Abstract: The invention concerns a system for distributing, delivering and collecting freight, with a number I of mobile freight stations, with I?1, each having a first interface for automatically loading freight into freight vehicles from a freight storage of the mobile freight station and for automatically unloading freight from freight vehicles into the freight storage, wherein the freight vehicles are arranged and executed for automatically loading/unloading freight via the first interface and for automatically securing/fixing freight in a storage space of the freight vehicles, the mobile freight stations each have a number ni?Ni, with i=1, . . .

Abstract: An emergency vehicle flotation system has bladder(s) attached in a compressed state on a vehicle. An inflation initiating component comprising a selected one or more of a submersion sensor attached to the vehicle to detect water pressure indicative of submersion of the vehicle and a user interface device. Selectable force gas generator(s) (SFGGs) have one gas-generating propellant cells that are individually fired. The SFGG(s) have conduit(s) that receive gas from fired gas-generating propellant cells and direct the gas to inflate the bladder(s). A controller is communicatively coupled to the inflation initiating component and the gas-generating propellant cells of the one or more SFGGs. The controller enables the emergency vehicle flotation system to receive an inflation signal from the inflation initiating component, and to fire a selected number of the more than one gas-generating propellant cells to at least partially inflate the bladder(s).

Abstract: The selectively sealable vehicle bed partition comprises a partition body comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, an opposed second end edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, a first face bounded by the top edge, bottom edge, first end edge, and second end edge, and an opposed second face bounded by the top edge, bottom edge, first end edge, and second end edge; and a selectively inflatable seal comprising an inflation chamber disposed on the partition body, the selectively inflatable seal disposed on and extending along the first end edge, bottom edge, and second end edge, the selectively inflatable seal comprising a selectively openable and closable valve that is configured to receive and retain a gas for inflation of the inflation chamber and release the gas to deflate the inflation chamber.

Abstract: An automatic multi-air bag pneumatic inflation system for a trailer is also disclosed. The inflation system includes a system control unit coupleable to an air supply for controlling the flow of pressurized air in the pneumatic inflation system. The system control unit comprises an inlet for coupling to the air supply with an on/off valve for providing a flow of air, a primary regulator in communication with the flow of air and the on/off valve, an inflation pressure tank in communication with the flow of air and the primary regulator, a control valve in communication with the inflation pressure tank and/or primary regulator, and used to control the air flow, a function selection valve for selecting between inflation and deflation, and an outlet. A plurality of fill stations are fluidly coupled to the system control unit. One or more fill stations of said plurality of fill stations are fluidly coupled to an air bag for inflation and deflation thereof.

Abstract: A system for mitigating vibration of a mass may include an elastic membrane enclosing at least one interior space and having an outer surface, where at least a bottom portion of the outer surface is coupled to a transportable supportive surface, and at least a top portion of the outer surface supports a load. The system may further include at least one port coupling the outer surface to the at least one interior space, where the port provides a source of fluid ingress into the interior space and fluid egress out of the interior space. The system may additionally include granular material distributed within the at least one interior space, where a packing density of the granular material is adjustable between a first jammed state having a first packing density of granular materials and a second jammed state having a second packing density of granular materials to accommodate different loads.

Abstract: A dunnage bag hanger apparatus includes a dunnage bag hanger and a handle mounted applicator block operative to support and affix the dunnage bag hanger. The dunnage bag hanger is fabricated from three distinct and separate parts: a generally planar support substrate and two release papers covering adhesive patches or regions on the support substrate. The support substrate in one embodiment is a sheet that is further divided into two contact members separated by a resilient coupler. Each contact member preferably has a contact body, a hanging loop distal to the resilient coupler, and an adhesive coating. The two adhesive couplings are preferably on opposite sides of the support substrate sheet.

Abstract: A plurality of self-sealing inflatable dunnage bags are formed on a continuous strip. The continuous strip includes a first bag layer, a second bag layer and an air channel layer. A bag perimeter sealing line is formed between the first and second bag layers to form a bag cavity. Two air flow sealing lines extend into the bag cavity. An air flow channel is formed between the second and air channel bag layers. One end of a cross air flow channel communications with the air flow channel and the other end communicates with a fill opening in the second bag layer. Air from an inflation pin flows into each cross air flow passage and through the fill opening to inflate the bag cavity. Inflation of the bag cavity causes the two air flow sealing lines to seal the cross air fill passage and prevent deflation of the bag cavity.

Abstract: A plurality of self-sealing inflatable dunnage bags are formed on a continuous strip. The continuous strip includes a first bag layer, a second bag layer and an air channel layer. A bag perimeter sealing line is formed between the first and second bag layers for each bag cavity. At least one air flow sealing line extends inward into the bag cavity. An air flow channel is formed between the second and third bag layers. An air pocket is located in the air channel layer for each bag cavity. An air bag opening is formed through the second bag layer in the air pocket. Air flows through the air flow channel into the air pocket and through the air bag opening to inflate each bag cavity.

Abstract: A reusable dunnage system employing a weatherproof outer cover is disclosed. The dunnage comprises specially manufactured high density foam that will return to its original condition after suffering compression forces and the required properties of the foam are given. The outer cover is, of necessity, fire retardant, biologically inert, hypoallergenic, and provides the required weatherproofing.

Abstract: An arrangement of securing frame assemblies is provided within a shipping enclosure and engaging packages being handled. The frame assemblies have rigid frame members and distensible bags mounted on the frames. The distensible bags are, in use, distended as by being inflated or otherwise filled with a pressurized fluid to engage and secure freight.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a dunnage bag wherein in one embodiment of the valve a valve diaphragm is mounted on a shaft and is supported by a mounting bar such that the valve diaphragm may be reciprocally moved from the closed position to the open position by a simple axial push on the valve shaft. The valve shaft is retained in the mounting bar in an orifice and the shaft diameter is enlarged at its end distant from the valve diaphragm so as to generate a frictional force fit or lock in the open position to facilitate the removal of air from the bag. The valve may be released form the friction lock by the air pressure of a recharged bag and/or by the manual movement of the valve diaphragm and shaft axially toward the open end of the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the valve diaphragm is mounted to a valve stem that it rotationally and axially moveably connected to the valve body.

Abstract: An arrangement of securing frame assemblies is provided within a shipping enclosure and engaging packages being handled. The frame assemblies have rigid frame members and distensible bags mounted on the frames. The distensible bags are, in use, distended as by being inflated or otherwise filled with a pressurized fluid to engage and secure freight.

Abstract: A composite dunnage bag being an elastic inner bag enclosed in a paper outer bag for insertion between stacks of cargo in transit. The mattress shape of the outer bag (when the dunnage bag is inflated) enables the bag to apply a footprint against the cargo walls that is greater than bags of the same length and height of the prior art this is an especially advantageous feeature when the spacing between stacks of cargo is greater than 12 inches.

Abstract: The invention discloses a dunnage bag for securing loads, which includes an inflatable dunnage bag for 12 to 40 inch voids between load to be secured and consisting of a gastight polyethylene inflatable bladder provided with an inflation valve; and a reinforcing sleeve made of at least one ply of paper, the sleeve having a first opening and a second opening, and the reinforcing sleeve being folded to form at least one substantially rectangular end to close off at least one of the openings; and in which at least 50% of its exterior surface area is in contact with a load to be secured.

Abstract: A dunnage bag for securing loads is provided which includes an inflatable dunnage bag for 12 to 40 inch voids between load to be secured. The bag consists of a gastight polyethylene inflatable bladder provided with an inflation valve and a reinforcing sleeve made of at least one ply of a suitable material. The sleeve has a first opening and a second opening. The sleeve is folded to form at least one substantially rectangular end to close off at least one of the openings. At least 50% of an exterior surface area of the dunnage bag is in contact when placed between two loads to be secured or when placed between a support and a load to be secured.

Abstract: A dunnage or cargo air bag has incorporated therein a pair of glue or adhesive bonding strips which are located within the immediate vicinity of the inflation valve assembly so as to operatively cooperate with a folded edge portion of the dunnage or cargo air bag and a stitched or sewn edge portion of the dunnage or cargo air bag and thereby effectively surround or circumscribe the inflation valve assembly.

Abstract: An improved load restraint system and method for protecting and supporting loads, such as cargo, especially during transit movement. The load restraint system and method compensates for various attitude, altitude and ambient pressure changes while maintaining sufficient restraining supportive force on the cargo. One embodiment maintains ambient pressure sensing with pressure/volume fluid compensation to an inflatable bladder responsive to ambient pressure changes within the cargo container. Another embodiment permits inflation of a rigidifying bladder to provide in-situ rigid support for the cargo, included during ambient pressure changes within the cargo container.

Abstract: A pneumatic inflation system for use with a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, is provided. The inflation system is available to inflate reusable air bags to cushion freight during shipment from one location to another. In one preferred embodiment, the inflation system includes an air control unit and an air coupler device. The air control unit is fluidly connectable to a compressed air storage reservoir of a tractor-trailer and supplies air to the air coupler device. In one preferred embodiment, the air control unit includes a brake protection valve and a control valve. The brake protection valve substantially disconnects the inflation system from the air storage reservoir in the event that the air pressure of the reservoir drops below a predetermined value, thereby preventing possible failure of the trailer's braking system. The control valve is available for a user to conveniently shut the inflation system off.

Abstract: An improved load restraint system and method for protecting and supporting loads, such as cargo, especially during transit movement. The load restraint system and method compensates for various attitude, altitude and ambient pressure changes while maintaining sufficient restraining supportive force on the cargo. One embodiment maintains ambient pressure sensing with pressure/volume fluid compensation to an inflatable bladder responsive to ambient pressure changes within the cargo container. Another embodiment permits inflation of a rigidifying bladder to provide in-situ rigid support for the cargo, included during ambient pressure changes within the cargo container.

Abstract: A principal advantage of this composite bag compared to the bags disclosed in the present art using solid ply is improved combination of strength and flexibility. A composite dunnage bag being an elastic inner bag enclosed in a mesh outer bag. The bag replaces the system of state of the art bags plus filler panels which are currently used when the space between pallets is greater than 12 inches. The combination mesh and plastic is sufficiently strong and flexible to permit the bag to apply an 80% footprint against the cargo walls.

Abstract: A pneumatic inflation system for use with a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, is provided. The inflation system is available to inflate reusable air bags to cushion freight during shipment from one location to another. In one preferred embodiment, the inflation system includes an air control unit and an air coupler device. The air control unit is fluidly connectable to a compressed air storage reservoir of a tractor-trailer and supplies air to the air coupler device. In one preferred embodiment, the air control unit includes a brake protection valve and a control valve. The brake protection valve substantially disconnects the inflation system from the air storage reservoir in the event that the air pressure of the reservoir drops below a predetermined value, thereby preventing possible failure of the trailer's braking system. The control valve is available for a user to conveniently shut the inflation system off.

Abstract: A bladderless dunnage bag is provided in which the primary material used for construction is a dunnage material based upon a paper substrate in which one or both of its outer surfaces are coated with a resin material that is impermeable to air and is heat sealable. By use of heat sealable coating materials, a center seal and the end seals of the dunnage bag can be formed in a moving process, and the heat-sealable joints or seals are stronger than the paper substrate material itself, since the heat seals are comprised of the coating material being adhered to itself, rather than the use of an adhesive applied to a paper material as in conventional dunnage bags. In a preferred construction, the dunnage material has a resin coating on both the top and bottom surfaces of the paper substrate, and both lap joints and fin joints can be formed by a heat sealable process that adheres the coating materials together, and does not depend upon the paper material for strength.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inflatable dunnage bag having a wall construction of two integrally fused layers of thermoplastic polymer, the outer layer of which is a sleeve of strips of woven polymer, the inner of layer of which is a continuous layer of gas impervious polymer. The ends of the sleeve are sealed against the escape of gas. The wall of the bag has a valve for the admittance of gas to the interior of the bag. The bag is formed by deposition of a continuous molten layer of gas impervious polymer to a sleeve of strips of woven polymer, installing a valve for admittance of gas into the wall of the sleeve and forming a gas tight seal at the ends of the sleeve. Deposition of the continuous layer of gas impervious polymer may be a two-step process wherein a molten layer of gas impervious polymer is deposited to one exterior side of the flattened sleeve, then to the other exterior side of the flattened sleeve and the sleeve turned “inside-out”.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag having a wall construction of two integrally fused layers of thermoplastic polymer, the outer layer of which is a sleeve of strips of woven polymer, the inner of layer of which is a continuous layer of gas impervious polymer. The ends of the sleeve are sealed against the escape of gas. The wall of the bag has a means for the admittance of gas to the interior of the bag. The bag is formed by deposition of a continuous molten layer of gas impervious polymer to a sleeve of strips of woven polymer, installing a means for admittance of gas into the wall of the sleeve and forming a gas tight seal at the ends of the sleeve. Deposition of the continuous layer of gas impervious polymer may be a two-step process wherein a molten layer of gas impervious polymer is deposited to one exterior side of the flattened sleeve, then to the other exterior side of the flattened sleeve and the sleeve turned “inside-out”.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage air bag comprises a multi-layered paper bag and an inflatable bladder disposed within the multi-layered paper bag such that two sets of paper plies are disposed upon opposite sides of the inflatable bladder. The multi-layered paper bag has at least one flap member extending outwardly from one set of paper plies and is adapted to extend from a first side of the inflatable bladder and be folded over and secured upon the other set of paper plies so as to be secured at a location disposed upon the other or second side of the inflatable bladder. An inflation valve is fixedly secured to the first side of the inflatable bladder so as to facilitate inflation thereof, the inflation valve thereby being disposed remote from the location at which at least one flap member is secured so as not to present additional weakening forces or stresses within the already high-stress flap securing region.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage air bag comprises a multi-layered paper bag and an inflatable bladder disposed within the multi-layered paper bag such that two sets of paper plies are disposed upon opposite sides of the inflatable bladder. The multi-layered paper bag has at least one flap member extending outwardly from one set of paper plies and is adapted to extend from a first side of the inflatable bladder and be folded over and secured upon the other set of paper plies so as to be secured at a location disposed upon the other or second side of the inflatable bladder. An inflation valve is fixedly secured to the first side of the inflatable bladder so as to facilitate inflation thereof, the inflation valve thereby being disposed remote from the location at which at least one flap member is secured so as not to present additional weakening forces or stresses within the already high-stress flap securing region.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag for cushioning cargo during transport includes an automatic inflation shut-off feature. During inflation of the device, once a pressure in a predetermined range is achieved, an intake valve structure is compressed in an interspace between the bag cover and an inflated bladder such that the intake squeezed shut to limit additional air input.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag comprises a first inflatable inner bag comprising an inflatable bladder surrounded by at least one paper ply, and a second outer bag comprising at least one paper ply, or two or more paper plies whereby the number of paper plies comprising the entire composite inflatable dunnage bag, that is, the number of paper plies comprising the inner bag and the number of paper plies comprising the outer bag, is an odd number of paper plies. Consequently, the number of paper plies required to fabricate an inflatable dunnage bag, while maintaining the structural integrity and burst strength characteristics thereof for predetermined load applications, is effectively reduced with respect to currently manufactured dunnage bags.

Abstract: A carriage for rollable suspension of a bulkhead door from a pair of overhead roller tracks, the bulkhead door having an extendable and retractable lading-engaging panel attached thereto, the carriage consisting of a bulkhead door suspension beam; a lading-engaging panel suspension beam; a first pair of rollers; a second pair of roller tracks; the second pair of roller tracks interconnecting the bulkhead door suspension beam and the lading-engaging panel suspension beam so that the lading-engaging panel suspension beam may alternately extend from and retract toward the bulkhead door suspension beam; and left and right pairs of wheels fixedly and rotatably attached to the bulkhead door suspension beam, the left and right pairs of wheels allowing, upon placement of their rolling surfaces in rolling contact with the pair of overhead roller tracks, rolling motion, in unison, of the bulkhead door suspension beam, the lading-engaging panel suspension beam, the first pair of rollers, and the second pair of roller tr

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag comprises a first inflatable inner bag comprising an inflatable bladder surrounded by a pair of paper plies, and a second outer bag comprising two sets of paper plies disposed upon opposite sides of the first inner bag. The two sets of paper plies comprising the second outer bag are longitudinally offset with respect to each other so as to form flap members on first ends of each set of paper plies which overhang respective second ends of the opposite set of paper plies. The flap members are respectively folded over the second ends of the opposite set of paper plies as single entities and secured thereto by predetermined hot melt adhesive and cold glue bead patterns. The dunnage bag is thus particularly adaptable to being fabricated by automated equipment.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag is comprised of a first and independently sealed bag that is inserted within a paper tube before the tube ends are sealed to form a second, independent bag. The combination of an inner bag within an outer bag provides increased bursting strength compared to similar ply bags created as only a single bag. The combination bag is much easier to construct since at least two plies of paper that are pressed to form the inner bag are no longer part of the bag end folding and sealing process. This is especially true if the outer bags ends are sealed by stitching them together.

Abstract: An air cushion assembly made up of a prefabricated air bag with a rubber air bladder secured between opposed circular metal plates, a rectangular backing member secured to one of the opposed circular plates, a pair of rigid U-shaped members secured to the other of the opposed circular plates, and an inflating valve and hose positioned between the rigid members. The air cushion assemblies are particularly disposed for use in connection with a cargo crate of the type intended to be shipped in sea cargo containers. The cargo crates bearing the air cushion assemblies have a plurality of the assemblies spaced apart and connected to the bottom of the crate through the pair of rigid members, and at least one of the assemblies connected through the backing member to each of the side walls.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag is comprised of a first and independently sealed bag that is inserted within a paper tube before the tube ends are sealed to form a second, independent bag. The combination of an inner bag within an outer bag provides increased bursting strength compared to similar ply bags created as only a single bag. The combination bag is much easier to construct since at least two plies of paper that are pressed to form the inner bag are no longer part of the bag end folding and sealing process. This is especially true if the outer bags ends are sealed by stitching them together.

Abstract: The present invention presents an air bag, and a method of using the same, which has at least one indicator line marking thereon for providing a visual indication of when the air bag is in a properly inflated condition for filling a void between loads, such as cargo or the like, in a truck, airplane, train or the like. Each indicator line includes a center portion which is of a first design, such as being blue-colored, and having easily identifiable ends. Preferably, each indicator line has end portions of a second design, such as being red-colored, which are on opposite sides of the center portion of the line and which are visually distinct from the first design. The center portion of the indicator line has a length which is substantially equal to the maximum thickness of the air bag.

Abstract: A spacer is provided for supporting and cushioning a roll of web material during shipment comprising a pad including a honeycomb core sandwiched between opposite face sheets. The pad includes a curved recess formed therein which is conformed to receive and cushion the rolls of web material. The recess is defined by a portion of the pad in which the honeycomb core and one of the face sheets has been compressively deformed to a predetermined depth. The face sheet which is compressively deformed includes an elongate slit located in the region overlying the recess for preventing the tearing of the face sheet when the pad is compressively deformed.

Abstract: A fastening pad (1) is attachably and detachably inserted into an accommodating furniture (2) to temporarily secure stored goods (3) in the furniture as they are. The fastening pad (1) comprises: a flat sealed bag (11) made of a flexible synthetic resin film; at least one vent valve (12) secured to the sealed bag (11); and a flat absorbing member (13) attached on one side of the sealed bag (11) and made of a flexible recoverable foamed material. The sealed bag (11) is expanded to temporarily secure the stored goods (3) in the accommodating furniture (2) when air is supplied to the sealed bag (11) through the vent valve (12).

Abstract: This invention pertains to bracing systems for bracing especially massive objects while the objects are being shipped, typically in a rail car. The invention is directed to packing arrangements where first and second end arrays of rolls of product are disposed in first and second ends of the rail car, with sets of rolls proximate but spaced from each other at the central doorway. Each pair of side-by-side rolls in a set includes a cavity therebetween, facing the opposing set. Wedges are placed in the cavities such that each set of rolls, with wedges in the cavities, presents a generally planar composite surface between the rolls at the loci of closest approach to the opposing rolls. Thus, with the wedges in place, the rolls, in combination, present two generally planar, typically parallel, and more-or-less continuous composite surfaces facing each other across the space separating the two sets of rolls.

Abstract: A new and improved cargo cushioning apparatus includes a plurality of selectively inflatable and deflatable air bags. Each air bag includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and a pressurized air supply assembly for inflating the air bags. The air inlet and the air outlet are in a combined air inlet/outlet. The pressurized air supply assembly includes a connector assembly for connecting to a source of pressurized air. A supply of a length of air hose is connected to the air supply connector assembly. An air dispensing valve is connected to the air hose. The air dispensing valve is adapted for connection to the respective air inlets on the respective air bags. A storage drum assembly may be employed for selectively storing and paying out a quantity of the air hose. The storage drum assembly is mounted on a truck. A storage container stores a plurality of the air bags when they are deflated. The storage container is installed in a cargo container, e.g. a trailer.

Abstract: An inflation and deflation device especially adapted for use with dunnage air bags includes a cylindrical valve body possessing a first end mounted for relative rotation within a hollow interior cylindrical portion of a valve actuator. An internal spring biases a valve seat radially outwardly into engagement with an internal cylindrical side wall portion of the valve actuator. Rotation of the valve actuator selectively aligns air exhaust passages of the valve seat and the valve actuator to deflate an associated dunnage air bag. The valve body includes air passages connecting a compressed air source to the dunnage bag for selective inflation and to allow use of the compressed air source to provide a relatively high velocity air stream across an air passage connected to the dunnage bag to facilitate deflation of the bag by inducing a vacuum.

Abstract: A cargo airbag structure system for use within a cargo bay of a transport vehicle in order to buffer and stabilize loads, such as, for example, large paper rolls or drums, comprises two inflatable bladders disposed in an overlapping disposition with respect to each other within a sealed, expandible, multi-ply paper container. When interposed between the cargo load rolls, the airbag structure conforms to the external contours of the cargo load rolls which serves to not only enable the airbag system to buffer and stabilize the cargo loads, but in addition, the airbag system is stably retained between the cargo load rolls. In order to prevent friction, abrasion, or pinching of the bladders during the inflation process as well as during use of the airbag system when the bladders are disposed in their inflated state, the inflatable bladders are disposed within encasing sleeves which fully envelop the bladders along the longitudinal extents thereof, the opposite ends of the sleeves being open.

Abstract: A dunnage air bag is formed from two rectangular sheets. Each sheet is formed by a polyethylene layer adhesively bonded to a liner board layer. An air valve is mounted through one of the sheets to enable the dunnage air bag to be selectively filled with air. The sheets are disposed in overlying offset relation, with the polyethylene faces of the sheets in contact. A rectangular bladder is created by heat welding the polyethylene layers together, through the liner board layer, in a rectangular heat weld. Offset flaps of the sheets are then folded over on fold lines disposed interiorly of the heat weld and adhesively secured in order to reinforce the bladder and minimize stress on the heat weld. In alternative constructions, the polyethylene layer may be dimensionally smaller than the liner board layer such that a strip of liner board remains exposed along one or more peripheral edges of the polyethylene face of the laminate sheet.

Abstract: An airbag for use in a cargo bay of a transport vehicle for buffering and stabilizing a load, usually large paper rolls or drums, is provided with two inflatable, gas-tight bladders surrounded by a multi-ply paper container. The bladders are situated in an overlapping relationship with respect to each other. This enables the load to be buffered and stabilized while minimizing the need for additional materials.

Abstract: A dunnage bag valve and coupling arrangement comprises a valve stem having a spring loaded valve member which is movable to open a passage through the stem. A pair of circumferentially extending, diametrically opposed slots are formed on opposite sides of the stem. An axially extending opening is provided at one end of each slot for receiving a lug. A pair of lugs are formed on the inner cylindrical portion of a coupling so that the coupling can be pressed onto the stem and twisted, the lugs being introduced into the slot openings and then riding along the circumferential portions of the slots. An air hose is threaded to the coupling so that compressed air can be introduced through the valve stem into the dunnage bag. A fixed post inside the coupling opens the valve member when the coupling is engaged to the valve stem. To prevent rotation of the stem, teeth at the base of the stem engage teeth on the ring of a handle that is held while the coupling is pushed and twisted onto the valve stem.

Abstract: A cargo air bag inflation valve and inflator combination comprising a tubular plastic valve body having a central passageway for the flow of compressed air to permit the inflating of an air bag. Valve closure means is reciprocal in the passageway and is biased to a normal valve closed position. A quick connect/disconnect fitting carries detent balls operative to engage a circumferential edge on the valve body and to snap onto a detent ball receiving surface of diameter less than the circumferential edge to thereby draw the valve body into the fitting. An annular shoulder in the fitting engages the valve plug separating the valve seat carried by the valve body from the valve plug permitting inflation of the air bag through the fitting and central passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the pressure of gas in a plurality of dunnage bags. The apparatus employs an enclosure which houses a pressure regulator valve, linear air reset controller, pressure gauge, pneumatically activated electrical switch, and three-position valve for permitting quick filling of the dunnage bags from a high pressure inlet line. A low pressure line emerges from the enclosure and communicates with the bags. When the bags are at proper inflation, the electrical switch causes a green light to be illuminated. When the bags are inadequately inflated, the electrical switch causes a red light to be illuminated.

Abstract: An air bag for bracing product shipped by a railcar, trailer or overseas container to prevent lengthwise and/or crosswise movement of the cargo. The air bag includes a first sheet of paperboard having parallel side and end edges folded inwardly defining a planar center section and overlapping sides and ends, a second sheet of paperboard of the same dimension as the center section facing the center section and having its marginal side and end edges interposed between the center section and the overlapping side and end sections of the first sheet and glued to the side and end sections, and an inflatable bladder between the two sheets. The bag is constructed of relatively stiff paperboard of a minimum of two laminated plys. Thus, the overlapping side and end edges of the first sheet define with the second sheet a peripheral border of a minimum of six laminated plys of paperboard. The bag has relatively good vertical stiffness when uninflated making it easy to use.

Abstract: A rack for supporting curved or flat glass, such as multi-curved automobile windshields, utilizes upstanding support members in combination with pneumatically inflatable hose to support the windshields in a vertical position. The hose is arranged in a serpentine fashion over the exterior surface of each of the upstanding members, so that a hose segment is facing each major surface of the windshield. With no pressure in the hose, the glass is arranged in the rack and the hose is inflated causing the hose to expand and contact the glass, thereby supporting and cushioning the glass.