Rail arrangement

Abstract

A retaining device comprises a first retaining member, a second retaining member, and a rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are connected via the rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to move longitudinally along the rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to rotate about the rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to selectively engage a rail. The first retaining member includes a first latch and the second retaining member includes a second latch. The first retaining member may have a first opening and the second retaining member may have a second opening. The first latch and the second latch may engage the ends of the rod to limit longitudinal movement of the first retaining member and the second retaining member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to rail assemblies that may include support devices, including rail assemblies and support devices that may be used in conjunction with vehicles. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The following describes the background of the invention merely for illustrative purposes. Thus, any aspect of this background description, unless otherwise considered prior art, is neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

[0003] Some rail assemblies may be relatively complex and / or lack sufficient functionality. Some rail assemblies may not be configured to be selectively removed from a rail. US 4 607 991 A discloses a self-locking fastening anchor for load securing. US 2008 / 0 279 649 A1 shows a sliding fastening device.

[0004] There is a need for solutions / options that minimize or eliminate one or more problems or deficiencies of holding devices. The above description merely serves to illustrate examples from the present field and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The object of the present invention is to provide a compact and efficient holding device. This object is achieved by a holding device according to claim 1 or a holding device according to claim 3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to embodiments, a retaining device comprises a first member, a second member, and a rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are connected via the rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to move longitudinally along the rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to rotate about the rod. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to selectively engage a rail. The first retaining member may have a first contact element and / or a third contact element. The second retaining member may have a second contact element and / or a fourth contact element. The first contact element may be configured to move with the third contact element, and / or the second contact element may be configured to move with the fourth contact element.

[0006] According to embodiments, the first contact element and / or the third contact element may be configured to contact a first side of the rail. The second contact element and / or the fourth contact element may be configured to contact a second side of the rail. The first contact element, the second contact element, the third contact element, and / or the fourth contact element are substantially S-shaped. The first contact element may comprise an upper portion and / or a lower portion. The upper portion may be configured to contact an upper surface of a first side of the rail, and / or the portion may be configured to contact an inner surface of a second side of the rail. The second contact element may comprise a first rib and / or the third contact element may comprise a second rib.The first rib and / or the second rib may be configured to engage the rail to limit longitudinal movement of the retaining device. The first retaining element and the second retaining element may have substantially the same configuration.

[0007] According to embodiments, the first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. Removal of the first retaining member and the second retaining member from the rail is not substantially restricted when the first retaining member and the second retaining member are in the first position. Removal of the first retaining member and the second retaining member from the rail is restricted when the first retaining member and the second retaining member are in the second position. The retaining device may comprise a biasing member configured to bias the first retaining member and / or the second retaining member toward the second position. The first retaining member may have a first latch and / or a first opening. The second retaining member may have a second latch and / or a second opening.When the first retaining member and / or the second retaining member are in the second position, the first latch engages the second opening and / or the second latch engages the first opening. The first latch, the second latch, the first opening, and / or the second opening are configured to limit rotation of the first retaining member and the second retaining member.

[0008] According to embodiments, the first retaining member may comprise a first lock, and / or the second retaining member may comprise a second lock. When the first retaining member and / or the second retaining member are in the first position, the first lock and / or the second lock may not engage ends of the rod. When the first retaining member and the second retaining member are in the second position, the first lock and the second lock may engage the ends of the rod to limit longitudinal movement of the first retaining member and the second retaining member.

[0009] According to embodiments, the rail assembly may comprise a retaining device and / or a rail. The retaining device may comprise a first retaining element, a second retaining element, and / or a rod. The rail may comprise an outer rail and / or an inner rail. The inner rail may be at least partially disposed within the outer rail. The first retaining element and / or the second retaining element may be connected via the rail and / or configured to selectively engage the rail assembly. The first retaining element and / or the second retaining element may be configured to translate along the rod and / or rotate about the rod.An upper portion of a first contact element of the first retaining element and / or an upper portion of a second contact element of the second retaining element may be configured to contact corresponding outer surfaces of the outer rail when the retaining device engages the rail assembly. A lower portion of the first contact element and / or a lower portion of the second contact element may be configured to contact corresponding inner surfaces of the outer rail when the retaining device engages the rail assembly.

[0010] According to embodiments, the lower portion of the first contact element and / or the lower portion of the second contact element may each comprise a rib. The ribs may be configured to engage the inner rail and / or limit longitudinal movement of the first retaining element and / or the second retaining element relative to the rail assembly. The first retaining element and the second retaining element may have corresponding openings that are substantially aligned and / or configured to secure a connector when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are in a clamped position. The first retaining element and / or the second retaining element may be configured to move between a first position and / or a second position. The first retaining element and / or the second retaining element do not engage the rail assembly in the first position.The first holding element and / or the second holding element are clamped in the second position in the rail arrangement.

[0011] The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, uses and / or advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description and upon consideration of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the teachings of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a rail according to the teachings of the present invention Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the teachings of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the teachings of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5A shows a side view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the teachings of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the teachings of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6A shows a side view of an embodiment of a rail assembly according to the teachings of the present invention with a retaining device in a first position. Fig. Figure 6B shows a side view of an embodiment of a rail assembly according to the teachings of the present invention with a retaining device in a second position. Fig. Figure 6C shows a side view of an embodiment of a rail assembly according to the teachings of the present invention with a retaining device in a second position. Fig. Figure 7A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the teachings of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the teachings of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be described in connection with the embodiments and / or examples, it should be understood that these are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments and / or examples. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0013] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a track assembly 20 may include a retaining device 50 and / or a track 30. The retaining device 50 may be configured to selectively engage the track 30. The track assembly 20 may be connected to one or more of a plurality of mounting surfaces 22, such as, without limitation, a vehicle. The track assembly 20 may include an outer track 32 and / or an inner track 34. The outer track 32 may include an inner surface 36 and / or an outer surface 38. The outer track 32 may include a tapered portion 44 disposed on the first side 40 and / or the second side 42 of the track 30. The tapered portion 44 may connect the inner surface 36 of the outer track 32 to the outer surface 38 of the outer track 32. The inclined portion 44 may have an angle (e.g., about 45 degrees, or more or less) with respect to the Y-direction and / or the Z-direction.

[0014] According to embodiments, the holding device 50 may comprise a first holding element 52 and / or a second holding element 54. The first holding element 52 and / or the second holding element 54 may each be rotatably connected via a rod 80. The rod 80 may be arranged substantially at a center of the holding device 50. The first holding portion 52 and the second holding portion 54 may rotate about an axis 80A of the rod 80, which is substantially aligned with an X-direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction of the rail assembly 20). The first holding element 52 and / or the second holding element 54 may move / slide longitudinally / axially along the rod 80. The first holding element 52 and the second holding element 54 may be configured to engage with each other by moving along the rod 80.

[0015] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first retaining element 52 may include a first contact element 60 and / or a third contact element 64. The second retaining element 54 may include a second contact element 62 and / or a fourth contact element 66. The second contact element 54 may be at least partially disposed between (e.g., in a longitudinal direction) the first contact element 60 and the third contact element 64. The third contact element 64 may be at least partially disposed between (e.g., in a longitudinal direction) the second contact element 62 and the fourth contact element 66. For example, and without limitation, the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may be arranged in an alternating configuration. The first contact element 60 and the third contact element 64 may rotate in substantially the same manner. The second contact element 62 and the fourth contact element 66 may rotate in substantially the same manner.

[0016] The contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may have one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, and without limitation, the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may be substantially S-shaped and / or curved (see, e.g., Fig. 3). According to embodiments, the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may each have an upper portion 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D, and / or a lower portion 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D. The upper portions 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D may be laterally offset (e.g., in the Y direction) and / or vertically offset (e.g., in the Z direction) from the lower portions 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D. The upper portion 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D of a contact element 60, 62, 64, 66 may extend in an opposite direction to the lower portion 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D of the same contact element 60, 62, 64, 66 and be configured to contact an opposite side of the rail 30.

[0017] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C, the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may be configured to contact at least a portion of the outer rail 32 and / or the inner rail 34. The upper portions 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D may contact an outer surface 38 of the outer rail 32, and / or the lower portions 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D may contact an inner surface 36 of the outer rail 32. For example, and without limitation, the upper portions 70A, 70C of the first contact element 60 and / or the third contact element 64 are configured to contact a first side 40 of the outer rail 32. The lower portions 72A, 72C of the first contact element 60 and / or the third contact element 64 are configured to be in contact with a second side 42 of the outer rail 32.The upper portions 70B, 70D of the second contact element 62 and / or the fourth contact element 66 are configured to contact a second side 42 of the outer rail 32. The lower portions 70B, 70D of the second contact element 62 and / or the fourth contact element 66 are configured to contact a first side 40 of the outer rail 32.

[0018] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the retaining element 52, 54 may include a retaining portion 90A, 90B that may be at least partially disposed within the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66. The retaining portions 90A, 90B may each provide structural support / strength to the retaining elements 52, 54. For example, the retaining portions 90A, 90B may comprise a relatively strong material (e.g., metal), and / or the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may comprise a material that is not as strong (e.g., a plastic / polymer). The retaining portions 90A, 90B do not need to be in direct contact with the rail 30. The contact element 60, 62, 64, 66 may be configured to contact the rail 30 rather than the retaining portions 90A, 90B. The holding sections 90A, 90B may extend beyond the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 (e.g., generally upward in the Z direction).The contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 can be formed around the holding sections 90A, 90.

[0019] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the retaining portions 90A, 90B may comprise a first portion 92A, 92B or a second portion 94A, 94B. The first portions 92A, 92B may each be at least partially disposed within the first contact element 60 and the second contact element 62, and / or the second portions 94A, 94B may each be at least partially disposed within the third contact element 64 and the fourth contact element 66. The first portions 92A, 92B may extend within the lower portions 72A, 72B of the first contact element 60 and the second contact element 62 and / or have substantially the same shape. The second portions 94A, 94B may extend within the lower portions 72C, 72D of the third contact element 64 and the fourth contact element 66 and / or have generally the same shape.

[0020] According to embodiments, one or more contact elements 60, 2, 64, 66 may include a rib (e.g., ribs 100, 102). For example, as generally described in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6B, the second contact element 62 may include a first rib 100, and / or the third contact element 64 may include a second rib 102. The ribs 100, 102 may have one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, the ribs 100, 102 may be rounded and / or elongated. The ribs 100, 102 may extend from a center of the bottom portion 72B of the second contact element 62 and / or the bottom portion 72C of the third contact element 64. The ribs 100, 102 may be configured to selectively engage at least a portion of the rail 30. For example, and without limitation, the ribs 100, 102 may be configured to engage or contact the inner rail 34. The inner rail 34 may have a plurality of recesses and / or openings 34A into which the ribs 100, 102 may at least partially engage.If at least one rib 100, 102 is at least partially arranged in a recess / opening 34, this at least one rib 100, 102 can limit the movement of the holding device 50 in at least one direction (e.g., in a longitudinal direction).

[0021] According to embodiments, the inner rail 34 may have a first section / wall 34B and a second section / wall 34C. The first section / wall 34B may be larger (e.g., in the Z-direction) than the second section / wall 34C. The one or more openings 34A may be disposed in the first section / wall 34B. When the retaining device is connected to the rail 30 in the first direction, the rib 102 of the third contact element 64 may selectively engage the one or more openings 34A, and / or the rib 100 of the second contact element 62 does not engage the second section / wall 34C of the inner rail 34. When the retaining device is connected to the rail 30 in a second direction (see, e.g., Fig. 6B), the rib 100 of the second contact element 62 may engage the one or more openings 34A, and / or the rib 102 of the third contact element 64 may not engage the second portion / wall 34C of the inner rail 34.

[0022] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first retaining element 52 and / or the second retaining element 54 may have at least one latch 110, 112 and / or at least one opening / recess 114, 116. The first retaining element 52 may have a first opening / recess 114. The second retaining element 54 may have a second opening / recess 116. The first latch 110 may be configured to at least partially engage the second recess 116, and / or the second latch 112 may be configured to at least partially engage the first recess 114. The first retaining element 52 and the second retaining element 54 are connected and / or locked to one another via the latches 110, 112 and recesses 114, 116.

[0023] According to embodiments, the first holding element 52 may be connected to the second holding element 54, such as via the first holding element 52 and / or the second holding element 54 moving toward each other longitudinally along the rod 80. The first holding element 52 and / or the second holding element 54 may rotate relative to each other about the rod 80 (see, for example, Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C). The locks 110, 112 can limit relative movement of the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 in at least one direction. For example, and without limitation, the locks 110, 112 can limit relative rotational and transverse movement of the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54.

[0024] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 6C and Fig. 7B, the retaining device 50 may include a biasing member 120 that may be connected to the rod, the first retaining member 52, and / or the second retaining member 54. The biasing member 120 may comprise, for example and without limitation, a spring. The biasing member 120 may bias the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 toward a first position. The biasing member 120 may resist movement of the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 toward a second / clamped position. The biasing member 120 may bias the latches 110, 112 into the recesses 114, 116 when the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 are longitudinally aligned.

[0025] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 may include a rod lock 130, 132. The first retaining member 52 may include a first rod lock 130, and / or the second retaining member 54 may include a second rod lock 132. The first rod lock 130 may be disposed at a first longitudinal end 134 of the first retaining member 52 and extend in a first direction. The second rod lock 132 may be disposed at a second longitudinal end 136 of the second retaining member 54 and extend in a second opposite longitudinal direction. The rod locks 130, 132 may be configured to respectively engage a first end 82 and a second end 84 of the rod 80 and / or an outer surface of the rod 80. The rod locks 130, 132 can engage the first end 82 and / or the second end 84 of the rod 80, respectively.be in contact therewith to limit and / or restrict longitudinal movement of the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 relative to the rod 80 to maintain the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 in the second position.

[0026] According to embodiments, the first retaining member 52 may include a first slot 140, and / or the second retaining member 54 may include a second slot 142. The first slot 140 may extend in a first axial direction, and the second slot 142 may extend in a second opposite axial direction. The first slot 140 may at least partially receive the retaining portion 90B of the second retaining member 54, and / or the second slot 142 may at least partially receive the retaining portion 90A of the first retaining member 52.For example, and without limitation, when the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member rotate such that the upper / handle portions 160, 162 are substantially parallel and / or adjacent to each other (and the contact members 60, 62, 64, 66 engage the rail 30), the first retaining member 52 can be moved along the rod 80 into the second slot 142, and / or the second retaining member 54 can be moved along the rod into the first slot 140 (e.g., into the second position), thereby restricting relative rotational movement between the first retaining member and the second retaining member. When the retaining elements 52, 54 are sufficiently / fully inserted into the slots 140, 142, the rod locks 130, 132 can engage (e.g., automatically) the ends 82, 84 of the rod 80 to limit the axial / longitudinal movement of the retaining elements 52, 54.Restricting the axial movement of the retaining members 52, 54 may maintain engagement of the second retaining member 54 with the first slot 140 and / or the first retaining member 52 with the second slot 142 (e.g., the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 may be maintained in the second position). The rod locks 130, 132 may be released from the ends 82, 84 (e.g., by a user), thereby allowing the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 to move longitudinally out of the first slot 140 and the second slot 142, thereby allowing the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 to rotate relative to one another, and allowing the contact members 60, 62, 64, 66 to rotate out of engagement with the rail 30.For example, and without limitation, the retaining elements 52, 54 may include the rod locks 130, 132 and the slots 104, 142 instead of the locks 110, 112 and the recesses 114, 116.

[0027] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C, the first retaining element 52 and / or the second retaining element 54 may have a first position and / or a second position. In the first position (see, for example, Fig. 6A), the holding device 50 is not engaged with the rail 30, can move longitudinally along the rail 30 and / or can be vertically inserted into and / or removed from the rail 30. The contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 can be arranged substantially in a parallel configuration and / or need not be substantially in contact with the inner surface 36 of the outer rail 32. In the first position, gaps 150 can be formed between the first contact element 60 and the second contact element 62 and / or the third contact element 64 and the fourth contact element 66 (see, for example, Fig. 4).

[0028] According to embodiments, the biasing member 120 may bias the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 toward the first position. The biasing member 120 may exert rotational forces on the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 such that they are disposed at an angle to one another. For example, and without limitation, the angle may be large enough such that the first latch 110 does not longitudinally overlap the second retaining member 54 and / or the second latch 112 does not longitudinally overlap the first retaining member 52 (see, e.g., Fig. 6A). In the first position, the first lock 110 does not engage the second recess 116, and / or the second lock 112 does not engage the first recess 114. The first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 may be freely rotatable about the rod axis with and / or against the biasing member 120. The first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 may move freely longitudinally along the rod 80 in the first position.

[0029] According to embodiments, the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 may move between a first position and a second position. During movement between the first position and the second position, the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 may rotate about the rod 80 and / or translate along the rod 80, such as toward each other. For example, and without limitation, movement from the first position to the second position may cause the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 to rotate such that the upper portions / handle portions 160, 162 of the retaining members 52, 54 are substantially parallel to each other. Then, the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 may move toward each other (e.g., axially) to partially engage each other (e.g.,that a portion of the first retaining element 52 is disposed between the second retaining element 54 and the second lock 112, and that a portion of the second retaining element 54 is disposed between the first retaining element 52 and the first lock 110) until the second position is reached. In the second position, the first lock 110 can engage the second recess 116 of the second retaining element, and / or the second lock can engage the first recess 114.

[0030] A biasing force of the biasing element 120 can bias the first retaining element 52 and / or the second semiconductor element 54 toward the first position (e.g., the opening / removal position), e.g., by biasing the latches 110, 112 into the recesses 114, 116, respectively. For example, the biasing element 120 can simultaneously bias the first retaining element 52 and the second retaining element 54 into the first position and bias the latches 110, 112 into the recesses 114, 116 to facilitate holding the first retaining element 52 and the second retaining element 54 in the second position (e.g., in engagement with the rail 30).

[0031] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C, the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 may include a second / clamped position. When the first retaining members 52, 54 are in the second position, the retaining members 52, 54 may be connected to or clamped within the rail 30, thereby limiting and / or preventing longitudinal movement of the retaining device 50 relative to the rail 30. Additionally or alternatively, vertical movement of the retaining device 50 (e.g., insertion into the rail 30 and / or removal from the rail 30) may be limited and / or prevented. In the second position, the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may be in contact with the outer rail 32 and / or the inner rail 34.The upper portions 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D of the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may be in contact with the outer surface 38 of the outer rail 32, and / or the lower portions 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D of the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may be in contact with the inner surface 36 of the outer rail 32. When the first retaining element 52 and / or the second retaining element 54 are in the second position, a gap 150 may be present between the second contact element 62 and the third contact element 64 (see, e.g., FIG. Fig. 6C). The first contact element 60 may be in contact with the second contact element 62, and / or the third contact element 64 may be in contact with the fourth contact element 66.

[0032] According to embodiments, the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 can exert a clamping force on the outer rail 32. The contact members 60, 62, 64, 66 can be rotated to engage the rail 30, such as from the first position to the second position. The lower portions 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D can limit upward movement of the retaining device 50 relative to the rail 30, and / or the upper portions 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D can limit downward movement of the retaining device 50 relative to the rail, thereby effectively receiving the outer rail 32 therebetween.For example, and without limitation, the lower portions 72A, 72C of the first contact element 60 and the third contact element 64 may cooperate with the upper portions 70B, 70D of the second contact element 62 and the fourth contact element 66 to clamp the first side 40 of the outer rail 32, and / or the upper portions 70A, 70C of the first contact element 60 and the third contact element 64 may cooperate with the lower portions 72B, 72D of the second contact element 62 and the fourth contact element 66 to clamp the second side 42 of the outer rail 32. The clamping force of the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 on the rail 30 may be large enough to prevent longitudinal movement of the retaining device 50 along the rail 30. A resulting frictional force from the clamping force can limit longitudinal movement of the holding elements 52, 54.The upper portions 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D of the contact elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may include a tooth 152 that may increase the clamping force and / or the frictional force. When the first retaining element 52 and / or the second retaining element 54 are in the second position, the ribs 100, 102 may engage the inner rail 34 to limit longitudinal movement of the retaining device 50 along the rail 30. The first rib 100 and / or the second rib 102 may be disposed in the openings 34A of the inner rail 34.

[0033] According to embodiments, once the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54 are in the second position, the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 can slide together such that the first retaining member 52 is partially disposed within the second lock 112, the second lock 112 engages the first recess 114, the second retaining member 54 is partially disposed within the first lock 110, and / or the first lock 110 engages the second recess 116. The engagement of the locks 110, 112 with the recesses 114, 116 can limit longitudinal movement of the first retaining member 52 and / or the second retaining member 54, such as movement from the second position to the first position.Additionally or alternatively, engagement of the locks 110, 112 in the recesses 114, 116 may limit relative rotational movement between the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54, thereby allowing the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 to be held in the second position (and in engagement with the outer rail 32).

[0034] According to embodiments including rod locks 130, 132, when the retaining members 52, 54 are in the second position, the rod locks 130, 132 may contact the ends 82, 84 of the rod 80 (e.g., rather than just a radially outer surface 86 of the rod 80) and limit longitudinal movement of the retaining members 52, 54 along the rod 80. Limiting the longitudinal movement of the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 may maintain engagement of the first retaining member 52 in the second slot 142 and / or the second retaining member 54 in the first slot 140.

[0035] According to embodiments as generally described in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C, the holding portions 90A, 90B may include upper portions 160, 162 that may be configured as handles and / or connecting portions (e.g., connectors). The holding portion 90A of the first holding member 52 may include a first upper portion 160, and / or the holding portion 90B of the second holding member 54 may include a second upper portion 162. The first upper portion 160 and / or the second upper portion 162 may be disposed on an upper surface of the first holding member 52 and / or the second holding member 54. The first upper portion 160 may include a first opening 164, and / or the second upper portion 162 may include a second opening 166. The openings 164, 166 may include one or more of a variety of different sizes, shapes, and / or configurations. For example, and without limitation, the openings 164, 166 may be rounded, circular, oval, and / or rectangular.The first opening 164 and the second opening 166 may have the same size and / or shape. When the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 are in the first position, the openings 164, 166 may not be longitudinally aligned and / or laterally aligned (e.g., the first upper portion 160 may not be flush and / or aligned with the second upper portion 162, as shown in FIG. Fig.4). When the retaining members 52, 54 are in the second position, the openings 164, 166 may be aligned longitudinally and laterally. Such alignment may provide a visual indicator indicating that the retaining member 52, 54 is fully and / or entirely in the second position and / or is connected to the rail 30. According to embodiments, the upper portions 160, 162 and / or the openings 164, 166 may be configured to connect to a fastener (e.g., snap hook, locking member, cable, etc.). The upper portions 160, 162 may be configured to secure a load to a mounting surface 22, such as a vehicle floor.

[0036] According to embodiments, the first retaining member 52 and the second retaining member 54 may have a similar or the same configuration (e.g., exactly the same configuration).

[0037] Reference throughout the specification to "various embodiments," "according to embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment," or the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in various embodiments," "according to embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment" or the like, where used throughout the specification, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments as appropriate.Thus, the particular features, structures, or properties illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, function, and / or properties of one or more other embodiments / examples without limitation, provided that such combination is not illogical or nonfunctional. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the scope.

[0038] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily limiting and may include one or more such elements. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, up, down, left, right, to the left, to the right, above, below, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the present invention and are not intended to be limiting in any way, including with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the embodiments.

[0039] Interconnecting references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be interpreted broadly and can include intermediate elements between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, interconnecting references are not necessarily to be interpreted as meaning that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in a fixed relationship to one another. The use of "for example" in the description is to be interpreted broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention, and the invention is not limited to such examples. The use of "and" and "or" is to be interpreted broadly (e.g., treated as "and / or"). For example, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all of the listed elements or features, and the use of "or" means inclusive, unless such a construction would be illogical.

[0040] While processes, systems, and methods are described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it is to be understood that such methods may be carried out by performing the steps in a different order, by performing certain steps concurrently, by performing additional steps, and / or by omitting certain steps.

[0041] It is intended that any matter contained in the above description or in the accompanying drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered restrictive in any respect. Changes in elements or structure may be made without departing from the present invention.

[0042] The invention also includes the following embodiments:

[0043] Embodiment AB1: A holding device comprising a first holding element; a second holding element; and a rod; wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are connected via the rod; the first holding element and the second holding element arc are configured to move longitudinally along the rod; the first holding element and the second holding element are configured to rotate about the rod; and the first holding element and the second holding element are configured to selectively engage a rail.

[0044] Embodiment AB2: Holding device according to embodiment AB1, wherein the first holding element comprises a first contact element and a third contact element; and the second holding element comprises a second contact element and a fourth contact element.

[0045] Embodiment AB3: Holding device according to embodiment AB2, wherein the first contact element is configured to move with the third contact element; and the second contact element is configured to move with the fourth contact element.

[0046] Embodiment AB4: Holding device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first contact element and the third contact element are configured to be in contact with a first side of the rail; and the second contact element and the fourth contact element are configured to be in contact with a second side of the rail.

[0047] Embodiment AB5: Holding device according to one of the embodiments AB2 to AB4, wherein the first contact element, the second contact element, the third contact element and the fourth contact element are substantially S-shaped.

[0048] Embodiment AB6: The holding device according to embodiment AB5, wherein the first contact element comprises an upper portion and a lower portion; the upper portion is configured to contact an upper surface of a first side of the rail; and the lower portion is configured to contact an inner surface of a second side of the rail.

[0049] Embodiment AB7: Holding device according to one of the embodiments AB2 to AB6, wherein the second contact element comprises a first rib and the third contact element comprises a second rib.

[0050] Embodiment AB8: The retaining device according to embodiment AB7, wherein the first rib and the second rib are configured to engage the rail to limit the longitudinal movement of the retaining device.

[0051] Embodiment AB9: Holding device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element have substantially the same configuration.

[0052] Embodiment AB10: The holding device according to any one of embodiments AB2 to AB9, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are configured to move between a first position and a second position; the removal of the first holding element and the second holding element from the rail is not substantially restricted when the first holding element and the second holding element are in the first position; and the removal of the first holding element and the second holding element from the rail is restricted when the first holding element and the second holding element are in the second position.

[0053] Embodiment AB11: Holding device according to embodiment AB10, comprising a biasing element configured to bias the first holding element and the second holding element towards the second position.

[0054] Embodiment AB12: Holding device according to embodiment AB10 or AB11, wherein the first holding element comprises a first lock and a first opening; the second holding element comprises a second lock and a second opening.

[0055] Embodiment AB13: The retaining device according to embodiment AB12, wherein, when the first retaining member and the second retaining member are in the second position, the first latch engages the second opening and the second latch engages the first opening; and the first latch, the second latch, the first opening, and the second opening are configured to limit rotation of the first retaining member and the second retaining member.

[0056] Embodiment AB14: A holding device according to any one of embodiments AB10 to AB13, wherein the first holding element comprises a first lock; the second holding element comprises a second lock; when the first holding element and the second holding element are in the first position, the first lock and the second lock do not engage the ends of the rod; and when the first holding element and the second holding element are in the second position, the first lock and the second lock engage the ends of the rod to limit the longitudinal movement of the first holding element and the second holding element.

[0057] Embodiment AB15: A rail assembly comprising a support device comprising a first support member; a second support member; and a rod; and a rail comprising an outer rail; and an inner rail disposed at least partially within the outer rail; wherein the first support member and the second support member are connected via the rod and configured to selectively engage the rail assembly; and at least one of the first support member and the second support member is / are configured to translate along the rod and to rotate about the rod.

[0058] Embodiment AB16: Rail assembly according to embodiment AB15, wherein an upper portion of a first contact element of the first retaining element and an upper portion of a second contact element of the second retaining element are configured to contact corresponding outer surfaces of the outer rail when the retaining device is engaged with the rail assembly.

[0059] Embodiment AB17: Rail assembly according to embodiment AB16, wherein a lower portion of the first contact element and a lower portion of the second contact element are configured to contact corresponding inner surfaces of the outer rail when the retaining device is engaged with the rail assembly.

[0060] Embodiment AB18: Rail assembly according to embodiment AB17, wherein the lower portion of the first contact element and the lower portion of the second contact element each comprise a rib, and the ribs are configured to engage the inner rail and limit the longitudinal movement of the first retaining element and the second retaining element relative to the rail assembly.

[0061] Embodiment AB19: The rail assembly of any one of embodiments AB15 to AB18, wherein the first retaining member and the second retaining member have corresponding openings that are substantially aligned and configured to secure a connector when the first retaining member and the second retaining member are in a clamped position.

[0062] Embodiment AB20: Rail assembly according to one of the embodiments AB15 to AB19, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are configured to move between a first position and a second position; the first holding element and the second holding element do not engage the rail assembly in the first position; and the first holding element and the second holding element are clamped in the rail assembly in the second position.

Claims

[1] Holding device (50), comprising: a first holding element (52); a second holding element (54); and a rod (80); wherein the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are connected via the rod (80); the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are configured to move longitudinally along the rod (80); the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are configured to rotate about the rod (80); and the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are configured to selectively engage a rail (30), wherein the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are configured to move between a first position and a second position; the removal of the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) from the rail (30) is not substantially restricted when the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are in the first position; and the removal of the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) from the rail (30) is restricted when the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are in the second position, wherein the first retaining element (52) comprises a first lock (110) and a first opening (160); the second retaining element (54) comprises a second lock (112) and a second opening (162). [2] The retaining device of claim 1, wherein, when the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are in the second position, the first latch (110) engages the second opening (162) and the second latch (112) engages the first opening (160); and the first latch (110), the second latch (112), the first opening (160), and the second opening (162) are configured to limit rotation of the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54). [3] Holding device (50), comprising: a first holding element (52); a second holding element (54); and a rod (80); wherein the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are connected via the rod (80); the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are configured to move longitudinally along the rod (80); the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are configured to rotate about the rod (80); and the first support member (52) and the second support member (54) are configured to selectively engage a rail (30), wherein the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are configured to move between a first position and a second position; the removal of the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) from the rail (30) is not substantially restricted when the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are in the first position; and the removal of the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) from the rail (30) is restricted when the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are in the second position, wherein the first retaining member (52) comprises a first lock (110); the second retaining member (54) comprises a second lock (112); when the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are in the first position, the first lock (110) and the second lock (112) do not engage the ends of the rod (80); and when the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54) are in the second position, the first lock (110) and the second lock (112) engage the ends of the rod (80) to limit the longitudinal movement of the first retaining member (52) and the second retaining member (54). [4] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding element (52) comprises a first contact element (60) and a third contact element (64); and the second holding element (54) comprises a second contact element (62) and a fourth contact element (66). [5] The holding device of claim 4, wherein the first contact element (60) is configured to move with the third contact element (64); and the second contact element (62) is configured to move with the fourth contact element (66). [6] The holding device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first contact element (60) and the third contact element (64) are configured to contact a first side of the rail (30); and the second contact element (62) and the fourth contact element (66) are configured to contact a second side of the rail (30). [7] Holding device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first contact element (60), the second contact element (62), the third contact element (64) and the fourth contact element (66) are substantially S-shaped. [8] The retaining device of claim 7, wherein the first contact element (60) comprises an upper portion (70A) and a lower portion (72A); the upper portion (70A) is configured to contact an upper surface (38) of a first side of the rail (30); and the lower portion (72A) is configured to contact an inner surface (36) of a second side of the rail (30). [9] Holding device according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the second contact element (62) comprises a first rib (100) and the third contact element (64) comprises a second rib (102). [10] The retaining device according to claim 9, wherein the first rib (100) and the second rib (102) are configured to engage the rail (30) to limit the longitudinal movement of the retaining device (50). [11] A holding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding element (52) and the second holding element (54) have substantially the same configuration. [12] A retaining device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a biasing element (120) configured to bias the first retaining element (52) and the second retaining element (54) towards the second position.

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