Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.

Abstract: A lading tie anchor for use in a railway boxcar having an interior metal lining, the lining having an aperture or indentation formed therein for receipt of the anchor, with the anchor comprising a one-piece body adapted to be received or seated in the opening or indentation in the metal lining. The anchor has at least two opposed edge portions that define a central opening, with the edge portions engaging the metal lining. A continuous, vertically-orientated anchoring post spans the central opening, the post including an aperture or drain hole in its lower portion to facilitate the transportation of liquid from the anchor into the aperture or indentation in the metal lining.

Abstract: A pop-up tie down device includes a body member having an attachment member for securing the body member to the stake hole of a side wall in a vehicle carrier. The anchor member includes a cavity which holds a pop-up tie down device. The pop-up tie down device is movable from a retracted position within the cavity to an extended position wherein a portion of the tie down device protrudes from the cavity.

Abstract: A tie down mechanism includes an elongated tie down post and a hollow stake post having a hollow shaft adapted to fit in the stake pocket. The hollow shaft includes an aperture therein for slidably receiving the tie down post. Expander block assemblies secure a portion of the hollow shaft in the stake pocket. A spring is operably located between the stake post and the tie down post for yieldingly biasing the tie down post to extend relative to the stake post. The tie down mechanism further includes a cam groove and follower interconnecting the tie down post and the hollow shaft. The cam groove and follower allow the tie down post to be held in a retracted position or released into the extended position when needed without the use of exposed levers or hand tools.

Abstract: The device and method according to the present invention are useful for limiting unwanted movement of lengthy objects being transported by a pick-up truck. The device is comprised of two separate units that are used with each other. There is a first unit that is a cab protection unit. The cab protection unit is removably mountable on a top surface of the cab of the pick-up. The cab protection unit has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and angled load bearing surface that extends between the top surface and the rear surface, and two side surfaces. The bottom surface has a flat portion that rests upon the top of the truck cab. The bottom surface may also include a curved portion that fits snuggly around the rear edge of the cab and against a portion of the rear of the cab. The angled load bearing surface preferably is an angled flat portion with a most preferred angle of 45°.

Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck including at least first and second parallel cargo bay panels hingedly mounted to a frame member spanning the cargo bay of the pickup. The cover includes a unique clamping bracket for attaching the frame member to the side rails of the pickup. A curved wind seal member is mounted on the top of the sides of the bed and includes a first seal mounted between the edge of the panels and the wind seal member, and a second seal mounted between the bottom surface of the panels and the wind seal member. The wind seal is mounted to a stake pocket of the truck with a universal stake-pocket mounting nut. The cover further includes lock mechanism recessed below the top surface of the cargo bay panel so that a key in the lock mechanism is below the top of the cover. The lock mechanism includes universal lock catch adjustable on two axes to hold the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle tie-down strap anchor and storage assembly includes a stake pocket anchor assembly for anchoring a tie-down strap to and storing a tie-down strap in a vehicle stake pocket and/or a tie-down strap anchor and storage box assembly adapted to be secured to a toolbox or surface in a cargo bed portion of a vehicle. The anchor for the stake pocket anchor assembly is resilient and has a generally V-shaped configuration with a base portion and a pair of arms extending upward and outward from the base portion to contact an interior surface of an upper wall of a vehicle stake pocket to retain the stake pocket anchor within the vehicle stake pocket. A tie-down strap is secured to the base of the anchor and, when not in use, can be stored within the vehicle stake pocket between the arms of the anchor. A tie-down strap is secured within the tie-down strap anchor and storage box assembly and, when not in use, can be stored in the box.

Abstract: A tie down anchor is attachable to the tailgate of a pickup truck for securement of a cargo strap thereto, the anchor having a plate member that has a first face that abuts the inner face of the tailgate and a second face. A first opening is disposed within the plate member while a pair of channel members extend outwardly from the first face of the plate member in generally parallel fashion, each channel having a pair second openings disposed therein. A leg member having at least two sections disposed on different planes is slidably disposed within the pair of channels while a pair of studs are each received within one of the pair of second openings and an opening located on the leg member and registerable with the pair of second openings for securing the leg member within the channels.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed portable tie-down apparatus for providing tie down points in an associated pickup bed includes a pair of cooperating clamping plate members held together by a set of bolt fasteners. One of the cooperating clamping plate members includes a set of threaded holes and the other is provided with a set of clearance holes so that the bolt fasteners can be selectively tightened to bring the plate members together into a cooperating clamping relationship onto the flange of an associated pickup truck bed. At least one of the cooperating clamping plate members carries one or more integral eyelets or hooks for connection of the subject pickup up truck bed portable tie-down apparatus to cargo straps or the like. The eyelets are embossed to provide strength at the eyelet and to minimize sharp edges that may cut into cargo ropes or straps.

Abstract: An anchorage assembly 10 which includes a generally rectangular housing 16, an anchor member 20, and a resilient and deformable material or member 28 which is coupled to member 20 and which engages housing 16, thereby regulating or controlling the movement of member 20 relative to housing 16 and absorbing vibration and impact loads imparted upon member 20.

Abstract: An attachment structure for the bed rail of a truck includes a mounting plate welded to each end of the bed rail and a rail foot adapted to mount to the side wall of the truck bed wherein the mounting plate and rail foot are releasably attached to one another by fasteners and adjustable with respect to one another in a front-to-back direction along the length of the truck bed.

Abstract: A stake pocket tie down for a motor vehicle having a cargo area defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a bed and a tailgate is disclosed. The first sidewall has a stake pocket defined by a top surface and a downwardly extending flange. The stake pocket tie down includes a cap, a first locking plate and a second locking plate. The cap has a wall with a first aperture and a second aperture and a flange radially extending from the wall. The first locking plate has male clasp and a finger disposed in the first aperture. The second locking plate has female clasp engaged with the male clasp and a finger disposed in the second aperture.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor for attachment to a side rail of a pickup truck bed. The tie-down anchor assembly comprises an anchor plate having an upright portion that defines a side face having an anchor protruding therefrom. The anchor is positioned on the face beneath the upper end of the plate and at a distance closer to the upper end than to the lower end of the plate. A mounting means for mounting the plate to the side rail is also provided. In this manner, the side rail is loaded in shear generally at its top when the tie-down anchor assembly of the present invention is mounted thereto and a tie-down member is secured to the anchor of the assembly.

Abstract: Connecting seat for tying bar of cargo platform of small truck, including a connecting plate, a connecting board and a pivot rod and an elongated circular bar. Each end of the connecting plate has an insertion section having equal dimension and formed with two circular holes, whereby different types of pivot rods can be connected therewith by screws without distinguishing left or right side. A lateral side of the connecting plate is integrally formed with a connecting board disposed with two arch hook sections on two sides for mounting on different types of stopper boards of cargo platforms of small trucks. The pivot rod is formed with an irregular decorative recess tracks on the surface for a corresponding decorative plate with freely designed stripes and pattern to lock thereon to achieve a beautifying decorative effect. The other end of the pivot rod is formed with a fitting section for fitting with the elongated circular bar.

Abstract: A tethering device for anchoring a tether has a cup rotatably held within a cylinder, with the cylinder mounted approximately flush in a flat surface, such as a boat deck. A loop of fibrous material, such a strap, has a first end removably anchored in the cup by passing around an anchoring pin. A second fibrous loop end is exposed above the deck surface for tethering a block, fitting, or the like. The tethering device provides for a low profile tether anchor, for rotation of the loop, and is water tight to prevent water flow through the device.

Abstract: A pop-up tie down device includes a body member having an attachment member for securing the body member to the stake hole of a side wall in a vehicle carrier. The anchor member includes a cavity which holds a pop-up tie down device. The pop-up tie down device is movable from a retracted position within the cavity to an extended position wherein a portion of the tie down device protrudes from the cavity.

Abstract: A belt shortening device with a side access slot for receiving a belt is provided. The device includes a frame and a spindle rotatably mounted thereto. The spindle includes a mount end in communication with the frame and a free end opposite to the mount end. The spindle has a slot extending from the free end toward the mount end a length defining a first finger and a second finger. Optionally, a first and second plates are, respectively affixed to the first and second fingers proximal to the free ends thereof. The plates are positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle and, respectively emanate away from the slot. The plates are positioned from said mount end a distance greater than the width of a belt to be shortened. The plates prevent accidental lateral ejection of the belt out of the slot. A ratchet mechanism is provided to control the rotation of the spindle and winding of a belt therearound.

Abstract: A cargo anchor primarily intended for attachment to the upper edge of the side of an open bed truck, comprising a journal box and an integral clamping apparatus. The journal box comprises a base member, a cleat superimposed on the base member and screws for interconnecting the cleat to the base member. A transverse bore in at least one of either the base member or the cleat is disposed parallel to the base member and the cleat and is sized to carry a shaft or a “D” ring that functions to support load binding straps or ties. Integral with the journal box is a clamping device for attaching the journal box to a flat structural member.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor is secured to a threaded stud projecting from a surface inside an auto to provide a point of attachment for a flexible member such as a cord or loop of a cargo restraint net. The anchor has a tubular stem defining an axial through hole for receiving the stud, and a plurality of barbs extending radially inward into the through hole and angled along the axis of the through hole in the direction in which the stud is inserted. The anchor is pushed directly onto the stud, the barbs deflecting radially outward as the stud is inserted into the through hole. The tips of the barbs engage the threads in a ratcheting manner as the stud is inserted into the through hole. The angled barbs effectively prevent withdrawal from the through hole unless the anchor is rotated to unthread it from the stud. The through hole allows the anchor to be produced as a single, integral piece requiring no further assembly before it is installed in connection with a threaded stud.

Abstract: A rail for pickup truck side walls, made of structural steel, that does not need as many braces to ensure its strength. The rail is secured to the truck bed at the ends of the rail. Along the rail are posts, but these posts do not extend down to the truck bed sides. They end short of the bed sides, leaving a space. This space allows a rope to be passed under the post, thereby making the job of tying down objects much simpler. The posts are also tapered from top to bottom (narrower at the top, wider at the bottom). This allows the posts to be used as tie points, with the ability to keep the rope from slipping. Thus, these rails and posts have the benefits of the rails without the problems typically found with ordinary posts. The rails are sized for long or short bends. On longer beds, a double rail system can be used.

Abstract: A hook and rail for use with tensioned webs and the like wherein the hook is defined by an opening in a stamped plate body having a throat through which a rail is received when the hook is angularly oriented to the rail in a particular manner. The hook body has a tension axis and the dimension of the hook throat parallel to the tension axis is less than the dimension of the rail in the direction of the tension axis during hook operation. The hook opening includes a recess and a guide surface whereby upon release of the tension in the web, and movement of the hook under gravity, positions the rail in the opening recess maintaining the anchor captured within the hook opening and the rail configuration prevents disengagement of the hook unless the hook is rotated through a specific motion.

Abstract: A vehicle side rail is formed in cross section into a base portion which attaches to the upper edge of the vehicle side wall and a curled portion which extends upwardly and forms a curved surface above the base portion. Tie-down openings are provided through the curled portion so that tie-down cords may be attached to objects being carried in the carrying compartment.

Abstract: A tie-down device for use with trucks or the like which requires an item or items to be secured to the truck bed by means of a rope, cable, strap, etc. The device is removable and securable without the need for drilling holes and without marring or scratching finished surfaces to which it is attached. Its primary use is, but is not limited to, the downwardly-protruding interior edge of a truck bed cap. This is accomplished by a single-piece design which is cylindrical in shape with a slot that runs the length of the piece forming a hook-like configuration and creating a front and rear portion to the device. At the front portion there is a radius groove at each end of the device with eased edges. This forms a cleat-like configuration to the front portion of the device and accommodates various means of securing items to a truck bed or the like.

Abstract: Connecting seat for tying bar of cargo platform of small truck, including a base seat, a connecting rod and an elongated circular bar. The base seat is mounted on the stopper board and has an insertion section on the surface. Two sides of the insertion section are respectively formed with opposite insertion sockets for different patterns of upper and lower connecting rods to insert therein. One side of the base seat is disposed with two hook sections. The upper connecting rod has a fitting section at one end for fitting with the hollow elongated circular bar. The other end is fixedly inserted into the insertion socket and locked by screws. One end of the lower connecting rod is connected with the upper connecting rod and the other end thereof is also fixedly inserted into the insertion socket and locked by screws. The connecting seat of tying bar is mounted on the stopper board of the cargo platform of a small truck.

Abstract: A tie-dowm device that includes, a cleat, and a neck, all integrally connected at an angle of about 125.degree.. The base defines two holes adapted to receive bolts attaching the device to a vehicle. The cleat includes two arms and defines a triangle-shaped ayalet, with a width greater than the width of the neck. The base, the cleat, and the neck are integrally formed and stamped from a single piece of metallic material.

Abstract: A retractable strap assembly is provided including a housing. Also included is a threaded post and a pair of clamps for removably and fixedly mounting the housing to a vehicle. Next included is a spool assembly situated within the housing and having a strap with a coupler on an end thereof. The strap is capable of being retracted within the housing.

Abstract: A utility hook for a pick-up truck is provided. Every Pick-up truck has some sort of bed or cargo carrying area. Typically, the bed is bound by sidewalls that include a vertical exterior wall, a horizontal top portion and a short overhang section. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for a base disposed below and attached to the horizontal top portion and between the vertical exterior wall and the short vertical overhang. An attachment structure is pivotally attached to the base via a pivot pin. Attachment structure includes an orientation section and a cargo engagement section disposed on opposite side of the pivot pin. The attachment structure is capable of pivoting such that it is disposed vertically above a plane formed perpendicular to the bottom edge of the short vertical overhang. A stop is also provided to contact the orientation section in order to hold the attachment structure in a defined orientation with respect to said base.

Abstract: A truck bed tie down anchor cleat for pickup utility vehicles which includes a clamp bracket (26) in U-shape having a pair of outwardly extending arms (32) to which a pivotal latch plate (52) is securely positioned inbetween. A wedge member (60) is located between the bracket and the truck bed side rail (30) and a rod shaped nut (70) is superimposed on top of the angular shaped wedge member. A bolt (74) is inserted through the bracket and wedge member and tightened into the nut applying a continuous compressive force wedging the cleat between a fulcrum flange (44) integral with the bracket and the side rails holding the invention securely in place with no modification to the truck bed. A second embodiment omits the latch plate and utilizes only one arm (32') in a horizontal position. A third embodiment substitutes a bicycle axle adapter (82) for the latch plate.

Abstract: A retractable self-locking cleat for rope, cable and like including means forming a base that can be mounted to a truck body, deck or other surfaces which includes an opening, recess, well or cavity into which an improved self-locking cleat component can be retracted. The cleat component is pivotably secured to the base and can be rotated into and out of the recess. The pivotable connection between the self-locking cleat component and the base may include a pivot pin and slot configuration that permits the cleat component to be maintained in its extended position once rotated thereinto or until it is repositioned so that it can be pivoted into its retracted position. Suitable bolts or other fasteners may be used to secure the base to the apertured wall, deck or other surface. In an alternative embodiment, the base is formed into a classical, fixed cleat configuration having a cavity formed in its midsection for receiving a retractable self-locking cleat component pivotably attached to the fixed base.

Abstract: A bed rail mount for securing a cylindrical bed rail to stake holes on a bed of a pickup truck. The bed rail mount has a protruding snout that inserts into one end of a bed rail. The bed rail mount secures to the stake hole by way of a movable locking bracket that engages one side of the stake hole and a rearwardly sloped tongue provided on the bed rail mount that engages an opposite side of the stake hole. The locking bracket is engaged by a screw after the screw extends through a horizontal opening in the hollow body of the bed rail mount. Tightening the screw moves the locking bracket away from the tongue. The locking bracket is provided on two opposite sides with horizontally extending lips which lock under the stake holes of various types of pickups to secure the bed rail mount thereto.

Abstract: A multipurpose anchor assembly includes a block assembly for mounting to the upper sidewall of a cargo carrying vehicle to accommodate tie down of handled cargo. A pin is received through an aperture in the block and engages a spring mounted plate assembly which allows for engagement of the pin for locking in selective positions. The pin includes an eye formation at a top thereof to facilitate attachment of a tie down lashing member.

Abstract: A tie-down rail for a truck bed including spaced apart sidewalls each having a top ledge. The rail comprises a tubular body having a linear portion, an intermediate portion extending from the linear portion, and an angular portion extending from the intermediate portion to form an angle with a longitudinal axis parallel with the linear portion. The linear portion, intermediate portion and angular portion have substantially identical cross-sectional profile. The rail is preferably illuminatable and includes at least one light source to light the interior of the rail. The lighting source preferably includes an illumatable wiring harness having a platform, a bulb receiving portion, and an electrical wire receiving portion. The platform is configured to maintain the wiring harness in an installed position with respect to the rail.

Abstract: A tie-down device has been invented that greatly improves securement of cargoes, loads, and ladings to beds, supports, and pallets. When installed within post receiving wells of beds, supports, and pallets, compressable polymeric material is caused to latitudinally expand in all outwardly directions in response to longitudinally applied compression thereupon by turning of an eyenut member.

Abstract: A bed rail mount consisting of a curved tube. The tube is provided with a female end for receiving one end of a cylindrical bed rail and provided with an opposite end that secures to a mounting plate. The mounting plate has gouged openings and ears which allow the mounting plate to be welded to an inside wall of the tube by welding the ears to the inside wall through the gouged openings. A flange nut is secured on a top side of the mounting plate so that it surrounds a central opening provided in the mounting plate. One end of a bolt extends through the central opening and engages the flange nut while an opposite end extends through a center opening in a wear plate, through a hole drilled in the vehicle, through a washer and engages a nut that secures the mount to the vehicle. An upwardly extending perimeter lip provided on the wear plate conceals the mounting plate.

Abstract: A tonneau support system for the bed of a pickup truck can be interchangeably utilized between supporting a bed cover, supporting load bars to load lock cargo, or support tie down straps to tightly overlie cargo in the course of being hauled. The elongated side rails are secured against opposite walls of the truck bed and include side grooves in which to removably secure the perimeter of the cover, and apertures in which to removably support displaceable load bars for load locking cargo or alternatively to receive hook ends of a tie-down strap to secure a load when hauled.

Abstract: A cargo box side rail for a pickup truck cargo box is disclosed in which the side rail is formed with integral clamp portions to attach the side rail to the cargo box by clamping to the upper end of the cargo box. By clamping the side rail to the cargo box the use of the cargo box stake pockets is avoided. By integrally forming the side rail with a clamp portion, the number of required components for attaching the side rails is reduced simplifying the construction of the side rail.

Abstract: A tie-down rail adapted to fit the top ledge of the sidewall of a truck bed, the tie-down rail comprising an elongated tubular rail having a substantially circular cross-section, and a hollow interior. In the preferred embodiment, the rail includes a planar top surface. Alternatively, the top surface may be slightly arched. The rail comprises open ends extending angularly downward and adapted to rest on the ledge of the sidewall. The preferred embodiment includes a pair of oppositely disposed flanges positioned in a plane parallel to the top surface of the rail. A rib projects into the interior of the rail from a bottom inner surface of the rail along a centerline. The rail further includes a bracket configured to be received within the end of the rail for attaching the rail to the ledge. The rail may also include a plurality of spaced apart slots formed along at least one side surface of the rail.

Abstract: A rail mounting member that is to be positioned on the sidewall of a pickup truck or other vehicle having a cargo bed with a sidewall. The mounting rail has a hook member which hooks around the bottom flange of the sidewall and an upper surface which is adhesively attached to the upper surface of the sidewall of the truck. A securing surface is attached to the rail mounting member so as to extend inward into the bed of the vehicle and a plurality of mounting points are positioned on the securing surface. Preferably, the securing surface extends substantially the entire length of the rail mounting member so as to allow securing of cargo to the mounting member along its entire length. The rail mounting member has ribs and indentations formed on the top side which will receive a mounting plate having matching indentations formed on a bottom side.

Abstract: A new cargo protecting security cable for pickup trucks for securing belongings carried in a bed on an uncovered pickup truck. The inventive device includes a pair of anchor portions securable within opposing stake pockets of a pickup truck bed and having a pair of apertures therethrough. A locking cable extends between large apertures of the pair of anchor portions. A first end of the locking cable extends through the large aperture of the second anchor portion and being fixedly secured thereto. The large aperture of the first anchor portion has a locking cylinder disposed therein. The locking cylinder receives a second end of the locking cable in a locked orientation.

Abstract: A cargo tie down assembly for disposition in the stake opening of a pickup truck or similar vehicle facilitates ready installation, secure mounting and easy removal. The tie down assembly includes a plastic base member having a flange which overlies the stake opening on the truck bed rail and a centering projection depending from the flange which is substantially complementarily to the size and shape of the stake opening and centers the member therewithin. The tie down also includes an integrally formed eyelet and flange member having an elongate threaded member which receives a conventional expandable toggle assembly. A through opening in the flange member receives the toggle and threaded member and a split collar on the flange member allows expansion of the toggle and its retention under the rail of the truck.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for a pallet or platform allows plural cargo carrying nfigurations for the pallet. The assembly has a pocket at the edge of the pallet's bed, the pocket having opposed sides, a web therebetween facing the edge of the bed and a ledge between the sides. The pocket has a gap between the sides adjacent to and coplanar with the ledge. A clamp passing through the gap has a mediate section faced on the edge, the mediate section opposing the web and contacting the sides of the pocket. First and second legs of the clamp join to the mediate section and bear on opposed sides of the bed, the mediate section and the legs together forming a C-shaped structure closely received on the bed. A flange extends inboard of the pallet from the first leg and provides a cargo tie-down point. The clamp has one position where the flange is above the bed and has an inverted position where the flange is below the bed.

Abstract: A releasable, modular, multi-use fastener which has a post unit of non-circular cross-section which is rigidly secured to a vehicle. The post unit has a frusto-pyramidically shaped top portion in which an axially disposed a cavity is adapted to receive the widened portion of a locking bayonet. A catch unit having a cavity, which is matingly shaped relative to the post unit, can be mounted on the post unit via a lateral opening. The top wall of the catch unit has a blind bore in which the locking bayonet is slidably mounted. A member can be attached to the vehicle by extending the post unit through an opening in the member and then laterally positioning the catch unit on the post unit in such a way that the lower, widened portion of the locking bayonet can be slidably inserted into the cavity in the pyramidically-shaped top portion of the post unit.

Abstract: A tie-down device which is removably securable without tools to an inside, downwardly oriented edge of the inner sidewalls of a pickup truck bed. The device has a stationary portion with an upwardly oriented front lip which inserts under the edge of the inner sidewall and has a loop connected to the front lip by means of a "U" shaped valley so that the loop extends upward on the inside of the truck bed. A movable portion which movably engages the loop can first be moved upward in order to position the device so that the downwardly oriented edge is inserted in a gap formed between the front lip and a wedge shaped bumper provided on the movable portion. The movable portion can then be moved downward to secure the device to the pickup truck by wedging the downwardly oriented edge between the bumper and between a vertical face of the front lip. The front lip is provided with a rubberized coating to prevent the device from scratching the finish of the truck bed.

Abstract: A pickup truck side rail apparatus includes paired front and rear rail members which are pivotally mountable to opposed sidewalls along a truck bed. The rail members are stored in lowered positions in which they extend longitudinally above and parallel to the sidewalls. They are vertically spaced from the sidewalls to form longitudinal side rails above and along the sidewalls. The rail members are pivotal to upright positions. In their upright positions, the rail members extend vertically from the front and rear ends of the opposed sidewalls. A pair of overhead cross-bars can be mounted between the transversely aligned rail members when in their upright positions. The overhead cross-bars extend transversely above the pickup truck bed to form an overhead rack for carrying lengthy objects above the truck bed and cab.

Abstract: A stake pocket anchor adapted to fill an upper area of a stake pocket hole conventionally found on pickup truck utility beds passing through horizontal portions of the pickup truck fender. An anchor plate is placed within the stake pocket hole of the pickup truck and a locator plate cooperates therewith to sandwich therebetween adjacent a downwardly depending lip integrally formed in the truck fender. A central portion of both the locator plate and anchor plate cooperate with various instrumentalities by threaded engagement therewith to serve multiple needs in a pickup truck environment. For example, an eyebolt can be passed through and threaded into the stake pocket anchor.

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 buckle cooperating with two straps each having a hooked end and a free end for fastening goods on a truck or the like. The buckle has a body and two rings. The body has two rectangular walls each having two longitudinal slots at two opposite ends thereof, two clefts each communicating with one of the slots, and at transverse middle cutoff. The walls are connected to each other with two bars below the slots and a flat element below the cutoff, thereby forming two openings beside the flat element. Each ring has a flat member. The hooked end of each strap is attached to a different side of the truck. The free ends of the straps are (a) inserted through the openings, (b) wound around the flat members of the rings, (c) inserted between the flat members of the rings and the bars, and (d) disposed between the bar and the strap. The flat member has an unlocking position where the strap can be pulled and a locking position where the strap is locked.

Abstract: A stake pocket insert includes a stake receiver and a clamp element designed to engage the interior of a conventional vehicle cargo bed stake pocket. The stake receiver has a cover plate that can be used to anchor a bed liner. The clamp element includes a bracket that engages the interior of the stake pocket and a protruding bolt that can also provide a tie down anchor.

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: A clamping apparatus for clamping an object to a member having an opening therein and marginal portions defining, in part, said opening. The apparatus includes a first member engageable with the object and having a first threaded portion. The first threaded portion is in threaded engagement with a second threaded portion complementary to the first threaded portion, the second threaded portion being on a base member having first and second opposite side portions. The apparatus further includes engaging members for engaging the marginal portions adjacent the opening, the engaging members having distal and proximal end portions, the proximal end portions being pivotally connected to the first and second opposite side portions of the base respectively. The distal end portions have respective contact surfaces for engaging the marginal portions about the opening.