Including Wheel Guide Patents (Class 410/67)
  • Patent number: 11834161
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electric aircraft and a method for preventing a propulsor from contacting a ground surface of the electric aircraft. Electric aircraft includes a tail skid. The tail skid may include two portions. The tail skid may be configured to accommodate angles of approach for various takeoff and landing methods. Tail skid may be configured to prevent a propulsor from contacting the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Gang, Louis Gauthier, James Laughlin, David Brunel
  • Patent number: 11697368
    Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a swap body in or on the pick-up area of a vehicle. At least one support structure is positioned in the pick-up area, with at least one pick-up floor positioned in the pick-up area, with at least one rail-style guide element spaced from the pick-up floor which is fixed to the support structure or the swap body and which demonstrates a guide surface. At least one support element is positioned on a swap body or on the support structure which is positioned between the guide element and pick-up floor when transferring the swap body into the pick-up area or out of the pick-up area. At least the guide surface of at least one guide element demonstrates an incline in relation to the pick-up floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: ONOMOTION GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Kahle, Tobias Scholtes, Normann Loffler, Tillmann Epp
  • Patent number: 11674614
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device can include a first attachment portion configured to engage a first port of a source container and a second attachment portion configured to engage a second port of an intermediate container. The first attachment portion can include a first projection defining a first fluid passage and the second attachment portion can include a second projection defining a second fluid passage. The fluid transfer device can further include a selector portion for selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from a first configuration in which a flow path between the first and second fluid passages is closed to a second configuration in which the flow path between the first and second fluid passages is open. The fluid transfer device can further include a limiter configured to inhibit the selector portion from selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, Amanda Punim, David Nelson, Erik Scott Shauver, Christopher James Hughes
  • Patent number: 11554867
    Abstract: A shoring adapter configured for spreading cargo loads, in particular heavy cargo loads, to be loaded on board of a transport aircraft, includes at least one base portion configured to be placed on a standardized aircraft cargo pallet and a cargo adapter portion configured to accommodate the cargo load. In operation, the cargo adapter portion is mounted on top of the at least one base portion. The at least one base portion includes a lower frame assembly, an upper frame assembly and at least one elastic support assembly. The at least one elastic support assembly is arranged between the lower and upper frame assemblies such that, in operation, the upper frame assembly is elastically supported in a vertical direction by the at least one elastic support assembly on the lower frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: CARGOLUX AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL S.A.
    Inventor: Paul Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 11345269
    Abstract: An invention relates to picking, storing, and transporting of products. One objective is to reduce or eliminate manual work, or unnecessary process stages. The invention concerns a trailer (100) for a delivery of the products, wherein the trailer comprises an attachment point (101) for attaching the trailer to a road vehicle, a body with wheels, and a wall (104) attached to the body. The wall includes openings (105, 106) to a trunk that is limited by at least the body and the wall. The trailer comprises closures (109, 110) to cover and disclose the openings, and the trailer is configured to open a first closure (109) in response to a correct identifier. The trailer is further configured to receive a cart to a storing place so that, at the storing place (111), the cart holds a first repository (107) beside the first opening and a second repository (108) beside the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventors: Juha Merta, Tapio Saviranta
  • Patent number: 10793050
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to individually secure carts, racks, and the like within delivery vehicles using a universal clasping mechanism. The clasping mechanism is configured to clamp shut on a portion of the carts to thereby restrain the carts during transportation. In some embodiments, locking the clasping mechanism can be achieved by pushing a portion of the mechanism to thereby pivot arms of the mechanism to clamp on a portion of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Tawfeek J. Abohammdan, Timothy R. Hodges, Erica N. Poe Smith
  • Patent number: 10040389
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to individually secure carts, racks, and the like within delivery vehicles using a universal clasping mechanism. The clasping mechanism is configured to clamp shut on a portion of the carts to thereby restrain the carts during transportation. In some embodiments, locking the clasping mechanism can be achieved by pushing a portion of the mechanism to thereby pivot arms of the mechanism to clamp on a portion of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Tawfeek J. Abohammdan, Timothy R. Hodges, Erica N. Poe Smith
  • Patent number: 9969317
    Abstract: A utility land vehicle is provided having a cargo compartment that includes a retention system. One embodiment of the retention system includes latch and receiver assemblies. The latch assembly includes first and second latches. The first and second latches are spaced apart from each other. A tie attached to each of the first and second latches actuates to cause both first and second latches to release. The receiver assemblies comprise first and second receivers. Each of the first and second receivers includes a body and a slot formed in the body. Each of the slots formed in each body of each of the first and second receivers includes an opening wherein the opening of the slot formed in the body of the first receiver faces the first latch, and the opening of the slot formed in the body of the second receiver faces the second latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Spartan Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Eichstedt, Terry Kessler, Douglas Sagarsee
  • Patent number: 9248771
    Abstract: A number of variations of the invention may include a vehicle having a doorframe gantry lift system for raising and lowering a cargo module in the doorframe. A number of variations of the invention may include a cargo module having at least a first lift structure constructed and arranged to mate with a first lift structure of a vehicle doorframe gantry lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Chet R. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8956102
    Abstract: The vehicle with wheelchair positioning mechanism includes an automotive vehicle that is modified to assist a disabled person to enter, operate and exit the vehicle. The modification includes a wheelchair lift adjacent the rear of the vehicle. An internal rail system extends from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle's driving controls. A remotely controlled platform is rotatably mounted on a carriage for movement on the rail system. The platform is adapted to support a wheelchair thereon. The platform can be rotated 360° so that the wheelchair moves forward when entering and exiting the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Faisal A. O. Alasfour
  • Patent number: 8950988
    Abstract: A system for optimizing storage in an enclosed transport trailer (6), having transverse bearing beams (2) for supporting a load such as loaded pallets (12, 13) at a mid height of the trailer such that two storage levels are available. The beams have a wheel (10) at each end that runs in a horizontal track (11) attached to each side wall of the trailer, the track enclosing the wheels to prevent them from disengaging from the track. Adjacent beams can be attached together at variable spacings using a spacer bar (15) to suit a particular pallet or load size. The track has a junction adjacent the open end (20) of the trailer that leads up to another track (18) immediately below the roof line where the beams can be moved to an out of the way storage position (19) when not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Maxiloda Limited
    Inventors: Graham Bruce Rabarts, Mark John Holmes
  • Patent number: 8714894
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Javier Nolasco, Larry Gardner
  • Patent number: 8382408
    Abstract: A trailer system for inspecting a vehicle inspection includes a trailer having a trailer body, the trailer bearing a vehicle to be inspected, a turning member rotatably provided on an upper surface of the trailer for abutting against wheels of the vehicle to be inspected that has halted on the trailer, and a turning plate rotation driving mechanism provided on the trailer for driving the turning plate to turn toward the upper surface of the trailer. The trailer system can trail the trailer with various loads passing through an inspection system such as a scanning passage, while bearing a heavy load, and maintaining the strength and rigidity thereof without damaging the vehicle to be inspected. A radiation imaging inspection system includes the trailer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Shangmin Sun, Zhongrong Yang, Nan Jiang, Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 7918631
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: OverRide Decking Systems Limited Liability Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Harold L. Overbye
  • Patent number: 7806639
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in loading and unloading a snowmobile having spaced apart skis with runners extending from bottom surfaces thereof or for providing traction for loading and unloading a vehicle with a plurality of tires onto a trailer surface includes a base for attaching to the surface of the trailer. Upper surfaces of the base and bars reduces friction between the skis and surface of the trailer. The base also includes a trailing edge for providing traction for the plurality of tires for loading and unloading the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Caliber, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest DeLanghe, Matthew Pfankuch
  • Publication number: 20100215467
    Abstract: A system and method of loading and delivering goods which may include rolling trays adapted to roll into a truck trailer. The truck trailer may have rails at different heights allowing for the high density packing of trays within the trailer. The trailer may have a lift mechanism with rails which allows rolling trays to be placed onto the rails, or to be rolled onto elevated rails off of mating rails. The lift mechanism may be adapted to raise the rolling trays to different heights associated with the rails within the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: James C. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20100028099
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a trailer system for inspecting a vehicle inspection, comprising: a trailer having a vehicle body, the trailer bearing a vehicle to be inspected; a turning plate mechanism rotatably provided on an upper surface of the trailer for abutting against wheels of the vehicle to be inspected halting on the trailer; and a turning plate rotation driving mechanism provided on the trailer for driving the turning plate to turn toward the upper surface of the trailer. The trailer system can trail vehicle with various loads passing through an inspection system such as a scanning passage, while bearing heavy load, maintaining the strength and rigidity thereof without damaging the vehicle to be inspected. In addition, the present invention further discloses a radiation imaging inspection system having the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shangmin Sun, Zhongrong Yang, Nan Jiang, Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 7473061
    Abstract: A rotatable support assembly formed of pivotable sections has upper and lower surfaces and tapered end edges. A riding strip fabricated of an elastomeric material extends over the upper surface from tapered end edge to tapered end edge. A carousel assembly includes a fixed lower section, a rotatable upper section, and equally spaced rollers between the upper and lower sections. A locking assembly includes wells formed into the upper surface. A circular plate has an upper aperture and a locking tab with a lower aperture. The locking assembly also includes a pin extending through the upper and lower apertures. A coil spring between the apertures urges the pin downwardly into a locked orientation to preclude rotation of the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence Santangelo
  • Patent number: 7367764
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a reversible plate positioning device for a stationary radiation imaging trailer system, comprising a left platform (7-1) and a right platform (7-2) that can be connected with a trailing part (4) of a trailer frame and ground locking part (12), the left platform (7-1) and right platform (7-2) provided with slopes (1) for the uploading of a vehicle to be detected respectively at the front ends and with positioning recesses (9) at the middle of an upper surface, each positioning recess (9) being provided with a wheel-locking device (2), wherein, each wheel-locking device (2) comprises of a pivotable crank plate (10) that is hinged to the positioning recess (9) and can rotates about the pivot axis thereof, a chain (15) connected with the crank plate (10), a pull-rod (14) connected with the chain (15), and a fixing sleeve (6) corresponding to the pull-rod (14), in which a spring (13) is provided in the fixing sleeve (6), and when the vehicle to be detected is located in the positio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Ning Li, Kejun Kang, Haifeng Hu, Wanquan Shen, Jianjun Su, Zhongrong Yang, Qitian Miao, Jianmin Li
  • Patent number: 7059814
    Abstract: A trailer system for radiation imaging, comprising a trailer including a frame, a plurality of guide wheels and connecting hooks, and anchoring devices, the frame comprises an intermediate section in the form of a H-shaped frame beam, a left frame bed and a right frame bed are connected to hinge shafts provided on four corner portions of the H-shaped frame beam, a positioning recess is provided centrally in an upper surface of each left and right frame beds, a wheel-catching means is provided at a rear end of each positioning recess, an upslope and a downslope daises are provided on a front end and a rear end of each of the left and the right frame beds, a support plate is provided at an outside end of each of the left and right frame beds, and a striking block is provided centrally at an outside of each support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Jianjun Su, Jianmin Li, Wanquan Shen, Shangmin Sun, Jianxin Wang
  • Patent number: 6874981
    Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Robert W. Grace, Norman C. Strohfus, David J. Glancy
  • Patent number: 6837657
    Abstract: A trailer of an automatically scanning-type radiation inspecting system used for large-sized object, comprising a trailer body provided with a bevel portion at a tail end of a top surface thereof and positioning recesses adaptive to lower portions of front wheels of a vehicle carrying objects to be inspected respectively, a plurality of pairs of guide wheels mounted to a bottom surface of the trailer body and can be supported and run on rails, connection rods provided at front and rear ends of the bottom surface of the trailer body and used for connecting to wire ropes of winches respectively, anchoring hooks provided at front and rear ends of the bottom surface of the trailer body and used for engaging with wedges arranged on the ground, and holding means provided at front and back sides of the positioning recesses and used for holding the front wheels of the vehicle in the positioning recesses during movement of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Jianmin Li, Wenhuan Gao, Yinong Liu, Jianjun Su, Ning Li, Wanquan Shen, Rongxuan Liu
  • Patent number: 6824338
    Abstract: An air cargo container assembly for rapid air shipment of emergency and other supplies, without netting, includes sub-containers attachable to a base plate via locking mechanisms on the sub-containers. The locking mechanisms pass through openings in the base and engage a downward-facing surface of the base. Each locking mechanism includes a latch having a rotatable shaft, a head connected to a bottom end of the shaft, a plate connected to a top end of the shaft. A spring biases the plate toward the bottom surface of the sub-container. A lever is attached to the shaft between the head portion and the spring. The shaft and head portion are rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position via the lever. One or more guide members may be mounted on the base to help align the sub-containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Satco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Looker
  • Patent number: 6709208
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a cargo handling system which is arranged for use on board a ship. Long lane dividers, which are in the form of profiles, are so arranged as to be laid out on the deck of a ship along the longitudinal extent of the intended desired cargo lane. Attachment devices matching existing standard openings in the deck and capable of being introduced vertically into these attach the lane dividers to the deck. At least a number of the aforementioned lane dividers exhibit recesses to accommodate locking devices for the purpose of locking a cargo securely to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: TTS Ships Equipment AB
    Inventors: Michel Lyrstrand, Göran Johansson, Bengt Ramne, Per Fagerlund
  • Patent number: 6688819
    Abstract: Each guidance structure has two orthogonal surfaces (a horizontal surface and a vertical surface) which define the insides of an “L”-shaped profile. A first pair of guidance structures is positioned on a loading platform so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are parallelly facing either toward each other or away from each other. Alignedly therewith, a second pair of guidance structures is positioned on an ingress-egress platform (connected to the loading platform) so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are obliquely facing either toward each other or away from each other. Vehicular cargo travels the ingress-egress platform so as to be “funneled” by the back pair onto the loading platform. The front pair's horizontal surfaces operate as tracks for the cargo's wheels, thereby more widely distributing the loading associated with the cargo. The vertical surfaces of both pairs operate as lateral barriers for the cargo's wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bradel
  • Patent number: 6648572
    Abstract: A magazine with removable inclined frames comprising a plurality of inclined frames arranged side by side in a parking area, each frame having, at its base, a carriage-like structure which carries the inclined frame so that it is mounted on, and slideable in, a pair of rails dedicated thereto in the parking area. A transfer structure is provided to the side of the parking area and comprises a shuttle to receive one or more carriages and to convey the carriage at right angles to the plane of arrangement of the frame. A motor is provided for producing the translational motion of the carriages on the shuttle, and additional motors are provided for producing the translational motion of the shuttle parallel to the parking area of the set of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Antonio Piazza
  • Patent number: 6595731
    Abstract: An arrangement for locking cargo to a deck on board a ship is described. Lateral dividing profiles, which are arranged on and secured to the deck, and which form loading lanes, have lock accommodating openings to accept rotatable and movable locking devices from lockable loads (trailer supports and cargo cassettes) capable of being parked in the cargo lanes. Present on the loads is a mechanism, which is connected to the locking device for the purpose of locking or releasing the loads, in conjunction with a cargo vehicle, which can be driven between the lanes, is so arranged as to actuate the mechanism when the cargo vehicle passes the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: TTS Ships Equipment AB
    Inventors: Göran Johansson, Bengt Ramne
  • Patent number: 6588996
    Abstract: A precision guidance system for positioning motor vehicles on a motor vehicle support surface, such as a carrier for transportation. The guidance system includes primary guide members extending from the support surface, preferably located to engage the inner surfaces of the motor vehicle tires. The guidance system allows precisely positioning the motor vehicle on the support surface for purposes of engaging mating devices extending from the motor vehicle and the motor vehicle support surface, such mating devices including vehicle restraint means, electrical connections, and pneumatic or hydraulic connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Joe H. Collins
  • Patent number: 6575686
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cargo transfer. A cargo sled is stuffed into/stripped from a container. The method encompasses a marine terminal that stores sleds prior to stuffing into a container. Method and apparatus reduce the required number of cargo containers by up to a factor of eight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: William Hagenzieker
  • Patent number: 6558093
    Abstract: An end cap attached to an end of skid for rolling a vehicle through the end cap and on to or off of the skid, the end cap having at least one channel extending through the end cap wherein each channel of the end cap is aligned with one channel in the top of the platform of the skid for holding the wheels of the vehicle. The end cap is attached to the top of a platform of a skid. In addition, the end cap can be designed and manufactured in either multiple segments or as a single component. The end cap may optionally have a vertical extension extending down from one side of the end cap and attaching to the bottom of the platform, thereby covering an end of the skid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Gatewood Products, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Arnold, Larry G. Gross, Amos Totten
  • Patent number: 6524040
    Abstract: A pallet for wheeled items comprises a base frame, a platform on the base frame, a first plurality of ramps on the base frame and sloping from the platform toward the base and a first end of the base frame, and a second plurality of ramps on the base frame and sloping from the platform toward the base frame and a second end of the base frame. The support, the first plurality of ramps, and the second plurality of ramps are structured and arranged so that when the first wheeled item is shifted on its wheels from the support surface along the first plurality of ramps and a second of the wheeled items is shifted on its wheels along the support surface along the second plurality of ramps, the undercarriages of the first and second wheeled items move toward the platform and the wheels of the item nest into the platform. Systems for securing items to the pallet including brackets and strapping mechanisms are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Burnham Service Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Julius F. Heil
  • Patent number: 6514021
    Abstract: A T-flange engaging load bearing bed consisting of a metal sheet having an upper load bearing surface, a lower surface, and having a post receiving slot, and further consisting of a C-channel beam having an upwardly opening T-receiving channel, the C-channel beam being fixedly attached to the lower surface of the metal sheet so that the upwardly opening T-receiving channel underlies the post receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Delay
  • Patent number: 6422567
    Abstract: A storage system for a motor vehicle having a floor includes a plurality of retainer brackets adapted to be secured to the floor, and a base having a body and a plurality of mounting brackets attached to the body. The body has first and second inclined tracks. The mounting brackets are engageable with the retainer brackets so as to secure the base to the floor. At least one of the mounting brackets is moveable with respect to the body so that the at least one mounting bracket may be engaged with a respective retainer bracket after the body is positioned with respect to the floor. Furthermore, the storage system includes a movable storage unit having a plurality of wheels that are engageable with the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Mastrangelo, Gregory J. Vishey, Daniel E. Hawkins, Wendy M. Beadle, John J. Blewett, Joseph M. Heilig
  • Patent number: 6406231
    Abstract: A trailer winch assembly (100) is provided for loading containers (52, 53, 94, 96) onto a trailer (50). The winch assembly (100) comprises two movable winch apparatuses (102, 104) mounted on a winch transport assembly (106). A wheel assembly (200) having a rigid wheel frame (202), a wheel (206) rotatably and slidable supported in the wheel frame (202), and an attachment assembly (204) utilizes a jack (298) to raise the container onto the wheel. An off-load foot (350) including a downwardly extending leg (354) having a base (396) for engaging a ground surface (85) is utilized to off-load containers. A container lockdown mechanism (500) includes a securement member (504) attached to the trailer (50), an attachment member (502), and an extension member (506) extended between the container and the securement member (504) to hold the container (52) on the trailer (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Landoll Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Landoll, Sterling W. Gunter, Keith Vacha
  • Patent number: 5865579
    Abstract: An adaptor is provided for a vehicle load bed having stake pockets along lateral edges. The adaptor allows pallets having indented peripheries to roll over the bed and to be locked in place on the bed. The adaptor has a base lying on the bed and guides in the form of upright walls disposed along lateral edges of the base. The guides keep the pallet on the bed as the pallet rides along the bed. Stakes on the bottom of the base are locked into the pockets to retain the adaptor to the bed. Extending from the walls are lips disposed over the pallet so as to limit or eliminate the pallet's vertical travel. The pallets ride on elongate rollers journalled between roller supports. The supports are fixed on the base parallel to the walls. Apertures of the same shape are defined both in the lips and the base and are aligned with one another. To fix the pallets to the adaptor, locking members are passed through the lip apertures, fit with indents of the pallets and passed through the base apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: James D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5833302
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a camper on the bed of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a pair of laterally spaced and generally opposed stabilizers that are mounted adjacent respective side walls on the bed and have vertical, inwardly facing surfaces that are configured to engage the camper's side walls. Each stabilizer engages a respective one of the camper's side walls, and the stabilizers collectively define a mounting surface therebetween within which the camper is removably mounted and stabilized. The apparatus further includes a pair of guides for positioning the camper as the camper is mounted on the vehicle. Each guide extends at an angle generally upwardly and outwardly from the stabilizer and toward the side wall to which the stabilizer is adjacent to provide an angled surface that is configured to engage and direct the camper into the mounting surface between the stabilizers as the camper is mounted on the bed, even if the camper and the bed are originally slightly out of alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Ralph R. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5553986
    Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Linear actuation of a push rod from a transfer platform causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. A detent device on the transfer platform sealed in an airtight workstation permits remote actuation of the locking components in the chamber from a worksuit provided in the workstation. The locking function is automatically reset without any intervention by the user of the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Susan M. Napierkowski, Arthur T. Nagare, Richard J. Verga
  • Patent number: 5431521
    Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Components on a transfer carrier permit remote actuation of locking components in a chamber through intermediate components on a ramp between the chamber and the transfer carrier. Members are provided to secure the transfer carrier to the ramp. Linear actuation of a push rod at the remote end of the transfer carrier causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. Fail safe mechanisms are provided to prevent movement of the blocking member to the unlocked position when the transfer carrier is not secured to the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Susan M. Napierkowski, Arthur T. Nagare, Richard J. Verga
  • Patent number: 5387063
    Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Linear actuation of a push rod from a transfer platform causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. A detent means on the transfer platform sealed in an airtight workstation permits remote actuation of the locking components in the chamber from a worksuit provided in the workstation. The locking function is automatically reset without any intervention by the user of the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Susan M. Napierkowski, Arthur T. Nagare, Richard J. Verga
  • Patent number: 5378105
    Abstract: A cargo handling and restraining system for loading, unloading, and transporting cargo containers in a carrier vehicle. The carrier is provided with a supporting floor (bed) having a plurality of tracks disposed thereon. The tracks include a channel disposed between a pair of spaced, horizontally extending members, and each container is provided with members which "ride" in the channel of the tracks to move the containers along the track. A hook assembly is provided at opposite ends and on the bottom of the containers for engaged relation with a retaining mechanism which positively locks adjacent containers together and to the track. A locking member is provided for rigidly securing the last loaded container (toward the rear of the bed) to the track. A cargo loader mechanism is provided to load and unload the cargo onto and off of the bed, and a cargo cart is provided to transport the cargo from or to a storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Richard L. Palko
  • Patent number: 5246081
    Abstract: Method for loading and unloading semitrailers on a train of flat cars by coupling the semitrailers to power driven stanchions respectively, providing the power driven stanchions with automatic control in the form of proximity sensors for governing movement of the semitrailers in accordance with proximity of adjoining semitrailers and automatically steering the stanchions along a guide path to load and unload the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Knorr Brake Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Engle
  • Patent number: 5067872
    Abstract: Method for loading and unloading semitrailers on a train of flat cars by coupling the semitrailers to power driven stanchions respectively, providing the power driven stanchions with automatic control in the form of proximity sensors for governing movement of the semitrailers in accordance with proximity of adjoining semitrailers and automatically steering the stanchions along a guide path to load and unload the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Knorr Brake Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Engle
  • Patent number: 5000633
    Abstract: A Blocking shoe assembly for intervention between the sides of a railway car and containers mounted therein which has a stationary guide portion, the stationary portion being adapted to guide and hold wide containers from lateral shifting and the movable portion comprising a rotary member which is adapted to rollingly engage against a side of a narrower container and hold it in place when the movable portion is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Kowalik, David C. Brezina
  • Patent number: 4973206
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for loading and unloading semitrailers on a train of flat cars by coupling the semitrailers to power driven stanchions respectively, providing the power driven stanchions with automatic control in the form of proximity sensors for governing movement of the semitrailers in accordance with proximity of adjoining semitrailers and automatically steering the stanchions along a guide path to load and unload the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Engle
  • Patent number: 4929133
    Abstract: A cargo pallet for use in loading and stowing relatively small wheeled cargo containers within the cargo bay of a cargo aircraft which is dimensioned to fit within the aircraft fuselage adjacent to the main cargo door and is provided with guide rails adjacent to its lateral edges, wherein at least one of the guide rails does not extend entirely along the edge, but has a gap to permit the wheeled containers to be rolled into the aircraft. The cargo pallet also has a removable center rail which is removed during loading and reinstalled to secure the final containers. Retractable side locks, located in the gap in the rail adjacent the main cargo door, are retracted during the loading operation to permit the containers to be loaded into the aircraft and extended to restrain the last loaded container, which is located adjacent to the main cargo door. The pallet is also provided with removable cargo stops to restrain the cargo containers in a fore-and-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Airborne Express, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert D. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 4797042
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading a scooter-type wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle comparment such that the apparatus and wheelchair loaded are fully contained within the vehicle when in a storage position. The apparatus includes a frame attachable to a lower surface of the vehicle compartment and a platform upon which the wheelchair may be rolled. During a loading cycle, the platform and wheelchair are raised upwardly, traversed toward the vehicle compartment and lowered into the compartment for storage. During this cycle, the platform passes through a vertical plane defining a maximum elevation. The platform includes wheel locators and positioning plates for locating the wheels of the wheelchair as it is positioned on the platform and for preventing the wheelchair from undesired movement once loaded. A vertical shaft is positioned adjacent a track portion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Robert E. McFarland
  • Patent number: 4787788
    Abstract: A bomb handling system includes a plurality of mobile frames, each having a pair of rails and carrying members on the rails. Each pair of carrying members supporting corresponding ends of a bomb and there being locking mechanisms with separate, common actuators at particular locations along the lengths of the rails selectively to arrest a pair of carrying members in transversely aligned positions at a location and to allow such pair to travel past a location. The mobile frames may be attached in a train with their pairs of rails in end-abutting relation and including blocking mechanisms which releasably prevent transfer of a pair of carrying members from one frame to the next. A mobile frame may include a mechanism to elevate its rails so that loaded and positioned bombs may be raised for attachment to an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: B.V. Industriele Handelsondernedming, Etc.
    Inventor: Gijsbert Versteeg
  • Patent number: 4755089
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a chassis supporting a platform having a network of criss-cross guiding rails. Trolleys circulate along these rails so as to be selectively movable towards the rear of the vehicle for the loading and unloading of road signs. The trolleys are provided with a braking device to enable them to be immobilized on the rails. The vehicle may be a trailer for the transportation of road signs, for example to indicate road works on streets and expressways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Louis P. Ellgass
  • Patent number: 4693651
    Abstract: A transport, such as a trailer, for hauling vehicles has ramps for supporting the wheels of the vehicles. Each ramp has a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse pins which are sufficiently close together to provide a track over which the wheels of the vehicles may travel during loading and unloading. The pins are removable so that selected pins may be removed to provide pockets to receive the wheels for transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Traffic Transport Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald W. Stuart
  • Patent number: 4688976
    Abstract: This invention relates to a shipping facility including at least one cargo supporting structure mounted for easy, sliding movement on a receiving structure disposed within the cargo bay of a cargo transport vehicle preferably adapted for side and/or rear loading and unloading, wherein the at least one cargo supporting structure and the cargo held thereby is secured, during transport thereof, by conventional retaining facilities to minimize and dampen the lateral, longitudinal, oscillatory and random transportation forces which act upon the cargo during the transport thereof. The at least one cargo supporting structure is adapted for easy slidable/rollable movement along said receiving structure between an operating position within a shipment area of the cargo bay and a non-operating position within a storage area of the cargo bay for thereby freeing the shipment area for shipment of any type of cargo which it is normally capable of holding, after the original cargo has been unloaded, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Rowley, William J. Brown