US 9,731,730 B2 · Grating connector and spacer apparatus, system, and methods of using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method of using the same for connecting and spacing grating and the like. Specifically, the present invention relates to connecting and spacing wire gratings, for example wire gratings used as vehicle tire support material or for mounting wheel chocks thereon in the transportation of automobiles. Even more specifically, the present invention may be used to connect a plurality of wire gratings together and to space in a first direction the plurality of gratings apart from each other at multiple selectable distances in one configuration. In a second configuration, the present invention may be used to space in a second direction the plurality of gratings from other objects, such as a wall or guard rail. The second configuration may be used in multiple orientations in order to provide multiple different spacing distances.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A spacer apparatus comprising:

a main body portion having a first side and a second side;
a plurality of cavities disposed on the first side of the main body portion, each cavity configured to fit a laterally extending rod of a wire grating in a first configuration;
and
a plurality of ridges disposed on the second side of the main body portion, the plurality of ridges configured to fit a longitudinally extending rod having a wave pattern on a wire grating in a second configuration.

1 more element

A system for spacing at least one wire grating in a railcar comprising:

a first wire grating comprising a plurality of straight laterally-extending rods and a plurality of longitudinally-extending rods disposed together in a grid pattern, each longitudinally-extending rod having a wave pattern;
a first spacer apparatus comprising a main body portion having a plurality of cavities disposed on a first side of the main body portion, each cavity configured to fit one of the plurality of straight laterally-extending rods of the first wire grating in a first configuration, and further comprising a plurality of ridges disposed on a second side of the main body portion, the plurality of ridges configured to fit a portion of a first longitudinally-extending rod of the first wire grating in a second configuration,
wherein the first spacer apparatus contacts the first wire grating to restrict movement of the first wire grating.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Grating connector and spacer apparatus, system, and methods of using the same

Life of this patent

Grating connector and spacer apparatus, system, and methods of using the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20