Abstract: A mooring device for securing of watercraft to a structure having spaced apart planking is provided. The mooring device comprises a shaft, an elongated head mounted transverse to the shaft on one end, a T-shaped handle removably mounted on the other end, a clevis, an enlarged plate disposed on the shaft and a biasing spring encircling the shaft adapted to bias the plate toward the bar. The mooring device has a locking bar associated therewith which is substantially a planar elongated bar having a wedge shaped offset portion on one end, a T-shaped handle support on the other end and a shaft support intermediate the ends. The offset portion is adapted to be disposed between the planking with a knee of the bar bearing against the top surface of the plate. The locking bar is rotated in the plane of the bar until the offset portion bears against the underside of the plate, the shaft support on the back of the body bears against the shaft and the handle support underlies the T-shaped handle.

Abstract: A track fastener apparatus for use with a locking track of the type used to secure a seat or cargo apparatus to the floor of a vehicle. The track fastener includes at least one locking disc sized to fit in a predetermined one of the enlarged openings in the track, and mounted for movement between an unlocked position wherein the locking disc is positioned above the enlarged opening in the track and a locked position wherein the locking disc is positioned in the enlarged openings in the track and engaged by the locking segments of the locking track adjacent the enlarged openings thereby preventing movement of the track fastener along the length of the track. A vertical bore extends through the track fastener housing and communicates with the bottom side of the track fastener housing adjacent the at least one locking disc. A lock actuator is positioned in the bore and operatively connected to the locking disc for moving the locking disc between the locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: An improved cargo restraint attachment assembly for use with a platform trailer includes a body having an interior side and an exterior side opposite thereto. A first section is adjacent to the interior side and configured to attach the body to a loading deck of the platform trailer so that the body extends outwardly from and along at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the loading deck. A second section is configured to selectively secure the cargo restraint device at a desired position with respect to the longitudinal edge. The assembly may secure at least one cargo restraint device at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane to minimize bending moment on the cargo restraint device from force applied thereto by engagement with a load on a loading deck of the platform trailer.

Abstract: A flooring system positionable in an aircraft is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flooring system includes a floor platform and at least three tracks positioned about a top surface of the floor platform, the tracks being adapted to receive support members. In particular, three parallel tracks form two track pairs which are capable of receiving one of a first and second support member.

Abstract: End caps for insertion into the ends of a tie-down track of the type used to secure cargo, wheelchairs and the like typically to the floor of a vehicle. The end caps are curved and permit the easy insertion of an assembly of the tie-down track and end caps into a routed groove in the floor. Preferably the end caps and the tie-down track have a beveled flange so that the resulting installed track has a smooth transition from the floor surface to the track surface. With the end caps of the present invention, there is no need to square off the ends of a routed groove.

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 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: An adjustable securing device for securing a flexible line in a selected position to an elongate member including a base with a threaded shaft projecting from one of the base's surfaces. A line lock is screwed onto the threaded shaft and is operable to clamp a flexible line against the base. A mounting member is mounted for shifting to selected positions along the elongated member. A locking device connects the base plate to the mounting member and secures the mounting member in a selected position on the elongate member.

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.

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 means 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 tie-down system is disclosed for securing a payload carried by a transportation device such as a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or to a stationary structure. A half-round rod track having a longitudinal channel and slot is attached to the transportation device, and a carriage is slidably movable withing the channel and slot. The carriage is secured to the track at various positions by a S-shaped hook disposed through a hole in the carriage aligned with one of a plurality of notches in the track.

Abstract: A strap hook retainer for releasably retaining the hook portion of a hold down strap. The retainer includes a rectangular frame having a first opening of a first dimension in a first elongated side, and a second opening of a second dimension in a second elongated side disposed opposite the first side. A pivoting plate is located within the frame and is attached to and pivoted by an arm that extends through, and is supported by, the two short sides of the rectangular frame. The hook may be inserted into the frame via the first opening and is retained by the pivoting plate as the hook extends through the second opening and the pivoting plate pivots downward to engage the "U" portion of the hook. The hook is prevented from release by the configuration of the second opening until the plate is manually pivoted into a raised position. The hook may then be removed from the frame while the plate is held in the raised pivot position.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a tie-down device for use with small trucks such as pickup trucks having sides. The sides comprise an exterior wall and an interior wall. There is positioned between the exterior wall and the interior wall an elongated member such as a rod or a tube. There is positioned on the elongated member a clamp having an eye bolt. A cargo box or cargo may be positioned on the bed of the pickup truck. A stretchable elastic tie-down device having a hook on each end may be stretched over the cargo box and attached to the eye bolt on one side of the pickup truck and to an eye bolt on the other side of the pickup truck to hold the cargo box in position.

Abstract: A quick-change track lock for securing interior-design articles on C-shaped retaining tracks on a floor or walls in an airplane, a helicopter or a spacecraft includes a main body, a detent member for fixing the track lock in a retaining track, a locking body having mushroom-shaped locking members operable for engagement with undercut portions of the retaining track and a pivotable actuating lever cooperating with the locking body to displace the latter relative to the main body. The locking body is guided in the main body such that a distance between each locking member and clamping edges of the main body becomes smaller when the locking body is displaced from one placed position to a locked position.

Abstract: A space filling device for use in a container for cargo shipment to prohibit shifting of the cargo is formed by flat first and second panels, with first and second slots formed in each so that, when assembled, an x-shaped structure is formed. When placed in the container, respective end edges of the panels are supported on the bed of the cargo container while the other of the panels' end edges engage the container's sidewalls. The panel side edges form a pair of x-shaped bases which serve to support the cargo against movement toward the end wall of the container. An anti-slip element may be included on the respective end edges, braces may engage the panels proximate respective end edges, and panel side edge guards may be included to prevent undue wear on the cargo. An auxiliary bearing penal may also be used adjacent at least one of the x-shaped bases.

Abstract: An anchoring device is disclosed herein having a track with a plurality of spaced-apart lock cut-out receptacles formed in an inverted T-groove insertably accepting a movable slider or car. The slider or car includes an eyelet member with a flange slideably carried in the T-groove and a spring-biased latch element having a circular stop normally biased into a lock position in a selected cut-out receptacle in the track. The latch is downwardly depressible against the spring bias to an unlock position with the track cut-out receptacle to permit movement of the slider along the track. Track sections are joined together by an expansion pin and slot construction.

Abstract: A strap hook retainer for releasably retaining the hook portion of a hold down strap. The retainer includes a rectangular frame having a first opening of a first dimension in a first elongated side, and a second opening of a second dimension in a second elongated side disposed opposite the first side. A pivoting plate is located within the frame and is attached to and pivoted by an arm that extends through, and is supported by, the two short sides of the rectangular frame. The hook may be inserted into the frame via the first opening and is retained by the pivoting plate as the hook extends through the second opening and the pivoting plate pivots downward to engage the "U" portion of the hook. The hook is prevented from release by the configuration of the second opening until the plate is manually pivoted into a raised position. The hook may then be removed from the frame while the plate is held in the raised pivot position.

Abstract: A tie down fitting is adapted to fit into a cutout or hole formed in a track or the like installed on the floor of a vehicle. The fitting has a pair of slotted portions which fit into the cutout in engagement with the end edges thereof. A spring actuated plunger is provided on the fitting which when manually raised permits the slotted portions to be fitted in the cutout and after being so fitted limits motion of the fitting thereby retaining the fitting in the cutout. In one embodiment of the invention, a latch formed with a protrusion on the plunger and a pair of rivets on the main body of the fitting provide upper and lower limit stops for the plunger.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus is disclosed herein having a composite overlying double track on which a car is slideably carried on the topmost track and securement fasteners carried in the lowermost track secure the double track to a supporting rail or truck bed. The car includes a spring-biased plunger having an enlarged head adapted to ride in the uppermost track during positioning of the car along its linear length and to seat in a selected one of a plurality of notches in the rails of the uppermost track for releasably retaining the car in the selected location. The plunger mounts a rotatable ring latch having a first position bearing against the car to prevent displacement of the plunger head from the selected notch and a second position in alignment with lateral car recesses to permit displacement of the head from the selected notch against spring expansion pressure to free the car for sliding along the track.

Abstract: A quick setting and releasing system for installing and removing fixtures in a longitudinal track comprises a bottom track having an inverted, T-shaped, longitudinal channel and a fixture track having a T-shaped, longitudinal channel. The actuating and locking mechanisms comprise a pair of wing shaped lugs which float on and pivot around a longitudinal pin to lock the lugs in the fixture channel when upward pressure is applied to the pin and in the bottom track when downward pressure is applied to the pin.

Abstract: A connector device is constructed for fixing and holding of structural components to each other, more specifically of secondary components to a primary support component. The primary support component may, for example, be a support rail with a clamping gap and the secondary components may be cross beams for carrying floor panels and the like, for example, in an aircraft. The connector device has a base plate and a carrier body extending from the base plate as well as connector flanges secured to the carrier body and preferably also to the base plate. A central bore passing through the carrier body and through the base plate receives a clamping bolt that grips with its head under rail edges forming a gap. A nut on the clamping bolt rests against a shoulder in or on the carrier body.

Abstract: Rails are mounted to the tops of the sides, ends and tailgate of a pickup truck box. Each rail has an outwardly extending base resting on the top of the truck box. The rails are fastened to the box by screws extending through holes in the rails and outwardly into the inside wall of the truck box at the sides and ends. An upstanding, longitudinally-extending flange in an internal cavity in each of the side rails receives the hooked outer end of longitudinally movable anchors having clamping screws with knurled knobs thereon to clamp the anchors to the rails in any of an infinite number of possible positions longitudinally of the rails. Apertures in the anchors receive cargo strap or chain hooks or partition connectors or other accessories. An upwardly opening longitudinally extending groove in each of the side and end rails receives and secures a reinforced hem of a tonneau cover.

Abstract: A track fastener apparatus for use with a locking track of the type used to secure a seat or cargo apparatus to the floor of an aircraft. The track includes a slot, and the upper walls of the slot have regularly spaced-apart enlarged openings separated by relatively narrower track slot segments defining locking segments. The track also includes a channel for carrying wiring along the length of the aircraft. The track fastener apparatus includes a housing. A screw member cooperates with the track fastener housing and the locking wedge to perform first and second functions in distinct first and second locking wedge positions. In the case of the first position the locking wedge is not completely positioned in alignment with and into the one enlarged opening, preventing the locking wedge from being tightened into the track. In the case of the second position the locking wedge is positioned in alignment with and into the enlarged opening, permitting the locking wedge to be tightened into the track.

Abstract: A track fastener apparatus for use with a locking track of the type used to secure a seat or cargo apparatus to the floor of a vehicle. The track includes a slot, and the upper walls of the slot have regularly spaced-apart enlarged openings separated by relatively narrower track slot segments defining locking segments. The track fastener apparatus includes a housing. The track fastener housing has a top side and a bottom side with first and second spaced-apart locking studs on the bottom side, the spacing of the locking studs being the same as the spacing of the spaced-apart enlarged openings in the track for being positioned into the enlarged openings. A locking wedge is extended through one enlarged opening in the slot when the locking studs are shifted along the length of the track to adjacent, relatively narrow locking segments, and tightened into the slot to prevent movement of the track fastener apparatus in the track.

Abstract: A support surface or deck (12), and in particular the upper-most support platform (20), of a traveler or cart (10) securely transports television monitors, audio-visual recording or playback equipment, projectors, or other heavy or bulky articles (14). The support surface includes an adjustable safety strap (20) secured to slidable and lockable anchoring devices (24) in a guide channel (26) recessed in a groove (28) in the support surface. The top surface (34) of the guide channel is flush with the deck. A pair of safety strap anchoring devices (24) enter and slide along the length of the guide channel. Each anchoring device is attached to an opposing end (22) of the safety strap which is looped over to secure or harness the article being transported. Each anchor has a set screw (44) for immobilizing the anchor at any desired position within the guide channel and an eyelet (38) with stem (40) for cinching one end of the safety strap thereto with a single bar slide (54).

Abstract: An improved bulkhead assembly intended for use in connection with the transportation of materials on a flat rack container, and an improved material transport system employing such bulkhead assembly is shown. The improved material transport system is of the type which includes a flat rack container having at least one open ended rail mounted on the flat rack which includes at least a pair of opposed flat bars mounted in spaced apart relation extending along the lengh of the rack container. The improved bulkhead assembly is formed by a base including an upper plate which rides along the upper support surface of the rail, and a lower locking plate adapted for riding along the lower surface of the rail. Devices are interposed between the upper plate and the lower locking plate for lockingly engaging the base onto the rail at any fixed position along the length thereof.

Abstract: A fastening system for emergency vehicle cots and the like includes a longitudinal guide track to be mounted upon the planar surface. At least one hold-down support depends downwardly from the support frame of the cot to be secured, extending toward the planar surface in use. The guide track receives the hold-down support to permit longitudinal movement of the support along the track while preventing substantial vertical movement. A lock is provided for automatically securing the support frame at a position along the track and to prevent further longitudinal movement therealong, and a release device for selectively disengaging the lock is also included. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening system further includes a pair of spaced apart supports, and the lock includes a plurality of locking gates spaced along the length of the guide track to receive and selectively lockingly interact with the supports.

Abstract: Disclosed is a track fitting for an airplane seat leg which has a unitary bearing section and wall element that carries the pin holding the seat leg in position. The bearing section comprises an opening defined by two truncated conical walls with the abutting truncated sections providing a bearing site. The open ends of the opening are surrounded by segmented spherical bearing surfaces which carry caps having conforming internal, spherical bearing surfaces. The pin passes through the assembly of caps and bearing section to secure the leg in position. A plastic, box-like anti-rattle device to prevent rattling is mounted to the rear of the track fitting and bears against the top of a track receiving the fitting.

Abstract: An improved bulkhead assembly intended for use in connection with the transportation of materials on a flat rack container, and an improved material transport system employing such bulkhead assembly is shown. The improved material transport system is of the type which includes a flat rack container having at least one open ended rail mounted on the flat rack which includes at least a pair of opposed flat bars mounted in spaced apart relation extending along the length of the rack container. The improved bulkhead assembly is formed by a base including an upper plate which rides along the upper support surface of the rail, and a lower locking plate adapted for riding along the lower surface of the rail. Devices are interposed between the upper plate and the lower locking plate for lockingly engaging the base onto the rail at any fixed position along the length thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided for stabilizing and inhibiting overturning of equipment such as large audio speakers (74) which may be carried in a van or other vehicle and are subject to movement therein. The apparatus (10) includes a pair of separate, relatively adjustable rail-like base elements (12, 14) a pair of coupling members (16, 18) associated with each base element (12, 14), and securement straps (20, 22) connected between each pair of coupling members (16, 18).

Abstract: An improved anchor fitting assembly that provides a connecting seat leg member with a degree of freedom of movement thereby allowing for greater load carrying capability. The anchor fitting includes a substantially spherically shaped housing with a bolt-receiving channel therethrough that rotatably engages a bolting member. Also, the anchor fitting is cast as a single-body which makes it relatively simple and economical to construct.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor for securing cargo to a rail mounted on a surface. The anchor includes a body with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough configured to slidably mate with the rail. A transverse bore is formed in the body and receives a threaded sleeve formed of a high strength material. A threaded bore formed in the sleeve extends through the sleeve into communication with the longitudinal bore in the body. A retaining ring carrying a threaded shaft is threadingly engageable through the sleeve into registry with the rail to fix the body in a fixed position on the rail.

Abstract: The disclosed cargo securing system has an elongated C-shaped channel track, an anchoring bracket adapted to cooperate with the track to slide axially therealong to any position along the track, and a threaded nut that can be tightened to frictionally lock the anchoring bracket in any axially located position along the track. Threaded members, such as self tapping screws or cooperating nut and bolt means, are used to secure the track relative to a cargo bed at a location appropriate and proximate for the cargo to be carried in the bed. Tie lines or like securing means can be routed between one or more of such anchoring brackets over and/or around the cargo carried in the bed operable to hold the cargo relative to the bed.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for the bed of a truck comprising primary cargo securing element and cargo securing members clampingly engageable with the primary cargo securing element. A bed liner may also be included in the combination. Abutment dual tie down members are also readily utilizable with the system to provide improved cargo restraint. An elongated stop block may be releasably assembled into brackets clampingly engaged for adjustable movement on a pair of primary securing elements as part of a multi-faceted, but easily disassembled system for cargo restraint for use in trucks, vans, station wagons and the like.

Abstract: A device for connecting the feet of an aircraft seat to a perforated rail with a C-shaped cross-section includes a base unit on which two feet are centrally arranged at a spacing distance from each other that is equal to the space between the holes. A bridge that overlaps the base unit from above has two legs that encompass the base unit between them and are supported on the rail. An anchor fitting which as an outside shape adapted to the shape of the holes at least over a portion of its periphery is height-adjustable relative to the feet by way of the two legs of the bridge. One of the two feet is arranged between the anchor fitting and the other foot.

Abstract: An adjustable cross rail for a luggage carrier which utilizes a self-storing lever to release the rail stanchions. The stanchions cooperate with a longitudinal track which receives an adjustable slide bar threadably connected to the release lever. The track is clampingly engaged between the slide bar and the bottom of the stanchion to prevent movement of the stanchion. The clamping and unclamping of the slide bar can be controlled by either a camming lever or a wrench lever, both of which store within the stanchion body.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for the bed of a truck comprising primary cargo securing element and cargo securing members clampingly engageable with the primary cargo securing element. A bed liner may also be included in the combination. Abutment dual tie down members are also readily utilizeable with the system to provide improved cargo restraint. An elongated stop block may be releasably assembled into brackets clampingly engaged for adjustable movement on a pair of primary securing elements as part of a multi-faceted, but easily disassembled system for cargo restraint for use in trucks, vans, station wagons and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vehicle having an open-topped cargo carrying compartment with first and second side walls which includes first and second elongated side rails attached to the side walls, respectively, and first and second connectors mounted on the first and second side rails, respectively, for movement along the associated side rail. The connectors can be locked in position along their associated side rails. First and second retainers are coupled to the first and second connectors, respectively, for movement with the connectors and the retainers are adapted to extend into the cargo-carrying compartment. Each of the retainers can retain one side of a divider in position within the cargo-carrying compartment.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two slat assemblies fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. Each slat assembly has at least one longitudinal rib. At least two pairs of brackets are provided, two brackets being removably and slidably fastened to the rib of each of the slat assemblies. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat assembly by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. One rail is supported by each pair of brackets to extend transversely therebetween above the surface.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cargo control tack and a fitting for use therewith wherein the fitting is captive to the track. The track is of a generally U configuration having a base attached to a surface of a cargo compartment, parallel legs extend from the base, and the legs terminate in outwardly extending flanges disposed parallel to the base. Aligned notches or indentations are defined within the track at the intersection of the legs and flanges. The fitting is associated with a strap loop, and includes a pair of side plates having a keeper plate located therebetween. The side plates slidably hook upon the track flanges, and the keeper plate is forced into a locking relationship with the track indentations by tension within the strap to fix the fitting upon the track. The flexibility of the strap loop permits the keeper plate to be disengaged from the track notches for adjustment of the fitting along the track.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two slat assemblies fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. Each slat assembly has at least one longitudinal rib. At least two pairs of brackets are provided, two brackets being removably and slidably fastened to the rib of each of the slat assemblies. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat assembly by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. One rail is supported by each pair of brackets to extend transversely therebetween above the surface.

Abstract: A tie-down rail apparatus extends below top rim walls on side walls for a load-carrying bed of a pick-up truck. Rails extend between walls forming stake pockets where end portions of the rails each engages with a coupling socket extending from a holder which is supported by walls of the stake pocket. The holders have an L-shaped, U-shaped or S-shaped configuration to wrap around the walls of the stake pocket and support the coupling sockets. The rail is supported for telescoping movement from a connector in one modification and in another modification, the rail takes the form of a rectangular tube with a longitudinal slot to support tie fixtures at various locations along the slot.

Abstract: A belt winch apparatus for holding a belt at the side of a load carrying trailer vehicle the apparatus having interlocking means so that the apparatus can be supported by interlocking between the tie rail and the outer side of the vehicle tray and hold the belt under tension holding the load while in the same position.

Abstract: A traveler assembly for a sailboat or other sailcraft comprises a car slotted to ride in the traveler track and having a pair of transverse major holes in the middle thereof and a transverse minor hole on each end. A sheet for a sail of the sailcraft is bent to one of the major holes and reeved via the sail through the other major hole. Lines bent to the minor holes permit positioning of the car along the track to be instantly controlled from a position on the sailcraft remote from the traveler, e.g., if the sail is a jib sheeted down on the leeward side, the traveler position may be controlled from the windward side of the sailcraft.

Abstract: A back or load carrying platform of a vehicle is made out of a frame and elements made of light metal and has at least one holding device to which ropes or other load securing facilities can be attached to hold the load in position during transportation. This holding device is ring-shaped and is hinged in a recess in the frame around the platform from which, when required, it can be removed.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, a load restraining apparatus for cargo vehicles having a generally rectangular load space defined by side walls and a flat bed is provided having a pair of elongated slotted-rail assemblies each of which includes an inner longitudinal channel adjacent to and communicating with the longitudinal slot in the rails which are mounted in a spaced-apart parallel relationship the longitudinal length of the flat bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Low-height reversible ratchet tie-down winch for flat decked vehicles. The tie-down winches are adjustably mounted in retainer channels extending along each side of the deck of the vehicle. Each winch is rotatably mounted between the top and bottom walls of its base and tension of the tie-down chain is maintained by a pawl and ratchet. The winch block has a chain pocket to lock a horizontal link of the chain to the chain pocket and a recessed portion engaging a next adjacent vertical link of the chain. The ratchet has a cooperating pocket engageable with a next adjacent vertical link of the chain and completing the chain pocket in the winch block. The chain may be trained through one end or the other of the base for the winch.

Abstract: A bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier is adapted for sliding adjustment or positioning in a carrier track. The bracket includes a tool-operated locking mechanism for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track wherein unauthorized adjustment of the bracket is prevented. The bracket may include suitable openings which receive tie-down straps or the like. The bracket is, also, contemplated as including suitable projections for detachably mounting a cross-strap thereto.

Abstract: An anchor fitting for removably securing a load to a slotted track member at preselected positions therealong, such as for example for securing cargo, passenger seats, etc. in various positions along the floor of an aircraft. The fitting has flat surface pads with shoulders extending therefrom and a post portion extending along an axis substantially normal to the flat surfaces of the pads. A latching plunger is slidably mounted on the post portion for motion along the longitudinal axis thereof. The fitting is removably retained in the track which has a plurality of notched portions separated by narrow neck portions with the plunger member seated in one of the notched portions of the track and with the surface pad shoulders of the fitting beneath the flanges. A clamp member having a U-shaped portion which slidably fits over the body of the fitting has flanges which extend outwardly therefrom.