Mechanically Actuated Cargo Restraint System

摘要

A mechanically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel in a frame, first and second flexible tethers, and a mechanical device. The first flexible tether has a first end coupled to the rotatable reel and a second end capable of being coupled to a cargo item, the first flexible tether is windable around the rotatable reel. The mechanical device includes a pawl and cog that are movable with respect to each other, the pawl coupled to the rotatable reel for rotatable movement therewith. Movement of a cargo item attached to the first flexible tether that causes the first flexible tether to move in an unwinding direction on the rotatable reel causes movement of the pawl-containing member relative to the cog. Velocity in the unwinding direction such as that encountered during a crash or free-fall engages the pawl into the cog, thereby inhibiting movement of the first flexible tether in an unwinding direction on the rotatable reel.

主权项

1. A mechanically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle, comprising:
a reel including a rotatable shaft in a frame; a first flexible tether and a second flexible tether, the first flexible tether having a first end coupled to the rotatable shaft and a second end capable of being coupled to one of a vehicle and a cargo item, the first flexible tether windable around the rotatable shaft; wherein the reel further comprises a mechanical braking device, the mechanical braking device including a pawl and cog that are movable with respect to each other, the pawl coupled to the rotatable reel for rotatable movement therewith, and wherein movement of the first flexible tether in an unwinding direction on the rotatable shaft causes movement of the pawl relative to the cog, and wherein the pawl is configured to engage the cog responsive to rotation of the rotatable shaft at a velocity in the unwinding direction exceeding a first threshold corresponding to a crash or free-fall, thereby inhibiting movement of the first flexible tether in an unwinding direction on the rotatable shaft.