Cargo restraint anchor device for pick-up trucks

Abstract

Herein is disclosed an improvement for a tie-down and attach-point anchor device for pickup truck beds that clamps to the downward protruding flange of a pickup truck's inner side rail or other similar available surface having an exposed edge. The anchor incorporating a slotted head capable of swiveling to accommodate different angles at which straps, bungees, ropes, and rigid members may be placed to secure or support cargo.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of the patent application entitled “Cargo Restraint Anchor Device for Pick-Up Trucks”, having application Ser. No. 11 / 365,425, filed on Mar. 1, 2006 and claims priority from this application.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a cargo anchor device designed to allow the restraint of articles that are loaded into the cargo bed of a pick-up truck, and specifically addresses a novel device that attaches anywhere along the downward protruding flange of the inner side rail of the cargo box and functions as an anchor for a cargo restraining strap, bungees, ropes, leashes, solid members, and the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pickup trucks are typically purchased to provide a means for transporting cargo. Cargo can be anything loaded into the truck's bed from large commercial palleted loads, building supplies purchased at the local lumber yard, and everything in between. Ideally, to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The present invention solves these problems by providing an aftermarket, easily installable tie-point that can be positioned anywhere along the pickup truck bed's downward protruding flange portion of the inner bed side rail. The present invention can be installed in minutes, and incorporates a swiveling, slotted head for attaching a strap, rope, leash, bungee cord, solid member, and the like. By allowing the head to swivel, a strap or straps threaded through the head can cross at any angle thus providing optimal restraint without bunching or twisting the strapping material.

[0005]The present invention is directed at anchoring cargo to the side rail(s) of a pickup truck's bed. The present invention may also be mounted on any a sheet surface similar to that available on the downward protruding flange of the inner side rail of a pickup truck's bed. The invention consists of a combination of an L-body portion, a C-body portion, and a slotted, swivel head. The inventive cargo anchor's L-body portion and a C-body are tied together with a threaded bolt and nut that nut that cooperate to form a compression clamp, clamping the anchor device on opposing sides of a downward protruding flange of a pickup trucks inner side rail or similar solid sheet surface with an exposed edge. Typically, one or more of the inventive cargo anchors would be mounted to one or both bed side rails. The inventive anchors would then be used to secure cargo within the bed. The inventions unique swiveling head allows optimal stress relief when straps are strung at acute angles to the bed rails.

Problems solved by technology

However, most manufactures of pickup trucks do not incorporate convenient tie-points or attach-points within the bed or along the bed's side rails to aid in the securing cargo from movement within the bed.

In addition, the advent of bed liners used to protect the surface of the bed, side panels, and rails from damage by cargo have further complicated the addition or availability of tie-points if factory installed.

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