Abstract: A system for immobilizing vehicles having pneumatic tires during shipment utilizing tire chocks on each side of the tire and a flexible web harness passing over the tire upper circumference having ends affixed to the chocks. A winch mounted upon one chock tensions the harness while a quick-release fitting at the other end of the harness attaches to the other chock. The configuration of the quick-release fitting, the type of tensioning winch employed, the relationship of the winch to its associated chock and the construction of the harness are all features of the invention.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for tensioning chains as may be used to tie down and position cargo. A pair of elongated members each have an outer end on which a tension transmitting fitting is mounted, and at their inner ends the members are telescopingly interrelated and adjustably interconnected through a resilient impact cushion placed under compression by tension forces transmitted between the members. A non-compressible sleeve prevents overcompression of the impact cushion and the apparatus includes adjustable elements for precompressing the cushion.

Abstract: A dunnage bar system for freight containers utilizing a fixed elongated track cooperable with fittings mounted upon the opposite ends of an elongated bar. The bar fittings including a head captive within the associated track affixed to a neck extending through an elongated slot wherein the fitting may be adjusted along the track length and openings formed in the track selectively cooperate with head projections to lock the fitting against longitudinal track displacement. The dunnage bar fittings are releasable from the track openings by a rotative movement of the head either with, or relative to the bar, and with a relatively movable head a latch is associated therewith locking the fitting head relative to its bar.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an anchor for cargo carts wherein transported carts are restrained against movement within a cargo compartment. The anchor consists of a jack type implement utilizing a screw interconnecting telescoping tubular sections wherein the anchor includes a fitting attachable to permanently installed cargo control track within the cargo compartment. The anchor is formed of economically producible components, and is readily attached to, or removed from, the track by orienting the telescoping sections in a predetermined manner to the track.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a releasable fitting for anchoring webs such as used in cargo control systems, the fitting including two side plates having a keeper plate located therebetween, and the plates each including an opening through which a web loop is passed. An anchor supports the side plates, and may also support the keeper plate, and is pivotally related to the plates wherein the plates may swivel with respect to the anchor to permit alignment of the plates with the web tension force or may swivel to a non-protruding position to protect the web. The anchor includes projections for selective locking reception within a support member opening, and latch tabs defined upon the side and keeper plates are located within the support member opening to prevent accidental release of the anchor therefrom at all pivotal positions of the plates.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an automatic brake slack adjuster wherein incremental vehicle brake adjustments are automatically produced as brake lining wear occurs. The novel features include the simplification of structure, the provision of preadjustment including a drive gear which is automatically disengaged from a worm gear upon the placing of a wrench upon an adjustment shaft to simplify preadjustment, and a universal bracket is utilized permitting the adjuster to be readily employed with a wide variety of vehicle brake rod structures eliminating the need for special fittings and modifications.

Abstract: A portable tie-down device detachably mounted to a recessed anchor having a plurality of crossbars. The tie-down device includes a stationary stabilizer plate having a like plurality of depending torque lugs engaging the sides of the crossbars and a body member rotatable between two positions and having a like plurality of engaging dogs alignable with the torque lugs in one position and engageable with the anchor crossbars in the other position for detachably securing the tie-down device to the anchor. A manually operable locking bolt carried by the body member and selectively engageable with a locking groove in the stabilizer mechanically locks the rotatable body member to the stabilizer on the one position, thereby locking the tie-down device to the anchor.

Abstract: A compression fitting for use with tubular conduits wherein the fitting includes means for retaining the desired positioning of the conduit or tube within the fitting prior to completion of the making of the joint by the tightening of the compression nut. The tube retaining means disclosed take the form of two embodiments. One of the tube retainers is in the form of gripping means which engage the tube when initially inserted into the fitting to prevent partial axial withdrawal of the tube prior to completion of the joint. Spring biased edges embed into the tube exterior surface preventing inadvertent axial displacement of the tube prior to axial forces being imposed upon the tube during completion of the joint. The second type of tube retention utilizes a plurality of serrations engaging the end of the tube which embed into the tube end and retain the tube against rotation relative to the fitting during tightening of the compression nut.

Abstract: A coupling for closed fluid systems, such as refrigeration systems, wherein components of the refrigeration system may be precharged with refrigerant, and upon interconnection of the couplings communication between the components is established. The couplings include male and female members each having a passage sealed by a frangible diaphragm. The male member includes a tubular extension having an outer end sealed by a diaphragm whose periphery is axially slidably mounted upon the extension and interconnection of the coupling members engages the male member diaphragm with an abutment surface on the female member, preferably the female diaphragm, restraining the male diaphragm from axial displacement as the members are interconnected. The male extension passes through the diaphragms upon both members piercing and folding the ruptured diaphragms upon the exterior surface of the extension completely clearing the passage defined between the coupling members.