Abstract: A plurality of rail assemblies are used for supporting cargo on the floor of a vehicle. Each rail assembly has two main parts, a cross track and a compression bar which are connected together. One free end of the compression bar has shear lugs which are fitted into a track having cutout portions separated from each other by lip portions which is attached to the vehicle floor. The other end of the cross track is attached to one end of the compression bar. The other end of the compression bar abuts against a tube member attached to the vehicle floor. Each rail assembly is attached at points between is ends to a pair of cross rails. Rollers along which the pallet on which the cargo is loaded and can be moved are attached to the cross tracks. The pallet is retained in position on the rail assemblies by mean of manually operable latch devices installed one each of the cross tracks of the rail assemblies which have tongues which fit into cavities in the pallet in response to manual actuation.

Abstract: The invention refers to a connection for strapping or transport belts including a lock body and an engagement element. The lock body has a plurality of integrally connected lock elements and a guide for the strapping or transport belt(s).

Abstract: A ratcheted lashing strap assembly is described. The assembly is formed of a lashing strap and a tightening device. The tightening device has a frame and a winding drum, rotatable in the frame, for winding up the lashing strap. A fixation end of the lashing strap, in the form of a loop, grips a retention strut that is parallel to the winding drum and is firmly attached to the frame. An eye of the loop is penetrated by a support strut, extending approximately parallel to the retention strut, that as a separate component from the tightening device protrudes by both ends from the loop eyelet and on the side opposite the winding drum from the cinching side is braced on the frame on the retention strut and assumes a variable distance from the retention strut. An end run, adjoining a loop foot, of the lashing strap is fixed in clamping fashion by the support strut between the loop and the lashing strap to be cinched.

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 vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the vehicle. The track(s) are provided with a predetermined region that provides for controlled deformation of the vehicle body in case of a collision.

Abstract: A concealable buckle apparatus includes a supporting element, a buckle, a locking device and a panel. The buckle is pivotally mounted on the supporting element between an extended position and a concealed position. The locking device is movably mounted on the supporting element between a locking position for locking the buckle in the concealed position and a releasing position. The panel is mounted on the supporting element and defining an opening through which the buckle extends in the extended position and a slot through which the locking device is accessible.

Abstract: A cargo tie-down includes an enlarged head on a first end of a shaft a ring, and a “T” shaped foot on a second end of the shaft. A housing is slidably mounted to the shaft that is biased to move away from the head for engaging a rail between the housing and the foot. A track includes a pair of rails defining a slot extending along a longitudinal axis, and spaced-apart notches within the slot. The foot is inserted into the slot with the foot parallel to the longitudinal axis, the head is depressed, the tie-down is rotated until the foot is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and the head is released. The tie-down is slid along the rail member until the foot is received in notches, thereby securing the tie-down to the rail member.

Abstract: A hook device has a main body having a pair of arm portions, a connection portion and a hook portion, a block mount disposed on the main body, a fastener seat disposed on the block mount, and a torsion spring. The block mount has a generally U-shaped middle portion, a pair of side collars connected to the generally U-shaped middle portion, and a positioning through hole. The fastener seat has a pivot pin support portion, a through aperture, a proximal end, and a distal end. Each side collar surrounds one of the arm portions of the main body. The torsion spring is disposed in the fastener seat. The pivot pin support portion of the fastener seat is inserted in the generally U-shaped middle portion of the block mount. A pivot pin fastens the block mount, the fastener seat, and the torsion spring together.

Abstract: A load tying assembly consisting of first and second hook plates, each having a plurality of hook receiving apertures therethrough; and at least a first “T” hook having first and second hook ends, the “T” hook being insertable between the first and second hook plates for respective engagement of the first and second hooks ends with a pair of apertures among the first and second pluralities of hook apertures.

Abstract: A strap tightener has an auto-pulling device connected to a seat. The auto-pulling device includes a housing and a reversing device. The reversing device is rotatably received in the housing. The reversing device has a reel received in the housing to connect with one end of a strap. A spiral power spring is connected between the housing and the reel. Consequently, the strap can be automatically wound around the reel after the strap tightener is used. To collect the strap is convenient and the operating time of collecting the strap is saved.

Abstract: A motor vehicle cargo restraint system has manually operated tie-down loops that are easily latched and locked to rails fastened to the vehicle structure adjoining a cargo space on the vehicle. The tie-down loops are latchable and lockable to the rails in a plurality of locations spaced along the rails. The number of tie-down loops and rails and the orientation of the rails may be varied according to the particular cargo space and the cargo restraint desired.

Abstract: The invention refers to a connection means for strapping or transport belts, comprising a lock body and an engagement element, characterized in that the lock body comprises a plurality of integrally connected lock elements and forms a guide means for at least one strapping or transport belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for provisionally connecting a fastening strap, specially a wheel chair strap, to a fixing rail (12) with a longitudinal groove. A securable and removable locking member of the fastening strap can be inserted into said longitudinal groove. A pivoting point for the fastening strap is arranged above a connecting member which can be anchored in the fixing rail (12) adjacent to the latter. A ball-and-socket joint (51) can be mounted on the connecting member. The joint can be connected to the connecting member and the fastening strap.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus having a pair of elongated support rails which are used to support a pair of bracket assemblies of a cross bar thereon. Each of the support rails form a channel and include a pair of flanges which extend inwardly towards each other and towards a bottom wall of the support rail. A tap plate is disposed within the channel and includes a pair of angled edge portions. The angled edge portions are formed at angles which allow them to rest flush against the flanges when the tap plate is urged into a locked position. This arrangement prevents the support rail from being distorted in the event the tap plate is slightly overtightened. It also provides an extremely secure clamping arrangement when a bracketed member is in a locked orientation on its associated support rail.

Abstract: A conversion system for a vehicle or trailer especially for vans, having a track system comprising rails secured to the floor and sidewalls of the vehicle for customizing the vehicle with modular components which can be positioned and secured within the vehicle by fasteners that releasably secure the components to a portion of the track system. Each modular component has a corresponding track along at least one of the bottom or side of the modular component for matingly connecting to a portion of one of the rails.

Abstract: A fitting for anchoring an aircraft seat to a track mounted to the floor of the aircraft is provided. The fitting is removably mounted to the seat and includes a generally rectangular elongate base having flange-like extensions running longitudinally thereof. The base has symmetric slide bearings affixed thereto, one at each end thereof, and overlaying the base, dimensioned so that the base with attached bearings is slidably insertable into the slot of the track. When the seat is mounted to the track, the symmetric bearings are in contact with the upper inside surfaces of the slot within the track, providing relative ease of slidable movement thereof when required.

Abstract: A wheelchair anchor for use in a vehicle is movable between a retracted position in which it takes up a relatively small amount of floor space within the vehicle and an extended position in which it provides a plurality of anchor points to which one or more wheelchairs may be secured. An elongated track plate is secured to the floor of the vehicle so that it extends transversely to the direction of vehicle motion, and a beam assembly made up of three beams telescopingly engaged with one another is slidable along the track plate between a retracted position adjacent a first end of the track plate and an extended position wherein the beam is slid toward the opposite, second and the track plate. The distal end of the beam assembly is securable to the track plate adjacent the midportion of the track to maintain the beam assembly in the retracted position adjacent the first end of the track, and is alternatively securable to the track adjacent the second end to maintain the beam assembly in the extended position.

Abstract: Supports such as a pallet carrying aircraft passenger seats or a bottom of a freight container are secured to a floor structure in an aircraft. For this purpose the floor structure includes floor stringers (5) supported on and secured to floor joists (11). The stringers (5) are U-rails having an upwardly open U-cross-section with a first interlocking member (8) in the U-cross-section. An adapter (4, 13) having a present existing stud (8) and shear pin system (8A) is secured in the U-rail of the stringers (5). The adapter (4) is secured to or securable to the support by a latching (2, 3). Another adapter (13) carries rotatable rollers or roller balls that project slightly above an upwardly facing floor level to permit, for example, freight containers or seat pallets to roll along the floor. Instead of adapter (13) it is also possible to install a present existing container latch carrier (14) in the present stringer (5).

Abstract: A cargo tie down system for use in securing either containerized cargo or a containerized cargo conveyance system to a transport vehicle. The cargo tie down system includes a cargo tie down adapter having a housing and a cargo ring coupled to the housing for use in tying down noncontainerized cargo. The cargo tie down system also includes a mounting apparatus adapted to be attached to the containerized cargo conveyance system that includes a selectively rotatable stud having a head with outwardly extending wings. The housing includes a receptacle adapted to selectively receive and retain the stud of the mounting apparatus to secure the containerized cargo conveyance system to the transport vehicle when containerized cargo is to be transported without requiring removal of the cargo ring.

Abstract: A cargo restraining system for a truck bed is provided including at least one crank unit mounted to a side of the truck bed. Also included is a flexible, inelastic strap having at least one end coupled to the crank unit. This allows the tightening of the strap to restrain cargo within the truck bed.

Abstract: An aircraft divan, for use within a passenger compartment of an aircraft, that includes a strong rigid base structure adapted to be secured to a support surface within the aircraft and including a plurality of substantially strong, yet lightweight frame members. A plurality of substantially strong, yet lightweight connectors, each one of the connectors being structured and disposed to connectingly receive at least two of the frame members, including an exterior wall structure defining at least one interior cavity and at least two frame member receiving openings, and comprising a first interlocking segment and a second interlocking segment, the first interlocking segment structured to at least partially receive the second interlocking segment and the first and second interlocking segments being structured to be interlockingly connected with one another in sandwiching relation about at least one end zone of the frame members.

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: 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 track fitting assembly for removably securing a seat through a swivel bearing to a generally channel-shaped track secured to the fuselage of an aircraft. The track fitting assembly includes a forged body member having spaced track lugs projecting laterally from a narrow finger portion. The body member has a socket which receives a threaded shear plunger adjusting screw such that a head on the adjusting screw moves into the socket to indicate when the shear plunger is properly seated to lock the track lugs in the track.

Abstract: A tie down system for a cargo area of a carrier arranged to secure cargo in position. Multiple formed slots are formed in the side and end walls of the cargo area of the carrier. The slots are arranged to receive tie down devices to which securing devices utilized to hold the cargo in place may be secured. The slots are provided at intervals along the length and the height of the end and side walls to enable positioning a tie down device strategic to the cargo to be secured.

Abstract: A mounting is disclosed for lengthening a clamping strap on which is arranged a strap tie element which may detachably engage the holding profile of a counterpiece. The mounting consists of a plate provided with the holding profile and of a ring for inserting the lengthening strap.

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 fitting for attaching a galley wall or bulkhead to the interior of an aircraft is disclosed. The fitting uses a separable attachment plate and an anchor, to which an anchor bolt can be attached from above the attachment plate.

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 cargo handling system rollout stop assembly, which allows a movable object to freely pass over it in a first or inboard direction but obstructs passage of that object in the opposite or outboard direction. The stop assembly comprises a frame and at least one arm assembly rotatably mounted in the frame. The arm assembly normally extends in an upright position in the path of the movement of the object and is capable of slight translation in the first direction. The arm assembly has a straight or linear camming surface all of whose centerline points are equidistant from the axis of rotation of the arm assembly. When the camming surface engages the object moving in the first direction, the arm assembly is translated slightly in the first direction and rotated downwardly out of the path of the object. A dog clutch assembly releasably connects the arm assembly to the frame.

Abstract: A track fitting assembly for removably securing a seat to a generally channel-shaped track secured to the fuselage of an aircraft. The track fitting assembly includes a forged body member having spaced track lugs projecting laterally from a narrow finger portion. The body member has a socket which receives a threaded shear plunger adjusting screw. A head on the adjusting screw moves into the socket to indicate when the shear plunger is properly seated to lock the track lugs in the track.

Abstract: A rack strap for an automotive vehicle rack is described having a hook securing arrangement made up not only of a hook but also a sleeve. The sleeve cooperates with the hook to protect the load at the location of the hook, as well as to hinder disengagement of the hook relative to the rack bar. In one embodiment, the hook includes a reentrant end which passes through an eyelet at a rack cross bar, which reentrant end can be encompassed by the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve acts to maintain clasp pieces about a rack cross bar.

Abstract: A connecting device for releasably interconnecting first and second bodies includes a housing which can be applied to a holding means, and a locking pin having a locking head which can be turned to and fro between a starting position in which the locking head can be introduced into a receiving opening in the holding means and a locking position in which the locking head engages under a support portion formed by edge regions of the receiving opening. A stressing spring arrangement is operable to urge the locking pin from an axially advanced position in the starting position of the device into an axially withdrawn position in the locking position, in which the pressure contact surface of the locking head is pressed by the spring arrangement against the support portion of the holding means.

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 cargo fastening belt is provided with a detachable end metal fitting so that different types of end metal fittings can be provided for a single type of cargo fastening belt. A rail engaging metal fitting that is attached to one end of a cargo fastening belt is adapted to be detachably engaged with a slot in a rial for fastening cargo. The detachable end metal fitting is thus detachably attached to the rail engaging metal fitting by the provision of a slot in a metal fitting main body for connection with the rail engaging metal fitting. Alternatively, the cargo fastening belt may have a ring portion at one end thereof, and the detachable end metal fitting may be detachably attached to the ring portion.

Abstract: A seat leg and track fitting assembly for removably securing a seat to a generally channel-shaped track secured to the fuselage of an aircraft. The track fitting assembly includes a forged body member having a narrow finger portion; a plurality of spaced track lugs projecting laterally from the narrow finger portion, and an enlarged boss portion having a recess formed therein. The recess extends through the narrow finger portion to form a pair of shoulders adjacent opposite sides of the recess and a plunger has surfaces positioned between the shoulders such that the shoulders limit movement of the plunger. An actuating arm is secured to the plungers in each of a plurality of track fitting assemblies to move the plungers in the recesses between first positions wherein the lower ends of the plungers are positioned adjacent the lower edge of the narrow finger portion of each body and an elevated position wherein the plungers are retracted from 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: In an adjustable seating system, allowing variation in the spacing between adjacent rows of passenger seats, e.g. in an aircraft, for use in a passenger vehicle, each row (14, 16, 18) is mounted on a longitudinal seat rail (30) secured to the floor. The seat rail (30) has a series of equally spaced openings (34) along its length for retaining the seating units (14, 16, 18) at any selected lengthwise location.

Abstract: Apparatus for removably and adjustably mounting one or more of a wide variety of accessories to a universal, elongated bar rail (52) and ratchet strip (54) which in turn are secured to an underlying support surface. The ratchet strip (54) has outwardly extending teeth (58) and is generally hidden beneath the generally smooth, aesthetically pleasing, protective bar rail (52). The types of accessories that can be used with the invention include without limitation: a simple hook clip (72); a spring biased tie down clip (96); a heavy duty tie down ring and clamp (106 and 104); a cargo net (78); a tonneau cover (80); an extendable cargo holder bar (140); a low rack support system (162); a raised rack support system (186); a cantilevered, long load, over cab, rack support system (230); a canopy (248); and vertical posts (302, 308, and 310) and box boards (300).

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: A belt fitting engagement rail has a rail body for mounting on the inside of a side of a container and having a center portion bulged laterally from the longitudinally extending edge portions. The center portion has a plurality of engagement holes therein spaced along the length of the rail at constant intervals. The engagement holes each have a cross-shape defined by two elongated intersecting portions, one such portion extending longitudinally of the rail and the other extending transversely of the rail. The ends of the transversely extending portions are spaced inwardly of the edge portions to leave a space on the center portion.

Abstract: An adjustable seating system particularly adapted for use in a passenger aircraft, where there are a pair of tracks mounted in the floor of the aircraft, and a plurality of seating units mounted to these tracks. Each seating unit has a pair of interconnected traction wheels which have positive engagement with the tracks, so as to avoid skewing of the seating units as these are moved along the tracks. Pivotally mounted locking members lock the rear leg portions of the seating units to the tracks at selected locations. Telescoping track cover members cover the track sections that extend between adjacent seating units.

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: A chain anchor clamp device which secures a vehicle to a straightening bench during a chassis straightening operation. A chain anchor plate is pivotally mounted on a retainer cap releasably connected by bolts to a lock plate slidably receivable in tracks of the bench.

Abstract: An anchor fitting for attachment to a track member including a plurality of rectangular slots, wherein the fitting has a body constructed of a plurality of stamped plates fastened together by rivets. One end of the body has a notch defined thereon for receiving the track member and the other end includes an elongated ledge engaging the track inner side. A keeper is pivotally mounted adjacent the ledge end receivable within the slot to increase the body length within the slot to retain the fitting. A hole is formed in the body through which a ring is passed wherein straps or other tensioning device for securing cargo may be attached.

Abstract: An adjustable seating system for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, providing means for readily adapting the seating layout in an aircraft cabin to vary passenger density where a plurality of seating units are mounted upon a pair of longitudinal seat rails. Each seating unit incorporates a seat adjustment and locking system comprising a pair of interconnected sprocket wheels arranged to be in driving engagement with a related one of the seat rails so that the seating units can be moved to selected locations without physical separation from the track. Sprocket locking means, when engaged, restrains the seat against horizontal movement and reacts induced fore and aft flight loads obviating the need for separate seat rail engaging restraint means.

Abstract: A tie-down device is disclosed herein having a movable car slidably carried on a stationary track which includes a spring biased vertically movable latch on the car operable to be insertably received into a selected one of a plurality of openings on said track for releasably retaining the car in a critical location on the track. The car further includes an attachment arrangement such as a tongue-in-groove construction for mounting on the track and a securement loop universally carried on a car flange for attachment to a tie-down line or cord.