In Exposed Array Therealong Patents (Class 410/108)
  • Patent number: 8475096
    Abstract: A tonneau cover cargo containment track rail system including a cargo hold down and at least one tonneau cover rail. The cargo hold down has a base portion and a handle portion. The handle portion is operably attached to the base portion for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The tonneau cover rail has a first attachment mechanism attached thereto. The first attachment mechanism is adapted to receive a portion of the cargo hold down to retain the cargo hold down in engagement with the tonneau cover rail while permitting the cargo hold down to move with respect to the tonneau cover rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Spencer, Kelly Kneifl, Timothy Nelson
  • Patent number: 8414009
    Abstract: An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products
    Inventors: Eric J. Stanifer, Richard W. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8360385
    Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a plate fastened removably to the cup by fasteners. The cup includes a first sidewall, an interior portion, and a plurality of seats that extends within the interior portion. The plate an aperture to receive tie down connectors. The plate includes a plurality of tabs. The plate is positioned within the interior portion of the cup and rests on the seats. When the plate requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure. Each of the tabs of the plate is positioned within a space between adjacent pairs of the seats of the cup and is adapted to engage the seats of the cup so as to inhibit rotation of the plate relative to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: James Burg, David Silvio, Eric G. Bogan, Robert J. Speer, Brett P. Conner
  • Patent number: 8016527
    Abstract: A logistics strip defining at least one opening therethrough may be bonded to an inner surface of a storage container side wall. At least one channel may be formed in the inner surface of the side wall. A bonding medium may be applied to an underside of the logistics strip along opposite sides thereof with the at least one opening positioned therebetween. The at least one opening may then be aligned over the at least one channel. The underside of the logistics strip may then be contacted with the inner surface of the side wall such that the bonding medium contacts and bonds to the inner surface of the side wall on both sides of the at least one channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: David A. Pattison, Zach Millikan
  • Patent number: 7798753
    Abstract: A cargo container having a floor and a peripheral wall structure and including a plurality of side post assemblies. Each side post assembly has a body with a vertically extending length. The body of each side post assembly is secured at the outside surface of at least one of the panels. Each side post assembly further has a reinforcement plate with oppositely facing first and second surfaces. The first surface is facially abutted to the outside surface of the at least one panel. The body of the side post at least partially overlies the reinforcement plate. A logistics slot is formed in one of the side post assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Translead
    Inventor: Howard Yurgevich
  • Patent number: 7740431
    Abstract: A truck tie-down receiving system includes a pick-up truck that includes a cabin and a bed attached to the cabin. The bed includes a pair of lateral walls. Each of the lateral walls has an upper edge. A pair of mountings is provided and each of the upper edges has one of the mountings attached thereto. Each of the mountings has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. Tie-down members may be extended through the apertures in the mountings to secure the tie-downs to the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis J. Baker
  • Patent number: 7704026
    Abstract: The improved composite panel trailer sidewall of the present invention provides a recessed groove or a pair of recessed grooves on the interior of the panel that are spaced apart from the edges of the panel. Slots are cut in the composite panel in the recessed groove or between the recessed grooves. An interior vertical support having logistics slots is seated in the recessed groove or grooves to provide additional locations to secure and divide cargo without creating snag points in the interior of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Vanguard National Trailer Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Roush, DeWayne Williams
  • Publication number: 20090267318
    Abstract: A low profile hold down assembly is mounted to the exterior surface of a sidewall of a trailer. The hold down assembly includes a cover member formed from the same material from which the sidewall of the trailer is formed and therefore is aesthetically desirable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: MICHAEL THOMA, DANNY L. GILBERT, FRANCIS SMIDLER
  • Patent number: 7473062
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system is provided, comprising a floor structure defining a number of anchorage openings made thereon with each anchorage opening defining a maximum width. The cargo restraint system also comprises at least one elbowed fastener having an elongated head portion defining a length greater than the anchorage opening maximum width and a maximal cross-sectional width smaller than the anchorage opening maximum width, the elbowed fastener also defining a body portion connected transversely to the head portion; wherein the head portion of the elbowed fastener can be inserted into one of the anchorage openings of the floor structure and the body portion can extend from this anchorage opening and project away from the floor structure. Moreover, at least one cargo restraint member is provided in the cargo restraint system, for restraining movement of a cargo item about the floor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Cresswell Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Laflamme
  • Patent number: 7413390
    Abstract: A cargo anchoring system includes anchor rings with an opening formed therein. Each ring has a tongue monolithically formed with an outer perimeter thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. Each tongue has planar top and bottom surfaces respectively oriented perpendicular to a central axis of a corresponding one of the ring openings. Each tongue has an aperture formed therein. Each of a plurality of bars has a groove formed in an outer surface thereof and penetrates through corresponding ones of the apertures of the tongues. A plurality of cotter pins engages corresponding ones of the grooves and prevents the bars from separating from the tongues. A plurality of rails is connected to the rings and the existing vehicle. An anchor plate, including a hitch ball, is coupled to inner surfaces of the rails and centrally positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Allison, Jr., Laurie Lynk
  • Patent number: 7387481
    Abstract: An outer hook mounting structure for a cargo box, comprising: a side panel formed by an outer panel and an inner panel extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle on a side of the cargo box; a reinforcement disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel and fixed to the inner panel; passage holes provided in correspondence with the outer panel, the reinforcement, and the inner panel; and an outer hook passing through the outer panel and having an end portion fixed to the reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Suzuki, Yoshihisa Kojima
  • Patent number: 7001122
    Abstract: A truck bed liner for a truck bed having a bed floor and two opposing bed walls is provided. The bed liner includes a bed floor configured to be disposed along the floor of the truck bed. The bed liner also includes two opposing side walls which conform the truck bed side walls, and a third wall attached to the side walls near the front of the truck bed. Each of the side walls includes a rail integrally formed with a corresponding side wall, and running the length of the side wall. Each of the rails includes a plurality of threaded holes which can be used to attach cargo items using threaded fasteners. Each of the holes also includes a cleanout, which provides for removal of dirt and debris from the holes, and facilitates the use of a lockable threaded fastener to more securely attach cargo items to the bed liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph W. Bommarito, John E. Nemazi
  • Patent number: 6887021
    Abstract: An apparatus for straightening and reinforcing a pickup truck bed wall having a bowed cornice, the apparatus including of a ā€œUā€ beam having a bed wall drawing flange, the bed wall drawing flange having upper and lower ends, a rear flange having upper and lower ends, a web spanning between the upper ends of the bed wall drawing flange and the rear flange, and having a plurality of screw receiving apertures extending through the web; and including left and right pivotally mounted ā€œDā€ rings mounted upon the rear flange by left and right ring mount plates; the straightening and reinforcing including steps of providing such apparatus, placing the apparatus over the cornice, drilling screw receiving apertures into the cornice, inserting screws through the screw receiving apertures, and turning the screws in a left to right or right to left succession, drawing the apparatus downward over the cornice, and causing the bed wall drawing flange to straighten the bow of the cornice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Mitchell D. Herring
  • Patent number: 6709209
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6626622
    Abstract: A sidewall for a cargo container is provided having at least one pair of composite panels joined together. Each composite panel includes an inside and an outside face member, each member having a body portion and at least one joint portion. The inside face member of each composite panel has an inclined portion connecting the body and at least one joint portions. At least one joint portion of the inside face member of each composite panel is parallel to and abuts a joint portion of the outside face member of the composite panel, each composite panel having a core member sandwiched between and bonded to the body portions of the inside and outside face members. Adjacent composite panels are joined at an outer surface of a joint portion of the first or second member of a first composite panel which overlaps and abuts an outer surface of a joint portion of the first or second member of a second composite panel. The first composite panel and second composite panel are joined through logistics plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Strick Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Zubko
  • Patent number: 6626623
    Abstract: A load tying assembly consisting of first and second hook plates, each having a plurality of hook receiving apertures therethrough; and at least a first “T” hook having first and second hook ends, the “T” hook being insertable between the first and second hook plates for respective engagement of the first and second hooks ends with a pair of apertures among the first and second pluralities of hook apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: David A. DeLay
  • Patent number: 6585466
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. The alternative embodiment anchor is particularly adapted to installation with a new-floor, being a tube mounted anchor providing a strong, economical mounting where vertical clearance, and particularly angle, adjustment is not needed. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson, David P. Crovetti
  • Patent number: 6565300
    Abstract: A cargo tie down assembly attachment method for straightening and reinforcing a pickup truck bed wall having a bowed cornice, the apparatus including of a “U” beam having a bed wall drawing flange, the bed wall drawing flange having upper and lower ends, a rear flange having upper and lower ends, a web spanning between the upper ends of the bed wall drawing flange and the rear flange, and having a plurality of screw receiving apertures extending through the web; and including left and right pivotally mounted “D” rings mounted upon the rear flange by left and right ring mount plates; the straightening and reinforcing method including steps of providing such apparatus, placing the apparatus over the cornice, drilling screw receiving apertures into the cornice, inserting screws through the screw receiving apertures, and turning the screws in a left to right or right to left succession, drawing the apparatus downward over the cornice, and causing the bed wall drawing flange to straighten t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mitchell D. Herring
  • Patent number: 6530730
    Abstract: A tie system for the bed of a pick-up truck or an article-receiving tray has elongated coplanar corrugated ribs, with selected ribs or portions of ribs having spaced holes or openings extending horizontally therethrough for enabling hook-ended elastic tie downs to anchor objects that are being transported. Provision is made to avoid communication through the holes from one side of the system or tray to the other, thus rendering it leak-proof. The strength, minimal friction during loading, cleanability and water impermeability characteristics of the liner are retained, while adding the desirable feature of being able to selectively anchor objects of any shape and size in any location on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick B. Swensen
  • Patent number: 6494651
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6481941
    Abstract: A lading tie anchor for use in a railway boxcar having an interior metal lining, the lining having an aperture or indentation formed therein for receipt of the anchor, with the anchor comprising a one-piece body adapted to be received or seated in the opening or indentation in the metal lining. The anchor has at least two opposed edge portions that define a central opening, with the edge portions engaging the metal lining. A continuous, vertically-orientated anchoring post spans the central opening, the post including an aperture or drain hole in its lower portion to facilitate the transportation of liquid from the anchor into the aperture or indentation in the metal lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ireco, LLC
    Inventors: Rudolph E. Nadherny, Peter R. Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 6270301
    Abstract: A tiedown rail system including a plurality of tie anchors secures cargo on a pickup truck bed. The invention includes an elongated tubular four-sided rail that is mounted on the rim of a pickup truck cargo bed front wall. A three-sided channel could also be used, having openings that face the truck cab. The rail system includes repositionable anchor assemblies for attaching an end of a cargo strap to secure transported cargo in the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Keith A. Dunlop
  • Patent number: 6168360
    Abstract: A hook and rail for use with tensioned webs and the like wherein the hook is defined by an opening in a stamped plate body having a throat through which a rail is received when the hook is angularly oriented to the rail in a particular manner. The hook body has a tension axis and the dimension of the hook throat parallel to the tension axis is less than the dimension of the rail in the direction of the tension axis during hook operation. The hook opening includes a recess and a guide surface whereby upon release of the tension in the web, and movement of the hook under gravity, positions the rail in the opening recess maintaining the anchor captured within the hook opening and the rail configuration prevents disengagement of the hook unless the hook is rotated through a specific motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Shane Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard T. Knox
  • Patent number: 6149361
    Abstract: A securement device for securing an item in position. A member has an elongate slot along its length and has configured openings at intervals along the length of the slot. Cords are stored on or in the member. A neck portion of the head end of the cord is movable along the slot and into any one of the configured openings. A desired length of cord is withdrawn through the configured opening and attached to an item to secure an item in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Schrader Dane Corporation
    Inventor: Darren Schrader
  • Patent number: 5788437
    Abstract: A cargo tie down assembly and method of use thereof for a vehicle platform. The tie down assembly includes a tie down member for securing cargo on such a vehicle platform. The tie down member has an opening therethrough. An anchor is adapted to extend in a first opening in a rail of such a vehicle platform. The anchor extends across the opening in the tie down member for restricting movement of the tie down member between an operative and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Stahl.Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: George Kalis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5533848
    Abstract: A tie-down system is disclosed for securing a payload carried by a transportation device such as a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or to a stationary structure. A half-round rod track having a longitudinal channel and slot is attached to the transportation device, and a carriage is slidably movable withing the channel and slot. The carriage is secured to the track at various positions by a S-shaped hook disposed through a hole in the carriage aligned with one of a plurality of notches in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Oliver M. Davis
  • Patent number: 5364211
    Abstract: A vehicular pickup truck bed is arranged to include an anchor bar structure having tie-down fingers projecting therefrom, wherein the tie-down fingers extend from a side wall of the anchor bar exteriorly of the pickup truck bed and below a bottom wall of the anchor bar. The anchor bar is arranged for mounting to the pickup truck top wall or side wall in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Gary J. Lund
  • Patent number: 5020948
    Abstract: A belt fitting engagement rail has a rail body for mounting on the inside of a side of a container and having a center portion bulged laterally from the longitudinally extending edge portions. The center portion has a plurality of engagement holes therein spaced along the length of the rail at constant intervals. The engagement holes each have a cross-shape defined by two elongated intersecting portions, one such portion extending longitudinally of the rail and the other extending transversely of the rail. The ends of the transversely extending portions are spaced inwardly of the edge portions to leave a space on the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ihara Kogyo
    Inventor: Ryoseki Ihara