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: 8448385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Holland, L.P.Inventors: John B Brewster, Arthur Poulopoulos, Stuart H Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
-
Publication number: 20100102574Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: John B. Brewster, Stuart H. Thomson, Arthur Poulopoulos, Mark Y. Zhan
-
Patent number: 7618221Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Holland, L.P.Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Brian E. O'Neill
-
Patent number: 6948896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Holland L.P.Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Patent number: 6860685Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Holland L.P.Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
-
Patent number: 6808346Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Holland L.P.Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Patent number: 6767169Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Holland L.P.Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Patent number: 6709209Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Holland CompanyInventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Publication number: 20030235480Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Robert S. Trent
-
Publication number: 20030133767Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Holland CompanyInventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Publication number: 20030129039Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: Holland CompanyInventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Patent number: 6585466Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Holland CompanyInventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson, David P. Crovetti
-
Patent number: 6503037Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Holland CompanyInventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
-
Publication number: 20020197127Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Patent number: 6494651Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Holland CompanyInventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Patent number: 6422794Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Holland CompanyInventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Publication number: 20020090275Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2002Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
-
Publication number: 20020067970Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2002Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
-
Publication number: 20010036390Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson, David P. Crovetti
-
Publication number: 20010013301Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan