Abstract: A partition in the form of a device for intercepting and retaining of cargo in a cargo hold is mounted between the cargo hold and a passenger cabin. The wall structure itself has a first group of energy absorbers extending horizontally between two wall sections. The mounting structure for the retaining wall includes a second group of energy absorbing elements. The shock absorbing elements of the second group are arranged in pairs so that two elements of a pair extend in parallel to each other. The two elements of the pair are journalled at one end to a mounting block by a first cross-wise extending journal pin or shaft. The journal pin passes through the mounting block which in turn is adjustably secured to a support rail. The other ends of the energy absorbing elements of a pair are interconnected by a second journal shaft which in turn holds a mounting claw.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for vehicles is disclosed. The cargo restraining devices includes a mechanism secured to a vehicle surface to enable selectable positioning of the cargo restraint system. Also, a member for restraining cargo on the vehicle surface is associated with the selectable positioning mechanism secured to the vehicle surface. The restraining member is movable from a first position, substantially parallel with and adjacent to the vehicle surface, to a second operable position. In the operable second position, the restraining member is substantially orthogonal to the vehicle surface.

Abstract: An expandable void filler which includes a plurality of expandable hollow, elongated, box-like tubes which can be stacked one on the other and joined together along their common surfaces. Separate interface panels can be sandwiched between the individual tubular members to provide additional lateral compressive strength. The individual tubes are held in the expanded position by individual folding panels which extend inwardly across the interior opening within and have sufficient size to wedge against the opposite sidewall as well as the top and bottom of the structure. These panels alternate from one side of the tube to the other and are staggered so as to not be vertically aligned between the stacked tubular members. A flange member can be attached to the uppermost tube to support the void filler in proper position between the cargo loaded within a transporting vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-pilferage device is attached to the car body of a railroad flatcar of the type for carrying containers. The device has a mounting plate attached to the car frame at a point adjacent the doors of a container loaded on the car. A barrier is tiltably supported on the mounting plate in a manner which permits free movement if the barrier is bumped during loading of a container. The barrier is movable between a raised, operative position and a lowered, retracted position. A spring biases the barrier to the operative position, wherein it is in the path of a swinging container door to prevent it from being opened. In the retracted position the barrier is below the level of the container floor. A plurality of anti-pilferage devices may be mounted on the car to accommodate containers of various lengths. The barriers are automatically movable between the retracted position and operative position without the need for manual actuation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a truck bed liner for a vehicle cargo bed including a liner floor and four support members which are formed from the liner floor and protrude upward from the liner floor. Two pairs of support members are positioned such that a restraining member may be placed between the right support members and the left support members. The restraining member is held in place by the support members and therefore compartmentalizes the cargo area and provides a mechanism to restrict or inhibit the movement of small or oddly shaped items within the cargo bed without reducing the width of the interior cargo area.

Abstract: An enclosure for installation about the load carrying area of a truck with the enclosure includes removable corner posts for inserted engagement with truck structure. Enclosure side and end rails extend between the corner posts and are adapted for removable, rested engagement with the corner posts to permit convenient installation and removal of the rails. Multiple rows of sockets on each corner post receive pins carried at and offset from the ends of each rail member. The pins are horizontally adjustable relative to the rail member to facilitate socket engagement. A modified form of the enclosure includes corner post fittings of right angular shape each apertured for purposes of corner post attachment. Sockets on the post fittings receive the pins of rail carried fittings to enable part installation on the corner post in a detachable manner.

Abstract: A load securing system for securing loads in a trailer or van, whether the load is centered in the nose of the trailer or held in the rear of the trailer. The load securing system includes a longitudinal member, a friction jack adjustably secured at one end, and H-bars on a plate pivotally mounted on the other end. An extension member can engage with the longitudinal member for securing a load in a center position. In an alternative embodiment, at least one friction jack can be utilized and more than one pivotally mounted H-bar plate can be utilized along the length of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: An adjustable guide for a railway well car has a fixed guide for centering containers of a wide standard width during loading, and a retractable guide associated with and placed below the fixed guide for centering and positioning of containers of a narrower standard width. The positioning of the guides one below the other provides a stepped guide arrangement for incrementally guiding the container as it enters the well of the car.

Abstract: A cargo stabilizing device has a channel member with studs extending from one wall to engage keyhole-shaped holes spaced a certain distance apart in a support. A movable member can slide in the channel member and has teeth that can be engaged by a panel on the channel member to lock the movable member in any of the more closely spaced positions defined by the spacing between the teeth. The movable member has a further adjustable member with a surface that engages the cargo to hold it in place. The adjustable member can be moved to any position within a range at least as long as the distance between the teeth on the movable means. Selection of the holes into which to engage the studs, and selection of a specific tooth, and setting the adjustable member allows the surface of the latter to be placed at any point in the entire range of positions possible within the locations available in the entire set of holes in the support.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing objects within the trunk of a vehicle, in particular of an automobile, comprises a plate (100 ) which is intended to be placed on the floor of the trunk, the plate (100) being provided with uniformly spaced holes (101) and a series of pegs which are intended to be inserted vertically in the holes for clamping the objects. The plate (100) is provided with cavities (102) molded in this latter and shaped so as to receive unused pegs in the flat position.

Abstract: A movable bulkhead for a cargo carrying container includes a fixed panel and one or move movable panels. The movable panels are movable between a first position in which they are coplanar with the fixed panel so as to define a maximum cargo volume within the container, and a second position in which the movable panels are spaced from the fixed panel to thereby reduce the cargo volume within the container. Load bars are adapted for engagement with the side walls of the container for bracing the movable panels against movement when such panels are in their second position, and are adapted for storage behind the movable panels when such panels are in their first position and the load bars are not in use.

Abstract: An intermodal caged flatbed for use with large sea and land freight containers which snugly fit within such containers, preferably in end-to-end relation and wherein full length doors are provided on either side thereof for quick access for load/unload operations and rollable members facilitate positioning and use. In so doing, turnaround time and labor costs in loading and unloading freight containers are held to a minimum while efficient cargo handling is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for bracing and cushioning the impact of movable massive loads during sudden deceleration of a transport vehicle, such as created during humping of railway cars. Resilient elastomeric pads separate adjacent objects of the load with the thickness and density of the elastomeric material chosen to dampen typical impact forces without damage to the objects. The resilent pads are preferably formed with at least one face contoured to envelope the side of an object. Three types of resilient pads are disclosed for use in transporting massive sheet metal coils with one pad adapted for particular use at endwalls, another pad for use between coils, and yet another pad for use between mid-row coils and doorway dunnage.

Abstract: A releasable cargo anti-skid block for gripping the cargo bed of a vehicle comprises a rigid body having a cargo engageable upstanding side and a cargo bed engageable bottom. The bottom and upstanding side join at a corner edge. Gripping apparatus on the bottom of the body extends lengthwise along the bottom. The gripping apparatus are fixed with respect to the body for forcibly but releasably gripping the surface of the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A space divider for partitioning a surface and for restraining items located thereon against movement including a block of foam rubber covered by a rubber coating and the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener for securing the space divider to a fibrous mat located on a floor of an automobile trunk. The space divider may be of any shape and the loop portion of a hoop and loop fastener may be affixed to the top of the space divider to provide the ability to stack a plurality of dividers like building blocks around an item to be secured against movement within the trunk.

Abstract: A cargo holding device (A,C) is disclosed for holding cargo in a vehicle bed (12) of a pick-up truck (14). Longitudinal side rails (16) carry the cargo holding device to position the device in the desired longitudinal position along the vehicle bed. The cargo holding device may include an articulated cargo holder (B) having a plurality of segmented cargo braces (26,28,30). The segmented cargo braces may be adjusted and set in a number of pivoted positions relative to each other to assume an angular orientation for holding cargo against movement in two directions. An adjustable index bar (54) may engage a number of index grooves (58) to lock each of a number of locking joints (53). The cargo holding device may also be provided in the form of a brace bar (84) pivoted at the end of a vertical leg (72) which may be adjusted in its vertical and transverse position relative to the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device for a palletized load including a platform with a pallet crosstie reception slot for receiving a pallet with a load of cargo thereon, and a vertical frame at one end of the platform. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame and connected to a horizontally extending member which is movable to place it in frictional contact with a floor or supporting surface. To lock the pallet and platform to the floor, the handle is pushed downwardly while at the same time pushing the vertical frame toward the load. Movement of the handle which pivots about a hinge pivotally connected to the frame, moves the horizontally-extending member into contact with the supporting surface and at the same time lifts and tilts the platform, which adds an augmented downward force on the horizontally-extending member in contact with the supporting surface.

Abstract: A structure for unitizing loads including a pair of gates disposed at opposite ends of the load where each of the gates have a plurality of vertically spaced openings at their upper ends. A strap is looped around the gates to unitize a load therebetween, and the strap is extended through a selected one of the openings on each gate so as to extend substantially along the top of the load. A method is also disclosed for unitizing a load wherein a trailer is loaded with gates positioned at opposite ends of the load and straps looped around the gates, said straps extending along the floor on one leg of the loop and along the top of the load along the opposite leg of the loop. The invention also contemplates load bracing structure with a gate having a load engaging face and an oppositely facing mounting face.

Abstract: A system for stacking two similar sized containers on a low level, flat car or trailer of a predetermined size is provided. The containers include fittings at all their corners to receive locking devices. Angular members include locking devices and are dimensioned to overlap two adjacent fittings only of the stacked containers with the twist locking devices locking the angular members to the corner fittings of the top or bottom container to restrict movements between the containers.

Abstract: A frame structure for a tank container comprises two end frames 10 and two side protection assemblies mounted between corner support elements 11 of the end frames 10. Each side protection assembly is formed by a bottom longitudinal beam 21 and a fender beam 22 disposed above the bottom beam 21 and connected thereto by a plurality of vertical struts 24. Each side protection assembly is detachably connected to the respective pair of vertical corner support elements 11 so that it may be removed, dressed or replaced by a new assembly and again mounted in place in case it has become damaged. Fixation of the side protection assemblies to the corner support elements 11 is done by means of triangular fixing members 30 welded to the corner support elements 11. Each fixing member 30 includes a horizontally extending support arm 31 which extends parallel to and backs end portions of the bottom horizontal beams 21 which are thus available for engagement by container handling devices.

Abstract: A knock-down support system for standard-sized containers which enables the containers to be automatically handled on rails, hangers or the like for routing, loading and unloading onto trucks.

Abstract: An improved rail lock for the meat transportation industry has a pair of legs which extend below the rail. The inner surface of one of the legs is substantially flush against a side of the rail. A first clamping means is carried by the other leg and bears against the other side of the rail, thereby exerting a force tending to spread the legs apart. A second clamping means is carried by the one leg, just below the rail, and exerts a counterforce tending to bring the legs together. As a result, the rail lock is rigidly retained on the rail and will not vibrate loose during transportation, thereby solving a vexatious problem in the meat industry.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device for a palletized load including a platform for receiving a pallet with a load of cargo thereon, and a vertical frame at one end of the platform. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame and connected to a horizontally-extending member which is movable to place it in frictional contact with a floor or supporting surface. When the pallet is placed on the platform, it can be locked in place by a serrated member which engages a cross-tie of the pallet. To lock the pallet and platform to the floor, the handle is pushed downwardly while at the same time pushing the frame toward the load. Movement of the handle, which pivots about a hinge pivotally connected to the frame, moves the horizontally-extending member into contact with the supporting surface and at the same time lifts and tilts the platform, which adds an augmented downward force on the horizontally-extending member in contact with the supporting surface.

Abstract: This plywood safety bar device serves to confine and hold plywood sheets during the loading and unloading of a semi-trailer, or other vehicle. Primarily, it consists of a mounting plate, having a sleeve secured to it. It further includes a retaining bar, which is telescopingly received within the sleeve, and is adjustably locked in place to hold the sheets against movement, also during the motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extendible and contractible bulkhead for a trailer is provided to accommodate high density loads and low density loads requiring more storage space. The bulkhead includes a plurality of spaced diagonal braces for receiving load forces and for transmitting them to the main structure of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an anchor for cargo carts wherein transported carts are restrained against movement within a cargo compartment. The anchor consists of a jack type implement utilizing a screw interconnecting telescoping tubular sections wherein the anchor includes a fitting attachable to permanently installed cargo control track within the cargo compartment. The anchor is formed of economically producible components, and is readily attached to, or removed from, the track by orienting the telescoping sections in a predetermined manner to the track.

Abstract: A cargo supporting device, preferably a partition-like member, is constructed for insertion in the interior of a cargo transporting container, such as a truck freight car, or marine cargo carrier, to support the cargo during movement of the container. The partition or bulkhead is constructed of any suitable stiff material and has positioned upon it a pair of foot assemblies at opposite edges disposed to frictionally engage opposite inner walls of the container. One of these foot assemblies includes an adjustable mechanism disposed to move a wall engaging bearing element or pad automatically against the container walls, to apply an increased bearing force to such walls, and to lock the foot assembly, and consequently lock the cargo support device, in a fixed position inside the container against the cargo.

Abstract: Improved embodiments of a blank for a dunnage plug which fills gaps between cargo and a side wall of a vessel or vehicle in which the cargo or lading is transported include a single sheet, preferably of corrugated cardboard, having cuts or slits, slots, perforations and bends positioned thereon for allowing portions of the sheet to be folded into a plurality of channels which intersect perpendicularly and interlock in a plurality of half cross-lap-joints to provide an extremely inexpensive structure having a designated thickness and being capable of withstanding substantial loads in compression without failure. Since the improved dunnage plug blank of the invention is assembled and disassembled without separation of the sheet into more than one piece, there is no tendency for portions of the dunnage plug to become lost at any time. Further, if the dunnage plug is disassembled it folds back into a single flat sheet for efficient storage.

Abstract: A cargo restraining apparatus is disclosed which is designed to confine and restrain a load during shipment in a transport vehicle, and which comprises a rectangular panel, and a continuous flexible loading strap mounted in a figure eight pattern on one side of the panel. A tie strap is mounted at each of the four corners of the panel for securing the panel to an adjacent anchoring structure in the transport vehicle, and a belt and buckle arrangement is provided for drawing the ends of the strap together to thereby adjust its length. When operatively positioned against one end of the load, the panel acts to spread the contact pressure over a relatively large area, and the loading strap serves to reinforce and support the panel.

Abstract: A vertical bulkhead is constructed for insertion in the interior of a cargo transporting vessel such as a truck, freight car, or marine cargo carrier to support the cargo during movement of the vessel. The bulkhead is constructed of any suitable stiff material and has positioned upon it a pair of pads or bearing elements at opposite edges disposed to frictionally engage opposite inner walls of the vessel. One of these pads is mounted on an adjustable mechanism disposed to move the pad horizontally and to lock it and consequently lock the bulkhead in a fixed position inside the vessel against the cargo.

Abstract: A load spacer is disclosed for filling the void between containers or articles in a railway boxcar or other freight shipping vehicle or container and the sides thereof to prevent shifting of the load. The load spacer is an expandable, collapsible honeycomb structure which includes a generally planar suspension member laminated to the top of the honeycomb structure. The suspension member includes side portions extending laterally beyond either side of the honeycomb structure and is provided with a score line permitting one side portion to be bent to a position generally perpendicular to the top surface of the suspension member. This side portion includes a pair of flaps which are bendable inwardly over the top surface of the suspension member to prevent the one side portion from being bent beyond the perpendicular. In use, the other side portion rests on the top of the article of freight while the side portion bent into the perpendicular relationship lies against the vertical side wall of the container.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a removable constrainer for shipping containers whereby the holds of bulk carriers can be rapidly converted to container carriers by use of a bridge means inserted in between the ends of containers and having chocks mounted on the bridge to constrain lateral movement of the containers with respect to the bridge, the bridge being removably mounted on opposite walls of the hold of the vessel in which it is employed.

Abstract: A cargo stabilizing system for preventing shifting of cargo during transport in a carrier vehicle, the system including a channeled cargo-supporting floor, and a snubbing device releasably engaging the floor channels and projecting upwardly to block movement of the cargo. The snubbing device includes a snubbing block and a manually actuatable latching subassembly by which the snubbing block is selectively locked to, or released from, the floor channels. In a preferred form, the snubbing device includes cooperating wedge elements, a handle and an actuator bolt connected between one wedge element and the handle to move the wedge elements relative to each other in a channel locking and releasing movement.

Abstract: A deck assembly for a vehicle freight container, e.g., a highway trailer, comprising a series of panels which extend across the container and rest on side rails to provide a second floor for lading spaced above the main floor of the container, the panels being hinged to opposed side walls of the container in a manner to permit storage against the side walls above the side rails. The panels are pivoted at two corners, one pivot being a universal joint and the other being detachable from the side wall to permit the panels to be rotated about both a vertical and a horizontal axis for moving them from stored to operative position and vice versa.

Abstract: A carton supporting platform mounted on a vehicle for rotative movement about a vertically extending axis. Rigid side walls are provided on two opposite sides of the platform and are movable between an upright position and an outwardly diverging retracted position. In the upright position the side walls retain parallelepiped produce cartons placed on the platform in a unitized entity during transportation of the same. In order to unload the unitized entity from the carton supporting platform without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity, the platform is pivoted 90.degree. to permit access by a fork lift truck from the side of the vehicle and the side walls are pivoted outward to release the unitized entity. Mechanism for locking the rotative position of the platform and for moving the side walls is provided. Also provided is a method for effecting formation of the unitized entity and for transporting the same without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity.

Abstract: A free standing cargo spacer which is adapted to be assembled in situ from a honeycomb body and an initially flat panel. The honeycomb body is shipped collapsed and is expanded during assembly. The panel is bent during assembly to extend partially around the expanded honeycomb, and is interengaged therewith by means of interfittable tabs and slots to support and maintain the expanded form of the honeycomb and hold the panel in bent form.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brace for less than full load cargo in trucks, vans or other vehicles. It effectively prevents the cargo from shifting around in the vehicles, while at the same time it is easily removable and readily collapsible into a relatively small package for easy carrying and storage. Longitudinal side rails and lateral arms are extensible via a ratchet mechanism to fit any size cargo area. Similarly, the height of the brace is adjustable by varying the length of the legs which bear upon the cargo area floor. The use of legs to support the cargo brace eliminates the need for any springs in the side rails and lateral arms, thereby preventing them from damaging the vehicle walls and enabling it to be easily removed. Although designed and intended specifically for use in pick-up trucks of all dimensions, the cargo brace may also be used in boats, airplanes, trains or any other cargo transporting device.

Abstract: A cargo bed having an indeterminate number of upright stanchions mounted reon to engage side surfaces of cargo components supported on the bed surface. Each stanchion includes a laterally-extending finger that registers with a slot in the bed wall. By rotating the stanchion about its axis it is possible to orient the finger crosswise of the slot, thereby locking the stanchion to the bed. The stanchion may be removed by twisting the stanchion to a position in which the finger registers with the slot.

Abstract: A chock device that is releasably connected to a railway freight car floor supported apertured bar which forms a part of a transporter and includes a lock head that is insertable into a complimentary hole in the bar and can be rotated to a locked position after which the lock head is raised upwardly through a camming arrangement so as to maintain the chock device in firm engagement with the bar.

Abstract: A railcar for shipping loose or individual glass sheets includes moveable deck runners each having a moveable stanchion having a surface for supporting the sheets in a generally vertical position with the major surface of the sheets generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the railcar. The railcar is loaded and/or unloaded from one side. The glass sheets are protected from the weather during shipping and storing by a telescoping fiber glass cover.