Abstract: A backrest device that normally supports the occupant and moves forward with said occupant during a forward impact/crash event. The device is equipped with a spring activated biased ratcheting mechanism that provides only forward movement, thus reducing the amount of dangerous rear excursion during the rebound phase, as measured by the occupant's head and torso.

Abstract: A wheelchair fixing tool includes: a fixing part fixed to an upright member uprightly provided in a vehicle cabin; a hook detachable from a wheelchair: and a belt member formed long, having stretchability, and connecting the fixing part and the hook.

Abstract: A system for restraining a vehicle includes a deck of a transport. The deck includes one or more grated panels. The system also includes a vehicle restraint assembly configured to secure a vehicle to the deck of the transport. The vehicle restraint assembly includes an anchor coupled to a first end of a strap. The anchor includes a first plurality of hooks configured to couple the anchor to the deck of the transport through one or more grate wires of the one or more grated panels. The vehicle restraint assembly further includes a ratchet coupled to a second end of the strap. The ratchet includes a second plurality of hooks configured to couple the ratchet to the deck of the transport through one or more grate wires of the one or more grated panels.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mandrel assembly, an anchor, a strap, a winch, a first pedal, an advancer. The mandrel assembly is positioned on a first side of a tire of a vehicle and to couple to a track assembly of rail car. The anchor is positioned on a second side of the tire and to couple to the track assembly. The strap assembly is coupled to the mandrel assembly and the anchor and wraps around the tire. The winch is coupled to the mandrel assembly. The winch includes a first sprocket. The advancer is coupled to the first pedal and engages the first sprocket such that, when the first pedal is pushed towards the winch, the advancer pushes the winch such that the winch and the mandrel assembly rotate in a first direction.

Abstract: A system for storage, transportation, and display of a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure has a housing comprising at least two female indentations and each indentation has tapered walls that form a cavity. Additionally, the system has a trailer having at least two protrusions. The trailer has a first protrusion on a first leg of the trailer and a second protrusion on a second leg of the trailer and the protrusions are arranged to mate with the at least two female indentations when the housing is placed on the trailer. Further, the system has a chock stand positioned for receiving a wheel of a vehicle, the chock stand coupled to a floor of the housing.

Abstract: A cargo containment system is disclosed comprising a series of length adjustable anchor straps carried by a truck, a series of rings slidably carried by the anchor straps, and a series of length adjustable lateral straps coupled between adjacent anchor straps about the rings to define an adjustable flexible lattice of cargo containment function.

Abstract: In the present automatic strap retracting mechanism for wheel restraint devices, the wheel restraint device comprises a shell, and a reel is rotatably connected inside the shell. A ratchet is fixed to the reel, and the tooth surface of the ratchet consists of a locating surface and a guiding surface. A locking piece is also hinged to the shell, and the locking piece has a pawl. The automatic strap retracting mechanism comprises a coil spring which is connected to the reel and can drive the reel to rotate in the direction of strap retracting and wind in and retract the fastening strap. The locking piece also comprises a locking rod. When the pawl detaches from the locating surface and the fastening strap is pulled out, the locking piece can swing to allow the locking rod to abut on the guiding surface.

Abstract: A safety restraint adapted for securing a personal mobility vehicle in a transport vehicle, against movement in a direction opposite to the direction of normal motion of the transport vehicle, the safety restraint comprising: a retractor comprising a spool on which an elongate piece of material is wound; the elongate material being configured to be attached at one end to the personal mobility vehicle; a slider bar adapted to be fixed to the transport vehicle; and wherein the retractor is mounted on the slider bar, in a manner which allows the retractor to slide in the direction of normal motion of the transport vehicle, and prevents the retractor moving in the opposite direction on the slider bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wheel chock storage apparatuses. Specifically, the present invention provides a storage apparatus for holding auto-rack railcar wheel chocks thereon when not in use within the auto-rack railcars. The wheel chock storage apparatuses of the present invention comprise a flat base sheet or plate of metal or other rigid material, having a generally rectangular or square configuration. Legs bent at roughly ninety degree angles extend from right and left sides of the base sheet or plate. A plurality of apertures or slots may be configured centrally running from top to bottom of the base sheet, and one or more well nuts extend through the apertures or slots for installing to an auto-rack sidewall. A plurality of horizontally-disposed rods may be welded to both bent legs, with each of the plurality of horizontally-disposed rods running laterally across the base sheet from the first leg to the second leg for holding front and/or rear wheel chock teeth.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a track assembly. The strap assembly is also configured to be coupled to the track assembly on a first side of the tire. The system also includes a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly on a second side of the tire, opposite the first side of the tire. The mandrel assembly is configured to engage the track assembly through a first hole in the track assembly. The system further includes a latch assembly configured to be coupled to the mandrel assembly. The latch assembly is also configured to create a coupling between the mandrel assembly and the track assembly.

Abstract: A fully protective railroad freight car for carrying motor vehicles in a selected one of a bi-level or a tri-level configuration, with the lowest level including a depressed longitudinally central portion between body bolsters of the underbody, which may be a low-level flat car. A pair of vehicle-carrying decks are adjustable in height to provide for either one or two vehicle-carrying levels above the lowest level, while also providing at least a prescribed amount of vertical clearance above each vehicle-carrying deck. Ramps may be provided on the lowest level at an end of the car to provide a wheel-supporting surface having a prescribed minimum height. A roof structure is light in weight, and the car has an overall height not exceeding a prescribed limit for operation on most rail lines. The ends of the car are equipped with three-panel folding doors.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a deck of a transport. The strap assembly is also configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport on a first side of the tire of the vehicle. The system also includes a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly on a second side of the tire of the vehicle, opposite the first side. The system further includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport and the mandrel assembly on the second side of the tire of the vehicle, the winch assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which includes an active chock and an anchor chock configured to co-act to secure a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. In various embodiments, each chock has a chock body including a substantially diamond shaped elongated tube which includes four integrally connected elongated walls. In various embodiments, for each chock, various components of that chock extend substantially along longitudinal axis that lie in the same or substantially the same vertical plane as the apex and trough of the substantially diamond shaped elongated tube of the chock body.

Abstract: A wheel chock body for a wheel chock that has low elevational profile. The low profile of a wheel chock allows it to be positioned under a vehicle the rocker panel of which has its lower edge only 148 mm (5.82 inches) above the surface upon which the vehicle's tire rests, so that the installed chock height is reduced to 47.6 mm (1.87 inches) under the components of the vehicle's body.

Abstract: An advanced cargo restraint employs an elongated rope-like member formed of web material. The web material is manufactured from high-modulus fibers. Various connectors are attached to the elongated member. In some embodiments, a small linkage of chain is also connected directly or indirectly with the advanced cargo restraint member. The advanced cargo restraint member is adapted to substitute for heavy-duty chains employed to secure cargo.

Abstract: A wheel chock body for a wheel chock that has low elevational profile. The low profile of a wheel chock allows it to be positioned under a vehicle the rocker panel of which has its lower edge only 148 mm (5.82 inches) above the surface upon which the vehicle's tire rests, so that the installed chock height is reduced to 47.6 mm (1.87 inches) under the components of the vehicle's body.

Abstract: A low elevational profile of each of a pair of first and second wheel chocks for restraining a current “low-drag” motor vehicle in a carrier, such as a railway car, is derived from each wheel chock having an internally webbed, elongated stepped-box body terminated with a relatively short rectangular box having its inner wall integrally formed with the stepped-box body. The body of the first chock is essentially a mirror-image of the second chock body. The low profile of a wheel chock allows each to be positioned under a vehicle the rocker panel of which has its lower edge only 148 mm (5.82 inches) above the surface upon which the vehicle's tire rests, so that the installed chock height is reduced to 47.6 mm (1.87?) under the components of the vehicle's body. The assembly may include a pair of “active” chocks; or, one active chock and one anchor chock.

Abstract: A wheel chock for restraining movement of a vehicle tire on a supporting grating during transit includes a base, a grate lock mechanism for locking the base to the grating, and a ramp on the base for engagement with a circumference of a vehicle tire. A strap connected with the base is extensible around the vehicle tire to help restrain movement of the tire on the grating. The chock includes a retractor for retracting the strap and for taking up slack that forms in the strap during transit.

Abstract: A device for securing a vehicle includes a frame member locatable over the upper portion of a tire of a wheel of a vehicle and; a respective tie down attachable to each of opposite sides of the frame member. Each tie down includes an attachment member at its end remote from the frame member, whereby with the frame member located over a tire, the wheel is able to be secured by engaging each connector with an anchor point below the frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a track, a first chock assembly configured to be coupled to the track on inboard side of the tire and coupled to a first end of the strap assembly, and a second chock assembly configured to be coupled to the track on outboard side of the tire. The second chock assembly includes a chock body and a pin assembly coupled to the chock body, such that the pin assembly is operable to receive the strap assembly. The system also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the track and uncoupled from the second chock assembly, such that the winch assembly is coupled to a second end of the strap assembly and operable to tighten the strap assembly around portions of the tire.

Abstract: The device (1) for stowing a vehicle when it is transported on a bearing plane (9) by one of its wheels or from an anchorage on the chassis is characterized in that it is constituted by the following means: a link (2) that has a coupling end (5) provided to engage with a tensioning and retaining mechanism (3), a tensioning end (6), and a sliding sheath (7) for support on a tyre, a mechanism for tensioning and retaining the link (2) that has a roll axis (10) of sufficient length to offer numerous transverse coiling positions of the strap, and a coupling and return assembly (4) passed through by the link (2). Said device therefore enables vehicles to be stowed in two ways: a) by coupling to the vehicle chassis and b) by stowing the vehicle by link (2) on its tyres. This invention relates to the transportation of vehicles on Lorries or railway trucks.

Abstract: A low elevational profile of each of a pair of first and second wheel chocks for restraining a current “low-drag” motor vehicle in a carrier, such as a railway car, is derived from each wheel chock having an internally webbed, elongated stepped-box body terminated with a relatively short rectangular box having its inner wall integrally formed with the stepped-box body. The body of the first chock is essentially a mirror-image of the second chock body. The low profile of a wheel chock allows each to be positioned under a vehicle the rocker panel of which has its lower edge only 148 mm (5.82 inches) above the surface upon which the vehicle's tire rests, so that the installed chock height is reduced to 47.6 mm (1.87?) under the components of the vehicle's body. The assembly may include a pair of “active” chocks; or, one active chock and one anchor chock.

Abstract: A headgear device for assisting a user in performing bridge exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck, and exercises performed using the device. The headgear outer surface has an area of low-friction material to allow the headgear to slide on an exercise surface while the user's head supports a portion of his body weight in the bridge position. This allows the user to introduce dynamic resistance into the exercise by moving around on the surface. One or more straps connectable to the user's arms and/or legs can be used to provide stability and/or resistance during the exercise. A friction pad adapted to be removably attached to the outer surface of the headgear can be used to provide resistance to the headgear sliding.

Abstract: A low elevational profile of each of a pair of first and second wheel chocks for restraining a current “low-drag” motor vehicle in a carrier, such as a railway car, is derived from each wheel chock having an internally webbed, elongated stepped-box body terminated with a relatively short rectangular box having its inner wall integrally formed with the stepped-box body. The body of the first chock is essentially a mirror-image of the second chock body. The low profile of a wheel chock allows each to be positioned under a vehicle the rocker panel of which has its lower edge only 148 mm (5.82 inches) above the surface upon which the vehicle's tire rests, so that the installed chock height is reduced to 47.6 mm (1.87?) under the components of the vehicle's body. The assembly may include a pair of “active” chocks; or, one active chock and one anchor chock.

Abstract: A sintered valve seat includes: a matrix; 5 to 40 mass % of a hard phase dispersed in the matrix, the hard phase containing 48 to 60 mass % of Mo; 3 to 12 mass % of Cr; 1 to 5 mass % of Si; and the balance of Co and inevitable impurities; and a structure in which a Cr sulfide is dispersed around the hard phase. The hard phase is formed with a Co base alloy matrix and compounds which are mainly composed of Mo silicides and are integrally precipitated in the Co base alloy matrix.

Abstract: A low elevational profile of each of a pair of first and second wheel chocks for restraining a current “low-drag” motor vehicle in a carrier, such as a railway car, is derived from each wheel chock having an internally webbed, elongated stepped-box body terminated with a relatively short rectangular box having its inner wall integrally formed with the stepped-box body. The body of the first chock is essentially a mirror-image of the second chock body. The low profile of a wheel chock allows each to be positioned under a vehicle the rocker panel of which has its lower edge only 148 mm (5.82 inches) above the surface upon which the vehicle's tire rests, so that the installed chock height is reduced to 47.6 mm (1.87?) under the components of the vehicle's body. The assembly may include a pair of “active” chocks; or, one active chock and one anchor chock.

Abstract: A strap tie-down apparatus and system. In general, the apparatus includes an elongated shaft generally attached to an automobile transport platform. A ratchet gear wheel having engagement teeth and a ratchet wrench socket wheel having a plurality of wrench apertures can be located on one side of the shaft together or on opposite sides of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a strap spool slidably connected to the shaft. The spool generally includes two side plates connected by a strap attachment bracket. A quick release pawl is connected to the platform adjacent the ratchet gear wheel for engagement with the engagement teeth. The pawl is connected to an elongated rod that is connected to the platform generally parallel with the shaft. The rod partially protrudes adjacent the ratchet wrench wheel. A spring is connected to the shaft adjacent the pawl.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus includes a plurality of O-rings and a plurality of fasteners laterally situated from the O-rings such that the fasteners become disposed at opposite ends of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a plurality of central straps having a fixed length and oppositely registered looped end portions. The central straps are permanently conjoined to the O-rings and slidably adjustable about a circumference of the O-rings. The present invention further includes a first strap having oppositely registered looped end portions and a second strap having opposed end portions. A mechanism for adjusting a length of the second strap is also included. The adjusting mechanism includes a ratcheting come-a-long and a third strap having oppositely registered looped end portions. A plurality of anchoring brackets are fastened to the flat bed of the pick-up truck and are permanently secured to selected regions of the flat bed of the pick-up truck.

Abstract: A power screw load retention system is disclosed. The system typically includes four power screw sections each having a threaded shaft connected to a power source located within an elongated channel. A carriage is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft and is adapted to translate within the channel. The carriage is connected to a connecting member such as a chain that connects to the under structure of a vehicle. Typically, the four power screw sections are located on a platform that holds the vehicle. Several of these platforms are located on a vehicle transporter. All of the power sources may be connected to a control unit.

Abstract: An anchor for securing an end of a vehicle tie-down member to a wire grid floor of a vehicle transporter distributes the tension load from the tiedown member over a plurality of the wires making up the grid. The anchor has a base plate with six integrally formed grid engagement members arranged in three pairs. A fitting is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate for connection with the end of the tie-down member and is rotatable about a vertical axis with respect to the base place. The anchor is placed on the top of the wire grid floor such that the grid engagement members pass through six adjacent openings in the grid and the distal ends of the members project generally in the direction in which the tie-down member is to extend when attached to the vehicle, and the tie-down member is tightened to urge the grid engagement members tightly into engagement with the wires of the grid.

Abstract: A refractory metal silicide target is characterized by comprising a fine mixed structure composed of MSi2 (where M: refractory metal) grains and Si grains, wherein the number of MSi2 grains independently existing in a cross section of 0.01 mm2 of the mixed structure is not greater than 15, the MSi2 grains have an average grain size not greater than 10 &mgr;m, whereas free Si grains existing in gaps of the MSi2 grains have a maximum grain size not greater than 20 &mgr;m. The target has a high density, high purity fine mixed structure with a uniform composition and contains a small amount of impurities such as oxygen etc. The employment of the target can reduce particles produced in sputtering, the change of a film resistance in a wafer and the impurities in a film and improve yield and reliability when semiconductors are manufactured.

Abstract: The block comprises a body (1) or (30) formed by two lower (9) or (32) and upper (10) or (33) parallel branches spatially offset, mutually joined at one of their ends by an inclined connecting section (11) or (34), the upper branch (10) or (33) extending by a bent portion to form a curved ramp (16) or (49) for lateral guiding towards the central part of the block. The block has at the end opposite to the inclined connecting section (11) or (34) a single locking member for being fixed to the flooring completed by at least a centering and immobilizing structure. This invention is useful for transporting road vehicles on lorries and wagons.

Abstract: A tie-down system for a vehicle transporter comprises a tie-down apparatus for securing a vehicle to a longitudinally-extending elongate vehicle transporter, comprising a vehicle support assembly, including a front deck and further including a rear deck that is variably positionable with respect to said front deck. At least four variably positionable securement devices are associated with the vehicle support assembly and attachable to the vehicle. A respective flexible tension member portion is interconnected with a respective one of each of the four securement devices to enable nonuniform variations in relative positions of the securement devices, each tension member portion capable of exerting a pull-down force on a respective one of the securement devices.

Abstract: The flexible link is a securing strap (2) which rests on the tire (5) and is tightened with respect to two fixed points on a carrying structure (7) by which the ends of the strap are retained with fixing pieces. The surface in contact with the running tread comprises successive groups (25) of a plurality of transversal support elements (26) in the form of rollers with a central rod and widened ringed tips (28) and (29) forming contiguous rail wheels by which the strap rests on the tire. This invention is applicable in the field of transport when the load consists of road vehicles.

Abstract: A wheel restraint device incorporates a harness that receives first and second elongated straps used to secure a vehicle wheel to a support surface on which the wheel is supported. Each elongated strap is configured to extend over an upper outer surface of the wheel and be secured to the support surface proximate outer and inner sides of the wheel. The harness includes first and second sleeves that are respectively configured to slidably receive the first and second elongated straps. Moreover, the first and second sleeves extend at an angle relative to one another to orient the first and second elongated straps in a crossing relationship along one side of the wheel. With such an arrangement, it has been found that the tendency of the harness and/or the elongated straps to work themselves either over the upper outer surface of a wheel, or along the front or rear ends of the wheel, is significantly reduced.

Abstract: An ATV tie down rack system for securing an ATV to a trailer or the bed of a pickup without requiring tie-down straps. The inventive device includes a tube member, a center bracket having two apertures extending from the tube member, a first support member attached to the tube member, a second support member attached to the tube member opposite of the first support member, a catch member having a U-shape rotatably positioned within the tube member, a pair of angled members extending orthogonally from the distal ends of the catch member, a first ratchet having a first strap, and a second ratchet having a second strap. The first strap and the second strap are slidably attached to the catch member and the angled members for allowing them to be easily moved away from the path of the tire of the ATV. The first ratchet and the second ratchet are utilized to tighten the respective straps about the tires of the ATV thereby retaining the ATV upon the trailer or pickup.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which can be used to fix a wheel to a pallet or truck, as in fastening a seat belt, by way of a wheel side supporting apparatus and a fixing apparatus for fastening, and which can be used in a high-speed transportation system for regular automobiles. The fixing apparatus for fastening has one end similar to the tongue plate device used in an automobile seat belt system and another end connectable to a retractor. The support apparatus has one end connected to the floor of the pallet or truck by a hinge, and the other end equipped with the retractor. The whole body of the support apparatus can be put into the floor of the pallet or truck, and is used to support the side of the wheel. A stopper on one end of the fixing apparatus is installed in the floor of pallet or truck.

Abstract: A hold down system (100) for securing a vehicle (10) to a transporter (11) includes at least one hold down device (12) for each wheel (13) of the vehicle (10). The hold down device (12) includes a short strap (15) having two end loops (16) and a long strap (14). The extremities (18, 19) of the long strap (14) pass through the end loops (16) of the short strap (15) and the ends (20, 21) of the long strap (14) are attached and tightened to the transporter (11) so that the harness loop (29) formed by the central portion (17) of the long strap (14) and the short strap (15) encircles a portion of the wheel (13) and secures such to the transporter (11). Each wheel (13) of the vehicle (10) may be individually secured to the transporter to stably maintain the position of the vehicle on the transporter (11) while it is in transit.

Abstract: A restraint assembly for securing an automotive vehicle to a flat-bed transport vehicle is adapted for use along with wheel chocks. The restraint assembly includes a synthetic, woven webbing strap having ends which are cut cold rather than by a heated blade; a standard, off-the-shelf ratchet mechanism with which the strap is engaged; a vehicle attachment hook attached to a second end of the strap; and a J-shaped hook for engaging a hole on the transport vehicle, the J-hook having a return bend that is approximately 180.degree. in arc length and an extended free end. The geometry of the J-hook serves to substantially prevent the ratchet mechanism from becoming disengaged from the transport vehicle due to bouncing of the restrained automotive vehicle on its suspension.

Abstract: A device for tying down vehicles on a transport loading surface includes a tie-down strap that acts on a vehicle wheel via a guide disposed between the strap and the wheel, wherein the tie-down strap is prestressed.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus for securing a vehicle to a longitudinally-extending elongate vehicle transporter comprises a vehicle support assembly and at least four securement devices associated with the vehicle support assembly and attachable to the vehicle. A respective tension member portion is interconnected with a respective one of each of the four securement devices. Each tension member portion is capable of exerting a pull-down force on a respective one of the securement devices. A tension-applying mechanism is interconnected with each tension member portion to adjust the pull-down force on each of the securement devices. A tension-equalizing mechanism is interconnected with each tension member portion and is capable of automatically substantially equally distributing tension applied by the tension-applying mechanism among each tension member portion, to substantially equalize the pull-down force automatically with respect to the four securement devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the securement of the wheels of a wheeled vehicle, such as a power wheelchair, to the floor or bed of a transport vehicle having tension connection anchors in the floor respectively vertically below the desired position of the wheels, comprises a hubcap securable to each wheel, a connector plate slidably mountable on each hubcap and a tensile connection such as a strap, cable, chain or the like adjustably secured between each connector plate and a vertically adjacent tension connection anchor.

Abstract: A tie-down method for securing a vehicle to a longitudinally-extending elongate vehicle transporter utilizes a vehicle support assembly and at least four securement devices associated with the vehicle support assembly and attachable to the vehicle. A respective tension member portion is interconnected with a respective one of each of the four securement devices. Each tension member portion is capable of exerting a pull-down force on a respective one of the securement devices. A tension-applying mechanism is interconnected with each tension member portion to adjust the pull-down force on each of the securement devices. A tension-equalizing mechanism is interconnected with each tension member portion and is capable of automatically substantially equally distributing tension applied by the tension-applying mechanism among each tension member portion, to substantially equalize the pull-down force automatically with respect to the four securement devices.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to restrain wheels and vehicles on a support surface includes an upper restraint supported on a upper outer surface of the wheel; first and second inner flexible members and first and second outer flexible members coupled to and extending from the upper restraint on inner and outer sides of the wheel, respectively; first and second quick-connect hooks respectively securing the inner flexible members to the support surface; first and second adjustment mechanisms respectively securing the outer flexible members to the support surface with the outer flexible members crossing; and first and second lower restraints coupled respectively to the first inner and outer flexible members and the second inner and outer flexible members, and abutting a lower outer surface of the wheel. The quick-connect hooks may include a resilient retaining member such as a coiled spring which permits a free end of the retaining member to be bent in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A tie down device (10) for securing an automotive vehicle (100) by its wheels (104) and tires (102) into a transport vehicle (200), is described. The tie down device includes a first strap (12) and a second strap (16) with the second strap connected at its first end (16A) to the first strap near the first end (12A) of the first strap. The first end of the first strap has a first loop (14) which forms the first end (10A) of the device. The second end (16B) of the second strap has a second loop (18) which forms the intermediate end (10C) of the device. To configure the device, the second end (10B) of the device is passed first through the second loop and then through the first loop. The device is then positioned on the tire such that the second strap extends over the top of the tire on the wheel and the first strap extends around the tire.

Abstract: An assembly (10) is disclosed including first slides (38) secured by bolts (64) to a topper (26) and second slides (36) secured by bolts (68) to the side walls (18) of a pickup truck (12). The first and second slides (36, 38) are of a tubular shape, with each of the first slides (38) further including first and second vertical legs (44) located on opposite sides of the second slides (36) and a horizontal seal leg (46) for sandwiching a seal (66) against the topper (26). First connectors (50) having female head portions (52) and second connectors (60) having male head portions (62) horizontally slideably received in the female head portions (52) include tabs (54) slideably received in the ends of the tubular shape of the slides (36, 38) and secured therein by the securement bolts (64, 68). A tubular weatherstrip (88) is slid on a cross bar (90) held by L-shaped portions formed on the connectors (50) of the front ends of the second slides (36).

Abstract: A wheel chock for restraining a motor vehicle in a transportable carrier such as a railway car, which is adapted to be selectively connected to a rail fastened to the floor of the carrier and which is made of a flexible copolymer material capable of withstanding the loads incurred by chock restrained vehicles, and further which is user friendly in that it can be maintained in a wheel-restraining position together with a wheel harness and removed from that position without the use of any tools. The wheel chock includes a torque tube for winding up a wheel harness strap to tighten the wheel harness on a vehicle wheel, a strap take-up device for quickly removing the slack in the strap, and a foot-operated actuating lever for rotating the torque tube and operating a pawl and ratchet mechanism controlling rotation of the torque tube.

Abstract: A chock for use in securing four wheel vehicles to a deck mounted rail of a transport carrier is formed of a polymer body which has a pocket formed and adapted to mount the body laterally over a deck mounted rail having a series of transverse openings. A pin is mounted in the body for movement into a rail opening to secure the chock to the rail. The pin is mounted in a bushing which is encased in the polymer chock body and there is a vertical load member extending upwardly from the bushing, with the vertical load member being encased in the polymer chock body to distribute vertical loads through the body. The pocket has spaced walls which extend generally parallel to and closely adjacent the rail.

Abstract: A strap assembly has one or more cleat members slidably installed on the strap portion thereof. These cleat members have projections thereon which engage the tread of the tire of a vehicle to be retained in position for transportation on a rail car or other transport. The opposite ends of the strap assembly are secured to the body of the transport. A ratchet buckle or other such device is installed in series with the strap and is used to tighten down the strap against the vehicle tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading freight and automobiles inside maritime containers of substantially rectangular projection. Post assemblies are vertically mounted inside the container on a chassis assembly. A platform assembly is pivotally mounted to the post assemblies that are closer to the innermost end of the container. A forklift, or other lifting device, is utilized to lift and lower the other end of the platform and locking assemblies are used to maintain the platform in place, at a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the chassis assembly and floor of the container. Front post assemblies are collapsably mounted so that the entire apparatus can be stored away in a volumetrically efficient manner. Ski and wheel members are mounted to the underside of the front of the chassis assembly to help the forklift in the transportation of the apparatus.