Abstract: A twistlock device for locking containers on vehicles. A housing with a cylindrical vertical throughbore includes an upper guide section for engaging an opening in a container corner bracket, and a lower mounting section for connecting the device to a vehicle. The mounting section protrudes beyond the side faces of the guide section and the guide section extends beyond the end faces of the mounting section. An axially unshiftable locking bolt is rotatably carried in the bore. The bolt's top end is provided with a hammerhead, and its bottom end is provided with a handle for twisting the hammerhead between a locking position and a release position. The locking position is secured by a releasable locking element. The twistlock can be shipped to a vehicle manufacturer completely preassembled, and is inserted by the vehicle manufacturer in a hole in a vehicle outrigger where it can be simply and easily mounted by welding.

Abstract: A cargo restraining floor clamp for use in refrigerated carriers having a T-type flooring structure to enable such carriers to be used for the transport of general types of cargo, thus minimizing the problem of deadheading of these containers on a return trip. The floor clamp includes a channel shaped top floor plate positioned across the top of two adjacent T shaped floor members, and an under floor hold down plate positioned beneath the T tops between the two adjacent T shaped floor members. A pair of eye bolts extend through the top floor plate, between the two adjacent T shaped floor members, and through the under floor hold down plate, and serve to clamp the plates to opposite sides of the T tops of the T shaped floor members.

Abstract: A clamping system is provided for securing a part to be machined to a fixture so that the fixture and part can be transported as an entity from work station to work station and the part subjected to successive machining operations safely and efficiently. The fixture incorporates a hydraulic system comprising hydraulically actuated means for quickly positioning the part and clamping it securely to the fixture without a high degree of dependence on human judgement. Fluid under pressure actuates the hydraulic means, each element of which is isolated by check valves from the rest of the system so that failure of any one element of the system does not jeopardize the safety of the part being machined or of personnel supervising the machining operations.

Abstract: A system for stacking two similar sized containers on a low level, flat car or trailer of a predetermined size is provided. The containers include fittings at all their corners to receive locking devices. Angular members include locking devices and are dimensioned to overlap two adjacent fittings only of the stacked containers with the twist locking devices locking the angular members to the corner fittings of the top or bottom container to restrict movements between the containers.

Abstract: A bifurcated adapter pallet system for providing an interface between the U.S. Department of Defense 463L configured carrier and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container. Each adapter has mounting faces to attach to an ISO container at the container corner fittings and 463L tongues for restraint by 463L equipment. The ISO/463L adapter pallet facilitates efficient and appropriate tiedown and transportation of ISO cargo by means of vehicles equipped with the 463L handling system.

Abstract: A stack supporting container car includes a plurality of car units interconnected by articulating connector with the end units provided with conventional railroad couplers. Each car unit includes side sills and body bolsters supported on trucks. The side sills and body bolsters are spaced apart sufficiently to allow the bottom portion of a short lower container to pass therethrough with the weight of the stack of containers being supported only by four corner feet connected to and projecting below the side sills. Bulkheads with fixed side and end container restraining walls and with movable corner engaging mechanisms are provided on the car unit to selectively restrain either a short or a long container supported upon the lower container in transport position on the car unit. The upper and lower surfaces of containers provide ample clearance to safely move over the rails and under bridges or the like.

Abstract: A container chassis bundling system uses permanently affixed clamps 14, 14a, 40, 42, 42a, or 42b, for example, placed on a container chassis 10 to interconnect container chassis into an integral stack of chassis. Usually, chassis are interconnected with corresponding twist-lock bayonets 18 and twist-lock receivers 12 between corresponding top surfaces of the chassis and either rail 42, 42a, or 42b or landing gear interconnections 14 or 14a between the rails on the bottom flanges of the other chassis. An axle clamp 40 may connect the axle of one chassis to the kingpin of another chassis. Rail clamps 42, 42a, or 42b may also be used to connect corresponding top surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for handling, transporting, and disposing of low level radioactive waste materials which utilizes reusable, separate, and removable lifting means and tie-down means. Mechanical design of the lifting means and hold-down means prevent the inadvertent use of either for the improper purpose.

Abstract: A spacecraft is mounted in a cradle secured in the space shuttle by means of a suspension system including four cradle attachment members secured to the upper longeron bridge of the shuttle, in which provision is made for movably mounting one attachment member on the cradle to provide a component of movement substantially normal to the adjacent longeron bridge to accommodate misalignment between the longeron bridges and the attachment members without the need for removing the spacecraft and cradle from the shuttle.

Abstract: A locking dog for restraining pieces of cargo in the cargo area of an aircraft is disclosed having a frame in which a locking member is pivotally mounted and can be folded down by means of an actuator flap either upon passage of a piece of frieght or manually by pushing the actuator flap down into an overcenter position in which a spring locks the folded down locking member, the member being released upon pulling the actuator flap up and over the dead center position.

Abstract: An automatic latching assembly is provided for retaining vehicle bodies upon conveyor carriers during conveyance into and out of treatment baths. The assembly includes a carrier having latches mounted thereon which selectively engage the vehicle body securing it to the carrier. The latches comprise pivoting hooks rotatably mounted upon the carrier. Generally, gravity actuates pivoting of the hooks, biasing them into latching orientations. Unlatching orientations are achieved by a stationary, upward biasing cam operating upon the hooks. A downward biasing cam aids in the gravity actutation of the hooks into the latching orientation. The assembly selectively, automatically secures the vehicle body to the conveyor carrier, or releases it therefrom, as desired during transport of the vehicle body by the conveyor.

Abstract: To expedite loading and unloading of a truck, in particular of a beverage supply truck, the truck is provided with a load carrier which is received by a portal-like frame, surrounding the load carrier in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and open at least at one side. Due to lifting elements, the load carrier can be lifted from the ground into the frame. If the load carrier is lowered to the ground, loading and unloading is facilitated. Moreover, the load carrier can be laterally removed from the frame on a roller conveyor.

Abstract: A gravity operated load stabilizing device is provided for use with forklifts the device comprising an inverted J-shaped member which engages the load by gravity when the fork is raised and is disengaged from the load when the fork rests on a surface.

Abstract: In order to adapt a container lashing bar to securely fasten its hooking-in fitting not only in the lower corner lateral openings of a standard shipping container, but also in the differently-shaped upper corner end openings, the usual hooking-in fitting which includes a pin with a locking lug extending from it is provided with a second locking lug extending in the same plane as the first, but in a substantially different angular direction. Particular mechanical design elaborations are described including replication of the two locking lugs in mirror image on the opposite end of the same pin, or on the same side of a similar pin provided on the opposite end of the bar.

Abstract: An anchor assembly is provided for downward reception in an upwardly opening stake receiving socket formed in the upper marginal edge portion of the wall of a pickup truck load bed. The anchor assembly includes a base plate for disposition within the upper portion of the load bed sidewalls socket and the upper end portion of a pair of depending arms are shiftably supported from opposite marginal edge portions of the base plate for oscillatory movement of the lower end portions of the arms toward and away from each other. The arms may closely oppose corresponding remote wall portions of the socket and an upright elongated fastener is threaded through a central portion of the base plate and includes a lower end portion disposed between the lower end portions of the arms and having an abutment carried thereon.

Abstract: A transportable bin-type container having opposed side and end walls and opposed top and bottom walls, the container including a pair of outwardly extending pivot shafts extending from the opposed end walls to define a pivot axis. The container is adapted to be received on a truck bed, or the like, wherein a pair of spaced bearing support members are provided that extend upwardly from the truck bed in substantially parallel relationship, and that are spaced a distance slightly greater than the spacing between the end walls of the container. The bearing support members include an upper surface and an elongated, upwardly facing opening to receive one of the pivot shafts of the container, the opening including a pair of spaced, substantially parallel walls the outermost of which is longer than the innermost to define a transverse stop means for the pivot shafts when the container is being loaded on the truck bed.

Abstract: A corner fitting is disclosed for freight containers, particularly for small and medium size containers. The corner fitting includes three mutually perpendicular side walls connected to one another to form a section of a corner of a cube having its apex pointing outwardly from a freight container when in an in-use position. Container handling openings are provided in at least one of the sidewalls and in an oblique triangular surface extending transverse to a diagonal through the corner apex. Particularly preferred embodiments of the corner fitting are formed from sheet metal blanks which are cut and bent along fold lines to form the sidewalls.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device for a palletized load including a platform for receiving a pallet with a load of cargo thereon, and a vertical frame at one end of the platform. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame and connected to a horizontally-extending member which is movable to place it in frictional contact with a floor or supporting surface. When the pallet is placed on the platform, it can be locked in place by a serrated member which engages a cross-tie of the pallet. To lock the pallet and platform to the floor, the handle is pushed downwardly while at the same time pushing the frame toward the load. Movement of the handle, which pivots about a hinge pivotally connected to the frame, moves the horizontally-extending member into contact with the supporting surface and at the same time lifts and tilts the platform, which adds an augmented downward force on the horizontally-extending member in contact with the supporting surface.

Abstract: Parallel restraint rails (20, 22) each include a hinged vertical restraint lip (32) that pivots between a vertically-extending retracted position and a horizontally-extending cargo-restraining position. Each lip (32) is hinged by pins (34) carried by spaced lugs (33) attached in openings (30) in the rail (20, 22). A torsion spring (36) surrounds each pin (34) to urge the lip (32) into the retracted position. Stop blocks (35) on each lip (32) are each free to rotate past a pawl (41) when the pawl (41) is pivoted and held by a foot pedal (44) by the interconnection of a pin (47) extending from the pawl (41) and a cam surface (45) on the pedal (44). The pedal (44) and pawl (41) are carried by pivot pins (38, 37) and biased by springs (40, 39) within a housing (31) positioned in opening (30). The pawl (41) locks the lip (32) into its restraint position and latches the lip (32) into its retracted position.

Abstract: The stack of containers, assembled from individual containers in a ship's hold, must, in order to secure the loading position, be connected to the ship's structure by suitable stowing struts, which must be amenable to length-alteration in order to permit adaptation to a prevailing loading position. A stowing strut is proposed for this purpose, this strut being provided, according to the invention, with an adjustable coupling (11). This coupling comprises two coupling-halves (coupling plate 23, cone-piece 24) and possesses, in each case, tooth-systems (28, 31) which enable a positively-locked connection to be produced between the coupling plate (23) and the cone-piece (24), in various relative positions of these parts.

Abstract: A spring-biased restraining member is retracted by means of a remotely positioned, manually operable lever being outside the cargo space; the linkage includes a hydraulic structure for delayedly returning the lever and the restraining member to the protracted position. The linkage unlocks a latch and enables the cargo to overrun the restraining member even from that side that is to lock the cargo when the restraining member is in its locked position. In the other direction, the restraining member is overridden by the cargo out of each position of the restraining member structure between the lever and the restraining member.

Abstract: An improved container for bulk cargo is provided with a peripheral wall, a top, and a bottom. The top defines a longitudinally extending central ridge and the bottom defines two spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending skirts separated by a central recess. The contour of the top generally corresponds to the contour of the bottom such that multiple containers can be stacked one over the other. The container is provided with a perforated floor which simultaneously braces the peripheral wall against spreading and provides a support surface for palletized cargo and the like. The floor perforations allow bulk cargo to fall from the upper portions of the container to the lower portions of the container. A bulk cargo loading door is provided in the top along the uppermost portion of the central ridge, and two bulk unloading doors are provided along the lowermost portions of the skirts. In addition, end doors are provided for moving palletized cargo into and out of the container.

Abstract: A quick coupling apparatus is provided for interchanging any number of vehicle body units on a single vehicle chassis when each of the body units and the chassis has a pair of parallel longitudinal standardly spaced beams whereby the beams of the body unit will overlie and be supported by the chassis beams when the components are coupled. The coupling apparatus has a plurality of hook-type tabs spacedly positioned on the sides of the body beams and a corresponding number of coupling brackets mounted on the sides of the chassis beams. Each of the coupling brackets being capable of receiving a tab and securing the body unit to the chassis when the body is moved slightly in a longitudinal coupling direction. At least one of the coupling brackets having an enclosing outer plate which forms a retaining slot which can receive a wedge behind the tab for locking the tab and body in position with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle platform adapted for securing a corner fitting of a shipping container wherein the device has a housing fixidly mounted on and beneath the upper surface of the platform, having a neck member and a horizontal latching member mounted within the housing when the device is in a first position adapted to being elevated to enter a slot in a corner fitting when a container is placed on the platform with the latching member being capable of being rotated to a second position for elevation and rotation to engage an inner surface of the corner fitting to lock the container fitting to the upper surface of the platform and capable of being returned to a first position whereby it is beneath the upper surface of the platform.

Abstract: The present freight locking mechanism is constructed especially for use on the loading or freight floor of an aircraft. For this purpose all the components are arranged between two flat, horizontally extending frame members in such a position and coordination that all components may be retracted below a level defined by the upper edge of the horizontal frame members. Two freight locking members are effective with their respective claw in opposite directions. The locking members have different width so that they may be arranged next to each other, or one between the legs of the other between the frame members. Each locking member is journalled for a tilting movement and biased by a respective torque spring in such a manner that a release lever (8) may automatically establish a loading or unloading status of the mechanism in response to movement of a freight item over the mechanism in opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cargo container having standard corner fittings ncludes a housing in which is mounted an elevator assembly for vertically positioning a platform with respect to the housing. The platform is adapted to engage a corner fitting when raised. The apparatus further includes a rotatable locking element carried on the platform which is rotated to lock to the fitting once the fitting is engaged. The platform together with the locking element can be further elevated when the fitting is engaged to raise a corner of the container or retracted within the housing to disengage and allow the container corner to clear the top of the housing.

Abstract: Locking device for securing cargo in containers or pallets, comprising two latches hinged together and hinged to the locking device frame, one by a fixed hinge pin and the other by a hinge pin which can move in translation.The latches are constantly acted on by a spring which draws them into the cargo locking position, in which the latches project up above the frame, by a spring and are changed over, by downwards pressure on the latches, to the cargo unlocking position, in which they are retracted.

Abstract: An aerial cargo delivery system for aircraft having a rear cargo receiving and delivery opening. Cargo bundles, guided between parallel guide rails on the aircraft floor, are restrained by fore and aft restraint straps during normal flight conditions. The aft restraint straps are provided with electrically-actuated release latches which effectively sever the aft straps to permit cargo bundles to pass out of the rear opening when the aircraft is in a nose-up attitude.

Abstract: A transporter or trailer for endwise transport of combine headers and the like, consists of a standard four-wheel wagon running gear carrying an elongated generally rectangular frame providing support surfaces compatible with a variety of sizes and types of header. A pair of longitudinally spaced fixed pockets at the left-hand side of the adapter frame receives heel portions adjacent the rear of headers of the corn head or row-crop head type while a somewhat elevated, swingably adjusted, rail may be set to an appropriate contact and support forward portions of a particular header. In alternative embodiments, an auxiliary laterally adjustable rail may support a second front portion of a header, or additional support "cradles" may be attached along the left-hand side of the frame to accommodate headers with elongated transverse beam members such as grain platforms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved railroad flatcar having means for securing shipping containers in a double deck configuration comprising a frame assembly with vertical members having retractable and extendable bullet-shaped or cylindrical securing members.

Abstract: A corner post locking assembly for locking together two cargo containers placed one upon another; the assembly including an upper activating unit and a bottom twist lock and shear pin unit installed inside each vertical corner of the container; the upper activating unit being engagable by a bayonet of a hydraulically powered, container handling, spreader; the bayonet turning the upper activating unit which thus transmits rotation to the bottom twist lock and locks the shear pin to a container therebelow.

Abstract: A seat pallet lock and more particularly an improved seat pallet lock for utilization with aircraft passenger seat pallets to retain such pallets in the operational position on the aircraft.

Abstract: A removable frame is detachably connected to a supporting frame by a connection having a plurality of spaced apart vertically extending sleeve-like members mounted on the removable frame. Upwardly projecting members are mounted at the periphery of the supporting frame and telescope into each of the sleeve-like members. A horizontal tubular housing attached to each sleeve-like member carries a locking element which cooperates with its upwardly projecting member to form a positively locked connection between the removable and supporting frame.

Abstract: A lightweight cargo container and the fittings for the construction of same are disclosed. One fitting is an extrudable side rail member which connects the container side walls to the bottom wall or floor. Another fitting is a two-part, lightweight, protective corner block which provides attachment points for handling and permits simple replacement of the exposed portion thereof, in the event of damage.

Abstract: An improved movable load carrying device for vehicles with cargo space is disclosed. Such load carrying devices render possible loading and unloading operations from three sides and with suitable working positions of the operator, but on the other hand it was found, that the inward as well as the outward movement of known load carrying devices into and, respectively, out of the cargo space of a vehicle are troublesome and require relatively great exertion and often even heavy lifting, which to some extent takes away the advantages with respect to loading and unloading. In order to eliminate these and other disadvantages, according to the present invention a movable load carrying device is proposed the load table of which is formed on its lower surface with guide grooves for a pair of carrying rollers.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a U-shaped bracket forms pivot pins by means of the bent-out end areas of the bracket arms, which pivot pins are insertable (and held by the resilience of the bracket) in recesses of the car container sidewalls. The U-shaped bracket has its respective arms engaging in lateral slots of the container insert. The removable container insert may be lowered into engagement with the U-shaped bracket after assembly of the bracket with the car container, with the dimensioning such that the container insert prevents disengagement of the retaining pins. Outwardly inclined parts of the bracket arms may engage in close fitting elongated slots of the container insert so that the container insert pivots as a unit with the supporting bracket.

Abstract: A system for securing two containers in a cell in a ship's hold wherein, at the midpoint of the length of the cell and at at least one side of the cell a flanged guide device is attached to the ship's structure, which guide device cooperates with two guiding hooks which are each detachably connected to a bottom corner piece of one of the containers at the sides thereof, the guiding hooks being mounted so that the hook on one container is turned toward the hook on the other container to engage the guide device flanges. In a further embodiment wherein containers are placed in a cargo cell side-by-side, hook assemblies are detachably connected to corner pieces of adjacent sides of the containers so that they are locked to each other to prevent movement of the containers during pitch and roll of the ship.

Abstract: A stanchion assembly for an automobile luggage rack is defined by a stanchion and a locking pad providing for hidden features. The stanchion is mounted to a surface of the automobile by the fasteners which are secured thereto through apertures provided in the stanchion.

Abstract: In a container of the kind having a rigid impermeable base and a flexible impermeable cover which is sealed to the base, and in which air is evacuated from the region between the cover and the base so that the cover is drawn down onto goods on the base, there is provided a bellows-type vacuum sensor which senses the air pressure in the container and which operates switch contacts controlling a pump. When the container is used in an aircraft, where the ambient pressure inside the aircraft falls considerably when the aircraft is at high altitudes, the pump is actuated to ensure that the pressure in the container is maintained below the ambient pressure in the aircraft. An excess pressure difference, which might overload shock absorbing mounts for goods on the container base, is prevented by the bellows opening relief air ports.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a coating of cadmium applied to a container pedestal latch protuberance lowers the maximum exit force sufficiently as to be within the 2200 pound maximum in the AAR specification while the minimum exit force of 1600 pounds and the maximum container entry force of 800 pounds were also within the specification.

Abstract: An improved locking mechanism for securing cargo units and the like during transport has first and second complementary locking pawls carrying oppositely directed locking dogs, each pawl being pivotally mounted between spaced side supports for movement from a retracted position to a generally upright locked position. While the first pawl only is biased by spring means towards an upright position, it is held down in a retracted position by retaining portions of the second pawl. As the second pawl is lifted from the retracted position to the generally upright position, its retaining portions disengage from the first pawl permitting the first pawl to pivot upwardly to the generally upright position under the urging of the spring means simultaneously causing both the first and second pawls to move into mutually locking engagement. The spring means biasing the first pawl only is located in a sheltered non-exposed out-of-the way position between the spaced supports and below the upper edges of the spaced supports.