Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system employing a pair of support rails adapted to be secured to the sidewalls of a bed of a pick-up truck. Attached to the sidewalls are a pair of tie-down assemblies that can be fixedly secured at various points along each of the support rails. A load bar assembly is also included that can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the tie-down assemblies. When the load bar is not in use, the tie-down assemblies can be used in connection with external bungee cords, nylon straps or other fastening implements to help restrain articles within the bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a vehicle article carrier having a single side release crossbar assembly. The crossbar assembly includes a trigger style, horizontally arranged actuating lever that simultaneously locks and unlocks a pair of locking pins at opposite ends of the crossbar assembly from their respective support rails. The support rails are fixedly secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle such that the crossbar assembly is supported above the outer body surface. The single side release feature eliminates the need for the operator to walk back and forth to both sides of the vehicle to unlock and lock the crossbar assembly when the crossbar assembly needs to be repositioned on the support rails.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus and method incorporating a single side releasable crossbar assembly. In one embodiment the crossbar assembly includes a pair of end supports that each includes an actuating member. In one embodiment the actuating member is formed by a pivotally mounted actuating lever. In another embodiment the actuating member is formed by a rotationally mounted, trigger style actuating member. In either embodiment, the actuating member is movable between locked and unlocked positions. Each end support also includes a locking pin having a pivot wheel carried thereon. A cable is entrained around the pulley wheel of each locking pin, and the ends of the cable are coupled to the actuating members. Either actuating member can be used to simultaneously lock and unlock the locking pins of both end supports from a pair of support rails on which the cross bar assembly is supported.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling the payload to a body of a locking assembly, engaging an insertion portion of the body into the channel, translating the insertion portion of the body along the channel from a first position to a second position, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the channel in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member from an unsecured position to a secured position, a portion of the channel being engaged by the at least one engagement member and the insertion portion of the body when the at least one engagement member is positioned in the secured position such that the body is substantially constrained from movement along the channel by the at least one engagement member.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing cargo to a vehicle, and to tie-downs or sliders receivable in rails mounted to a bed, load deck, or other storage area of a vehicle, such as a pickup, sport utility vehicle, or trailer is described. A user may easily change, adjust or customize the tie-down locations to suit a desired application. The cargo securing system has a rail with a generally C-shaped cross section, the open end of the C-shape defining a slot which may run along the entire length of the rail. The C-shaped rail also defines a channel which may run along the entire length of the rail. A slider member may reside in the channel and include a foot or base portion and an integral elongate portion which may protrude through the slot in the rail. The slider member may include an integral tie-down location on the elongate portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tie-down device comprising a base member and a retaining member, the retaining member having first and second retaining means suitable to retain the device in a channel, recess or the like, the first retaining means being engageable with a part of the channel or structure associated with the channel, and the second retaining means being engageable with another part of the channel or structure associated with the channel by pushing the retaining member to a distal position away from the base member and twisting the retaining member whilst in the distal position into engagement with the channel or structure associated with the channel.

Abstract: A load-bearing rail is provided for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which is used for accommodating a load-bearing eyelet that can be guided therein in a movable and lockable manner. To provide a load-bearing rail for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which may assume additional functions in order to both keep the weight low and to reduce the number of parts and thus to lower the cost of production, the load-bearing rail is provided with a bracket, which sticks out laterally and which serves as a support for a floor of the cargo space.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling the payload to a body of a locking assembly, engaging an insertion portion of the body into the channel, translating the insertion portion of the body along the track from a first position to a second position, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the track in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member from an unsecured position to a secured position, a portion of the track being clampably engaged by the at least one engagement member and the insertion portion of the body when the at least one engagement member is positioned in the secured position such that the body is substantially constrained from movement along the track by the at least one engagement member.

Abstract: An essentially flat base of a bed liner is positioned on a vehicle cargo bed. The base includes a forward edge and a rear edge. A plurality of panels extend upwardly from the base. A front panel includes a protrusion projecting beyond the base forward edge. The base includes one or more continuous recessed channels extending from the base rear edge to the protrusion. Each channel includes a continuous track for receiving a movable tie-down device. The tie-down device includes a portion contoured to slide within the track and an anchor portion.

Abstract: Fitting systems and assemblies are detailed. The assemblies are designed principally (although not necessarily exclusively) for use with aircraft seats and supply positive adjustable positioning of a seat or other object, typically actuated with a single turn (or less) of a single tool.

Abstract: A retractor anchor for releasably engaging a track. The retractor anchor has a body member which is slidably receivable on the track, and a plunger, which is moveably connected to the body member. A release member is connected to the plunger for moving the plunger between an engaged position, wherein the plunger engages the track to restrain the body member from sliding with respect to the track, and a disengaged position, wherein the body member is slidable with respect to the track. A mounting member is connected to the body member for mountably receiving an attachment for rotation of the attachment around the release member.

Abstract: A device for fixing an object to a rail by way of a fitting (P1, P2, P3, P4) that is movable along the rail within a groove together with a sliding member and is provided with a retainer which can be sunk into at least one lateral groove cavity in the rail. The retainer is joined to a sliding member via a connecting element. The retainer is supported relative to the sliding member and/or a rotating element via at least one energy accumulator while the pressurized retainer is fixed relative to the rail in at least two vertical positions.

Abstract: A track fitting with a spring loaded plunger for use in securing an anchor to a floor track mounted in a vehicle. The track fitting includes an anchor with at least one engaging lug, preferably on each side of the anchor, and a spring loaded plunger with at least one post, preferably one on each side of the plunger, that is registered to a lug to lock the anchor into the floor track when the fitting. The fitting includes visual indicia to signal an installer that the plunger is at least approximately in the locked position.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp assembly for attaching an accessory to a vehicle having a cargo rail. The assembly includes a rail clamp member attachable to the cargo rail and an adjustable clasp catcher operatively attached to the rail clamp member. A clasp is configured to selectively interface with one of at least two attachment features on the adjustable clasp catcher. An accessory fitting configured to accept attachment of the vehicle accessory is connected with respect to the clasp such that the accessory fitting is selectively attachable to the adjustable clasp catcher, thereby capable of attaching the accessory to the vehicle through the cargo rail. A locking member may be operatively attached to the clasp and configured to selectively exert a locking force between the clasp and adjustable clasp catcher.

Abstract: A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.

Abstract: A trailer includes a floor engageable with a load and a longitudinally extending support member. The support member has an upper portion connected to the floor, a lower portion connectable to a suspension system, and a web extending between the upper and lower portions and transverse to the floor. The lower portion has a lower flange extending transverse to the web and connectable to the suspension system. The lower flange has a first portion extending from a first side of the web a first distance and a second portion extending from a second opposite side of the web a second distance larger than the first distance.

Abstract: A mounting structure for attaching an item in an area defined by an area wall is disclosed including an elongated track including a channel formed therein, the elongated track having at least one elongated channel wall and at least one elongated track flange adapted to be connected to the area wall, and a movable element movable to a selected position within the elongated channel and including at least one element flange for wedging engagement against the at least one elongated channel wall at the selected position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a cargo space, a reversible mat is situated at the same level as the retaining rails and/or their cover on the cargo space floor and between the retaining rails of a transport securing system projecting from the cargo space.

Abstract: A track fitting used to secure a covering to a track extending along an item includes a body and a plunger. The body of the track fitting has at least one foot, adapted to be received in one of a series of openings defined by the track, and the body is also adapted to receive and secure a portion of the covering. The plunger of the track fitting is placed adjacent to and is vertically moveable with respect to the body. The plunger generally moves between a first position that allows movement of the track fitting along the track and a second position in which the plunger engages one of the openings defined by the track, preventing further movement of the track fitting along the track.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo arrangement has a track with an elongated slot and a tie-down assembly. The tie-down assembly includes a tie-down fitting, a retainer coupled to the tie-down fitting to selectively retain the tie-down fitting to the track, and a blocking part. The blocking part is movably coupled with respect to the tie-down fitting between a blocked orientation and an unblocked orientation. The tie-down assembly is removable from the track by rotational movement when the blocking part is in the unblocked orientation. However, the tie-down assembly is not removable from the track by the rotational movement when the blocking part is in the blocked orientation.

Abstract: A cargo box inner comprised of a center floor panel, a pair of outboard floor panels, a pair of sidewall panels, and an understructure framework, with one or more of these parts comprised of aluminum. The sidewall panels surround a cargo bed and extend from the outboard panels by a predetermined angle. The outboard panels extend from a pair of opposing side portions of the center floor panel. These side portions are offset from a longitudinal axis of the center floor panel. The center floor panel and the outboard floor panels are attached to the understructure framework, which includes a pair of longitudinal rails and a series of lateral rails. Each longitudinal rail defines a slot and a channel in open communication with the cargo bed for receiving a fastener and securing a cargo item to the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer includes a floor engageable with a load, the trailer floor comprising a plurality of floor panels. Each floor panel comprises a plurality of tubular portions that are hollow inside to reduce weight. The tubular portions have an upper wall comprising pairs of parallel channels which slideably receive at least one sliding bracket for securing the load to the trailer.

Abstract: An aircraft payload retention system includes a cable, a brake assembly, a hollow crushable member and a hollow structural member. The hollow structural member is fixed adjacent an aircraft internal cargo bay. In response to a high-G condition, the payload may break free from a tie-down system and move forward. The brake assembly engages the hollow crushable member within the hollow structural member and begins to crush the hollow crushable member as the cable is pulled therethrough to dissipate energy of the payload into the structure of the aircraft to arrest forward movement of the payload toward the cockpit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening arrangement for lashing brackets in the floor of a cargo hold of an aircraft. In this case, a plurality of channels that extend in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, together with transverse profiles or frames lying under them, form a grid-like floor framework. The frames and the channels extend in each case preferably such that they are uniformly spaced apart and parallel to one another. A lashing bracket is pivotably accommodated in the at least one channel. The connection between the lashing bracket, the channel and the frame can be performed with two half-barrel nuts, which are arranged in the region of a thickening of the web of the frame and into which two screw bolts are screwed.

Abstract: A hook hanger for a cargo trailer includes a body. The body includes: (i) a mounting bracket conforming in shape to and slidably engageable with an associated sliding track of an associated cargo trailer; (ii) a hook anchor connected to the mounting bracket; and, (iii) a wall that cooperates with the hook anchor to define a channel including an opening in a side of the body. The wall limits vertical movement of a hook connected to the hook anchor to prevent inadvertent disengagement by vertical movement. The hook is disengageable from the hook anchor only by sliding movement transverse to vertical and through the channel opening. The channel opening is selectively blocked by a movable leg member connected to the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting a seat on a mounting rail. This device comprises a base that comprises a band operable for linking to a seat, a groove that can receive the sliding nut guide rail, and a longitudinal blocking piston insertable in a suitable section of the mounting rail such that the piston is restrained longitudinally, a sliding nut comprising protrusions that form lateral lips, and a guide rail insertable into the groove of the base, said sliding nut being arranged so as to slide in relation to said base when said base is releasably secured to said mounting rail with the protrusions in the rail, between an installation position and a blocked position, and a control lever hinged to the base and to the sliding nut, so as to cause said lever to move in between an open position in which the sliding nut is in its installation position and a closed position in which the sliding nut is in its blocked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening cargo in a transportation means comprising at least one guide rail (1) and at least one fastening element (2) which can be attached to the guide rail (1) and has a catch element (22), wherein the guide rail (1) has a substantially C-shaped profile having two shoulders (10) and a groove (11), the catch element (22) is insertable into the groove (11) and the catch element (22) which is inserted into the groove (11) is pivotable about an axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the guide rail, so at least one catch lug (23) of the catch element (22) engages with an undercut, formed by at least one of the shoulders (10), in the guide rail (1) and the fastening element (2) is arrested on the guide rail (1) at least in a vertical direction of the guide rail.

Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.

Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. One embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle having a side wall construction enclosing a cargo bed at a side of the cargo bed. The side wall construction includes an outer portion which runs generally vertically at an outer portion of the vehicle, and a top portion which runs generally horizontally from the outer portion toward a longitudinal center of the vehicle. A tie-down rail is mounted adjacent to the top portion such that a part of the top portion overhangs at least a portion of the tie-down rail. The tie-down rail is configured to accept a tie-down fitting and includes a slotted opening generally aligned with an interior edge of the top portion.

Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.

Abstract: A winch assembly is designed so that it can be slidably supported on the side rail of a vehicle. The winch assembly has side walls and a top plate. Slots are formed between the top plate and the side walls. A first bar runs between the side walls at substantially the same elevation as the top plate. A second bar runs between the side walls at an elevation below that of the first bar. A space is formed between the top plate and the first and second bars. The vehicle has a side rail running there around on which the winch assembly is supported. The side rail has a U-shaped bottom piece and a U-shaped top piece which run around the vehicle side walls. A cross member runs between the opposite sides of the cargo compartment The side frame has a U-shaped bottom piece with an arm extending there from, this arm being fitted into a slot in the deck of the vehicle located between the deck and the cross member.

Abstract: An improved seating apparatus for an aircraft comprising: a seat assembly; and a wedge lock device for securing the seat assembly to the aircraft without any rattle. In the preferred embodiment, the wedge lock device includes: a selectively adjustable force applicator for applying force to a force bearer; a force bearer for transferring force to an aircraft seat track; and a stud connected to the seat assembly. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat assembly includes a seat leg.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening arrangement for lashing brackets in the floor of a cargo hold of an aircraft. In this case, a plurality of channels that extend in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, together with transverse profiles or frames lying under them, form a grid-like floor framework. The frames and the channels extend in each case preferably such that they are uniformly spaced apart and parallel to one another. A lashing bracket is pivotably accommodated in the at least one channel. The connection between the lashing bracket, the channel and the frame can be performed with two half-barrel nuts, which are arranged in the region of a thickening of the web of the frame and into which two screw bolts are screwed.

Abstract: A channel connector comprises a main portion having a connecting portion, a clamping element having at least two opposite ends, and a threaded element threadably connecting the main portion to the clamping element. Each of the two opposite ends are spaced to interfere with walls of an interior portion of a channel during rotation of the clamping element in the interior portion of the channel.

Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.

Abstract: A winch for a cargo restraining strap includes a frame having a base and first and second parallel spaced sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls define respective first and second apertures. A protective wall extends from the base and is spaced from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the protective wall cooperate to define a clevis structure including a channel. A pawl is movably secured to the frame, with an inner end thereof located in the clevis channel. A spool extends between the first and second sidewalls and is rotatably supported in the first and second apertures of the first and second sidewalls. A ratchet wheel is connected to the spool and is located adjacent the first sidewall. The ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by the pawl. The frame, spool and ratchet wheel can be defined from aluminum alloy. The frame can be extruded as a one-piece construction. The spool and ratchet wheel can be extruded as a one-piece construction.

Abstract: A rail attachment mount and method of use is provided for attaching a mount to a rail. The rail comprises a track with a pair of flanges and the mount comprises a track receiving cavity and a pair of flanges defining an opening to the cavity. A first of the flanges of the track is inserted into the track receiving cavity of the mount through the opening. The mount is pivoted so as to insert a second of the flanges of the track into the track receiving cavity of the mount through the opening and the mount is fastened to the rail such that a tightened, secure attachment is established with the flanges of the mount being forcibly engaged with the flanges of the track.

Abstract: A device for securing cargo restraining apparatus on a wall of a cargo receptacle is comprised of a body member adapted for slidable engagement with an elongated track on the wall; an attachment member for attaching the body member to the cargo restraining apparatus; and first and second trigger members at respective opposed ends of the body member. The first and second trigger members are adapted to engage respective complementary portions of the track to inhibit sliding movement of the body member along the track when both of the first and second trigger members are engaged with the track, such that the body member is slidable only in one direction when the first trigger member is disengaged from the track and the second trigger member is engaged with the track and is slidable only in an opposite direction when the second trigger member is disengaged from the track and the first trigger member is engaged with the track.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floor module for a vehicle having a floor plate, already cut to size and ready for installation, which is integrally connected to at least one mounting rail. The floor plate is preferable bonded to at least one mounting rail, which may be a seat runner for mounting seats. The floor plate can have at least one slot-shaped cut-out to receive at least one mounting rail or the floor plate can consist of a plurality of elements joined together into one part by a mounting rail arranged between them.

Abstract: An apparatus for immovably attaching or holding objects to a vehicle, trailer, platform or the like. The apparatus comprises at least two rails. Each rail is fixed and attached to the vehicle or the like, each rail having a channel that runs most of or all the length of the rail. The apparatus further includes at least one attachment device, the attachment device received by the channel of one of the rails, two projections of the rail constraining the attachment device to slide within the rail, whereby the attachment device attaches or secures an object to the rail. The attachment device is made and configured to slide within the one rail, and also configured to be immovably fixed at a desired position within the one rail by operating a locking mechanism that is part of the attachment device. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises cams that wedge against the projections of the rail.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including a base plate and an arm having a first end, the first end extending from the base plate, the arm further including a retention member spaced away from the first end, and a fastener associated with the base plate and the first end for assembling accessories to an article carrier system.

Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. One embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle having a side wall construction enclosing a cargo bed at a side of the cargo bed. The side wall construction includes an outer portion which runs generally vertically at an outer portion of the vehicle, and a top portion which runs generally horizontally from the outer portion toward a longitudinal center of the vehicle. A tie-down rail is mounted adjacent to the top portion such that a part of the top portion overhangs at least a portion of the tie-down rail. The tie-down rail is configured to accept a tie-down fitting and includes a slotted opening generally aligned with an interior edge of the top portion.

Abstract: Various load items, such as freight pieces or passenger seats are to be secured to the loading floor of a transport conveyance. For this purpose a lashing device is constructed for a lashing function performed by a tiltable lashing bail or a latching function performed by a mounting rail profile cooperating with an interconnecting or interlocking element when the lashing bail is in a recessed position in a housing to which the lashing bail is journaled and in which a mounting member (7) carrying the mounting rail profile (8) is secured. When the lashing bail is in a raised, active position the mounting rail profile is in an inactive state and vice versa.

Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.

Abstract: A hook hanger for a cargo trailer includes a body defining (i) a mounting bracket conforming in shape to and slidably engageable with an associated sliding winch track of an associated cargo trailer; (ii) a hook anchor connected to the mounting bracket; and, (iii) a wall that cooperates with the hook anchor to define a channel between the wall and the hook anchor. The channel opens in a side of the body, and the wall limits vertical movement of an associated hook connected to the hook anchor to prevent inadvertent disengagement by vertical movement of the associated hook from the hook anchor. The associated hook is disengageable from the hook anchor only by sliding movement in the channel in a direction transverse to vertical. A retaining member is optionally connected to the body and movable to a locked position where it captures the associated hook in the channel.

Abstract: An adjustable tie-down assembly includes a pin having a first end and a second end. A lock plate is disposed proximate the second end and a sliding block is partially received within an opening of a rail. The block is adapted to receive the pin. A tie-down loop is disposed proximate the first end and at least one spring member is disposed proximate the sliding block. The spring member is adapted to bias the tie-down loop in a first direction away from the sliding block and the spring member is adapted to secure the lock plate to the rail.

Abstract: A trailer is configured with a slide mechanism operable to slidably couple a tie-down assembly with the trailer. The trailer includes a trailer frame configured with an axle and a pair of wheels for transporting a load over a distance. The slide mechanism includes an elongated member having a slot extending an axial length of the elongated member. The slide mechanism further includes a channel disposed parallel to and in communication with the slot. The channel has a width that exceeds the gap width of the slot. The slide mechanism further includes a carriage bolt and a tightening nut. The channel is configured to maintain the head of the carriage bolt adjacent to the slot. The carriage bolt and tightening nut slidably couple the tie-down assembly to the trailer frame.

Abstract: A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.

Abstract: An assembly adapted to be releasably attached to a mounting surface on a body panel of an automotive vehicle for mounting at least one component thereto includes at least one elongated rail member having a base portion that includes a first side adapted to be located adjacent to the mounting surface and an opposed second side. The rail member includes a pair of spaced apart flanges extending outwardly from the second side of the base portion. The base portion includes at least one aperture extending therethrough. The assembly also includes at least one fastening member that is adapted to be retained in the body panel by a retaining feature. The fastening member includes a backing plate portion having at least one flange extending therefrom and an aperture extending therethrough for receiving a fastener for releasably attaching the assembly to the mounting surface.