Array Strip Or Formation Patents (Class 410/115)
  • Patent number: 11772541
    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: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: STI HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Steven Paul Moore
  • Patent number: 11618510
    Abstract: A cargo body panel includes an interior side, an exterior side, a primary recess, a secondary recess positioned within the primary recess, and a logistics track. The interior side defines an interior plane. The exterior side defines an exterior plane. The primary recess includes a primary recess interior side defining a primary recess interior plane and a primary recess exterior side defining a primary recess exterior plane. The primary recess interior plane is recessed from the interior plane in a direction toward the exterior plane. The secondary recess includes a secondary recess interior side defining a secondary recess interior plane and a secondary recess exterior side defining a secondary recess exterior plane. A distance between the secondary recess interior plane and the interior plane is greater than a distance between the primary recess interior plane and the interior plane. The secondary recess exterior plane is non-coplanar with the exterior plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Fenton
  • Patent number: 11512520
    Abstract: A container for the storage of valuables and a service to retrieve the container is disclosed. The container is designed to contain valuables and important documents, and protect these contents during an emergency evacuation situation. The container is waterproof and can float in water. The container can also be made of a flame-resistant material. The container can emit a homing signal to facilitate the retrieval of the container in the event of an emergency situation. A container retrieval service can initiate a retrieval of the container in response to a determination that a disaster is likely to occur in the region where the container is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Emily Margaret Gray, Brian Francisco Shipley, Justin Dax Haslam, Robert Wiseman Simpson, Donnette L. Moncrief Brown, Eric David Schroeder, Michael J. Maciolek, Bobby Lawrence Mohs, Manfred Amann, Rochelle Ann Tijerina, Meredith Beveridge
  • Patent number: 11413944
    Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle cargo box includes a utility rail and a utility track cover. The utility rail is configured to be installed to the cargo box. The utility track cover is configured to be removably disposed over the utility rail. The utility track cover has a base, a guide rail and a stopper. The guide rail extends along a longitudinal length of the base. The stopper is defined by the guide rail. The stopper is integrally connected to the base at a first contact point and a second contact point between the stopper and the base. The first and second contact points are spaced from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Thomas, III, Scott Dearing
  • Patent number: 10676011
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a logistic rail assembly configured to be installed within a composite panel of a vehicle, the composite panel being comprised of an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a core member positioned between the inner and outer sheet, the logistic rail comprising a central portion including a plurality of apertures formed therein, the central portion defining a first thickness and first and second outer flange portions coupled to the central portion to position the central portion therebetween, wherein the first and second outer flange portions are configured to be coupled to the inner sheet of the composite panel, and wherein the first and second outer flange portions define a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Ian Fox, Mark Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 9745003
    Abstract: A protective rail for a trailer is formed of an extension or ridge projecting outwardly from a wall of the trailer and extending along at least a part of a length of the wall. The protective rail is provided with tie-down anchors for coupling with tie-downs having couplers such as rings, eyes, or loops. The anchors may tongues formed in the protective rail when the protective rail is cut-out at selected locations along the protective rail. The anchors may be sized and shaped such that the surrounding portion of the protective rail prevents or tends to prevent other trailers or objects contacting the protective rail from damaging or becoming caught on the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Kloepfer, Rick Lees
  • Patent number: 9517714
    Abstract: A connector anchor has a longitudinal axis and an aperture for receiving the buckle clip. The aperture has a first extent portion extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving a buckle clip in a first orientation. The aperture has a second extent portion crossing the first extend portion and extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving the buckle clip in a second, different orientation. The aperture has a third extent portion crossing the first and second extend portions and extending in a direction at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving the buckle clip in a third, different orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Winston Products LLC
    Inventors: Winston Breeden, III, Ryan William Chepla, Aaron Misener
  • Patent number: 9333898
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use within a cargo container. The system comprises vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slidably disposed within the ends of the beams. The posts can accommodate alternative beam end configurations. One configuration includes a foot with angled guide edges slidably captured within the guide channels. An alternate configuration comprises coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force. This alternate configuration has an identical latch mechanism at both ends and is reversibly mountable within the decking beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: B2B Casuals, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrell P. Squyres
  • Patent number: 9315143
    Abstract: The present invention provides vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings (either A or E slots) and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slideably disposed within the ends of the beams. The posts can accommodate alternative beam end configurations. One configuration includes a foot with angled guide edges slideably captured within the guide channels. An alternate configuration comprises coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force. By using industry standard A or E slots, the mounting posts are also compatible with off-the-shelf beams and straps configured for A and E slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: B2B Casuals, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrell P. Squyres
  • Patent number: 8985921
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Travis Smith McCloud
  • Patent number: 8882417
    Abstract: A strap provides additional connection points in a vehicle bed to tethers at more convenient locations than OEM anchor points. The strap includes a ring or series of rings that are connected by webbing segments. A tensioning device is included in the strap to adjust the length of the strap and to provide tension when installed. Two straps can be used along the lateral sides of a pickup-truck bed. Tether such as bungee chords, ropes, straps, or cargo nets can be placed from one strap to another to secure cargo in the bed in ways that are not possible when using the OEM anchor points alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Skellen Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Scott Sauerwald
  • Patent number: 8567741
    Abstract: A seat rail for attaching seats in aircraft is provided. The seat rail includes a profile element for attaching the seats, and a support element for attaching the seat rail in an aircraft. At least the support element is manufactured from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The surface of the aluminum or the aluminum alloy includes, an oxide layer, and the oxide layer has been manufactured by means of hard anodic oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Roming, Gastao De Freitas, Daniel Heydorn
  • Patent number: 8506221
    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: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Pattison, Zach Millikan
  • Patent number: 8393838
    Abstract: A side rail apparatus facilitates the securement of a load being carried on the bed or deck of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a side rail and a tie plate. The side rail has an upper horizontal member configured to be substantially continuous with the deck support surface when mounted to the vehicle, and a vertical member that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal member. The vertical member has a horizontally directed recess formed in a top outer edge thereof to create a generally horizontal slot with a side opening through which the tie plate is received. The shape of the tie plate and of the slot is such that the tie plate, once inserted in the slot, is self-retained therein and will not disengage while the securement device is attached and tightened. In addition, the placement of the slot in the vertical member of the side rail effectively prevents material of various types from accumulating in the slot such that the side rail apparatus is ready for use with minimal preparation and effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wilson Trailer Company
    Inventor: Brett Plazek
  • Patent number: 8272821
    Abstract: At least one embodiment pertains to a portable tie-down anchor device, system, and kit comprising: a fabric body having a first end; a first clasp coupled to the first end of the fabric body; a tie-down hardware device coupled to the fabric body and configured to adjust a length of the anchor device; a second clasp coupled to the tie-down hardware device; and a plurality of holes positioned along a length of the fabric body, and wherein the anchor device is configured to secure cargo to a truck bed. The plurality of holes provide additional anchor points for the truck bed, and are adapted to receive an end of a securement device, such as a bungee cord, netting, rope, tarp, or an adjustable strap. The first clasp and the second clasp are each configured to removeably couple to a permanent anchor located in or about the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: West Bayberry, LLC
    Inventor: Donna Digman
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110211930
    Abstract: At least one embodiment pertains to a portable tie-down anchor device, system, and kit comprising: a fabric body having a first end; a first clasp coupled to the first end of the fabric body; a tie-down hardware device coupled to the fabric body and configured to adjust a length of the anchor device; a second clasp coupled to the tie-down hardware device; and a plurality of holes positioned along a length of the fabric body, and wherein the anchor device is configured to secure cargo to a truck bed. The plurality of holes provide additional anchor points for the truck bed, and are adapted to receive an end of a securement device, such as a bungee cord, netting, rope, tarp, or an adjustable strap. The first clasp and the second clasp are each configured to removeably couple to a permanent anchor located in or about the truck bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: WEST BAYBERRY, LLC
    Inventor: Donna Digman
  • 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: 7731461
    Abstract: A load-bearing rail is provided for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which is used for accommodating a load-bearing eyelet that can be guided therein in a movable and lockable manner. To provide a load-bearing rail for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which may assume additional functions in order to both keep the weight low and to reduce the number of parts and thus to lower the cost of production, the load-bearing rail is provided with a bracket, which sticks out laterally and which serves as a support for a floor of the cargo space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Stoeckl, Werner P. Schlecht, Thomas Seeg, Henning Sparrer
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7600954
    Abstract: A load securing device (20) for a pick-up truck (100) cargo bed (102) having at least one sidewall (104), the at least one sidewall including a cap portion (106) having a top portion (110) and a vertical portion (112) is provided. The load securing device generally includes a tubular member (22) having a first surface (30) and a second surface (32), the tubular member being adapted to be coupled to the cap portion in a manner that positions the first surface of the tubular member adjacent one of either the top portion or the vertical portion of the cap portion. When coupled to the cap portion, the tubular member is substantially visually obscured by the cap portion. The load securing device further includes at least one attachment member (24) extending from the second surface of the tubular member to provide a tie-down anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Marcott
  • Patent number: 7503737
    Abstract: A cargo box inner comprised of a center floor panel, a pair of outboard floor panels, a pair of sidewall panels, and an understructure framework, with one or more of these parts comprised of aluminum. The sidewall panels surround a cargo bed and extend from the outboard panels by a predetermined angle. The outboard panels extend from a pair of opposing side portions of the center floor panel. These side portions are offset from a longitudinal axis of the center floor panel. The center floor panel and the outboard floor panels are attached to the understructure framework, which includes a pair of longitudinal rails and a series of lateral rails. Each longitudinal rail defines a slot and a channel in open communication with the cargo bed for receiving a fastener and securing a cargo item to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew M. Sherman
  • Patent number: 7435044
    Abstract: A removable adapter system allows a freight car sidewall with lading tie anchors to accommodate rub rails for cargo transportation and to remove the rub rails when desired. Bolts specially configured to fit between a lading tie anchor and the associated indentation in the sidewall are spaced apart for aligning vertical strips. The vertical strips include a plurality of attachment members which hold rub rails that run from at or spaced from the front or back wall of the freight car to at or spaced from the door opening. The adapter system can be applied and removed with standard hand tools, so the sidewall is easily changed from a lading tie anchor system to a rub rail system and back to a lading tie anchor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Ireco, LLC
    Inventors: Rudolph E. Nadherny, David R. Early
  • Patent number: 7431549
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved trailer for use with a common tractor or truck, or like tow vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention features the use of a plurality of transversely positioned beams to keep secure a load, each having end portions with vertical sections that attach to receptacles provided on a bed portion of the tractor trailer. Fasteners are provided with each beam to secure a load that is to be carried by the trailer. Multiple of the beams can be attached at spaced apart positions for holding a load or load package therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventors: Derrick D. Prentice, Manuel Collins, Jamie Hoffpauir
  • Publication number: 20080219796
    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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Howard Yurgevich
  • 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: 7399149
    Abstract: A slide rail structure of a vehicle for sliding a seat relative to a vehicle floor can include a rail member having an upper opening portion, a slide member, and cover members disposed on the rail member. The rail member can also include lateral portions, upper portions and downward extending portions. Each of the cover members can include a fixed portion and a cover portion. The fixed portion further can include an attaching portion attached to the rail member, and a protruding portion that protrudes into the upper opening portion. The cover portion can be positioned upward of and spaced apart from the protruding portion, so as to normally cover the upper opening portion of the rail member without contacting the protruding portion. The cover portion can also contact the protruding portion so as to be restricted from being deformed downward when the cover portion is moved downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Kinoshita, Toshio Araki, Makoto Nakao, Yoshihiro Kanazawa, Toshiyuki Tanaka
  • 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: 7214015
    Abstract: A freight lashing channel (18) for a transport conveyance is constructed for mounting a plurality of spaced lashing devices (10) in the channel. Each lashing device (10) has a base (14) and a bail (11) journalled to the base (14). The bail takes up a recessed position within the lashing channel (18) or a working position out of the channel. In the recessed position the channel (18) is closed by a cover plate formed with a load mounting rail (33) for a rapid change-over from a freight lashing function to a seat mounting function. The lashing channel is either a separate unit or it is integrated into a floor panel or it is formed between two floor panel sections. Reinforcing load take-up elements (30) are mounted within the channel between neighboring lashing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Bruns
  • Patent number: 7207756
    Abstract: A seat mounting rail suitable for mounting passenger seats to a floor, for example an aircraft cabin floor, is divided into an upper section for securing a seat and a lower section for mounting the rail to the floor. The upper section is preferably made of a titanium alloy. The lower section is preferably made of an aluminum alloy. Both sections are connected to each other by an interconnection preferably in the form of a metallurgical bond formed under heat and pressure. A bonding metal foil compatible with the metals of which the rail sections are made is used for enhancing the bonding strength of the interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Alexei Vichniakov, Herwig Assler
  • Patent number: 7134820
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel joint which includes an anchoring system between composite plate side walls of a trailer body. The anchoring system includes track members which are provided at multiple points on each side wall. Beams extend between the respective track members by attachments and are attached thereto. The beams can be moved up and down along the tracks and support cargo or a removable deck which supports the cargo. The track members can also be removed from the joints without dismantling the entire joint. Splicing members are attached at the joints on the outside of the trailer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 7052220
    Abstract: An assembly adapted to be releasably attached to a mounting surface on a body panel of an automotive vehicle for mounting at least one component thereto includes at least one elongated rail member having a base portion that includes a first side adapted to be located adjacent to the mounting surface and an opposed second side. The rail member includes a pair of spaced apart flanges extending outwardly from the second side of the base portion. The base portion includes at least one aperture extending therethrough. The assembly also includes at least one fastening member that is adapted to be retained in the body panel by a retaining feature. The fastening member includes a backing plate portion having at least one flange extending therefrom and an aperture extending therethrough for receiving a fastener for releasably attaching the assembly to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Jutila, Brian D. Van Buren, Dennis Sienkiewicz
  • 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: 6966734
    Abstract: The dual purpose track comprises a unitary elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a raised center section extending along the axis from one end to the other. The center section includes a flat base with downwardly tapering sides terminating in laterally outwardly extending flanges. The flat base which extends along the longitudinal axis is provided with longitudinally spaced apart elongated slots, as an example, spaced every four inches, which extend lengthwise along the axis. Each slot is configured to receive either the head of the bolt of a wheel chock used to retain a dirt bike along the floor of a trailer or a tie down fastening device. A strap is connected between the tie down device and the handle bar of the dirt bike to assist in retaining the bike in a fixed position. Thus, the track serves two purposes, namely, it holds the wheel chocks and the anchoring devices for the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas S. Toteff
  • Patent number: 6887021
    Abstract: An apparatus 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 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: 6866454
    Abstract: A security bar for use with a truck having a hauling bed includes an elongated cross bar, a pair of end plates, and a pair of fastening elements used to attach the security bar to the hauling bed. The elongated cross bar defines openings at each end. The pair of end plates cooperates, respectively, with the openings at the ends of the cross bar. A tie down bar may be attached to the cross bar for securing cargo on the hauling bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: John N. White
  • Patent number: 6848873
    Abstract: A bracketing member adapted to mount a motorcycle to the upper forward region of the bed of a pickup truck with mounting straps. The bracketing member having an elongate member adapted to extending in the lateral direction and having a mounting region and an attachment region that are not coplanar to provide rigidity. The plane that the attachment region is positioned in a substantially in line with the direction of pull of the mounting straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Vernon R Husk
  • Publication number: 20040258498
    Abstract: A freight lashing channel (18) for a transport conveyance is constructed for mounting a plurality of spaced lashing devices (10) in the channel. Each lashing device (10) has a base (14) and a bail (11) journalled to the base (14). The bail takes up a recessed position within the lashing channel (18) or a working position out of the channel. In the recessed position the channel (18) is closed by a cover plate formed with a load mounting rail (33) for a rapid change-over from a freight lashing function to a seat mounting function. The lashing channel is either a separate unit or it is integrated into a floor panel or it is formed between two floor panel sections. Reinforcing load take-up elements (30) are mounted within the channel between neighboring lashing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Bruns
  • Patent number: 6824341
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel joint which includes an anchoring system between composite plate side walls of a trailer body. The anchoring system includes track members which are provided at multiple points on each side wall. Beams extend between the respective track members by attachments and are attached thereto. The beams can be moved up and down along the tracks and support cargo or a removable deck which supports the cargo. The track members can also be removed from the joints without dismantling the entire joint. Splicing members are attached at the joints on the outside of the trailer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 6742974
    Abstract: A cargo-securing panel adapted to form a body of a cargo-carrying vehicle is provided. Such a panel comprises a honeycomb-configured core having opposed faces, wherein the core defines an angular groove having a portion extending between the faces and a portion extending through one of the faces. The core further defines a recess adjacent to the groove. A facing sheet is engaged with the one face of the core so as to form a composite. The facing sheet defines a gap extending therethrough in correspondence with the portion of the groove extending through the one face. An angular member includes a flange corresponding to the groove and is configured to be slidably engaged with the groove in order to secure the member to the composite. The member further includes an external portion extending outside the core and parallel to the one face, wherein the external portion defining an aperture corresponding to the recess in the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: A. Ralph Haire
  • Patent number: 6709208
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a cargo handling system which is arranged for use on board a ship. Long lane dividers, which are in the form of profiles, are so arranged as to be laid out on the deck of a ship along the longitudinal extent of the intended desired cargo lane. Attachment devices matching existing standard openings in the deck and capable of being introduced vertically into these attach the lane dividers to the deck. At least a number of the aforementioned lane dividers exhibit recesses to accommodate locking devices for the purpose of locking a cargo securely to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: TTS Ships Equipment AB
    Inventors: Michel Lyrstrand, Göran Johansson, Bengt Ramne, Per Fagerlund
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040028497
    Abstract: A tie down anchor system for a pickup truck. The tie down anchor system includes a rail member mountable to the cargo bed of the pickup truck. The rail member includes a pair of raised attachment sections and a base mounting portion extending between the pair of raised attachment sections. A plurality of first attachment apertures are formed in the pair of raised attachment sections and a plurality of second attachment apertures are formed in the pair of raised attachment sections so as to receive any one of a number of tether connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6688819
    Abstract: Each guidance structure has two orthogonal surfaces (a horizontal surface and a vertical surface) which define the insides of an “L”-shaped profile. A first pair of guidance structures is positioned on a loading platform so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are parallelly facing either toward each other or away from each other. Alignedly therewith, a second pair of guidance structures is positioned on an ingress-egress platform (connected to the loading platform) so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are obliquely facing either toward each other or away from each other. Vehicular cargo travels the ingress-egress platform so as to be “funneled” by the back pair onto the loading platform. The front pair's horizontal surfaces operate as tracks for the cargo's wheels, thereby more widely distributing the loading associated with the cargo. The vertical surfaces of both pairs operate as lateral barriers for the cargo's wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bradel
  • Patent number: 6666635
    Abstract: Method of securing cargo to a deck with includes providing a beam of rectangular structural tubing or other shape having multiple D-rings or other lashing apertures along its length. The cargo is then lashed to the deck of a roll-on roll-off ship through the beam, with indexed aperture connections at each end which removabley connects the beam to the ship's deck using a pair of twist locks. With the application of the method, cargo lashing schemes with tighter packing of cargo and faster, more accurate placement, and safer stevedoring operations are effected according to shoreside prestowage plans. Top and bottom mounting points for twist locks allow easy storage, transport, and shoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Holt, Virgil S. Elkinton
  • 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