Abstract: In a coupling system for coupling an aircraft seat in a rail of the rest thereof, of the type including a base to which the rest of the seat is connected and associated with a locking slide able to be moved using a control device under the control of a handling lever that can be actuated by an assembly operator, between an assembly/disassembly position and a locking position, the control device includes a device in needle form, which is able to be moved in the base by the lever and whereof one end includes a support surface adapted to cooperate with a complementary ramp surface of the slide to move the latter from its assembly/disassembly position towards its locking position, against the stress from an elastic or spring device.

Abstract: A channel and anchor assembly includes a channel and an anchor. The channel has a generally c-shaped cross-section that includes first and second upper extensions that define a plurality of openings, first and second side edges connected at first ends to the first and second upper extensions, respectively, and a lower cross member that extends between second ends of the first and the second side edges. The first and the second upper extensions lie in substantially a first plane, and the lower cross member lies in substantially a second plane that is separated from the first plane by a distance sized to allow an anchor member to be inserted into the channel. The openings are sized and positioned to receive complementary protrusions extending from the anchor member. The anchor includes a substantially rectangular lower planar member configured to enter the channel. A plurality of protrusions extend from a top surface of the lower planar member.

Abstract: An improved cargo restraint for installation on a preselected track mounted in or on the surface of a vehicle carrying the cargo and the restraint is mounted on a bracket which abuts the cargo to restrain the movement of the cargo and the restraint is slidingly movable on the track and has a locking position on the track wherein the bracket restrains the cargo and the restraint has no relative movement with respect to the track or the bracket or the vehicle so that there is no rattling of the restraint when in the locked position.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) apparatus includes a housing configured to mate with a channel of an extruded metal mounting system and a flange extending radially outwardly from the housing. The flange is configured to bear upon a lower portion of a channel lip to retain the housing within the channel. In addition, a seat is disposed within the housing to retain an RFID tag and a lock secures the housing at a particular location along the channel.

Abstract: A tie down for securing objects in an aircraft having a roller tray can comprise a tie-fitting, a carriage, and protruding elements. A carriage can include at least one side wall with protruding elements extending from the side wall of a carriage to cooperate with a roller tray. The protruding elements removably secure the tie down to a selected location along the roller tray. A restraint extending from an object can be removably secured to a tie down. The tie down being vertically insertable and removable by hand operation and without the use if tools or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A fastener device (10) for fastening a load to a rail (4) that is provided with a slideway (4?) defined by a bottom wall (5), two side walls (6), and a top wall (7) including a succession of wide slots (8) and of narrow slots (9), said fastener device (10) comprising a base (20) and two shoes (30) suitable for being inserted in said wide slots (8) and for co-operating with the top wall (7) in a narrow slot (9) by shape interference. The device further comprises first and second slides (31, 32), each including one of said two shoes (30), spacer means (40) for spacing apart said first and second slides (31, 32), detector means (50) for detecting a rail (4?), approach means (60) for causing said first and second slides (31, 32) to approach each other, and blocking means (70) for longitudinally blocking said base (20).

Abstract: Provided is a system for fixing a seat in an aircraft, the system including a movable base and slide. The base and slide include a device for hooking into a rail of the aircraft, by movement of the slide between an assembly/disassembly and a hooking position, using a lever articulated on the base and the slide by rods. The lever is movable between a retracted position for assembly/disassembly and an active hooking position, wherein a hook-shaped device of the lever co-operate with a retaining member that is provided at one end of a resilient member. The resilient member is associated with unlocking device that includes a cams which are rotatable in the base and capable of being actuated so as to move the retaining device towards a release position for the hook-shaped device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing seats and other components to a seat track that may be implemented to provide flush symmetric and asymmetric seat track fitting assemblies that accommodate variances in the height of seat track extrusions. A component may be secured to mate directly with a seat track fitting surface and uppermost surface (flange) of a seat track, and with a fitting securing component (retainer or capture component) that provides additional load path in the lateral shear plane (X axis) while optimizing length of thread engagement of the component fastener.

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 a channel of a track, translating the insertion portion to a second position until at least one self-alignment feature of the locking assembly abuts an abutment portion of the track, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the track in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member to a secured position, the body being substantially constrained from movement along the track in the secured position. In an alternate embodiment, in the unsecured position the at least one engagement member is withdrawn from the channel, and in the secured position the at least one engagement member projects into the channel.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall and the track includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion is configured and arranged to attach to the wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position with a snap-fit engagement arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener assembly that has a rail (1) and a fastener device (6) that can be installed in a transport vehicle, characterized in that a rail head (2) is coated with a layer (3) of alumina with polytetrafluoroethylene seal and that at least a portion (5) of the fastener device in contact with the rail head is made of metal coated with a layer of polymers (7).

Abstract: An organization and storage assembly movably coupled with a track having a partially enclosed polygonal channelway, and a base, a mounting lug, a lock actuator, and a first organization and storage accessory. The base is at least partially enclosable in, and slidably translatable along, a polygonal channelway. The mounting lug is mounted to the base to extend exteriorly of the channelway when the base is within the channelway. The lock actuator is movably coupled with the base, for engagement and disengagement of the lock actuator under the influence of a biasing element. A first organization and storage accessory is resiliently coupled with the mounting lug, and can be selectively uncoupled from the mounting lug when the base is at least partially enclosed in a polygonal channelway to enable coupling of a second organization and storage accessory with the mounting lug without uncoupling the organization and storage assembly from a track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining cargo items on an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base that attaches to the cargo item, a lever coupled to the base, and a foot coupled to the lever, wherein the foot is placed into a seat track attached to the aircraft, the seat track having a cutout portion and a cavity beneath the cutout portion, and the lever is moved to turn the foot within the cavity to lock down the cargo item to the seat track to restrain its movement.

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: Adapter devices are provided that, when installed on an aircraft seat track break area, allow for the installation and/or positioning of passenger seats thereat. The devices include a main body having two portions. One end of the portion is integrated to a fork-shaped part 2 which defines a half-opening 3. Close to the end of the other portion there is provided a pair of half-tabs which are symmetrically disposed in relation to one another on each side of the body. Pairs of symmetrically disposed semi-circular tabs are provided on the main body. Threaded pass-through holes are located one of the body portions so as to threadably accommodate retaining discs in the form of screw screws heads provided with screws which are installed in the threaded holes.

Abstract: A seat fixing device for fixing a seat to a floor includes a device body. At least one vertical fixing member extends from the device body, and at least one horizontal fixing member is slidable along the device body and includes at least one actuating unit. The actuating unit includes a lock having a locking function that is dependent upon an operating parameter of the horizontal fixing member.

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: 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: A pallet system includes a pallet upon which cargo or other payloads may be carried. The pallet has a plurality of tie-down locations at which the pallet may be tied-down on a base, and at least one tie-down device for tying down the pallet on the base at any of the tie-down locations. The pallet further includes means for mounting the tie-down device on the pallet at any of the tie-down locations.

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: This invention relates to a fastener assembly that has a rail (1) and a fastener device (6) that can be installed in a transport vehicle, characterized in that a rail head (2) is coated with a layer (3) of alumina with polytetrafluoroethylene seal and that at least a portion (5) of the fastener device in contact with the rail head is made of metal coated with a layer of polymers (7).

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: A tie down for securing objects in an aircraft having a roller tray can comprise a tie-fitting, a carriage, and protruding elements. A carriage can include at least one side wall with protruding elements extending from the side wall of a carriage to cooperate with a roller tray. The protruding elements removably secure the tie down to a selected location along the roller tray. A restraint extending from an object can be removably secured to a tie down. The tie down being vertically insertable and removable by hand operation and without the use if tools or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: Adapter devices are provided that, when installed on an aircraft seat track break area, allow for the installation and/or positioning of passenger seats thereat. The devices include a main body having two portions. One end of the portion is integrated to a fork-shaped part 2 which defines a half-opening 3. Close to the end of the other portion there is provided a pair of half-tabs which are symmetrically disposed in relation to one another on each side of the body. Pairs of symmetrically disposed semi-circular tabs are provided on the main body. Threaded pass-through holes are located one of the body portions so as to threadably accommodate retaining discs in the form of screw screws heads provided with screws which are installed in the threaded holes.

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 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: An anchor lock for use in restraining cargo on a land or air transport vehicle is supported on a track mounted on the vehicle, the track having slots formed therein. The device has a center piece forming s lock plate with a bottom portion which matingly fits into one of the slots of the track. The bottom portion of the lock plate is retained in the slot by springs positioned between the lock plate and the side plates which urge the bottom portion of the lock plate against the track. With the bottom portion of the lock plate in the slot, lateral movement of the lock plate along the track is restrained. The top portion of the lock plate has a handle which is used to draw the bottom portion away from the track to facilitate the repositioning of the lock plate along the track. The slotted track has inwardly extending flanges on its opposite sides. A side plate is attached to each of the sides of the lock plate in opposing relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat securing system for securing air passenger seats to a securing rail (10), whereby the system permits a relative motion between a mounting part (24) and a base body (26) that, in the longitudinal direction of said securing rail (10), can be brought into a fixed position. In this securing position, a locking body (34), which can pivot from a release position and into a locking position and which is subjected to the action of an energy storage device (32), secures the respective detent parts (22, 30) and thus the base body (24) and mounting part (26) on the securing rail (10). Said energy storage device permits a compensation of tolerances so that the inventive fitting always rests securely against the rail(10).

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: 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: A floor track fitting for securing seating or other equipment to a section of aircraft floor track consists of a pair of substantially U-shaped cleat members and a captive bolt. The cleat members are inserted back-to-back through the holes in the floor track. Once the cleat members are in place, a cover is placed over the cleat members so that the captive bolt passes through the top of the cover. The inside of the cover has a pair of integral spaces that force the cleat members outward against the sides of the track channel holes so that the undercut portion of the cleat members locks onto the underside of the floor track. As the bolt is tightened it presses down on the cover and simultaneously draws the cleat members upward against the underside of the floor track to clamp the floor track firmly between the cleat members and the cover.

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: 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: 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 passenger seat for a vehicle is mounted by an extendible stud assembly which includes a housing attached to the seat; and a movable plunger carried by the housing and including a locking stud adapted for engaging a locking track. The housing is constructed such that movement of the stud relative to the housing under an applied load causes deformation of the housing which resists the motion. This controlled motion of the locking stud allows a deck of the aircraft to deform under crash loads without imposing excessive loads on the passenger seat.

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 cover for use with a tie-down anchor mounted in a locking track in an air pallet, the locking track having a channel which includes spaced upper flanges shaped to define a series of spaced apart enlarged openings separated by relatively smaller slot segments and the tie-down anchor having a pair of fixed locking studs and a movable spring-loaded locking stud. The cover comprises in one embodiment a first piece and a second piece. The first piece has a front portion sized and shaped to fit into one of the enlarged openings in the locking track and a rear portion sized and shaped to fit over the spring loaded locking stud. The first piece includes a pair of male locking parts. The second piece has a pair of studs sized and shaped to fit into two pairs of enlarged openings but not small enough to move vertically upward through the space defined by a pair of slot segments in the locking track and also includes a pair of female locking parts.

Abstract: A track fastener assembly for securing a seat or cargo apparatus to a floor track of a vehicle. The assembly includes a bottom rail with forward and aft ends. Front and rear movable slides carrying locking studs are carried by the bottom rail. A locking rod having a helical groove formed in its outer surface is operatively connected to the bottom rail and the slides. Rotation of the locking rod causes the slides to move axially from an installation position to a locking position. As the slides move to the locking position, they are deflected upwards along with the attached locking studs, clamping the track fastener assembly to the track.

Abstract: The dual purpose track comprises a unitary elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a raised center section extending along the axis from one end to the other. The center section includes a flat base with downwardly tapering sides terminating in laterally outwardly extending flanges. The flat base which extends along the longitudinal axis is provided with longitudinally spaced apart elongated slots, as an example, spaced every four inches, which extend lengthwise along the axis. Each slot is configured to receive either the head of the bolt of a wheel chock used to retain a dirt bike along the floor of a trailer or a tie down fastening device. A strap is connected between the tie down device and the handle bar of the dirt bike to assist in retaining the bike in a fixed position. Thus, the track serves two purposes, namely, it holds the wheel chocks and the anchoring devices for the straps.

Abstract: A spring loaded double plunger track fitting for use in securing a wheelchair or the like to a floor track mounted in a vehicle. The track fitting includes at least four track engaging lugs on each side thereof and a pair of spring loaded plungers between adjacent pairs of lugs to lock into the floor track when the fitting slides therealong. A visual means to indicate when the plungers are in the locked position may be provided.

Abstract: A track fastener assembly for securing a seat or cargo apparatus to a floor track of a vehicle. The assembly includes a base with a longitudinal slot formed therein, and a ramp disposed in its upper surface near the forward end of the slot. A movable slide carrying locking studs runs in the longitudinal slot. A locking rod having a helical groove formed in its outer surface is operatively connected to the base and the slide. Rotation of the locking rod causes the slide to move axially along the longitudinal slot from an installation position near the aft end of the base to a locking position near the forward end of the base. As the slide moves to the locking position, the slide engages the ramp in the base, thereby deflecting the slide with the attached locking studs upwards and clamping the track fastener assembly to the track.

Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system that allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and that interfaces with the rest of the truck in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. Tie-down track(s) are provided that are integral with the body of the truck such that the exterior contour of the track(s) do not extend appreciably beyond the contour of the adjacent portions of the body. This permits the track(s) to blend in with the body of the truck, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the truck. This also permits the portions of the body of the truck that support the tracks(s) to be specifically designed to take large loads, which thus allows the track(s) to support, separate and/or secure large loads.

Abstract: A tie down anchor system for a pickup truck includes a rail member mountable to the cargo bed of the pickup truck. The rail member includes a pair of raised attachment sections and a base mounting portion extending between the pair of raised attachment sections. A plurality of first attachment apertures are formed in the pair of raised attachment sections and a plurality of second attachment apertures are formed in the pair of raised attachment sections so as to receive any one of a number of tether connectors.

Abstract: A mounting device has a base portion which is fixedly attached to a cargo load to be supported on a track having spaced apart cutout portions which are connected to each other by lip portions. The mounting device has spaced apart tension lugs which fit within the spaced cutout portions of the track. The mounting device further has a post and arms which fit within track cutout and lip portions. Attached to the tension lugs is a connector member for slidably connecting the tension lugs to the base portion. A pin member is installed in the base portion, this pin member preventing the tension lugs from being withdrawn from the base portion. A screw is installed in the base member, which retains the tension lugs in a fixed position when tightened down into a notch formed in the connector member.