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 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 system and method for protecting a vehicle and, more specifically, a truck bed is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a system with three parts: a protective bar, one or more joint pieces attached to the protective bar, and one or more brackets attached to the one or more joint pieces. The brackets fit over the back end of the truck bed to hold the protective bar in place, while still keeping the overall system easily removable from the truck bed. Embodiments include both a single bracket as well as multiple brackets. The protective bar prevents cargo from impacting the front of the truck bed or back window while the cargo is being loaded, unloaded, or transported.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle. The improved vehicle wheel chock includes an improved face-plate.

Abstract: An apparatus utilized to lock a transportable vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV) to a bed of a transporting vehicle generally comprising a locking bar assembly and a locking mechanism assembly. The locking bar assembly is securely mounted to the front of the transportable vehicle. The locking mechanism assembly mounts to a forward vertical wall inside the bed of the transporting vehicle and includes a guiding feature that aligns with the locking bar assembly. The transportable vehicle is guided into place until the locking bar assembly engages the locking mechanism assembly. A locking arm is locks the locking mechanism assembly to the lock bar assembly, thereby securely holding the transportable vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one or two personal transport vehicles such as motorcycles or ATV's in an upright position on a support surface such as the bed of a truck or the ground includes a pair of elongated straight handlebar struts telescopically adjustable to a length fixable by a first key lock. Each strut has an upper hook lockable by a second key lock to a handlebar of a personal transport vehicle, and a lower hook securable within a perforation through an anchor member such as a truck bed component or an elongated, perforated channel member, by a third key lock. The apparatus includes an elongated cross-lock arm telescopically adjustable to a length fixable by a cross-lock arm key lock. Each cross-lock arm has at one end thereof a swivelable hook for engaging a structural member of a personal transport vehicle, and at the other end a fixed hook for engaging a perforation through an eye plate protruding from the strut, the longitudinal position of which eye plate is adjustable on the strut.

Abstract: An improved manner of attaching, restraining, and securing a vehicle onto a trailer through a versatile hitch configuration. Such a configuration permits utilization of at least one hitch coupler assembly for releasable attachment/connection to a selected vehicle with a complementary component for connection therewith. Additionally, the coupler assembly is present on a trailer through a temporary or permanent base connector configuration that includes a removable crossbar through which the coupler assembly is threaded to allow for movement around said crossbar as well as along the length of said crossbar simultaneously. The crossbar may also be adjusted height wise within the base connector through placement and securing within graduated openings within the connector itself. Further designs utilizing the base movable hitch coupler concept, as well as entire trailers and methods of transporting vehicles with such a device, are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus for tying a motorcycle down to a trailer or truck bed has a novel U-shaped tie down bracket used in conjunction with tie down straps and a front wheel receiving channel attached to the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle. The improved vehicle wheel chock includes an improved face-plate.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting chain tie down systems to strap tie down systems. Exemplary embodiments include a method for retrofitting a chain tie down apparatus to a strap tie down apparatus, the chain tie down apparatus having a central shaft, the method including affixing a first parallel shaft adjacent the central shaft and affixing shaft plates to the central shaft, wherein the first parallel shaft is radially moveable with respect to the central shaft.

Abstract: A wheel chock for restraining movement of a vehicle tire on a supporting grating during transit includes a base, a grate lock mechanism for locking the base to the grating, and a ramp on the base for engagement with a circumference of a vehicle tire. A strap connected with the base is extensible around the vehicle tire to help restrain movement of the tire on the grating. The chock includes a retractor for retracting the strap and for taking up slack that forms in the strap during transit.

Abstract: A securing device for motorcycles and ATVs. The securing device comprises an anchor member that is detachably mounted to a floor of a transport vehicle and a coupling sleeve that engages with the footpeg of the motorcycle. A lever assembly is interposed between the coupling sleeve and the anchor member so movement of the lever member between a secured and release position results in the motorcycle or ATV being urged towards or away from the floor of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.

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: Tiedown systems and methods to attach a vehicle to a support floor. The tiedown system may include a wheel cage configured to be attached to the support floor and to receive a wheel of the vehicle. The tiedown system may also include a locking assembly comprising a pivoting lever arm and an engagement member attached to the lever arm. The lever arm may be pivotal between an unlocked position to attach the engagement member to the vehicle, and a locked position that causes the engagement member to exert a force on the vehicle to maintain the wheel of the vehicle in the wheel cage.

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 cargo rack assembly is provided for a vehicle. The cargo rack assembly defines an inner region and includes a restraint assembly disposed at least partially within the inner region. The restraint assembly includes a belt and a carrier. The belt extends between a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion of the belt is attached to the carrier. The carrier is configured to facilitate selective dispensation of the first end portion of the belt between a stored position in which the first end portion is adjacent to the cargo rack assembly, and an extended position in which the first end portion is spaced from the cargo rack assembly. A vehicle including a cargo rack assembly is also provided.

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: A single main steel wheel rides on a single main steel rail of a guideway to support and drive a carrier and to facilitate steering and provide a simplified, more compact and less costly construction. The carrier can support a car through a platform having elements and chocks for locking contact with a front bumper and front wheels of the car Auxiliary wheels and rails cooperate to cause nearly all weight to be carried through the single main wheel. Traction is increased when necessary through application of increased upward forces to undersides of auxiliary rails and/or through developing magnetic forces between the steel wheel and steel rail. An AC induction motor is a main source of drive power. Acceleration and braking are assisted through epicyclic gearing, braking means and a DC motor/generator that is connected to a battery and that drives the carrier if supply of AC fails.

Abstract: A device for securing a motorcycle to a surface such as a trailer bed includes a base assembly attached to the surface and including a base plate and a pair of eccentric pivot support brackets, a pin assembly, an eccentric pivot rotatably mounted to each of the eccentric pivot support brackets and having an aperture formed therein such that the height of the aperture is adjustable by rotating the eccentric pivot, and a pin bracket attached to a motorcycle. The motorcycle is secured to the surface by positioning the motorcycle with the attached pin bracket over the base assembly attached to the surface and using the pin assembly to connect the pin bracket to the apertures in the eccentric pivots. The rotatable eccentric pivots allow the device to be adjusted for use with motorcycles having various ride heights. Locking structures are provided for locking the rotational position of the eccentric pivots with respect to the eccentric pivot support brackets after such an adjustment is made.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a craft according to one embodiment comprises a first and third portion for forming a first loop around a handlebar, the first portion having a free end; a second and fourth portion for forming a second loop around the handlebar, the second portion having a free end; a third portion coupled to the first portion, the third portion having a free end; and a fourth portion coupled to the second portion, the fourth portion having a free end; wherein tension exerted on the free end of the first portion or third portion causes the first loop to exert a wrapping force on the handlebar when wrapped therearound; wherein tension exerted on the free end of the second portion or the fourth portion causes the second loop to exert a wrapping force on the handlebar when wrapped therearound.

Abstract: A cart transport apparatus for automatically transporting carts in which trays with medicine contained therein can be stored. The carts have a plurality of support panels (38) juxtaposed to each other, a lower connection member (41) connecting lower end portions of the plurality of support panels (38), and casters (44) positioned below the lower connection member (41). The cart transport apparatus includes a frame (51) having wheels (50) that can be rotatably driven. The frame (51) is movable beneath the lower connection member (41) of the cart (8). Also, the cart transfer apparatus is provided with grip members (55) for gripping the lower connection member 41 of the cart 8.

Abstract: A rear facing wheelchair passenger station for securing a wheelchair in a large accessible transit vehicle. The station includes a forward excursion barrier for preventing forward movement of a wheelchair, lateral excursion barriers for preventing undesired lateral and rearward movement of the wheelchair, wall side flip seats which are adapted to covert the wheelchair passenger station for use by non-wheelchair persons, hand holds, high friction floor material for assisting in the prevention of movement of the wheelchair, and an electro-pneumatic control system.

Abstract: A motorcycle transport device comprising a base, a pair of first upright members attached to the base, and a pair of second members telescopically connected to the first upright members. A lower jaw is attached to each of the first upright members and an upper jaw is attached to each of the second members. A lock assembly is operatively associated with the first upright member and the second member. The lock assembly is adapted to hold the lower jaw and the upper jaw in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-weight tiltable hauling device for transporting smaller, auxiliary vehicles, where such device mounts to the hitch of an automobile, truck, van, SUV, RV, or other similar motor vehicles, the device can be mounted and removed by a single individual, the auxiliary vehicle can be easily loaded and unloaded by a single individual, and the device can transport auxiliary vehicles weighing up to 700 pounds.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A transit vehicle docking system including a pair of press plates driven inwardly against the opposite side of a wheelchair docked in a docking space in a transit vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading, securing, and unloading a vehicle, from a carrier bed. An aft axle restraint and ramp assembly is lowered to the ground, providing an inclined ramp for the vehicle to be driven onto the bed. The ramp is then raised into a vertical position and locked. The axle restraint, pivotally attached to the ramp, is raised and dropped over the rear axle of the vehicle. A fore vehicle hold down assembly comprises a pair of hooks pivotally connected to a lever arm. The hold down assembly is raised into a disengaged position, and the hooks are placed either over an accessory rack or the front bumper of the vehicle. Lowering the lever arm into an engaged position, pulls the frame forwardly and downwardly, securing the vehicle against fore and aft movement, and maintaining the forward components of the vehicle suspension in a compressed state.

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 locking bracket for securing virtually any commercial grade hand truck to the cargo bed of a delivery truck or any other surface for safety and security. The locking bracket generally comprises a flat mounting plate, a kick-lever pivotally attached to the mounting plate for kick-release, and a push rod attached to the other end of the lever. The push rod extends to a clamping mechanism including two upwardly protruding spaced blocks housing opposed laterally-closing clamping teeth. In operation, a hand truck is locked in place overtop in a standing position with the center strut of its nose plate clamped between the teeth. Urging the lever forward with one's foot drives the push rod which opens the clamping teeth for quick-kick release of the hand truck.

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 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: The inventions described and claimed herein are systems or components for an automated rear-facing wheelchair passenger station and include a forward excursion barrier for preventing forward movement of a wheelchair, lateral excursion barriers for preventing undesired movement of a wheelchair, and an electro-pneumatic control system.

Abstract: This invention is a motorcycle stand for securing a motorcycle to a vehicle. The apparatus has a hook which pulls down the foot peg of a motorcycle onto a receiving portion on the base member of the frame. The hook is attached to a sliding member which slides within an elongated cavity defined by the frame. This sliding motion is tilted so that the hook applies a forward force on the peg to more securely stabilize the front tire of the motorcycle. In addition, the motorcycle stand has a linkage with a groove which fits around a shaft so that the motorcycle peg is secured in a clamping position between the hook and the receiving portion. The device has locking apertures which aligns when the hook is placed in the clamping position for protecting the motorcycle against theft.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A retractor anchor for releasably engaging a track. The retractor anchor has a body member which is slidably receivable on the track, and a plunger, which is moveably connected to the body member. A release member is connected to the plunger for moving the plunger between an engaged position, wherein the plunger engages the track to restrain the body member from sliding with respect to the track, and a disengaged position, wherein the body member is slidable with respect to the track. A mounting member is connected to the body member for mountably receiving an attachment for rotation of the attachment around the release member.

Abstract: The invention features a locking coupling for securing a transported vehicle within a carrier vehicle. The locking coupling features an turnbuckle attachment having adjustable arms for securing to the frame of a transported vehicle and a load binder assembly having a tensioner.

Abstract: A stabilizing rod system for securing a motorcycle to a trailer during transportation. The system has telescoping tubes which can be adjusted to fit different dimensions and a hook for securing the tubes to the trailer and a second hook for securing the tubes to the motorcycle.

Abstract: Representative embodiments include a support apparatus that can be positioned between a load element and a support element to cushion the load element against vibration with respect to the support element. A receiving member and a base member are movably engaged along an axis of movement. An element engaging surface is defined on one of the members and is configured to releasably engage one of the elements. A vibration reduction device mounted between the members and configured to yieldably resist relative movement of the members toward one another.

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 docking system for securing a wheelchair into a vehicle in which docking fixtures are firmly attached to the frame of the wheelchair and the floor of the vehicle, either directly or by attachment to a support which is attached to either the frame of the wheelchair or the floor of the vehicle. A male docking fixture is mounted on a support to the underside of the wheelchair, which is positioned in the vehicle so that the male docking fixture and the female docking fixture are aligned and the male docking fixture can be slideably and releasably locked with the female docking fixture. Preferably, the female docking fixture includes an electrically operated, spring loaded, release mechanism, and may also include a slide mechanism to allow limited forward and rearward movement of the wheelchair while under restraint.

Abstract: An arresting device used in a cot fastening system for an emergency vehicle is disclosed. The arresting device includes an extension beam providing a bolt pattern, and a pair of antler brackets each having first and second hook portions. The present invention may be used with a plurality of prior art cots, without requiring modifications or installation changes to the emergency vehicle or the cot fastening system to which the arresting device is a part thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading, securing, and unloading a vehicle, from a carrier bed. An aft axle restraint and ramp assembly is lowered to the ground, providing an inclined ramp for the vehicle to be driven onto the bed. The ramp is then raised into a vertical position and locked. The axle restraint, pivotally attached to the ramp, is raised and dropped over the rear axle of the vehicle. A fore vehicle hold down assembly comprises a pair of hooks pivotally connected to a lever arm. The hold down assembly is raised into a disengaged position, and the hooks are placed either over an accessory rack or the front bumper of the vehicle. Lowering the lever arm into an engaged position, pulls the frame forwardly and downwardly, securing the vehicle against fore and aft movement, and maintaining the forward components of the vehicle suspension in a compressed state.

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: A vehicle restraining system for restraining vehicles transported in a transport carrier is described. The system comprises at least one energy absorbing mechanism which is secured to the transport carrier. Adjustable connectors are displaceably secured to the energy absorbing mechanism. A connector strut is pivotally connected at one end to a respective one of the adjustable connectors. The connector strut has a vehicle engaging suction cup assembly at a free end thereof for securement at a predetermined location to a vehicle to be transported by the transport carrier, and preferably, but not exclusively, the front and rear windows of vehicles being transported. The connector strut functions to connect the vehicle to the energy absorbing mechanism and transmit forces between the two. The connector strut also has a vacuum pumping piston mechanism that is activated by vehicle displacement during transport to assure a continued vacuum in the suction cups.

Abstract: A vehicle restraining system for restraining vehicles transported in a transport carrier is described. The system comprises at least one energy absorbing mechanism which is secured to the transport carrier. Adjustable connectors are displaceably secured to the energy absorbing mechanism. A connector strut is pivotally connected at one end to a respective one of the adjustable connectors. The connector strut has a vehicle engaging suction cup assembly at a free end thereof for securement at a predetermined location to a vehicle to be transported by the transport carrier, and preferably, but not exclusively, the front and rear windows of vehicles being transported. The connector strut functions to connect the vehicle to the energy absorbing mechanism and transmit forces between the two. The connector strut also has a vacuum pumping piston mechanism that is activated by vehicle displacement during transport to assure a continued vacuum in the suction cups.

Abstract: The inventions described and claimed herein relate to securement devices which are generally used to secure wheelchairs in transit vehicles such as a bus. The preferred embodiment of the inventions is a telescoping arm for a wheelchair anchor which is biased by a spring member or the like in an extended position. The arm is adapted to be at least partially retracted into a housing of the wheelchair anchor, thereby significantly reducing the overall length and size of the wheelchair anchor. The arm of the wheelchair anchor, when unused in the retracted position, protrudes less into an area of the bus which would otherwise be useable by standing passengers. Both the arm and the housing of the wheelchair anchor have securement devices such as restraints attached, such that the wheelchair may be tied down with restraints or the like. The preferred wheelchair anchor also includes a lock and release member which is adapted to lock the arm in the retracted position.