Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a sectional header system carried by the chassis. The sectional header system includes a center section connected to the chassis, at least one additional section, and at least one coupling assembly that removably connects the center section to the at least one additional section. The at least one coupling assembly includes at least one actuator connected to the center section and the at least one additional section. The at least one actuator is located underneath the pivot point. The at least one additional section is configured for being coupled to the center section in harvesting of a crop material and decoupled from the center section and subsequently towable in transportation of the sectional header system.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting an agricultural harvesting head includes a pair of saddles for supporting the head. The saddles are adjustably mounted on the trailer frame and are simultaneously moved together by an actuator operated by a remote control. The saddles are connected by telescoping rod sections so that the spacing between the saddles is adjustable.

Abstract: One variation may include a system including a mobile host having a vehicle compartment defined therein and a receiving platform in the vehicle compartment having a plurality of guide features for guiding vehicles into the vehicle compartment of the mobile host, and a loading station including a loading platform having a plurality of vehicle guide features for guiding vehicles over the loading platform and onto the receiving platform. One variation may include a method comprising loading a vehicle into a mobile host having a vehicle compartment defined therein, wherein the mobile host includes a receiving platform having a plurality of raised guide features, and wherein the loading comprises guiding the vehicle onto the receiving platform using the plurality of raised guide features.

Abstract: A fender assembly for a vehicle transport trailer includes a fender positioned over a side wheel of the transport trailer and a spring is coupled between the fender and the trailer frame. The spring urges the fender upward into an uncollapsed position wherein a portion of the fender is a first distance above the trailer platform. The spring also allows the fender to move downward to a collapsed position wherein the portion of the fender is a second, smaller distance above the trailer platform when the weight of a vehicle is placed on the fender. The fender assembly thereby allows the trailer to have a lower deck than conventional vehicle transport trailers.

Abstract: A system to contain a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle, includes: a rearward opening to allow access by the wheeled mobility device by moving the wheeled mobility device forward relative to the orientation of the wheeled mobility device; a forward barrier positioned opposite the rearward opening and connected to the vehicle to limit forward motion of the wheeled mobility device, the forward barrier including at least one energy absorbing member, and at least a first lateral barrier to limit lateral motion of the wheeled mobility device to a first side.

Abstract: A biased clamping device for use with a cart carrier that includes a cart support and a clamping channel moveable between an open position and a clamped position is disclosed. The biased clamping device includes a biasing member associated with the clamping channel that biases the clamping channel to the clamped position. The biasing member includes a first end attached to the cart support and a second end attached to the clamping channel. The biasing member loads when the clamping channel is moved between the clamped position and the open position.

Abstract: A biased clamping device for use with a cart carrier that includes a cart support and a clamping channel moveable between an open position and a clamped position is disclosed. The biased clamping device includes a biasing member associated with the clamping channel that biases the clamping channel to the clamped position. The biasing member includes a first end attached to the cart support and a second end attached to the clamping channel. The biasing member loads when the clamping channel is moved between the clamped position and the open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting construction equipment, and particularly backhoe loaders, to be transported in the hold of a seagoing vessel within the interior of an enclosed cargo container includes front and rear rollers that temporarily replace the wheels of the equipment and allow it to be driven into and out of the container without any disassembly of the equipment.

Abstract: A single point release system provides a single point for efficiently, concurrently releasing multiple cargo retaining latches of an aerial delivery system. A release module is mounted to the platform and connects via a cable and is actuable to a release mode to concurrently release each of the latches.

Abstract: A wheelchair stabilizing device is presented. The device includes a latch spring-biased in the closed position, a mounting bracket, and a swing arm connecting the latch and the mounting bracket. Methods of use and manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: An ATV locking device includes a base frame, at least one wheel abutment plate pivotally carried by the base frame, at least one wheel engaging member pivotally carried by the base frame and at least one locking arm pivotally engaging the at least one wheel abutment plate and the at least one wheel engaging member.

Abstract: A trailer for conveniently loading and transporting a four wheel vehicle includes a bi-stable interactive ramp that is integral with the trailer. A support bar enables the ramp to pivot about the support bar's axis between two stable positions, one of the positions being in an inclined position when the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and the second of the positions being in a horizontal position after the vehicle is loaded. A rear-wheels support frame supports the rear wheels of the ATV when loaded. A ramp bar urges the front-end chassis of the ATV upward as the ATV's rear wheels are guided up the bi-stable ramp, and a front-end chassis support frame supports the front-end chassis of the ATV when loaded. The trailer includes a trailer hitch assembly that is attachable to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle transporter includes a frame with a load deck, a slidable undercarriage mounted on the frame and a subframe movably mounted on the frame between raised and lowered positions. Wheel wells are formed in the deck when the subframe is lowered relative to the frame. A pair of outrigger assemblies each includes a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder lift unit for raising and lowering the transporter whereby the undercarriage can be slid between fore and aft positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting construction equipment, and particularly backhoe loaders, to be transported in the hold of a seagoing vessel within the interior of an enclosed cargo container includes front and rear rollers that temporarily replace the wheels of the equipment and allow it to be driven into and out of the container without any disassembly of the equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method for delivering and backhauling cargo to and from a destination. The present invention generally comprises a first and second truck that are in an outbound configuration to deliver a cargo to at least one location. The first and second truck each have at least one flatbed section. After the cargo has been delivered, the first and second truck assume a return configuration wherein the second truck and second truck flatbed is stored on and secured to the at least one flatbed section of the first truck for a backhaul destination for the second truck. It is important to note that no portion of the second truck and second truck flatbed section in the return configuration is in contact with the ground, they are only in contact with the first truck flatbed section.

Abstract: A transportation unit, such as a wagon and/or train, includes at least one plate-shaped alignment unit, which can rotate about a vertical axis, for picking up a vehicle from a ramp and aligning it. The length of the vehicle exceeds a useful width of the transportation unit, but the width of the vehicle does not project beyond the transportation unit. The alignment unit is mounted on the floor of the transportation unit so as to rotate on a carrier track. The transportation unit carries respective flaps which can pivot onto the ramp or ramps and onto which the carrier tracks extend and as a result also support the alignment unit in a rotated, partially projecting-out state at that location.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a stackable vehicle which may be supported from, or serve as support to, another like vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and a body supported from the frame. The body includes a weight bearing roof. Wheel assemblies are mounted for rotation on the frame. The body includes recesses from the roof of the body to accommodate location of wheel assemblies of a like vehicle supported on the roof. Support and mounting points are located on the roof and on the frame respectively to fix location of a vehicle to be carried on top of a supporting vehicle.

Abstract: A bed extender assembly for a vehicle bed includes at least one bed extender device having a longitudinal length greater than a length of the vehicle bed. The at least one bed extender device has a first end disposed in the vehicle bed and a second end spaced apart from the first end to define the longitudinal length. The second end is spaced rearwardly apart from a rearward end of the vehicle bed. A locking bar extends transversely across the vehicle bed adjacent the first end to lock the first end of the at least one bed extender device against the bed floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the airborne deployment and delivery of palletized cargo. The system includes a cargo pallet, one or more risers connected to the pallet, and an associated rigging. The risers are used in both stabilizing the cargo and in cushioning the impacts associated with transport and landing. The rigging is used to secure the pallet to one or more parachutes that are deployed as the pallet leaves the aircraft.

Abstract: A storage container is provided, having a first container and a second container. Each of the first and second containers includes top and bottom front rails, first and second front corner posts, and first and second side panels. In each of the first and second containers, the top and the bottom front rails and the first and second front corner posts are disposed at a front end thereof to define an opening into the interior thereof. The front end of the first container and the front end of the second container face each other. The first and second side panels of the first container are spaced to define a first interior width therebetween. The first and second front corner posts of the first container are spaced to define a second interior width therebetween. The first and second interior widths of the first container are substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a stackable vehicle which may be supported from, or serve as support to, another like vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and a body supported from the frame. The body includes a weight bearing roof Wheel assemblies are mounted for rotation on the frame. The body includes recesses from the roof of the body to accommodate location of wheel assemblies of a like vehicle supported on the roof Support and mounting points are located on the roof and on the frame respectively to fix location of a vehicle to be carried on top of a supporting vehicle.

Abstract: A semi-trailer for is converted for transporting motorized golf carts and side by side recreational vehicles which are loaded onto the floor and an upper support level with detachable two tier loading ramps and receivers. The upper support level includes transverse shore beams connected to the logistic posts in the side wall of the semi-trailer which then supports and stabilizes a foldable floor system defined by pivotal panels which hinge upwardly into a stored position. The ramps are carried in a rack under the trailer floor.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed for conveniently loading and transporting a four wheel vehicle, such as an ATV. An ATV or other four-wheel vehicle can be loaded onto the trailer by being driven onto the trailer without requiring an additional ramp. Furthermore, the trailer is compact and uses less material than standard utility trailers, thereby reducing production cost, storage space, and gross weight. The trailer includes a bi-stable interactive ramp, a support bar enabling the ramp to tilt about the support bar's axis, a rear-wheels support frame for supporting the rear wheels of the ATV when loaded, a trailer wheel assembly, a ramp bar for urging the front-end chassis of the ATV upward as the ATV's rear wheels are guided up the ramp, a front-end chassis support frame for supporting the front-end chassis of the ATV when loaded, and a trailer hitch assembly attachable to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: In a container for shipping vehicles, a bottom plate is provided having a predetermined length and a predetermined width satisfying standards of a conventional container holder. Support poles are installed on four corners of the bottom plate and include corner casts on upper portions thereof. An extension plate extends from a side of the bottom plate and supports vehicles so that vehicles can be loaded in the width direction of the bottom plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing one or more wheelchairs to a vehicle includes a plurality of straps for holding the wheelchairs to the vehicle. Some of the straps are attached to a movable element that can be moved into or out of the area to be occupied by the wheelchairs. This allows the area to be utilized by other passengers when no wheelchairs are present and also facilitates ingress and egress of the wheelchairs. In the preferred embodiment, movable elements, which carry housings for wheelchair-engaging belts and passenger restraint belts, are mounted to the side wall of the vehicle for pivotal movement about vertical axes between storage positions and operative positions. The apparatus allows an operator to quickly and easily secure or release a passenger in a wheelchair and maintains the integrity of the straps.

Abstract: Measuring mechanical propulsive power includes establishing a first power and a second power. The first power is associated with a first rate of energy conversion by a device in a fluid, where the device is in the wake of a self-propelled conveyance moving with respect to the fluid. The average distance between the device and self-propelled conveyance may remain substantially unchanged. The second power is associated with a second rate of energy conversion by the device in the fluid without the self-propelled conveyance, where the other physical factors are substantially similar to that associated with the first power. The difference between the first power and the second power is calculated. The mechanical propulsive power for the self-propelled conveyance is determined using mappings, where a mapping associates the difference with the mechanical propulsive power.

Abstract: An aircraft payload retention system includes a cable, a brake assembly, a hollow crushable member and a hollow structural member. The hollow structural member is fixed adjacent an aircraft internal cargo bay. In response to a high-G condition, the payload may break free from a tie-down system and move forward. The brake assembly engages the hollow crushable member within the hollow structural member and begins to crush the hollow crushable member as the cable is pulled therethrough to dissipate energy of the payload into the structure of the aircraft to arrest forward movement of the payload toward the cockpit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a decking system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of deck panels operably coupled to and supported by rails extending parallel to the deck panels, (b) a plurality of rail legs coupled to the rails at one end of the rail leg and extending the rails up off of a base coupled to the rail leg at a second end of the rail leg, (c) a plurality of cross rails positioned perpendicular to the deck panels and rails, the cross rails coupled to the rails and supporting angle bars welded to the deck panels, (d) a plurality of angled support members coupled to the base and to the rail legs, (e) a floor coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the base, (f) a decking coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the rail, and (g) a ladder slat coupled to the rail having slots to receive cross rails.

Abstract: This invention provides a cargo anchoring system for anchoring cargo to a cargo bed. One cargo anchoring system comprises a rear ring; a forward ring; and a ring connection member connecting the rear ring to the forward ring. A first lateral ring is sized and configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the cargo bed, a first lateral connection member connects the first lateral ring and the rear ring, and a second lateral ring is sized and configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the cargo bed, a second lateral connection member connecting the second lateral ring and the rear ring. A first elongate connection member is attached to the first lateral ring, and a second elongate connection member is attached to the second lateral ring. A front ring is sized and configured to be directly or indirectly attached to an item of cargo. Both elongate connection members are threaded through the forward ring and attached to the front ring.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a stackable vehicle which may be supported from, or serve as support to, another like vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and a body supported from the frame. The body includes a weight bearing roof Wheel assemblies are mounted for rotation on the frame. The body includes recesses from the roof of the body to accommodate location of wheel assemblies of a like vehicle supported on the roof Support and mounting points are located on the roof and on the frame respectively to fix location of a vehicle to be carried on top of a supporting vehicle.

Abstract: The tiedown system has a single tensile member with cargo attachments on each end thereof. The tensile member passes through a series of guides affixed about the perimeter of the carrier (flatbed truck or trailer, etc.). The ends of the tensile member are secured removably to the rear of the cargo, e.g., the cargo rack of an all terrain vehicle (ATV). The medial portion of the tensile member is connected to a winch on the front of the ATV or other cargo, or alternatively the medial portion of the tensile member is passed through an opening on the front of the cargo, e.g., the forward cargo rack of the ATV, and connected to a winch anchored to the cargo bed of the carrier. The winch is actuated to draw up the tensile member, simultaneously pulling the rear and front of the cargo securely against the cargo bed of the carrier.

Abstract: A parking device comprises a trolley, two guide rails located on the trolley, shanks on each of the guide rails and a drive unit located on the trolley, in which, numbers of round transmission bodies are arranged adjacently and alternately between the inner side of the shanks, the transmission bodies are strung as an array and each of the arrays coupled with the shanks by a shaft respectively, furthermore, whether the odd arrays or the even arrays of the transmission bodies are strung and coupled with the shanks. As a result, the clearance resulting from the sedate array is filled up by the alternated spaced array of the transmission bodies, while the two opposite sides of the transmission bodies from the forked butt joint in the ends. Therefore, the parking device stabilizes the transmission of the car and shortens the transmission time.

Abstract: A fender assembly for a vehicle transport trailer includes a fender positioned over a side wheel of the transport trailer and a spring is coupled between the fender and the trailer frame. The spring urges the fender upward into an uncollapsed position wherein a portion of the fender is a first distance above the trailer platform. The spring also allows the fender to move downward to a collapsed position wherein the portion of the fender is a second, smaller distance above the trailer platform when the weight of a vehicle is placed on the fender. The fender assembly thereby allows the trailer to have a lower deck than conventional vehicle transport trailers.

Abstract: Base unit (2) for docking and securing a wheelchair (1) in a vehicle, which base unit is designed to be fixed to the floor of the vehicle and comprises a locking mechanism (11) for securing an engaging device (3) fixed to the wheelchair in such a way that it can be released. In order to achieve a butt fixing of the wheelchair, the base unit comprises at least one first support surface (20), facing away from the floor of the vehicle, that is arranged to make contact with a corresponding first support surface on the wheelchair in order to prevent the wheelchair from moving in the direction towards the floor of the vehicle when in the secured position.

Abstract: A docking device for use with a wheeled mobility device having a device interface on a rear thereof includes a securing mechanism to dock with the device interface. The securing mechanism is adapted to dock with the device interface upon rearward motion of the wheeled mobility device relative to the docking device regardless of the horizontal position of the mobility device over a range of horizontal positions of the mobility device. The securing device can also be adapted to dock with the device interface regardless of the angle of the device interface relative to the docking device over a range of angles of the device interface. Further, the securing device can be adapted to dock with the device interface regardless of the vertical position of the device interface relative to the docking device over a range of vertical positions of the device interface.

Abstract: A lawn mower cover device for storing and securing a lawn mower for storage or transport includes a container receiving the lawn mower to protect the lawn mower. The container has an open rear end to permit the lawn mower to be inserted into the container. A handle is coupled to the container. The handle is graspable to facilitate relocation of the container. A door is hingedly coupled to the handle. The door is selectively pivoted over the open rear end of the container to close the open rear end. A plurality of wheels is rotatably coupled to the container. The wheels roll along a support surface to facilitate relocation of the container.

Abstract: A pickup truck cab, rear window, and bed protector, referred to herein as a “cab and bed protector,” particularly suitable when transporting four wheelers or all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the bed of a pickup truck. In a presently preferred embodiment, the cab and bed protector can be mounted in the bed of a variety of pickup truck models and is easily removable. The present invention serves as a shield to arrest the forward movement of the ATV during sudden stops, to prevent damage to the truck bed, cab, and/or rear window, and protect the passengers from harm. The preferred embodiment incorporates a plate fixed to a frame to transfer forces imposed on the plate by the ATV to the front wall of the truck bed, preventing damage to either the truck or the ATV.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining a mobility aid in the interior of a vehicle includes two or more retractor spools contained within a common housing. The retractor spools carry flexible webbed belts, and are operated by common actuator mechanism having a direct mechanical attachment to the spools. The various elements of the apparatus are contained within a common housing which is easily mounted to a bulkhead or under a foldable seat. A third retractor is mounted in opposition permitting both the front and rear of the mobility aid to be easily secured by the occupant of the mobility aid without assistance of the operator of the vehicle. The operative portions of the retractor are designed to be positioned so as not to present an obstacle to other users of the vehicle in which the apparatus may be installed. A timing mechanism is provided for at least one of the retractor spools to allow at least one of the retractor spools to be freely manipulated during a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A locking mechanism to secure a wheelchair while transporting in a vehicle comprises a base with a guide channel adapted to accept a catch pin and has been secured to a wheelchair. The catch pin is guided into the channel by an angled portion of the base. A locking mechanism cooperates with a pivot plate to secure the catch pin within the guide channel. A release mechanism allows disengagement. The guide channel includes a deformation groove that allows the mechanism to operate even when the metal has been deformed through repeated use. Lips are also provided at critical locations to allow free rotation of the parts even when the metal is deformed due to use.

Abstract: An auto-rack railroad car vehicle positioning and damage prevention system which reduces or eliminates damage to the front and rear ends of the vehicles which can occur while the vehicles are being loaded in an auto-rack car. In one embodiment, the auto-rack car vehicle positioning and damage prevention system includes a plurality of vehicle positioning devices mountable in the auto-rack car to enable a loader to determine the distance between the vehicle the loader is driving and the vehicle positioned in front of the vehicle the loader is driving, and to enable the loader to see the position of the tires relative to a grating in the auto-rack car on which the tire is positioned.

Abstract: A roof stowage system includes a support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is pivotably coupled, at least indirectly, to the roof. A lift is coupled to the support and operable to selectively cause the support to pivot between a first position and a second position. The support is generally parallel with and adjacent to the roof when in the first position. The first end of the support is generally adjacent to a floor when in the second position.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly is described for use in releasably securing a transportable vehicle to the bed of a transport vehicle that includes mounting holes spaced transverse to the length of the bed at a given distance from each other. The assembly includes first and second eyebolts, each eyebolt having a circular eye and threaded shank sized for insertion downwardly through one of the mounting holes and a nut threadable on the shank beneath the bed; a cylindrical crossbar having a length greater than the given distance insertable through the eyes of the eyebolts, the crossbar including a releasable latching pin adjacent at least one of its ends; and a telescoping tie down arm having a proximal end with an eye slidable over the crossbar between the eyebolts and a distal end including a hitch connector releasably attachable to the transportable vehicle hitch.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for mounting on a deck of a transport carrier which transports and supports thereon at least one automobile having at least one of passenger and driver-side doors. The portable safety rail assembly includes a handrail extending horizontally relative to the upper surface of the deck and support posts for supporting the handrail. Each support post may be removeably mounted to the deck to permit selective vertical displacement of the handrail relative to the upper surface of the deck for positioning the handrail at a desired height above the upper edge of a door of the transported vehicle. The desired height permits unobstructed opening and closing of the doors and safe entrance into and egress from the interior of the automobile.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a decking system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of deck panels operably coupled to and supported by rails extending parallel to the deck panels, (b) a plurality of rail legs coupled to the rails at one end of the rail leg and extending the rails up off of a base coupled to the rail leg at a second end of the rail leg, (c) a plurality of cross rails positioned perpendicular to the deck panels and rails, the cross rails coupled to the rails and supporting angle bars welded to the deck panels, (d) a plurality of angled support members coupled to the base and to the rail legs, (e) a floor coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the base, (f) a decking coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the rail, and (g) a ladder slat coupled to the rail having slots to receive cross rails.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for mounting on a deck of a transport carrier which transports and supports thereon at least one automobile having at least one of passenger and driver-side doors. The portable safety rail assembly includes a handrail extending horizontally relative to the upper surface of the deck and support posts for supporting the handrail. Each support post may be removeably mounted to the deck to permit selective vertical displacement of the handrail relative to the upper surface of the deck for positioning the handrail at a desired height above the upper edge of a door of the transported vehicle. The desired height permits unobstructed opening and closing of the doors and safe entrance into and egress from the interior of the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus and a vehicle rack system comprising at least two vehicle rack apparatus are disclosed. The vehicle rack apparatus comprises one or more clamp assemblies adapted to couple to a panel of a trailer or a truck. One or more front members are coupled to a portion of each of the clamp assemblies. A platform assembly is coupled to a portion of each of the clamp assemblies. The platform assemblies include three spaced apart members. The vehicle apparatus further comprises one or more ramp assemblies coupled to a portion of the platform assemblies so that when a an end of the ramp assemblies contacts a portion of a surface of the truck bed or the trailer bed, the platform assemblies are elevated. Methods of using the vehicle apparatus and system are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular rack for carrying all terrain vehicles (ATV's) above a cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a pick up truck, is assembled by connecting base beams to preferably a pair of vertical frames to hold the vertical frames in spaced apart, parallel configuration. The vertical frames each have a plurality of load bearing posts and preferably load bearing angled trusses extending upwardly from a base rail. Continuous deck beams are connected between the tops of respective posts of the pair of vertical frames. A rigid deck frame is formed by connecting deck rails between the deck beams. At least one, and preferably three deck plates are secured to the deck beams to form a cargo deck configured to support a load, such as one or two ATV's on the cargo deck. The assembled rack is placed in the cargo bed of the vehicle. A cargo drawer can be placed in the cargo area formed between the cargo bed floor of the vehicle and cargo deck of the rack.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow towing system includes a wheelbarrow that includes a housing with a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. An axle is attached to the bottom wall adjacent to a front end of the housing. At least one wheel is rotatably to the axle. A pair of supports is attached to and extends downward from the bottom wall. The supports are positioned adjacent to a back end of the housing and is spaced from each other. A pair of handles is attached to the housing and extends rearward from the back end. An elongated member has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be attached to a tow hitch. The axle is releasably attached to the elongated member adjacent to the second end.

Abstract: A vehicle designed to tow conventional and fifth wheeled hitched trailers while loading, un-loading and carrying an auxiliary automobile with in the vehicles interior and a number of occupants plus temporary living quarters for those occupants.

Abstract: A running gear support assembly for supporting a portable machine. The running gear support assembly includes a pair of wheel hubs, an axle beam supported between the pair of wheel hubs, and at least one support bracket. The support bracket is coupled to the axle beam and configured to support the portable machine. Substantially the entire weight of the portable machine is supported by the axle beam.