the through orifices (14) of the deck (4),
these surfaces are also rounded.
[0065] The free end of the curved hooking finger (6) is intended to
be inserted into through orifices (14), typically oblong, provided
in the deck (4) of the transport vehicle.
[0066] This free end includes a spatula (13), which is a flattened
part that extends laterally on each side by a lateral extension
(15).
[0067] Due to its flattened shape, the spatula (13) has a small
thickness that advantageously allows it to be inserted in the
through orifices (14) of the deck (4), despite the overthickness
imparted by the convex bulging upper surface (16) of the spatula
(13) (see later).
[0068] The radius of the curved part (23) of the curved hooking
finger (6) is designed to guarantee the contact of the spatula (13)
below the deck (4) for all of the angles that the tie-down hook (1)
can assume.
[0069] When the tie-down hook (1) is considered with its connecting
part (8) on top and its curved hooking finger (6) on bottom (see
for example FIG. 7), the upper surface (16) of the spatula (13) has
a rounded profile. This upper surface (16) is oriented facing the
connecting part (8). This is the part of the curved hooking finger
(6) that is intended to come into contact against the underside
(17) of the deck (4).
[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the upper surface (16)
of the spatula (13) is convex bulging. Thus, not only does the
spatula (13) have a rounded profile when considered in profile in
the plane X-Y (see FIGS. 4 and 7), but it also has a rounded
profile when considered in profile in another plane, preferably in
the plane Y-Z (see FIGS. 4 and 6). Thus, the upper surface (16) of
the spatula (13) is a combination, preferably orthogonal, of two
positive curves. Thus, the upper surface (16) of the spatula (13)
has a substantially spherical cap shape, which clearly
distinguishes the spatula (13) of the present disclosure from
simple cylindrical spatulas, whereof the upper surface has no more
than a single rounded profile.
[0071] Such a combination of two positive curves procures a convex
bulging contact surface (16) that advantageously allows a slight
pivoting of the lateral extensions (15) relative to the deck (4)
when they are in contact against the underside (17) thereof. This
pivoting advantageously allows a slight orientation of the tie-down
hook (1), even when it is pressed against the underside (17) of the
deck (4), which procures a slight possibility of orientation of the
strap (5) and in particular avoids damaging the underside (17) of
the deck (4).
[0072] An orthogonal combination of two positive curves
advantageously makes it possible to have a symmetrical tie-down
hook (1), but the two positive curves can also be combined
according to other angles and non-orthogonally.
[0073] As appears in FIGS. 10 to 13, the rounded part of the upper
surface (16) of the spatula (13) makes it possible to guarantee
that the tie-down hook (1) is always in contact against the
underside (17) of the deck (4) by the lateral extensions (15),
irrespective of the longitudinal inclination angle of the tie-down
hook (1) relative to said deck (4).
[0074] In order to illustrate this advantage, FIG. 10 shows a
tie-down hook (1) shown in the position bearing against the
underside (17) of the deck (4) when it undergoes a pulling force
oriented upward along an angle of 90.degree. relative to the
horizontal plane of said deck (4). In FIG. 11, this angle is
60.degree., whereas it is 45.degree. in FIG. 12 and 30.degree. in
FIG. 13.
[0075] In these figures, irrespective of the inclination angle of
the tie-down hook (1) in a longitudinal vertical plane, it will be
noted that it is still bearing against the underside (17) of the
deck (4) by its lateral extensions (15). Longitudinal vertical
plane refers to any plane parallel to the plane X-Y shown in FIGS.
4, 5 and 7.
[0076] The convex bulging shape of the spatula (13) allows a slight
pivoting of the tie-down hook (1) along any horizontal axis in
addition to the transverse axis allowed by the spatula (13).
[0077] The axis (A) along which the lateral extensions (15) extend
is orthogonal to the intermediate part (7), such that the spatula
(13) of the tie-down hook (1) adopts the general shape of a
fishtail rounded on the top.
[0078] The axis (A) along which the lateral extensions (15) extend
is orthogonal to the plane in which the connecting part (8)
extends, i.e., orthogonal to the plane X-Y shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and
7.
[0079] When the tie-down hook (1) is considered with its connecting
part (8) on top and its curved hooking finger (6) on bottom (see
for example FIG. 10), the axis (A) in which the lateral extensions
(15) extend is a horizontal axis that is orthogonal to the
longitudinal direction (B) in which the oblong through orifices
(14) provided in the deck (4) of the transport vehicle extend.
[0080] In reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the axis (A) in which the
lateral extensions (15) extend is parallel to the axis Z shown in
these figures, while the longitudinal direction (B) in which the
oblong through orifices (14) extend is generally parallel to the
axis X shown in these figures.
[0081] When considered positioned like in FIG. 7, the tie-down hook
(1) preferably has a vertical plane of symmetry passing through the
plane (P) in which the connecting part (8) extends. This plane (P)
is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, with its contact zone with the tie-down
hook (1) being shown in broken lines. In reference to FIGS. 4 to 7,
the plane (P) is parallel to the plane XY shown in these
figures.
[0082] Thus, the curved hooking finger (6) and the connecting part
(8) are situated in a same general plane, and the lateral
extensions (15) extend along an axis (A) orthogonal to this
plane.
[0083] The free end (18) of each of the lateral extensions (15) is
convex bulging, and more generally, the curved hooking finger (6)
does not have any projecting angular part, capable of damaging any
surface against which it may come into contact.
[0084] Thus, owing to the roundings, during tensioning of the strap
(5) to which the tie-down hook (1) is connected, the spatula (16)
bears under the deck (4) without creating stress concentration.
[0085] Absence of angular parts means that the curved hooking
finger (6) does not have any sharp edges or pointy parts. Convex
means which has a protruding curve, which is rounded outwards.
[0086] When the connecting part (8) is annular, its orifice (9)
preferably has a circular or oval general shape.
[0087] According to one preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the
connecting part (8) of the tie-down hook (1) is equipped with a
stirrup (12) for fastening a strap (5).
[0088] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, the stirrup (12) can be
mounted rotating in the orifice (9) of the connecting part (8),
preferably with three rotation degrees of freedom when the
connecting part (8) is toroidal. The swiveling of the stirrup (12)
leaves the rotations along z and x free. Thus, if the strap (5) is
not perfectly aligned with the tie-down hook (1), these rotation
freedoms allow the curved hooking finger (6) to bear under the deck
(4) without being stressed.
[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the connecting part (8) can also
be configured in a stirrup (12). According to this variant, the
connecting part (8) configured in a stirrup (12) can be in a single
piece with the rest of the tie-down hook (1), or can be mounted
pivoting on the intermediate part (7).
[0090] In this figure, the stirrup (12) comprises a curved piece
(26) substantially in the shape of a U, and a rod (27) provided to
fasten the strap (5) and fastened between the two arms of the U of
the curved piece (26). This rod (27) is preferably mounted rotating
between the two arms of the U of the curved piece (26).
[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the stirrup (12) can be mounted
pivoting on the intermediate part (7) around the longitudinal axis
C of said intermediate part (7). In this case, the curved part (26)
can have a through orifice through which the intermediate part (7)
is inserted, the free end thereof then including a widened part
(29) preventing the removal of the intermediate part (7) from said
through orifice.
[0092] Generally, the stirrup (12) is made from a bar with a
circular section which is sintered and welded after insertion into
the connecting part (8). The strap (5) is next sewn on the stirrup
(12). These parts (5, 8, 12) are therefore usually inseparable.
[0093] It is, however, possible to consider a variant as
illustrated in FIG. 14, in which the stirrup (12) is in the form of
a sort of clevis (24) able to be opened and closed by a screw (25).
According to this variant, the strap (5) (not shown in FIG. 14)
ends with a loop sewn in advance and provided to be mounted on the
screw of the stirrup (12). Thus, according to this variant, the
tie-down hook (1) includes a stirrup (12) in the form of a clevis
(24) passed through by a screw (25), and a strap (5), all being
able to be assembled separately. The stirrup (12) in clevis form
(24) is configured to allow its passage in the central orifice (9)
of the connecting part (8) of the tie-down hook (1).
[0094] The lower surface (19) of the spatula (13) of the curved
hooking finger (6) that is oriented away from the connecting part
(8) is preferably a substantially flat surface, although very
slightly convex bulging.
[0095] According to one preferred variant shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 14
and 16, the tie-down hook (1) includes a second curved hooking
finger (20).
[0096] This second curved hooking finger (20) is preferably
provided opposite the other curved hooking finger (6) relative to
the connecting part (8) such that the tie-down hook (1) forms an S.
It can also be provided differently, for example at a right angle
relative to the other curved hooking finger (6).
[0097] The second curved hooking finger (20) and the connecting
part (8) are connected by a second elongated intermediate part
(21), preferably rectilinear and with a substantially round or oval
general section.
[0098] This second curved hooking finger (20) has a conventional
shape, although preferably without any projecting angular part.
Thus, the free end (22) of the second curved hooking finger (20) is
not flattened, or laterally widened.
[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the two curved hooking fingers (6
and 20) can be mounted pivoting on the intermediate part (7).
[0100] In this FIG. 16, the connecting part (8) is configured in a
stirrup (12). It comprises a loop (28) in which a rod (27) is
mounted, preferably rotating, intended for the fastening of the
strap (5). In this figure, the loop (28) has a substantially square
general shape, but it can have any other shape, for example
annular. In this FIG. 16, the intermediate part (7), the curved
hooking finger (6) and the spatula (13) are similar to those of
FIG. 15.
[0101] In the tie-down hook (1), the curved hooking finger (6), an
intermediate part (7) and the spatula (13) are configured in a
single piece of metal.
[0102] In the case where the connecting part (8) and the curved
hooking finger (6) are not provided pivoting relative to one
another, the connecting part (8) can also be in a single piece with
the rest of the hook (1). Thus, in this case, the entire hook (1)
is in a single piece of metal.
[0103] The tie-down hook (1) and its component parts are preferably
forged from steel.
[0104] The stirrup (12) generally comprises a transverse piece (30)
with a rounded section around which the strap (5) can slide freely.
This transverse piece (30) is provided at a distance from the rest
of the tie-down hook (1) such that a free space (31) exists between
said transverse piece (30) and the other parts of the tie-down hook
(1) that allows this free sliding.
[0105] In the case where the stirrup (12) is in the form of a
clevis (24), the transverse piece (30) around which the strap (5)
slides can be formed by the screw (25) of said clevis (24).
[0106] In the case where the connecting part (8) is configured in a
stirrup (12) and where it comprises a substantially U-shaped curved
piece (26) and a rod (27), the transverse piece (30) around which
the strap (5) slides can be formed by said rod (27).
[0107] It is obvious that this description is not limited to the
examples explicitly descrideck, but also includes other embodiments
and/or implementations. Thus, a technical characteristic described
herein can be replaced by an equivalent technical characteristic
without going beyond the scope of the present invention as defined
in the attached claims.
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