Abstract: A collapsible intermodal flat rack features a cargo deck with first and second arches pivotally mounted to the cargo deck. Each arch is provided with a crank mechanism including a gearbox having an input shaft and an output shaft. The output shaft is attached to the corresponding arch so that the arch may be moved between a storage position, where a top portion of the arch is located adjacent to the cargo deck, and a use position, where the top portion of the arch is elevated from the cargo deck, by actuation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A crash structure is provided as an internal support in an armrest on a door lining of a motor vehicle. The crash structure has cross-shaped recesses. A foam element is above the crash structure and is covered by a decorative layer above the crash structure. The crash structure absorbs loads in the event of a side impact to protect the vehicle occupants against increased force peaks.

Abstract: A bale carrier including a “C” clamp whose front and rear jaws have lower segments and upper segments, the “C” clamp having a load bed frame; first hydraulic cylinders connected to one of the jaws for extending and retracting the front and rear jaws, second hydraulic cylinders connected to the jaws' upper segments for extending and retracting the upper segments; bale straps extending between the jaws' upper segments, pivot joints interconnecting the jaws' lower and upper segments for pivoting the bale straps for bale securing and bale clearing; and a plurality of wheels fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the load bed frame.

Abstract: A combined storage and docking unit for attachment to the instrument panel of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which a portable electronic device such as an MP3 player or GPS navigation device can be held in a display position by clamping it between lid and storage box parts of the combined storage and docking unit. The storage box includes a trough shaped portion in which the portable electronic device can be stowed if it is not required to be used. The combined storage and docking unit is of a simple construction and allows portable electronic devices of differing size and shape to be accommodated.

Abstract: A vehicle roof panel for channeling fluid includes a raised formation at a centerline of the vehicle, and a plurality of primary troughs disposed laterally on either side of the raised formation. Each of the primary troughs defines a base surface that is recessed below a global runoff curvature of the roof. The roof panel also includes a secondary trough positioned laterally outboard of the primary troughs that defines a base surface that is substantially aligned with the global runoff curvature.

Abstract: A pickup compartment cover system having a covering layer with a front and a back frame edge. Both a driver and a passenger side include a frame edge fixed at the head of the frame edge, a buckle having a slot with an inward opening, a lock casing on an end of the back frame edge having a lock tongue cavity with an outward opening; a lock tongue provided inside the tongue cavity at the tail with a pulling rod section passing backward through the casing, and a compression spring surrounding the pulling rod section inside the lock tongue cavity pushed on one end against the lock tongue and on the other end against a tip of the lock tongue cavity so the lock tongue protrudes outside of the opening and the opening can further be locked into the slot. The two pulling rod sections connect through a pulling cord.

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: A driver roof for a control platform of a road making machine comprises a first roof module and a second roof module which are connected to each other permanently or detachably for forming a common driver roof.

Abstract: A restraint device for a vehicle interior has a flexible planar structure movably mounted between a rest position and an extended function position and that is provided at its end area with a dimensionally stable pulling-out section, and the restraint device has at least one roof-side holder in which the pulling-out section is detachably fixed by at least one complementary securing section in the extended function position of the planar structure. The roof-side holder includes a receptacle and a stationary locking pawl arrangement mechanically matched to a movement distance of the at least one securing section during transfer from the rest position to the function position. The securing section during its upward travel presses the locking pawl arrangement into the release position, and the securing section enters the receptacle and the locking pawl arrangement automatically moves back into its locking position as soon as the securing section has entered the receptacle.

Abstract: [Object] It is an object of the present invention to provide a crash reinforcing member for a vehicle capable of preventing reduction in flexural rigidity as much as possible even if deformation progresses when a load at the time of crash of the vehicle is input. [Solution] A crash reinforcing member for a vehicle (e.g., door impact beam) includes a long body 10. The body 10 has a hat-shaped opened cross-sectional shape by connecting, with one another, a pair of walls 11, a pair of curved corners 12, a center flange 13, and a pair of outer flanges 14. The body 10 is divided into three sections P1, P2 and P3. A width (C1) of the center flange in the section P1 is wider than a width (C2) of the center flange in the section P2. A cross-sectional area of the curved corner 12 in the section P1 is narrower than a cross-sectional area of the curved corner in the section P2. A cross-sectional height (H1) of the section P1 is higher than a cross-sectional height (H2) of the section P2.

Abstract: A multi-tier vehicular storage system comprises a medial platform operable between lower and upper positions. A rear seat is configured to horizontally receive the medial platform in the upper position. A bottom bin is disposed below and behind the rear seat and at least partially covered by the medial platform in the lower position. An upper bin coupled with the rear seat and rotationally operable between stowed and accessible positions.

Abstract: An anchor comprises first, second and third flanges. A surface of the first flange facing the second flange defines a plane. A contour of the first flange projected onto the plane extending beyond a contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. A base connecting part includes the third flange and the second flange. An accessory connecting part operatively connected to the base connecting part includes the first flange. The third flange is movable relative to at least one of the first and second flanges between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a contour of the third flange projected onto the plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. In the second position, the contour of the third flange projected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane.

Abstract: Described are connectors comprising: a body; at least four arms extending from the body; a first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a first axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; and a second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a second axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; wherein, each slot comprises an opening defined by at least two of the at least four arms; and wherein, the openings of the first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset and the openings of the second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset. Methods of coupling straps together via such connectors, and the resulting net-like structure, are also described.

Abstract: A slide-room for installation in a recreational vehicle or other structure is disclosed. The slide-room comprises a shell, which can be constructed from fiberglass. The shell comprises an end wall, a ceiling, a floor, two opposing side walls, and a flange extending from the end wall, wherein the end wall, the ceiling, the floor, the side walls and the flange comprise a one-piece, unitary construction. Also disclosed are methods for molding composite components, such as slide-room. In one specific implementation, the shell for a slide-room is formed from fiberglass using a vacuum assisted resin transfer process.

Abstract: An anchoring system utilized in securing and transporting a motorcycle or other vehicle includes a strap, a ratchet and at least one anchor device securable to the bed of a transport mechanism. An embodiment herein includes a remote anchor device that attaches at one end to the strap ratchet and at another end to the bed of a transport mechanism.

Abstract: Dunnage for filling a void space in a container. An inflatable dunnage bag has an inflation valve for inflating the bag with a gas. The inflation valve is a solid member having an elevated portion. An outer surface of the bag is tightly fixed to the solid member along a circumferential sealing area distant from the top of the elevated portion. The top of the elevated portion is a circumferential sealing rim tightly contactable by the outer surface of the bag. The solid member has an inflation opening between the sealing area and the sealing rim. The bag has an inflation opening radially inward of the sealing rim.

Abstract: There is provided an assist grip for a vehicle capable of gripping a grip main body easily when in use and applying force thereon and facilitating movement of getting off. The assist grip 1 for the vehicle includes the grip main body 2 for supporting getting out movement from the seat 51 of the occupant, which is provided in the lower part of the door opening 10 beside the seat 51, where the grip main body 2 is provided in a manner capable of raising and lowering in an outward direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, since the grip main body 2 falls outward of the vehicle at the time of use of the assist grip 1, a portion to which a hand of the occupant is applied becomes large, and a flexibility of posture change increases, and getting out of the occupant becomes easy.

Abstract: In a tie down system and method for securing a vehicle tire to a wire grate, a slotted overlay panel rest on top of the wire grate. A clevis assembly having one end of a tire trap assembly attached thereto is provided along with the winch assembly having a winch for receiving an opposite end of the tire strap assembly. Each of the clevis assembly and winch assembly have a T hook with a T portion which is insertable through a respective slot of the overlay panel.

Abstract: A shipping apparatus for transporting a coil in a shipping container. The apparatus includes a saddle and a base. The saddle has angled supporting plates and lateral bars upon which said coil is placed. The saddle is placed on a base and may be releasably connected. The base is adapted to be slid while supporting the saddle and the coil, along the floor of said container to a transport position fully inside the container. When the coil, saddle, and base are in a container, the base distributes the load of the coil and the saddle to permit conventional transport of said container.

Abstract: A deck and ramp system for allowing a motorcycle to be secured behind the cab or sleeper of a semi/tractor featuring a deck platform and two attachable ramps. The deck platform is attached to the frame behind the cab or sleeper such that it is accessible from the passenger side or driver side of the semi. The two ramps attach at an angle with respect to the deck platform. Channels are disposed in the ramps and deck platform and allow a motorcycle to be easily rolled up the ramps and onto the deck platform. One or more securing means are disposed on the deck platform so as to secure the motorcycle.