1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses for securing loads. In particular, the present invention relates to buckle securing methods, apparatuses, and systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Large and heavy pieces of cargo are often made up of smaller components that must be fixed together before transport. For example, lumber, long planks, sheets of plywood, and large beams or columns are typically strapped together before being placed on a land transporter (e.g., trucks), a water transporter (e.g., ships), and/or an aerial transporter (e.g., planes or helicopters) for shipping.
The straps used are typically made of relatively expensive webbing (e.g., a polyethylene webbing) that comes in lengths of about 10 meters.
Typical couple/buckle devices/systems are tied/secured to one end of the webbing. After the webbing is wrapped around the objects (for strapping them together), the other end of the webbing is attached to the buckle. Any excess webbing (i.e., the tag end) is cut off and discarded (i.e., wasted).
In addition, an installer needs to position the typical buckle in such a location that the installer has enough leverage to pull and tighten the webbing around the objects. If the webbing is not cinched tight enough the objects will not remain secured by the prior art buckle and webbing. Objects that are not properly secured can become separated during transport, separated when deployed from the transport, lost, and/or damaged. When not cinched tight enough the installer will need to loosen and reposition the buckle so that the new position allows the installer enough leverage to appropriately tighten the buckle/webbing system.
Further, it is difficult to cinch less expensive webbing (e.g., polypropylene webbing) enough (using prior art buckles) to secure objects.
After the prior art buckle systems are deployed, troops typically cut and discard the webbing and buckle.
Thus there is a need in the art for a buckle system that is easy to install, is less likely to need repositioning for leverage, allows less waste of webbing material, is easily reusable, and can be used with less expensive webbing.