Abstract: A door opening system for a merchandise container comprising a plurality of bay doors, the door opening system comprising a wheel in frictional contact with a bay door of the plurality of bay doors; and a motor connected in driving arrangement with the wheel. The motor drives the wheel to rotate and thereby to control a movement of the bay door of the plurality of bay doors between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An improved apparatus, system, and method of transporting a fluid product such as milk or juice is provided. A flexible tank or bladder is used to temporarily store the raw milk or juice and/or facilitate handling of the milk/juice between the supplier (e.g., farm), processing/bottling facility, and retail facility or storage facility.

Abstract: An underride collision protection system for a truck. In one example, a rear bumper brace guard is attached to a truck body and extends a rear bumper toward and connects it to the side edge of the truck. A front panel bracket is also attached to the truck body. A fabric side underride guard panel has a front end and a rear end. The front panel bracket and the rear bumper guard hold the fabric side underride guard panel into place at the front end and rear end respectively. A stretching mechanism pulls the side underride guard panel taut between the front end and the rear end. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sliding curtain wall system for selectively closing an opening in a side of a covered trailer in which a plurality of elongate support members are slidably mounted to the side of the trailer to support several pieces of tarpaulin therebetween. Such a system allows the curtain wall to be easily opened and closed by sliding the support members along the length of the opening in the side of the covered trailer. Such a system also eliminates the need for straps and buckles to provide tension to the tarpaulin that forms the curtain.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting, loading, and unloading various types of goods can include a motor vehicle having a tractor portion and a rectilinear shaped cargo area portion. The cargo area portion can include three traditional sides and a curtain side. The various parts of the system can include, but are not limited to, the following: a front, first width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area that is adjacent to a tractor portion. The system can further include a solid side along a first length of the rectilinear shaped cargo area. A first door can be contained with the solid side along the first length. Adjacent to the first door, a side-mount liftgate can be positioned. A rear, second width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area can contain a second door. The second door can be a rolling type door.

Abstract: A cover assembly for enclosing a flatbed which generally comprises a support structure including a plurality of support assemblies. Each of the support assemblies has a pair of opposed support legs and a medial portion connected to and extending between each of the support legs. The length of the medial portion of each support assembly can be adjusted to allow the support structure to accommodate the widths of any number of industry-standard sized flatbeds. Each of the support legs can be secured to the flatbed, and at least one cross-member is connected to and extends between a first support assembly and a second support assembly from the plurality of support assemblies. A covering is also positioned over and secured to the support structure.

Abstract: A stanchion for a tarpaulin structure, which can be locked onto a fixing member. The stanchion can be reliably locked and has an improved service life, achieved by the provision of a counter bearing and a support element, the latter being inserted between the fixing member and the counter bearing.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting, loading, and unloading various types of goods can include a motor vehicle having a tractor portion and a rectilinear shaped cargo area portion. The cargo area portion can include three traditional sides and a curtain side. The various parts of the system can include, but are not limited to, the following: a front, first width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area that is adjacent to a tractor portion. The system can further include a solid side along a first length of the rectilinear shaped cargo area. A first door can be contained with the solid side along the first length. Adjacent to the first door, a side-mount liftgate can be positioned. A rear, second width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area can contain a second door. The second door can be a rolling type door.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a cargo vehicle. The cargo vehicle includes a cargo compartment, which in turn is defined by a floor, a plurality of adjoining walls extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to an upper end of the plurality of adjoining walls, wherein the walls, floor and ceiling cooperate to form the cargo compartment and a first vertical opening having a width defined by first and second sides for accessing the interior of the cargo compartment. The vehicle further includes a first segmented retractable door proximate the first vertical opening of the cargo compartment. The first door is displaceable from a first vertically-oriented closed position in which the door covers the first vertical opening to a second open position in which the door is substantially disposed below the first vertical opening.

Abstract: A post assembly is suitable for use with a curtain side trailer having a side rail and a top rail disposed above the side rail. The post assembly has a post and a clamping assembly for selectively coupling the lower end of the post to the side rail. The clamp assembly includes first and second clamp fittings. The first clamp fitting is coupled to the post to engage a lower surface of the side rail. The second clamp fitting slidably coupled to the post and to engage an upper surface of the side rail. A linkage is coupled to the post and to the second clamp fitting. Movement of the linkage reciprocates the second clamp fitting between a clamped position and an unclamped position. In the clamped position, the second clamp fitting and the first clamp fitting cooperate to apply a clamping force to the side rail.

Abstract: A post assembly is suitable for use with a curtain side trailer having a side rail and a top rail disposed above the side rail. The post assembly has a post and a clamping assembly for selectively coupling the lower end of the post to the side rail. The clamp assembly includes first and second clamp fittings. The first clamp fitting is coupled to the post to engage a lower surface of the side rail. The second clamp fitting slidably coupled to the post and to engage an upper surface of the side rail. A linkage is coupled to the post and to the second clamp fitting. Movement of the linkage reciprocates the second clamp fitting between a clamped position and an unclamped position. In the clamped position, the second clamp fitting and the first clamp fitting cooperate to apply a clamping force to the side rail.

Abstract: A method for transporting poultry in a coop trailer that includes a trailer section which can carry a number of tiers of poultry cages on its bed and has a vertically oriented tarpaulin system mounted thereon. The tarpaulin system includes tarpaulins which are suspended from a cable that extends between the front and rear ends of the trailer section. The tarpaulins can rapidly and easily be drawn back and forth along the sides of the trailer section to cover and uncover the cages. When the tarpaulins are fully extended along the sides of the trailer section, the tarpaulins effectively aid in preventing the birds from being buffeted about by excessive wind as the coop trailer travels along the roads. The tarpaulins also aid in maintaining a more constant temperature within the trailer section.

Abstract: A wall panel for use in a flatbed trailer sidewall system includes a frame and a waterproof fabric sheet. The frame may include a bore therein to receive an enlarged edge profile of the fabric sheet. The frame of the wall panel is generally rectangular in shape and consists of a top rail, a bottom rail, and two opposing side rails extending between the top rail and bottom rail. The rails may be secured to one another using one or both of a corner bracket and a threaded insert and threaded fastener assembly.

Abstract: An device for attaching a cargo restraint system to the incorporated roll bar of a motor vehicle with convertible or removable top. By utilizing this existing portion of the vehicle, added cargo retention can be provided for, by attaching an device around said roll bar extending around the rear perimeter of the passenger area. In order to retain maximum driver visibility, the device will consist of netting material similar to that used in fishing, bordered by a heavier material to enable attachment to the vehicle. By utilizing an existing feature of the vehicle, the user is not required to modify any portion of the vehicle in order to attach the invention. Additionally, by not sharing any points of attachment with the existing top, the user is able to utilize the invention with or without the existing convertible top.

Abstract: A method for transporting poultry in a coop trailer that includes a trailer section which can carry a number of tiers of poultry cages on its bed and has a vertically oriented tarpaulin system mounted thereon. The tarpaulin system includes tarpaulins which are suspended from a cable that extends between the front and rear ends of the trailer section. The tarpaulins can rapidly and easily be drawn back and forth along the sides of the trailer section to cover and uncover the cages. When the tarpaulins are fully extended along the sides of the trailer section, the tarpaulins effectively aid in preventing the birds from being buffeted about by excessive wind as the coop trailer travels along the roads. The tarpaulins also aid in maintaining a more constant temperature within the trailer section.

Abstract: An aerodynamic cargo container with rounded rear doors is disclosed. The aerodynamic cargo container includes an angled rear area that reduces base drag when the container is transported. The rear sliding door allows for partial opening of the door and allows for operation of the door when the rear of the container is in close proximity to another object. The crash attenuating skirt deflects vehicles away from the cargo container. A pair of cargo doors may define the curved contour of the trailer rear section. These doors may have a plurality of pivoted and segmented sections that assume the curved contour of a stationary edge when the doors are moved to a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a cargo restraint system to the incorporated rollbar of a motor vehicle with convertible or removable top. By utilizing this existing portion of the vehicle, added cargo retention can be provided for, by attaching an apparatus around said rollbar extending around the rear perimiter of the passenger area. In order to retain maximum driver visibility, said apparatus will consist of netting material similar to that used in fishing, bordered by a heavier material to enable attachment to the vehicle. By utilizing an existing feature of the vehicle, the user is not required to modify any portion of the vehicle in order to attach the invention. Additionally, by not sharing any points of attachment with the existing top, the user is able to utilize the invention with or without the existing convertible top.

Abstract: A closure system for a vehicle includes a closure member movable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The closure member includes a flexible panel and a plurality of support members supporting the flexible panel. A first support member is attached to and is movable with the closure member between the open position and the closed position. The first support member includes a recess receiving the flexible panel and the plurality of support members therein when the closure member is in the open position.

Abstract: A folding closure for cargo containers, formed by a tarp (3) arranged on rails (1) defining V-shaped tracks on which top and bottom carriages joined to the tarp (3) and top and bottom carriages incorporated on respective terminal profiles (7) arranged on the ends of the tarp (3) rest when running, by means of corresponding wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for transporting poultry. The vehicle comprises a coop trailer having a trailer section which can carry a number of tiers of poultry cages on its bed and having a vertically oriented tarpaulin system mounted thereon. The tarpaulin system includes tarpaulins which are suspended from a cable that extends between the front and rear ends of the trailer section. The tarpaulins can rapidly and easily be drawn back and forth along the sides of the trailer section to cover and uncover the cages. When the tarpaulins are fully extended along the sides of the trailer section, the tarpaulins effectively aid in preventing the birds from being buffeted about by excessive wind as the coop trailer travels along the roads. The tarpaulins also aid in maintaining a more constant temperature within the trailer section.

Abstract: A collapsible upright wall extends the height of the sides on the load hauling box on a truck. The collapsible upright wall comprises a fabric which when vertically stretched provides adequate resistance to substantial lateral load. A method of increasing the volumetric capacity of the box on a truck comprises the steps of: a) providing a rectangular frame above, and dimensioned to seat adjacent to an open top side portion of the load hauling box on the truck; b) providing a substantial lift mechanism to uniformly lift the rectangular frame above the box; and, c) providing and attaching an elongate strip of fabric having a top elongate side portion peripherally attached to the rectangular frame, and a bottom elongate side portion peripherally attached to the open top side portion of the box. Then when the rectangular frame is lifted to an upper operable position the fabric is stretched taut and is thereby able to sustain significant lateral load.

Abstract: A hauling trailer particularly suited to the transport of scrap such as crushed and flattened vehicles includes a floor with walls and one open side, and a retractable wall structure for closing off the open side during transport. The wall structure, which may be flexible, rigid, or partitioned, is preferably retracted by raising and lowering a barrier from a member supported above the open side. To provide greater access to the open side during loading, a separate mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the member independent of the wall structure. The member may, for example, form part of a generally c-shaped lid structure, with the separate mechanism moving the lid structure between a lowered and raised position.

Abstract: This invention broadly provides a trailer having a side which opens and closes to prevent the loss of material during transport. In the preferred embodiment, the trailer includes three solid or rigid sides with a fourth side that opens and closes with a drape, though in alternative configurations, two or more sides may also open and close, preferably utilizing the methods and apparatus disclosed herein. In a simple configuration, the invention utilizes a cable suspended between opposing upper points, with a curtain having upper eyelets journaled thereon, enabling the curtain to open and close so as to permit access to the trailer interior. Although this may be carried out according to the invention with an upper cable that remains affixed, in the preferred embodiments, a winch and pulley system is used to tighten the cable, and to loosen the cable for detachment purposes.

Abstract: This invention broadly provides a trailer having a side which opens and closes to prevent the loss of material during transport. In the preferred embodiment, the trailer includes three solid or rigid sides with a fourth side that opens and closes with a drape, though in alternative configurations, two or more sides may also open and close, preferably utilizing the methods and apparatus disclosed herein. In a simple configuration, the invention utilizes a cable suspended between opposing upper points, with a curtain having upper eyelets journaled thereon, enabling the curtain to open and close so as to permit access to the trailer interior. Although this may be carried out according to the invention with an upper cable that remains affixed, in the preferred embodiments, a winch and pulley system is used to tighten the cable, and to loosen the cable for detachment purposes.