Linings Patents (Class 105/423)
  • Patent number: 11597333
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo area liner system for efficiently and removably lining a cargo area of a vehicle such as the bed of a pickup truck. The liner may be installed on the vehicle in addition to a hard shell liner as is common with pickup trucks. The liner includes a pair of inner connectors for removably securing the liner to the cargo area of the vehicle. The liner also includes a pair of outer connectors to which corresponding cover connectors on a cover may removably engage to removably secure a cover over the liner to enclose the cargo area. Securing connectors near the rear end of the liner may be utilized to secure the liner around a bed of a pickup truck. Straps may extend through openings in the liner to removably secure the front end of the liner to the cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Michael J. Stevens
  • Patent number: 11273769
    Abstract: A lid for a cargo carrier having a reinforced front portion for reducing a flexibility of the lid at least in the reinforced front portion. The reinforced front portion includes a reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure includes at least two continuous elongate reinforcing sections. Each of the at least two continuous elongate reinforcing sections extends along or is defined in an inner surface of the lid and has a different main extension direction. At least two of the at least two continuous elongate reinforcing sections cross each other and each of the at least two continuous elongate reinforcing sections extends along a path defined by a differentiable function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Søren Buchholtz Storm, Günther Fritsche, Henrik Eriksson, Markus Nordangård, Joakim Andersson, John-Patrik Treptow
  • Patent number: 11180092
    Abstract: A vehicle bedliner includes a floor panel, a forward panel and a pair of side panels. The floor panel is configured to be disposed on a floor of a cargo box of a truck. The forward panel extends upwardly from the floor panel. Each of the pair of side panels has a main body extending upwardly from the floor panel and extends from a lateral side of the forward panel. First side panel of the pair of side panels includes at least one opening and a severable portion that at least partially overlies the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Petersen, John Young, Neelamkumar Deshpande
  • Patent number: 11104388
    Abstract: A thermally insulated floor for a trailer includes a layer of parallel support beams. Each support beam is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to a forward direction of the trailer. A substantially planar panel of thermally insulating material is disposed on and supported by the layer of parallel support beams. A substantially planar layer of wood is disposed on and supported by the panel of thermally insulating material. The support beams, the panel of thermally insulating material, and the layer of wood are secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Strick Trailers, LLC
    Inventor: Justin L. Bell
  • Patent number: 10648737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat protection assembly (2, 30) for a charging installation (1) of a metallurgical reactor. In order to increase the lifetime of a heat protection shield in a charging installation of a metallurgical reactor, the assembly (2, 30) comprises a plurality of heat protection tiles (31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4) disposed adjacent to each other along a surface The assembly further comprises a plurality of heat protection panels (10, 110), each panel (10, 110) comprising a common base plate (11, 111) to which a plurality of tiles (31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4) are connected, which heat protection panels (10, 110) are configured to be mounted on the charging installation (1) adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: PAUL WURTH S.A.
    Inventors: Emile Lonardi, Serge Devillet
  • Patent number: 10598313
    Abstract: A working sheath tube (1) is used when a renovating operation of a pump-discharge pipe (4) branched from a peripheral wall (33) of a tubular barrel (3) inserted into a tank (2) in which a fuel is retained. The working sheath tube has a bottomed tubular shape which can be inserted into the barrel, and has a working space thereinside. A insertion hole (15a) into which a closing member (7) for closing a pump-discharge pipe is inserted is provided on and penetrates a sheath tube peripheral wall (15). While the sheath tube is inserted into the barrel, the insertion hole faces an opening of the pump-discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Chiyoda Corporation
    Inventors: Kingo Kasada, Hidenori Muramatsu, Hiroaki Suzuki, Toshitake Sakurai, Keiichi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 10421641
    Abstract: An elevator car includes a car box. The car box includes a frame structure that includes a floor element, vertical beams connected to the floor element, and roof beams connected to the vertical beams. The car box further includes walls, each including wall elements of rectangular shape fixed side-by-side to the frame structure and extending from one edge side of the car box to another. The car box includes a roof including roof elements of rectangular shape fixed side-by-side to the frame structure and extending from one edge side of the car box to another. The car box includes and interior bounded by at least the floor element, the walls, and the roof. At least on set of elements, of the roof elements and the wall elements, includes elements associated with separate, respective integrated functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Timo Manner, Nithil Karimpanackal Natarajan, Seppo Kolehmainen, Jouni Lappalainen, Razvan Albu, Tuuli Somma, Petri Koli
  • Patent number: 10400451
    Abstract: An insulating panel (1) comprises a first sheet (2), a second sheet (3) with an insulating foam (4) therebetween. The foam may, for example be a polyurethane foam, polyisocyanurate foam or a phenolic foam. The first and second sheets (2, 3) are metal such as steel, for example a galvanised or coated sheet. At least one reinforcing element (20) is provided within the insulating foam (body (4) and extends between the first and second sheets (2, 3). The reinforcing element (20) extends longitudinally along at least part of the length of the panel (1). For enhanced structural strength there are at least two reinforcing elements (20) which are spaced-apart between the side marginal edges of the panel (1). The reinforcing element (20) comprises a first flange (21), a second flange (22) and a web (23) extending between the flanges. The reinforcing element (20) is adapted to interengage with the insulating foam body (4) during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventors: Donal Curtin, Peter Simko, Donal McCullagh
  • Patent number: 10377294
    Abstract: A stake pocket protection device for providing protection to a stake pocket of the type commonly installed on trailer beds. The device having a planar base plate with an opening of dimensions approximate of the stake pocket, a retention portion and a securing portion in a J-shaped configuration. The device lies flat over the stake pocket with the opening lined up over the pocket such that a pin can slide into the stake pocket. Thereby the device holds the pin and adds more holding strength to the stake pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Louis Guy Lindquist
  • Patent number: 10308425
    Abstract: A sheet which constitutes a liner, cover or curtain is secured to a shipping container. The sheet has an elongate attachment zone which is thicker than the material of the sheet. A clip is formed with an elongate hollow portion having a longitudinal slit along the length thereof. The attachment zone of the sheet is in the hollow portion of the clip with the sheet emerging from the clip through the slit. A cord is connected to a lashing point in the shipping container. The clip has a passageway through which the cord passes thereby to attach the, clip and the attachment zone to the lashing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: JF Hillebrand Limited
    Inventor: Pierre Corvisier
  • Patent number: 9840830
    Abstract: A wear strip assembly has a wear strip and a wear strip support for use on ground engaging equipment. The wear strip has an engagement profile and a wear surface, and the wear strip support defines a receiving profile complementary to the engagement profile of the wear strip. The engagement profile of the wear strip removably engages the receiving profile of the wear strip support, and the wear strip support has one or more openings distributed along an inner edge of the wear strip support and below the receiving profile. The one or more openings have a thickness that permits the wear strip support to be welded to the ground engaging equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Ernest Lammli
  • Patent number: 9669994
    Abstract: Knock down yard tools are provided which are made of flexible heavy duty sheet material joined to form a container for handling yard waste. Included are a truck bed carrier container, a skid container, a bagging container and a hand held carrier. In one embodiment, struts are provided which can be readily assembled to and disassembled from the sheet material to help hold the shape of the container. Preferably the struts are collapsible, and most preferably comprise sections held together and biased to assembly by elastic cord. In a preferred embodiment, a collection of such knock down yard tools are provided along with auxiliary tools for manipulating the yard waste and facilitate its placement in the knock down containers. The auxiliary tools include hand scoops a leaf press, and a gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Charles T. Clevenger
  • Patent number: 9623804
    Abstract: A folding luggage- or cargo compartment floor of a motor vehicle has a textile covering layer and under the cargo compartment floor, at least one receptacle is provided, whose opening is closed by a cover flap of the cargo compartment floor. To achieve a remedy against deformations of the kind that can occur due to unilateral static loads, the invention proposes that the cover flap be linked to the cargo compartment floor in a hinge-like fashion, so that directly adjacent regions of these components, in at least some places, engage with each other or are in reciprocal engagement with each other in a fashion similar to a set of teeth like a set of teeth; and an upper region of the one component always covers a lower region of the set of teeth on the respective other component. A rear-end structure of a motor vehicle includes the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: IDEAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Stephan Warnecke
  • Patent number: 9545956
    Abstract: A liner system for a bed of a material hauling machine is provided. The liner system includes a first panel having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface includes a plurality of projected sections and defines a recess between each of the plurality of projected sections and a keyway recess. The liner system also includes a second panel having a first lip portion and a second lip portion configured to interconnect with the second and first lip portion of adjacent second panels respectively. The second panel also includes a first protruding portion configured to be received into the recess and a second protruding portion configured to be received into the keyway recess. The liner system further includes a locking panel having a first extension member, a second extension member and one or more fastening means configured to fasten the second panel to the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Qiaoyu Lu, Aaron Kenneth Amstutz, Andrea Burgess Tognetti, Daniel Raymond Hettinger, Jeremy Roe Hammar, Kevin L. Martin, Kyle Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9335055
    Abstract: An oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a pair of doors. Each door of the pair of doors includes an outer door panel and an inner door panel. The outer and inner door panels are spaced apart from each other along at least one edge of the door such that the inner and outer door panels define a thermal break therebetween. The thermal break can assist with limiting or hindering heat transfer between the inner and outer door panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Mark Chilton, Stephen Bernard Froelicher, Scott Thomas Kershner, Joshua Stephen Wiseman, John Adam Yantis
  • Publication number: 20140326163
    Abstract: Interior railway components (seat covers and claddings) comprise a thermoplastic composition comprising: a first polymer comprising bisphenol A carbonate units and monoaryl arylate units, or a second polymer comprising bisphenol A carbonate units, monoaryl arylate units, and siloxane units, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing polymers; and an organophosphorus compound; wherein a sample of the thermoplastic composition has: a smoke density after 4 minutes (Ds-4) of equal to or less than 300, an integral of the smoke density as a function of time up to 4 minutes (VOF4) of equal to or less than 600, a maximum average heat release (MAHRE) of equal to or less than 90 kW/m2, and a ductility in multiaxial impact of 100%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Adrianus Johannes van der Mee, Roland Sebastian Assink, Robert Dirk van de Grampel, Paul Dean Sybert
  • Patent number: 8424463
    Abstract: An interior structure is provided that is lightweight and is capable of beautifully finishing a surface on a cabin side. An interior structure 100 of the present invention includes a plurality of interior panels 1 forming the inner walls of a cabin and a support means 5 for supporting the interior panel 1. The interior panel 1 has a composite plate 4 including two metal plates 2 and a non-foam resin layer 3 disposed between the two metal plates 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Tada, Chihiro Okayama
  • Patent number: 8153419
    Abstract: An Intermodal container, also known as an ISO Ocean Freight Container is suitable for the dual purposes of bio-containment and also Intermodal shipping. Provision is made for the introduction of water, oxygen or other liquids or gasses to be treated into the container, for exit of liquids or gasses generated or converted in the container, and for the monitoring of biological processes occurring within the container, all in a liquid impervious container. Improved air ducts and flow paths are provided, while the effects of shrinkage and channeling are reduced, through a strategically placed and relative percentage of openings through the floor. Further improvements in air distribution are achieved by an elimination or substantial reduction in percentage of opening through the floor in areas immediately adjacent to the container side walls. The flooring incorporates a self-cleaning hole design which increases in diameter with increasing distance from the container contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: James J. McNelly
  • Patent number: 7478600
    Abstract: A composite box structure mounted on and attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material attached to the side stakes. Insulating material may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one fiber reinforced layer of fiber reinforced material. The insulating materials provide resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. A primary floor assembly and a secondary floor assembly may be mounted on the railway car underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Beers, Stephen W. Smith, Christopher Crisafulli, Shaun Richmond, Ricky A. Cribbs
  • Patent number: 7434520
    Abstract: A method to insulate an existing door for an existing cargo container, such as a boxcar. In one implementation, the method includes attaching a liner to at least one surface of the door, incorporating an insulating layer, and attaching a gasket to the liner. A door retrofit by this method will have improved thermal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Zupancich, Joseph A. Seiter
  • Patent number: 7261044
    Abstract: A boxcar and load restraint system are provided with improved load carrying capabilities and performance characteristics of uninsulated boxcars and insulated boxcars. An insulated boxcar with the load restraint system may have increased load carrying capacity, increased service life, and reduced maintenance costs as compared to conventional insulated boxcars. All or portions of the load restraint system may be used in uninsulated boxcars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Creighton, D. Bruce Fetterman, Guy W. Steeves, Robert J. Barry
  • Patent number: 7228805
    Abstract: A composite box structure mounted on and attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material attached to the side stakes. Insulating material may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one fiber reinforced layer of fiber reinforced material. The insulating materials provide resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. A primary floor assembly and a secondary floor assembly may be mounted on the railway car underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Beers, Stephen W. Smith, Christopher Crisafulli, Shaun Richmond, Ricky A. Cribbs
  • Patent number: 7219944
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel containment device which can be removably placed in the rear interior of a vehicle and used for containing sundry items. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel flexible box tarpaulin which can be detachably installed in a vehicle and used to haul cargo without soiling the interior of the vehicle. A removable container for positioning in the interior of a vehicle which comprises: (a) a web-like member which forms an enclosure; (b) at least two securing members which removably secure the web-like member in an erect position to appropriate locations on the interior of the vehicle; and (c) a closable opening in the web-like member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Errol Clyde Klotz, Sarah Melinda Duncan
  • Patent number: 7210413
    Abstract: A universal boxcar is provided with load carrying capabilities of a conventional uninsulated boxcar and temperature ratings of an insulated boxcar. The insulated boxcar may be formed with interior dimensions corresponding generally with interior dimensions of an uninsulated boxcar without requiring the use of high cost, high performance insulation. The insulated boxcar may be formed at a reasonable cost and selling price with increased load carrying capacity, increased service life, and reduced maintenance costs as compared to conventional insulated boxcars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Robert J. Barry, Guy W. Steeves, George S. Creighton, D. Bruce Fetterman
  • Patent number: 6575102
    Abstract: A composite box structure assembled on and securely attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or on insulated boxcar. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic attached to the side stakes. Foam insulation may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The foam insulation provides improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, Alex K. Hoover, Albert A. Beers, Robert J. Barry, Gary W. Kirk, Jr., Joseph A. Seiter
  • Patent number: 6478517
    Abstract: A rectangular sheet of extruded, twin-walled, fluted plastic fabricated from a polyethylene copolymer is scored with N parallel lines, wherein N is any odd number three (3) or greater. The sheet of plastic is then bent or otherwise configured along the N parallel lines to form N+1 panels. The first and last panels are snapped into place along the opposing sidewalls, respectively, of a shipping container. The intermediate panels are bent into N + 1 2 V-shaped configurations which together will hold the bottom portion of a load of dry particle materials which will be shipped or stored therein. The materials may be loaded and unloaded through parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Cortainer Patent Warehouse, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Nelson, Michael J. Rose
  • Patent number: 6174013
    Abstract: A skip car liner comprises a resilient elastomeric barrier which includes a backing ply adapted to hang within a skip car receptacle adjacent an inner surface of a wall of the receptacle. A plurality of parallel vertically spaced apart ribs integrally formed on the barrier project downwardly and inwardly from the inner surface of the backing ply and extend along the entire length of the ply. The ribs terminate at free ends disposed within a common plane parallel to and spaced from the inner surface of the backing ply. A horizontally spaced apart series of slits formed in each rib extend from the backing ply through the rib to and through its free end. The slits divide each rib into a plurality of discrete rib sections, each rib section being supported on the backing ply for independent deflection relative to the backing ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Uniroyal Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Nicholl, Richard L. Palinkas
  • Patent number: 6138578
    Abstract: A ventilated transportable freight container is disclosed. The container is ventilated by natural convection through at least one lower side vent comprising a lower plenum chamber for distributing air into the container and restricting entry of moisture in the form of rain, sleet or snow into the container and at least one upper top vent, including a plenum chamber. The upper top vent or vents may be formed in the sidewall of the enclosure or in the roof of the enclosure depending upon the structure of the container and the particular application. The use of one or more upper top vents enhances circulation of air by natural convection. The invention also incorporates sidewall and endwall spacers extending from the sidewalls and endwalls into the enclosure to provide passageways for the circulation of air to ventilate the enclosure and a path for condensation drainage. In one embodiment of the invention, the transportable freight container of present invention comprises a rail freight car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Railcar Services Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Cowan, Jr., Michael D. Gaikowski, John K. Deveikis, Richard J. Kloster
  • Patent number: 5983957
    Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: SEEC, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5823225
    Abstract: A collapsible container for hauling certain bulk materials in freight vehicles. The container includes a generally flexible barrier that defines a collapsible cavity in which bulk materials may be controlled during transportation. The flexible barrier includes at least one port for passing material into and out of the cavity, as well as a cover for closing the port. To assist in the loading and unloading, the container includes a lifting member for engagement with a crane, a strap attached to the lifting member and the barrier, and a ring attached to the lower portion of the barrier. The strap provides support to the barrier as it is lifted and suspended during loading and unloading from a freight vehicle. The ring is provided to hold the container in place as it is inverted to discharge the materials from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: SEEC, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart E. Erickson, Daniel J. Halvorson
  • Patent number: 5802984
    Abstract: A composite railway boxcar having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe is provided. The composite box structure includes side walls, end walls and a floor molded as an integral unit with fiber reinforced plastic interior and exterior surfaces. The composite box structure includes a roof mounted on the side walls and the end walls opposite from the floor. An upper load divider track assembly is provided having a pair of tracks with each track disposed between the roof and one of the side walls. A lower load divider track assembly is also provided having a track disposed within the interior of each side wall above the floor. A composite load divider panel is slidably mounted on the upper load divider track assembly within the interior of the railway boxcar. The load divider panel is releasably secured to the lower load divider track assembly to allow varying the position of the load divider panel within the interior of the railway boxcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mell R. Thoman, John W. Coulborn
  • Patent number: 5803531
    Abstract: A liner system for a hauling compartment includes a containment structure defining a plurality of holding areas. A buffer material is introduced into the holding areas to act as an impact wear surface to prevent haul material from directly contacting the surface of the hauling compartment. Upon articulation of the hauling compartment to empty haul material from the compartment, the buffer material is held within the holding areas by means of the containment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Jack T. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5765485
    Abstract: An insulated composite railway boxcar having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe is provided. The composite box structure includes side walls, end walls and a floor molded as an integral unit with fiber reinforced plastic interior and exterior surfaces. The composite box structure includes a first fiber reinforced composite unit and a second fiber reinforced composite unit. The first fiber reinforce composite unit provides the end walls, side walls and floor for the railway boxcar. The second fiber reinforce unit may be permanently attached to the side walls and end walls to provide a roof for the boxcar. The railway car underframe has a center sill, side sills and end sills with a generally rectangular configuration and coplanar surfaces for adhesively bonding the composite box structure with the railway car underframe. Mechanical fasteners are also provided to couple the composite box structure with the railway car underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mell R. Thoman, John W. Coulborn
  • Patent number: 5749302
    Abstract: A rail-borne motor coach for conveying passengers has at least one coach body, the side walls of which have windows and entry regions with doors. The coach body is constructed as a trough with a low-floor coach-body floor and raised coach heads. The side walls are a framework of side-wall pillars, lower longitudinal girders and upper longitudinal flanges. The upper longitudinal flanges are braced against one another by transverse connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Henschel AG
    Inventor: Ferdinand Tegeler
  • Patent number: 5601034
    Abstract: A rolling stock fitting structure has laminated panels, each formed by sandwiching a core member between a pair of face plates, and channel members are placed between the face plates around the periphery of the panels and possibly in the interior thereof to provide structural strength. The laminated panels, which may be shaped to conform to a particular design, are joined and welded together to form a rolling stock body. The channels are provided with holding members for holding equipment, so that the load of the equipment on the holding member can be distributed through the channel member to the laminated panel, thereby securing the equipment reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Tao, Yasuo Ishimaru, Morishige Hattori, Keiji Ohmura, Hideshi Ohba
  • Patent number: 5553639
    Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: SEEC, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5511681
    Abstract: A container liner constructed of flexible material which has sleeves at the front end of the liner. Brace bars are inserted through the sleeves and attached on or near the front wall of the container. The brace bars allow the liner to be quickly secured to the container without damage caused by nailing etc. The rear end of the liner is folded and sealed to form an integral discharge funnel at the rear door of the container. The length of the liner is smaller than the length of the container, such that the funnel extends out from the liner and is supported by the floor of the container when the liner is filled. A discharge sleeve is attached to the discharge funnel to facilitate unloading. The discharge sleeve may be tied off or sealed by any suitable means while the liner is filled. The shorter length of the liner eliminates the need for a bulkhead, and the integral discharge funnel eliminates the need for corner bevel units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen D. Podd
  • Patent number: 5456514
    Abstract: Pickup truck bed organizer apparatus includes a layer of flat belting material in which a plurality of panels is defined by a plurality of cuts. Each panel extends between the sides of the material and is pivotable from a down position to an up position. The panels are under tension in their up position due to the inherent properties of the material and return to their down position as part of the layer material when goods which are against them are removed. The panels are pivoted to divide the cargo or bed area of the truck into any of a plurality of separate compartments for organizing goods or cargo or for holding the cargo in any or all of the various compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Kendall Justice
  • Patent number: 5312162
    Abstract: An improved particulate handler that includes one or more elastic sheets that are particularly effective in facilitating the easy and complete removal of particulate from transporters or containers such as railroad cars, dump trucks, chutes and the like. The combination of the elastic sheets and supporting walls overcomes the problem with sticking of particulates to the interior surfaces and facilitates smooth and easy movement and/or removal under the influence of gravity and changes in tensile stresses and stretch that develop in the sheets during loading, unloading and conveying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Ultra Polymer Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Baebel
  • Patent number: 5303658
    Abstract: A body structure for railroad cars and enclosed-type overhead bridges, which have a small number of components that are easy to manufacture and assemble, and which can secure a necessary strength with a reduced weight, is divided into an appropriate number of sections, i.e., a wainscot framework, a door pocket framework, a window framework, and a door lintel framework. These sections or frameworks are formed of a corrugated plate material. Post members are erected in each section in a direction perpendicular to the ribs. Each post member is formed with recesses to avoid interference with the ribs. The sections thus formed are joined together and outside plates are attached to the surface of the assembled sections to complete a body structure. The body structure thus formed has uniform strength over the entire area and therefore can prevent local out-of-plane deformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kohira
  • Patent number: 5285730
    Abstract: A side body structure for vehicles is formed of a plurality of sections. Each of the sections has a reinforcement formed as an integrally continuous construction. The reinforcement has a plurality of through holes which reduce the total weight of the reinforcement. The reinforcement further includes a plurality of ribs formed around the holes and is securely fastened together to a surface of an outer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Fujinawa, Isamu Kawanishi, Hiroaki Kohira, Kazuya Inoue
  • Patent number: 5228750
    Abstract: A rotating head frame and load ejector assembly having a pair of opposing and parallel rotating side arms which can rotate between a loading and dumping position is disclosed. The bottom ends of the side arms are pivotally attached to the side walls of the dump body so that the arms can rotate about a side pivot pin to form an arcuate path between the loading and dumping position. A transverse bar attached to the top end of the arms carries a load ejector so that when the arms are rotated to the dumping position, the load ejector dislodges the load from the bottom of the dump body. In order to prevent the head frame from damaging the dump body during its rotation along the arcuate path, means for controlling the rate of rotation of the head frame is provided. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to each rotating arm and the side wall of the dump body. As the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder slides within the piston chamber in response to the rotation of the side arms, internal chambers are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 5188039
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of fixing an inside panel of a car, and its fixing structure. In a structure for fixing an inside panel by employing an interior decoration material to form a passenger room of a car, the present invention relates to a method and a structure for fixing an inside panel of a car, particularly suitable for a railway car. An inside frame which is press-formed is fixed to frames of a car, and an inside panel is fixed to the inside frame through fasteners. Since the inside panel is fixed to the press-formed inside frame, surface uneveness does not occur on the inside panel even if any unevenness exists on the frames of the car. A cushion material is attached to the inside frame at the joint portion of two inside panels along the joint portion. The inside panel has a decoration sheet bonded to its surface, and this decoration sheet is bent back at the edge portions of the inside panel. Therefore, the appearance of the joint portion can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Ohmura, Sumio Okuno, Kentaro Masai, Hideshi Ooba, Senzoo Hida, Seiichi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5131709
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved cargo bed liner system utilizing a plurality of grid-like modules connected to a cargo bed and which are interconnected with a variety of hinge means to provide a structure for lining horizontal, inclined, and vertical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: The 2500 Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Spica
  • Patent number: 4986590
    Abstract: An inexpensive, easy to manipulate and assemble truck bed liner is made of a lightweight material such as waxed corrugated board. The liner may have two side panels, a first panel, and a one piece floor and tailgate panel. The panels are foldable and adjustable in size to accommodate various length truck beds. The panels are connected together at tabbed areas. The liner is attached to the bed with adhesive hook fasteners. The tailgate panel is fastened to the truck to allow sliding movement of the tailgate panel during opening and closing of the truck tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: All Tech Industries
    Inventors: Anthony G. Patti, Larry L. DeHart, Sr., Larry L. DeHart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4909156
    Abstract: A liquid-retaining railroad car liner for lining the interiors of railroad cars enabling the cars to transport liquids. The liner serves as a bladder which may be carried by an open-topped railroad car enabling the car to be filled with liquid. The bladder, when empty, can be flattened and used as a waterproof tarpaulin to cover cargo carried by a railroad car thus protecting the cargo from the elements and helping to prevent spillage on railways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Stewart E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 4875596
    Abstract: A flexible vessel (11) for transporting or storing parcels, bulk materials, ammunition, gases or liquids and the same is shaped in the form of a tube, having opens ends tightly sealed by means of straight or line-like clamp connection parts (14). The clamp connection parts are formed toothed rack-like so that, with relatively short clamp connection parts, tubes with relatively large openings can be sealed tightly. The clamp connection parts can be held by means of an extension part (31, 32, 33) in a container (10) or in a frame, spaced above a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventor: Jurgen Lohse
  • Patent number: 4801042
    Abstract: An inner bag for a container includes an upper surface, a bottom surface, a rear surface, side surfaces and a front surface to form a substantial hexahedron and has jointing portions for jointing the inner bag to inner walls of the container. The inner bag comprises a hygroscopic waterproof member provided on at least part of outer surfaces of the inner bag. The waterproof member absorbs water entered the container or deposited by dewing to prevent goods accommodated in the inner bag from being contaminated by the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamada, Takamitsu Watanabe, Mitiharu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4557400
    Abstract: A carrier unit adapted to be converted into a bulk material carrier including a container having a floor and two parallel substantially vertical walls. The floor has at least one floor panel movable between a storage position and an operative position and at least one floor section movable between a storage position and an operative position. The floor panel when in the operative position and the floor sections when in the operative position cooperate with portions of the walls to define a compartment and to form an opening in the floor, which communicates with hoppers depending from the floor. A flexible liner is mountable in the compartment, when the floor panel and the floor sections are in the operative positions, for holding bulk material. The flexible liner includes an inlet for charging bulk materials into the liner compartment and an outlet cooperable with the opening for communicating the interior of the liner compartment with the exterior of the compartment for discharging the bulk materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Converta-Vans, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin E. Clarke
  • Patent number: 4540214
    Abstract: A fixture for securing a liner in a pickup truck bed, having a body with a horizontal groove on the external side for slipping over a protrusion on the inside of the truck bed wall, and an upper inner corner for seating against a downwardly extending lip on the inwardly extending flange at the upper edge of the pickup truck side wall, whereby the fixture is held between said protrusion and lip. The fixture has an inwardly facing wall for engaging the side wall of the liner and for receiving a screw or the like extending through the liner side wall into the body of the fixture, thereby securing the liner in the truck bed without preventing expansion and contraction of the side walls in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: LRV Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Wagner