Patent Publication Number: US-2015071727-A1

Title: Removable bull ring with rotating attachment plate

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a bull ring tie-down for a vehicle, more specifically, a removable bull ring tie-down having a rotational fastening mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various models of cargo vehicles, including pick-up trucks, include bed side rails that have stake pockets defined therein. Various accessories can be inserted into these stake pockets, such as bull rings that can be secured to the bed side rail to be used to tie down cargo that is placed within the bed of a pick-up truck. Typically, these bull rings are installed within stake pockets through the use of tools and are not readily removable absent the use of tools. In this manner, removal of the bull rings, such that alternate accessories can be inserted within the stake pocket, can be inconvenient due to the need for tools to remove and insert the various accessories. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a bull ring for a vehicle stake pocket or standard interface plate includes a top plate, a rotating plate rotationally coupled with the top plate, and a U-shaped tie-down. A fastener is configured to secure the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. Two opposing rail flanges of the rotating plate extend beyond the top plate and define a clamping region with the top plate. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a bull ring for a vehicle stake pocket or standard interface plate includes a top plate coupled to a rotating plate having a tie-down. Two opposing rail flanges extend from the rotating plate. A fastener selectively couples the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. The rail flanges extend beyond an outer edge of the top plate to define a clamping region with the top plate. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a bull ring for a vehicle stake pocket or standard interface plate includes a top plate coupled to a rotating plate having a tie-down. Two opposing rail flanges extend from the rotating plate, and a fastener selectively couples the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. The rail flanges extend beyond an outer edge of the top plate to define a clamping region with the top plate. A vehicle having a cargo bed side rail defines a pocket opening, wherein the two rail flanges and the rotating plate are configured to pass through the pocket opening when the two rail flanges are substantially aligned with a primary axis of the pocket opening. A portion of the bed side rail proximate the pocket opening is selectively disposed within the clamping region when the rotating plate is passed through the pocket opening and in the securing position. The tie-down is selectively secured proximate the bed side rail. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a partially exploded rear perspective view of a vehicle with an embodiment of the removable bull ring in an installation position; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of a vehicle with an embodiment of the removable bull ring in a securing position and installed in the stake pocket of a bed side rail; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the removable bull ring in the secured position; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a first side elevation view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a second side elevation view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 8  taken at line X-X; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 9  taken at line XI-XI; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 2  taken at line XII-XII; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the removable bull ring in the installation position; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , taken along line XVI-XVI, with the removable bull ring removed from the stake pocket and the bull ring in the installation position; 
         FIG. 17  is a partially exploded rear perspective view of a vehicle with an alternate embodiment of the removable bull ring in an installation position; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear perspective view of a vehicle with an embodiment of the removable bull ring in a securing position and installed in the standard interface plate of a bed side rail; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , taken along line XIX-XIX, with the removable bull ring removed from the standard interface plate and the bull ring in the installation position; and 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the removable bull ring of  FIG. 18  taken at line XX-XX. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 3 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a removable bull ring  10  as shown removed from, or about to be installed on, the stake pocket  12  of a bed side rail  14  of a pick-up truck  16 , according to one embodiment. A removable bull ring  10  includes a top plate  20  and a rotating plate  22  rotationally coupled with the top plate  20 , where a U-shaped member or tie-down  24  is coupled to the rotating plate  22 . A fastening mechanism is configured to secure the rotating plate  22  in a securing position  28  relative to the top plate  20 . In the securing position  28  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), two opposing rail flanges  30  of the rotating plate  22  extend beyond the top plate  20  to define a clamping region  32  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) with the top plate  20 . In an installation position  34  (shown in  FIG. 13 ), the two opposing rail flanges  30  do not extend beyond the top plate  20  such that the rotating plate  22  can be inserted directly and perpendicularly into the stake pocket  12 , as will be more fully described below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the removable bull ring  10  is installed in the stake pocket  12  of the bed side rail  14  of the vehicle  16 , and the rotating plate  22  is placed in the securing position  28  such that a portion of the bed side rail  14  is disposed within the clamping region  32  defined between the opposing rail flanges  30  and the top plate  20 , such that the removable bull ring  10  is selectively coupled with the bed side rail  14  of the vehicle  16 , as will also be more fully described below. As will be described more fully, below, the removeable bull ring  10  can also be configured to engage a standard interface plate  200  (shown in  FIGS. 17-20 ) of a vehicle  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-11 , in various embodiments, the removable bull ring  10  includes a connecting flange  50  of the rotating plate  22  that is configured to receive a fastener  52 . The connecting flange  50  is substantially perpendicular to the two opposing rail flanges  30 . The connecting flange  50  does not extend beyond an outer edge  54  of the top plate  20 , when the removable bull ring  10  is in either the securing position  28  or the installation position  34 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  6 , the top plate  20  includes a circular aperture  60  defined therein, wherein the circular aperture  60  is configured to receive a circular protrusion  62  of the rotating plate  22 . The circular protrusion  62  of the rotating plate  22  includes an upper rim  64  that extends outward from the circular protrusion  62 . The portions of the top plate  20  proximate the circular aperture  60  are configured to engage the circular protrusion  62  such that the top plate  20  fits between the upper rim  64  and the upper surface  66  of the opposing rail flanges  30  and the connecting flange  50 . In this manner, the rotating plate  22  can rotate within the top plate  20 , a full 360°, clockwise or counterclockwise, to define the securing and installation positions  34  of the removable bull ring  10 . In various embodiments, the circular protrusion  62  and rotating plate  22  can be formed as a single integral piece, or the circular protrusion  62  can be a separate member coupled with the remainder of the rotating plate  22 . 
     In various embodiments, a rotational mechanism can be disposed between the circular aperture  60  and the circular protrusion  62  to allow the rotating plate  22  more freedom of rotation within the circular aperture  60  of the top. These rotational mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, ball bearings, lubricants, slidable interfaces, a combination thereof, or other rotational interfaces that permit greater freedom of movement between the top plate  20  and the rotating plate  22 . In other alternate embodiments, the rotation of the rotating plate  22  within the top plate  20  can be limited such that the rotating plate  22  can only rotate between the securing position  28  and the installation position  34 . Such an embodiment allows the user to more easily determine the positioning of the rotating plate  22  relative to the top plate  20 . In still other alternate embodiments, indicia can be placed upon the top plate  20  and the circular protrusion  62  that communicate to the user the relative positions of the rotating plate  22  and the top plate  20  to ascertain when the removable bull ring  10  is in the securing position  28  or the installation position  34  or some other predetermined position. In this alternate embodiment, the indicia can take the form of markings that include, but are not limited to, surface applications of the top plate  20  and the circular protrusion  62 , markings engraved within or defined by the surface of the top plate  20  and/or the circular protrusion  62 , raised or textured surfaces of the top plate  20  and/or the circular protrusion  62 , or combinations thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-16 , the top plate  20  includes an upper cover portion  80  and a lower receptacle portion  82 , wherein the cover portion  80  is larger than the receptacle portion  82 . The receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  is configured to fit within the stake pocket  12  of the bed side rail  14  and is sized relative to the stake pocket  12  such that the top plate  20  of the removable bull ring  10  is afforded limited lateral movement when installed within the stake pocket  12 . The receptacle portion  82  is also configured such that the thickness of the receptacle portion  82  is approximately the same thickness as the material of the bed side rail  14  proximate the stake pocket  12 . The cover portion  80  of the top plate  20  is configured to be larger than the stake pocket  12 , such that when the removable bull ring  10  is installed within the stake pocket  12 , the cover portion  80  of the top plate  20  extends beyond each of the edges  84  that define the stake pocket  12 , thereby concealing the stake pocket  12  and also allowing the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  to be inserted into the stake pocket  12  without the entire top plate  20  passing through the stake pocket  12 . In this manner, when the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  is inserted into the stake pocket  12 , the rotating plate  22  is inserted through the bed side rail  14  and disposed on an interior portion  86  of the bed side rail  14  such that the rotating plate  22  can rotate within the interior portion  86  of the bed side rail  14  to be disposed between the securing position  28  and the installation position  34 . The stake pocket  12 , being typically rectangular in shape, prevents lateral and rotational movement of the top plate  20 , when the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  is disposed within the stake pocket  12 . In this manner, when the removable bull ring  10  is disposed within the stake pocket  12 , the top plate  20  is kept in a relatively fixed position relative to the stake pocket  12 , while the rotating plate  22  can be rotated between the securing and installation positions  34 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3-10 , top and bottom fastener openings  100 ,  102  are defined within the top plate  20  and the connecting flange  50  of the rotating plate  22 , respectively. The top and bottom fastener openings  100 ,  102  cooperate to define a receptacle  104  for a fastener  52 , wherein the receptacle  104  is configured to receive the fastener  52  when the removable bull ring  10  is disposed in the securing position  28 . When the removable bull ring  10  is not in the securing position  28 , the fastener  52  can be disposed through either the top or bottom fastener opening  100 ,  102 , but not both. In this manner, the top and bottom fastener openings  100 ,  102  cooperate to indicate to the user when the removable bull ring  10  is placed within the securing position  28 . In various embodiments, the fastener  52  can take the form of a pin-type fastener or other alternate fasteners that can include, but are not limited to, screw-type fasteners, clips, hasps, clasps, or other types of fasteners that can be selectively placed through the top plate  20  and the rotating plate  22 . 
     In various alternate embodiments, the rotating plate  22  can include a bottom fastener opening  102  that is defined by one of or both of the opposing rail flanges  30 , wherein the removable bull ring  10  can include one of two securing positions  28 . In such an embodiment, the rotating plate  22  would not require a connecting flange  50 . The location of the bottom fastener opening  102  in one or both of the opposing rail flanges  30 , relative to the location of the top fastener opening  100  in the top plate  20 , defines the securing position  28  of the removable bull ring  10 . In other alternate embodiments, the top plate  20  can include a plurality of top fastener openings  100  that are configured to receive fasteners  52 , that when installed, are positioned adjacent to one or more of the opposing rail flanges  30 . In this manner, the various fasteners  52  being inserted in the plurality of top fastener openings  100  disposed within the top plate  20  serves to confine the opposing rail flanges  30  in the securing position  28  without the need for the fasteners  52  to extend through any portion of the rotating plate  22 . In such an embodiment, the fasteners  52  can be a plurality of pins, or one or more individual pins that can be placed through two or more top fastener openings  100  in the top plate  20  simultaneously to confine the rotating plate  22  within the securing position  28 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-10 , the fastener  52  can include a ring  110  to allow the user to grasp and conveniently pull the fastener  52  from the receptacle  104  defined by the top and bottom fastener openings  100 ,  102 . The ring  110  also provides a mechanism that prevents the fastener  52  from passing entirely through the top and bottom fastener openings  100 ,  102 , wherein the ring  110  engages the top surface of the top plate  20  and prevents the fastener  52  from proceeding through the top plate  20  further. In alternate embodiments, the fastener  52  can include alternate grasping mechanisms that include, but are not limited to, handles, textured portions, portions with alternate materials that provide greater friction and grip, or other such grasping mechanisms. In various alternate embodiments, the fastener  52  can include an end portion that is wider than the remainder of the fastener  52 , such as a cap, a flared portion, or an edge that has a greater circumference than the top fastener opening  100 , such that the fastener  52  will not pass entirely through the top fastener opening  100  of the top plate  20  and prevent the fastener  52  from passing clear through the removable bull ring  10 . 
     In various alternate embodiments, the fastener  52  can include a biasing mechanism  112 , at an end of the fastener  52  that selectively engages a bottom surface  114  of the rotating plate  22  proximate to the bottom fastener opening  102 . The biasing mechanism  112  can be a ball detent, or other similar biasing member that can selectively secure the fastener  52  within the receptacle  104 . Such a biasing mechanism  112  substantially and selectively prevents the fastener  52  from escaping the receptacle  104  during use of the vehicle  16 , such as when the vehicle  16  encounters bumpy or otherwise rough surface conditions. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 4-16 , the rotating plate  22  includes the two opposing rail flanges  30 , and the connecting flange  50  that is configured substantially perpendicular to the opposing rail flanges  30 . The rotating plate  22 , as discussed above, is rotatable within and relative to the top plate  20  between the securing position  28  and an installation position  34 . The securing position  28  is defined by the two opposing rail flanges  30  extending beyond at least the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20 . In alternate embodiments, when the rotating plate  22  is positioned in the securing position  28 , the two opposing rail flanges  30  extend at least to the outer edge  54  of the cover portion  80 . In other alternate embodiments, the opposing rail flanges  30  extend beyond the cover portion  80  of the top plate  20  when disposed in the securing position  28 . The connecting flange  50  is configured such that the receptacle portion  82  of the top flange extends even with or extends beyond the outer extent of the connecting flange  50 , such that the top fastener opening  100  of the top plate  20  can align with the bottom fastener opening  102  of the rotating plate  22  when the rotating plate  22  is in the securing position  28 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7 , the top plate  20  includes the rectangular configuration that has a primary axis  130  and a secondary axis  132 , wherein the primary axis  130  is longer than the secondary axis  132 . This configuration, as discussed above, matches the configuration of the stake pocket  12  that is generally proportional in shape to the shape of the top plate  20 . When the removable bull ring  10  is disposed in the securing position  28 , the two opposing rail flanges  30  extend parallel to the secondary axis  132  of the top plate  20  such that the two opposing rail flanges  30  extend beyond an outer edge  54  of the top plate  20 . In this manner, portions of the bed side rail  14  can be disposed in the clamping region  32  between the two opposing rail flanges  30  and the cover portion  80  of the top plate  20  to secure the removable bull ring  10  within the stake pocket  12  of the bed side rail  14 . When the rotating plate  22  is in the securing position  28 , the connecting flange  50 , being generally perpendicular to the two opposing rail flanges  30 , is substantially parallel with the primary axis  130  of the top plate  20 . In this manner, the top fastener opening  100  of the top plate  20  is also disposed along the primary axis  130  of the top plate  20 , such that the fastener  52  can be disposed through the top plate  20  and the connecting flange  50  to substantially secure the rotating plate  22  in the securing position  28  relative to the top plate  20 . In alternate embodiments, as discussed above, where the rotating plate  22  lacks a connecting flange  50  and the fastener  52  is positioned through the top plate  20  and at least one of the two opposing rail flanges  30 , the top fastener opening  100  is disposed substantially along the secondary axis  132  of the top plate  20 , such that the two opposing rail flanges  30  can be disposed parallel with the secondary axis  132  of the top plate  20 , in the securing position  28 . 
     In other various alternate embodiments, the rotating plate  22  can include a pair of opposing connecting flanges that are each disposed perpendicular to the two opposing rail flanges  30  such that the rotating plate  22  includes two securing positions  28  that can be achieved when either of the opposing connecting flanges are positioned proximate the top fastener opening  100 . In this embodiment, the bottom fastener opening  102  of either of the two opposing connecting flanges can receive the fastener  52  to secure the rotating plate  22  in the securing position  28 . To achieve a greater level of stability, the top plate  20  can include a pair of top fastener openings  100  that, with the bottom fastener openings  102  of the two opposing connecting flanges, defines two receptacles  104 , wherein these two receptacles  104  can receive two separate fasteners  52 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS.  1  and  13 - 16 , the rotating plate  22  can also be disposed in the installation position  34 , which, as discussed above, is defined by the two opposing rail flanges  30  and the connecting flanges  50  being positioned within a boundary  140  defined by the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20 . In this manner, when the rotating plate  22  is disposed in the installation position  34 , the rotating plate  22  and the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  can be disposed through the stake pocket  12  of the bed side rail  14  perpendicularly with the stake pocket  12 . In other words, the rotating plate  22  and the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  can be inserted into the stake pocket  12 , without the user having to tilt, lean or otherwise reposition the angle of the removable bull ring  10  relative to the stake pocket  12  to install the removable bull ring  10  within the stake pocket  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-12 , the bottom surface  114  of the rotating plate  22  is also tapered in an upward direction toward the top plate  20 , such that the bottom surface  114  of the rotating plate  22  includes a plurality of sloped surfaces  150  that slope upwards from the center  152  of the rotating plate  22  to the ends  154  of the two opposing rail flanges  30  and the end  154  of the connecting flange  50 . In this manner, as the removable bull ring  10  is inserted within the stake pocket  12 , the plurality of sloped surfaces  150  engage the edges  84  of the stake pocket  12  and bias the rotating plate  22  towards the center of stake pocket  12 , such that the rotating plate  22  is guided into the stake pocket  12  for more convenient insertion into the stake pocket  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 7 and 13 , the rotating plate  22  is generally oblong in shape, such that the rotating plate  22  at the two opposing rail flanges  30  is longer than the rotating plate  22  perpendicular to the opposing rail flanges  30 . In addition, the two opposing rail flanges  30  have a generally tapered configuration, wherein each of the opposing rail flanges  30  tapers toward a narrow end  154  and terminates at a distal edge  160  of each of the opposing rail flanges  30 . This tapered configuration allows the rotating plate  22  to be disposed within the installation position  34  such that the two opposing rail flanges  30  can be positioned within the boundary  140  of the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20 . This tapered configuration allows the opposing rail flanges  30  to extend a length that is longer than the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  along the primary axis  130  of the top plate  20 . In this manner, the opposing rail flanges  30  can extend further beyond the edges  84  of the stake pocket  12  to better secure the removable bull ring  10  to the bed side rail  14  proximate the stake pocket  12 . Similarly, the connecting flange  50  of the rotating plate  22  is configured such that it extends to the boundary  140  of the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  along the primary axis  130  of the top plate  20  when in the securing position  28 . Alternatively, when the rotating plate  22  is disposed in the installation position  34 , the connecting flange  50  remains within the boundary  140  of the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20 , such that the rotating plate  22  and the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  can be inserted into the stake pocket  12  of the bed side rail  14 . The configuration of the opposing rail flanges  30  is such that the distal edges  160  of the opposing rail flanges  30  are a predetermined length such that the opposing rail flanges  30  will provide sufficient extension outside of the boundary  140  of the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  to adequately secure the removable bull ring  10 , while also fitting within the boundary  140  of the receptacle portion  82  when in the installation position  34 . Similarly, the connecting flange  50  is sized such that it will fit within the boundary  140  of the receptacle portion  82  in the installation position  34 , but also extend far enough such that the top and bottom fastener openings  100 ,  102  can adequately secure the rotating plate  22  in the securing position  28 . 
     It should be understood that alternate configurations of the rotating plate  22  can be used so long as the alternate configuration includes an installation position  34  wherein the outlying flanges of the rotating plate  22  are disposed within the boundary  140  of the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3-13 , a U-shaped tie-down  24  is disposed through the rotating plate  22  at the circular protrusion  62 . In this manner, the U-shaped tie-down  24  is configured to rotate with the circular protrusion  62  as the rotating plate  22  is rotated between the securing position  28  and the installation position  34 . In various embodiments, a supporting disk  170  can be inserted into an inner portion  172  of the circular protrusion  62  to provide additional structural support to the U-shaped tie-down  24 . The supporting disk  170  and the rotating plate  22  can include tie-down apertures  174  through which legs  176  of the U-shaped tie-down  24  can be inserted to connect the U-shaped tie-down  24  to the rotating plate  22 . Positioning flanges  178  are disposed on each of the legs  176  of the U-shaped tie-down  24  to vertically position the U-shaped tie-down  24  relative to the rotating plate  22 . The ends  180  of each of the legs  176  of the U-shaped tie-down  24  each include threaded portions  182  for receiving threaded fasteners  184  that are configured to secure the U-shaped tie-down  24  to the rotating plate  22 . In various embodiments, the rotating plate  22  can include a tie-down receptacle  186  defined within the bottom surface  114  of the rotating plate  22  within which the threaded fasteners  184  can engage the ends  180  of each of the legs  176  of the U-shaped tie-down  24 . As the threaded fasteners  184  are tightened around the ends  180  of the legs  176  of the U-shaped tie-down  24 , the supporting disk  170  is disposed to the rotating plate  22  between the threaded fasteners  184  and the positioning flanges  178  of the U-shaped tie-down  24 . In this manner, the U-shaped tie-down  24  is secured to the rotating plate  22  such that the U-shaped tie-down  24  can receive loads placed upon it during use of the vehicle  16  to which the removable bull ring  10  is fastened. 
     In various alternate embodiments, alternate fastening mechanisms can be used to secure the U-shaped tie-down  24  to the rotating plate  22 . These alternate fastening mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, pins, clasps, hasps, notched interfaces or other similar fastening mechanisms. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-12 , when the removable bull ring  10  is disposed in the securing position  28 , the U-shaped tie-down  24  is aligned with the secondary axis  132  of the top plate  20 . In alternate embodiments, the U-shaped tie-down  24  can be oriented along the primary axis  130  at the top plate  20 . In such an embodiment, the tie-down receptacle  186  is aligned perpendicular to the opposing rail flanges  30 . In still other alternate embodiments, the U-shaped tie-down  24  can be selectively repositioned between positions that are parallel and perpendicular to the opposing rail flanges  30 . In such an embodiment, the rotating plate  22  includes a plurality of tie-down apertures  174  configured to receive the U-shaped tie-down  24  in a plurality of orientations. In still other alternate embodiments, the U-shaped tie-down  24  can be oriented in alternate configurations by the opposing flanges being disposed in an alternate securing position. In the alternate securing position, the opposing rail flanges  30  are disposed parallel with the primary axis  130  of the top plate  20  and extend beyond the receptacle portion  82  of the top plate  20  to define an alternate clamping region. In this embodiment, the top plate  20  includes an alternate top fastener opening such that the rotating plate  22  can be disposed in either the securing position  28  or the alternate securing position. 
     In various embodiments, alternate shaped tie-downs can be used. The shapes of these tie-downs can include, but are not limited to, mooring-type tie-downs, L-shaped tie-downs and other shaped tie-downs that can be used to secure cargo within the bed of a vehicle  16 . In other alternate embodiments, the supporting plate and the rotating plate  22  can include a tie-down receptacle  186  for receiving a tie-down having a single leg, such as an I-hook or a mooring-type tie-down having a single leg. In these embodiments, the supporting disk  170  or the rotating plate  22  can include notches, protuberances or other members that can cooperate with a corresponding notch or protuberance of the single leg tie-down to prevent the single leg tie-down from spinning within the rotating plate  22  during use. 
     According to various embodiments, the removable bull ring  10  is made from substantially rigid and durable materials that include, but are not limited to, metals, metal alloys, and other substantially rigid materials. In other alternate embodiments, portions of the removable bull ring  10  can be coated in various materials that include, but are not limited to, plastics, plastic coatings, chrome, metallic-type coatings, and other similar materials that can limit corrosion to portions of the removable bull ring  10  and/or provide aesthetic qualities to the removable bull ring  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 17-20 , the removable bull ring  10  can be installed within a plate opening  198  of a standard interface plate  200  disposed on an inward-facing surface  202  of the bed side rail  14 , a back surface  204  of the cab  206 , a top surface  208  of the bed  210 , or other portion of the vehicle  16  that can be used to support the removable tie-down to secure loads placed within the cargo areas of a vehicle  16 . In such embodiments, when the removable bull ring  10  is disposed within the pocket opening  198  of the standard interface plate  200  in the securing position  28 , a portion of the standard interface plate  200  proximate the pocket opening  198  is disposed within the clamping region  32  of the removable bull ring  10 , thereby securing the removable bull ring  10  within the standard interface plate  200 . 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.