Load tension alert device
OwnerMaurice Tardifinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Tension alert device is attached between opposing ends of a securing member attached to a load bed to secure a load thereupon. The device has a strip with a curved portion, which is resiliently movable towards a proximity sensor disposed on a wall in device. When tension in securing member decreases, proximity of curved portion relative wall decreases. When curved portion enters a proximity actuation state relative first wall corresponding to a low tension state where tension is below a tension threshold level, a proximity sensor actuates a signaling device which alerts a user.
Claims21
A tension alert device removably attachable to an elongate securing member between opposing member ends thereof for alerting a user situated in a vehicle for towing a load bed extending generally therebehind and to which the member is attached on the member ends thereof for securing a load thereupon when the securing member enters a low tension state in which tension in the securing member is below a pre-determined tension threshold level, said device comprising:
- a housing having opposing end apertures on opposing housing ends thereof, and a first internal wall and a generally opposed second internal wall extending between said apertures, said second internal wall curving generally away from and extending substantially longitudinally over said first internal wall;
- a strip of resilient material attached to said first internal wall in proximity to one said end aperture and having a curved portion curving away from said first internal wall and extending substantially longitudinally thereover to the other said end aperture, thereby defining a generally curved channel with said second internal wall extending longitudinally between said end apertures for passage of the securing member in general alignment with said curved portion therein through said housing for attachment of said device thereby;
- a signaling means actuable for generating a tension alert signal for alerting the user when the securing member is in the low tension state;
- and
- a proximity actuation means connected to said housing and connected to said signaling means for actuating said signaling means when said curved portion enters a proximity actuation state of proximity relative said first internal wall corresponding to the low tension state, said curved portion being resiliently moved towards and away from said first internal wall by the securing member as the tension, respectively, increases and decreases, said proximity being thereby defined by the tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.