Net repair bridge

A method and apparatus by which to repair a damaged portion of a net utilized to restrain movement. Attachment hooks or other hardware, constructed of a material, such as aluminum or steel, of a strength equal to or greater than the net material are secured to the ends of an appropriately sized rope or other material, constituting a bridging device. The attachment hooks or other hardware are constructed of a thickness, and with a radius interface, so that cutting of the net will not occur. The damaged area of the net is isolated, and the net repair bridge is affixed in the position of the damaged area, thereby replacing it and preserving the structural and functional capabilities of the containment net.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention is methods and apparatus for repairing a damaged portion of a cargo net.

2. Prior Art

Cargo nets have long been used to hold and move cargo on ships, aircraft, and other vehicles. If a section of a cargo is broken or damaged, the integrity of the net and its ability to restrain is compromised. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations resulting from loose cargo. Of course, the entire net can be replaced, but this increases the cost of containment. The disposal of such nets also has environmental and safety-related consequences.

Therefore, there exists a need whereby a net can be repaired, thus avoiding the replacement of the entire net and its disposal, yet preserving the structural and functional capabilities of the net.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for repairing or bridging damaged sections of cargo nets to allow their continued use following damage.

Attachment hooks or other hardware are secured to the ends of an appropriately sized material with functional characteristics similar to that of a portion of the net, thus forming a repair or bridging device. The hooks or other hardware are attached to the net structure above and below intersections adjacent to the damaged section. The net repair bridge thus preserves the structural and functional capabilities of the containment net.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 a , a net repair bridge 5 includes attachment hooks or other hardware 10 attached to a strap section or bridge 20 . The attachment hooks or other hardware 10 are constructed of a material of a strength equal to or greater than the strength of the net material so as not to reduce the load capacity of the net. Suitable materials for the hooks or other hardware are aluminum or steel. The attachment hooks or other hardware are constructed of a thickness, and with a radius interface, so that cutting of the net will not occur at the eye 30 of the attachment hooks or other hardware 10 .

Referring to FIG. 1 a and 1 b , the strap section or bridge 20 is made of rope or other material of a strength equal to or greater than the net material, so that there is no reduction in the loaded capacity of the net. Suitable materials are nylon or polyester. The strap section or bridge 20 can be round or flat, as shown in FIG. 1 a and 1 b.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the method for securing the attachment hooks or other hardware 10 to the rope or other bridging material 20 , such as knots or sewing 40 , is such that their strength is equal to or greater than the strength of the net material 50 , so that there is no reduction in the load capacity of the net. Additionally, the method employed for securing the attachment hooks or other hardware 10 to the bridging material 20 ensures that there is a minimum of friction at the securing points 40 which might result in wear and tear at the securing points 40 . The eyes 20 of the hooks or other hardware 10 are spaced apart to match the spacing between the tie points 45 of the damaged net 50 .