Abstract: An automated self-storage reservation and management system is disclosed. The system enables customers to make a reservation for a self-storage unit, view a map for a storage facility, enter or update customer information, make a payment, view payment history and print receipts. Facility personnel can utilize the system to manage inventory and client accounts, generate reports, track sales, vacancies and delinquencies. The automated system preferably includes a communications feature that enables facility personnel to communicate with each other or with customers regarding customer accounts. Upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, the system automatically generates notices to customers or facility personnel.

Abstract: A device for moving, carrying and storing a mattress includes a bag sized to receive the mattress and having an opening for placing the mattress into the bag. Handles are built in to an extension on at least one side or end of the bag. The built-in handles do not include a woven layer. The extension includes multiple layers of film. The bag can comprise a sheet of plastic material with a seal for bonding two or more layers of film together along at least a portion of the length of the side having the extension thereon.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball is provided. The assembly includes a housing with a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and “prepays for” the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code.

Abstract: A device for moving, carrying and storing large objects includes a bag comprising a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive the object and has an opening for placing the object into the bag. The bag has an extension on at least one side the bag with at least one handle formed as an opening in the extension. The extension includes more than two layers of the plastic film material, which can be in the form of a gusset. The bag includes a seal for bonding the more than two layers of the film material together along at least a portion of the length of the side having the extension thereon.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball has a housing with an interior that defines a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.

Abstract: A method for conducting a review including the step of detecting a payment request from a vendor; generating a review based on the payment request; and, transmitting a reference to the review to a customer, wherein the reference provides a link to retrieve the review. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carrier for large objects includes forming a bag from a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a large object and has an opening for placing the object into the bag. An extension is formed on at least one side or end of the bag. The extension comprises a plurality of layers of the plastic film material. Handles are formed as openings in the extension.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mattress carrier includes forming a bag from a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a mattress and has an opening for placing the mattress into the bag. An extension is formed on at least one side or end of the bag. The extension comprises a plurality of layers of the plastic film material. Handles are formed as openings in the extension.

Abstract: A vehicle skirt panel assembly includes a skirt panel comprising a thermoplastic material and including a plurality of panel sections each having one or more ribs on its exterior. The skirt panel is mounted to the vehicle so the skirt panel projects below the side of the vehicle and the skirt panel can move relative to the vehicle to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the skirt panel without deforming the skirt panel. One or more struts are mounted between the vehicle and a lower portion of the skirt panel. The strut is adjustable and is deformable to absorb an impact to the exterior of the skirt panel. The strut is bendable by hand to allow the skirt panel to be returned to the original position.

Abstract: A computer reservation system matches vehicle ratings using a central database. Vehicle information and rental equipment information are stored in the central database. A user specifies a vehicle description including make, model, and year of the vehicle on a website. The central database is searched based on the vehicle description to find related vehicle information including physical characteristics of the vehicle. The rental equipment in the central database is identified which is compatible with the vehicle as determined by a comparison of the rental equipment information to the vehicle information. The physical characteristics of the vehicle are compared to physical characteristics of the rental equipment to determine compatibility between the vehicle and the rental equipment. The compatible rental equipment is displayed on the website for the user.

Abstract: The rate and distribution system of the present invention enables an user to more accurately and quickly generate specific rental rates employing a browser-based system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate and distribution system includes an interactive graphical mapping interface depicting the geographic location of the entities of an equipment rental business. The mapping interface preferably comprises a touchscreen and is configured to allow an user to define a region by selecting it on the map. Upon defining a region, the system enables the user to set a rental rate for the defined region. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the system enables the user to identify the equipment category to which the rate applies and select a future effective date for the rate.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for simultaneously coupling a towing vehicle energizing circuit to a tow-dolly lighting circuit and a towed-vehicle lighting circuit. The apparatus includes a unitary connector body having a first portion for mating with an output plug of the towing vehicle energizing circuit, a second portion for mating with an input plug of the tow-dolly lighting circuit, and a third portion for mating with an input plug of the towed-vehicle lighting circuit. The connector body includes a plurality of conductors, each of which connects a terminal in the connector body first portion to corresponding terminals in each of the connector body second portion and third portion. The apparatus of the invention can be used to simultaneously connect the towing vehicle energizing circuit to two trailer end 4-flat plugs, one to power-tow-dolly lights and a second to power vehicle-in-tow lights.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball includes a coupler housing with an interior that defines a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. The coupler housing also includes a sight hole that communicates with the coupler socket and allows a user to see into the coupler socket to confirm proper engagement of the hitch ball and coupler.

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly is provided for lifting a hitch to be installed on the underside of a vehicle platform. The hitch has a hitch ball hole and the vehicle platform has a hole to be aligned with the hitch ball hole when the hitch is installed. The hoist assembly includes a hoist frame and a winch for paying out and drawing in a cable. The winch is supported by the frame above the vehicle platform hole. An elongated member is attached to the cable. The elongated member can be oriented in a first position wherein it can pass through the vehicle platform hole and the hitch ball hole. Also, the elongated member can be oriented in a second position wherein it cannot pass through the hitch ball hole. The elongated member can be lowered through the vehicle platform hole and the hitch ball hole in the first orientation and can secure the cable to the hitch in the second orientation.

Abstract: A carrier for large objects includes a bag made of a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a large object and has an opening for placing the object into the bag. An extension on at least one side of the bag has a plurality of layers of the plastic film material formed with a gusset. Handles are formed as openings in the extension. The bag has a seal for bonding the layers of film together along at least a portion of the length of the side having the extension. The seal is formed along a line between an outer edge of the gusset and an inner edge of the gusset.

Abstract: A mattress carrier includes a bag made of a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a mattress and has an opening for placing the mattress into the bag. An extension on at least one side of the bag has a plurality of layers of the plastic film material formed with a gusset. Handles are formed as openings in the extension. The bag has a seal for bonding the layers of film together along at least a portion of the length of the side having the extension. The seal is formed along a line between an outer edge of the gusset and an inner edge of the gusset.

Abstract: An apparatus provides for coupling a trailer lighting circuit including a light emitting diode to towing vehicle lighting circuit. The apparatus includes a connector having a first contact for coupling to a trailer lighting circuit input and a second contact for coupling to an electrical ground. The connector includes a resistive component coupled between the first contact and the second contact. The connector is configured to couple the first terminal to an output of the towing vehicle lighting circuit. The resistive component can include a resistor, an incandescent light or another component having suitable electrical resistance. The connector can be in various forms, including a trailer harness plug, a towing vehicle harness plug, or an adapter for coupling a towing vehicle electrical harness plug to a trailer electrical harness plug.

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly is provided for lifting a hitch to be installed on the underside of a vehicle platform. The hitch has a hitch ball hole and the vehicle platform has a hole to be aligned with the hitch ball hole when the hitch is installed. The hoist assembly includes a hoist frame and a winch for paying out and drawing in a cable. The winch is supported by the frame above the vehicle platform hole. An elongated member is attached to the cable. The elongated member can be oriented in a first position wherein it can pass through the vehicle platform hole and the hitch ball hole. Also, the elongated member can be oriented in a second position wherein it cannot pass through the hitch ball hole. The elongated member can be lowered through the vehicle platform hole and the hitch ball hole in the first orientation and can secure the cable to the hitch in the second orientation.