Abstract:
A cover assembly for a cargo lashing fitting having a substantially planar cover plate which can be readily installed/uninstalled to and from the fitting, which connects to the fitting in an impact-resistant manner, which can resist the forces incurred when subjected to loading from on-deck vehicles and equipment, and which provides a long lasting watertight seal of the socket cavity.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the transportation of cargo and, more particularly, to covers for the cargo lashing fittings that are affixed to the deck of a transportation vehicle. 
     The transportation of cargo requires securing systems and devices that ensure that such cargo remains safely stowed and stationary during transit. In this regard, the deck of the transportation vehicle, e.g., a ship, railcar, etc, typically includes a plurality of cargo lashing fittings, often referred to as lashing sockets. Common designs of lashing sockets include cloverleaf-type lashing sockets, crossbar-type lashing sockets and 5-bar type lashing sockets. A tiedown assembly, or other such lashing gear, is then installed between an attachment point on the item of cargo and the lashing socket installed in the deck of the vehicle, thereby ensuring that the cargo remains stationary during transport. 
     It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that lashing sockets provide an open cavity for collection of water and debris. Moreover, in particular applications, an open cavity on the deck of the vehicle may be undesirable. Attempts have been made to provide covers for such lashing sockets, but these prior art covers have been unable to resist ingress of moisture/water and/or have been unable to resist inadvertent removal upon impact or exposure to harsh conditions, including wind and/or high velocity air flow. Other prior art covers have included non-planar cover plates, which tend to collect water/debris thereon, and which may hinder movement of equipment/persons across the surface of the deck when such cover is installed. 
     There is therefore a need in the art for a cover for a cargo lashing fitting which can be readily installed/uninstalled to and from the fitting, which connects to the fitting in an impact-resistant manner, which can resist the forces incurred when subjected to loading from on-deck vehicles and equipment, which provides a long lasting watertight seal of the socket cavity, and which provides a substantially planar cover plate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, which addresses the needs of the prior art, provides a cover assembly for a cargo lashing fitting. The cover assembly includes a substantially planar cover plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an inner side and the outer surface defines an outer side. The cover assembly further includes anti-rotation structure secured to the inside surface of the cover plate and positioned to engage the fitting when the cover plate is located thereon, thereby limiting rotation of the cover plate with respect to the fitting. The cover assembly also includes at least two clamping surfaces located on the inner side of the cover plate and spaced a preselected distance therefrom. Each of the clamping surfaces is rotatable between an unlocked position which allows location of the cover plate on the fitting and a locked position which secures the cover plate to the fitting. Finally, the cover assembly includes at least one turning head located on the outer side of the cover plate. The at least one turning head mechanically communicates with the clamping surfaces to rotate each of the clamping surfaces between the unlocked position and the locked position. 
     As a result, the present invention provides a cover assembly for a cargo lashing fitting having a substantially planar cover plate which can be readily installed/uninstalled to and from the fitting, which connects to the fitting in an impact-resistant manner, which can resist the forces incurred when subjected to loading from on-deck vehicles and equipment, and which provides a long lasting watertight seal of the socket cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 a    is a perspective view of a typical cloverleaf lashing socket; 
         FIG. 1 b    is a perspective view of a typical crossbar lashing socket; 
         FIG. 1 c    is a view of an item of cargo secured to the deck of a transportation vehicle; 
         FIG. 1 d    is a perspective view of a typical 5-bar lashing socket; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention suitable for engagement with a typical cloverleaf lashing socket; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the assembled cover assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 4 a  to 4 d    show installation of the cover assembly of  FIG. 2  to a cloverleaf lashing socket; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged detail showing the ramped leading edge of one of the locking arms of the cover assembly of  FIG. 2  during installation of the cover assembly to a cloverleaf lashing socket; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention suitable for engagement with a typical crossbar lashing socket; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the assembled cover assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7 a    is a bottom plan view of the assembled cover of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7 b    is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged detail showing one of the clamping lugs of the cover assembly of  FIG. 6  in the unlocked position when the cover assembly is positioned over a crossbar lashing socket; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged detail showing the clamping lug of  FIG. 8  in the locked position 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention suitable for engagement with a typical 5-bar lashing socket; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the assembled cover assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11 a    is a bottom plan view of the assembled cover of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11 b    is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged detail showing the clamping lugs of the cover assembly of  FIG. 10  in the unlocked position when the cover assembly is positioned over a 5-bar lashing socket; and 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged detail showing the clamping lugs of  FIG. 12  in the locked position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A typical prior art cloverleaf-type lashing socket, i.e., socket  10 , is shown in  FIG. 1 a   , while a typical prior art crossbar-type lashing socket, i.e., socket  10 ′, is shown in  FIG. 1 b   . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and as shown in  FIG. 1 c   , sockets  10  and  10 ′ are installed in a deck  12  of a transportation vehicle, e.g., a ship, railcar, etc. The sockets are typically installed to be substantially flush with the deck of the vehicle, but in certain applications can be installed above the deck surface. Lashing gear  14  extends between a cargo item  16  and the lashing socket installed in deck  12 . Those skilled in the art will understand that certain types of lashing gear are configured to engage with cloverleaf-shaped opening  18  formed in socket  10 , while other types of lashing gear are configured to engage with crossbars  20  of socket  10 ′. The different lashing sockets are suitable/preferred for different applications. As shown, lashing socket  10  defines an interior cavity  22 , while lashing socket  10 ′ defines an interior cavity  22 ′, both of which can in certain applications, collect water, as well as other fluids and debris, therein. 
     Another prior art lashing socket, i.e., 5-bar lashing socket  10 ″, is shown in  FIG. 1 d   . A 5-bar lashing socket is typically integrated into deck  12  of the transportation vehicle by first forming a dimple  24  in deck  12 , and thereafter welding a 5-bar member  26  within the dimple. Like socket  10  and socket  10 ′, lashing socket  10 ″ defines an interior cavity  22 ″, which can collect water, as well as other fluids and debris, therein. In certain applications, a pair of obstructions  28  may be installed within dimple  24  and located to block hook access to the 5-bar member from pre-selected directions. Those skilled in the art will understand that 5-bar lashing sockets are oftentimes installed within the deck of an aircraft carrier, and the stowage location of aircraft/equipment on the surface of the deck is generally predetermined. As such, the preferred orientation of the lashing gear is known. Obstructions  28  facilitate proper lashing by ensuring that the lashing hook is oriented in the preferred direction. 
     A first embodiment of the present invention, i.e., cover assembly  100 , is shown in  FIGS. 2 to 5 . Cover assembly  100  is designed and configured for engagement with a cloverleaf-type lashing socket, e.g., socket  10 . More particularly, cover assembly  100  includes a cover plate  102  having a substantially planar outer surface  103  and a diameter D 1  substantially equal to the diameter of socket  10 . Of course, there may be applications where the diameter of the cover plate is selected to be greater than or less than the diameter of socket  10 . The substantially planar configuration of outer surface  103  reduces/eliminates areas on the cover which can collect water/debris, and also facilitates movement of equipment/persons across the surface of the deck when the cover is installed. Plate  102  preferably includes a circular groove  104  sized to receive a sealing ring  106 . Centrally located on the inside surface of plate  102  is a boss  108 . Boss  108  includes an aperture  110  extending therethrough and a stop  112 . Also located on the inside surface of cover plate  102  are a pair of anti-rotation blocks  114 . Cover assembly  100  further includes a cross-shaped clamping element  116 , having four locking arms  118 . As will be explained further hereinbelow, each locking arm preferably includes a ramped leading edge  120 . Clamping element  116  further includes a central aperture  122 , and an arcuate-shaped opening  124 . In one preferred embodiment, cover assembly  100  further includes a bolt  126 , a washer  128 , an O-ring  130 , elastomeric washers  132 , a washer  134 , and a nut  136 . 
     Cover assembly  100  is shown in its assembled state in  FIGS. 3 to 3   a . As shown, bolt  126  extends through washer  128 , through O-ring  130 , through aperture  110  formed in cover plate  102 , through washer  132 , through clamping element  116 , through washer  132 , and through washer  134 , before engaging nut  136 . Of course, it is contemplated herein that clamping element  116  can be rotatably secured to the cover plate with other known mechanical fasteners. One of the novel features of the cover assembly of the present invention is that the cover assembly remains in its assembled state during both use and nonuse. In other words, once assembled, there is no need to disengage nut  136  from bolt  126 . As a result, there are no loose/multiple parts to be handled during installation/removal of the cover assembly to a deck socket. 
     The installation of cover assembly  100  to socket  10  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 a  to 4 d   . To begin (as shown in  FIG. 4 a   ), a tool  138 , e.g., a hex wrench, is used to engage bolt  126 , and thereafter rotate clamping element  116  to the unlocked position. In this regard, bolt  126  preferably includes a hex head  140 . Of course, other bolt/tool arrangements could be utilized in the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 4 b   , it can be seen that two of the locking arms of clamping element  116  are aligned with anti-rotation blocks  114  when cover assembly  100  is in the unlocked position. As a result, cover plate  102  can be positioned over socket  10  such that anti-rotation blocks  114  extend within cloverleaf-shaped opening  18 , while clamping element  116  extends through cloverleaf-shaped opening  18 . Thus, the design of cover  102  provides a planar outer surface, while also providing interior structure (i.e., blocks  114 ) which prevents rotation of the cover plate with respect to socket  10 . As is also best seen in  FIG. 4 b   , stop  112  is engaged with one end of arcuate-shaped opening  124 . 
     Once cover plate  102  is positioned over socket  10 , the installer turns tool  138 , thereby rotating clamping element  116  in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed in  FIG. 4 b   ). Clamping element  116  is allowed to rotate approximately 45° before stop  112  engages the opposite end of arcuate-shaped opening  124 . The ability to rotate the clamping element through approximately 45° of rotation results in each of the locking arms being positioned approximately equidistant from the nearest cloverleaf opening (see  FIG. 4 d   ), thus decreasing the likelihood of the clamping element backing off and/or being jarred loose. At this point, no further rotation of clamping element  116  may be accomplished because blocks  114 , which engage cloverleaf shaped opening  18 , prevent any rotation of cover plate  102  with respect to socket  10 . Anti-rotation blocks  114  can be seen engaged with cloverleaf-shaped opening  18  in  FIG. 4   d.    
     The novel design of clamping element  116  both facilitates rotation of the clamping element, while at the same time drawing cover plate  102  tightly against socket  10 . This of course applies pressure to sealing ring  106 , thereby ensuring that cloverleaf-shaped opening  18  is sealed against any ingress of water, moisture and/or other fluids and debris. More particularly, each of locking arms  118  is preferably formed with a ramped leading edge  120 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the ramped leading edges engage the underside of socket  10 , thereby facilitating rotation of clamping element  116  from the unlocked position to the locked position. As will be understood by reference to the drawings, as clamping element  116  is rotated, the ramped surfaces will tend to draw the clamping element downward into socket  10 , thereby drawing cover plate  102  downward against the outside surface of socket  10 , whereupon further rotation will allow contact surfaces  142  to frictionally engage the underside of socket  10 . Of course, this exerts pressure on sealing ring  106  about the periphery of cover plate  102 , ensuring a uniform and consistent seal between the cover plate and the lashing socket, even with sockets that have rough and uneven surfaces due to corrosion, paint, damage, etc. Moreover, the novel cross-shaped design of clamping element  116  provides four locking arms  118 , which each engage a portion of the cloverleaf at 90° intervals, thus helping to ensure that the cover is drawn down evenly about an axis extending through bolt  126 , ensuring that sealing ring  106  uniformly contacts the surface of the socket. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the locking arms of clamping element  116  are designed to flex, such that the locking arms (when moved to the locked position) are placed in a biased condition. This ensures that the cover assembly remains tightly sealed against the socket. This flexibility/springiness of the arms can result from a combination of material selection, configuration, cross-sectional dimensions, or others such design criteria. In one preferred installation method, a misting oil is applied to the inside of cover assembly  100  to prevent/reduce any corrosion due to moisture trapped within the socket after installation. In a further effort to prevent/reduce corrosion, the components can also be coated and/or manufactured from a corrosion-resistant material, e.g., stainless steel. 
     A second embodiment of the present invention, i.e., cover assembly  200 , is shown in  FIGS. 6 to 9 . Cover assembly  200  is designed and configured for engagement with a crossbar-type lashing socket, e.g., socket  10 ′. Cover assembly  200  includes a cover plate  202  having a substantially planar outer surface  203  and a diameter D 2  greater than the diameter of socket  10 ′. Of course, there may be applications where the diameter of the cover plate is selected to be substantially equal to the diameter of socket  10 ′. The substantially planar configuration of outer surface  203  reduces/eliminates areas on the cover which can collect water/debris, and also facilitates movement of equipment/persons across the surface of the deck when the cover is installed. Cover plate  202  preferably includes a circular groove  204  sized to receive a sealing ring  206 . A pair of bosses  208  are located on the inside surface of cover plate  202 . Each of the bosses includes an aperture  210  extending therethrough and a guide path  212 . Cover assembly  200  further includes a pair of clamping lugs  214 , which as explained further hereinbelow, can be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each clamping lug  214  includes a shoulder  216  sized and configured to engage guide paths  212 . In one preferred embodiment, each clamping lug  214  is secured to the cover plate via a bolt  218 , a washer  220 , an O-ring  222  and a pair of retaining rings  224 . Of course, it is contemplated herein that clamping lugs  214  can be rotatably secured to the cover plate with other known mechanical fasteners. 
     Cover assembly  200  is shown in its assembled state in  FIGS. 7 to 7   b . As shown, bolts  218  extend through washers  220 , through O-rings  222 , through apertures  210  formed in bosses  208 , through retaining rings  224 , through clamping bars  214 , and finally through retaining rings  224 . Like cover assembly  100 , cover assembly  200  remains in its assembled state during both use and nonuse. In other words, once assembled, there is no need to disengage the clamping bars from the cover plate. As a result, there are no loose/multiple parts to be handled during installation/removal of the cover assembly to a deck socket. 
     Bolts  218  preferably include a head  226  configured to engage a tool. In one preferred embodiment, head  226  is provided with a hex fitting capable of being engaged by a hex wrench. Referring to  FIG. 7 a   , prior to installation of cover assembly  200 , the tool is used to rotate each of the clamping lugs to the unlocked position. Cover plate  202  may then be positioned over socket  10 ′. As best seen in  FIG. 8 , bosses  208  fit between and preferably engage crossbars  20 . The engagement of bosses  208  with crossbars  20  prevents rotation of cover plate  202  with respect to deck socket  10 ′, in the same manner that anti-rotation blocks  114  prevents rotation of cover plate  102  with respect to socket  10 . Thus, the design of cover plate  202  provides a planar outer surface, while also providing interior structure (i.e., bosses  208 ) which prevents rotation of the cover plate with respect to socket  10 ′. When in its unlocked position, shoulder  216  of clamping lug  214  engages a first stop  228  located on one side of guide path  212  (see  FIG. 8 ). As bolt  218  is rotated to the locked position, clamping lug  214  rotates clockwise (as viewed in  FIG. 8 ), and engages crossbar  20 . More particularly, clamping lug  214  is rotated (see  FIG. 9 ) until shoulder  216  contacts second stop  230  located on the other side of guide path  212 . This rotation is preferably in the range of from about 45° to 180°, more preferably from about 80° to 110°. In one preferred embodiment, the clamping lugs are configured to rotate approximately 90°. Inasmuch as bosses  208  are engaged with crossbars  20 , no further rotation of clamping bars  214  can be accomplished. The rotation of clamping lugs  214  to the locked position draws cover plate  202  downward towards the surface of socket  10 ′. This of course applies pressure to sealing ring  206 , thereby ensuring that socket  10 ′ is sealed against any ingress of water, moisture and/or other fluids and debris. The present design takes advantage of the circular cross-section of the crossbars in socket  10 . Like the ramped leading edges discussed hereinabove, the circular crossbars tend to guide the lugs thereunder as the lugs are rotated, while at the same time drawing the cover plate downward to help achieve proper clamping and sealing, even with sockets that have rough and uneven surfaces due to corrosion, paint, damage, etc. 
     In one preferred installation method, a misting oil is applied to the inside of cover assembly  200  to prevent/reduce any corrosion due to moisture trapped within the socket after installation. In a further effort to prevent/reduce corrosion, the components can also be coated and/or manufactured from a corrosion-resistant material, e.g., stainless steel. 
     A third embodiment of the present invention, i.e., cover assembly  300 , is shown in  FIGS. 10 to 13 . Cover assembly  300  is designed and configured for engagement with a 5-bar lashing socket, e.g., socket  10 ″. Cover assembly  300  includes a cover plate  302  having a substantially planar outer surface  303  and a diameter D 3  greater than the diameter of dimple  24 . Of course, there may be applications where the diameter of the cover plate is selected to be substantially equal to the diameter of dimple  24 . The substantially planar configuration of outer surface  303  reduces/eliminates areas on the cover which can collect water/debris, and also facilitates movement of equipment/persons across the surface of the deck when the cover is installed. Cover plate  302  preferably includes a circular groove  304  sized to receive a sealing ring  306 . Three bosses  308  are located on the inside surface of cover plate  302 . Each of the bosses includes an aperture  310  extending therethrough and a guide path  312 . Cover assembly  300  further includes three clamping lugs  314 , which as explained further hereinbelow, can be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position. The individual bars of 5-bar member  26  are typically located at 72° intervals. Accordingly, the configuration of 5-bar member  26  does not allow two clamping members to be installed 180° apart from each other. The inclusion of the third clamping lug ensures that cover plate is drawn down evenly against the deck and is not installed in a cocked position, which ensures that the seal is fully engaged around the entire periphery of the cover plate and that such cover plate is securely engaged with socket  10 ″. Each clamping lug  314  includes a shoulder  316  sized and configured to engage guide paths  312 . In one preferred embodiment, each clamping lug  314  is secured to the cover plate via a bolt  318 , a washer  320 , an O-ring  322  and a washer  324 . After assembly, the bottom end of bolt  318  is deformed to provide a stop  325 , which captures the lug thereon. Of course, it is contemplated herein that clamping lugs  314  can be rotatably secured to the cover plate with other known mechanical fasteners, including the bolts and retaining rings discussed hereinabove with respect to cover assembly  200 . 
     Cover assembly  300  is shown in its assembled state in  FIGS. 11 to 11   b . As shown, bolts  318  extend through washers  320 , through O-rings  322 , through apertures  310  formed in bosses  308 , through clamping bars  314 , and finally through washers  324 . The deformed bottom ends of bolt  318 , i.e., stops  325 , retain the clamping bars on the bolts. Like cover assemblies  100  and  200 , cover assembly  300  remains in its assembled state during both use and nonuse. As a result, there are no loose/multiple parts to be handled during installation/removal of the cover assembly to a deck socket. 
     Bolts  318  preferably include a head  326  configured to engage an installation tool. In one preferred embodiment, head  326  is formed with a dome-shaped cross-section and is provided with cross-slots  327  capable of being engaged by the installation tool. The combination of the dome-shaped cross-section and cross-slots ensures that fluid does not become captured in the head of the bolt, thus hindering removal of the cover plate, e.g., by freezing in cold environments. Prior to installation of cover assembly  300 , the tool is used to rotate each of the clamping lugs to the unlocked position. Cover plate  302  may then be positioned over socket  10 ″. As best seen in  FIG. 12 , bosses  308  fit between and preferably engage the bars of 5-bar member  26 . The engagement of bosses  308  with the individual bars prevents rotation of cover plate  302  with respect to socket  10 ″, in the same manner that anti-rotation blocks  114  prevents rotation of cover plate  102  with respect to socket  10 . Thus, the design of cover plate  302  provides a planar outer surface, while also providing interior structure (i.e., bosses  308 ) which prevent rotation of the cover plate with respect to socket  10 ″. When in its unlocked position, shoulder  316  of clamping lug  314  engages a first stop  328  located on one side of guide path  312  (see  FIG. 12 ). As bolt  318  is rotated to the locked position, clamping lug  314  rotates counterclockwise (as viewed in  FIG. 12 ), and engages 5-bar member  26 . More particularly, clamping lug  314  is rotated (see  FIG. 13 ) until shoulder  316  contacts second stop  330  located on the other side of guide path  312 . This rotation is preferably in the range of from about 45° to 180°, more preferably from about 80° to 110°. In one preferred embodiment, the clamping lugs are configured to rotate approximately 90°. Inasmuch as bosses  308  are engaged with 5-bar member  26 , no further rotation of clamping bars  314  can be accomplished. The rotation of clamping lugs  314  to the locked position draws cover plate  302  downward towards the surface of socket  10 ″. This of course applies pressure to sealing ring  306 , thereby ensuring that socket  10 ″ is sealed against any ingress of water, moisture and/or other fluids and debris. The present design takes advantage of the circular cross-section of the bars of 5-bar member  26 . Like the ramped leading edges discussed hereinabove, the circular bars tend to guide the lugs thereunder as the lugs are rotated, while at the same time drawing the cover plate downward to help achieve proper clamping and sealing, even with sockets that have rough and uneven surfaces due to corrosion, paint, damage, etc. 
     In one preferred installation method, a misting oil is applied to the inside of cover assembly  300  to prevent/reduce any corrosion due to moisture trapped within the socket after installation. In a further effort to prevent/reduce corrosion, the components can also be coated and/or manufactured from a corrosion-resistant material, e.g., stainless steel. 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention has been described herein with reference to certain preferred or exemplary embodiments. The preferred or exemplary embodiments described herein may be modified, changed, added to or deviated from without departing from the intent, spirit and scope of the present invention, and it is intended that all such additions, modifications, amendments and/or deviations be included in the scope of the present invention.