Abstract: A latch assembly for connecting a tubular dunnage bar to a support comprises a tubular housing received within an end of the bar, a connector member and a latch plate slidably mounted in the housing, and a single bellows-type spring which is confined in the housing and acts against the inner ends of both the connector member and the latch plate, extending their outer ends from the housing. Extending movement of the connector member is limited by a slot in the housing engaged by a pin on the connector member; movement of the latch plate is limited by a recess in the connector member engaged by a pin formed by part of an operating handle on the latch plate. The outer end of the connector is formed with a laterally projecting locking lug and, with the latch plate retracted, is adapted to be inserted through an opening in a surface of the support and moved laterally, placing the locking lug in overlapping engagement with the inner face of the surface.

Abstract: A dunnage bar constructed from a single strip of sheet metal formed into a tubular, rectangular configuration having a working or load engaging face and an oppositely disposed base portion connected by a pair of parallel sides. The working face has a pair of walls which extend toward each other from the sides, are separated by a longitudinal slot, and are connected by a transverse web located inwardly of the slot. Each wall is composed of a double thickness of metal, each of the sides is a single thickness of metal, and the base portion also has double metal thicknesses which are interlocked with the sides along the edges of the base portion. The method of making the dunnage bar employs a plurality of stands of rolls through which the sheet metal strip is passed and is progressively formed from its center outward into the above-described configuration.