Patent Publication Number: US-2020276929-A1

Title: Support system for securing horizontal logistics track to cargo compartment vertical logistics posts

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/812,399, entitled “Support System for Securing Horizontal Logistics Track to Cargo Compartment Vertical Logistics Posts,” filed Mar. 1, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a support system for supporting and securing components of a logistics track system to adjacent vertical logistics posts that are installed on a sidewall of a cargo compartment. The components, such as a horizontal logistics track may be configured to support beams used for shoring or decking between the vertical logistics posts that are installed on opposite sidewalls of the cargo compartment. The support system may be easily installed and removed but still has the strength suitable to support the full loads of the components (e.g., the horizontal logistics track), beams coupled thereto, and the cargo disposed on the beams. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a plate for securing to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, including a first end section; a second end section; a third section extending between the first and second end sections; and a track secured to the third section, where the plate is configured such that when the plate is secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, the third section extends horizontally between first and second slots of the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, the first end section is secured to a third slot disposed adjacent to and above the first slot in the first vertical logistics post, and the second end section is secured to a fourth slot disposed adjacent to and below the second slot in the second vertical logistics post. 
     Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a plate for supporting and securing a track to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, including a first end section; a second end section; and a third section extending between the first and second end sections, where the plate is configured such that when the plate is secured to the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, the third section extends horizontally between first and second slots of the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, and the first and second end sections are respectively secured to third and fourth slots of the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, where the third and fourth slots are disposed at different heights upon the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts. 
     Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a plate for supporting and securing a track to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, where the plate is configured such that the plate is capable of being secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts while leaving first and second slots of the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts that are in line with a third section of the plate open. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be within the scope of the invention, and be encompassed by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a support system with a horizontal logistics track mounted on a third section of a plate of the support system in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the support system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view showing a plurality of the support systems of  FIG. 1  with a horizontal logistics track mounted thereon are successively secured to respective adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on a sidewall of a cargo compartment in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a partially enlarged front perspective view showing that when the plurality of the support systems of  FIG. 1  with a horizontal logistics track mounted thereon are successively secured to respective adjacent vertical logistics posts, a slot of the logistics post that is disposed between two adjacent support systems is in line with the horizontal logistics track and is open, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a partially enlarged exploded back perspective view of a first end section of the support system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a partially enlarged exploded front perspective view of the first end section of the support system of  FIG. 5  in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a partially enlarged back perspective view of the first end section of the support system of  FIG. 5 , showing two adapters and a locking engagement device are secured to the plate of the support system with a block disposed therebetween, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a back perspective view of the support system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is another back perspective view of the support system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a partially enlarged front perspective view of a second end section of the support system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a support system with a horizontal logistics track mounted on a third section of a plate of the support system in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a back perspective view of the support system of  FIG. 11  in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view of a second end section of the support system of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14 a    is a perspective view showing that a plurality of horizontal logistics tracks are successively secured to respective adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on each of the opposite sidewalls of a cargo compartment through a plurality of support systems in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14 b    is a perspective view showing beams extending between the opposite sidewalls of the cargo compartment of  FIG. 14 a    with ends secured to respective slots of the horizontal logistics tracks mounted between respective adjacent vertical logistics posts on the opposite sidewalls of the cargo compartment in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a partially enlarged back perspective view showing that one end of the support system of  FIG. 1  is secured to two adjacent slots in a vertical logistics post in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a partially enlarged back perspective view showing that one end of the support system of  FIG. 11  is secured to a single slot in a vertical logistics post in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support system in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is a back perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of a first end region of the support system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of a second end region of the support system of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects are described below with reference to the drawings in which like elements generally are identified by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the aspects may better be understood by reference to the following detailed description. However, aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings or explicitly described below. It also should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances details may have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of aspects disclosed herein, such as conventional material, construction, and assembly. 
     A support system  10  for supporting and securing a horizontal logistics track  12  to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  mounted on a sidewall of a cargo compartment  86  is shown in  FIGS. 1-16 . While a support system  10  for use with a horizontal logistics track  12  is specifically described herein, the support system  10  may be configured and successfully implemented for use with other components of a logistics track system (e.g., other types of tracks) for supporting and securing the components to adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on a sidewall of a cargo compartment. For the sake of brevity, a horizontal “E” style logistics track  12  disclosed herein is described and depicted as the component to be used with the support system  10 , but one of ordinary skill in the art, with a thorough review of the subject specification and figures, will readily comprehend how the support system  10  may be implemented for use with other components for supporting and securing the other components to adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on a sidewall of a cargo compartment and will readily comprehend which other components (e.g., “A” style track) might be suitable without undue experimentation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the support system  10  may include a plate  20  having a first end section  14 , a second end section  16 , and a third section  18  extending between the first and second end sections  14 ,  16 . The plate  20  may be configured to be capable of being secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . The support system  10  may be used to provide an add-on horizontal logistics track  12  that can be easily attached and removed from the vertical logistics posts in a standard cargo van trailer wall. The plate  20  may be made of carbon steel or other suitable materials to provide the required securement strength and flexibility. The thickness of the plate  20  may be varied as desired and/or needed to provide the required securement strength. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the plate  20  may range from 0.060 inch to 0.190 inch, depending on the required securement strength. 
     The vertical logistics posts may be one of a plurality of lengths of stationary logistics track, such as “A” or “E” track, which are well known in the art. The vertical logistics posts are normally rigidly mounted to the walls or floor of a cargo compartment, or to a storage facility. The vertical logistics post  22  may have a plurality of vertically aligned slots (e.g.,  26 ,  30 ,  32 ) that extend from a front surface  22   a  of the vertical logistics post  22  and through the vertical logistics post  22  to a rear surface  22   b  of the vertical logistics post  22 . The slots (e.g.,  26 ,  30 ,  32 ) are disposed in a spaced relationship along the length of the vertical logistics post  22 , such as at equal spacing from each other. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 , the slots (e.g.,  26 ,  30 ,  32 ) are oriented such that a long axis  22   c  of each slot is parallel with and, in some embodiments, coincident with a long axis of the vertical logistics post  22 . In other embodiments (not illustrated), the long axis  22   c  of the slots are oriented at an angle to and, in some embodiments, substantially perpendicular (i.e., plus or minus 10 degrees from true perpendicular) to the long axis of the vertical logistics post  22 . In some embodiments, the vertical logistics posts may be disposed in opposing pairs upon opposite walls  90 ,  92  of the cargo compartment  86  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b   ). In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3, 14   a  and  14   b ), a plurality of vertical logistics posts may be disposed upon each wall of the cargo compartment  86  to allow for flexibility in the arrangement of the storage equipment therewithin, which is releasably mounted to the vertical logistics posts for desired storage and transport purposes. In some embodiments, the vertical logistics post  22  may include a central portion  22   d  (the planar portion that includes the plurality of slots (e.g.,  26 ,  30 ,  32 ) that is set forward of the opposed sides of the vertical logistics post  22  (which contact the mounting surface) to create a space behind the central portion  22   d  when the vertical logistics post  22  is mounted to a flat surface (e.g., the wall of the cargo compartment). 
     In some embodiments, the first end section  14  may be configured to be capable of being secured to the first vertical logistics post  22  and the second end section  16  may be configured to be capable of being secured to the second vertical logistics post  24 . While the support systems  10  may be secured to adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on each of the opposite sidewalls  90 ,  92  of a cargo compartment  86 , for the sake of brevity, the configuration and securement of a single support system  10  to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  will be discussed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the support systems  10  secured to other adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on the same sidewall as or the opposite sidewall from the support system  10  being discussed in detail herein may be configured and secured in the same manner. 
     The third section  18  may be configured such that a horizontal logistics track  12  may be secured to a front surface  18   a  of the third section  18  and disposed such that when the plate  20  is secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , the horizontal logistics track  12  may extend horizontally between the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . This configuration allows the horizontal logistics track  12  to provide securement attachment positions (e.g., a plurality of slots spaced along the length of the horizontal logistics track  12 ) in the space between the adjacent vertical logistics posts (e.g.,  22 ,  24 ), such that when a pair of the plates  20  (and a pair of the horizontal logistics tracks  12  mounted on the third section  18 ) are secured to respective adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on opposite sidewalls  90 ,  92  of a cargo compartment  86 , beams  94  (e.g., shoring beams, decking beams) or cargo securement straps may extend between the vertical logistics posts mounted on the opposite sidewalls  90 ,  92  with ends secured to respective slots of the pair of horizontal logistics tracks (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b   ). It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the plate  20  may be configured such that when the first and second end sections  14 ,  16  are secured to the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , the third section  18  (and the horizontal logistics tracks  12  mounted on the third section  18 ) may extend between the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  at a desired and/or needed angle (e.g., not extending horizontally) relative to the vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The third section may include at least one aperture  38  disposed on the front surface  18   a  of the third section  18  to receive at least one removable engagement device  40  that is used to couple the horizontal logistics track  12  to the front surface  18   a  of the third section  18 . The at least one aperture  38  may be a blind aperture, through aperture, threaded aperture, or other variations. The at least one removable engagement device  40  may be a threaded fastener, a screw, a bolt, a pin (whether a standard or cotter-style pin with a locking device at either end of the pin), and other similar fasteners and engagement devices. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the at least one aperture  38  may include a plurality of apertures  38  spaced along the length of the front surface  18   a  of the third section  18  to receive a plurality of corresponding removable engagement devices  40 , such that the horizontal logistics track  12  may be secured to the third section  18  with the required securement strength. 
     It will be appreciated that the type, number and arrangement of the apertures  38  may be varied as desired and/or needed, depending on the type, number and arrangement of the corresponding apertures on the horizontal logistics track  12 , such that the horizontal logistics track  12  may be secured to the third section  18  with a required securement strength. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the horizontal logistics track  12  may include a first plurality of apertures  42  spaced along an upper edge  12   a  of the horizontal logistics track  12  and a second plurality of apertures  44  spaced along a lower edge  12   b  of the horizontal logistics track  12  with a plurality of slots horizontally aligned and spaced along a center portion  12   c  of the horizontal logistics track  12  that is disposed between the upper and lower edges  12   a ,  12   b . In these embodiments, the at least one aperture  38  may include first and second sets of apertures  38   a ,  38   b  disposed upon the front surface  18   a  of the third section  18  such that the upper edge  12   a  may be secured to the third section  18  through the first plurality of apertures  42  and the first set of apertures  38   a  and the lower edge  12   b  may be secured to the third section  18  through the second plurality of apertures  44  and the second set of apertures  38   b.    
     The configuration of the third section  18  may be varied as desired and/or needed to accommodate the configurations of varying components to be secured to the third section  18  and to provide the required securement strength. For example, in the embodiments where a horizontal logistics track  12  is to be secured to the third section  18  of the plate  20 , the third section  18  may be formed with a length that is greater than the length of the horizontal logistics track  12  and with a width that is greater than the width of the horizontal logistics track  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the third section  18  may be generally in the shape of a rectangle or a parallelogram to accommodate the generally rectangular shape of the horizontal logistics track  12 . It will be appreciated that the dimension (e.g., length, width) and shape of the third section  18  may be varied as desired and/or needed, without departing from the scope of the present invention, but must be such that the components (e.g., the horizontal logistics track  12 ) to be secured to the third section  18  can be mounted to the third section  18  in a desired orientation to provide the required attachment positions upon the components (e.g., the horizontal logistics track  12 ) with required strength. 
     In some embodiments, the plate  20  may be configured such that when the first and second end sections  14 ,  16  are respectively secured to the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , the third section  18  may extend horizontally between the first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  while leaving first and second slots  26 ,  28  of the respective first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  that are in line with the third section  18  open (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 ). In some embodiments, the plate  20  may have a generally Z-shaped configuration such that when the plate  20  is secured to the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  with the third section  18  extending horizontally between the first and second slots  26 ,  28  of the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , the first and second end sections  14 ,  16  are respectively secured to third and fourth slots  30 ,  34  that are disposed at different heights upon the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . 
     For example, in some embodiments, the third slot  30  may be disposed adjacent to and above the first slot  26  in the first vertical logistics post  22 , and the fourth slot  34  may be disposed adjacent to and below the second slot  28  in the second vertical logistics post  24 . As for another example, in some embodiments (discussed in greater detail below), as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first end section  14  may be configured to be capable of being secured to both of the third slot  30  that is disposed adjacent to and above the first slot  26  and a fifth slot  32  that is disposed adjacent to and above the third slot  30 , and the second end section  16  may be configured to be capable of being secured to both of the fourth slot  34  that is disposed adjacent to and below the second slot  28  in the second vertical logistics post  24  and a sixth slot  36  that is disposed adjacent to and below the fourth slot  34 , such that greater strength of the attachment of the plate  20  (and thus the horizontal logistics track  12  mounted thereon) to the vertical logistics posts may be achieved such that the horizontal logistics track  12  may support normal beam and cargo securement strap loading. 
     This configuration allows the plates  20  (e.g., and the horizontal logistics track  12  mounted thereon) to be secured to successive adjacent vertical logistics posts without the need for using one half of the width of the slot upon the vertical logistics posts for each end of the plate  20 . This provides the ability to achieve high strength of the attachment of the horizontal logistics track  12  to the vertical logistics posts, such that the horizontal logistics track  12  (which is easily attached to and removed from the vertical logistics posts) is suitable for supporting the cargo securement and cargo decking loads consistent with a permanently installed horizontal logistics track. The open first and second slots  26 ,  28  may be used for receiving a beam or cargo strap attachment. 
     It will be appreciated that the plate  20  may be configured such that when the first and second end sections  14 ,  16  are secured to respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , the first and second slots  26 ,  28  that are in line with the third section  18  are not open. For example, in some embodiments, the plate  20  may be configured such that the first end section  14  is capable of being secured to the first and third slots  26 ,  30  in the first vertical logistics post  22  and the second end section  16  is capable of being secured to the second and fourth slots  28 ,  34  in the second vertical logistics post  24 . It will be appreciated that in these embodiments, the plates  20  (and the horizontal logistics tracks  12  mounted thereon) may still be secured to successive adjacent vertical logistics posts at the same height by using one half of the width of the slots that are in line with the third section  18  of the plate  20 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the first edge  18   b  of the third section  18  may extend upwardly from the lower edge  18   e  of the third section  18  to a lower edge  14   b  of the first end section  14  at an angle φ relative to a plain through the lower edge  18   e  of the third section  18 , such that a vertical distance  48  between the lower edge  14   b  and the plain through the lower edge  18   e  that is greater than a length of the slot in a vertical logistics post (e.g.,  22 ) may be established. The second edge  18   c  of the third section  18  may extend downwardly from the upper edge  18   d  of the third section  18  to an upper edge  16   b  of the second end section  16  at an angle μ relative to a plain through the upper edge  18   d  of the third section  18 , such that a vertical distance  50  between the upper edge  16   b  and the plain through the upper edge  18   d  that is greater than a length of a slot in a vertical logistics post (e.g.,  24 ) may be established. 
     In some embodiments, the angle φ may be equal to the angle μ and the distance  48  may equal to the distance  50 , while in other embodiments, they may be different. As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the angles φ, μ and the distances  48 ,  50  are configured to provide clearance for securing beams or cargo straps to the slots of the vertical logistics posts that are in line with the third section  18  when a plurality of plates  20  are secured to successive adjacent vertical logistics posts at the same height. It will be appreciated that the angles φ, μ and the distances  48 ,  50  may be varied as desired and/or needed, without departing from the scope of the present invention, such that the plate  20  may be secured to different slots and/or different combinations of slots in the adjacent vertical logistics posts. 
     In some embodiments, the first end section  14  may include a connecting edge  14   a  extending from a first position  18   f  on the upper edge  18   d  of the third section  18  to an upper edge  14   c  of the first end section  14  at an angle α relative to the plain through upper edge  18   d . The second end section  16  may include a connecting edge  16   a  extending from a second position  18   g  on the lower edge  18   e  of the third section  18  to a lower edge  16   c  of the second end section  16  at an angle β relative to the plain through the lower edge  18   e . The first and second positions  18   f ,  18   g  and the angles α, β may be varied as desired and/or needed such that the required strength of the attachment of the plate  20  (and the horizontal logistics track  12  mounted thereon) to the vertical logistics posts may be achieved. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , in some embodiments, at least one end of the support system  10  may include at least one adapter  52  coupled to a back surface  58  of at least one end section of the plate  20  through at least one adapter engagement device  60  that extends through at least one aperture disposed on the at least one end section of the plate  20 . In some embodiments, the at least one end of the support system  10  may include a block  56  disposed between the at least one adapter  52  and the back surface  58  of the at least one end section of the plate  20 . The at least one adapter  52  is configured to be received through at least one slot of a vertical logistics post such that the support system  10  may be secured to the vertical logistics post. The configuration and operation of the at least one adapter  52  is described in U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/899,538, titled “FLUSH MOUNT SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CARGO COMPARTMENT LOGISTICS TRACK,” filed on Feb. 20, 2018 (Attorney Docket Number: 14594-789), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the at least one end of the support system  10  may include a locking engagement device  64  disposed for preventing the at least one adapter  52  from moving upwardly and disengaging from the at least one slot of the vertical logistics post that receives the at least one adapter  52 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the at least one end of the support system  10  may include the first end section  14  of the plate  20 , first and second adapters  52 ,  54 , a block  56 , first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62 , and a locking engagement device  64 . It will be appreciated that the end of the support system  10  including the second end section  16  of the plate  20  may be configured in the same or different manner as the end including the first end section  14 , and thus will not be specifically discussed herein for the sake of brevity. The first and second adapters  52 ,  54  each may include at least one apertures  52   a ,  54   a . The first end section  14  may include three vertically aligned apertures  66 ,  68  and  70 , and the block  56  may include three corresponding vertically aligned apertures  72 ,  74  and  76 . The apertures  66  and  72  may be configured such that the first adapter  52  may be coupled to the first end section  14  through the first adapter engagement device  60  extending from a front surface  20   a  of the plate  20  through the apertures  66 ,  72  and  52   a . The apertures  68  and  74  may be configured such that the second adapter  54  may be coupled to the first end section  14  through the second adapter engagement device  62  extending from the front surface  20   a  of the plate  20  through the apertures  68 ,  74  and  54   a.    
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  may be disposed along a length of the first end section  14  such that when the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  each are received through respective third and fifth slots  30 ,  32  in the first vertical logistics post  22  with bottom edges  52   c ,  54   c  of the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  contacting the respective bottom edges of the third and fifth slots  30 ,  32 , the locking engagement device  64  may be received through the third slot  30  with a small clearance disposed between the locking engagement device  64  and the upper edge of the third slot  30 . A small amount upward movement of the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  will cause the locking engagement device  64  to contact the upper edge of the third slot  30 , such that the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  are prevented from moving upwardly and disengaging from the respective third and fifth slots  30 ,  32 . In some embodiments, the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62 , and the locking engagement device  64  may be a threaded fastener, a screw, a bolt, a pin (whether a standard or cotter-style pin with a locking device at either end of the pin), and other similar fasteners and engagement devices. 
     In some embodiments, the block  56  may include a groove  56   a  extending along a length of the back surface of the block  56 , such that when the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  are coupled to the block  56  with first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62  extending through respective apertures  72 ,  52   a  and  74 ,  54   a , both of the front surfaces  52   b ,  54   b  of the respective first and second adapters  52 ,  54  are received within the groove  56   a  such that the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  are prevented from rotating around respective axes of the apertures  52   a ,  54   a  and disengaging from the first end section  14 . 
     It will be appreciated that the length of the first end section  14 , the number of adapters, the number of apertures  52   a  in the at least one adapter  52 , the number of the apertures  66 ,  68 ,  70  in the first end section  14 , the number of corresponding apertures  72 ,  74  and  76  in the block  56 , and the spacing between the apertures  66 ,  68  and  70  and the corresponding apertures  72 ,  74  and  76  may be varied as desired and/or needed such that the first end section  14  may be secured to different slots and/or combinations of slots in the first vertical logistics post  22  to achieve the desired securement strength. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the apertures  66 ,  68  and  70  in the first end section  14  and the corresponding apertures  72 ,  74  and  76  in the block  56  may be arranged such that when the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  each are received through respective third slot  30  and seventh slot  78  (adjacent to and above the fifth slot  32 ) in the first vertical logistics post  22  with the bottom edges  52   c ,  54   c  of the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  contacting the respective bottom edges of the third and seventh slots  30 ,  78 , the locking engagement device  64  may be received through the fifth slot  32  with a small clearance disposed between the locking engagement device  64  and the upper edge of the fifth slot  32 . A small amount of upward movement of the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  will cause the locking engagement device  64  to contact the upper edge of the fifth slot  32 , such that the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  are prevented from moving upwardly and disengaging from the respective third and seventh slots  30 ,  78 . 
     As for another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , the at least one end of the support system  10  may include the second end section  16  of the plate  20 , the first adapter  52 , the block  56 , the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62 , and the locking engagement device  64 . It will be appreciated that the end of the support system  10  including the first end section  14  of the plate  20  may be configured in the same or different manner as the end including the second end section  16 . The first adapter  52  may include two apertures  52   a ,  52   d  that are vertically aligned. The second end section  16  may include three vertically aligned apertures  66 ,  70  and  68 , and the block  56  may include three corresponding vertically aligned apertures  72 ,  76  and  74 . The apertures  68 ,  70 ,  74  and  76  may be configured such that the first adapter  52  may be coupled to the second end section  16  through the first adapter engagement device  60  extending from the front surface  20   a  of the plate  20  through the apertures  70 ,  76  and  52   a  and the second adapter engagement device  62  extending from the front surface  20   a  of the plate  20  through the apertures  68 ,  74  and  52   d . The apertures  66  and  72  may be configured to allow the locking engagement device  64  to extend therethrough and be coupled thereto. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the apertures  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  and  76  are arranged such that when the first adapter  52  is received through the third slot  30  in the first vertical logistics post  22  with the bottom edge  52   c  of the first adapter  52  contacting the bottom edge of the third slot  30 , the locking engagement device  64  may be received through the third slot  30  with a small clearance disposed between the locking engagement device  64  and the upper edge of the third slot  30 . A small amount upward movement of the first adapter  52  will cause the locking engagement device  64  to contact the upper edge of the third slot  30 , such that the first adapter  52  is prevented from moving upwardly and disengaging from the third slot  30 . This configuration provides the ability to secure the support system  10  to a single slot in each of the adjacent vertical logistics posts. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the second end section  16  and the first adapter  52 , and the number and arrangement of the apertures  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  52   a , and  52   d  may be varied as desired and/or needed such that the support system  10  may be secured to a different single slot in each of the adjacent vertical logistics posts. 
     It will be appreciated that the support system  10  may be configured (e.g., the length of the plate  20 ) to accommodate the spacing between adjacent vertical logistics posts. For example, the support system  10  may be configured such that the adapter(s) coupled to respective first and second end sections  14 ,  16  may be received through the slot(s) in the respective adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . In some embodiments, the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  may be spaced apart with centerlines that are about 48 inches apart, while in other embodiments, the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  may be spaced apart with centerlines that are about 24 or 50 inches apart. The term “about” is specifically defined herein to include the specific value referenced as well as a dimension that is within 5% of the dimension both above and below the dimension. 
     In some embodiments, the support system  10  may be configured such that the plate  20  is capable of being secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  that are spaced apart with centerlines that are different distances apart. For example, a single support system  10  may be configured such that the plate  20  is capable of being secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  that are spaced apart with centerlines that are either about 48 inches or about 50 inches apart. 
     In these embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2, 8-10 , at least one of the end sections  14 ,  16  may include at least one slot  80  including a body  80   b  and at least two grooves  80   a ,  80   c  that each extend upwardly from the two ends of the body  80   b . The body  80   b  and the at least two grooves  80   a ,  80   c  are configured and positioned such that an adapter engagement device  60  may extend through and slide along the length of the body  80   b  and be received through the at least two grooves  80   a ,  80   c , such that the adapter  52  coupled to the adapter engagement device  60  may slide along the length of the body  80   b , thereby allowing the support system  10  to be secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  that are spaced apart with centerlines that are either about 48 inches (e.g., when the adapter engagement device  60  is received through the first groove  80   c ) or about 50 inches (e.g., when the adapter engagement device  60  is received through the second groove  80   a ) apart. At least two apertures  70 ,  84  may be provided in the at least one of the end sections  14 ,  16  and be vertically aligned with the respective at least two grooves  80   a ,  80   c , such that the locking engagement device  64  may extend through a corresponding aperture  70  or  84  to prevent the adapter  52  from moving upwardly and disengaging from the slot of the vertical logistics post that receives through the adapter  52 , when the support system  10  is used for adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  that are spaced apart with centerlines that are either about 48 inches or about 50 inches apart. 
     It will be appreciated that the configuration, number, and arrangement of the body  80   b  and the at least two grooves  80   a ,  80   c  may be varied as desired and/or needed to accommodate the adapter(s) and adapter engagement device(s) coupled to the at least one of the end sections  14 ,  16 . For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the second end section  16  may include two slots  80 ,  82  for respectively receiving the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62  that are respectively coupled to the first and second adapters  52 ,  54 . The second slot  82  may be configured in the same manner as the first slot  80 . 
     In use, to secure the support system  10  (e.g., the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  that are spaced apart with centerlines that are about 48 inches apart, for each end of the support system  10 , the user may extend the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62  through the respective first grooves  80   c ,  82   c  of the first and second slots  80 ,  82 , couple the block  56 , from the back surface  58 , to the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62 , and then couple the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  to the respective first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62 , such that the block  56  is disposed between the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62  and the first and second adapters  52 ,  54 . The user may extend the locking engagement device  64  through the aperture  70  to the extent that the locking engagement device  64  does not extend through the block  56  (if the locking engagement device  64  is already coupled to the aperture  70  and extend through the block  56 , the user may retract the locking engagement device  64  such that it does not extend through the block  56  before securing the support system  10  to the adjacent vertical logistics posts). 
     Then the user may engage each end of the support system  10  into respective two slots (e.g., slots  30 ,  32  in the first vertical logistics post  22  and slots  34 ,  36  in the second vertical logistics post  24 ) in each of the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . Then the user may lower the support system  10  such that the bottom edges  52   c ,  54   c  of the adapters  52 ,  54  coupled to each of the end sections  14 ,  16  of the plate  20  rest upon the bottom edges of the respective slots they are received through, such that the third section  18  (and the horizontal logistics track  12  mounted thereon) is level. Then the user may secure the locking engagement device  64  to the plate  20  by further extending it through the block  56 , such that the locking engagement device  64  on each end of the support system  10  extends through a respective slot (e.g., the slots  30 ,  36 ) in the first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , thereby preventing the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  from moving upwardly and disengaging from the respective slots in the vertical logistics posts. 
     To prepare the support system  10  (e.g., the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to be capable of being secured to adjacent first and second logistics posts that are spaced with centerlines that are about 50 inches apart, for each end of the support system  10 , the user may remove the locking engagement device  64 , loosen the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62 , and slide the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62  and the first and second adapters  52 ,  54  respectively coupled thereto from the first grooves  80   c ,  82   c  to the second grooves  80   a ,  82   a  through the respective first and second slot bodies  80   b ,  82   b . Then the user may retighten the first and second adapter engagement devices  60 ,  62  and re-install the locking engagement device  64 , such that the support system  10  may be secured to adjacent vertical logistics posts with centerlines that are about 50 inches apart. One of ordinary skill in the art, with a thorough review of the subject specification and figures, will readily comprehend how to reposition the adapters such that the support system  10  suitable for being secured to adjacent vertical logistics posts with centerlines that are about 50 inches apart may be suitable for being secured to adjacent vertical logistics posts with centerlines that are about 48 inches apart. 
     While a method for securing the support system  10  (e.g., the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 ) with two adapters coupled to each end of the plate  20  for engaging two slots in each of the adjacent vertical logistic posts that are spaced with centerlines that are about 48 inches apart is specifically described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art, with a thorough review of the subject specification and figures, will readily comprehend how the support system  10  with different configurations (e.g., different numbers of the adapters coupled to each end of the plate  20  for engaging one slot or more than two slots in each of the adjacent vertical logistic posts that are spaced with centerlines that are different distances apart) may be secured to adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on a sidewall of a cargo compartment without undue experimentation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-20 , an alternative embodiment of a support system  110 , in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, is shown and described. The support system  110  is similar in certain respects to the support system  10 , and common reference numerals may designate similar parts, e.g., the logistics track  12  of  FIGS. 1-16  may be similar or identical to the logistics track  112  of  FIGS. 17-20 , with main exceptions to the design of  FIGS. 17-20  being noted in further detail below. 
     The support system  110  is used for supporting and securing a horizontal logistics track  112  to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts, such as the vertical logistic posts  22  and  24  mounted on a sidewall of the cargo compartment  86 , as referenced in  FIGS. 3, 14A and 14B , above. A first end section  114  of a plate  120  may be configured to be secured to the first vertical logistics post  22  and a second end section  116  of the plate  120  may be configured to be secured to the second vertical logistics post  24 . A third section  118  may be configured such that the horizontal logistics track  112  may be secured to a front surface  118   a  of the third section  118  and disposed such that when the plate  120  is secured to adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , the horizontal logistics track  112  may extend horizontally between the adjacent first and second vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-16 , this configuration allows the horizontal logistics track  112  to provide securement attachment positions (e.g., a plurality of slots spaced along the length of the horizontal logistics track  112 ) in the space between the adjacent vertical logistics posts (e.g.,  22 ,  24 ). When a pair of the plates  120  (and a pair of the horizontal logistics tracks  112  mounted on the third section  118 ) are secured to respective adjacent vertical logistics posts mounted on opposite sidewalls  90 ,  92  of a cargo compartment  86 , beams  94  (e.g., shoring beams or decking beams) or cargo securement straps may extend between opposite sidewalls  90 ,  92  with ends secured to respective slots of the pair of horizontal logistics tracks  112  (e.g., as generally depicted in  FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b   ). 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 17-20 , the second end section  116  of the plate  120  comprises an expansion joint  140 , which advantageously allows the ability to quickly and easily adjust usage when vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  are different distances apart, such as 48 inches versus 50 inches, as explained further below. In one embodiment, the expansion joint  140  comprises a movable segment  170  that is capable of generally horizontal movement with respect to the horizontal logistics track  112 . In one example, the movable segment  170  may slide along a track disposed on a portion of the second end section  116 . 
     In the embodiment depicted, the second end section  116  comprises a guide segment  142 , which is generally disposed vertically beneath the horizontal logistics track  112  and to the right side (when viewed from the front), as best seen in  FIG. 17 . The guide segment  142  comprises at least one track, and in the example shown herein comprises four different tracks  143   a - 143   d , as best seen in the exploded view of  FIG. 19 . It will be appreciated that while four different tracks  143   a - 143   d  are depicted in  FIGS. 17-20 , greater or fewer tracks may be provided while still accomplishing the objectives of the present embodiments. Moreover, while the four different tracks  143   a - 143   d  are depicted in the form of slots disposed through a surface of the guide segment  142 , it will be appreciated that other tracks may be employed, such as rails or notches that may or may not form a slot fully through the guide segment  142 . 
     The movable segment  170  is coupled to the guide segment  142  such that it is capable of generally horizontal movement with respect to the guide segment  142 , and consequently the horizontal logistics track  112 . In one non-limiting example, the movable segment  170  comprises a front plate  172  and a rear plate  182 , as best seen in  FIG. 19 . When assembled, the front plate  172  is generally disposed in front of the guide segment  142  of the second end section  116 , while the rear plate  182  is generally disposed behind the guide segment  142 . 
     At least one shaft may be coupled to the front plate  172  and/or the rear plate  182  to facilitate movement of the movable segment  170  with respect to the guide segment  142 . In the non-limiting example of  FIGS. 17-20 , four different shafts  173   a - 173   d  are provided, such that each shaft  173   a - 173   d  is disposed for movement with respect to a corresponding track  143   a - 143   d , as best seen in  FIG. 19 . The shafts  173   a - 173   d  may comprise any suitable shaft-like member, whether it is fixed in movement, capable of rolling, comprises a uniform diameter, has enlarged or reduced ends, rivet-like features, or other characteristics of shaft-like members. In this example, four protrusions  175   a - 175   d  may be associated with a respective shaft  173   a - 173   d , where each protrusion  175   a - 175   d  extends both forward and rearward of its respective shaft  173   a - 173   d . The forward extending portion of protrusion  175   a  may be disposed through an aperture  178   a  formed in the front plate  172 , while the forward portions of protrusions  175   b - 175   d  may similarly be disposed through respective apertures  178   b - 178   d  formed in the front plate  172 . Similarly, rearward extending protrusions may be disposed through four corresponding apertures  188  formed in the rear plate  182 . In this manner, when the front plate  172  and the rear plate  182  are held adjacent to one another on opposing sides of the guide segment  142 , the front and rear plates  172  and  182  may collectively move together in a generally horizontal direction by movement of the shafts  173   a - 173   d  moving within their respective tracks  143   a - 143   d.    
     The support system  110  of  FIGS. 17-20  further comprises at least one adapter  152 , a block  156  disposed between the at least one adapter  152  and the rear plate  182 , and a spring loaded keeper  190 , which are best seen in the exploded view of  FIG. 19 . In one embodiment, the at least one adapter  152  is similar to the adapter  52  described in detail above, and the block  156  is similar to the block  56 , with notable exceptions described below. 
     The spring loaded keeper  190  comprises a first region  192  and a second region  193 , where in use the second region  193  is disposed generally vertically above the first region  192 . A locking block  195  may be disposed adjacent to a rear surface  194  of the spring loaded keeper  190 , as best seen in  FIG. 19 . When assembled, the locking block  195  is configured to extend through an opening  185  disposed through the rear plate  182 , and further is configured to extend through an opening  157  of the block  156 . In use, the locking block  195  of the spring loaded keeper  190  is configured to engage an upper edge of a slot in the vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . A small amount of upward movement of the first adapter  152  will cause the locking block  195  to contact the upper edge of the associated slot, such that the first adapter  152  is prevented from moving upwardly and disengaging from the associated slot. 
     The spring loaded keeper  190  further comprises a tapered region  196  disposed between the first and second regions  192  and  193 , and an interface  197  disposed near the end of the second region  193 , as best seen in  FIG. 19 . In use, when an operator pulls the interface  197  in a rearward to forward direction, the tapered region  196  provides a spring-like resistance that can be overcome with sufficient force, thereby allowing the locking block  195  to also move in the rearward to forward direction, and disengage from an associated slot. However, in the absence of external forces, the spring loaded keeper  190  may be biased towards a rearward position to keep the locking block  195  biased towards an associated slot in the vertical logistics post. 
     The front plate  172 , the rear plate  182 , the spring loaded keeper  190 , the block  156  and the at least one adapter  152  may be held adjacent to one another by one or more engagement devices  160 ,  162 , such as a screw, a bolt, a pin (whether a standard or cotter-style pin with a locking device at either end of the pin), and other similar fasteners. When assembled, the engagement device  160  may extend through a first aperture  179   a  of the front plate  172 , through a first aperture  199   a  of the spring loaded keeper  190 , through a first aperture  189   a  of the rear plate  182 , through a first aperture  159   a  of the block  156 , and through a first aperture  152   a  of the first adapter  152 . Similarly, when assembled, the engagement device  162  may extend through a second aperture  179   b  of the front plate  172 , through a second aperture  199   b  of the spring loaded keeper  190 , through a second aperture  189   b  of the rear plate  182 , through a second aperture  159   b  of the block  156 , and through a second aperture  152   b  of the first adapter  152 . 
     The support system  110  of  FIGS. 17-20  provides several advantages, including those already discussed above with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-16 . As one particular advantage, the support system  110  provides a simple system by which the horizontal logistics track  112  can be quickly and easily modified for use in a trailer where vertical logistics posts are positioned at different distances relative to one another. For example, the support system  110  can be operated in a first position with vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  spaced about 48 inches apart when the movable segment  170  comprising the shafts  173   a - 173   d  are moved inwardly within their respective tracks  143   a - 143   d , i.e., closer to the center of the plate  120 . At this time, the first adapter  152  of the movable segment  170  will be positioned closer to a second adapter  152 ′ that is disposed at the first end section  114  of the system  110 , and aligned with a slot of the vertical logistics post that is spaced about 48 inches apart from another slot. Forces on the spring loaded keeper  190  are released to allow a biased engagement of the locking block  195  of the spring loaded keeper  190  with the associated slot. 
     If a user desires to then use the support system  110  in a second position with vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  spaced about 50 inches apart, then the interface  197  on the spring loaded keeper  190  may be moved in a rearward to forward direction, thus overcoming the spring biased force and releasing the locking block  195  from its original slot. Then, the movable segment  170  and associated the shafts  173   a - 173   d  may be moved in a horizontally outward direction within their respective tracks  143   a - 143   d , i.e., away from the center of the plate  120 . At this time, the first adapter  152  of the movable segment  170  will be positioned further from the second adapter  152 ′. When the first adapter  152  is aligned with the new slot of the vertical logistics post that is spaced about 50 inches apart from the adjacent slot, the first adapter  152  and the spring loaded keeper  190  are then engaged with the new associated slot. 
     In short, by simple movements of the movable segment  170  with respect to the guide segment  142  (and the horizontal logistics track  142 ), a user can easily adapt the support system  110  for use with vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  that are different distances apart. It will be appreciated that a horizontal distance of the tracks  143   a - 143   d  is a greater length than the adjustment distance (e.g., the tracks are at least 2 inches long when an adjustment is being made from a 48″ usage distance to a 50″ usage distance), thereby allowing the movable segment  170  to traverse the required adjustment distance. 
     As a further advantage of the support system  110 , the spring loaded keeper  190  avoids the requirement for locking bolts and tools to retain the ends of the support system  110  into the slots of the vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 . Notably, the spring loaded keeper  190  is retained with the movable segment  170  before, during and after usage of the support system  110 , including for use with vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24  at different distances. The resiliency of the spring loaded keeper  190 , with its ability for the locking block  195  to selectively engage the upper edge of an associated slot in the vertical logistics posts  22 ,  24 , can replace a component such as a separate locking engagement device, such as component  64  above, that must be extended through the block  56  to an engagement state and later removed when an adjustment is desired. In short, unlike other components that may require tools or components such as bolts that are removable and may be lost, the spring loaded keeper  190  may offer a simpler locking engagement system. 
     While a spring loaded keeper  190  has been described for use on the movable segment  170 , which is adjacent the second end section  116  of the plate  120 , it will be appreciated that a similar or identical spring loaded keeper  190 ′ may be used at the first end section  114  of the plate  120 , as depicted in  FIGS. 17-20 . As best seen in  FIG. 20 , the spring loaded keeper  190 ′ comprises a locking block  195 ′, tapered region  196 ′ and interface  197 ′ that are identical to the locking block  195 , tapered region  196 , and interface  197 , respectively, as described above for the spring loaded keeper  190 . When assembled, a first engagement device  160 ′ may extend through a first aperture  199   a ′ of the spring loaded keeper  190 ′, through a first aperture  189   a ′ of the first end section  114 , through a first aperture of the block  156 ′, and through a first aperture  152   a ′ of the first adapter  152 ′. Similarly, when assembled, a second engagement device  162 ′ may extend through a second aperture  199   b ′ of the spring loaded keeper  190 ′, through a second aperture  189   b ′ of the first end section  114 , through a second aperture of the block  156 ′, and through a second aperture  152   b ′ of the first adapter  152 ′. In this manner, the spring loaded keeper  190 ′ encompasses the same advantages noted above with respect to the first spring loaded keeper  190 , such as facilitating a secure engagement with an associated slot of the vertical logistics post, while omitting the need for tools or components such as bolts that are removable and may be lost. 
     While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the present disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the present disclosure and it is not necessarily expected that every embodiment of the present disclosure will achieve all of the advantages described.