Panel Or Frame, Wall-to-wall Patents (Class 410/129)
  • Patent number: 6435786
    Abstract: A cargo barrier net for an aircraft includes a central ring. A plurality of radially projecting webs include a radially inner end that is connected to the central ring. A radially outer end is connected to the airframe. The first circumferential web is connected to a first set of mid-portions of the radially projecting webs. A first set of mid-portions is located radially outside of the central ring. A second circumferential web is located radially outside of the first circumferential web. The second circumferential web is connected to a second set of mid-portions of the radially projecting webs. The second set of mid-portions is located radially outside of the first set of mid-portions. A third circumferential web is located radially outside of the second circumferential web. The third circumferential web is connected to a third set of mid-portions of the radially projecting webs. The third set of mid-portions is located radially outside of the second set of mid-portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Breckel, Timothy R. Schwartz, Bernhard Dopker, John W. Startup, James Homewood
  • Patent number: 6390745
    Abstract: A railway boxcar may be provided for transporting packaged products having generally uniform first and second perimeter dimensions. The railway boxcar may include a car body having an interior compartment defined in part by a floor and a plurality of sidewalls. In one embodiment, the floor may include a width which generally corresponds to a multiple of the first perimeter dimension and a length which generally corresponds to the sum of a second multiple of the first dimension and a third multiple of the second dimension. In another embodiment, a door opening may provide access to the interior compartment. The width of the door opening may generally correspond to a fourth multiple of the first perimeter dimension. In another embodiment, a panel assembly may be provided to selectively fill voids within the interior compartment. The panel assembly may include a plurality of elongate plates extending generally parallel with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: Daniel V. Coltea
  • Patent number: 6368036
    Abstract: A device and method of loading nursery items on a truck is disclosed wherein a portion of a first panel of high tensile strength sheet material is adhered to a first wall of a truck's storage compartment and a portion of a second panel of high tensile strength sheet material is adhered to a second wall of the truck in mirror relationship to the first panel. Various nursery items are packed in the storage compartment between the first panel and the second panel. A gate is positioned in front of the packed nursery items between the first and second panels. The second ends of the first and second panels are secured together in a tensile state such that the gate and the nursery items are securely held in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Monrovia Nursery Company
    Inventor: Michael E. Vario
  • Patent number: 6364388
    Abstract: An air return bulkhead comprising a first bulkhead portion and a second bulkhead portion joined by a convoluted hinge member. The hinge permits the bulkhead portions to be moved relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Ziegler, Verlin Wirth, Jerry Kiesner
  • Publication number: 20020037203
    Abstract: A multi-functional cargo bed liner assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first and a second side wall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, an end wall extending therebetween the first and second side wall at a first end, and a floor extending therebetween the first and second side walls, such that the first and second side wall, end wall and floor are integral and formed as one piece. The cargo bed liner assembly also includes a frame for supporting the first and second side walls, wherein the frame includes a track accessible through a slot in each of the side walls. The cargo bed liner assembly further includes a movable divider panel supported within the track by a support means, and extending transversely therebetween the first and second side walls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Lowell Kiester, Douglas Street
  • Publication number: 20020037204
    Abstract: A device and method of loading nursery items on a truck is disclosed wherein a portion of a first panel of high tensile strength sheet material is adhered to a first wall of a truck's storage compartment and a portion of a second panel of high tensile strength sheet material is adhered to a second wall of the truck in mirror relationship to the first panel. Various nursery items are packed in the storage compartment between the first panel and the second panel. A gate is positioned in front of the packed nursery items between the first and second panels. The second ends of the first and second panels are secured together in a tensile state such that the gate and the nursery items are securely held in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Michael E. Vario
  • Patent number: 6357979
    Abstract: A cargo van bulkhead provides a barrier between the driver and passenger of a van and the cargo compartment. The bulkhead comprises a molded, complexly curved unitary panel which fits snugly against the bottom, sidewalls and top of the van behind the driver's and passenger's seats. The bulkhead includes a plurality of horizontal convolutions which define alternate ribs or projections and recesses which greatly improve the rigidity and strength of the bulkhead. An irregular flange disposed about the periphery of the bulkhead is configured to mimic the interior profile of the van and thus facilitate installation and securement thereto. An optional opening in the upper central portion of the bulkhead may receive a window which facilitates inspection of the cargo within the van as well as a view out the rear of the van if the rear doors of the van are equipped with windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Durakon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Montagna, Jerald Gower, Robert C. Whiteside
  • Publication number: 20020025238
    Abstract: An improved bulkhead and partition system in which at least two panels are independently attached to mounting members such that each panel can be moved independently. In a preferred embodiment, two bulkheads or panels are slidably attached to separate pairs of ceiling-mounted rails in a refrigerated trailer such that each bulkhead or panel can be independently slid toward the front of a trailer or toward the rear of a trailer to define, in cooperation with a removable center partition wall, a plurality of different cargo areas to be maintained at different temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Roger Nelson, Chad Nelson
  • Patent number: 6345944
    Abstract: The development relates to a cargo net for a two-passenger vehicle that is designed to create a barrier between the vehicle's cargo boot and the passenger seating section. The net has a solid fabric edging with a mesh central portion. Fasteners secure the net to one wall of the boot; attachment devices secured to a flexible cord hold the net upright behind the passenger seats of the vehicle. An alternative embodiment of the cargo net includes a pocket that can extend essentially the entire length of the cargo net, allowing the user to store smaller articles within the pocket rather than in the cargo boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Florence
  • Patent number: 6302465
    Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining gate assembly (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″) for restraining cargo (100) in a cargo space (30) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″)that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (30) and at least one gate member (60, 60′, 60″, 60′″) that may be flexible or rigid. When not deployed to retain cargo, the gate member (60, 60′, 60″, 60′″) is storable in a gate storage cavity (70, 70′, 70″, 70′″)in the bed liner. In one embodiment, a flexible gate member (60) is rolled about an axle (110) and stored in a cavity (70) in the bed liner (20). During use, an end member (50) of the flexible gate member is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to close a side of the cargo space (30), preferably the rear of aft end (31) of the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Michael W. Faber, Michael P. Podkomorka
  • Patent number: 6261038
    Abstract: A new Cargo Theft Prevention System for providing a pivotable barrier-type assembly associateable with the doors of a conventional cargo container thereby preventing opening of the doors. The inventive device includes a panel pivotally mounted to a rail car floor, and at least two locking shafts removably secured to the floor a finite distance from the panel and removably engaging the panel to support the panel substantially parallel to the door of a cargo box to prevent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Cowan
  • Patent number: 6234733
    Abstract: A foldable cargo-retaining device used to limit the movement of articles in the trunk space of an automobile formed using a plurality of panels pivotably joined together to form various shapes with no top or bottom panel. Hook and loop fastener, or similar fastening means, is lined on the bottom edge of the panels for attaching the device to the carpet of an automobile, thereby restricting movement of the device. Articles then can be secured inside of the device to ensure limited immobility of said articles. The panels preferably are constructed from one piece of material with fold lines to produce connecting panels with one corner seam having hook and loop fastener or similar fastening means attached thereto, this allowing the closed device to be disconnected at the seam and opened up into one of many different shaped configurations for attachment to the bottom and side walls of an automobile trunk or cargo area. When not in use, the rectangle can be folded into a compact unit for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Warren A. Parr
  • Patent number: 6224308
    Abstract: A skate for conveying components into a monocoque locomotive. Portions of a monocoque locomotive platform are not accessible through a roof hatch. To move a component onto such portions of the platform, a skate assembly having an integral clamp assembly is attached to a leg portion of the component, the component is lifted onto the platform through a roof hatch, and the component is rolled on the skate rollers to the desired position on the platform. A jacking device integral to the skate assembly is then used to lift the component for removal of the rollers and for holding the component at a desired height for attachment to the locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Allen Carl Bieber, John Edward Kleiner, Thomas Charles Sonnev, Frederick William Schulze, Harold Edward Rinn, Gail Leroy Detar, Douglas William Miller, Richard Hart Holmes, Geoffrey Perkins
  • Patent number: 6210087
    Abstract: A tail gate load organizing device is provided for carrying items longer than a pickup truck box floor with a tailgate down by moving a supporting point out onto the tailgate. The device includes an elongated base, vertical load partitions, base support system, and a tailgate attachment member. In use, the load organizing device is mountedly placed upon a tailgate and the attachment member is extended to bring about attaching engagement with a tailgate support which extendedly connects at one end to the tailgate and at another end to the pickup truck box side. The device is then useful in loading a pickup truck by causing an organized elongated load to be maintained within a pickup truck box and inclined relative to the floor of the truck box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Francis Phillip Bacon
  • Patent number: 6206624
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo space divider wherein a system of dividing walls allow a cargo space, preferably a pick-up truck bed, to be sectioned off into smaller, variably sized sections in order to prevent objects transported therein from rolling or sliding about the bed. The device consists of a pair of support rails that are installed along and clamped to the sidewalls of the truck bed above the wheel wells. Lateral sectioning walls span the width of the truck bed and longitudinal sectioning walls span between the lateral sectioning walls, both in adjustable positions, thus creating divided cargo spaces that are adjustable both in number and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Rachel B. Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 6206623
    Abstract: A bulkhead for use with cargo containers that carry dry flowable cargo. The bulkhead has flaps on the bottom edge and on both side edges. When the bulkhead is installed in a container, the flap on the bottom folds against the floor of the container to form a seal. The side flaps also fold against the sides of the container to form seals. The seals prevent the dry flowable cargo, when loaded in the container, from leaking out of the container. This eliminates the need for a liner in the container to hold the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen D. Podd
  • Patent number: 6203419
    Abstract: An air return bulkhead is disclosed which may be adapted to fit on differently-sized trailer walls around differently-sized trailer refrigeration units. The bulkhead includes an upper support panel with ridges or other discontinuities thereon. The discontinuities bound areas sized to accommodate standard refrigeration units, and a cutting tool may be easily guided along these discontinuities to form a space wherein the refrigerator may be fit when the bulkhead is mounted to the trailer wall. Also disclosed is a bulkhead which includes flutes and columns thereon wherein the ends of the flutes and columns may be removed by use of a cutting tool to allow the bulkhead installer to tailor the airflow into the refrigerator inlet as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: John Donovan Enterprises-Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Onken
  • Patent number: 6183177
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing cargo in the cargo compartment of vehicles is disclosed including a retracting device mounted in the cargo compartment, a flexible band retractably attached to the retracting device so that it can be withdrawn and retracted thereinto, an elongated bar fixed to the flexible band, and at least one recess disposed in the cargo compartment so that the elongated bar can be releasably locked in the recess for securing the cargo with the flexible band in the cargo compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Nils Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 6174116
    Abstract: A system of adjustable interlockable panels for assembling a modular unit is provided, which comprises a plurality of rectangular, adjustable interlockable panels. Each panel has four edges: a first edge comprises a male sliding interlock, and a third, opposite edge comprises a female sliding interlock; a second edge comprises one or more adjustment slots; and an opposite, fourth edge, is a straight edge. The adjustment slots in the second edge are: parallel to the first and third edges; of a sufficient width to tightly accommodate any of the other panels in the system; and each slot extends between about ¼ and ¾ of the way into the panel. The male sliding interlock on a first panel is complementary to the female sliding interlock on a second panel in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Stewart Brand
  • Patent number: 6170896
    Abstract: A support bracket kit, particularly for use with vehicles having a cargo storage area including sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a pair of wheel wells. The kit is comprised of at least one cross-beam for disposition generally between upper portions of the wheel wells. A plurality of corner support brackets are disposed between the sidewalls and the floor in each corner of the cargo storage area. The support bracket kit allows a cargo box of a pick-up truck to be adapted to receive, for example, four-by-eight-foot sheets of plywood or drywall which are supported above the wheel wells by the support bracket kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh Harris, Steve J. Speth
  • Patent number: 6135527
    Abstract: A cargo compartment organizer for providing an easily assembled and disassembled cargo organizer includes a bottom panel, side panels, and a top panel having at least one hinged lid, wherein the bottom, top and side panels are coupled together by resilient tracks. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom panel and side panels include cutouts to accommodate wheel wells such as are commonly found in pick-up style vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Marc Bily
  • Patent number: 6109847
    Abstract: An organizer for a vehicle cargo area has a telescoping cross member that is connected to a pair of end supports and can be adjusted to continuously variable lengths for fitting into different sized cargo areas. An optional accessory holder can be attached to the organizer and hold safety items such as battery jumper cables, flares, and/or first aid kits. Reflectors are provided on the organizer to improve its visibility, especially when used to warn approaching motorists of a disabled vehicle. The telescoping cross member can also be slidingly attached to the end supports to further allow adjustability in the fore and aft directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Peregrine Incorporated
    Inventors: Dakshesh Patel, James Nixon, Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Patent number: 6089803
    Abstract: A cargo barrier device that restrains cargo in a pickup truck bed from tipping or moving longitudinally or laterally. Additionally, if cargo items require complete constraint they can be secured firmly to the transverse member by elastic cords with end hooks that are engaged over the upper flange of the transverse member. This device can be located at either end of the truck bed for convenient accessibility. The cargo barrier device would normally be positioned at the aft end of the truck bed when a truck bed canopy is installed and in the forward end if the truck bed is uncovered. The cargo barrier device is comprised of a transverse member and two fore and aft members attached perpendicularly to the transverse member. These three members firmly abut against the truck bed wheel well and tailgate in the aft position and truck bed wheel well and forward endwall in the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: George G. Holland
  • Patent number: 6089804
    Abstract: A modular truck bed divider system includes a plurality of modular dividers and a plurality of fasteners. The modular divider has a first leg and a second leg which is substantially perpendicular to the first leg. A plurality of openings are formed along the length of the first and second legs. The cross section of the modular divider is preferably the shape of a channel. To install the modular truck bed divider system, a plurality of modular dividers are arranged in a pick-up truck bed in such a fashion that they form a particular set of compartments. Once the compartment configuration is decided upon, the plurality of modular dividers are attached to each other with the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Maynard W. Bartelt
  • Patent number: 6077007
    Abstract: A pickup truck bed organizer and method is disclosed that comprises tubular elements designed to slip into one another so as to be adjustable in length for mating to virtually all models of pickup trucks. Four, five, and six-way connectors include multiple tubular plugs extending therefrom. Leg members that telescopingly interconnect with the tubular plugs can be combined with the connectors to form a wide variety of different frames for the organizer as desired by the pickup truck operator. Locking members are provided for locking/unlocking the frame of the organizer in the selected configuration. The locking members are operable without the need for tools so that the organizer can be installed and uninstalled without the need for tools. One of many benefits/methods of the organizer is the ability to load cargo in the pickup truck bed directly over the rear wheels so as to use the cargo to increase traction of the pickup truck. Rubber feet are utilized on the feet and arms so as to protect the pickup bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: ELMI Inc.
    Inventors: Eloise A. Porter, Micheal F. Callahan
  • Patent number: 6039521
    Abstract: An improved device for attaching tailgate enclosures to a pickup truck. The device comprises attachment posts installed adjacent to the opposing interior sidewalls of a pickup truck. Each post has an upper cylinder, received telescopically into a lower cylinder and biased upward by a helical spring. Semi-rigid, textured plates are disposed at either end of the posts. Looped members are disposed on the cylinders, providing an attachment means for a net-type or other alternative tailgate enclosure. The posts are installed between the upper sidewall lip and the floor of the pickup bed at either side of the bed, being held in place by the force exerted on the upper plate by the helical spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: William T. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6030160
    Abstract: A net type cargo storage system is for use within a motor vehicle having a trunk, a trunk opening periphery being formed from sheet metal, and a trunk seal extending thereabout. The storage system comprises an automotive storage net member having an in-use length, opposed upper side areas, a storage area for receiving cargo, and a mounting member disposed on each of the upper side areas. Two clips each comprise a body having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed in a U-shape mounted over the trunk opening periphery sheet metal and beneath the trunk seal. A mechanism is disposed on the body for lockingly engaging the clip to the trunk opening. An attachment member is disposed on the body second end and within the trunk, the attachment member being matingly and releasably engageable with the net member mounting member. The two clips are opposedly spaced at a distance accommodating mounting of the storage net member at its in-use length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Polytech Netting, L.P.
    Inventor: Donal Moore
  • Patent number: 6010286
    Abstract: A rigid cargo barrier for a cargo airplane includes a lightweight structural bulkhead that is attached to the floor and fuselage shell of the aircraft and a plurality of compact attachments that connect the bulkhead to the floor and fuselage shell of the aircraft. The rigid cargo barrier also includes a restraint system that connects the bulkhead to the aircraft floor and fuselage shell. The restraint system restrains fuselage expansion under crash loads to maintain the bulkhead in place during a crash event and, hence, provide protection to the crew from shifting cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: McDonald Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Cross, Jerry C. Dunlap, Steven E. Easley, Donald N. Hagstrom, Harry W. Slusher, Jerry D. Smets, L. Frank Sternat, Tobie Stockwell
  • Patent number: 6007283
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle has a storage compartment defined by a floor, walls, and a seat of the vehicle and provided with a cargo restraint system having an upright main rod and a mount holding the rod in the compartment for rotation about an upright main axis and including a retractor for rotationally urging the rod in one direction and for inhibiting rotation of the rod in the opposite direction under predetermined circumstances. An elongate flexible web has an inner end attached to the rod and an outer end and an outer rod fixed to the outer end of the web has a lower end engageable in any seat of an array of seats spaced from each other on the floor that releasably secure the outer rod to the floor at the respective seat in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & CO. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventor: Luc Labeur
  • Patent number: 6004084
    Abstract: A load-securing arrangement for a loading space of a motor vehicle, in particular of a station wagon. During normal travel, a restraining device is accommodated, in a not-in-use position, in the region of at least one loading-space boundary wall and assumes a position in which it does not restrict the loading space. The restraining device is connected to an actuable displacement device which can be activated via a signal of a crash sensor and, once activated, displaces the restraining device into a use position, in which any load is kept away from a passenger compartment. This load-securing arrangement functions automatically and may preferably be designed in the manner of a restraining barrier with belts and/or air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Volkswagen, AG
    Inventor: Carsten Moker
  • Patent number: 5993310
    Abstract: An air return bulkhead is adapted to fit on differently-sized trailer walls around differently-sized trailer refrigeration units. The bulkhead includes an upper support panel with ridges or other discontinuities thereon. The discontinuities bound areas sized to accommodate standard refrigeration units, and a cutting tool may be easily guided along these discontinuities to form a space wherein the refrigerator may be fit when the bulkhead is mounted to the trailer wall. Also, a bulkhead which includes flutes and columns thereon wherein the ends of the flutes and columns may be removed by use of a cutting tool to allow the bulkhead installer to tailor the airflow into the refrigerator inlet as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: John Donovan Enterprises-Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Onken
  • Patent number: 5984601
    Abstract: A repositionable insulating truck bulkhead panel has lower and lateral reinforcing rails made form impact-resistant material to reinforce and support a pair of thermoplastic panel face panels between which closed cell foam is inserted to add insulating properties and structural strength. Molded-in channels on the front and rear of the panels provide multiple, selectable recessed mounting sites for hardware such as handles and cleats and also provides paths for air circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Randall Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Jevaney, Stanley Kacki
  • Patent number: 5975819
    Abstract: A new gate attachment for mounting to the side walls of a load bed of a vehicle. The inventive device includes an elongate upper cross bar and an elongate lower cross bar spaced apart from the upper cross bar. A plurality of spaced apart elongate ribs are extended between the upper and lower cross bars. A pair of insertion arms are extended from the upper cross bar. Each of the insertion arms has a lower terminal end which are adapted for insertion into a post hole of side wall of load bed of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Rose Ann Cola
  • Patent number: 5909920
    Abstract: An anchor plate (2) mounted on the outside (15) of an inner vehicle body panel (8) having an elongate member with first, second and third holes (22,24,26) aligned on the plate (2), the second hole (22) being disposed between the first and third holes (24,26), and closer to the first hole (24) the third hole (26), the first hole (24) being directed to the front of the vehicle and the third hole (26) being directed to the rear of the vehicle. First, second and third nuts (32,34,36) are aligned with the first, second and third holes (22,24,26), respectively, for receiving respective bolts and screws (16,18,20) which fix the anchor plate (2) to the inner vehicle body panel (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Telstra Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Dalinkiewicz
  • Patent number: 5865580
    Abstract: A device for constraining cargo in a vehicle, the device having expandability, flexibility and portability. The extendibility embodies adjustments in barrier length to a short length for storage of the cargo barrier and adjustments in barrier length to fit the requirements of the cargo configuration. The flexibility embodies both horizontal and vertical deviations from a straight line configuration of the cargo barrier as a device to adapt to the cargo and cargo storage area configuration. The portability embodies a device for rapid deployment and removal of the cargo barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Carl E Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5839865
    Abstract: A device for fastening on a motor vehicle with a loading surface and a boundary wall for the nonskid transport of objects, has a mounting element to be fastened on the boundary wall, a holding element, a scissor-type mechanism connecting the holding element with the mounting element, the scissor-type mechanism including a first pair of crossing levers hingedly connected with each other at a first common central hinge point and a second pair of crossing levers hingedly connected with each other at a second common central point, each of the levers of the first pair are hinged to the mounting element, wherein the first ends of the levers of the second pair are hinged to the holding element, wherein the second ends of the levers of the first pair are hinged to the second ends of respective ones of the levers of the second pair, and wherein the arrangement is such that the scissor-type mechanism allows movement of the holding element along a path back and forth with respect to the mounting element, and fixing a un
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ernst Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5833413
    Abstract: A packing and loading system, for securing cargo and articles placed in a vehicular compartment, comprising an inflatable bladder element having a top side and a bottom side, and a front end and a rear end. The inflatable bladder element is configured to fit within a vehicular compartment. A valve is positioned on the top side of the inflatable bladder element. The valve permits air under pressure to be supplied to, or released from, the inflatable bladder element, whereby the inflatable bladder element is inflated or deflated. A portable air pressure control system for controlling the air pressure within the inflatable bladder element is operably coupled to an air source and to the inflatable bladder element. A web element comprised of a plurality of straps attached to each other to form a lattice is secured to the inflatable bladder element by a plurality of fasteners. The web element having a plurality of end locks, one end lock is secured to each of a selected group of straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Cynthia Cornelius
    Inventor: Wanda Cornelius
  • Patent number: 5807046
    Abstract: An air return bulkhead is disclosed which may be adapted to fit on differently-sized trailer walls around differently-sized trailer refrigeration units. The bulkhead includes an upper support panel with ridges or other discontinuities thereon. The discontinuities bound areas sized to accommodate standard refrigeration units, and a cutting tool may be easily guided along these discontinuities to form a space wherein the refrigerator may be fit when the bulkhead is mounted to the trailer wall. Also disclosed is a bulkhead which includes flutes and columns thereon wherein the ends of the flutes and columns may be removed by use of a cutting tool to allow the bulkhead installer to tailor the airflow into the refrigerator inlet as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Greg Onken
  • Patent number: 5800145
    Abstract: A convertible cargo holding device positioned in the bed of a pick-up truck, the bed having a floor, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a front panel comprising in combination: a base gate; a secondary gate hinged upon the base gate; a removable rear base gate hinge attached to left side panel and rotatably attached to the base gate; a removable forward base gate hinge attached to the left side panel and rotatably attached to the base gate; a transverse base gate hinge attached to the right side panel and rotatably attached to the base gate, the transverse base gate hinge adapted to receive the removable forward base gate hinge; a removable support attached to the left side panel and to both the base gate and to the secondary gate. The elements of the cargo holding device can be rotated about its hinged elements to form a container, a low barrier and a high barrier for containing cargo within the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Lee Kelce
  • Patent number: 5788309
    Abstract: A thermoformed thermoplastic truck bedliner has at least one pair of under-cut load restraint pockets formed by portions of opposed bedliner sidewalls. The pockets are recessed from the sidewall so that a load restraining member such as a 2.times.4 beam may be pressed downwardly to be snapped into engagement with the pockets. The pockets support the boards in a horizontal orientation, with the wide dimension of the board extending from front to back within the liner to give greater board stiffness against loads shifting from front to back. The pockets may be formed in either under the rail bedliners or in over the rail bedliners. In an alternative embodiment, each under-cut pocket is formed in a cross shape such that a board may be positioned horizontally or vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Penda Corporation
    Inventors: Philip L. Emery, William L. Dresen
  • Patent number: 5720507
    Abstract: A thermoformed thermoplastic bed liner has a bottom wall which overlies the floor of a truck cargo bed and two side walls which extend upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall on opposite sides. A vertically extending channel is formed in each liner side wall which extends exterior to the side wall and which engages with a board member to restrict movement of cargo with the truck bed. The channel extends into an intermediate volume defined between a truck bed side wall and the liner side wall. Each channel has an exterior wall and two side walls. The exterior wall extends generally perpendicular to the liner bottom wall at an angle less than the angle of the side walls. Channels may be provided which are spaced above the bottom wall for supporting elevated load restricting boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Penda Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip L. Emery
  • Patent number: 5709512
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for frictionally restraining a storage unit in the interior of a vehicle to resist motion relative to the vehicle to eliminate the need for alternative or additional connection to the vehicle's interior. The apparatus has at least one frictionally engaging device having an operative engaging portion, a mechanism for attaching the frictionally engaging device to a storage unit desired to be restrained, and a mechanism for actuating the frictionally engaging device operably connected to the frictionally engaging device. The apparatus being capable of restraining a storage unit in the interior of a vehicle upon actuation of the frictionally engaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Christian M. Smith
  • Patent number: 5697742
    Abstract: An easily adjustable apparatus for dividing and stabilizing cargo in the bed of a pick-up type vehicle, or the like. The embodiment comprises four main components: Two primary lateral assemblies (20), one-center locking swivel hinge (28), two tangential arm locking assemblies (35), and two tangential arm assemblies (45). The two primary lateral assemblies (20), and tangential arm assemblies (45), are extendible and fitted with end plates to engage any type of surface of the four interior bed walls. The two primary lateral assemblies (20), are connected with a center locking swivel hinge (28), locking the two primary lateral assemblies (20), in the desired position. Each tangential arm locking assembly (35), is welded to a primary lateral assembly (20), and locks the tangential arm assembly (45), to any desired position. This apparatus has four positions to secure cargos and requires no attachment to any surfaces in the interior of the beds and is collapsible for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas A. House
  • Patent number: 5632520
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a passenger compartment provided with pair of passenger seats and a luggage compartment behind the seats and having a floor has a cargo-restraining apparatus provided with a support defining a horizontal pivot axis at the floor in the luggage compartment immediately behind the seats. A rigid panel has an inner edge pivoted at the pivot axis on the support and an outer edge and has oppositely directed faces extending between the edges. The panel is movable between an erect position in which it is substantially vertical with its outer edge level with upper ends of the seats and a recumbent position lying on the floor with one of its faces directed upward and forming a cargo-support surface in the luggage compartment. An elongated housing on the panel normally contains a flexible retaining sheet that is extensible from the housing to restrain cargo in the luggage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventor: Peter Butz
  • Patent number: 5586850
    Abstract: The invention consists of a panel having an area that is substantially the same dimension as the tail gate on a pickup truck cargo body. The panel is suspended from a track mounted on the body side rails, and through a wheel assembly rides the length of the truck bed. Cut out areas allow the panel to move past the wheel wells and doors attached to the panel are adapted to close off the cut out areas when not obstructed by the wheel wells. Locking bolts on each side engage slots in the side rails and slots in a floor mounted track. A single handle on each side controls the movement of the vertical and horizontal locking bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: James H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5564891
    Abstract: The method of unloading provides for unloading of a cargo container without having to tip the container up on its end to cause a gravity flow. The method provides for placing a liner on the floor of a cargo container with side walls, front wall, ceiling and back opening. Suspending a bulkhead at the rear opening of the container from an upper portion of the container so it does not depend upon the floor for support. Placing a cargo within the container on the liner. Removing a bottom portion of the bulkhead and attaching an end of the liner located at the back opening to an unloading apparatus which has been detachably connected to the rear of the container, and then pulling the liner out, and as the liner is pulled out, the cargo on the liner is unloaded from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventors: Victor I. Podd, Jr., Stephen D. Podd
  • Patent number: 5522685
    Abstract: An snowmobile transport aid including a vertically disposed panel having a series of legs orthogonally disposed thereon is detachably affixed to the bed of a pickup truck for the purpose of securing a snowmobile in the truck bed during transport. The legs of the snowmobile transport aid slidably engage a series of leg engagement members having a series of pins locking the legs to the truck body. An alternate embodiment includes a flexible fabriclike panel affixed to the truck using straps and tensioning devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Jean-Luc P. Lessard
  • Patent number: 5520496
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to cargo containers; and more specifically, to cargo containers of the type from which bulk cargo is discharged by pulling a bottom or floor liner out from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventors: Victor I. Podd, Jr., Stephen D. Podd
  • Patent number: 5482425
    Abstract: An unloading apparatus for use with a cargo container. The unloading apparatus having a supporting frame with a mandrel rotatably supported by the supporting frame and laterally extending across the frame. The unloading apparatus having devices to detachably connect it to the rear of the container. A liner disposed on the floor of the container with devices to connect the liner to the unloading apparatus when the unloading apparatus is connected to the back of the container. The liner in some uses has rolled or pleated sections which unfold or unroll as the liner is pulled out of the container and winds onto the mandrel. As the liner winds onto the mandrel, the cargo contained on top of the liner falls out the back and into a collection device such as a bin located at the rear of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventors: Victor I. Podd, Jr., Stephen D. Podd
  • Patent number: 5454685
    Abstract: Unloading Apparatus for Use with a Cargo Container. The cargo container defines an interior cargo space and has a floor, left and right side walls, a front wall between the left and right side walls at the end of the floor and an opening at another end of the floor opposite the front wall. A liner is placed over the floor and extends from at least the front wall to the back opening. The unloading apparatus attaches to the cargo container at the back opening and has a frame with twist locks on it to connect into openings in the back of the container. The frame also has an mandrel rotatably supported by it and laterally extending from the left side to the right side of the frame. The mandrel includes a device for attaching the edge of the liner adjacent the back opening of the container to the mandrel. A drive device is mounted on the frame which engages the mandrel and rotates it so that the liner winds onto the mandrel as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventors: Victor I. Podd, Jr., Stephen D. Podd