Abstract: An integrated device for securing a wheelchair in a position on a floor is formed of a frame-like box for mounting beneath the floor and within an opening therein. The box mounts for rotation about parallel horizontal axes, a pair of laterally spaced, horizontally extending parallel flaps which are rotatable from a position flush with a pair of openings within a horizontal floor plate receiving the flaps to raised, oppositely oblique positions forming a V. A vertically upright cover extends from one end of the floor plate and mounts a pair of push button controls on an upper surface. A vertically upright actuator is fixedly mounted to a face of the upright cover and has a projectable and re tractable plunger coupled to a flap locking member which carries an axial projection projectable into an axial bore of a retaining cylinder fixedly mounted to the box.

Abstract: An exemplary frame for carrying two or more tiers of vehicles within a standard cargo-carrying container includes frame-supporting wheels rotatably supported in interposed relation between the sides of the lower rail of the frame for streamlined operation. Installing structure included on the upper and lower rail of the frame, such as an upper and lower plate each having a toothed edge, enable selective coupling of a vertical tension member to the upper and lower rails either in a first suspended position in which longitudinal movement along the respective rails is possible or in a second suspended position locked against such movement. The exemplary frame also includes a storage mechanism where each vehicle-supporting wheel cradle is pivotable about a load-bearing hanger for securement in a storage position extending parallel to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting automobiles, including racks each capable of carrying two automobiles, one above the other, particularly in intermodal cargo containers, and a method for use of the apparatus. Each rack includes wheels on which the rack is supported for movement when it is in a collapsed configuration, for insertion of the rack into a cargo container. A pair of wheeled cradles carries an automobile by supporting its wheels. One pair of such cradles is supported by an upper pair of longitudinal beams which are each supported by a pivot connection to a collapsible upright at one end and by an upright strut spaced apart from that end. Another pair of cradles is fastened in a selected location to a pair of horizontal lower longitudinal support members of the rack, to hold the second automobile in a desired position beneath the first. In its collapsed configuration the rack is very low, enabling several empty racks to be carried in a single cargo container.

Abstract: A system for loading motor vehicles onto, and unloading motor vehicles from, a transporting vehicle enables motor vehicles to be supported one above the other on a frame, after which the frame with its supported motor vehicles is moved as a unit onto a transporting vehicle at a loading location. After transport of the frame and its motor vehicles from the loading location to a destination, the motor vehicles are unloaded from the transporting vehicle not as a unit but rather individually while the frame remains on the transporting vehicle.

Abstract: An elongate frame such as for carrying vehicles includes length-adjusting and width-adjusting assemblies that enable the frame to fully occupy differently-sized enclosures. Pivotably extensible and retractable length-adjusting sections form the length-adjusting assembly. Several length settings are achievable by selectively unlocking different combinations of sections. Overshooting of settings is avoided, despite machine-driven adjustment, by elimination of overtravel-type movement in each section. Telescopically adjustable joints, each with automatic end position latching and backup stop protection, form the width-adjusting assembly and guide the frame's sides in stable upright movement while the frame's forward end is unfolded.

Abstract: A system for loading motor vehicles onto, and unloading motor vehicles from, a transporting vehicle enables motor vehicles to be supported one above the other on a frame, after which the frame with its supported motor vehicles is moved as a unit onto a transporting vehicle at a loading location. After transport of the frame and its motor vehicles from the loading location to a destination, the motor vehicles are unloaded from the transporting vehicle not as a unit but rather individually while the frame remains on the transporting vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides preferably includes a length-adjusting mechanism for expanding the length of the frame to fit transport containers of different sizes, a friction-reducing mechanism for smoother, safer and faster lengthwise adjustment of the respective frame sections, and a door-protecting mechanism including not only the length-adjusting mechanism but also shock-absorbing bumper assemblies for protecting the container door, the frame and the vehicles on the frame through a reduction in the peak level of shock forces generated during collisions between the container door and the frame. Preferably, the adjustable frame has only two sections for faster locking and is configured to flexibly accommodate different vehicle lengths, including by support of a pair of vehicle wheels in a center position on the frame.

Abstract: An exemplary frame for carrying two or more tiers of vehicles within a standard cargo-carrying container includes frame-supporting wheels rotatably supported in interposed relation between the sides of the lower rail of the frame for streamlined operation. Installing structure included on the upper and lower rail of the frame, such as an upper and lower plate each having a toothed edge, enable selective coupling of a vertical tension member to the upper and lower rails either in a first suspended position in which longitudinal movement along the respective rails is possible or in a second suspended position locked against such movement. The exemplary frame also includes a storage mechanism where each vehicle-supporting wheel cradle is pivotable about a load-bearing hanger for securement in a storage position extending parallel to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: An automatic push button wheelchair securement device for mounting on the floor of a wheelchair transporting vehicle.As the wheelchair occupant rolls the wheelchair to the designated location on the securement device; by pressing a push button the holding flaps of the securement device will rise by means of two air cylinders to contact the rear large wheels tangentially, hence, providing securement for the chair and preventing it from rolling forward or backward in case of sudden stops or collision of the vehicle.The holding flaps, in another embodiment may be comprised of four individual holding flaps self adjusted and positioned by means of electrical linear actuator and infrared sensing device.

Abstract: A wheel chock for restraining a motor vehicle in a transportable carrier such as a railway car, which is adapted to be selectively connected to a rail fastened to the floor of the carrier and which is made of a flexible copolymer material capable of withstanding the loads incurred by chock restrained vehicles, and further which is user friendly in that it can be maintained in a wheel-restraining position together with a wheel harness and removed from that position without the use of any tools. The wheel chock includes a torque tube for winding up a wheel harness strap to tighten the wheel harness on a vehicle wheel, a strap take-up device for quickly removing the slack in the strap, and a foot-operated actuating lever for rotating the torque tube and operating a pawl and ratchet mechanism controlling rotation of the torque tube.

Abstract: A wheel chocking system for restraining road vehicles being transported on a vehicle support surface of a transport vehicle is disclosed. The support surface has a grating disposed in at least a wheel support area where one or more road vehicles are positioned. The grating is formed by a grid of rods to which is secured chock members at desired positions relative to the position of the wheels of the road vehicle positioned over the wheel support area. Each chock has a base with disengageable attachment members in a lower engaging surface thereof to immovably secure the chock to the grating. The chock has an angled face plate which is positioned relative to an outer tread surface of a tire of a wheel to restrain movement thereof. Load transmitting members transfer a load applied to the face plate onto the base member and into the grating secured to the support surface.

Abstract: A wheelchair security system particularly useful with vehicles used to transport individuals with ambulatory handicaps is shown having a pair of pincer elements for each wheel to be secured. The pincer elements are movable between an open wheel receiving position and a closed wheel securing position. The system is either manually or electrically actuated and can be controlled either at the wheelchair station or the driver's station.

Abstract: A chock for use in securing four wheel vehicles to a deck mounted rail of a transport carrier is formed of a polymer body which has a pocket formed and adapted to mount the body laterally over a deck mounted rail having a series of transverse openings. A pin is mounted in the body for movement into a rail opening to secure the chock to the rail. The pin is mounted in a bushing which is encased in the polymer chock body and there is a vertical load member extending upwardly from the bushing, with the vertical load member being encased in the polymer chock body to distribute vertical loads through the body. The pocket has spaced walls which extend generally parallel to and closely adjacent the rail.

Abstract: A chock for use in securing four wheel vehicles such as automobiles to the deck-mounted rail of a transport carrier includes a frame, with the frame having a pocket formed and adapted to mount the frame laterally over the deck-mounted rail. The rail has a series of transverse openings and the frame has at least one pin extending from the side of the pocket and positioned to extend through a rail opening. There is a locking member pivotally mounted to the frame on an axis perpendicular to the frame pin or pins. The locking member has a handle portion outside of the frame and a rail engaging portion movable within the pocket and arranged to bear against one side of the rail to secure the frame pin or pins within the rail openings and thus the frame to the rail. There is a latch for holding the locking member in a locking position. A rotatable rod is mounted in the frame and has a tire engaging web attached to it with rotation of the rod tightening or releasing the web.

Abstract: A wheel chock for a motor vehicle container made of composite material which is adapted to be selectively connected to a pair of rails fastened to the container floor, and which is made of a flexible copolymer material capable of withstanding the loads incurred by vehicles restrained by the chocks, and which is constructed to be easily connected to and disconnected from the rails and be supported above the container floor to prevent damage to the floor.

Abstract: A wheel restraining cleat and strap for use with a pair of wheel chocks to anchor a vehicle wheel to a supporting surface such as a floor of a railway car for transporting vehicles, which includes a strap of flexible material for overlying the tire of the vehicle wheel and carrying thereon a cleat formed of a material having both flexibility and resiliency so that it grabs the tire to retain the strap in overlying relation with the wheel. The cleat includes protuberances on the tire-engaging side to prevent slippage between the tire and the cleat, thereby maintaining the strap in overlying tie-down relation to the wheel. The cleat is sufficiently bendable to conform to surfaces of tires of different diameters.

Abstract: Transportation equipment having at least one deck for supporting and transporting four-wheel vehicles such as automobiles and trucks; at least one track secured to the deck; the track having a pair of substantially upwardly extending spaced apart surfaces; chock blocks for a vehicle transported on the deck to secure the vehicle against longitudinal movement; each chock block having a horizontal first member which nests with the track and is quickly removable from such nesting arrangement by upward displacement; each chock block having a second member substantially horizontally positioned and permanently laterally joined to the first member; the second member having a sufficient length to extend along, and terminate beyond, the tread face of a tire of a vehicle located along side the track; and the chock block having a lock for removably securing the first member to the track, when in nesting position therewith, to prevent the chock block from horizontal movement along the track and upward movement from the tr

Abstract: A wheel strap snap hanger of the invention includes an elongated tubular shank having a rearward flange on one end and a plurality of flexible fingers extending longitudinally rearwardly therefrom. Each finger includes a stem portion connecting the rearward flange to a head portion of greater diameter than the stem portion and spaced from the rearward flange to define a peripheral plate member receiving groove for positive snap fit retention of the snap hanger onto the edge of a hole through a plate member. The flexible fingers are separated by axial slots which extend forwardly through the rearward flange and into the shank. An outer portion of the rearward surface of the rearward flange is inclined outwardly and forwardly to prevent rearward bending of the flange during insertion of the snap hanger. A removable hollow plug insert is alternately adapted for use as a tool for removing the plug insert from a plate member on which it is installed.

Abstract: A system for loading and transporting wheeled vehicles on a transporting vehicle, such as a ship or rail car, comprises supporting a plurality of wheeled vehicles on each of a plurality of frames in vertically-spaced relation to each other and then inserting the respective frames and their supported vehicles matingly into respective enclosures. The enclosures, with their frames and vehicles inside, are loaded onto the transporting vehicle by compactly stacking the enclosures one atop the other in weather-exposed positions, the enclosures nevertheless serving to protect the vehicles from external hazards.

Abstract: A carrier platform transports motor vehicles to be manufactured through assembly, test and other work stations. The platform remains with the motor vehicle at the assembly, test or other work stations and enables free access to the underside of the floor-pan of the vehicle and to the contact areas of its wheels for checking and measuring loads that actually occur at these areas. Support plates on the platform for the wheels of the vehicle are fashioned so as to simultaneously function as safety devices during the testing procedure. When horizontally positioned the support plates engagingly support the four wheels of the vehicle. During certain tests these support plates are vertically positioned and function as safety devices.

Abstract: A loader includes a sleeve support which will carry in a raised position a lightweight open-centered sleeve, of the type which is capable of holding a plurality of automobiles. An automobile support, capable of carrying the automobiles which will comprise one level when loaded into the sleeve, is located below the sleeve. A lifting device moves the sleeve support and the automobile support together to insert the automobiles into the sleeve from its bottom. Latching mechanisms which attach the automobiles to the sleeve are movable between loading positions, where the automobiles can be inserted past them, and latching positions where they will engage the automobiles' tires. The loader is capable of removing the sleeves from cargo containers for loading and/or unloading and then placing them back into the containers when this procedure is completed. The apparatus also is capable of folding the sleeves to their collapsed position and of expanding them to their erected position.

Abstract: A kit is provided for attaching to a road travelling mobile platform (e.g. a wheeled trailer or a self-propelled vehicle such as a pickup truck or a flatbed truck) suitable for transporting a first vehicle. The kit enables the mobile platform to transport a second vehicle, such as a boat trailer carrying a boat, thereon. The kit includes: a tiltable ramp suitable for supporting a boat and boat trailer thereon. a first support for supporting one portion of the tiltable ramp in an elevated position with respect to the mobile platform; a chain and drum located on the first support for securing the boat and boat trailer to the tiltable ramp; and a second support capable of supporting a long lever arm portion of the tiltable ramp in an elevated position or capable of retaining the long lever arm portion in a lowered position. The first and second supports include connectors for connecting the mobile platform to the respective supports.

Abstract: A wheel chock for restraining motor vehicles during transport comprises a monolithic body defined by a synthetic plastic molding or an aluminum casting and provided with a pair of locking pins and a latching mechanism for releasably securing it to a mounting rail fixed on a deck of the vehicle transporter. The chock also incorporates a reeling mechanism, including a pawl and ratchet locking device, for holding and tensioning an over-the-wheel safety harness.

Abstract: A support arm assembly for supporting vehicles by their wheels, upon, for example, vehicle transported vehicles includes a pair of support arms (2) each of which is pivotably movable between a retracted, inoperative position disposed parallel to a supporting profile (4) and an extended operative position disposed perpendicular to the profile (4). Each assembly includes a mounting bracket (3) which is lockingly engaged with an upper surface of the profile (4), and each arm (2) is pivotably mounted within the mounting bracket (3) by its shaft (15). The upper portion of the shaft (15) includes an integral stop member (16) which abuts oppositely disposed wing portions (22,23) of the mounting brackets (3) so as to define the retracted and extended positions of the support arms (2).

Abstract: A wheel support system according to this invention comprises an elongated generally horizontal support beam having an upwardly directed upper surface, a horizontally inwardly directed front surface, and a horizontally outwardly directed rear surface and a pair of identical arm units unconnected with and wholly independent from each other. Each arm unit includes a horizontal arm disposed generally perpendicular to the beam and having an outer end formed as an abutment directly engaging the front surface of the beam and an upwardly directed flank adapted to tangentially engage a tire surface of a wheel to be supported and a hook having a lower end connected to the arm at the abutment and an upper end, a depending part engaging the rear surface of the support beam, and an upper part operatively engaging the upper surface of the support beam. The hook and arm of each arm unit are relatively fixed and nondisplaceable. The identical arm units are angularly oriented 90.degree.

Abstract: Transportation equipment having at least one deck for supporting and transporting four-wheel vehicles such as automobiles and trucks; at least one track secured to the deck; the track having a pair of substantially upwardly extending spaced apart surfaces; chock blocks for a vehicle transported on the deck to secure the vehicle against longitudinal movement; each chock block having a horizontal first member which nests with the track and is quickly removable from such nesting arrangement by upward displacement; each chock block having a second member substantially horizontally positioned and permanently laterally joined to the first member; the second member having a sufficient length to extend along, and terminate beyond, the tread face of a tire of a vehicle located along side the track; and the chock block having a lock for removably securing the first member to the track, when in nesting position therewith, to prevent the chock block from horizontal movement along the track and upward movement from the tr

Abstract: A chock block for a vehicle transported on a deck to secure the vehicle against longitudinal movement; the chock block having a first member and a longitudinal second member lateral to the first member; the first member nesting with a track on the deck and removable from such nesting by upward displacement; the second member extending along and terminating beyond the tread face of a vehicle tire; a pin on the chock block for removably securing the first member to the track to prevent the chock block from horizontal and upward movement; the second member having a longitudinal center when viewed from the top; the chock block being essentially symmetrical about the second member longitudinal center; and the pin having a handle observable and manually operable from both sides of the second member longitudinal center to withdraw the pin forward end from a track hole to remove the chock block from the track and to help position the pin forward end in a track hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported thereby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accomplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a vehicle includes a telescoping arm member extending the length of the vehicle, inversed v-shaped wheel supports positioned fore and aft of two wheels on a side of the vehicle, attachments to retain the assembly to the vehicle, and support receiving members for supporting the apparatus and vehicle, such as in a semitrailer. The attachments may include a ratchet and a hook.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported therby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accmplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.

Abstract: A device adapted to accomodate at least one wheel of a vehicle, particularly for use and installation in car-carriers, which includes an elongated side rail constituting a vehicle loading level, and a carrying trolley slidably arranged on the elongated side rail. The carrying trolley has pivotally mounted thereon a pair of elongated sustaining arms, which normally extend at a slight convergence to, but nearly parallel with one another in an operative position thereof, and are spaced from one another by a predetermined distance, but are pivotably foldable through respective angles of about 90.degree., so as to extend in parallel with the side rail.

Abstract: A system for transporting a semi-trailer with a king pin and a wheel assembly on first and second drawn vehicles includes a stanchion on the first vehicle for releasably securing the trailer king pin. Ramp assemblies are provided on the vehicles and are extendable therebetween for loading and unloading the trailer. A pair of wheel cradles are independently and pivotally mounted to a butt plate box which in turn is adjustably mounted on a platform of the second vehicle. The wheel cradles receive the wheel assembly and have combination chocks and ramps pivotally mounted thereon.

Abstract: A tricycle powered wheelchair carrier has a platform supported on the bight of a U-shaped axle between a pair of rear wheels supported at the ends of the axle legs. The platform is formed with a downwardly sloping ramp portion at the end extending beyond the rear wheels. A front wheel is connected to handlebars at the front of a platform by a linkage pivoted at the top. A front actuator is connected between this linkage and the platform. A rear actuator is connected between the U-shaped axle and the platform. A transmission couples an internal combustion engine to a rear wheel and includes a reverse gear. A locking bar has rear and side mutually perpendicular arms. The side arm is pivotal about a horizontal axis in bearings on the side of the carrier to allow the side arm to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position against the rear wheels of a wheelchair on the platform with the end of the rear arm having a stud seated in a socket attached to the other side of the carrier.

Abstract: A railway transport vehicle including a single load carrying beam having a novel coupling mechanism provided at each end and with one end including a rail truck and hydraulic lifters for lifting that end of the beam from a lowered position to a trailer axel engaging and lifting position, an upstanding support disposed proximate the other end of the beam for mating with and supporting the fifth wheel of the trailer unit to be transported, and a jack for lifting that end of the beam into a coupling position.

Abstract: A restraining apparatus in a vehicle, such as a bus, comprises a post movable from a depressed, horizontally extending position to an upright position. A U-shaped clamp on the upright post engages the front of a wheelchair wheel the back of which is engaged by another U-shaped clamp attached to the vehicle, to hold the wheelchair wheel in compression. A padded arm attached to the top of the post is movable from a retracted position, hanging down alongside the post, to a horizontally extending non-restraining position and then to a restraining position extending across the chest of the wheelchair occupant.

Abstract: An automobile transportation and storage pallet used in automated storage and retrieval systems. The pallet is provided with steel tire channels connected and supported by a plurality of steel support members. Safety grip strips applied to the tire channels provide tire traction thereon. A corrugated drip pan interposed between the tire channels collects any drippings from the automobile. Tire blocks adjustably mounted to the tire channels secure the tires of the automobile resulting in proper alignment of the automobile with respect to the pallet and preventing movement of the automobile thereon. The tire blocks can be adjusted to conform to any size of tire and wheel base.