Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly mounting an accessory in the cargo bay of a truck is disclosed. Quick-mount devices lock onto tailgate pivot members of the cargo bay of the truck. The quick-mount devices may utilize locking tubes that extend laterally to engage the tailgate pivot members and secure the accessory, or retract laterally to release the tailgate pivot members and remove the accessory. In one embodiment the accessory is a dump insert. In a further embodiment the dump insert has stepped walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system that may include a tab pivotally connected to a structure, a coupling member pivotally connected to the structure, and a device operatively connected to the tab via the coupling member, wherein the device is configured to control an external system. Disclosed also is a vehicle that may include a first device and a control system. The control system may include a tab pivotally connected to a structure, a coupling member pivotally connected to the structure, a frangible member connecting the tab and the coupling member to the structure, and a second device operatively connected to the tab via the coupling member, wherein the second device is configured to control the first device.

Abstract: The propane tank storage cradle is a storage device that is designed to hold a propane tank in a horizontal position. The cradle forms a chamber into which the propane tank is laid. Accommodations are also provided with the propane tank storage cradle to receive the tank valve guard and the tank base. The dimensions of propane tank storage cradle are designed to prevent the propane tank from rolling and the cradle from flipping. The bottom of the propane tank storage cradle is fitted with non-skid feet which prevent the propane tank storage cradle from shifting during transport. The propane tank storage cradle comprises a first end cap, a second end cap, a third internal support and a fourth internal support.

Abstract: A suspension of a dump truck includes: an upper arm and a lower arm each having a proximal end supported on a vehicle body frame and configured to be up-and-down pivotally movable; a tire support in a form of a casing having an upper portion rotatably connected to a distal end of the upper arm and a lower portion rotatably connected to a distal end of the lower arm; and a suspension cylinder having an upper end rotatably connected to the vehicle body frame and a lower end rotatably connected to the upper arm, in which a king pin shaft connecting a rotation center of the upper arm and the casing with a rotation center of the lower arm and the casing intersects with an axial line of the suspension cylinder in the vicinity of a connecting portion of the upper arm and the casing.

Abstract: A bale strapping apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a floor to receive at least one bale of material, a bar, and means for moving the bar. The bar may include at least one dispenser for receiving and dispensing securing members. The securing members may be permanently attached to the dispenser. Furthermore, the bar may be moved laterally above and across the floor and, accordingly, over the at least one bale of material, thereby causing the dispenser to dispense the securing member around the at least one bale. The apparatus may then tighten the securing members, thus securing the bale to the apparatus.

Abstract: A side rail of a floor assembly of a trailer, such as a flatbed trailer, including a channel formed in a top wall of the side rail and an aperture formed in the top wall of the side rail at a location spaced-apart from the channel. The channel extends along a length of the side rail and is configured to receive a first cargo restraint device therein. The aperture is configured to receive a second cargo restraint device therein.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting a wind turbine blade on first and second railcars that serve as load cars. A root end fixture on the first railcar is connected to a root end portion of the wind turbine blade. A mid-frame fixture on the second railcar supports a reinforced midsection of the wind turbine blade using a pair of support saddles. A tip end fixture restrains a tip end portion of the wind turbine blade against lateral movement outside of a preselected range of movement in opposite lateral directions and causing bending of the blade about the mid-frame fixture when the restraint device imparts sufficient restraining force to the tip end portion of the blade.

Abstract: A cargo restraint panel may include a foam component. That foam component may have at least one polymer foam sheet. A front face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a front face of the foam component. A rear face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a rear face of the foam component. The cargo restraint panel may include one or more edge guards. Cargo may be secured in a railcar or other conveyance by, e.g., placing cargo restraint panels between cargo units.

Abstract: A transport system has a dedicated trailer for transporting a small transport reel (i.e., <18-ft in diameter) of continuous rod to the field. The trailer has a pedestal that can pivot the reel. A hub motor on the pedestal can turn the reel, and a transfer unit and rod bender on the trailer can curve or straighten the rod when being fed into or out of the reel. A power and hydraulic system operates the various hydraulic components on the trailer. In other aspects, the transport system includes stands that can hold the small transport reels on a trailer within a defined transport envelope. When empty, these stands can be stacked on top of one another on the trailer for return to a facility.

Abstract: A wheelchair docking system comprising a front locking system and a back locking system that locks the wheelchair in place on a solid substrate, such as the floor of a bus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating mounting system configured for attaching a container to a vehicle bed at a plurality of discrete mounting points around the container. The mounting system may include a bracket attached to the container at each mounting point, and a plastically deformable energy attenuating member extending from an upper end attached to the bracket, to a lower end attached to the vehicle bed substantially below a bottom of the container, thereby supporting the container in an elevated position. The energy attenuating member is configured to remain rigid and un-deformed if a load carried by the energy attenuating member is below a threshold value, and to attenuate energy by plastically deforming in a predictable manner if the load exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A multipoint tie-down formed of EPDM for reducing movement of a load. The tie-down comprises a central hub having a plurality of elongate arms that are molded from EPDM as a single unit with the central hub. The plurality of elongate arms are elastomeric and extend from the central hub to form one of a cross-pattern, a Y-pattern and an X-pattern together with the central hub.

Abstract: A motorcycle tie-down apparatus for securing a motorcycle for transport. The apparatus includes a base secured to a transport vehicle and a clamp that is clamped to lower frame members of the motorcycle. The clamp includes a telescoping tubular structure and extends outwardly beyond sides of the motorcycle. The base includes a pair of latches with slots that translationally receive respective end portions of the clamp. The slots extend downward to compress the suspension of the motorcycle during engagement of the clamp with the base. Latch plates pivot to capture the clamp in the slots and locking levers and release levers selectively restrict pivoting of the latch plate and thus withdrawal of the clamp from the slot. The locking levers and release levers employ a dual-motion action from a user to release the clamp from the latch plate.

Abstract: An immobilizing device for limiting movement of a cargo container in a cargo area may include a tubular member configured to be inserted into an aperture of a cargo deck. The immobilizing device may further include a stop member extending at least partially across a hollow interior of the tubular member, wherein the stop member is configured such that extension of the tubular member into the aperture is limited by contact between the stop member and the portion of the cargo deck located in the aperture. The immobilizing device may also include an extension associated with the tubular member and configured to engage a lower edge of the cargo container, such that movement of the cargo container is limited upon receipt of the tubular member in the aperture and engagement between the extension and the lower edge of the cargo container.

Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be pushed by hand or pulled by a motor vehicle. Thus, implementations of the transport device disclosed herein may have functions akin to a wheelbarrow or a dumping trailer, yet may provide easier and/or more efficient transportation and dumping functions over prior art wheelbarrows and dumping trailers. Implementation of the transport device disclosed herein also may be easier to push over an elevation or up a hill. Furthermore, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein includes four wheels and therefore can function like a cart. Still further, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein can have the functions of a wagon. In some implementations, the transport device includes a work bench.

Abstract: A winding device including a spindle and an inner cylinder is provided, the inner cylinder is positioned at least partially in a first opening of the spindle extending along an axial direction and is rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the spindle. The winding device additionally includes an engagement bolt positioned in a second opening of the spindle extending along a radial direction and mechanically engaged with the inner cylinder. Rotation of the inner cylinder between the first position and the second position automatically extends or retracts the engagement bolt along the radial direction. When the engagement bolt is extended, the winding device is in an engaged position and configured to rotate a collar of a strap winch, and when the engagement bolt is retracted, the winding device is in a disengaged position and configured to be removed from or inserted into the collar of the strap winch.

Abstract: An automatic lock affixed to a cargo container for interconnecting two stacked containers, and for automatically locking and unlocking without reliance upon the overcoming of a friction force to release the device.

Abstract: A flexible lifting member protection pad includes a cut protection area with strengthening stitching which cooperates with an inner ply and an outer ply to bind the inner ply and the outer ply together in the cut protection area, such that the inner ply, outer ply and strengthening stitching act and move as one piece to increase the combined cutting resistance of the cut protection area. The strengthening stitching is distributed or applied systematically across substantially the entire cut protection area. This configuration allows compression to be generated across the inner ply of the cut protection area when the protection pad is moved against the edge of the load, whereby the inner ply of the cut protection area resists being cut by the edge of the load.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle includes a first pair, a second pair, and a third pair of anchors. The first and second pairs of anchors are positioned adjacent each other and the third pair of anchors is positioned remote from the first pair. The system further includes a flexible substrate having a first pair of attachment features coupleable with the first pair of anchors and a second pair of attachment features selectively coupleable with the second pair or third pair of anchors.