Device and kit for securing heavy loads in a container
10017100 ยท 2018-07-10
Assignee
Inventors
- David John PARRIN (Helmond, NL)
- Remco Cornelis WILLEMSE (Weert, NL)
- Scott D. Loudon, II (N. Canton, OH, US)
Cpc classification
B65D90/0053
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
The current invention concerns a method and device for securing cargo load in a container. In an embodiment of the current invention, such method comprises: providing a wall securement device comprising two or more apertures allowing the passage of securing means such as straps, which wall securement device is attached to an inner rigid structure of the wall; and lashing the cargo load with securing means by use of the wall securement device, whereby the wall securement device is located at the corner post of said container. In a second aspect, the current invention provides for a wall securement device for securing loads.
Claims
1. A wall securement assembly attached to an inner rigid structure of a container to secure a load in the container, the wall securement assembly comprising: a corner post; and a wall securement device, comprising: a plurality of leafs comprising: front and rear main surfaces; and a plurality of contact surfaces extending between the front and rear main surfaces, each contact surface formed at a tip end of the wall securement device; an aperture that extends between the front and rear main surfaces to receive a strap; and an intersection that extends between said aperture and another aperture, wherein the plurality of leafs comprise a pair of leafs that form an inner angle that is less than 178, wherein the contact surfaces of the pair of leafs are substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction of each of said contact surfaces, and each of said parallel contact surfaces contacts an inner surface of the corner post, and wherein at least one of the contact surfaces of the pair of leafs comprises a beveled edge that facilitates installation of the wall securement device in the corner post to secure the load.
2. The wall securement assembly of claim 1, wherein the wall securement device is shaped to be confined within an inner zone of the corner post when attached to the inner rigid structure of the container.
3. The wall securement assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of leafs form an inner angle of between about 45 to about 178.
4. The wall securement assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of leafs form an inner angle of between about 90 and about 120.
5. The wall securement assembly of claim 1, further comprising an attachment aid disposed on the rear main surface.
6. The wall securement assembly of claim 5, wherein the attachment aid comprises a foam.
7. The wall securement assembly of claim 1, wherein the intersection supports a portion of the strap when passed through the aperture.
8. The wall securement assembly of claim 7, wherein the intersection extends in a direction traversing a direction of strain of the strap.
9. The wall securement assembly of claim 1, wherein the apertures occupy between about 10 and about 80% of the front or rear surface of the wall securement device.
10. The wall securement assembly of claim 9, wherein the apertures occupy between about 25 and about 60% of the front or rear surface of the wall securement device.
11. The wall securement assembly of claim 7, further comprising a peripheral roughening.
12. The wall securement assembly of claim 11, wherein the peripheral roughening is located on the intersection.
13. A wall securement assembly, comprising: a corner post; and a wall securement device, comprising: a pair of leafs comprising front and rear main surfaces; first and second apertures that are formed in the pair of leafs, respectively, and extend between the front and rear main surfaces; an intersection located between the first and second apertures; and a pair of contact surfaces extending between the front and rear main surfaces and located at tip ends of the pair of leafs, respectively, wherein the pair of leafs form an inner angle that is less than 178, wherein the contact surfaces of the pair of leafs are substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction of each of said contact surfaces, and each of said parallel contact surfaces contacts an inner surface of the corner post, and wherein at least one of the contact surfaces of the pair of leafs comprises a beveled edge that facilitates installation of the wall securement device in the corner post to secure a load.
14. The wall securement assembly of claim 13, wherein the angle formed by the pair of leafs is between about 45 and about 178.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(11) The present invention concerns a method for securing cargo load in a container as well as a wall securement device capable to be used in this method. The latter enables an easy and time-saving way to securing goods to a container, thereby ensuring that the latter are adequately secured. Moreover, it is the purpose of the current invention to provide an alternative for the well-known lashing and anchor points of the prior art, such as D-rings. It is the aim of the current invention to provide a system which is thus reliable that it will pass all regulatory requirements and hence may be used for a variety of loads which are currently excluded by the prior art lashing points. Moreover, it is also the object of the current invention to provide a method and system which is cost-saving for the client.
(12) Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.
(13) As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
(14) A, an, and the as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, a compartment refers to one or more than one compartment.
(15) About as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/20% or less, preferably +/10% or less, more preferably +/5% or less, even more preferably +/1% or less, and still more preferably +/0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier about refers is itself also specifically disclosed.
(16) Comprise, comprising, and comprises and comprised of as used herein are synonymous with include, including, includes or contain, containing, contains and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.
(17) The term wall may include a wall and a corner post.
(18) The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.
(19) The expression % by weight (weight percent), here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.
(20) In a first aspect, the current invention provides for a method for securing cargo load in a container. In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following steps: providing a wall securement device comprising two or more apertures allowing the passage of securing means such as straps, attached to an inner rigid structure of a load surface such as a container; and lashing the cargo load with securing means to the container by use of the wall securement device.
(21) The method is specifically suited for lashing loads in heavy freight in containers which are located on transport means. By preference such transport means may be a waterborne vessel such as a container ship, ground vehicle such as truck or railcar, or an airborne vessel such as an airplane.
(22) These wall securement devices are to be attached to the inner structure, being the inner wall of the container and will serve as anchoring or passage points for securing means used for lashing the cargo load. In a preferred embodiment, said wall securement device is attached to the corner posts of the container. By preference, said device is attached to the corner profile of such corner posts. Containers comprise a steel framework, consisting of four corner posts. These corner posts serve as the load-carrying elements of containers. The steel framework furthermore comprises two bottom side rails, two top side rails, two bottom cross members, a front top end rail and a door header. The side and end walls and the roof are the components of a standard box container which are capable of bearing the least load. The corner posts provide enough strength for allowing the attachment of the wall securement device according to the current invention, thereby equally providing sufficient sturdy points to allow the anchorage of securing means and bearing the load. Attachment may be physical or mechanical. Attachment may include the physical clamping of the device to the corner profile of the corner post. This ensures also that the device does not hinder or interfere with the cargo within the container. In an embodiment of the current invention, the wall securement device may be removably attached to the container. With the term removably attached is meant the device is connected to the wall by means which allow easy attachment or detachment, without the use of tools such as screwdrivers, nails, screws and the like. Such removable attachment may comprise one or more attachment aids such as adhesive strips, glue or glue-like material or make use of magnetic force. In a preferred embodiment, said attachment aid comprises a clamp, a spring or a foam, which is positioned between the wall of the corner post and the device. Most preferably, said attachment aid is a foam element, connected to the rear of said device. Said foam element comprises preferably compressible foam.
(23) Alternatively, said wall securement device may be permanently fixed to the container by conventional means such as welding.
(24) The wall securement device may be adjustable in position, meaning that the position of the device may be adjusted in view of the top and bottom of the container, e.g. lowered or increased. For the latter purpose, a rail system may be provided at the corner posts, with fastening means for the device onto the rail which allows altering the position of the device with respect to top of bottom of the container.
(25) In a preferred embodiment, the securement devices are located in one vertical plane in view of the roof or floor wall of the container, meaning that they are all provided at one side of the container. By preference, they are provided at the corner posts at the end wall of the container opposite to the door(s). In the most preferred configuration, each corner post of this end wall will be provided by at least one wall securement device. By preference, 2 devices are provided at each corner post, whereby one of the devices is preferably located towards the top of the container and one located towards the floor of the container.
(26) During lashing of the load, securing means are passed through a first aperture of the wall securement device and subsequently through a second aperture of said same wall securement device in a direction opposite to the first path of said securing means. Such securing means are by preference straps, such as steel straps, polypropylene straps or polyester straps with or without a polymer coating. By preference, the system and method is used in conjunction with polyester straps, comprising polyester yarns, either woven or composite yarns. Straps produced of composite yarns will by preference be coated in a polymer coating such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The loose ends of the securing means are joined by means of a buckle. By preference, such a buckle is manufactured from high quality steel and is provided by measures that avoid or entirely prevent slipping. In a preferred embodiment, said wall securement device can bear a load of at least 6 ton (absolute value) when provided with securing means. The applied force on the securing means will run opposite to the direction of the first path of the securing means and parallel to the second path.
(27) In a second aspect, the current invention provides for a wall securement device for use in above-mentioned method. The wall securement device is specifically designed to be attached to a corner post and to fit in the corner profile of said post. The wall securement device may be manufactured from metals such as high quality steel, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the wall securement device has two or more apertures allowing the passage of securing means such as straps. These apertures are separated by an intersection, used as support for the straps when passed through these apertures. Said apertures are part of separate leafs of the device. Said intersection may comprise a flat, a rounded or rugged element. In a preferred embodiment, said intersection comprises a cylindrical element such as a bar or rod. In an embodiment, this intersection is located in a plane reverse to the direction of strain of said securing means. As such, the device provides both for an anchorage point for the strap as well as for a load bearing point. The position of the intersection in view of the strain direction is chosen such that the straps are given an adequate support by the intersection during lashing.
(28) The device and preferably the region of the intersection may be provided by a peripheral roughening. Such peripheral roughening or abrasive surface may comprise for instance a specific pattern (e.g. grid), embossed in the material of the intersection or by coating the intersection or entire device by a grit material coating. Such peripheral roughening will prevent slipping of the strap. The device may furthermore also be provided by means for attachment to a load surface. Attachment to the container may be removable or permanent.
(29) As pointed out, the wall securement device is provided by apertures for passage of the straps. By preference, each of the wall securement devices has two apertures. In one embodiment, the apertures comprise between 10 and 80%, of the total surface of said wall securement device. By preference, said apertures comprise between 25 and 60% of the total surface of the device. The latter ensures easy passage and even multiple passages of the straps through the apertures, meanwhile ensuring that the device still withstands the forces applied onto the device when cargo is secured by aid of the devices.
(30) In a further embodiment, each aperture is located in a plane of said wall securement device, said planes are virtual planes formed by the separate leafs of the device, whereby said planes form an inner angle of between 45 and 180 preferably between 90 and 180, more preferably between 100 and 180, more preferably between 100 and 150, more preferably between 100 and 120, even more preferably between 100 and 110. Hence, the latter allows for a specific configuration of the device allowing attachment of the device to the wall of the corner posts of the container.
(31) By preference, said device comprises two leafs, which are connected to each other at the level of the intersection. Said leafs preferably form an angle of between 45 and 180, preferably between 90 and 180, more preferably between 100 and 180, more preferably between 100 and 150, more preferably between 100 and 120, even more preferably between 100 and 110. In a most preferred embodiment, said angle comprises between 100 and 105, such as 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 or 105. It was found by the inventors that an angle in this range allows adequate positioning of the device to the corner post, as well as ensures passing of the securing means through the apertures.
(32) In an embodiment, said leaf of the device comprises a substantially rectangular form. In another embodiment, said leaf comprises a polygon form. In a preferred embodiment, said leaf comprises at least two sides, which intersect and form an obtuse angle at the intersection. As a consequence, said leafs comprise a beveled edge. Said obtuse angle comprises between 91 and 178, preferably between 95 and 150, more preferably between 100 and 130, most preferably between 105 and 120, such as 118. By preference, one of said sides forming the angle will run parallel to the intersection of said device. The latter has been found advantageous for the positioning of the device to the corner profile.
(33) A second side, equally forming an intersection with said side running parallel to said intersection, will be positioned substantially perpendicular to said parallel side.
(34) Said device will be provided with two leafs, whereby said obtuse angles are placed crosswise or opposite of a virtual symmetric axis formed by the intersection.
(35) When arranging the device to the corner profile, the device may in a first instance be inserted in the corner profile, after which it can be correctly positioned by means of a quarter of a turn or more.
(36) Thickness of the leafs is preferably between 5 and 15 mm, preferably between 8 and 12 mm, more preferably 10 mm. The length of the leaf will preferably be between 100 and 130 mm, more preferably between 105 and 125 mm. Said length of the leafs of the device may vary. This can be necessary in view of the dimensions of a corner profile of a container.
(37) Preferably the intersection will be thicker than said leafs. In a preferred embodiment, said ratio between the thickness of the intersection and the thickness of the leafs will be between 3:1 and 2:1. Said Thickness of the intersection lies preferably between 20 and 30 mm.
(38) Said device will be preferably provided with attachment aids on the rear of said device. Preferably said attachment aids are present on the rear of both leafs. Such attachment aids provide additional assistance for attachment of the device to the corner profile and may comprise a spring or clamping element, magnets or magnetic strips, glue elements. In another embodiment, said attachment aid is a foam element. Said foam element will cover at least partially the rear of said leaf. By preference said, foam element will cover at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, more preferably 20% of said rear. In another embodiment, said element covers between 1 to 100% of said rear, between 5 to 90%, more preferably between 10 to 90%. Said element may have any conventional shape, such as round, rectangular, square, polygonal.
(39) In a preferred embodiment, said foam element comprises of a closed cell foam, preferably said closed cell foam has ellipsoid or round cells, most preferably round cells. In a further preferred embodiment, said foam element is a cross-linked polyolefin, such as LDPE or PP. Preferred density of the foam will be between 50 and 100 kg/m.sup.3. Said thickness of the foam lies preferably between 10 and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm.
(40) Use of foam as attachment aid was found to be particularly useful because of the compressible nature of said foam. This is important, as the space between the device when positioned and the container wall will vary from point to point. Especially the use of foam with round or substantially round cells was found to be extremely advantageous, as these provide sufficient back pressure, even after considerable time of use. Due to its specific nature, said foam element will also resist dimensional changes due to e.g. temperature differences. Said foam element may be attached to the device by conventional methods, such as gluing, or may simply be placed behind said device when being positioned in the corner post.
(41) In a preferred embodiment, said wall securement device can bear a load of at least 6 ton (absolute value) when provided with securing means.
(42) In another aspect, the current invention provides for a container provided by one or more wall securement devices according above-mentioned embodiments.
(43) In a final aspect, the current invention equally provides a kit for securing load in a container. By preference, such kit comprises a wall securement device according to the current invention, securing means such as straps and a buckle for securing said securing means. As outlined above, the straps will by preference comprise polyester yarns, which may be woven polyester yarns or composite polyester yarns embedded in a polymer coating, whereby the polymer coating is polypropylene; polyolefins such as LDPE, HDPE, PP, EVA, EMA, EBA, EEA, etc. Preferably said coating is polypropylene. Other possible straps that can be used in accordance with the current invention comprise polyaramid fibers; nylon; natural fibers such as sisal; flax; and metal fibers.
(44) In general, said straps used in accordance with the current invention are preferably comprised of a material such as polymers with a Young's Modulus lower than 1400 MPa, preferably lower than 1000 MPa, even more preferably lower than 500 MPa.
(45) The kit provides for a buckle for securing the loose ends of the strap, thereby equally securing the load. By preference, such buckle comprises a body having two side walls and bars extending between these side walls. In a preferred embodiment, the bars of the buckle are provided with a peripheral roughening. The buckle is characterized in that at least at one tensioning side of the body the bar or bars are provided with a profile which allows the strap to pass through, and that the least strain on the strap causes the profile to bite into the strap. Due to the two side walls in the body of the buckle the strap is prevented from pulling out of alignment, which may also prevent slipping.
(46) The sought functionality and effectiveness of the buckle according to the invention is in particular facilitated by the fact that at the tensioning side of the buckle, the profile of the bar or bars comprise a serration, and in particular a serration that is oriented opposite to the strap's direction of strain. Advantageously therefore the profile comprises a serration extending over substantially the entire length of the bar or bars.
(47) In a further embodiment, the kit may further comprise a tensioner for applying a tension on said securing means.
(48) The aspects of the current invention will further be elucidated by means of examples and figures, without being limited to these examples or figures.
(49)
(50) Referring to
(51) As shown in
(52) In another embodiment, as shown in
(53) In the embodiments shown in
(54) As shown in
(55) Each of said leafs (14, 14) is provided with a beveled edge (16), whereby the two intersecting sides A and B (or A and B) form an angle (or ). Said angle is preferably an obtuse angle. Said angles of each leafs are on opposite sides seen from the intersection (3).
(56) As shown in
(57) Referring to
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(59)
(60) As seen in
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(62) In order to ensure adequate attaching to the corner post, the device according to the current invention may be provided by attaching aids. As shown in
(63) Alternatively, as shown in
(64) Referring to
(65) The buckle (5) shown in
(66) The buckle is embodied in that the bar or bars are provided at least at the tensioning side of the body, which are provided with a profile such as to allow the strap to pass through, and in particular, such that the least strain on the strap causes the profile of these bars to bite into the strap.
(67) The figures, and especially
(68) The roughening on the bars is a positive roughening with respect to the one that is (or may be) provided on the bars, meaning that the profile comprises a serration that is oriented opposite to the strap's direction of strain.
(69) As clearly shown in
(70) The serration (11) provided on the bars and, as explained above, extending substantially over the entire length of the bar or bars, achieves that the least strain on the strap causes the serration to be pressed into the material of the strap, which prevents the strap from slipping back when a relief moment occurs, as is possible during the transport of a dynamic load.
(71) At the same time, the serration is of such a nature that the strap is simple to fit and easy to pass through the buckle according to the invention without, however, losing the feature of this serration, which engages the strap at the least strain during transport of a load.
(72) The present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of fabrication without reappraisal of the appended embodiments.
Example 1: Stability Test
(73) Feasibility was confirmed during a stability test in accordance with ISO 1496-1:2013. During this test the corner profiles of a container were loaded with 94 ton vertical 15 ton horizontal
(74) Furthermore an additional load at the corner profile was supplied via 2 securing devices according to an embodiment of the current invention.
(75) A maximal force of 6 ton per device was applied without damaging the container corner profile.
Example 2: Securing of a Load
(76) Securing of 18 ton of load (18 filled IBC containers in a setup similar to what is shown in
(77) A tilting test up to 43 was performed, which corresponds to a force of 0.8 g. The test showed that the cargo was secured properly.
FEATURES RELATING TO THE FIGURES
(78) 1: wall securement device 2: first aperture (2) 2: second aperture 3: intersection 4: corner posts 5: buckle 6: bar 7: bar 8: side wall 9: side wall 10: securing means 11: serration 12: grid 13: corner profile 14: leaf 15: attachment aid 16: beveled edge