Method and apparatus for sensing a load

A load-sensing detector comprising:

• a body adapted to be engaged with a securement member for securing a load that is to be monitored;
• at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body;
• and
• an electronics module provided on the body, said electronics module having at least one transceiver therein operable to communicate load position data to a remote device,
• wherein the body and the at least one force-sensing resistor are flexible and thereby configured to conform to a region of an exterior surface of the load that is to be monitored,
• wherein the body comprises material which is folded over onto itself and defines a channel therethrough, and wherein the channel is adapted to receive the securement member therethrough.

A load-sensing detector comprising:

• a body adapted to be engaged with a securement member for securing a load that is to be monitored;
• at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body;
• an electronics module provided on the body, said electronics module having at least one transceiver therein operable to communicate load position data to a remote device;
• and
• one or more bands which are secured in two spaced-apart locations to the body, wherein a channel is defined between the two spaced-apart locations and an exterior surface of the body, and wherein the channel is adapted to receive the securement member therethrough,
• wherein the body and the at least one force-sensing resistor are flexible and thereby configured to conform to a region of an exterior surface of the load that is to be monitored.

A method of sensing a load comprising:

• providing a load-sensing detector comprising:
• a body adapted to be engaged with a securement member for securing at least one piece of cargo that is to be monitored;
• at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body;
• an electronics module provided on the body, said electronics module having at least one transceiver therein operable to communicate load position data to a remote device, wherein the body and the at least one force-sensing resistor are flexible and thereby configured to conform to a region of an exterior surface of the at least one piece of cargo that is to be monitored, wherein the body defines a channel therethrough, and wherein the channel has an opening at either end and is configured to receive the securement member therethrough;
• engaging the load-sensing detector on the securement member;
• securing the at least one piece of cargo in position with the securement member;
• positioning the load-sensing detector against the at least one piece of cargo;
• activating the load-sensing detector;
• and
• determining, with the load-sensing detector, one or more of movement of the at least one piece of cargo, loosening of the securement member, and reduction in a size of the at least one piece of cargo.