Yieldable Brace Patents (Class 410/117)
  • Patent number: 11415157
    Abstract: A magnet holder for a tie-down strap hook configured for installation on a hook formed of bent cylindrical rod that defines an interior opening. The magnet holder includes a base with substantially planar opposing and parallel first and second plates, the first plate including fastener structure; a magnet keeper disposed between the first and second plates; and a cover having parallel planar front and back sides, each having a lower edge with integral fastener structure configured to engage with the fastener structure of the base, and right and left angled semi-cylindrical shoulders disposed between and separating the front and back sides, the right and left shoulders having interior sides configured to conform to the cylindrical rod of the tie-down hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Taylor Vadon
  • Patent number: 11318876
    Abstract: A cargo retainer for use with a vehicle includes a mat having a top side, a bottom side, a leading portion, a trailing portion, and an aperture for securing the trailing portion to the vehicle via a fastener. The cargo retainer includes a retention anchor configured to attach to the vehicle. The retention anchor has a top portion and a cleat portion such that the top portion is coupled with the leading portion of the mat. The cleat portion of the retention anchor extends away from the bottom side of the mat and is adapted to be inserted into and retained by a gap formed between a cargo area of the vehicle and either a tailgate of the vehicle or a bumper of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Jackson
  • Patent number: 11220204
    Abstract: A pick-up truck bed having controllably magnetized areas for retaining cargo or attachment devices. A first permanent magnet may be attached below the lower surface of the truck bed with a second permanent being rotatable relative to the first permanent magnet to control the magnetic flux provided to retain objects in the truck bed. Alternatively, one or more electromagnets may be provided that may be turned on to retain objects in the truck bed and turned off to allow removal of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Aghili, Kevin Lucka, Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • Patent number: 11021094
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic strap hook belonging to the technical field of logistics appliances. The present invention solves the problem that unhooking is easy to occur during usage of the magnetic strap hook in the prior art because the magnet is fixed on the hook body. The magnetic strap hook comprises a hook body, a magnet holder fixed on the hook body, and a magnet connected on the magnet holder. The hook body comprises a connector portion, and a hook portion connected to the connector portion and located at a front side of the connector portion. The magnet on the magnet holder is capable of moving back and forth relative to the hook body and/or swinging along front and rear directions of the hook body. The magnetic strap hook has the advantage of better stability of attraction of the strap hook during the process of binding goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ZheJiang TOPSUN Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Buqin Ruan, Zhaoyin Xiao
  • Patent number: 10076991
    Abstract: A bed extender is provided for a bed of a truck. That bed extender includes a reel mounted to a first sidewall of the bed, a line received on that reel, and a fastener carried on a distal end of the line. An anchor is carried on a second sidewall of the bed. In addition, the bed extender includes a support arm including a receiver that engages the line when the line is extended from the reel and fastened to the anchor. The support arm is mounted to the tailgate of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Ryan Buckhalt
  • Patent number: 9868382
    Abstract: A pick-up truck bed having controllably magnetized areas for retaining cargo or attachment devices. A first permanent magnet may be attached below the lower surface of the truck bed with a second permanent being rotatable relative to the first permanent magnet to control the magnetic flux provided to retain objects in the truck bed. Alternatively, one or more electromagnets may be provided that may be turned on to retain objects in the truck bed and turned off to allow removal of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Aghili, Kevin Lucka, Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • Patent number: 9827896
    Abstract: A cargo containment system is disclosed comprising a series of length adjustable anchor straps carried by a truck, a series of rings slidably carried by said anchor straps, and a series of length adjustable lateral straps coupled between adjacent anchor straps about said rings to define an adjustable flexible lattice of cargo containment function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald S. Dankert
  • Patent number: 9221381
    Abstract: An adjustable magnetic tie down includes a plate having an upper and lower surface, a tie-down, a fastener attached to the tie down, and a magnet attached to the lower surface of the plate. The tie down has a first end and a second end. The first end of the tie-down is attached to the plate, and the second end of the tie-down is attached to the fastener. The fastener is adapted to releasably engage the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Nathan Flud
  • Patent number: 9193293
    Abstract: A dunnage bag hanger apparatus includes a dunnage bag hanger and a handle mounted applicator block operative to support and affix the dunnage bag hanger. The dunnage bag hanger is fabricated from three distinct and separate parts: a generally planar support substrate and two release papers covering adhesive patches or regions on the support substrate. The support substrate in one embodiment is a sheet that is further divided into two contact members separated by a resilient coupler. Each contact member preferably has a contact body, a hanging loop distal to the resilient coupler, and an adhesive coating. The two adhesive couplings are preferably on opposite sides of the support substrate sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, William M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8992146
    Abstract: A cargo securing device for use in carrying cargo in pickup trucks and the like. The cargo securing device is formed of a flexible panel having straps on opposed sides which extend across the panel to attachment devices such as rings. The flexible panel may include apertures with removable covers to permit the ends of long devices to extend through and to be held from movement sideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Dibner
  • Patent number: 8974158
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a novel laced strapping system that provides a plurality of attachment points by which a tie-down lace can adjust the fit of a cargo mesh webbing to secure loads of items in an open bed of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is a pick-up truck with a cargo bed. In some embodiments, the mesh webbing comprises a first truck bed mesh, a second truck bed mesh, and the plurality of attachment points. In some embodiments, tie-down lace interconnects the attachment points to secure together the first mesh and the second mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Rob Edward Hatch, Anita Marie Hatch
  • Patent number: 8696273
    Abstract: An I-shaped cargo restraint device for an intermodal shipping container having an internal wall with corrugations comprising: a central member having a pair of ends; a first wing associated with one of the ends for securing to one of the corrugations; a second wing associated with the other of the ends extending parallel to the first wing, the second wing being spaced apart from the first wing by about 5? inches for securing to an other corrugation adjacent to said one corrugation; and a handle associated with the second wing. The cargo restraint device includes a top surface and a plurality of strengthening ribs disposed thereon. The cargo restraint device including a strengthening lip disposed on the top surface extending around a perimeter of the cargo restraint device. A method of restraining cargo in an intermodal shipping container having internal corrugated walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Logistick, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Kanczuzewski, John E. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8523502
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport wagon for receiving cargo, particularly made of agricultural harvest products, such as bales pressed from straw or silage. Such wagons comprise a loading platform, which extends beneath the cargo and is delimited by longitudinal and lateral side parts, wherein the transport chamber is accessible, particularly when the longitudinal side walls are opened. According to the invention, at least one of the longitudinal side walls is provided with a support device, by means of which the longitudinal side wall can be displaced from an open position close to the ground into a closed position, in which it captures at least one upper layer of the stacked cargo and secures it laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Georg Krassort
  • Patent number: 8317441
    Abstract: A liner for a transverse trough of a coil-transport railway car for cushioning a coil and for preventing lateral creep of the load during transport. Each sloping wall of a transverse trough is lined with at least one liner to prevent lateral creep in both transverse directions. Each liner is comprised of a horizontal bottom base or support layer, from which upwardly project a plurality of spaced-apart, flexible fingers or ribs. The fingers or ribs of the liner of the invention may be oriented leftward or rightward in direction of cant, and oriented such as to face or incline toward the centerline of the transport vehicle, and behave or act as leaf springs. When the load of coil is placed onto the liner of the present invention, the fingers thereof serve as the load-bearing surface, and bend or deflect in accordance with the weight of the load, to thereby support the load of coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kastalon, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Bruce DeMent
  • Patent number: 8308409
    Abstract: A transverse railroad coil car coil restraint apparatus or system which includes a plurality of coil restraints attachable to each trough in a transverse railroad coil car to reduce the sideways shifting of coils positioned in the troughs. In certain embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough and extend across the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough along the length of the trough. In certain embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the coil restraints and does not compress other of the coil restraints which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the compression members and does not compress other of the compression members which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Standard Car Truck Company
    Inventor: John D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8297896
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having at least one holding device, a holding device having a holding apparatus, and a holding apparatus for a guide device having two guides spaced apart from one another, in which the holding apparatus can be situated so it is movable, having one holding unit and one guide element per guide, which are coupled to the holding unit and using the holding unit can be coupled to the guides so it is movable, in order to move the holding unit along the guides, angle compensator or angle compensation means is provided that allows movement of one of the guide elements at least along the guide upon the adjustment of at least one of the other guide elements in relation to the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Mike Draisbach
  • Patent number: 8282324
    Abstract: A liner for a transverse trough of a coil-transport railway car for cushioning a coil and for preventing lateral creep of the load during transport. Each sloping wall of a transverse trough is lined with at least one liner to prevent lateral creep in both transverse directions. Each liner is comprised of a horizontal bottom base or support layer, from which upwardly project a plurality of spaced-apart, flexible fingers or ribs. The fingers or ribs of the liner of the invention may be oriented leftward or rightward in direction of cant, and oriented such as to face or incline toward the centerline of the transport vehicle, and behave or act as leaf springs. When the load of coil is placed onto the liner of the present invention, the fingers thereof serve as the load-bearing surface, and bend or deflect in accordance with the weight of the load, to thereby support the load of coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Kastalon, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Bruce DeMent
  • Patent number: 8277155
    Abstract: A transverse railroad coil car coil restraint apparatus or system which includes a plurality of coil restraints attachable to each trough in a transverse railroad coil car to reduce the sideways shifting of coils positioned in the troughs. In certain embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough and extend across the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough along the length of the trough. In certain embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the coil restraints and does not compress other of the coil restraints which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the compression members and does not compress other of the compression members which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Standard Car Truck Company
    Inventor: John D. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120076606
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for a system for securing a load to a platform such as a coil to a transport system. The system includes a frame adapted for placement on a platform. The frame includes a cradle structure for engaging the load. An inflatable bladder is placed over the load and connected to the frame. When tensioned and inflated with gas, the bladder applies force to the load to secure the load to the frame and prevent movement of the coil during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Nucor Corporation
    Inventor: William Buxton
  • Patent number: 8033768
    Abstract: A transverse railroad coil car coil restraint apparatus or system which includes a plurality of coil restraints attachable to each trough in a transverse railroad coil car to reduce the sideways shifting of coils positioned in the troughs. In certain embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough and extend across the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough along the length of the trough. In certain embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the coil restraints and does not compress other of the coil restraints which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the compression members and does not compress other of the compression members which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Standard Car Truck Company
    Inventor: John D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8011865
    Abstract: A transverse railroad coil car coil restraint apparatus or system which includes a plurality of coil restraints attachable to each trough in a transverse railroad coil car to reduce the sideways shifting of coils positioned in the troughs. In certain embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough and extend across the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough along the length of the trough. In certain embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the coil restraints and does not compress other of the coil restraints which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the compression members and does not compress other of the compression members which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Standard Car Truck Company
    Inventor: John D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7972098
    Abstract: A liner for a transverse trough of a coil-transport railway car for cushioning a coil and for preventing lateral creep of the load during transport. Each sloping wall of a transverse trough is lined with at least one liner to prevent lateral creep in both transverse directions. Each liner is comprised of a horizontal bottom base or support layer, from which upwardly project a plurality of spaced-apart, flexible fingers or ribs. The fingers or ribs of the liner of the invention may be oriented leftward or rightward in direction of cant, and oriented such as to face or incline toward the centerline of the transport vehicle, and behave or act as leaf springs. When the load of coil is placed onto the liner of the present invention, the fingers thereof serve as the load-bearing surface, and bend or deflect in accordance with the weight of the load, to thereby support the load of coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Kastalon, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Bruce DeMent
  • Patent number: 7815404
    Abstract: A liner for a transverse trough of a coil-transport railway car for cushioning a coil and for preventing lateral creep of the load during transport. Each sloping wall of a transverse trough is lined with at least one liner to prevent lateral creep in both transverse directions. Each liner is comprised of a horizontal bottom base or support layer, from which upwardly project a plurality of spaced-apart, flexible fingers or ribs. The fingers or ribs of the liner of the invention may be oriented leftward or rightward in direction of cant, and oriented such as to face or incline toward the centerline of the transport vehicle, and behave or act as leaf springs. When the load of coil is placed onto the liner of the present invention, the fingers thereof serve as the load-bearing surface, and bend or deflect in accordance with the weight of the load, to thereby support the load of coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kastalon, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Bruce DeMent
  • Patent number: 7789604
    Abstract: A reusable dunnage system employing a weatherproof outer cover is disclosed. The dunnage comprises specially manufactured high density foam that will return to its original condition after suffering compression forces and the required properties of the foam are given. The outer cover is, of necessity, fire retardant, biologically inert, hypoallergenic, and provides the required weatherproofing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas H. Rotche
  • Publication number: 20100178128
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport wagon for receiving cargo, particularly made of agricultural harvest products, such as bales pressed from straw or silage. Such wagons comprise a loading platform, which extends beneath the cargo and is delimited by longitudinal and lateral side parts, wherein the transport chamber is accessible, particularly when the longitudinal side walls are opened. According to the invention, at least one of the longitudinal side walls is provided with a support device, by means of which the longitudinal side wall can be displaced from an open position close to the ground into a closed position, in which it captures at least one upper layer of the stacked cargo and secures it laterally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Georg Krassort
  • Publication number: 20090311065
    Abstract: A clip for securing a part, having a body portion having a first wall surface and a supporting surface adjacent the first wall surface, a retaining arm connected to the body, the retaining arm comprising a second wall surface opposite the first wall surface, an engaging portion at the distal end of the retaining arm, and an engaging surface on the engaging portion generally opposite the supporting surface. The first and second wall surfaces cooperate to define a groove that is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the part therein. The retaining arm is moveable between an open position wherein the portion of the part may be received in the groove, and a locked position wherein the engaging surface at least partially overhangs the groove and the engaging surface and the supporting surface cooperate so as to retain the portion of the part when received within the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Gaudette
  • Publication number: 20090297288
    Abstract: A temporary barrier chain for a loading dock door opening includes a vertical orientated storage tube on one side of the opening and a retainer on the other side thereof, and a counterweighted chain extending from inside the storage tube to a retainer on the other side of the opening, with the chain being comprised, at least partially, of successively lighter weight sections toward the retainer end such that the combined weight of the counterweight and suspended chain within the storage tube will cause the chain to be automatically retrieved into the storage tube when released from the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: DL MANUFACTURING
    Inventors: Donald L. Metz, David Martini
  • Patent number: 7175378
    Abstract: A flexible screen (2) for forming a partition across an internal space or opening, comprising a screen body and a plurality of screen securement devices (8) spaced along at least a portion of the screen (2),each securement device (8) comprising a projection extending from the screen and an eye associated with the projection, wherein the arrangement is such that when the screen (2) is positioned across the internal space or opening the eye of a first securement device (8a) can engage a first attachment point (14a) and can receive a second securement device (8b) which passes therethrough and engages a second attachment point (14b), each subsequent securement device (8) passing through the eye of the preceding device and engaging an attachment point (14) thereby securing the screen (2) across the internal space or opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Amsafe Bridport Limited
    Inventors: Julian Brown, Jonathan Peter Neeld
  • Patent number: 6948896
    Abstract: A load restraining device provides a system in which straps extending from one side of a web strap arrangement initially run parallel to the wall to which they are connected, as opposed to extending perpendicular to the wall as in the prior art. The anchor itself is a horizontal wall member running longitudinally along the wall of the railcar or trailer. An adjustable anchor is used to permit moving the attachment point several inches to allow for load variations. The attachment of the web strap arrangement is normally 14? to 18? behind the face of the load. Unlike previous systems, this provision of anchor points behind the load effectively “encapsulates” the load rather than merely providing a bulkhead effect. Ratchets provided as part of one of the wall anchor arrangements allow the web straps to be tightened into final position, imparting a restraining force to the load and preventing the load from shifting during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Holland L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6860685
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Holland L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
  • Patent number: 6805523
    Abstract: The present invention reveals an auto rack sidewall panel bumper guard for auto rack railroad cars which eliminates contact between the vehicle door and the sidewall panel even in extreme heat. The bumper guard includes a pair of opposed mounting bases, a pair of extension arms connected to the mounting bases and a contact member connected to the arms opposite the mounting bases. The contact member has a lesser thickness than the arms to absorb the forces of the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: ZefTec
    Inventors: Michael K. Burke, John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach
  • Patent number: 6739812
    Abstract: A barrier system provides protection against rear cargo load intrusion into a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The barrier system is located in the rear cargo compartment of the vehicle. The barrier system includes a load bearing barrier net, a first set of attachments that connect the load bearing barrier net to a shelf panel in the rear cargo compartment and a second set of attachments that connect the load bearing barrier net to a wheel house in the rear cargo compartment. The first set of attachments is removable and the second set of attachments is not removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome R. Pfeifer, Umran H. Ashrat, Jeff L. Glaub, Larry M. Storinsky, Steven C. Strable, Martin S. Potok, James A. Seidel, John M. Bederka, Venkat S. Yanumula
  • Patent number: 6715973
    Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining barrier assembly (10, 10″) for restraining cargo (90) in a cargo space (25) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″) that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (25) and at least one barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) that includes a barrier support structure, such as a rotatable axle or spindle (140) and barrier housing (100), in which a flexible barrier member (130, 130′, 130″) is stored in a rolled up condition. When not deployed to retain cargo, the barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) is storable in a barrier storage cavity (50, 50′, 50″) in the bed liner. During use, the barrier housing (100, 100′) is pivoted up into the cargo space (25) and the barrier member (130, 130′) is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to wrap around or encircle a portion of a piece of cargo (90) in the cargo space (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michael W. Faber, Michael P. Podkomorka
  • Patent number: 6655887
    Abstract: A method for making a tie down anchor strap device and the product thereof. The strap device comprises a rectangular strip of flexible plastic mesh material having a predetermined number of plastic grommets at each end or in spaced groups along the strip. The method comprises making a tie down anchor device with insert injection molding machines to form plastic infused circular regions which are subsequently punched to cut X-shaped openings. One tie down anchor device embodiment is used to secure cargo in the bed of a pickup truck between tie down hooks and racks of various types. A second embodiment provides a doubled anchor strap device. A third embodiment comprises the production of a roll of a tie anchor strip with spaced groups of plastic grommets for edging a tarpaulin sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Stewart I. McDonald
  • Patent number: 6626620
    Abstract: A flexible bag is equipped with grommets and cords enabling it to be placed over one end of a load of material and secured to a vehicle, thus preventing the load from shifting in transit. The bag is shaped to facilitate its placement on the load, and to conform the bag to the shape of the load, thereby reducing slipstream damage to the bag. The bag may also be equipped with brightly colored anti-collision devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: James B Veal
  • Patent number: 6561740
    Abstract: The present invention reveals an auto rack sidewall panel bumper guard for auto rack railroad cars which eliminates contact between the vehicle door and the sidewall panel even in extreme heat. The bumper guard includes a pair of opposed mounting bases, a pair of extension arms connected to the mounting bases and a contact member connected to the arms opposite the mounting bases. The contact member has a lesser thickness than the arms to absorb the forces of the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: ZefTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Burke, John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach
  • Patent number: 6557926
    Abstract: A flexible planar structure unit is provided as load-space securing element, the unit being arranged extended in a protective position in the vicinity of the moveable rear-section arrangement in such a way that loads which are located in the load space, or at least a person who is located on a seat arrangement facing counter to the direction of travel in the load space is protected with points of attachment to the vehicle bodywork being provided for securing the planar structure unit in the extended protective position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Werner Bacher, Manfred Deubert, Konrad Eipper, Zoltan Körmendy, Klaus Riehle, Martin Steiner
  • Patent number: 6503037
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
  • Patent number: 6461090
    Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining barrier assembly (10, 10″) for restraining cargo (90) in a cargo space (25) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″) that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (25) and at least one barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) that includes a barrier support structure, such as a rotatable axle or spindle (140) and barrier housing (100), in which a flexible barrier member (130, 130′, 130″) is stored in a rolled up condition. When not deployed to retain cargo, the barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) is storable in a barrier storage cavity (50, 50′, 50″) in the bed liner. During use, the barrier housing (100, 100′) is pivoted up into the cargo space (25) and the barrier member (130, 130′) is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to wrap around or encircle a portion of a piece of cargo (90) in the cargo space (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Michael W. Faber, Michael P. Podkomorka
  • Patent number: 6422794
    Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6402446
    Abstract: A lading tie anchor system for railway box cars which uses lading ties comprising straps of woven webbing with a hook on one end in place of lading ties in the form of one-time useable steel strapping. The new system makes use of the lading tie anchors already installed in many box cars as well as those installed in newly built box cars. In addition to the novel lading ties a slack take-up and tension buckle is used to join the otherwise free or unanchored ends of each pair of lading ties. Preferably the buckles have a handle-crankable ratchet on one end to which the unanchored end of one of the installed ties is adjustably attached while the unanchored end of the other lading tie is threaded over a pair of take-up rollers mounted on the opposite end of the buckle in such a way that this second lading tie can be manually drawn taut. Thereafter the ratchet is operated to remove any remaining slack in the lading ties and then apply the desired tension thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Ireco, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph E. Nadherny, Mark Kampf
  • Patent number: 6220800
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing boxes of perishable products and providing that refrigerated air flows relatively uniformly through the stack. The apparatus is an elongated inflatable bag divided into sections by baffles, each section being inflatable independent of the other sections. The bag forms a roof over a corridor between two rows of stacks and a panel encloses one end of the corridor opposite the opposite end which is closed off by the cargo wall. Refrigerated air forced into the corridor at floor level at one end of the corridor is diverted through the stacks of boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Olaf Elze, Helmut R Elze, Mark J. Caires
  • Patent number: 6183177
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing cargo in the cargo compartment of vehicles is disclosed including a retracting device mounted in the cargo compartment, a flexible band retractably attached to the retracting device so that it can be withdrawn and retracted thereinto, an elongated bar fixed to the flexible band, and at least one recess disposed in the cargo compartment so that the elongated bar can be releasably locked in the recess for securing the cargo with the flexible band in the cargo compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Nils Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 6109846
    Abstract: A retractable cargo restraint assembly including a housing which contains a retracting mechanism. A belt is maintained in a retracted state within the housing. The retracting mechanism controls the withdrawal and retraction of the belt. A housing connector is attached to the housing which allows the restraint assembly to be selectively connected and disconnected to an E-track. The end of the belt includes a belt connector such that the belt is connectable and disconnectable to an E-track. The restraint assembly is self-contained and portable such that a user can move the assembly and anchor the housing to a desired E-track slot. Cargo or other objects can then be restrained with the belt and secured. The restraint assembly is convenient and versatile due to its non-permanent mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Midwest Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Davis, Nolan Fleharty
  • Patent number: 6099222
    Abstract: A net type cargo restraining system for motor vehicles of the type having a cargo floor with a front area, and a hinged exterior door which opens from outside the vehicle to provide access to the cargo floor. The restraining system comprises a net member having a length, the net member being detachably connected between a first point proximate the front area of the cargo floor and a second point on the door, whereby the net member is raised and lowered with the door to provide access to the cargo floor for loading and unloading purposes and to capture cargo on the floor when the door is closed. The restraining system further comprises a mechanism for varying the length of the net member between the first point and the second point while maintaining significant tension in the net member, thereby to accommodate cargo of varying size. A further embodiment comprises a load retention net comprising a netting member adapted to restrain stowage within the cargo area from entering the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Polytech Netting, L.P.
    Inventor: Donal Moore
  • Patent number: 6030158
    Abstract: A securement system for vertically upstanding articles on a platform such as paper rolls inside a boxcar includes vertical anchor channels, the anchor channels having notches along their length for setting a position of spools carried by the channels. The spools hold coiled webbing and one of the webbings includes a ratchet buckle fastener. The webbings can be uncoiled from the spools to the desired length to wrap around the vertical articles and secure the vertical articles using the fastener. In an alternative embodiment, movable elements finctioning as anchors for ends of the webs are vertically positionable along verticle anchor channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Tatina, David P. Morgan, Clayton Baker
  • Patent number: 6007283
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle has a storage compartment defined by a floor, walls, and a seat of the vehicle and provided with a cargo restraint system having an upright main rod and a mount holding the rod in the compartment for rotation about an upright main axis and including a retractor for rotationally urging the rod in one direction and for inhibiting rotation of the rod in the opposite direction under predetermined circumstances. An elongate flexible web has an inner end attached to the rod and an outer end and an outer rod fixed to the outer end of the web has a lower end engageable in any seat of an array of seats spaced from each other on the floor that releasably secure the outer rod to the floor at the respective seat in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & CO. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventor: Luc Labeur
  • Patent number: 6004084
    Abstract: A load-securing arrangement for a loading space of a motor vehicle, in particular of a station wagon. During normal travel, a restraining device is accommodated, in a not-in-use position, in the region of at least one loading-space boundary wall and assumes a position in which it does not restrict the loading space. The restraining device is connected to an actuable displacement device which can be activated via a signal of a crash sensor and, once activated, displaces the restraining device into a use position, in which any load is kept away from a passenger compartment. This load-securing arrangement functions automatically and may preferably be designed in the manner of a restraining barrier with belts and/or air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Volkswagen, AG
    Inventor: Carsten Moker
  • Patent number: 5997228
    Abstract: Cargo lock blocks are slidably mounted on a cargo restraining bar and have two oppositely directed cargo engaging surfaces, one arcuate and the other with two surface portions at right angles, for selective engagement with a complimentary cargo surface. The lock blocks can be used with cargo of different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Quick Winch Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Potter
  • Patent number: 5961263
    Abstract: A cargo restraining system for a truck bed is provided including at least one crank unit mounted to a side of the truck bed. Also included is a flexible, inelastic strap having at least one end coupled to the crank unit. This allows the tightening of the strap to restrain cargo within the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Luis Alberto Nunez