Abstract: Shipping chocks for securing a transverse cylindrical-shaped object on top of at least two vertically oriented cylindrical-shaped objects are disclosed. Methods of loading cylindrical-shaped objects in both vertical and horizontal orientations, using the chocks, allows for more cylindrical-shaped objects to be shipped in a shipping container in a safe and effective manner that reduces shipping costs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the volumetric efficiency with which automotive vehicle frames are stacked on a carrier such as a railroad flat car. Frames are alternately reversed end-for-end and/or laterally offset from one another and may be longitudinally angled and internested between adjacent stacks. Twin sheet molded HDPE spacers are used.

Abstract: A load securing device for stacked cargo comprises a body member having contact surfaces adapted to engage a side portion of a cargo item that is stacked on a pair of each of a pair of stacked cargo items. One end of a flexible member such as a strap is attached to the body member. The flexible member extends through a space created between the stacked items or the stacked items and a carrier surface, with its other end being secured to a carrier supporting the stacked items. Optimally, and when expecting forces to be applied to both sides of the stacked items, a load securing device is placed on either side of the stacked items so that forces arising during the transport of the stacked items are resisted in both directions.

Abstract: A pad (20) is particularly suited for separating or restraining cargo and includes a top sheet surface (21) having longitudinally extending spaced ribs (27) forming a plurality of recesses (28) therebetween. A pattern of lugs (31) is formed in the recesses (28). The pad (20) also includes a bottom sheet surface (22) having longitudinally extending spaced ribs (29) forming a plurality of recesses (30) therebetween. A pattern of notches (32) is formed in the ribs (29), and the pad (20) may nest with a like pad (20) by placing the lugs (31) in the notches (32). The pads (20) may stack to form a thicker pad by positioning the ribs (27) of one pad (20) in the recesses (28) of a like pad (20). A flange (33) extends outwardly from one of the edges of the sheet surface (21) which assists in preventing the pad (20) from sliding when in use.

Abstract: A retaining member 16 is provided for use with a frame 10 for packaging elongate members, such as sections of tubular, for example casing, liner or drill pipe. The retaining member 16 comprises a pressure plate 18 on which is mounted a pair of pivoting hooks 20 for engaging with protrusions 36 formed on the frame 10. The hooks 20 are connected to threaded rods 28 received in a sleeve 30. A ratcheted handle 34 allows selective rotation of the sleeve 30 to draw the rods 28 therein, and so to pivot the hooks 20 to urge the pressure plate 18 against members received within the frame 10. A quick release mechanism is provided to allow easy release of the hooks 20 and the retaining member 16.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the car to form packs. These packs are spaced longitudinally one from another on the car. Spacing blocks are configured to go within the longitudinally extending spaces. These spacing blocks include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates. One set of blocks extending between the parallel plates is arranged in juxtaposition with the bed of the railcar to receive strapping for retention.

Abstract: A method for loading tube bundles on a railcar includes placing the tube bundles lengthwise on the car and stacked above the bed of the car to form tube bundle packs. The packs are separated by panels. A spacing block is configured to go within the longitudinally extending remaining space left over after loading a finite number of packs. This spacing block include parallel plates which are rigidly displaced one from another by blocks. Padding is arranged on the outer side of the plates and the panels. Padding is arranged on the bulkheads as well. The panels and spacing block may be tied to the railcar through boards and dunnage.

Abstract: A method of securing large rolls of compressible materials on flat transport cars, including (a) placing a first set of longitudinally spaced U-shaped brackets on the transport car, each of the U-shaped brackets consisting of a horizontal cross member between a pair of vertical legs of a height no greater than the roll diameter, (b) loading a plurality of the large rolls on the cross member to define a first row of the rolls, (c) strapping the first row of rolls together, (d) repeating steps (a) and (b) with additional sets of brackets to stack a selected number of additional rows of rolls above the first row, wherein the brackets of each set are aligned with the brackets associated with the rows therebeneath with the legs connected to so as to carry a significant portion of the weight of the rolls, and (e) strapping selected adjacent rows of rolls together.

Abstract: A method of securing large rolls of compressible materials on flat transport cars, including (a) placing a first set of longitudinally spaced U-shaped brackets on the transport car, each of the U-shaped brackets consisting of a horizontal cross member between a pair of vertical legs of a height no greater than the roll diameter, (b) loading a plurality of the large rolls on the cross member to define a first row of the rolls, (c) strapping the first row of rolls together, (d) repeating steps (a) and (b) with additional sets of brackets to stack a selected number of additional rows of rolls above the first row, wherein the brackets of each set are aligned with the brackets associated with the rows therebeneath with the legs connected to so as to carry a significant portion of the weight of the rolls, and (e) strapping selected adjacent rows of rolls together.

Abstract: A barrier including a number of coils, and an inter-coil connector connecting two of the coils. Each of the coils is axially extensible, the coils are in substantially mutually parallel alignment, and each of the coils is in substantial direct contact with another one of the coils.

Abstract: A combination shipping container, shipping container locking device and a door blocking apparatus inhibits access to the interior of the shipping container while it is being shipped. The blocking apparatus comprises a pair of legs joined to form a generally L-shaped, elongate member, wherein one of the legs provides a pair of spaced apart apertures, with each of the apertures fitted over the container locking device and locked in place adjacent to a set of closed doors of the shipping container. The other of the legs of the elongate member extends upwardly from the first leg in a position for blocking the doors of the shipping container from being opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying one or more elongated members includes at least two elongated member support members, each support member having ends and at least one elongated member carrier surface disposed between the ends. The apparatus also includes a support member connection assembly including an elongated connector and at least one connector sleeve engageable with the elongated connector and an end of a support member.

Abstract: An improved packing member includes a rigid interior portion enclosed by a resilient exterior portion. The exterior portion is physically adapted to generate a force in response to, and opposing, the motion of an elongate object thereover. The generated force advantageously increases in magnitude as the object moves across a packing member. In some embodiments, a frame receives the improved packing members. In one embodiment, the frame comprises two vertical side portions that receive one or more packing members. The frame advantageously includes a variable-positioning element, so that the packing members are freely positionable along the height of the vertical side portions. In conjunction with the improved packing member, the variable positioning element enables embodiments of the present invention to be used with multiple object diameters/geometries.

Abstract: An adapter for increasing the frictional force generated by a spacer interposed between a pair of items. The spacer defining a pair of opposed load bearing surfaces and a pair of spacing surfaces. The adapter includes a relatively flat plate defining a pair of plate surfaces, a pair of opposed contacting edges and a pair of spacing edges. A fixing component is provided for fixing the plate to one of the spacing surfaces of the spacer. A set of friction increasing teeth extend from at least one of the contacting edges for increasing the friction coefficient of the contacting edge with an item. The plate is configured and sized so that the friction enhancing teeth protrude from one of the load bearing surfaces when the plate is mounted on the spacer. In one embodiment, the adapter also includes an auxiliary friction enhancing segment for enhancing the friction between the adapter and contacting items.

Abstract: A system for shipping product on a vehicle comprising a series of rectangular containment elements surrounding a plurality of products thus together constituting a plurality of units with a T-shaped support positioned between each of the containment elements and thus stabilizing the units and preventing sidewise shifting.

Abstract: A device for spacing perishable or frozen products from the sides of refrigerated trailers, containers, trucks, railroad cars and the like includes a pair of vertically spaced, elongated cables, brackets for mounting the cables to the sidewalls of the trailer and a plurality of elongated slats or ribs. The slats define upper and lower apertures through which the cables are threaded. The slats are slidably movable from a stored position in abutting relationship to an operative position spaced along the cables and the sidewalls of the trailer. The slats have a generally U-shaped cross section to define additional air channels.

Abstract: The deck of a container ship is provided with longitudinally running rails carrying cassettes adapted to support standarized cargo units, such as containers, for example. Each cassette includes transverse front and rear guide members each having vertical guide bars on both of its transverse faces. By spacing the cassettes apart longitudinally, two cassettes may, between themselves, support a further stack of containers. In use, each cassette is locked in relation to the deck, longitudinally as well as transversely.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling pontoon hatch covers on the deck of a ship equipped with a guide system for containers comprises guides that are positionable to positions inside and outside, respectively, the margin of at least one opening in the deck closeable by a pontoon hatch cover.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus for transporting planar sheets of material in a substantially vertical position. The trailer includes a plurality of A-frame members symmetrically disposed in parallel spaced-apart relationship along the longitudinal vertical midplane of the trailer. Outwardly extending support beams are secured to the lower termini of the A-frames and adjustable cargo straps which laterally restrain the material extend between the apex of each A-frame member and the respective support beam. A pair of laterally spaced-apart longitudinal rails extend generally the length of the trailer and are secured to the A-frame members. Pairs of transversely extending beams are slidably mounted on the rails and may be moved to engage the edges of the material to longitudinally restrain it.

Abstract: A barrier including a number of coils, and an inter-coil connector connecting two of the coils. Each of the coils is axially extensible, the coils are in substantially mutually parallel alignment, and each of the coils is in substantial direct contact with another one of the coils.