Abstract: A cargo bed cover and rack for a pick-up truck cargo bed, including left and right folding panels having hinges configured to attach to the top rails of a pick-up truck cargo bed, a front crossbar member configured to attach to a fore portion of the truck cargo bed immediately behind the truck cab, a rear crossbar member configured to attach to a rear portion of the truck cargo bed proximate the tail gate, and latching mechanism disposed on the left and right folding panels configured to secure and selectively lock the panels in a cargo compartment storage configuration, and locking structure on at least one of the crossbar members that cooperate with the latching mechanisms to lock the folding panels in a generally upright position to achieve an expanded cargo compartment configuration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and way for securing components of a shipping container. A locking mechanism is provided having a pin, spur gear and main gear coupled together and controlled by a handle such that rotation of the handle causes rotation of the gears and translation of a locking pin used to secure adjacent components of the container.

Abstract: A truckbox cover and sidewall extension attachment for accomplishing two tasks of not only covering the truckbox when needed but also extending the sides of the truckbox when needed. The truckbox cover and sidewall extension attachment includes a first and second wall members dimensioned to cover the box of a pickup truck, and further includes a flange or flap member extending along the length and from a longitudinal edge of the first wall member, and also includes a first telescoping brace member connected to the truckbox and to the first wall member, and a second telescoping brace member connected to the truckbox and to the second wall member.

Abstract: A method for determining the tractive effort required at the wheels of a vehicle for a given set of operating parameters by taking into account a plurality of variables which affect vehicle performance. A total grade effort value is determined which represents the force required to move the vehicle due to the grade of the surface on which the vehicle is expected to travel. An approximate total rolling effort value is also determined which is representative of the force required to move the vehicles due to the hysteresis of the vehicle's tires. Lastly, an aerodynamic influence factor is determined which represents the total air resistance of the vehicle and any implement such as a trailer being towed by the vehicle. These factors are summed to produce a tractive effort value representative of the total tractive effort that would be required to move the vehicle at a designated speed.

Abstract: A wagon is provided with a superstructure removably attachable to the bed and which includes a pair of sidewall assemblies each having a sidewall to which is pivotally attached a roof member. Power devices on each sidewall are actuated to displace the roof members between an abutting closed position overlying the wagon bed, and an open position fully above the sidewalls and laterally outside the area above the bed. Alignment and latching devices on each roof member are automatically cable controlled during the actuation of the roof members. The opening limits of the roof members is regulated by hinge plates which provide abutments against the sidewalls. An end of the wagon is closable by a pair of removable doors and when the roof members are open, the added elevated cargo space therebetween may be closed at the end of the wagon by a removable end gate removably attached to and spanning the two opened roof members.

Abstract: A flat bed vehicle such as a tilt bed car carrier vehicle has side rails which may be positionable either in a raised position disposed above the bed platform and a lowered stowed position wherein the tops of the rails are disposed coextensive with the platform. The caps or tops of the rails are supported on posts and the ends of posts remote from the caps have cam followers which are positioned within respective cam tracks extending transversely beneath the bed floor. The cam tracks are configured so that the followers may be moved between first and second ends of the cam tracks selectively. At one end of each track the follower is located such that the respective post may be either in the upstanding operative position at the side of the bed, and at the other end of the track the follower is located such that the post is in the stowed position extending transversely beneath the floor of the bed with the cap of the rail positioned on a shelf of a longitudinally extending bracket at the edge of the side.

Abstract: A vehicle body having a frame, a pair of side dumpable compartments, and a rear dumpable compartment. Each of the side dumpable compartments is rotatably mounted to the frame such that the axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. Each of the side dumpable compartments has a well on the side of the compartment opposite the axis of rotation. A hydraulic actuator is disposed between the side dumpable compartment and the frame so as to cause the rotation and unloading of the side compartment. The rear dumpable compartment is rotatably connected to the frame such that the axis of rotation is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. This rear dumpable compartment has a tailgate that is selectably openable for permitting the dumping of material from the interior of this rear compartment. A hydraulic arm extends between the rear dumpable compartment and the frame so as to cause the rear dumpable compartment to rotate about its axis and to dump the materials.

Abstract: A rack for a truck bed which includes separate front and side assemblies, each assembly utilizing a lower frame having dowels for selective insertion into openings into truck bed edges or permanent sidewalls. A first rack member is pivotally attached to each frame of each respective assembly by hinges which are spring biased to cause the first respective rack member to be in folded position wherein the respective first rack member is disposed beside the respective frame and is movable to an extended position wherein the respective first rack member is disposed about the respective frame member.

Abstract: A pair of opposite side and front rack sections are provided for disposition in upstanding position extending along and projecting upwardly from the upper marginal edge portions of the side and front walls of the load bed of a pickup truck. The front section extends between and is secured to the forward ends of the opposite end sections and the side and front sections each include an extension supported therefrom for swinging about an axis paralleling the upper marginal edge of the corresponding section between a lowered inverted position disposed alongside and generally paralleling the corresponding section and a raised upright and upstanding upper position forming an upward extension of the corresponding section.