Abstract:
A B-hook retainer shaped and configured so as to maintain retention of B-hook hardware in a shaped aperture that secures various and multiple types of lading tie straps and strap hardware comprising of straps of woven webbing. The lading tie strap being held in place by the appropriate B-hook provision and the said anchor being contained within a pocket in the wall or floor of railway box or flat car. Various industry lading tie straps with said B-hook already in use are allowed to be connected to the shaped aperture anchor. An appropriate ratchet inherent to the specific type of tie strap being used is operated to remove any remaining slack in the lading ties and then apply the desired tension thereon to secure the lading to the railway car. If slack develops in the lading ties due to transport load shifting the B-hook retainer will prevent inadvertent removal of the B-hook from the shaped aperture resulting in lading tie strap no longer securing the lading to the railway car.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
       [0001]     Priority is claimed based on Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/707,722 filed Aug. 12, 2005 and having Attorney Docket No. 921095-99242. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Loads on railway cars need to be restrained from shifting under the various loads imposed by draft, buff, and rocking of the car. For particular types of loads, such as large rolls or coils of sheet material, or palletized loads, tensioning mechanisms using straps and anchors are advantageous.  
         [0003]     To avoid the limitations with present practices of prior art the invention relates generally to the improvement in lading tie anchor systems for railway cars. Prior art is specific to a “B” hook and is limited to its own inherent arrangement. The invention combines a distinct element into an improved cargo lading tie anchor system so as to offer the user more versatility in securing cargo.  
         [0004]     This novel “B” hook retainer is adapted to an industry “B” hook or anchor arrangement to assure that the “B” hook remains retained in the anchor aperture during transport of the cargo lading and all transport conditions.  
         [0005]     Occasionally, during transport of the cargo lading, the cargo lading may shift due to the inherent flexibility of some lading tie strap materials and the lading tie strap will develop slack. This lading tie strap slack will result in loosening the “B” hook in its respective anchor aperture. A loose “B” hook in its respective anchor aperture could inadvertently come out of the anchor aperture when subjected to the appropriate transport conditions that would cause such an action. The “B” hook coming out of the anchor would result in the lading tie strap no longer being capable of properly securing said cargo lading. The invention assures that the “B” hook will not come out of the anchor aperture without some type of intervention by personnel as set forth herein.  
         [0006]     The invention also provides a lading tie anchor system and method of using the same that can use various lading tie straps, bands or “B” hooks already in use and practice with various railway cars.  
         [0007]     The “B” hook retainer is mountable onto a “B” hook, in a wall, deck or support of a vehicle so that the lading tie anchor system can be adapted to different load conditions including a different mix of lading.  
       Description of Related Art  
       [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,209 teaches a railcar apparatus, multiple anchor arrangement and snugger arrangement, cargo snugger strap and “B” hook device with a particularly shaped tie anchor with a hole shaped aperture, where said system is dependant upon cargo straps and hook device tailored to fit the specific hole shaped aperture anchor. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,466 teaches a railcar anchor and snugger arrangement, cargo snugger strap and “B” hook device with a particularly shaped tie anchor with a hole shaped aperture, where said system is dependant upon cargo straps and hook device tailored to fit the specific hole shaped aperture anchor. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,651 teaches a railcar anchor and snugger arrangement, cargo snugger strap and “B” hook device with a particularly shaped tie anchor with a hole shaped aperture, where said system is dependant upon cargo straps and hook device tailored to fit the specific hole shaped aperture anchor. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.  
         [0011]     The foregoing prior art teaches certain parameters for lading tie anchor and lading tie strap systems and uses specific solutions to meet the needs. The instant invention departs from the limited functionality in its use of the “B” hook being specific to transport conditions and arrangements that assure that the “B” hook will not come out of the respective anchor aperture. Additionally, the prior art typically uses specific hardware that is dedicated for its specific use and is limited in its versatility and its nature. The instant invention utilizes simple, yet offers retainer provisions tailored to provide proper retention for the multiple lading tie hardware configurations and not limited to a specific shaped aperture anchor which offers a real advantage for the user so the user is not limited to usage of a limited strap hardware provision. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a largely horizontal view of support surfaces to which the indicated anchors and lading tie straps have been applied, and several cargo pallet loads to be supported thereon, which support surface may be, for instance, the wall or deck of a railway box car.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view taken on view  36  of  FIG. 1  showing anchor apertures disposed to receive the various types of conventional lading tie straps and/or connecting B-hook hardware illustrating securement of a cargo pallet load.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an anchor aperture, support surfaces and independently mounted B-hook retainer disposed to receive the B-hook.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the independently mounted B-hook retainer.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an anchor aperture and support surfaces disposed to receive the B-hook with an integral B-hook retainer.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an alternative B-hook with tab provisions for supporting alternate integral B-hook retainer.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an alternate integral B-hook retainer.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a sectional horizontal view of the anchor aperture with the B-hook disposed at an angle and starting to be inserted into the anchor aperture.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a sectional horizontal view of the anchor aperture with the B-hook disposed at an adjusted angle to accommodate the further insertion of the B-hook into the anchor aperture.  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a sectional horizontal view of the anchor aperture with the B-hook inserted within the anchor aperture disposed at a substantially perpendicular angle to the frontal face of the anchor aperture provision.  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 10  with the B-hook disposed in an upward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision as would be the case when tension is applied to the lading tie strap.  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is a sectional horizontal view of the anchor aperture with the B-hook inserted within the anchor aperture provision along with the B-hook being rotated at substantially 90 degrees within the anchor aperture to what is illustrated in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 12  with the B-hook disposed in a sideward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision shown.  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 10  with the B-hook disposed in a position after being inserted into the anchor aperture and disposed at a substantially perpendicular angle to the frontal face of the anchor aperture provision prior to being located in relation to the anchor aperture by tensioning the lading tie straps.  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 14  with the B-hook disposed in a position after being inserted into the anchor aperture provision.  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 9  with the B-hook disposed in a partially inserted position into the anchor aperture and disposed at a substantially non-perpendicular angle in relation to the frontal face of the anchor aperture as illustrated in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 17  is a frontal horizontal view showing an anchor aperture, support surfaces and independently mounted B-hook retainer with the B-hook disposed in a substantially upward orientation.  
         [0029]      FIG. 18  is a frontal horizontal view showing an anchor aperture, support surfaces and independently mounted B-hook retainer with the B-hook disposed at a rotated angle from the upward orientation as illustrated in  FIG. 17 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 19  is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 5  with the B-hook with an integral B-hook retainer disposed to enter an anchor aperture.  
         [0031]      FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 19  with the B-hook with an integral B-hook retainer partially inserted into the anchor aperture with the B-hook retainer disposed against the neck of the B-hook so as to allow such action.  
         [0032]      FIG. 21  is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 20  with the B-hook with an integral B-hook retainer substantially inserted into the anchor aperture with the B-hook retainer disposed against the neck of the B-hook so as to allow such action.  
         [0033]      FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 21  with the integral B-hook retainer disposed so as to lift the B-hook in a substantially upward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision.  
         [0034]      FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an anchor aperture, and an alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer disposed to receive the B-hook.  
         [0035]      FIG. 24  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer.  
         [0036]      FIG. 25  is a side elevational view with the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer shown in  FIG. 23  with the B-hook disposed to enter the anchor aperture provision.  
         [0037]      FIG. 26  is a side elevational view with the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer shown in  FIG. 25  disposing out of the way to allow insertion of the B-hook into the anchor aperture provision.  
         [0038]      FIG. 27  is a side elevational view of the B-hook adequately inserted into the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer and anchor aperture arrangement with the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer disposed so as to lift the B-hook in a substantially upward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision.  
         [0039]      FIG. 28  is a side elevational view of the B-hook disposed in a downward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision with the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer allowing such action.  
         [0040]      FIG. 29  is a frontal elevational view of a B-hook within an anchor aperture provision disposed with an additional alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer arrangement.  
         [0041]      FIG. 30  is a frontal elevational view of a B-hook in a substantially upward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision resulting in disposing the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer arrangement.  
         [0042]      FIG. 31  is a frontal elevational view of a B-hook in a substantially upward and sideways tipped orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision resulting in disposing the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer arrangement in a different manner.  
         [0043]      FIG. 32  is a frontal elevational view of a B-hook in a substantially sideways orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision resulting in disposing the alternate independently mounted B-hook retainer arrangement in a different manner.  
         [0044]      FIG. 33  is a side elevational view of an alternate B-hook retainer that is desired when a B-hook retention feature is desired that is independent of car structures and B-hooks.  
         [0045]      FIG. 34  is a top horizontal view of alternate B-hook retainer that is shown in  FIG. 33 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 35  is a sectional horizontal view of alternate B-hook retainer taken along section view  87  that is shown in  FIG. 33 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 36  is a side elevational view with the B-hook disposed within the anchor aperture ready to receive the alternate B-hook retainer that is shown in  FIG. 33 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 37  is a side elevational view with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed within the anchor aperture with the slotted section of alternate B-hook retainer centrally aligned with the car structure wall respective to the anchor aperture.  
         [0049]      FIG. 38  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 37  with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed in a sideward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision shown.  
         [0050]      FIG. 39  is a side elevational view with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed within the anchor aperture with the slotted section of alternate B-hook retainer additionally disposed through the anchor aperture clearance so the head components of alternate B-hook retainer are positioned relative to the front and back surfaces of the car structure.  
         [0051]      FIG. 40  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 39  with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed in a sideward orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision shown.  
         [0052]      FIG. 41  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 40  with the B-hook additionally disposed through the anchor aperture clearance so the B-hook neck becomes substantially close to the back surface of the alternate B-hook retainer.  
         [0053]      FIG. 42  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 40  with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed in a rotated angular orientation in respect to the anchor aperture provision shown.  
         [0054]      FIG. 43  is a frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 42  with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer further disposed in a rotated angular orientation so that the B-hook is in a substantially vertical position in respect to the anchor aperture provision shown.  
         [0055]      FIG. 44  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an alternate B-hook retainer that is desired when a B-hook retention feature is desired that is independent of car structures and B-hooks.  
         [0056]      FIG. 45  is another diagrammatic perspective view showing an alternate B-hook retainer that is desired when a B-hook retention feature is desired that is independent of car structures and B-hooks.  
         [0057]      FIG. 46  is a side elevational view of an alternate B-hook retainer that is desired when a B-hook retention feature is desired that is independent of car structures and B-hooks.  
         [0058]      FIG. 47  is a side elevational view with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed within the anchor aperture with the slotted section of alternate B-hook retainer centrally aligned with the car structure wall respective to the anchor aperture.  
         [0059]      FIG. 48  is a side elevational view with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed within the anchor aperture with the top head section of alternate B-hook retainer rotationally disposed so as to allow the slot faces of the alternate B-hook retainer to be further positioned relative to the front and back surfaces of the car structure.  
         [0060]      FIG. 49  is a side elevational view with the B-hook and alternate B-hook retainer disposed within the anchor aperture with the slotted section of alternate B-hook retainer additionally disposed through the anchor aperture clearance so the head components of alternate B-hook retainer are positioned relative to the front and back surfaces of the car structure. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0061]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a railway car  35  in somewhat of a largely horizontal manner support  20  upon which a cargo pallet  23  with lading  22  is to be secured by way of use of a typical industry cargo lading tie strap  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29  that includes B-hook  40  or  41  that are secured within anchor aperture  30 . Anchor aperture  30  is provided in multiples and are included within horizontal support  20  and/or car structure  24  of vertical wall  21  of railway car  35 . Hardware is arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention herein disclosed.  
         [0062]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view taken on view  36  of  FIG. 1  illustrating one example of a typical secured arrangement of lading  22 . The car structure  24  of vertical wall support  21  upon which a cargo lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29  are to be secured by B-hook  40  or  41  that, in this regard, are arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention herein disclosed. The supports  20  and  21  may, for instance, be a deck or floor of a railway flat car or other rail transport vehicle  35 , or supports  20  and  21  may be another type of vehicle to which the anchor aperture  30  is applied in multiples such as  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34  for the usual application thereof to lading  22  with or without cargo pallets  23 . The wall support  21  may, for instance, be a wall or bulkhead of a railway boxcar or other rail transport vehicle  35 , or wall support  21  may be another type of vehicle to which the anchor aperture  30  is applied in multiples for the usual application thereof to lading  22  with or without cargo pallets  23 .  
         [0063]     The principles of the present invention are applicable to retaining B-hook  40  or alternate B-hook  41  within anchor aperture  30 .  FIGS. 3, 4 ,  5 ,  7  illustrates preferred embodiments of the applicant&#39;s invention. In the  FIG. 3  is illustrated an anchor aperture  30  in car structure  24  with B-hook retainer  10  contained and supported by additional car structure  37 . B-hook  40  is shown disposed for insertion through anchor aperture  30 . Cargo lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29  are attached to multiples of B-hook  40  by way of through hole provision  46 . B-hook retainer  10  is preferred when it is desired to assure that B-hook  40  is retained within anchor aperture  30  by use of a retention method independent and not connected to B-hook  40 .  
         [0064]     Applicant&#39;s preferred independent B-hook retainer  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Preferred independent B-hook retainer  10  consists of six sides  38 ,  39 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45  that are tailored appropriately to be supported by the desired car structures  24 ,  37 .  
         [0065]     In the  FIG. 5  is illustrated an anchor aperture  30  in car structure  24  with B-hook retainer  11  attached to B-hook  41 . B-hook  41  is shown disposed for insertion through anchor aperture  30 . Cargo lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29  are attached to multiples of B-hook  41  as per prior art by way of through hole provision  47 . B-hook retainer  11  is preferred when it is desired to assure that B-hook  41  is retained within anchor aperture  30  by use of a retention method independent and not included within car structure  24 .  
         [0066]     B-hook  41  in  FIG. 6  illustrates that B-hook  41  is substantially the same as B-hook  40  with the addition of protrusions  48  and  49 . Protrusions  48  and  49  are tailored to offer fixation and support for B-hook retainer  11  shown in  FIG. 11 . B-hook retainer  11  is shaped with tabs  50  and  51  that are formed onto protrusions  48  and  49  of B-hook  41 . These features are allowed to be tailored for the intended purpose and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0067]     Illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 13  is the method of insertion and orientation of B-hook  40  in anchor aperture  30 .  FIG. 8  is a sectional horizontal view showing the initial step of tipping B-hook  40  sideways along a path  57  so B-hook  40  is allowed to be partially inserted into the slotted shape anchor aperture  30 . B-hook  40  has lobes  52  and  53  that are combined to form B-hook head  54 . B-hook head  54  is combined with B-hook neck  55  and leg  56  to form B-hook  40 . B-hook  40  must be tipped for insertion because B-hook head  54  is sized larger than anchor aperture  30  so as to provide proper application function but B-hook head  54  is also sized appropriately so as to be allowed to be inserted into anchor aperture  30  by way of tipping B-hook  40  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  
         [0068]     Once lobe  52  of B-hook  40  has past through anchor aperture  30  B-hook lobe  52  is allowed to translate behind car structure  24  so as to allow B-hook  40  to be tipped back following a path  58  so as to allow insertion of lobe  53  through anchor aperture  30  as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0069]     B-hook lobes  52  and  53  are substantially similar and symmetrical along the center of B-hook  40 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate B-hook  40  being tipped to the right but because B-hook lobes  52  and  53  are substantially similar and symmetrical along the center of B-hook  40  and anchor aperture  30  is also substantially symmetrical B-hook  40  is also allowed to be inserted through anchor aperture  30  by tipping B-hook  40  to the left and may be considered bi-directional. These features are illustrated as symmetrical but are not required for the intended purpose and therefore are allowed to be tailored and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0070]      FIG. 10  is a sectional horizontal view showing both lobes  52 ,  53  of B-hook  40  positioned through anchor aperture  30  and behind car structure  24 . When tension is applied to B-hook  40  by way of hole provision  46  along path  59  lobes  52 ,  53  are sized so as to contact back areas  60 ,  61  respectively of car structure  24  to secure lading  22 .  
         [0071]     A frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 10  with the B-hook  40  disposed in an upward orientation along path  62  in respect to anchor aperture  30  as would be the case when tension is applied by way of through hole provision  46  is shown in  FIG. 11 . B-hook neck  55  is shown pulled up against and making contact at surface  63  of anchor aperture  30 . Lobes  52 ,  53  of B-hook  40  are shown behind car structure  24  respectively. The combination of lobes  52 ,  53  and B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  40  making contact with car structure surfaces  60 ,  61 ,  63  respectively provides proper support to secure lading  22 .  FIG. 11  illustrates the upwards orientation of B-hook  40  with respect to anchor aperture  30  as would be the case for overhead securing of lading  22  by way of lading tie strap  29  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0072]      FIG. 12  is a sectional horizontal view of what is shown in  FIG. 10  with B-hook  40  rotated  90  degrees about the axis of B-hook neck  55 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the sideward orientation of B-hook  40  along tension path  64  with respect to anchor aperture  30  as would be the case for longitudinal and lateral securing of lading  22  by way of lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0073]     A frontal elevational view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 12  is shown in  FIG. 13 . B-hook neck  55  is shown pulled up against and making contact at surface  65  of anchor aperture  30 . Lobes  52 ,  53  of B-hook  40  are shown behind car structure  24  respectively. The combination of lobes  52 ,  53  and B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  40  making contact with car structure surfaces  66 ,  67 ,  65  respectively provides proper support to secure lading  22 .  
         [0074]     The frontal elevational view in  FIG. 14  shows that lobes  52 ,  53  of B-hook  40  are disposed centrally in respect to anchor aperture  30  as is the case prior to removal of B-hook  40  from anchor aperture  30 . A side elevational view of  FIG. 14  is shown in  FIG. 15  further illustrating B-hook head  54  substantially aligned with anchor aperture  30 .  FIG. 16  illustrates a side elevational view of B-hook head  54  along with B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  40  orientated and moved partially through anchor aperture  30  when B-hook  40  is tipped sideways as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 17  further illustrates a frontal elevational view of what is shown in  FIG. 11  along with B-hook retainer  10  contained and supported by additional car structure  37 . B-hook retainer  10  consists of a compressible and resilient material so that when B-hook  40  is maneuvered through anchor aperture  30  as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 11  B-hook retainer  10  inherently compresses to allow such action. Side  43  of B-hook retainer  10  is sized and shaped so as to provide lift to B-hook  40  and maintain retention of B-hook  40  in anchor aperture  30  when slack develops in lading tie strap  29 . Side  44  of B-hook  40  that is adjacent to anchor aperture  30  is sized and shaped so as to close off part of the opening in anchor aperture  30 . To remove B-hook  40  from anchor aperture  30  as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 through 16  sides  43 ,  44  of B-hook retainer  10  compress to allow such action.  
         [0076]     Illustrated in  FIG. 18  is side  43  of B-hook retainer  10  being compressed to allow lobe  52  of B-hook  40  to rotate through a path  68 . This action allows angular orientation of lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  respectively as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . When slack develops in lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  side  43  of B-hook retainer  10  is sized and shaped so as to provide lift and rotation back through path  68  to B-hook  40  as shown in  FIG. 17  and maintain retention of B-hook  40  in anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0077]     The side elevational view of  FIG. 19  further illustrates a B-hook  41  retention method independent and not included within car structure  24  from what is shown in  FIG. 5 . Leg  70  of B-hook retainer  11  is shown disposed in its free state in respect to B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  41 . B-hook retainer  11  consists of a flexible material that allows leg  70  of B-hook retainer  11  to pivot about tabs  50 ,  51  of B-hook retainer  11  that are attached to protrusions  48 ,  49  of B-hook  41  and flex along a path  69 . In practice leg  70  of B-hook retainer  11  is flexed along path  69  against B-hook neck  55  to allow insertion of B-hook  41  and B-hook retainer  11  through anchor aperture  30  in car structure  24 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 20  illustrates a sectional side elevational view of B-hook head  54  along with B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  41  and leg  70  of B-hook retainer  11  orientated and moved partially through anchor aperture  30  when B-hook  41  is tipped sideways similar to what is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . A force  71  is applied to B-hook  41  so as to dispose leg  70  of B-hook retainer  11  against surface  72  in anchor aperture  30  that also disposes leg  70  up against B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  41  allowing such insertion action.  
         [0079]     B-hook head  54  of B-hook  41  is shown further disposed through anchor aperture  30  in  FIG. 21  and force  71  is shown maintaining B-hook  41  and leg  70  disposed against surface  72  of anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 22  illustrates the disposed position of B-hook  41  and B-hook retainer  11  when force  71  is removed. The inherent flexible nature of leg  70  of B-hook retainer  11  is to lift B-hook  41  through a path  73 . Retention of B-hook  41  is maintained by the contact of leg  70  with surface  72  of anchor aperture  30  and B-hook neck  55  with surface  63  of anchor aperture  30  which results in B-hook head  54  disposed behind car structure  24  preventing undesired removal of B-hook  41  from anchor aperture  30 . Removal of B-hook  41  from anchor aperture  30  is accomplished by reversing the previously disclosed insertion method.  
         [0081]     An alternate B-hook retainer  12  disposed in anchor aperture  30  is illustrated in  FIG. 23 . Arms  74 ,  78  of B-hook retainer  12  are intended to seat up against surface  72  of anchor aperture  30 . B-hook retainer  12  is an alternative to B-hook retainers  10  and  11 . B-hook retainer  12  would be desired when a retention method is desired that is independent of B-hook  40  and not supported by additional car structure  37  as previously disclosed.  
         [0082]     B-hook retainer  12  consists of arms  74 ,  78  and extensions  75 ,  77 ,  79  along with tab  76  as shown in  FIG. 24  and is made of a flexible material that allows B-hook retainer  12  to serve its intended function. Extensions  75 ,  77 ,  79  are spaced and sized to fit and align B-hook retainer  12  in respect to anchor aperture  30  and car structure  24 . B-hook retainer  12  is allowed to be tailored and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0083]     The side elevational view of  FIG. 25  further illustrates what is shown in  FIG. 23  along with B-hook  40  disposed to enter anchor aperture  30 . Tab  76  of B-hook retainer  12  is shown disposed in its free state in respect to B-hook head  54  of B-hook  40 . B-hook retainer  12  consists of a flexible material that allows tab  76  of B-hook retainer  12  to flex and allow the insertion of B-hook  40  into anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0084]      FIG. 26  illustrates a sectional side elevational view of B-hook head  54  along with B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  40  orientated and moved partially through anchor aperture  30  when B-hook  40  is tipped sideways similar to what is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . A force  81  is applied to B-hook  40  so as to dispose tab  76  of B-hook retainer  12  toward surface  72  in anchor aperture  30  that also disposes tab  76  up against B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  40  allowing such insertion action along path  80 . Extensions  75 ,  77 ,  79  of B-hook retainer  12  are sized and shaped so as to maintain B-hook retainer  12  in place with respect to anchor aperture  30  during such insertion action of B-hook  40 .  
         [0085]      FIG. 27  illustrates the disposed position of B-hook  40  and B-hook retainer  12  when force  81  is removed. The inherent flexible nature of tab  76  of B-hook retainer  12  lifts B-hook  40  through a path  82 . Retention of B-hook  40  is maintained by the contact of B-hook neck  55  with surface  63  of anchor aperture  30  which results in B-hook head  54  disposed behind car structure  24  preventing undesired removal of B-hook  40  from anchor aperture  30 . Extensions  75 ,  77 ,  79  of B-hook retainer  12  are also sized and shaped so as to maintain B-hook retainer  12  in place with respect to anchor aperture  30  during normal usage of B-hook  40 .  
         [0086]     Removal of B-hook  40  from anchor aperture  30  is accomplished by reversing the previously disclosed insertion method.  FIG. 28  illustrates the first step of such removal action by applying a force  81  to B-hook  40  to dispose B-hook neck  55  through path  83  to flex tab  76  toward surface  72  in anchor aperture  30  in such a manner so as to also dispose B-hook head  54  to be aligned with anchor aperture  30 . Extensions  75 ,  77 ,  79  of B-hook retainer  12  are sized and shaped so as to maintain B-hook retainer  12  in place with respect to anchor aperture  30  during such removal action of B-hook  40  and also after B-hook  40  has been removed.  
         [0087]      FIG. 29  illustrates a back elevational view of alternate B-hook retainer  13  contained and supported by additional car structure  37 .  FIG. 3  illustrated the preferred B-hook retainer  10  when it is desired to retain B-hook  40  with a method supported by additional car structure  37 . Alternate B-hook retainer  13  serves substantially the same function as B-hook retainer  10  and is offered as an alternative to a compressible and resilient material. B-hook retainer  13  consists of flexible arms  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18  that are joined to outside housing  14  that is sized and shaped to conform and supported by car structures  24 , 37 . B-hook retainer  13  also includes an inside housing  19  that is adjacent to anchor aperture  30  and is sized and shaped so as to close off part of the opening in anchor aperture  30  and is allowed to float and be positionally balanced by flexible arms  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 .  FIG. 29  further illustrates a back view of B-hook head  54  of B-hook  40  already inserted through anchor aperture  30  and supported and positioned within inside housing  19  with substantially no forces applied to B-hook  40  or in the case when slack develops in lading tie strap  29 . B-hook  40  is inserted through anchor aperture  30  as previously taught and illustrated by  FIGS. 8, 9  with the addition of contacting inside housing  19  and disposing it appropriately to allow such action. B-hook retainer  13  is sized and shaped so as to provide appropriate lift to B-hook  40  and maintain retention of B-hook  40  in anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0088]     B-hook  40  disposed in an upward orientation along path  62  in respect to anchor aperture  30  as would be the case when tension is applied by way of through hole provision  46  is shown in  FIG. 30 . Flexible arm  18  is shown disposed to allow such action. B-hook neck  55  is shown pulled up against and making contact at surface  63  of anchor aperture  30 . Lobes  52 ,  53  of B-hook  40  are shown behind car structure  24  respectively. The combination of lobes  52 ,  53  and B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  40  making contact with car structure surfaces  60 ,  61 ,  63  respectively provides proper support to secure lading  22 .  FIG. 30  illustrates the upwards orientation of B-hook  40  with respect to anchor aperture  30  as would be the case for overhead securing of lading  22  by way of lading tie strap  29  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0089]     Illustrated in  FIG. 31  are flexible arms  15 ,  16 ,  18  of B-hook retainer  13  being disposed to allow B-hook  40  to rotate through a path  84 . This action allows angular orientation of lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  respectively as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . When tension force  85  is removed and slack develops in lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  flexible arms  15 ,  16 ,  18  of B-hook retainer  13  are sized and shaped so as to provide lift and rotation back through path  84  to B-hook  40  to a balanced position as shown in  FIG. 29  and maintain retention of B-hook  40  in anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0090]      FIG. 32  illustrates flexible arms  15 ,  16 ,  18  of B-hook retainer  13  being further disposed to allow B-hook  40  to rotate through an addition path  86 . This action allows angular and substantially horizontal orientation of lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  when a tension force  85  is applied. When tension force  85  is removed and slack develops in lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  flexible arms  15 ,  16 ,  18  of B-hook retainer  13  are sized and shaped so as to provide lift and rotation back through paths  84 ,  86  to B-hook  40  as shown in  FIG. 29  and maintain retention of B-hook  40  in anchor aperture  30 . B-hook  40  is removed through anchor aperture  30  as previously taught.  
         [0091]     A side elevational view of alternate B-hook retainer  90  is shown in  FIG. 33 . B-hook retainer consists of a bottom head  88  and top head  89 separated by a horizontal slot  91 . The top head  89  is allowed to be shaped to offer a through hole  92  provision so as to offer a provision for attaching a cable or chain to said hole  92  and than attaching the other end of said cable or chain to other tie down hardware or tether so as not to inadvertently lose B-hook retainer  90  during non use or during storage of the respective lading tie strap  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29 . The back face  93  of B-hook retainer  90  is shaped substantially flat. The top horizontal view in  FIG. 34  illustrates that the front face  94  of B-hook retainer  90  is substantially of a convex nature to correspond to anchor aperture  30  as herein disclosed and therefore B-hook retainer  90  comprises of a substantially semi-cylindrical member. Alternate B-hook retainer  90  is desired when a B-hook  40  retention feature is desired that is independent of alternate car structures  24 ,  37  and B-hooks  40 ,  41 . B-hook retainer  90  is allowed to consist of any appropriate material that will provide the desired function as disclosed herein.  
         [0092]     A sectional horizontal view taken along section view  87  in  FIG. 33  is shown in  FIG. 35  illustrating that slot  91  consists of a substantially flat face  96  and two substantially sloping faces  95 ,  97 . Faces  95 ,  96 ,  97  and slot  91  are tailored so as to provide the desired function as disclosed herein.  
         [0093]      FIG. 36  is a sectional horizontal view of what is shown in  FIG. 12  with the addition of B-hook retainer  90  disposed to enter anchor aperture  30  along path  98 . To provide adequate room for bottom head  88  of B-hook retainer  90  to enter anchor aperture  30  B-hook  40  is to be moved horizontally through the clearance in anchor aperture  30  so that B-hook neck  55  contacts surface  65  of anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0094]     B-hook retainer  90  is disposed so that horizontal slot  91  of B-hook retainer  90  is aligned with the wall thickness of anchor aperture  30  and car structure  24  as illustrated in  FIG. 37 . The bottom head  88  of B-hook retainer  90  is disposed behind car structure  24  and the top head  89  of B-hook retainer  90  is disposed in front of car structure  24 .  FIG. 38  illustrates a frontal elevational view of what is shown in  FIG. 37  and more clearly shows that the convex nature of front face  94  of B-hook retainer  90  corresponds with the concave nature of surface  99  of anchor aperture  30 . The combination of front face  94  and back face  93  of B-hook retainer  90  are sized and shaped to allow the insertion action previously disclosed.  
         [0095]     B-hook retainer  90  is disposed through path  100  so that substantially flat face  96  and two substantially sloping faces  95 ,  97  of horizontal slot  91  of B-hook retainer  90  is aligned and contacts surface  99  of anchor aperture  30  and is illustrated in  FIG. 39 . This action results in bottom head  88  of B-hook retainer  90  being disposed behind car structure  24  and the top head  89  of B-hook retainer  90  being disposed in front of car structure  24  preventing removal of B-hook retainer  90  from anchor aperture  30 . A gap  101  arises between B-hook neck  55  and back face  93  of B-hook retainer  90  in anchor aperture  30  and is allowed and does not detract from the desired retention of B-hook  40  and will become apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0096]      FIG. 40  illustrates a partially sectioned frontal elevational view of what is shown in  FIG. 39  and more clearly shows the disposed position of B-hook  40  and B-hook retainer  90  in respect to anchor aperture  30 .  FIG. 40  further illustrates that substantially flat face  96  and two sloping faces  95 ,  97  of horizontal slot  91  of B-hook retainer  90  are aligned and are not required to fully contact the entire substantially concave surface  99  of anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0097]     B-hook neck  55  of B-hook  40  is shown in  FIG. 41  disposed up against back face  93  of B-hook retainer  90  reducing gap  10  in anchor aperture  30  which could happen due to strap slack and illustrates that B-hook  40  remains retained by way of lobes  52 ,  53  coming into contact with surfaces  66 ,  67  respectively of car structure  24 .  
         [0098]     B-hook  40  is shown disposed at an angular orientation in  FIG. 42  from what is shown in  FIG. 41  and simulates the position of B-hook  40  due to the orientation of lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  shown in  FIG. 2 . B-hook retainer  90  is allowed to dispose about clearance  101  in anchor aperture  30  to allow the desired positioning of B-hook  40 . When lading tie straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  develop slack B-hook retainer  90  maintains B-hook  40  retention by way of a reduced gap  101  in anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0099]     B-hook  40  is shown disposed at a substantially vertical orientation in  FIG. 43  from what is shown in  FIGS. 41 and 42  and simulates the position of B-hook  40  due to the orientation of lading tie strap  29  shown in  FIG. 2 . B-hook retainer  90  is allowed to dispose about clearance  101  in anchor aperture  30  to allow the desired positioning of B-hook  40 . When lading tie strap  29  develops slack B-hook retainer  90  maintains B-hook  40  retention by way of a reduced gap  101  in anchor aperture  30  and further resulting in lobes  52 ,  53  remaining behind car structure  24 .  FIG. 43  further illustrates substantially flat face  96  of B-hook retainer  90  coming into contact with surface  72  of anchor aperture  30 .  
         [0100]     An alternate B-hook retainer  102  is shown in  FIGS. 44, 45 ,  46 . B-hook retainer  102  consists of a bottom head  103  and top head  104  separated by a horizontal slot  105 . The top head  104  is allowed to be shaped to offer a through hole  106  provision so as to offer a provision for attaching a cable or chain to said hole  106  and than attaching the other end of said cable or chain to other tie down hardware or tether so as not to inadvertently lose B-hook retainer  102  during non use or during storage of the respective lading tie strap  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29 . Back faces  107  and  108  of B-hook retainer  102  are shaped substantially flat. Back face  108  of B-hook retainer  102  slopes away from back face  107  as illustrated in  FIG. 46  so as to provide proper function as described within.  FIGS. 44, 45 ,  46  further illustrates that front face  109  and side faces  110  and  111  and top face  112  of top head  104  are substantially flat but are allowed to be tailored to provide the desired function.  FIGS. 44, 45 ,  46  further illustrates that slot face  115  of top head  104  is substantially flat with a protrusion  116  projecting from slot face  115  to assist in providing the desired retaining function. Protrusion  116  projecting from slot face  115  is preferred but not required for proper function of B-hook retainer  102 .  
         [0101]      FIGS. 44, 45 ,  46  further illustrates that bottom face  113  of bottom head  103  is substantially flat but are allowed to be tailored to provide the desired function. It is further illustrated that front face  114  of bottom head  103  is substantially of a convex nature to correspond to anchor aperture  30  as herein disclosed and therefore B-hook retainer  102  comprises of a substantially semi-cylindrical member.  FIGS. 44, 45 ,  46  further illustrates that slot face  117  of bottom head  103  is substantially flat with an edge relief  118  to assist in providing the desired retaining function. The use of edge relief  118  is preferred but not required for proper function of B-hook retainer  102 .  
         [0102]      FIGS. 44, 45 ,  46  illustrates that slot  105  consists of a substantially flat face  119  and two substantially sloping faces  120 ,  121 . Faces  119 ,  120 ,  121  of slot  105  B-hook retainer  102  perform substantially the same function and is allowed to be tailored as earlier disclosed and shown in  FIG. 35  that illustrates that slot  91  consists of a substantially flat face  96  and two substantially sloping faces  95 ,  97  of alternate B-hook retainer  90 .  
         [0103]     Alternate B-hook retainer  102  is desired when a B-hook  40  retention feature is desired that is independent of alternate car structures  24 ,  37  and B-hooks  40 ,  41 . B-hook retainer  102  is allowed to consist of any appropriate material, preferably flexible in nature that will provide the desired function as disclosed herein.  
         [0104]     Alternate B-hook retainer  102  is to enter anchor aperture  30  using the same method as previously disclosed and illustrated by alternate B-hook retainer  90  in  FIG. 36  after B-hook  40  has been appropriately positioned within aperture  30 .  
         [0105]     B-hook retainer  102  is disposed so that horizontal slot  105  of B-hook retainer  102  is aligned with the wall thickness of anchor aperture  30  and car structure  24  as illustrated in  FIG. 47 . The bottom head  103  of B-hook retainer  102  is disposed behind car structure  24  and the top head  104  of B-hook retainer  102  is disposed in front of car structure  24 . The convex nature of front face  114  of bottom head  103  of B-hook retainer  102  corresponds with the concave nature of surface  99  of anchor aperture  30 . The combination of front face  114  and back face  107  of B-hook retainer  102  are sized and shaped to allow the insertion action previously disclosed.  
         [0106]      FIG. 48  illustrates the flexible nature of B-hook retainer  102  by allowing top head  104  to be flexed through a path  122  while keeping bottom head  103  through aperture  30  resulting in protrusion  116  to raise above car structure  24 . This action results in slot  105  of B-hook retainer  102  to become wider than the thickness of car structure  24  of aperture  30 .  
         [0107]     B-hook retainer  102  is disposed through path  123  so that substantially flat face  119  and two substantially sloping faces  120 , 121  of horizontal slot  105  of B-hook retainer  102  is aligned and contacts surface  99  of anchor aperture  30  and is illustrated in  FIG. 49 . This action results in bottom head  103  of B-hook retainer  102  being disposed behind car structure  24  and the top head  104  of B-hook retainer  102  being disposed in front of car structure  24  preventing removal of B-hook retainer  102  from anchor aperture  30 . An added characteristic of B-hook retainer  102  from previously disclosed B-hook retainer  90  is that once operator installation intervention is removed, the shape memory and flexible nature of B-hook retainer  102  results in protrusion  116  and slot face  115  desiring to flex and return to their initial position and narrowing the width of slot  105 . This action results in applying a compressive force against the thickness of car structure  24  by the squeezing action of protrusion  116  and slot face  115  of top head  104  and slot face  117  of bottom head  103 . A gap  124  arises between B-hook neck  55  and back face  107  of B-hook retainer  102  in anchor aperture  30  and is allowed and does not detract from the desired retention of B-hook  40  and will become apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0108]     B-hook  40  may be disposed at an angular orientation or a substantially vertical orientation or horizontal orientation the same as what is previously disclosed and shown in  FIGS. 41, 42  and  43 . B-hook retainer  102  is allowed to translate substantially like B-hook retainer  90  and as necessary to allow such action.  
         [0109]     The number and location of said B-hook retainers  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  90 ,  102  are tailored to provide the desired securement options desired by the user and thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0110]     The applicant&#39;s invention of said B-hook retainers  10 ,  12 ,  13 ,  90 ,  102  allows the use of the prior art B-hook  40  and is an additional enhancement feature which allows lading tie strap  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29  to be used by the user.  
         [0111]     Although the invention is described with respect to a preferred embodiment, modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined by reference to such claims as may be submitted.