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Automated system for securing a load to a flatbed truck

a flatbed truck and automatic technology, applied in the field of trucking, can solve the problem that some truckers cannot tighten the straps for all loads in time, and achieve the effect of reducing the number of straps

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-03-01
WILLIAMS TRAVIS B +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system that allows a any person, including woman, inexperienced truckers, elderly, and the disabled, to safely secure a load on a flatbed trailer, no matter what size the load.

Problems solved by technology

Using a crow bar gives leverage to the trucker, but even this advantage is not enough for some truckers to sufficiently tighten the straps for all loads.

Method used

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  • Automated system for securing a load to a flatbed truck
  • Automated system for securing a load to a flatbed truck
  • Automated system for securing a load to a flatbed truck

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0017]FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment 100 in its operational position, just below the edge of a flatbed trailer 105. The present system is designed to automate the load 110 securing process. The strapping down process is still primarily manual and requires that the tie down straps 115&120 be placed over the load 110 and attached to the opposite side of the trailer 105. The securing process requires a tightening of the tie down straps 115&120 so that each strap applies sufficient downward force on the load 110. For tall, heavy and awkwardly shaped loads the amount of downward force required to safely secure the load can be a tremendous amount, up to 1,000 lbs of pressure. Even using crow bars, some truckers are still not able to generate this much pressure. By using strong electric motors, the present system allows anyone to safely secure a load to a flatbed trailer. The preferred embodiment 100 can generate up to 1,200 lbs of pressure. The present system can also be retrofitte...

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Abstract

A system that is adapted for attachment to a flatbed trailer that provides automated tightening of tie down straps for securing the trailer's load. An electric motor is attached to each end of a drive shaft and used to rotate the drive shaft. Tie down straps are uncoiled from around the drive shaft, stretched over the load and attached to the opposite side of the trailer to start the load securing process. The motors are then engaged to rotate the drive shaft and provide automatic tightening of the tie down straps, which completes the securing process. Cotter pins can also be used to provide a backup locking mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of trucking and more specifically to a system for securing loads to flatbed trucks. [0002] Trucks provide the primary method for moving goods within the U.S. Tractor trailer trucks shoulder a majority of this logistical burden. Tractor trailers, also called 18 wheelers, take advantage of a standard coupling system that allows the same tractor to be connected to, and disconnected from, almost any trailer. Some trailers are enclosed and even refrigerated. Other trailers are open and consist primarily of the bed of the trailer, which is flat. Thus, these open trailers are referred to as flatbed trailers. [0003] Flatbed trailers provide great flexibility to truckers. Because the trailer does not include an enclosure, the truckers are not limited to accepting loads that have to fit within the enclosure. A “load” refers to that which is to be loaded on a trailer, and anything that has already been load...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B61D45/00
CPCB61D45/002B60P7/083
Inventor WILLIAMS, TRAVIS B.WILLIAMS, SHANTELL H.
Owner WILLIAMS TRAVIS B
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