Load Bearer Mounts Active Retainer Received By Static Freight Carrier Keeper Patents (Class 410/84)
  • Patent number: 11951897
    Abstract: A device for fastening a container to a structure that stores or transports the container. The device has an elongated strip with first and second longitudinally-opposing ends. One end has a hook member and the other has an aperture through which a tie-down member may be extended, or another fastener for attaching a tie-down member or a tightener. The device's hook member may be inserted in a corner casting on an upwardly-facing surface of the container and the tie-down member may extend a first end through the aperture and a second end may be attached to the structure that stores or transports the container. By tightening the tie-down member, the container is drawn tightly against the structure that transports the container, which restrains the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventor: Sean Phoenix Jones
  • Patent number: 10688908
    Abstract: A securing assembly is adapted to secure objects to a structure. The assembly includes an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the assembly to an object in use. An elongate rod has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connectable to the attachment mechanism and the second end is connectable to an adjustment device. A base is adapted to connect the adjustment device to the structure in use. The adjustment device is operable to adjust a tension between the object and the structure by way of the assembly to secure the object to the structure in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: 123LASH Pte LIMITED
    Inventor: David Robin Bean
  • Patent number: 10059510
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 9744898
    Abstract: A securing assembly is adapted to secure objects to a structure. The assembly includes an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the assembly to an object in use. An elongate rod has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connectable to the attachment mechanism and the second end is connectable to an adjustment device. A base is adapted to connect the adjustment device to the structure in use. The adjustment device is operable to adjust a tension between the object and the structure by way of the assembly to secure the object to the structure in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: David Robin Bean
  • Patent number: 9505336
    Abstract: An automatic lock affixed to a cargo container for interconnecting two stacked containers, and for automatically locking and unlocking without reliance upon the overcoming of a friction force to release the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph Royt
  • Patent number: 9487121
    Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting device connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting device from the actuating unit to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twistlock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the actuating unit. The connecting device is in turn urged, thereby causing the locking leg to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Staffa IPI, LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Walker
  • Patent number: 9340146
    Abstract: A front pin latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The front pin latching system includes a shelf configured to move vertically on an outer surface of the container chassis. The shelf and the container chassis have adjacent openings. The system also includes a pin configured to move horizontally through the adjacent openings and a linkage mechanism disposed on an inner surface of the container chassis. The linkage mechanism is operably coupled to the shelf and the pin. Placement of the container on the container chassis moves the shelf causing the linkage mechanism to move the pin such that the pin automatically secures the container to the container chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Lanigan, Sr., Martin C. Conneally, Kenneth E. Svihlik
  • Patent number: 9011055
    Abstract: An automatic lock affixed to a cargo container for interconnecting two stacked containers, and for automatically locking and unlocking without reliance upon the overcoming of a friction force to release the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph Royt
  • Patent number: 8827612
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8764359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of built-in movable pallet for containers, including the rectangular chassis with several rollers at the bottom. Several guiding mechanisms are set at both sides and the corners of front edge of the above-mentioned chassis; guiding mechanisms are guide roller structures; outer peripheral surface of guiding rollers protrudes to side edge of the chassis; locking mechanisms are installed at the two corners at rear edge of the chassis. In this invention, guide rollers are installed at two sides and the corners of front edge, so that the sliding friction with high resistance is converted into rolling friction with low resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jijun Ma
  • Patent number: 8523501
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ENSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8459911
    Abstract: Locking mechanisms and assemblies for securing cargo to a transportation platform without requiring the use of strapping or equivalent. Advantageously, the locking mechanism may be integrated into a container such that each container may be interlocked with an underlying and/or overlying container. Autolocking variations to the locking mechanism provide a more automated, secure and less labor intensive way to secure cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert M. Kim, Frank C. Chan, Robert J. Middleton, Robert M. Forrester, Bryan Anderson, Robert H. Holt
  • Publication number: 20130121783
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8342786
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8177463
    Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting mechanism connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting mechanism from the actuating unit to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twist lock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the actuating unit. The connecting mechanism is in turn urged thereby causing the locking leg to rotate. The locking system, and apparatus to unlock a container twistlock, comprises in addition to an actuating unit, a locking mechanism in a lower corner fitting of the container, and a vertical coupler connecting the actuating unit with the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Peter J Walker
  • Publication number: 20100200695
    Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet upon which cargo or other payloads may be carried. The pallet has a plurality of tie-down locations at which the pallet may be tied-down on a base, and at least one tie-down device for tying down the pallet on the base at any of the tie-down locations. The pallet further includes means for mounting the tie-down device on the pallet at any of the tie-down locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Mark K. Tsakiris, Mark Alkire Brunton, Roger W. Lacy
  • Patent number: 7762750
    Abstract: A removable rack mount frame for securing goods within a container while permitting unfettered access to the goods includes forming an inner frame assembly and an outer frame assembly. Nesting the inner frame assembly within the outer frame assembly in a manner that permits the inner frame assembly to slide relative to the outer frame assembly. A biasing mechanism is provided to one of the inner frame assembly or the outer frame assembly so as to arrest the inner frame assembly in a predetermined orientation relative to the outer frame assembly. Selectively operating the biasing mechanism to permit the inner frame assembly to be moved from the predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hardigg Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sprague, Theodore Lynds, Brian Leduc
  • Patent number: 7735817
    Abstract: A device for transporting components for transportation systems between workstations comprises a transport apparatus and a positioning frame. The positioning frame is maintained on the apparatus and has a positioning element capable of aligning the position frame in the workstation. In one example, at least one positioning element arranged on the positioning frame allows alignment of components forming a section of an aircraft that is situated on at least one positioning frame in relation to workstations. During this process, connecting members are inserted into receptacle members arranged in the region of the floor area. The members may be at least partially form-fitted fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Frauen, Tomas Gnauck, Eike Klemkow
  • Patent number: 7517180
    Abstract: A pallet for use with a freight container includes a chassis having a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite the leading edge and a plurality of sides between the leading edge and the trailing edge, along with a locomotion device for rolling the chassis into, and out of, the freight container. A locking device is provided at two sides of, and located at, either the leading edge or the trailing edge of the pallet for immobilizing the chassis within the freight container with the locking device able to be engaged with a container wall, or another, adjacent pallet, to one side of the plurality of sides of the initial pallet for use with the freight container. The locking device is further able to engage a container wall, or the adjacent pallet, to the leading edge or the trialing edge of the initial pallet for preventing movement in mutually perpendicular directions in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Maurice Baker
  • Patent number: 7448835
    Abstract: An automatic pallet to platform locking system enables pallets of supplies or cargoes to automatically be locked down onto the top of a transportation platform, thus avoiding the use of tie down straps and allowing for automated material handling equipment (MHE) such as a forklift. The present system replaces older, difficult to reconfigure, mostly manual loading and unloading systems and methods with a mechanical interface that allows for relatively easy reconfiguration for different pallet sizes, and that can simplify the task of loading and unloading pallets. The mechanical interface between a pallet and a transportation platform or flatbed is a metal to metal interface. It eliminates the need to tie and secure a strap, which is a time consuming and manual process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert M. Forrester, Jr., Michael Selk, Allen Brokaw
  • Patent number: 7404479
    Abstract: The apparatus is a coupling device that couples a cart to a continuously moving towline which is recessed into the cart support surface. A vertically movable coupling pin engages the towline and is lifted away from the towline to disengage the cart from the towline. To prevent irregularities in the support surface from accidentally lifting the pin away from the towline, the pin is attached to the cart through a structure that also permits the cart to move freely relative to the pin but maintain the pin engaged with the towline. The preferred embodiment attaches the coupling pin to a movable tube that moves within a fixed tube, and the movable tube also can be lifted by a cam and locked into a position with the pin disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John Shoemaker, David M. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7118314
    Abstract: A pallet system for supporting and transporting cargo on a cargo carrier. The cargo carrier has a plurality of rollers and a pair of retaining rails. The pallet system comprises a pallet member having a top late and a bottom plate, with each plate maintained in a spaced apart relationship to define an interior space. A pair of pallet extension members reciprocally mounted in the interior space. One extension member is mounted a spaced distance from the other extension member, with each pallet extension member having an outer edge configured to engage the retaining rails. An extension mechanism is mounted in the interior space and coupled to the pallet member and the pallet extensions. The extension mechanism moves each pallet extension member from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Zhendong (Mike) Zhou, Jeffrey H. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7014234
    Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises a plate and spring housed in an upper corner fitting of a container, a cable connected to the plate, and guides to route the cable from the plate to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twist lock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the plate and spring in the upper corner fitting downward. The cable is pulled downward by the depression of the plate, accordingly pulling the locking leg, causing it to rotate to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Walker Walker
  • Publication number: 20040265086
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement (1) for a cargo support (2) for trailers. It comprises a connecting means for the detachable attachment of the cargo support (2) to a cargo vehicle and a trailer of the kind in question. Means are provided for the detachable locking of the cargo support (2) to the deck (9) of a vessel. Openings (11-14) in the cargo deck (9) are provided to accommodate locking devices (15-17) that are arranged in the cargo support (2) in question and are capable of actuation causing them to be displaced from locking engagement with the deck (9). In accordance with the invention, the aforementioned locking devices (15-17) are so arranged respectively as to be activated and disconnected automatically through interaction between the cargo vehicle and the cargo support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt Dahlstrom, Magnus Dahsltrom, Lisa Viktorsson, Johanna Dahlstrom, Sara Dahlstrom
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030223838
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Looker
  • Patent number: 6568892
    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 abase (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: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Landoll Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Landoll, Sterling W. Gunter, Keith Vacha
  • Patent number: 6488457
    Abstract: A pallet latching mechanism for a palletized system of an aircraft. The latching mechanism includes a frame within which are pivotally disposed a first pawl and a second pawl. The first pawl has a handle associated therewith. Each of the pawls have camming surfaces and are spring biased by associated torsion springs. Movement of the first pawl via the handle into locking engagement with an associated restraining pin of a rail assembly secured to a floor of the aircraft substantially simultaneously causes locking engagement of the second pawl with a different one of the restraining pins. A safety latch system associated with the handle ensures that once the mechanism is placed in the locked position it cannot be accidentally moved into an unlocked position without first releasing the safety latch system. The latching mechanism even more effectively restrains a palletized system associated therewith against forward and aft movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Richard G. Diamante
  • Patent number: 6390742
    Abstract: A locking cone chassis and several use methods to eliminate double and triple handling of shipping freight containers. The chassis device comprises two parallel I-beam main rails, a plurality of transverse ribs, a forward cone receiver formed from steel square tubing affixed to a forward end of the main rails, and a similar rear cone receiver affixed to the rear end of the main rails, the only essential difference between the receivers being that the forward cone receiver has an upper flange to guide and to stop a freight container. Each receiver has two box-shaped end portions, which operate like the corner pockets of a freight container—that is, each box-shaped end portion receives a locking cone through an upper surface cone receiving aperture. Each end portion also has access apertures for manually unlocking a cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Larry O. Breeden
  • Publication number: 20010038777
    Abstract: A trailer chassis adapted to receive intermodal containers, wherein the trailer includes openings in the trailer bed to allow couplers which remain attached to a container to be accommodated by the trailer, and where preferably access can be gained to the couplers to allow their removal from the intermodal container after the container is placed on the trailer. The trailer also incorporates structures that guide a container being lowered by a crane into correct alignment with the trailer, reducing the potential for misalignment between the container and the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Harry Cassell
  • Patent number: 5845914
    Abstract: A portable cart for transporting highly sensitive equipment such as an excimer laser is disclosed. The portable cart includes a first frame support including spaced feet for supporting the equipment on a floor surface. A second frame support includes rollers for rolling movement of the equipment. The first frame support is vertically movable relative to the second frame support. Expandable/retractable shock absorbing element are positioned between the first and second frame supports. The shock absorbing elements when expanded lift the first frame support including the spaced feet above a floor surface while rollers of the second frame support to engage a floor surface for rolling shock absorbing movement of the equipment. The expandable/retractable shock absorbing elements when retracted lower the first frame support to cause the spaced feet to engage a floor surface for fixed support of the highly sensitive equipment on a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Laser Vision Centers, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Lenkman
  • Patent number: 5573360
    Abstract: A truck bed is divided into a plurality of bays, each bay being defined by a pair of dividers. In each bay is a pallet. The latching mechanism comprises a bolt which is spring-loaded outwardly, through the keeper hole in the adjacent divider. A triangular link is rotatably mounted at a fixed pivot point. The bolt is coupled to a second point on the link. An actuator is movable substantially vertically and is attached to a third point on the link. When the fork of a lift truck engages the actuator and raises it, the link is caused to rotate about the fixed pivot point, to withdraw the bolt and thereby unlatch the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Richard C. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5379702
    Abstract: A railroad freight car including a cargo well for carrying optionally either intermodal cargo containers or highway semitrailers has a side sill structure including a deep rectangular top chord and a depending web, supporting a well floor structure. Each side sill has a height above the well floor, and a spacer is connected to the car body by an attachment which permits the spacer to be pivoted between a raised position clear of the well floor and a lowered position upwardly adjacent the well floor. The spacer has a predetermined height sufficient to support a trailer located in the cargo well, with its wheels resting on top of the spacer, high enough to locate lifting points on the trailer above the height of the side sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Gunderson, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Saxton, Gareth R. Thomas, Charles C. Hill, Kenneth L. Weselake
  • Patent number: 5088795
    Abstract: A dumping trailer and truck for containers has a frame for mounting and keeping firmly a container thereon and an oil pressure cylinder possible to raise the frame inclinedly with its front up so shock-enduring goods such as scrap, grain, etc., can be loaded in a container inclinedly raised up through an opening at the front or unloaded from a container inclinedly raised up through an opening at the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventors: Junny Chen, Charles Chen
  • Patent number: 5072845
    Abstract: A modular cargo container having a width greater than the conventional 96 inches, but which can still be used with conventional container handling and locking equipment and apparatus. The container includes a box-shaped body, including a plurality of vertical support posts. A respective one bottom support member is connected to the bottom end of each support post, and a respective one post top member is connected to the top end of each support post. Each bottom support member defines an opening to facilitate handling the cargo container, and the container handling openings defined by laterally opposite bottom support members are spaced apart a distance less than the width of the container, allowing those openings to engage standard container locking and handling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Sea-Land Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Grogan
  • Patent number: 5032045
    Abstract: A quick release toggle clamp utilizes a spring that requires a deliberate positive action for disengagement. The clamp has a sliding bolt that provides a latching mechanism. The bolt is moved by a handle that tends to remain in an engaged position while under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Frank S. Calco
  • Patent number: 5020947
    Abstract: An automatic locking system for different sized containers on flat cars or trailers. The locks at the corner of the loading space are not retractable but have automatic locking mechanism that holds the container down. The locks in the center of the loading space are retractable and positioned to lock the adjacent ends of shorter containers and will be automatically retracted into the holder of the locks, when a longer container is lowered down over the locks. The retractable locks are retracted by the weight of the long container when the container presses on a release mechanism placed between the locks on top of the lock-holder. When the long container is unloaded, the retractable center locks automatically are released from the holder and will automatically become locked into a loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Buffers AB
    Inventor: Peter Marcelius
  • Patent number: 5000634
    Abstract: A low profile deck clamp and cargo or deck equipment anchoring system which tilizes a removable, keyed deck clamp in association with equipment or cargo entity-provided attachment flanges, and also with preexisting deck sockets formerly used with other known prior art tie-down systems. The clamp in a more preferred form has a horizontal planar slotted body member disposed above deck, and a double offset unique key portion which downwardly depends from its forward end as a generally below-deck portion. Attachment flanges are initially or subsequently formed to the base of each cargo or equipment entity. An angular form of attachment flange with a planar base portion disposed parallel upon the deck, is provided with adjacently disposed key-passable clearance holes and a plurality of strategically placed threaded holes to manually and collectively cooperate with the deck sockets, the clamp's keyed portion and a plurality of anchoring bolts passing through the slots of the clamp's planar body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John E. Ducote
  • Patent number: 4925349
    Abstract: An adapter (50) is provided for adapting a wide-body container (10) including coupling members (20) to be supported upon a set of container supports (40) spaced at a pre-established standard width narrower than the width of the container. The adapter (50) includes a generally rectangular casting (52) having a plurality of apertures (54,56). A plurality of brackets (58,59,60) moveably mount the adapter (50) to a wide-body container coupling member (20) so as to permit deployment of the adapter below the container. When the adapter is not in use, the adapter is retained below the container adjacent to coupling member by a finger (88) engaging detent (86) on bracket (59). The finger (88) on the end of arm (90) can be released by removing retainer (98) and pulling on handle (102). A shaft (68) mounted to pivot within the adapter enclosure and a hook (80) fixed to the shaft for movement therewith is moved to a position engaging a container coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Rosby Corporation
    Inventor: Howard J. Yurgevich
  • Patent number: 4844672
    Abstract: A wide-body shipping container is adapted for engagement with standard width container supports mounted on various types of carriers by providing a plurality of adapters movably mounted with respect to supporting points on the bottom of the wide-body containers. Each adapter is movable to a position below the container supporting point and engageable therewith in such a manner as to define a new supporting structure spaced laterally inward from the outer most surface of the wide body shipping container so as to permit coupling of the container to a standard width container support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Rosby Corporation
    Inventor: Howard J. Yurgevich
  • Patent number: 4792269
    Abstract: Container securing device that permits containers of any length to be carried by an integral or intermodal train including the feature of a container spanning the connection of two adjacent cores. The device is implemented in a two-part structure of an upper and a lower member. The lower member is adapted for fastening at any point along the car deck. The upper member has a pair of spaced corner members for receiving two corners of a container. An interconnecting means is arranged to connect the upper and lower members so that the upper member swivels with respect to the lower member and the car deck when the train rounds a curb and further provides for a longitudinal force dampening effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Engle
  • 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: 4768906
    Abstract: A container is locked by use of a locking plate (15) which engages a fork-lift opening (12) formed in a lower container frame member (10) and which has a portion (15a) projecting from said opening (12) and formed with a hole (18) for engagement with a twistlock (19). The opening (12) is disposed at an intermediate position of the frame member (10) between the ends thereof, so that the container is secured against tilting about its front and rear edges. The configurations of opening (12) and locking plate (15) are matched to each other such that the container is also locked against transverse movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 4696609
    Abstract: A cargo restraint device is automatically adapatable for the retention and conveyance of half size width or full size width pallets and containers on a floor mounted track in a vehicle such as an aircraft. A pair of similar wing portions are spring urged to an upright position opposite each other. Each of the wing portions has an arm which extends outwardly therefrom from a support plate in a direction substantially normal to the support plate, these wing portions being adapted to engage the edges of the pallets or containers to retain them to the track. A camming member has a camming arm which engages camming surfaces on the wing members. This camming member is spring urged upwardly so that the camming arm thereof firmly engages the camming surfaces of the wing members at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Ancra Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen C. Cole
  • Patent number: 4629379
    Abstract: A bifurcated adapter pallet system for providing an interface between the U.S. Department of Defense 463L configured carrier and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container. Each adapter has mounting faces to attach to an ISO container at the container corner fittings and 463L tongues for restraint by 463L equipment. The ISO/463L adapter pallet facilitates efficient and appropriate tiedown and transportation of ISO cargo by means of vehicles equipped with the 463L handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Foster R. Harris, Martin S. Traister
  • Patent number: 4609313
    Abstract: A box for containing a wheeled pallet having articles placed thereon has a lid hingedly connected to a front end of the box to move between an open position and a closed position to open and close an opening formed at the front end of the box. A pair of retractable guide rails are each attached to one of opposing side walls of the box defining the front opening and pivotable about a vertical axis to a position 90 degrees from the front of the box, and to a position beyond 90 degrees to facilitate removal of the pallet from the box, and a mechanism for locking the pallet to the bottom surface of the box is assured to have performed a positive locking operation when the lid is brought to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Yashiro Kako Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Oshino, Yasuhiko Nakatani
  • Patent number: 4597701
    Abstract: The present invention is a hooking mechanism for fastening a shipping container ot a support platform. A hook for penetrating the aperture of a corner casting along either axis of the aperture is provided. The hook is mounted on a pivot which is movable relative to the support platform in a direction parallel to the face of the casting being penetrated. The pivot can be moved to allow the hook to enter the aperture when the casting is not precisely aligned. The movable pivot also allows the point of penetration to be varied to match either the major or minor axis of the aperture. The movable pivot allows the hook to penetrate the aperture in the corner casting while moving along an arcuate path, thereby permitting entry into the aperture at a constant angle of attack without the hook hitting the far wall of the inside of the corner casting. A pin or a bar is used to lock the hook in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: X-Ten Corporation
    Inventor: Nicklas R. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 4498823
    Abstract: Parallel restraint rails (20, 22) each include a hinged vertical restraint lip (32) that pivots between a vertically-extending retracted position and a horizontally-extending cargo-restraining position. Each lip (32) is hinged by pins (34) carried by spaced lugs (33) attached in openings (30) in the rail (20, 22). A torsion spring (36) surrounds each pin (34) to urge the lip (32) into the retracted position. Stop blocks (35) on each lip (32) are each free to rotate past a pawl (41) when the pawl (41) is pivoted and held by a foot pedal (44) by the interconnection of a pin (47) extending from the pawl (41) and a cam surface (45) on the pedal (44). The pedal (44) and pawl (41) are carried by pivot pins (38, 37) and biased by springs (40, 39) within a housing (31) positioned in opening (30). The pawl (41) locks the lip (32) into its restraint position and latches the lip (32) into its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Trautman
  • Patent number: 4461437
    Abstract: A cargo lock for aircraft cargo loading such as a pallet, designed for optional tension release, in which a detent and toggle detent are mounted for independent pivotal movement relative to a fixed mount and are connected together by a sheer pin for movement of the detent to cargo release position while the toggle detent remains in locked position. When locked, an over-center toggle device prevents releasing movement of the pivoted toggle detent, and a positive locking cam retains the toggle device in locking position. Step-by-step release is provided for a series of lock units upon incremental movement of an elongated control rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Brooks & Perkins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ashley, Sr., William H. Herrick
  • Patent number: 4425070
    Abstract: The driver's cab and the rearloading, trash compactor of a conventional compactor vehicle are mounted on an elongated frame to provide a central, longitudinally-extending, space for separated discards collection apparatus. A single vehicle, small crew and a single stop thus enables both resource recovery and refuse collection. A power telescopable paper rack, is located between a power dump glass bucket and a power dump can bucket on one side of the space with access at curbside level and a glass bin and can bin are roll supported on the other side of the space for off loading laterally when filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Recycling & Conservation, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. M. Howells, Drew W. Morris, Richard L. Tichenor