Patent Publication Number: US-2011058914-A1

Title: Tie-down cleat for a moving vehicle

Description:
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a cleat-like device for tying down the lid of an automobile trunk. 
     2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When an automobile trunk or cargo area (collectively referred to as “trunk”) is overfilled or contains a large object, it often becomes difficult to fully close the tick lid or cargo door hatch (collectively referred to as “trunk lid”). In such scenarios, the user secures a rope, cord, twine, string, cable, etc. (collectively referred to as “rope”) to a portion of the trunk lid and attempts to also secure the rope to another part of the automobile. Often the second securement position is not easily accessible and not designed for securing a rope around. In addition to being cumbersome to tie-down the truck lid, the actual securement is often not tight, which causes the trunk lid to move up and down while the automobile is moving. The present invention is directed to overcoming these above-described problems one experiences when currently tying down the trunk lid for an overfilled trunk. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A vehicle secured cleat-like member is provided having a body member with preferably in one embodiment a single hole in the center in a base portion of the body member for securement to the moving vehicle by using the same screw, bolt, etc. (collectively referred to as “screw”) used to secure the license plate to the vehicle. Extending upward from the base are two flange members which are used to tie the rope (as defined above) around in use. Preferably, the two flange members are disposed at least substantially opposite of each other with respect to the base portion. 
     The preferred single hole provides a relatively quick installation/securement of the cleat-like member to the vehicle and allows the rope to be quickly tied thereto. 
     The base portion preferably is provided with a flared out member that can be approximately ¾″ from the center which ends with a lip that can be slid over or be clipped on to the edge of the license plate to provide stability to the cleat-like member in use. The lip can rest or lay on the edge of the license plate and can be approximately ¾″ in width. As an alternative to the edge engaging lip, a relatively small nub, protrusion, etc. (collectively referred to as “protrusion”) can be incorporated into the bottom of the base portion which can preferably conform to the shape of the license plate mounting hole. When the cleat like member is secured to the vehicle using one of the license plate screws, the protrusion is positioned within a portion of the license plate hole and prevents the cleat-like member from turning, rotated or otherwise twisting. 
     Preferably, the hole in the base is sized to receive the license plate screw. The size of the license plate screw are typically standard for most, if not all, vehicles, thus permitting the cleat like member to be used with at least most vehicles. In one non-limiting embodiment, the cleat-like member can be from approximately 2″ to approximately 2½″ in width (i.e. from an outer end of the first flange to the outer end of the oppositely positioned second flange). 
     The cleat-like member is not limited to any particular color and as non-limiting examples all or a portion of the cleat-like member can be black, white, clear (acrylic/lexan), silver, steel color, etc. The material(s) used for the cleat-like member is also not limited to any specific material(s). As non-limiting examples metal, nylon, synthetic material, rigid plastic, chrome plated, etc. can be used, as well as any other material which will preferably be durable and resistant to various and diverse weather conditions. 
     The actual tying down or securing of the trunk lid varies by vehicle. Where the license plate is secured to the bumper of the vehicle and with the cleat-like member properly secured thereto, approximately ten feet in length of rope can be used with one end of the rope preferably in a loop configuration. The looped end can be placed over the trunk lid and the other end of the rope can be fed through the loop and the rope pulled tight or taught. The non-looped end of the rope is then secured to the cleat-like member by conventional tying methods. 
     Where the license plate is secured to the trunk lid and with the cleat-like member properly secured thereto, approximately ten feet in length of rope can be used with one end of the rope again looped. The non-looped is placed through an appropriate section of the vehicle, which often can be near the vehicle&#39;s frame/undercarriage (collectively referred to as “frame”) under the vehicle&#39;s bumper or a hole in the frame. The non-looped end is fed through the loop at the opposite end of the rope and the rope is pulled taught or tight. The non-looped end of the rope is then secured to the cleat-like member by conventional tying methods. 
     Often where the license plate is secured to the trunk lid, the vehicle is provided with an easily accessible hole or gap between the bumper and the vehicle frame or a hole or gap is provided in the frame. The rope can be fed or threaded through these existing openings. Alternatively or additionally, the fixed portion of the trunk lid latch can also be appropriately configured to receive the rope as part of the process of tying down the trunk lid. Furthermore, many vehicles have a preexisting closed hook or loop attached to the vehicle frame adjacent to the bumper, centered in the middle that can also be used. As the cleat-like member with rope is used for securing the trunk lid, it is also possible and within the scope of the invention to secure the rope to one or more items stored in the vehicle. In this scenario, the stored item serves as the anchor point prior to tightening the rope and securing the other end of such rope to the cleat-like member. If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, the hitch can also be used as the anchor point. Thus, any appropriate part of the vehicle can be used as an anchor point. 
     It should also be recognized that a longer piece of rope (i.e. greater than 10 ft, etc.) can be used. With the longer piece of rope, rather than threading the rope through the loop, the rope can be folded in half and the two ends can be fed through the fold or bend in the rope. After such, the above-described process is then followed. 
     Thus, the cleat-like member secured to the vehicle permits the trunk lid to be quickly and easily secured when there are items stowed or otherwise disposed in the trunk that prohibit the trunk lid from latching. Thus, the cleat-like member secures the trunk lid in a substantially fixed position with respect to the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment for a vehicle secured cleat-like member in accordance with the present invention with the securing screw shown exploded; 
         FIG. 1B  is a back perspective view of the vehicle secured cleat-like member shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a top view of the vehicle secured cleat-like member shown in  FIG. 1A  with securing screw; 
         FIG. 1D  is a front elevational view of the vehicle secured cleat-like member shown in  FIG. 1A  with securing screw; 
         FIG. 1E  is a back perspective view of the vehicle secured cleat-like member shown in  FIG. 1A  and having a nub or protrusion to assist in preventing the cleat-like member from substantially rotating once secured to the vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the vehicle secured cleat-like members of  FIG. 1   a  secured to the lower corners of the trunk attached license plate; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the vehicle secured cleat-like member of  FIG. 1   a  secured to the upper corners of the bumper attached license plate; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a license plate illustrating three embodiments of the vehicle secured cleat-like members attached thereto in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG.  5 Aa is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the vehicle secured cleat-like member in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the vehicle secured cleat-like member of  FIG. 5   a;    
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the vehicle secured cleat-like member in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a version of the third embodiment of the vehicle secured cleat-like member shown secured to the vehicle through use of the vehicle&#39;s window; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective close up view of the securement to the vehicle&#39;s window shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the vehicle secured cleat-like member in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the vehicle secured cleat-like member in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the vehicle secured cleat-like member in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1   a  though  FIG. 1   e  and is generally designated as vehicle secured cleat-like member  20 . Cleat-like member  20  includes a base portion  24  having a top surface  26 , a bottom surface  28 , a first end  30  and a second end  32 . An aperture  34 , which can be threaded, is defined through base portion  24 . A nub or protrusion, or other downward member  36 , can extend downward from bottom surface  28  and is preferably located by or adjacent aperture  34 . In one non-limiting embodiment protrusion  36  can be a square-like member extending from bottom surface and having a circular passageway in communication with aperture  34  to effectively expand the length of aperture  34 . Protrusion  36  helps to prevent or minimize rotation or turning of cleat-like member  20  when it is secured to the vehicle by one of the license plate screws  50  (with “screws” being defined as noted above). When cleat-like member  20  is properly attached, protrusion  36  extends within aperture  62  of license plate  60  and can contact the edge of aperture  62  to prevent or minimize turning of cleat-like member  20 . 
     Extending upward and outward from base  24  are two curved flange members  40  and  42  which are used to tie a rope  130  (as defined above) around in use to tie down the trunk lid (See  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). One end of flange member  40  is disposed at or adjacent to first end  30  of base portion  24  and one end of flange member  42  is disposed at or adjacent to second end  32  of base portion. Thus, flange members  40  and  42  are preferably disposed substantially opposite of each other with respect to base portion  24 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , to secure cleat-like member  20  to a vehicle  150 , the relevant license plate screw  50  is unscrewed (if currently screwed in) and aperture  34  is aligned with the chosen receiving aperture  151  on the vehicle which is provided on the vehicle for receiving license plate screw  50  and also aligned with the relevant aperture  62  of license plate  60 . With aperture  34  aligned and bottom surface  28  of base  24  preferably contacting the license plate, license plate screw  50  is inserted (i.e. screwed in, etc.) in aperture  34 , license plate aperture  62  and the chosen vehicle license plate screw aperture  151  until screw  50  is fully received. At this point, cleat-like member  20  is properly secured to the vehicle and flange members  40  and  42  are preferably substantially horizontal in position extending outward from first end  30  and second end  32 , respectively, of base  24 . Screw  50  is also still used to secure one corner area of license plate  60  to vehicle  150 . In this embodiment, cleat-like member  20  is secured the same for when license plate  60  is secured to the bumper of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 3 ) and when license plate  60  is secured to the trunk lid (as defined above) of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 2 ), as both still used license plate screw  50 . 
     Where protrusion  36  is provided, protrusion  36  will extend into aperture  62  of license plate  60 , when bottom surface  28  contacts license plate  60  and base aperture  34  is aligned with license plate aperture  62 . Once cleat-like member  20  is secured to vehicle  150  as noted above, protrusion  36 , which is positioned within aperture  62 , helps to prevent any substantial or noticeable turning, twisting or rotation of cleat-like member  20  when rope  130  is being tied around flange members  40  and  42 . Thus, protrusion  36  helps to maintain or retain flange members  40  and  42  in their desired substantially horizontal orientation. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a second embodiment is shown as cleat-like member  200 , which is provided with similar flange members  40  and  42  disposed at first end  30  and second  32  of base  210 . Base  210  is provided with a bottom surface  212  and top surface  214 . A slot  216  is formed in base  210  to define a first or bottom portion  220  and a second or top portion  230 . Bottom portion  220  is preferably extended in length as compared to top portion  230 , and along with slot  216 , base  210  can be substantially J-shaped, and when secured to vehicle  150  can be a substantially inverted “J” in shape. It should be recognized that other shapes can be used for base  210  (i.e. substantially “U” shaped, etc.) and all are considered within the scope of the invention. An aperture  222  can be provided through bottom portion  220 . 
     To secure cleat-like member  200  to a vehicle  150 , the relevant license plate screw  50  is unscrewed (if currently screwed in) and aperture  222  is aligned with the chosen receiving aperture  151  on vehicle  150  (See  FIG. 4 ) which is provided for receiving license plate screw  50  and also aligned with the relevant aperture  62  of license plate  60 . The alignment of the apertures preferably occurs through the insertion of a portion of a top edge  64  of license plate  60  into slot  216 , whose dimensions can be made such that when the top edge of license plate  60  contacts the upper end  217  of slot  216 , aperture  222  is aligned with aperture  62  (See  FIG. 4 ). 
     With all apertures aligned as described above and the relevant portion of top edge  64  of license plate  60  within slot  216 , license plate screw  50  is inserted (i.e. screwed in, etc.) in apertures  222  and  62  and the chosen vehicle license plate screw aperture  151  until screw  50  is fully received. At this point, cleat-like member  200  is properly secured to vehicle  150  and flange members  40  and  42  are preferably substantially horizontal in position extending outward from first end  30  and second end  32 , respectively, of base  210 . Additionally bottom base portion  220  is tightly wedged between the back of license plate  60  and an adjacent portion of the vehicle&#39;s body. Screw  50  is also still used to secure one corner area of license plate  60  to vehicle  150 . In this embodiment, cleat-like member  200  is secured the same for when license plate  60  is secured to the bumper of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 3 ) and when license plate  60  is secured to the trunk lid (as defined above) of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 2 ), as both still used license plate screw  50 . The insertion of a portion of top edge  64  of license plate  60  in slot  216  also helps to prevent or minimize any substantial or noticeable turning, twisting or rotation of cleat-like member  200  when rope  130  is being tied around flange members  40  and  42  and helps to maintain or retain flange members  40  and  42  in their desired substantially horizontal orientation. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , a third embodiment is shown as cleat-like member  300  which eliminates aperture  34  or aperture  222 . Cleat-like member  300  is provided with similar flange members  40  and  42  disposed at first end  30  and second  32  of base  310 . Base  310  is provided with a bottom surface  312  and top surface  314 . A slot  316  is formed in base  310  to define a first or bottom portion  320  and a second or top portion  330 . Bottom portion  320  is preferably extended in length as compared to top portion  330 , and along with slot  316 , base  310  can be substantially J-shaped, and when secured to vehicle can be a substantially inverted “J” in shape. It should be recognized that other shapes can be used for base  310  (i.e. substantially “U” shaped, etc.) and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
     To secure cleat-like member  300  to a vehicle  150 , the relevant license plate screw(s)  50  is(are) at least partially unscrewed (if currently screwed in) to loosen license plate  60 . A portion of the top edge of license plate  60  is inserted into slot  316 , causing base bottom portion  320  to between license plate  60  and an adjacent portion of vehicle  150 . License plate screw(s)  50  is(are) conventionally inserted (i.e. screwed in, etc.) or tightened in connection with its(their) corresponding license plate aperture(s)  62  and vehicle license plate screw aperture(s)  151  until screw(s)  50  is(are) fully received. At this point, cleat-like member  300  is properly secured to the vehicle and flange members  40  and  42  are preferably substantially horizontal in position extending outward from first end  30  and second end  32 , respectively, of base  310 . Additionally bottom base portion  320  is tightly wedged between the back of license plate  60  and the adjacent portion of the vehicle&#39;s body. In this embodiment, cleat-like member  300  is secured the same for when license plate  60  is secured to the bumper of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 3 ) and when license plate  60  is secured to the trunk lid (as defined above) of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 2 ), as both still used license plate  60  to tightly wedge bottom base portion. The insertion of a portion of top edge  64  of license plate  60  in slot  316 , and preferably up to slot end  317 , also helps to prevent or minimize any substantial or noticeable turning, twisting or rotation of cleat-like member  300  when rope  130  is being tied around flange members  40  and  42  and helps to maintain or retain flange members  40  and  42  in their desired substantially horizontal orientation. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates another embodiment for the vehicle-secured cleat-like member which is secured to vehicle similar to the embodiment illustrated and described above for  FIGS. 1A  through  FIG. 1E . Cleat-like member  20   a  includes a base portion  24   a  having a downward extending bottom portion  26   a , a first end  30   a  and a second end  32   a . An aperture  34   a , which can be threaded, is defined through bottom portion  26   a . A nub or protrusion, or other downward member, (not shown—but similar to the nub, protrusion or downward member described above) can extend downward from the back surface of bottom portion  26   a  and is preferably located by or adjacent aperture  34   a . The nub or protrusion helps to prevent or minimize rotation or turning of cleat-like member  20   a  when it is secured to the vehicle by one of the license plate screws  50  (with “screws” being defined as noted above). When cleat-like member  20   a  is properly attached, the nub or protrusion extends within aperture  62  of license plate  60  and can contact the edge of aperture  62  to prevent or minimize turning of cleat-like member  20   a.    
     Extending upward and outward from base  24   a  are two flange members  40   a  and  46   a  can be used to tie a rope  130  (as defined above) around in use to tie down the trunk lid (See  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). A leg  42   a  of flange member  40   a  can be disposed at or adjacent to first end  30   a  of base portion  24   a  and a leg  48   a  of flange member  46   a  is disposed at or adjacent to second end  32   a  of base portion  24   a . Thus, flange members  40   a  and  46   a  are preferably disposed substantially opposite of each other with respect to base portion  24   a . Flange member  40   a  also includes first end  41   a  of elongated member  44   a  which can be secured by conventional means to leg  42   a  and leg  48   a , such as, but not limited to, screws  43   a  and  49   a , respectively. Alternatively, elongated member  44   a  and legs  42   a  and  48   a  can be constructed integral or monolithically formed as one piece, and can also be monolithically formed or constructed instructed integral with base  24   a  and/or bottom portion  26   a . Similarly, flange member  46   a  also includes second end  47   a  of elongated member  44   a . Intermediate or middle portion  45   a  of elongated member  44   a  along with base  24   a , leg  42   a  and leg  48   a  define a passageway  51   a . As an alternative to tying rope  130  to cleat-like member  20 , bungee cords or other ropes have clip, hook, clip-like, etc. ends can be used and connected to and disposed around intermediate portion  45   a  through insertion into passageway  51   a.    
     Similar to securing cleat-like member  20  as shown in  FIG. 4 , to secure cleat-like member  20   a  to a vehicle  150 , the relevant license plate screw  50  is unscrewed (if currently screwed in) and aperture  34   a  is aligned with the chosen receiving aperture  151  on the vehicle which is provided on the vehicle for receiving license plate screw  50  and also aligned with the relevant aperture  62  of license plate  60 . With aperture  34   a  aligned and the back surface of base  24   a /bottom portion  26   a  preferably contacting the license plate, license plate screw  50  is inserted (i.e. screwed in, etc.) in aperture  34   a , license plate aperture  62  and the chosen vehicle license plate screw aperture  151  until screw  50  is fully received. At this point, cleat-like member  20   a  is properly secured to the vehicle and flange members  40   a  and  46   a  are preferably substantially horizontal in position extending outward from first end  30   a  and second end  32   a , respectively, of base  24   a . Screw  50  is also still used to secure one corner area of license plate  60  to vehicle  150 . In this embodiment, cleat-like member  20   a  is secured the same for when license plate  60  is secured to the bumper of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 3 ) and when license plate  60  is secured to the trunk lid (as defined above) of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 2 ), as both still used license plate screw  50 . 
     Where a nub or protrusion is provided as described above, the protrusion will extend into aperture  62  of license plate  60 , when the back surface contacts license plate  60  and base aperture  34   a  is aligned with license plate aperture  62 . Once cleat-like member  20   a  is secured to vehicle  150  as noted above, the protrusion, which is positioned within aperture  62 , helps to prevent any substantial or noticeable turning, twisting or rotation of cleat-like member  20   a  when rope  130  is being tied around flange members  40   a  and  46   a  or when a clip or hook end rope (i.e. bungee cord, etc.) is secured to cleat-like member  20   a  preferably at intermediate portion  45   a . Thus, the nub or protrusion helps to maintain or retain flange members  40   a  and  46   a  in their desired substantially horizontal orientation. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 9B , a further embodiment is shown as cleat-like member  200   a , which is provided with similar flange members  40   a  and  46   a  disposed at first end  30   a  and second  32   a  of base  24   a , as well intermediate portion  45   a  which defines passageway  51   a , along with base  24   a  and legs  42   a  and  48   a . Base  24   a  includes a slot  216   a  which is formed in base  24   a  to define a first or bottom portion  226   a  and a second or top portion  230   a . Bottom portion  226   a  is preferably extended in length as compared to top portion  230   a , and along with slot  216   a , base  24   a  can be substantially J-shaped, and when secured to vehicle  150  can be a substantially inverted “J” in shape. It should be recognized that other shapes can be used for base  24   a  (i.e. substantially “U” shaped, etc.) and all are considered within the scope of the invention. An aperture  234   a  can be provided through bottom portion  226   a.    
     To secure cleat-like member  200   a  to a vehicle  150 , the relevant license plate screw  50  is unscrewed (if currently screwed in) and aperture  234   a  is aligned with the chosen receiving aperture  151  on vehicle  150  (Similar to cleat-like member  200  shown in  FIG. 4 ) which is provided for receiving license plate screw  50  and also aligned with the relevant aperture  62  of license plate  60 . The alignment of the apertures preferably occurs through the insertion of a portion of a top edge  64  of license plate  60  into slot  216   a , whose dimensions can be made such that when the top edge of license plate  60  contacts the upper end  217   a  of slot  216   a , aperture  234   a  is aligned with aperture  62  (See  FIG. 4 ). 
     With all apertures aligned as described above and the relevant portion of top edge  64  of license plate  60  within slot  216   a , license plate screw  50  is inserted (i.e. screwed in, etc.) in apertures  234   a  and  62  and the chosen vehicle license plate screw aperture  151  until screw  50  is fully received. At this point, cleat-like member  200   a  is properly secured to vehicle  150  and flange members  40   a  and  46   a  are preferably substantially horizontal in position extending outward from first end  30   a  and second end  32   a , respectively, of base  24   a . Additionally bottom base portion  226   a  is tightly wedged between the back of license plate  60  and an adjacent portion of the vehicle&#39;s body. Screw  50  is also still used to secure one corner area of license plate  60  to vehicle  150 . In this embodiment, cleat-like member  200   a  is secured the same for when license plate  60  is secured to the bumper of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 3 ) and when license plate  60  is secured to the trunk lid (as defined above) of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 2 ), as both still used license plate screw  50 . The insertion of a portion of top edge  64  of license plate  60  in slot  216   a  also helps to prevent or minimize any substantial or noticeable turning, twisting or rotation of cleat-like member  200   a  when rope  130  is being tied around flange members  40  and  42  (or a bungee cord, etc. is secured at intermediate portion  45   a ) and helps to maintain or retain flange members  40   a  and  46   a  in their desired substantially horizontal orientation. 
     As seen in  FIG. 9C , an additional embodiment is shown as cleat-like member  300   a  which eliminates aperture  34   a  shown in  FIG. 9B . Cleat-like member  300   a  is provided with similar flange members  40   a  and  46   a  disposed at first end  30   a  and second  32   a  of base  24   a . A slot  316   a  is formed in base  24   a  to define a first or bottom portion  326   a  and a second or top portion  330   a . Bottom portion  326   a  is preferably extended in length as compared to top portion  330   a , and along with slot  316   a , base  24   a  can be substantially J-shaped, and when secured to vehicle can be a substantially inverted “J” in shape. It should be recognized that other shapes can be used for base  24   a  (i.e. substantially “U” shaped, etc.) and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
     To secure cleat-like member  300   a  to a vehicle  150 , the relevant license plate screw(s)  50  is(are) at least partially unscrewed (if currently screwed in) to loosen license plate  60 . A portion of the top edge of license plate  60  is inserted into slot  316   a , causing base bottom portion  326   a  to between license plate  60  and an adjacent portion of vehicle  150 . License plate screw(s)  50  is(are) conventionally inserted (i.e. screwed in, etc.) or tightened in connection with its(their) corresponding license plate aperture(s)  62  and vehicle license plate screw aperture(s)  151  until screw(s)  50  is(are) fully received. At this point, cleat-like member  300   a  is properly secured to the vehicle and flange members  40   a  and  46   a  are preferably substantially horizontal in position extending outward from first end  30   a  and second end  32   a , respectively, of base  24   a . Additionally bottom base portion  326   a  is tightly wedged between the back of license plate  60  and the adjacent portion of the vehicle&#39;s body. In this embodiment, cleat-like member  300   a  is secured the same for when license plate  60  is secured to the bumper of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 3 ) and when license plate  60  is secured to the trunk lid (as defined above) of vehicle  150  ( FIG. 2 ), as both still used license plate  60  to tightly wedge bottom base portion. The insertion of a portion of top edge  64  of license plate  60  in slot  316   a , and preferably up to slot end  317   a , also helps to prevent or minimize any substantial or noticeable turning, twisting or rotation of cleat-like member  300   a  when rope  130  is being tied around flange members  40   a  and  46   a  (or a bungee cord, etc. is secured at intermediate portion  45   a ) and helps to maintain or retain flange members  40   a  and  46   a  in their desired substantially horizontal orientation. 
     It is also within the scope of the invention to have legs  42   a  and  48   a  be secured directly to or be molded with bottom portion  226   a  ( FIG. 9A ) or top portion  230   a  ( FIGS. 9B  and/or  FIG. 9C ). This could eliminate the lower member  23   a  at one end of legs  42   a  and  48   a  which is positioned at least substantially parallel to elongated member  44   a . Thus, the definition of base member for purposes of the description and claims is considered to include all above described variations or versions for the base member (i.e. with or without lower member  23   a , etc.). 
     With all of the above-described embodiments, the actual tying down or securing of the trunk lid  154  (as defined above) varies by vehicle and can include multiple ways for the same vehicle and can involve use of one cleat-like member or a multiple of cleat-like members. All tying scenarios and variations are considered within the scope of the invention. In one non-limiting example, where license plate  60  is secured to a bumper  156  of vehicle  150  and with cleat-like member  20 / 20   a / 200 / 200   a / 300 / 300   a  properly secured thereto, approximately ten feet in length of rope  130  can be used with one end of rope  130  preferably in a loop configuration. The looped end can be placed over trunkk lid  154  and the other end of rope  130  can be fed through the loop and rope  130  pulled tight or taught. The non-looped end of rope  130  is then secured to cleat-like member  20 / 20   a / 200 / 200   a / 300 / 300   a  by conventional tying methods. 
     In another non-limiting example, where license plate  60  is secured to trunk lid  154  and with cleat-like member  20 / 20   a / 200 / 200   a / 300 / 300   a  properly secured thereto, approximately ten feet in length of rope  130  can be used with one end of rope  130  again looped. The non-looped is placed through an appropriate section of vehicle  150 , which often can be near the vehicle&#39;s frame (as defined above) under the vehicle&#39;s bumper or a hole in the frame. The non-looped end of rope  130  is fed through the loop at the opposite end of rope  130  and rope  130  is pulled taught or tight. The non-looped end of rope  130  is then secured to cleat-like member  20 / 20   a / 200 / 200   a / 300 / 300   a  by conventional tying methods. 
     Often where license plate  60  is secured to trunk lid  154 , vehicle  150  is provided with an easily accessible hole or gap between the bumper and the vehicle frame or a hole or gap is provided in the frame. Rope  130  can be fed or threaded through these existing openings. Alternatively or additionally, the fixed portion of the trunk lid latch can also be appropriately configured to receive rope  130  as part of the process of tying down trunk lid  154 . Furthermore, many vehicles have a preexisting closed hook or loop attached to the vehicle frame adjacent to the bumper, centered in the middle that can also be used. As cleat-like member  20 / 20   a / 200 / 200   a / 300 / 300   a  with rope  130  is used for securing trunk lid  154 , it is also possible and within the scope of the invention to secure rope  130  to one or more items stored in vehicle  150 . In this scenario, the stored item serves as the anchor point prior to tightening rope  130  and securing the other end of rope  130  to cleat-like member  20 / 20   a / 200 / 200   a / 300 / 300   a . If vehicle  150  has a trailer hitch, the hitch can also be used as the anchor point. Thus, any appropriate part of vehicle  150  can be used as an anchor point and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , several of the above-described embodiments (i.e. members  200 ,  200   a ,  300  and/or  300   a ) can also be secured to vehicle  150  through use of the vehicle&#39;s window  158 . Preferably, for this specific use, the width of slot  216 ,  216   a ,  316  and/or  316   a  may be slightly larger in dimension as compared to when these members are specifically designed to receive a portion of top edge  64  of license plate  60 , since the thickness of the vehicle&#39;s windows may be larger or greater than the thickness of license plate  60 . Thus, it is preferred that the width of slot be selected to correspond to the thickness of the object it is intended to be secured to (i.e. window  158  or license plate  60 ). Attaching member  200 ,  200   a ,  300  or  300   a  to at least one window  158  and preferably at least two windows  158  (at least one on each side of vehicle  150 ) permits the cleat-like member to be used for securing items to the roof of vehicle  150  (i.e. mattress, luggage, etc.). 
     To secure the cleat-like member to a vehicle  150  at window  158 , the relevant window is lowered so that a portion of the top edge of window  158  can be inserted into the slot. Once inserted, window  158  is raised such that the top of base  210 ,  210   a ,  310  or  310   a  is sandwiched between the top edge of window  158  and the associated window frame. Another cleat-like member (identical in configuration or configured similar to another embodiment described above) is typically similarly positioned at the opposite side of vehicle  150 . At this point, the cleat-like members are properly secured to vehicle  150  at the vehicle windows and their corresponding flange members are preferably substantially horizontal in position extending outward from their first end and their second end, respectively, of their associated base. The insertion of a portion of the top edge of window  158  in the slot also helps to prevent or minimize any substantial or noticeable turning, twisting or rotation of the cleat-like member when rope  130  is being tied around the flange members and helps to maintain or retain the flange members in their desired substantially horizontal orientation. 
     All dimensions discussed above are merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and other dimensions can be chosen and used and all are considered within the scope of the invention. Additionally, all colors and material(s) for constriction noted above are also merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and other dimensions can be chosen and used and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
     It is also within the scope of the invention to screw or otherwise (permanently or removably) secure a cleat into the vehicle frame at a desired location. 
     Additionally, the apertures of the various cleat-like embodiments can be threaded apertures. 
     Additionally, the specific dimensions of the bottom portions, bases, flanges, and other portions of the various cleat-like members are not limited to any specific dimension. Furthermore, the specific dimensional relationship between the various portions of the cleat-like member with respect to each other are not considered limited to any specific dimensions. 
     The present invention provides the ability to tie down and secure the trunk lid or cargo hatch quickly and easily, and then unsecure or untie the rope or twine quickly and easily to provide access to the trunk or cargo area. The present invention permits knots to be tied properly such that they can be safely secured, yet easily untied when desired by the user and without the need of a knife or scissors to cut the rope. The tie-down cleat of the present invention permits the secured rope to loosen, tighten, raise or lower the trunk lid or cargo hatch door and quickly and easily release and/or untie. 
     In one or more embodiments the apertures can be centrally located on the base member and/or bottom portion of the base member. 
     While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within the scope of the invention.