Patents by Inventor Stuart H. Thomson

Stuart H. Thomson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8448385
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventors: John B Brewster, Arthur Poulopoulos, Stuart H Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
  • Publication number: 20100102574
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: John B. Brewster, Stuart H. Thomson, Arthur Poulopoulos, Mark Y. Zhan
  • Patent number: 7618221
    Abstract: A corner protector and bulkhead protector for a cargo carrying vehicle such as a rail car are formed to have deep channels or corrugations that provide for both increased strength and rigidity while also providing support for load restraining web straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Brian E. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6948896
    Abstract: A load restraining device provides a system in which straps extending from one side of a web strap arrangement initially run parallel to the wall to which they are connected, as opposed to extending perpendicular to the wall as in the prior art. The anchor itself is a horizontal wall member running longitudinally along the wall of the railcar or trailer. An adjustable anchor is used to permit moving the attachment point several inches to allow for load variations. The attachment of the web strap arrangement is normally 14? to 18? behind the face of the load. Unlike previous systems, this provision of anchor points behind the load effectively “encapsulates” the load rather than merely providing a bulkhead effect. Ratchets provided as part of one of the wall anchor arrangements allow the web straps to be tightened into final position, imparting a restraining force to the load and preventing the load from shifting during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Holland L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6860685
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Holland L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
  • Patent number: 6808346
    Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction. Moreover, the anchor may include a slot which with a side edge of the “L” shaped aperture defines a restraining post-like member therebetween. The restraining strap can be then threaded into and through the slot, around the post-like member, and exit the aperture so as to form a loop about the post-like member for restraining movement of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Holland L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6767169
    Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Holland L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6709209
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20030235480
    Abstract: A product protection pad utilizes a lubricating plastic that moves across the face of an upright post of a center beam flat car in order to reduce or eliminate damage to product or product wrappers and in one a first embodiment uses a self centering flanged aperture to permit the movement as the car flexes, twists or wracks and in an alternative embodiment utilizes a strong, lubricating plastic, both embodiments being mounted to the car using recessed weldable washers. In a third embodiment the pad is in the form of a cap that wraps about the post. The cap provides a cargo engaging face, a post grasping section along one side edge and a securement leg which extends rewardly of the cargo face and is securable to the post by a welding side of the structure and a retaining structure to a side of the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Robert S. Trent
  • Publication number: 20030133767
    Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction. Moreover, the anchor may include a slot which with a side edge of the “L” shaped aperture defines a restraining post-like member therebetween. The restraining strap can be then threaded into and through the slot, around the post-like member, and exit the aperture so as to form a loop about the post-like member for restraining movement of the strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20030129039
    Abstract: A load restraining device that provides a system in which straps extending from one side of a web strap arrangement initially run parallel to the wall to which they are connected, as opposed to extending perpendicular to the wall as in the prior art. The anchor itself is a horizontal wall member running longitudinally along the wall of the railcar or trailer. An adjustable anchor is used to permit moving the attachment point several inches to allow for load variations. The attachment of the web strap arrangement is normally 14″ to 18″ behind the face of the load. Unlike previous systems, this provision of anchor points behind the load effectively “encapsulates” the load rather than merely providing a bulkhead effect. Ratchets provided as part of one of the wall anchor arrangements allow the web straps to be tightened into final position, imparting a restraining force to the load and preventing the load from shifting during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6585466
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. The alternative embodiment anchor is particularly adapted to installation with a new-floor, being a tube mounted anchor providing a strong, economical mounting where vertical clearance, and particularly angle, adjustment is not needed. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson, David P. Crovetti
  • Patent number: 6503037
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
  • Publication number: 20020197127
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6494651
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6422794
    Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20020090275
    Abstract: An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20020067970
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
  • Publication number: 20010036390
    Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. The alternative embodiment anchor is particularly adapted to installation with a new-floor, being a tube mounted anchor providing a strong, economical mounting where vertical clearance, and particularly angle, adjustment is not needed. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson, David P. Crovetti
  • Publication number: 20010013301
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan