TIE-DOWN DISPENSER
An apparatus for unrolling a coil of flexible material such as wire, cable, strap, belt, rope and other such tie-down material directionally and accurately. The apparatus includes a cradle being arcuate in shape and a handle. The bed of the cradle is capable of holding and supporting coiled tie-down material typically used in the transport industry to secure cargo. A method for using the same is disclosed.
This invention relates to binding, banding, tying down, or securing cargo to a support.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHauling, carrying or transporting cargo safely and securely often requires binding, banding, or tying down such cargo. Typically, this may not be an easy task due to the height or width of the cargo. In order to secure such cargo, a coiled strap or belt is often tossed or flung over the cargo to be secured to the means of transport.
Often the tossed or flung strap or belt does not go across the cargo with a proper trajectory to enable secure attachment of the cargo to the support. Consequently, the strap or belt must be coiled and tossed again in the hope that the next such attempt is accurate enough to securely apply the strap or belt over the cargo and to the support.
This overall process may require several attempts, which is highly inefficient, is a loss of time and creates frustration. Additionally, improperly secured cargo is a considerable safety hazard. Requirements for securing cargo can be found in state and federal regulations, including 49 CFR§§393.100-114.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne object of the present invention is to provide a strap or belt dispenser that allows a coiled strap, belt, wire, rope, cable or other flexible tie-down material to be directionally unrolled and follow an accurate trajectory from a dispenser thereof over cargo loaded on a support for transportation. After the strap, belt, wire, rope, cable or other flexible tie-down material is unrolled, the cargo may be securely attached to the transportation support via the tie-down material.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
One embodiment of the present apparatus for directing and unrolling a coil of flexible tie-down material having a loose end and an interior end over cargo to be bound thereby, includes: a cradle having a front end and a rear end, and an arcuate bed between the front end and the rear end thereof capable of receiving the coil of flexible tie-down material; means for attaching the loose end of the coil to the cradle in the vicinity of the rear end thereof; a handle; and means for attaching the handle to the cradle.
The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all figures.
Referring to
Referring to
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In another embodiment of the present invention, the handle 30 may be telescopic.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the handle 30 may be hingedly attached to the cradle 20.
The present invention also includes a method for directing and unrolling a coil of flexible tie-down material having a loose end, the method including: placing the coil of flexible tie-down material in a cradle; attaching the loose end of the coil to the cradle; moving the cradle toward the cargo; and stopping the cradle such that the coil of flexible tie-down material is rolled, ejected, flung or thrown from the front end of the cradle while the loose end of the tie-down material remains attached to the cradle.
It is believed that the apparatus of the present invention, and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described, being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
Claims
1. An apparatus for directing and unrolling a coil of flexible tie-down material having a loose end and an interior end over cargo to be bound thereby, comprising: a cradle having a front end and a rear end, and an arcuate bed disposed between the front end and the rear end thereof capable of receiving the coil of flexible material; means for attaching the loose end of said coil to said cradle in the vicinity of the rear end thereof; a handle; and means for attaching said handle to said cradle.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradle further comprises one or more support pieces connecting the front end and the rear end.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more support pieces extend to the bed of the cradle.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradle further comprises an inside surface, an outside surface, and a midpoint, the midpoint located between the front end and the rear end.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the handle is attached to the outside surface of the cradle.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the handle is attached to the outside surface of the cradle between the midpoint and the front end of the cradle.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is hingedly attached to the cradle.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is telescopic.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front end of the cradle further comprises two guides extending from the front end.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rear end of the cradle further comprises two guides extending from the rear end.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for attaching the loose end of said coil to said cradle comprises a slot.
12. A method for directing and unrolling a coil of flexible tie-down material having a loose end, the method comprising: placing the coil of flexible tie-down material in a cradle; attaching the loose end to the cradle; moving the cradle toward the cargo; and stopping the cradle such that the coil of flexible tie-down material is rolled, ejected, flung or thrown from the front end of the cradle while the loose end of the tie-down material remains attached to the cradle.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 1, 2008
Publication Date: Feb 4, 2010
Applicant: TNT DIVERSIFIED, LLC (Torrington, WY)
Inventor: Tracy Eugene Lampman (Torrington, WY)
Application Number: 12/184,954
International Classification: B61D 45/00 (20060101);