Abstract: An automatic pallet to platform locking system enables pallets of supplies or cargoes to automatically be locked down onto the top of a transportation platform, thus avoiding the use of tie down straps and allowing for automated material handling equipment (MHE) such as a forklift. The present system replaces older, difficult to reconfigure, mostly manual loading and unloading systems and methods with a mechanical interface that allows for relatively easy reconfiguration for different pallet sizes, and that can simplify the task of loading and unloading pallets. The mechanical interface between a pallet and a transportation platform or flatbed is a metal to metal interface. It eliminates the need to tie and secure a strap, which is a time consuming and manual process.

Abstract: A van semi-trailer and a method for shipping the same are provided. The van semi-trailer comprises: a van body; wheels and a leg at the bottom surface of the van body; bottom corner fittings at the bottom surface of the van body; top corner fittings provided on top surface of the van body and respectively aligned with access holes penetrating through the top surface of the van body; and auxiliary supporters inside the van body, wherein each auxiliary supporter has a lower end connected to a base frame of the van body and an upper end aligned with the respective access hole and connected to the respective top corner fitting. Therefore, it is possible to ship the van semi-trailer, while the original structure of the van semi-trailer is maintained substantially and the manufacture difficulty is not increased; the auxiliary supporters may be manufactured at low cost, easily implemented and recycled.

Abstract: A device for stacking empty transportation pallets has a frame and a pallet receptacle rotatably supported on the frame and pivotable between a loading position and a removal position. An active locking element and a passive locking element are provided for effecting a releasable locking action for locking the pallet receptacle in the loading position and the removal position, respectively. The active locking element that is actuated for releasing the locking action is arranged on the pivotable pallet receptacle so as to be pivotable together with the pallet receptacle. The passive locking element is in a fixed position relative to the frame.

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.

Abstract: A van semi-trailer and a method for shipping the same are provided. The van semi-trailer comprises: a van body; wheels and a leg at the bottom surface of the van body; bottom corner fittings at the bottom surface of the van body; top corner fittings provided on top surface of the van body and respectively aligned with access holes penetrating through the top surface of the van body; and auxiliary supporters inside the van body, wherein each auxiliary supporter has a lower end connected to a base frame of the van body and an upper end aligned with the respective access hole and connected to the respective top corner fitting. Therefore, it is possible to ship the van semi-trailer, while the original structure of the van semi-trailer is maintained substantially and the manufacture difficulty is not increased; the auxiliary supporters may be manufactured at low cost, easily implemented and recycled.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A combination shipping container and vehicle is disclosed that may be handled and lifted in a similar fashion to a standard shipping container, and also may provide its own motive force for driving as a vehicle. The combination includes a vehicle frame that is generally the length and width of the standard shipping container. The frame provides a strong support framework for the combination. An engine is supported by the frame, and a suspension supports at least four wheels by the frame. A transmission mounted to the frame transfers rotational energy from the engine to at least two of the wheels through a transfer case and an axle. A driver's cab is fixed to and above the frame at a forward end thereof and includes driver controls for controlling the engine, steering and braking of at least two of the wheels, and other related motor vehicle functions. A container portion is fixed to and above the frame at a rear end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stacking post for container chassis, comprising a grooved vertical body (1), between the walls of which pallets (3-3?-3?) are linked which project from the grooved body in a portion having a greater width and being able to swing between an extracted position (3?) and a retracted position (3?). One of the walls (2) of the grooved body (1) has externally attached thereto a shifting rake (7) forming a locking mechanism for locking the pallets in the extracted position (3?).

Abstract: The freight container is constructed with relatively thin sidewalls of relatively high-strength steel, permitting thinner corrugations. This results in a greater internal width for the container, while still having an external width not exceeding the nominal 102? or 2.6 meter national and international standards. By forming the sidewalls of sufficiently high strength materials, the sidewalls may be constructed to have a thickness not exceeding one inch each, thereby providing a nominal internal width of 100? for the container. This permits the placement of U.S. standard pallets having lengths and widths of 56×44 inches in an alternating array, with each pallet group forming a square of 100? on a side. In this manner, a total of twenty-four pallets may be placed within the freight container.

Abstract: A bar and lock arrangement includes a bar having spaced ends, a pair of swing arms respectively extending from each end of the bar for pivotally mounting the bar on a frame, a latch at each end of the bar for releasably latching each end of the bar to the frame on which said swing arms are mounted, a cable extending between the latches for releasing the latches so that said bar can pivot around the swing arms with respect to the frame, and a handle mounted on the bar and coupled to the cable for simultaneously releasing the latches. An abutment preferably is disposed on the bar and positioned adjacent to the handle such that initial force on the handle moves the handle on said bar, releases the latches and brings the handle into engagement with the abutment, further force on the handle operating through the abutment and the bar to pivot the bar around the swing arms.

Abstract: A truck body for a transport of compressed gas cylinders on pallets carries a lift gate in the rear, and a front fence that is attachable and detachable so that fences of various heights of types may be utilized. Also, the truck body may have open bottom bays for receiving pallets, but the bays may carry expanded metal sheets for safety purposes. Also, a removable curtain/roof accessory assembly of light weight may be used to enclose the truck bed. A lift gate with novel attachment is also provided.

Abstract: A portable component assembly device for extending the length of the pickup bed for hauling objects longer than the bed of the pickup is adapted to the receiver hitch attached to the rear end of a pickup with a primary support bar inserted within the receiver hitch with a first upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the primary support bar beyond the tailgate to support objects up to ten feet in length with a second upright horizontal support bar connected to the primary bar having a second upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the secondary support bar to support objects longer than ten feet. Each first and second upright horizontal support bar includes a set of adjustable width anchor chocks attached to each support bar, with the second upright horizontal support bar including running lights with brake and turn indicators connected to the vehicle wiring system by a wiring harness.

Abstract: A rack for transporting and storing glass panels. The rack is designed to protect the panels during shipment so that they do not become damaged. The rack includes a base associated with two sets of channels in which a plurality of glass panels can be placed. Each channel has at least one gripper member associated with it. The gripper member is pivotal between a first position in which panels are locked in place in the channels and a second unlocked position in which panels can be inserted into or removed from the channels. Two sets of such channels are provided such that the rack of the present invention can be used to hold one set of longer glass panels or two separate sets of shorter glass panels.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus comprising a first arm defining a pair of opposing ends, each of said opposing ends attached to a restrainer; a second arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; a third arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; and a first restorer attached between said second arm and said third arm, said first restorer resisting relative motion between said second arm and said third arm.

Abstract: The present Invention is an apparatus for controlling a load in a vehicle, particularly a pickup truck where the load is longer than the bed of the truck. The apparatus comprises a channel mounted to or defined by the bed or tailgate of the truck. A load-restraining member slidably engages the channel to adjust for loads of different sizes. The load-restraining member also rotatably engages the channel and may move between an upright position for use and a horizontal position for storage. The load-restraining member may be secured in the upright position.

Abstract: A multilength tubular transporter is provided, comprising a base frame, including at least two main beams, wherein the main beams are connected by a plurality of cross members, a floor substantially covering the areas defined by the main beams and cross members; a plurality of substantially vertical guide members connected to each of the main beams; a lifting arrangement operatively connected to the base frame for enabling the transporter to be lifted to and from a vehicle; a stacking device operatively connected to the base frame for engaging the guide members of a second transporter, wherein the transporters may be securely stacked; and wherein the base frame includes one or more winches for securing tubulars within the transporter.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented web work structure for carrying vertical shear loads between the top truss and the center sill and decking. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a deep upper beam structure that has downwardly extending skirts. The skirts provide an extended bearing area upon against which bundled loads can be secured. The skirts are inwardly reinforced to discourage deflection between adjacent upright members of the vertical web work.

Abstract: The dunnage transport organizer is a device that consists of a pole with a dunnage puncture point at one end with a cover for that point, that attaches to a base which has pallet clamps to attach it to a pallet or other such transportation means. The pole is perpendicular to the adjustable base. The adjustable base is attached to an ordinary pallet with the pallet clamps and adjustment straps being adjustable to fit different sizes of pallets. The pole has to be connected to the base with the opposite end with a point to allow the puncturing of the dunnage. The dunnage puncture point has a cover for safety reasons and safe transportation of the dunnage.

Abstract: A guide is attached to the top of a glass rack on a glass transporting vehicle. When attaching a brace to the rack, the top stake is engaged to the guide. The guide automatically directs the top stake into its corresponding spot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportation method and a package system for transporting a set of large longitudinal items such as blades for a wind turbine (1) or a tower for a wind turbine. Taking wind turbine blades (1) as an example, the advantages of the invention reside in packaging a tip (3) of one blade and a base (2) of a second blade in the one and same package (5) such that two blades (1) may be transported in packages (5, 16) having an overall lateral extension, approximately the same as the base of only one blade (1) for the wind turbine. Thereby a very compact but also a very easy means of transportation of large longitudinal items such as wind turbine blades (1) is provided.

Abstract: A transportation and installation assist device (16) for at least one precast concrete tilt panel. The panel(s) (18) are generally rectangular and have a first shorter end (44) with at least one lifting anchor therein, a second opposed shorter end (48) and a longitudinal axis (50) therebetween. The device (16) includes at least one frame (20) adapted to releasably engage an associated one of the panel(s) (18) substantially adjacent the second end (48) and support the panel (18) in a loading/transport orientation with the face of the associated panel (18) substantially vertical and the axis(es) (50) substantially horizontal. The frame (20) is also adapted for pivotal mounting to a table bed (14) of a truck (10) or trailer (12). The frame (20) and associated panel (18) pivot together when the first panel end (44) is lifted above the second panel end (48) until the associated panel (18) is in a releasing orientation with the face of the panel (18) substantially vertical and the axis (50) substantially vertical.

Abstract: A load support assembly for a pick-up bed includes a plurality of elongate members each having a first end, a second end, a bottom surface, a top surface, and a pair of lateral sides. Each of the elongate members has a pair of holes extending therethrough. Each of the holes is positioned adjacent to one of the first and second ends and extending through the lateral sides. The bottom surfaces are selectively positioned on upper edges of side walls of a pick-up bed such that the elongate members traverse the pick-up bed. Each of a plurality of guides is attached to each of the top surfaces of the elongate members such that each of the elongate members has a pair of spaced guides attached thereto. Each of a plurality of fasteners is selectively extendably through aligned ones of the holes and into a toolbox positioned in the pick-up bed.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented web work structure for carrying vertical shear loads between the top truss and the center sill and decking. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a deep upper beam structure that has downwardly extending skirts. The skirts provide an extended bearing area upon against which bundled loads can be secured. The skirts are inwardly reinforced to discourage deflection between adjacent upright members of the vertical web work.

Abstract: A trailer rack assembly stores and transports vertically-oriented panels that are fragile to impacts directed upon their major planar surfaces. The trailer rack assembly includes a bottom frame for supporting the panel in a vertical position, a top frame for containing the panel while being supported on the bottom frame, and a plurality of struts interconnecting the bottom and top frames. The struts are capable of absorbing and distributing lateral forces imposed upon the top frame, the bottom frame and/or the supported panel. One or more attachment projections extend from the rearward portions of the top frame, the bottom frame and/or an interconnecting strut. The attachment projection(s) are attachable to a rear tandem assembly having wheels mounted on one or more axles, the rear tandem assembly, and to a movable front assembly, which supporting the attached trailer rack assembly above the ground surface.

Abstract: A trailer rack assembly stores and transports vertically-oriented panels that are fragile to impacts directed upon their major planar surfaces. The trailer rack assembly includes a bottom frame for supporting the panel in a vertical position, a top frame for containing the panel while being supported on the bottom frame, and a plurality of struts interconnecting the bottom and top frames. The struts are capable of absorbing and distributing lateral forces imposed upon the top frame, the bottom frame and/or the supported panel. One or more attachment projections extend from the rearward portions of the top frame, the bottom frame and/or an interconnecting strut. The attachment projection(s) are attachable to a rear tandem assembly having wheels mounted on one or more axles, the rear tandem assembly, and to a movable front assembly, which supporting the attached trailer rack assembly above the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented web work structure for carrying vertical shear loads between the top truss and the center sill and decking. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a deep upper beam structure that has downwardly extending skirts. The skirts provide an extended bearing area upon against which bundled loads can be secured. The skirts are inwardly reinforced to discourage deflection between adjacent upright members of the vertical web work.

Abstract: A pallet, and a system suitable for use with the pallet, for supporting and transporting gas cylinders in an inclined position. The pallet includes a supporting base frame. A pair of horizontally spaced, upstanding and parallel side frame members are rigidly secured to the base frame. A plurality of cylinder carriers or tubes are positioned between the side frame members. The carriers are disposed in an inclined position at an angle &agr;. The system includes a load-supporting bed forming part of a vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart and laterally extending bays are arranged in two longitudinally extending rows disposed on the bed. A walkway is disposed on the bed and raised therefrom, the walkway extends between the two longitudinally extending rows and a plurality of pallets. The system may also include a latching arrangement that engages the base of the pallets to retain the pallets in its respective bay during transportation.

Abstract: A magazine with removable inclined frames comprising a plurality of inclined frames arranged side by side in a parking area, each frame having, at its base, a carriage-like structure which carries the inclined frame so that it is mounted on, and slideable in, a pair of rails dedicated thereto in the parking area. A transfer structure is provided to the side of the parking area and comprises a shuttle to receive one or more carriages and to convey the carriage at right angles to the plane of arrangement of the frame. A motor is provided for producing the translational motion of the carriages on the shuttle, and additional motors are provided for producing the translational motion of the shuttle parallel to the parking area of the set of frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport vehicle which serves to transport objects having large dimensions, especially glass stands. The transport vehicle is provided, as a low-platform railway car, with a traversal loading area. This loading area and the loading ramps assigned thereto form a travelling surface for so-called Osila glass transport vehicles, whereby the loading area is protected against soiling in an overall manner by a structure, and the load is secured on the loading area by stand fixing devices and load securing devices.

Abstract: Transport racks for shipment of a variety of objects are described. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, transport racks are configured with vertical and horizontal support members. Cross-braces positioned atop the horizontal support members support partitions of a variety of configurations creating a plurality of longitudinally extending cells forming compartments for secure storage of the cargo. A panel is positioned atop the framework creating a covered storage area with a first and second open end. Netting and lattice gates positioned at the first and second open end secure the cargo, provide high visibility of the rack contents, and maximize ease of loading and unloading of the racks.

Abstract: Transport racks for shipment of a variety of objects are described. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, transport racks are configured with vertical and horizontal support members. Cross-braces positioned atop the horizontal support members support partitions of a variety of configurations creating a plurality of longitudinally extending cells forming compartments for secure storage of the cargo. A panel is positioned atop the framework creating a covered storage area with a first and second open end. Netting and lattice gates positioned at the first and second open end secure the cargo, provide high visibility of the rack contents, and maximize ease of loading and unloading of the racks.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for storing and transporting piece goods, in particular articles whose dimensions in at least one or in two mutually perpendicular directions are markedly larger than in the remaining third direction in space, wherein the articles are received in substantially U-shaped pockets which are formed from a flexible web material and which are arranged in a support stand or frame.

Abstract: A new hold-down or retention device comprises a pair of vertical standards bolted or otherwise attached to the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. Preferably, the standards are located near to the cab end of the cargo bed but spaced therefrom. A cross-member is adjustably attached to the standards and extends therebetween. By placing one end of a long object such as a ladder or scaffold plank under the cross-member and adjusting the cross-member down to retain the object to the bed, the object is easily tightly retained to the truck cargo bed even when the object is three or more times the length of the cargo bed.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

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 or axle spacers, or (e) applying axle spacers.

Abstract: A tubular dunnage bar of rectangular cross-section has an inner wall, an outer wall and two side walls. The inner wall has a slot extending lengthwise of the dunnage bar. A channel extends lengthwise within the dunnage bar. The channel has a bottom wall spaced from and parallel to the inner and outer walls of the dunnage bar and side flanges secured to the side walls of the dunnage bar. The channel and the inner wall of the dunnage bar form a pocket. A dunnage strip is received in the pocket and has a nose projecting outwardly through the slot. The channel and the side walls and outer wall of the dunnage bar form a space. The bottom wall of the channel has a trough-shaped, strengthening portion displaced downwardly into the space. The trough-shaped portion of the bottom wall of the channel is arcuate in cross-section and is located midway between the side flanges of the channel.

Abstract: A dedicated (log) cargo container (10), for loosely stacked (log) cargo 16, has a load bed (20), with longitudinal chassis rails (11, 12), surmounted by folding corner end posts (14, 15), for mutually-supportive, stacking inter-fit, with other containers, and multiple intervening lateral restraints (18), individually (re-) movable, or foldable longitudinally or laterally, to lie folded within the footprint of the load bed: allowing overall container collapse unladen, and container stacking inter-fit, either laden or unladen and collapsed; opposed lateral restraints may be braced, by a transverse (load support) beam (19), in an integrated foldable U-frame (3C).

Abstract: A tailgate movable in horizontal and vertical directions and being operative to (1) lock down loads that are too long to be accommodated within the standard length of the bed of a pickup truck or any other vehicle having a cargo bed with sidewalls, or (2) lock down confined moveable loads that are liable to slide or shift within the truck bed. A motorized chain drive produces the forward and backward horizontal movement of the tailgate thereby securing the total cargo and preventing shifting and sliding of the loads within the truck bed. The drive also produces the vertical movement of the tailgate which, together with the plurality of spring-loaded legs and spread pressure pads, provides a pressure locking system thereby holding down long, uneven cargo loads which are eccentrically loaded relative to the length of the truck bed and preventing torsion or slippage of said loads within the truck bed.

Abstract: A refractory metal silicide target is characterized by comprising a fine mixed structure composed of MSi2 (where M: refractory metal) grains and Si grains, wherein the number of MSi2 grains independently existing in a cross section of 0.01 mm2 of the mixed structure is not greater than 15, the MSi2 grains have an average grain size not greater than 10 &mgr;m, whereas free Si grains existing in gaps of the MSi2 grains have a maximum grain size not greater than 20 &mgr;m. The target has a high density, high purity fine mixed structure with a uniform composition and contains a small amount of impurities such as oxygen etc. The employment of the target can reduce particles produced in sputtering, the change of a film resistance in a wafer and the impurities in a film and improve yield and reliability when semiconductors are manufactured.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a loading bunk (3) to a frame beam (2) of a vehicle, wherein the loading bunk includes a horizontal beam (4) and wherein the mounting plate (13) can be moved longitudinally on the frame beam (2) and locked thereto. The mounting plate (13) includes locking means (18) for securing the beam (4) in the transverse direction. The locking means (18) includes shape-conforming latching means (19) for coacting engagement with engagement devices (12) disposed on the beam (4).

Abstract: The shipping tower includes at least four uprights defining a rectangular, upwardly extending space, wherein first and second uprights face third and fourth uprights. A plurality of cross members link the plurality of uprights to form a stable upstanding structure. A first plurality of support arms are secured between the first upright and the second upright and a second plurality of support arms are secured between the third upright and the fourth upright. The support arms of the first plurality of support arms are respectively aligned with the support arms of the second plurality of support arms so as to form shelves upon which trays may be positioned for shipment thereof. The four uprights, the plurality of cross members, the first plurality of support arms and the second plurality of support arms are formed from laminated paper.

Abstract: In order to provide a manner of supporting a load lock in a semi-trailer even during transport, a load lock rack kit includes a load lock rack comprising a generally planar shelf-like supporting surface having a front edge and a rear edge spaced therefrom and a pair of tie down fittings. The shelf-like supporting surface has at least one opening extending from the front edge to at least a point generally intermediate the front and rear edges to receive the shaft of the load lock wherein the opening is formed such that a bearing pad on at least one end of the shaft cannot pass through the opening. With this arrangement, the load lock rack also includes a plate for mounting the shelf-like supporting surface with the rear edge adjacent the side wall of the semi-trailer and a lip or angled surface to maintain the load lock on the load lock rack during transport of the semi-trailer.

Abstract: A carrier system for securing a load of material during transporting of the load. The carrier system can also be used to store materials. The carrier system includes at least one bracket assembly, generally at least one pair of opposed bracket assemblies. Two pairs of opposed bracket assemblies is a typical carrier system construction. Each bracket assembly has a retaining member, a sill member, and an optional brace member, which are moveable attached to a rail system. The carrier system can be used to secure various materials such as sheets of plywood, drywall, or insulation, lumber, windows, doors, pipes and tubing and the like.

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: A tail gate load organizing device is provided for carrying items longer than a pickup truck box floor with a tailgate down by moving a supporting point out onto the tailgate. The device includes an elongated base, vertical load partitions, base support system, and a tailgate attachment member. In use, the load organizing device is mountedly placed upon a tailgate and the attachment member is extended to bring about attaching engagement with a tailgate support which extendedly connects at one end to the tailgate and at another end to the pickup truck box side. The device is then useful in loading a pickup truck by causing an organized elongated load to be maintained within a pickup truck box and inclined relative to the floor of the truck box.

Abstract: A new hold-down or retention device comprises a pair of vertical standards bolted or otherwise attached to the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. Preferably, the standards are located near to the cab end of the cargo bed but spaced therefrom. A cross-member is adjustably attached to the standards and extends therebetween. By placing one end of a long object such as a ladder or scaffold plank under the cross-member and adjusting the cross-member down to retain the object to the bed, the object is easily tightly retained to the truck cargo bed even when the object is three or more times the length of the cargo bed.

Abstract: The invention is a drive-in pallet racking system for a large transportation vehicle like a railcar or truck trailer. The racking system includes a plurality of center posts which define two drive-through passageways along the length of the vehicle. Pallet-supporting rails are mounted on each side of the posts. One rail is mounted to the posts and the other is mounted on the sidewall opposite the posts. The rails are spaced apart so that a forklift can drive in between them. However, the spacing is sufficiently narrow so that the rails can support the edges of the pallet without any intermediate support.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for securing a load on the flat bed of a truck having sidewalls or other vehicle having a like cargo area. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a base member having rods extending substantially vertically therefrom. Adjustable side connectors are coupled to the base member at one or both sides of the base member in order to secure the base member to the side walls of the flat bed. A slide bar is adjustably displaced along the length of the rods to adapt to loads of varying height. The slide bar serves to secure and to stabilize the load. A fastener directs the slide bar against the load and toward the base member. Thus, the slide bar acts in a clamp-like manner to secure a load within the flat bed area of a vehicle. The present invention further comprises extension elements which enable the side connectors to be engaged to the sidewalls of the flat bed at varying heights depending on the construction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A returnable and reusable packaging and storage system for elongated members, such as awnings. The system includes a container upon which a series of tubular members are stacked. Each tubular member is adapted to slidably receive an elongated member and allows individual elongated members to be removed from the stack of tubular members regardless of their vertical position within the stack. Spacers are attached to the elongated members that are shorter than the tubular member holding the elongated member, so that the combined spacer-elongated members are accessible from either end of the tubular member. The tubular members project in a cantilever fashion from the container, the projecting ends being protected and supported by end bags. The end bags preclude the tubular members, as well as the elongated members therein, from moving longitudinally, and thereby prevent the awnings from sliding out of the tubular members during the shipment and storage thereof.