Tiedown lug

Abstract

A tiedown device is provided for securing a heavy unit load in position on a transportation device such as a barge.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tiedown device for securing a heavy load in position for transportation under conditions such that the load is subjected to various extraneous forces tending to make it move from a fixed position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is in general the broad object of the present invention to provide a novel form of tiedown device which is useful for securing a heavy unit load in position on a transport device such as a barge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view partly broken away showing the transport device in use.

FIG. 2 is a section taken along the line 2-2 through one of the tiedown devices in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the various components of the tiedown device prior to assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tiedown device utilizing a swival lock when a plurality of attachment connectors are used.

FIG. 5 is an elevational section of the embodiment of FIG. 4 taken substantially along the plane of line 5--5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan section taken substantially along the plane of line 6--6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the device of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the drawing, several tiedown devices are shown as applied to the deck portion 6 of a barge on which a large heavy object such as a transformer 7 is mounted for transport. Such a transformer is relatively of large size and quite heavy, usually of the order of say 25 tons. Secured to the deck of a barge at the four corners of the transformer are hold-on devices, each generally indicated at 8, and adapted to be connected to each of the four corners of the transformer 7 as by chains 9 engaged with clevises 11 secured to the transformer. Each tiedown device comprises a ring 12 secured as by welding 13 to the steel deck of the barge. Each ring provides a receptacle for a circular plate 14 having an upstanding flange 16 thereon and secured thereto. The circular plate 14 is relieved as at 17 about its bottom edge to fit within the ring 12, the space between being filled initially with a heavy grease so that the plate may rotate readily. The plate 14 is secured in place by a second ring 18 secured by a plurality of studs 19 to ring 12. Plate 14 includes several holes 21 to receive an end 22 of each of turn buckles 23, the forward end 24 of each turn buckle being secured to one of chains 9 so that the length of each chain 9 can be adjusted to maintain the transformer in position. By providing the circular plate rotatable within the ring 12 and secured in position by ring 18, I am able to accommodate the various dimensions of the device to be securely held in position.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7 each tiedown device 8 may be used in conjunction with a plurality of attachment connectors 9. In such use, upstanding flange 16 and connectors 9 are held in coplaner relation by a removable swival lock plate 26. Plate 26 spans ring 18 between studs 19 and has cutout 28 for receiving and securing flange 16 in proper position. Plate 26 is dimensioned to fit between the upstanding heads 30 of studs 19 to selectively position plate 14. Multiple turnbuckle ends 22 or shackles 32 are secured in holes 21 and provide increased security for load 7.

Claims

I claim:

1. A tiedown device adapted to be secured in place on the deck of a transportation device such as a barge, the device comprising a ring means secured directly to the barge deck and providing a receptacle, a circular plate mounted for rotation in the receptacle, said ring means having an inner peripheral portion extending inwardly over an outer peripheral portion of the circular plate to retain the circular plate in position for rotation, the circular plate having an upstanding flange providing attachment means between the tiedown device and an object on the barge, and a removable swivel locking plate carried by the circular plate and cooperable with the ring means to selectively secure the circular plate from rotating.

2. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein the ring means comprises a first ring secured directly to the barge deck and a second ring secured in overlying relationship to the first ring and having an inner peripheral portion extending inwardly over the outer periphery of the circular plate, said swivel locking plate cooperating with the second ring to secure the circular plate against rotation.

3. The device as defined in claim 2, wherein a plurality of separate fasteners extend through the second ring into the first ring securing the second ring to the first ring, said fasteners having upper ends projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the second ring, and said swivel locking plate spanning the second ring and engaged on top of said second ring and between adjacent pairs of said fasteners at opposite sides of said second ring.

4. The device as defined in claim 2 and wherein the locking plate spans the second ring and has a cutout for receiving the upstanding flange.