| |
| United States Patent
|
6,783,312 |
| Smith |
August 31, 2004 |
Lashing system
Abstract
An improved lashing system for use with open-bed transport cargo.
More specifically, an efficient system for the manual tie-down of
tarpaulins or netting used to protect flatbed trailer cargo. The
system comprises a plurality of hook-shaped cord positioning
components, adjustably supported on the perimeter side rail of a
flatbed trailer. The hook-shaped components allow a lasher to secure
the tie-down cord of the tarp or net by simple looping action over a
rod or similar open member.
| Inventors: |
Smith; Charles R.
(Taylor, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/411,623 |
| Filed: |
April 9, 2003 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
410/97 ;
296/100.15; 410/100; 410/104; 410/116 |
| Current
International Class: |
B60J
7/10 (20060101); B60J 7/08 (20060101); B61D
45/00 (20060101); B61D 39/00 (20060101); B60P
7/06 (20060101); B60P 7/08 (20060101); B60P 007/08 () |
| Field of
Search: |
410/97,100,106,116,104 24/265CD,115K 248/499
296/100.15,100.16 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Gordon; Stephen
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to and claims priority from
applicant's prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/371,472,
filed Apr. 9, 2002, entitled "LASHING SYSTEM", the contents of which
are herein incorporated by reference and are not admitted to be
prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention in
this cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lashing system for use by a lasher with at least one tie-down
cord on an open-bed cargo transport system having at least one fixed
side rail peripheral portion, the system comprising, in combination:
a) unitary rigid positioner means for finely positioning at least
one looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord; b) wherein
said positioner means comprises slide means for assisting
slideability of the at least one looped portion with respect to said
positioner means; and c) wherein said positioner means further
comprises horizontally-lasher-positionable support means for
removable support of said positioner means by the at least one fixed
side rail peripheral portion.
2. The lashing system according to claim 1 wherein said positioner
means comprises blocker means for blocking upward movement, with
respect to said positioner means, of the at least one looped portion
of the at least one tie-down cord.
3. A tarpaulin lashing system for use by a lasher with at least one
tie-down cord on an open-bed cargo transport system having at least
one fixed side rail peripheral portion, the system comprising, in
combination: a) at least one unitary rigid positioner structured and
arranged to firmly position at least one looped portion of the at
least one tie-down cord; b) wherein said at least one unitary rigid
positioner comprises at least one slide surface structured and
arranged to assist slideability of the at least one looped portion
with respect to said at least one unitary rigid positioner; c)
wherein said at least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at
least one support structured and arranged to be removably supported
by the at least one fixed side rail peripheral portion; and d)
wherein said at least one support is structured and arranged to be
horizontally-positionable by the lasher to a lasher-selected
position.
4. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 3 wherein said at
least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at least one blocker
structured and arranged to block upward movement, with respect to
said at least one unitary rigid positioner, of the at least one
looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord.
5. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 4 wherein said at
least one support comprises: a) at least one essentially U-shaped
plate; b) wherein said at least one essentially U-shaped plate is
structured and arranged to fit over the top of the at least one
fixed side rail peripheral portion.
6. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 5 wherein said at
least one blocker comprises at least one substantially vertical bar.
7. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 6 wherein said at
least one substantially vertical bar is weldably attached to at
least one exterior surface of said at least one essentially U-shaped
plate.
8. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 7 wherein said at
least one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one
substantially vertical bar are comprised primarily of metal.
9. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 8 wherein said
metal comprises primarily steel.
10. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 8 wherein said
metal is primarily non-ferrous.
11. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 6 wherein said
at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one
substantially vertical bar are formed from a single plate.
12. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 11 wherein said
single plate is primarily metal.
13. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 6 wherein said
at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one
substantially vertical bar are molded as one unit.
14. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 13 wherein said
at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one
substantially vertical bar are comprised of metal.
15. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 14 wherein said
at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one
substantially vertical bar are comprised primarily of steel.
16. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 14 wherein said
metal is primarily non-ferrous.
17. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 13 wherein said
at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one
substantially vertical bar are comprised primarily of plastic.
18. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 6 wherein: a)
said at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one
substantially vertical bar are comprised of at least two separate
materials; and b) said at least one essentially U-shaped plate and
said at least one substantially vertical bar are joined to form a
unitary structure.
19. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 18 wherein at
least one portion of said at least one essentially U-shaped plate is
comprised primarily of plastic.
20. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 6 wherein: a) at
least one lower portion of said at least one substantially vertical
bar comprises said at least one slide surface; and b) said at least
one slide surface is essentially rounded.
21. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 6 wherein at
least one lower surface portion of said at least one substantially
vertical bar forms a right round cylinder.
22. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 6 wherein at
least one lower portion of said at least one substantially vertical
bar comprises at least one essentially U-shaped hook.
23. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 3 further
comprising at least one fixed side rail.
24. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 23 further
comprising at least one flat-bed trailer attached with said at least
one fixed side rail.
25. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 24 further
comprising at least one tarpaulin having at least one tarpaulin cord
system.
26. The tarpaulin lashing system according to claim 25 further
comprising at least one truck tractor attached with said at least
one flat-bed trailer attached with said at least one fixed side
rail.
27. A tarpaulin lashing system for use by a lasher with at least one
tie-down cord on an open-bed cargo transport system comprising at
least one fixed longitudinal rail portion, the system comprising, in
combination: a) at least one unitary rigid positioner structured and
arranged to firmly position at least one looped portion of the at
least one tie-down cord; b) wherein said at least one unitary rigid
positioner comprises at least one slide surface structured and
arranged to assist slideability of the at least one looped portion
with respect to said at least one unitary rigid positioner; c)
wherein said at least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at
least one support structured and arranged to be removably supported
by the at least one fixed longitudinal rail portion; and d) wherein
said at least one support is structured and arranged to be
horizontally-positionable by the lasher to a lasher-selected
position.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing an improved lashing system for
tarping or covering of open-bed cargo transport cargo. More
specifically, this invention relates to an efficient system for
manual tarping or covering of flatbed trailer cargo.
A substantial number of shipping transporters, including trucks,
trailers, and rail cars are of an open-air or open-bed type.
Frequently, the cargos carried by open-air transporters can be
damaged during transit by snow, rain and dirt, and require the use
of temporary weather-resistant coverings. In addition, it is often
desirable to cover dusty or lightweight open-air cargo to assist in
retaining the cargo within a transporter.
Typically, tarpaulins (tarps) are used to cover the cargo of
open-air transporters during shipping. Most tarp coverings are
manually installed and removed by one or more cover-installing
personnel (lashers). As an example, tarping or covering the cargo of
a flatbed trailer, such as the type commonly used for over-the-road
shipping, requires the lasher to lace the tarp to a stationary
member on the trailer, typically, a perimeter side rail (also
referred to as a rub/tie rail). Such operations are typically
time-consuming, requiring the lasher to repeatedly interlace a rope
or other lashing cord between D-rings sewn to the outer face of the
tarp and openings in, and between, the fixed side rails of the
trailer. Cord threading is especially difficult in conditions of
snow where the installer's hand dexterity is limited by
thermally-protective gloves. During the tarping process, a large
portion of the lasher's time is often spent positioning the cord to
achieve the most secure, smooth and aerodynamic cover placement.
In an attempt to speed the cord-lacing process, a number of
transport operators have employed an arrangement of equally spaced
C-shaped hooks welded to the underside of the transport. Use of the
C-shaped hooks allows the lasher to pre-install a cord on the tarp
and quickly secure the tarp by engaging loops of cord over the hooks
prior to cinching, thereby eliminating the tedious process of
repeated end-of-cord threading and lacing. The use of C-shaped
hooks, while a highly desirable improvement over the slow and
repetitive process of end-of-cord threading and lacing, has a
distinct disadvantage in that the positioning of the tarp cord is
limited by the number and position of the fixed C-shaped hooks.
Typically, C-shaped hooks are generally welded to the perimeter of
the trailer at a frequency of about two to three feet on center. Due
to the inherent variability in cargo size and load positioning, in
most instances, optimal cord positioning cannot be achieved with a
fixed hook system.
From the above discussion, it is clear that an efficient,
highly-adjustable and inexpensive cord system could be of great
benefit to the cargo shipping industry.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a system for the efficient covering of open-bed transport cargo and
for use with similar protective systems. It is a further object and
feature of the present invention to provide such a system that
provides selectively adjustable cover-cord positioning and securing.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that allows a lasher to secure the lashing
(cord) to a stationary structure utilizing a simpler method of
looping the lashing around (under or over) a rod or similar open
member.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that is quickly and easily removable from the
open-bed transport system without the use of tools. It is a further
object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system
that equally distributes the tie-down forces across the cover; to
increase the aerodynamics of the cargo during transit, reduce the
wear and tear on the cover material, and to reduce the cover
adjustment time required to achieve an optimal cover position. A
further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a lashing system for use by a lasher with at
least one tie-down cord on an open-bed cargo transport system having
at least one fixed side rail peripheral portion, the system
comprising, in combination: unitary rigid positioner means for
firmly positioning at least one looped portion of the at least one
tie-down cord; wherein such positioner means comprises slide means
for assisting slideability of the at least one looped portion with
respect to such positioner means; and wherein such positioner means
further comprises horizontally-lasher-positionable support means for
removable support of such positioner means by the at least one fixed
side rail peripheral portion. Moreover, it provides such a lashing
system wherein such positioner means comprises: blocker means for
blocking upward movement, with respect to such positioner means, of
the at least one looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a tarpaulin lashing system for use by a lasher
with at least one tie-down cord on an open-bed cargo transport
system having at least one fixed side rail peripheral portion, the
system comprising, in combination: at least one unitary rigid
positioner structured and arranged to firmly position at least one
looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord; wherein such at
least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at least one slide
surface structured and arranged to assist slideability of the at
least one looped portion with respect to such at least one unitary
rigid positioner; wherein such at least one unitary rigid positioner
comprises at least one support structured and arranged to be
removably supported by the at least one fixed side rail peripheral
portion; and wherein such at least one support is structured and
arranged to be horizontally-positionable by the lasher to a
lasher-selected position.
Additionally, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein
such at least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at least one
blocker structured and arranged to block upward movement, with
respect to such at least one unitary rigid positioner, of the at
least one looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord. Also, it
provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such at least one
support comprises: at least one essentially U-shaped plate; wherein
such at least one essentially U-shaped plate is structured and
arranged to fit over the top of the at least one fixed side rail. In
addition, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such
at least one blocker comprises at least one substantially vertical
bar. And, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such
at least one substantially vertical bar is weldably attached to at
least one exterior surface of such at least one essentially U-shaped
plate.
Further, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such at
least one essentially U-shaped plate and such at least one
substantially vertical bar are comprised primarily of metal. Even
further, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such
metal comprises primarily steel. Moreover, it provides such a
tarpaulin lashing system wherein such metal is primarily
non-ferrous. Additionally, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing
system wherein such at least one essentially U-shaped plate and such
at least one substantially vertical bar are formed from a single
plate. Also, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein
such single plate is primarily metal. In addition, it provides such
a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such at least one essentially
U-shaped plate and such at least one substantially vertical bar are
molded as one unit. And, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system
wherein such at least one essentially U-shaped plate and such at
least one substantially vertical bar are comprised of metal.
Even further, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein
such at least one essentially U-shaped plate and such at least one
substantially vertical bar are comprised primarily of steel. Even
further, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such
metal is primarily non-ferrous. Moreover, it provides such a
tarpaulin lashing system wherein such at least one essentially
U-shaped plate and such at least one substantially vertical bar are
comprised primarily of plastic. Additionally, it provides such a
tarpaulin lashing system wherein: such at least one essentially
U-shaped plate and such at least one substantially vertical bar are
comprised of at least two separate materials; and such at least one
essentially U-shaped plate and such at least one substantially
vertical bar are joined to form a unitary structure. Also, it
provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein such at least one
portion of such at least one essentially U-shaped plate is comprised
primarily of plastic.
Moreover, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system wherein: at
least one lower portion of such at least one substantially vertical
bar comprises such at least one slide surface; and such at least one
slide surface is essentially rounded. And, it provides such a
tarpaulin lashing system wherein at least one lower surface portion
of such at least one substantially vertical bar forms a right round
cylinder. Further, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system
wherein at least one lower portion of such at least one
substantially vertical bar comprises at least one essentially
U-shaped hook. Even further, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing
system further comprising at least one fixed side rail. Even
further, it provides such a tarpaulin lashing system further
comprising at least one flat-bed trailer attached with such at least
one fixed side rail. Even further, it provides such a tarpaulin
lashing system further comprising at least one tarpaulin having at
least one tarpaulin cord system. Even further, it provides such a
tarpaulin lashing system further comprising at least one truck
tractor attached with such at least one flat-bed trailer attached
with such at least one fixed side rail.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a tarpaulin lashing system for use by a lasher
with at least one tie-down cord on an open-bed cargo transport
system comprising at least one fixed longitudinal rail portion, the
system comprising, in combination: at least one unitary rigid
positioner structured and arranged to firmly position at least one
looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord; wherein such at
least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at least one slide
surface structured and arranged to assist slideability of the at
least one looped portion with respect to such at least one unitary
rigid positioner; wherein such at least one unitary rigid positioner
comprises at least one support structured and arranged to be
removably supported by the at least one fixed longitudinal rail
portion; and wherein such at least one support is structured and
arranged to be horizontally-positionable by the lasher to a
lasher-selected position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck and flatbed trailer with a
tarp secured with the lashing system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the lashing system of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double lashing assembly according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view through section 9--9 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 10 is an alternate sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9
installed on another typical style of transport trailer side-rail.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating a
step of installing the lashing system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating
another step of installing the lashing assembly according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating
the lashing system installed according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating
the flexible uses of the lashing system adjacent other truck
side-rail structures according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating the use of the lashing
system being utilized adjacent a typical I-beam under a trailer
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly comprising a
swivel hook, according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck 102 and flatbed trailer 104
with a tarp 106 secured with the lashing system 100 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the
flatbed trailer 104 depicted in FIG. 1 is a preferred application of
the present invention; however, it should be noted that under
appropriate circumstances, lashing system 100 may be used with other
cargo transport systems, such as rail cars, local cargo-movers,
shipping pallets, etc. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the
teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
weather-resistant cargo or weather conditions, other types of
covers, such as netting, ropes, etc., may be used with lashing
system 100.
FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of the lashing system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 illustrates the flatbed trailer 104 with a cargo tarpaulin
106 (herein referred to as a tarp) secured using the lashing system
100. Preferably, the flatbed trailer 104 (or Driver or Tractor)
comprises a tarpaulin assembly further comprising a tarpaulin 106
and tarpaulin cord system 116 (herein referred to as a tarp-cord),
as shown (embodying herein at least one tarpaulin having at least
one tarpaulin cord system). Preferably, the flatbed trailer 104 is
equipped with at least one fixed perimeter side rail 108 (also
commonly referred to as a rub/tie rail and embodying herein at least
one fixed side rail), as shown. Preferably, the side rail 108 is
typically formed from a flat steel or aluminum side rail bar 110
spaced about two to three inches away from the perimeter edge 112 of
the flatbed trailer 104, as shown. Preferably, at least one unitary,
removable lashing assembly 114 (herein embodying unitary rigid
positioner means and embodying at least one unitary rigid positioner)
is supported by the upper edge of the side rail bar 110, as shown.
Preferably, at least one loop of the tarp-cord 116 is positioned
such that the tarp-cord 116 hooks over the lashing assembly 114, as
shown. Preferably, a plurality of lashing assemblies 114 is used to
secure the cargo tarp 106 along the side rail 108, as shown.
Preferably, lashing system 100 comprises at least one lashing
assembly 114; however, in practical application, a plurality of
lashing assemblies 114 is used. The number of lashing assemblies 114
within a given lashing system 100 is dependant upon factors such as
the size of the transport and the types of cargo carried. In the
illustrated example of flatbed trailer 104 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
about 60 lashing assemblies 114 are used to lash a typical cargo
load. It is within the scope of the present invention to supply the
lashing system 100 as a kit having a specific number of lashing
assemblies 114 to match the average requirements of a general or
specific cargo transport system. Those skilled in the art, upon
reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
marketability studies, accommodation for specific flatbed trailers,
requests by cargo companies, cost, ease of manufacturing, etc.,
other types of kits for lashing system 100, such as different styles
and shapes of lashing assemblies 114, indicia, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly 114 according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, lashing
assembly 114 comprises two primary components, at least one
cord-positioning member 118 for positioning at least one looped
portion of tie-down cord 116 (this arrangement embodies herein
wherein said positioner means comprises blocker means for blocking
upward movement, with respect to said positioner means, of the at
least one looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord; and
embodies herein wherein said at least one unitary rigid positioner
comprises at least one blocker structured and arranged to block
upward movement, with respect to said at least one unitary rigid
positioner, of the at least one looped portion of the at least one
tie-down cord), and at least one support member 120 for supporting
the cord positioning member 118 on the side rail bar 110 (this
arrangement embodies herein wherein said positioner means further
comprises horizontally-lasher-positionable support means for
removable support of said positioner means by the at least one fixed
side rail peripheral portion; and, embodies herein, wherein said at
least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at least one support
structured and arranged to be removably supported by the at least
one fixed side rail peripheral portion). In the embodiment of FIG.
3, cord-positioning member 118 preferably comprises at least one
rigid vertically-oriented rod 122 (embodying herein wherein at least
one lower surface portion of said at least one substantially
vertical bar forms a right round cylinder), preferably comprising
metal, preferably comprising an essentially cylindrical steel rod
having a diameter of about three-eighths of an inch and a length of
about four inches, as shown. Preferably, contact with the tie-down
cord 116 occurs on at least one smooth surface portion 124 (this
arrangement embodies herein wherein said positioner means comprises
slide means for assisting slideability of the at least one looped
portion with respect to said positioner means; and embodies herein
wherein said at least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at
least one slide surface structured and arranged to assist
slideability of the at least one looped portion with respect to said
at least one unitary rigid positioner; and further embodies wherein
at least one lower portion of said at least one substantially
vertical bar comprises said at least one slide surface; and
embodying said at least one slide surface is essentially rounded),
allowing the tie-down cord 116 to more easily slip around
cord-positioning member 118, thereby assisting the lasher in
performing any required adjusting/tightening movements during
tarping operations.
Preferably, support member 120 comprises at least one flat,
essentially U-shaped plate 126, as shown (embodying herein wherein
said at least one support comprises at least one essentially
U-shaped plate). Preferably, plate 126 is formed from a single piece
of rigid, malleable material, preferably metal (embodying herein
wherein said single plate is primarily metal), preferably at least
one, three-sixteenths of an inch thick steel plate having a width of
about one-and-one-half inches, and a length of about five inches, as
shown. Preferably, plate 126 is bent in a brake-form machine (or
similar well-known metal-forming devices) to produce the generally
U-shaped support member 120, as shown. Preferably, support member
120 comprises at least one back hook portion 128 with a length of
about two-and-one-fourth inches, and at least one front hook portion
130 having a length of about two inches, as shown. The back hook
portion 128 and front hook portion 130 are preferably joined by at
least one radius portion 132, preferably having an interior throat
diameter greater than the width of the supporting side rail bar 110,
preferably about one-half of an inch, as shown.
Preferably, radius portion 132 is formed to a
one-hundred-eighty-degree radius; however, under appropriate
circumstances, other angular positions may be used to accommodate
specific support configurations. Preferably as shown, the corners
125 of plate 126 are provided with a small radius, preferably about
one-forth of an inch, to assist in preventing damage to the tie-down
cord 116 during use. Preferably, at least one weld 133 is located to
each side of cord-positioning member 118, permanently joining
cord-positioning member 118 to the exterior longitudinal midline of
back hook portion 128, thereby forming the unitary lashing assembly
114, as shown (this arrangement embodies herein wherein said at
least one substantially vertical bar is weldably attached to at
least one exterior surface of said at least one essentially U-shaped
plate). Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as economics, ease of
manufacturing, etc., other methods to firmly join the
cord-positioning member 118 to the support member 120 may suffice.
Although it is presently preferred that lashing assembly 114
comprises steel components (embodying herein wherein said at least
one essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one substantially
vertical bar are comprised primarily of metal; and embodying herein
wherein said metal comprises primarily steel), under appropriate
circumstances, other rigid materials, such as plastic (embodying
herein wherein said at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said
at least one substantially vertical bar are comprised primarily of
plastic), or non-ferrous metals (embodying herein wherein said metal
is primarily non-ferrous), including aluminum, may be used.
Preferably, lashing assembly 114 is given a protective finish of
paint, powder-coating, plating or similar oxidation-preventing
coating. Under appropriate circumstances, the finish of lashing
assembly 114 may be color-coated by the factory to match a truck or
trailer, or similarly, may include user-specified indicia or
branding.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly 114b, according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown,
support member 120 and cord-positioning member 118 comprise at least
one dissimilar material (embodying herein wherein said at least one
essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one substantially
vertical bar are comprised of at least two separate materials). In
the embodiment of FIG. 4, the support member 120 comprises a rigid
mold-formed plastic, such as poly-vinyl chloride, and the
cord-positioning member 118 comprises metal, preferably steel or
aluminum. Preferably, support member 120 is mold-formed with at
least one integral receiver socket 134, structured and arranged to
receive and retain at least one portion of the cord-positioning
member 118, as shown. Support member 120 and cord-positioning member
118 are preferably permanently joined by adhesive bonding, heat
welding, or under appropriate circumstances, by press-fitting
cord-positioning member 118 into receiver socket 134 to create the
unitary lashing assembly 114b shown (this arrangement embodies
herein wherein said at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said
at least one substantially vertical bar are joined to form a unitary
structure). It should be noted that under appropriate circumstances,
cord-positioning member 118 and support member 120 (having a
receiver socket 134) could be formed from identical materials.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly 114c according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the
embodiment of FIG. 5, a single rigid plate 136 is cut and bent to
form support member 120 and cord-positioning member 118, as shown
(this arrangement embodies herein wherein said at least one
essentially U-shaped plate and said at least one substantially
vertical bar are formed from a single plate). Preferably, rigid
plate 136 comprises metal, preferably steel; however, under
appropriate circumstances, other rigid materials having strength and
ductility characteristics similar to steel may suffice.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lashing assembly 114d according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6
shows support member 120 and cord-positioning member 118 molded as
one unit to form lashing assembly 114d (this arrangement embodies
herein wherein said at least one essentially U-shaped plate and said
at least one substantially vertical bar are molded as one unit). The
unitary mold-formed embodiment of lashing assembly 114d preferably
comprises a rigid non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum. Those skilled
in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as cost, ease of manufacturing, marketability studies, etc.,
other materials for the mold-formed embodiment of lashing assembly
114d, such as hard plastic, polyvinyl chloride, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double lashing assembly 138
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, support member 120 of double lashing assembly 138
comprises components and materials essentially identical to those
described in the embodiment of FIG. 3; however, in the embodiment of
FIG. 7, support member 120 is sufficiently wide to allow two
cord-positioning member(s) 118 to be attached to the back hook
portion 128 of double lashing assembly 138, as shown. Those skilled
in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as cost, ease of manufacturing, marketability studies, etc.,
other arrangements for double lashing assembly 138, such as three or
more cord-positioning member(s) 118, variable widths of support
member 120, variable lengths of cord-positioning member(s) 118,
etc., may suffice.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a
perspective view of a hook-type lashing assembly 140. Preferably,
support member 120 of hook-type lashing assembly 140 comprises
components and materials essentially identical to those described in
the embodiment of FIG. 3; however, in the embodiment of FIG. 8,
cord-positioning member 118 is bent to form at least one essentially
U-shaped hook, as shown (herein embodying wherein at least one lower
portion of said at least one substantially vertical bar comprises at
least one essentially U-shaped hook). It is presently preferred to
form a hook comprising a radius of about one-hundred-eighty-degrees;
however, those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of
this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as ease of use, marketability
studies, etc., other angular positioning arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view through section 9--9 of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is
a sectional view of the lashing system 100 supported by the
side-rail 108 of a flatbed trailer 104. Preferably, lashing assembly
114 is supported from the upper portion 142 of side rail bar 110, as
shown. Preferably, back hook portion 128 and cord-positioning member
118 are located in the interstitial space formed between the
perimeter edge 112 of the flatbed trailer 104, and the side rail bar
110 of side rail 108, as shown. Preferably, at least one portion of
cord-positioning member 118 is vertically-positioned below the
bottom-portion 143 of side rail bar 110 to allow at least one loop
144 of tie-down cord 116 to be slipped over the smooth surface
portion 124 of cord-positioning member 118, as shown. Preferably, as
the lasher tightens tie-down cord 116, cord-positioning member 118
blocks the movement of loop 144 away from the side rail 108, as
shown. Preferably, lashing assembly 114 can be located in an
essentially infinite number of preferred positions along the side
rail bar 110 to facilitate optimal tie-down cord positioning.
Preferably, lashing assembly 114 is held in place without the use of
fasteners, and is therefore removable from the side rail 108 without
the use of tools, as shown. The above-described arrangement embodies
herein (embodying herein wherein said at least one support is
structured and arranged to be horizontally-positionable by the
lasher to a lasher-selected position; and embodying herein unitary
rigid positioner means for firmly positioning at least one looped
portion of the at least one tie-down cord; and embodying herein at
least one unitary rigid positioner structured and arranged to firmly
position at least one looped portion of the at least one tie-down
cord). Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as ease of use, marketability
studies, etc., other arrangements of lashing assembly 114 may
suffice.
FIG. 10 is an alternate sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9
installed on another typical style of transport trailer side-rail.
FIG. 10 illustrates sectional view of the lashing system supported
by an extruded aluminum side-rail 146. In the embodiment of FIG. 10,
at least one lashing assembly 114 is held within the profile of at
least one continuous extruded aluminum side rail 146 anchored to the
perimeter edge 112 of flat bed trailer 104, as shown (embodying
herein at least one truck tractor attached with said at least one
flat-bed trailer attached with said at least one fixed side rail).
Preferably, lashing assembly 114 is horizontally adjustable within
extruded aluminum side rail 146 (embodying herein wherein said at
least one support is structured and arranged to be horizontally-positionable
by the lasher to a lasher-selected position). Preferably, the
lashing assembly 114 may only be removed from the extruded aluminum
side rail 146 by passing the assembly out of the side-rail end. By
preferably engaging the lashing assembly 114 within the extruded
aluminum side rail 146, the lashing assembly 114 may conveniently
remain stored in place, as shown. Those skilled in the art, upon
reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as ease of
use, marketability studies, etc., other arrangements of lasher
assembly 114 may suffice.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating a
step of installing the lashing system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a flatbed
trailer 104 showing the step of a tarp 106 being prepared for
lashing. Typically, at least one tarp 106 is used to protectively
cover the cargo (beneath tarp 106), as shown. In a common
configuration, a plurality of D-rings 148, sewn to the exterior face
of tarp 106, are used to retain the tie-down cord 116, as shown.
Preferably, a first end of at least one tie-down cord 116 is tied to
at least one D-ring 148, and the second end is threaded through the
remaining plurality of D-rings 148, as shown. Those skilled in the
art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as lasher preference, etc., other configurations or paths of
tie-down cord 116 or using less than the remaining plurality of
D-rings 148 may suffice.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating
another step of installing the lashing assembly according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 illustrates a
flatbed trailer with loop 144 of threaded tie-down cord 116 being
positioned by a lasher 145 on the lashing assembly 114. Preferably,
the lasher positions the lashing assembly 114 on the side rail bar
110 equidistantly between the D-ring(s) 148 of tarp 106 to provide
an optimal tie-down cord force distribution across tarp 106, but the
lashing assembly 114 may be placed anywhere along the side rail bar
110. Repetitive threading of the tie-down cord between the D-rings
and the fixed structures of flatbed trailer 104 is not required;
therefore, the speed of securing the tarp 106 is greatly increased;
additionally, the tie-down cord 116 may remain fixed to the tarp 106
to further reduce tarping time. Those skilled in the art, upon
reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future
design changes for tarps, D-rings, or perimeter side rails 108,
other arrangements of lashing assembly 114 may suffice.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating
the lashing system installed according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a flatbed trailer 104
showing the tarp 106 lashed in position with lashing system 100.
Because the positioning of the lashing assembly 114 is highly
adjustable, a lasher is afforded a high level of control in evenly
distributing tie-down forces across the tarp. The ability to control
the lashing forces within the tarp 106 serves to: increase the
aerodynamics of the cargo during transit, reduce the wear and tear
on the material of tarp 106, and to reduce the tarp adjustment time
required to achieve acceptable tarp positioning. Those skilled in
the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as evolving transportation law, user preference, etc., other
advantages of lashing system 100 may become apparent.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating
the flexible uses of the lashing system adjacent other truck
side-rail structures according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 14 illustrates the bottom-portion 143 of
side-rail 108 showing the tie-down cord 116 secured in position with
the lashing assembly 114 of lashing system 100. FIG. 14 shows the
stake pockets 150 typically located between the side rail bar 110
and the perimeter edge 112 of the flatbed trailer 104. Preferably,
at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a lashing
assembly 114 having a support member 120 with a width to fit inside
the interior pocket width of the stake pockets 150. A lashing
assembly of this type is especially suited to retain eccentrically
loaded tie-down cords where the direction of upward force applied to
the cord-positioning member 118 has a component essentially parallel
with the longitudinal axis of the side rail bar 108. Those skilled
in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as future design changes of tarp 106, D-ring 148, stake
pockets 150, perimeter side rail 108, etc., other arrangements of
lashing assembly 114 may suffice.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating the use of the lashing
system being utilized adjacent a typical I-beam installed as a
longitudinal support under a flat-bed (or most other) trailer
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 illustrates another preferred embodiment that may be useful
or preferable under appropriate circumstances for direct lashing of
a cargo load to a cargo transport system. The embodiment of FIG. 15
comprises a hook-shaped unitary support member 220 having at least
one hook-shaped tie-down positioning member 218, as shown.
Preferably, unitary support member 220 is structured and arranged to
be supported by at least one structural portion of the transport,
such as an I-beam frame rail 205, as shown. Preferably, the member
218 may be positioned anywhere along the I-beam and then utilized as
taught above, to hold a cord or rope in place. Those skilled in the
art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as accommodation for different frame rail shapes, sizes,
etc., other arrangements of unitary support member 220 may suffice.
This arrangement embodies herein a tarpaulin lashing system for use
by a lasher with at least one tie-down cord on an open-bed cargo
transport system comprising at least one fixed longitudinal rail
portion, the system comprising, in combination: at least one unitary
rigid positioner structured and arranged to firmly position at least
one looped portion of the at least one tie-down cord; wherein said
at least one unitary rigid positioner comprises at least one slide
surface structured and arranged to assist slideability of the at
least one looped portion with respect to said at least one unitary
rigid positioner; wherein said at least one unitary rigid positioner
comprises at least one support structured and arranged to be
removably supported by the at least one fixed longitudinal rail
portion; and wherein said at least one support is structured and
arranged to be horizontally-positionable by the lasher to a
lasher-selected position.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lashing assembly comprising a
swivel hook, according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 16 illustrates a swivel hook-type lashing
assembly 340. Preferably, rigid support member 320 of swivel hook
lashing assembly 340 comprises components and materials essentially
similar to those described in the embodiment of FIG. 3; however, in
the embodiment of FIG. 16, rigid cord-positioning member 318 is
pivotally-mounted to rigid support member 320, as shown. The swivel
hook lashing assembly 340 shown in FIG. 16 is particularly useful
for insertion into, for example, narrow spaces (such as a very
narrow corridor between the peripheral edge of a flatbed trailer and
the adjacent side rail) prior to re-swivel and use. Those skilled in
the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as accommodation for different sizes or arrangements of
narrow spaces, etc., other arrangements of swivel hook lashing
assembly 340, such as different sizes or shapes of swivel hook,
different swivel-mechanisms (such as spring-loaded), etc., may
suffice.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many
other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
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