DEVICE FOR SECURING CARGO LOAD LOCKS AND A METHOD OF SECURING LOAD LOCKS

Abstract

A securement device for storing a load lock on a wall of a trailer. The device comprises a track assembly having a mounting plate attached to the wall and having an upper member and a lower member attached to the mounting plate. The upper member and lower member are configured spaced from the mounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lower members and the mounting plate. A bracket member having a connector operatively connects to the channel. The bracket member further has a fastener rotatably connected to the connector and connected to an end of the load lock wherein the fastener is configured to rotatably move the load lock toward the wall of the trailer such that the connector secures the load lock near the wall of the trailer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a securement device, and in particular, relates to a device for securing load locks used in the trucking industry.

In the trucking industry, a trailer portion or a van portion of a truck is loaded so that the contents or cargo optimally occupy the entire volume of the trailer. Under such conditions, the load cannot shift and is completely stable during transit. Many times, however, the trailer carries only a partial load, either because the trailer has been partially loaded to begin with or because some of the cargo has been removed from the trailer before the truck reaches its final unloading destination.

When only part of the total volume of the trailer is filled, the cargo load is subject to shifting into the unloaded portion of the trailer due to vibration, acceleration, braking and turning forces, etc. The partial load tends to shift and slide around inside the trailer during transit, which may damage the cargo and the trailer itself. On some occasions, the shift of cargo can be so great as to create an unstable load and cause the truck and/or trailer to tip.

As a result, truckers generally use load locks to secure partial loads of cargo within the trailer, thereby effectively confining the cargo to a limited region of the trailer compartment. In general, a load lock is a type of cargo restraint device that has a telescoping body that is placed against the partial load and extended between opposite walls of the trailer to prevent the partial load from shifting. Typically, load locks are elongated, extendible tubes which may be installed transversely between the walls of the trailer compartment and wedged therebetween, to prevent cargo or freight from shifting past the installed load locks.

Normally, a trucker will carry multiple load locks when on a trip in order to secure such cargo loads. It is essential that the load locks be readily accessible to the truck driver in case the need arises to transport a partial load. Since the load locks must be stored for ready access, a significant storage problem arises when load locks are not being used.

When the load locks are not in use, the driver or operator often stores the load locks on the exterior of the back of the cab of the tractor, particularly in the event that the truck is “deadheading” with no attached trailer. Other operators, who operate tractors having extenders projecting beyond the cabs of their tractors to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of their trucks, simply jack the unused load lock bars outwardly between the extenders. These exposed load locks, however, are subject to theft. Additionally, the driver, oftentimes, forgets to store the load lock on the cab and leaves the load locks on a dock. Since the load locks are expensive, the stolen or lost load locks result in increased costs for the trucking operator. Additionally, the stolen or lost load lock prevents the driver from properly restricting the next partial cargo load.

In the case of an empty trailer, the load locks may simply be placed on the bed of the trailer. This storage method has proven to be inadequate, however, because the load locks tend to slide around on the trailer floor, which may result in damage to both the load locks and the interior of the trailer. Further, the loads that are discarded on the bed of the trailer interfere with cargo loading operations and present an unsafe tripping hazard. Drivers and truck operators need a device to conveniently and economically store the unused load lock within the trailer while minimizing interference with cargo loading operations within the trailer and minimizing tripping hazards within the trailer.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a securement device, and in particular, relates to a device for securing load locks in a storage position within a trailer. The device comprises a track assembly having a mounting plate attached to the wall. The track assembly further includes an upper member and a lower member attached to the mounting plate. The upper member and lower member are configured spaced from the mounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lower members and the mounting plate.

The device further comprises a bracket member having a connector operatively connects to the channel. The bracket member includes a fastener that is rotatably connected to the connector and connected to an end of the load lock. The fastener is configured to rotatably move the load lock toward the wall of the trailer such that the connector secures the load lock in the storage position near the wall of the trailer.

The present disclosure also relates to a method storing the load lock within the trailer. The method comprises attaching a track assembly to the wall of the trailer and exposing a channel of the track assembly. The method also includes providing a bracket member and slidably connecting a connector of the bracket member within the channel. An offset member is positioned within the channel wherein the fastener is suspended from the offset member in a spaced relationship from the channel. The load lock is connected to the fastener and rotated about the fastener to support the load lock from the connector and near the wall of the trailer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a truck having a tractor and a trailer;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of the end of the trailer of FIG. 1 illustrating a securement device constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure wherein the securement device comprises a bracket member and a track assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the securement device attached to sidewalls of the trailer and securing a load lock positioned against a partial cargo load;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the bracket member of FIG. 2 and illustrates an end of the load lock attached to the bracket member;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the bracket member of FIG. 4 attached to the end of the load lock;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the bracket member of FIG. 4 attached to the end of the load lock;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the track assembly of FIG. 2 attached to one of the sidewalls of the trailer;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the bracket member attached to the track assembly to suspend the load lock in a restrained position between sidewalls of a trailer;

FIG. 9 illustrates the bracket member attached to the track assembly to support the load lock in a storage position;

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the securement device attached to the top and to the bed of the trailer and securing a partial cargo load;

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the bracket member that constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the track assembly that operatively connects with the bracket member of FIG. 11.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a securement device. The device can be used for securing any tool. However, for purposes of illustration only, the device will be described for securing a load lock used in securing cargo within a trailer. Components of the device can have a variety of cross sectional shapes such as, but not limited to, elliptical, oval, circular, triangular, square, rectangular or other appropriate geometric configuration. Components of the device can be made of a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, steel, cast iron, aluminum or plastic. The device can be of any size to accommodate users and trailers of any size and to accommodate load locks of varying diameter cross-sectional shapes and sizes.

Referring now to the drawings, an over-the-road truck 10 (FIG. 1), which includes a tractor 12 and a trailer 14 having a cargo compartment 16, is provided with a securement device 18 of the present disclosure for securing a load lock 20. The securement device 18 comprises a bracket member 22 and a track assembly 24 (FIG. 2) which are configured to secure the load lock 20 between a restrained position 26 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 8) and a storage position 28 (FIG. 9).

Turning to FIG. 1, the tractor 12 has a frame 30 and a cab 32 which rests on the frame 30, as well as wheels 34 which support the frame 30 above the road. In addition, the tractor 12 has a fifth wheel assembly (not shown) attached to its frame 30 in the region of the rear wheels 34. The fifth wheel assembly couples the trailer 14 to the tractor 12. The trailer 14 has a bed 36 which is reinforced with cross members. A forward end 38 of the bed 36 rests on the fifth wheel assembly of the tractor 12, whereas the trailing end 40 is supported on wheels 34. The trailer 14 has sidewalls 42 and a roof 44 which serve to enclose the cargo compartment 16.

The load lock 20 is used to stabilize cargo (FIG. 3) in the cargo compartment 16 of the trailer 14 when the cargo compartment 16 is less than completely filled. The load lock 20 is designed to span the cargo compartment 16 and in effect reduce the size of the compartment 16 so that cargo will remain stationary during the jolts and other accelerations experienced as the trailer 14 moves over a roadway. Load locks 20 are commonly tubular shaped, although it is understood that load locks 20 having a square, triangular, or other cross sectional shapes may also be used. Typically, the load lock 20 is cut from steel plate and can be coated to protect the steel from corrosion.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, each load lock 20 has large and small members or tubes with the large tube 48 receiving the small tube 50, so that the tubes 48, 50 are mounted telescopically with respect to each other. A ratchet mechanism 52 such as a rack and pinion assembly or jack assembly operatively connects together the large tube 48 and the small tube 50. Where the small tube 50 enters the large tube 48, the ratchet mechanism 52 reciprocally moves the small tube 50 within the large tube 48. The ratchet mechanism 52 includes a handle 54 which may be rotated to a position in which it lies parallel to the tubes 48, 50. The handle 54 activates the ratchet mechanism 52 for moving the small tube 50 within the large tube 48. Any mechanism for telescoping one member into another member is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

When the handle 54 is raised, that is when it is generally perpendicular to the tubes 48, 50, the ratchet mechanism 52 disengages the small tube 50 from the large tube 48 which enables the small tube 50 to be moved out from the large tube 48 quite rapidly. To prevent the small tube 50 from fully retracting from the large tube 48, a stop may be employed on either the large tube 48 or the small tube 50. However, as the handle 54 is forced downwardly toward the tubes 48, 50, the ratchet mechanism 52 engages the small tube 50. Continued movement of the ratchet mechanism 52 moves the small tube 50 a short distance into the large tube 48.

The large tube 48 has a first end 56, a second end 58 and a body 60 disposed therebetween. The ends 56, 58 are opened and the body 60 forms an open channel. The small tube 50 also has a first end 62, a second end 64 and a body 66 disposed therebetween. The ends 62, 64 of the small tube 50 are also open with an open channel disposed within the body 60. The second end 64 of the small tube 50 is sized and shaped to fit within the second end 58 of the large tube 48. The second end 64 and body 66 of the small tube 50 are configured to reciprocally move within the body 60 of the large tube 48 and toward the first end 56 of the large tube 48.

Referring to FIG. 3, the bracket member 22 of the present disclosure removably connects to the first end 56 of the large tube 48. Another bracket member 22 of the disclosure removably connects to the first end 62 of the small tube 50. Each bracket member 22 operatively connects with the track assembly 24 as will be discussed.

Turning to FIGS. 4-6, the bracket member 22 comprises a connector 68, a plate 70, an offset member 72, an arm 74 and a fastener 76. The connector 68 has a front face 78, a back face 80, and a sidewall 82 connecting the front face 78 and the back face 80. The front face 78 and the back face 80 are circular shaped having a diameter of about ¼ of an inch to about 5 inches. In an embodiment, the connector 68 has a diameter of about 2 inches. The sidewall 82 has a length from about 1/32 of an inch to about ¼ of an inch. In another embodiment (not shown), the front face 78 and the back face 80 of the connector 68 are rectangular shaped having a length of about 1 inch to about 5 inches and having a height from about 1 inch to about 5 inches.

The plate 70 has a front face 84, a back face 86 and a sidewall 88 connecting the front face 84 and the back face 86. The plate 70 has a rectangular shape having a length from about 1 inch to about 6 inches and having a height from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. In an embodiment, the plate 70 has a length of about 3 inches and has a height of about 1 inch.

The offset member 72 connects together the connector 68 and the plate 70. In particular, the offset member 72 connects to the back face 80 of the connector 68 and connects to the front face 84 of the plate 70. The offset member 72 has a length from about 1/32 of an inch to about a ½ inch. As shown, the offset member 72 positions the connector 68 in a spaced relationship from the plate 70. Any member for spacing the connector 68 and the plate 70 is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The arm 74 has a first end 90 a second end 92 and a body 94 disposed therebetween. The first end 90 connects to the back face 86 of the plate 70 to extend the second end 92 of the arm 74 outwardly from the plate 70. As shown, the arm 74 extends substantially perpendicular from the plate 70. The arm 74 has a length from about ¼ inch to about 3 inches. In an embodiment, the arm 74 has a length of about 1 inch. The second end 92 has an aperture 96 defined therethrough. The aperture 96 is sized and shaped to accept the fastener 76. As shown, a pair of arms 74 extends outward from the back face 86 of the plate 70. The arms 74 are spaced apart at a distance to provide a clearance space for the first end 56, 62 of either the large tube 48 or the small tube 50.

The fastener 76 removably connects to the aperture 96 of the second ends 92 of the arms 74. The fastener 76 extends through the aperture 96 and then through the first end 62 of the large tube 48 or the first end 62 of the small tube 50. The fastener 76 exits the first end 56, 62 to extend through the aperture 96 of the second arm 74. In an embodiment, the fastener 76 comprises a bolt and hex nuts which fasten the bolt to the second ends 92 of the arm 74. The fastener 76 rotatably connects the ends 56, 62 of the tubes 48, 50 to the arms 74. The ends 56, 62 are configured to rotate around the fastener 76. In an embodiment, tubes 48, 50 are rotatable from 0° to about 180° as measured from the plate 70. Accordingly, the connector 68 is operatively connected to the first ends 56, 62 of the tubes 48, 50 through the offset member 72, the plate 70, arms 74 and fastener 76. In an embodiment (not shown), the connector 68 directly attaches to the arms 74.

Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, the track assembly 24 comprises a mounting plate 98 that operatively connects to the sidewall 42 of the trailer 14. The mounting plate 98 has a first side 100, second side 102, top side 104, bottom side 106, a front end 108 and a rear end 110. The first side 100 and the second side 102 have lengths as measured between the front end 108 and the rear end 110 to match the length of the sidewall 42 of the trailer 14 or roof 44 of the trailer 14. In particular, the mounting plate 98 has a length from about 10 feet to about 60 feet. In an embodiment, the length is about 40 feet. The first side 100 and the second side 102 have a height as measured between the top side 104 and bottom side 106 from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. In an embodiment, the height of the mounting plate 98 is about 4 inches.

The first side 100 of the mounting plate 98 is substantially planar and is configured to removably connect to the interior side of the sidewall 42 of the trailer 14. The mounting plate 98 is positioned along the sidewall 42 at a height as measured from the bed 36 of the trailer 14 from about 2 feet to about 6 feet. In an embodiment, the mounting plate 98 is positioned along the sidewall 42 at a height of about 5 feet from the bed 36. Regardless of the installation of this height, the mounting plate 98 positions the second side 102 toward the interior of the cargo compartment 16.

The track assembly 24 further comprises an upper member 112 and a lower member 114 that are operatively connected to the second side 102 of the mounting plate 98. In an embodiment, a spacer 116 connects the upper member 112 and the lower member 114 to the second side 102 of the mounting plate 98. In another embodiment (not shown), the upper member 112 and the lower member 114 connect directly to the second side 102 of the mounting plate 98.

The upper member 112 and the lower member 114 form a spaced channel 118, wherein the channel 118 extends generally from the rear end 110 to the front end 108. The channels 118 are configured open at the front end of 108 and at the rear end 110. The channel 118 is sized and shaped to slidably accept the connector 68 of the bracket member 22. As will be discussed, the connector 68 slides into the open rear end 110 and travels along the channel 118. In an embodiment (not shown), the channel 118 includes friction reducers such as ball bearings to assist movement of the connectors 68 within the channel 118. A stop 120 removably connects with the rear end 110 of the mounting plate 98. The stop 120 is configured to temporally close the open end of the channel 118. Any stop member that closes the end of the channel 118 is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The upper member 112 and the lower member 114 form a slot 122 spaced from the second side 102 of the mounting plate 98. The slot 122 is fully exposed to the cargo compartment 16 between the rear end 110 and the front end 108. The slot 122 is configured to receive the offset members 72 to allow the remaining portions of the bracket member 22 and connected load lock 20 to travel with the connector 68 to continuously position the load lock 20 along different locations within the cargo compartment 16 as will be discussed.

Turning to FIG. 9 and referring to FIGS. 2-8, during operation, the securement device 18 movably suspends the load lock 20 at the restrained position 26 (FIG. 3) and store the load lock 20 against the sidewall 42 in the storage position 28. As shown, the mounting plates 98 are fastened on the opposing sidewalls 42 of the trailer 14. For the method of operation, the elements of the small tube 50 side of FIG. 9 will be denoted with a prime symbol ′ to correlate to the opposing elements on side of the large tube 48.

During operation, in order to secure the partial load 46 within the cargo compartment 16, the operator removes the stops 120 from the rear ends 110, 110′ of the mounting plate 98, 98′. Removing the stop 120 exposes the channels 118, 118′ at the rear ends 110. The operator then raises the first end 56 of the large tube 48 and connected bracket member 22 in a position to insert the connector 68 within the channel 118 at the rear end 110. In particular, the operator positions the front face 78 of the connector 68 to face the second side 102 of the mounting plate 98. In this position, the offset member 72 is positioned within the slot 122 of the mounting plate 98.

The operator rotates the first end 56 of the large tube 48 around the fastener 76 to position the first end 62 of the small tube 50 near the rear end 110′ of the opposing mounting plate 98′. The operator activates the ratchet mechanism 52 to extend the small tube 50 across the cargo compartment 16 to align the connector 68′ of the small tube 50 with the channel 118′ at the rear end 110′. The connector 68′ of the small tube 50 is inserted into the rear end 110′. In particular, the front face 78′ of the connector 68′ is positioned to face the second side 102′ of the opposing mounting plate 98′. In this position, the offset member 72′ is positioned within the slot 122′ of the opposing mounting plate 98′ to suspend the load lock 20 between the opposing mounting plates 98, 98′ and the across the cargo compartment 16.

With the first end 62 of the small tube 50 secured to the channel 118′ of the opposing mounting plate 98′ via its connector 68′, the operator slidably moves the load lock 20 along the channels 118, 118′ and against the partial cargo load 46. The offset members 72, 72′ are positioned generally within the slots 122, 122′ such that the slots 122, 122′ allow the bracket members 22, 22′ and the connected load lock 20 to travel within the cargo compartment 16 and toward the partial cargo load 44.

Regardless of the position of the partial cargo load 44, the slots 122, 122′ of the mounting plates 98, 98′ allow the operator to conveniently position and continuously move the load lock 20 to any position along the sidewall 42 via the channels 118, 118′ and slots 122, 122′. With the suspended load lock 20, the operator can easily slide the load lock 20 to the desired position snuggly against the partial cargo load 44. At this position, the operator can further activate the ratchet mechanism 52 to extend the small tube 50 from the large tube 48 till the connectors 68, 68′ bear snuggly against the second sides 102, 102′ of the mounting plates 98, 98′, thus lodging the load lock 20 between the sidewalls 42 of the trailer 14.

At the desired location of the load lock 20 positioned against the cargo load 44, the suspended load lock 20 can be conveniently and safely extended by the operator since the operator does not have to simultaneously lift the load lock 20 and extend the load lock 20 to the final pressurized setting. Instead, the operator can simply adjust the ratchet mechanism 52 to set the suspended tubes 48, 50 at the final width without having to lift the load lock itself.

At the desired destination for unloading the partial cargo 44, the operator slides the load lock 20 away from the cargo 44 via the channels 118, 118′ and slots 122, 122′ and toward the rear ends 110, 110′ of the mounting plates 98, 98′. At the rear ends 110, 110′ the operator removes the stop 120 positioned at the rear end 110′ of the channel 118′ that holds the small tube 50. The operator slides the connector 68′ of the small tube 50 out of the channel 118′ while leaving the opposing connector 68 of the large tube 48 positioned within its respective channel 118.

With the free connector 68′ of the small tube 50, the operator activates the ratchet mechanism 52 to retract the small tube 50 within the large tube 48. Since the first end 56 of the large tube 48 remains connected to the channel 118 of its mounting plate 98, the operator can simply let go of the load lock 20. Upon release, the first end 56 of the large tube 48 rotates around the fastener 76 and the load lock 20 rotates downward under the force of gravity and against the sidewall 42 of the trailer 14. The upper member 112 and the lower member 114 hold the connector 68 in the channel 118. The offset member 72, plate 70, arms 74 and fastener 76 suspend the hanging load lock 20 near the sidewall 42.

Since the connector 68 of the large tube 48 remains operatively connected to the channel 118, the channel 118 and connector 68 secure the load lock 20 for storage against the sidewall 42 for further use. In this secured storage position 28 for the load lock 20, the cargo 44 is unrestrained for unloading operations. Additionally, the load lock 20 is secured inside the trailer 14 to eliminate theft opportunities or opportunities to be left forgotten on a loading dock. Further, the cargo compartment 16 of the trailer 14 is free from any load locks 20 discarded on the bed 36 to provide a clear and safe path for unloading the cargo from that of the trailer 14.

Turning to FIG. 10, another method of installing the track assembly 24 and the load lock 20 is shown. As shown, the opposing mounting plates 98 are removably connected to the roof 44 of the trailer 14 and to the bed 36 of the trailer 14 respectively. In this embodiment, the insertion of the connectors 68 of the bracket members 22 of the first ends 56, 62 of the tubes 48, 50 remains the same as previously discussed. Further, the continuous movement of the connector 68 along the track assembly 24 remains the same as previously discussed.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment (FIG. 11), bracket member 124 includes an I-shaped connector 126. As shown, the connector 126 comprises two horizontal members 128 separated by a vertical member 130. The members 128, 130 extend directly outward from the front face of plate. The connector 126 has a length as measured between the horizontal members 128 from about 1 inch to about 4 inches.

Referring to FIG. 12, mounting platen 132 includes an indentation 134 sized and shaped to removably accept the I-shaped connector 126. As shown, the indentation 134 includes matching horizontal members and vertical member. During operation, the I-shaped connector 126 pressureably fits within a selected indentation to suspend the load lock 120 within the cargo compartment 44.

The dimensions disclosed are representative of an embodiment and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Any size that is easily used for the intended purpose of the present disclosure is acceptable.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A securement device for storing a load lock on a wall of a trailer, the device comprising:

a track assembly having a mounting plate attached to the wall and having an upper member and a lower member attached to the mounting plate, the upper member and lower member being spaced from the mounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lower members and the mounting plate; and

a bracket member having a connector operatively connected to the channel, the bracket member further having a fastener rotatably connected to the connector and connected to an end of the load lock wherein the fastener is configured to rotatably move the load lock toward the wall of the trailer such that the connector secures the load lock near the wall of the trailer.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the track assembly comprises a spacer that is configured to attach the upper member and the lower member to the mounting plate.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the mounting plate has a length substantially the same as the length of the wall of the trailer.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector slidably connects to the channel.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the bracket member comprises an offset member connected to the connector.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the bracket member comprises a plate connected to the offset member in a spaced relationship from the connector.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the bracket member comprises an arm connected to the plate and rotatably connected to the fastener such that arm positions the fastener in a spaced relationship from the plate.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the arm suspends the fastener away from the channel.

9. The device of claim 5 wherein the upper member and the lower member are spaced apart from each other to form a slot therebetween.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the offset member is positioned within the slot when the connector operatively connects with the channel.

11. A securement device for suspending a large member and a small member of a load lock between opposing walls of a trailer in a restrained position and for securing the large member of the load lock in a storage position, the device comprising:

a first track assembly attached to one of the walls of the trailer and a second track assembly attached to the other wall of the trailer, each track assembly having a mounting plate attached to its respective wall and having an upper member and a lower member attached to the mounting plate, the upper member and lower member being spaced from the mounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lower members and the mounting plate;

a first bracket member having a first connector slidably connected to the channel of the first track assembly, the first bracket member further having a first fastener rotatably connected to the first connector and connected to an end of the large member of the load lock; and

a second bracket member having a second connector slidably connected to the channel of the second track assembly, the second bracket member having a second fastener rotatably connected to the second connector and connected to an end of the small member of the load lock wherein the first connector and the second connector suspend the load lock between the opposing walls in the restrained position and wherein the second connector is configured to release from the second channel such that first fastener is configured to rotatable move the load lock toward one of the walls of the trailer for the first connector to secure the load lock near the wall.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein each mounting plate has a length substantially the same as the length of the wall of the trailer.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein each upper member and the lower member are spaced apart from each other to form a slot therebetween.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein each bracket member comprises an offset member connected to the respective connector.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein the offset member is positioned within the slot.

16. A method of storing a load lock on a wall of a trailer, the method comprising:

attaching a track assembly to the wall of the trailer;

exposing a channel of the track assembly;

slidably connecting a connector of the bracket member within the channel;

positioning an offset member of the bracket member within the slot;

suspending a fastener from the offset member in a spaced relationship from the channel;

connecting the load lock to the fastener; and

rotating the load lock about the fastener to support the load lock from the connector and near the wall of the trailer.