Abstract: A returnable dunnage assembly (25) for a machined metal member, such as a cylinder head (11) includes a relatively rigid plastic tray (27) and received therein, a relatively flexible, conformable plastic insert member (29). The insert member (29) has an internal profile (43) configured to be in engagement with a lower portion external profile (13) of the cylinder head (11) over at least a major portion thereof. The insert member (29) is removably disposed within the tray (27) and the fit of the insert member (29) within the tray (27) is such that the cylinder head (11) is accurately located relative to the tray, and can be inserted into, or removed from the tray by automated material handling means.

Abstract: A returnable dunnage assembly (25) for a machined metal member, such as a cylinder head (11) includes a relatively rigid plastic tray (27) and received therein, a relatively flexible, conformable plastic insert member (29). The insert member (29) has an internal profile (43) configured to be in engagement with a lower portion external profile (13) of the cylinder head (11) over at least a major portion thereof. The insert member (29) is removably disposed within the tray (27) and the fit of the insert member (29) within the tray (27) is such that the cylinder head (11) is accurately located relative to the tray, and can be inserted into, or removed from the tray by automated material handling means.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods that can be used for the safe storage and transportation of freight rail wheelsets. The object of this invention is to prevent the direct contact between the roller bearings or axle and the adjacent wheelset flange. To do this at storage sites the application of a roller bearing or axle protector to the present wheelset stacking arrangement is required. During transportation this objective is achieved by (a) applying roller bearing protectors, (b) applying axle protectors, (c) shifting the wheelsets on the wheel transporter so that roller bearing and adjacent wheel flange never come in contact, (d) applying wheelset stoppers and/or axle spacers.

Abstract: A cargo hold system is for use in motor vehicles. The system comprises a molded floor mat configured to fit in a defined area of the vehicle, e.g. a back cargo area. The molded floor mat is made from a carpet which has looped fibers extending from its surface. The system also includes at least one rigid retention member having at least two linear legs connected at substantially right angles. The retention member further has an upstanding vertical wall and a substantially flat bottom wall. The bottom wall has adhered to it hook-type fasteners. In use, the hook-type fasteners on the rigid retention member interact with the looped fibers of the molded floor mat to create a rearrangeable system to hold in place a variety of different shaped and sized articles.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a lateral vehicle restraint tool 10 is described for restraining cargo 8 within a trailer bay 3 in a lateral direction. The tool 10 includes a fastener 12, and a restraint arm 40 integrally joined to the fastener 12. The tool 10 can be releasably affixed to a laterally extending load lock device 2. The load lock 2 is positioned securely laterally between a first and second side wall 4, 6 and the fastener 12 is securely attached thereon. The restraint arm 40 extends from the fastener 12 and presses against one side of the cargo 8. As such, the cargo 8 is restrained from moving in a lateral direction. Optional features include an extension sleeve 40 and a rod 60. The extension sleeve 40 increases the length of the arm 40 and hence the size of the cargo 8 that can be restrained. The rod 60 connects longitudinally spaced tools 10 and thereby restrains longitudinally positioned cargo 8 resting between fore and aft tool 10/load lock 2 combinations.

Abstract: A protective cargo support device for protecting cargo stacked for transporting. The protective cargo support device includes a pair of rigid elongate members having a rectangular structure and having ends, and further includes a plurality of ring members made of either rubber or plastic and being securely and removeably engaged about the rectangular structures and being interconnected by a pair of flexible members which have ends with each end being securely attached to a respective one of the ring members. The rigid elongate members are essentially made of wood and measure approximately 2 inches in depth and from approximately 4 inches to 6 inches in width.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo retention bar assembly for securing cargo within a cargo hold. The assembly includes a rigid beam having a rod inserted through the beam. The rod is movably adjustable with respect to the beam and is provided with a surface for contacting and securing the cargo. The assembly also provides a stop to prevent the rod from moving once the surface is positioned against the cargo.

Abstract: An auxiliary cargo clamp for securing cargo inside a containing device, such as the cargo bed of a truck, having a cargo space defined by a floor, upwardly extending sidewalls and a roof. The cargo clamp comprises a brace that is attached to a preexisting cargo clamp, and includes a slot and pin for mounting to the preexisting cargo clamp, a spring loaded slide that prevents movement along the preexisting cargo clamp when force is applied, and nail securing holes pin for attachment to auxiliary load securing material.

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.

Abstract: A securing device (10) for cargo (12) in a utility vehicle (13), such as a pickup truck (14), a trailer truck (16) and the like, of the type having a cargo carrying compartment (18) defined by a floor (20) and opposite side walls (22). The securing device (10) comprises a cross rail (24). An assembly (26) is for rigidly holding the cross rail (24) laterally between the side walls (22) of the cargo carrying compartment (18) in the utility vehicle (13). An assembly (28) on the cross rail (24) is for engaging the cargo (12) within the cargo carrying compartment (18), so as to retain the cargo (12) in a selected position upon the floor (20), to prevent longitudinal and lateral movement of the cargo (12).

Abstract: Apparatus for securing freight in the form of a plurality of articles which are stacked on a floor to form a geometric solid, the solid having an upper edge, the apparatus being composed of: a frame which is composed of a roof and support members which support the roof above the floor; an edge protector assembly having at least one edge protector formed to rest against a portion of the upper edge of the geometric solid; a lifting mechanism including at least one cable via which the edge protector assembly is suspended from the roof, the lifting mechanism being operable for vertically displacing the edge protector assembly to lower the at least one edge protector into contact with the upper edge portion; and strap members for directly securing the at least one edge protector to the floor.

Abstract: A load securing device is used with a support bar to secure a load, for example, in a truck trailer. The load securing device includes a load abutting member that abuts against a side of the load. A mounting member is coupled to the load abutting member for removably and adjustably mounting to the support bar. The mounting member includes an open region for receiving the support bar and having a notch on a bottom portion thereof for engaging the support bar. A spring member is coupled to the mounting member proximate the open region and is biased against the support rod when the support rod is received in the open region. The spring member includes a support bar receiving region for receiving the support bar opposite the notch in the bottom portion of the open region. The load abutting member is preferably angled with respect to the mounting member such that the spring member and the mounting member provide a self-locking mechanism.

Abstract: A load retainer for use in the void of a cargo container to resist shifting of the cargo in transit has a symmetrical load bearing surface to evenly distribute the force delivered by the cargo. In a first presently preferred embodiment, the load retainer comprises a pair of panels which are coupled together to form an H-shaped device. The panels remain parallel to each other in an expanded load retaining configuration, a collapsed storage configuration and all positions therebetween. A second presently preferred embodiment has a symmetric rectilinear network shaped configuration and includes locking tabs to releasably secure the device in that configuration and resist lateral forces in either direction.

Abstract: A void filler (10) has intersecting cellular or prismatic members (16, 34) that are disposed inside of an exterior housing (14). Sides (46, 44; 64, 66) of the prismatic members are disposed to be perpendicular to the substantially vertical sides (20, 22; 26, 28) of the outer housing (14), and are disposed at angles to each other. The sides (44, 46) are superimposed on sides (64, 66) in elevational section, so that they coact to provide resistance against compressive forces. Despite the increase in compressive strength thus provided, the void filler (10) occupies only four thicknesses of cardboard in a collapsed condition.

Abstract: In a void filler wherein the members are connected and coupled by means of a complementary slot, the slot is reinforced by sandwiching a reinforcing strip between the laminations of the void filler members so as to surround the area of the slot and prevent the member from folding and collapsing in this area. One or more reinforcing strips can be sandwiched between the laminations or sheets making up the void filler member with the grain of the reinforcing strip positioned perpendicular to the parallel flutes of the corrugated material forming the laminated sheets. The reinforcing strip can vary in size from surrounding the immediate area of the slot itself to having the same size as the laminated sheets. An embossed groove can be provided which is slightly larger then the reinforcement strip so that the thickness of the reinforcing strip will be absorbed between the laminations to prevent added thickness in the void filler member.

Abstract: Two light weight, movable ramp members having upper depressions are provided for supporting a pair of wheels of a motor vehicle in an elevated position in a transport container. The two ramp members are spaced apart with two spacers to hold them against the side walls of the container. At least three pairs of the ramp members may be provided to support the front or rear wheels of three vehicles. Spacers are provided for spacing the front pair of ramp members from the front wall of the container. The two ramp members may be used to support the front or rear wheels of a motor vehicle in a container by locating the two members on the floor of the container; using the spacers to maintain them at desired positions; and moving the front or rear wheels of the motor vehicle up the two ramp members into their upper depressions.

Abstract: A safety cushion provided by folding a tread portion of a discarded tire back onto itself. Fasteners can be employed for maintaining the tread portion in the folded position. The safety cushion can be placed between and underneath shipping crates, underneath hold-down straps for the shipping crates, or contained in conventional cylindrical containers employed as road abutments. A plurality of safety cushions can be contained in a holding frame assembly, or interconnected by a cable network to provide an impact device. A plurality of the impact devices can be positioned at the end of a guard rail, or connected end to end to provide an impact-absorbing retaining wall.

Abstract: Corner edge protectors for lading tied down by a cable running over a corner edge of the lading. The protector may be formed of rigid or lightweight, distortable, shape-resuming semi-rigid durable plastic such as polyurethane. The protector is L-shaped and relatively wide so as to provide a substantial lading-engaging surface area. One of the legs of the protector, usually the vertical leg when installed, has an integrally formed cable-retaining hook-shaped tab formation which is yieldable to allow entry and exit of a tie down cable. The other leg, usually the horizontal leg when installed, may have a cushion formation into which a taut cable sinks.

Abstract: An insulated freight container quilt comprises first and second elongate cover sheets coated on an outer side with polypropylene fiber, the cover sheets being of a material selected from a group of spun bonded polypropylene and spun bonded polyester. A batt of polyester staple fibers mounted together with an acrylic binder is sandwiched between inner sides of the first and second sheets. A seam structure along perimeter edges of the sheets secures the batt between the sheets.

Abstract: A collapsible void filler is provided which, when in an expanded state, prevents relative movement between cargo during transit. The void filler is formed as a pair of side panels, a pair of bases secured to the side panels, and at least one beam structure located in the interior defined by the side panels and the two bases. The side panels include side panel portions which fold about a longitudinal axis when the void filler is collapsed. The bases, which may be formed from one or more base panels, extend transversely between the side panels and move toward and way from one another when the void filler is collapsed and expanded. The beam structures may have several different configurations, each of which has a pair of beam panels hingedly connected to the bases and foldable with respect to one another. The beam structures operate to support the side panels against transverse compression when the void filler is expanded. The void filler is preferably made from a unitary piece of material.

Abstract: A collapsible void filling apparatus (10) with at least one multiple elongate hollow rectilinear member (14, 16, 74 80) arranged in side by side relationship to form a body (21) for insertion into a void (24) between stacks of cargo (12) in a freight vehicle to prevent shifting of the cargo with overlapping, reinforced, cross support walls (23, 30, 31), a locking member (50) insertable from the end of one of the hollow members to a locking position which prevents collapse of the void filler body (21) during handling while allowing a clear view through the hollow member and which also functions as a handle for use in inserting the void filling apparatus (10, 10', 10", 10'") into the void (24) and tab members (56, 58) for holding the locking member (50) in the locking position (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A system for shipping product on a vehicle comprising a series of rectangular containment elements surrounding a plurality of products thus together constituting a plurality of units with a T-shaped support positioned between each of the containment elements and thus stabilizing the units and preventing sidewise shifting.

Abstract: A dunnage device expandable from a compact flat stack into a vertically extending cellular slab. A plurality of elongated strips is stacked and assembled in co-extensive relation. Each strip has a median portion, opposing end portions, and opposing outer end extremities. A transverse fold line is provided between the median portion and each end portion, across each strip. The strips are attached to each other at their outer end extremities to form pairs; the pairs are attached to each other along adjacent median portions. When the stack of attached strips is expanded, a plurality of serially connected, horizontally oriented, rectangular cells is formed. Means for suspending the cellular slab is disclosed. A foldable, integral backing board, in combination with the cellular slab, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A void filler (14, 16) especially suited for filling large volumes is made from first and second panels (18, 20), each panel having a core (26) sandwiched between face sheets (22, 24). The core is typically a corrugated honeycomb core so that the panel is stiff, strong and yet lightweight. The panels each have generally horizontal upper and lower edges (30, 32) and generally vertical first and second (34, 36) edges. The panels are connected at a hinge (44) along their upper edges. A limiter (50), attached at or near the lower edges, limits the movement of the lower edges away from one another so the panels can move from a flat, storage condition to a use condition, exhibiting a generally inverted V-shape. Two void fillers can be hingedly connected to form an M-shaped void filler assembly (2).

Abstract: Provided is (i) a method for reinforcing pallet board loads having internal ventilation channels and (ii) a pallet board brace useful in such method. The method comprises:(a) stacking each tier of the pallet board load in a preselected configuration such that the sides of the boxes on each tier form at least two open channels in fluid communication with one another, wherein at least one end of each channel is open to the exterior of the tier and wherein each channel is at least one inch wide; and(b) bracing the boxes to prevent them from shifting laterally into the open channels by interposing spacing elements between the boxes on opposites sides of the channels, the spacing elements being disposed in fixed relationship to one another by a suitable rigid structure.

Abstract: An expandable void filler which includes a plurality of expandable hollow, elongated, box-like tubes which can be stacked one on the other and joined together along their common surfaces. Separate interface panels can be sandwiched between the individual tubular members to provide additional lateral compressive strength. The individual tubes are held in the expanded position by individual folding panels which extend inwardly across the interior opening within and have sufficient size to wedge against the opposite sidewall as well as the top and bottom of the structure. These panels alternate from one side of the tube to the other and are staggered so as to not be vertically aligned between the stacked tubular members. A flange member can be attached to the uppermost tube to support the void filler in proper position between the cargo loaded within a transporting vehicle.

Abstract: Cabinet units (26,28) are installed in a cargo container (2) and fully integrated into the container structure to enable them to withstand transportation forces. Each cabinet unit (26,28) includes a lower cabinet (26) and an attached upper cabinet (28). The units (26,28) are arranged in opposite rows along the container sidewalls (4). Adjacent units (26,28) are attached to each other. Each unit (26,28) is attached to an angle anchor beam (58) secured to the container floor (16) and to rails (88) secured to the container sidewalls (4). The frontmost units (26,28) abut the container front wall (10). Acceleration forces are transmitted from the cabinets (26,28) through a header (14) positioned above the container door (12) to the container structure. The rearmost upper cabinet (28) of each row has secured thereto a cabinet support member (116) which rotatably carries a screw (130).

Abstract: A protector for the core, and adjacent edges and face portions of a coil of material, such as steel, is provided. The protector comprises first and second substantially identical discs each having an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion and a central aperture forming a circular inner edge. The outer annular portions of the two discs are joined together. The inner annular portions of the first and second discs having cuts therein extending transversely from the inner circular edges and forming a plurality of tabs capable of being bent at a substantially right angle to the outer annular portions. All of the tabs of the first disc of the protector are cut at the same angle. All of the tabs of the second disc of the protector are similarly cut at an equivalent but opposite or reverse angle.

Abstract: A frame fixture having a support base, receiving plate, a pair of carrier bolts and a post, the fixture is placed onto the top of a telephone switchgear frame so that the base grips the frame. The post has two carrier bolts extending therefrom and further has a cargo bar placed transversely to the bolts and is located therebetween. A receiving plate is attached to the bolts to fasten the cargo bar between the post and plate. A plurality of spaced switchgear frames in a transport vehicle are adapted to be interconnected by the cargo bar so as to prevent toppling of the former about their bases.

Abstract: An expandable honeycomb slab constructed from sheet material of corrugated paperboard, for filling load voids within a container carrying articles of freight. A plurality of horizontal cell rows, each containing a central diamond-shaped cell straddled by a pair of square-shaped cells, is stacked in vertical relation. Vertically adjacent corners and apexes of the cells are interconnected so as to allow vertical expansion of the suspended cellular array under its own weight. The vertically aligned, centrally positioned diamond-shaped cells provide vertical support and horizontal rigidity for the array, effectively preventing the honeycomb slab from assuming an hourglass configuration.

Abstract: A new and improved anchor plate for maintaining stacked containers in a stable relation. The anchor plate includes a substantially rigid body for placement between adjacent containers, the body having a plurality of corrugated patterns formed therein, each corrugated pattern having a raised side with a plurality of rows of teeth extending from the raised side for engaging the adjacent containers. The corrugated pattern enhances the penetrating capability of the plate and yet prevents total penetration of the teeth through the entire thickness of the material of the container.

Abstract: A load spacer is disclosed having an improved support system allowing the spacer to stand between containers or articles of freight in a railway boxcar or other freight shipping vehicle or container and between the load and the walls of the shipping vehicle to prevent shifting of the load. The load spacer is an expandable-collapsible honeycomb structure and includes spaced elongated, rigid supporting members which extend through the structure from top to bottom. The ends of the rigid supporting members bear against the top and bottom strips of the structure to support the structure in an expanded condition and to prevent its collapse in a vertical direction when in place. The load spacer is particularly adapted for use at the ends and along the sides of the shipping vehicle.