Abstract:
A Retention Strap Stabilization Device is provided that improves the safety and longevity of retention straps used to secure cargo in transportation. The Retention Strap Stabilization Device has a foil body and a strap retaining slot, where in use, the foil body effectively lengthens the trailing edge of a retention strap thus changing the resonant frequency of the retention strap to prevent oscillation of the retention strap while in use on a moving vehicle. The device is held in place by a plurality of retention grips that embed themselves in the retention strap. The device not only prevents damage and resulting breakage of retention straps and the associated safety implications, but also reduces the potential for damage to the cargo being secured by the retention straps when unwanted oscillations of retention straps occur during transit.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to load retention devices, and more specifically to a stabilization device for retention straps that prevents load retention straps from oscillating while in transit. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Trucks and trailers often employ load retention devices to secure their loads while traveling on a roadway. Such load retention devices are required not only for the safety and security of the load itself, but also for the safety and security of other drivers, pedestrians, and structures adjacent to the roadway. As such, the ongoing structural integrity of the load retention device is of utmost importance. Generally either chains or straps are used for load retention devices. Nylon or similar synthetic materials are often used for retention straps; these straps being very commonplace due to ease of use and reasonable cost as compared to chains. Retention straps, however, present a unique challenge to their ongoing viability and safety over time. Being flexible and susceptible to wear, the leading edge of a retention strap in use tends to catch the airflow from movement of the transport vehicle and can oscillate and create harmonic vibrations that are detrimental to the integrity of both the retention strap and the load. While these vibrations may be annoying to both the driver of the truck as well as other drivers in proximity to the truck, they also create aerodynamic inefficiencies as well as load damage 
     Tightening the retention straps can sometimes reduce this vibration, but this approach is often ineffective with older, worn straps, or on taller loads with more strap exposed. In addition, truckers hauling fragile or easily damaged loads such as asphalt shingles, drywall, or the like, purposely keep their straps relatively loose to prevent load damage caused by excessive retention strap pressure crushing. 
     Some truckers have come up with a simple solution to the problem of retention strap vibration; they will put a half-twist in the retention strap between the load and the trailer retention point for the strap. However, some states prohibit twisting of retention straps, stating that the strap is not making the most direct, and therefore strongest path to the trailer. The twist also creates additional aerodynamic drag, as ¼ to ⅓ of the strap length is prone to the wind. This may not seem too significant at first, but with some trailers using up to 10 straps per side, this results in as many as 20 small inefficiencies dragging through the air for hundreds or thousands of miles, resulting in increased fuel consumption and associated costs. 
     What is needed is a device that prevents oscillation of a retention strap while maintaining overall strength and longevity of the retention strap. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stabilization device for a retention strap that maintains overall strength and longevity of the retention strap while being easy to use and low cost. 
     These and other objects of the present invention are not to be considered comprehensive or exhaustive, but rather, exemplary of objects that may be ascertained after reading this specification with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a retention strap stabilization device comprising a foil side and a strap retaining side, where in use the foil side effectively lengthens the trailing edge of a retention strap by changing the resonant frequency of the retention strap to prevent oscillation of the retention strap while in use on a moving vehicle. The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described by this specification and the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the retention strap stabilization device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an opposite side perspective view of the retention strap stabilization device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional front view of the retention strap stabilization device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the retention strap stabilization device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional front view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the retention strap stabilization device of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are top views of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 6  in an open and closed position respectively; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a close up of one embodiment of the retention strap stabilization device in use; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of the preferred method of use of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     While the device and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A retention strap stabilization device is described herein. To prevent unwanted oscillation of retention straps such as nylon webbing straps while a vehicle such as a trailer is in motion, the present invention includes a foil integrated with a plurality of retention grips that can be easily attached to a retention strap to provide a “rudder” effect where the foil effectively lengthens the trailing edge of a retention strap, changing the resonant frequency of the retention strap and thus preventing the leading edge of the retention strap from beginning to oscillate in the moving airflow of a vehicle. The retention strap stabilization device attaches to the retention strap without the risk of vibrations and resulting load or retention strap damage, and further provides aerodynamic efficiencies to improve fuel economy. 
     The retention strap stabilization device that is described, depicted and envisioned herein includes a foil and a retention grip. Several embodiments are described and depicted herein by way of example, and not limitation. 
     The retention strap stabilization device may be made from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, for example, a plastic. Examples of suitable plastics include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like. Bioplastics may also be used in some embodiments of the present invention. In addition, reinforced plastics, metals, wood, fiberglass, or other materials that may be suitably formed may also be used. The retention strap stabilization device may be made by injection molding, blow molding, machining, extruding, or the like. Additional hardware and components made of different or similar materials may also be added to the retention strap stabilization device 
     Illustrative embodiments of the device and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     The preferred embodiments herein described are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. They are chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     Referring to the present invention in detail,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the retention strap stabilization device  100  of the present invention.  FIGS. 1-3  depict the present invention. The device  100  including a foil body  101 . The body  101  having a rounded front end  103  that narrows to towards the back end  105 . Attached to or integral to the foil body  101  is a retention slot  107  that passes from the top  109  of the body to the bottom  111  of body. The top  109  and bottom  111  of the slot  107  having a landing  113 ,  115  configured to grip a strap (not shown). The middle  117  of the slot also having a third landing  119  opposite the other landings  113 ,  115 . Each landing  113 , 115 , 119  having a plurality of retention grips  121  rigidly attached or integral to the landings  113 , 115 , 119 . The device  100  is removably attached to the strap via the slot  107  and retention grips  121 . It is contemplated that retention grips  121  could be features such as ridges, dimples, angles, lines, cuts, or the like that improve the ability of the retention strap stabilization device  100  to grasp a strap. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the opposite side of the retention strap stabilization device  100  of  FIG. 1 . Retention grips  121  can be seen on the middle landing  119 . Retention grips  121  are, in a similar arrangement, rigidly attached to and integral to the middle landing  119 , facing in the opposite direction from the retention grips  121  of the top and bottom landings  113 ,  115 . The slot  107  to accommodate a retention strap can also be seen. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the retention strap stabilization device  100 . Retention grips  121  can be seen along the middle landing  119  as well as the top and bottom landings respectively  113 ,  115 . 
     The foil body  101  of the present invention may also have varied geometric attributes. For example, the foil body  101  may have a plurality of foil surfaces  403  that are angled in relation to each other to further stabilize the foil under a variety of airflow conditions as depicted in  FIG. 4 , a side view of an alternative embodiment of the retention strap stabilization device  100  of the present invention. The embodiment  400  including a foil body  401  having a plurality of foil surfaces  403 . The surfaces  403  are created by a plurality of angles  405  in the foil body  401 . Each foil surface  403  is parallel to the adjacent foil surface  403  in a direction that is also parallel to an airflow vector while in use. The foil body  401  having a slot  407  that passes through at least two of the foil surfaces  403 , creating openings for placement of a retention strap there through. The foil surfaces  403  also having retention grips  409  rigidly attached and integral to the foil body  401  in proximity to the slot so that when a retention strap is passed through the grips  409  are in direct contact with the strap. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional front view of the foil body  401  of the retention strap stabilization device  400  of  FIG. 4  that shows the angles  405  of the foil body  401  previously described. Retention grips  409   e  and  409   f  that extend from foil surface  403   c  are oriented in the opposite direction as the grips  409   a ,  409   b ,  409   c , and  409   d . It will be appreciated that retention grips  121 , 409  are always intend to engage with the retention strap. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a break, slot or opening in the structure of the retention strap stabilization device allows for placement of the retention strap stabilization device on a retention strap. Another technique is to place the retention strap stabilization device on a retention strap closed in a clamshell fashion where two halves close together around a retention strap as depicted in  FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the retention strap stabilization device  100  in an open position. Embodiment  600  having a foil body  601  of a pliable material and forms a hinge at the center line  603  of the body  601 . The body  601  having a first side  605  with a pocket  607  and a second side  609  with a pocket  611 . The first side  605  and second side  609  are configured so that when the body  601  is folded about the center line  603  pockets  607  and  611  form a slot  613  wherein a retention strap is surrounded and passes there through as depicted in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . The pockets  607 ,  611  have a plurality of retention grips  615  that are rigidly attached and extend outward from the body  601 . A taper or angle can also be seen on the foil body  601  to improve the aerodynamic properties. 
     The use of a retention strap stabilization device  100 , 400 , 600  is depicted in  FIG. 8 . Use  800 , having a load  801  removably attached to a load bearing platform  803  via a plurality of retention straps  805  and  807 . In this embodiment retention strap stabilization device  100  is depicted removably attached to retention straps  805 ,  807  by weaving the retention strap through the slot of the device  100 , as previously described. It will be appreciated that device  600  would close in a clamshell fashion as previously described herein. It will also be appreciated that the retention straps could be secured to any load bearing platform such as a trailer, pallet or the like. 
     Other techniques to fasten the foil or foils to a retention strap may also be employed, and are considered to be within the spirit and broad scope of the present invention. In addition, other variations on the foil described herein may also be employed, and are also considered to be within the spirit and broad scope of the present invention. 
     It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a Retention Strap Stabilization Device  100 , 400 ,  600 . It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that foil bodies  101 ,  401 ,  601  respectively enable the device  100 ,  400 ,  600  to remove the vibrations from the retention straps  805 ,  807  while exposed to a passing air flow. It will be appreciated that retention grips  121 ,  409 ,  615  enable the respective device  100 ,  400 ,  600  to engage with the retention strap  805 ,  807 . It will also be appreciated that retention grips  121 ,  409 ,  615  prevent movement of the device  100 ,  400 ,  600  with respect to the retention strap  805 ,  807 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9  the preferred method of use of the devices  100  and  400  is depicted. Method  900  including placing a load on a load bearing platform  901 , attaching a first end of each retention strap to a first side of the platform by passing the strap over the load  903 , placing a retention strap stabilization device near the strap  905 , feeding the strap through the slot of the foil body and position it half way between the load and the platform  907 , securing the second end of each retention strap to the opposite side of the platform  909 , tightening the retention straps to secure the load  911  and allowing the device to stabilize the strap in an air flow  913 . 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.