An anchor device for a cargo securement strap includes a frame configured to engage a mounting track. The anchor device further includes a hook receiver coupled to the frame. The hook receiver is configured to receive a hook of the cargo securement strap. The anchor device further includes a keeper coupled to the frame. The keeper includes a keeper body and at least one keeper finger extending from a side of the keeper body. The keeper is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one keeper finger contacts a bolt and the keeper body is positioned to retain the hook. In the second position, the keeper body is positioned to allow for removal of the hook from the hook receiver.

A cargo restraint system includes a body, a first connecting end and a second connecting end on opposing sides of the body, wherein the first and second connecting ends are coupled to a securing member which is used to restrain the cargo. One or more load sensors are coupled to the first connecting end and/or the second connecting end. A controller is coupled to the one or more load sensors. The controller is configured to receive tension information from the one or more load sensors. The controller includes a transmitter capable of transmitting the tension information to a remote device. The controller may include a database to store the information.

The technology relates to cargo vehicles. National, regional and/or local regulations set requirements for operating cargo vehicles, including how to distribute and secure cargo, and how often the cargo should be inspected during a trip. However, such regulations have been focused on traditional human-driven vehicles. Aspects of the technology address various issues involved with securement and inspection of cargo before a trip, as well as monitoring during the trip so that corrective action may be taken as warranted. For instance, imagery and other sensor information may be used to enable proper securement of cargo before starting a trip. Onboard sensors along the vehicle monitor the cargo and securement devices/systems during the trip to identify issues as they arise. Such information is used by the onboard autonomous driving system (or a human driver) to take corrective action depending on the nature of the issue.

A method is provided of monitoring a tension in a strap secured about a cargo item on a vehicle. The method includes removably attaching at least a first sensor to the strap, the first sensor capable of determining a relative position of the first sensor and to transmit data relating to said first relative position. Relative position is sensed of at least a second sensor operable to determine a relative position of the second sensor. A position of the first and second sensors relative to one another is compared to monitor a change in position of the first and second sensors relative to one another to monitor a change in tension of the strap.

There is a strap tension detector for detecting tension in a strap. A housing has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and lower portion are adapted to receive the strap. A strain beam is mounted to one of the upper portion and the lower portion. The strain beam is arranged at an angle to the strap to extend across the width of the strap when the strap is placed between the upper portion and the lower portion and extending through the first and second strap-receiving openings so that the strap bears on the strain beam when taut. A strain gauge is operatively connected to detect strain across the strain beam.

A vehicle load-securing arrangement includes a first load-securing device arranged to be attachable to a load-securing member and a first tensioning device arranged to be attached to the first load-securing device by a first tensioning member. The first load-securing device is arranged to be connected to a vehicle body part or a vehicle chassis part. The first load-securing device is arranged to be movable in an axial direction of the first load-securing device in a first opening in a loading surface of a vehicle by operating the first tensioning device.

A tensioning apparatus tensions straps, and in particular is configured to tension belts. In order to achieve good tensioning characteristics, the tensioning apparatus has a dynamically acting element, and by use of the dynamically acting element a transmission of force takes place indirectly in the case of the tensioning apparatus.

A tensioning device includes a housing, a drive member, an inner sleeve and a driven member. The housing includes a first attachment feature. The driven member includes a second attachment feature. The inner sleeve is disposed at least partially in the housing and is rotatably coupled with the housing. The drive member is rotatably coupled with the housing and is operably coupled with the inner sleeve such that rotation of the drive member facilitates rotation of the inner sleeve. The driven member is movable with respect to the guide member between a retracted position and an extended position along a centerline.

The present invention relates to a cargo tie-down monitoring device for transportation vehicles. More specifically, the cargo tie-down monitoring device allows transportation vehicle operators to monitor the status of the straps, chains, cables and other cargo securing equipment in real time; thereby preventing or minimizing cargo from shifting on/or falling from a transportation vehicle. The device includes a base, fasteners, tension pressure sensors, display screen, audio and visual alarms, and a transceiver. By pairing the cargo tie-down monitoring device with an electronic device such as a cell phone, transportation vehicle operators can monitor the status of the tie-down equipment and be notified if tension or pressure changes on any of the tie-down equipment.

An anchor device for a cargo securement strap includes a frame configured to engage a mounting track. The anchor device further includes a hook receiver coupled to the frame. The hook receiver is configured to receive a hook of the cargo securement strap. The anchor device further includes a keeper coupled to the frame. The keeper includes a keeper body and at least one keeper finger extending from a side of the keeper body. The keeper is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one keeper finger contacts a bolt and the keeper body is positioned to retain the hook. In the second position, the keeper body is positioned to allow for removal of the hook from the hook receiver.