Abstract: Improved telescoping railcar uncoupling levers have improved bearings that resist damage. Moreover, the uncoupling levers include removable lock lifter linkage hooks. In addition, the uncoupling levers comprise an improved handle loop shape allowing the levers to be more easily installed and/or removed when damaged. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain telescoping ratchet load binder tensioner apparatus useful for utilizing, for example, as tie-downs for heavy equipment on the decks of railcars, trucks, or other vehicles, although the invention should not be limited to its preferred application. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chain telescoping ratchet load binder tensioner apparatus for tensioning and holding a chain, such as a ½? chain, and for tensioning the chain for the afore-mentioned tie-down applications. In addition, the present invention comprises a ratchet load binder tie down anchor apparatus comprises an end link and a swivel allowing the ratchet load binder to swivel about a central axis. Methods of use are further provided.

Abstract: A railcar deck channel pivoting side wall apparatus and methods of making and using the same are provided. Specifically, the railcar deck channel pivoting side wall apparatus comprises a pivoting side wall arranged within a railcar deck channel to allow for the easy installation and/or removal of chain assemblies on railcar decks for the transport of heavy items thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain telescoping ratchet load binder tensioner apparatus useful for utilizing, for example, as tie-downs for heavy equipment on the decks of railcars, trucks, or other vehicles, although the invention should not be limited to its preferred application. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chain telescoping ratchet load binder tensioner apparatus for tensioning and holding a chain, such as a ½? chain, and for tensioning the chain for the afore-mentioned tie-down applications. In addition, the present invention comprises a ratchet load binder tie down anchor apparatus comprises an end link and a swivel allowing the ratchet load binder to swivel about a central axis. Methods of use are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for use in line with a chain or a strap tie-down assembly. When the chain or strap tie-down assembly is tightened on a commodity to prevent movement of the same during shipping, the apparatus compresses and stretches. During transport, if the commodity loosens and creates slack in the chain or tie-down assembly, the apparatus may decompress and shorten, thereby taking up the slack and maintaining tension in the chain or tie-down assembly to prevent or minimize loosening and damage of the commodity.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for use in line with a chain or a strap tie-down assembly. When the chain or strap tie-down assembly is tightened on a commodity to prevent movement of the same during shipping, the apparatus compresses and stretches. During transport, if the commodity loosens and creates slack in the chain or tie-down assembly, the apparatus may decompress and shorten, thereby taking up the slack and maintaining tension in the chain or tie-down assembly to prevent or minimize loosening and damage of the commodity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a railcar deck channel pivoting side wall apparatus and methods of making and using the same. Specifically, the railcar deck channel pivoting side wall apparatus comprises a pivoting side wall arranged within a railcar deck channel to allow for the easy installation and/or removal of chain assemblies on railcar decks for the transport of heavy items thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus useful for utilizing, for example, as tie-downs for heavy equipment on the decks of railcars, trucks, or other vehicles, although the invention should not be limited to its preferred application. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus for winching and holding a chain, such as a ½? chain, and for tensioning the chain for the afore-mentioned tie-down applications. Methods of use are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus useful for utilizing, for example, as tie-downs for heavy equipment on the decks of railcars, trucks, or other vehicles, although the invention should not be limited to its preferred application. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chain winch apparatus for winching and holding a chain, such as a ½? chain, and for tensioning the chain for the afore-mentioned tie-down applications. Methods of use are further provided.

Abstract: A vehicular container, lid-latching system and method is practiced by outfitting a vehicular container and container lid with an automatic uniquely configured latch mechanism and a latch-engaging structure uniquely configured to cooperably engage the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is automatically operable by way of engagement with structure directed thereagainst and preferably outfitted upon the container at one end thereof. The latch-engaging structure, preferably outfitted upon the lid, engages the latching mechanism under a directed load and for automatic and selective latching securement or latching release of the lid relative to the container.

Abstract: A container securement device enables a user to secure a cargo container to a carrier deck. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the lock-actuating opening of the container. A shaft-mounted head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a selected interchangeable spring element within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. The spring element may be interchanged as may be required by anticipated climactic and/or temperature conditions. Each spring element is actuable by a uniquely configured shaft member having a spring-receiving end capable of cooperating with at least two types of springs.

Abstract: An improved cargo container securement device includes a housing defined by a base which forms a planar surfacing thereabout on which cargo container corner fittings rest in applied relation on the container relative to the supporting structure or platform involved. The container securement device includes a flanged end which engages a cargo container corner casting aperture opening or an appropriate aperture and utilizes the structure for retention of the securement device so the opposite side of the hold down device is allowed to automatically engage and disengage with a cargo container corner fitting as necessary to achieve proper handling and transport of cargo containers. The hold down device includes an indicator to visually signal that the automatic hold down feature of the device is engaged or disengaged with a cargo container corner fitting of cargo containers.

Abstract: A latch device releasably secures a container to a support surface. The device comprises a housing, a latch, interchangeable spring sets, and a pin. The housing comprises an upper shell and an inner coil-receiving cavity. The shell defines a latch-receiving cavity. The latch comprises an upper latch end and a coil-engaging portion. The coil-engaging portion comprises coil-aligning structure. At least one compression coil is received within the coil-receiving cavity and placed into engagement with the coil-engaging portion so as to bias the upper latch end exterior to shell via the latch-receiving cavity. The coil-aligning structure enhances axial alignment of each coil during coil compression. The pin pivotally connects the latch to the housing for enabling pivotal movement of the latch under selectively varied spring resistance for targeted applications. The coil(s) thus enable the user to vary latching forces during latching securement and release depending to the targeted loads and conditions.

Abstract: A self-lubricating, non-metallic type F coupler carrier improves upon state of the art railroad car coupler carrier arrangements. The coupler carrier is mounted within a cage, which coupler carrier comprises certain structures formed from an ultra high molecular weight polymer. The coupler carrier is shaped to define a load support surface for supporting a coupler shank. Further, oppositely facing forward and back carrier walls define vertically disposed slide surfaces formed for close fitted engagement with the inner and outer walls of the striker cage. Lugs, integrally formed with the coupler carrier comprise outwardly and upwardly facing slide surfaces for close fitted engagement with cage side walls and retainer plates, respectively. The lugs may further comprise concave relief portions intermediate the lug slide surfaces and the walls to which the lugs are integrally formed to provide stress concentration relief to said type F non-metallic coupler carrier.

Abstract: A vehicular container, lid-latching system and method is practiced by outfitting a vehicular container and container lid with an automatic uniquely configured latch mechanism and a latch-engaging structure uniquely configured to cooperably engage the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is automatically operable by way of engagement with structure directed thereagainst and preferably outfitted upon the container at one end thereof. The latch-engaging structure, preferably outfitted upon the lid, engages the latching mechanism under a directed load and for automatic and selective latching securement or latching release of the lid relative to the container.

Abstract: A container securement device enables a user to secure a cargo container to a carrier deck. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the lock-actuating opening of the container. A shaft-mounted head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a selected interchangeable spring element within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. The spring element may be interchanged as may be required by anticipated climactic and/or temperature conditions. Each spring element is actuable by a uniquely configured shaft member having a spring-receiving end capable of cooperating with at least two types of springs.

Abstract: A container securement device enables a user to secure a cargo container to a carrier deck. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the lock-actuating opening of the container. A shaft-mounted head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a selected interchangeable spring element within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. The spring element may be interchanged as may be required by anticipated climactic and/or temperature conditions. Each spring element is actuable by a uniquely configured shaft member having a spring-receiving end capable of cooperating with at least two types of springs.

Abstract: An improved cargo container securement device includes a housing defined by a base which forms a planar surfacing thereabout on which cargo container corner fittings rest in applied relation on the container relative to the supporting structure or platform involved. The container securement device includes a flanged end which engages a cargo container corner casting aperture opening or an appropriate aperture and utilizes the structure for retention of the securement device so the opposite side of the hold down device is allowed to automatically engage and disengage with a cargo container corner fitting as necessary to achieve proper handling and transport of cargo containers. The hold down device includes an indicator to visually signal that the automatic hold down feature of the device is engaged or disengaged with a cargo container corner fitting of cargo containers.

Abstract: A B-hook retainer shaped and configured so as to maintain retention of B-hook hardware in a shaped aperture that secures various and multiple types of lading tie straps and strap hardware comprising of straps of woven webbing. The lading tie strap being held in place by the appropriate B-hook provision and the said anchor being contained within a pocket in the wall or floor of railway box or flat car. Various industry lading tie straps with said B-hook already in use are allowed to be connected to the shaped aperture anchor. An appropriate ratchet inherent to the specific type of tie strap being used is operated to remove any remaining slack in the lading ties and then apply the desired tension thereon to secure the lading to the railway car. If slack develops in the lading ties due to transport load shifting the B-hook retainer will prevent inadvertent removal of the B-hook from the shaped aperture resulting in lading tie strap no longer securing the lading to the railway car.

Abstract: A self-lubricating, non-metallic type F coupler carrier improves upon state of the art railroad car coupler carrier arrangements. The coupler carrier is mounted within a cage, which coupler carrier comprises certain structures formed from an ultra high molecular weight polymer. The coupler carrier is shaped to define a load support surface for supporting a coupler shank. Further, oppositely facing forward and back carrier walls define vertically disposed slide surfaces formed for close fitted engagement with the inner and outer walls of the striker cage. Lugs, integrally formed with the coupler carrier comprise outwardly and upwardly facing slide surfaces for close fitted engagement with cage side walls and retainer plates, respectively. The lugs may further comprise concave relief portions intermediate the lug slide surfaces and the walls to which the lugs are integrally formed to provide stress concentration relief to said type F non-metallic coupler carrier.