Magnetic lading restraining clip

Abstract

A clip or hook assembly for use with a pin-like anchor assembly mounted in the side of a railcar for grasping the anchor assembly. The hook is part of a restraining system used to restrain lading loaded and shipped in the railcar. The hook includes a body port having a central aperture for receiving a magnet assembly which can be positioned against the anchor assembly for securing the hook to the anchor and the railcar sidewall.

1 . A clip for use in restraining lading and securing a web or strap to a lading carrying vehicle when in use or when in a storage position, comprising: 
 A. a body which defines 
 (1) a hook-like grasping structure at one end of the body to secure the clip to the vehicle;  
 (2) a slot at the other end of the body, opposed to the hook-like grasping structure, and constructed to receive an end of a web;  
 (3) a centrally positioned magnet receiving opening between the ends of the body for receiving a magnet assembly therein,  
   B. a magnet assembly for receipt in said opening and securement to the body;    C. whereby the hook-like grasping structure can restrainingly engage said vehicle when in use and the magnet assembly can hold the clip to the vehicle.    
   
   
       2 . A clip as in  claim 1  wherein the width of the hook-like grasping structure is smaller than the width of the body and the body tapers from the central portion to the hook-like grasping structure.  
   
   
       3 . A clip as in  claim 1  and in combination therewith a plurality of pin-like metallic hook-receiving wall restraints each mounted to a vehicle sidewall in opposed positions, and constructed to receive the hook and be grasped by the hook-like grasping structure and the magnet assembly.  
   
   
       4 . A clip as in  claim 1  wherein the magnet assembly includes a receiver which the magnet is positioned.  
   
   
       5 . A clip as in  claim 4  wherein the receiver has a cup-like shape, is made of steel and welded to the clip body.  
   
   
       6 . A clip as in  claim 5  wherein the magnet is fabricated of a ceramic material.  
   
   
       7 . A clip as in  claim 1  wherein the magnet exhibits a force of about thirty pounds.  
   
   
       8 . A lading restraining and storage system for use in a lading-carrying vehicle which includes a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls, said system comprising: 
 A. a plurality of pin-like restraint securement anchors, mounted to each sidewall in generally oppossed positions;    B. an elongated web-like restraint which extends between the walls, constructed to engage lading in said vehicle and restrain lading from movement;    C. a ratchet assembly mounted to the web-like restraint at about the center for tightening the web-like restraint;    D. a restraining clip is provided at each end of the web-like restraint for securement of the web-like restraint and engagement with an anchor;    E. each clip including a body and a magnet assembly mounted to the body,    (1) said body defining: 
 (a) a hook-like structure at one end to grasp an anchor;  
 (b) a slot at the other end, opposed to the hook, for receiving and securement of the web-like restraint,  
 (c) a central portion having a magnet assembly receiving opening between the ends for securably receiving the magnet assembly therein.  
   (2) a magnet assembly for receipt in the clip opening and securement to the body;    (3) whereby the hook can restrainingly engage an anchor when the restraint is in use and the magnet assembly can secure the clip to the anchor or vehicle when in a stored or non-use position.    
   
   
       9 . A lading restraining system whereby only one clip is provided at each end of the web-like restraint for securement to a restraint securement anchor.  
   
   
       10 . A lading restraining system wherein two clips are provided at each end of the web-like restraint, the hooks are interconnected by a connector web and the connector web is connected to the web-like restraint.