Panel Patents (Class 410/118)
  • Patent number: 11858408
    Abstract: A truck includes a passenger cabin and a truck bed located rearward of the passenger cabin in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The truck bed includes a bed deck and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. A compressor unit is located between an inner sidewall panel and an outer sidewall panel of one of the sidewalls. A truck bed cover covers the truck bed. A bladder is connected to an underside of the truck bed cover. The compressor unit connected to the bladder and configured to inflate the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 11286048
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint system includes a fuselage framework defining a cargo cabin, a webbing configured to restrain cargo positionable within the cargo cabin, one or more spring tension reels configured to bias the webbing towards a bottom of the cargo cabin, and one or more actuators configured to move the webbing toward a top of the cargo cabin against the bias of the one or more spring tension reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Trent DeVerter, William R. Clos
  • Patent number: 11186218
    Abstract: A dunnage bag and load strap hanger apparatus includes a dunnage bag and load strap hanger and a handle mounted applicator block operative to support and affix the dunnage bag and load strap hanger. The hanger is fabricated from three distinct and separate parts: a generally planar support substrate, adhesive patches or regions on the support substrate, and release paper covering the adhesive patches. The support substrate in some embodiments is a sheet that is further divided into two contact members separated by a resilient coupler. Each contact member preferably has a contact body, a hanging loop distal to the resilient coupler, and in alternative embodiments an adhesive coating or other fasteners and affixers. In one embodiment there is one affixing surface, and a fastener to couple two contact members together to support a load strap. In another alternative embodiment a load strap is woven through a pair of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, William M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 11059448
    Abstract: A present implementation of an airbag system is adapted to include a curtain airbag assembly having a vertical barrier extended in a vertical direction when deployed, the vertical barrier having a first inflatable part deployed at a left side of a vehicle and a second inflatable deployed at a right side of the vehicle. The airbag system further includes sensors adapted to sense parameters associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle and an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to receive the parameters from the sensors. The ECU is further adapted to monitor the plurality of parameters to determine if the vehicle is experiencing an accident. The airbag system further includes an inflation module adapted to deploy the curtain airbag assembly. If the ECU determines that an accident is occurring, the ECU provides a trigger signal to the inflation module to initiate a process to deploy the curtain airbag assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastian Rutelin, Johan Rosenberg, Sven-Olof Persson
  • Patent number: 10967765
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback with a frame assembly having first and second portions. A primary structure extends between the first and second portions and defines a seating surface. A secondary structure extends between the first and second portions. A retractor mechanism is disposed on one of the first and second portions and is selectively positionable in an unlocked, a locked, or a pre-tensioned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer Robert Hoernke, Johnathan Andrew Line, Scott Holmes Dunham, Jimmy Moua
  • Patent number: 10850844
    Abstract: The mobile platform cabin (20) disclosed herein comprises a passenger portion (22), a first cargo portion (24) disposed aft of the passenger portion (22), a partition (36) separating the passenger portion (22) from the first cargo portion (24), a second cargo portion (26) disposed aft of the first cargo portion (24) and a barrier net (38) separating the first cargo portion (24) from the second cargo portion (26). The first cargo portion (24) comprises a cargo-receiving zone (40) and a stay-out zone (44) in which cargo is not permitted. The barrier net (38) is configured to distend into the first cargo portion (24) when restraining forward movement of cargo (48) in the second cargo portion due to the cargo (48) in the second cargo portion being subjected to an acceleration relative to the cabin. At least part of the distension of the barrier net (38) is accommodated by the stay-out zone (44) of the first cargo portion (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT OF CANADA LIMITED
    Inventors: Kent Corbett, Stephen Mabee
  • Patent number: 10486761
    Abstract: A luggage container for a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle or a vehicle similar to a motorcycle is provided. The luggage container includes a first container part which defines a storage volume for stowing luggage and has a container opening for loading and unloading the storage volume. The luggage container also includes a second container part for optionally closing the luggage container. The first container part has a net assembly in an edge region of the container opening, having a retaining net for at least partially closing the container opening. The net assembly is configured to permit adjustment of the retaining net between at least two positions, in order to vary a portion of the container opening closed by the retaining net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Sievers-Paulsen, Peter Reinhart
  • Patent number: 9834130
    Abstract: A quick-release logistic track having a coupling device and logistic track that creates a sidewall flush-mounted logistic track that allows for continuous cargo tie down points, working in conjunction with primarily vertical slotted posts, that can be placed at any location in the cargo area of a semi-trailer and other cargo transporting vehicles' enabling cargo restraint devices to be placed directly against cargo regardless of where the cargo is positioned. Assembled, the coupling and its logistic track becomes a removable and repositionable horizontal assembly that lays flush against the sidewall and ties together, with two inch centered logistic slots, two permanently mounted vertical logistic posts located on the same sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Peters
  • Patent number: 9731643
    Abstract: A bar assembly adapted to be removable attached to the top of the sides of a bed of a pickup truck, the bar assembly including a bar, and J hooks adapted to engage each end of the bar for removably attaching each end of the bar to a respective top of the side of the bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Michael C. Young
  • Patent number: 9637044
    Abstract: A cargo restraint panel may include a foam component. That foam component may have at least one polymer foam sheet. A front face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a front face of the foam component. A rear face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a rear face of the foam component. The cargo restraint panel may include one or more edge guards. Cargo may be secured in a railcar or other conveyance by, e.g., placing cargo restraint panels between cargo units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 9592767
    Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle includes a first pair, a second pair, and a third pair of anchors. The first and second pairs of anchors are positioned adjacent each other and the third pair of anchors is positioned remote from the first pair. The system further includes a flexible substrate having a first pair of attachment features coupleable with the first pair of anchors and a second pair of attachment features selectively coupleable with the second pair or third pair of anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Stakoe, Mahesh Bhattacharyya, William Bauer, Timothy Barr, Ryan Kurrle
  • Patent number: 9580022
    Abstract: A separating or holding net has a net mesh part, spaced fixation formations, and an elastic woven fabric strip extending along an edge of the net mesh part that extends between the fixation formations and having openings engaged in the fixation formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: NOELLE PEPIN GMBH & CO.KG
    Inventor: Marc Emde
  • Patent number: 9333897
    Abstract: Improvements in a cargo holder are disclosed. The cargo hold is configurable to accommodate a variety of different shapes and sizes to retain cargo or boxes in an essentially fixed secure position. Monkey Grabs cargo hold takes the standard four tied down areas in the bed of a vehicle and convert to 24 optional tied down areas. The cargo hold does not include any metal components. The cargo hold has multiple securing loops along lengths of the straps for a user to connect into the ends and along the length of the strap to create additional securing locations. This makes the cargo hold a far more useful cargo hold. The cargo hold is configured in a rectangular configuration to connect along the sides of the bed of a truck and also placed across the bed for more versatile uses of the monkey grip cargo hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventors: Dale Shanks, Michael Lopez
  • Patent number: 9333899
    Abstract: A cargo restraint panel may include a foam component. That foam component may have at least one polymer foam sheet. A front face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a front face of the foam component. A rear face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a rear face of the foam component. The cargo restraint panel may include one or more edge guards. Cargo may be secured in a railcar or other conveyance by, e.g., placing cargo restraint panels between cargo units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 9242593
    Abstract: A triaxially braided strap includes a plurality of axial strands and a plurality of longitudinal strands including a first boundary strand and a second boundary strand. Each strand of the plurality of axial strands is routed, in a repeating pattern and in the following order: under the first boundary strand; around the first boundary strand; between respective portions of a pair of axial strands that are routed between the first boundary strand and the second boundary strand; under the second boundary strand; around the second boundary strand; and between respective portions of a pair of axial strands that are routed between the second boundary strand and the first boundary strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Atkins & Pearce, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Sester
  • Patent number: 9079525
    Abstract: A cargo barrier for use in a vehicle, the cargo barrier broadly comprising a cargo guard, a guard frame, an elongated connector member, left and right seat mounting brackets, left and right lower extension legs, and left and right lower mounting brackets for mounting the cargo barrier in a first configuration in which the passenger seats are lowered and a second configuration in which the passenger seats are in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: QRF LLC
    Inventors: David Lee Miller, Teresa Lynn Miller, Jeffrey Lynn Massey
  • Patent number: 8998547
    Abstract: A cargo holding apparatus configured to secure cargo in a pickup truck cargo bed and facilitate unloading of the cargo therefrom is provided with a holding frame having cross members forming a top and a bottom of the holding frame; and side support members forming a left side and a right side of the holding frame, where the cross members being joined to the side support members at each end; a strap secured to each side support member, the strap being dimensioned to extend at least a length of the cargo bed; and a clamping member disposed and a left and a right side vertical walls of the cargo bed at a position nearest a lift gate of the cargo bed, each of the straps being fed through respective clamping members, the respective clamping members securely holding each strap when in an engaged aspect and allowing each strap to slide unrestricted when in a disengaged aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Richard H. Ferriggi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8992146
    Abstract: A cargo securing device for use in carrying cargo in pickup trucks and the like. The cargo securing device is formed of a flexible panel having straps on opposed sides which extend across the panel to attachment devices such as rings. The flexible panel may include apertures with removable covers to permit the ends of long devices to extend through and to be held from movement sideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Dibner
  • Patent number: 8974158
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a novel laced strapping system that provides a plurality of attachment points by which a tie-down lace can adjust the fit of a cargo mesh webbing to secure loads of items in an open bed of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is a pick-up truck with a cargo bed. In some embodiments, the mesh webbing comprises a first truck bed mesh, a second truck bed mesh, and the plurality of attachment points. In some embodiments, tie-down lace interconnects the attachment points to secure together the first mesh and the second mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Rob Edward Hatch, Anita Marie Hatch
  • Patent number: 8950989
    Abstract: A bilateral cargo strap system is provided as a means of securing a variety of different cargo within a storage area. The bilateral cargo strap system utilizes a combination of elastic straps with perpendicularly positioned stabilizing rods to improve retention of a variety of cargo within a storage area. The elastic straps extend over the retained cargo and are used as the means of engaging mounting features within the storage area. The stabilizing rods effectively distribute the tension force of the elastic straps over the retained cargo securing it in place within the storage space. The bilateral cargo strap system is versatile and may be used to secure a wide variety of cargo including, but not limited to, kayaks, coolers, bicycles, lumber, and construction equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Darrell Toby Rivera
  • Patent number: 8888424
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing cargo within a cargo container are described. The cargo is loaded within an interior of the container and one or more load restraint strips may be used to secure the cargo. Each load restraint strip may include an affixing region having an adhesive for securing the strip to a wall of the container. One or more braces may be inserted between the cargo and the load restraint strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 8882417
    Abstract: A strap provides additional connection points in a vehicle bed to tethers at more convenient locations than OEM anchor points. The strap includes a ring or series of rings that are connected by webbing segments. A tensioning device is included in the strap to adjust the length of the strap and to provide tension when installed. Two straps can be used along the lateral sides of a pickup-truck bed. Tether such as bungee chords, ropes, straps, or cargo nets can be placed from one strap to another to secure cargo in the bed in ways that are not possible when using the OEM anchor points alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Skellen Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Scott Sauerwald
  • Patent number: 8870504
    Abstract: A net is provided having a plurality of net members, the net members being arranged in a lattice structure and having a thickness (D1). The net is further provided with attachment devices having a thickness (D2) which are connected to the net members, the thickness (D2) of the attachment devices being larger that the thickness of the net members (D1) at least at the places of connection through which loads are transmitted between the net members and the attachment devices. The ratio between the thickness of the net members and the thickness of the attachment devices (D1/D2) is at least 1.15. The net is useful as a barrier net to secure an off-limits area and as a cargo net to restrain cargo movement on a platform of a pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Dietrich Wienke, Roelof Marissen
  • Patent number: 8757947
    Abstract: A safety net assembly for selectively blocking and exposing an opening in a cargo container having a wall assembly bounding a storage space. A flexible net is selectively placed in: i) a first state wherein the net spans a substantial height and width of an access opening; and ii) a second state wherein the opening is further exposed. In the first state, the net has a first length between spaced first and second locations that spans a width portion of the opening along a horizontal line at a first height. The net is extensible to allow the first location on the net to be lowered while maintaining the second location on the net at the first height so that the line between the first and second locations is angled from horizontal and has a second length between the first and second locations that is greater than the first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ancra International, LLC
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders, Jerry Squyres
  • Patent number: 8757946
    Abstract: A cargo restraint apparatus for a cargo receptacle of truck is disclosed. The apparatus is composed of a track with engagement holes and a fastener. The fastener includes a seat with a sliding trough and a passage. Two guide plates are fixed on two sides of the seat. Each guide plate has an inclined guide tongue slidably received in the track. An insert is received in the sliding trough. A lever has a pivot hole at a center thereof for connecting to a pivot of the seat and a handle end and an action end are defined on two opposite sides of the lever. The action end is pivoted to the shaft. A torsion spring is disposed on the pivot and bears against the seat and the lever. The insert is normally engaged in one of the engagement holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Strong Yun Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeh-Chien Chou
  • Patent number: 8740525
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system for securing cargo within a truck bed having fixed anchors includes a plurality of adjustable-length straps attachable to the truck bed, and a cargo net attached to the straps and slidable along at least a portion thereof. Hooks are fixed to the straps for attaching the straps to the truck bed anchors, and each strap includes a cam buckle for selectively adjusting the length of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Setwear Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Michael Coury, Steven Brian Weber, Lance Richard Coury
  • Publication number: 20140099172
    Abstract: A suction-cup cargo netting device that can be secured to any type of vehicle, land-based or marine, such that items can be secured by the device while they are being transported. The suction-cup cargo netting device uses a flexible net that has a plurality of flexible suction-cups on its periphery that secure to any smooth surface quickly and conveniently. After use, the suction-cups and cargo net can be easily removed for storage, or use with another vehicle or another location such as a residence or commercial building. The suction-cups are attached to the periphery of a central net that covers the items being transported such that they are secured to a surface and create a storage area between the cargo net and the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Eli Geske
  • Patent number: 8616813
    Abstract: A strap that includes a casing, and a plurality of stuffer strands that extend lengthwise through the casing. The stuffer strands are located between two layers of the casing and are arranged in at least two sets. The stuffer strands resist elongation of the strap in response to tensile forces applied in the elongate direction of the strap, and have a maximum elongation at break of less than 7.5%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Polyweld Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Stuart Donaldson
  • Patent number: 8568071
    Abstract: A railcar safety system utilizes a flexible net system removably secured across an open end of the railcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Otis D. Dier, Thomas S. Broderick
  • Patent number: 8545149
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a netting arrangement for a cargo hold, in particular in an airplane, comprising: at least one netting including a plurality of fixation points preferably formed on an edge side, a plurality of fixation points formed on the cargo hold side, and at least one adapter for securing the netting in the cargo hold. The adapter is secured to at least two fixation points on the cargo hold side so as to divert a load applied to the adapter into the at least two fixation points on the cargo hold side. The adapter is arranged in the path of force between the netting fixation points preferably formed on an edge side and the fixation points on the cargo hold side. The adapter furnishes at least one adapter-side fixation point for securing the netting to the adapter. The fixation points for the netting are arranged in a plane identical with the plane of the adapter-side fixation points, independently of the load applied on the netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Telair International AB
    Inventors: Anders Helmner, Orjan Christoffersson, Majid Alavi
  • Patent number: 8523257
    Abstract: The re-usable cover for protecting freight while in transit includes an upper end for attachment to the rear end opening of a freight container, a pair of side edges adjacent to a respective side of the rear end opening of the freight container when the upper end is attached, and a front surface configured to face the exterior of the freight container when the upper end is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl E. Berger
  • Patent number: 8475097
    Abstract: A cargo barrier net for an aircraft includes a net mesh, defined by a plurality of net strands, a securing members coupled to one of the net strands, for securing the cargo barrier net across an internal space of an aircraft; and a tear webbing located between the securing members and the net strand. The tear webbing is configured to tear progressively when a load is applied to it, thereby increasing the effective length of net strand to which it is coupled and redistributing the load to other net strands in the cargo barrier net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AMSAFE Bridport
    Inventors: David Ackerman, James Barry Homewood, Stephen Mark Richards, Russel Neil Willats
  • Patent number: 8459915
    Abstract: A plurality of self-sealing inflatable dunnage bags are formed on a continuous strip. The continuous strip includes a first bag layer, a second bag layer and an air channel layer. A bag perimeter sealing line is formed between the first and second bag layers to form a bag cavity. Two air flow sealing lines extend into the bag cavity. An air flow channel is formed between the second and air channel bag layers. One end of a cross air flow channel communications with the air flow channel and the other end communicates with a fill opening in the second bag layer. Air from an inflation pin flows into each cross air flow passage and through the fill opening to inflate the bag cavity. Inflation of the bag cavity causes the two air flow sealing lines to seal the cross air fill passage and prevent deflation of the bag cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: IVEX Protective Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry C. Gess
  • Patent number: 8459913
    Abstract: A method and system of securing cargo for preventing access to cargo during transportation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises a security net adapted for covering the cargo, the net comprising a panel with a periphery. The panel is made from a net with holes of sufficiently small size to prevent objects from readily being inserted therethrough without causing a tear thereto. The periphery contains a plurality of openings. The system also comprises a plurality of security locks adapted for locking onto a pallet beneath the cargo and coupling onto one of the plurality of openings. Each security lock has a first identifier for identifying whether the plurality of security locks belong to a predetermined set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
    Inventors: Hanson How Sin Chan, Sai Ho Simon Leung
  • Patent number: 8419329
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately three hundred and twenty four ends an approximately four hundred and eighty four filaments and each filament comprises one or more polyester monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately between fifteen point nine and twenty point seven grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 8408852
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of ends of filaments each filament comprises a plurality of one or more monofilament strands wherein the layer of reinforcement material has a break strength of between approximately three million two hundred forty three thousand one hundred and sixty nine grams and two million four hundred ninety four thousand seven hundred forty five grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 8403607
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately two hundred and fifteen to two hundred and seventy nine ends of reinforcing material and each end of reinforcement material comprises approximately four hundred and eighty four filaments of reinforcement material and each filament comprises one or more monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately twenty four grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 8403609
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement filaments each have a break strength of approximately fifteen point nine (15.9 grams to approximately twenty point seven (20.7) grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 8403608
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately three hundred twenty four ends of reinforcing material and each end of reinforcement material comprises approximately three hundred and twenty one to four hundred and seventeen filaments of reinforcement material and each filament comprises one or more monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately twenty four grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Patent number: 8398343
    Abstract: The present invention is a cargo restraint system for protecting a barrel-contained cargo in a cargo vehicle space during transportation. In one example, the cargo vehicle may contain two sets of stacked barrels with each set having three vertical levels of barrels. In a first embodiment of the invention, the cargo restraint system includes at least one crush cushion placed at either a front end or a back end of the barrel-contained cargo. The crush cushion provides at least five contact points against each barrel and the contact points are arranged along three levels of crush zones. An end-wall system is placed adjacent to the crush cushion. At least one angle member with a plurality of strap separation slots is coupled to the end-wall system. Each strap is threaded through the strap separation slots and is anchored to the cargo vehicle to securely hold the barrel-contained cargo to the crush cushion and the end wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sunrise Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Henley, Lori Funk
  • Publication number: 20130064620
    Abstract: A safety net assembly for selectively blocking and exposing an opening in a cargo container having a wall assembly bounding a storage space. A flexible net is selectively placed in: i) a first state wherein the net spans a substantial height and width of an access opening; and ii) a second state wherein the opening is further exposed. In the first state, the net has a first length between spaced first and second locations that spans a width portion of the opening along a horizontal line at a first height. The net is extensible to allow the first location on the net to be lowered while maintaining the second location on the net at the first height so that the line between the first and second locations is angled from horizontal and has a second length between the first and second locations that is greater than the first length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders, Jerry Squyres
  • Patent number: 8360700
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cargo net comprising a plurality of interconnected straps arranged in a lattice structure wherein that the straps comprise ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) multifilament yarns, the UHMWPE yarns having a tenacity of at least 1.9 N/tex. In one embodiment, the cargo net according to the invention is a cargo net to anchor loads onto pallets. In another embodiment, the cargo net according to the invention is a barrier cargo net for restraining cargo or other objects from entering a secure or off limits area. IR visibility of the cargo net was measured for the two infrared ranges of 3-5 ?m and 8-12 ?m where most of the detectors of the thermal imaging devices function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventor: Dietrich D. Wienke
  • Patent number: 8297895
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air cargo net; that is to a net that is applied to restrain cargo that has been placed on a pallet and to prevent shifting of the cargo in an aircraft during transport, which net comprises a plurality of ropes made from polymer fibers, which ropes are joined at intervals to form meshes, the net having a central part and a plurality of lobes projecting there from, the peripheral meshes of each lobe being formed by a border rope, each border rope having a plurality of attachment fittings that are connected to the border rope by replaceable connecting ropes. The invention also relates to a method of connecting an attachment fitting to a rope of an air cargo net with an auxiliary connecting rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Dietrich S. Wienke, Christiaan H. P. Dirks
  • Patent number: 8287216
    Abstract: A harness assembly for restraining freight having a relatively high center of gravity comprises first and second junction rings, and four tensile members. Two of the four members form a bifurcated harness when connected to the junction rings. The third and fourth tensile members each have a ring end and an anchor end. The ring ends are connected to the junction rings. The bifurcated harness, having a top-contacting member and a side-contacting member, respectively contacts a top end and a side portion of positioned freight. The anchor ends anchor the third and fourth tensile members to a support structure such as a railcar floor. The third and fourth tensile members thereby diagonally direct tension into the bifurcated harness relative to the support structure so as to force the top end of the freight toward the support structure and the side portion of the freight toward the anchor ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventor: John W Frett
  • Patent number: 8277156
    Abstract: A cover for securing a load in an environment includes a sheet; a strap having a length that is extendable, and that includes a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion; a first coupler attached to the strap's first end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's first end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; a second coupler attached to the strap's second end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's second end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; and a fastener operable to fasten the strap's first end portion to the sheet. When the sheet is used to secure and/or cover a load the first coupler is disposed between the fastener and the strap's middle portion. By having the first coupler located between the fastener and the strap's middle portion, one can both secure the load with the strap and secure the cover 10 to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Load Control Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Kinley
  • Patent number: 8192118
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a stowable storage net and a vehicle with a stowable storage net. The storage net comprises a storage area having a front, a back and two sides, the front and back being pivotally connected at one end. Elements are included for providing a predetermined amount of longitudinal elasticity to the storage area. The storage net comprises elements for removably attaching the storage area to a desired surface of the cargo area. The storage net further comprises a storage pouch forming the bottom of the storage net, the two sides of the storage net pivotally mounted proximally to the ends of the storage pouch and configured to fold into the storage pouch, allowing the associated net to fall easily and neatly into the pouch. The storage pouch can further comprise a zipper or other type of closure. Methods and vehicles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Exco Automotive Solutions L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher Zahorec, Brian Bateman
  • Patent number: 8128327
    Abstract: An adjustable bulkhead is disclosed. The adjustable bulkhead includes a compressible section that may be compressed in order to change the height or width of the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Fred Jevaney
  • Patent number: 8025468
    Abstract: A metal coil securing device is disclosed including a coil cover adapted to encompass a metal coil and a plurality of tie down straps affixed to the coil cover, with each tie down secured along a portion of its length to the coil cover such that each tie down has two free ends extending outward from the periphery of the coil cover. In one embodiment, the tie down straps are secured to a circular coil cover to intersect at an approximate center of the coil cover and extend radially outward therefrom. A method of securing a metal coil to a transport trailer is also disclosed generally including associating and securing the coil cover with the metal coil, loading the metal coil with the secured coil cover onto the transport trailer, and using the free ends of the tie down straps to secure the metal coil to the transport trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Sever
  • Patent number: 7950884
    Abstract: A load restraining apparatus includes a retractable fabric membrane for retaining items in position inside a semi-trailer or shipping container. A membrane carrier is removably fastened to one interior wall of the trailer and a spring-biased retractable membrane is pulled across the width of the trailer and fastened to the other interior wall. A tensioning device tensions the membrane thereby securing the cargo during shipment and preventing shifting inside the shipping container or trailer. The fore and aft adjustability and the vertical adjustability of the load restraining apparatus permit it to effectively restrain cargo of diverse size and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Fred Thompson
  • Patent number: 7942618
    Abstract: A cargo pallet cover and net assembly includes a cargo cover attached to a cargo net. The cargo net is attached to upper and lower side regions of the cargo cover so that the cargo cover and net assembly may be placed over a cargo load in one step. The cargo net is optionally attached at or near the lowermost side regions of the cargo cover so that the cargo cover is substantially prevented from obstructing attachment of the cargo net to a pallet on which the cargo load is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Satco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Looker