Abstract: An anchorage assembly 10 which includes a generally rectangular housing 16, an anchor member 20, and a resilient and deformable material or member 28 which is coupled to member 20 and which engages housing 16, thereby regulating or controlling the movement of member 20 relative to housing 16 and absorbing vibration and impact loads imparted upon member 20.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed portable tie-down apparatus for providing tie down points in an associated pickup bed includes a pair of cooperating clamping plate members held together by a set of bolt fasteners. One of the cooperating clamping plate members includes a set of threaded holes and the other is provided with a set of clearance holes so that the bolt fasteners can be selectively tightened to bring the plate members together into a cooperating clamping relationship onto the flange of an associated pickup truck bed. At least one of the cooperating clamping plate members carries one or more integral eyelets or hooks for connection of the subject pickup up truck bed portable tie-down apparatus to cargo straps or the like. The eyelets are embossed to provide strength at the eyelet and to minimize sharp edges that may cut into cargo ropes or straps.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inexpensive detachable surface-mounted cargo-restraining apparatus for use on a vehicle or vessel while in transit that includes one or more cords attached to self-retracting reels that are anchored to a surface in the cargo area of the vehicle or vessel. A suitable hook is attached to the free end of each cord on each reel. Each cord may then be pulled from its reel so that its respective hook may be engaged with a cargo item (e.g. the handle portions of a bag) to secure the item. Each reel retracts causing the hook to hold the cargo item in place. As the vehicle is driven, the hooks and cords restrain the items from opening or spilling their contents.

Abstract: A system for tying down cargo on the deck of a transport vehicle such as a cargo of stacked steel plates on a railway flat car. Link chains are used for tying the cargo down. The system utilizes chain retainers secured to the deck or to the bottoms of C-channels recessed in the deck. The retainers are positioned on opposite sides of the cargo and close in to the bottom. A selected link of a length of each of two tie-down chains is inserted into one of two retainers. The free ends of the two chains are fastened together on top of the cargo and then ratcheted to place the chains under tension. The chain retainers are in the form of one-piece castings with a pair of right and left hand uprights with a slot therebetween in which a chain link will fit and pivot in its narrow orientation but not in its wide orientation. A selected link in its wide orientation serves to anchor the lower end of the chain to a chain retainer.

Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. The alternative embodiment anchor is particularly adapted to installation with a new-floor, being a tube mounted anchor providing a strong, economical mounting where vertical clearance, and particularly angle, adjustment is not needed. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable, locking cargo control system for a vehicle such as a flat bed trailer, van type trailer, train, airplane or the like. The tie down system comprises at least one groove within the floor of the truck trailer. Each groove has a flange extending inward on either side of the groove. One of the flanges has a plurality of notches formed in it. The system includes at least one tie down member comprising an anchor hook insertable into the groove wherein the hook registers against an anchor flange opposite the flange having the plurality of notches. Each tie down member further comprises at least one boss extending therefrom which is positioned and sized to engage at least one of the notches in the notched flange in a manner preventing the tie down member from sliding along the groove. A tie down chain or cable is attached to the tie down member in a manner to secure a load to the floor of the or other portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A substantially flat-shaped board type carrier (8) is placed on a carrier frame mounted on the front and/or rear of a straddle type four wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The carrier surface (8A) on which baggage is placed is provided with numerous lateral anti-slip projections (8e) that are parallel to one another and expand outward. Of the parts comprising the carrier frame, at least the front main frame and rear main frame are made of pipe and support the carrier by being fitted into the fitting grooves formed by the ribs on the bottom surface of the carrier.

Abstract: A container for storing a tie down strap having a tray with a well and winding spindle is disclosed. The strap is fed through a slit in the side of the well to engage the winding spindle. A handle is attached to the spindle to allow the user to wind the strap into the container. A lid is pivotally attached to the tray by a hinge pin. The lid is secured in place by an indentation in the lid engaging a post on the tray. To further secure the container in a closed position, a hook may be placed through a pair of apertures: one in the tray and one in the lid. The hook may be attached to the wall of a truck bed for easy storage.

Abstract: A portable cargo tie-won device includes at least a plate and a tie line is used to secure cargo in the bed of a truck. The plate is placed under the front of the truck bed and back of the truck cab with a tie line such as a cable, rope, or other tie down device extending up between the truck bed and cab, over the bed wall and attached to the cargo. The tie-down device may be of metal or plastic, and may include a magnetic material, or magnets, to magnetically attach it to the under side of the truck.

Abstract: A fitting for anchoring an aircraft seat to a track mounted to the floor of the aircraft is provided. The fitting is removably mounted to the seat and includes a generally rectangular elongate base having flange-like extensions running longitudinally thereof. The base has symmetric slide bearings affixed thereto, one at each end thereof, and overlaying the base, dimensioned so that the base with attached bearings is slidably insertable into the slot of the track. When the seat is mounted to the track, the symmetric bearings are in contact with the upper inside surfaces of the slot within the track, providing relative ease of slidable movement thereof when required.

Abstract: Angled warp spikes enable secure attachment to the steel flooring of a railroad boxcar. Such flooring includes transverse slots with a curved depth profile. The warp spikes are designed to deform or warp as they are driven into a flooring slot and conform to the curved depth profile. Tiedown fixtures fabricated of steel plate can be attached to the floor of a boxcar by warp spikes driven through elongated openings in the fixture into slots in the boxcar flooring. Tiedown fixtures used with warp spikes provide a boxcar tiedown system to which tiedown load carrying members, such as cables, chains, braces and struts can be connected.

Abstract: Connecting seat for tying bar of cargo platform of small truck, including a connecting plate, a connecting board and a pivot rod and an elongated circular bar. Each end of the connecting plate has an insertion section having equal dimension and formed with two circular holes, whereby different types of pivot rods can be connected therewith by screws without distinguishing left or right side. A lateral side of the connecting plate is integrally formed with a connecting board disposed with two arch hook sections on two sides for mounting on different types of stopper boards of cargo platforms of small trucks. The pivot rod is formed with an irregular decorative recess tracks on the surface for a corresponding decorative plate with freely designed stripes and pattern to lock thereon to achieve a beautifying decorative effect. The other end of the pivot rod is formed with a fitting section for fitting with the elongated circular bar.

Abstract: A cargo anchor primarily intended for attachment to the upper edge of the side of an open bed truck, comprising a journal box and an integral clamping apparatus. The journal box comprises a base member, a cleat superimposed on the base member and screws for interconnecting the cleat to the base member. A transverse bore in at least one of either the base member or the cleat is disposed parallel to the planes of the base member and the cleat and is sized to carry a shaft or a “D” ring that functions to support load binding straps or ties. Integral with the journal box is a clamping device for attaching the journal box to a flat structural member.

Abstract: A tethering device for anchoring a tether has a cup rotatably held within a cylinder, with the cylinder mounted approximately flush in a flat surface, such as a boat deck. A loop of fibrous material, such a strap, has a first end removably anchored in the cup by passing around an anchoring pin. A second fibrous loop end is exposed above the deck surface for tethering a block, fitting, or the like. The tethering device provides for a low profile tether anchor, for rotation of the loop, and is water tight to prevent water flow through the device.

Abstract: A cargo restraint has a D-ring with cold-headed opposed end portions spaced slightly apart and trapped in a gap in a passageway of an anchor bracket and tensioned against edges of the gap to prevent rattling and withdrawal of the ends of the D-ring out of the bracket.

Abstract: A retainer apparatus for securing a bed liner to a pickup truck bed having either an inwardly or outwardly extending top bed rail. The pickup truck bed has a plurality of bed holes and the bed liner has a plurality of liner holes. The retainer apparatus includes a front tie-down ring retaining plate for positioning between the pickup truck bed and the bed liner. The front tie-down ring retaining plate has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end has at least one hole therethrough for alignment with one of the bed holes. The first end is secured to one of the bed holes. The second end has at least one hole therethrough for alignment with one of the holes in the bed liner. The second end secured is to the one of the holes in the bed liner. The apparatus also includes a rear tie-down ring retaining plate for positioning between the pickup truck bed and the bed liner. The front tie-down ring retaining plate has a first end and an opposing second end.

Abstract: A cargo anchor primarily intended for attachment to the upper edge of the side of an open bed truck, comprising a journal box and an integral clamping apparatus. The journal box comprises a base member, a cleat superimposed on the base member and screws for interconnecting the cleat to the base member. A transverse bore in at least one of either the base member or the cleat is disposed parallel to the base member and the cleat and is sized to carry a shaft or a “D” ring that functions to support load binding straps or ties. Integral with the journal box is a clamping device for attaching the journal box to a flat structural member.

Abstract: A rail for pickup truck side walls, made of structural steel, that does not need as many braces to ensure its strength. The rail is secured to the truck bed at the ends of the rail. Along the rail are posts, but these posts do not extend down to the truck bed sides. They end short of the bed sides, leaving a space. This space allows a rope to be passed under the post, thereby making the job of tying down objects much simpler. The posts are also tapered from top to bottom (narrower at the top, wider at the bottom). This allows the posts to be used as tie points, with the ability to keep the rope from slipping. Thus, these rails and posts have the benefits of the rails without the problems typically found with ordinary posts. The rails are sized for long or short bends. On longer beds, a double rail system can be used.

Abstract: A trench plate connector comprising a large-diameter skirt member for dissipating lateral forces, applied onto the trench plate connector, is disclosed. The large-diameter skirt member is threaded onto a stud, and can be locked onto the stud with a nut. Once the large-diameter skirt member is locked into place, one or more arms of the large-diameter skirt member can be used to apply rotational forces onto the trench plate connector to thereby secure or remove the stud of the trench plate connector from the trench plate. Each arm of the large-diameter skirt member can be impacted with a hammer, for example, to apply substantial rotational forces onto the trench plate connector for tightening or removal thereof. A unique double-threaded stud is used to accommodate the large-diameter skirt member. The double-threaded stud comprises a first thread on one end for being threaded into a trench plate, and a second thread on the other end for accommodating both the large-diameter skirt member and a securing nut.

Abstract: Fastening devices such as swivel hoist rings are provided with machine-readable encoded information permanently affixed thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle side rail is formed in cross section into a base portion which attaches to the upper edge of the vehicle side wall and a curled portion which extends upwardly and forms a curved surface above the base portion. Tie-down openings are provided through the curled portion so that tie-down cords may be attached to objects being carried in the carrying compartment.

Abstract: An anchor device for securing a camper in a bed of a truck is that includes a bracket that is configured to be mounted below the horizontal planar level of the bed of the truck and to stably retain the camper in the bed of the truck while limiting the rotational, horizontal and vertical movement of the camper. The bracket comprises a first arm and a second arm that are connected by a corner portion so as to have a generally elbow-shaped profile and a cross member that provides strength and rigidity to the bracket. The cross member has an outside surface and is attached to the first arm and the second arm such that the cross member and the edges of the first arm and said second arm are substantially parallel. The first arm, the second arm, and the cross member are configured to be mounted on three surfaces of the truck so as to limit any rotational, horizontal and vertical movement of the camper.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo tie-down apparatus includes a grommet rotatably retaining a pin having an attached tie-down ring. The grommet has a generally tubular body with the pin positioned in a central aperture. Typically, the grommet body is positioned in a larger diameter first aperture in a trim piece and has a pair of resilient legs extending through a smaller diameter second aperture in a supporting wall covered by the trim piece. The pin is rotatably retained in the central aperture by a radially extending flange at one end and a locking flange at an opposite end and the legs prevent removal of the grommet from the supporting wall.

Abstract: A lock-down assembly for securing a vehicle to a platform to prevent unauthorized removal such as an all-terrain vehicle to the deck of a trailer. The lock-down assembly includes a retractable bracket secured to the platform and a locking device securing the vehicle to the bracket. The locking device is an extendable bar having U-shaped members at both ends to engage the vehicle and bracket. The retractable bracket includes a base plate fastened to the platform and a selectively extendable U-bolt mounted to the base plate. The U-bolt is fastened to the base plate with a cylindrical bracket which prevents access to the fastening nuts of the U-bolt when the U-bolt is extended for connection to the vehicle. Accordingly, with the vehicle lockingly secured to the bracket, the bracket cannot be removed from the platform.

Abstract: Connecting seat for tying bar of cargo platform of small truck, including a base seat, a connecting rod and an elongated circular bar. The base seat is mounted on the stopper board and has an insertion section on the surface. Two sides of the insertion section are respectively formed with opposite insertion sockets for different patterns of upper and lower connecting rods to insert therein. One side of the base seat is disposed with two hook sections. The upper connecting rod has a fitting section at one end for fitting with the hollow elongated circular bar. The other end is fixedly inserted into the insertion socket and locked by screws. One end of the lower connecting rod is connected with the upper connecting rod and the other end thereof is also fixedly inserted into the insertion socket and locked by screws. The connecting seat of tying bar is mounted on the stopper board of the cargo platform of a small truck.

Abstract: Anchoring systems include a panel having a surface and a channel recessed from the surface and a tracking plate having a spine connected with the panel in the channel. The anchoring systems further include receiving units for receiving a cargo anchoring mechanism. The tracking plate preferably further includes a face member connected with the spine member such that a portion of the spine member and the face member are spaced apart to define a cavity. The tracking plate is preferably adhered with the panel having the spine connected in the channel and the face member adhered with and coextensively overlying the inner surface of the panel. Further, the receiving units, preferably apertures of the tracking plate, can be aligned with a cavity formed between the face member and the spine member.

Abstract: A cargo tie down system for use in securing either containerized cargo or a containerized cargo conveyance system to a transport vehicle. The cargo tie down system includes a cargo tie down adapter having a housing and a cargo ring coupled to the housing for use in tying down noncontainerized cargo. The cargo tie down system also includes a mounting apparatus adapted to be attached to the containerized cargo conveyance system that includes a selectively rotatable stud having a head with outwardly extending wings. The housing includes a receptacle adapted to selectively receive and retain the stud of the mounting apparatus to secure the containerized cargo conveyance system to the transport vehicle when containerized cargo is to be transported without requiring removal of the cargo ring.

Abstract: A bed rail mount for securing a cylindrical bed rail to stake holes on a bed of a pickup truck. The bed rail mount has a protruding snout that inserts into one end of a bed rail. The bed rail mount secures to the stake hole by way of a movable locking bracket that engages one side of the stake hole and a rearwardly sloped tongue provided on the bed rail mount that engages an opposite side of the stake hole. The locking bracket is engaged by a screw after the screw extends through a horizontal opening in the hollow body of the bed rail mount. Tightening the screw moves the locking bracket away from the tongue. The locking bracket is provided on two opposite sides with horizontally extending lips which lock under the stake holes of various types of pickups to secure the bed rail mount thereto.

Abstract: A multipurpose anchor assembly includes a block assembly for mounting to the upper sidewall of a cargo carrying vehicle to accommodate tie down of handled cargo. A pin is received through an aperture in the block and engages a spring mounted plate assembly which allows for engagement of the pin for locking in selective positions. The pin includes an eye formation at a top thereof to facilitate attachment of a tie down lashing member.

Abstract: A fastening system 10 provides a fixed fastener 60 which may be removably interlocked with a strap fastener 20. The fixed fastener 60 is typically carried by a vertically oriented planar portion of a flatbed trailer, such as a section of the vehicle's frame. The fixed fastener 60 provides a base 61 and a hook 63, having ear and nose portions 67, 68. The strap fastener 20 is typically carried by the end of a strap 101 used to secure a load carried on the flatbed trailer. The strap fastener 20 defines a fastener opening 36 having left and right ear passages 38, 40, sized to allow passage of the fixed fastener 60 when the strap fastener is rotated so that the ear portion 68 of the fixed fastener 60 passes through one of the ear passages of the strap fastener. Such passage is almost impossible to result accidentally; therefore the fasteners will remain connected during use, and must be deliberately disconnected.

Abstract: A tie-down rail for a truck bed including spaced apart sidewalls each having a top ledge. The rail comprises a tubular body having a linear portion, an intermediate portion extending from the linear portion, and an angular portion extending from the intermediate portion to form an angle with a longitudinal axis parallel with the linear portion. The linear portion, intermediate portion and angular portion have substantially identical cross-sectional profile. The rail is preferably illuminatable and includes at least one light source to light the interior of the rail. The lighting source preferably includes an illumatable wiring harness having a platform, a bulb receiving portion, and an electrical wire receiving portion. The platform is configured to maintain the wiring harness in an installed position with respect to the rail.

Abstract: Anchoring systems include a panel having a surface and a channel recessed from the surface and a tracking plate having a spine connected with the panel in the channel. The anchoring systems further include receiving units for receiving a cargo anchoring mechanism. The tracking plate preferably further includes a face member connected with the spine member such that a portion of the spine member and the face member are spaced apart to define a cavity. The tracking plate is preferably adhered with the panel having the spine connected in the channel and the face member adhered with and coextensively overlying the inner surface of the panel. Further, the receiving units, preferably apertures of the tracking plate, can be aligned with a cavity formed between the face member and the spine member.

Abstract: A joining member for joining an adjacent pair of plates to form a portion of a side wall of a trailer, wherein at least one of the plates includes a series of openings. The joining member includes a strip having an inner surface adjacent the plates and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the strip including a plurality of rows of apertures, wherein each aperture extends between the inner surface and the outer surface and is adapted to receive a fastener for attaching the strip to both plates, the inner surface also including a first channel aligned to overlap both plates and a second channel aligned with the series of openings to define a series of logistics slots, and a sealing strip situated in the first channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for restraining cargo securely in or on a vehicle seat. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for anchoring a strap, cord, or cable to a vehicle seat, which in turn secures and restrains cargo in or on the vehicle seat. The apparatus secures cargo to a vehicle seat with a rear by anchoring a strap to the vehicle seat. It includes an anchor plate and wedge-shaped slotted unit communicably attached to the anchor plate for channeling the strap therethrough, whereby the anchor plate bears against the rear of the vehicle seat, thereby securing the cargo to the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A bed rail mount consisting of a curved tube. The tube is provided with a female end for receiving one end of a cylindrical bed rail and provided with an opposite end that secures to a mounting plate. The mounting plate has gouged openings and ears which allow the mounting plate to be welded to an inside wall of the tube by welding the ears to the inside wall through the gouged openings. A flange nut is secured on a top side of the mounting plate so that it surrounds a central opening provided in the mounting plate. One end of a bolt extends through the central opening and engages the flange nut while an opposite end extends through a center opening in a wear plate, through a hole drilled in the vehicle, through a washer and engages a nut that secures the mount to the vehicle. An upwardly extending perimeter lip provided on the wear plate conceals the mounting plate.

Abstract: A cargo box side rail for a pickup truck cargo box is disclosed in which the side rail is formed with integral clamp portions to attach the side rail to the cargo box by clamping to the upper end of the cargo box. By clamping the side rail to the cargo box the use of the cargo box stake pockets is avoided. By integrally forming the side rail with a clamp portion, the number of required components for attaching the side rails is reduced simplifying the construction of the side rail.

Abstract: An interlocking flatbed trailer load strap fastening system provides a strap fastener carried by the end of a load securing strap and a fixed fastener carried by a flatbed trailer. The strap fastener may be attached to the fixed fastener only when the strap fastener is precisely rotated. The strap fastener provides a body having left and right side elements and upper and lower cross members and a curved base, together defining an upper strap opening where a load strap may be secured, and a first hook opening. Left and right prongs extending from the curved base, define a second hook opening between them. A fixed fastener provides a hook portion somewhat resembling a horse's head extending from a base permanently attached to the side of the frame of the flatbed trailer. By momentarily rotating the strap fastener, the hook portion may be inserted into the first and second hook openings. The strap fastener is then securely attached to the fixed fastener, until carefully rotated and removed.

Abstract: A tie-down mechanism has a spool portion which is operable by manual engagement with a pivoting handle which engages a spool portion at selected angular positions and is used to provide additional force to turn the spool. At the opposite end of the spool, a spring loaded locking pin is manually disengaged to enable the spool to turn and take up a webbed strap, cord or rope which is being engaged. As the handle is moved downward to its maximum extent, the pin is allowed to engage and lock the spool as the handle is re-positioned for a further pull. The spool can be disengaged only by manual operation of the locking pin, and the locking pin cannot be removed while the spool is under turning force. In addition, the tie-down mechanism of the present invention is fitted with a special plate and locking mechanism which enables it to pivot without becoming disengaged from a vehicle body, and provides for a locking mechanism to deter theft.

Abstract: An improved winch crank assembly for use on typical flatbed trailers whereon cargo is secured using flexible straps is described. The present invention permits the rapid winding of the straps onto the winch and reduces the time required for winding the straps by tenfold or more. The present winch crank assembly comprises a portable crank assembly wherein a single crank can be used to wind the straps onto a plurality of winches on a single trailer. In addition, the portability allows the user to conveniently carry the crank for use on other truck trailers.

Abstract: A hold down incorporating a mounting plate configured with a downwardly opening recess and an elevated retainer collar configured with an aperture. A swivel is configured with an enlarged-in-diameter retainer head received in such recess and an upwardly projecting pivot shank configured with a cross bore which receives a circular retainer ring having an outside diameter larger than such aperture so that such ring and the retainer head cooperate to positively lock the swivel to the mounting plate.

Abstract: An articulating tie-down anchor (10) for securing cargo straps or roping includes a base plate (16), a top plate (18) and a knuckle (32) interconnecting the base (16) and top (18) plates. A ring (24) has a shank (26) pivotally journaled in the knuckle (32) and a swinging section (28) which is capable of moving in a 180.degree. arc when mounted on a flat support structure (12). The swinging section (28) of the ring (24) surrounds the smaller top plate (18) when in a compact folded storage position and rests on the larger base plate (16). A bolt (36) passes through aligned receiving holes (20, 22) in the top (18) and base (16) plates to attach the assembly (10) to the support structure (12). A resilient tube (34) is disposed within the knuckle (32) and is partially compressed lengthwise against the shank (26) to restrain the ring (24) in any pivotally articulated position relative to the base plate (16).

Abstract: An improved restraint apparatus for cargo carrying vehicles. Plate-like inserts are sandwiched together to form a body which can be secured to a conventional cargo tie-down track. One or more center inserts may be sandwiched between one or more peripheral inserts which mate with the standard railed track used in cargo vehicles. Peripheral inserts alone may also be used. A tie-down aperture is provided to allow lines to tie to or wrap around the body. A plunger attached to the inserts is biased by a spring to cause controlled movement of the plunger so that it mates with the track and can "fix" or "set" the apparatus where desired.

Abstract: A system provides self locking stakes for a load carrying vehicle which includes a load carrying surface on the vehicle with an opening therein for receiving a stake. Each elongated stake has an upper end for retaining a load on the vehicle and a lower end adapted to be received in the opening. A notch on a side of the lower end of the stake has a height at least equal to the thickness of the load carrying surface. A spring carried on either the surface or the stake provides a biasing force urging the stake toward the side provided with the notch, so that the notch engages an edge of the opening thereby securing the stake on the vehicle. Preferably the spring is in the form of an elongated wire spring attached to the stake so that the stake can be removed by manually pushing the stake against the bias of the spring and then extracting the stake.

Abstract: A cargo securement assembly for stabilizing freight cargo upon a transport vehicle or the like, includes a support panel secured to the transport vehicle and has a circular aperture formed through the panel so that circumferential panel surfaces circumscribe the circular aperture. A coupling clip, which can form the end of any cargo engagement member, is releasably insertable through the circular aperture and has an articulated locking structure releasably engageable against one of the circumferential panel surfaces to enable removably anchoring the coupling clip within the aperture. The coupling clip and the locking structure can be slidably rotatable relative to the circumferential panel surfaces while maintaining axial locking engagement thereagainst in order to adjust orientation of the coupling clip and anchoring in the assembly. The support panel can be the sidewall of the cargo compartment so that the aperture opens through the exterior surface and has a weather-protective covering thereon.

Abstract: A cargo tie down assembly for disposition in the stake opening of a pickup truck or similar vehicle facilitates ready installation, secure mounting and easy removal. The tie down assembly includes a plastic base member having a flange which overlies the stake opening on the truck bed rail and a centering projection depending from the flange which is substantially complementarily to the size and shape of the stake opening and centers the member therewithin. The tie down also includes an integrally formed eyelet and flange member having an elongate threaded member which receives a conventional expandable toggle assembly. A through opening in the flange member receives the toggle and threaded member and a split collar on the flange member allows expansion of the toggle and its retention under the rail of the truck.

Abstract: A tie down system for a cargo area of a carrier arranged to secure cargo in position. Multiple formed slots are formed in the side and end walls of the cargo area of the carrier. The slots are arranged to receive tie down devices to which securing devices utilized to hold the cargo in place may be secured. The slots are provided at intervals along the length and the height of the end and side walls to enable positioning a tie down device strategic to the cargo to be secured.

Abstract: A safety chain storage pocket for use with a tow truck comprises a user access surface with a gull wing opening defining a chain access opening providing safety chain exit and storage from and to the pocket. A pair of slotted wings extend from the opening to provide a pair of chain locking positions. The opening has a lower surface providing free movement of the safety chain out of the pocket by allowing the weight of the chain to assist the user to pull the chain out of the pocket, and the chain access opening allows the user vertical access into the pocket to use the weight of the chain to store the chain in the pocket. The slotted wings extend proximate to the chain access opening to provide a locking position for said safety chain.

Abstract: A tie-down device for use with trucks, boats or other vehicles is provided. The tie-down is a single-piece dual-hook device having a pedestal base and an upper attachment section. The base has a threaded hole in the bottom for receiving a bolt or threaded device to a vehicle. The upper attachment section is formed in the general shape of an isosceles having an apex with legs extending downward at an approximate angle of 45.degree. below the horizontal. The outer surface of apex is rounded to avoid snagging. The attachment section has a large bore hole centered under the apex and a pair of hooks in each leg. The tie-down device allows a variety of tie-downs including threading of a line through the bore hole, attaching to the leg hooks, and cleating by winding between hooks, while providing a non-snagging outer form.

Abstract: A system for securing a vehicle of the type having a plurality of wheels from rolling or sliding along the floor of a refrigerated-type cargo container, employs lashing point anchors which couple to the floor of the cargo container without damaging same. Generally, the floors of refrigerated-type cargo containers are delicate, as they are formed of a plurality of elongated floor sections formed of extruded aluminum. The floor sections are arranged parallel to, and at a predetermined inter-sectional distance from, one another, each elongated floor section having a horizontal top portion and a vertical portion arranged orthogonal to one another to form a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. A plurality of lashing straps, each having first and second ends, are coupled between the vehicle and respective ones of the lashing point anchors. Each lashing strap has an associated length adjustment arrangement.

Abstract: A cargo tie down device includes a winch having a mounting bracket, a winch shaft support and a winch shaft. The mounting bracket is secured to a vehicle, and the winch shaft support is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket. The winch shaft is rotatable within the winch shaft support and is connected to a flexible member which is either attached to or extends over the cargo on the trailer. Tightening of the belt by the winch causes the winch to align relative to the belt in a position wherein the axis of the winch shaft is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the belt, regardless of the angle at which the belt is disposed.