Abstract: A material created from interlocking parts is shown and described. Each interlocking includes a first side connected to a main beam at one end and a second side connected to the opposing end of the main beam. The interlocking part includes plurality of loops connected at least to the main beam. The interlocking part is configured to be secured to at least one additional interlocking part via the loops.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for unloading goods from an elevated platform that includes a platform and a ramp that can be rotated or orbited around a perimeter of a platform without rotating the platform. The ramp assembly uses an orbiting assembly that includes a rail and a rider in order to permit easy placement of a lower end of a ramp relative to the platform.

Abstract: A modular payload bed wall extension system includes a pickup truck having a pickup bed and a perimeter wall including an upper edge with four corners, a tailgate, a first side wall, a second side wall and a back wall. Each of the first and second side walls has a side wall mount secured thereto. Each of the corners has a corner mount positioned thereon. A plurality of slats is provided and includes lateral slats and end slats. At least two lateral slats extend between the corner mounts on the first lateral wall. At least two lateral slats extend between the corner mounts on the second lateral wall. At least two end slats extend between the corner mounts on the back wall. A plurality of fasteners extends through the corner mounts and corresponding slats.

Abstract: The flatbed enclosure is an apparatus that provides a comfortable and secure environment within a truck. The apparatus includes a first bed cover, a second bed cover, a first side rack, a second rack, a hydraulic system, and a truck bed. The first bed cover and the second bed cover uphold the first side rack the second side rack, respectively, as well as open and close the truck bed. The first side rack and the second side rack serve as a rack to secure and uphold a variety of items while in a retracted configuration. The first side rack and the second side rack also serve as a bench while in an extended configuration. The hydraulic system automatically retracts and extends the first bed cover and the second bed cover. The truck bed upholds the first bed cover, the second bed cover, a variety of items, and individuals.

Abstract: A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle. The device has a flexible and resilient tube assembly bowed from a normally straight position under tension to an arched position outwardly from the trailer or vehicle. The tube assembly may be removably mounted to the side walls of the trailer or vehicle via brackets with angled bores therethrough. The tube assembly comprises an outer tube and an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube. The inner tube may have a slot running along at least part of its length, such that the portion of the inner tube with the slot has a C-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A transition region between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component can be actively managed. In a pick-up truck, the first vehicle component can be a deck and the second vehicle component can be a cabin. A side shield can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the side shield can be located within the deck. In the deployed position, the side shield can extend at least partially out of the deck in a direction toward the cabin. Responsive to receiving an input indicating the position for the side shield, the side shield can be caused to be moved into or maintained in the indicated position. In some instances, the input can be provided automatically by the vehicle based on a detected vehicle condition, environment condition, and/or other condition. In some instances, the input can be received from a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable truck cap for a truck having a bed assembly having opposed first and second bed sidewalls that define first and second sidewall recesses, and having a cross wall that defines a cross wall recess. Extendable and retractable post assemblies are mounted on the bed in the first and second wall recesses and wall raising arms are mounted thereon. The wall raising arms raise and lower first and second roll-up sidewalls. A roll-up cover wall is disposed in the cross wall recess and are movable over the wall raising arms thus protecting the bed. In another embodiment there is provided an extendable and retractable panel cap where in the roll-up sidewalls are replaced with first and second cap panels. In another embodiment there is an extendable and retractable cab deployable panel cap having a cab panel that is extendable retractable over the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening/closing device for a load box gate on a freight vehicle, and the opening/closing device comprises: the load box defined by a front gate, a rear gate, and side gates on both sides with a bottom surface at the center, a front connection member for connecting the front gate and the side gates, and a rear connection member for connecting the rear gate and the side gates. According to the present invention, operation of opening or binding the rear gate or the side gates can be automated, and random release of the rear gate or the side gates can be prevented.

Abstract: A modular ramp and cargo box extension assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and ramps having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as loading ramps. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Vertical tracks are provided proximate walls of the cargo box and rails are provided in the tracks to retain the ramps and move between retracted and extended positions so as to extend the height of the cargo box.

Abstract: A bracket kit which enables a user to add upright side boards to a trailer which includes a flat bottom with a metal frame extending upward from the sides of the trailer. The bracket kit includes four brackets which are quickly and easily connected to the trailer frame and which include vertical channels into which uprights sideboards are inserted. The upright boards are held in place by the brackets and enable the trailer to contain and haul loose particulate matter such as mulch, sand, gravel or the like.

Abstract: Telescoping cap-rails for a trailer are extensible, hidden vertical pillars within two opposing side walls of a trailer. The extensible vertical pillars are connected at the top by a cap-rail sitting atop the side walls. A set of telescoping pillars is added to each of the two side walls bordering the bed of the trailer. When extended, either manually or via a powered option, the vertical pillars, which are joined at the top by the cap-rail, form a skeleton structure of a tall side wall. The cap-rail is a stabilizing connection. The skeleton structure can be used alone or with added horizontal beams inserted through horizontal access ports in the extended pillars. Preferably, the access ports allow passage of a standard 2×4 or other stake through the pillars to create added structural stability to each set of telescoping pillars.

Abstract: Telescoping side rails for a pickup truck are extensible, hidden vertical pillars within each side wall of a pickup truck. The extensible vertical pillars are connected at the top by the side rail sitting atop the side walls. A set of telescoping pillars is added to each of the two side walls bordering the bed of the pickup truck. When extended, either manually or via a powered option, the vertical pillars, which are joined at the top by the side rail, form a skeleton structure of a tall side wall. The side rail is an added stabilizing connection. The skeleton structure can be used alone or with added horizontal beams inserted through horizontal access ports in the extended pillars. Preferably, the access ports allow passage of a standard 2×4 or other stake through the pillars to create added structural stability to each set of telescoping pillars.

Abstract: A cover system for a substantially flat support surface on a vehicle includes plural removable panels configured to be disposed at opposite lateral sides of the support surface, lower supports which support lower surfaces of the panels and upper rails which retains upper surfaces of the panels at the opposite lateral sides of the support surface. Edge portions of the panels are shaped to overlap with the edge portions of adjacent side panels such that outermost surfaces of the panels extend substantially continuously when the panels are operatively disposed at the opposite lateral sides of the support surface. Each of the panels includes retaining device selectively fixing a lower portion of the panel on the vehicle.

Abstract: A stanchion for a tarpaulin structure, which can be locked onto a fixing member. The stanchion can be reliably locked and has an improved service life, achieved by the provision of a counter bearing and a support element, the latter being inserted between the fixing member and the counter bearing.

Abstract: The device for increasing volume of a container (24) has extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) pivotally mounted on an upper edge (31) of an upper opening (32) so as to form a cover at least partially closing the upper opening (32) when the extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) are in flat closed positions and an enlarging extension (27) for the container when the extension elements are in raised filling positions, neighboring extension elements being pivotally connected with each other, and at least one driving pivoting device (53), which pivots or swings each extension element (37, 38, 39, 40) from its flat closed position into its raised filling position (47, 48, 49, 50) out beyond a vertical position thereof in a direction toward an exterior of the container, or from its raised filling position into its flat closed position.

Abstract: A tailgate topper for a pickup truck tailgate has a transverse horizontally extending cross-bar supported by a pair of vertically movable support members which allow positioning of the cross-bar at a desired height above the tailgate. A plurality of upwardly biased popup blocks are disposed below said cross-bar within the tailgate so exert pressure upwardly against cargo extending between the cross-bar and the popup block.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The screen shield has a link mechanism. The screen shield is coupled to the upper portion of the cabin frame by the link mechanism so that the screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state.

Abstract: A collection of different sets of apparatus for holding vehicle accessories and joining them to differently configured vehicle cargo sockets. Due to the diversity of extant cargo socket constructions, even within a single vehicle, no single set of apparatus suffices to join an accessory to a socket. Therefore, to serve the singular purpose of joining an accessory to a vehicle cargo socket, multiple different connections are required. The difficulty of providing accessory connections is further exacerbated by the fact that socket constructions change from manufacturer to manufacturer; from model to model; and from year to year. Therefore, a collection of different sets of connections is required. Otherwise, an ongoing multitude of patents would be required to satisfy a single purpose. Thus, the present invention is a collection of different sets of apparatus, all having a singular purpose of joining accessories to vehicles.

Abstract: A motor bus body (8) has multiple wall extrusions (18, 48) that join respective sides to the roof (16). Each extrusion has an exterior wall (20) that when viewed lengthwise of the extrusion is concave toward an interior passenger space (10) and convex away from the interior passenger space to form a rounded exterior corner of the body. The extrusion also comprises an interior wall (22) that is concave toward the exterior wall (20) and that cooperates with the exterior wall to enclose a space that contains additional walls (36, 38) of the extrusion joining with the interior and exterior walls (20, 22).

Abstract: A mounting kit for a truck rack for a 2005 and later Toyota Tacoma® and other trucks having composite truck beds, which mounting kit has a pair of mirror image front brackets attachable to the truck frame, a pair of mirror image rear brackets attachable to a rear vertical beam of the truck, and two side rails of a truck rack having mirror image attachment points for connection the each of the four in toto front and rear brackets.

Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.

Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns a semi-trailer to be trailed by a tractor. The semi-trailer comprises a wheeled deck having two lateral sides, proximate and distal longitudinal end sides. The semi-trailer also comprises two wall structures so pivotably mounted to the deck along a respective lateral side thereof as to be movable between an upright position, where the semi-trailer is in a dry-box configuration, and a lay down position wherein the semi-trailer is in a flatbed configuration. The two pivotable wall structures allow the semi-trailer to be moved between the dry-box configuration and the flatbed configuration.

Abstract: A frameless modular trailer for towing behind a motor vehicle is provided. The trailer is made of slidably coupled extrusions for easy assembly. The front and side panels include a protrusion on the top surface. This protrusion allows for the stacking of additional panels for vary the height of the trailer. Additionally, one of a variety of top panels may be stacked on the front and side panels to multiple configurations for securing objects within the trailer.

Abstract: A cover system, for protectively covering a trailer, includes a plurality of stakes, stake-supported panels and stake-retaining pockets. Each pocket includes a base section, adapted to be fixed to the vehicle, and a movable section which moves between open and closed positions of the pocket. The stake-retaining pocket is formed when the movable section is in the closed position. Each stake includes an inner section and an outer section selectively connectable to the inner section to define a pair of panel-receiving recesses therebetween. The inner stake section is thicker than the outer section, and the outer section includes an intermediate portion for separating the panel-receiving recesses when the stake sections are connected together. Rails may be used above the stakes to hold the panels in place, and a plurality of bows may adjustably or non-adjustably support a tarp above the rails. A trailer incorporating the cover system is also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a road trailer whose frame consists of profiles having a fin to support the floor and grooves on their upper and lower faces able to retain in rotation bolt heads and the lower edges of sidewalls (10). The side members and cross bars are joined by corner pieces which have a vertical orifice to receive the lower end of a post (9) comprising orthogonal grooves housing the side edges of the sidewalls (10). The corner pieces (30) have two perpendicular arms respectively fitted into the adjacent ends of profiles forming the frame. Mounting of the elements requires little tooling.

Abstract: A cover system for a support surface on a vehicle includes multiple retaining pockets disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle adjacent the support surface, multiple stakes having lower ends which are removably received in said retaining pockets, respectively, such that the stakes extend substantially perpendicular to the support surface, multiple panels retained by said stakes at the lateral side of the vehicle, a rail supported on upper surfaces of said stakes such that the rail extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a locking mechanism which selectively locks the rail to at least one of said stakes and at least one of said pockets.

Abstract: A method for converting a dump truck body into an improved truck body. The dump truck body is configured for hauling a payload and has a canopy, a floor, two sidewalls, and a front wall. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: if the dump truck body has a tailgate, removing the tailgate; extending the floor to the rear by adding a floor extension component at a floor angle approximately ten degrees greater than a pre-conversion floor angle; increasing the height of the sidewalls by adding two fabricated sidewall attachment components; and tying the sidewall extensions into the rear of the floor extension component by adding a fabricated component. Preferably, a material dam is incorporated into the canopy forward of the front wall to form a shelf that is configured to retain and balance the payload.

Abstract: A cargo bed with multiple access points. The cargo bed comprises a front member, a back member, a cargo floor, and a pair of side members that move to allow access to the cargo floor from nearly all sides so as to allow a member access to the cargo floor from the sides of the cargo bed. The side members may rotate about an axis horizontal to the cargo floor, roll on a set of rails with an axis vertical to the cargo floor, open about an axis vertical to the cargo floor, or be removable. The cargo bed may further comprise receiving beams for receiving the side members and holding them in a closed position, or the receiving beams may be integrally built into the front, back, or side members.

Abstract: A portable safety rail arrangement is sized to be selectively mounted and removed from a flatbed trailer. A flatbed trailer includes a deck and at least one safety rail arrangement that is selectively mountable and removable from the trailer. In certain preferred implementations, there are a plurality of safety rail arrangements provided for the flatbed trailer, which can be arranged to form a continuous fence around the perimeter of the trailer. A method for providing a safety arrangement for a flatbed trailer includes mounting a single-piece safety rail onto the trailer.

Abstract: A construction for a cargo trailer side wall providing a plurality of horizontal scruff rails to extend farthest inwardly from the side wall and a plurality of post framing segments which do not extend inwardly past the scruff rails interconnecting one or more of the scruff rails and/or the floor and roof so as to provide a structural frame member reinforcing the side wall.

Abstract: A jointed lateral hopper door device capable of raising and retracting one or more lateral hopper doors upward, allowing a totally free access space without impeding access to the cargo material.

Abstract: A truck box cover/extension assembly for protecting the contents in the truck box and extending the vertical size of the truck box when needed to carry larger items. The truck box cover/extension assembly includes panel members being adapted to be hingedly attached to side walls of a truck box and to be closable and sealable upon the truck box; and also includes panel support members being removably attached to the panel members to support the panel members in upright vertical positions; and further includes stopper members for supporting the panel members in upright vertical positions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns that of a new and improved apparatus used to increase the capacity of a pickup truck bed. The apparatus comprises a trio of extensions that can be used on both sides of the pickup truck bed. The extensions would be mounted to the internal sides of the pickup truck bed and could be extended to different heights to accommodate a larger or smaller load. The present invention would come in different lengths for short bed and long bed pick-ups.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to means of opening lateral hopper doors of cargo vehicles, such as trucks, closed trucks, boxcars, trailers, or semi-trailers. In particular, it refers to a jointed lateral hopper door device capable of raising and retracting one or more lateral hopper doors upward, allowing a totally free access space without impeding access to the cargo material.

Abstract: A pair of rails that are movable from a collapsed position to an extended position and function to increase the cargo-carrying volume and stability of a pick-up truck bed. The rails are mounted on rods which are mounted for vertical movement. In the collapsed position, the rods are nested between the outer and inner walls of the truck bed. Similar structure is provided for the tailgate. The rods are provided with vertically spaced apertures so that the cargo may be safely tied down. A wall may be attached to each rail so that the truck bed will be laterally enclosed when the rails are in an extended position. A detachable canopy is provided to span the rails and enclose the top of the bed.

Abstract: A side gate assembly for use with flatbed article transport vehicles of the character having longitudinally spaced apart stake receiving pockets disposed along the sides of the bed. The side gate assembly comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected gates that can be easily moved from a securely locked position on the truck bed into a folded positioned so as to permit the vehicle to be loaded from the side, as for example, using a conventional forklift truck. The side gate assembly also includes a novel, easy-to-use locking means for releasably locking the assembly securely in position along the side of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is a utility trailer incorporating a flatbed trailer combined with a detachable stock trailer shell, a removable center divider and a removable fabric roof cover, allowing use of the trailer as an open flat bed, an open stock trailer with one or two stalls, or a covered stock trailer.

Abstract: A combination side panel and storage container assembly for use with a pickup truck. The truck includes a bed defined by a bottom, a front wall, extending side walls and a rear tail gate, the side walls. The assembly includes a pair of main side panels each having a substantially planar and elongated shape and engageable in fixed and upwardly extending fashion from the extending side walls of the truck bed. A pair of rear side panels each also have a substantially planar and elongated shape and are interengageable in horizontally inserting fashion with associated main side panels, concurrent with affixing in upwardly extending fashion from the extending side walls of the truck bed. A storage container supported upon the truck bed bottom in proximity to the rear tail gate, said storage container including a hingedly secured lid.

Abstract: An integrated bed side step assembly is provided for a pick-up truck having a bed. The integrated bed side step assembly includes a body opening assembly forming one side of the bed and having an opening extending therethrough above a floor of the bed to allow access to an interior of the bed. The integrated bed side step assembly also includes a door assembly operatively cooperating with the body opening assembly to open and close the opening and having at least one step to allow an operator to step up into and access the interior of the bed.

Abstract: A load hauling vehicle such as a truck or trailer having a bed which can be loaded or unloaded either from the side or the rear of the bed. A typical vehicle such as a trailer shown herein has a tail gate which can be opened and has one or both side walls which are hinged at the bottom edge to an adjacent edge of the bottom of the bed so that the sidewalls can be swung by a power activated linkage assembly, from an upwardly extending closed position to a downwardly extending open position. The trailer bed can also be tilted upwardly and rearwardly in the manner of a typical dump truck to empty a load out the back end of the trailer bed when the tail gate is released to open. The trailer bed can be raised to a dump position by a typical hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A security lock is provided for a door having a top, a bottom, a frame and a deadbolt lock. The security lock includes a first bolt which is mountable on the door so as to extend to the top thereof to selectively engage the frame near the top of the door. There is a second bolt mountable on the door so as to extend to the bottom thereof to selectively engage the frame near the bottom of the door. There is also a mechanism which operatively connects the first bolt and the second bolt to the deadbolt lock. When the deadbolt lock is engaged, the first bolt and the second bolt engage the frame. When the deadbolt lock is disengaged, the first bolt and the second bolt are disengaged from the frame.

Abstract: A side gate assembly for use with flatbed article transport vehicles of the character having longitudinally spaced apart stake receiving pockets disposed along the sides of the bed. The side gate assembly comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected gates that can be easily moved from a securely locked position on the truck bed into a folded positioned so as to permit the vehicle to be loaded from the side, as for example, using a conventional forklift truck. The side gate assembly also includes a novel, easy-to-use locking means for releasably locking the assembly securely in position along the side of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a rail cap for use on the wall of the cargo area of a pickup truck. The rail cap includes an elongate main body having first and second portions generally at right angles to one another, and a clamp extending along the main body. The clamp has an elongate element, a first actuator coupling the elongate element to the second portion, and operable to draw the elongate element towards the second portion, and a second actuator coupled to the elongate element and operable to push the elongate element away from the first portion. The rail cap can be assembled on the bed rail of a pickup truck without modifying the bed rail by drilling.

Abstract: The freight car has an undercarriage and a running carriage connected to the undercarriage. A container is connected to the undercarriage. The container has side walls, positioned in the longitudinal direction of the freight car, and closed end walls extending transversely to the side walls at opposite ends of the freight car. The side walls have lateral posts and longitudinal supports connecting the end walls and the laterals posts. At least one of the side walls has a closable opening for loading and unloading goods to be transported in the freight car. The at least one opening extends over the entire length of the side wall. The at least one side wall has at least one pair of folding doors arranged in a common vertical plane for closing the opening in a closed position of the folding doors. Each one of the folding doors of the pair has a horizontal pivot axis.

Abstract: A sidewall extender for a wheelbarrow for increasing the carrying capacity of the wheelbarrow. The sidewall extender for a wheelbarrow includes a flexible sheet of material having a length such that the sheet of material fastens to the side-walls and encloses about the bin and extends the side-walls to a height of approximately 3 feet with the sheet of material being made of canvas or some other type of vinyl; and further includes a plurality of fastening members securely attached along the first and second end edges and bottom edge of the sheet of material and also along top edges of the side-walls of the wheelbarrow for fastening the sheet of material to the wheelbarrow. The first and second end edges are fastened together when the sheet of material is secured to the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A bracket that is suitable for attachment to the rails of a pick-up truck or dump truck cargo body has attachment holes that support two perpendicular rails in orthogonal arrangement with respect to a cargo box railing or surface. The brackets are readily formed from low cost materials and may be stamped and formed with a minimum number of processing steps using a preferred method of the invention. When used in combination with existing cargo and dump boxes and other cargo carrying vehicles, the brackets extend the utility of the vehicle and offer a faster recovery of capital.

Abstract: A racking system (10) for a pick up vehicle (21) including a pair of side frames (11) which are each mountable to an associated side wall (20) of the pick up vehicle (21) including one or more tie bars (16, 17, 18) and which side frames (11) are each pivotable about a longitudinal axis from an extended position to a lowered position and a pair of end frames (12) wherein each end frame (12) is releasably attachable to respective ends (37) of the pair of side frames (11) wherein the racking system (10) is self-bracing in the extended position.

Abstract: A multi-use structure for use in combination with a pickup truck. The structure includes a pair of longitudinal panels, each panel having a number of pocket stakes that are movably adjustable along the bottom edge of the panel to align with the pockets in the sidewalls of a pickup bed. This adjustment allows the panels to be used as sideboards on a variety of pickup truck models that may have various stake pocket spacings. When the situation requires, the panels may be removed from the stake pockets and the panels may be positioned at the rear of the truck and used as ramps. A strap with a lip positioned at one end of each panel extends down to engage the tailgate or bed of the truck to provide a firmer grip when the panels are positioned as ramps. A pair of sleeves attached at one end of one of the panels acts to telescopically connect the panels in end-to-end relationship where the panels may be used as a ladder or bridge.

Abstract: A process for demolishing a bridge deck by a truck assembly equipped with a a receptacle comprised of a right side and a left side and a first wing rotatably connected to the right side of the receptacle. The process includes the steps of: (a) disposing the truck assembly beneath the bridge deck, (b) rotating the first wing upwardly and outwardly from the right side of the receptacle to a first position, (c) supporting the first wing in its first position by a support contiguous with the first wing, (d) demolishing the bridge deck and causing debris to fall therefrom, (d) receiving debris from the bridge deck within the receptacle, (e) ceasing supporting the first wing in its first position and moving it downwardly and inwardly towards the right side of the receptacle, (f) moving the truck assembly, and (g) removing debris from the receptacle.