CONNECTING COUPLING FOR WEBBING STRAPS USED WITH E-TRACK LOCK-DOWN STOWAGE MEANS

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments provide a coupling configured to be compatible with E-fittings used in an E-track system. The coupling can be used for securing loads within a cargo container. The coupling includes a body having a rectangular shape or cylindrical shape. Multiple slots are formed in the body, each slot of the plurality of slots configured to receive an E-fitting. The coupling enables connection to straps that are too short to be used in a single E-track connection arrangement for the securing of a freight load.

Claims

1. A coupling for securing loads within a cargo container, comprising: a body having a rectangular shape; and a plurality of slots formed in the body, each slot of the plurality of slots configured to receive an E-fitting; wherein the body is open on a top side and a bottom side to facilitate access to the plurality of slots.

2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots comprises four slots.

3. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the coupling is comprised of metal.

4. The coupling of claim 3, wherein the coupling is comprised of steel.

5. The coupling of claim 3, wherein the coupling is comprised of aluminum.

6. The coupling of claim 1, wherein each slot of the plurality of slots is configured and disposed to engage with a latching portion of an E-fitting.

7. The coupling of claim 1, wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a length ranging from 5 centimeters to 15 centimeters.

8. A coupling for securing loads within a cargo container, comprising: a body having a cylindrical shape; and a plurality of slots formed in the body, each slot of the plurality of slots configured to receive an attachment strap; wherein the body is open on a top side and a bottom side to facilitate access to the plurality of slots.

9. The coupling of claim 8, wherein the plurality of slots comprises four slots.

10. The coupling of claim 8, wherein the coupling is comprised of metal.

11. The coupling of claim 10, wherein the coupling is comprised of steel.

12. The coupling of claim 10, wherein the coupling is comprised of aluminum.

13. The coupling of claim 8, wherein each slot of the plurality of slots is configured and disposed to engage with a latching portion of an E-fitting.

14. The coupling of claim 8, wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a length ranging from 5 centimeters to 15 centimeters.

15. A method of securing cargo within a cargo container, the method comprising: providing a coupling having a body with a plurality of slots formed therein; securing a first E-fitting into a first slot of the plurality of slots; securing a second E-fitting into a first slot of the plurality of slots; securing attachment straps to the first E-fitting and the second E-fitting; adjusting the attachment straps to secure cargo; and tensioning the attachment straps to stabilize the cargo within the cargo container.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing a coupling comprises providing a rectangular coupling.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein providing a coupling comprises providing a cylindrical coupling.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein providing a coupling comprises providing a coupling comprised of aluminum.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein providing a coupling comprises providing a coupling comprised of steel.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein providing a coupling comprises providing a coupling comprising four slots.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGS). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

[0008] Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of slices, or near-sighted cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a true cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.

[0009] Often, similar elements may be referred to by similar numbers in various figures (FIGS) of the drawing, in which case typically the last two significant digits may be the same, the most significant digit being the number of the drawing figure (FIG). Furthermore, for clarity, some reference numbers may be omitted in certain drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1A shows a segment of horizontal E-track.

[0011] FIG. 1B shows a segment of vertical E-track.

[0012] FIG. 2A shows an E-fitting.

[0013] FIG. 2B shows a horizontal E-track with E-fittings and webbing straps connected thereto.

[0014] FIG. 3A shows an exemplary web strap equipped with an E-Track fitting and a cam cambuckle.

[0015] FIG. 3B shows an exemplary webbing strap equipped with an E-track fitting and a ratchet fixture.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an orthogonal view of the connecting coupling in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an end-on view of the connecting coupling in accordance with disclosed embodiments, showing E-track connectors fitted thereto.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an end-on view of the connecting coupling in accordance with disclosed embodiments, showing E-track connectors fitted thereto and a web strap also therethrough.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an end-on view of the connecting coupling in accordance with disclosed embodiments, showing a method of connecting two loose-end webbing straps not having E-track fittings.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cylindrical connecting coupling, in accordance with additional disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Disclosed embodiments relate to the web straps and fittings used in the transportation industry to secure flexible webbing straps and belts to E-track load rails mounted on the floors and sides of truck-transportable shipping (cargo) containers. The straps are used for holding objects of cargo and freight within partially loaded containers so as to restrain movement and shifting within the container, as on or in a truck or within an airplane or railroad freight car, so as to protect from damage to the goods being shipped by either striking the sides of the containers or other items within the containers. E-track rails are mounted, as described hereinbelow inside of such containers as trucks, railroad cars, airplanes and shipping containers.

[0022] The descriptions throughout this disclosure contain simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other systems, methods, functionality, features, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the figures and the remaining detailed written description. The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description.

[0023] In the following description, specific example embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. For example, specific details such as specific method orders, structures, elements, and connections have been presented herein. However, it is to be understood that the specific details presented need not be utilized to practice embodiments of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the general scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0024] References within the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, embodiments, or one or more embodiments are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one implementation (embodiment) of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases in various places within the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various aspects are described which may be aspects for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element (e.g., a person or a device) from another.

[0026] It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or parameter names and/or corresponding acronyms thereof, are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thus be described with different nomenclature and/or terminology utilized to describe the components, devices, parameters, methods and/or functions herein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol or proprietary name in describing one or more elements, features or concepts of the embodiments are provided solely as examples of one implementation, and such references do not limit the extension of the claimed embodiments to embodiments in which different element, feature, protocol, or concept names are utilized. Thus, each term utilized herein is to be provided its broadest interpretation given the context in which that term is utilized.

[0027] Within the descriptions of the different views of the figures, the use of the same reference numerals and/or symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items, and similar elements can be provided similar names and reference numerals throughout the figure(s). The specific identifiers/names and reference numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the described embodiments.

[0028] The discussion below includes two parts: (1) a description of the industry standardized load-securing straps and fixtures currently used within the shipping industry, i.e., the context within which disclosed embodiments are intended for use, and (2) the connecting coupling of the present invention itself which will be used in connection with said industry standardized straps and fixtures.

[0029] FIG. 1A shows an E-track rail 2 of the sort typically screw-mounted in a horizontal orientation by means of screws (not shown) through mounting holes 6. FIG. 1B shows an E-track rail 8 designed for screw mounting in vertical orientation.

[0030] Each of the E-track rails 2,6 in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B has a multiplicity of receptacle slots 4 designed to receive an E-fitting fixture 10 of the sort shown in FIG. 2A. The fitting 10 has a latching portion 15 and a slot provision 12 through which a webbing strap 14 (shown in FIG. 2B) can be threaded.

[0031] The standardized E-fitting 10 also has a spring-loaded latching mechanism 16 which allows for rapid and secure engagement and disengagement of said E-fitting with a slot 4 within a horizontal or vertical E-track fixture 2,8.

[0032] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show a typical web strap 20, 21 equipped with E-fitting 10. The web strap 20 in FIG. 3A is equipped with a cam cambuckle 22 that can buckle two layers of webbing strap tight against one another so as to allow for overall length adjustment and tightening of the strap. FIG. 3B shows a webbing strap 21 equipped with a winching-type ratchet fixture 23 that allows for both tightening and locking of the strap.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an orthogonal line view of the connecting coupling 50 in accordance with disclosed embodiments, showing main body 51 having the shape of a rectangular volume with rounded corners. Slots are formed in the body. The main body 51 of the connecting coupling 50 is square in axial cross-section, with rounded corners. The main body 51 is preferably constructed of metal, such as steel, aluminum, titanium, or other suitable metal and/or alloy. In embodiments, the body 51 has a thickness T within the range of approximately 0.060 inch to 0.120 inch. Disclosed embodiments may additionally or alternatively use any other strong, rigid material such as plastic. Each rectangular face 52 of the main body 51 has a rectangular slot 54 disposed therein. The slots 54 are designed to engage with the latching portions 15 of E-fittings 10. The coupling 50 has a width W. In embodiments, the width W can have a value ranging from 3 centimeters to 5 centimeters. The coupling 50 has a length L. In embodiments, the length L can have a value ranging from 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters. Each slot 54 has a length S. The length S is less than the length L. In embodiments, the length S can have a value ranging from 6 centimeters to 9 centimeters. Each slot 54 has a width V. In embodiments, the width V can have a value ranging from 1 centimeter to 2 centimeters. Other embodiments may have other dimensions, depending on the application, fittings, size of straps being used, and so on. In embodiments each slot has a width V of 0.5 inches, and a length S of 2 and inches. In some embodiments, each slot has a length S of 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), and a width V of 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). These slots of disclosed embodiments can be selected to be compatible with E-track fittings and tie-downs, allowing for easy and reliable attachment of straps and other securing hardware. In embodiments, the body of the coupling 50 is open on a top side 71 and a bottom side 73 to facilitate access to the plurality of slots.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the connecting coupling 50 is comprised of a metal. The metal can include steel, aluminum, titanium, zinc, and/or other suitable metal. One or more embodiments may utilize an alloy. In embodiments, the alloy includes a 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, which can provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. In embodiments, the alloy includes a 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, which provides strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability. In one or more embodiments, the metal includes a Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) alloy, which provides a high tensile strength, good corrosion resistance, and significantly lower density than steel. In one or more embodiments, the metal can include a 17-4 PH stainless steel alloy. Other alloys are possible in disclosed embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 5 is an end-on view of the main body 51 of the connecting coupling 50. The out-of-view slots 54 are shown as dotted lines. Inserted through two of the four slots 54 of the connecting coupling 50 in FIG. 5 are two oppositionally mounted latching portions 15 of each of two E-fittings 10 (only partially shown). Opposing forces F from tensioning are shown. The principle here is that the E-fittings 10 are connected to webbing straps, not shown, that are too short to be used in a single E-track connection arrangement for the securing of a freight load. The end-on view of FIG. 6 illustrates the benefits of the multiplicity of slots 54 in the main body 51 of the connecting coupling 50. That is to say, the additional slots afford the possibility of, as specifically shown in FIG. 6, the threading through of such webbing strap 56 as might be useful for securing of an item of cargo within a container.

[0036] The end-on view of FIG. 7 illustrates yet another of the many conceivable ways that the connecting coupling 50 might be utilized within cargo and freight container settings. In FIG. 7, webbing straps 56, which can be equipped with E-fittings 10 at either end, can be connected to one another in an easily fastenable and unfastenable way, by means of pins 58 which can be on any handy length of rod such as, for example, screwdrivers or small crowbars.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cylindrical connecting coupling, in accordance with additional disclosed embodiments. Coupling 60 includes multiple slots, indicated generally as 64, and functions in a manner similar to coupling 50 as previously described. However, coupling 60 can include advantages of requiring less material for manufacture than coupling 50 of FIG. 7, since the perimeter around the top section 66 is less than the perimeter of the top section of the main body 51 of FIG. 7.

[0038] As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments provide a coupling that can comprise a rectangular or cylindrical shape and includes built-in slots, offering notable versatility and security benefits. Disclosed embodiments are well suited for securing various types of loads within shipping (cargo) containers like trailers, trucks, or rail cars. The slots in the couplings of disclosed embodiments allow for quick attachment of straps, enabling flexibility in securing loads of different shapes and sizes. This is particularly helpful for irregularly shaped or bulky items that need custom support. The slots are configured and disposed to engage with a latching portion of an E-fitting to enable shorter straps to be joined together, offering a secure fit across different load configurations. Moreover, the couplings of disclosed embodiments serve to enhance the stability of loads during transit. When combined with properly tensioned straps, disclosed embodiments reduce the risk of cargo shifting, which is crucial for maintaining both safety and balance during transportation. Furthermore, disclosed embodiments can serve to simplify the processes of attaching, detaching, and/or adjusting straps, making it easier to load and unload the cargo. This benefit is valuable for shipping operations where efficiency is key, especially in scenarios with frequent stops and cargo changes. Additionally, the rectangular or cylindrical shape adds structural durability, evenly distributing force across the coupling. Disclosed embodiments can withstand tension from multiple directions, which is essential for heavy-duty or high-stress transport scenarios. Thus, disclosed embodiments provide a slotted coupling that enables fast, secure, and customizable cargo management, supporting efficient and safe shipping logistics across diverse transport modes.

[0039] While the disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device, or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.