Panel Patents (Class 410/118)
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Publication number: 20030129039Abstract: A load restraining device that provides a system in which straps extending from one side of a web strap arrangement initially run parallel to the wall to which they are connected, as opposed to extending perpendicular to the wall as in the prior art. The anchor itself is a horizontal wall member running longitudinally along the wall of the railcar or trailer. An adjustable anchor is used to permit moving the attachment point several inches to allow for load variations. The attachment of the web strap arrangement is normally 14″ to 18″ behind the face of the load. Unlike previous systems, this provision of anchor points behind the load effectively “encapsulates” the load rather than merely providing a bulkhead effect. Ratchets provided as part of one of the wall anchor arrangements allow the web straps to be tightened into final position, imparting a restraining force to the load and preventing the load from shifting during transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: Holland CompanyInventors: Mark Y. Zhan, Stuart H. Thomson
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Patent number: 6557926Abstract: A flexible planar structure unit is provided as load-space securing element, the unit being arranged extended in a protective position in the vicinity of the moveable rear-section arrangement in such a way that loads which are located in the load space, or at least a person who is located on a seat arrangement facing counter to the direction of travel in the load space is protected with points of attachment to the vehicle bodywork being provided for securing the planar structure unit in the extended protective position.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Werner Bacher, Manfred Deubert, Konrad Eipper, Zoltan Körmendy, Klaus Riehle, Martin Steiner
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Patent number: 6554339Abstract: A barrier net for motor vehicles of the type having a forward passenger compartment and cargo area behind the passenger compartment. The barrier net comprises a netting member adapted to restrain stowage within the cargo area from entering the passenger compartment. A mechanism is provided for removably attaching both the netting member top to the cargo area and the netting member bottom to the cargo area. The barrier net further comprises a mechanism for rendering the netting member taut.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Polytech Netting, L.P.Inventor: Donal Moore
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Patent number: 6543975Abstract: A foot assembly for use in adjusting the height of a truck bed divider. The foot assembly includes a body securable to a bottom rail of the truck bed divider that engages the bottom wall of the truck bed to assist in securing the divider within the truck bed. In order to adjust the height of the divider to accommodate truck beds including side walls of various heights, the foot assembly also includes one or more extensions that are releasably securable to the body of the foot assembly. The extensions serve to increase the overall height of the foot assembly so that the divider can be used with truck beds having higher side walls. The foot assembly and extensions are both formed of a resilient material that enables the foot assembly and/or extensions to frictionally engage the bottom wall of the truck bed to aid in securely positioning the divider within the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Loading Zone, LLCInventor: Guy C. Kopperud
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Patent number: 6503037Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Holland CompanyInventors: Stuart H. Thomson, Mark Y. Zhan
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Patent number: 6461090Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining barrier assembly (10, 10″) for restraining cargo (90) in a cargo space (25) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″) that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (25) and at least one barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) that includes a barrier support structure, such as a rotatable axle or spindle (140) and barrier housing (100), in which a flexible barrier member (130, 130′, 130″) is stored in a rolled up condition. When not deployed to retain cargo, the barrier device (60, 60′, 60″) is storable in a barrier storage cavity (50, 50′, 50″) in the bed liner. During use, the barrier housing (100, 100′) is pivoted up into the cargo space (25) and the barrier member (130, 130′) is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to wrap around or encircle a portion of a piece of cargo (90) in the cargo space (30).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventors: Michael W. Faber, Michael P. Podkomorka
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Patent number: 6460912Abstract: A load restraining barrier for use in a motor vehicle, suspended between the passenger compartment and the trunk compartment. The barrier includes a barrier body having a front, a back, a top, a bottom, and two sides, the front facing the trunk compartment, the back facing the passenger compartment, the top adjacent the package tray, the bottom adjacent the vehicle's bottom wall, and the two sides adjacent the vehicle's two side walls. A substantially horizontal reinforcing member extends between the two sides and is located at or below a midpoint between the top and the bottom. The barrier body is attached to the vehicle's package tray, and is releasably attached to at least one of the bottom wall and the side walls. When the barrier is installed at the trunk forward end, cargo in the trunk compartment is restrained from entering the passenger compartment under predetermined frontal crash conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Polytech Netting, L.P.Inventors: Donal Moore, Brian Bateman
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Patent number: 6454501Abstract: A cargo securing system for securing and organizing cargo being carried by a vehicle. The cargo securing system includes at least one divider chain assembly and at least one anchor chain assembly. The anchor chain assembly is mountable on one of the spaced walls. The divider chain assembly is removably couplable to the anchor chain assembly. In an embodiment each of the chain assemblies includes a chain comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of intermediate members alternately linked together.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventor: Neil Parker
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Patent number: 6439633Abstract: A luggage holding apparatus for a vehicle having a luggage room, a rear floor panel constituting the luggage room and a rear quarter panel constituting the luggage room includes a square opening formed on the rear floor panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a plurality of rectangular floor boards inlaid into the opening, whose respective long sides length is equal to a length of one side of the opening and whose summation of respective short sides length is equal to the length of the one side of the opening, a band-shaped luggage holding member for holding luggage in the luggage room, a retractor secured to at least one of the floor boards, capable of winding the luggage holding member therein for accommodation, at least one hook provided on at least either of the rear quarter panel and the rear floor panel and a hooking means provided at an end of the luggage holding member for hooking the luggage holding member to the hook.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shuichi Nemoto
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Patent number: 6435786Abstract: A cargo barrier net for an aircraft includes a central ring. A plurality of radially projecting webs include a radially inner end that is connected to the central ring. A radially outer end is connected to the airframe. The first circumferential web is connected to a first set of mid-portions of the radially projecting webs. A first set of mid-portions is located radially outside of the central ring. A second circumferential web is located radially outside of the first circumferential web. The second circumferential web is connected to a second set of mid-portions of the radially projecting webs. The second set of mid-portions is located radially outside of the first set of mid-portions. A third circumferential web is located radially outside of the second circumferential web. The third circumferential web is connected to a third set of mid-portions of the radially projecting webs. The third set of mid-portions is located radially outside of the second set of mid-portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David A. Breckel, Timothy R. Schwartz, Bernhard Dopker, John W. Startup, James Homewood
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Publication number: 20020096900Abstract: A barrier net for motor vehicles of the type having a forward passenger compartment and cargo area behind the passenger compartment. The barrier net comprises a netting member adapted to restrain stowage within the cargo area from entering the passenger compartment. A mechanism is provided for removably attaching both the netting member top to the cargo area and the netting member bottom to the cargo area. The barrier net further comprises a mechanism for rendering the netting member taut.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Donal Moore
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Patent number: 6419432Abstract: A net for securing objects has a central ring, a rope, fixing elements and hooking elements. The rope is arranged to form several shaped loops each having an inner pointed end portion passes through the central ring. Other parts of the rope are arranged to cross intermediate portions of the shaped loops, approaching the central ring. The fixing elements are fastened to the pointed end portions, and intersections of all parts of the rope. The hooking elements are fastened to the outermost parts of the net for permitting the net to be tied to rack to secure objects on the rack.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: An-Chuan Chou
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Patent number: 6419433Abstract: A securing net for luggage has a fine net, a main net and hooking elements. The fine net is disposed in the middle. The main net is made of a rope having a first part arranged to from several spaced apart shaped loops each having an inner end portion connected to an outer part of the fine net; the rope having a second part arranged across intermediate portions of the shaped loops, approaching the fine net with fixing elements coupled to intersections of the rope. The hooking elements are coupled to an outer part of the main net for connecting the securing net to a luggage rack. The securing net can secure small objects on the luggage rack of a station wagon by means of the fine net.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: An-Chuan Chou
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Patent number: 6406232Abstract: A retractable cargo cover arrangement (10) for the interior of the cargo hold (200) of a freight carrier wherein the cover arrangement (10) includes a generally elongated rectangular cover member (20) fabricated from a sheet of waterproof material (21) and having an upper end affixed to, and wrapped around, a spring loaded retraction cylinder (22) and a lower end affixed to an elongated dowel (24) in a window shade fashion; wherein, the arrangement further includes a first pair of brackets (30), (40) for suspending the upper portion of the cover member (20) in the upper portion of the cargo hold (200) and a second pair of brackets (60) (70) for releasably engaging the lower portion of the cover member (20) in the lower portion of the cargo hold (200) to prevent water damage to the cargo (100) contained within the cargo hold (200).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventors: Earl D. Snitker, Mary Lou Snitker
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Patent number: 6402446Abstract: A lading tie anchor system for railway box cars which uses lading ties comprising straps of woven webbing with a hook on one end in place of lading ties in the form of one-time useable steel strapping. The new system makes use of the lading tie anchors already installed in many box cars as well as those installed in newly built box cars. In addition to the novel lading ties a slack take-up and tension buckle is used to join the otherwise free or unanchored ends of each pair of lading ties. Preferably the buckles have a handle-crankable ratchet on one end to which the unanchored end of one of the installed ties is adjustably attached while the unanchored end of the other lading tie is threaded over a pair of take-up rollers mounted on the opposite end of the buckle in such a way that this second lading tie can be manually drawn taut. Thereafter the ratchet is operated to remove any remaining slack in the lading ties and then apply the desired tension thereon.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Ireco, Inc.Inventors: Rudolph E. Nadherny, Mark Kampf
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Patent number: 6345944Abstract: The development relates to a cargo net for a two-passenger vehicle that is designed to create a barrier between the vehicle's cargo boot and the passenger seating section. The net has a solid fabric edging with a mesh central portion. Fasteners secure the net to one wall of the boot; attachment devices secured to a flexible cord hold the net upright behind the passenger seats of the vehicle. An alternative embodiment of the cargo net includes a pocket that can extend essentially the entire length of the cargo net, allowing the user to store smaller articles within the pocket rather than in the cargo boot.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: Steven Florence
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Patent number: 6302465Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining gate assembly (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″) for restraining cargo (100) in a cargo space (30) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″)that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (30) and at least one gate member (60, 60′, 60″, 60′″) that may be flexible or rigid. When not deployed to retain cargo, the gate member (60, 60′, 60″, 60′″) is storable in a gate storage cavity (70, 70′, 70″, 70′″)in the bed liner. In one embodiment, a flexible gate member (60) is rolled about an axle (110) and stored in a cavity (70) in the bed liner (20). During use, an end member (50) of the flexible gate member is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to close a side of the cargo space (30), preferably the rear of aft end (31) of the storage space.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventors: Michael W. Faber, Michael P. Podkomorka
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Patent number: 6234733Abstract: A foldable cargo-retaining device used to limit the movement of articles in the trunk space of an automobile formed using a plurality of panels pivotably joined together to form various shapes with no top or bottom panel. Hook and loop fastener, or similar fastening means, is lined on the bottom edge of the panels for attaching the device to the carpet of an automobile, thereby restricting movement of the device. Articles then can be secured inside of the device to ensure limited immobility of said articles. The panels preferably are constructed from one piece of material with fold lines to produce connecting panels with one corner seam having hook and loop fastener or similar fastening means attached thereto, this allowing the closed device to be disconnected at the seam and opened up into one of many different shaped configurations for attachment to the bottom and side walls of an automobile trunk or cargo area. When not in use, the rectangle can be folded into a compact unit for storage.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Warren A. Parr
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Patent number: 6217268Abstract: A fastening net for use on a luggage rack of a car has a rope, several fixing elements, hooking elements and a central fixing element. The rope is firstly arranged to have a first “8”, the first “8” being formed diagonally across a predetermined square defining the dimension of the net. Then, a second, a third and a fourth “8”s are formed in a similar way, constituting the major part of the net. The rest of the rope is arranged across the intermediate portions of the “8”s, approaching the center of the net. The fixing elements are each coupled to a respective one of the intersections of all parts of the rope. The hooking elements are fixed to the part of the rope constituting the edge of the net. The central fixing element is connected to the middle portions of all the “8”s for locating the sections of the rope from the center.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: An-Chuan Chou
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Patent number: 6183177Abstract: Apparatus for securing cargo in the cargo compartment of vehicles is disclosed including a retracting device mounted in the cargo compartment, a flexible band retractably attached to the retracting device so that it can be withdrawn and retracted thereinto, an elongated bar fixed to the flexible band, and at least one recess disposed in the cargo compartment so that the elongated bar can be releasably locked in the recess for securing the cargo with the flexible band in the cargo compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: AB VolvoInventor: Nils Dahlgren
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Patent number: 6152664Abstract: A cargo restraining apparatus includes a cargo net, a plurality of buckles, and a plurality of anchor straps. The cargo net is formed of a plurality of intersecting woven webs and is preferably rectangular with two nonintersecting, free ends of webs at each corner. Each of the buckles include a C-bar to which two nonintersecting, free ends of the cargo net are attached. An anchor strap having an anchor end and a free end is fed through the buckle and used to apply tension to the two nonintersecting, free ends when the anchor end is connected to an anchor and the free end is pulled in a direction generally toward the anchor. Each buckle also includes a release tab for releasing tension applied to the two nonintersecting, free ends. Each buckle is preferable fabricated from a single piece of molded plastic with no moving parts. The apparatus is particularly well suited for use in securing cargo in the bed of a pick-up truck.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventors: Robert W. Dew, Steven P. Dew
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Patent number: 6099222Abstract: A net type cargo restraining system for motor vehicles of the type having a cargo floor with a front area, and a hinged exterior door which opens from outside the vehicle to provide access to the cargo floor. The restraining system comprises a net member having a length, the net member being detachably connected between a first point proximate the front area of the cargo floor and a second point on the door, whereby the net member is raised and lowered with the door to provide access to the cargo floor for loading and unloading purposes and to capture cargo on the floor when the door is closed. The restraining system further comprises a mechanism for varying the length of the net member between the first point and the second point while maintaining significant tension in the net member, thereby to accommodate cargo of varying size. A further embodiment comprises a load retention net comprising a netting member adapted to restrain stowage within the cargo area from entering the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Polytech Netting, L.P.Inventor: Donal Moore
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Patent number: 6039521Abstract: An improved device for attaching tailgate enclosures to a pickup truck. The device comprises attachment posts installed adjacent to the opposing interior sidewalls of a pickup truck. Each post has an upper cylinder, received telescopically into a lower cylinder and biased upward by a helical spring. Semi-rigid, textured plates are disposed at either end of the posts. Looped members are disposed on the cylinders, providing an attachment means for a net-type or other alternative tailgate enclosure. The posts are installed between the upper sidewall lip and the floor of the pickup bed at either side of the bed, being held in place by the force exerted on the upper plate by the helical spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: William T. Sullivan
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Patent number: 6030160Abstract: A net type cargo storage system is for use within a motor vehicle having a trunk, a trunk opening periphery being formed from sheet metal, and a trunk seal extending thereabout. The storage system comprises an automotive storage net member having an in-use length, opposed upper side areas, a storage area for receiving cargo, and a mounting member disposed on each of the upper side areas. Two clips each comprise a body having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed in a U-shape mounted over the trunk opening periphery sheet metal and beneath the trunk seal. A mechanism is disposed on the body for lockingly engaging the clip to the trunk opening. An attachment member is disposed on the body second end and within the trunk, the attachment member being matingly and releasably engageable with the net member mounting member. The two clips are opposedly spaced at a distance accommodating mounting of the storage net member at its in-use length.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Polytech Netting, L.P.Inventor: Donal Moore
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Patent number: 6017174Abstract: A cargo retaining device is disclosed for use in conjunction with the cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a truck or trailer. The cargo retaining device includes a net formed by crisscrossing strands of a nonelastic material and the net has a shape which corresponds to the shape of the cargo bed. An elongated cord extends around the outer perimeter of the net and this rope has a cross-sectional area substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the strands. An elongated cinch rope is interweaved through the strands such that the cinch rope is parallel to and adjacent the cord. The cinch rope is optionally secured to the cord at one point and the cinch rope is utilized to secure the net to the vehicle and provide height adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Inventors: Douglas J. Ross, Kenneth J. Ross
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Patent number: 6004084Abstract: A load-securing arrangement for a loading space of a motor vehicle, in particular of a station wagon. During normal travel, a restraining device is accommodated, in a not-in-use position, in the region of at least one loading-space boundary wall and assumes a position in which it does not restrict the loading space. The restraining device is connected to an actuable displacement device which can be activated via a signal of a crash sensor and, once activated, displaces the restraining device into a use position, in which any load is kept away from a passenger compartment. This load-securing arrangement functions automatically and may preferably be designed in the manner of a restraining barrier with belts and/or air bags.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Volkswagen, AGInventor: Carsten Moker
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Patent number: 5971319Abstract: A system and method is provided for rapidly reconfiguring a jet aircraft from a cargo or passenger configuration into a parabolic flight configuration. In the parabolic flight configuration, a zero-gravity condition is created in the aircraft cabin to simulate a weightless atmosphere which can be provided as entertainment to paying customers. Various aspects of the invention include a hydraulic system design change which prevents loss of hydraulic function during a zero-gravity condition and a strap-down accelerometer which provides a visual indication of the parabolic flight condition. Additional interior modifications include removable padding areas, a dual-purpose interior gill liner, modified oxygen systems, handrail attachment fixtures, modified emergency lighting systems, and a palletized floor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Zero-Gravity CorporationInventors: Bryon K. Lichtenberg, Peter H. Diamandis, Raymond J. Cronise, Michael L. Mahaffey
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Patent number: 5924611Abstract: A trunk net for a vehicle has a first net area for holding luggage on a floor, and a second net area for holding the luggage between the net and an upright panel, and anchor members for holding the trunk net in a luggage compartment are distributed in the compartment so as to set the trunk net in various manners. At least one of the anchor members has a net holder for holding the net and a base which supports the net holder on a vehicle body panel and which further serves as a fastener for fastening an interior trim member to the vehicle body panel. This trunk net structure makes it possible to set the net in various manners, and facilitates the fixing of the interior trim members to the vehicle body panels.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1996Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyuki Mizuno
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Patent number: 5915652Abstract: A cargo barrier net installation for a cargo airplane is connected to the floor and fuselage shell of the aircraft. The cargo barrier net installation includes a pair of C-shaped beams that secure the horizontal net straps to the fuselage. The C-shaped beams have a primary portion that is secured to an existing fitting of cargo planes to attempt to eliminate unrestrained movement of the beam assemblies, which movement can cause damage to the aircraft structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: McDonnell Douglas CorporationInventors: Frank Caldwell, Richard G. Diamante, Karlton Okamoto, Todd Ruckert
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Patent number: 5876167Abstract: A cargo restraint or net is formed of black longitudinal stringers 8, 9, yellow lateral stringers 10, 11 and a pair of yellow loops 12, 13 fastened to the stringers. Each end of the stringers has an adjustable jam cleat-type hook 18 thereon. Various net configurations are shown.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Keeper CorporationInventor: Ricky W. Selby
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Patent number: 5865580Abstract: A device for constraining cargo in a vehicle, the device having expandability, flexibility and portability. The extendibility embodies adjustments in barrier length to a short length for storage of the cargo barrier and adjustments in barrier length to fit the requirements of the cargo configuration. The flexibility embodies both horizontal and vertical deviations from a straight line configuration of the cargo barrier as a device to adapt to the cargo and cargo storage area configuration. The portability embodies a device for rapid deployment and removal of the cargo barrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: Carl E Lawrence
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Patent number: 5848864Abstract: A cargo restraint or net is formed of black longitudinal stringers 8, 9, yellow lateral stringers 10, 11 and a pair of yellow loops 12, 13 fastened to the stringers. Each end of the stringers has an adjustable jam cleat-type hook 18 thereon. Various net configurations are shown.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Keeper CorporationInventor: Ricky W. Selby
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Patent number: 5839757Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device for combination vehicles for separating a passenger compartment having seats from a cargo space situated behind it, which, for this purpose, has a safety net which spans a free area above the seating backrest to the vehicle roof and is mounted by way of an upper and a lower transverse tube in the vehicle. For meeting standards concerning the strength of the protection device and for the universal usability in combination vehicles, the upper transverse tube is the upper frame part of an approximately trapezoidal frame whose lower frame part, which is in parallel thereto, viewed in the driving direction, rests behind the safety net loosely against it. In the area of the lower frame part, the frame is held by means of fastening elements on the roof frame at a distance from the vehicle roof which is smaller than the frame height.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Eberhard Hennig von Lange, Georgios Tsilchorozidis
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Patent number: 5833413Abstract: A packing and loading system, for securing cargo and articles placed in a vehicular compartment, comprising an inflatable bladder element having a top side and a bottom side, and a front end and a rear end. The inflatable bladder element is configured to fit within a vehicular compartment. A valve is positioned on the top side of the inflatable bladder element. The valve permits air under pressure to be supplied to, or released from, the inflatable bladder element, whereby the inflatable bladder element is inflated or deflated. A portable air pressure control system for controlling the air pressure within the inflatable bladder element is operably coupled to an air source and to the inflatable bladder element. A web element comprised of a plurality of straps attached to each other to form a lattice is secured to the inflatable bladder element by a plurality of fasteners. The web element having a plurality of end locks, one end lock is secured to each of a selected group of straps.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Cynthia CorneliusInventor: Wanda Cornelius
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Patent number: 5772371Abstract: A cargo net includes a plurality of interconnected strands defining a border wherein a plurality of tensioning fittings are mounted and wherein each fitting is formed with a closed ring-like portion having at least one integral prong projecting inwardly of the ring. Constrictions on the prong and ring cooperate to retain a selected strand of the net in position over the prong. A closed eyelet opposite the prong receives another strand of the net.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Bridport-Gundry plcInventor: David Ackerman
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Patent number: 5772370Abstract: A net type cargo restraining system for motor vehicles of the type having a cargo floor with a front area, and a hinged exterior door which opens from outside the vehicle to provide access to the cargo floor. The restraining system comprises a net member having a length, the net member being detachably connected between a first point proximate the front area of the cargo floor and a second point on the door, whereby the net member is raised and lowered with the door to provide access to the cargo floor for loading and unloading purposes and to capture cargo on the floor when the door is closed. The restraining system further comprises a mechanism for varying the length of the net member between the first point and the second point while maintaining significant tension in the net member, thereby to accommodate cargo of varying size.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1995Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Donal Moore
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Patent number: 5716176Abstract: A cargo net for retaining a load in a container. A cargo net (12) comprises a plurality of hexagonal-shaped cells (44) formed by knitting or weaving strands (40) together along opposite adjacent sides (42) of adjoining cells. Since the strands are joined by knitting or weaving along the common sides of each cell, use of knots to form the mesh of the net by tying strands is avoided. The hexagonal shape of the net, and the nautilus construction used in forming the net contribute to its characteristic elasticity, which enables the cargo net to conform to irregular shapes and sizes of objects comprising the load. The cargo net is thus ideal for containing and securing a load in a bed (26) of a pickup truck (10). A binding strip (28) surrounds the perimeter of the cargo net, distributing any stress applied when securing the net around the perimeter of the bed or other container with which it is used.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Pacific Rim Supplies, Ltd.Inventor: Ronald A. Anderson
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Patent number: 5632520Abstract: A motor vehicle having a passenger compartment provided with pair of passenger seats and a luggage compartment behind the seats and having a floor has a cargo-restraining apparatus provided with a support defining a horizontal pivot axis at the floor in the luggage compartment immediately behind the seats. A rigid panel has an inner edge pivoted at the pivot axis on the support and an outer edge and has oppositely directed faces extending between the edges. The panel is movable between an erect position in which it is substantially vertical with its outer edge level with upper ends of the seats and a recumbent position lying on the floor with one of its faces directed upward and forming a cargo-support surface in the luggage compartment. An elongated housing on the panel normally contains a flexible retaining sheet that is extensible from the housing to restrain cargo in the luggage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KGInventor: Peter Butz
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Patent number: 5458447Abstract: A restraining device for the vehicular transportation of cargo comprised of weather resistant straps attached to each other to form a lattice webbing which when coupled with adjustable self locking buckles and flat hooks, can be utilized with most vehicles to restrain cargo of various sizes and shapes.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: R. L. Clason, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Clason
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Patent number: 5452973Abstract: A truck bed cargo net wherein a perimeter web secures a mesh web therewithin, and the mesh web extends only between the side portions of the perimeter web to define openings between the mesh web and the first and second ends of the perimeter web to permit cargo to project therethrough minimizing damage to the mesh web. Strap and tether lines are arranged to extend from the perimeter web for securing the perimeter web within a truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Inventor: Adrian H. Arvin
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Patent number: 5437474Abstract: The safety net is adapted to be mounted in a motor vehicle such as a stationwagon, van or the like, to separate a passenger compartment in the motor vehicle from a cargo compartment and prevent injury to passengers in the passenger compartment upon abrupt deceleration of the vehicle, for example due to a frontal collision or the like, by preventing flying objects such as suitcases (9) from reaching the passenger compartment. To prevent tearing of the net if the body of the vehicle is deformed so that the net, stretched between the roof and the backseat or bottom of the cargo compartment, is excessively stressed, the net is formed with a tear prevention arrangement which includes a net size expansion compensation arrangement (17) in the form of a fold, for example a zig-zag fold, seamed into the net and held in position by a frangible, stitched seam line (31, 34), which can tear upon substantial stresses placed on the net.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Baumeister + Ostler GmbH & Co.Inventor: Eduard Ament
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Patent number: 5427486Abstract: An adjustable barrier device for securing a partial load in a load-carrying area of a vehicle has a rectangular panel of compressible material and at least two spaced, upper and lower elongate members of adjustable length extending across the width of the panel and attached to it. Each elongate member has feet for gripping engagement with opposite side walls of a load-carrying area when the elongate member is adjusted in length to fit across the area.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventor: Gerald D. Green
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Patent number: 5348433Abstract: A fastener which including a probe having a shaft portion and a head to which is attachable a flexible strap, a receptacle affixable to a panel having a hole therethrough, and a spring for locking the probe in place when the probe is inserted into the hole. Upon insertion of the probe into or rotation of the probe in the hole of receptacle, the spring permits further insertion or withdrawal of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1992Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Skytainer Services, Inc.Inventor: Peter Watson
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Patent number: 5322350Abstract: A dumping type vehicle having a body which is semicircular in cross section and wherein the body is provided with a plurality of removable floor units each of which spans the body in spaced relationship to its upper and lower portions and each of which is moveable individually from a loading end forwardly of the body with cargo placed thereon by way of a mechanical loading system.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Solite CorporationInventor: Teddy P. Hinson
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Patent number: 5207260Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable restraint system for confining articles within a desired space in a storage compartment such as an automobile trunk. One embodiment of the restraint system includes at least two posts positioned within the storage compartment and a piece of fabric secured to one of the posts for defining the storage space. The system further includes a fastener for maintaining the fabric in a taut condition and thereby preventing movement of the articles within the storage compartment. The posts are preferably adjustable in height so that the system of the present invention may be used in different dimensioned storage compartments. In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple posts and multiple pieces of fabric are used to form multiple article storage spaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1991Date of Patent: May 4, 1993Inventor: Domenic V. Commesso
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Patent number: 5186587Abstract: A barrier set replaces the metal bulkhead between the passenger and trunk compartments of an automobile. The barrier net comprises flexible, substantially inelastic webbing. The webbing is formed of a plurality of vertical, spaced straps and a plurality of horizontal, spaced straps traversing the vertical straps. The vertical strap is secured to the horizontal strap at each point where the two straps cross. The barrier net is attached in place between the passenger and trunk compartment. A variation of the barrier net includes an enlarged aperture formed in the webbing, the webbing aperture being situated such that it coincides with a selectively open space extending between the passenger and trunk compartments, with the space being adapted to receive oversized items extending from the trunk compartment into the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1992Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: Polytech Netting Industries, L.P.Inventor: Donal Moore
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Patent number: 5114288Abstract: Road transport vehicle for securing and transporting large plates of glass. The road transport vehicle transports the plates, such as glass, in a large load space located between the rear axles of the vehicle. The road transport vehicle supports the plates such that they are inclined against a pair of interior brace walls and supported from beneath by a frame. The plates are secured with a pair of transport braces which are hydraulically actuated through a parallel crank gear which maintains the transport braces in a parallel relation to the plates throughout the full range of the transport braces, regardless of the aggregate thickness of the plates. The securing force imparted by the transport braces is in a generally downward direction and toward the inclined plane of the plates so as to accommodate various sizes and thicknesses of plates. A buffer is employed to avoid damage to the plates by better distributing the securing force.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1990Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Fahrzeugbau Langendorf GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Heinrich Langendorf, Reinhard Olfers
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Patent number: 5090856Abstract: A barrier net replaces the metal bulkhead between the passenger and trunk compartments of an automobile. The barrier net comprises flexible, substantially inelastic webbing. The webbing is formed of a plurality of vertical, spaced straps and a plurality of horizontal, spaced straps traversing the vertical straps. The vertical strap is secured to the horizontal strap at each point where the two straps cross. The barrier net is attached in place between the passenger and trunk compartment. A variation of the barrier net includes an enlarged aperture formed in the webbing, the webbing aperture being situated such that it coincides with a selectively open space extending between the passenger and trunk compartments, with the space being adapted to receive oversized items extending from the trunk compartment into the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1990Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Polytech Netting Industries, L.P.Inventor: Donal Moore
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Patent number: 5040934Abstract: A cargo retaining device as disclosed for use in conjunction with the cargo bed of a vehicle such as the cargo bed of a pickup truck. The cargo retaining device includes a net formed by crisscrossing strands of non-elastic material and having a shape substantially the same as the shape of the cargo bed. An elongated cord extends around the outer perimeter of the net and the cord has a cross-sectional area substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the strands. The cord is attached to the vehicle so that the net overlies and covers the cargo bed of the vehicle as well as any cargo contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Inventor: Kenneth J. Ross
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Patent number: 5028087Abstract: A portable thermal barrier is disclosed for thermally dividing an enclosure. In a preferred form, the barrier includes a flexible thermal sheet formed by two separable sheet forms that may be folded and stored in a holder such as a bag. The sheet forms may be laid out and releasably joined along inside edges to span the enclosure. Outer foldable flaps of the sheet forms are adjustably positionable adjacent wall surfaces of the enclosure to adjust for varying size enclosures. Opposed top and bottom flap sections fold over onto the sheet, such that outward folded surfaces are selectively positioned adjacent top and bottom wall surfaces of the enclosure. Pockets along side flap sections of the sheet forms receive opposed foot plates of extensible load locks. The load locks are manually extendible to secure the thermal sheet in place against the walls of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1989Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Inventor: James R. Ells