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.

An expandable net, including a plurality of spring reels. Each spring reel has a housing defining an interior and having a central anchor, in the interior, and further defining an opening; a spool rotatably mounted inside the housing, and having a side wall; a tension member wound about the spool and extending through the opening and having a distal end; and a spiral spring anchored at the anchor and having an outer end, attached to the side wall. Further, the distal end of each tension member is attached to the housing of another spring reel, thereby forming the expandable net.

Apparatus for positioning a tarp on a payload carried on the bed of a vehicle includes a tarp lifting device having a carriage engagable with forks of a forklift truck and a support arm projecting from the carriage. Lifting hooks are provided on the support arm and engage anchor points of the tarp which is raised and drawn into position over the payload. Once placed, the support arm is lowered and the hooks drop free of the anchor points. The placement of the tarp occurs without an operator being on the bed or on top of the payload and the hooks disengage without assistance from the operator.

A cover for covering a car or luggage on top of a car is described. The cover is made of a stretchy material such that it can expand to tightly fit the size and shape of a large variety of items or vehicles. Thus, the material composition as well as cover layers are crucial in obtaining the optimal balance of flexibility and protection. In many embodiments securing mechanisms are provided around the base of the cover as well as over the top of the cover to aid in securing the cover over the items or vehicle. In some embodiments a lower cover is provided which sits under items on top of a vehicle and protects the roof of the vehicle from the items.

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.

A cover for covering a car or luggage on top of a car is described. The cover is made of a stretchy material such that it can expand to tightly fit the size and shape of a large variety of items or vehicles. Thus, the material composition as well as cover layers are crucial in obtaining the optimal balance of flexibility and protection. In many embodiments securing mechanisms are provided around the base of the cover as well as over the top of the cover to aid in securing the cover over the items or vehicle. In some embodiments a lower cover is provided which sits under items on top of a vehicle and protects the roof of the vehicle from the items.

The mobile platform cabin (20) disclosed herein comprises a passenger portion (22), a first cargo portion (24) disposed aft of the passenger portion (22), a partition (36) separating the passenger portion (22) from the first cargo portion (24), a second cargo portion (26) disposed aft of the first cargo portion (24) and a barrier net (38) separating the first cargo portion (24) from the second cargo portion (26). The first cargo portion (24) comprises a cargo-receiving zone (40) and a stay-out zone (44) in which cargo is not permitted. The barrier net (38) is configured to distend into the first cargo portion (24) when restraining forward movement of cargo (48) in the second cargo portion due to the cargo (48) in the second cargo portion being subjected to an acceleration relative to the cabin. At least part of the distension of the barrier net (38) is accommodated by the stay-out zone (44) of the first cargo portion (24).

A kit for covering a load (18) comprising: a cargo cover (10); a deployment means comprising a base sheet (2) for containing the cargo cover (10) prior to covering the load (18), the base sheet (2) comprising releasable securement means (4) for securing it around the cargo cover (10); and a plurality of cargo cover deployment straps (12, 14).

A metal wrapped bungee assembly that resists abrasion and corrosion includes a bungee cord that includes an elastic member and a pair of hooks. The bungee cord is stretchable between objects for attaching the objects together. Additionally, the elastic member is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material. A sleeve is positioned around the elastic member of the bungee cord. The sleeve is comprised of a metallic material for protecting the elastic member from abrasion. Moreover, the sleeve comprises a plurality of enmeshed wires such that the sleeve is expandable and collapsible along a longitudinal axis extending through each of the hooks. The sleeve is comprised of a corrosion resistant to resist rusting in the rain.

A cover for covering a car or luggage on top of a car is described. The cover is made of a stretchy material such that it can expand to tightly fit the size and shape of a large variety of items or vehicles. Thus, the material composition as well as cover layers are crucial in obtaining the optimal balance of flexibility and protection. In many embodiments securing mechanisms are provided around the base of the cover as well as over the top of the cover to aid in securing the cover over the items or vehicle. In some embodiments a lower cover is provided which sits under items on top of a vehicle and protects the roof of the vehicle from the items.