Pin-socket Accommodation Patents (Class 410/91)
  • Patent number: 11780343
    Abstract: A mobile electronic vehicle (EV) charging station is provided. The charging station may include one or more charging bays for charging electric vehicles (EVs). The charging station includes a plurality of batteries within an interior compartment to supply power for charging the EVs. There is a power delivery subsystem to control supply of electrical power from the batteries to the charging bays. The charging station self-driving to move between a first position to a second position. In some cases, the charging station includes a drive subsystem that controls speed and/or steering based on wireless communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: The Shyft Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Fisher
  • Patent number: 11542005
    Abstract: A quick-connect fitting for a convertible cargo handling assembly may comprise a fixed portion and a coupling component. The fixed portion may be secured to an aircraft frame structure. The coupling component may be coupled to a removable cargo handling component. The coupling component may be configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Dustin Paul Scheer, Wesley K. Stegmiller, Kevin Setterstrom, Aaron J. Roberts, Scott Harms
  • Patent number: 8920083
    Abstract: The presented embodiments provide a system (10) for transporting a load (12) via multiple conveyance types. The system (10) includes a supporting member (22, 23) configured for attachment to the load (12), including a vehicle interface portion (40, 42), a first supporting member interface portion for attachment to the first vehicle of a first conveyance type, and a second supporting member interface portion for attachment to the second vehicle of a second conveyance type. The vehicle interface portion and the first and second supporting member interface portions are cooperatively configured such that when the load (12) is attached to the supporting member (22, 23) it can be moved between the first and second vehicles by a vertical lift and place move selectively parting and joining the vehicle interface portion with the first and second supporting member interface portions without the necessity of joining or separating a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Eric M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8491239
    Abstract: An assembly for locating and/or restraining a load carried on a tray of a truck or other vehicle. The assembly includes at least one line of openings such as keyholes in the tray at spaced intervals along at least a part of the length of a tray. The assembly also includes at least one chock for locating and/or restraining a load against forward or rearward movement on the tray, with the chock having a locking member that is adapted to be received in the openings so that the chock can be supported and retained in a selected position on the tray. The assembly also includes at least one bearer for locating and supporting a load, such as long products, on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari Investments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Warren Ferrari
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8366362
    Abstract: A flexible system is provided for preventing freight damage during shipment. The system has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. One embodiment of the invention, provided for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes first and second panel segments that each have an edge. A first mounting structure supports the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. A second mounting structure joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel between vertical and horizontal orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 7909552
    Abstract: A flexible system is provided for preventing freight damage during shipment. The system has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. One embodiment of the invention, provided for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes first and second panel segments that each have an edge. A first mounting structure supports the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. A second mounting structure joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel between vertical and horizontal orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7766589
    Abstract: Fixing system adapted to be fixed in a removable manner on a penetrable surface, the fixing system comprising a housing base part and a pair of pin blocks mounted in the housing. Each pin block comprises a rigid body portion and a plurality of pins inclined obliquely in relation to said body portion. The pins of one pin block are oriented in a direction opposed to the direction of the pins of the other pin block, whereby an actuator mechanism moves the pin blocks apart or together, from a disengaged position to an engaged and stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Stilock S.A.
    Inventors: Igor Lobl, Stephane Clerc
  • Patent number: 6926482
    Abstract: A container is provided for transporting cargo on a flatbed vehicle. The container includes a top wall structure; a bottom wall structure opposing the top wall structure; a front wall structure; a rear wall structure opposing the front wall structure; and a pair of sidewall structures disposed in opposing relation. The top wall structure, the bottom wall structure, the front wall structure, the rear wall structure and the sidewall structures are coupled so as to form an enclosed interior space. The bottom wall structure has leg structures extending therefrom. The leg structures are spaced a sufficient length and are constructed and arranged to be received in recesses defined at opposing sides of a cargo carrying surface of the flatbed vehicle to mount the container with respect to the cargo carrying surface. Certain of the wall structures are constructed and arranged to be opened and closed to place and store cargo in the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: William O. Gohlke
  • Publication number: 20030170090
    Abstract: A device useful for loading, unloading, and securing cargo to be transported by a vehicle is described. The device comprises a bed liner and a movable platform. The moveable platform is movably inserted into a platform receiving area located in the bed liner and platform movement is limited by use of stop pins inserted into pin apertures. Suitable insert for use securing a variety of different loads are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: James Douglas, Joseph Burtoni
  • Patent number: 6575679
    Abstract: A system for securing accessories in a truck box comprises right and left anchor beams adapted to be fastened to respective right and left edges of the floor such that inner faces of the anchor beams face each other across an inner floor area. An anchor lip extends from each inner face and an accessory has right and left edges comprising an under lip adapted to fit slidingly under the anchor lip of each anchor member. A lock is operative to lock the accessory in a substantially fixed position along the length of the floor. The accessory can be ballast, a toolbox or other accessory that is secured in a truck box but is easily removed to load cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Gerard Bourgault, Michael Gauthier, Neil Eisner
  • 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: 6503036
    Abstract: A vehicle sliding floor extension having a composite/plastic sliding extension plate attached to a truck bed or SUV rear compartment by a base plate having molded rails of metal, plastic, or composite to facilitate the controlled movement of the extension plate, the movement of the extension plate being manually or motor actuated. The durable deck surface has a plurality of holes drilled or formed to accommodate the positioning of modular partitions for containing or restraining items being transported. Motorization is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Bequette, Nicholas John Wladyka
  • Patent number: 6491485
    Abstract: A rail car transporting system is used to transport relatively heavy structures by rail car, particularly prefabricated concrete structures. At least one pair of portable retaining devices are configured to retain the structure on the rail car generally at opposite longitudinal sides thereof. Each retaining device includes a base member positionable under the structure with a vertically extending boss member configured on the base member. This boss member has a shape and size so as to fit into a recess defined in the bottom of the structure. Each of the retaining devices also includes at least one securing device that is configured to secure the retaining device to the rail car such that the structure is retained on the rail car by engagement of the boss members within the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventor: Bryant Zavitz
  • Publication number: 20020031413
    Abstract: A rail car transporting system is used to transport relatively heavy structures by rail car, particularly prefabricated concrete structures. At least one pair of portable retaining devices are configured to retain the structure on the rail car generally at opposite longitudinal sides thereof. Each retaining device includes a base member positionable under the structure with a vertically extending boss member configured on the base member. This boss member has a shape and size so as to fit into a recess defined in the bottom of the structure. Each of the retaining devices also includes at least one securing device that is configured to secure the retaining device to the rail car such that the structure is retained on the rail car by engagement of the boss members within the recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Bryant Zavitz
  • Patent number: 6322301
    Abstract: A rail car transporting system is used to transport relatively heavy structures by rail car, particularly prefabricated concrete structures. At least one pair of portable retaining devices are configured to retain the structure on the rail car generally at opposite longitudinal sides thereof. Each retaining device includes a base member positionable under the structure with a vertically extending boss member configured on the base member. This boss member has a shape and size so as to fit into a recess defined in the bottom of the structure. Each of the retaining devices also includes at least one securing device that is configured to secure the retaining device to the rail car such that the structure is retained on the rail car by engagement of the boss members within the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventor: Bryant Zavitz
  • Patent number: 6309153
    Abstract: A vehicle for temporary support of intermodal cargo containers, especially a trailer for a tractor/trailer rig, has deployable locating pins placed centrally along the length of a chassis, for locating containers placed end-to-end. The locating pins center containers of different lengths relative to the chassis, which is long enough to accommodate the longest standard length of container or two short containers. The locating pins are resiliently mounted such that a long container or misplaced containers that are set down on the pins, cause the pins to be depressed into the chassis. Stop pins define an endpoint for an end of a container, and two resiliently mounted engagement pins on each side, are positioned for engaging the corner fittings of intermodal containers when abutted against the locating pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Accurate Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Petzitillo, Jr., Kenneth E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6053563
    Abstract: An enclosure for holding a machine includes a lower body made of polymer materials, such as polyolafins and/or nylon. The lower body includes an interior region having a surface with one or more features integrally molded therein and an upper body overlying the lower body for enclosing the machine between the upper and lower bodies. The one or more features integrally molded into the surface of the interior region are adapted for at least partially securing the machine to the lower body. In one embodiment, the one or more features integrally molded into the surface of the lower body include a projection extending above the surface of the interior region and the machine includes a recess formed in a bottom surface thereof. The projection may be sized and shaped to fit within the recess for securing the machine to the surface of the lower body so as to prevent the machine from moving laterally with respect to the surface of the interior region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Peter Edgeller, Jamie R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5931617
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a load securing device for standardized transport vessels, such as containers, interchangeable containers or the like, on loading surfaces by securing pins which are swivelable upward from a rest position under the loading surface around a horizontal swiveling axle arranged below the latter into their vertical working position and which are lockable in this position so as to be retained in openings in the corner regions of the transported goods. For this purpose, a swivel bearing plate is arranged in the manner of a one-armed lever between securing pins and the swivel axle so as to be mounted thereon, the securing pins being fastened to the swivel bearing plate at a distance laterally from the swivel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Hermann Franzen
  • Patent number: 5888039
    Abstract: A cargo securing system including at least one elongated block portion having a plurality of studs extending downwardly therefrom for coupling with through holes in a trailer. A plurality of pipe attachment portions are provided with each having a recess extending within a lower surface thereof. The recess is dimensioned for coupling with the block portion. A pipe harness is provided comprising a pair of elongated straps, a pair of short cross straps and criss-crossing central straps. The short cross straps have free ends with buckles disposed thereon. An extension strap is adapted for coupling with free ends of the elongated straps of the pipe harness. The extension strap has a clip on a free end thereof for engaging existing securement buckles on the trailer. A coupling strap is provided having clips disposed on opposing free ends thereof. The coupling strap couples with the buckles of the short cross straps and the existing securement buckles of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Alan Jack Cooley
  • Patent number: 5758890
    Abstract: A locking system for securing an expandable semitrailer chassis and for securing a removable container received on top of the chassis when the container is transported on the semitrailer. The expandable semitrailer allows for receiving different lengths of removable containers thereon. The semitrailer pulled by a tractor. In one embodiment the locking system is used with the expandable chassis for securing and releasing a telescoping rail slidably mounted inside a rail receiving member. The chassis includes the telescoping rail cross beam support members and rail receiving member. The chassis is supported on an undercarriage. The rail receiving member include spaced apart locking pin holes disposed along the length thereof. The locking system includes an air cylinders with piston. The air cylinder is mounted on a rail crossbar and disposed next to pin holes in the rail receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Technology & Engineering Corp
    Inventor: Larry L. Wessels
  • 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: 4776736
    Abstract: A hold down device is provided to engage and hold down adjacent ends of containers on a flat bed vehicle. The hold down device includes four twist locks being two longitudinally spaced pairs of twist locks, each pair being two laterally spaced twist locks which hold down each end of a container. The twist locks are spring loaded so that they will be continuously biased into a protruding operative position, yet capable of being automatically recessed when a long container is set down over the hold down device. A connecting apparatus is provided to inter-connect all four twist locks for simultaneous movement between a locked and unlocked position and an over-center spring is provided to hold the twist locks in the currently selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Portec, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Tatina
  • Patent number: 4737055
    Abstract: In association with a vehicle designed to carry a heavy load module, an ioved means for accurately guiding the module onto the vehicle bed surface as the module is being lowered into position. The improved guide comprises a plural number of specially formed nuts carried on the studs that are used to fasten the module to the bed surface. Each specially formed nut has a conical external surface that acts to center the module fastener holes relative to the axis of each associated stud. The improved guide provides a low cost mechanism for facilitating the quick alignment of a heavy cumbersome load module during the process of lowering the module onto a vehicle bed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Andrew J. Scully
  • Patent number: 4704062
    Abstract: A trailer of the container roll-on, roll-off type having a self contained power plant thereby being capable of full operation for loading and unloading regardless of the type of towing vehicle or in the absence thereof. The device is multifarious in uses, in that amoung other capabilities, it may be used as an ordinary flat bed trailer when not in use as a tilting roll-on, roll-off trailer. The device is capable of production in a multitude of sizes making it adaptable to a wide range of needs and uses within the financial means of many who previously have been excluded from ownership of such a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Inventor: Isom H. Hale
  • Patent number: 4630981
    Abstract: A railway car (10) for transporting containers of various lengths and widths, which are shiftable longitudinally, laterally, or both, within the car is provided. To restrain the various size containers a plurality of openings (52, 52', 54, 54', 56, 56', 58, 58', 60, 60', 62, 62') are formed in the floor (50) of the car. The location of the openings is determined by the lengths and widths of the various containers to be carried by the car. A plurality of restraining pins (64, 66, 68, 70) automatically extend up into the floor (50) of the car through the openings in register with the pins. The containers include corner units (80) at each bottom corner thereof with corner openings therein in which a restraining pin is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard J. Mandrell
  • Patent number: 4626155
    Abstract: A device for automatically securing a cargo container to a support such as a deck of a vehicle or a second container with which the first container is to be stacked. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the locking opening of the container. A head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a spring within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. Visible indication of the locked position and positive locking of the head in the locked position may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Emil J. Hlinsky, Stephen W. Simek
  • Patent number: 4595323
    Abstract: While the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, is is particulary well suited for use in loading elongate loads, such as hollow concrete utility poles, onto railroad cars. The system of the present invention protects the load, as well as the car, from damage when the car is coupled at either end to a locomotive or another car. The system includes a floating support beam which extends across the car and onto which the load is attached. The beam is held to the car by a plurality of cables or springs so that it can move if a shock is applied to either end of the car. The load may also be secured to the car using conventional strapping techniques, so long as any such technique permits limited longitudinal movement of the load on the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventor: William M. Howard
  • Patent number: 4537540
    Abstract: This invention relates to transport frames for vehicles of the kind which are removable from the vehicle and adapted to have a freight container or other load secured thereto. The frame is provided with four standard corner fittings (14, 15, 16, 17) at the four corners. It is also provided with two twist locks (18,19) adjacent to the forward corner fittings (14,15). Finally, the frame is provided with two removable twist lock assemblies (20,21) which are adapted to be fitted at the rear of the frame adjacent to the corners (16,17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: T. T. Boughton & Sons, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas T. Boughton
  • Patent number: 4486132
    Abstract: A device for the front end locking of containers on a chassis comprising a lock bolt movable in a guideway approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis of the chassis and between a locking and a release position while coupled to an operating handle which is swivelable on a holding fixture. The guideway and holding fixture are jointly fixed on a mounting plate oriented perpendicular to the plane of movement of the operating handle. The mounting plate is located on the end of the guideway facing the locking part of the lock bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Inventors: Gerd Schulz, Hans-Peter Hartleif
  • Patent number: 4322192
    Abstract: Warehouses, moving vans, buses, railroad cars, and cargo planes, adapted for storage or transport of cargo generally have tie-down studs or anchor bolts in their floors and walls. In order that cargo may slide across the floors or walls without interference the tie-down studs are mounted in recesses so that they do not extend beyond the floor or wall surface. These recessed studs have the disadvantage that objects to be attached thereto must be adapted to fit them. This invention provides an anchoring assembly which effectively converts the recessed anchor stud to an upwardly extending anchor bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael J. Zavada, John O. E. Crisi, Milton R. Turgeon
  • Patent number: 4222695
    Abstract: Floor matting includes rectangular panels each having a plurality of rows of upstanding hollow bosses. Some of the bosses are located along two sides of the panel and laterally project beyond the sides, and the other two sides of the panel carry a complementary number of upstanding projections insertable into the bosses along the side of an adjacent panel to retain the two panels in side by side relationship. The matting also includes retainers each having a flat base with apertures positioned to correspond with the disposition of the bosses on the panels to enable the base to be mounted on one or more panels with bosses extending into the apertures. Each retainer also has a retainer member projecting upwardly from the base for engagement with an article placed on the matting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Inventor: Anthanase K. Sarides