Abstract:
A computer-assisted method of graphically displaying one or more trailer load patterns for rolls of paper such that the load upon each axle of the trailer and corresponding tractor is maximized within physical and legal limits.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention generally relates to the loading of haulage vehicles, and particularly to the computer-assisted creation, selection and utilization of specific loading patterns so as to maximize the load on each axle of a tractor-trailer.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The process of loading products into a tractor-trailer for transport is not unlike putting together a jigsaw puzzle. There are a certain number of pieces and a limited amount of space in which to put them. Simply dumping all the products into the empty trailer will produce a result similar to tossing a set of jigsaw pieces into an empty puzzle board: almost certainly, the pieces will not fit and the result will be unsuccessful and time-consuming.  
           [0003]    The primary goal of loading a tractor-trailer is to put as much product into the trailer for transport as is physically, legally and safely possible. Care must be taken to eliminate damage to the product from repeated loading and unloading, along with possible shifting or other damage occurring during transport. Failing to load the product properly on the first attempt results in loss of man-hours when the product must be reloaded, perhaps multiple times.  
           [0004]    There are laws in the individual states which regulate the maximum loads and trailer characteristics which are allowable on their roads, and these must be taken into account when preparing a load for shipment. If the tractor-trailer is underutilized, then more trips are required to transport the product, each additional trip increasing wear and tear on the vehicle, taking up additional man-hours, and carrying with it the potential of accident and damage. Ultimately, both overloading and underloading increase the cost of shipping.  
           [0005]    One approach to monitoring the weight of a haulage vehicle is to mount sensors at strategic locations on the vehicle frame, suspension, hinge assemblies and/or hydraulic cylinders. A computer may be used to monitor the vehicle weight and extrapolate anomalies related to load density or load shifting, thereby allowing the vehicle to be loaded up to its haulage limits in a stable fashion.  
           [0006]    While this may be effective for monitoring axle load, it does not address the problem of determining trailer load patterns so as to achieve the most efficient and economical use of space within a trailer. Neither does it address the problem of there being many different combinations of tractors and trailers, all with different dimensions and load capacities. Neither does it take into account the differing laws of each destination jurisdiction.  
           [0007]    The problems addressed above are even more prevalent in the transport of rolls of paper. There are examples of prior art which use a computer system to assist in trailer loading; however, they do not address the loading of rolls or cylinders, only square products. Rolls and cylinders present greater difficulty due to the space existing between the rolls and cylinders after being loaded, and the inherent tendency of cylindrical objects to slide and roll. The prior art also does not address the issue of generating interlocking load patterns, and utilizes a database format, resulting in extensive data entry when load details, carriers, trailers, tractors and laws change.  
           [0008]    Inefficiencies in the transport of goods result in a higher cost of those goods, a premium which is ultimately paid by the consumer. The human cost of wasted man-hours and increased potential for product damage are substantial. Even small improvements in the efficiency of loading trailers can result in significant cost savings, as well as reduce the possibility of damage to the goods during transport.  
           [0009]    While the above-stated devices are a fair representation of the current prior art, there remains room for improvement as defined by the currently-claimed invention.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-assisted method of predetermining trailer load patterns for rolls of paper such that the load upon each axle of the trailer and corresponding tractor is maximized within physical and legal limits.  
           [0011]    It is an important object of the invention to provide a graphical display of trailer load patterns which will facilitate faster and more efficient loading of trailers with rolls of paper.  
           [0012]    It is another object of the invention to eliminate the inefficient loading and transporting resulting from a non-computer aided creation of loading patterns.  
           [0013]    It is a further object of the invention to provide interactive loading assistance by alerting the user when another roll may be loaded onto the selected trailer without exceeding the predetermined limits or when the load maximums have been exceeded and a roll must be removed.  
           [0014]    Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.  
           [0015]    Briefly, in accordance with the invention, a computer-aided method is utilized to determine at least one load pattern for rolls of paper one a selected tractor and trailer. A list of tractors and trailers and their properties, such as weight, dimensions and load limits, is provided for the user. Once information related to the paper to be loaded and the destination is obtained and input into the system, the system compares the input to stored formulas and parameters to calculate at least one load pattern. This load pattern is output to a display or printer and used as a blueprint for the user in loading the trailer. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a tractor-trailer loaded with rolls of paper which are stacked “on end.” 
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a tractor-trailer loaded with rolls of paper which are “bilge” loaded.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a screen shot of one of the embodiments of the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a screen shot of one of the embodiments of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a screen shot of one of the embodiments of the invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating generating a load pattern for “on-end” loads.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating manually generating a load pattern for “on-end” loads.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating manually generating a load pattern for “bilge” loads. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]    The present invention consists of a computer-aided method for generating one or more trailer load patterns for rolls of paper. It is an object of the present invention to generate a load pattern which allows for the most rolls of paper to be loaded onto a trailer for transport. By maximizing the load on each axle of the transport vehicle, the invention results in cost and efficiency savings.  
         [0025]    FIG  1 A illustrates a trailer  24  loaded with rolls of paper  26 A in accordance with the invention. A trailer  24  loaded with rolls of paper  26 A is attached to a tractor  22 . The rolls of paper  26 A in FIG. 1 are loaded “on end,” that is, resting on one of its two opposing ends. Rolls loaded in this fashion may be stacked on top of each other in a stable fashion. One advantage of the invention is the ability to calculate loading patterns for round objects rather than square. The space inherently existing between round objects and a square enclosing space poses a more challenging problem than loading square objects into a square enclosure. The present invention further enables users to maximize the load on each axle  20 A- 20 C of the transport vehicle. While there are three axles in the example of FIG. 1, other configurations are envisioned.  
         [0026]    FIG  1 B illustrates a trailer  24  loaded with rolls of paper  26 B which are “bilge” loaded. “Bilge” loading encompasses loading the rolls on their circumferential surface. The rolls are secured and may be stacked on top of each other in a fashion known in the art.  
         [0027]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a computer system is used. The system may, for example, be of the personal computer type, with a processor, memory storage means, persistent storage means, display means such as a monitor and input means such as a keyboard and mouse. The system may run a commercially available operating system, such as one of the Windows-based operating systems or Unix. In the preferred embodiment, Microsoft Windows is used, and a spreadsheet program is executed to facilitate and automate the calculations and data entry necessary to implement the invention. In the preferred embodiment, Microsoft Excel is the spreadsheet of choice. The spreadsheet file may be customized with macros, which are small programs, often user-created, and embedded within other programs.  
         [0028]    The preferred embodiment consists of a Microsoft Excel document which contains macros to facilitate certain tasks. The spreadsheet may consist of one or more worksheets, which are differing embodiments of a spreadsheet file contained within one document. The preferred embodiment contains three worksheets.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 is an illustration of one of the worksheets which is designed to generate load patterns for loads which are to be loaded on end. A user selects the trailer which is to be loaded using a drop-down menu  30 . The list comprises numerous trailers which may be used, and the properties of each, comprising length, width, number of axles, interior and exterior height, weight, front portion weight, maximum capacity and center point. The values are used as variables in the equations which are used to generate load patterns. The trailer properties data is maintained on a separate, password-protected worksheet within the spreadsheet which is the preferred embodiment of the invention. Once a trailer selection is made, properties comprising the trailer height  36 A, number of axles  36 B, and total weight  36 C may be displayed.  
         [0030]    A user then selects the load destination state from a drop-down menu  32 . Each state has differing laws regarding things such as trailer weight and load distribution. The selection of a destination affects the composition of the formulas used to generate load patterns; by doing so, the invention assures that any load pattern generated for a particular destination accounts for the laws of the destination state. A load number or other identifying load information may be entered  34 A, and the information is subsequently displayed  34 B in larger type for use when the load information may be printed.  
         [0031]    A user then, via a drop-down menu  38 , selects the type of tractor which may be used to haul the selected trailer. The selected trailer  30  and tractor  38  are compared to see if they are compatible. If not, an alert is displayed to a user in one of several message boxes  54 A- 54 C, and the user may then take action to reserve a compatible trailer or tractor for the load.  
         [0032]    The process of selecting the rolls to be loaded on the selected trailer may then begin. A user should first determine if there are rolls of varying widths being transported in the same load. If so, then the rolls should be entered in the order they are to be loaded into the trailer. The diameter of the rolls to be loaded is chosen in the Roll Diameter cell  44 A by entering the diameter directly or adjusting a value with the arrows  44 B. While this embodiment of the invention generates load patterns for rolls which are all of the same diameter, variations which handle rolls of more than one diameter are envisioned. The width of the rolls to be loaded first is entered in the width cell column  46 . If there are rolls of differing widths to be loaded, they should be entered in the width column  46  in the order they are to be loaded. Rolls which are dual packed may be indicated such by checking the dual pack box  48  for each width roll. The quantity of each roll may be entered in the quantity cell column  50 A. A running total of the amount of rolls to be loaded is calculated in the total cell  50 B, and the total packages cell  50 C adjusts the total by taking dual packed rolls into consideration.  
         [0033]    In each row of rolls, the weight of each roll is calculated and displayed in the weight cell column  52 A. This amount is calculated by an embedded formula which takes roll diameter and width into consideration. If the individual roll weight calculation is incorrect, it may be adjusted via the roll weight cell  42 B. A value may be adjusted using the arrows  42 A. The roll weight value should be adjusted until the amount in the weight cell column  52 A matches the actual weight of the corresponding paper rolls. The total weight of all rolls is displayed in the total weight cell  52 B. The total load weight, if known, may be matched exactly by using the roll weight adjuster  42 B.  
         [0034]    The message cells  54 A- 54 C display alerts to a user upon the occurrence of events such as data entry errors, mismatched tractors and trailers, or weight alarms. The name of the user may be input into the name cell  56 .  
         [0035]    Once all the rolls in a load are input, a load pattern for the rolls may be selected by using the pattern option drop-down menu  62 . A pattern for the rolls is then generated and displayed in the load pattern area  58 . The pattern area represents an overhead view of a trailer whereby rolls are represented by circles with a numeral inside. The numeral corresponds to the number of rolls which are to be stacked in the corresponding position in the trailer. This pattern is filled in automatically and uses all the rolls entered and indicated in the total cell  50 B. If a user desires a different pattern, a different load pattern option is chosen from the drop-down list  62  and a new pattern corresponding to the choice is generated and displayed. Several different variations on each pattern may be generated and displayed by using the pattern index selector  66 A. The index may be adjusted via the arrow controls  66 B. The process of selecting a pattern and a variation on that pattern maybe repeated until the user is satisfied. In each case, the pattern generated is one for which the weight on each axle of the selected tractor-trailer combination is maximized within the limits of the values of the tractor-trailer combination and the destination location. Based upon the order in which the rolls were entered and the corresponding quantity, the present invention calculates how the packages should be loaded to maximize each axle&#39;s capacity, and the most efficient loading pattern which meets all the weight distribution requirements is selected and displayed for use in loading the trailer.  
         [0036]    The trailer weight is then calculated and displayed in the trailer weight cell  68 A, while the maximum weight for the selected trailer is also displayed  68 B. The load length, based upon the load pattern generated, is displayed in the load length cell  70 . When a loaded trailer is put on the scales a portion of the trailer weight will be on the axles of the tractor. This is the Estimated Drives Drop weight for a specific tractor/trailer combination and is displayed in the “Est. Drives/Drop” cell  64 A, while the maximum Estimated Drives Drop Weight for the selected tractor/trailer combination is also displayed  64 B.  
         [0037]    Finally, the entire worksheet, including the load pattern, may be printed by clicking the print button  60  so that the shippers may carry the printout with them as they load.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate worksheet available in the invention, the primary difference being that by using this worksheet, a user may create a load pattern manually and with computer guidance in addition to having a pattern automatically generated.  
         [0039]    A trailer is chosen from the trailer drop-down list  130  as well as a destination from the destination drop-down list  132 . As before, a load number may be entered  134 A and displayed in large type for printing  134 B. Once a trailer selection is made, properties comprising the trailer height  136 A, number of axles  136 B, and total weight  136 C are displayed.  
         [0040]    A user then, via a drop-down menu  138 , selects the type of tractor which may be used to haul the selected trailer. The selected trailer  130  and tractor  138  are compared to see if they are compatible. If not, an alert is displayed to a user in one of several message boxes  154 A- 154 C, and the user may then take action to reserve a compatible trailer or tractor for the load.  
         [0041]    If there are rolls of varying widths being transported in the same load, then the rolls should be entered in the order they are to be loaded into the trailer. The diameter of the rolls to be loaded is chosen in the Roll Diameter cell  144 A by entering the diameter directly or adjusting a value with the arrows  144 B. While this embodiment of the invention generates load patterns for rolls which are all of the same diameter, variations which handle rolls of more than one diameter are envisioned. The width of the rolls to be loaded first is entered in the width cell column  146 . If there are rolls of differing widths to be loaded, they should be entered in the width column  146  in the order they are to be loaded. Rolls which are dual packed may be indicated such by checking the dual pack box  148  for each width roll. The quantity of each roll may be entered in the quantity cell column  150 A. A running total of the amount of rolls to be loaded is calculated in the total cell  150 B, and the total packages cell  150 C adjusts the total by taking dual packed rolls into consideration.  
         [0042]    In each row of rolls, the weight of each roll is calculated and displayed in the weight cell column  152 A. This amount is calculated by an embedded formula which takes roll diameter and width into consideration. If the individual roll weight calculation is incorrect, it may be adjusted via the roll weight cell  142 B. A value may be entered directly or adjusted using the arrows  142 A. The roll weight value should be adjusted until the amount in the weight cell column  152 A matches the actual weight of the corresponding paper rolls. The total weight of all rolls is displayed in the total weight cell  152 B. The total load weight, if known, may be matched exactly by using the roll weight adjuster  142 B.  
         [0043]    The message cells  154 A- 154 C display alerts to a user upon the occurrence of events such as data entry errors, mismatched tractors and trailers, or weight alarms. The name of the user may be input into the name cell  156 .  
         [0044]    Once all the rolls which are to be loaded have been input, a user may select a predetermined load pattern button  178  and a pattern for the rolls is then generated and displayed in the load pattern area  158 . The pattern area represents an overhead view of a trailer and is subdivided into boxes, each box representing an area of the trailer in which a roll of paper may be loaded on end. A numeral inside each box indicates how many rolls are stacked in the specific area. A user may adjust the number of rolls to be stacked in each area for the complete load by using the load height adjustment cell  176 . If a user wants to select another predetermined load pattern, the clear button  172  will activate a macro which clears the load pattern area  158 .  
         [0045]    The pattern generated is one for which the weight on each axle of the selected tractor-trailer combination is maximized within the limits of the values of the tractor-trailer combination and the destination location. Based upon the order in which the rolls were entered and the corresponding quantity, the present invention calculates how the packages should be loaded to maximize each axle&#39;s capacity, and the most efficient loading pattern which meets all the weight distribution requirements is selected and displayed for use in loading the trailer.  
         [0046]    If desired, a user may manually enter into the load pattern area  158  the number of rolls and the exact position within the trailer they are to be loaded. The number of rolls left to be loaded is displayed in the packages left cell  174  so the user knows how many rolls are remaining to load. After each entry, the present invention compares the manually-entered pattern to the weight distribution requirements and alerts the user of unallowable conditions via the message boxes  154 A- 154 C.  
         [0047]    The trailer weight is then calculated and displayed in the trailer weight cell  168 A, while the maximum weight for the selected trailer is also displayed  168 B. The load length, based upon the load pattern generated, is displayed in the load length cell  170 . When a loaded trailer is put on the scales a portion of the trailer weight will be on the axles of the tractor. This is the Estimated Drives Drop weight for a specific tractor/trailer combination and is displayed in the “Est. Drives/Drop” cell  164 A, while the maximum Estimated Drives Drop Weight for the selected tractor/trailer combination is also displayed  164 B.  
         [0048]    Finally, the entire worksheet, including the load pattern, may be printed by clicking the print button  160  so that the shippers may carry the printout with them as they load.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternate worksheet available in the invention which is designed to enable a user manually to create a load pattern to be bilge loaded. An automatic generation of a bilge-loaded load pattern is a potential embodiment of the invention.  
         [0050]    A user selects a trailer which is to be loaded using a drop-down menu  230 . The list comprises numerous trailers which may be used. The properties of each, comprising length, width, number of axles, interior and exterior height, weight, front portion weight, maximum capacity and center point, are maintained on a separate, password-protected worksheet within the spreadsheet which is the preferred embodiment of the invention. The properties are used as variables in the equations which are used to generate load patterns. Once a trailer selection is made, properties comprising the trailer height  236 A, number of axles  236 B, and total weight  236 C are displayed.  
         [0051]    A user may then select the state to which the load is being shipped from a drop-down menu  232 . The selection of a destination affects the composition of the formulas used to generate load patterns due to each state having potentially different laws regarding shipping. This individual state data is maintained on a separate worksheet within the present invention. The invention assures that any load pattern generated for a particular destination accounts for the laws of the destination state. A load number or other identifying load information may be entered  234 A, and the information is subsequently displayed  234 B in larger type for use when the load information may be printed.  
         [0052]    A user then, via a drop-down menu  238 , selects the type of tractor which may be used to haul the selected trailer. The selected trailer  230  and tractor  238  are compared to see if they are compatible. If not, an alert is displayed to a user in one of several message boxes  254 A- 254 C, and the user may then take action to reserve a compatible trailer or tractor for the load.  
         [0053]    The process of selecting the rolls to be loaded involves determining if there are rolls of varying widths being transported in the same load. If so, then the rolls should be entered in the order they are to be loaded into the trailer. The diameter of the rolls to be loaded is chosen in the Roll Diameter cell  244 A by entering the diameter directly or adjusting a value with the arrows  244 B. While this embodiment of the invention generates load patterns for rolls which are all of the same diameter, variations which handle rolls of more than one diameter are envisioned. The width of the rolls to be loaded first is entered in the width cell column  246 . Rolls of differing widths are entered in the width column  246  in the order they are to be loaded. Dual-packaged rolls are indicated as such by checking the dual pack box  248  for each width roll. The quantity of each roll is entered in the quantity cell column  250 A. A running total of the amount of rolls to be loaded is calculated in the total cell  250 B, and the total packages cell  250 C adjusts the total by taking dual packed rolls into consideration.  
         [0054]    In each row of rolls, the weight of each roll is calculated and displayed in the weight cell column  252 A. This amount is calculated by an embedded formula which takes roll diameter and width into consideration. If the individual roll weight calculation is incorrect, it maybe adjusted via the roll weight cell  242 B. A value may be adjusted using the arrows  242 A. The roll weight value should be adjusted until the amount in the weight cell column  252 A matches the actual weight of the corresponding paper rolls. The total weight of all rolls is displayed in the total weight cell  252 B. The total load weight, if known, may be matched exactly by using the roll weight adjuster  242 B.  
         [0055]    The message cells  254 A- 254 C display alerts to a user upon the occurrence of events such as data entry errors, mismatched tractors and trailers, or weight alarms. The name of the user may be input into the name cell  256 .  
         [0056]    The bilge load pattern area  258  represents a side view of a trailer. Each potential area in the trailer which may be loaded with a roll of paper is represented by a circle with a numeral inside. The numeral represents how many rolls are to be loaded in the corresponding horizontal area. If, based upon the width of the rolls and the width of the trailer, too many rolls are attempted to be loaded into a particular area, a message will appear in the message area  254 A- 254 C.  
         [0057]    The number of rolls left to be loaded is displayed in the packages left cell  274  so the user knows how many rolls are remaining to load. After each entry, the present invention compares the manually-entered pattern to the weight distribution requirements and alerts the user of unallowable conditions via the message boxes  254 A- 254 C.  
         [0058]    The trailer weight is then calculated and displayed in the trailer weight cell  268 A, while the maximum weight for the selected trailer is also displayed  268 B. The load length, based upon the load pattern generated, is displayed in the load length cell  270 . When a loaded trailer is put on the scales a portion of the trailer weight will be on the axles of the tractor. This is the Estimated Drives Drop weight for a specific tractor/trailer combination and is displayed in the “Est. Drives/Drop” cell  264 A, while the maximum Estimated Drives Drop Weight for the selected tractor/trailer combination is also displayed  264 B.  
         [0059]    Finally, the entire worksheet, including the load pattern, may be printed by clicking the print button  260  so that the shippers may carry the printout with them as they load.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 5 illustrates the necessary steps to generate a load pattern for loads which are to be loaded on end. First  301  the user selects a trailer to be loaded using a drop-down menu  30 . Next  303  the user selects the load destination from a drop-down menu  32 . Then  305  the type of tractor used to haul the selected trailer is chosen via drop-down menu  38 . If necessary, the user then  307  selects the appropriate load balance via drop-down menu  40 . Then  309  the diameter of the rolls is chosen in the Roll Diameter cell  44 A. If there are rolls of varying widths in the same load  311 , then the user enters  313  the roll width  46 , dual pack  48 , and quantity  50 A variables in the order that the rolls are to be loaded. If all the rolls are of the same width, then  315  the user enters the roll width  46 , dual pack  48 , and quantity  50 A variables for each differing roll width. Next  315  the user adjusts the roll weight  42 B until the amount in cell  52 A matches the actual weight of the corresponding rolls. The user then  319  selects a load pattern for the rolls from a drop-down menu  62  along with a pattern index from cell  66 A. If the user is satisfied  321  with the resultant pattern, the pattern maybe printed  323  using the print button  60 . Otherwise, the user may select a different load pattern  62  and pattern index  66 A.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 6 illustrates the necessary steps to generate manually a load pattern for loads which are loaded on end. First  401  the user selects a trailer to be loaded using a drop-down menu  130 . Next  403  the user selects the load destination from a drop-down menu  132 . Then  405  the type of tractor used to haul the selected trailer is chosen via drop-down menu  138 . Then  407  the diameter of the rolls is chosen in the Roll Diameter cell  144 A. If there are rolls of varying widths in the same load  409 , then the user enters  411  the roll width  146 , dual pack  148 , and quantity  150 A variables in the order that the rolls are to be loaded. If all the rolls are of the same width, then  413  the user enters the roll width  146 , dual pack  148 , and quantity  150 A variables for each differing roll width. Next  413  the user adjusts the roll weight  142 B until the amount in cell  152 A matches the actual weight of the corresponding rolls. Next  417  the user decides whether to use a predetermined load pattern or create one manually. If the user decides to use a predetermined load pattern, a load pattern is selected  419  using the buttons in cell  178 . If the user is satisfied  421 , then the load pattern may be printed  433  using the print button  160 . If the user is not satisfied, the user presses  423  the clear button  172  and begins anew with step  417 . In order to create a load pattern manually, the user enters  425  a roll pattern into the load pattern area  158 . If the pattern is allowable  427 , taking weight and room into account, and the user is satisfied  431 , then the load pattern may be printed  433  using the print button  160 . If the pattern is unallowable  427  or the user is dissatisfied  431 , then  429  the user presses the clear button  172  and begins anew with step  417 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 7 illustrates the necessary steps to generate manually a load pattern for loads that are to be bilge loaded. First  501  the user selects a trailer to be loaded using a drop-down menu  230 . Next  503  the user selects the load destination from a drop-down menu  232 . Then  505  the type of tractor used to haul the selected trailer is chosen via drop-down menu  238 . Then  507  the diameter of the rolls is chosen in the Roll Diameter cell  244 A. If there are rolls of varying widths in the same load  509 , then the user enters  511  the roll width  246 , dual pack  248 , and quantity  250 A variables in the order that the rolls are to be loaded. If all the rolls are of the same width, then  513  the user enters the roll width  246 , dual pack  248 , and quantity  250 A variables for each differing roll width. Next, the user enters  515  a roll pattern into the load pattern area  258 . If the pattern is allowable  517 , taking weight and room into account, and the user is satisfied  521 , then the load pattern may be printed  523  using the print button  260 . If the pattern is unallowable  517  or the user is dissatisfied  521 , then  519  the user presses the clear button  272  and begins anew with step  515  Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that the method described herein and illustrated in the drawings is subject to other advantages and modifications that may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.