Abstract: A self-retracting tie down winch for tying cargo on a vehicle is provided. The self-retracting tie down winch comprise a frame that can be attached temporarily or permanently to the transport vehicle, a binding system to secure the cargo, the binding system comprising a gear and a unidirectional pawl and driver to insert a binding media. The self-retracting tie down winch further comprises a space to spool the tie down media around the winch shaft, a self-retracting mechanism for the tie down media to self-retract, and a self-retracting mechanism. The self-retracting mechanism can be stopped in a locking state at given length to ensure a tension free tie down media to facilitate its placement. It can be re-engaged from the locking state to rewind the tie down media.

Abstract: A support arm for a loading bunk of a transport vehicle, having a horizontal and a vertical section, each section comprising an inner and outer segment, which are telescopically connected to each other so that the length of the vertical and horizontal sections is variable. Each section further comprising an inner hydraulic actuator with at least one hydraulic pressure chamber, connected to the segments of the horizontal and vertical sections so that movement of the hydraulic actuators changes the lengths of the vertical and horizontal sections respectively. The vertical section being fixedly connected to the horizontal section on one end of the inner or outer segment.

Abstract: A module for transmission of a force including two toothed wheels which are connected to a main shaft; a first ratchet holder and a second ratchet holder which are provided with a first ratchet and a second ratchet, and are designed such, when they are actuated, to rotate the toothed wheels by support of the ratchet concerned against a tooth of the toothed wheel; a first cam and a second cam, which are designed to actuate respectively the first ratchet according to a first angular course around an axis YY? of the first cam, and the second ratchet according to a second angular course around the axis YY? of the second cam, which is different from the first angular course.

Abstract: A load carrier includes a load changing frame that has first and second end portions. The load changing frame has two longitudinal frame beams, two transverse frame beams arranged at the end portions of the load changing frame, and a first, upwardly tapering lifting stand. The second end portion of the load changing frame includes a second lifting stand, which is shaped and arranged in accordance with the first lifting stand. The transverse frame beams are elongated to extend outward from the longitudinal frame beams for mounting of supports facing the support surface. A plurality of such load carriers are adapted to be stacked on top of each other, wherein each overlying load carrier with its lifting stands is adapted to straddle the lifting stands of the underlying load carrier vertically from above, wherein the length of the stack corresponds to the length of the load carrier.

Abstract: A firewood trailer features a roof-covered storage compartment dimensioned to accommodate a predetermined volume of cut firewood. At least one wall section of the compartment has a substantially full height access opening that is openable and closeable to access the compartment's interior, and arrays of airflow openings are provided in opposing wall sections of the compartment. Between the roof and the airflow openings, the firewood is allowed to dry out inside the trailer and subsequently kept dry by the roof protection. The same trailer can thus be used both to transport the cut firewood and then store the firewood at its destination, thereby avoiding the conventional need for a full unloading of the trailer upon reaching the firewood's destination. A fleet of trailers are used for a firewood distribution service in which a trailer left onsite for a customer, once emptied, is replaced with a newly delivered wood-filled trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bunk of a load space which bunk (12) includes a frame component (15), a support component (14) articulated to at least one end of the frame component (15), and two bunk arms (16, 17). At least one bunk arm (17) is composed of two or more plates (18, 19, 20) wherein one of the plates (18) is profiled to a curved form (10) on the transverse plane at the position of the load space and the other plate (20) is made parallel to the curved surface of the bunk arm (17) for widening the surface area of the bunk arm (17).

Abstract: A pair of pipe bunks are utilized on in combination with a flatbed truck, deck of a work boat, or other conveyance means for securing loads of long, heavy, structural members during transportation. The pipe bunks have particular utility for oilfield tubulars. Each pipe bunk comprises a horizontal base member which is attached cross-wise to the flatbed of the truck, or deck of the workboat. A horizontal beam is attached to the horizontal base member and a vertical member is affixed to each opposing outside end of the horizontal beam. Adjustable slide members are slidingly attached to the horizontal base member, where each adjustable slide member has a vertical member which is disposed in offset facing relation with a respective outside vertical member. The slide members are attached to the horizontal base member with guide members. The slide members are adjustable with respect to the distance of each from the respective outside vertical member to accommodate the width of the desired load.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for pre-bunking cut timber and transporting cut timber. A plurality of portable U-shaped bunks or cradles are first releasably attached to a portable skid, and logs are loaded onto the cradles. In an embodiment, the cradles are collapsible. This step may be performed before a transportation trailer is on site. The load of logs, with the portable cradles are then moved as a unit and attached to the trailer. The trailer is provided with attachment hardware adapted to releasably engage the portable bunks. In an embodiment of the invention the trailer attachment hardware is removably attachable to the trailer, permitting the trailer to be used for other purposes. The present system permits improvements in efficiency by permitting logs to be pre-bunked while the trailer is in use elsewhere.

Abstract: A trailer (100) is disclosed having a trailer bed (106) that may be a drop center type trailer and a frame structure extending, including a forward frame (120), rearward frame (122) and upper beam (124) therebetween. Pivotable bunk assemblies (150, 160) having left and right portions are pivotably mounted to the trailer side rails (105), the bunk portions pivotable between a deployed position extending over the trailer and a non-deployed position. A top frame (130) is hingedly attached to the upper beam and engages the bunk assemblies when it is in the closed position. Deployable, load-bearing sidewalls (102) are also optionally provided. The trailer is easily convertible between a configuration suitable for hauling logs in the deployed bunk assemblies and a configuration suitable for hauling other product—for example, wood chips or the like—with the bunk assemblies non-deployed, and the sidewalls deployed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for easily, safely, and securely tying down a Christmas tree to the roof top of any vehicle. The system allows the tree to be secured to the vehicle in minutes by using a cable tie system which adjust to any vehicle. The system includes a central loop attached to the tree trunk, a pair of lines extending out from the sides of the central loop, and a pair of outboard loops that operably attach to the vehicle. The outboard loops attach directly to the rails of a roof rack, or to each other in the interior of the vehicle if the vehicle has no roof rack. When the tree arrives at its destination, only the central loop and outboard loops need to be cut to remove the tree from the roof top.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging elongate members, such as drillpipe (40) and downhole tubulars, comprises a frame comprising a base (6) and side members (2), and packing members (23) for engaging with the side members (2). The packing members (23) have a deformable portion (22) for engaging elongate members to be handled. Tie down chains (19) or other retainers hold the packing members (23) in contact with the elongate members (40).

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

Abstract: A separating apparatus for use in hauling logs uses a pressure driven actuating device joined for actuating a pivoted boom adapted for moving from a vertical, log-loading, position on a log-hauling flat bed truck trailer, to a horizontal, log supporting, position. A boom cradle is adapted for receiving a terminal end of the pivoted boom when in the horizontal position. The actuating device, pivoted boom and boom cradle are adapted for engagement with the truck trailer for operation in loading, carrying and unloading logs.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

Abstract: A separating apparatus for use in hauling logs uses a pressure driven actuating device joined for actuating a pivoted boom adapted for moving from a vertical, log-loading, position on a log-hauling flat bed truck trailer, to a horizontal, log supporting, position. A boom cradle is adapted for receiving a terminal end of the pivoted boom when in the horizontal position. The actuating device, pivoted boom and boom cradle are adapted for engagement with the truck trailer for operation in loading, carrying and unloading logs.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a loading bunk (3) to a frame beam (2) of a vehicle, wherein the loading bunk includes a horizontal beam (4) and wherein the mounting plate (13) can be moved longitudinally on the frame beam (2) and locked thereto. The mounting plate (13) includes locking means (18) for securing the beam (4) in the transverse direction. The locking means (18) includes shape-conforming latching means (19) for coacting engagement with engagement devices (12) disposed on the beam (4).

Abstract: An improved railcar is provided which may be utilized for the transport of relatively lightweight bulky articles, as well as relatively heavy articles such as steel beams. The railcar includes a number of components which cooperate to allow such diversity of uses. A rectangular base structure is provided. A substantially planar deck is secured to the upper surface of the rectangular base structure. A plurality of rail wheel assemblies are coupled to the lower surface of the base structure. The rail wheel assemblies are adapted for engaging a railroad. A first bulkhead member is coupled to a first end of the base structure. A second bulkhead member is coupled to the second end of the base structure. A vertical center partition member is also provided. The vertical center partition member is substantially perpendicular to the base structure. It is located along a longitudinal centerline relative to the base structure.

Abstract: A vehicle is structured for transporting heavy loads of unstable elongated items such as logs or heavy pipes and includes longitudinally spaced lateral members or "bunks" and vertical stakes at the ends of the bunks. Each of the bunks comprising an elongated steel beam having at least three spaced mutually perpendicular plates defining a hollow inside of the beam, preferably a box beam formed by welding together elongated plates. A number of trusses are placed in the hollow inside of the beam, at least some of which extend diagonally between spaced plates, especially the upper and lower plates. The trusses form triangular bracing structures with the plates for supporting the load on the beams at spaced points along the length of the vehicle.

Abstract: A log bunk assembly for use on logging truck-trailer units. The bunk comprises a generally horizontal bunk beam having a recess, hub-and-saucer assembly for allowing the bunk beam and trailer/log load to pivot in the horizontal plane, an upper trunnion saddle contained within the bunk beam recess, a lower trunnion saddle, and a trunnion tube attached to a pedestal mounted on the hub-and-saucer assembly. The trunnion tube is clamped between and frictionally engages the upper and lower trunnion saddles. The bunk beam pivots about the horizontal axis of the trunnion tube in the vertical plane. The trunnion tube always remains perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer/log load.

Abstract: A vehicle timber bank arrangement having a horizontal supporting beam and generally vertical post assemblies mounted at respective ends of the beam. Each post assembly includes a bottom post anchored firmly to the beam, and at least one top post which is displaceable telescopically to its associated bottom post. A pivotal upper connection member is pivotally mounted at at least the first top post, and at the second top post there is mounted a device for coupling with the upper connection member when this device is in a position in which it connects or binds the two to posts. The upper connection member is swung by a piston-cylinder device which functions to displace the first top post telescopically in relation to the first bottom post. The first top post and the part of the piston-cylinder device which actuates the first top post are coupled together by a rack-and-pinion arrangement.

Abstract: Embodiments of a log bunk shear-pin system are shown and described, each embodiment including a shear-pin that engages a log bunk and prevents the bunk from swiveling when the truck is being loaded or unloaded, but that releases the bunk when the shear-pin is mistakenly left engaged during travel. The shear-pin shears, or otherwise comes apart, when the power of the log load or the turning tractor forces the bunk to swivel relative to the tractor or trailer. The preferred shear-pin comprises a shoulder pin and a pin cap connected with a threaded insert. When the forces of a swiveling bunk push on the pin cap and the shoulder pin sideways in opposite directions, the insert breaks. A new insert may then be easily installed into the undamaged pin cap and shoulder pin. Thus, the shear-pin prevents damage to the bunk-ears and only allows damage of an inexpensive and replaceable portion of the shear-pin.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for tying down wheeled vehicles such as automobiles, to a flat bed or other base support by which the vehicles are to be transported. Two wheels which are positioned in fore and aft tandem are each secured to the base support by respective harnesses while a centrally positioned tensioning unit receives chains connected to the harnesses for application of tie-down tension to the chains by simple back and forth motion of a pivotally mounted handle. Between each wheel harness and the chain tensioning unit is provided a chain pocket wheel and ratchet and pawl arrangement in a housing, with means to attach the entire housing and arrangement to the base support so as to transfer the actual chain tension to the ratchet/pawl arrangement and the base support.

Abstract: A strap tightening device for cinching an elongated strap to firmly hold cargo in place on a carrier is provided. The strap tightening device includes a frame having a drum rotationally mounted thereto. The drum has a longitudinal axis of rotation and three longitudinally extending slots for receiving the strap. A locking means is provided for selectively preventing the drum from rotating in at least one direction. To utilize the device for tightening straps, the elongated strap is threaded into the drum through a first one of the slots, out of the drum through a second one of the slots, back into the drum through a third one of the slots to form a loop (between the second and third slots), and back out of the drum through the first slot. Cranking means are provided to facilitate rotating the drum about its longitudinal axis to wind the strap about the drum.

Abstract: A side limit post for load-carrying space, comprising a main profile (1) and possibly an extension profile (16). The cross-sectional profile is approximately quadratic in its main dimensions and rounded in its leading corners and side walls. The outer profile wall is provided with turbulence-generating means, with one or a plurality of said means in the leading wall, leading corners, side walls, trailing corners and/or trailing wall of such profile.

Abstract: An overcenter tensioning apparatus is provided including an elongated crank member having a first tension member pivotally anchored thereto at one end, an elongated lever arm pivotally connected thereto adjacent its other end and a second tension member pivotally connected thereto intermediate the first tension member and the lever arm. The crank member, when the remote ends of the tension members extend outward in opposite directions, is swingable in one direction toward a limit position slightly past a center position between respective release and tensioning positions and abutment structure is operatively associated with the lever arm and crank member for releasably limiting angular displacement of the lever arm in opposite directions.

Abstract: A cargo securing apparatus that is pivotally mountable with respect to a cargo supporting structure and adapted to receive a looped end portion of a web or other type of securing strap that extends around the cargo with the opposite end of the strap resiliently or extendedly secured to the support structure. The securing apparatus includes a generally U-shaped body having a slotted opening and the body contains a shiftable wedge member about which the looped end of the web or strap passes through the slotted opening. A handle member extending from the body portion enables the securing apparatus to be pivoted over center such that with the action of the shiftable wedge, the web or strap is fixedly secured in any one of an infinite number of adjustable positions for firmly holding the cargo with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: A device for transport and unloading of e.g. logs stacked on a support such as a timber truck provided with at least two timber bunks, each consisting of a transverse member carrying said logs, said member having a vertical stake at each end. The stakes on one side of the support are stationary in their upright position, while the opposite stakes can move from the stationary stakes and swing to a downwardly inclined position by telescopic extension of said transverse member for unloading. The timber bunks are combined with an intermediate member for unloading by elongate flexible members being tensioned to form an inclined unloading ramp. Two auxiliary elongate flexible members, attached to said first flexible members while encircling the load, can be stretched by partial tensioning of said first flexible members.

Abstract: A device for securing a load on a load carrying vehicle comprises a frame attached to the vehicle, an expandible bellows mounted to the frame, at least one end of the bellows being movable relative to the frame, a balance arm pivotally mounted at its center to the movable end of the bellows, tensioning arms connected to the end portions of the balance arm, the tensioning arms being pivotally mounted to the frame at one end thereof, and a plurality of elongated load securing connecting devices connected to the ends of the tensioning arms, whereby when the bellows is expanded, the balance arm and the tension arms are displaced relative to the frame to draw the elongated connecting devices taut to secure the load to the load carrying vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism for tensioning a cable or chain over a load and for maintaining such tension even though the load may shift and settle. The mechanism includes a "U" shaped base that rotatably mounts an elongated cylindrical hollow spool. The spool is connected at opposite ends to a spaced pair of ratchet wheels. Pawls are located on the base member for operatively engaging each of the ratchet wheels. Inside the hollow spool is a torsion spring that is directly connected at one end to the spool. The remaining spring end is connected to one of the ratchet wheels. The spool and this particular ratchet wheel are relatively movable about the longitudinal spool axis since they are interconnected only through the torsion spring. The remaining ratchet wheel is affixed directly to the spool for rotation therewith. Turning the spool through this ratchet assembly does not wind the spring but instead serves only to wrap the cable or chain about the spool circumference.