Tie-Down Chain Anchor and Storage Systems

A tie-down chain anchor and storage system for use on trailers, such as flatbed trailers. The system includes a container for holding the chain when not in use a top opening that has anchor slots for securing the chain at a given distance when using the chain to secure equipment on the trailer. The container has a flat top, and the container is coupled to other aspects of the trailer with the flat top flush with a flat portion of the trailer. The system allows for storage of the securing line, e.g., chain, point of pull, and no impediment in loading the trailer. Other embodiments are presented.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is directed, in general, to systems and methods for securing equipment on flatbed trailers, and more particularly to tie-down chain anchor and storage systems.

BACKGROUND

The following discussion of the background is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of the application.

For both private and commercial equipment trailers, chain, binder, and ratchet strap storage and securement are challenging. One must protect the chains, binder, and ratchet straps from theft and manage the location of the items along with securing the equipment to be hauled. Improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

According to an illustrative embodiment, a tie-down chain anchor and storage system for use in combination with a flatbed trailer includes a container having a flat top surface and an interior compartment and a top opening and a lid coupled to the container proximate the top opening for selectively covering the top opening. The lid is substantially flush with the flat top surface of the container. The system further includes a first chain slot formed on an inboard location on a periphery of the top opening and proximate to the lid. The first chain slot is sized and configured to secure a chain link when inserted and tension applied. The container is coupled to the flatbed trailer with the flat top surface of the closed container substantially flush with a top surface of the flatbed trailer.

According to an illustrative embodiment, a trailer for hauling equipment includes a flatbed portion for receiving the equipment and a plurality of tie-down anchor and storage systems coupled to the trailer. The trailer has a periphery. Each member of the plurality of tie-down anchor and storage systems includes a container having a top surface with a top opening on a top member and a lid to selectively cover the top opening and a plurality of slots formed on the top member proximate the top opening, each of the plurality of slots for receiving a securing line. The container has an interior compartment for receiving and holding unused securing lines. Each of the plurality of tie-down anchor and storage systems has the top surface of the container flush with a top surface of the trailer. Other embodiments are disclosed further below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally involves chain use and storage issues on flatbed and other trailers and the dragging of chains from other vehicles. The systems presented herein protect chains from theft and loss while keeping them conveniently located on the trailer at all times. Some possible advantages are mentioned below.

The disclosed systems provide for storage, point-of-pull securement, and ease of deployment of chains used in securing equipment onto trailers. Rather than the typical front of trailer box storage of chains, the systems create secure storage of each chain at flush level with the trailer to allow for storage, point of pull, and no impediment in trailer use. The flush surface tie-down chain anchors and storage units maybe designed of heavy steel that may be driven over by equipment. The below deck storage portion of some embodiments secures chains in place while allowing ease of deployment through a hinged lid. The point of pull slotted top allows securing loads with only the amount of chain needed at any given time while the remaining chain remains securely stored below deck.

Embodiments of the disclosed systems create strong holding, securement and point of pull notching for chains on a flatbed trailer. By having chain boxes secured beneath the deck of the trailer in strategic placement, chains always remain onboard the trailer and are no longer lost or stolen. Further, the flush lid allows for movement of equipment on and off the trailer with no obstruction. The point of pull top allows the operator to withdraw only the amount of chain needed and the rest to remain securely stowed below the deck of the trailer. While “chain” is used throughout, one should understand that a cable, strap, ratchet, or other securing line may be used in an analogous fashion.

Referring now to the figures and initially toFIG.1, an illustrative embodiment of a tie-down chain anchor and storage system100for a flatbed trailer104is presented. The flatbed trailer104includes a flat top surface108on which equipment112, such as the vehicle116, may be positioned for transport. The equipment112often needs to be secured to the flatbed trailer104using chains. In this example, there are two tie-down chain anchor and storage systems100coupled to the front end120of the flatbed trailer104on the right and on the left. There may be four (seeFIG.7) or other numbers in some embodiments. Note that while flatbed trailers are referenced herein, it should be understood that other types of flat surfaces requiring chain securement may be the subject in other embodiments.

The left (perspective of driver's position) tie-down chain anchor and storage system100has a first chain124releasably secured thereto. The first chain124is also secured to the equipment112at the other end of the chain124. Likewise, the right tie-down chain anchor and storage system100has a second chain128that is releasably secured to the tie-down chain anchor and storage system100at one end and to the equipment112at the other end of the second chain128. Additional tie-down chain anchor and storage system100may be included on the flatbed trailer104such as at the rear130of the flatbed trailer104(again seeFIG.7) or at midsection or other locations. Unused chain, e.g., of chain124, is stored in a container132in a below deck configuration. Below deck references being completely or substantially below the flat surface108of the trailer104.

The tie-down chain anchor and storage system100has the container132having a flat top surface136and an interior compartment (196inFIG.2) and a top opening140, which is covered by a lid144. Typically, the flat top surface136is substantially (i.e., within a half inch) flush with the flat top surface108of the flatbed trailer104. This allows the equipment112or other items to move over both surfaces108,136without hinderance or issue.

Referring primarily toFIGS.1and2, the lid144or a portion of the flat top surface136is formed with one or more chain slots146(or point of pull slots), e.g., a first chain slot148, a second chain slot152, and a third chain slot156. The first chain slot148(and others if included) is formed on the top surface136at an inboard location on a periphery158of the top opening140and proximate to the lid144. In some embodiments, the first chain slot148is angled towards the rear130of the trailer. The first chain slot148of the left tie-down chain anchor and storage system100is sized and configured to secure a chain link of the first chain124when inserted and tension applied. Some embodiments may include the second chain slot152, which is substantially orthogonal to an edge of the top opening140of the container132. In some embodiments, the lid144may be coupled to the container132by one or more hinges160or releasable fasteners or other means.

The container132may take different shapes, but in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG.1is shown as having a rectangular plan view. Other shapes, e.g., circular, could be used in some embodiments. The container132may be coupled to the flatbed trailer104by welding or fasteners, e.g., screws, bolts, latches, etc. The container132holds chains waiting for use and any unused chain where they can be easily retrieved. As referenced inFIG.6, the chain may be locked in place.

Referring now primarily toFIG.2, the illustrative embodiment of the tie-down chain anchor and storage system100is shown in an exploded perspective view. In this illustrative embodiment, the tie-down chain anchor and storage system100is formed with an upper portion164and a lower portion168. The upper portion164and lower portion168may be mated and coupled by welding or fasteners, e.g., bolts, screws, latches, etc. In one illustrative embodiment, the upper portion164has a longitudinal length170of 20 inches and a lateral width174of 8 inches and a depth178of 3.5 inches. In the same illustrative embodiment, the lower portion168has a longitudinal length184of 19.75 and a lateral width188of 7.75, and a depth192of 5, 7, or 9 inches. The first chain slot148has a length194of 2 inches. Those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions may be varied for different applications and trailer sizes and other examples will be given further below. The mated upper or top portion164and bottom or lower portion168together form the container132with an interior compartment196. The interior compartment196can store the first chain124(FIGS.1and3-5) or other chains when waiting to be used or the portions not being used.

WhileFIG.2presents a container132formed with an upper portion164and a lower portion168, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the container may be formed as a welded box without the upper and lower portions or constituent parts. Moreover, other shapes may be used.

While chains, e.g., chains124,128, are mentioned in the various embodiments, it should be understood that in some embodiments binder or ratchet straps may be stored and used in the system100. In that case, a strap slot154is used that allows the strap to come out of the container132for application. The strap may be secured in the container and tightened between the equipment and the system100.

Referring now primarily toFIGS.3-5, another illustrative embodiment of a tie-down chain anchor and storage system100is presented with a portion of a flatbed trailer104being shown. This embodiment is analogous to those previously presented but shows the tie-down chain anchor and storage system100inside a rail200or inboard an outer periphery of the trailer104and again substantially flush with the flat surface108of the trailer104.

Referring now primarily toFIG.6, a schematic, bottom perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a tie-down chain anchor and storage system100is presented. In this view, a bottom surface204of a floor208of the container132is shown. Some embodiments, like the one shown, have an opening212in the bottom floor208for extending a portion or link216of the chain, e.g., first chain124, therethrough for locking with a lock220or other securing latch. In another embodiment, a loop is formed on an interior surface of the bottom floor208for locking the chain.

Referring now primarily toFIG.7, an illustrative embodiment of a flatbed trailer104is shown having a flat surface108for receiving equipment. The trailer104has a plurality of wheels covered by wheel wells110(see alsoFIG.1). This embodiment has four tie-down chain anchor and storage systems100. Other tie-down chain anchor and storage systems100may be included or fewer tie-down chain anchor and storage system100may be used.

Referring now primarily toFIG.8, a portion of another illustrative embodiment of a tie-down chain anchor and storage system100(FIG.1) is presented. The figure shows an upper portion164when formed from steel plate or other material before being bent along bend lines224, which are bent 90 degrees during manufacturing of the completed system100. After bending, the upper portion164looks like the upper portion inFIG.2. Dimensions and details for one illustrative embodiment will be given. Again, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other dimensions may be used.

The upper portion164has a pre-bend longitudinal dimension228of 22 inches and a pre-bend lateral dimension232of 14 inches. The post-bend longitudinal dimension or longitudinal dimension236of the completed upper portion164is 16.0 inches. The post-bend lateral dimension or lateral dimension240of the upper portion164is 8.0 inches. A flap forming a longitudinal side wall244has a dimension248of 3.0 inches. Likewise, a flap forming a lateral side wall252has a dimension256of 3.0 inches. The top opening140is cut and the lid144formed as shown with a 0.20 gap260formed. The top opening140has a longitudinal dimension264of 13.25 and a lateral dimension268of 4.54 inches. The dimension272from the top opening140to the bend line224on one end is 1.380 inches.

The one or more chain slots146(or point of pull slots) may be formed at various angles as suggested. The first chain slot148may be formed with leading radius276of 0.125 inches. The strap slot154may have a leading edge displaced by a dimension280from a bend line224and a depth284of 0.750 inches and length288of 1.00 inches. The third (from left for orientation shown) chain slot146may the following dimensions associated with it: dimension292of 1.06 inches, dimension296of 0.940 inches, and dimension300from the right bend line224of 5.950 inches. The fourth (from left for orientation shown) chain slot146has the following dimensions associated with it: dimension304of 0.380 inches; dimension308of 1.035 inches; dimension312of 1.760 inches; and dimension316of 2.30 inches. The lower portion of the container may be made from 20-gauge steel and the upper portion is 3/16 steel.

Referring now primarily toFIG.9, a portion of another illustrative embodiment of a tie-down chain anchor and storage system100(FIG.1) is presented. The figure shows a lower portion168when formed from steel plate or other material before being bent along bend lines320, which are bent 90 degrees during manufacturing of the completed system100. In general terms, the upper portion164(e.g.,FIG.8) and the lower portion168are sized and configured to mate with one another to form the container132(e.g.,FIG.1). A plurality of apertures may be formed on the bottom surface204, such as the aperture or opening212for receiving the last link of a chain that is locked (seeFIG.6) on the exterior of the container; a plurality of drain apertures324; and a top-lock aperture328. With respect to the top-lock aperture328, a rod having a slot at one end for receiving a shackle of a lock and at the other end having a “T” or a platform that can hold down the lid144when in position may be used to lock the lid144closed when not in use and chain is being stored. The lower portion168is assembled or formed into shape by bending longitudinal flaps332along their bend lines320and bending lateral flaps336along their bend lines320. The pre-bend longitudinal dimension340is 23.75 inches in this embodiment which has been sized to mate with the upper portion ofFIG.8. The longitudinal flaps332have a longitudinal length344of 15.75 inches and a lateral dimension346of 4.0 inches. The lateral flaps have a dimension348of 7.75 inches and a dimension352of 4.0 inches. Other dimensions shown for this embodiment are as follows: dimension356of 3.190 inches; dimension360of 0.44 inches; dimension 0.5 inches diameter; dimension368of 1.190 inches; dimension372of 1.0 inches; dimension376of 0.19 inches; dimension380of 1.485 inches; dimension384of 0.10 inches; dimension388of 1.295 inches; dimension392of 1.5 inches; dimension396of 0.375 inches; and dimension400of 3.875 inches. Again, those skilled in the art will appreciate that different dimensions may be used in different situations.

Referring now toFIG.10, in some embodiments of the tie-down chain anchor and storage system100(FIG.1) a reinforcement plate404, or insert, may be welded to one side of the top, e.g., underneath the top surface136. In an embodiment sized to work with the top portion ofFIG.8, the reinforcement plate404has a longitudinal dimension408of 15.72 inches and a lateral dimension412of 1.2 inches. The reinforcement plate404is cut to match the shape of the edge of the periphery of the top opening140that has the plurality of chain slots146. In addition, it is formed with one or more apertures416for filling with a weld. Thus, the reinforcement plate404has a plurality of chain slots420and a strap slot424.

Referring now primarily toFIG.11, a portion of another illustrative embodiment of a tie-down chain anchor and storage system100(FIG.1) is presented. The figure shows an upper portion164and is analogous in most respects to that shown inFIG.8except there are fewer chain slots and the dimensions have been altered to make it a smaller unit. For example, it has a pre-bend longitudinal dimension228of 16 inches and a pre-bend lateral dimension232of 14 inches. Some of the other dimensions are as follows: dimension256of 3.0 inches; dimension236of 10.0 inches; dimension264of 7.75 inches; dimension268of 5.06 inches; dimension276of 0.125-inch radius Typ 6 places; dimension284of 0.75 inches; dimension240of 8.0 inches; dimension260of 0.2 inches; dimension280of 4.48 inches; dimension288of 1.0 inches; and dimension312of 1.736 inches.

Referring again toFIGS.1and3, in some embodiments, the container132of the system100may be coupled to the trailer104inboard of a periphery of the trailer104as shown inFIG.3. In some embodiments, the container132may be coupled to the trailer104outside the periphery of the trailer as shown inFIG.1.

In one illustrative embodiment, the tie-down chain anchor and storage system is mounted at the front of a farm tractor. The stored chain may be applied and used to pull things as the tractor is reversed. In another embodiment, the container is used a storage system alone for a chain on a trailer or vehicle.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in a connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment.