Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bulkhead tether apparatus for a container (such as a refrigerator trailer) which generally includes a roller track, a trolley movably attachable to the roller track, a bulkhead bracket securely attachable to the bulkhead, and a relatively short chain releasably attachable to the trolley and to the bulkhead bracket. This combination enables the bulkhead to travel the length of the track, but prevents the bulkhead from being removed from the container. The combination also enables the bulkhead to be moved out of the way during loading and unloading in several different ways to facilitate loading products into and unloading products from the container.

Abstract: A safety net assembly for selectively blocking and exposing an opening in a cargo container having a wall assembly bounding a storage space. A flexible net is selectively placed in: i) a first state wherein the net spans a substantial height and width of an access opening; and ii) a second state wherein the opening is further exposed. In the first state, the net has a first length between spaced first and second locations that spans a width portion of the opening along a horizontal line at a first height. The net is extensible to allow the first location on the net to be lowered while maintaining the second location on the net at the first height so that the line between the first and second locations is angled from horizontal and has a second length between the first and second locations that is greater than the first length.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a removable gate for defining storage areas in a transport trailer. The removable gate includes a first elongated housing, a second elongated housing and a pair of supports. Each elongated housing carries a pair of outwardly biased retractable members. When in the extended position the retractable members engage supports thereby securing the gate in a desired position. Retracting the members permits removal and repositioning of the gate. The removable gate is pivotal about the first elongated housing upon retraction of the second pair of retractable members, and pivotal about the second elongated housing upon retraction of the first pair of retractable members.

Abstract: A lift system is provided. The lift system includes a lift mechanism with a jamming cleat and a guide bracket that urges a tensile member toward the jamming cleat.

Abstract: An adjustable array of gates and partitions for vehicles, particularly pickup truck beds, that enables succinct partitioned areas for a more organized load. A partition apparatus extends from between the two sides of a truck bed and may be moved forward or backward, including over wheel wells, through the use of rails. In addition, telescoping panels secured perpendicularly from the partition apparatus offers additional partition capabilities as the telescoping panels move from side to side through the use of additional rails.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system for separating cargo spaces in a temperature-controlled cargo container (such as a refrigerated trailer) can include first and second panels that are mountable in an interior space of the cargo container by a track-mounting system to movably support the first and second half-width bulkhead panels in the trailer. The first and second panels may have a generally flexible construction to absorb impacts from cargo, forklifts, or the like, but may also include stiffening members that are coupled to the first and second panels to provide added rigidity in particular orientations.

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. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting or moving a partition or panel may in one embodiment include a frame that is mountable to an interior surface of a cargo area and a locking mechanism comprised of smooth and knurled guide and locking pins through which a strap is fed. In preferred embodiments at least one knurled locking pin can slide between a locking position which inhibits strap movement and a non-locking position in which the strap is substantially free to slide through the lift mechanism. In certain embodiments a knurled locking pin may be operable to slide into a locking position when a load is placed on a lifting end of the strap, such as when the strap is connected to a panel which is being lifted or moved. The knurled locking pin may also be operable to slide to a non-locking position when a user pulls on the opposite end of the strap.

Abstract: A deployable storage system for a vehicle bed is provided. The vehicle bed is partly defined by a tailgate, first and second opposing side walls and a floor. The deployable storage system includes a panel assembly secured to and that may be nested within at least one of the tailgate, the side walls and the floor of the vehicle, and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The panel assembly does not enclose the bed when in the stowed position and generally defines along with the tailgate, the walls and the floor, an enclosure of a portion of the bed adjacent the tailgate when in the deployed position. Because the deployable storage system encloses a rear portion of the vehicle bed, air drag on the vehicle is reduced.

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. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

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. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting or moving a partition or panel may in one embodiment include a frame that is mountable to an interior surface of a cargo area and a locking mechanism comprised of smooth and knurled guide and locking pins through which a strap is fed. In preferred embodiments at least one knurled locking pin can slide between a locking position which inhibits strap movement and a non-locking position in which the strap is substantially free to slide through the lift mechanism. In certain embodiments a knurled locking pin may be operable to slide into a locking position when a load is placed on a lifting end of the strap, such as when the strap is connected to a panel which is being lifted or moved. The knurled locking pin may also be operable to slide to a non-locking position when a user pulls on the opposite end of the strap.

Abstract: A truck bed divider apparatus for use with a bed of a pickup truck or other cargo carrying bed of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes one or more divider assemblies that may be lowered into an operative position to restrain the movement of smaller cargo items being carried in the bed. The divider assembly may also be moved into a raised position thereby allowing the full volume of the cargo area to be used if needed. A plurality of movable screens are incorporated in the divider assembly that allow very long cargo items to be accommodated even while the divider assembly is in its lowered position. The pivot assemblies can also be moved and positioned as needed along a pair of support rails disposed on opposing sidewalls of the cargo bed to better restrain articles of various shapes and sizes.

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. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side by side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: A partition system includes partial-width partitions that are independently movable longitudinally in the trailer and independently swung to the ceiling for easy stowing. Each partition is evenly supported by a pair of rails for easy movement without undue loading of the components. One rail extends along the sidewall and another along the center of the trailer for each partition. All of the rails are part of a framework that is supported solely by the sidewalls with no loads placed on the ceiling. A lift assembly includes a lift rope, a pair of pulleys and a grip for holding the lift rope. A first pulley is generally aligned with the center of the partition to avoid substantial side loading on the pulleys during lifting and lowering of the partition. A second pulley guides the lift rope to a sidewall where it is less disruptive to the loading and unloading of goods. The grip is proximate the ceiling and avoids the formation of a taut rope segment along the sidewall.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for preventing disconnection of a module from a module connector prior to initiating a shutdown routine and for preventing operation of the module unless a retention device is engaged. The system includes a switch having a first state for allowing operation of a module and a second state for initiating shutdown and/or preventing operation of the module. At least one retention device prevents disconnection of the module from the module connector. A covering member is movable between first and second positions, but is prevented from moving to the first position when the retention device in not engaged. In the first position, the covering member prevents access to the retention device and the switch is in the first state and in the second position the covering member allows access to the retention device and transitions the switch to the second state.

Abstract: A truck bed cargo barrier for use with a truck bed for stabilizing cargo items longitudinally and laterally. The cargo barrier is slidable relative to the front and back of the truck bed along a track system. The cargo barrier may be locked in a user specified position along the track system to accommodate the size of the load being carried forming a divider, or may be flipped up into a temporary storage position for linear cargo exceeding the length of the bed. Tie down brackets for bungee cords are adjustably attached to the barrier frame to secure cargo laterally. A barrier panel is connected to laterally adjustable, rigid side plates, each including two spaced apart wheels that ride on a pair of longitudinal tracks on the side walls of the truck bed. The spaced apart wheels firmly secure the barrier panel in a vertical position. A manual actuator permits manual positioning of the barrier panel along the bed frame front to back.

Abstract: A scissor gate is provided which has two securement mechanisms enabling it to be stretched across a cargo hold such as a semi tractor trailer box and connected to the E-track on each opposing wall to retain a transported load against shifting.

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. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side by side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting or moving a partition or panel may in one embodiment include a frame that is mountable to an interior surface of a cargo area and a locking mechanism comprised of smooth and knurled guide and locking pins through which a strap is fed. In preferred embodiments at least one knurled locking pin can slide between a locking position which inhibits strap movement and a non-locking position in which the strap is substantially free to slide through the lift mechanism. In certain embodiments a knurled locking pin may be operable to slide into a locking position when a load is placed on a lifting end of the strap, such as when the strap is connected to a panel which is being lifted or moved. The knurled locking pin may also be operable to slide to a non-locking position when a user pulls on the opposite end of the strap.

Abstract: A freight gate assembly (10) for retaining freight in a trailer (11) or van includes: (a) a track system (12) including at least two matching tracks (18), each of the tracks being affixable to opposite, longitudinal side walls (19) of the trailer, each of the tracks (18) including a longitudinally oriented channel (24) and a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially same-sized notches (25), the notches (25) being accessible from the channel (24); and (b) a freight gate restraining system (13) including at least one adjustable gate rail (32), each gate rail (32) having a first end including a latching mechanism (33) for detachably latching the first end of the gate rail (32) to a first one of the tracks (18) by means of the notches, and an opposite, second end including a joint mechanism (34) that is slidably movable along the second track by means of the notches (25) in the second track (18); wherein the adjustable gate rail (32) is substantially perpendicular to the tracks (18) when it is in a closed posit

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a vehicle body panel partition for pivotal movement between an upright and a retracted position. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, each hinge leaf being used to retain one of the alternate ends of the torsion rod pin extending through aligned pivot portions on each pin leaf. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with the torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to each of the leafs. In the preferred embodiment, a return bent end of the torsion pin is received in an extended support member while the other end is retained in a returned bent portion of the second leaf, each end extending in a radial direction aligned at an angle to the direction of the other end.

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. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a center partition wall such that the panels may be placed side by side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a vehicle body panel partition for pivotal movement between an upright and a retracted position. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, a hinge leaf being used to retain one of the ends of the torsion rod pin extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with the torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In the preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is bent and retained in a second leaf of a second hinge set.

Abstract: In a freight compartment for a motor vehicle, with a cargo net for holding transported goods on a freight compartment floor, at least one sectioning device is provided for dividing the freight compartment into at least two spaces. Such construction can be used in passenger cars of the sedan type.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo gate system for a flat bed of a truck or trailer is provided for restraining objects, including small items, from sliding or moving about when the vehicle accelerates, decelerate, or makes sharp turns. It consists of a grate of adjustable width supported in a vertical position by braces attached to cars sliding on a pair of tracks extending from front to rear on the bed or floor of the vehicle. The grate can be positioned at any point athwart the bed of the vehicle, including diagonally across it. The bars of the grate provide anchoring for tie-downs to secure items that are too large to fit within the vehicle bed, or small items that might escape through the openings in the grate.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for partitioning a vehicle, particularly for use with public safety vehicles, in transporting prisoners, a prisoner and canine, or a prisoner and equipment. The invention comprises a partition mounted adjustably on a mounting bracket. The partition slides along the mounting rails for side to side adjustment. The partition is hinged at the mounting bracket to allow opening of the partition flat against the wall.

Abstract: A wall divider system (20) for use in a freight vehicle (30) uses double axis hinge assemblies (22) to move insulating partitions (26) from a loaded/closed position to a forklift loading position and from the loaded position to a hand loading position. Each hinge assembly includes wheels (58) rotatably received in tracks (24) to move the partitions (26) along the length of the vehicle (3). Each hinge assembly (22) also includes a hinge shaft (5) pivotal about a first, vertical axis to move the partitions (26) to and from the hand loading position. A hinge pipe (52) is rotatably received on the hinge shaft (50), so that it rotates about a second, horizontal axis to move the partitions (26) to the forklift loading position. A lift assembly (28) is selectively used to lift the partitions into the forklift loading position and hold them there and to return the partitions to the lowered, loaded/closed position.

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.

Abstract: A pickup truck cargo bed tonneau cover (30) includes cover panels (32, 34) and a cargo bed partition (50) mounted on a common hinge to suspend the partition (50) beneath the tonneau cover and divide the cargo bed (14) into individual compartments (14a, 14b). The cargo bed/partition includes fasteners (60) to releasably secure the partition (50) in an upright position beneath the tonneau cover and to permit swinging movement of the partition, when released, about the hinge out of the way to accommodate large loads in the cargo bed.

Abstract: This lock chamber defines an elongated storage compartment with a pair of openings at the opposite ends of the same. One opening is for receiving merchandise to be stored in the compartment, while the other opening is for retrieving the merchandise from the compartment. Several partitions extend across the compartment and are longitudinally adjustable within the same. The doors and the partitions can be locked. Preferably, the compartment is formed by a semi-trailer which is located with the merchandise retrieving opening in communication with the opening of a loading deck of a grocery store or the like. The lock chamber can receive several successive loads of merchandise of different volumes and delivered by trucks at hours of the day when the personnel operating the loading dock is not available.

Abstract: The present invention aims at holding articles within a vehicular trunk firmly without sliding movement during vehicular running by means of a partition member provided in the trunk. According to the vehicular trunk partitioning device of the invention, the partition member is attached on one side thereof to the floor or a side wall of a vehicular trunk so as to be pivotable around the one side. The partition member is urged pivotally toward the floor or the side wall of the trunk around the one side. Preferably, the partition member can extend and retract in a telescopic fashion.

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.

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

Abstract: A cargo handling system has a main drive panel and fore and aft end panels for driving cargo in one direction or the other in the cargo compartment of a vehicle such as an aircraft. The main drive panel is driven in either direction on a plurality of toothed belts which are anchored to the system floor panels, the teeth of such belts engaging the teeth of trolley wheels which are rotatably driven by the motor. The main panel is thus driven in trolly-like fashion along the drive belts in loading cargo. Each end panel is attached to a separate endless chain drive. The chain drives are selectively attached to the main drive panel and one or the other of the end panels drawn along with the main drive panel in the unloading of cargo.

Abstract: Truck bed organizer and load stabilizer apparatus includes a flat material disposed on a truck bed, with a plurality of transversely extending panels which pivot from a down position to an up position. The panels stabilize loads by preventing the movement of loads and accordingly inherently organize the loads. The plurality of panels allows the loads to be located as desired on the bed.

Abstract: A cargo handling system for use in combination with an airplane cargo compartment having a floor structure and a door opening moves cargo placed in the loading area inside the compartment at the door opening to the further recesses of the compartment and returns the cargo to the loading area for unloading. The system generally comprises fore and aft end panels, each attached to its own looped cable and movable from a position adjacent its respective end of the compartment to a position adjacent its respective side of the door opening; a movable main panel attached to a power cable; a drive means, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is attached to the power cable and drives the main panel in the door area between the door positions of the end panels; and indexing plungers which selectively couple the main panel with a cable of an end panel such that, when coupled, the end panel is driven simultaneously with and in the same direction as the main panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable bulkhead for preventing the movement of lading within a lading carrying vehicle, such as a railway car, and more particularly, relates to a mechanical bulkhead having a structural frame member adapted to be mounted in a stationary position, with one or more expandable panels connected to said frame member by clevis linkages which are operated by one or more hydraulic cylinders. By the use of an air-operated hydraulic pump fed by a constant volume air reservoir of a size chosen so that as the bulkhead expands the pressure of the air supplied to the hydraulic pump, and thus, the oil pressure in the hydraulic cylinder, will decrease as the natural mechanical advantage of the clevis type linkage comes into play, a substantially uniform force can be kept on the lading regardless of the amount of the expansion of the bulkhead.

Abstract: An end fitting in the form of a head for a cargo-retaining bar of the type used with a belt rail to restrain or support cargo against shifting or movement in a truck, railroad car or the like. The end fitting includes a coupling apparatus adapted to be received in a retaining slot formed in a belt rail attached to the inner walls of the cargo vehicle.