Rigid Members Retainer, E.g., Wraparound Type Patents (Class 410/120)
  • Patent number: 11377019
    Abstract: The apparatus includes metal elongate plates shaped to be received through open ends of the aluminum extruded side walls found on munition containers. The extruded side walls provide excellent side support and overall rigidity to the containers. Each of the elongate plates has an end with an upper slot through which a chain Can slide, therein providing lateral support from a trailer's side rail to the load. Each of the elongate plates has a pronged end with a pair of prongs that projects further outward. The apparatus, in combination with conventional tractor trailer truck gear, functions to provide lateral and longitudinal support to a stack of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert J. Van Schaack, Matthew A. Boyer, William M. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10954920
    Abstract: Transport frame and method; the transport frame having a longitudinal, lateral and upright extent, and configured for transporting a root end or tip portion of a longitudinally extending wind turbine blade, the frame being stackable with similar frames, the frame having four top shoulders and four feet, the feet of the frame being conformed to be stackable on corresponding shoulders of another similar frame, wherein each shoulder is provided with a locating finger, each finger having a height above the shoulder, and wherein each foot is provided with a recess conformed to receive a locating finger, and wherein a first locating finger has a height greater than each of the three remaining locating fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Adrian Botwright, Michael Kastrup, Troels Vahle, Jacob Antonsen, Kristoffer Lolk Fredriksen
  • Patent number: 10829165
    Abstract: A modular truck bed support framework may feature attachment bars and support bars in a gridded relationship, with attachment bars fastening the framework to the truck bed and support bars holding the framework together. Various members may then be applied to the support bars, and possibly attachment bars, to create a customizable support framework in the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FORGED AUTHORITY LLC
    Inventor: Wesley Poole
  • Patent number: 10428800
    Abstract: A modular system for transporting wind turbine blades in at least two different spatial arrangements comprising two or more root end transport frames having a height H for supporting the root end, wherein H<D (D=bolt circle diameter), and two or more first tip end transport frames having a height H1 for supporting the blade towards the tip end, each first tip end transport frame has a base frame and a support bracket provided on top of the base frame, wherein each first tip end transport frame is stackable on top of a root end transport frame and vice versa, so the system is operable to stack successive blades in an alternating root end to tip end arrangement. The first tip end transport frame is replaceable with a second end transport frame that increase the inter-blade spacing, or with a tip end or a root end distance piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/S
    Inventor: Jacobus J Van Der Zee
  • Patent number: 10160374
    Abstract: A cargo management system for a cargo area at least partially defined between opposing sidewalls and a load floor of a vehicle includes at least one guide surface disposed proximate the load floor and a support structure adjustably connected to the at least one guide surface. The support structure includes a first post and a second post adjustable relative to the first post. A first translating member includes an upper portion pivotally connected to an upper end of the first post and a lower portion movably connected to a lower end of the second post. A second translating member includes an upper portion pivotally connected to an upper end of the second post and a lower portion movably connected to a lower end of the first post. The first and second translating members are adjustable between a first position and at least one second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jose Jonathan Salazar Loera, Miguel Borbolla Resenos, Rodolfo De La Mora Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9566892
    Abstract: A tank trailer for transporting corrosive fluids is disclosed that includes a chassis and one or more cradle supports supporting a corrosion-resistant tank. The chassis is formed from a first material that is a high-strength material. The corrosion-resistant tank has a substantially cylindrical body and a plurality of ring supports, with each such ring support surrounding and reinforcing at least a portion of the cylindrical body. The ring supports may be formed from a material that is the same as, or similar to, the first material used to form the chassis. The first material and second material are joined at interfaces between (1) the cylindrical body and the cradle supports and (2) the cylindrical body and the ring supports. The interfaces comprise a third material that is compatible with the first material and the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Heil Trailer International, Co.
    Inventors: Bryan Yielding, Brian Polgrean
  • Patent number: 9511706
    Abstract: A restraining device including a bag filled with a ballast and sealed on all sides. When filled with predetermined amount of ballast, the restraining device is flexible and conforms to the shape of a cargo and a vehicle cargo area in a horizontal and or vertical dimension. The restraining device secures cargo in a vertical dimension while creating extra friction between the cargo and a cargo bed to prevent or reduce horizontal movement of the cargo. The restraining device interacts with cargo in a solely horizontal function by wrapping it around the horizontal base perimeter of the cargo. In this case, the friction between the restraining device and the cargo bed creates a barrier for the cargo thereby preventing or reducing horizontal movement of the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Dennis, William Summers
  • Patent number: 9358996
    Abstract: A blade cart for a wind turbine blade for use during the manufacturing of such a blade is described. The cart presents an adjustable and adaptable support for the tip end of a blade after the blade is removed from the mold. The cart is rotatable, and comprises selectively actuatable and/or removable support surfaces to provided easy access to the surfaces of the molded blade for the performance of post-molding operations, e.g. blade surface grinding, coating, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/S
    Inventor: Jacobus Van Der Zee
  • Patent number: 9011054
    Abstract: A transport system for a wind turbine blade is provided. The transport system is configured for increasing a curvature of the wind turbine blade in response to an obstacle during transport of the wind turbine blade. Further, a method for transporting a wind turbine blade in order to avoid obstacles is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jens Thomsen
  • Patent number: 8985920
    Abstract: A blade holding apparatus for holding one end of a wind turbine blade during handling, which blade holding apparatus includes a support structure including an opening for accommodating one end of the wind turbine blade, a clamping arrangement arranged in the opening, which clamping arrangement is realized to exert a clamping force on the wind turbine blade, and a locking arrangement for locking the clamping arrangement relative to the support structure. A method of operating such a blade holding apparatus during a handling procedure of a wind turbine blade is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Brix Bitsch, Peter Knudsen, David Stien Pedersen, Reza Talebnasab, Jesper Uhrenholt
  • Publication number: 20140356115
    Abstract: A cargo hauling mechanism for safely transporting long materials under a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo hauling mechanism includes a support assembly suspended from the frame of the vehicle and a support assembly suspended from the hitch of the vehicle. Each assembly supports one end of the cargo and has two horizontal members that clamp against the cargo to securely hold the cargo in fixed position during transport. Long cargo is slid into the support assemblies from the back of the vehicle and the support assemblies are manually compressed with a clamp at each end of the support assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Blane Alan Krause
  • Patent number: 8858137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load device (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one elongate guide rail (3) which is formed with a slide groove (5), said guide rail (3) being arranged to receive at least one load holding element (15) which is displaceable relative to the guide rail (3) along said slide groove (5) during positioning of said load holding element (15) in a desired position, said guide rail (3) having a first slide groove portion (7) with a first direction of extension and a second slide groove portion (9) with a second direction of extension deviating from the first, said slide groove portions (7, 9) continuously merging into each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lasse Aro, Martin C. Widen
  • Patent number: 8757948
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie-down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the tie-down device is a clamp comprising a first half-clamp pivotally coupled to a second half-clamp. Each half-clamp has an inner lining for protecting the vehicle from damage, and an opening for receiving a fastener. The inner linings of each half-clamp are also sized and dimensioned to come into juxtaposing contact with one another before the half-clamp openings are completely overlapping. In this manner, the tie-down device is configured to snugly grip a vehicle member as a fastener disposed through the half-clamp openings is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bar Cuffs, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Ewles
  • Patent number: 8753050
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a transport apparatus for transporting a rotor blade of a wind power installation on a transport vehicle comprising a plurality of successively arranged and pivotably interconnected wagon elements. The transport apparatus may include a blade root carrier adapted to attach to a first wagon element for carrying the rotor blade in a region of a rotor blade root thereof on the first wagon element, a central carrier adapted to attach to a second wagon element for carrying the rotor blade in a central region thereof on the second wagon element, and a blade tip damper for making an elastic connection between a third wagon element and the rotor blade in a region of a rotor blade tip thereof for damping oscillations of the rotor blade tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Bernd Cyrus, Frank Lülker
  • Patent number: 8747038
    Abstract: A packaging clip having an end tab that aids in the quick removal of the packaging clip from an end board without damaging either the clip or the end board. The packaging clip can be placed to receive a single end board or to receive adjoining end boards. Each packaging clip is capable of gripping the end board received therein in the event that the fit is too loose. Packaging clips are used for receiving and stabilizing the placement of multiple end boards on a pallet and for the alignment of the ends boards with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: HP Products Co.
    Inventors: Mark L. Baughey, Daniel R. Baughey
  • Patent number: 8747037
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the vehicle is secured during transport. The inventive apparatus may be used to secure a variety of vehicles having at least one generally rigid, elongated member, such as handlebars or a tubular frame member, to which the device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bar Cuffs, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Ewles
  • Patent number: 8622670
    Abstract: A three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) packing system for transporting, handling and storing of aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3). The prior art does not provide for cost-effective packing systems for sets of three blades. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of packing three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) and other aspect is directed to a packing system comprising a root frame (4) and a binding frame (5), wherein the blades (1, 2, 3) are in a edgewise position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tecsis Technologia e Sistemas Avançados S.A.
    Inventor: Ismael Rodrigues Vitor
  • Patent number: 8616814
    Abstract: A trailer wall hook is provided as a single unit that includes a U-shaped hook with a rounded or square base. The U-shaped hook includes an open eye-loop and j-hook support brackets. The open eye-loop is attached to the top front of the U-shaped hook and two smaller j-hooks are attached upside down on the rear of the U-shaped hook. The j-hooks provide for mounting the trailer wall hook on a cargo control or tie-down system on the inside wall of a trailer. The trailer wall hook provides for loading and supporting linear shaped or irregular shaped freight onto the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Edward Martin, Carl Martin, Charles Martin
  • Publication number: 20130051924
    Abstract: Described are structures, such as wind turbine structures for offshore sites, comprising transport elements configured for complementary mating with engagement elements of a clamp, which allow for transporting of the structures using that clamp. Generally, the transport element is provided at an attachment region of a tower, or the like, where the tower would attach to a support, such as a jacket. There is also described apparatus for allowing for transport of a wind turbine structure, comprising a clamp. In some cases, the apparatus is also configured so as to modify the effective centre of gravity of an associated structure, and/or the effective centre of inertia of an associated structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Stewart Willis, John Giles, Paul Wilson, Alan West
  • Patent number: 8308407
    Abstract: A rack assembly for transportation of pressurized gas bottles in a vehicle has a first rack on one side and a second rack on the other side each supporting five upright bottles in a row, together with a rigid transverse brace structure connecting between an upper part of the first rack and an upper part of the second rack to hold the first and second rack members in braced position at said first and second sides. Each of the racks is formed by an inner and an outer plate member each having five part circular cut outs in the adjacent surfaces surrounded by a resilient strip for clamping the bottles side by side by an over-center latch which tightens the members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Randy A. Praud
  • Patent number: 8240962
    Abstract: An integrated shipping and alignment fixture for shipping and aligning a jointed multi-section wind turbine blade is provided. The fixture includes a first shipping fixture supporting a first end of a section of the multi-section wind turbine blade; a second shipping fixture supporting a second end of a section of the multi-section wind turbine blade; supports on the the first shipping fixture and the second shipping fixture for retaining one end of the section of the wind turbine blade; an aligning device for aligning a detached section of the multi-section wind turbine blade with a retained section of the wind turbine blade; and a clamping device for clamping a detached section with a retained section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jamie Livingston, Dirk Jan Kootstra
  • Patent number: 8235633
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the vehicle is secured during transport. The inventive apparatus may be used to secure a variety of vehicles having at least one generally rigid, elongated member, such as handlebars or a tubular frame member, to which the device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Bar Cuffs, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Ewles
  • Patent number: 8197165
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a movable element to a structure includes a support member and at least one belt retractor having a retractable belt and a fitting. The belt retractor may be fastened to a support member. The belt retractor is arranged in such a way that, if the fitting couples the structure and the movable element, the retractor prevents unrolling of the belt by more than a predefinable range if an external force, such as sudden mid-air turbulence acts on the movable element. Thus, the movable element is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hartmann, Hans-Gerhard Giesa, Thomas Rathmann-Ramlow
  • Patent number: 8172493
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to facilitate transporting and aligning a multiple piece wind turbine rotor blade including a root piece and a tip piece. The apparatus includes a first portion configured to support a first end portion of the root piece and a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion. The second portion is configured to support a first end portion of the tip piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Nicholas Joseph Tobergte
  • Publication number: 20120107066
    Abstract: Devices for securing cargo in the bed of a truck having tie-down anchors are provided. A representative device includes: a body sized and shaped to span a width of cargo to be secured in the bed of the truck, the body having a first segment and a second segment; a first attachment member connected to the first segment; and a second attachment member spaced from the first attachment member and being connected to the first segment; the first attachment member and the second attachment member being operative to be secured in position relative to first and second ones of the tie-down anchors of the truck such that the cargo is positioned between the truck bed and the body of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Askari Enterprisies, LLC.
    Inventor: Steve F. Askari
  • Patent number: 8057141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cargo support device in a vehicle, which device is provided in a load floor of a load compartment. The cargo support device comprises a frame, which is foldable between a horizontal rest position, and an operative position, angled in relation to the load floor. The load floor is provided with a recess wherein the frame is arranged in the rest position. The frame is provided with an arm, foldable to an angled position in relation to the frame, in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Nils Bernhardsson, Johan Landén, Peter Flodin
  • Patent number: 7967536
    Abstract: A transportation tooling of the type that borders the blade at its root and at an intermediate point. This tooling is used in combination with platforms placed on the transportation elements and the platforms can move transversely and turn or rotate with respect to the devices of transportation without affecting blade integrity. Also a method for blade transportation with the tip of one blade facing the tip of the adjacent blade so as to use the minimum space on the devices of transportation. The rail tooling takes into account the maximum corner radius that the train will encounter while absorbing the bending and torsion stress acting on the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.
    Inventors: Daniel A Broderick, Juan Moya Garcia, Lou M Lofranco
  • Patent number: 7918633
    Abstract: Support which absorbs the torsion to which blades are subjected during transport, comprising a set of pins (17) inserted in the floor (8) of the container (1) and to the sides of a hollow pipe (21), which connect by means of a clevis (18) to different rods (19) secured with fastening pins (20) that facilitate the lengthways and angular rotation of the unit. The first support is located at a distance “d” from the leading edge of the cradle (9), next to the platform (16) formed between the ribs (15) which run through the lower shell (14). The second support is located on the other side of the platform (16) also inserted between the aforementioned ribs (15). Both supports are inclined at an angle ? in relation to the floor (8), each forming articulated quadrilaterals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.
    Inventor: Jose Ignacio Llorente Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7866925
    Abstract: An assembly for securing cargo, the assembly incorporating a load bed having oppositely positioned paired sides; at least a first pair of arms, each arm having a proximal end and a distal end; arm attaching joints interconnecting the load bed and the proximal ends of the arms, the arm attachments oppositely positioning the arms at one of the load bed's oppositely positioned paired sides; a tie having a pair of ends; tie attaching connections interconnecting the tie's ends and the arms' distal ends so that the load bed, the arms, and the tie border a first cargo securing space; and telescoping quill and shaft combinations connected operatively to the arms, the telescoping quill and shaft combinations being adapted for alternatively distally expanding and proximally contracting the first cargo securing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Stinger, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Matlack, William L. Matlack
  • Patent number: 7862268
    Abstract: A cargo securing apparatus for holding cargo to the bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck includes a one-piece body and straps. The body has a first horizontally extending portion, a second vertically extending portion and a third angled portion. The horizontal portion extends either under or over the cargo. The vertical panel extends along the end of the cargo. Straps are used to secure the body to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Ken Dibner
  • Patent number: 7658577
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a movable element to a structure includes a support member and at least one belt retractor having a retractable belt and a fitting. The belt retractor may be fastened to a support member. The belt retractor is arranged in such a way that, if the fitting couples the structure and the movable element, the retractor prevents unrolling of the belt by more than a predefinable range if an external force, such as sudden mid-air turbulence acts on the movable element. Thus, the movable element is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hartmann, Hans-Gerhard Giesa, Thomas Rathmann-Ramlow
  • Patent number: 7614833
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing construction structure loads to a trailer for transportation which employs adjustable tubes, tie down chains, chain binders, load pads and protective flanges. The load pads being the apparatus for transferring the tie down forces to the construction structure load and trailer bed without damaging the load. The protective flanges being the apparatus for preventing the load chains from damaging the edges of the construction structure load when the load is secured. The apparatus is placed on the top of a load with the load chains secured to the trailer at a vertical angle. The chain binders being the apparatus to tighten down on the load creating greater clamping force between the load and the trailer bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Safety Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel A. Manesis
  • Publication number: 20090175700
    Abstract: A method of loading cargo includes the steps of providing a lower frame, supporting the cargo on the lower frame, positioning a plurality of vertical posts in spaced apart manner about the lower frame and exterior to the cargo, supporting an upper frame above the posts, and securing the lower frame, the posts and the upper frame around the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent W.S. Lau
  • Publication number: 20090169323
    Abstract: An integrated shipping and alignment fixture for shipping and aligning a jointed multi-section wind turbine blade is provided. The fixture includes a first shipping fixture supporting a first end of a section of the multi-section wind turbine blade; a second shipping fixture supporting a second end of a section of the multi-section wind turbine blade; supports on the the first shipping fixture and the second shipping fixture for retaining one end of the section of the wind turbine blade; an aligning device for aligning a detached section of the multi-section wind turbine blade with a retained section of the wind turbine blade; and a clamping device for clamping a detached section with a retained section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Jamie T. Livingston
  • Patent number: 7476068
    Abstract: A method of loading cargo includes the steps of providing a lower frame, supporting the cargo on the lower frame, positioning a plurality of vertical posts in spaced apart manner about the lower frame and exterior to the cargo, supporting an upper frame above the posts, and securing the lower frame, the posts and the upper frame around the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Pleasure Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Vincent W. S. Lau
  • Patent number: 7458757
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing construction structure loads to a trailer for transportation which employs adjustable tubes, tie down chains, chain binders, load pads and protective flanges. The load pads being the apparatus for transferring the tie down forces to the construction structure load and trailer bed without damaging the load. The protective flanges being the apparatus for preventing the load chains from damaging the edges of the construction structure load when the load is secured. The apparatus is placed on the top of a load with the load chains secured to the trailer at a vertical angle. The chain binders tighten the apparatus down on the load creating greater clamping force between the load and the trailer bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Safety Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel A. Manesis
  • Publication number: 20080031700
    Abstract: A cargo securing apparatus for holding cargo to the bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck includes a one-piece body and straps. The body has a first horizontally extending portion, a second vertically extending portion and a third angled portion. The horizontal portion extends either under or over the cargo. The vertical panel extends along the end of the cargo. Straps are used to secure the body to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Ken Dibner
  • Patent number: 7175201
    Abstract: A vehicle ballast system for improving the balance of a vehicle. The system is particularly well suited for use in the bed of a pickup truck but is not limited to that deployment. The system includes one or more ballast units. Each ballast unit includes a frame set and a ballast element. The frame set retains the ballast element therein. The ballast element may be one or more concrete blocks. The frame set includes an upper frame and a lower frame. The respective frames are connected together in a manner to contain the ballast element using a front retaining rod and a rear retaining rod is preferably affixable to a bracket secured to the rear of the vehicle. A tether may be removably connected between the upper frame and a securing point of the vehicle. A shock-absorbing lanyard may be employed at the rear of the system as a restraint upon sudden deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Childs, George Froehlich, William C. Childs
  • Patent number: 7156594
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus comprising a first arm defining a pair of opposing ends, each of said opposing ends attached to a restrainer; a second arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; a third arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; and a first restorer attached between said second arm and said third arm, said first restorer resisting relative motion between said second arm and said third arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Michael R. Witt, Wladyk Muzyka
  • Patent number: 7004697
    Abstract: A load handling mechanism for use with loaded tankers has two transverse attachment members associated with longitudinal beams supporting the tank structure. Cables and associated spreader bars are attached to the transverse attachment members to provide a single lift point loading means for the tanker allowing loaded tankers to be easily loaded and unloaded in to transport means such as ships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Adam Alaweih
  • Patent number: 6524042
    Abstract: A compact apparatus for securing equipment to a surface of a vehicle includes an elongate shaft slidably extending through a support member attached to the vehicle. An engagement member is formed on one end of the shaft for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle. A spring-loaded latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. The latching assembly illustratively includes an arrangement for transferring a biasing force from a spring to the shaft to bias the shaft in a condition wherein the engagement member secures the equipment in place. The latching assembly includes control lever and a cam arrangement that allows easy manual operation of the latching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Jeffrey Chasen
  • Patent number: 6511271
    Abstract: A locking clamp mechanism is designed for securing a ladder to a mounting rack that can be disposed on a roof or a side of a vehicle. The locking clamp mechanism is operative between an open and locked position in response to the position of an operating handle, which pivots from an open position over its pivot connection to a locked position. In pivoting, the handle draws a curved link over the top dead-center position of its pivot and secures a hook member that engages a rung of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin J. Saroka
  • Patent number: 6322304
    Abstract: An equipment securing apparatus for securing equipment to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes first and second support members attached to the vehicle and an elongate shaft extending between the support members and projecting outwardly beyond the vehicle body panel. An engagement member is provided for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle and a latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. Optionally, the equipment securing apparatus may be used with an open vehicle in a matter similar to the manner used with an enclosed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Jeffrey Chasen
  • Patent number: 6299396
    Abstract: An equipment securing apparatus for securing equipment to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes a support member configured for attachment to the vehicle and an elongate shaft extending through the support member and projecting outwardly beyond the vehicle body panel. An engagement member is provided for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle and a latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. The latching assembly illustratively includes an arrangement for biasing the shaft toward a condition wherein the engagement member secures the equipment in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Jeffrey Chasen
  • Patent number: 6280127
    Abstract: A shock absorber for an end of a steel or cast-iron container for the transport of spent-fuel elements is in the form of a casing with a recess receiving the end of the container and having, in turn, a stepped-pyramid element which decreases in wall thickness from the region surrounding the container end of a free end of the stepped pyramid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: GNB Gesellschaft fur Nuklearbehalter mbH
    Inventors: Harry Spilker, Bill Jones
  • Publication number: 20010007627
    Abstract: A compact apparatus for securing equipment to a surface of a vehicle includes an elongate shaft slidably extending through a support member attached to the vehicle. An engagement member is formed on one end of theshaft for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle. A spring-loaded latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. The latching assembly illustratively includes an arrangement for transferring a biasing force from a spring to the shaft to bias the shaft in a condition wherein the engagement member secures the equipment in place. The latching assembly includes control lever and a cam arrangement that allows easy manual operation of the latching assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Jeffrey Chasen
  • Patent number: 6135686
    Abstract: An equipment securing apparatus for securing equipment to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes first and second support members attached to the vehicle and an elongate shaft extending between the support members and projecting outwardly beyond the vehicle body panel. An engagement member is provided for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle and a latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. Optionally, the equipment securing apparatus may be used with an open vehicle in a matter similar to the manner used with an enclosed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Jeffery Chasen
  • Patent number: 5833412
    Abstract: A jet ski trailer locking apparatus for use with a jet ski trailer having a plurality of horizontally oriented longitudinal supports which define a platform. Also included is at least one jet ski with a seat portion. A securement mechanism is included with a horizontally oriented bar. Further provided is at least one securement pin for coupling the securement mechanism to the trailer. By this structure, the securement mechanism may be coupled to the trailer via the securement pins so as to abut the seats of the jet skis thereby precluding the theft of the jet skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: John H. Valencia, Ana S. Valencia
  • Patent number: 5593259
    Abstract: A motor scooter packaging case including a rectangular base frame having four side portions each having a first longitudinal recess open at a top, a rectangular upper frame having four side portions each having a second longitudinal recess open at a bottom, a rectangular front side frame having a lower end fitted within the first longitudinal recess of the rectangular base frame and the second longitudinal recess of the rectangular upper frame, a rectangular rear side frame having a lower end fitted within the first longitudinal recess of the rectangular base frame and the second longitudinal recess of the rectangular upper frame, a rectangular left side frame having a lower end fitted within the first longitudinal recess of the rectangular base frame and the second longitudinal recess of the rectangular upper frame, a rectangular right side frame having a lower end fitted within the first longitudinal recess of the rectangular base frame and the second longitudinal recess of the rectangular upper frame, and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Shin Yowu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui-Kuei Kuo
  • Patent number: 5443578
    Abstract: A compressed natural gas fuel tank for vehicles employing internal combustion engines. A fuel tank of heavy gauge metal is interposed within the vehicle frame as an integral portion thereof. Overlay channel members are welded or otherwise affixed to the tank and then welded or otherwise affixed to the side rails or channel members of the vehicle frame. The tank, of heavy gauge metal and non-circular cross section, is also welded or otherwise appropriately affixed to the vehicle floor. The tank is capable of receiving natural gas at high pressure levels, while also serving structurally as a frame element, providing continuity of the side rail members of the frame, while also serving to further interconnect the vehicle floor with the side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: William F. Davis, Jr.