Load Bearer Abutment Patents (Class 410/94)
  • Publication number: 20080298923
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed includes a cargo bed floor, a wall structure and an attachment member. The cargo bed floor has an approximately horizontal cargo bed surface. The wall structure at least partially surrounds the cargo bed surface. At least a portion of the wall structure has an upper end. The attachment member is secured to the upper end of the portion of the wall structure defining an approximately horizontal first surface disposed above the cargo bed surface. The first surface has a linearly extending scalar demarcations formed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Kovie
  • Patent number: 7441995
    Abstract: A cam-actuated locking system for the inboard barrier of a wheelchair lift is provided. The lift includes a linkage system having a push arm and a slide block. The push arm includes a sliding member with a first keyhole, and a fixed member with a second keyhole. A lock mechanism is pivotally coupled to the sliding member, and includes a keyhole insert. The second keyhole of the fixed member cooperates with the first keyhole and the lock mechanism so that when the keyhole insert of the lock mechanism inserts into the aligned keyholes of the fixed and sliding members, the inboard barrier is locked in a barrier position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth Sobota, Kenneth Thornburg
  • Publication number: 20080260486
    Abstract: An extendable vehicle cargo floor assembly that includes a semi-rigid material panel base and a slideable panel that slides between guides so as to provide easy access to cargo stored in the vehicle storage part. In another embodiment, the panels are segmented in parts and joined together at installation. In another embodiment, the base panel is not used and instead, a bedliner is configured to operate as the base panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Bequette
  • Publication number: 20080232921
    Abstract: A method and device for restraining a cargo pallet disposed on the floor of a truck or other container comprising positioning adjacent the cargo pallet a plastic brace, engaging the plastic brace and the cargo pallet, and securing the plastic brace to the floor with a fastener. The plastic brace may have a monolithic construction and may be formed by injection molding. The plastic brace may comprise a first wall having a first side for engaging the floor defining a hole, and a second side; a second wall having a first side for engaging the cargo pallet, and a second side, the second wall extending at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first wall; and a gusset interconnecting the second side of the first wall with the second side of the second wall. The plastic brace may further include a raised reinforcement extending from the second side of the first wall and disposed about the hole. The raised reinforcement may have a truncated conical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kanczuzewski, John Townsend, John W. Doster
  • Patent number: 7407352
    Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart release system is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, removing and loading various types of carts and carriers. A release system is adapted for use with carts of the type configured for materials handling and a vehicle such as a semi-truck trailer used to transport such carts. The release system includes and a ramp that physically engages with a cart so as to retain the cart within the semi-trailer. An automated remote system may also be used, enabling an operator to release a cart without having to manipulate the release system directly. The release system is located within the floor of the semi-trailer. The release system can also be used in other arrangement, for example, within a liftgate mechanism that has the release system incorporated within the loading ramp of the liftgate. The release system utilized in the liftgate operates in the same manner as that of the release system incorporated within the floor of the bed of a semi-trailer truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Waltco Truck Equipment Company
    Inventor: Charles Ellsworth Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080166199
    Abstract: An adjustable bulkhead for a railcar is provided. The adjustable bulkhead is releasably attachable to the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead is adjustable between a plurality of positions along the length of the railcar relative to the end of the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead includes a support structure, a reinforcement mechanism, and a stabilizing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: William R. Halliar
  • Patent number: 7357609
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for locking at least two safety retainers together. Each safety retainer has a pallet-attached base and a ramp-attached mating bracket. Each safety retainer includes a base and a bracket. Each bracket is coupled to a ramp that is can be removably attached to a pallet. Each base includes a retaining arm for locking the base to the bracket when the ramp is coupled to the pallet. A locking mechanism is capable of being temporarily coupled to a first retaining arm in a first safety retainer and a second retaining arm in a second safety retainer for locking the retaining arms together. The first and second retaining arms must operate as a single unit, and cannot be moved independently, when the locking mechanism is coupled to the first and second retaining arms. The first and second retaining arms operate independently as separate units when the locking mechanism is not coupled to the first and second retaining arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Duane Johnson, Ivan Neil Liverman, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7306416
    Abstract: A cargo restraint device for resisting movement of cargo items on a vehicle floor or cargo bed has a generally flat octagonal or rectangular base with a slip-resistant bottom surface to be supported on the floor or bed and a top surface for receiving at least a portion of a cargo item, and a hollow upright upper body portion that can be filled with heavy material such as sand to provide weight. The upper body portion has at least two upright members extending upwardly from the base member, each having outer surfaces for abutting the cargo item, and at least one having an aperture for receiving straps to encircle a cargo item held by the device. In one embodiment four upright members intersect at a center portion in a cross-shaped configuration. In another embodiment two upright members intersect at a center portion in an L-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: John Joseph Arico
  • Patent number: 7241092
    Abstract: A retainer for a vehicle cargo area that is bounded in part by a floor and a door moveable between open and closed positions includes a retaining member spanning at least a portion of the cargo area, a pivot feature operably associated with the retaining member, and a retaining feature that yieldably retains the retaining member in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area. The retaining member pivots about the pivot feature relative to the cargo area between a first position and a second position wherein the retaining member is inclined relative to the floor of the cargo area. When the door is open the retainer is normally in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen T Lim
  • Patent number: 7195432
    Abstract: An adjustable cargo gate system for a flat bed of a truck or trailer comprising a grate of adjustable length having a center section and end sections which telescope into or out of the center section, and vertical and horizontal braces to hold the gate upright attached to cars that engage with and slide on tracks attached to the truck bed, is modified with the improvements hereinafter described. Track extensions onto the tailgate of the truck allow the gate system to be disposed at the rearmost end of the tailgate when opened flat. One-piece car brace members in the shape of right triangles replace the separate vertical and horizontal brace members and the separate sliding car members of the original system. Curved end sections are provided to enclose the sides of the opened tailgate. A bed-liner with integral tracks make installation of the system much simpler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Earle, Floyd Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7189041
    Abstract: A retractable load support system for selectively raising a load from the bed of a trailer for allowing the usage of a forklift for loading and unloading the load. The retractable load support system includes a trailer having a bed, a plurality of openings within the bed, a plurality of supports extendable through the openings, a plurality of support members attached to the supports, and at least one actuator attached to the trailer and the support members for selectively lowering and raising the plurality of supports. A locking bar is extendable through locking apertures within the support members and a support frame of the trailer for locking the supports in a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Powell
  • Patent number: 7156592
    Abstract: The present Invention is an apparatus for controlling a load in a vehicle, particularly a pickup truck where the load is longer than the bed of the truck. The apparatus comprises a channel mounted to or defined by the bed or tailgate of the truck. A load-restraining member slidably engages the channel to adjust for loads of different sizes. The load-restraining member also rotatably engages the channel and may move between an upright position for use and a horizontal position for storage. The load-restraining member may be secured in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen J. Cava
  • Patent number: 7080965
    Abstract: A pegboard system for constraining items of cargo in transit has one or more pegboards to cover a cargo support area, the pegboards having an upper surface with openings for pegs, and a plurality of pegs sized to fit into the openings in the pegboards to constrain the items of cargo from substantial lateral movement. In some cases there are elastic top elements for pegs to protect items of cargo, and straps between pegs to aid in constraint of the items of cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: John M. Myrick
  • Patent number: 6896456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a latch unit for use in an aircraft cargo hold to secure freight. The latch unit includes a claw that can be depressed out of an elevated, position in which an item of freight can be brought into an immobilizing engagement with the claw, into a resting position in which an item of freight can travel over the latch unit. The latch unit is constructed to engage freight that approaches in a direction leading out of the cargo hold and allows freight to freely move when the freight approaches from all other directions. In addition, the latch unit allows freight to rotate while in the door region, while at the same time prevents freight from accidentally rolling out of the cargo hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Huber
  • Patent number: 6890138
    Abstract: A pegboard system for constraining items of cargo in transit has one or more pegboards to cover a cargo support area, the pegboards having an upper surface with openings for pegs, and a plurality of pegs sized to fit into the openings in the pegboards to constrain the items of cargo from substantial lateral movement. In some cases there are elastic top elements for pegs to protect items of cargo, and straps between pegs to aid in constraint of the items of cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: John M. Myrick
  • Patent number: 6866452
    Abstract: A well car for carrying shipping containers has a pair of end structures supported by rail car trucks, a pair of first and second spaced apart side beams extending between the end structures and a well defined therebetween. A container support cross member is mounted between the side beams in a position to support an end of a shipping container load carried within the well. The container support cross member includes a monolithic beam member with a attachment fitting formed at an end thereof. The attachment fitting is connected to a side beam at a moment connection. The remaining end of the cross member is similarly configured and connected to the second side beam. Each end or the cross member has load bearing surface portions which may be used for supporting a corner of a shipping container. The moment connections permit a bending moment to be carried by the cross member between the first and second side beams. A retractable container stop is mounted to each end of the central container support cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventors: Mohammed A. Khattab, James W. Forbes, Ilario A. Coslovi, Tomasz Bis
  • Patent number: 6789987
    Abstract: A cargo freight container has four walls (1a to 1d), a top (2) and a bottom (3), which form an interior having an inner ceiling (4) and an inner bottom (5). Between the inner ceiling (4) and the inner bottom (5) there is at least one load support (6), which is movable against goods (7) to be loaded in the container such that the goods (7) can be supported against the load support (6) at least in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Oy Langh Ship AB
    Inventor: Hans Langh
  • Patent number: 6779956
    Abstract: A cargo containment apparatus is formed from a series of individual panels linked together to permit deployment in a variety of configurations for containing cargo items within a larger cargo area of an automotive vehicle. The linked panels of the cargo containment apparatus are pivotable relative to one another to permit substantial flexibility in the apparatus to attain a shape that corresponds to the items to be transported in the cargo area. The panels are can be formed with bag hooks that can be engaged with the handles of conventional plastic grocery bags and tote bags for effectively restraining movement thereof within the automotive cargo area. Pins on the bottom surfaces of the panels engage the carpet in the automotive cargo area to restrict the movement of the cargo containment apparatus within the automotive cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Steven Strumolo, Chad Nathan Cook, John W. Jaranson
  • Patent number: 6752575
    Abstract: A portable, scalably adjustable cargo securement apparatus is provided which includes laterally extensible rail members, longitudinally extensible rail members, and elongated stabilizer arbors having an elongated, tubular configuration generally circular in cross-section which interconnect via a plurality of impingement locking brackets so as to form a generally square-shaped framework for confining cargo within its boundaries. The impingement locking brackets function to allow for selective, lateral and longitudinal slidable engagement by laterally extensible rail members and longitudinally extensible rail members. The cargo securement apparatus is adapted to be utilized in a cargo area of sport utility vehicles. A plurality of feet function to bear against a cargo floor, thereby according balanced stability to the cargo securement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: Manfred Moore, Louis Cravens
  • Patent number: 6736585
    Abstract: A device for securing a refuse container to a tilt frame of a refuse hauling truck. The device comprising a latch assembly including at least two latch bars, pivotally mounted on the tilt frame for releasably engaging the container. The latch bars being pivotable between a container engaging position and a disengaged position. An actuator switch is used to activate an associated pneumatic system which pivots the latching bars to engage the container and prevent further movement of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: G & H Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventor: Harold W. O'Daniel
  • Patent number: 6702532
    Abstract: A cargo restraining device for use in tine cargo areas of vehicles, trailers, and boats for holding cargo secure and resist sliding and tipping of the cargo placed on a flat surface therein. The restraining device includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion comprises material having a coefficient of friction for enhanced adhesion against a metal, carpet or plastic supporting surface. The box, container, or cargo (item) is placed on flop of the lower portion of the restraining device which is deposed between the box and supporting surface. This will cause the cargo item to resist movement. The upper portion of the restraining device consists of a rigid material integrally attached to the lower portion making the bond as strong as the lower portion and mechanically locking the two materials together. Thus transferring any energy applied to the upper portion to the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Throener
  • Publication number: 20030206782
    Abstract: An easy to use cargo restraining barrier device designed to keep fragile or spillable items in a vehicle's trunk or cargo area from sliding or tipping during transport. This versatile device is comprised of a length of flexible material of any cross-sectional shape that will fit snuggly against cargo and restrain it from undesirable movement. This barrier device is placed in position by the user to restrain cargo and is secured to trunk or cargo area carpet via Velcro hook-type pads bonded at intervals to the barrier's underside. The versatility of this device is derived from its flexible construction and its ability to conform to the various shapes of cargo items which is a distinct advantage over prior art. The simplicity of construction of this device offers potential economic advantages in cost to manufacture over prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Neal C. Toglia
  • 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: 6572314
    Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Great Lakes Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig French
  • Patent number: 6524043
    Abstract: An adjustable cargo gate system for a flat bed of a truck or trailer is provided for restraining objects, including small items, from sliding or moving about when the vehicle accelerates, decelerate, or makes sharp turns. It consists of a grate of adjustable width supported in a vertical position by braces attached to cars sliding on a pair of tracks extending from front to rear on the bed or floor of the vehicle. The grate can be positioned at any point athwart the bed of the vehicle, including diagonally across it. The bars of the grate provide anchoring for tie-downs to secure items that are too large to fit within the vehicle bed, or small items that might escape through the openings in the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen D. Earle, Floyd Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6511270
    Abstract: A clamp to be placed against payload objects carried in a truck or other vehicle including a corrugated bed liner comprising one or more pairs of movable opposing jaws, each pair selectively engaging a portion of the truck bed liner. The clamp jaws are slidebly retained in grooves in a clamp frame, and moved by spirally disposed grooves in a disk rotated by a connected operator lever. Further improvements include anchoring apertures to further secure the object(s) with rope or strapping, and latching apparatus to maintain the clamp in a closed or “engaged” position relative to the bed liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Burke, Glenn M. Sigley
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6478324
    Abstract: An adjustable chassis for transporting shipping containers of different configurations. The chassis comprises at least two spaced-apart frame members, with each frame member including an upper surface for supporting a shipping container. At least two conversion members are pivotally coupled to the chassis by at least two translation members. The conversion members are configured to translate from a storage position between the frame members to a deployed position resting on the upper surface of the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Precision America, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard J. Yurgevich
  • Patent number: 6431804
    Abstract: A preassembled endgate (10) for blocking movement of a load (12) along the floor (30) of a vehicle (14) includes a floor panel (40) adapted to extend along the vehicle floor, and a load panel (90) engageable with the load. The endgate (10) also comprises a first hinge (140-142) connected between the load panel (90) and the floor panel (40) to enable the load panel to pivot relative to the floor panel between (a) a stored condition in a side by side relationship with the floor panel and (b) a blocking condition extending upward from and transverse to the floor panel. The endgate (10) also comprises a brace panel (150) extending between and transverse to the load panel (90) and to the floor panel (40) to maintain the load panel in the blocking condition relative to the floor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: John M. Wetzig, III
  • Patent number: 6364584
    Abstract: A combination shipping container, shipping container locking device and a door blocking apparatus inhibits access to the interior of the shipping container while it is being shipped. The blocking apparatus comprises a pair of legs joined to form a generally L-shaped, elongate member, wherein one of the legs provides a pair of spaced apart apertures, with each of the apertures fitted over the container locking device and locked in place adjacent to a set of closed doors of the shipping container. The other of the legs of the elongate member extends upwardly from the first leg in a position for blocking the doors of the shipping container from being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Asher Taylor
  • Patent number: 6360166
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar lnc.
    Inventor: L. Gregory Alster
  • Patent number: 6354778
    Abstract: There is provided an improvement for a railroad freight car for transporting containers. The car is of the type having spaced apart side structures, opposed end structures and a floor structure, all of which together define a well for receiving a plurality of containers. The well has a longitudinal direction substantially aligned with the direction of travel of the car and a transverse direction substantially normal thereto. The floor structure of the car has a container support within the well which provides a container support surface. The improvement comprises a container stop provided with the container support, the container stop having an extended position and a retracted position. The container stop is biased to the extended position by a biasing component. The extended position is defined by the container stop extending upwardly from the container support surface to present two stop surfaces within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: National Steel Car Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilario A. Coslovi, Tomasz Bis, James W. Forbes
  • Publication number: 20020009346
    Abstract: A beam which is a cargo lash to bar for connecting mobile equipment and other cargo to the deck of a roll on-roll off ship, which is a with multiple D-rings and apertures along its length for lashing to using twist lock connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: ANTHONY J. HOLT, VIRGIL SHAWN ELKINTON
  • 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: 6261038
    Abstract: A new Cargo Theft Prevention System for providing a pivotable barrier-type assembly associateable with the doors of a conventional cargo container thereby preventing opening of the doors. The inventive device includes a panel pivotally mounted to a rail car floor, and at least two locking shafts removably secured to the floor a finite distance from the panel and removably engaging the panel to support the panel substantially parallel to the door of a cargo box to prevent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Cowan
  • Patent number: 6244802
    Abstract: A cargo hold system is for use in motor vehicles. The system comprises a molded floor mat configured to fit in a defined area of the vehicle, e.g. a back cargo area. The molded floor mat is made from a carpet which has looped fibers extending from its surface. The system also includes at least one rigid retention member having at least two linear legs connected at substantially right angles. The retention member further has an upstanding vertical wall and a substantially flat bottom wall. The bottom wall has adhered to it hook-type fasteners. In use, the hook-type fasteners on the rigid retention member interact with the looped fibers of the molded floor mat to create a rearrangeable system to hold in place a variety of different shaped and sized articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Nifty Products, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Matthew Stanesic, Raymond O. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6241439
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for securing objects against a sliding in a cargo space of a motor vehicle. Supporting elements are arranged perpendicularly to the cargo space floor and can be adjusted relative to the cargo space floor between a lifted active position and a lowered passive position. A cargo plate extends in parallel to the cargo space floor and has openings which can each be penetrated by a supporting element. The cargo plate is further developed such that the loading of the cargo space can take place in a normal manner and a securing of the objects can be ensured during the transport. A lifting device causes a relative movement between the cargo plate and the supporting elements which extends perpendicularly to the cargo space floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 6234733
    Abstract: A foldable cargo-retaining device used to limit the movement of articles in the trunk space of an automobile formed using a plurality of panels pivotably joined together to form various shapes with no top or bottom panel. Hook and loop fastener, or similar fastening means, is lined on the bottom edge of the panels for attaching the device to the carpet of an automobile, thereby restricting movement of the device. Articles then can be secured inside of the device to ensure limited immobility of said articles. The panels preferably are constructed from one piece of material with fold lines to produce connecting panels with one corner seam having hook and loop fastener or similar fastening means attached thereto, this allowing the closed device to be disconnected at the seam and opened up into one of many different shaped configurations for attachment to the bottom and side walls of an automobile trunk or cargo area. When not in use, the rectangle can be folded into a compact unit for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Warren A. Parr
  • Patent number: 6176657
    Abstract: The cargo restraint assembly is for a vehicle cargo bed and includes a vehicle cargo bed liner adapted to lie on the floor of the cargo bed. The liner has spaced parallel grooves extending from the rear to the front of the liner and defined by spaced parallel upstanding ribs. The assembly also includes a cargo stop block having a rear end, opposite front end, top, bottom and opposing sides. The block bottom has parallel spaced forwardly extending ribs defining spaced parallel grooves therebetween. The block ribs and grooves are adapted to mate with the grooves and ribs of the bed liner. The assembly further includes a stop block lock which is adapted to draw the block laterally to engage the sides of the block depending ribs with the sides of the upstanding ribs of the bed liner in order to secure the block in place on the bed liner. In one embodiment the lock has a body with a depending rib which fits in a bed liner groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Joel Romph
  • Patent number: 6109847
    Abstract: An organizer for a vehicle cargo area has a telescoping cross member that is connected to a pair of end supports and can be adjusted to continuously variable lengths for fitting into different sized cargo areas. An optional accessory holder can be attached to the organizer and hold safety items such as battery jumper cables, flares, and/or first aid kits. Reflectors are provided on the organizer to improve its visibility, especially when used to warn approaching motorists of a disabled vehicle. The telescoping cross member can also be slidingly attached to the end supports to further allow adjustability in the fore and aft directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Peregrine Incorporated
    Inventors: Dakshesh Patel, James Nixon, Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Patent number: 6099220
    Abstract: A cargo locking device for restraining wheeled carts in freight trailers, trucks or railway cars from rolling. An elongated frame is slidably positionable within elongated spaced tracks. An abutment plate is pivotally mounted on the frame between storage and operative positions, and a prop lock bar pivoted to the frame selectively maintains the abutment plate in its operative position to prevent cart movement. The abutment plate and lock bar are pivotal to the non-obtrusive storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kinedyne Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Poth
  • Patent number: 6062781
    Abstract: A load security system for a storage and transport framework for storing and/or transporting two-dimensional articles comprises an abutment element for engaging one side edge of the two-dimensional articles, a spring or pivoted element for engaging an opposite side edge of the two-dimensional articles, and a tensioning device connected between the spring or pivoted element and a framework supporting the two-dimensional articles so that the spring or pivoted element exerts pressure on the surface of the two-dimensional articles for flat pressure thereof onto the framework and, simultaneously, exerts pressure on the side edges of the two-dimensional articles in a direction toward the abutment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Siegfried Glaser
  • 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: 6022062
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a ribbed vehicle cargo bed, including a vehicle cargo bed liner, which contains a means for stabilizing an object during transport. The stabilizing means is created by a reduced floor rib height in an area shaped to hold a cargo object. The area having reduced rib height is adjacently surrounded by a supporting ridge comprising a plurality of cross sectioned rib walls extending essentially perpendicularly from said floor. The supporting ridge provides a barrier which prevents a suitably shaped object situated atop the (recessed) area from sliding during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jonathan Kyle Fleenor
  • Patent number: 6012885
    Abstract: A cargo chock for a cargo bed which has a corrugated liner defining channels and ridges. The chock includes a base having a top with a planar area and a bottom with alternating channels and ridges which mate with the liner of the cargo bed. An upstanding ridge in the form of a cross is arranged on the top. The upstanding ridge includes sides which are normal to the planar area of the top and an upper surface which includes an apex from which the elements of the cross extend downwardly toward the ends thereof. The elements of the cross are aligned parallel to and perpendicular to the channels of the bed, respectively. The element lying parallel to the channels of the cargo bed is displaced laterally to create additional adjustment capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: DZN, Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles F. Taylor, Clive A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6007282
    Abstract: A cargo restraining device for use in grooved truck beds, especially for use with grooved bed liners commonly used in pick up trucks. The restraining device includes a lower portion which protrudes downwardly into the grooves of the truck bed and an upper portion which is a platform member affixed to the downward protrusions. By placing the platform in a position to contact the cargo to be restrained and engaging the downward protrusions into the bed grooves, movement of the cargo will be inhibited. Additional verticality for the device can be achieved by making the platform thicker or by adding at least one vertical member. The downward protrusions can be designed to engage a variety of bed-liner-groove configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: John H. Mundt
  • Patent number: 6003445
    Abstract: There is provided an improvement for a railroad freight car for transporting containers. The car is of the type having spaced apart side structures, opposed end structures and a floor structure, all of which together define a well for receiving a plurality of containers. The well has a longitudinal direction substantially aligned with the direction of travel of the car and a transverse direction substantially normal thereto. The floor structure of the car has a container support within the well which provides a container support surface. The improvement comprises a container stop provided with the container support, the container stop having an extended position and a retracted position. The container stop is biased to the extended position by a biasing component. The extended position is defined by the container stop extending upwardly from the container support surface to present two stop surfaces within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: National Steel Car Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilario A. Coslovi, Tomasz Bis, James Wilfred Forbes
  • Patent number: 5961262
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing objects in a cargo space of a motor vehicle is fastened in the floor of the cargo space and has at least one supporting element which can be adjusted between an active position. The arrangement projects into the cargo space, and a passive position, in which a supporting element ends at a level with the cargo space floor, is configured such that it can be easily operated and does not hinder the loadability of the cargo space. The supporting element can be adjusted approximately perpendicularly to the plane of the cargo space floor and, in its active position, projects approximately perpendicularly into the cargo space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 5957640
    Abstract: In a system for locking freight or cargo, especially in the freight hold of an aircraft, including guide rails along which the units of freight are guided, and YZ-locking devices for securing or locking the freight units against motion in the Y- and Z-directions, one or more X-locking devices are further provided for locking the freight units against motion in the X-direction. The X-locking devices are mounted directly on the guide rails, which are arranged between respective YZ-locking devices. Each X-locking device includes a mounting base (5) that is fixedly mounted on the guide rail (1), and a locking member (6) that is pivotally connected to the mounting base (5) so as to be tiltable or pivotable about an axis (7) extending parallel to the lengthwise extension of the guide rail (1) or X-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Schmieke, Volkhard Wendt