Abstract: A release fitting for an elongate strap is provided. The release fitting includes a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap. An arm is pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion. The body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position. A shaft assembly slidably is disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion. A bracket is pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole.

Abstract: A toolless quick release device for attaching cargo handling system equipment to floor fittings is provided. The quick release device includes a stud, outer retainer, and inner retainer. The stud includes a locking head portion configured to be received in a slotted track. The neck portion of the stud and a center portion of the inner retainer are disposed within a center hole of the outer retainer. The hole of the outer retainer includes a blind hole that receives a ball. The ball may engage one or more recesses in the inner retainer and rotatably fixes the outer portion with respect to the inner portion of the stud. The outer portion further includes an arcuate track that receives a tab from the inner retainer, with the arc length of the track defining the possible relative rotation of the inner retainer and stud with respect to the outer retainer.

Abstract: A safety net assembly for selectively blocking and exposing an opening in a cargo container having a wall assembly bounding a storage space. A flexible net is selectively placed in: i) a first state wherein the net spans a substantial height and width of an access opening; and ii) a second state wherein the opening is further exposed. In the first state, the net has a first length between spaced first and second locations that spans a width portion of the opening along a horizontal line at a first height. The net is extensible to allow the first location on the net to be lowered while maintaining the second location on the net at the first height so that the line between the first and second locations is angled from horizontal and has a second length between the first and second locations that is greater than the first length.

Abstract: An adjustable decking system for use in supporting freight is provided. The system includes a pair of tracks configured to be vertically mounted upon opposite walls of a freight container, configured with a plurality of evenly spaced recesses disposed along the length thereof. A bracket is slidably mounted upon the pair of tracks and a lock is pivotably mounted to the bracket and an end of the channel unit. The lock includes first, second, and third fingers extending therefrom which are normally received within three of the plurality of spaced recesses disposed along the track. The lock is being pivotably mounted to the bracket such that the first, second, and third fingers may be withdrawn from the three of the plurality of spaced recesses to allow the position of the channel unit to be vertically adjusted along the one of the pair of tracks.

Abstract: An elongate beam assembly for supporting cargo is provided. The beam assembly includes an elongate beam extending between first and second ends, the beam comprising a bottom wall with a downward facing surface and extending across a bottom width. A top wall includes an upwardly facing surface and extends across a top width between right and left edges and opposite right and left side walls extend between the bottom and top walls. The bottom width is smaller than the top width. Each of the right and left edges of the top wall define respective right and left side surfaces. Right and left ribs extend from a bottom edge of each respective right and left side surface to the respective right and left side wall.

Abstract: An improved cargo restraint for installation on a preselected track mounted in or on the surface of a vehicle carrying the cargo and the restraint is mounted on a bracket which abuts the cargo to restrain the movement of the cargo and the restraint is slidingly movable on the track and has a locking position on the track wherein the bracket restrains the cargo and the restraint has no relative movement with respect to the track or the bracket or the vehicle so that there is no rattling of the restraint when in the locked position.

Abstract: An elongate beam assembly for supporting cargo is provided. The beam assembly includes an elongate beam extending between first and second ends, the beam comprising a bottom wall with a downward facing surface and extending across a bottom width. A top wall includes an upwardly facing surface and extends across a top width between right and left edges and opposite right and left side walls extend between the bottom and top walls. The bottom width is smaller than the top width. Each of the right and left edges of the top wall define respective right and left side surfaces. Right and left ribs extend from a bottom edge of each respective right and left side surface to the respective right and left side wall.

Abstract: A strap tensioning system is provided. The system includes a frame comprising a first side wall that retains a ledge. A core shaft retains a flexible shaft and is rotatable by a drive shaft as urged by a crank handle. The crank handle supports an arm that is pivotable with respect to the crank handle, between a stowed position where the arm is substantially parallel to the crank handle, and a locking position where the arm is substantially perpendicular to the crank handle. The crank handle and arm are configured such that the arm disposed within the ledge when the crank handle is in registry with the ledge and the arm is in the locked position, thereby preventing rotation of the crank handle with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A hook assembly made up of a hook subassembly with a hook having a first axis, a support subassembly, and an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism: a) releasably biasably maintains the hook and support subassemblies in a first operative relationship wherein the hook has a first angular orientation around the first axis; and b) permits the hook and support subassemblies to be changed from the first operative relationship to be releasably maintained in a second operative relationship, wherein the hook has a second angular orientation around the first axis.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an attenuating cargo restraint device that mounts within the plan-view envelope of the cargo being restrained and that does not extend outboard beyond an allowable amount of attenuation. The device includes a sliding head assembly that can be movably disposed relative to a base. The head assembly includes a cavity covered by an upper housing with the upper housing extending inboard and below a point at which the cargo is restrained. The base includes a complimentary cavity extending inboard from a distal end to a proximal end of the base. These cavities collectively form a housing that incorporates and accommodates the elastic element of the device wholly within the innards of the device, below the point of engagement with cargo, and inboard from the point of engagement so as to locate the elastic element underneath and within the plan-view envelope of the cargo being restrained.

Abstract: A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range.

Abstract: The combination of: a) a storage unit associated with an over-the-road vehicle, the storage unit having an internal wall surface bounding a storage space and including spaced and facing first and second wall surfaces and a floor surface; and b) a cargo support system. The cargo support system has first and second vertically extending tracks operatively mounted on each to the first and second wall surface and at least a first elongate beam having spaced first and second ends attached respectively to the first and second tracks in an operative position spaced above the floor surface. At least one of the tracks is maintained operatively mounted to the first wall surface through the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: An improved cargo restraint for installation on a preselected track mounted in or on the surface of a vehicle carrying the cargo and the restraint is mounted on a bracket which abuts the cargo to restrain the movement of the cargo and the restraint is slidingly movable on the track and has a locking position on the track wherein the bracket restrains the cargo and the restraint has no relative movement with respect to the track or the bracket or the vehicle so that there is no rattling of the restraint when in the locked position.

Abstract: A dual pivot load restraint for cargo aircraft for restraining pallet type loads from vertical movement having an upper pivot member pivotally mounted on a lower pivot member and the lower pivot member is pivotally mounted on a base member and the upper pivot member having an engagement portion having an engagement position for projecting into pockets on a pallet type cargo load and abutting against a lower wall thereof, and the lower pivot member having an engagement position for the upper pivot member in the engagement position thereof, and the walls of the pallet type cargo load engaging the engagement portion of the upper pivot member to move the upper pivot member to a retracted position for movement of the pallet type cargo load in the aft direction of the aircraft, and the walls of the pallet type cargo load engaging the engagement portion of the upper pivot member to move the upper pivot member with the lower pivot member to a retracted position of the lower pivot member, and having resilient members

Abstract: A length adjusting mechanism for an elongate strap having a first connecting assembly and a second connecting assembly that is selectively releasably engageable with the first connecting assembly and connectable to an elongate strap. The first connecting assembly has a first frame defining a mounting base and a keeper that is mounted to the first frame for movement between a securing position and a release position. The second connecting assembly has a second frame that has a strap receiving assembly relative to which a portion of an elongate strap operatively connected to the second connecting assembly can be moved to thereby selectively change an effective length of an elongate strap with the first and second connecting assemblies engaged. The keeper in the securing position releasably maintains the first and second connecting assemblies together.

Abstract: An improved cargo restraint for installation on a preselected track mounted in or on the surface of a vehicle carrying the cargo and the restraint is mounted on a bracket which abuts the cargo to restrain the movement of the cargo and the restraint is slidingly movable on the track and has a locking position on the track wherein the bracket restrains the cargo and the restraint has no relative movement with respect to the track or the bracket or the vehicle so that there is no rattling of the restraint when in the locked position.

Abstract: A beam assembly is formed from a hollow beam member which has a pair of slidable channel units installed therein and extend from the opposite ends thereof. The ends of the channel units have guide shoes forming latching assemblies pivotally supported thereon, each guide shoe having a spring loaded lock key mounted pivotally mounted thereon. A pair of tracks are spaced from each other in opposing relationship by a distance equal to the longitudinal extent of the beam member. The tracks have a plurality of aligned apertures and C-shaped runners running along their longitudinal extent. The lock keys of the beam member each has a pair of latching fingers extending therefrom which fit into a pair of adjacent track apertures. The latching fingers may be locked in place in the opposing track apertures by the spring action of their associated springs and may be withdrawn from the apertures by way of a hook shaped tab attached thereon.

Abstract: A steerable, retractable power drive unit (SRPDU) is provided for installation into a transport vehicle for moving cargo in mutually perpendicular directions, such as a doorway area where containers need to move both laterally and longitudinally in a cargo vehicle. The SRPDU rotates upon application of an external command, to orient the drive unit in the required direction and to drive the cargo containers. Embodiments include an SRPDU comprising a stationary support for fixedly attaching to a vehicle structure, and a rotating support rotatably mounted to the stationary support. A drive assembly is movably mounted to the rotating support, the drive assembly comprising a roller and a first electronically controlled electric motor for rotating the roller.

Abstract: A winch used for tightening a strap to retain an article, which may be cargo, on the deck of a vehicle has a ratcheting mechanism which tightens the strap around a cylindrical shaft. A ratchet cap installed on the winch has two sections. One of these sections is fixedly attached to the winch drive shaft This first section has a plurality of spaced recesses running around a surface plate thereof. Spring urged pins with rounded end surfaces are mounted in receptacles formed in the second cap section. The rounded ends of the spring urged pins are urged against the surfaces of the recesses. The pins are prevented from moving out of the recesses in one direction by a right angled end portion of the recess in this one direction and are free to move out of a recess over a slanted recess end portion into an adjoining recess in the opposite direction. At least one aperture is formed in the cap into which a lever for driving the winch is fitted.

Abstract: A device has a chain fitting which is connected to the floor of a transportation vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer. The chain fitting has a cap on one end thereof, which is installed in a mating aperture formed in the vehicle floor. The side rail has an aperture opposite the floor aperture, this aperture having a smaller diameter than the floor aperture. A side rail is installed along an edge of the floor, tis side rail having an aperture positioned opposite the aperture in the floor and having a smaller diameter than the floor aperture. The cap is installed on the top side of the floor with a short chain piece attached thereto running through the aperture with a second cap at the lower end which is secured to the lower end of the chain. A length of securing chain is attached to the chain fitting, this securing chain being attached to cargo to be restrained. The cap is partially beveled along its contact surface with the floor and engages the sides of the aperture in the floor.