Abstract: A method for leveling a pallet load includes providing at least two pallets and a predetermined combination of containers and void fillers. The combination of containers and void fillers are placed upon a first pallet that has generally flat, horizontal top and bottom surfaces. The combination of containers and void fillers defines a horizontal plane upon which a second pallet, which has generally flat top and bottom surfaces, is stacked.

Abstract: A removable handle for an operating lever of a load chain binder of the type having a toggle linkage wherein the handle is detachably connected to the operating lever for pivoting the toggle linkage in one direction over-center to tension the chain, and in the opposite direction over-center to release the chain. The handle is automatically released from the operating lever when pivoting the toggle linkage in the direction to release the tension from the load chain to prevent injury to the person operating the handle.

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: An inverted V-shaped bulkhead void filler for filling empty spaces in a cargo area during shipping includes a novel non-pivotable, but disengagable, interlocking structure. The bulkhead void filler includes first and second rigid panels of a sandwich-type construction attached by the interlocking structure at an upper end of each of the panels. To form the novel non-pivotable, but disengagable, interlocking structure, the second panel includes a side clip and end clips attached to its upper end. The clips define a gap substantially equal to the width or thickness of a leg of the core. The leg of the core of the first panel is slid into the gap and held securely therein.

Abstract: An apparatus providing for the lockable securing of cargo load locks for the trucking industry is disclosed. Load locks comprising extendible, rigid elongate poles are installed laterally within trailers or vans to secure partial loads, and due to their portability are subject to loss or theft. The present invention is installable upon the exterior surface of the rear of a truck tractor cab, and comprises two opposed box-like structures having facing open sides. One of the structures is completely closed on all other sides when installed, requiring the end(s) of the load lock(s) to be inserted into the facing open side. The opposite structure includes an adjacent side opening into which the other end(s) of the load lock(s) may be inserted. The adjacent side opening may then be closed by a pivotable plate which locks in place with a single padlock to lock the end(s) of the load lock(s) within the two opposed boxes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inverted V-shaped bulkhead void filler having a novel non-pivotable, but disengagable, fastener for filling empty spaces in a cargo area during shipping. The bulkhead void filler has first and second rigid panels of a sandwich-type construction attached by the fastener at an upper end of each of the panels. To form the novel non-pivotable, but disengagable, fastener, the upper end of the second panel fits snugly against and is attached to a portion of a core of the first panel, and a portion of the first panel overlaps and is attached to the second panel.

Abstract: The support structure takes the form of a load isolating payload support strut assembly whose length can be selectively shortened between fully extended and fully compressed to vary the spacing between the payload and the booster rocket during different stages of a flight. The strut assembly would allow independent motion of a separately supported booster rocket and payload during ascent, and subsequently provide a rigid interface during the rocket's flight, which would allow an increase in the capacity of space transferred payloads.

Abstract: A void filler (14, 16) especially suited for filling large volumes is made from first and second panels (18, 20), each panel having a core (26) sandwiched between face sheets (22, 24). The core is typically a corrugated honeycomb core so that the panel is stiff, strong and yet lightweight. The panels each have generally horizontal upper and lower edges (30, 32) and generally vertical first and second (34, 36) edges. The panels are connected at a hinge (44) along their upper edges. A limiter (50), attached at or near the lower edges, limits the movement of the lower edges away from one another so the panels can move from a flat, storage condition to a use condition, exhibiting a generally inverted V-shape. Two void fillers can be hingedly connected to form an M-shaped void filler assembly (2).

Abstract: An anti-pilferage device is attached to the car body of a railroad flatcar of the type for carrying containers. The device has a mounting plate attached to the car frame at a point adjacent the doors of a container loaded on the car. A barrier is tiltably supported on the mounting plate in a manner which permits free movement if the barrier is bumped during loading of a container. The barrier is movable between a raised, operative position and a lowered, retracted position. A spring biases the barrier to the operative position, wherein it is in the path of a swinging container door to prevent it from being opened. In the retracted position the barrier is below the level of the container floor. A plurality of anti-pilferage devices may be mounted on the car to accommodate containers of various lengths. The barriers are automatically movable between the retracted position and operative position without the need for manual actuation.

Abstract: A carrier mounted on a wagon running gear supports a combine head for transport to a desired location. The carrier has a pair of support assemblies attached to the wagon bolsters and a longitudinal support member. Each support assembly has a back stop and arm adjustably mounted on a beam. The support member is attached to each arm. The combine head rests on the support member and back stops.

Abstract: In a vehicle adapted to carry cargo, the vehicle includes a cargo supporting surface having at least one opening and a cargo restraining device comprising a standard at least partially within the opening and capable of projecting from the opening above the cargo carrying surface. The device further includes a rotatable actuation shaft extending beneath the cargo supporting surface, and a control arm extending from the shaft and having a camming surface engaging the standard. Upon rotation of the actuation rod, the standard is caused to be displaced vertically within the opening.

Abstract: A shoring beam storage rack comprising an upper extrusion shoring bracket for encasing one end of a shoring beam and a lower extruded locking tongue receiving the extensible portion of the other end of the shoring beam, for storing and locking the shoring beam in a vertical position at the rear end of a transportation vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shipping facility including at least one cargo supporting structure mounted for easy, sliding movement on a receiving structure disposed within the cargo bay of a cargo transport vehicle preferably adapted for side and/or rear loading and unloading, wherein the at least one cargo supporting structure and the cargo held thereby is secured, during transport thereof, by conventional retaining facilities to minimize and dampen the lateral, longitudinal, oscillatory and random transportation forces which act upon the cargo during the transport thereof. The at least one cargo supporting structure is adapted for easy slidable/rollable movement along said receiving structure between an operating position within a shipment area of the cargo bay and a non-operating position within a storage area of the cargo bay for thereby freeing the shipment area for shipment of any type of cargo which it is normally capable of holding, after the original cargo has been unloaded, and vice versa.

Abstract: A locking carrier for load-restraining bars comprises a base having a cavity for receiving an enlarged foot portion of the bar when the bar is aligned with its axis in a first direction, a member for holding the foot portion within the cavity when the bar is aligned with its axis in a second direction, a retainer for locking the bar with its axis aligned in the second direction. The base can be fastened to a truck-tractor vehicle for conveniently and securely carrying the bars with the tractor when they are not in use.

Abstract: A variable length strut device (A) is illustrated for connecting two associated structures which includes an outer load bearing shell (B), a drive assembly (C), a length varying compliance assembly (D) positioned by drive assembly (C), and a strut rod locking assembly (E). Load bearing shell (B) includes a connecting part (32) adapted for connection to a first associated structure. A strut connection rod (58) has a connecting part (88) adapted for connection to a second associated structure and a distal end having a piston driver (74) slidably carried in a housing 44 of compliance assembly (D). Two compliance pistons (62, 64) act in opposing directions on the piston driver to provide longitudinal compliance in a compliance mode of operation. Locking assembly (E) includes locking balls (90) which are urged in a locking ring (92) as locking bolt (82) is urged to the left by fluid pressure.

Abstract: A lash device constructed according to the present invention includes a stiff flexible plate adapted to be attached to a substrate in overlying engagement therewith. The plate has a strap restraining device, in the form of a cross bar, on the upper face thereof, and has an outwardly flared peripheral wiper edge defining a recessed surface area on the underside of the plate. An attaching area on the plate is adapted to be fixed to the substrate to attach the plate thereto with the recessed surface area disposed in overlying engagement with the substrate, thereby flexing the plate to press the wiper edge firmly against the substrate along a continuous line of engagement therewith.

Abstract: A separator sheet for disposition between layers of newspaper bundles on a movable pallet, for stabilizing the newspaper bundles as the pallet is moved. The separator sheet has a central portion and an outer portion circumscribing the central portion. The outer portion includes inclined sections extending at acute angles to, and in both directions from, the central portion. The inclined sections engage, and exert pressure against the peripheral edges of the layers of newspaper bundles both above and below the separator sheet for stabilizing the layers of newspaper bundles on the pallet. The separator sheet is preferably a unitary structure, formed of a resilient plastic material.

Abstract: A removable cover for a pickup truck cargo box employing a standard 4.times.8 foot sheet of plywood to provide a second load level and a subjacent covered security area. A horizontally disposed channel is provided in the box front wall and stepped support surfaces are formed on the wheel housings. The tailgate has a horizontally disposed channel in its inner panel located in opposed relation with the front wall channel. The channels and wheel housing surfaces are sized to receive a standard rectangular building panel positioned with its forward edge in the front wall channel supported on the wheel housing surfaces in a horizontal plane. The panel's length results in its rearward edge being received and held in the tailgate channel upon the tailgate being pivoted to its upright closed position.

Abstract: A disassembleable cradle for carrying internal combustion engines or the like is disclosed. The cradle includes two or more parallel bearers, each made, preferably of wood or plastics. Each bearer has two upright arms defining a U-shaped groove to receive a cushioning pad of a high-density material. The pad has a preferably U-shaped recess in its upper surface to receive an engine. The weight of the engine is borne edge-on by the pad, into which the engine settles somewhat, so that engines of different shapes can be accommodated. Longitudinal members are detachably received in lateral reesses in the bearers, which can be spaced therealong at any desired distance.

Abstract: Warehouses, moving vans, buses, railroad cars, and cargo planes, adapted for storage or transport of cargo generally have tie-down studs or anchor bolts in their floors and walls. In order that cargo may slide across the floors or walls without interference the tie-down studs are mounted in recesses so that they do not extend beyond the floor or wall surface. These recessed studs have the disadvantage that objects to be attached thereto must be adapted to fit them. This invention provides an anchoring assembly which effectively converts the recessed anchor stud to an upwardly extending anchor bolt.

Abstract: A container having a plurality of open-topped receptacles for supporting loaded shopping bags in an upright position. The container is particularly adapted for supporting loaded shopping bags during transportation thereof in a vehicle and comprises: a box which is movable between a first position and a second position and which has open-topped receptacles, each one of which is adapted to receive and support a loaded shopping bag in an upright position; and means for supporting the box between the first and second positions in a vehicle.

Abstract: A deck assembly for a vehicle freight container, e.g., a highway trailer, comprising a series of panels which extend across the container and rest on side rails to provide a second floor for lading spaced above the main floor of the container, the panels being hinged to opposed side walls of the container in a manner to permit storage against the side walls above the side rails. The panels are pivoted at two corners, one pivot being a universal joint and the other being detachable from the side wall to permit the panels to be rotated about both a vertical and a horizontal axis for moving them from stored to operative position and vice versa.

Abstract: A carton supporting platform mounted on a vehicle for rotative movement about a vertically extending axis. Rigid side walls are provided on two opposite sides of the platform and are movable between an upright position and an outwardly diverging retracted position. In the upright position the side walls retain parallelepiped produce cartons placed on the platform in a unitized entity during transportation of the same. In order to unload the unitized entity from the carton supporting platform without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity, the platform is pivoted 90.degree. to permit access by a fork lift truck from the side of the vehicle and the side walls are pivoted outward to release the unitized entity. Mechanism for locking the rotative position of the platform and for moving the side walls is provided. Also provided is a method for effecting formation of the unitized entity and for transporting the same without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity.

Abstract: A truck body floor construction in which transverse boards of standard length and width with holes pre-drilled in predetermined positions are secured to the side rails having pre-drilled holes in the same predetermined positions, whereby the flooring is self-jigging and the length of the flooring to accommodate different lengths of vehicle bodies can be readily effected by simply adding one or more boards. A novel tie-down means clamps the body to the longitudinal frame rails of a wheeled supporting frame easily and effectively, which means holds the body securely to the frame even when the truck body is subjected to fore and aft stops and sudden starts. This system eliminates the need for cross members and thereby does not necessitate advance information of axle location to provide wheel clearance, since the transverse floor system provides full length clearance.