A net assembly for a vehicle, comprising an assembly of rod elements, each of which has a guide channel; a plurality of joint elements, each of which has at least one connection opening, wherein the rod elements are connected together via the joint elements; and at least one tensioning element which extends through the guide channels of at least some of the rod elements and the connection openings of at least some of the joint elements and can be tensioned in order to clamp the rod elements relative to the joint elements. In this manner, a net assembly is provided which can be used in a variable manner, the shape of which can be adapted in a flexible manner, and which can thus be used to withstand forces.

An apparatus for raising and lowering a vehicle cover is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible member having a first end and a second end, the flexible member configured to flex so that, with the first end positioned adjacent to a vehicle and the second and positioned generally higher than the vehicle, the second end raises the vehicle cover up from the vehicle and lowers the vehicle cover down towards the vehicle. The second end of the flexible member is configured to retain the vehicle cover.

The present apparatus and methods of use are directed to covering a load being transported or stored on a storage site. The apparatus comprises at least one carrier component operative to carry at least one cover over the load as the carrier and the cover are pulled over the load. As a first option, the present apparatus may comprise at least one manipulator device component operative to manipulate the carrier component and other components. As a second option, the present apparatus may comprise at least one edge cap component operative to provide for more efficient pulling of the carrier and the cover over corners or edges of the load. Advantageously, the present apparatus may be configured as a kit that can be conveniently transported by an operator and safely used by the operator from ground level.

A two line spring reel unit, including a housing defining a first opening and a second opening; a first anchor and a second anchor, inside and fixed to the housing; a first spiral spring having an inner end held by the first anchor and a second spiral spring having an interior end held by the second anchor; a first spool, fixed to rotate about a first pin, and a second spool set to rotate about a second pin and wherein the first spiral spring has an outer end attached to the first spool and the second spiral spring has an outer end attached to the second spool; and a first tension member, wrapped about the first spool and extending out of the first opening and a second tension member wrapped about the second spool and extending out of the second opening.

A selectively rigidizable membrane for cargo management comprises a vacuum bladder, and a first architectural layer and a second architectural layer, each of the first and second architectural layers including a plurality of tiles interconnected by flexural elements, each of the tiles of the first and second architectural layers including at least one constraining element extending therefrom, wherein, when atmospheric pressure is present within the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are slidably moveable relative to one another and the membrane is flexible, and further wherein, when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are forced into engagement with one another, the constraining elements of the first and second architectural layers providing mechanical interference and preventing sliding movement of the first and second architectural layers relative to one another, causing the membrane to become substantially rigid.

A cargo net anchor guard mountable to an aircraft's cargo hold wall adjacent to an anchor clip assemblies. The cargo net anchor guard is configured to block cargo from impacting at least the anchor clip assembly. The cargo net anchor guard has a ramped deflection surface that can deflect moving cargo inwardly away from the wall and into the cargo net substantially without impacting the anchor clip assembly.

A cargo restraint and apparatus and a method thereof for securing at least one object with a vehicle. The cargo restraint apparatus includes a hood that has an open end, a closed end extending from the open end, and a chamber collectively defined between the open end and the closed end. The hood is adapted to encapsulate and support an end of at least one object, via the chamber, outside of a vehicle. The cargo restraint apparatus also includes an attachment strap that is operably connected with the hood and is configured to retrain the at least one object inside of the vehicle. The cargo restraint apparatus also includes at least one anchoring assembly operably connected with one of the hood and the attachment strap. The at least one anchoring assembly is adapted to secure the hood and the at least one object with the vehicle.

The invention relates to a flat securing means, in particular a securing net, for securing a load while the load is being transported on the loading surface (6) of a vehicle. The securing means is equipped with a size-variable flexible securing surface (1, 2) and stop devices (7) provided on the edge side of the securing surface (1, 2) for releasably fixing the securing surface (1, 2) to side walls (5) of the vehicle. According to the invention, a tightening device (8 to 11, H) is provided which converts the flexible securing surface (1, 2) at least from a stretched securing position into a folded storage position and back.

An electromagnetic cover for securing cargo, the cover including a plurality of support members arranged to form a support structure. The electromagnetic cover includes a plurality of electromagnets coupled to the support members, the electromagnets being electrically coupled to a power source. When the power source is activated, the electromagnets generate a magnetic field to magnetically couple the cover to a surface to secure the cargo. Upon deactivating the power source, the electromagnetic cover can be removed to provide access to the cargo.

A cargo retainer for use with a vehicle includes a mat having a top side, a bottom side, a leading portion, a trailing portion, and an aperture for securing the trailing portion to the vehicle via a fastener. The cargo retainer includes a retention anchor configured to attach to the vehicle. The retention anchor has a top portion and a cleat portion such that the top portion is coupled with the leading portion of the mat. The cleat portion of the retention anchor extends away from the bottom side of the mat and is adapted to be inserted into and retained by a gap formed between a cargo area of the vehicle and either a tailgate of the vehicle or a bumper of the vehicle.