Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the travel of a motor vehicle, designed for roadway travel, upon railways has the capacity to be towed to the rail site by the motor vehicle. The apparatus has a platform having at least one rotatable axle of roadway tires attached thereto. In the deployed position, the roadway wheels allow the apparatus to be towed similarly to a trailer. When the apparatus is properly positioned over a railroad crossing, the rotatable wheels are drawn back to a retraced position, the apparatus is lowered so that rail wheels, mounted to the platform, engage the rails exactly as other rail vehicles. A removable ramp allows the motor vehicle to mount the platform. The wheels of the motor vehicle engage either one or two sets of rollers disposed upon the platform. After the motor vehicle is properly secured, the motor vehicle can be engaged to drive the rollers, with the power delivered to the rollers being transmitted to the train wheels to supply the necessary locomotion.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus for protecting a vehicle suspension and/or chassis during transport or storage is described comprising an inflatable bladder including an air valve for selectably inflating and deflating the bladder; a rigid top plate coupled to a top portion of the bladder, a rigid bottom plate coupled to the bottom portion of the bladder; a pliable, shock-absorbing top pad coupled over the top plate for engaging the vehicle thereon; and a pliable, shock-absorbing bottom pad coupled under the bottom plate for resting upon a mounting surface on which the vehicle will be transported or stored. The bottom pad will be comprised of a sufficient thickness and include an elongated slot sufficiently wide to house a hose which can be coupled to an air supply source and an air bleeder valve to efficiently inflate and deflate the rubber bladder.

Abstract: A stabilizing arm for stabilizing and securing an all-terrain vehicle in the bed of a pickup truck, which stabilizing arm includes in a preferred adjustable embodiment, a support typically selectively pivotally or rotatably and slidably disposed in a support sleeve mounted on a drawbar typically fitted to a conventional truck trailer hitch. A support arm projects from the top end of the support and terminates in a fixed or pivotable ball coupler designed to couple to an ATV ball attached to the all-terrain vehicle. In a preferred embodiment a clamp is threaded in the typically box tubing support sleeve and selectively engages the box tubing support for securing the support in non-sliding relationship with respect to the support sleeve.

Abstract: An assembly for use on a road vehicle, consisting of an additional thin deck (4) vertically movable along a plurality of upright posts (8, 9) most of which are collapsible and stowable in an inoperative position within the body of the additional deck (4), and a drive member (7) secured to the additional movable deck for actuating same when required to provide wither a second vertically movable loading deck or, once the posts have been stowed away, a normal free cargo space. The assembly is of interest to all road hauliers and particularly to body mounting businesses.

Abstract: A grating lift pad for mounting on the free end or edge of a grating section on the floor of an auto rack railroad car which lifts the grating section off the floor to reduce wear and rusting of the floor caused by movement and vibration of the grating during train movement.

Abstract: The maneuvering device comprises two hydraulic motors (14, 15), each attached to the base of each screw (4, 5) integrated into each post (2, 3) of a pair of posts. The hydraulic motors (14, 15) are supplied in series by a single course of pressurized fluid and each shunted through a bypass comprising a hydraulic shunt which opens either automatically or is regulated to open completely, partially or progressively. This invention is of particular interest to auto body manufacturers for use on road trailers for carrying vehicles.

Abstract: A collapsible frame device and method of packing vehicles in a transport container is disclosed. The frame device comprises a base and upper and lower vehicle support members associated with the base for supporting at least two vehicles. In the erected configuration of the device, the vehicle support members are horizontally and vertically spaced from one another. The support members are collapsible onto the base in a substantially flat position.

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: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, cars, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer.

Abstract: A new adjustable securing apparatus comprising a frame having a strap, is securely mounted to the bed of a vehicle. The new adjustable securing apparatus further comprises a swing arm, which swing arm is mounted in hinged manner to the frame. The swing arm is thusly capable of swinging to an attachment position complementing the position of a trailer ball secured on the ATV, snowmobile, or other item being secured thereby. The swing arm further comprises a trailer ball coupler providing for attachment of the adjustable securing apparatus to the trailer ball secured on the ATV, snowmobile, or other item being secured. The swing arm further comprises an L-shaped extension providing for a threaded bolt mounted therethrough, which threaded bolt abuts the strap and provides for adjustment of the swing arm relative to the bed of the vehicle after the ATV, snowmobile, or other item is secured to the swing arm.

Abstract: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, automobiles, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer. The lifting assembly is substantially horizontally arranged along the top of the trailer so that when automobiles are loaded onto the deck element and the deck element is raised, the lifting assembly does not interfere with the space occupied by the automobiles.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for securing a wheelchair to the floor of a vehicle such as a van or other floor surface. The wheelchair lock-down device includes a locking mechanism mounted on a base plate that, in turn, is mounted to the floor surface. The locking mechanism is made of a stationary locking structure that has a slot, and a moveable locking arm that pivots from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position to confine the bar within the slot. Contact of the wheelchair bar against the locking arm forces the locking arm to pivot upward to the second (closed) position. With that movement, a slidable locking structure slides forward and engages the locking arm to maintain it around the wheelchair bar until a release mechanism is activated. The device includes both manual- and electronically-activated release mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicular mobile occupant carrier system A which includes mobile occupant carrier B and upstanding securement stanchion C. Mobile occupant carrier B includes a frame 12 which includes an occupant support frame 18 and a bottom frame 20 made unitary by a first junction frame 36 and a second junction frame 38. Upstanding securement stanchion C includes a base member 60, a carrier securing section 14 and a headrest 64. A four-point restraint system D includes latch bars 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b integral with mobile occupant carrier B interlocked with rotary locks 72 integral with carrier securing section 14 of upstanding securement stanchion C, restraining mobile occupant carrier B in three-degrees of freedom. Strap restraining system 44 includes a lap belt 46 and upper torso straps 48 which may alternately be connected to upstanding securement stanchion C or to frame 16 of mobile occupant carrier B for restraining occupant of mobile occupant carrier.

Abstract: A trailer for hauling vehicles includes a central frame with a pair of longitudinal tubular members and a plurality of transverse tubular cross-members interconnecting the longitudinal members to form an open frame. A pair of ladder frames are affixed along the longitudinal outward faces of the longitudinal members and project transversely therefrom in opposite directions. Each transverse ladder frame includes an outer rail extending parallel to the longitudinal members, and a plurality of rungs connecting the outer rails to the longitudinal members. A pair of tread plates are supposed on the ladder frames and extend from the forward to the rearward end of the frame, the tread plates spaced-apart a distance to support the wheels of a vehicle thereon. A wheel assembly is mounted on the frame to permit transport of the trailer, and a hitch is mounted on the forward end of the frame to permit connection to a pickup or other prime mover.

Abstract: A semi-trailer for automotive vehicle transportation of the type whose front is coupled to a tractor (T) and whose rear rests over at least one wheel train shaft, including a substantially parallelepiped basic structure (10, 110), incorporating a front cargo platform (20, 120), a rear cargo platform (30, 130), and including at least one lower cargo platform (40, 140) and at least one upper cargo platform (50, 150) whose position can be vertically adjusted. The upper longitudinal edges of the basic structure (10, 110) has longitudinal support bars (11, 111) and the corners of the basic structure (10, 110) have front vertical columns (12, 112) and rear vertical columns (13, 113). A remount system (190) is articulately suspended between longitudinal support bars (111) of basic structure (110) by support pendula (192) and articulately attached to the longitudinal support bars (111) by positioning arms (193) in order to be longitudinally and vertically displaceable along basic structure (110).

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for a wheeled chair mainly composed of a movable frame assembled with a seat frame structure of the wheeled chair to be movable in a vertical direction, a hydraulic damper assembled with the seat frame structure for biasing the movable frame upwardly to retain the movable frame in a lifted position in a released condition of the anchoring apparatus, a foot pedal mechanism having a foot pedal assembled with the seat frame structure of the wheeled chair to lower the movable frame when depressed by an attendant, a locking mechanism mounted on the movable frame to be locked by engagement with a stationary element fixed to a floor when the movable frame has been lowered by depression of the foot pedal, and a releasing mechanism assembled with the seat frame structure of the wheeled chair, the releasing mechanism having an operation lever mounted on a back frame structure of the wheeled chair and operatively connected to the locking mechanism to release engagement of the locking mechanism wit

Abstract: A vehicle transporter for supporting cars for shipment in a shipping container includes a lower pallet and an upper pallet, each of which is adapted to receive a car with its wheels supported thereon. A pair of columns is pivotally affixed to each side of the lower pallet. The upper pallet is affixed to the columns at a selected adjustable height above the lower pallet and substantially parallel to the lower pallet. A length-adjustable brace is connected diagonally between the upper and lower pallets to impart stiffness to the transporter. Each pallet has a tie down at each end so that the car body can be lowered on its suspension, thereby allowing cars with higher silhouettes loaded on the transporter to be received within the container. The upper pallets have openings, which permit an upper portion of a car to protrude through the opening to a height above the level of the upper pallet.

Abstract: A wheel chocking system for restraining road vehicles being transported on a vehicle support surface of a transport vehicle is disclosed. The support surface has a grating disposed in at least a wheel support area where one or more road vehicles are positioned. The grating is formed by a grid of rods to which is secured chock members at desired positions relative to the position of the wheels of the road vehicle positioned over the wheel support area. Each chock has a base with disengageable attachment members in a lower engaging surface thereof to immovably secure the chock to the grating. The chock has an angled face plate which is positioned relative to an outer tread surface of a tire of a wheel to restrain movement thereof. Load transmitting members transfer a load applied to the face plate onto the base member and into the grating secured to the support surface.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed having a verticaly positionable roof to permit towing with minimum drag and buffeting. Electromechanical actuators position the roof. A rear wall is comprised of ramps which abut one another and brace the rear upright edges of the trailer sidewalls. A side door of the trailer permits entry and exit from an automobile parked in the trailer. A skirt portion of the roof additionally includes a door overlying the first-mentioned door to permit standard door height. Collapsible shelves within the trailer facilitate secondary use of the trailer when parked. The trailer ramps are spring biased to facilitate their positioning.

Abstract: A trailer for use in moving home furnishings and an automobile which is capable of being effectively and safely towed by a lightweight truck such as a pickup truck. The trailer is especially useful when an individual or family is moving from one location to another and includes a large interior storage space for various home furnishings and the like and an exterior storage space to receive an automobile on an upwardly facing, inclined surface at the rear of the trailer. The interior space includes access doors and the inclined surface is recessed below the top wall of the trailer and provided with tiedowns to securely anchor an automobile in position thereon with ramps being provided to enable the automobile to be driven on to the inclined surface. Storage is provided for the ramps which are also used to facilitate loading and unloading of home furnishings in relation to the interior storage space.

Abstract: Demountable road transport unit characterized in that it consists of a motor vehicle (8) equipped with a coupling (5) and a demountable body (9), the coupling on the motor vehicle, situated towards the front, and the body comprising on the one hand, in front, a supporting and locking link and also two supports for the body in the demounted position and on the other, at the rear, immobilizing and centering device (30) and also at least one rear support and, towards the bottom, a towing hook support integrated into the body.

Abstract: A front end loading enclosed semi trailer (20) and method of loading an enclosed semi trailer. A hitch (24) is present proximate a front end (34) for interconnection to a tractor (22). A wheel assembly (28) supports a back end (26) of the semi trailer (20). Extensible jack devices (40) are mounted proximate the first end (34) for raising and lowering the first end (34) of the semi trailer (20). Doors (36) are present at the front end (34) for allowing entrance into the semi trailer (20) whereby when lowered, the semi trailer (20) can be loaded from the front end (34).

Abstract: A car carrier having a bed linked to the frame of a truck for movement from a horizontal position on the frame to a tilted car loading or unloading position in a single motion entailing simultaneous upward-rearward movement of the front end of the bed and downward-rearward movement of the rear end of the bed to ground-engaging position. The terminal portion of the tilting movement of the bed automatically compresses the rear springs between the frame and rear axle. The car carrier also has a wheel lift assembly including yokes on a rearwardly extending boom which are lowered to engage and lift the front on rear wheels of a second car responsive to partial tilting of the bed and to return of the bed to horizontal position. The boom and yokes are retracted forwardly to be disposed underneath the rear portion of the bed during loading and unloading of a first car onto or from the bed.

Abstract: A hanger which supports a temporary deck in an intermodal container. The hanger is removably secured to a ledge, which is part of the container, and extends downwardly toward the floor. One set of hangers is placed along each wall and the temporary deck is extended between them. The hanger itself includes a hook end and a link pivotally secured to a lower position. The link pivotally carries the hanger strap that extends down the wall. The hook end fits over the top of the ledge while the link contacts it on the bottom in a pliers-like grip. As vertical force is placed upon the hanger strap, the grip of the hook end and link increases.

Abstract: Fixtures supportable in a containerized unit for compartmentalizing the container into predetermined areas for storage and shipment of non-stackable articles at one or more levels within the container. A series of vertical support hangers are releasably connected to a longitudinally-extending horizontal top ledge within the container at opposite sides at predetermined spaced longitudinal intervals such that all the vertical load is supported by the ledge. Each of the vertical support hangers is provided with a releasable ledge-engaging C-clamp for gripping the ledge and a series of vertically-spaced pairs of slots for supporting horizontal support beams at predetermined levels by opposite vertical support hangers. Beam supporting connectors are positioned to support planar decking on the horizontal support beams at predetermined levels for compartmentalizing the interior of the container depending upon the article to be stored and shipped.

Abstract: A trailer for use in transporting a harvesting machine having a laterally shiftable tongue is disclosed wherein the trailer has transversely extending loading ramps pivotally connected to the load platform of the trailer to permit the harvester to be elevated from the ground level onto the load platform. An elevating linkage interconnecting the load platform and the pivotably ramps is engageable with the harvester wheels to affect a raising of the load ramps when the harvester has been properly positioned on the trailer platform. The load ramps are articulated to compact the transport position of the load ramps, thereby minimizing the transport width of the loaded trailer. The draft connection between the loaded trailer and its prime mover is the laterally shiftable tongue of the harvester positioned on the trailer platform.

Abstract: A motor vehicle of the van type having the conventional drivers seat removed, and having a powered wheelchair with a reversible seat at the rear of the wheelchair frame, the wheelchair being positioned at the drivers station and directed rearwardly with the seat directed forwardly, and means for releasably anchoring the wheelchair in that location, the wheelchair seat being located back of the frame thereof to permit the occupant's feet to hang free of the wheelchair frame to make them accessible to the pedals of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A tricycle powered wheelchair carrier has a platform supported on the bight of a U-shaped axle between a pair of rear wheels supported at the ends of the axle legs. The platform is formed with a downwardly sloping ramp portion at the end extending beyond the rear wheels. A front wheel is connected to handlebars at the front of a platform by a linkage pivoted at the top. A front actuator is connected between this linkage and the platform. A rear actuator is connected between the U-shaped axle and the platform. A transmission couples an internal combustion engine to a rear wheel and includes a reverse gear. A locking bar has rear and side mutually perpendicular arms. The side arm is pivotal about a horizontal axis in bearings on the side of the carrier to allow the side arm to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position against the rear wheels of a wheelchair on the platform with the end of the rear arm having a stud seated in a socket attached to the other side of the carrier.

Abstract: A speed-lock restraint system for wheelchair systems having a frame assembly for a chair, arm rests and wheels, an inverted U-shaped main channel supported by said frame and extending between a front cross channel and a rear cross channel, an anchor supported from a floor plate having apertures therein, and a pivot arm with diametrically oppositely extending end projections, each of said projections capable of extending within said aperture in alignment and securably relating the wheelchair in speed-locking relation and restraint to a vehicle floor.

Abstract: A freight car includes main side and end frame beams. Wall structures are connected to the beams and extend downwardly therefrom. A floor structure is connected to the wall structures to provide a lower well arrangement for receiving a trailer therein.

Abstract: A leading self-propelled vehicle with accommodations for passengers is drivable, under the control of an operator, over roadways and has a rearwardly directed portion designed to provide for selective hitching to a trailer adapted to receive and transport self-propelled vehicles accompanying the passengers. A flexible connection can be provided between the leading vehicle and the trailer to provide, in conjunction with a protective cover on the trailer, for streamline flow of air around the trailer.

Abstract: A series of relatively lightweight, short, articulately interconnected cars is disclosed for transporting trailers or other cargo containers on a railway. The interior cars of the series include a center sill which constitutes a narrow width underframe and a length substantially equal to the length of a car, a pair of end sills connected perpendicularly to the center sill at opposite ends thereof and having a width extending beyond each side of the center sill, support members interconnecting the ends of the end sills with the center sill, and male and female portions of an articulated connector respectively attached to each end of a car. End cars have one end, constructed similarly, but are provided with conventional semi-automatic couplings on the other end in place of a portion of the articulated connector. The articulated connectors are mounted on a single conventional railway truck which spans the adjacent ends of interconnected cars and further supports the support members.