Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use within a cargo container. The system comprises vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slidably disposed within the ends of the beams. In a preferred embodiment the end assemblies comprise coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use within a cargo container. The system comprises vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slidably disposed within the ends of the beams. The posts can accommodate alternative beam end configurations. One configuration includes a foot with angled guide edges slidably captured within the guide channels. An alternate configuration comprises coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force. This alternate configuration has an identical latch mechanism at both ends and is reversibly mountable within the decking beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides an end assembly for use with cargo decking beams. The end assembly comprises a body that is slidably disposed within the end of a decking beam. A foot section is pivotally coupled to the body and includes obliquely angled guide edges formed from outer plates of the foot. The guide edges are slidably captured within similarly angled guide channels in a mounting track. A pivoting locking plate sandwiched between said outer plates slides into and out of openings (either A or E slots) in the mounting track to secure the beam end assembly in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reversible end assembly for use with cargo decking beams. The end assembly comprises a body formed from C-shaped plates coupled back-to-back that is slideably disposed within the end of a decking beam. Identical latch mechanisms at both ends of the body allow the end assembly to be reversibly mounted within the beam. Each latch mechanism includes an end tab formed from the plates that fits into openings (either A or E slots) in a mounting track. A retaining lip on the bottom engages the openings and a notch in the top provides room for the lip to be inserted and lifted out of the openings. An internal swivel latch fills the space left by the notch when in a closed position to prevent the retaining lip from lifting out of the openings.

Abstract: An elongate beam assembly for supporting cargo is provided. The beam assembly includes an elongate beam extending between first and second ends, the beam comprising a bottom wall with a downward facing surface and extending across a bottom width. A top wall includes an upwardly facing surface and extends across a top width between right and left edges and opposite right and left side walls extend between the bottom and top walls. The bottom width is smaller than the top width. Each of the right and left edges of the top wall define respective right and left side surfaces. Right and left ribs extend from a bottom edge of each respective right and left side surface to the respective right and left side wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a protective panel over a window includes at least one telescoping retainer bar that is tightly fixed within a window frame, adjacent the panel. Spring-biased locking buttons removably seat within one or more longitudinally-disposed apertures to fix the retainer bar at a desired length. At each end of the bar is a resilient pad that firmly engages one of two opposing sides of a window or door frame. One of the pads is movable relative to the bar to further tighten the bar within the frame once the telescoping bar has been extended as far as possible. The pad at the opposing end includes a biasing means for further anchoring the bar within the frame.

Abstract: A beam assembly is formed from a hollow beam member which has a pair of slidable channel units installed therein and extend from the opposite ends thereof. The ends of the channel units have guide shoes forming latching assemblies pivotally supported thereon, each guide shoe having a spring loaded lock key mounted pivotally mounted thereon. A pair of tracks are spaced from each other in opposing relationship by a distance equal to the longitudinal extent of the beam member. The tracks have a plurality of aligned apertures and C-shaped runners running along their longitudinal extent. The lock keys of the beam member each has a pair of latching fingers extending therefrom which fit into a pair of adjacent track apertures. The latching fingers may be locked in place in the opposing track apertures by the spring action of their associated springs and may be withdrawn from the apertures by way of a hook shaped tab attached thereon.

Abstract: A telescopically adjustable support brace includes a first member and a second member operably moveable with respect to the first member in a telescopic manner. The first and second members are adapted to be positioned across two objects for maintaining a fixed distance therebetween. A quick-clamping device includes a collar moveably engaged in the first member and a quick-release device for selectively clutching the collar to the second member. When the collar is clutched to the second member, the second member is adapted to be moved with respect to the first member by the collar. Further, an adjusting device is operable to move the collar with respect to the first member, and the collar is thereafter adapted to move the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A press-fit extendable support rod includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe sheatheable along the outer pipe. An end of a rope is fixed to the inner pipe, and another end of the rope is extendable outward. A press-fit buckle device is sheathed to a joint of the inner and outer pipes. A rotary arm is pivotally coupled to the press-fit buckle device, and an end of the rotary arm has a first operating portion, a second operating portion and a third operating portion. The rotary arm can be pivotally coupled to the press-fit buckle device by one of the operating portions, and another end of the rope is wound onto each operating portion. When the rotary arm is turned, the rope is pulled, turned around, and pressed at each operating portion, and the length of the inner pipe extended out of the outer pipe is adjusted and fixed.

Abstract: A load suspension device that can be adjusted, locked, and braced horizontally, by means of hydraulics, has an extension device for length adjustment, and consists of two supporting parts and a hydraulic operating element having two work chambers, which is connected with one of the supporting parts and supports itself in the other supporting part, and adjusts these relative to one another. There is a pressure line and a tank line, a controller, a measurement sensor disposed on the hydraulic operating element or on the extension device, and a pressure measurement system. The extension device remains braced when the system is without current or pressure or when current or pressure is applied. The device is inexpensive to construct, service and maintain, minimizes damage due to impact of the supporting parts with an obstacle, and avoids impact stresses on the operating element from the hydraulic system.

Abstract: An arrangement of securing frame assemblies is provided within a shipping enclosure and engaging packages being handled. The frame assemblies are secured to side walls of the container and act in pairs to extend from respective sides and join together to form bracing barriers extending across the width of the container.

Abstract: A bar assembly includes hollow interior and exterior tubes. Each tube has an inner and an outer end. The tubes are of a length less than the distance between spaced vertical window jamb side surfaces. The bar assembly includes a rigid stopper. A stopper is press fit into the outer end of each tube. The bar assembly includes pins. A pin extends outwardly from each stopper. The bar assembly includes a coil spring. The coil spring is provided within the exterior tube. The coil spring has a first end. The first end is in contact with the stopper of the exterior tube. The coil spring has a second end. The second end is in contact with the inner end of the interior tube. The coil spring is adapted to be compressed to a loading orientation. The coil spring is further adapted to be expanded to an operational orientation.

Abstract: Stabilizing devices having elongate telescoping tube segments and end clamps. The end clamps of certain of the devices are clamped onto side rails of a cargo bed for segmenting a cargo bed length way. The end clamps of other of the devices are clamped to the tube segments of the first devices for segmenting a cargo bed width way. Thus providing stabilization of segmented loads having length and/or width dimensions less than the length and/or width of the cargo bed.

Abstract: A cargo restraining system for use within a bed of a pickup truck. The system includes a first pair of rails disposed on sidewalls of the bed. A second pair of support rails are secured to the forward wall of the bed and to an interior surface of the rear liftgate of the bed. First and second independent cross bar assemblies have end supports that are coupled to the support walls so that the assemblies extend perpendicularly from one another. The cross bar assemblies can be adjustably positioned along their associated pair of support rails to engage cargo of widely varying sizes and shapes that is being carried within the bed of the vehicle. The end supports can be simultaneously locked and unlocked from one end of each cross bar assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement of securing frame assemblies is provided within a shipping enclosure and engaging packages being handled. The frame assemblies are secured to side walls of the container and act in pairs to extend from respective sides and join together to form bracing barriers extending across the width of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel joint which includes an anchoring system between composite plate side walls of a trailer body. The anchoring system includes track members which are provided at multiple points on each side wall. Beams extend between the respective track members by attachments and are attached thereto. The beams can be moved up and down along the tracks and support cargo or a removable deck which supports the cargo. The track members can also be removed from the joints without dismantling the entire joint. Splicing members are attached at the joints on the outside of the trailer body.

Abstract: A load restraint for use in a container is disclosed. The road restraint comprises a support to locate and extend generally vertically within a first locating formation (such as a corrugation in a wall) within a container. A transverse member extends from the support member across the container to engage with a second locating formation (such as another corrugation). A load engaging member is secured to the transverse member to extend from the transverse member to engage a load within the container. The load engaging member is adjustable in position with respect to the transverse member whereby it can contact a load spaced from the transverse member over a range of distances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel joint which includes an anchoring system between composite plate side walls of a trailer body. The anchoring system includes track members which are provided at multiple points on each side wall. Beams extend between the respective track members by attachments and are attached thereto. The beams can be moved up and down along the tracks and support cargo or a removable deck which supports the cargo. The track members can also be removed from the joints without dismantling the entire joint. Splicing members are attached at the joints on the outside of the trailer body.

Abstract: A cargo bar including first and second bars extending from opposite sides of a grip housing, with distal ends thereof defining a cargo bar length. An advancement pawl moves the first bar away from the second bar to increase the cargo bar length. A holding pawl prevents the first bar from moving back toward the second bar to decrease the cargo bar length. First and second handles are rotatably attached to the housing between folded positions proximate to the housing and operating positions extending away from the housing. The first handle has an engagement portion that engages with and operates the advancement pawl as the first and second handles are squeezed together. The holding pawl includes a release tab that extends from the housing that when pressed, causes the holding pawl to release the first bar and allow it to move to decrease the cargo bar length.

Abstract: A seat retainer arrangement for use on the cargo compartment of a pickup truck or the like comprising a substantially rigid, longitudinally extensible and retractable arm member for engagement removably to respective joints on the bed liner sections covering two opposite side walls of the cargo compartment.

Abstract: This invention provides a convenient, inexpensive device for securing objects in place in the load bed of a transporting vehicle, comprising an elongate frame, clamping members arranged for movably mounting opposite ends of the frame to variable positions along opposing rails on the sidewalls of the load bed, and a load securing member arranged for movably mounting to variable positions along the frame to enable direct pressure engagement of an object located a variable positions within the load bed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose truck pole for use in a pick-up truck bed or cab having garment hooks disposed on the inner side walls of the truck includes first and second pole sections telescopically connected to each other whereby the overall length of the pole may be adjusted and locked into position. Suspension brackets at each end of the pole allow the pole to be hung from the truck's garment hooks and cargo arm is pivotally attached to one end of the pole and movable between a stored position and a utilitarian position on which the arm extends outwardly from the pole to position or retrieve cargo in the bed of the truck. A light is also disposed in one end of the pole adjacent the cargo arm to provide illumination when retrieving or positioning cargo. Retaining cups are provided on the vertical walls of the truck bed to hold the pole above the truck bed.

Abstract: The pallet stabilizer frame when combined with a pre-existing, load-bar it will prevent pallets and freight from shifting laterally during shipping. It is comprised of a frame 20, internal support bars 22, pressure point plate 24, extension tubing 24, attached latching 30 pin 28, and load-bar bracing system (not shown). The pallet stabilizer prevents freight from falling laterally by extending into the pocket of space and across to the opposing wall. The frame rest against the freight and inserts into a load-bar system that telescopically extends and is held in place by tension. The pallet stabilizer is easy to use, reusable, no tools are needed and it can be disassembled when not in use.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo gate system for a flat bed of a truck or trailer is provided for restraining objects, including small items, from sliding or moving about when the vehicle accelerates, decelerate, or makes sharp turns. It consists of a grate of adjustable width supported in a vertical position by braces attached to cars sliding on a pair of tracks extending from front to rear on the bed or floor of the vehicle. The grate can be positioned at any point athwart the bed of the vehicle, including diagonally across it. The bars of the grate provide anchoring for tie-downs to secure items that are too large to fit within the vehicle bed, or small items that might escape through the openings in the grate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic load beam with an elongated profile element (24) and a telescopic element (26) which is displaceable at the end therein and axially relative thereto wherein provided for releasably fixing a relative position between the profile element (24) and the telescopic element (26) is a locking arrangement (30, 34) which has a retaining lever (34) pivotably arranged on one of the profile element and the telescopic element, and an engagement portion (30) which is formed for co-operation with a retaining groove (38) in the pivotal lever and which is fixed to the other of the profile element and the telescopic element, wherein the pivotal lever (34) is preferably of such a configuration that it can be automatically moved into a locking position by the profile element (24) and the telescopic element (26) being pulled apart.

Abstract: A removable vehicle trunk organizer comprising a container with a variable number of separated compartments and a reversible locking device for laterally securing the container within a vehicle trunk. The reversible locking device comprises a spiral throw-out lock with at least one extensible leg linked to an exterior actuator.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo retention bar assembly for securing cargo within a cargo hold. The assembly includes a rigid beam having a rod inserted through the beam. The rod is movably adjustable with respect to the beam and is provided with a surface for contacting and securing the cargo. The assembly also provides a stop to prevent the rod from moving once the surface is positioned against the cargo.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved adjustable and vertically lockable decking system for use in supporting freight in a cargo vessel wherein the vessel has opposing side walls. The system includes at least one pair of elongated strips, each of the pair adapted to be mounted vertically on each of the opposing walls. Each of the strips comprises a plurality of vertically spaced apertures. There is also provided a horizontally oriented support assembly being horizontally adjustable in length so as to span a width of the vessel between the opposing side walls. The assembly is pivotally connected at opposing ends thereof to a latching assembly.

Abstract: A bar system for attachment to the box of a pickup truck for securing various items in the box in a stabilized manner. The bar system includes (a) an elongated bar which includes an elongated slot, (b) mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of the bar, with at least one of the brackets being adjustably mounted, and including a bolt for securing each bracket to the box; and (c) at least one tie-down bracket carried by the bar and being movable along the bar. The bar system strengthens the box and also provides convenient and safe tie-down locations to secure and stabilize items carried in the box.

Abstract: A rectangular cargo retaining beam and anchoring track system has anchoring tracks with horizontally and vertically oriented slots on opposed cargo receptacle walls and beams having telescopically adjustable length and ends with hooks for engaging opposed slots. In the engaged position, at least one of the hooks is latched in place by a pivotal latching member which fills the length of the slot to prevent release of the hook unless the latching member is pivoted to disengage the slot. Protected, positive access for manual actuation and release of the latching member is provided at the long face of the rectangular beam so that the beam can be installed and released with the long axis either horizontal or vertical at the discretion of the user, without risk of the release mechanism being blocked by shifting cargo and, with the anchoring tracks being installed either vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: A crossbar device includes an outer tube with an inner tube retractably received in the outer tube, an adjusting device disposed to the outer tube and having two pawl members pivotally disposed therein which has a connecting member connected therebetween and the connecting member is actuated by an actuating member disposed to the adjusting device. A pressing member is movably received in the adjusting device and has an end thereof engaged with one of the pawl member so that when pushing the pushing member downwardly, the pawl members are pivoted and disengaged from an toothed surface of the inner tube so that the inner tube is freely moved corresponding to the outer tube.

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 railcar load divider support carriage having a load divider support beam, a pair of roller support bars fixedly attached to opposing ends of the load divider support beam, the ends of the roller support bars extending horizontally from the sidewalls of the load divider support beam, and a pair of rollers rotatably mounted at the ends of each of the roller support bars, the roller carriage providing for rolling motion of a railcar load divider door along roller tracks affixed to the interior of a railcar, the roller tracks engaging with and supporting the rollers.

Abstract: A cargo retainer for separating cargo and preventing shifting of cargo within a vehicle during transportation is disclosed. The cargo retainer includes an elongate outer tubular member and two tubes telescopically received within the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member and telescoping tubes are preferably formed of polymeric material. Short metal reinforcement tubes are inserted in the outer ends of the telescoping tubes to strengthen the connection point between the cargo retainer and the support structure in the vehicle's cargo compartment. Latch members are attached at the outer ends of the telescoping tubes for attaching the cargo retainer across the width of a vehicle's cargo compartment. The latch members preferably pivot about an axis normal to the axis of the cargo retainer. A retraction mechanism is provided in the form of a tension spring connecting the inner ends of the telescoping tubes together. The telescoping tubes and latch members fully retract into the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A pair of extenders are slidably carried in opposite ends of an elongated hollow-form cargo-engaging member. A latching clip is pivotally mounted on each of the extenders adjacent to its outer end and is adapted to releasably engage an E-Track secured to opposing interior walls of a semi-trailer, railroad car or ship's cargo hold. Diametrically opposing latch clip-receiving slots extend inwardly from each end of the cargo-engaging member a distance sufficient to permit the latch to be received within and protected by the cargo-engaging member when not in use. Diametrically opposing latch clip-receiving notches project inwardly from the outer end of each extender a distance sufficient to permit the extender to partially reinforce the latch clip during use without eliminating pivotal movement of the latch clip relative to the extender.

Abstract: An adjustable storage device for loading and transporting vehicles in containers, including a deck for supporting a vehicle in an elevated position, at least two pairs of substantially vertical legs with a plurality of leg pegs positioned along the length of each of the legs; at least two substantially horizontal crossbars, a crosspiece of the crossbars bridging the pairs of legs; a hooking ring member encircling each of the legs and removably engaging one of the leg pegs and an arm peg on each of the arms of the crossbar; and at least two floor bars and a wall brace for securing the storage device to the wall of the container.

Abstract: A selectively adjustable bar lock assembly for retaining cargo being transported in vehicles or other motive devices which includes a pair of relatively telescoping tubes which are rotatable within outwardly disposed resilient cushion members and which are frictionally locked by an internal cam upon their relative rotation. In some embodiments, separate or integrally formed retention receptacles are used to receive the cushion members to positively align the cushion members relative to the walls of the vehicles.

Abstract: A truck bed divider system for placement within the bed of a truck includes at least one primary divider and at least one secondary divider. The primary dividers include brackets at each end that provide a frictional fit against the interior side of the walls of the bed of the truck. By a slotted interrelationship, the primary dividers are situated within the bed at their preferred positions and are thereafter adjusted by extending the brackets outward relative to the divider body to their maximum extent whereby they are pressed against the side of the bed and held thereto by tension, thus eliminating the need for fasteners. The secondary dividers are provided with hooks at their ends and are interfittable between the primary dividers by being hooked into slots perpendicularly defined in the body of the primary dividers. Both primary and secondary dividers are preferably provided with shelf extensions for the placement of shelves thereupon.

Abstract: A cargo load-lock is provided having a blocking member and a pair of braces. The cargo load-lock can be used to limit shifting of freight during shipping. In the first preferred embodiment, the blocking member is a rigid structure, such as a 2.times.4. The blocking member is secured to opposing trailer sidewalls by the two braces. A brace is positioned at opposite ends of the blocking member, and is then secured to the trailer. Each brace includes a base and a sleeve. The sleeve receives opposite ends of the blocking member. Opposite the sleeve, the base includes an adhesive which provides a bond between the brace and the sidewall. Once the braces are secured, the cargo load-lock is in place. No tools are required. To collapse the cargo loadlock, the blocking member is first removed. This can be accomplished by prying open a portion of the sleeve. This is facilitated by perforations which extend in a U-shaped design along the top of the sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable freight bracing crossbar is disclosed. The crossbar includes an elongate, substantially hollow, support body. A wall engaging member is connected to one end of the support body. A telescoping tube is slidably mounted within the other end of the support body and projects outward from the tube for engaging a wall. A hydraulic pump mechanism is secured within the support body and includes a piston movable within the tube between a retracted position and an extended position toward the projecting end portion of the tube. A spring is connected to the piston rod and the end portion of the telescoping tube for creating a biasing force between an extended piston and telescoped tube when the crossbar is mounted within a compartment to compensate for slack created between the end portion of the tube and compartment wall such as occurs when the compartment is in transit.

Abstract: A cargo beam is comprised of an elongated center section and opposed end sections telescopically received within the center section. Each end section is adapted for receiving a mounting plug, whereby the beam can be anchored to opposed walls of a load receptacle, such as a truck body. Each end section includes a pair of tubular members connected by a compression spring. The center section has two sets of apertures in each of the opposed side walls thereof. The innermost tubular member of each end section has an aligned pair of holes in the opposed side walls thereof for being aligned with corresponding apertures in the center section, whereby the corresponding end section can be removably attached to the center section by a pair of spring-loaded detents. The length of the beam is adjustable by varying the depth of penetration of one or both of the end sections into the center section. The spring-loaded detents are easily disengaged when it is desired to change the length of the beam.

Abstract: A telescopic cargo bar having a jack comprising a rack and a gear segment cooperating therewith, the gear segment being connected to a control handle, which is pivotally connected to the outer telescopic member, the jack further is provided with a latch, which in a first latch position latches the handle in a first locking position. The latch further comprises a second latch position arranged to latch the handle in a second locking position located between the first locking position and the open position. This second latch position is arranged to prevent the handle from being brought past the latch before the gear segment is released from the rack. The handle can be brought past the second latch position to open position by manual actuation of the latch.

Abstract: A load securing system for securing loads in a trailer or van, whether the load is centered in the nose of the trailer or held in the rear of the trailer. The load securing system includes a longitudinal member, a friction jack adjustably secured at one end, and H-bars on a plate pivotally mounted on the other end. An extension member can engage with the longitudinal member for securing a load in a center position. In an alternative embodiment, at least one friction jack can be utilized and more than one pivotally mounted H-bar plate can be utilized along the length of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A load bar for extension between opposite side walls of a cargo vehicle to restrain the cargo. The bar includes a pair of main tubes pivoted end to end at a toggle joint. An extension tube has a telescopic fit in one of the main tubes to provide length adjustment over a wide range. A clamp may be tightened to rigidly clamp the extension tube in place. The toggle joint may be covered and locked in its straight condition by a sleeve which fits closely yet slidably on the main tubes of the load bar.

Abstract: A cargo stabilizing device has a channel member with studs extending from one wall to engage keyhole-shaped holes spaced a certain distance apart in a support. A movable member can slide in the channel member and has teeth that can be engaged by a panel on the channel member to lock the movable member in any of the more closely spaced positions defined by the spacing between the teeth. The movable member has a further adjustable member with a surface that engages the cargo to hold it in place. The adjustable member can be moved to any position within a range at least as long as the distance between the teeth on the movable means. Selection of the holes into which to engage the studs, and selection of a specific tooth, and setting the adjustable member allows the surface of the latter to be placed at any point in the entire range of positions possible within the locations available in the entire set of holes in the support.

Abstract: Cabinet units (26,28) are installed in a cargo container (2) and fully integrated into the container structure to enable them to withstand transportation forces. Each cabinet unit (26,28) includes a lower cabinet (26) and an attached upper cabinet (28). The units (26,28) are arranged in opposite rows along the container sidewalls (4). Adjacent units (26,28) are attached to each other. Each unit (26,28) is attached to an angle anchor beam (58) secured to the container floor (16) and to rails (88) secured to the container sidewalls (4). The frontmost units (26,28) abut the container front wall (10). Acceleration forces are transmitted from the cabinets (26,28) through a header (14) positioned above the container door (12) to the container structure. The rearmost upper cabinet (28) of each row has secured thereto a cabinet support member (116) which rotatably carries a screw (130).

Abstract: A cargo shoring bar which extends between slotted tracks on the opposite side walls of a truck body. A pair of telescoping tubes have an internal screw and nut mechanism which allows the tubes to be extended and retracted by threaded action when they are turned relative to one another in opposite directions. An end fitting on one tube fits closely in a slot on one track and the opposite slot receives a cylindrical peg on the end of the other tube. Its cylindrical shape allows the peg to turn in its slot so that the tube which carries it can be turned to tightly wedge the shoring beam between the tracks. Optional hoops are fixed at one end to one tube and at the other end to a sleeve fitted closely on the other tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latch assembly for a cargo bar of the type having at least two relatively displaceable members. A pivotally mounted handle is used to extend the members in opposite directions to engage in compression the opposite walls of a cargo container. The latch assembly includes a housing having a latch element which is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin to the housing. The latch element is spring biased toward a latched position at which the latch element is in latching engagement with the handle of the extending means. The pivotal mount for the latch element is provided with clearance to enable displacement of the latch element relative to the pivot pin, and the housing is formed with a cap portion positioned proximate the latch for area-to-area support of the top of the latch element upon displacement of the latch relative to the pivot pin. The latch assembly also includes a ramp formed toward the base of the latch element to provide a method for easy release of the latch element.

Abstract: A load/cargo restraining apparatus and kit for same for vehicles such as pick-up trucks, vans and the like including a pair of opposing, parallel support rails having spaced holes therethrough positioned outwardly from opposing walls of the truck and a rigid, elongated cross member fitted between the rails and having an extending pin at either end. Each pin is received through one hole in a support rail. A removable fastener is secured to each pin in the space between the rail and wall whereby no pressure is exerted by the cross member or pins against either wall. A second cross member may be secured between the rails at a spaced position from the first cross member to help support one or more rigid, elongated brace members which prevent lateral shifting of loads. Vertically oriented restraining members may be secured to each cross member to support another horizontal support member above or below the cross member to resist shifting of taller or shorter cargo.

Abstract: A restraining bar for use on pickup trucks and the like for clamping between the two sidewalls of the truck bed to restrain articles which otherwise would tend to drift around and/or fall over if not adequately retained. The restraining bar is comprised of first and second telescoping members, each having a friction pad at the distal end thereof for being forced against and frictionally retained by respective sidewalls of a pickup truck bed. Connected to the inner end of the smaller member of the telescoping pair is a spring member operable by an operating lever which, when in an upper or spring uncompressed position, is free to slide within the larger of the two telescoping members, though when pushed downward toward a spring compressed position will first engage and lock against interior opposing walls of the larger of the two telescopic members, and thereafter compress the spring, ultimately reaching an over center position to be self retaining.