Abstract:
The Load-Helper™ invention consists of a combination of enclosures, strapping materials, fasteners, and fabric that improves the securement of loads under transport. The invention is also a method and system for securing loads during transport by using adjustable securing mechanisms configured to apply to a variety of loads and transport means, including ladders, dry-wall, lumber, pipe, and trucks. The device wraps around the ends or securing points of items to be hauled and is secured by ropes or straps to prior art tie-down ropes. One version of the invention is Secure-Master™ which secures items for storage. Other versions of the invention include the Ladder-Master™ which secures ladders.

Description:
[0001]     This Utility patent application claims benefit of the filing date of the provisional application for a patent filed on Oct. 13 and 14, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates to an improvement for securing loads for transport on a variety of vehicles. The invention improves load hauling safety by improving the prior art tie down ( 1 ) through attaching an additional device, i.e. the Load-Helper™.  
         [0004]     2. Background and Summary of the Invention  
         [0005]     As shown in  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b,  and  1   c,  with prior art securing systems, bulky freight items such as steel, wire, re-bar, dry-wall, and metal sheets, are secured to railcars, trucks, vans or other conventional transport vehicles by way of tie-downs ( 1 ), ( 81 ).  FIGS. 1   a,    8 . Each item is secured by a strap or rope running through, around or over the cargo, so that the straps of the tie-down run over the hauled items ( 3 ) with the ends of the tie-down being attached to the vehicle ( 2 ). Alternatively, the tie-down is wrapped around the load in one or more places and multiple tie-downs are used to secure long loads ( 4 ), ( 10 ), and ( 11 ).  
         [0006]     However, tie-downs have several disadvantages. The tie-down straps do not prevent the load from shifting during transport ( 6 ), ( 13 ), especially when the items being transported have different lengths and dimensions ( 12 ), ( 13 ). Because the straps are not permanently attached, they are subject to loss and theft. Heavy and bulky items such as pipes, logs, and pallets are transported tend to shifting during transport, thus damaging the cargo and creating a danger of losing the load.  
         [0007]     One attempt to solve problems in securing loads is through using clamping mechanisms, wherein bulky freight items are further secured by clamps by tightening the tie-down ( 5 ).  FIG. 1   b.  Another attempted solution is to use additional tie-downs ( 4 ), ( 10 ), ( 11 ).  FIGS. 1   b,    1   c.  For example, ladders are typically tied by rope to the side or top of a truck or van. Bulky items such as dry-wall and plywood are typically secured by using additional tie-down straps.  
         [0008]     Nonetheless, conventional uses of one or more tie-downs still leave the hauled items loosely secured to the hauling vehicle while subjecting the entire load subject to bouncing up and down, moving sideways, and even slipping off the vehicle ( 6 ), ( 13 ).  
         [0009]     This invention improves on the prior-art tie down and methods for using tie-downs by improving the securement of cargo by restricting the moving and shifting of loads under transport.  
         [0010]     The Load-Helper™ consists of a combination of strapping components ( 62 ), fasteners ( 63 ), ( 64 ), and enclosures ( 65 ) for use with a prior art tie-down ( 1 ) in securing loads.  FIGS. 1   a,    2 ,  3 ,  5 . The cargo may be either of uniform or varying lengths, sizes, and shapes ( 7 ), ( 12 ), ( 41 ).  
         [0011]     The Load-Helper™ works in multiple modes or embodiments, including: 1) Single-Mode wherein it secures one end of a load ( 21 ).  FIGS. 1   a,    2 . 2) Dual-Mode wherein it secures two ends of a load ( 31 ).  FIG. 3 . And 3) Multiple-Mode wherein it secures a load at multiple ends or attachment point of hauled items. Still another embodiment of the invention is in Extension-Mode wherein the Load-Helper™ is used in conjunction with an extension strap to secure extra long or wide cargo.  FIG. 7 .  
         [0012]     One object of the invention is to improve the securement loads by reducing and preventing the shuffling and movement of the loads during transport ( 6 ), ( 13 ), ( 22 ), ( 32 ). Prior art use of tie-down ropes to secure cargo to the transport vehicle leaves many degrees of freedom of movement to the cargo, e.g. up-down, backward-forward, and side ways.  FIG. 8 .  
         [0013]     Another object of the invention is to make it easier for a single person to secure loads through the use of the Load-Helper™.  
         [0014]     Another object of the invention is to reduce transportation costs by enabling hauling vehicles to travel at normal speeds due to more secure loads.  
         [0015]     Another object of the invention is to provide an easy method for storing and displaying warning devices, e.g. red flags ( 61 ).  FIG. 6   a,    6   b,    9 . It is common for haulers to tie a red flag or warning device to the end of a load. In one embodiment, the Load-Helper™ makes the warning device retractable by providing a pouch.  
         [0016]     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device and method for securing loads of varying dimensions and sizes ( 51 ), ( 41 ), ( 33 ). When cargo of different dimensions, e.g. of varying lengths, widths, and shares, are secured by tie-downs, the space remaining between the individual pieces of cargo leave room for movement. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     The Load-Helper™ device and method consists of the following components and steps:  
         [0018]     CARGO ENCLOSURE. The CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 65 ) is used to secure the end or ends or other securing points of the hauled items and consists of one or more bag-like appendages that are placed around the end, edges or securing points of the hauled items. The CARGO ENCLOSURE itself has a SECURING CHORDS embedded ( 63 ).  
         [0019]     SECURING CHORD. The CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 65 ) is secured to and around the hauled items by means of a SECURING CHORD ( 63 ) consisting of one or more strings or ropes with a fastener ( 64 ).  FIG. 10 . As the SECURING CHORD is tightened, the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 65 ) becomes wrapped around the hauled item ( 21 ), ( 33 ). When the SECURING CHORD is sufficiently tightened, a fastener secures the SECURING CHORD so that it does not loosen, thus securing the CARGO ENCLOSURE around the hauled items ( 64 ).  FIG. 10 . The result is a tight fit of the CARGO ENCLOSURE around the hauled items or their ends or securing points. The SECURING CHORD is embedded within the outer edge of the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 63 ) so that upon tightening the edges of the CARGO ENCLOSURE wrap around the hauled items.  FIG. 10 .  
         [0020]     SECURING STRAP. One or more SECURING STRAPS ( 62 ) are connected to the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 65 ). Once the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 65 ) is place and secured around the hauled item, then SECURING STRAPS are fastened to prior art tie-downs ( 23 ) or the tie-down is run through loops on the SECURING STRAP ( 66 ). A SECURING STRAP consists of a length of rope and one or more END LOOPS, LOOPS or other STRAP FASTENING DEVICE ( 67 ). The SECURING STRAP is attached to the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 67 ), and when put in use at the other end to a TIE-DOWN ROPE ( 23 ), ( 34 ). The TIE-DOWN ROPE may be run through one of the END LOOPS of a SECURING STRAP.  
         [0021]     COMBINATION USE. The purpose of the SECURING STRAP ( 62 ) is to secure the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 65 ), which has been placed and tightened around the hauled items by means of one or more SECURING CHORDS, which run embedded in the outer edge of the CARGO ENCLOSURE. SECURING CHORDs are tightened around the hauled items, leaving the CARGO ENCLOSURE securely around the ends or attachment points of the hauled items. The free ends of the SECURING STRAPs are attached through a LOOP or other fastening device to the prior art tie-down.  FIGS. 1   a,    2 ,  3 .  
         [0022]     TIE-DOWN ROPE. A prior art TIE-DOWN ROPE ( 8 ) is used to secure haulage to the hauling vehicle.  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b,    1   c.    
         [0023]     EXTENSION STRAPS. An EXTENSION STRAP ( 71 ) consists of a length of rope and attachment devices at both ends. One or more EXTENSION STRAPs are used to secure a CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 72 ) around long items or bulky loads ( 73 ).  FIG. 7 . The EXTENSION STRAP attaches to the SECURING STRAPs ( 74 ), which itself is attached to the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 72 ). The EXTENSION STRAP is attached to the SECURING STRAP at the LOOP, LOOP END, or STRAP FASTENING DEVICE ( 75 ). The purpose of the EXTENSION STRAP ( 71 ) is to enable the Load-Helper™ to secure larger, longer, and bulkier loads by extending the connectivity of the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 72 ), multiple SECURING STRAPS ( 74 ), and prior art TIE-DOWN ROPES ( 76 ).  FIG. 7 .  
         [0024]     WARNING DEVICES. A WARNING DEVICE is a WARNING FLAG or similar item that gives a warning of a load being hauled ( 61 ). One or more WARNING DEVICES of appropriate color, size, and wording are attached to the LOAD-HELPTER™ device through a securing rope to the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 66 ). The WARNING DEVICE may be stored in a WARNING DEVICE POCKET.  FIG. 9 .  
         [0025]     By means of integration of the above components, the Load-Helper™ works through using the prior art tie-down ropes along with the invention&#39;s CARGO ENCLOSURE and attached SECURING CHORDS and SECURING STRAPS in COMBINATION USE to achieve a device and method for improved safety and efficiency in hauling loads.  FIGS. 2, 3 ,  5 ,  7 .  
         [0026]     WARNING DEVICES are used to comply with legal requirements for hauling loads, e.g. red flags. WARNING DEVICE POUCHES are pockets that store WARNING DEVICES. Once the WARNING DEVICE is deployed, legal requirements for giving warning of load hauling on the road are met.  
         [0027]     MAKING AND USING THE LOAD-HELPER™.  
         [0028]     The present invention is a new and improved device and method for hauling short, medium, and long lengths of lumber, pipes, and other items on a pick-up truck, van or truck or conventional transportation means.  
         [0029]     The CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 65 ) is constructed out of cloth, nylon or other durable material. One or more SECURING CHORDS ( 63 ), ( 64 ) are made out of nylon, rope or other suitable material, with attachment devices at each end. Each SECURING CHORD is embedded along the outer edge of the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 63 ). One unique feature of the CARGO ENCLOSURE is that odd-shaped items of various lengths can be secured together. Once the SECURING CHORD wraps the CARGO ENCLOSURE around the cargo, the cargo cannot shift, move or become loose ( 51 ), ( 33 ), ( 21 ).  
         [0030]     SECURING STRAPs ( 62 ), ( 67 ) are made out of cloth, nylon or other durable material. One or more STRAP ATTACHMENT DEVICES ( 66 ) are attached at the ends of the SECURING STRAPs. The STRAP ATTACHMENT DEVICES may be any of a number of conventional attachment devices, e.g. clips or loops. The SECURING STRAPs are attached lengthwise to the CARGO ENCLOSURE ( 67 ).  
         [0031]     EXTENSION STRAPS ( 71 ) are longer versions of SECURING STRAPS ( 62 ), ( 67 ).  
         [0032]     WARNING DEVICES are used to comply with legal requirements for hauling loads, e.g. red flags ( 61 ). WARNING DEVICE POUCHES are pockets that store WARNING DEVICES. Once the WARNING DEVICE is deployed, legal requirements for giving warning of load hauling on the road are met.  FIG. 6, 9 .  
         [0033]     MAKING AND USING THE LADDER-MASTER™.  
         [0034]     One version of the Load-Helper™ is the Ladder-Master™, which secures and transports ladders.  
         [0035]     In this variation, the CARGO ENCLOSURE is an elongated member with one or more SECURING CHORDS attached. Each SECURING CHORD is variably attached to the CARGO ENCLOSURE so that ladders of various lengths may be secured.  
         [0036]     SECURING STRAPs are also used. Or the CARGO ENCLOSURE itself acts as a securing strap by being wrapped around the ladder.  
         [0037]     Velcro may be used on the CARGO ENCLOSURE or the SECURING CHORD. Alternatively, conventional fasteners may be used.  
         [0038]     EXTENSION STRAPS are longer versions of SECURING STRAPS and enable the Ladder-Master™ to secure longer ladders.  
         [0039]     The Ladder-Master™ is a specialized implementation of the Load-Helper™. The CARGO ENCLOSURE has an extended length member with Velcro fasteners straps and a ratcheting buckle. The Velcro fasteners wrap around the ladder, thus securing the ladder to the whole of the Ladder-Master™, while the ends of the Ladder-Master are connected together by a ratcheting buckle or other fastening means.  FIG. 11 .  
         [0040]     MAKING AND USING THE PLYWOOD-MASTER™.  
         [0041]     Another version of the Load-Helper™ is the Plywood-Master™, which secures and transports plywood.  
         [0042]     In this variation, the CARGO ENCLOSURE is a long and wide piece of fabric that can be placed around plywood. Each SECURING CHORD is variably attached to the CARGO ENCLOSURE so that plywood of various widths and lengths may be secured.  
         [0043]     SECURING STRAPs are used to accommodate the large dimensions of plywood.  FIG. 12 .  
         [0044]     Prior Art.  
                                               US 2003/0161699   Austin   Aug. 24, 2003   Haul All Strapping                   System       US 1931/1793059   Chambers   Feb. 17, 1931   Method of Loading                   Wrapped Pipe       US 1988/4747252   Kapke   May 31, 1988   Material Positioning                   and Securing                   Apparatus and Process       US 1995/5382123   Dawson   Jan. 17, 1995   Device For Securing                   Stacked Lumber       US 1984/4454705   Benno   Jun. 19, 1984   Packaging Method