Abstract: A multi-purpose cargo restraint apparatus that attaches to the top of cargo bed side rails of a pick-up truck and that is collapsible for stowage behind the truck driver's seat. The apparatus features five ways of restraining cargo: a collapsible cross beam assembly that spans the width of the truck cargo bed and that can be positioned to restrain the movement of large cargo items; tie down eye bolts near the side rails to attach cargo restraining lines; tie down bolts near the center of the cross beam assembly to attach additional lines or for restraining pets on a leash; a net or series of lines or the like, suspended between two vertical posts attached beneath the cross beam assembly for restraining the fore or aft movement of small cargo items; and a restraint for bicycles.

Abstract: An adjustable barrier device for securing a partial load in a load-carrying area of a vehicle has a rectangular panel of compressible material and at least two spaced, upper and lower elongate members of adjustable length extending across the width of the panel and attached to it. Each elongate member has feet for gripping engagement with opposite side walls of a load-carrying area when the elongate member is adjusted in length to fit across the area.

Abstract: A space filling device for use in a container for cargo shipment to prohibit shifting of the cargo is formed by flat first and second panels, with first and second slots formed in each so that, when assembled, an x-shaped structure is formed. When placed in the container, respective end edges of the panels are supported on the bed of the cargo container while the other of the panels' end edges engage the container's sidewalls. The panel side edges form a pair of x-shaped bases which serve to support the cargo against movement toward the end wall of the container. An anti-slip element may be included on the respective end edges, braces may engage the panels proximate respective end edges, and panel side edge guards may be included to prevent undue wear on the cargo. An auxiliary bearing penal may also be used adjacent at least one of the x-shaped bases.

Abstract: Provided is a combination for partitioning a pick-up truck bed defined by a front wall, a rear tailgate, first and second laterally spaced side walls, first and second wheel house inners, and a floor into smaller compartments. The bed includes a first plurality of vertically disposed channels integrally formed in the first side wall, a second plurality of vertically disposed channels integrally formed in the second side wall and at least one bulkhead member. The bed further includes a vertical channel disposed in both the first and second wheel house inners. The bulkhead members are adapted to be slidably inserted into a pair of corresponding opposing coplanar channels. The vertically disposed channels extend a substantial portion of the vertical length of the first and second side walls.

Abstract: A container unloading assembly for gravity unloading of particulate material from the rear end of a container (10) removably mounted on a trailer (11) upon the tilting of the front end of the container. A rear support frame (50) is removably secured to opposed sides (12) of the container (10) and has a lower opening (64) removably receiving a lading discharge outlet (84) connected to the frame (50) for controlling the flow of particulate material from the container (10) during the unloading operation. Particulate material is loaded within a flexible bag (26) adjacent a rear end bulkhead (42) and rear support frame (50) supports rear end bulkhead (42).

Abstract: A truck bed divider system for placement within the bed of a truck includes at least one primary divider and at least one secondary divider. The primary dividers include brackets at each end that provide a frictional fit against the interior side of the walls of the bed of the truck. By a slotted interrelationship, the primary dividers are situated within the bed at their preferred positions and are thereafter adjusted by extending the brackets outward relative to the divider body to their maximum extent whereby they are pressed against the side of the bed and held thereto by tension, thus eliminating the need for fasteners. The secondary dividers are provided with hooks at their ends and are interfittable between the primary dividers by being hooked into slots perpendicularly defined in the body of the primary dividers. Both primary and secondary dividers are preferably provided with shelf extensions for the placement of shelves thereupon.

Abstract: A divider system for the cargo area of a vehicle is provided comprising one or more dividers and inserts for bracing the dividers. The inserts are of two embodiments. In the first embodiment, a tapered, V-shaped insert is provided for attachment to the slots conventionally provided in a vehicle bed liner. In the second embodiment, an insert is provided that is attachable to the inner wall of a vehicle's cargo area which does not necessarily attach to a liner. The second embodiment is held in place by either an adhesive or a clamping assembly.

Abstract: A bed liner for pick-up trucks incorporating the features of multi-component construction, releasable connection with the side-walls, and an integral, nonintrusive cargo restraint capability. Specifically, the bed liner is composed of a durable, resilient material with individual panels for each longitudinal side-wall, floor, front wall and tail gate of the pick-up truck bed. The bed liner panels are secured to the pick-up truck bed by a releasable system, such as VELCRO, which is a registered trademark for a hook and loop fastener system. Each interior surface of the bed liner panel is provided with a series of regularly spaced, vertically oriented grooves. Cargo restraint is achieved by selectively inserting a planar retaining member, such as a predetermined number of stacked 2.times.4's, into opposing grooves on opposite sides of the bed. This may be either longitudinal between the front wall and the tailgate, or transverse between the side-walls.

Abstract: A retaining wall for intercepting and holding freight pieces in a cargo hold of an aircraft cabin is provided with two parallel wall sections enclosing a space in which there are mounted elastically deforming hollow spring tubes which have an elliptical cross-section and are so arranged that the small axis of the ellipse is oriented in the direction of impact, while the long axis of the ellipse is oriented perpendicularly to the impact direction. The spring tubes may have a layered construction for a controlled spring characteristic. The elastic energy damping of the spring tubes may be combined with a friction energy absorption device.

Abstract: A storage box for use on pickup trucks which is mainly composed of a lid 10 and flap 12 which when each are hinged and secured to the truck bed create a versatile unit capable of protected and secure storage or other positions of usage that permit easy utilization of the space or compact storage when not installed.

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

Abstract: A barrier set replaces the metal bulkhead between the passenger and trunk compartments of an automobile. The barrier net comprises flexible, substantially inelastic webbing. The webbing is formed of a plurality of vertical, spaced straps and a plurality of horizontal, spaced straps traversing the vertical straps. The vertical strap is secured to the horizontal strap at each point where the two straps cross. The barrier net is attached in place between the passenger and trunk compartment. A variation of the barrier net includes an enlarged aperture formed in the webbing, the webbing aperture being situated such that it coincides with a selectively open space extending between the passenger and trunk compartments, with the space being adapted to receive oversized items extending from the trunk compartment into the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A collapsible bracing structure for bracing a load against shifting a surface bearing the load, including a pair of upright side frames extending longitudinally of the load-bearing surface and a plurality of elongated cross-braces each having opposite ends and extending laterally to the side frames to retain the side frames in an upright position. Manually operable, rotatable latches are provided for releasably attaching the opposite ends of each of the elongated braces to each of the side frames to define a rigid block having a bottom surface engaging the surface bearing the load and at least one upright load-engaging face.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for the bed of a truck comprising a pair of recess members each secured to opposing truck side walls. A bed liner may also be included in the combination. An elongated stop block being releasably assembled into grooves in said recess members for adjustable movement in said recess members as part of a multi-faceted, but easily disassembled system for cargo restraint for use in trucks, vans, station wagons and the like.

Abstract: A shipping container for an article includes a floor on which the article is placed, the top surface of which is elevated from the supporting surface upon which the container rests, by a fixed dimension. Four side structures surround the floor and a top panel contacts the side structures to form an enclosure for the article. One of the side structures has at least one flap that, when opened, permits a ramp, that is part of the side structure, in the form of an inclined plane, to be pivoted into position against the floor. The height of the inclined plane approximates the fixed dimension so that the article can be moved horizontally within the container and then down the ramp for removal. Reinstallation of the article into the container requires moving the article up the inclined plane, onto the floor of the container.

Abstract: A barrier net replaces the metal bulkhead between the passenger and trunk compartments of an automobile. The barrier net comprises flexible, substantially inelastic webbing. The webbing is formed of a plurality of vertical, spaced straps and a plurality of horizontal, spaced straps traversing the vertical straps. The vertical strap is secured to the horizontal strap at each point where the two straps cross. The barrier net is attached in place between the passenger and trunk compartment. A variation of the barrier net includes an enlarged aperture formed in the webbing, the webbing aperture being situated such that it coincides with a selectively open space extending between the passenger and trunk compartments, with the space being adapted to receive oversized items extending from the trunk compartment into the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A bed liner divider system for interfitting with tapered, V-shaped slots defined in the bed liner of a pick-up truck and the like comprises one or more removable divider portions and at least one removable insert slottingly fittable within at least one of the tapered slots. The insert includes a tapered base portion for interattachment with the slot and a channel portion for removably receiving the divider portion. The insert has a wider upper part relative to a narrower lower part. The insert may be permanently fastened to the bed liner. The insert may be of one-pieced construction.

Abstract: Partition securement structure is provided in the cargo compartment of a pick-up truck. The cargo compartment has a pair of spaced apart longitudinal side walls with openings therein. Wire retainers are received in the openings. Each wire retainer has a U-shaped recess to receive and removably secure the edge of a partition in place. The retainers have a dual function, being also useful as rope tie-down loops.

Abstract: A barrier net replaces the metal bulkhead between the passenger and trunk compartments of an automobile. The barrier net comprises flexible, substantially inelastic webbing. The webbing is formed of a plurality of vertical, spaced straps and a plurality of horizontal, spaced straps traversing the vertical straps. The vertical strap is secured to the horizontal strap at each point where the two straps cross. The barrier net is attached in place between the passenger and trunk compartment.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, cargo-retaining header wall is provided which serves to vertically, transversely, and securely span the interior space between opposed walls of a polygonal cargo-receiving container such as a truck trailer or railroad boxcar to prevent cargo shifting beyond the header wall. The header wall preferably includes: a bottom rollered lattice structure composed of a plurality of interconnected bars spaced just closely enough to prevent cargo movement therethrough; a jacking member; and a driving assembly mounted to the lattice structure and receiving the jacking member for incrementally moving the jacking member, the assembly having an operating lever.

Abstract: A vertical removable bulkhead is specified for use in a freight carrier bed with sidewalls, particularly pickup trucks, to divide and support cargo. The bulkhead is constructed of a rigid material and is suspended by hangers from the top edges of opposing truck bed's sidewalls. The hangers are cantilevered extensions of the bulkhead wall part and are made an integral part thereof for suspension in the truck bed without the use of connecting hardware.

Abstract: A device for intercepting and retaining of cargo that may have become loose in a transport or baggage compartment or cabin of an aircraft, is located between a freight compartment and a passenger compartment of an aircraft. The device forms an additional protective screen or wall connected to a mounting structure by connection flanges, e.g. the air frame or cabin structures such as the floor and ceiling. The protective screen has at least two wall sections arranged one behind the other with a spacing between the wall sections. The wall sections are joined to each other by energy absorbing elements inserted in the spacing to form a composite, laminated structure. Each wall section has an external covering. The passenger cabin facing wall section may have a decorated surface. The baggage compartment facing wall has a tough material covering to take up impacts, when a piece of cargo should hit the wall surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for supporting oversized freight above the tailgate of a pickup truck, while affording normal utilization of the tailgate. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises two brackets that sit upon opposing rear edges of side walls of a pickup truck bed, near the tailgatae. A support beam passes through an opening in one bracket and is received in a slot in the opposing bracket. Ends of the support beam lie within each bracket and are held by securing rods passing through the brackets and beam ends. The bracket with the opening has a pivotable cap covering the opening to afford rapid deployment of the support beam. The cap is on the side of the bracket facing away from the opposing bracket. To deploy the beam, the operator simply pivots open the cap, slides the beam through the opening until one end lies in each bracket and then closes the cap and inserts a securing rod through each bracket and beam end.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for the bed of a truck comprising a pair of recess members each secured to opposing truck side walls. A bed liner may also be included in the combination. An elongated stop block being releasably assembled into grooves in said recess members for adjustable movement in said recess members as part of a multi-faceted, but easily disassembled system for cargo restraint for use in trucks, vans, station wagons and the like.

Abstract: A truck cargo rack for holding cargo in the bed of a truck is connected to the bed of the truck and to the sidewalls of the truck. The rack includes adjustable frame members for securing loads of various sizes and a cargo restraining strap to securely hold the cargo to the frame members.

Abstract: A cargo shoring bar which extends between slotted tracks on the opposite side walls of a truck body. A pair of telescoping tubes have an internal screw and nut mechanism which allows the tubes to be extended and retracted by threaded action when they are turned relative to one another in opposite directions. An end fitting on one tube fits closely in a slot on one track and the opposite slot receives a cylindrical peg on the end of the other tube. Its cylindrical shape allows the peg to turn in its slot so that the tube which carries it can be turned to tightly wedge the shoring beam between the tracks. Optional hoops are fixed at one end to one tube and at the other end to a sleeve fitted closely on the other tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a barrier for use in a vehicle to restrain equipment and cargo in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle. The barrier includes a honeycomb panel provided with thin face sheets on its forward and aft surfaces. A channeled frame surrounds the perimeter of the panel and is provided with attachment fittings for securing the assembly to the vehicle. A pair of vertically disposed, spaced-apart straps are located on the forward surface of the panel in line with, and attached to, the attachment fittings. In the event of sudden vehicle deceleration, equipment or cargo may be thrown forward into the barrier, applying a load thereto. The honeycomb panel withstands the load developed normal to the barrier. The components of the load that are developed "in-plane" with the barrier are transferred to the straps by the particular configuration of straps and attachment fittings.

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

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for the bed of a truck comprising primary cargo securing element and cargo securing members clampingly engageable with the primary cargo securing element. A bed liner may also be included in the combination. Abutment dual tie down members are also readily utilizeable with the system to provide improved cargo restraint. An elongated stop block may be releasably assembled into brackets clampingly engaged for adjustable movement on a pair of primary securing elements as part of a multi-faceted, but easily disassembled system for cargo restraint for use in trucks, vans, station wagons and the like.

Abstract: A protective gate adapted to be installed within a freight container such as a truck trailer for protection of the container and its freight from damage during transit wherein the container includes a floor, two opposite side walls, and a rear door for receiving the freight to be transported. The protective gate comprises a rigid plate having top, bottom and side edges wherein the plate is spaced inwardly from the rear door of the freight container, hinges to connect the bottom edge of the plate to the container floor to allow movement of the plate from a position in a plane horizontal to the floor into a position perpendicular to the floor, and a coupling to allow the side edges of the plate to be secured to the container side walls so that the plate is in a position perpendicular to the container floor, thereby preventing movement of the gate relative to the container.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for covering at least a part of the open bed of a land or marine vehicle or the like includes an enclosure structure telescopically collapsible and extendable with an access opening and door assembly rearward longitudinally movable portion thereof. An improved end gate assembly is selectively positionable and releasably securable at a number of continuously variable longitudinal locations on the open bed, corresponding with the movable rearward section of the enclosure. The apparatus also includes an improved track assembly for the telescopically collapsible and extendable enclosure sections, with apparatus for substantially preventing or minimizing the accumulation of corrosion, water or other foreign materials that would hinder the smooth and free operation of the enclosure structure.

Abstract: A cargo compartment of a cargo carrier is bounded by a pair of generally vertical walls which extend in the longitudinal direction of the cargo carrier. At least two pairs of confining members are pivotally mounted on these walls for movement between operative and inoperative positions. In the inoperative positions, the confining members are generally parallel to the walls of the cargo compartment and the latter is capable of accommodating bulk goods. In the operative positions, the cargo compartment is capable of receiving containers and the confining members of each pair extend generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the cargo carrier and are in alignment with one another. The two pairs of confining members may be spaced from one another by several container lengths in their operative positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle-mounted shipping rack for bendable objects (such as construction materials) which have a lengthwise dimension greater than a dimension of the vehicle. The shipping rack is mounted on a transport body of the vehicle, and includes a frame defining plural compartments across the body, each compartment having a dimension longer than a corresponding dimension of the transport body, but being curved so as to fit within the corresponding dimension of the body so that the bendable objects may be transported in the shipping rack by bending along the curved compartments.

Abstract: A partition for a cargo carrier (1) for bulk freight. The cargo carrier is provided with an unloading opening (3) closable by a door (4') or board at the location of a partition to be positioned at the inner side thereof. The partition includes a number of profiles (8) to be positioned horizontally across the unloading opening (3) in superposed relation into two supports (4). The supports (4) are provided at the location of the walls of the cargo carrier and extend perpendicular to the plane of the unloading opening (3). Each of the supports (4) includes a plate (4) the height of which corresponds substantially with the height of the partition. The plate (4) is placed against the inner wall of the cargo carrier and has parallel to the plane of the wall of the cargo carrier a dimension such that the bulk freight urges the plate (4) against said wall by a sufficient force as to hold the plate (4) by friction.

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

Abstract: A cargo shoring device and foot assembly therefor is disclosed. The foot assembly includes a body formed for mounting to a cargo support member, an extensible element movably mounted to the body and carrying a wall engaging foot portion, manually engageable pivotally mounted lever formed and coupled for extension and retraction of the extensible element upon rotation of the lever and a latch element formed in the body to engage the lever when rotated to a position extending the extensible element. By the lever is mounted for movement into and out of engagement with the latch element by manipulating the lever laterally of the plane of rotation of the lever in order to enable manipulation of the lever by one hand of the operator to effect extension of the foot portion, latching and unlatching of the lever and retraction of the foot portion.

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

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

Abstract: A conveyor device useful also as a bulkhead in a storage compartment for trucks, railroad cars and cargo holds in airplanes, boats and the like. The conveyor device comprises a frame having adjustable bar means carried by the frame, to be pressed against the walls of the storage compartment to secure the frame as a bulkhead across the width of the storage compartment. Article conveyor track means are removably carried by the frame. Typically, in the bulkhead mode the track means serve as part of the bulkhead wall, while during loading or unloading the track means may be used to convey articles.

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

Abstract: A locking arrangement for a bulkhead door in a freight transport vehicle in which locking plates are selectively positioned along tracks on each side of the vehicle floor, and are engaged by locking pins in the bulkhead door. A locking track is mounted in the transport vehicle floor along each side thereof, and extends along a substantial portion of the length of the vehicle. Each track consists of an elongated, rectangularly-shaped steel plate positioned to extend along a longitudinal side of the vehicle, and has a number of vertically-extending holes formed therein and spaced along its length. Each locking plate has a relatively short length in comparison to a locking track, and has several posts extending vertically downwardly from its bottom to engage the holes in a locking track.

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