Tie down assembly

A tie down assembly including a cup, a cross-shaped crossbar that is fastened removably to and positioned within a recess of the cup, and a disc-shaped plate that is fastened removably to the cup and/or the crossbar. The crossbar is fastened to the cup by a plurality of fasteners, while the plate is fastened to the cup and/or the crossbar by at least one fastener. The cup is installed within a hole formed within a first surface of a structure, and the plate is positioned against an opposite surface of the structure. When the plate is attached, a compressive load is introduced and squeezes the first and second surfaces of the structure together, such that most of the load is borne down the center of the fastener attaching the plate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tie down assembly and, more particularly, to a tie down assembly for naval and maritime vessels.

BACKGROUND

Tie down assemblies are commonplace on naval and maritime vessels, as they facilitate the security of cargo, vehicles, such as aircraft, and other heavy items and equipment. Tie down assemblies are typically installed within a deck of the vessel. Tie down assemblies must be secure within the deck and endure heavy loads. In addition, tie down assemblies should be easily repaired and replaced within the deck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a tie down assembly including a cup, a cross-shaped crossbar that is fastened removably to and positioned within a recess of the cup, and a disc-shaped plate that is fastened removably to the cup and the crossbar. In an embodiment, the crossbar is fastened to the cup by a plurality of threaded fasteners, while the plate is fastened to the cup and the crossbar by a threaded fastener. In an embodiment, the cup is installed within a hole formed within a first surface of a structure, and the plate is positioned against an opposite surface of the structure. In an embodiment, when the plate is attached to the cup and the crossbar by tightening the threaded fastener, a compressive load is introduced, which is borne down the center of the fastener. In an embodiment, the plate is attached to the cup by a plurality of fasteners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1BandFIGS. 2A and 2B, in an embodiment, a tie down assembly10includes a funnel-shaped cup12, a cross-shaped crossbar14that is fastened removably to the cup12, and a disc-shaped plate16that is fastened removably to the cup12and the crossbar14. Referring toFIGS. 2B,3A and3B, in an embodiment, the crossbar14is fastened to the cup12by a plurality of threaded fasteners18, while the plate16is fastened to the cup12and the crossbar14by a threaded fastener20having an associated washer22. In an embodiment, the cup12includes an O-ring24, whose purpose shall be described hereinafter. In an embodiment, a gasket26is positioned between the cup12and the crossbar14(see in particularFIG. 3A), while each of a plurality of O-rings28is positioned between the fasteners18and the crossbar14(seeFIGS. 3A and 3B).

In an embodiment, the cup12and the plate16are each made from aluminum, and the crossbar14is made from steel. In other embodiments, the cup12, the crossbar14, and the plate16are made from other suitable materials known in the art, such as other types of metals or metal alloys. In an embodiment, the cup12, the crossbar14, and the plate16are produced by forging. In another embodiment, the cup12and the plate16are produced by machining. While the cup12is funnel-shaped, it may consist of other shapes and sizes, in accordance with other embodiments. While the crossbar14is cross-shaped, it may consist of other shapes and sizes, in accordance with other embodiments. While the plate16is disc-shaped, it may consist of other shapes and sizes, in accordance with other embodiments. The features and functions of the cup12, the crossbar14, and the plate16shall be described hereinafter.

Referring toFIGS. 4A through 4D, in an embodiment, the cup12includes a funnel-shaped base30having an outer surface32and an inner surface34that defines a circular-shaped recess36. In an embodiment, the base30tapers from a top end38to a bottom end40thereof, converging at a stem42having a circular-shaped aperture44. In an embodiment, the base30further includes a sidewall46and a plurality of apertures48formed therein that extend from the outer surface32to the inner surface34. In an embodiment, the cup12includes four of the apertures48, which are arranged in a cross-like pattern (i.e., positioned 90 degrees from each other). In other embodiments, the cup12includes more or less than four of the apertures48.

Still referring toFIGS. 4A through 4D, in an embodiment, the cup12includes a circular-shaped flange50that surrounds the perimeter of the recess36. In an embodiment, the flange50includes a top surface52and a bottom surface54opposite thereof. In an embodiment, a circular-shaped groove56is formed within the bottom surface54of the flange50(see specificallyFIG. 4G) for receiving the O-ring24. In an embodiment, a plurality of tabs58extend outwardly from the sidewall46and are positioned directly below the bottom surface54of the flange50, as shown best inFIGS. 4C through 4E. In an embodiment, the cup12includes four of the tabs58, which are arranged in a cross-like pattern (i.e., 90 degrees from each other). In other embodiments, the cup12includes more or less than four of the tabs58. In an embodiment, each of the tabs58is circular in shape (seeFIGS. 4C and 4D). In another embodiment, each of the tabs58has an oblong shape (seeFIGS. 1B and 3B). In other embodiments, each of the tabs58consist of other shapes and sizes, e.g., square, rectangular, etc.FIGS. 4E through 4Gillustrate additional cross-sectional views of the cup12.

Referring toFIGS. 5A through 5F, in an embodiment, the crossbar14includes a plurality of tubular-shaped members60, each of which has a first end62that intersects with the other ends62at a central point64, and a free end66. In an embodiment, each of the members60lie within the same plane. In an embodiment, each of the members60includes a centrally located, circular-shaped aperture68formed within the free end66thereof, and a circular-shaped groove70that surrounds the aperture68. In an embodiment, each of the apertures68includes internal threads72(seeFIGS. 5E and 5F) that threadedly engage a corresponding one of the fasteners18. The crossbar14further includes a tubular-shaped stem74that extends perpendicularly from the members60at the central point64. In an embodiment, the stem74has a first end76connected to the central point64and a free end78having a centrally located, circular-shaped aperture80(seeFIG. 5D). In an embodiment, the aperture80includes internal threads (not shown in the Figures) that threadedly engage the fastener20.

In an embodiment,FIGS. 6A through 6Cshow the crossbar14fastened to the cup12by the fasteners18. In this regard, the crossbar14is positioned within the recess36of the cup12, such that one of the apertures68of one of the members60aligns with a corresponding one of the apertures48of the cup12. In addition, the stem74of the crossbar14is aligned with the stem42of the cup12, such that the aperture80of the stem74aligns with the aperture44of the cup12(seeFIG. 6C). In an embodiment, the gasket26is positioned at the free end78of the stem74, while each of the O-rings28is positioned within a corresponding one of the grooves70of one of the members60(not shown inFIGS. 6A through 6C, but seeFIG. 3A). In an embodiment, each of the fasteners18are inserted into a corresponding one of the apertures48of the cup12and, in turn, threadedly engage a corresponding one of the apertures68of the one of the members60, thereby securing the crossbar14to the cup12. In another embodiment, the apertures68of the members60are filled with a sealant when the fasteners18are installed to provide a seal. In an embodiment, the fasteners18,20are threaded bolts.

Referring toFIGS. 7A through 7E, in an embodiment, the plate16includes a circular-shaped first surface82and a circular-shaped second surface84opposite thereof, which are separated by a plurality of ribs86that form a plurality of gaps88. In an embodiment, each of the first and second surfaces82,84of the plate16consists of other shapes and sizes, such as square, elliptical, polygonal. In an embodiment, the ribs86provide for strength and stiffness of the plate16, and the gaps88result a reduction of mass and weight in the plate16. In an embodiment, the plate16includes a centrally located, circular-shaped counterbore90that extends from the first surface82to the second surface84. In an embodiment, the diameter of the counterbore90at the second surface84is greater than the diameter of the counterbore90at the first surface82. In an embodiment, the fastener20is inserted into the counterbore90of the plate16from the second surface84and to the first surface82, and threadedly engages the aperture80of the stem74of the crossbar14.

Referring toFIG. 8, in an embodiment, the tie down assembly10is installed in a deck92of a vessel having an upper layer94and a lower layer96. In an embodiment, the deck92is made from aluminum. In other embodiments, the deck92is made from other materials, such as metals and metal alloys. In an embodiment, the deck92includes a solid portion(s). In another embodiment, the deck92is corrugated. In another embodiment, the deck92is a multi-hollow extrusion. In another embodiment, the deck92is characterized by a fabricated, complex geometrical decking structure. In an embodiment, a hole is bored into the upper and lower layers94,96of the deck92(not shown in the Figures). In an embodiment, the diameter of the hole is substantially equal to the diameter of the base30of the cup12. In an embodiment, additional holes, which are smaller in size than that of the aforesaid hole, are bored into the upper layer94of the deck92, and are sized and shaped and arranged to accommodate the receipt of the tabs58of the cup12(not shown in the Figures). The crossbar14is secured to the cup12as described above, and the base30of the cup12is positioned within the aforesaid larger hole, while the tabs58are positioned within the aforesaid smaller holes (not shown in the Figures). As a result, the flange50of the cup12rests on the top surface of the upper layer94of the deck92and lies flush, leaving the crossbar14exposed within the upper layer94.

In an embodiment, the plate16is positioned beneath the lower layer96of the deck92, whereby the first surface82of the plate16is juxtaposed with the lower layer96. In an embodiment, the fastener20is inserted within the counterbore90of the plate20and, in turn, the aperture44of the cup12and threadedly engages the aperture80of the stem74of the crossbar14. In an embodiment, as the fastener20is tightened, a compressive load is introduced and forces the upper and lower layers94,96of the deck92together. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly10is preloaded when installed, resulting in no gaps between the flange50of the cup12and the upper layer94of the deck92, and between the plate16and the lower layer96of the deck92. That is, the fastener20is preloaded to a predetermined torque rating to produce a preloaded compressive assembly, thereby maintaining the assembly10within the deck92during use. In an embodiment, the fastener20is preloaded to a torque rating in the range of approximately 150 ft.-lbs. to approximately 250 ft.-lbs. In an embodiment, the fastener20is preloaded to a torque rating of approximately 190 ft.-lbs. In an embodiment, all of the preload is borne through the fastener20in the span between the cup12and the washer22. Above this span, in an embodiment, the load splits, with approximately half of the load going up into the crossbar14then out to the flange50of the cup12and into the deck92, while approximately the other half of the load goes through the base30of the cup12then out to the flange50and into the deck92.

In an embodiment, a seal is formed between the tie down assembly10and the deck92, which prevents corrosion from foreign substances, such as seawater. In an embodiment, the flange50of the cup12lies substantially flush with the upper layer94of the deck92, minimizing the protrusion of the assembly10above the deck92. In an embodiment, the tabs58of the cup12prevent rotation of the tie down assembly10relative to the deck92, thereby maintaining the stability of the assembly10during use.

In an embodiment, the crossbar14is sized and shaped to accommodate the receipt of various tie down connectors, such as hooks, clips, cables, rope, etc. (not shown in the Figures). In an embodiment, the load endured by the tie down assembly10is borne by the fastener20as described above, and shear is borne by the fasteners18.

In an embodiment, in the event the tie down assembly10requires repair or replacement, it is removed from the deck92by unfastening the fastener20from the crossbar14and the cup12. As a result, the cup12and crossbar14assembly can be lifted out of the hole in the upper layer94of the deck92.

In an embodiment, the cup12and the plate16are made from aluminum, while the crossbar14is made from steel, resulting in a savings in weight of approximately 50% as a compared to if the cup12, the crossbar14, and the plate16were each made from steel.

In an embodiment, the crossbar14is coated with a coating for preventing wear from where aforesaid connectors engage the crossbar14. In an embodiment, the coating composition consists of an aluminum/stainless steel blend manufactured by Alcoa, Inc., and which is the subject of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,388 and 6,290,032, which are incorporated herein by reference herein in their entireties. In other embodiments, the coating includes an electroless nickel phosphorous coating, such as NIBORE™ brand of coating, a diamond chrome coating, a hard chrome coating, or a nickel cobalt coating, all of which are supplied by Bales Mold Service Inc. of Downers Grove, Ill. In other embodiments, the coating includes a wear-resistant cubic boron nitride, hard powder coating, such as TUFFTEK® brand of coating supplied by NanoMech, LLC d/b/a Duralor of Springdale, Ark. In other embodiments, other suitable coatings that prevent wear and are known in the art may be utilized.

Pull tests on the tie down assembly10were performed using strain gauged test hooks on the crossbar14, and a load of 32,000 pounds was met. Visual inspection of the tie down assembly10was performed and no yielding of material was evident. Further visual inspection was performed on the fasteners18and20, which revealed no evidence of yielding. In addition, tie down leak testing was performed to verify that the gasket26and the O-rings24and28did not leak. In this regard, a no pull-leak test was performed by filling the cup12with water and subsequently inspected. The results revealed no leakage. Also, a 32,000 pound pull-leak test was performed by submerging the tie down assembly10in water. Testing was conducted for 10 minutes and no leaks were detected. This was followed by rotating the tie down assembly10ninety (90) degrees and testing for 15 minutes, resulting in no leakage.

FIGS. 9A through 9Dillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly110includes a cup112, a crossbar114, and a plate116that is secured to the cup112and the crossbar114by a fastener120. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly110has a structure and function that are similar to the tie down assembly10, except that the former includes a solid disc-shaped plate116having no ribs or gaps. The tie down assembly110is installed within the deck92in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the tie down assembly10(seeFIG. 9D).

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly210includes a cup212, a crossbar214mounted within a recess236of the cup212by a plurality of fasteners218, and a tubular-shaped sleeve217. In an embodiment, the cup212and the sleeve217are made from aluminum, while the crossbar214and the fasteners218are made from stainless steel. In an embodiment, the cup212is welded to one end of the sleeve217by welding means known in the art (e.g., MIG, etc.). In an embodiment, a bottom cap (not shown in the Figures) is welded to another end of the sleeve. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly210is welded to an aluminum deck (not shown in the Figures).

FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly310a cup312, a crossbar314mounted within a recess336of the cup312by a plurality of fasteners318, a tubular-shaped sleeve317, and a bottom plate316attached to the sleeve317. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly310is identical to the tie down assembly210, except that the recess336of the cup312has a greater diameter and volume in order to accommodate a larger sized crossbar314.

FIGS. 12A and 12Billustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly410includes a cup412, a crossbar414mounted within a recess436of the cup412by a plurality of fasteners418, a tubular-shaped sleeve417, and a bottom cap416. In an embodiment, the cup412, the sleeve417, and the cap416are made from aluminum, while the crossbar414and the fasteners418are made from stainless steel. In an embodiment, the cup412is welded to one end of the sleeve417and the cap416is welded to another end of the sleeve417by welding means known in the art (e.g., friction welding, etc.). In an embodiment, the tie down assembly410is welded to an aluminum deck92.

FIGS. 13A and 13Cillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly510includes a cup512, a crossbar514mounted within a recess536of the cup512, a tubular-shaped sleeve517, and a bottom cap516. The crossbar514includes a plurality of members560and a ring561that surrounds the members560. In an embodiment, the cup512, the sleeve517, and the cap516are made from aluminum, while the crossbar514is made from steel. The crossbar514is positioned with the recess536of the cup512and attached thereto by any attachment means known in the art (e.g., friction stir welding, adhesives). In an embodiment, the crossbar514and the cup512are attached to one another by mechanical means, such as keying. In an embodiment, the cup512and the cap516are welded to the sleeve517. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly510is welded to an aluminum deck (not shown in the Figures).

FIGS. 14A through 14Cillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly610includes a ring-shaped collar611, a crossbar614attached to the collar611, a funnel-shaped cover612having a recess636, a sleeve617, and a cap616. In an embodiment, the collar611, the crossbar614, the cover612, the sleeve617, and the cap616are made from aluminum. In an embodiment, the crossbar614is welded within slots615formed within a bottom surface of the collar611, and the cover612envelopes the crossbar614, which is positioned within the recess636, and is welded to the bottom surface of the collar611. In an embodiment, the collar611and the cap616are welded to the sleeve617. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly610is welded to an aluminum deck (not shown in the Figures).

FIGS. 15A through 15Dillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly710includes a ring-shaped collar711, a crossbar714attached to the collar711, a funnel-shaped cover712having a recess736, and a sleeve717. In an embodiment, the collar711, the crossbar714, the cover712, and the sleeve717are made from aluminum. In other embodiments, the cover712is made from other metallic or non-metallic materials. In an embodiment, the crossbar714is welded to a bottom surface of the collar711, and the cover712envelopes the crossbar714and is welded to the bottom surface of the collar711. In an embodiment, the collar711and the cap716are welded to the sleeve717. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly710is welded to an aluminum deck (not shown in the Figures).

FIGS. 16A through 16Dillustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which, a tie down assembly810includes a cylindrical-shaped base812having a circular-shaped recess836, and a crossbar814positioned within the recess836. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly810includes a hollow interior section811having ribbing813and a plurality of tabs815. The ribbing813provides strength and stiffness, while allowing for mass reduction, of the tie down assembly810. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly810is a unitary unit made by investment casting. In an embodiment, a circular-shaped close-out cover816is welded to the tabs815. In an embodiment, a wear-coating substance is added to the crossbar814(not shown in the Figures). In an embodiment, the tie down assembly810is welded to an aluminum deck (not shown in the Figures).

FIGS. 17A through 17Dillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, including a tie down assembly910includes a cylindrical-shaped base912having a recess936, and a crossbar814positioned within the recess936. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly810includes a hollow interior section911having a tab915. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly910is a unitary unit made by machining. In an embodiment, a circular-shaped close-out cover916is welded to the tab915. In an embodiment, a wear-coating substance is added to the crossbar914(not shown in the Figures). In an embodiment, the tie down assembly910is welded to an aluminum deck (not shown in the Figures).

FIGS. 18A through 18Cillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly1010includes a tubular-shaped sleeve1012, a collar1011, and a crossbar1014. In an embodiment, the collar1011includes two portions1013a,1013bthat are sized and shaped to mate with one another, forming a circular-shaped groove1015. In an embodiment, the crossbar1014includes a plurality of members1060and a ring1061that encircles the members1060. In an embodiment, the ring1061is received within the groove1015of the collar1011, thereby interlocking the crossbar1014. In an embodiment, a bottom cap1016is welded to the sleeve1012. In an embodiment, collar1011, the crossbar1014, and the sleeve1012are made from aluminum. In another embodiment, the crossbar1014is made from steel. In an embodiment, the crossbar1014is welded to the sleeve1012. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly1010is welded to an aluminum deck (not shown in the Figures).

FIGS. 19A through 19Cillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly1110includes a tubular-shaped housing1012having a recess1136and a flange1050, a cross-shaped crossbar1114mounted within the recess1136of the housing1012by a plurality of fasteners1118, and a collar1016mounted to the housing by a plurality of tapered pins or keys (not specifically shown in the Figures), which compress the assembly1110together. In an embodiment, the housing1012includes a hollow, interior section1111that includes ribbing1113to provide stiffness and strength and allows for mass reduction. In an embodiment, the housing1012and the collar1016are made from aluminum, while the crossbar1114is made from steel. In an embodiment, the housing1012and the collar1016are machined. The tie down assembly1110is fastened to the aluminum deck92(seeFIG. 19C).

FIGS. 20A through 20Cillustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in which a tie down assembly1210includes a cup1212, a crossbar1214, and a plate1216that is secured to the cup1212by a plurality of fasteners1218. In an embodiment, the tie down assembly1210has a structure and function that are similar to the tie down assembly10, except that the fasteners1218attaching the plate1216to the cup1212do not engage the crossbar1214. The tie down assembly1210is installed within the deck92in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the tie down assembly10(seeFIG. 9D).

It will be understood that the tie down assemblies described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the full spirit and the scope of the embodiment described herein. For example, in an embodiment, the tie down assembly10includes failsafe components that enable the assembly10to fail prior to damaging the decking if overloaded, thereby saving high repair costs. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the tie down assemblies may be utilized in environments other than naval and maritime vessels, such as, for example, rail, aerospace, and motor vehicle transportation. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.