Retainer Patents (Class 410/77)
  • Patent number: 8066458
    Abstract: A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Schulze, Gregory A. Brekken, LaDell E. Papacek
  • Patent number: 7988391
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Greg Schulze
  • Patent number: 7980796
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for a lock stop system and method. In one embodiment there is provided a mechanical lock stop system for locking and controlled movement of a load. The system comprises a modular extruded part having a plurality of spaced openings on at least one side of the modular extruded part. The system further comprises a lock stop apparatus comprising a linear bearing having at least two sides, wherein the modular extruded part moves through the linear bearing; a release element having an attached hinge; a locking element having a first end and a second end; and a compression spring mounted around at least a portion of the locking element. The release element locks and unlocks the first end of the locking element to the modular extruded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kevin L. Salt
  • Patent number: 7967537
    Abstract: An adjustment device aligns supporting parts that pivotally accommodate the guide rails of a freight loading system on structures having inherent dimensional tolerances. The structures can in particular be in an aircraft fuselage. Each supporting part is designed as a bearing insert that can be inserted in a bearing eye of a bearing block such that it cannot rotate. Each bearing insert has fitting surface sections separated from one another by planes of symmetry. Each bearing insert has at least one asymmetrically arranged axis accommodation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Torben Allert, Jens Krüger
  • Publication number: 20110150594
    Abstract: A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Schulze, Gregory A. Brekken, LaDell E. Papacek
  • Patent number: 7938604
    Abstract: An attachment mounting device for a utility vehicle cargo box with a sidewall with a bar along a top edge and a recessed surface in the sidewall below the bar. The attachment mounting device has a head at an upper end, a hook at a lower end, and a mid-section therebetween. A handle is attached to a cam insert having a cam surface contacting the bar. The cam insert is slidable to move the cam insert around the bar to move the hook upward sufficiently to engage the recessed surface in the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John T. Toutant, Terry L. Zwart
  • Patent number: 7922431
    Abstract: A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Schulze, Gregory A. Brekken, LaDell E. Papacek
  • Publication number: 20110070045
    Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Blaine K. Rawdon, Zachary C. Hoisington
  • Publication number: 20100290855
    Abstract: A locking device for locking an ISO-standardized corner fitting of a freight container, comprising:—locking means which are adjustable between an opened position in which the locking means can freely pass an opening of the corner fitting and a closed position in which the locking means hook behind the opening of a wall surrounding the corner fitting;—operating means which, upon placement of a container on the locking device, are adjustable through cooperation with a wall of the corner fitting from an unloaded initial position to an end position loaded by the weight of the container, and—an adjusting mechanism which couples the locking means and the operating means in a manner such that the initial position of the operating means corresponds to the opened position of the locking means and that the end position of the operating means corresponds to the closed position of the locking means, and that upon placement of a corner fitting of a container on the locking device, the weight load of the container energize
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Cornelis Gerardus Strien
  • Publication number: 20100239383
    Abstract: An attachment clamp for a utility vehicle cargo box with a cylindrical bar along a top surface of the sidewall. The attachment clamp includes an inner plate positioned inside the sidewall, and an outer plate hinged to the inner plate and positioned outside the sidewall. Each of the inner plate and outer plate including a bar gripping element to grip the bar along a top surface of the sidewall. A handle is connected to the plates and pivotable to move the inner and outer plates together to a clamped position around the bar or apart to an unclamped position. The handle may include a lobe that cams the plates together and enters a recess in the outer plate in the clamped position, and a spring urging the inner and outer plates apart toward the unclamped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: John T. Toutant
  • Publication number: 20100196116
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling the payload to a body of a locking assembly, engaging an insertion portion of the body into the channel, translating the insertion portion of the body along the track from a first position to a second position, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the track in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member from an unsecured position to a secured position, a portion of the track being clampably engaged by the at least one engagement member and the insertion portion of the body when the at least one engagement member is positioned in the secured position such that the body is substantially constrained from movement along the track by the at least one engagement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy C. Hudson, Trevor M. Laib, Timothy M. Erhardt
  • Publication number: 20100189527
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining cargo items on an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base that attaches to the cargo item, a lever coupled to the base, and a foot coupled to the lever, wherein the foot is placed into a seat track attached to the aircraft, the seat track having a cutout portion and a cavity beneath the cutout portion, and the lever is moved to turn the foot within the cavity to lock down the cargo item to the seat track to restrain its movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ARINC INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Terry WILSON, Rebecca HINKLE
  • Patent number: 7758290
    Abstract: A device for locking containers into place includes a frame, at least one locking claw affixed to the frame, and an adjustment component which is affixed to the locking claw. A position of a container to be locked into place is adjustable relative to the locking claw in a longitudinal direction of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ludger Boggenstall, Thomas Hienen, Jochen Soller
  • Publication number: 20100171597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to determine the relative position of a container corner lock and/or a group of container corner locks in relation to other container corner locks. The method comprises the steps of: requesting information regarding identification from those locks (1) that are within a certain area; transferring said information to each lock (1) within said area; storing, in each lock (1) within said area, said requested information from other locks within the area; determining, based on said stored information, the relative position of the lock and/or of the group of locks. The invention also relates to a system and a container corner lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: LOXYSYSTEM AB
    Inventor: Dag Tryggö
  • Patent number: 7740429
    Abstract: A redundant locking device is disclosed with two adjacently positioned latching arms each including an L-shaped hook portion selectively engageable with the container for securing it to a trailer or truck transport apparatus. The two latching arms are positively driven by a powering means such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder which urges both latching arms toward the engaged position for securement of the container. Powering is provided through a lateral link member which is movably secured such as by a universally flexible ball and socket joint with respect to each latching arm for powering movement thereof responsive to activation of the driving air cylinder. The locking device can be secured to the side of a transport vehicle with the cylinder located between the retracted position of the arms or beneath the vehicle with the arms along the side of the vehicle and the drive cylinder positioned therebeneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Omaha Standard, Inc.
    Inventor: Lazar Marmur
  • Patent number: 7731460
    Abstract: A self-adjusting loading guide and restraint for guiding and restraining aircraft unit load devices includes a base and an arm substantially upwardly extending from the base. The arm includes a vertical restraint portion and guide member having at least one substantially planar guide surface that is pivotally connected to the arm, and is movable between a first guide position and a second guide position. When the vertical restraint portion is engaged with a stowed first unit load device, the guide member assists in guiding a second unit load device away from the first unit load device and the loading guide and restraint and into a stowage location that is adjacent to the first unit load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Brown, Wallace H. Larson, Justin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7695225
    Abstract: Fitting systems and assemblies are detailed. The assemblies are designed principally (although not necessarily exclusively) for use with aircraft seats and supply positive adjustable positioning of a seat or other object, typically actuated with a single turn (or less) of a single tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft LLC
    Inventor: Alexander Pozzi
  • Patent number: 7665938
    Abstract: An air cargo device for facilitating the movement and retention of unit load devices on an air cargo deck includes a base member on which are mounted a caster roller, a guide and a restraint. The guide and the restraint are coaxially mounted and together occupy one of three positions: both the guide and restraint being recessed; the guide raised with the restraint recessed, and both the guide and restraint being raised. One end of the base member is provided with retractable tension studs suitable for mating with a portion of a seat track, while the opposite end of the base member is provided with shoulder bolts for mating with a lock tray. This permits the device to bridge between the two types of cargo floor fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory James Schulze
  • Publication number: 20100040427
    Abstract: A locking device for fastening containers for an aircraft. The locking device comprises at least one locking arrangement that can be affixed to an aircraft floor and that comprises a retaining element. The locking arrangement can be fastened to the aircraft floor such that a gap for adjusting the container is provided between the container and the locking arrangement. The retaining element of the locking arrangement can subsequently be moved in the direction of the payload such that a gap between the locking arrangement and the payload can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Ludger Merz
  • Publication number: 20090279977
    Abstract: An attachment mounting device for a utility vehicle cargo box with a sidewall with a bar along a top edge and a recessed surface in the sidewall below the bar. The attachment mounting device has a head at an upper end, a hook at a lower end, and a mid-section therebetween. A handle is attached to a cam insert having a cam surface contacting the bar. The cam insert is slidable to move the cam insert around the bar to move the hook upward sufficiently to engage the recessed surface in the sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: John T. Toutant, Terry L. Zwart
  • Publication number: 20090257841
    Abstract: A boat latch for securing a boat or the like having a bow ring to a trailer including, a roller mount assembly having a roller adapted to guide the bow of a boat into position said roller being attached to an upper end of a kicker arm, said kicker arm being pivotally mounted in a housing; a locking pin assembly movable between a cocked and a free position; whereby as a boat is guided into position against the roller mount assembly a rotation of said kicker arm may be induced by pressure exerted against the roller by a boat to thereby activate the locking pin at a position wherein the locking pin engages the bow ring to thereby secure the boat to the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Pauline Brenda Hardy, Garth Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 7575403
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a cargo container includes: a first fastener component including a pair of rails; amounting seat mounted slidably on the rails; a second fastener component including a toothed part extending into the a central through-hole in the mounting seat and formed with teeth, each of which has a contact surface; and an engagement unit including an engaging element that is mounted in a retaining recess in the mounting seat and that has a free end portion extendable into the central through-hole in the mounting seat. The free end portion of the engaging element has a flat contact surface that extends into the central through-hole to abut against the contact surface of an adjacent one of the teeth in such a manner to arrest rotation of the mounting seat relative to the second fastener component in a direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: David Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7556462
    Abstract: In the cargo hold of an aircraft, a cargo deck is known on which several mounting profiles are installed in the long direction of the aircraft. In the mounting profiles functional elements, in particular rollers, ball elements, latches, power drive units (PDUs) or the like can be mounted. In the present invention it is proposed that the mounting profiles be disposed at identical distances from one another over a width of the cargo space, so that identical structural floor elements can be mounted between them and will fit exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Huber
  • Publication number: 20090155034
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading, securing, and unloading a vehicle, from a carrier bed. An aft axle restraint and ramp assembly is lowered to the ground, providing an inclined ramp for the vehicle to be driven onto the bed. The ramp is then raised into a vertical position and locked. The axle restraint, pivotally attached to the ramp, is raised and dropped over the rear axle of the vehicle. A fore vehicle hold down assembly comprises a pair of hooks pivotally connected to a lever arm. The hold down assembly is raised into a disengaged position, and the hooks are placed either over an accessory rack or the front bumper of the vehicle. Lowering the lever arm into an engaged position, pulls the frame forwardly and downwardly, securing the vehicle against fore and aft movement, and maintaining the forward components of the vehicle suspension in a compressed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Augustine Fonseca, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090095866
    Abstract: A locking system for locking a container to a vehicle includes a locking assembly mounted to a hoist frame and a striker assembly mounted to the vehicle chassis. The locking assembly has at least one hook for hooking over a frame member of the container. The hook has a center of mass that biases the hook to an unlocked position. The striker assembly strikes the hook at a location to move the hook against the bias of the hook's center of mass into a locked position in which the hook is hooked over the frame member of the container. As the hoist frame supporting the container is lowered, the striker assembly contacts the hook and rotates the hook against the bias of the hook's center of mass into the locked position. As the hoist frame is raised, the hook rises as well and loses contact with the striker assembly, thereby falling away from the hoist frame and unlocking the container. A positive or mechanical unlocking mechanism prevents the hooks from binding to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard Brescia
  • Patent number: 7490856
    Abstract: A head hauler has a movable longitudinal rail that is movable without tools in vertical elevation and transverse horizontal position. The movable longitudinal rail is supported by two support assemblies, each of which contains a bracket having an upper sloped surface, a screw, a coupling attached to the bracket, a threaded coupling through which the screw passes, an underlying plate that is attached to the threaded coupling, and a means for attaching the plate to the movable longitudinal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Abe B. Kuhns
  • Publication number: 20090039092
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transportation frame for an oversize container or the like and a method of installing the frame onto the container or the like. The transportation frame includes a top frame body comprising two top corner fittings each provided with a top corner fitting hole, a bottom frame body comprising two bottom corner fittings each provided with a bottom corner fitting hole, and a plurality of posts each having two ends connected to the top frame body and the bottom frame body respectively. The orientations of the two top corner fitting holes and the distance therebetween, and the orientations of the two bottom corner fitting holes and the distance therebetween satisfy the requirements for coupling with corner fittings of neighboring stacked containers. With the invention, non-standard containers may be easily hoisted, stacked and transported. Moreover, the transportation frame can be easily operated and stored while being reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicants: CHINA INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTAINERS (GROUP) LTD., QUINDAO CIMC SPECIAL REEFER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: T.H. Huang, Guohao Huang, Zhiqing Li, Ryan Xu, Niancheng Zhou, Chaofu Xie, Songlin Xu
  • Patent number: 7475898
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrying vehicle of the type that has a body forming a load carrying compartment (16) above a load deck (17), and where the load carrying compartment (16) is of the side loading type. The vehicle has a load carrying structure located in its load carrying compartment, the load carrying structure including a platform support structure that is located along the length of the load carrying compartment (16) along the centre line of the load deck (17). The platform support structure includes support formations that provide for the support of load platforms (42) of the load carrying structure, on which loads can be supported, at different levels above the two side halves of the load deck. The mode of support permits easy manual adjustment of the level of individual load platforms above the load deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Mark James Long
  • Publication number: 20080304931
    Abstract: A centerline restraint includes a conventional center guide/restraint and a pair of a overrideable guide/restraint at either end. Each overrideable guide/restraint is lockable into one of three rotational positions about a common axis: a retracted position, an erect position and an overridden position. The overrideable guide/restraint has a yoke-shaped body with a pair of legs rotatably mounted on an axle which, in turn, is mounted on a base of the centerline restraint. Lift handles, each operatively connected to a spring-loaded plunger are used to adjust the overrideable guide/restraint between the three positions. A head of the spring-loaded plunger abuts one or more stops formed on the legs of the overrideable guide/restraint to lock the overrideable guide/restraint in various predetermined positions. Lift handles operatively connected to the plungers, when operated, cause the overrideable guide/restraint to switch between positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory James Schulze, Wayne Vernon Huseby
  • Patent number: 7438511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting a seat on a mounting rail. This device comprises a base that comprises a band operable for linking to a seat, a groove that can receive the sliding nut guide rail, and a longitudinal blocking piston insertable in a suitable section of the mounting rail such that the piston is restrained longitudinally, a sliding nut comprising protrusions that form lateral lips, and a guide rail insertable into the groove of the base, said sliding nut being arranged so as to slide in relation to said base when said base is releasably secured to said mounting rail with the protrusions in the rail, between an installation position and a blocked position, and a control lever hinged to the base and to the sliding nut, so as to cause said lever to move in between an open position in which the sliding nut is in its installation position and a closed position in which the sliding nut is in its blocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle et Commerciale de Materiel Aeronautique - Sicma Aero Seat
    Inventor: Alexis Legeay
  • Patent number: 7429157
    Abstract: A centerline restraint includes a conventional center guide/restraint and a pair of a overrideable guide/restraint at either end. Each overrideable guide/restraint is lockable into one of three rotational positions about a common axis: a retracted position, an erect position and an overridden position. The overrideable guide/restraint has a yoke-shaped body with a pair of legs rotatably mounted on an axle which, in turn, is mounted on a base of the centerline restraint. Lift handles, each operatively connected to a spring-loaded plunger are used to adjust the overrideable guide/restraint between the three positions. A head of the spring-loaded plunger abuts one or more stops formed on the legs of the overrideable guide/restraint to lock the overrideable guide/restraint in various predetermined positions. Lift handles operatively connected to the plungers, when operated, cause the overrideable guide/restraint to switch between positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory James Schulze, Wayne Vernon Huseby
  • Publication number: 20080232920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7421955
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for safely transporting various hazardous materials, including spent nuclear fuel. The invention includes a cask cradle that is configured to securely receive a cask for containment of hazardous materials, such as spent nuclear fuel. The cask cradle in accordance with the invention includes a front cradle section load bearing brace, a rear cradle section having a first non-loading bearing brace and a second non-loading brace, first and second horizontal support members connecting the front cradle section to the rear cradle section and trunnions that lock into and retain the cask. The invention also provides a railcar having a depressed flatbed region for receiving and securely retaining the cask cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Private Fuel Storage
    Inventor: John Dave Lisenby
  • Patent number: 7344344
    Abstract: A boat loading system includes a powered extendable shaft mounted on a boat trailer and including a receiver mounted to a terminal end portion of the extendable shaft. A coupler or insert member is fixed to the bow of a boat and projects therefrom. To couple the receiver with the coupler, the extendable shaft is extended and the receiver aligned with the coupler. As the extendable shaft is extended, the coupler or insert member enters the receiver and engages a locking mechanism provided for therein. As the coupler or insert member is moved into the receiver, a locked condition is realized causing the coupler or insert member to be locked within the receiver. Thereafter, the powered extendable shaft is retracted and in the process, pulls the boat onto the trailer, positioning the boat in a loaded position on the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: William E Davis
  • Publication number: 20080014040
    Abstract: An automatic container coupling tool is disclosed, such coupling tool includes a coupling platform, a bottom engager and a top guiding protrusion oppositely extended from the coupling platform, the bottom engager has an engager neck, a pair of projecting lug extended from the engager neck to form a pair of holding cavity between the coupling platform and the projecting lugs, once the bottom engager is inserted into a corner fitting housing of a lower container, the bottom engager is rotated allowing the ceiling wall inserted into the holding cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Yinqing Ding
  • Patent number: 7306415
    Abstract: A method and system for securing freight during transport. The method and system secure the freight by using rotatable clamping mechanisms configure to apply axial pressure to the freight so as to prevent movement or shifting in transit. The rotatable clamping mechanisms are rotatable between an fully-opened position, a closed position such that the freight is secured, and a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: TTX Company
    Inventor: William R. Halliar
  • Patent number: 7219951
    Abstract: A tie-down assembly may include a lever-type load binding mechanism and may be used to couple a truck to a truck camper. The tie-down assembly may include a cushioning member used to cushion a tension load applied between a first end and a second end of the tie-down assembly. The tie-down assembly may also include a removable handle that is used to operate the lever-type load binding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Lippert Components
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7204396
    Abstract: A support assembly for use with a vehicle article carrier comprises a one-piece support having a base portion and a rail portion, a first attachment mechanism associated with the support, and a cover. The cover has a second attachment mechanism engaging the first attachment mechanism to secure the cover to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sportrack Automotive
    Inventor: Craig Stapleton
  • Patent number: 7201549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrying vehicle of the type that has a load deck and a body forming a load carrying compartment above the load deck. The invention provides a load support structure for a load carrying vehicle of the said type. The load support structure comprises at least one load platform and at least one platform support structure, which is located along the longitudinal center line of the load deck. In its operative condition, the load platform is supported on the platform support structure at an elevated level above the load deck and approximately parallel thereto, thus permitting items to be located both on the load platform and on the load deck below the load platform for transportation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Mark James Long, Desley Henwood May
  • Patent number: 7192229
    Abstract: A load, such as a pallet, is releasably secured to a fixed structure, e.g. a cargo bay of a space shuttle. The pallet (5) is secured to a support (2), which holds the pallet and is secured in the cargo bay. A first interlocking device (ID1) is provided at each end of the support. A second interlocking device (ID2) is provided at each end of the pallet. The first interlocking device (ID1) includes a shaft (1) rotatably held in a shaft mounting bracket (3A) secured to a respective support end (3). The second interlocking device (ID2) includes a bracket (4) secured to an end of the pallet (5), a claw (4A) secured to the bracket, a groove in the claw (4A) and a fork (6) in the groove of the claw (4A). A central shaft section (1A) is received in the fork (6) for the interlocking. The shaft (1) is movable in the fork (6) in the direction of the x-axis and of the z-axis. The shaft is also rotatable about the x-axis and tiltable relative to the y-axis. The fork is turnable about the z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: EADS Space Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Retat, Guenter Boerchers, Volker Groth, Wolfgang Tritsch
  • Patent number: 7156594
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Michael R. Witt, Wladyk Muzyka
  • Patent number: 7144211
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. A rocker arm is pivotally coupled to the stanchion to pivot about a pivot axis. The arm includes a first and second end disposed opposite one another. The arm has a center of gravity disposed between the first end and the pivot axis and that biases the arm to pivot in a first pivotal direction. First and second brackets are positioned near the first and second ends of the arm for receiving the cargo. The cargo has a center of gravity disposed between the pivot axis and the second end that causes the arm to pivot in a second pivotal direction opposite the first pivotal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Abel, Alan J. Mackey, John G. Nanna, Thomas A. Holmes, Douglas E. Colclasure
  • Patent number: 7140822
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a cargo container includes a first fastener component, a second fastener component, and a lock assembly. The first fastener includes a pair of rods which bridge a first and a second fixed body. The lock assembly is disposed between and slidable along the pair of rods. A rotary member is disposed in the lock assembly and rotatable relative to the lock assembly within a limited angular distance, the rotary member having a non-circular locking hole. The second fastener component extends between the pair of rods through a screw hole formed in the first fixed body, and has a locking portion of non-circular cross section extending into and engaging the locking hole of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: David Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7101130
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a cargo container includes a first fastener component and a second fastener component. The first fastener includes a pair of rails which bridge a first and a second fixed body. A lock body is slidably mounted on the rails, and has two opposite ends abutting respectively against the rails and a locking hole between the opposite ends. The second fastener component includes a threaded stem which extends between the pair of rails through a screw hole formed in the first fixed body, and a locking portion extending into the locking hole. An engagement unit provides engagement of the locking portion in the locking hole such that relative rotation of the stem and the lock body is permitted only in one single direction that causes the stem to move toward the second fixed body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: David Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7040848
    Abstract: An embodiment of a transport platform has a platform having first and second end members in which spaced vertically extending first slots are formed, the first slots being adapted to receive one of a plurality of vertically extending guide members that are provided on bulkheads of a container ship hold. The transport platform also has first and second sets of vertically extending pillars which are respectively provided at first and second ends of the platform. First and second cross members respectively interconnect the upper ends of the first and second set of pillars. The first and second cross members each having spaced vertically extending second slots that are aligned with the vertically extending first slots and which are adapted to receive the vertically extending guide members which are formed on the bulkheads of the container ship hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: ITL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard S. Sain
  • Patent number: 7033119
    Abstract: A vehicle support platform is provided. The vehicle support platform includes a vehicle support deck of generally rectangular shape attached to a support frame constructed of a plurality of frame members and a pair of ramps are pivotally attached to opposite ends of the support frame. The vehicle support platform can include a vehicle wheel engagement member for receiving a wheel of a vehicle and supporting the vehicle generally upright, can be folded into a compact storage position, can be used as a loading ramp and has a low profile height. Additionally a pivot assembly which allows the vehicle support platform to rotate about a fixed point is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Baker, Greg Farrell
  • Patent number: 7014399
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a cargo container includes a first fastener component having two rails connected and bridged by a fixed body, and a lock body mounted slidably on the two rails, the lock body having a locking hole consisting of an engaging section and a non-engaging section. A second fastener component includes a threaded stem passed threadedly through a screw hole formed in the fixed body to extend between the two rails, and a locking portion and a slide portion both slidably received in the locking hole, the slide portion being rotatable in the locking hole, the locking portion being engageable with the engaging section, and the lock body being movable from the locking portion to the slide portion and vice versa. A mechanism is provided for restraining movements of the locking portion and the slide portion relative to the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: David Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7011479
    Abstract: A shipping platform includes a platform having adjustable length pillars which are provided on either side and at both ends of the platform. These adjustable length pillars each have an upper cross-member interconnecting the upper ends thereof which can be raised and lowered in accordance with the height of an adjacent container or containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: ITL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard S. Sain
  • Patent number: 7004697
    Abstract: A load handling mechanism for use with loaded tankers has two transverse attachment members associated with longitudinal beams supporting the tank structure. Cables and associated spreader bars are attached to the transverse attachment members to provide a single lift point loading means for the tanker allowing loaded tankers to be easily loaded and unloaded in to transport means such as ships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Adam Alaweih
  • Patent number: 7003374
    Abstract: A cargo loading logistics system for verifying cargo loaded on an aircraft receives a desired restraint configuration from a database and determines an actual restraint configuration on the aircraft by receiving data from a plurality of machine readable identifiers corresponding to a plurality of install points and data from a plurality of machine readable identifiers corresponding to a plurality of restraints. The cargo loading logistics system then compares the desired restraint configuration with the actual restraint configuration and determines if the aircraft is properly configured to be loaded for an upcoming flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignees: Goodrich Corporation, Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Craig J. Olin, Blake A. Reed, Corey M. Larson, Marius Sterk