Patents Examined by Stephen T. Gordon
  • Patent number: 11104263
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load securing bar for a load securing system with lashing points that have at least one tie bar (24), which has hook-shaped form fitting elements (9) on the ends of the load securing bar, wherein there are two hook-shaped form fitting elements (9) located on at least one, preferably both, of the ends of the load securing bar, which open toward one another, and which are spaced apart in a first open position, at least at their free ends, for receiving a tie bar (24), and are disposed such that they hook onto the tie bar in a form fitting manner when they are in a second, preferably lockable, closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: WISTRA GmbH Cargo Control
    Inventor: Christian Birenheide
  • Patent number: 11104260
    Abstract: A bed for a vehicle can include tie down anchors that extend at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As a result, the tie down anchors can match a loading direction of a strap or other securement device, thereby minimizing or avoiding bending moments on the tie down anchors. The bed can include a tie down flange provided at an interface between a transverse wall and a side wall of the bed. A recess being defined on an outer side of the bed at the location of the tie down flange. A tie down anchor operatively connected to the tie down flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Jansma, Christopher M. Higgins
  • Patent number: 11104364
    Abstract: A multi-modal cargo container, is capable of being transported by air, sea, rail, or truck and by manual handling, designed for intra-city delivery. The requirement of transporting maximum volume in limited urban space dictates the container's shape, dimensions, maximum weight and center of gravity. To minimize the possibility of loss of control or tipping during manual transport over uneven or sloped ground, Stabilizer and braking systems are provided that will stop the container and prevent tipping along its longitudinal axis either by manual or automatic operation. It is intended that the container will be operated by one or two handlers at either narrow end, and that dual redundant manual controls are provided for manual operation of the brake, manual deployment of the Stabilizer mechanism, retraction of the Stabilizer mechanism and resetting of the automatic override feature of the braking system should it deploy automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lawrence Kinzler
  • Patent number: 11097647
    Abstract: A cargo body wall including an interior side defining an interior plane for facing a cargo receiving volume, and an exterior side. A primary logistics track is elongated in a first direction and situated in the cargo body wall, and a secondary logistics track is elongated in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The primary logistics track includes first and second inward expansions projecting inward of the interior plane, each of the first and second inward expansions having at least one opening therein providing access to a logistics fitting accommodation area within the cargo body wall. The secondary logistics track is arranged to cross the primary logistics track at a position between the first and second inward expansions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Paul Moore
  • Patent number: 11097645
    Abstract: A tie down assembly includes a clasp, a ring that is rotatably coupled to the clasp, and a support coupler that is coupled to the ring. The support coupler frictionally controls rotation of the ring with respect to the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory George Buczynski, Zhilin Li
  • Patent number: 11097649
    Abstract: The selectively sealable vehicle bed partition comprises a partition body comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, an opposed second end edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, a first face bounded by the top edge, bottom edge, first end edge, and second end edge, and an opposed second face bounded by the top edge, bottom edge, first end edge, and second end edge; and a selectively inflatable seal comprising an inflation chamber disposed on the partition body, the selectively inflatable seal disposed on and extending along the first end edge, bottom edge, and second end edge, the selectively inflatable seal comprising a selectively openable and closable valve that is configured to receive and retain a gas for inflation of the inflation chamber and release the gas to deflate the inflation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Randy Badia
  • Patent number: 11090207
    Abstract: A cot fastening system for fastening a cot to an emergency vehicle includes a frame configured for mounting to the floor of an emergency vehicle, which has a longitudinal axis and a cot loading direction along the longitudinal axis. The system includes a first restraint assembly for coupling to a first cot attachment of the cot, which is mounted to the frame. The system further includes a second restraint assembly for coupling to a second cot attachment, which is also mounted to the frame. The system further includes a spring, such as a coil spring, for biasing the cot in a direction opposed from the loading direction of the frame to thereby apply a pre-load on at least one of said restraint assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon David Naber, Kurosh Nahavandi, Michael T. Brubaker, Charles Louis Crouch, Clifford Edwin Lambarth, Jason James Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 11091086
    Abstract: A strapping device to secure an item, the strapping device comprising an elongate rod extending along a longitudinal rod axis, the rod having a proximal end, an opposed distal end and a central portion extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a handle coupled to the proximal end of the elongate rod, a strap arm coupled to the distal end of the elongate rod, a wound strap positioned around at least a portion of the strap arm, and at least one retainer positioned on the strap arm at a desired position relative to the elongate rod and configured to guide the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: ALLSTAR SEED COMPANY
    Inventors: Oscar Villanueva, Daniel Maciel, Ismael Villalobos
  • Patent number: 11066019
    Abstract: A vehicular cargo assembly includes a first panel slidably mounted on a floor of a vehicle cabin and selectively and alternatively positionable in a first position or a second position. A storage space is disposed below the floor. The first panel is configured to cover the storage space in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Arturo Aguilar Ruelas, Jose Luis Gallardo
  • Patent number: 11052848
    Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes a deformable elongate member that is arranged such that the device, in use, deforms in a controlled manner upon the absorption of impact energy. The invention also provides a chassis and a vehicle incorporating the energy absorbing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Jian Lu, Yuan Gao, Tao Tang, Lu Yao
  • Patent number: 11052814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a truck chassis for carrying an automobile body and various specially-equipped devices as loads, and more specifically to a truck chassis for carrying an automobile body and various specially-equipped devices as loads, which is configured to enable various types of cargo boxes (load sides) intended to carry cargos or people and various types of special equipment designed to be suitable for the transportation of a special cargo or a special purpose to be conveniently and replaceably loaded, and thus enables a single chassis to be used for various purposes, thereby improving cost reduction, convenience functionality, and maintenance, and which, in particular, provides excellent coupling force and also allows a coupling location to be varied according to the type or center of gravity of a load, thereby enabling stable loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Hyeon Cheol Jeon
  • Patent number: 11046233
    Abstract: A cargo lashing fitting for affixing to a deck of a transportation vehicle including a housing sized for insertion within an opening in the deck and compatible for securement to the deck, a securing plate removably positionable within the housing, and a plurality of locking inserts for retaining the securing plate within the housing. In one preferred embodiment, both the housing and securing plate are formed of aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph Royt
  • Patent number: 11040665
    Abstract: Embodiments of a concealed, secure storage compartment include a concealed floorboard storage compartment for a front passenger side floorboard of a vehicle to provide a unitary floorboard containment shield sized to fit under the passenger side floormat and a hinged attachment plate securing the containment shield to the firewall portion of the passenger side floorboard padding. The containment shield provides an open bottom, a substantially planar top side surface upon which the bottom of the passenger side floormat rests, and internally reinforced sides affixed to the planar top side and its underside surface in the interior portion of the containment shield. An embodiment of the concealed, secure storage compartment provides a locking assembly securing the containment shield and floormat from being raised absent an unlocking key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Anthony and Kimberlee Sanchez Family Trust
    Inventors: Anthony J. Sanchez, James E. Grimes
  • Patent number: 11026370
    Abstract: A hydraulic bale trailer comprising: a frame, where the frame is elongate and has a long axis; an axle caddy, where the frame is connected to the axle caddy such that the frame is capable of tilting on its long axis; a lock assembly connected to the axle caddy such that the lock assembly is capable of preventing the frame from tilting when the lock assembly is in an engaged position; and a hydraulic assembly with a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the frame and the second end is connected to the axle caddy and where the hydraulic assembly is capable of releasing the lock assembly from the engaged position to a disengaged position, allowing the frame to tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Vernon Roger Buchanan
  • Patent number: 11027912
    Abstract: The present invention provides a removable frame system for transporting vehicles in a container. The frame system is be assembled in the container, the vehicles are loaded on the frame system, the container is shipped to the location, the vehicles are unloaded from the frame system, and the frame system is disassembled and returned to the manufacture or stored for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Matt Saer
  • Patent number: 11021139
    Abstract: A wheel chock system includes a wheel chock configured to support a wheel of a vehicle and having an arm that extends from the wheel chock. The wheel chock includes a crossbar that has an outer wall, an open interior, and a tab extending from the outer wall into the open interior. The arm has an outer surface in which a notch is defined, and when the notch is aligned with the tab the arm is slidably received in the open interior and extendable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Motis Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Krolski, Richard Beilstein
  • Patent number: 11014485
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a wheel restraint system comprises a chock track coupled to a vehicle transport, an anchor mandrel, a ratchet mandrel, and a strap. The anchor mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a first side of a vehicle tire and comprises a pair of strap guides. The distance between the pair of strap guides is wider than the strap. The ratchet mandrel is coupled to the chock track on a second side of the tire. The ratchet mandrel comprises a ratchet for applying a rotational force and a slot for receiving the strap. The slot is wider than the strap. One end of the strap is coupled to the anchor mandrel and the other is inserted into the ratchet mandrel slot. Applying a rotational force to the ratchet mandrel produces a tightening force that tightens the strap around a portion of the vehicle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: TRINITY PARTS & COMPONENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cencer, Paul K. Brown, Chauncy D. Farrow, John T. Gilliam, Jason L. Leatherman, William R. Martin
  • Patent number: 11007920
    Abstract: A system for restraining a vehicle includes a deck of a transport. The deck includes one or more grated panels. The system also includes a vehicle restraint assembly configured to secure a vehicle to the deck of the transport. The vehicle restraint assembly includes an anchor coupled to a first end of a strap. The anchor includes a first plurality of hooks configured to couple the anchor to the deck of the transport through one or more grate wires of the one or more grated panels. The vehicle restraint assembly further includes a ratchet coupled to a second end of the strap. The ratchet includes a second plurality of hooks configured to couple the ratchet to the deck of the transport through one or more grate wires of the one or more grated panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry W. Vande Sande, Robert J. Cencer, Kenneth W. Huck
  • Patent number: 11007922
    Abstract: A load securing device for securing a load such as a pallet within a container such as a cargo trailer so as to prevent the load from side-to-side shifting or jostling. The load securing device includes an inner support telescopically connected to an outer support. The inner support includes a first brace and the outer support includes a second brace. The inner and outer supports each include a ratchet for drawing the supports towards or away from each other so as to lengthen or shorten the effective length of the load securing device. A handle is connected between the first and second ratchets so that the handle may adjust the ratchets. A locking device is included for selectively locking the handle in place to prevent further adjustment of the supports. The braces may be secured between a load and a container to secure the load within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Steven D. Couch
  • Patent number: 11001191
    Abstract: A tie-down assembly for selective attachment to a structure at an oblong aperture defined thereby and detachment therefrom includes an anchor arranged along an axis. The anchor has an oblong-shaped section configured to be inserted into the structure's oblong aperture. The anchor also has a knob section which turns the anchor's oblong-shaped section about the axis when a torque is applied to the knob section. The assembly also includes a rail mount configured to abut the oblong-shaped section, and defining a pocket for accepting the knob section and limiting rotation of the oblong-shaped section via contact with the knob section. The anchor's oblong-shaped section and the rail mount are together configured to sandwich therebetween material of the structure proximate the oblong aperture after the anchor's oblong-shaped section is inserted into and turned relative to the oblong aperture to thereby attach the tie-down assembly to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dusan Colovic, Clayton Davis, Mark Pulleyblank, Jeffrey A. Diegel