Abstract:
A system and device that measures the cargo load securing tension upon a tensionable cargo load securing line including but not limited to a woven web, belt, cord, chain having a tension boom and conveys tension information sensed in the tension boom to a remote location is presented. Utilized is an “indirect” form of tension information conveyance, that being radio, light or sound, or a “direct” form of signal conveyance, that being wire or vehicle ground system or vehicle frame. Various remote locations may receive conveyed tension signal. They may include receiver devices located within transportation vehicle power unit cab, visual display on anterior portion of haul unit, transportation operator wrist or clothing mounted device, satellite linked management or office facility, associated convoy vehicle cab or operator, or other. Cab and operator tension display devices may provide an array of tension analysis recording and view and travel assist options.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application filed under 35 USC 111(a) and 37 CRF 1.53(b) of U.S. patent applicatio Ser. No. 12/798,771 filed Apr. 9, 2010 of common inventorship, now abandoned. This application also claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/212,402 filed Apr. 10, 2009 under 35 USC 119(e). 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
     Field of Invention 
       [0002]    This invention relates to all forms of anchoring type devices including but not limited to tie strap, ratchet strap and chain and boom type tensioning cargo hold down devices including those securing structures in high winds. The present invention electronically monitors hold down tension and through electronic and mechanical means, communicates to the operator who can monitor load and tension status from virtually any location. It utilizes conventional and accepted means of electronic detection, interpretation and signal conveyance to various forms of conventional and accepted indicators utilizing sound, light, vibration, and or analog or digital forms of display. The present invention&#39;s transportation embodiment is unique in that it permits the immediate, real time evaluation of a cargo load&#39;s securement status while in motion and underway. Prior to this invention, transportation load status was only possible to evaluate by an immediate stop for physical inspection, exposing transportation operator to potential hazards including inclement weather, traffic, unsteady and shifting loads as well as the inconvenience and loss of production time associated with a full stop. This device can profoundly increase safety for cargo loads and individuals alike as well as increase production as load status can be carefully monitored while in motion. The improvement to highway safety alone will be profoundly beneficial as hundreds of people are killed or injured every year as a result of transportation load securement failure. Load securing systems have been in existence for thousands of years. Of late however, U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,537 to Morse 1984 details the secure attachment of a drum to a transportation flat bed with chains straps and tensioning devices but fails to offer any notification to the operator if a tensioning device or chain anchor fails, even having mentioned that some attempts at drum securement have indeed failed. Transportation air pressure monitoring is outlined by U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,524 to Mock et al and logically, safety and efficiency are maximized by providing tire pressure information to the operator. Some remotely related marine tethering issues are addressed by several patents including U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,464 to Bachman in which motion in a boat&#39;s anchor is communicated via sonar to a receiver in the boat&#39;s hull thus notifying the operator of potential and undesired movement occurring in an anchored boat. The details of U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,452 to Corona 1984 outlines how excessive tension in mooring lines is monitored and transmitted to a signal array atop mooring buoy but the signal is not transmitted to any operators and the essence of the patent is based on too much tension, not too little tension as the present invention details. The art of monitoring strain and stress in a building or bridge has been dedicatedly addressed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,651 to Westermo et al. but a dedicated and affordable device that reads the tension of a transportation tie down and communicates to the operator seems as yet necessary and as yet unavailable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    It remains one of civilization&#39;s profound objectives to improve roadway safety and reduce property loss, damage and destruction to the cargo items perpetually in transit in our nation. The information provided to the transportation operator utilizing this type of tie strap tension monitoring device will contribute significantly to both objectives. The value of immediate knowledge of chain boom tension failure on a large load will greatly exceed the value of the post event knowledge of a complete load securement failure resulting in roadway closure, property damage and a tragic loss of life. The present invention affordably addresses all types of securing systems from a modest motorcycle on a single axle trailer to a 25 ton gravel crusher on a multi axle flat haul unit. Further advantages will become apparent from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a large scope, conceptual side view of the present invention&#39;s preferred embodiment. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a ¾ view of the “thread through” embodiment of tension sensing device. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a ¾ view of the “clamp on” embodiment of tension sensing device in the un-clamped or open configuration. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a ¾ view of the “clamp on” embodiment of the tension sensing device in the clamped or closed configuration. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a ¾ view of the “clip on” embodiment of the tension sensing device in the closed configuration. 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a ¾ view of the “clip on” embodiment of the tension sensing device in the open configuration, 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is a ¾ view of embodiment combining tension sensing device and tie-down tensioning device into the same assembly. 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is a side view of conventional “Chain tensioning boom” in both open and closed configurations. 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is a ¾ view of in line chain type embodiment of tension sensing device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an attachable tension monitoring device upon a pre-installed, hold down chain. 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a “smart link” chain tension monitoring device designed to function within a tie down chain. 
           [0015]      FIG. 12A  is a front view of basic cab display unit. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12B  is a ¾ view of optional portable display unit. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is an electrical schematic for basic tie down tension sensing embodiment 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is a ¾ view of a trailered, transported load, secured and fitted with both a permanent and positional tension status display. 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  Shown is a schematic of the general relationship between the tie strap tension and the creation of tension status signal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]      FIG. 1 . Shown is a conceptual side view of preferred embodiment. Transportation unit  50  with transported load  60  is bound and secured to transportation deck  70  by multiple securing straps  80  and adjustably tightened by tensioner device  85 . Tension monitoring device  90  evaluates strap tension and communicates information  92  to cab and remote display devices  94  ( FIG. 12A) and 217  ( FIG. 12B ) respectively. Securing, tie-down straps  80  may be constructed of any durable material and tensioning devices may be integral with tie-strap material or built into transportation deck  70 . Tension information  92  may be communicated via some form of light/radio conveyance means “indirect” or a hard wired “direct” through dedicated wire, transportation unit  50  wiring system and/or frame  57 . Tensioning device  85  may also function as a continuous unit with tension monitoring device  90 . Display unit  94  may be permanently installed into transportation unit or removably mounted. Portable display unit  217  may utilize all forms of information conveyance means including radio, light, cell phone signal or even satellite compatible means. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  This ¾ view of the “thread through” embodiment of tension sensing device details the function of the present invention while utilizing the flat, belt type tie-down material  80 . Belting is positioned under pin/roller  130  and threaded inwards over roller  125  which contains electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and is spring loaded by spring  150 . Spring tension on roller  125  is adjustable through shaft  170  and rotationally tightened or loosened with knob  160 . Tactile grip on knob  160  is enhanced by texture teeth  180 . Prior to exiting device, tie-strap belting  80  lastly passes under second pin/roller  130  and proceeds to secure anchor point. Sensor/switch  140  (2 shown) functions to identify relative location of roller  125  which responds to tie strap tension and utilizing power and electromagnetic conditioning supplied from behind access panel  144  convey location information to display devices  94  ( FIG. 12A) and 217  ( FIG. 12B ) This diagram conceptualizes radio information conveyance means and other embodiments may utilize a “direct” form of conveyance namely a wire or vehicle frame conduction or a combination of the two or other. Countless variations of transducer/tie-strap motion interface are feasible and available. This embodiment has been selected to convey the general concept with simplicity and is not intended to limit scope of specification. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3 . The ¾ view of the “clamp-On” embodiment resembles the details outlined in  FIG. 2  with the differences centering around the clamp-on, split able nature of shown embodiment. As shown in its open configuration, lock pin holes  106  can be identified in lower housing  100 B and lock tabs  105  are shown descending from upper housing  100 A. The fundamental purpose of this embodiment permits the quick and simple installation of tension sensing device upon a securing strap  80  that is pre-installed and possibly pre-tensioned. Other embodiments may utilize various different types of locking mechanisms. Countless variations of transducer/tie-strap motion interface are feasible and available. This embodiment has been selected to convey only the general concept with simplicity and is not intended to limit scope of specification. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  The ¾ view of the “clamp-On” embodiment resembles the details outlined in  FIG. 2  with the differences centering around the clamp-on, split able nature of shown embodiment. As shown in i&#39;s closed configuration, lock pin  107  is identified securing upper housing  100 A to lower housing  100 B through Locking tabs  105  ( FIG. 3 ) and locking holes  106  ( FIG. 3 ). The fundamental purpose of this embodiment permits the quick and simple installation of tension sensing device upon securing strap  80  that is pre-installed and possibly pre-tensioned. Countless variations of transducer/tie-strap motion interface are feasible and available. This embodiment has been selected to convey only general concept with simplicity and is not intended to limit scope of specification. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  This ¾ view of the “clip-On” embodiment presented in  FIG. 5  details the housing  100  in a closed configuration and secured with the tightening of closure knob  159 . Also shown is securing strap  80 , hinge  101 , weather resistant slot  102  and access panel  144 . The fundamental purpose of this embodiment permits the quick and simple installation of tension sensing device upon securing tie-strap  80  that is pre-installed and possibly pre-tensioned. Countless variations of transducer/tie-strap motion interface are feasible and available. This embodiment has been selected to convey only concept with simplicity and is not intended to limit scope of specification. 
         [0025]      FIG. 6  The ¾ view of the “clip-on” embodiment presented in  FIG. 6  details the hinged  101  open configuration of tension sensing embodiment with securing strap  80  in position, first entering housing  100  through weather resistant slot  102  and resting on pin/roller  130 . The upper housing  100 A contains electrical component enclosure  145 , spring  150 , spring attachment point  151  and appropriately attached to sliding portion of spring  150 , electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141 . In sliding contact with and responding to electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  embedded in sliding portion of spring  150  sensor/switch  140  firmly anchored to upper housing  100 A respond to position of electromagnetic initiator/trigger as a result of strap tension and conveys positional electrical information to electronics in electrical component enclosure  145  for processing and conveyance to display devices  94  ( FIG. 12A) and 217  ( FIG. 12B ) Spring  150 , possesses resilient nature to precisely respond to tension variations in strap  80 . Logically, spring responds to increase in strap tension  80  and experiences a “straitening” effect resulting in alterations in relative positions of electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  140 . Countless variations of transducer/tie-strap motion interface are feasible and available. This embodiment has been selected to convey only general concept with simplicity and is not intended to limit scope of specification. 
         [0026]      FIG. 7  This ¾ view of tension sensing embodiment is shown combined with tie-down tensioning device. Securing straps in this embodiment are shown in 2 distinctive segments, stationary tie strap segment  123  and tension able tie strap segment  124 . Stationary tie strap segment  123  does not possess adjustable or tension able character and functions to provide tension information to electronics located behind access panel  144  and also to tie-off entire strap assembly. Tie-strap segment  123  initiates on its first end within housing  100  on tie-off pin/roller  131 . It then is permanently threaded over spring loaded roller  125 , under roller/pin  130  and then exits housing  100 , terminating on its second end, optionally with an “s” hook (not shown) or other fixed type of anchor. Tension sensing mechanism creating tension information shown in this embodiment resembles tension sensing mechanism outlined in  FIG. 2 . Tensionable tie strap segment  124  is adjustable and is spool able on spool hub  196  which is driven manually through ratchet lever  195  and handle  190 . Detail of ratchet mechanism is not provided here as it is beyond the scope of this work. Entire tensioning assembly is encloseable in weather resistant enclosure  103 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of a conventional “chain tensioning boom” in both, open  200 A and closed  200 B configurations. Close examination will reveal tension sensing assembly  203  with tension sensing unit  201 . Tension sensing assembly  203  is composed of compressible bushing  205  (which resembles the function of spring  150 ) of  FIG. 6 , tension plunger  204 , electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  positioned on head of tension plunger  204  and sensor/switch  140 , located on body of tension sensing unit  201 . When tension is applied to the second chain segment  185 B by boom lever  200 B over a secured load, compressible bushing  205  is compressed and allows the distance between electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  140  to be reduced, thus creating an electronic signal that is conveyable to a display. Selection of the precise nature of the electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  140  will determine the sensitivity of tension sensing unit  201  as well as cost to manufacture. Transportation equipment demands vary and require varying forms of this embodiment. The chain tensioning boom  200 A has a first pivoting joint  1000  connected to a chain linkage assembly  1002  which has a hook H connected to the first chain segment  185 A. The chain tensioning boom  200 A has a second pivoting joint  1001  which secures a proximal end of the tension sensing unit  201 . The distal end of the tension sensing unit  201  has a sliding engagement, not shown, with the tension plunger  204 . The tension plunger  204  is connected to the second chain segment  185 B by a hook H. 
         [0028]      FIG. 9  Shown is a ¾ view of in line chain type embodiment of tension sensing device. This heavy duty embodiment allows chain or heavy duty canvas or nylon belting to attach directly to chain end links  185  of first end of tension sensing unit allowing second end of unit to be attached to another chain or fixed anchor. As tension is applied to tension sensing unit at link chain  185 , sliding portion of tension sensing device  98  will begin to move out of housing  100 . This action will compress spring  150  and, at full tension, sensor/switch  140  and electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  will be in immediate proximity of one another. The loss then, of any tension on tension sensing unit will conversely allow sliding portion of tension device  98  to slide back into housing  100 . Spring  150  decompresses and logically electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  140  will move away from one another creating the conveyable signal to display. Selection of precise nature of electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  141  will determine sensitivity of tension sensing unit as well as cost to manufacture. Transportation equipment demands very and require varying forms of this embodiment. This embodiment has been presented in very general terms to convey only the general concept. 
         [0029]      FIG. 10 . Shown is a side view of an attachable tension monitoring device installable upon a pre-installed, hold down chain. This tension sensing device must be installed in a link chain prior to tensioning as link chain slack  186  in necessary to establish tensioning of springs  150 . Upon tensioning, sliding plate possessing sensor/switch  140  and attached to pin/roller  130  moves toward electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141 . Tension sensing assembly, composed of sliding plates supporting sensor/switch  140 , and electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and loosely bound together with retaining clips  188  is fitted into and protected by second spring  150 . Potential loss of tension allows springs  150  to pull together roller/pins  130  and, in so doing, distance between sensor/switch  140  and electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  increases thus creating a conveyable signal to display. Selection of precise nature of electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  140  will determine sensitivity of tension sensing unit as well as cost to manufacture. Transportation equipment demands very and require varying forms of this embodiment. This embodiment has been presented in very general terms to convey only the general concept. 
         [0030]      FIG. 11  Shown is a side view of a “smart link” chain tension monitoring device designed to function within a tie down securing chain. Very simply, the function of this embodiment resembles that shown in  FIG. 10  in that the essence of the creation of the conveyable signal is the increase in distance between the sensor/switch  140  and the electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141 . Fewer mechanical parts are required in this embodiment as with the outward increase in tie-down chain tension upon both chain links  185 , the compression of the compressible bushing material  205 (which function resembles universal spring  150 ) permits sensor/switch  140  to move away from electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  as the link carrying electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  has also been pulled away from sensor/switch  140  and too has compressed compressible bushing material  205 . Logically with release of pressure, resilience of compressible bushing pushes both links, one possessing sensor/switch  140  and the other possessing electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  away from one another thus creating conveyable signal. Selection of precise nature of electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  140  will determine sensitivity of tension sensing unit as well as cost to manufacture. Transportation equipment demands vary which dictate varying forms of this embodiment. This embodiment has been presented in very general terms to convey only the general concept. 
         [0031]      FIG. 12A  Shown is a ¾ view of basic cab display unit. Each display unit  94  shown installed in cab display enclosure  207  may represent a tension monitoring device. Mounted on base  206  and possibly supplied power and data via optional power input means  208  unit may convey a large quantity of information to operator and through display user interface, operator can manipulate display content and visual read out options. Information at display may include: Time, heading, absolute tension, graduated tension, temperature, type of alarm, sound of alarm, event shock recording status, color coding, boost signal to remote, illumination trigger at tension sensing device, loss of signal alarm, low battery, solar recharge status, battery recharge status, tamper warning, silent alarm, moisture alarm, event replay, memory storage, status transmit via x means, satellite link, read convoy function, enter unit number, tension code, tension signal search, event download, wireless download, USB computer link, digital readout tension amount, set tension signal at X, display lights, display lights dimmer, reset, battery back-up. 
         [0032]      FIG. 12B  Shown is a ¾ view of optional portable display unit  217 . Information conveyable through display face  210  can vary with each embodiment. Remote display enclosure  207  and detachable from wrist band  209  may contain options listed above and are selectable utilizing display user interface  211 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 13  Shown is an electrical schematic for basic tie down tension sensing embodiment. Power supply  214  energizes both circuits. On the signal creation side transducer unit  212  (located in association with tension sensing device) establishes a signal that is presented to wireless communication device  215 . On the display side, wireless communication device  215  acquires an electrical signal and displays it through display  216 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 14  Shown is a ¾ view of transported load  60  secured to transportation deck  70  with load securing straps  80 , tightened with tensioning devices  85 . Tension monitoring device  90  via variable means conveys tension information to one or both forms of display frame mounted display  94 A or positionable display  94 B. 
         [0035]      FIG. 15  Shown is a schematic that conveys the general relationship between strap  80  tension and tension signal creation. The presiding principal of operation of the present invention is the basic premise that universal spring tension  150  is overcome by tension in tie strap  80  forming the creation of distance between electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141  and sensor/switch  140 . The essence of spring tension can be provided by various forms including but not limited to: Compressive tensile metallic sources (coil spring), Extensive tensile metallic sources (coil spring) Flexor tensile metallic (leaf spring), compressive elastic composite (cushion), extensive elastic composite (stretchable component) or other. The essence of signal creation can be via electronic transducer means, electronic proximity sensing means, simple circuit completion means or other. 
         [0036]    While numerous embodiments have been presented, close inspection will reveal that they all are utilizing the above mentioned rudimentary principals. 
       REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0037]      50  transportation unit 
         [0038]      55  transportation unit frame 
         [0039]      60  transported load 
         [0040]      70  transportation deck 
         [0041]      80  tie strap/load securing strap 
         [0042]      88  signal conveyance device 
         [0043]      85  tensioning device 
         [0044]      90  tension monitoring device 
         [0045]      92  tension information/signal 
         [0046]      94  display unit 
         [0047]      94 A fixed, frame mount display 
         [0048]      94 B positionable display 
         [0049]      96  portable display unit (man on  FIG. 1 ) 
         [0050]      98  sliding portion of tension sensing device 
         [0051]      100  housing 
         [0052]      100 A upper housing 
         [0053]      100 B lower housing 
         [0054]      101  Hinge 
         [0055]      102  weather resistant slot 
         [0056]      103  weather resistant enclosure 
         [0057]      105  lock tabs 
         [0058]      106  lock pin holes 
         [0059]      107  lock pin 
         [0060]      123  stationary tie strap segment 
         [0061]      124  tension able tie strap segment 
         [0062]      125  roller 
         [0063]      130  pin/roller 
         [0064]      131  tie-off pin/roller 
         [0065]      140  sensor/switch 
         [0066]      141  electromagnetic initiator/trigger 
         [0067]      144  access panel 
         [0068]      145  electrical component enclosure 
         [0069]      150  spring/spring force 
         [0070]      151  spring attachment point 
         [0071]      159  closure knob 
         [0072]      160  tensioning knob 
         [0073]      161  male threads 
         [0074]      162  female threads 
         [0075]      170  shaft 
         [0076]      180  texture teeth 
         [0077]      185 A first chain segment 
         [0078]      185 B second chain segment 
         [0079]      186  slack in link chain 
         [0080]      188  retaining clip 
         [0081]      190  handle 
         [0082]      195  ratchet mechanism 
         [0083]      196  spool hub 
         [0084]      200 A open, loose boom 
         [0085]      200 B closed, tight boom 
         [0086]      201  tension sensing unit 
         [0087]      202  tensioning boom 
         [0088]      203  tension sensing assembly 
         [0089]      204  tension plunger 
         [0090]      205  compressible bushing 
         [0091]      206  display base 
         [0092]      207  display enclosure 
         [0093]      208  tension information/signal/power input means 
         [0094]      209  portable display wrist band 
         [0095]      210  portable display indicator face 
         [0096]      211  portable display user interface 
         [0097]      212  transducer device (sensor/switch  140  and electromagnetic initiator/trigger  141 ) 
         [0098]      213  insulated conductive means 
         [0099]      214  power supply 
         [0100]      215  wireless communication device 
         [0101]      216  display device 
         [0102]      217  remote display device 
         [0103]      1000  pivoting joint 
         [0104]      1001  second pivoting joint 
         [0105]      1002  chain linkage assembly 
         [0106]    H hook 
       Operation  
       [0107]    In operating present invention as described with any of the included embodiments, user installs tension monitoring device on tie-strap/tie down securing transported load with properly installed, tension able tie-strap apparatus. At the point in which maximum installation tension of tie-strap and tensioning device has been achieved, operator at cab or remote display user interface actuates the “set” function and immediately, dedicated indicator  94  ( FIG. 12A ) indicates the status of “tight” or the accepted equivalent. Upon operator&#39;s satisfactory visual inspection of tie strap installation on transportation load and tie strap anchor points, and upon operator&#39;s confirmation that indicator  94  ( FIG. 12A ) reads “tight” operator sets out on transportation journey with secured load on trailer, in tow. Should transported load shift and settle and strap tension drop to an unsafe tension, cab display indicator will display exactly that information to the operator and immediately a suitable pull over location will be located and straps will be retightened and monitoring devices reset. Conveyance to operator can be via visual indicator and/or an auditory alarm. Visual indication could be of a digital or analog gage, needle indication and/or colored light display. Should a large pot hole be unavoidably struck causing significant compression on trailer suspension and accordingly a reduction in monitored tie-strap tension, cab and remote display indicators will display exactly that information to the operator and immediately a suitable pullover location will be located and straps will be retightened and monitoring devices reset. Should a traffic situation occur and cause the operator to immediately and seriously swerve, the vehicle to avoid an accident and following the incident, the tie-strap tension indicator displays still reads “tight” operator can proceed with confidence, knowing that load is still securely bound. This tension monitoring device promotes safety and peace of mind on the roadway. Because of the real time, instant information it provides to the operator, property damage and loss of life accidents are avoided by allowing operator to remedy load failure issues while they are small and well before they become catastrophic. It remains an additional advantage to the user of this device in that load tampering while at rest can be monitored while in a sleeping or eating environment. Other forms of display may include a light array affixed or positionable upon transport deck such that tie strap tension can be visually conveyed to transportation operator via light signal.