Patent Publication Number: US-2007098516-A1

Title: Load-securing device usable with a load-transport system and related methods

Description:
FIG. 1  is an illustration of a load-transport system according to an aspect of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a container including a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of an aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1  and the container of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of an aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , and the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of an aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , and the load-securing device of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of an aspect of a support member of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , the device of  FIG. 4 , and the device of  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7A  is an illustration of an aspect of a support member of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 4 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 5 , and the aspect of the device of  FIG. 6 ; and  
       FIG. 7B  is an illustration of an aspect of a support member of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 4 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 5 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 6 , and the aspect of the device of  FIG. 7A ;  
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of an alternative aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , and the aspect of the device of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 9  is an illustration of an alternative aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 4 , and the aspect of the device of  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 10A  is an illustration of an alternative aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 4 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 8 , and the aspect of the device of  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 10B  is an illustration of an alternative aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 4 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 8 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 9 , and the aspect of the device of  FIG. 10A ; and  
       FIG. 10C  is an illustration of an alternative aspect of a stowable load-securing device usable with the load-transport system of  FIG. 1 , the container of  FIG. 2 , the load-securing device of  FIG. 3 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 4 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 8 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 9 , the aspect of the device of  FIG. 10A , and the aspect of the device of  FIG. 10A . 
    
    
      Aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description when considered with the drawings.  
      The present invention is directed toward a number of aspects and/or embodiments connected with a load-transport system and/or a container usable with a load-transport system and/or a stowable load-securing device usable with a load-transport system and/or a self-stowable load-securing device usable with a load-transport system and/or a container including, without limitation, any one of a load-transport system, a container, a stowable load-securing device, a self-stowable load-securing device, a kit for a stowable load-securing device, a kit for a self-stowable load-securing device, a method for securely transporting one or more loads, a method for retrofitting a container to be capable of securely transporting one or more loads, a method for securing one or more loads, or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      Applicants include the following scenario to provide an understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention may apply to, without limitation, any one of a load-transport system, a container, a stowable load-securing device, a self-stowable load-securing device, a kit for a stowable load-securing device, a kit for a self-stowable load-securing device, a method for securely transporting one or more loads, a method for retrofitting a container to be capable of securely transporting one or more loads, a method for securing one or more loads, or any combination of any of the preceding and is not limited to the following scenarios.  
      Consider for a moment, a tractor-trailer, such as, for example, that shown in  FIG. 1  that is capable of transporting one or more loads (sometimes referred to as cargos, ladings, freight, loading, loads, shipments, consignments, . . . etc.) to one or more locations. One or more loads are situated on and/or within the trailer to facilitate the transporting. Often it is desirable to secure one or more loads to and/or within the trailer so as to prevent damage to the one or more loads. Also, it is desirable to secure one or more loads to and/or with the trailer so as to prevent the one or more loads from shifting on or within the trailer.  
      In a situation involving delivering a number of loads to be one location, it would be desirable to have one or more structures that would accommodate a securing of the number of loads to prevent damage and/or shifting. In addition to preventing damage and/or shifting of the number of loads, it would be desirable that the one or more structures provide a load management tool by allowing a grouping of a load on a basis of, without limitation, any one of invoice number, purchase order number, . . . , product type, or any combination of any of the preceding. Further, it would be desirable that the one or more structures are any one of easy to operate; flexible in terms of the amount of load and/or type of load that a structure is capable of securing; stowable so as to not interfere with a placing on or removing from a trailer a portion of the number of loads, if possible, substantially tamperproof so that it remains with the trailer for future use or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      Likewise, in a situation that involves delivering a number of loads to a number of locations, it would be desirable to have one or more structures that would accommodate a securing of the number of loads to prevent damage and/or shifting. In addition to preventing damage and/or shifting of the number of loads, it would be desirable that the one or more structures provide a load management tool by allowing a grouping of a load on a basis of, without limitation, any one of location, invoice number, purchase order number, . . . , product type, or any combination of any of the preceding. Further, it would be desirable that the one or more structures be any one of easy to operate; flexible in terms of the amount of load and/or type of load that a structure is capable of securing; stowable so as to not interfere with a placing on or removing from a trailer a portion of the number of loads, if possible, substantially tamperproof so that it remains with the trailer for future use or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      Also, it will be appreciated by those in the art that such one or more structures would be capable of accommodating a securing of one or more loads to prevent damage and/or shifting in a situation that involves delivering the one or more loads to one or more locations.  
      In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.  
      Referring now to the drawings in general, and  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing one or more aspects and/or embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. As seen in  FIG. 1 , a load-transport system, generally designated  10 , is shown constructed according to an aspect of the present invention. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , a load-transport system  10  includes at least one stowable load-securing device  14 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a load-transport system  10  may be a container  12  with at least one stowable load-securing device  14 . In an aspect, that load-transport system  10  further includes a motive mechanism  20  capable of communicating with a container  12 . In an alternative aspect, a load-transport system  10  includes a container  12  and motive mechanism  20  that are integrated or unitary. A container  12  is capable of accepting at least a portion of one or more loads. The at least one motive mechanism  20  communicates with the container  12  so as to make the load-transport system  10  capable of a self-transmission to thereby facilitate the transmission of one or more loads.  
      Again turning to  FIG. 2 , a load-securing device  14  includes a securing member  34 , such as a membrane, and a support member  24 . A stowable load-securing device  14  may optionally include a tamper-resistant member  18 . The securing membrane  34  is capable of securing at least a portion of one or more loads when in an extended position and capable of stowing when in a retracted position. The support member  24  is in communication with at least a portion of the securing membrane  34  and capable of communicating with at least a portion of the container  12  so as to facilitate an extension and retraction of the securing membrane  34 . A support member  24  may be a tubular member such as, for example, one or more concentric cylindrical members. The tamper-resistant member  18  is in communication with at least a portion of the support member  24  and capable of making the load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant.  
      As  FIG. 1  is not to be construed as limiting, it is noted that the load-transport system  10  may be any one of a landcraft, an aircraft, a watercraft, or any combination of any of the preceding. As such, in an aspect, a load-transport system  10  may be two or more separate entities that may be connected (e.g., as in a tractor-trailer, barge, or railroad cars). In an alternative aspect, a load-transport system  10  may be integral or unitary (e.g., airplane, cargo ship, or truck). As to a landcraft, a load-transport system  10  may include, without limitation, any one of a railcraft, an automobile, or any combination of any of the preceding. As to a railcraft, a load-transport system  10  may include, without limitation, any one of a freight car, passenger car, subway car, trolley, or any combination of any of the preceding. As to an automobile, a load-transport system  10  may include, without limitation, any one of a car, a truck, a tractor, or any combination of any of the preceding. In turn, a truck may include, without limitation, any one of a van, a sport utility vehicle, or any combination of any of the preceding. As to an aircraft, it may include, without limitation, any one of a plane, a jet, a helicopter, or any combination of any of the preceding. As to a watercraft, a load-transport system  10  may include, without limitation, any one of a boat, a ship, a submarine, or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      In an aspect, a container  12  may be independent of a motive mechanism  20  and thus transportable using any of a variety of means to thereby facilitate the transmission of the one or more loads. For example, a container  12  may be transportable using any one of a landcraft, an aircraft, a watercraft, or any combination of any of the preceding. Landcraft may include, without limitation, any one of a railcraft, an automobile, or any combination of any of the preceding. Railcraft may include, without limitation, any one of a freight car, passenger car, subway car, trolley, or any combination of any of the preceding. An automobile may include, without limitation, any one of a car, a truck, a tractor, or any combination of any of the preceding. In turn, a truck may include, without limitation, any one of a van, a sport utility vehicle, or any combination of any of the preceding. An aircraft may include, without limitation, any one of a plane, a jet, a helicopter, or any combination of any of the preceding. Watercraft may include, without limitation, one of a boat, a ship, a submarine, or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      In an aspect, a container  12  further may include at least one wheel  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a container  12  may include a plurality of wheels  22 , such as, for example, between about 2 and about 20. The container  12  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  has about 8 wheels.  
      Applicants submit that it will be apparent that one or more load-securing devices  14  may be used with a fixed or stationary container  12  or structure such as, for example, any one of a warehouse, a storage structure (e.g., a self-storage facility, a commercial storage facility, a residential storage facility, any other storage structure, or any combination of any of the preceding), a portion of a structure that may be configured to be used as a storage structure (e.g., a room, a basement, a garage, or any combination of any of the preceding), or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      A tamper-resistant member  18  may be any structure or combination of structures that permit an installation and/or use of a load-securing devices  14  so that a device  14  is secured (including a movably mounted manner) to the container  12  while at the same time substantially thwarting either the altering or dismantling the load-securing devices  14  of the container  12 , such as, for example, without a use of tooling. Such tamper-resistant member  18  may be a structure or combination of structures that are a part of a load-securing device  14  or may be a structure or combination of structures that are added to a load-securing device  14 . Included among examples of possible structures or combination of structures may be used in or with a load-securing device  14  are tamper-proof fasteners such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,626,627; 6,017,177; 5,469,726; 4,897,008; 4,189,976, or any combination of any of the preceding. Commercially available examples of tamper-proof fasteners include those as disclosed in the Bryce Fastener Catalog from Bryce Fastener Mfg., Inc (see e.g., http://www.brycefastener.com/catalog.pdf).  
      As a further example, a tamper-resistant member  18  of the load-securing devices  14  shown in  FIG. 2  includes two portions (e.g., track  16  and track  16 ′) capable of being contiguously aligned so as to be extendable along a length of the container  12 . In this aspect of the invention, a first portion of track  16  is mounted to a container  12 . Then, a support member  24  is movably mounted to the first portions of track  16 . Subsequently, a second portion of track  16 ′ is mounted to a container  12  so as to be contiguously aligned with the first portion of the track  16 . In this manner, the first portion of the track  16  and the second portion of the track  16 ′ extend along a length of the container  12  to act as a tamper-resistant member  18  that substantially thwarts a tampering with a movably mounted support member  24 , such as, for example, without a use of tooling to either alter or dismantle load-securing device  14 . Thereafter, a securing membrane  34  may be affixed to the support member  24 . Further, the first portion of the track  16  and the second portion of track  16 ′ may include an alignment member (not shown in the Figures) capable of communicating with the two track portions  16  and  16 ′ so as to facilitate their contiguous alignment along a length of the container  12 . The alignment member may be any one of a detent arrangement, a complementary pin and hole(s) arrangement, a complementary key and groove(s) arrangement, or any combination of any of the preceding. An example of a combination of structures being used as a tamper-resistant member  18  is a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ that further may include a stop  44  capable of assisting in making the load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant. Such stop  44  may include any one of a plate, a fastener, a pin, or any combination of any of the preceding in combination with a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′. Applicants note that commercially available structures may be used for track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ and/or stop  44  and/or alignment member (not shown in the Figures) and include, without limitation, those available from and described in the: 80/20 Product Catalog (see e.g., http://www.8020.net/Downloads.asp); Unistrut® Product Application Guide IND800 (e.g., http://www.unistrut.com/literature/index.php?doc=IND800&amp;pg=1); mk Profile Systems Technology Catalog (see e.g., http://www.mkprofiles.com/profile_systems/mk_profilesystems_catalog.asp); and/or GLASSMASTER® Modular T-Slotted Composite Framework Catalog (see e.g., http://www.glassmaster.com/catalog.pdf or http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/107/html/1386.html).  
      As noted above, a tamper-resistant member  18  may include track portions  16  and  16 ′ capable of being in communication with the support member  24  at opposite ends of the support member  24 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , such track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ are capable of being horizontally mounted. Also, such track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ are capable of being in communication with the support member  24  at opposite ends of the support member  24  and are capable of making the stowable load-securing device  14  movably mounted to or within a container  12 . To that end, a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ are at the opposite ends of the support member  24  and may be of complementary configurations capable of facilitating a movement of the support member  24  along the track  16 . In an aspect of the invention, a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ may be formed integrally with the container  12  so as to be capable of being in communication with the support member  24  at opposite ends of the support member  24 .  
      In one aspect of the present invention, a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ are formed using a material possessing a shape memory. In another aspect of the present invention, a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ are formed using a material possessing dent resistance (e.g., a dent-resistant material). In either aspect, material used for a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ may be a composite material. One example of a composite material includes a polymer matrix composite material such as, for example, a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite material such as, for example, a fiberglass-reinforced polymer matrix composite material. For example, a pultruded fiberglass reinforced polymer matrix composite material appears to be appropriate for use as a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′. Such may comprise two types of glass reinforcement (e.g., unidirectional fiberglass filaments that are about 50% to about 70% of the total glass content and multidirectional fiberglass matting that is about 30% to about 50% of the total glass content) reinforcing a polyester resin and/or vinylester resin and, optionally, a veil may be added to the outside of a profile to create a resin-rich surface. Applicants note that commercially available polymer matrix composite materials including, without limitation, those available from and described in the: GLASSMASTER® Modular T-Slotted Composite Framework Catalog (see e.g., http://www.glassmaster.com/catalog.pdf or http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/107/html/1386.html). Applicants believe that it may be possible to use wood profiles made of TFP® thermoplastic fibrin material (TFP® profiles consist of 85% wood and 15 polypropylene (see e.g., http://www.mkprofiles.com/profile_systems/mk_wood_Profiles.as)) or fiberglass versions of the Unistrut® Product Application Guide IND800 (e.g., http://www.unistrut.com/literature/index.php?doc=IND800&amp;pg=1 and http://www.unistrut.com/Browse/ref_data.php?P=Fiberglass_Technical — 4); or profiles made of Strongwell EXTREN® Fiberglass Structural Shapes and Plate (see e.g., http://www.strongwell.com/PDFfiles/Extren/Extren%20Brochure%200804.pdf).  
      In addition, applicants note that commercially available polymer matrix composite materials may be used, without limitation, for any one of a support member  24  and/or it components; alignment feature  26  and/or it components; stop  44  and/or it components; track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ and/or their components; a retractor mechanism  30  and/or it components; or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      In an aspect of the present invention, a support member  24  further may include an alignment feature  26  capable of assisting with a stowable load-securing device  14  being movably mountable to or within the container  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 through 10 B, an alignment feature  26  may be a carriage that is mountable to a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 3 through 10 B, a support member  24  may be a storage device for a securing membrane  34 . In this aspect of the invention, a support member  24  further may include a retractor mechanism  30  capable of facilitating an extension and retraction of a securing membrane  34 . A retractor mechanism  30  may possibly be motorized. Alternatively, a retractor mechanism  30  may possibly be mechanical and, thus, include any one of a spring mechanism  32 , a ratcheting mechanism, or any combination of any of the preceding. In turn, a spring mechanism  32  may include any one of a clock spring (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 8 through 10 B), a coil spring (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 B), or any combination of any of the preceding, while a ratcheting mechanism may include an infinitely adjustable ratcheting mechanism. As a stowable load-securing device  14 , a support member  24  is capable of being movably mountable. In an aspect, a stowable load-securing device  14  may include an interlock to insure that securing member  34  is in place and securing the load. In another aspect, a movably mounted stowable load-securing device  14  may include another interlock to insure that support member  24  is in place along a track  16  or track portions  16  and  16 ′ and securing the load.  
      As may be seen in  FIG. 2 , a securing membrane  34  may be made of any material that possesses sufficient strength to retain one or more loads. Also, a securing membrane  34  may be made of a material that is capable of being stored by, for example, being rolled onto a support member  24 . To that end, a securing membrane  34  may be made of a lightweight material. Further, a securing membrane  34  may include a reinforcement structure  36 . It would be desirable for a securing membrane  34  to be a see-through structure, such as, for example, a mesh-like material. A securing membrane  34  may be rip/tear-resistant material.  
      Applicants have found that a suitable material for use as securing membrane  34  includes materials that are commercially available, as a pool cover, for example, without limitation, LOOP-LOC Ltd. Hauppauge, N.Y. (see e.g., http://www.looploc.com/safety/safety_set.html, or http://www.looploc.com/home/flash_noplay.html). Such covers may meet or exceed American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International F1346-91 standards. Some of these materials include a polyester bonded thread, double perimeter webbing, and double-thick straps (e.g., reinforcement structure  36 ) to give a cover high breaking strength. Applicants believe that the materials or aspects of the materials described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,886,187 and 6,836,907 may be used for a securing membrane  34 . Other materials may include a variety of commercially available safety and/or industrial netting such as those available from John Redden Net Company Inc., Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada (see e.g., http://www.redden-net.com/safety-industrial-netting.cfm). Note that a combination of such commercially available safety and/or industrial netting may be used.  
      To assist with securing at least a portion of one or more loads, a securing membrane  34  further may include a number of fastening members  40  (see e.g., perimeter of securing membrane  34  in  FIG. 2 ). Applicants believe that at least two fastening members  40  may be capable of assisting with the securing of at least a portion of one or more loads, and that between about 2 and about 10 fastening members  40  are capable of assisting with the securing of at least a portion of the one or more loads. Examples of suitable fastening members  40  include any one of an e-tract type fastener, a logistic post type fastener, or any combination of any of the preceding. In addition to the between about 2 and about 10 fastening members  40 , a securing membrane  34  may include between about 1 and about 5 adjuster members  42  (see e.g., center of securing membrane  34  in  FIG. 2 ). Each adjuster member may be capable of being independently adjusted so as to assist in facilitating a securing membrane  34  in securing at least a portion of one or more loads. In addition to between about 2 and about 10 fastening members  40  and the between about 1 and about 5 adjuster members  42 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , a securing membrane  34  may further include a reinforcement structure  36 . Such reinforcement structure  36  may be at least partially in communication with the between about 2 and about 10 fastening members  40 , and the between about 1 and about 5 adjuster members.  
      Applicants have found that a suitable material for use as fastening members  40  and adjuster members  42  include, without limitation, those commercially available structures shown in Kinedyne Corporation Catalog No. CC300 (copyright 2000 Kinedyne Corporation, see e.g., http://www.kinedyne.com/interiorvan/interior-van.asp and/or http://www.kinedyne.com/hardware/hardware.asp) and S-line cargo control product (see e.g., http://www.s-line.com/catalog/index1.html).  
      In operation, a load-securing device  14  may be deployed in a container  12  such as, for example, a semi-trailer depicted in  FIG. 2 . A support member  24  is capable of storing and providing structural support to a securing membrane  34 . The securing membrane  34  may be affixed to a trailer&#39;s integrated side-wall e-tracks via a spring-actuated fastening member  40 . The securing membrane  34  may then be tightened and further secured via one or more adjuster members  42  such as, for example, an integrated  2 ″ steel ratchet that may be tightened by hand. When fully deployed and secured, the load-securing device  14  provides an exceptionally secure retaining member that is easily retracted and stored out of the way when not needed.  
       FIG. 7A  is a cut-away illustration of  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 7B  is a cut-away illustration of portion of  FIGS. 3 and 5 , depicting a support member  24  inner shaft  24 ′, fixed so that an outer tube may rotate around an inner shaft when extending and retracting a securing membrane  34 . In  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 , the inner shaft  24 ′ and spring of retracting mechanism  30  of support member  24 , as well as head support (e.g., a plate attached to alignment assembly  26 ) are shown. Head support may be affixed to the alignment assembly  26  such as, for example, by any one of soldering, brazing, welding, screwing, riveting, bolting, gluing, or any combination of any of the preceding.  
       FIG. 5  depicts a retractor mechanism  30 . The retractor mechanism  30  may deploy and retract via a ratchet assembly and may be actuated by a spring  32  mounted to the inner shaft of the support member  24 . The ratchet stops may be affixed to an alignment assembly  26 . An outer tube of the support member  24  may rotate to allow deployment and retraction of a securing membrane  34 . The inner shaft  24 ′ may remain fixed and not rotate. The retractor mechanism  30  and ratchet assembly may be highly adjustable, with varying securing membrane  34  settings limited only by the number of teeth on the ratchet gear. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8  a ratchet arm of retractor mechanism  30  may ride a top of the ratchet teeth of retractor mechanism  30  as it is rotated and may lock at any tooth until it comes to a section void of teeth. At this point, if tension is released from the securing member  34  and the ratchet is allowed to rotate in the opposite direction, the ratchet arm is lifted by the rounded tooth adjacent to notched teeth thus allowing the securing member  34  to retract. Alternative structures capable of functioning as a retractor mechanism  30  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,766,831; 6,105,605; 5,787,923; 3,808,382; 3,715,526; and 3,619,518. An advantage of the structure of  FIGS. 5 and 8  is the use of two sectors on the ratchet for release that allow the stop length of securing member  34  to be controlled more accurately (half turn instead of full turn). An operator thus has flexibility in adapting a load-securing device  14  to varying load shapes, depths, and heights.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  are a depiction of the connection between a support member  24  and alignment assembly  26  on a side opposite the retractor mechanism  30 . The support member  24  in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is depicted with the rotating outer tube in place.  FIGS. 8, 9 ,  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C are illustrations of an alternative structure for accomplishing the retractor mechanism  30 . As another alternative, a manual release also may be used in retractor mechanism  30  for securing member  34 .  
      Returning to  FIG. 2  of a cut-away illustration of a semi-trailer showing an aspect of the present invention including a container  12  on wheels  22 , outfitted with e-tracks, depicted with the stowable load-securing device  14 . The support member  24  provides horizontal support for the securing membrane  34  and incorporates a retracting mechanism  30  that facilitates a stowing of the securing membrane  34  when not in use. The support member  24  may be movably mounted via an alignment assembly  26  that allows fore-and-aft adjustment of the load-securing device  14  to accommodate varying longitudinal depths of cargo (e.g., payload or load).  FIG. 3  is an enlargement of the alignment assembly  26 , retractor mechanism  30 , support member  24 , and a portion of a securing membrane  34 . The alignment assembly  26  slides fore-and-aft via rollers, two sets per alignment assembly  26  side, three rollers per set.  FIG. 4  is an enlarged illustration of the alignment assembly  26 , retractor mechanism  30 , and an inner shaft  24 ′ of support member  24 , with the illustration depicting the support member  24  detached from the alignment assembly  26  on a side opposite the retractor mechanism  30 . The support member  24  attaches to the alignment assembly  26  on the side opposite the retractor mechanism  30  via a locking pin and bushing assembly. In addition, the support member  24  is depicted in this  FIG. 4  with only its fixed inner shaft  24 ′ illustrated; the outer rotating tube is not depicted.  
      The present invention is directed to a stowable load-securing device  14 , load-transport system  10  including the load-securing device  14 , and a method for securing the load. The load-securing device  14  includes a securing membrane  34  and a support member  24 . Further, a stowable load-securing device  14  may include a tamper-resistant member  18 , while a load-transport system  10  further may include at least one motive mechanism  20 . The securing membrane is capable of securing at least a portion of one or more loads when in an extended position and capable of stowing when in a retracted position. The support member  24  is capable of facilitating an extension and retraction of the securing membrane  34 .  
      Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a load-transport system  10  for facilitating a transmission of one or more loads. The system  10  includes a container  12 , a securing membrane  34 , and a support member  34 . The container  12  is capable of accepting at least a portion of one or more loads. The securing membrane  24  is capable of securing at least a portion of one or more loads when in an extended position and capable of stowing when in a retracted position. The support member  24  communicates with at least a portion of the securing membrane  34  and at least a portion of the container  12  so as to facilitate an extension and retraction of the securing membrane  34 .  
      Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stowable load-securing device  14  usable with a container  12  capable of accepting at least a portion of one or more loads so as to become a load-transport system  10  for facilitating a transmission of the one or more loads. The stowable load-securing device  14  includes a securing membrane  34 , a support member  34 , and a tamper-resistant member  18 . The securing membrane  34  is capable of securing at least a portion of the one or more loads when in an extended position and capable of stowing when in a retracted position. The support member  24  communicates with at least a portion of the securing membrane  34  and is capable of communicating with at least a portion of the container  12  so as to facilitate an extension and retraction of the securing membrane  34 . The tamper-resistant member  18  communicates with at least a portion of the support member  24  and is capable of making the load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant.  
      Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a load-transport system  10  for facilitating a transmission of one or more loads. The system includes a container  12 , a securing membrane  34 , a support member, a tamper-resistant member  18 , and at least one motive mechanism  20 . The container  12  is capable of accepting at least a portion of the one or more loads. The securing membrane  34  is capable of securing at least a portion of the one or more loads when in an extended position and capable of stowing when in a retracted position. The support member  24  communicates with at least a portion of the securing membrane  34  and is capable of communicating with at least a portion of the container  12  so as to facilitate an extension and retraction of the securing membrane  34 . The tamper-resistant member  18  communicates with at least a portion of the support member  24  and is capable of making the load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant. The at least one motive mechanism  20  communicates with the container  12  so as to make the transport system capable of a self-transmission to thereby facilitate the transmission of the one or more loads.  
      Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a kit for a stowable load-securing device  14  usable with a container  12  capable of accepting at least a portion of one or more loads so as to become a load-transport system  10 . The kit includes a securing membrane  34 , a support member  24 , an optional tamper-resistant member  18 , and associated fasteners. The securing membrane  34 , when installed, is capable of securing at least a portion of one or more loads when in an extended position and is capable of stowing when in a retracted position. The support member  24 , when installed, is capable of communication with at least a portion of the securing membrane  34  and is capable of communicating with at least a portion of the container  12  so as to facilitate an extension and retraction of the securing membrane  34 . The tamper-resistant member  18 , when installed, is capable of communication with at least a portion of the support member  24  and is capable of making the load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant. The associated fasteners are for assembling, fastening, or assembling and fastening any one of the securing membrane  34 , the support member  24 , the tamper-resistant member  18 , or any combination of any of the preceding.  
      And yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for transmitting one or more loads. The method includes the steps of: providing one or more loads to a container  12 ; extending a securing membrane  34  to communicate with at least a portion of the one or more loads, thereby securing the at least a portion of the one or more loads in the container  12 ; transmitting at least a portion of the one or more loads to a first location; and retracting the securing membrane  34  so as to permit a removal of at least a portion of the at least a portion of the one or more loads.  
      And still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for making a stowable load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant. The method includes the steps of: providing first portions of a tamper-resistant member  18  to a container  12  that is capable of accepting at least a portion of one or more loads; providing a support member  24  so that at least a portion communicates with at least a portion of the first portions of the tamper-resistant member  18 ; and providing second portions of a tamper-resistant member  18  so that at least a portion of the second portion communicates with at least a portion of the first portion of the tamper-resistant member  18 , thereby making the stowable load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant.  
      And still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for transmitting one or more loads. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing one or more loads to a container  12 ; (b) extending a securing membrane  34  to communicate with at least a portion of the one or more loads, thereby securing the at least a portion of the one or more loads in the container  12 ; (c) transmitting at least a portion of the one or more loads to a first location; (d) retracting the securing membrane  34  so as to permit a removal of at least a portion of the at least a portion of the one or more loads; (e) re-extending the securing membrane  34  to communicate with a remainder of the at least a portion of the one or more loads, thereby securing the remainder of the at least a portion of the one or more loads in the container  12 ; (f) transmitting the remainder of the at least a portion of the one or more loads to a next location; and (g) repeating steps (d) through (f) until the at least a portion of the one or more loads remains no more.  
      And still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for making a stowable load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant, the method comprising the steps of: providing first portions of a tamper-resistant member  18  to a container  12 , the container  12  being capable of accepting at least a portion of one or more loads; providing a support member  24  so that at least a portion communicates with at least a portion of the first portions of the tamper-resistant member  18 ; providing second portions of a tamper-resistant member  18  so that at least a portion of the second portions communicates with at least a portion of the first portions of the tamper-resistance member  18 , thereby making the stowable load-securing device  14  tamper-resistant; and providing a securing membrane  34  so that at least a portion communicates with at least a portion of the support member  24 .  
      And still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for transmitting of one or more loads. The method includes providing a container  12  capable of accepting at least a portion of one or more loads; providing the at least a portion of the one or more loads; (c) securing the at least a portion of the one or more loads by extending a securing membrane  34  so that at least a potion of the securing membrane  34  and at least a portion of the at least a portion of the one or more loads are in communication; (d) communicating at least one motive mechanism  20  with the container  12  to thereby facilitate the transmission of the at least a portion of the one or more loads.  
      Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.