Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly container having a base or container portion with feet extending therefrom. A further base portion is provided and mounted atop the base portion. A spacing is provided between the base and further base portions and this spacing is filled by a spacing container portion or member. The spacing container portion allows for lower profile base and further base portions while accommodating larger diameter new and used brake assemblies. A method of using same is also provided.

Abstract: A reclosable wiper blade package for holding a beam-type wiper blade in a substantially straightened condition in an upside down orientation with the wiping element of the blade facing upwardly toward a cover of the package. The package includes a blade-retaining package panel with a cavity formed therein having an adapter seat and blade engagement regions that engage corresponding arms of the wiper blade. Each blade engagement region is configured for snap fit engagement with an end portion of the wiper blade arm such as an end cap of the wiper blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body including at least one frame, holders supported by the body and a plurality of stationary support members extending between the holders. Each support member may be fixed in a stationary position by the holders. The support members support dunnage for supporting product for storage or shipment.

Abstract: A system for shipping and displaying a vehicle is disclosed. A display box includes a vehicle receiving area that has a display area and an enclosed area so that when the vehicle is located in the display box a prospective purchaser can sit on the seat. For shipping a vehicle is affixed to a first display box and a second vehicle is affixed to a second display box. The second display box is inverted and reversed and is located above the first display box to form a rectangularly shaped shipping combination. First and second disposable pillars are located between the first and second vehicles to support the two display boxes when combined to form the shipping combination. In a preferred embodiment, the pillars locate in foot receiving areas of the vehicles in the first and second display boxes.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components with one of the plurality of vehicle treatment components including at least one support member. The at least one support member has an exterior surface. A shrinkable sleeve is sized to fit over the exterior surface of the at least one support member. The shrinkable sleeve is slid onto the at least one support member and located in a predetermined position around the exterior surface. Upon application of heat to the shrinkable sleeve, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the exterior surface of the at least one support member such that it is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the at least one support member in the predetermined position. The result is a protective covering for the support member that is durable and readily cleanable such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of the covering and corrosion of the support member is minimized.

Abstract: A rampable crate for riding lawn mowers in which a pallet connects to a top frame with a plurality of posts, and the pallet includes a pair of spaced-apart rails disposed at an oblique angle as an upward ramp to an edge of the pallet for travel of the rear wheels of the riding lawn mower with the posts selectively extending from the edge of the pallet to define a downward ramp from the pallet in order for the lawn mower to be driven off the pallet. A method of removing a riding lawn mower from a crate is disclosed.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention is directed to a set that includes a miniature vehicle that drives one or more wheels with an on-board motor that draws power from an on-board power source. A switch is provided to control the transmission of power from the power source to the motor. A first drive-related magnetically-responsive member is movable between first and second positions to control whether the switch is off or on. A second drive-related magnetically-responsive member is positionable to interact with the first drive-related magnetically responsive member to move the first drive-related magnetically-responsive member to the second position so as to close the switch.

Abstract: A clamshell case for enclosing a helicopter includes a base for supporting said helicopter, a first side section attached by a first hinge to one edge of the base, a second side section attached by a second hinge to the other edge of the base, and a drive system for rotating said side sections towards each other to substantially enclose said helicopter and substantially completely protect it from the weather and other damage.

Abstract: A windshield wiper package for containing a windshield wiper includes a front portion having a recess for receiving the windshield wiper, a back portion connected to the front portion for containing the windshield wiper within the recess, and an opening disposed in the back portion to allow loading or unloading of the windshield wiper. The opening is sized such that a length of the opening is less than about one-third of a length of the wiper package. A door is slidingly received by the back portion such that the door can be moved between an open position and a closed position. Complimentary detents and indentations are provided for securing the door in the open position or the closed position, the detents being positioned on one of the back portion and the door, and the indentations being positioned on another of the back portion and door.

Abstract: A bicycle bag protects a bicycle while the bicycle is secured to a rack, such as a vehicle bicycle rack. The bicycle bag includes resealable openings configured to allow the bicycle (and bag) to be securely attached to a wide variety of different rack types. Additionally, because there is risk of obscuring the tail lights of a vehicle for rear-mount racks when a bicycle bag is on the bike and the bike on the rack, the bicycle bag includes pockets designed to support a tail-light system that can be connected to the vehicle to provide additional lighting and safety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizer suitable for stabilizing disks of a heat pack, wherein the stabilizer includes at least two elongate parallel pushers of height compatible with the height of the heat pack, each movable in a direction perpendicular to the pushers, the pushers being associated with an irreversible driver system enabling the pushers to be moved apart or towards each other, the pushers extending in service so as to face an inside diameter of the disks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting construction equipment, and particularly backhoe loaders, to be transported in the hold of a seagoing vessel within the interior of an enclosed cargo container includes front and rear rollers that temporarily replace the wheels of the equipment and allow it to be driven into and out of the container without any disassembly of the equipment.

Abstract: A bag (10) for transporting or storing a partly disassembled bicycle is provided in the form of a lightweight soft shell with strategically located rigid reinforcements. The bag (10) can be collapsed in a compact storage configuration when not in use while still providing added impact protection to the most vulnerable parts of the bicycle. Inflatable partitions (42) can be provided on either side of the bicycle frame to provide added protection while still allowing collapsing of the bag (10) when not in use. Hub attachments (18) can be provided on the side panels (16) of the bag (10) for securely holding the bicycle wheel by the hub thereof on the inner surface of the bag soft side panels (16).

Abstract: A packing for bicycle pedals (12a,12b) comprises a pedestal (14) for placing the first pedal (12a) thereon. The shape of the pedestal (14) is adapted to the outer contours of the first pedal (12a). The packing further comprises a fixing means (16) for fixing the first pedal (12a) on the pedestal (14), and a receiving cavity (18) for the second pedal (12b).

Abstract: A crate system for transport of items. The system includes a set of U shaped tubes that are mounted in an upright position on beams. A second set of U shaped tubes are also mounted in an upright position on beams. Each assembled set are then mounted on top of one another to form a crate system. The crate system can safely secure and even stack heavy items on top of one another. These crate systems can then be disassembled for packing and shipping back to the original shipper.

Abstract: In a container for shipping vehicles, a bottom plate is provided having a predetermined length and a predetermined width satisfying standards of a conventional container holder. Support poles are installed on four corners of the bottom plate and include corner casts on upper portions thereof. An extension plate extends from a side of the bottom plate and supports vehicles so that vehicles can be loaded in the width direction of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A packaging device preferably including a clam shell, wherein the clam shell is adapted to at least partially encase a single wheel of a device with wheels.

Abstract: A packaging device preferably including a clam shell, wherein the clam shell is adapted to at least partially encase a single wheel of a device with wheels.

Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a vehicular agricultural applicator is provided. The fuel tank arrangement includes a fuel tank having an interior cavity defined by an uppermost wall, a lowermost wall, and a series of side walls extending therebetween. The interior cavity includes an expansion space defined upwardly in the vertical direction above a maximum fill line. The arrangement further includes a fill neck extending from the uppermost wall to receive the supply of fuel. The fill neck includes an uppermost end opposite a lowermost end that defines the maximum fill line. A bridge that defines a passage therethrough interconnects the fill neck and the expansion space of the fuel tank. A lowermost end of the passage is horizontally aligned at the lowermost end of the fill neck, and the passage extends upwardly in the vertically direction therefrom.

Abstract: A packaging device preferably including a clam shell, wherein the clam shell is adapted to encase just a wheel of a wheeled toy.

Abstract: A bag (10) for transporting or storing a partly disassembled bicycle is provided in the form of a lightweight soft shell with strategically located rigid reinforcements. The bag (10) can be collapsed in a compact storage configuration when not in use while still providing added impact protection to the most vulnerable parts of the bicycle. Inflatable partitions (42) can be provided on either side of the bicycle frame to provide added protection while still allowing collapsing of the bag (10) when not in use. Hub attachments (18) can be provided on the side panels (16) of the bag (10) for securely holding the bicycle wheel by the hub thereof on the inner surface of the bag soft side panels (16).

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles and personal water-crafts. The shipping crate includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The crate may include an extension removably connectable to the bottom frame structure. The crate may include at least one pivotally mounted leg.

Abstract: A protective cover for a two wheeled device protects bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles or the like. A lightweight material is sized to cover the device. The material has a top portion covering at least two handlebars and a seat on the device. An opening is located on the top portion and contains a cover support inside the opening. The cover support is sized to support the cover while the device is in use. Also, the opening may include the user's necessities and personal items the user desires to be stored in the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle, such as a wheelchair, between the loading bridge and cargo bin of an aircraft in a timely manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, a metal cage assembly is implemented with a drop down ramp at the front and an adjustable floor that is raised by a lever handle on either side, outside of the frame. The assembly can be attached to an end of aircraft cargo belt loader by a strap that is wrapped around the belt frame and tightened via a ratcheting clamp. The adjustable floor can be raised or lowered at one end to offset the angle of the belt loader when it is raised to an upright position, for example, to reach a galley door of an aircraft. Angling of the adjustable floor can allow the floor to be substantially parallel to the loading bridge or aircraft cargo bin, thereby enabling the easy transfer of a motorized wheelchair to and from various compartments of the aircraft.

Abstract: A motorcycle fuel tank packaging system may include a carton for housing the motorcycle fuel tank during shipment. The carton may have a plurality of walls. The motorcycle fuel tank packaging system may include a panel fixedly positioned within the carton in a position that is substantially parallel to one of the walls of the carton, a clamp within the carton that is configured to releasably secure the motorcycle fuel tank, and a clamp base attached to the clamp at a location on the clamp base that causes the motorcycle fuel tank when secured by the clamp to be substantially spaced from each of the walls of the carton. The clamp base may include one or more rigid cross-beams sandwiched snuggly between the panel and the wall of the carton that is substantially parallel to the panel.

Abstract: A Micro Air-Vehicle (MAV) starting system that provides the combined functions of: packing protection of sensitive vehicle components, a mechanical starting assembly, and a launch pad. The preferred embodiment comprises a container and a container lid with the MAV clamped to the lid. Also disposed on the container lid is a starting assembly. The lid which doubles as a launching pad with the attached MAV is removed from the container, placed on the ground, the MAV is started with the starting mechanism and launched. The arrangement minimizes the physical risk to the operator, minimizes weight of the total MAV system, consumes minimum space in the operators transport system, and eliminates dependence on supply lines for battery replacement or charging.

Abstract: A universal cargo shipping container for protecting cargo from damage during transportation is described. The shipping container is a rigid framed box that possesses sight ports for allowing the contents to be visually inspected without unloading the cargo from the shipping container. The internal configuration of the argo shipping container can be adjusted and several methods can be employed to securely hold a variety of different cargo in place, thus preventing damage during transport. The cargo container is especially suitable for a variety of different makes and models of wheel chairs.

Abstract: A packaging unit is provided, especially for a wiper blade. The packaging unit has a container for receiving at least one object and a casing that is able to be slid over the container, the casing covering the container at least partially. The casing has a section having a narrowed cross section, so that, in the area of the section, the casing exerts a clamping force on the container.

Abstract: A portable vehicle cover (10) includes a base frame (12) and a plurality of transversely extending hoop members (14). Each hoop member is adapted to be releasably connectable with the frame such that at least two of the hoop members substantially extend diagonally across the frame in a cruciform orientation. A flexible cover (16) is engagable with the hoop members to form a weather shield for a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel spinning toy vehicle in a blister package with a clutch mechanism that keeps the wheel from launching off of the toy vehicle while spinning.

Abstract: Provided is a container for shipping vehicles including: a bottom plate having a predetermined length and a predetermined width satisfying standards of a conventional container holder; support poles installed on four corners of the bottom plate, and including corner casts on upper portions thereof; and an extension plate extending from a side of the bottom plate so that vehicles can be loaded in the width direction of the bottom plate, and extending an overall width of the container Utilization of the space in the container can be maximized, and a small amount of vehicles or a huge amount of vehicles can be transported easily at low cost. The operating workers and time required to load/unload the vehicles can be reduced, and scratches or damage to the vehicles during the loading, unloading and transporting of the vehicles can be prevented. In addition, various sizes of vehicles can be transported using container ships, and the container can be used to transport general goods.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing articles comprises a plurality of individual article support devices for supporting a plurality of articles independent of the side walls of a container. Each article support device comprises a first rack and a second rack. Each one of the racks comprises a first spine and a second spine, each spine having notches for receiving the peripheral surface of the articles. Each rack also has a plurality of openings formed in each rack disposed intermediately to each spine. At least one of the racks has a coupling mechanism for coupling the first spine and the second spine to form one of the racks for coupling to the other rack through one of the openings. The racks are coupled so that the spines of one of the racks are oriented approximately ninety degrees to the adjacent spines of the other rack.

Abstract: A packaging case for wiper blades includes a lower case (20), a locating plate (30), and an upper case (40). The lower case (20) has a wiper storage compartment (21) opened upward and recessed downward. The locating plate (30) is attached via a hinge (31) on an edge of the lower case (20) to reside in an upper portion of the storage compartment (21), and has two rows of pluralities of locating tabs (32, 33), between which a space for inserting a wiper blade (5) is allocated. The upper case (40) is attached via a hinge (41) on another edge of the lower case (20), and has a plurality of locking protrusions (43) on the periphery at the upper portion of the storage compartment (42) for coupling to the lower case (20). The lower case (20), locating plate (30), and upper plate (40) are formed in one piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible container for transport of goods, comprising assembled container sides consisting of a substantially flat bottom part, a number of side walls connected hingedly to the bottom part and at least one top part connected hingedly to a side wall, wherein the container sides are displaceable between a collapsed position, in which the container sides lie substantially parallel to each other, and an active position in which the container sides enclose a storage space, wherein the side walls and the top part are displaceable relative to the bottom part such that in a collapsed position of the container they can be placed on the flat bottom part.

Abstract: A portable anchor for a surfboard is made from a flexible-material shell that defines a wedge shape when it is at least partially filled with a particlized material. An open-ended pocket is formed on a face of the shell such that the pocket can receive the nose of a surfboard therein.

Abstract: A shipping container for a motorized vehicle comprises a base frame and a top frame, each constructed of rigid tubing. The base frame has a plurality of tire rests on which respective wheels of the motorized vehicle will be placed. In addition, the base frame has a plurality of base sockets located at respective corners thereof. Each of the base sockets is oriented in an upward direction. The top frame of the shipping container includes a plurality of top sockets located at respective corners thereof. The top sockets are oriented in a downward direction so as to be opposed to the base sockets. A plurality of elongate posts respectively extend between each opposed pair of sockets such that the top frame will be supported in spaced apart relation from the base frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packaging case of a wiper blade used to wipe a windscreen of automobiles. The wiper blade includes a wiper strip to wipe a windshield of an automobile. The packaging case includes a body having an accommodation space to accommodate the wiper blade and an opening to open the accommodation space, a cover connected pivotally to a first side of the body via a first connecting part to cover the opening, and a locking section connected pivotally to a second side of the body, opposed to the first side, via a second connecting part to be engaged with the body with one end of the cover interposed between the locking section and the body. The packaging case can protect the wiper blade from external force and prevent damage of the wiper blade during delivery and distribution, and can ensure simple, compact and tight packaging of the wiper blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel spinning toy vehicle in a blister package with a clutch mechanism that keeps the wheel from launching off of the toy vehicle while spinning.

Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal water-crafts (PWCs). The shipping crate is completely recyclable and includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The top and bottom frame structures are operable to telescopically engage each another when the crate is empty. Also, leg portions can be placed between the top and bottom frame structures and the leg portions can telescopically engage the top and bottom frame structures at opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A package (25) for wiper blades (10) features a folded box (26) as well as an insert (32). In order to prevent the wiper blades (10) from abruptly relaxing during removal from the box (26), the insert (32) is embodied of a material whose flexural strength in the curvature direction of the wiper blades (10) is less than that of the wiper blades (10) so that when pulling the insert (32) out of the folded box (26), the wiper blades (10) continuously bend from their extended state in the folded box (26) into their curved shape in an unstressed state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for developing and managing a product are described. The development of the product includes configuring and constructing the product such that the product can be communicated directly between an end user and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The system further comprises developing the product to satisfy the requirements of a common carrier as to content, shape, and size of parcels. For engine driven products, this development includes developing the product for isolation of consumable materials, such as fuel, oil, and/or batteries, during shipment of the product. Such a system provides for the cradle to grave management of the engine driven product by the OEM. Accordingly, the OEM avoids the expense and complication generally associated with maintaining or associating with an engine driven device dealers. Such a system also allows the OEM to more closely monitor and assess product performance and maintenance and well as warranty and financing protocols.

Abstract: A multi-purpose insert designed to be used in conjunction with a conventional toy container or box for packaging, shipping and displaying a toy item. The insert includes a base piece, a cover piece and a holding piece, as well as a locking mechanism. The base piece has a main section with a raised platform and two end sections that are hingeably connected to the main section so that they can be folded up in a right angle relative to the main section. The insert also includes a cover piece which is placed over the toy item placed on the main section of the base piece, and a holder piece placed above the cover piece for keeping the two end sections in the upright position for retaining the toy item for packaging and shipping purposes. When the holding piece is removed, the two end sections of the base piece can be folded down for displaying the toy item on the raised platform of the main section of the base piece.

Abstract: A storage box includes steps thereon for access to a rear deck of a highway truck tractor. A pivotally mounted front door panel selectively spans an access opening at the front of the storage box and supports a middle step thereon for movement with the front door panel between open and closed positions across the access opening. A lower step and an upper step are supported fixedly on the storage box respectively below and above both the front opening and middle step. The configuration of the steps maximises the access opening covered by the front door panel for easy access to the interior of the storage box while furthermore permitting ergonomic spacing of the steps relative to one another so that users can ascend and descend the steps with a safe, comfortable, and uniform stride.

Abstract: There is provided a chain storage apparatus for storing a chain, wherein the chain includes a plurality of chain links. Each of the chain links has a link diameter, a latitudinal axis and a link width. Each of the chain links is interconnected with at least one other chain link and includes an inner and outer surface. The chain storage apparatus includes a chain link engagement means that engages at least one chain link. A first stopping means prevents the engaged chain link disengaging with the engagement means. A locking means includes a lock and unlock position, such that in the unlock position the locking means allows the chain ingress and egress to the engagement means, and in the lock position the engaged chain link is prevented from disengaging with said engagement means. A slotted channel has a pair of inwardly opposed bottom members, wherein the inwardly opposed bottom members engage the outer surface of the engaged link.

Abstract: A shipping container for a motorized vehicle comprises a base frame and a top frame, each constructed of rigid tubing. The base frame has a plurality of tire rests on which respective wheels of the motorized vehicle will be placed. In addition, the base frame has a plurality of base sockets located at respective corners thereof. Each of the base sockets is oriented in an upward direction. The top frame of the shipping container includes a plurality of top sockets located at respective corners thereof. The top sockets are oriented in a downward direction so as to be opposed to the base sockets. A plurality of elongate posts respectively extend between each opposed pair of sockets such that the top frame will be supported in spaced apart relation from the base frame.

Abstract: A shipping container for a motorized vehicle comprises a base frame and a top frame, each constructed of rigid tubing. The base frame has a plurality of tire rests on which respective wheels of the motorized vehicle will be placed. In addition, the base frame has a plurality of base sockets located at respective corners thereof. Each of the base sockets is oriented in an upward direction. The top frame of the shipping container includes a plurality of top sockets located at respective corners thereof. The top sockets are oriented in a downward direction so as to be opposed to the base sockets. A plurality of elongate posts respectively extend between each opposed pair of sockets such that the top frame will be supported in spaced apart relation from the base frame.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a product to a structure is provided. The apparatus secures the product to the structure to prevent damage of the product during shipping. The mounting apparatus includes a base plate, two pin members, two pin engaging members, and a mounting device. The base plate has two apertures therethrough and is positioned against the structure. Each pin member has an enlarged head portion and a stem portion extending therefrom. In use, the stem portion of each pin member extends through the structure, through the associated aperture of the base plate, and is engaged with a respective pin engaging member. The head portion is positioned against the structure. Each pin engaging member is capable of releaseably holding the associated pin member. The mounting device allows for the connection of the product to the base plate. The mounting device is positioned between the apertures of the base plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rack for supporting a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, during shipping. In one embodiment, the rack includes selectively actuated support assemblies, each having a rotatably mounted wheel. In the actuated position, the wheels facilitate movement of the rack and vehicle together. In this and possibly another embodiment, the rack includes a protective assembly having an upstanding guard mounted on opposed sides of a base in the form of a generally rectangular frame. Each protective assembly with the upstanding guard may move between a first, retracted position adjacent to the corresponding side of the frame and a second, extended position farther away from that side of the frame. The guard is also collapsible, including when the protective assembly is in the retracted position, to provide the rack with a low profile when not in use. Related methods are also disclosed, including a method of retrofitting an existing shipping rack to include the disclosed protective and support assemblies.

Abstract: A portable motorcycle covering for enclosing and protecting therein a motorcycle includes an elongated floor cover on which the motorcycle rests, and the floor cover has a circumferential lip to prevent water from coming on to the floor cover. A flexible and collapsible protective cover is integrally attached to at least one half of the floor cover and is capable of pivotal movement between an open position, wherein the motorcycle can be placed on the floor cover, and a closed position, wherein the motorcycle is fully enclosed by the protective cover. A plurality of u-shaped crosspieces create a support frame for the protective cover, and the crosspieces pivot in sequential order for creating the support frame and deploying the protective cover when the leading crosspiece positioned adjacent the opening of the protective cover is grasped and pivoted by the individual.