Patent Publication Number: US-2019176716-A1

Title: Apparatus, a vehicle and a method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Great Britain Application No. 1720394.4, filed Dec. 7, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a vehicle and a method. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to an apparatus for retaining an item carried by a vehicle, a vehicle comprising such an apparatus and a method of manufacturing such an apparatus. 
     Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, a vehicle and a method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retention straps may be provided within a loadspace of a vehicle to retain items and prevent their movement within the loadspace during transport. A problem exists with conventional straps which may not provide sufficient support for retaining some items, due to the varying sizes of items to be retained. For example, straps that are anchored at positions allowing them to retain bags may not be suitable for retaining bottles or a laptop. 
     It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, a vehicle and a method as claimed in the appended claims. 
     According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for retaining an item carried by a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a rail; a strap anchored relative to the rail at a first anchor point; and at least one component defining a passageway through which the strap extends, the at least one component being mounted to slide along the rail, towards and away from the first anchor point, to enable different items of various dimensions to be retained between the strap and the rail. 
     This provides the advantage that items of various sizes may be retained by the strap to prevent their movement within a loadspace of a vehicle during movement of the vehicle. 
     Optionally, the at least one component comprises: a body portion and flanges extending from opposing sides of the body portion. Additionally, the at least one component may, for example, include a spring part that extends from one of the flanges. Optionally, the spring part may be configured to engage a groove of the rail. For example, the spring part may be configured to engage the groove to provide friction between the component and the rail. The friction may substantially inhibit movement of the component along the rail. The spring part may, for example, include a flexible projection that extends away from the body portion. The component may, for example, be slidable along the rail by compressing the spring part, whilst applying a force directed along the rail. The at least one component may comprise a plurality of spring parts. Each spring part may extend from a corner of the component. Each spring part may include a flexible projection. 
     In some embodiments the first anchor point is a fixed anchor point. 
     In some embodiments the strap is attached to the rail at at least two anchor points and the at least one component is mounted to slide along the rail between the two anchor points. 
     In some embodiments the strap is fixed to the first anchor point at, or adjacent to, one end of the rail and fixed to a second anchor point at, or adjacent to, an opposite end of the rail. This provides the advantage that the component may be slid to positions to enable items to be retained along the whole length of the rail. 
     In some embodiments the strap comprises elastic fibres to enable the strap to stretch. This provides the advantage that the strap may be positioned around an item to hold the item in place by stretching the strap over the item. For example, the strap may be stretched by pulling a section of the strap between a pair of components that each define a passageway through which the strap extends. In a stretched state, the strap may bear against at least one of the components and force at least one of the components against the rail. The force may generate friction that substantially inhibits movement of at least one of the components along the rail. 
     In an embodiment, the strap may be configured to bear against at least one of the components and to raise a first end of said component relative to an opposing second end of said component. The component may be disposed at an end of a stretched section of the strap. The component may, for example, be moveable along the rail by depressing the raised first end of the component and sliding the component along the rail. 
     For example, the strap may bear against at least one of the components, raising a first end of said component relative to an opposing second end of said component, when an item is retained between the strap and the rail. The component may be moveable along the rail by depressing the raised first end of the component. 
     In some embodiments the at least one component defines a passageway through which the strap is free to slide. 
     In some embodiments the at least one component defines a passageway between the at least one component and the rail; and the strap extends through the passageway. 
     In some embodiments the at least one component divides the strap into a plurality of portions, each said portion being useable to retain an item. 
     In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a plurality of the components. This provides the advantage that many items of various sizes may be simultaneously retained by the apparatus. 
     In some embodiments the rail is positioned on a panel configured to be mounted within a loadspace of a vehicle to define a loadspace. 
     In some embodiments the rail comprises features to enable attachment of the rail to a surface of a vehicle. 
     In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a panel; and the rail forms an integral part of the panel. This provides the advantage that the rail may be provided without any additional material cost or installation cost, due to it being formed at the time of forming the panel. 
     In some embodiments the strap is attached to the rail at at least the first anchor point. 
     According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the apparatus of any one of the previous claims. 
     In some embodiments the rail is provided on an interior surface of the vehicle. This provides the advantage that the apparatus may be used to retain items in position within the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments the interior surface is provided in a loadspace. This provides the advantage that the apparatus may be used to retain items in position within the loadspace. 
     In some embodiments the interior surface is on a panel configured to partition the loadspace. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing apparatus for retaining an item carried by a vehicle, the method comprising: extending a strap along a rail; anchoring the strap relative to the rail at a first anchor point; and mounting at least one component on the rail to enable the at least one component to slide along the rail, the at least one component defining a passageway through which the strap extends. 
     In some embodiments the first anchor point is a fixed anchor point. 
     In some embodiments the passageway is defined between the at least one component and the rail by said mounting the at least one component on the rail. 
     In some embodiments said mounting the at least one component on the rail comprises sliding the at least one component onto the rail with the strap positioned between the at least one component and the rail. 
     In some embodiments the rail is formed by an extrusion process or a casting process. 
     In some embodiments the rail is formed as an integral part of a panel by an extrusion process or a casting process. This provides the advantage that the rail may be provided without any additional material cost or installation cost, due to it being formed at the time of forming the panel. 
     In some embodiments the method comprises attaching the strap to the rail at at least the first anchor point. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for retaining an item carried by a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a rail; a strap attached to the rail at a first anchor point; and at least one component defining a passageway through which the strap extends, the at least one component being mounted to be movable between various positions along the rail, towards and away from the first anchor point, to enable different items of various dimensions to be retained between the strap and the rail. 
     The apparatus may be for use within a vehicle, such as a road vehicle. 
     According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for retaining an item carried by a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a rail; a strap anchored relative to the rail at a first anchor point; and at least one component defining a passageway, between the at least one component and the rail, through which the strap extends, the at least one component being mounted to slide along the rail, towards and away from the first anchor point, to enable different items of various dimensions to be retained between the strap and the rail. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing apparatus for retaining an item carried by a vehicle, the method comprising: extending a strap along a rail; anchoring the strap relative to the rail at a first anchor point; and mounting at least one component on the rail to enable the at least one component to slide along the rail, the at least one component defining a passageway, between the at least one component and the rail, through which the strap extends. 
     Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a rear perspective view of a vehicle comprising an apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows another rear perspective view of the vehicle; 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows an end view of the rail of the apparatus of  FIGS. 3 to 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a front view of one of the slidable components; 
         FIG. 8 a    shows a side view of the slidable component of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8 b    shows a perspective view of another example of one of the slidable components; 
         FIG. 9  shows the apparatus of  FIGS. 3 to 5  being used to retain three bottles; 
         FIG. 10  shows the apparatus of  FIGS. 3 to 5  being used to retain an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternative apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional side view of another alternative apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another alternative apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a further alternative apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view a panel that forms a part of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 17  shows a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing apparatus for retaining an item carried by a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A rear perspective view of a vehicle  100  comprising an apparatus  101  embodying the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . In the present embodiment, the vehicle  100  is a car with a split tailgate  102  providing access to a loadspace  103  of the vehicle  100 . However, it should be understood that in other embodiments the apparatus  101  may be fitted within the loadspace  103  of other types of vehicle. For example, the apparatus  101  may be located within the boot of another type of car such as a saloon car (or sedan). 
     The apparatus  101  of  FIG. 1  is attached to the rear surface  104  of a panel  108  forming the backrest of the rear seats of the vehicle  100 . The apparatus  101  comprises a strap  105  which may be looped around items to be transported within the loadspace  103  to prevent the items from falling over and/or sliding or rolling around the floor  107  of the loadspace  103 . 
     Although the apparatus  101  is positioned on the rear surface  104  of the rear seats in  FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated that in other embodiments apparatuses  101  in accordance with the invention may be positioned on other surfaces within the loadspace  103 . For example, such an apparatus  101  may be located along the side walls  106  of the loadspace  103  or on the floor  107  of the loadspace  103 . Alternatively, as shown in the rear view of the vehicle  100  in  FIG. 2 , the apparatus  101  may be located on a panel  201  arranged to partition the loadspace  103  into two parts. The panel  201  is arranged transversely across the loadspace  103  part way between the rear surface  104  of the rear seats and the tailgate  102 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the apparatus  101  is mounted on a surface  203  of the panel  201 , but in other embodiments the apparatus  101  may be formed as an integral part of the panel, as described with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the panel  201  is mounted on hinges  202  so that it may be moved from the deployed position, shown in  FIG. 2 , to a stowed position in which it resides in a substantially horizontal orientation to form a part of the floor  107  of the loadspace  103 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The apparatus  101  is shown in a front view in  FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional side view in  FIG. 4  and a perspective view in  FIG. 5 . The apparatus  101  comprises a rail  301  and the strap  105  attached to the rail  301  at at least one anchor point  302 . In the present embodiment, the apparatus  101  comprises two anchor points  302 , one at each end of the rail  301 , but in other embodiments more than two anchor points may be provided. In the present embodiment the anchor points  302  are immovable and at the anchor points  302  the strap  105  cannot move with respect to the rail  301 . 
     However, in alternative embodiments the anchor points  302  may be releasably fixed in position along the rail  301  and/or the strap  105  may be adjustable at the anchor point  302 . For example, a buckle may be fixed to the rail  301  at the anchor point  302  to enable the strap  105  to be momentarily released and pulled through the buckle. 
     In the present embodiment, the strap  105  is clamped to the rail  301  at the anchor points  302  by clamping members  303  that clamp the strap  105  against the rail  301  under pressure applied by fasteners  304  passing through the clamping members and the rail  301 . Other means of fixing the strap  105  to the rail  301  at the anchor points  302  may be used in other embodiments. For example, anchor members may be bonded or fused to the strap  105 , and the anchor members may then be fixed to the rail with fasteners or clipped into apertures formed in the rail  301 . A further method of anchoring the strap  105  on the rail will be described below with reference to  FIG. 16 . 
     The apparatus  101  also comprises at least one slidable component  305 . Each slidable component  305  defines a passageway  401  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) through which the strap  105  extends. In the present embodiment there are four slidable components  305 , but it will be understood that more or less than four slidable components  305  may be included in the apparatus  101 . The slidable components  305  are mounted to slide along the rail  301 , towards and away from the anchor points  302  and towards or away from each other. Also, the slidable components  305  are configured to slide along the strap  105  as they are slid along the rail  301 . Consequently, the slidable components  305  divide up the strap  105  into several sections, each section extending between an anchor point  302  and a slidable component  305  or between two slidable components, and the length of the sections of strap  105  may be adjusted by sliding the slidable components  305  along the rail  301 . As will be described in further detail below, this enables different items of various dimensions to be retained between the strap  105  and the rail  301 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the passageway  401  is defined by a gap between the slidable member  305  and the rail  301 . In the present embodiment this is achieved by the slidable member  305  having a recess  404  in its first bearing surface  402  that rests on an end bearing surface  403  of the rail  301 . 
     In the present embodiment, the strap  105  comprises resilient fibres to enable it to stretch under manually applied tension. For example, the strap  105  may be formed of polyester elasticated webbing. In other embodiments the strap  105  may be formed of other types of material that stretch sufficiently under manually applied tension to enable the strap to be looped around items commonly carried in the loadspace  103 , but only stretch under such tension that is sufficient to hold such items in place. 
     The strap  105  is shown in  FIG. 5  after having been stretched by pulling a section  501  of the strap  105  between two of the slidable components  305 , i.e. the slidable components  305 A and  305 B. In this stretched state, the strap  105  may bear against the slidable components  305 A and  305 B, which may force the slidable components  305 A and  305 B against the rail  301 . In this manner, tensioning the section  501  of the strap  105  may generate friction between the slidable components  305 A and  305 B and the rail  301 . The generated friction may substantially inhibit movement of the slidable components  305 A and  305 B along the rail  301   
     For example, the tensioned strap  105  may bear against an edge of the recess  404  at a first end  306  of the slidable component  305 A, which may force the first end  306  of the slidable component  305 A against retaining surfaces of the rail  301 . The force may generate sufficient friction between the slidable component  305 A and the rail  301  to inhibit movement of the slidable component  305 A. 
     Alternatively, or additionally, the force on the edge of the recess  404  may raise the first end  306  of the slidable component  305 A relative to an opposing second end  307  of the slidable component  305 A, tilting the slidable component  305 A and causing at least one end of the slidable component  305 A to pinch or forcibly bear against the rail  301 . 
     For example, the stretched strap  105  may tilt the slidable component  305 A in a manner that forces the first end  306  of the slidable component  305  against the retaining surfaces of the rail  301  and forces the second end  307  of the slidable component  305 A against the end bearing surface  403  of the rail  301 . The friction generated between the rail  301  and each end of the slidable component  305 A may substantially inhibit movement of the slidable component  305 A along the length of the rail  301 . In this case, an individual may move the slidable component  305 A along the rail  301  by depressing the raised end of the slidable component  305 A, to align the slidable component  305 A with the length of the rail  301 , before applying a force directed along the rail  301 . 
     It should be appreciated that equivalent effects may occur at the other end of the strap section  501 , with the second slidable component  305 B also being forced against the rail  301  such that the second slidable component  305 B is restrained. The rail  301  may be provided with one or more features  502  to enable attachment of the rail  301  to a surface of a vehicle. The features  502  may comprise holes formed in the rail  301  to receive a fastener, such as a screw, used to fix the rail  301  to a panel. 
     An end view of the rail  301  of the apparatus  101  of  FIGS. 3 to 5  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The rail  301  defines a groove  601  along its length (into the page in  FIG. 6 ). The groove  601  has inwardly extending lips  602  along its opening and consequently the groove has a T-shaped cross-section having a base of a first width (indicated by arrow  603 ) and an opening of a second width (indicated by arrow  604 ) that is narrower than the first width  603 . The groove  601  is defined by: the end bearing surface  403 , which extends across the base of the groove  601 ; side bearing surfaces  605  that extend away from the end bearing surface  403 ; retaining surfaces  606  on the inwardly extending lips  602 ; and guide surfaces  607  on the inwardly extending lips  602 . 
     The rail  301  may be formed as an extrusion or cast, for example from aluminium alloy. 
     One of the slidable components  305  is shown in a front view in  FIG. 7  and in a side view in  FIG. 8 a   . It should be understood that each of the slidable components  305  may be identically configured to each of the other slidable components  305 . As shown in  FIG. 8 a   , the slidable component  305  has a generally T-shaped outer profile so that it provides a good sliding fit in the groove  601  of the rail  301 . The slidable component  305  therefore comprises: a main body  701  configured to be a good sliding fit between the guide surfaces  607  on the inwardly extending lips  602 ; and flanges  702  extending from opposing sides of the main body  701 . The flanges  702  are configured to extend behind the inwardly extending lips  602  (as may be seen in  FIG. 4 ) and therefore enable the slidable component  305  to be retained within the groove  601 . 
     Outer faces  703  of the flanges  702  may be provided with spring parts  704  that are dimensioned such that the spring parts  704  must be flexed towards the flanges  702  to fit between the side bearing surfaces  605  of the groove  601 . The spring parts  704  therefore provide additional friction between the slidable member  305  and the rail  301  to prevent unwanted movement of the slidable component  305  during use. In the present embodiment, the slidable component  305  is moulded from a plastics material and the spring parts  704  are moulded as integral parts of the slidable component  305 . However, in alternative embodiments one or more spring parts may be formed separately from the main body  701  and connected to the main body by a spring. In other alternative embodiments the slidable components  305  may not comprise any spring parts  704  at all. 
     Another example of the slidable component is shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 8 b    with like features being assigned like reference numbers that are incremented by 10. 
     As in the previous example, shown in  FIG. 8 a   , the slidable component  315  comprises: a main body  711  and flanges  712  extending from opposing sides of the main body  711 . The slidable component  315  is mounted on a corresponding rail (not shown, but referenced in this example using like reference numerals to aid the reader&#39;s understanding) in the manner described in the previous example. In particular, the main body  711  is configured to provide a sliding fit between complementary guide surfaces  607  on the rail  301  and the flanges  712  are configured to retain the slidable component  315  within a complementary groove  601  on the rail  301 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 b   , the slidable component  315  also features a plurality of spring parts  714  that extend from outer faces  713  of the flanges  712 . In this example, the spring parts  714  are flexible projections that extend away from the main body  711 . The spring parts  714  may, for example, extend from one or more corners  715  of the slidable component  315  or from each corner  715  of the slidable component  315 , as shown in  FIG. 8 b   . The spring parts  714  may extend at an inclined angle relative to the sides of the main body  711 . 
     In use, each spring part  714  may be configured to engage side bearing surfaces  615  of the groove  601 . For example, the spring parts  714  may be configured to engage the side bearing surfaces  605  of the groove  601  so as to provide friction between the slidable member  315  and the rail  301 . The friction may substantially inhibit movement of the slidable component  315  upon application of a force directed along the rail  301 . 
     The spring parts  714  may, for example, be configured to allow a limited amount of rotation of the slidable component  315  within the groove  601 . For example, upon application of a twisting force, the spring parts  714  on respective pairs of diagonally opposing corners  715  of the slidable component  315  may alternately be compressed, and deflected towards the main body  711 ; or decompressed, such that they distend away from the main body  711 . In this manner, the rotation of the slidable component  315  may, at least transiently, reduce the friction between the spring parts  714  and the groove  601 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 b   , each flange  712  may, for example, include a recess  716  that extends between spring parts  714  to accommodate the deflection of the spring parts  714  towards the main body  711 . 
     Accordingly, the slidable component  315  may, for example, be moveable along the length of the rail  301  by twisting the slidable component  315  in alternating directions, whilst simultaneously applying a force directed along the length of the rail  301 . In other words, the slidable component  315  may be translated along the rail  301  using a rocking motion. This may be advantageous because the retained items are likely to exert at least some force that acts to push the slidable component  315  along the length of the rail  301 , but the retained items are unlikely to apply such force whilst rocking the slidable component  315  in alternating directions. Hence, the spring parts  714  may prevent unwanted movement of the slidable component  315  during use, but allow an individual to adjust the position of the slidable component  315  as desired. 
     As in the example of  FIG. 8 a   , the slidable component  315  may, for example, be moulded from a plastics material and the spring parts  714  may be moulded as integral parts of the slidable component  315 . Alternatively, one or more spring parts  714  may, for example, be formed separately from the main body  711  and connected to the main body  711  by a spring. 
     The apparatus  101  is shown in use in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In  FIG. 9 , the four slidable components  305  have been pushed along the rail  301  to positions where the slidable components  305  are relatively close together, so that each slidable component  305  is separated from its nearest neighbour by a relatively short section of the strap  105 . Each section  901  of the strap  105  that extends between a pair of slidable components  305  has been pulled away from the rail  301  and looped over a respective bottle  902  that stands on the floor  107  of a loadspace of a vehicle. 
     Tension in the strap  105  pulls the bottles  902  against the rail  301 , enabling the bottles  902  to maintain their upright position during movement of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the tension is produced in the strap  105  by stretching the strap  105  around the items  902 . 
     In  FIG. 10 , two neighbouring slidable components  305 B and  305 C have been slid apart so that a section  1001  of the strap  105  between them is sufficiently long to stretch around an item of luggage  1002  that stands on the floor  107 . Tension in the strap  105  pulls the item of luggage  1002  against the rail and prevents it from falling over and sliding around the floor  107  of the loadspace during movement of the vehicle. 
     An alternative apparatus  101  embodying the present invention is shown in the cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 11 . The apparatus  101  of  FIG. 11  may be like that of  FIG. 5  except as follows. In this embodiment, the passageway  401  through which the strap  105  extends is provided by the end bearing surface  403  of the rail  301  having a recess  1101  extending along the length of the rail  301 . The bearing surface  402  of the slidable components  305  may be flat as shown in  FIG. 11 , or may also be recessed. 
     In further alternative embodiments, such as the apparatuses  101  shown in the cross-sectional side views of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the passageway  401  may be wholly defined by the slidable component  305 . In these embodiments, the passageway  401  is provided as a slot  1201  that extends through the slidable component  305 . 
     In  FIGS. 5, 11 and 12 , the slidable member  305  is retained within a groove  601  of the rail  301  by inwardly extending lips  602  at the opening of the groove  601 . In contrast, in some alternative embodiments, the slidable components  305  may be provided with grooves that enclose one or more tracks that extend along a rail  301 .  FIG. 13  provides an example of such an embodiment. The apparatus  101  of  FIG. 13  includes a rail  301  comprising a backplate  1301  and two tracks  1302  extending along the length of the rail  301 . Each of the tracks has a relatively wide head portion  1305  supported from the backplate  1301  by a relatively narrow neck portion  1306 . Grooves  1304  in the slidable components  305  have inner bearing surfaces that are configured to slide along the outer surface of the head portions  1305  of the tracks  1302 . 
     An alternative apparatus  101 A embodying the present invention is shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 14 . The apparatus  101 A comprises a rail  301  that is integrally formed as part of a panel  1401 . 
     The apparatus  101 A comprises a strap  105  and slidable components  305  that may be configured in the same way as those described above for apparatus  101 . The panel  1401  may also comprise a groove  601  that is configured internally like the groove  601  of the rail  301  of apparatus  101 . The groove  601  extends along a front face  1402  of the panel  1401  from one end  1403  of the front face  1402  to the opposite end  1404  of the front face  1402 . The strap  105  extends along the whole length of the panel  1401  between its two ends  1403  and  1404 , and an end cap  1405  is attached to each end  1403  and  1404  of the panel. 
     The panel  1401  may be used as a partition in a loadspace  103  of a vehicle  100 , such as the panel  201  shown in  FIG. 2 , or it may form at least a part of an outer wall of the loadspace  103 , or it may provide a surface at the rear of the rear seats of the vehicle  100 , such as the surface  104  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The apparatus  101 A may be used in a similar way as the apparatus  101  of  FIGS. 3 to 5  described above. i.e. the slidable components  305  may be slid along the groove  601  to divide up the strap  105  into sections that are a suitable length to stretch around, and retain in position, an item that is to be carried within the loadspace  103  of a vehicle  100 . However, whereas the rail  301  of the apparatus  101  of  FIGS. 3 to 5  was attached to a panel or wall in the loadspace  103 , the apparatus  101 A of  FIG. 14  is a panel that includes the rail  301 . 
     The panel  1401  is shown without the end caps  1405 , the strap  105  and the slidable components  305  in  FIG. 15 . The panel  1401  is formed as an extrusion with several cavities  1501  extending along its length parallel to the groove  601 . The extrusion comprises a wall  1502  that divides one of the cavities  1501 A from the groove  601 . 
     A cross-section of an end portion of the apparatus  101 A is shown in  FIG. 16 . The cross-section is parallel to the groove  601  and through the strap  105 , the cavity  1501 A and the end cap  1405 . An end portion  1601  of the strap  105  extends out of the end of the groove  601  at the end  1404  of the panel  1401  and wraps around the end of the wall  1502  into the cavity  1501 A. A plug  1602  is disposed within the end of the cavity  1501 A to trap the end portion  1601  of the strap  105  in the cavity  1501 A and anchor it in place. In the present embodiment, the plug  1602  is formed of a plastics material, for example by injection moulding, and it forms a part of the end cap  1405 . 
     A method  1700  of manufacturing apparatus  101  for retaining an item carried by a vehicle  100  is illustrated by the flowchart shown in  FIG. 17 . The method  1700  comprises, at block  1701 , extending a strap  105  along a rail  301 . 
     The rail  301  may have been formed by an extrusion process or a casting process. The rail  301  may be provided with features such as drilled holes  502  to enable the rail to be attached to a panel, or the rail  301  may be formed as an integral part of the panel by an extrusion process or a casting process. 
     The rail  301  typically comprises a groove  601  and the strap  105  is extended alongside the rail  301  within the groove  601  at block  1701 . 
     At block  1702 , the method includes anchoring the strap  105  relative to the rail  301  at a first anchor point  302 . This process may comprise attaching the strap  105  to the rail  301 , for example as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , or attaching the strap  105  to another object such as a panel (such as panels  108  or  201 ) to which the rail  301  is fixed. 
     The first anchor point  302  may be a fixed anchor point  302 . For example, the strap  105  may be clamped to the rail  301  at an anchor point; or a fastener such as a buckle may be fixed in position to the rail at the anchor point and the strap  105  attached to the rail using the buckle; or the strap  105  may extend into a cavity  1501 A formed in the rail  301  and fixed in place as described with reference to  FIG. 16 . Alternatively, the anchor point  302  may be moveable. For example, a buckle may be attached to the rail  301  so that it is moveable, and the strap  105  may then be fixed to the buckle. This may also enable the position at which the strap  105  is attached to the buckle to be adjusted. 
     At block  1703 , the method  1700  includes anchoring the strap  105  relative to the rail  301  at a second anchor point  302 . Like the process at block  1702 , the process at block  1703  may comprise attaching the strap  105  to the rail  301 , for example as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , or attaching the strap  105  to another object such as a panel to which the rail is fixed. Like the first anchor point  302 , the second anchor point  302  may be a fixed anchor point  302  or alternatively the anchor point  302  may be moveable. The means of attaching the strap  105  at the second anchor point  302  may also enable adjustment of the position along the strap  105  at which it is attached. For example, the means of attaching may comprise a buckle configured to enable the strap to slide through and to releasably engage the strap  105 . 
     The method  1700  further comprises, at block  1704 , mounting at least one slidable component  305  on the rail  301  to enable the at least one slidable component  305  to slide along the rail  301 , the at least one component  305  defining a passageway  401  through which the strap  105  extends. In embodiments in which the rail  301  has a groove  601  with an open end, this may be achieved by sliding the slidable components  305  into the groove  601  formed in the rail  301 . In other embodiments the slidable components  305  may be mounted on the rail  301  by sliding them onto tracks  1302 , such as those shown in  FIG. 13 , that are formed along the rail  301 . The process at block  1704  may comprise mounting the slidable components  305  onto the rail  301  with the strap  105  positioned between the slidable components  305  and the rail  301  so that the strap  105  extends through a passageway defined between each slidable component  305  and the rail  301 . 
     The blocks illustrated in the  FIG. 17  may represent steps in a method. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be varied. For example, means for attaching the strap  105  to the rail  301  at block  1702  and/or block  1703  may prevent the slidable components  305  from being slid off and on the rail  301 . In such embodiments the process at block  1704  of mounting the slidable components  305  on the rail  301  may be performed before attaching the strap  105  to the rail  301  at block  1702  and/or block  1703 . Furthermore, in embodiments in which the strap  105  passes through an enclosed slot  1201  formed in the slidable components  305 , such as the slots  1201  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the strap  105  may be inserted through the slidable components  305  before the slidable components are mounted on the rail  301 . Thus, the process of extending the strap  1701  along the rail  301  at block  1701  and the process of mounting the slidable components  305  at block  1704  are performed as a single process. 
     Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. 
     Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. 
     Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. 
     Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.