Brace Panel With Wall-to-lading Adjustment Means Patents (Class 410/127)
  • Patent number: 7686550
    Abstract: A container is described herein which uses three different types of restraining mechanisms to help secure glass sheets therein so that the glass sheets can be safely transported from one facility (e.g., a manufacturing facility) to a second facility (e.g., a customer facility). The first type of restraining mechanism includes two collapsible retainer bar mechanisms which are connected to one another by a support bar that can be moved so as to secure the major surfaces of the glass sheets. The second type of restraining mechanism includes two side restraints which are used to help secure the two opposing sides of the glass sheets. The third type of restraining mechanism includes two secondary retainer mechanisms each of which has a stopper that is moved to help secure/support the bottom portion of the glass sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen William Mix
  • Patent number: 7520706
    Abstract: A vehicle restraining system for restraining vehicles transported in a transport carrier is described. The system comprises at least one energy absorbing mechanism which is secured to the transport carrier. Adjustable connectors are displaceably secured to the energy absorbing mechanism. A connector strut is pivotally connected at one end to a respective one of the adjustable connectors. The connector strut has a vehicle engaging suction cup assembly at a free end thereof for securement at a predetermined location to a vehicle to be transported by the transport carrier, and preferably, but not exclusively, the front and rear windows of vehicles being transported. The connector strut functions to connect the vehicle to the energy absorbing mechanism and transmit forces between the two. The connector strut also has a vacuum pumping piston mechanism that is activated by vehicle displacement during transport to assure a continued vacuum in the suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Winsor
  • Patent number: 7322782
    Abstract: A device for fixing and/or positioning objects (6) in a transport container (1) has a first and a second structural part (7, 8). One of the structural parts (7) is configured as an assembly element and another of the structural parts (8) is configured as a holding element. At least one swivel mechanism (9, 15) connects the two structural parts (7, 8) and has two legs pivotally connected to one another. One leg is adjustably disposed for the creation of selected positions of the two structural parts (7, 8) relative to one another. A mechanism for locking the structural parts (7, 8) in the creatable relative positions is provided. The swivel mechanism (9, 15) is Y-shaped and has a long leg (10, 16) connected to both structural parts (7, 8) and also a short leg (11, 17) connected to one of the structural parts (7, 8) and a central region of the long leg (10, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ernst Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7243968
    Abstract: A multi-functional cargo area assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first and a second sidewall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, and an integrally formed guide track in the first and second sidewalls. The cargo area assembly also includes extendible sidewall portions. The cargo area assembly further includes a movable divider panel supported with the guide track by a support rod, and extending transversely between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Projx, Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell Kiester, Douglas Street
  • Patent number: 6827533
    Abstract: A cargo retainer device and method adapted for mounting within a cargo container having an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor. The cargo retainer device is adapted to be interposed between cargo in the container and either the end wall, sidewall, or the floor to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit. The cargo container includes a first extension member, a second extension member perpendicularly oriented to the first extension member, and screw threads to facilitate an increase in the first and second extension member lengths to contact against the respective container walls and floor. A lockable element secures the screw threads on the first extension member to restrict theft of the cargo retainer device from the container and addition of a cargo divider assembly can further prevent cargo movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Adalberto Cano-Rodriguez, Pamela Cano-Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6582169
    Abstract: A cargo retainer device and method adapted for mounting within a cargo container having an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor. The cargo retainer device is adapted to be interposed between cargo in the container and either the end wall, sidewall, or the floor to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit. The cargo container includes a first extension member, a second extension member perpendicularly oriented to the first extension member, and screw threads to facilitate an increase in the first and second extension member lengths to contact against the respective container walls and floor. A lockable element secures the screw threads on the first extension member to restrict theft of the cargo retainer device from the container and addition of a cargo divider assembly can further prevent cargo movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Adalberto Cano-Rodriguez, Pamela Cano-Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6390745
    Abstract: A railway boxcar may be provided for transporting packaged products having generally uniform first and second perimeter dimensions. The railway boxcar may include a car body having an interior compartment defined in part by a floor and a plurality of sidewalls. In one embodiment, the floor may include a width which generally corresponds to a multiple of the first perimeter dimension and a length which generally corresponds to the sum of a second multiple of the first dimension and a third multiple of the second dimension. In another embodiment, a door opening may provide access to the interior compartment. The width of the door opening may generally correspond to a fourth multiple of the first perimeter dimension. In another embodiment, a panel assembly may be provided to selectively fill voids within the interior compartment. The panel assembly may include a plurality of elongate plates extending generally parallel with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: Daniel V. Coltea
  • Patent number: 6053679
    Abstract: A carriage for rollable suspension of a bulkhead door from a pair of overhead roller tracks, the bulkhead door having an extendable and retractable lading-engaging panel attached thereto, the carriage consisting of a bulkhead door suspension beam; a lading-engaging panel suspension beam; a first pair of rollers; a second pair of roller tracks; the second pair of roller tracks interconnecting the bulkhead door suspension beam and the lading-engaging panel suspension beam so that the lading-engaging panel suspension beam may alternately extend from and retract toward the bulkhead door suspension beam; and left and right pairs of wheels fixedly and rotatably attached to the bulkhead door suspension beam, the left and right pairs of wheels allowing, upon placement of their rolling surfaces in rolling contact with the pair of overhead roller tracks, rolling motion, in unison, of the bulkhead door suspension beam, the lading-engaging panel suspension beam, the first pair of rollers, and the second pair of roller tr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph D. Duffell
  • Patent number: 6039522
    Abstract: An extensible shoring bar for bracing vehicle loads wherein telescoping tubular elements are spring biased toward an extended position for wedging the bar between the sides of a van or truck. An actuator interposed between the tubular elements includes a rotatable locking detent which automatically rotates between locking and release positions upon full retraction of the elements permitting the shoring bar to be locked in a retracted position for handling and positioning purposes, and by fully retracting the elements, the detent is automatically released permitting the elements to be expanded under the influence of a compression spring. The automatic locking and unlocking action of the actuator occurs upon sequential retractions of the tubular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kinedyne Corporation
    Inventor: Edgardo Cardona
  • Patent number: 6010286
    Abstract: A rigid cargo barrier for a cargo airplane includes a lightweight structural bulkhead that is attached to the floor and fuselage shell of the aircraft and a plurality of compact attachments that connect the bulkhead to the floor and fuselage shell of the aircraft. The rigid cargo barrier also includes a restraint system that connects the bulkhead to the aircraft floor and fuselage shell. The restraint system restrains fuselage expansion under crash loads to maintain the bulkhead in place during a crash event and, hence, provide protection to the crew from shifting cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: McDonald Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Cross, Jerry C. Dunlap, Steven E. Easley, Donald N. Hagstrom, Harry W. Slusher, Jerry D. Smets, L. Frank Sternat, Tobie Stockwell
  • Patent number: 5988962
    Abstract: An accessory lock device which when combined with a pre-existing load-bracing bar, will stabilize a cargo load in a much more secure manner. Thus eliminating shifting of the load in substantially any direction, namely forward, rearward, or sideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Jeffrey C. Moore
  • Patent number: 5839865
    Abstract: A device for fastening on a motor vehicle with a loading surface and a boundary wall for the nonskid transport of objects, has a mounting element to be fastened on the boundary wall, a holding element, a scissor-type mechanism connecting the holding element with the mounting element, the scissor-type mechanism including a first pair of crossing levers hingedly connected with each other at a first common central hinge point and a second pair of crossing levers hingedly connected with each other at a second common central point, each of the levers of the first pair are hinged to the mounting element, wherein the first ends of the levers of the second pair are hinged to the holding element, wherein the second ends of the levers of the first pair are hinged to the second ends of respective ones of the levers of the second pair, and wherein the arrangement is such that the scissor-type mechanism allows movement of the holding element along a path back and forth with respect to the mounting element, and fixing a un
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ernst Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5697742
    Abstract: An easily adjustable apparatus for dividing and stabilizing cargo in the bed of a pick-up type vehicle, or the like. The embodiment comprises four main components: Two primary lateral assemblies (20), one-center locking swivel hinge (28), two tangential arm locking assemblies (35), and two tangential arm assemblies (45). The two primary lateral assemblies (20), and tangential arm assemblies (45), are extendible and fitted with end plates to engage any type of surface of the four interior bed walls. The two primary lateral assemblies (20), are connected with a center locking swivel hinge (28), locking the two primary lateral assemblies (20), in the desired position. Each tangential arm locking assembly (35), is welded to a primary lateral assembly (20), and locks the tangential arm assembly (45), to any desired position. This apparatus has four positions to secure cargos and requires no attachment to any surfaces in the interior of the beds and is collapsible for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas A. House
  • Patent number: 5219251
    Abstract: A cargo load-lock is provided having a blocking member and a pair of braces. The cargo load-lock can be used to limit shifting of freight during shipping. In the first preferred embodiment, the blocking member is a rigid structure, such as a 2.times.4. The blocking member is secured to opposing trailer sidewalls by the two braces. A brace is positioned at opposite ends of the blocking member, and is then secured to the trailer. Each brace includes a base and a sleeve. The sleeve receives opposite ends of the blocking member. Opposite the sleeve, the base includes an adhesive which provides a bond between the brace and the sidewall. Once the braces are secured, the cargo load-lock is in place. No tools are required. To collapse the cargo loadlock, the blocking member is first removed. This can be accomplished by prying open a portion of the sleeve. This is facilitated by perforations which extend in a U-shaped design along the top of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Ken Kanczuzewski
  • Patent number: 5161762
    Abstract: A cargo clamp for a van, the van having cargo space defined by a floor, upwardly extending sidewalls and a roof. The cargo clamp comprises a transverse track that extends between the sidewalls below the roof and is supported below the roof and is held in place by side rails on each side. A clamp is attached to the track and is movable along the side rails between the sidewalls. The clamp also includes a downwardly extending brace that engages and restrains sheet material that is positioned on edge in the cargo space. The clamp includes a handle and bolt for engagement in a threaded hole for securing the clamp to the track at a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventors: Peter V. Stewart, David R. Butts
  • Patent number: 5082404
    Abstract: A cargo clamp for a van, the van having cargo space defined by a floor, upwardly extending sidewalls and a roof. The cargo clamp comprises a transverse track that extends between the sidewalls below the roof and is supported below the roof and is held in place by side rails on each side. A clamp is attached to the track and is movable along the side rails between the sidewalls. The clamp also includes a downwardly extending brace that engages and restrains sheet material that is positioned on edge in the cargo space. The clamp includes a handle and bolt for engagement in a threaded hole for securing the clamp to the track at a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventors: Peter V. Stewart, David R. Butts
  • Patent number: 5054295
    Abstract: Transport with Variable Volume Cooperatively Independently Cooled Compartments includes a transport body that has a conventional cooling and refrigerator unit mounted on the front wall and ceiling. The cooling unit has conditioned air outlets and a return air inlet. The ceiling has simple air conducting channels that conduct conditioned air to central outlets which are situated generally centrally of the transport body. A central wall extends between the ceiling and the floor and has a door or doors. Bulkheads are provided to divide the transport into variable volume compartments defined as a freezer compartment, a chilling compartment, and an ambient temperature compartment. Conditioned air is exhaused into the freezer compartment and into the chilling compartment. Heaters in the chilling compartment and the ambient temperature compartment control the temperatures therein. The heaters and exhaust fans are thermostatically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Gene D. Goulooze
  • Patent number: 5028185
    Abstract: A load securing system for securing loads in a trailer or van, whether the load is centered in the nose of the trailer or held in the rear of the trailer. The load securing system includes a longitudinal member, a friction jack adjustably secured at one end, and H-bars on a plate pivotally mounted on the other end. An extension member can engage with the longitudinal member for securing a load in a center position. In an alternative embodiment, at least one friction jack can be utilized and more than one pivotally mounted H-bar plate can be utilized along the length of the longitudinal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Phillip Shannon
  • Patent number: 4880342
    Abstract: A movable bulkhead for a cargo carrying container includes a fixed panel and one or move movable panels. The movable panels are movable between a first position in which they are coplanar with the fixed panel so as to define a maximum cargo volume within the container, and a second position in which the movable panels are spaced from the fixed panel to thereby reduce the cargo volume within the container. Load bars are adapted for engagement with the side walls of the container for bracing the movable panels against movement when such panels are in their second position, and are adapted for storage behind the movable panels when such panels are in their first position and the load bars are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Millis Transfer, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pradovic
  • Patent number: 4502619
    Abstract: This plywood safety bar device serves to confine and hold plywood sheets during the loading and unloading of a semi-trailer, or other vehicle. Primarily, it consists of a mounting plate, having a sleeve secured to it. It further includes a retaining bar, which is telescopingly received within the sleeve, and is adjustably locked in place to hold the sheets against movement, also during the motion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Charles R. Cox
  • Patent number: 4498824
    Abstract: An extendible and contractible bulkhead for a trailer is provided to accommodate high density loads and low density loads requiring more storage space. The bulkhead includes a plurality of spaced diagonal braces for receiving load forces and for transmitting them to the main structure of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Kinkle
  • Patent number: 4456206
    Abstract: A connecting device is provided in aircraft for attaching of built-in elements such as galley and lavatory walls, storage cabinets and the like to structural parts of the airframe. The connecting device meets the special requirements of aircraft construction, reliably prevents corrosion at the structure and at the same time allows for an adjustment for balancing tolerances. The connecting device is constructed such that the individual elements of the connecting device can be combined to each other, that the built-in elements can be adjusted in their position regarding the x-, y-, and z-directions, that as desired space can be provided above the floor level and that the connection bores of the structure are provided with sealing rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Hartmut Tijssen
  • Patent number: 4358233
    Abstract: A bulkhead formed of nesting channels connected together with toggle arms. The channels are attached to the forward wall of a refrigerated trailer and form a barrier to protect a refrigeration unit and provide an unrestricted air passage duct for return air. A channel shaped outboard extending support member swivels on toggle arms and due to its overcenter arrangement, remains extended vertically. When the outboard member is rotated upwardly, the channels and toggles nest together decreasing the depth of the apparatus. The collapsed position is maintained by several spring retaining clips that grasp a toggle arm connecting member.In another embodiment the channels are connected together with a solid partition which is positioned above the floor and below the air discharge opening of a refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Morris, L. Thomas Lane