Abstract: A cargo bar of the type wedged in place in a cargo vehicle to prevent shifting of the cargo. A ratchet mechanism for extending the bar includes an advancement pawl, a release pawl and an eccentric ratchet head acting between the pawls. The ratchet head is connected with the ratchet housing by a pin fitting through an elongated slot. In normal operation, the ratchet head is limited in its movement by a projecting foot contacting the ratchet housing. To effect easy release of the cargo bar, the head can be shifted linearly as allowed by the slot and then pivoted further by the ratchet handle so that an angled surface on the head cams against the holding pawl to release it using the leverage of the handle. Force limitation is achieved by providing an extending collar on one bar which contacts the release pawl to prevent further reciprocation of the ratchet head when the maximum allowed force level is reached.

Abstract: A cargo bar equipped with an adjustable mechanism for limiting the force that can be exerted by a ratchet that serves to secure the cargo bar in place extending between opposing surfaces of a truck body. The ratchet mechanism extends one of the two in-line bars of the cargo bar. The other bar is carried on a plunger. A compression spring is located between the plunger and ratchet housing to compress when the ratchet handle is reciprocated to wedge the cargo bar in place. A stop moves with the plunger to a position where the stop interferes with actuation of the ratchet handle when the spring has been compressed to an extent coincident with the desired maximum force. The stop is adjustable to vary the force limitation.