Load restraint method
OwnerMichael David Rostokerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved load restraint system and method for protecting and supporting loads, such as cargo, especially during transit movement. The load restraint system and method compensates for various attitude, altitude and ambient pressure changes while maintaining sufficient restraining supportive force on the cargo. One embodiment maintains ambient pressure sensing with pressure/volume fluid compensation to an inflatable bladder responsive to ambient pressure changes within the cargo container. Another embodiment permits inflation of a rigidifying bladder to provide in-situ rigid support for the cargo, included during ambient pressure changes within the cargo container.
Claims19
An improved load restraint system for restraining movement of a load within a container, comprising:
- an inflatable bladder element configured to fit within at least a portion of said container such that at least a portion of the surface of said bladder contacts at least a portion of said load when said bladder is inflated,
- an inflator for inflating said bladder to exert sufficient force against said surface of said load to restrain said load against movement, and
- an ambient pressure compensator for retaining the bladder at sufficient force against said surface of said load when ambient pressure in said container varies from an initial pressure.
An improved load restraint apparatus for restraining movement of a load within a container, comprising:
- an inflatable bladder element adapted essentially within said container,
- an inflator for inflating said bladder sufficiently to exert force against at least a portion of said load within said container to restrain said load against movement, and
- an ambient pressure compensator for retaining said force during variation of ambient pressure in said container.
An improved load restraint for restricting movement of a load within a container, comprising:
- an inflatable bladder at least a portion of which is positioned within said container,
- an inflator for inflating said bladder to exert restraining force against at least a portion of said load within said container, and
- a dynamic force compensator for maintaining said restraining force responsive to force changes against said portion of said load.
A method of restraining a load in a container with a fluid inflatable bladder disposed essentially within the container, the method comprising:
- (a) inflating the bladder with said fluid to contact said load with a load restraining force;
- and
- (b) maintaining the load restraining force contact on the load as ambient pressure within the container varies from an initial pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.