Abstract: A cargo restraint panel may include a foam component. That foam component may have at least one polymer foam sheet. A front face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a front face of the foam component. A rear face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a rear face of the foam component. The cargo restraint panel may include one or more edge guards. Cargo may be secured in a railcar or other conveyance by, e.g., placing cargo restraint panels between cargo units.

Abstract: A ball ramp plate assembly includes a first ball ramp plate and a second ball ramp plate coaxially aligned so that first and second ball pockets are opposed with rolling elements disposed in the opposing first and second ball pockets. A plug extends through the first ball ramp plate and the second ball ramp plate and engages both ball ramp plates to maintain the first ball ramp plate and the second ball ramp plate against displacement with respect to each other.

Abstract: A roof-mountable retractable cargo securing system for cargo positioned in an open bed of a pick-up truck, the system may include two roof-mountable base tubes interconnected with a connecting plate so that longitudinal axes of the base tubes are separated by a distance that exceeds a width of the cargo to be secured. Securing members concentric with and slidably engaged with the base tubes may be selectively enclosed within the base tubes or partially extended from the base tubes to positions at sides of the cargo to be secured. Contact arms may be pivotally coupled to ends of the securing members and rotationally positionable to interconnect the securing members with the cargo to be secured.

Abstract: Self-powered apparatus are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion. The front chassis portion is to be coupled to the rear chassis portion. The front chassis portion is substantially the same as the rear chassis portion. When the front and rear chassis portions are coupled, the front chassis portion includes a first end of the apparatus and the rear chassis portion includes a second end of the apparatus.

Abstract: An elongate beam assembly for supporting cargo is provided. The beam assembly includes an elongate beam extending between first and second ends, the beam comprising a bottom wall with a downward facing surface and extending across a bottom width. A top wall includes an upwardly facing surface and extends across a top width between right and left edges and opposite right and left side walls extend between the bottom and top walls. The bottom width is smaller than the top width. Each of the right and left edges of the top wall define respective right and left side surfaces. Right and left ribs extend from a bottom edge of each respective right and left side surface to the respective right and left side wall.

Abstract: An adaptor for cargo control systems is provided that can adjust to accommodate length, width, and height variances between parallel tracks in a cargo control system. The adaptor includes a crossbar, first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms, and first and second width adjusting mechanisms. The first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms are affixed to first and second ends of the crossbar, and the first and second width adjusting mechanisms are affixed to the crossbar along the length of the crossbar.

Abstract: An adaptor for cargo control systems is provided that can adjust to accommodate length, width, and height variances between parallel tracks in a cargo control system. The adaptor includes a crossbar, first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms, and first and second width adjusting mechanisms. The first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms are affixed to first and second ends of the crossbar, and the first and second width adjusting mechanisms are affixed to the crossbar along the length of the crossbar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing cargo within a transport container. First and second tubular elements are provided having generally cylindrical bodies and bearing members at a terminal end which can react against opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize cargo within the container. An extension mechanism allows for the extension and selective translation between the first and second tubular members allowing the apparatus to extend and fill the space between opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize the cargo. A method for stabilizing cargo within a transport container includes providing an extensible load stabilizer having first and second tubular elements, each having a bearing member, positioning the load stabilizer between opposing surfaces within the transport container, and extending the tubular members with respect to each other, and stabilizing a surface of cargo against an opposing surface.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the car to form packs. These packs are spaced longitudinally one from another on the car. Spacing blocks are configured to go within the longitudinally extending spaces. These spacing blocks include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates. One set of blocks extending between the parallel plates is arranged in juxtaposition with the bed of the railcar to receive strapping for retention.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A method and appartus for stabilizing cargo within a transport container is presented. First and second tubular elements are provided having generally cylindrical bodies and bases at a terminal end which can react against opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize cargo within the container. An extension mechanism allows for the extension and selective translation between the first and second tubular members allowing the apparatus to extend and fill the space between opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize the cargo. A method for stabilizing cargo within a transport container includes providing an extensible load stabilizer having first and second tubular elements, each having a base, positioning the load stabilizer between opposing surfaces within the transport container, and extending the tubular members with respect to each other, and stabilizing a surface of cargo against an opposing surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing cargo within a transport container. First and second tubular elements are provided having generally cylindrical bodies and bearing members at a terminal end which can react against opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize cargo within the container. An extension mechanism allows for the extension and selective translation between the first and second tubular members allowing the apparatus to extend and fill the space between opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize the cargo. A method for stabilizing cargo within a transport container includes providing an extensible load stabilizer having first and second tubular elements, each having a bearing member, positioning the load stabilizer between opposing surfaces within the transport container, and extending the tubular members with respect to each other, and stabilizing a surface of cargo against an opposing surface.

Abstract: A vehicular trailer for transporting cylindrical objects such as metal coils. The trailer includes front and rear deck portions and a middle deck portion positioned lower than and between the front and rear portions. Two or more chocks are pivotably secured to the trailer. The movable chocks and one or more straps secure a coil loaded on the middle deck portion for transport.

Abstract: A cargo retainer device and method adapted for mounting within a cargo container having an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor. The cargo retainer device is adapted to be interposed between cargo in the container and either the end wall, sidewall, or the floor to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit. The cargo container includes a first extension member, a second extension member perpendicularly oriented to the first extension member, and screw threads to facilitate an increase in the first and second extension member lengths to contact against the respective container walls and floor. A lockable element secures the screw threads on the first extension member to restrict theft of the cargo retainer device from the container and addition of a cargo divider assembly can further prevent cargo movement.

Abstract: A cargo retainer device and method adapted for mounting within a cargo container having an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor. The cargo retainer device is adapted to be interposed between cargo in the container and either the end wall, sidewall, or the floor to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit. The cargo container includes a first extension member, a second extension member perpendicularly oriented to the first extension member, and screw threads to facilitate an increase in the first and second extension member lengths to contact against the respective container walls and floor. A lockable element secures the screw threads on the first extension member to restrict theft of the cargo retainer device from the container and addition of a cargo divider assembly can further prevent cargo movement.

Abstract: A system including apparatus and methods for compressively retaining cargo to a vehicular surface may, upon adjustment, frictionally engage the underside of the upper lip of a truck bed sidewall and transmit a compressive force to a cargo retention element positioned substantially above vehicular cargo. A vertical compression force enhancement element, which may be the same as an adjustable vertical compression force transfer element, may be a threaded rod and threadably mated nut system. The invention also discloses an extendable vertical compression force base element to fit differently sized truck beds, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.

Abstract: A cargo hold system is for use in motor vehicles. The system comprises a molded floor mat configured to fit in a defined area of the vehicle, e.g. a back cargo area. The molded floor mat is made from a carpet which has looped fibers extending from its surface. The system also includes at least one rigid retention member having at least two linear legs connected at substantially right angles. The retention member further has an upstanding vertical wall and a substantially flat bottom wall. The bottom wall has adhered to it hook-type fasteners. In use, the hook-type fasteners on the rigid retention member interact with the looped fibers of the molded floor mat to create a rearrangeable system to hold in place a variety of different shaped and sized articles.

Abstract: An improved load securing bar for the transport industry includes telescoping tubes, the position of which can be adjusted relative to each other to control the length of the load securing bar for different size environments and different loads. The load securing bar preferably includes both a rough adjustment mechanism for relatively long length adjustments and a fine adjustment mechanism for more precise length adjustments. The fine adjustment mechanism includes a gear and rack assembly which are housed within the telescoping tubes.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo retention bar assembly for securing cargo within a cargo hold. The assembly includes a rigid beam having a rod inserted through the beam. The rod is movably adjustable with respect to the beam and is provided with a surface for contacting and securing the cargo. The assembly also provides a stop to prevent the rod from moving once the surface is positioned against the cargo.

Abstract: Cargo lock blocks are slidably mounted on a cargo restraining bar and have two oppositely directed cargo engaging surfaces, one arcuate and the other with two surface portions at right angles, for selective engagement with a complimentary cargo surface. The lock blocks can be used with cargo of different configurations.

Abstract: A securing device (10) for cargo (12) in a utility vehicle (13), such as a pickup truck (14), a trailer truck (16) and the like, of the type having a cargo carrying compartment (18) defined by a floor (20) and opposite side walls (22). The securing device (10) comprises a cross rail (24). An assembly (26) is for rigidly holding the cross rail (24) laterally between the side walls (22) of the cargo carrying compartment (18) in the utility vehicle (13). An assembly (28) on the cross rail (24) is for engaging the cargo (12) within the cargo carrying compartment (18), so as to retain the cargo (12) in a selected position upon the floor (20), to prevent longitudinal and lateral movement of the cargo (12).

Abstract: A load securing device is used with a support bar to secure a load, for example, in a truck trailer. The load securing device includes a load abutting member that abuts against a side of the load. A mounting member is coupled to the load abutting member for removably and adjustably mounting to the support bar. The mounting member includes an open region for receiving the support bar and having a notch on a bottom portion thereof for engaging the support bar. A spring member is coupled to the mounting member proximate the open region and is biased against the support rod when the support rod is received in the open region. The spring member includes a support bar receiving region for receiving the support bar opposite the notch in the bottom portion of the open region. The load abutting member is preferably angled with respect to the mounting member such that the spring member and the mounting member provide a self-locking mechanism.

Abstract: A load retainer for use in the void of a cargo container to resist shifting of the cargo in transit has a symmetrical load bearing surface to evenly distribute the force delivered by the cargo. In a first presently preferred embodiment, the load retainer comprises a pair of panels which are coupled together to form an H-shaped device. The panels remain parallel to each other in an expanded load retaining configuration, a collapsed storage configuration and all positions therebetween. A second presently preferred embodiment has a symmetric rectilinear network shaped configuration and includes locking tabs to releasably secure the device in that configuration and resist lateral forces in either direction.

Abstract: In a void filler wherein the members are connected and coupled by means of a complementary slot, the slot is reinforced by sandwiching a reinforcing strip between the laminations of the void filler members so as to surround the area of the slot and prevent the member from folding and collapsing in this area. One or more reinforcing strips can be sandwiched between the laminations or sheets making up the void filler member with the grain of the reinforcing strip positioned perpendicular to the parallel flutes of the corrugated material forming the laminated sheets. The reinforcing strip can vary in size from surrounding the immediate area of the slot itself to having the same size as the laminated sheets. An embossed groove can be provided which is slightly larger then the reinforcement strip so that the thickness of the reinforcing strip will be absorbed between the laminations to prevent added thickness in the void filler member.

Abstract: A safety cushion provided by folding a tread portion of a discarded tire back onto itself. Fasteners can be employed for maintaining the tread portion in the folded position. The safety cushion can be placed between and underneath shipping crates, underneath hold-down straps for the shipping crates, or contained in conventional cylindrical containers employed as road abutments. A plurality of safety cushions can be contained in a holding frame assembly, or interconnected by a cable network to provide an impact device. A plurality of the impact devices can be positioned at the end of a guard rail, or connected end to end to provide an impact-absorbing retaining wall.

Abstract: Pickup truck bed organizer apparatus includes a layer of flat belting material in which a plurality of panels is defined by a plurality of cuts. Each panel extends between the sides of the material and is pivotable from a down position to an up position. The panels are under tension in their up position due to the inherent properties of the material and return to their down position as part of the layer material when goods which are against them are removed. The panels are pivoted to divide the cargo or bed area of the truck into any of a plurality of separate compartments for organizing goods or cargo or for holding the cargo in any or all of the various compartments.

Abstract: A void filler including a casing with opposed vertical side walls and opposed face walls. The casing confines an expandable and collapsible core formed of centrally folded strips with the opposed ends of each strip secured to the opposed side walls. The strips are formed in two facing groups, each of a general chevron pattern with the strips collapsing entirely within the casing upon an inward movement of the opposed side walls into parallel overlying engagement, the strips folding between the side walls and defining a minimal layering of panels between the side walls.

Abstract: A system for shipping product on a vehicle comprising a series of rectangular containment elements surrounding a plurality of products thus together constituting a plurality of units with a T-shaped support positioned between each of the containment elements and thus stabilizing the units and preventing sidewise shifting.

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: A load stabilizing unit for mounting on the inner surface of a side wall of a vehicle or trailer. The stabilizing unit includes one or more side panels with each panel having a bracing device for releasably holding the panel against a load to be stabilized. In a preferred embodiment, the bracing device is a fluid piston and cylinder assembly located between the panel and the vehicle side wall. In another embodiment, a manual bracing can be used to hold a stabilizing panel in place in engagement with cargo items. The manual bracing includes a turnbuckle which can be adjustably connected to a panel so that the turnbuckle will have the proper length to hold the movable panel in its cargo stabilizing position at all times.

Abstract: Cabinet units (26,28) are installed in a cargo container (2) and fully integrated into the container structure to enable them to withstand transportation forces. Each cabinet unit (26,28) includes a lower cabinet (26) and an attached upper cabinet (28). The units (26,28) are arranged in opposite rows along the container sidewalls (4). Adjacent units (26,28) are attached to each other. Each unit (26,28) is attached to an angle anchor beam (58) secured to the container floor (16) and to rails (88) secured to the container sidewalls (4). The frontmost units (26,28) abut the container front wall (10). Acceleration forces are transmitted from the cabinets (26,28) through a header (14) positioned above the container door (12) to the container structure. The rearmost upper cabinet (28) of each row has secured thereto a cabinet support member (116) which rotatably carries a screw (130).

Abstract: Retractable bulkheads for railroad flat cars which are normally in a vertical position spaced from one another on a railroad flat car for providing end to end supports for items stored on the flat cars is disclosed. The bulkheads are retractable to a folded or substantially parallel position with respect to the bed of the flat car when the flat car is empty to eliminate drag on the bulkheads when the flat car is in motion.

Abstract: A load spacer is disclosed having an improved support system allowing the spacer to stand between containers or articles of freight in a railway boxcar or other freight shipping vehicle or container and between the load and the walls of the shipping vehicle to prevent shifting of the load. The load spacer is an expandable-collapsible honeycomb structure and includes spaced elongated, rigid supporting members which extend through the structure from top to bottom. The ends of the rigid supporting members bear against the top and bottom strips of the structure to support the structure in an expanded condition and to prevent its collapse in a vertical direction when in place. The load spacer is particularly adapted for use at the ends and along the sides of the shipping vehicle.