Abstract: A multi-functional cargo area assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first and a second side wall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, and an integrally formed guide track in the first and second side walls. The cargo area assembly also includes extendible side wall 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 side walls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.

Abstract: A uniquely designed two piece bulkhead door for box cars in the railroad industry. The bulkhead door is made of steel side frame members and steel frame cross members using ultra-high strength resilient steels and includes a plurality of "slide in" impact and chemically resistant thermoplastic composite modular panels. This device is used to restrain, secure and separate cargo in freight railroad cars. This load divider presents a number of exceptional features such as light weight construction, modular design, an ergonomically designed handle and structurally effective hardware. The bulkhead door fulfills the impact resistance performance requirements.

Abstract: A method and drawbar apparatus for engaging a latch of and manually moving a bulkhead door in a railroad boxcar. The drawbar has an elongate bar with a T-shaped handle at one end and a generally arcuate hook at the other end. In use, the bar retains the latch handle in a released position and applies a manual force to the bulkhead to move it. The T-shaped handle is distal from the bulkhead to safely keep a worker's digits, torso and feet from the door and boxcar sidewall. To facilitate easy and smooth movement of the bulkhead door, the hook removably engages and interlocks with the latch or a latch shaft so that force is applied to the bulkhead door adjacent its center of mass.

Abstract: A multiple compartment body comprises a housing having walls defining an interior storage area. An interior wall extends within the interior storage area for defining at least two compartments within the interior storage area. The interior wall is attached for movement between a position opening communication between the compartments and a position closing communication between the compartments. The interior wall is also movable within the interior storage area to selectively alter the respective sizes of the compartments. Movement of the interior wall is accomplished in response to fluid pressure from a location outside the housing.

Abstract: A movable device for restraining freight in a cargo area in a freight transporting vehicle, for use with a track extending along the cargo area at the top side portions of the vehicle. The device includes an upright stanchion having a vertically extending cargo restraining surface on one side normal to the track. A carriage rolls along the track to permit moving the restraining device to a desired position, and locking pins secure the stanchion in that position. A yoke connects the carriage with the stanchion, to provide a support framework for the stanchion that is rigid throughout its entire extent, in the vertical plane that passes through the center of gravity of the stanchion and is normal to the track, from the rollers of the carriage, along the roller axle and any supporting structure, along the yoke member, and across the stanchion to the vertical plane that passes through the center of gravity of the stanchion and is parallel to the track.

Abstract: An improved trolley structure for a freight bracing bulkhead assembly. The sprocket wheels of the trolley structure are designed to cooperate with the same apertures in supporting tracks located in a cargo area as cooperate with the locking pins of the bulkhead assembly. The sprocket wheels are mounted on the trolley shaft by means which permit the axis of each sprocket wheel to shift relative to the axis of the trolley shaft. A safety member is provided to prevent vertical disengagement of the sprocket wheels from the tracks.

Abstract: A freight bracing bulkhead assembly having a bulkhead with easily removable freight engaging panels. The bulkhead is adopted to be suspended from a trolley system cooperating with overhead tracks in a cargo area for movement along the tracks. Locking means cooperating with the overhead tracks and with cooperating plates on the floor of the cargo area are actuated between a locked position and a released position by a linkage assembly located exteriorly of the modular panels.

Abstract: The present suspension mechanism for load dividing gates of single column type promotes reliability and safety by extreme simplicity and unity of carriage structure, together with highly effective provision against structural failure even of the inherently rugged support elements. By means of features including special bearing design, roller placement and novel keeper support, the invention provides suspension of a column gate from a single track with security against structural failure believed at least equal to that normally attained for conventional gates with dual track support. Improved manual control mechanism for the locking pins provides in highly compact and reliable form independent operation either from inside the car or from outside through an open doorway.

Abstract: A movable stanchion for bracing freight in a transporting vehicle such as a railroad car or the like. The stanchion is supported for movement along the length of the cargo area of the car by an overhead track. A locking device carried by the stanchion cooperates with the overhead track and a floor mounted track to lock the stanchion in preselected bracing positions. The stanchion has a bracing face that extends transversely to its direction of movement and which is substantially less in the transverse direction than one-half of the width of the cargo area. The stanchion also has a device which cooperates with the floor mounted track so as to prevent pivotal movement in a transverse direction.