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: An improved article carrying system for a vehicle having a pair of generally flat rails directly mounted to the vehicle surface, each rail being characterized by an upstanding wall with a sidewardly facing track formed therein and a ridge spaced from and parallel to the wall. A slider for mounting article support and securing members has a pedestal which rests on the flat surface of the rail and is captured in the track between the wall and the ridge. A grip bar having a plurality of spaced-apart locking tabs is swingably mounted to the slider whereby when the grip bar overlies the rail, the locking tabs on the grip bar lockingly engage the protrusions on the rail, and when the grip bar is swung cross-wise to the rail, the locking tabs clear the protrusions to allow the slider to be moved along the rail.

Abstract: A cargo clamp for a van, the van having cargo space defined by a floor, upwardly extending sidewalls and a roof. The cargo clamp comprises a transverse track that extends between the sidewalls below the roof and is supported below the roof and is held in place by side rails on each side. A clamp is attached to the track and is movable along the side rails between the sidewalls. The clamp also includes a downwardly extending brace that engages and restrains sheet material that is positioned on edge in the cargo space. The clamp includes a handle and bolt for engagement in a threaded hole for securing the clamp to the track at a selected position.

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

Abstract: A 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 cargo holding device (A,C) is disclosed for holding cargo in a vehicle bed (12) of a pick-up truck (14). Longitudinal side rails (16) carry the cargo holding device to position the device in the desired longitudinal position along the vehicle bed. The cargo holding device may include an articulated cargo holder (B) having a plurality of segmented cargo braces (26,28,30). The segmented cargo braces may be adjusted and set in a number of pivoted positions relative to each other to assume an angular orientation for holding cargo against movement in two directions. An adjustable index bar (54) may engage a number of index grooves (58) to lock each of a number of locking joints (53). The cargo holding device may also be provided in the form of a brace bar (84) pivoted at the end of a vertical leg (72) which may be adjusted in its vertical and transverse position relative to the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A system to prevent longitudinal lading movement in trailers, containers, boxcars or other freight transport vehicles. A captive crossbar is used to restrain the lading. One end of the crossbar is captured in a guide channel attached to a wall of the transport vehicle. Once the transport vehicle is loaded, a roller device on the captive end of the crossbar enables the operator to position the crossbar along the guide channel easily. The crossbar is then pivoted about the roller assembly to span the loading region of the transport vehicle. As the crossbar is rotated, locking elements on each end of the crossbar engage respective lock receiving apertures defined on each vehicle wall. When the crossbar is not in use it may be stowed within the guide channel, permitting free access to the loading region of the vehicle for the loading and unloading of freight.

Abstract: A cargo stabilizer is provided for utility vehicles, such as vans, pickup trucks, and the like, which have a cargo carrying bed. The stabilizer prevents the cargo from shifting either fore-to-aft or laterally in the vehicle bed. The stabilizer comprises two guide rails attached lengthwise along the opposite sidewalls of the vehicle bed in a generally mutually parallel relationship. A crossbar is slidingly supported on the guide rails, and includes latches at the opposite ends of the crossbar to adjustably and positively connect the crossbar to the guide rails at a selected location. The crossbar is longitudinally adjustable between locked and unlocked positions, and includes abutment surfaces at its opposite ends which directly abut the sidewalls of the vehicle bed when the crossbar is in the locked position.

Abstract: Fixtures supportable in a containerized unit for compartmentalizing the container into predetermined areas for storage and shipment of non-stackable articles at one or more levels within the container. A series of vertical support hangers are releasably connected to a longitudinally-extending horizontal top ledge within the container at opposite sides at predetermined spaced longitudinal intervals such that all the vertical load is supported by the ledge. Each of the vertical support hangers is provided with a releasable ledge-engaging C-clamp for gripping the ledge and a series of vertically-spaced pairs of slots for supporting horizontal support beams at predetermined levels by opposite vertical support hangers. Beam supporting connectors are positioned to support planar decking on the horizontal support beams at predetermined levels for compartmentalizing the interior of the container depending upon the article to be stored and shipped.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus includes movable and demountable structures which adapt the trailer for use with large planar sheets of material as well as more conventional loads such as cartons, drums and palletized articles. The trailer includes a plurality of parallel A-frame supports spaced longitudinally along the central portion of the trailer for receiving the planar material. Transversely oriented bars longitudinally restrain the material and straps extending downwardly from the top of the support laterally restrain it. The upper portion of the A-frame supports, as well as the bars and straps are removable. A pair of hinged panels selectively form a trailer floor in the central portion thereof. The sidewalls of the trailer are fixed. The roof is movable to permit loading and unloading of the planar material from above and conventional rear trailer doors provide access therethrough for loading and unloading conventional cargo such as palletized material, cartons, and drums.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a cart for transporting floral baskets, pots, sprays, wreaths, and the like conveniently and easily by one person. The cart comprises an elongated frame structure having a bottom, two sides and a front, along with a pair of wheels disposed at the front and support legs arranged near the rear of the cart. The sides form a pair of longitudinal channels for adjustably receiving a plurality of transverse rails. The transverse rails provide secure compartments for the floral baskets or pots during transportation. The frame structure also may include longitudinal dividers to form individual compartments for the baskets. Side frames also can be provided.

Abstract: A latch assembly for connecting a tubular dunnage bar to a support comprises a tubular housing received within an end of the bar, a connector member and a latch plate slidably mounted in the housing, and a single bellows-type spring which is confined in the housing and acts against the inner ends of both the connector member and the latch plate, extending their outer ends from the housing. Extending movement of the connector member is limited by a slot in the housing engaged by a pin on the connector member; movement of the latch plate is limited by a recess in the connector member engaged by a pin formed by part of an operating handle on the latch plate. The outer end of the connector is formed with a laterally projecting locking lug and, with the latch plate retracted, is adapted to be inserted through an opening in a surface of the support and moved laterally, placing the locking lug in overlapping engagement with the inner face of the surface.

Abstract: A horizontally positioned restraining bar which has at each end a spring biased guiding member. The bar is located in the access opening of a magazine compartment, bookcase, storage bin or the like which is provided with vertically mounted rails at the vertical sides of the access opening. The bar is slidingly arranged by the guiding members in the rails and positioned at a predetermined horizontal level within the access opening for restraining objects from falling out of the compartment. By manually raising the bar, an object can be retrieved from the compartment after which the bar automatically will return to its previous restraining level by gravity. The apparatus is particularly designed for use on airplanes, moving vehicles, etc. and is provided with features to assure a rattle free and noiseless operation as well as quick installation and removal features.