Load restraining device

Abstract

A load restraining device that provides a system in which straps extending from one side of a web strap arrangement initially run parallel to the wall to which they are connected, as opposed to extending perpendicular to the wall as in the prior art. The anchor itself is a horizontal wall member running longitudinally along the wall of the railcar or trailer. An adjustable anchor is used to permit moving the attachment point several inches to allow for load variations. The attachment of the web strap arrangement is normally 14″ to 18″ behind the face of the load. Unlike previous systems, this provision of anchor points behind the load effectively “encapsulates” the load rather than merely providing a bulkhead effect.

1 . A load restraining system adapted for installation in a transportation vehicle comprising: 
 a plurality of cargo restraining straps to engage with one or more faces of a cargo being restrained;    a plurality of anchors affixed to a first sidewall of the transportation vehicle;    a plurality of anchors affixed to a second sidewall of the transportation vehicle;    each of the plurality of cargo restraining straps extending from one of the plurality of anchors affixed to the first sidewall to one of the plurality of anchors affixed to the second sidewall; and    wherein lateral forces on the first and second sidewalls are minimized by each of the plurality of cargo restraining straps running substantially parallel to the first and second sidewalls before engaging the face of the cargo.    
   
   
       2 . The load restraining system of  claim 1  wherein each of the plurality of cargo restraining straps has a first end with a loop and a second end with a loop.  
   
   
       3 . The load restraining system of  claim 2  wherein each of the plurality of anchors comprises a steel channel having a first flange and a second flange with a web therebetween; and a plurality of pairs of substantially aligned apertures extending through the first and second flanges adapted to accommodate a fastener through the first and second flanges.  
   
   
       4 . The load restraining system of  claim 3  wherein each of said plurality of anchors further comprises: 
 an anchor fastener disposed within one of the plurality of pairs of substantially aligned apertures;    a fulcrum fastener disposed within one of the plurality of pairs of substantially aligned apertures; and    wherein the fulcrum fastener is positioned proximal to the face of the cargo and the anchor fastener is positioned distal to the face of the cargo.    
   
   
       5 . The load restraining system of  claim 4  wherein the anchor fastener is a bolt threadedly engaged and secured by a nut.  
   
   
       6 . The load restraining system of  claim 4  wherein the anchor fastener is a pin secured by a cotter pin.  
   
   
       7 . The load restraining system of  claim 4  wherein the fulcrum fastener is a bolt threadedly engaged and secured by a nut.  
   
   
       8 . The load restraining system of  claim 4  wherein the fulcrum fastener is a pin secured by a cotter pin.  
   
   
       9 . The load restraining system of  claim 4  wherein each of said plurality of cargo restraining straps is secured to one of the plurality of anchors on the first sidewall by a first anchor fastener disposed within one of the plurality of pairs of apertures and the first anchor fastener passing through the loop in the first end of the strap; 
 the strap running substantially parallel to the first sidewall along the channel and passing between the channel and a first fulcrum fastener;    the strap wrapping around the first fulcrum fastener to engage across the face of the cargo and extending to engage an anchor on the second sidewall the strap by wrapping around a second fulcrum fastener;    the strap passing between the second fulcrum fastener and the channel, running substantially parallel to the second sidewall along the channel and being secured to the anchor on the second sidewall by a second anchor fastener disposed within one of the plurality of apertures nad the second anchor fastener passing through the loop in the second end of the strap.    
   
   
       10 . The load restraining system of  claim 4  further comprising: 
 a rotatable sleeve disposed about the fulcrum fastener; and    a link defining an aperture affixed to the sleeve such that the link is able to pivot about the fulcrum fastener.    
   
   
       11 . The load restraining system of  claim 10  wherein each of said plurality of cargo restraining straps is secured to one of the plurality of anchors on the first sidewall by a first anchor fastener disposed within one of the plurality of pairs of apertures and the first anchor fastener passing through the loop in the first end of the strap; 
 the strap running substantially parallel to the first sidewall along the channel and passing through the aperture of a first link pivotally attached to a first fulcrum fastener;    the strap wrapping around the first link link to engage across the face of the cargo and extending to the second sidewall wherein it engages an anchor by passing through the aperture of a second link pivotally attached to a second fulcrum fastener, running substantially parallel to the second sidewall along the channel and being secured to the anchor on the second sidewall by a second anchor fastener disposed within one of the plurality of apertures and the second anchor fastener passing through the loop in the second end of the strap.    
   
   
       12 . The load restraining system of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of cargo restraining straps comprises a net having: 
 a plurality of horizontal web strap elements and a plurality of vertical web strap elements attached at their intersections;    the horizontal web strap elements having extension portions extending outwardly from the vertical web strap elements; and    each extension portion terminating in a loop.    
   
   
       12 . The load restraining system of  claim 11  further comprising two vertical web strap elements positioned so as to engage a first corner and a second corner of the face of the cargo.  
   
   
       13 . A load restraining system adapted for installation in a transportation vehicle comprising: 
 a first load restraining system of  claim 1 ,  claim 9  or  claim 11 , wherein a first plurality of cargo restraining straps is fixedly attached at a location within a transportation vehicle engaging a first cargo face;    a second load restraining system of  claim 1 ,  claim 9  or  claim 11 , wherein a second plurality of cargo restraining straps is adjustably attached at a location within a transportation vehicle opposite the first load restraining system engaging a second cargo face; and    wherein the cargo is disposed between the first load restraining system and the second load restraining system.