Abstract:
Devices for securing cargo in the bed of a truck having tie-down anchors are provided. A representative device includes: a body sized and shaped to span a width of cargo to be secured in the bed of the truck, the body having a first segment and a second segment; a first attachment member connected to the first segment; and a second attachment member spaced from the first attachment member and being connected to the first segment; the first attachment member and the second attachment member being operative to be secured in position relative to first and second ones of the tie-down anchors of the truck such that the cargo is positioned between the truck bed and the body of the device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This utility application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/407,979, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2010, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present application relates to cargo retention devices for vehicles. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Loads (e.g., dimensional lumber) carried by trucks often exceed the available lengths of the truck beds. Because of this, a portion of such a load typically extends out beyond the truck bed. For instance, one end of the load may be placed up against the cab end of the bed, while the other extends out over the closed gate of the truck. Unfortunately, this can create an unsafe condition because it becomes difficult to secure the load 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Devices for securing cargo are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, such a device comprises: a body sized and shaped to span a width of cargo to be secured in the bed of the truck, the body having a first segment and a second segment; a first attachment member connected to the first segment; and a second attachment member spaced from the first attachment member and being connected to the first segment; the first attachment member and the second attachment member being operative to be secured in position relative to first and second ones of the tie-down anchors of the truck such that the cargo is positioned between the truck bed and the body of the device. 
         [0007]    In another representative embodiment, the device comprises: a body sized and shaped to span a width of cargo to be secured in the bed of the truck, the body having a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being a length of tubing with a first crimped end and a second crimped end; a first attachment member having a first hook positioned at a distal end thereof, the first attachment member being connected to the first crimped end of the first segment; and a second attachment member having a second hook positioned at a distal end thereof, the second attachment member being connected to the second crimped end of the first segment; the first hook and the second hook being spaced from each other to accommodate engaging first and second ones of the tie-down anchors of the truck such that the cargo is positioned between the truck bed and the body. 
         [0008]    Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a device for securing cargo. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the device of  FIG. 1  in an installed position. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3-18  are schematic diagrams depicting other exemplary embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    Devices for securing cargo are provided. In some embodiments, the device is well suited for transporting material (lumber, piping, etc.), which is longer than the cargo area of a vehicle (e.g., the bed of a truck). Specifically, such an embodiment can securely retain the material at the front end of the truck bed, so that the material is prevented from “see-sawing” out of the truck. By way of example, some embodiments may facilitate the transport of 18′ lumber in a truck with a bed length of 5′. It should be noted that, although some embodiments may be structurally capable of securing such loads, an operator should always consider other cautionary measures to ensure the safety of the load. 
         [0014]    As shown in the figures, various embodiments of the device include multiple attachment members (e.g., four such members) that are spaced from each other and located generally about the periphery of the device. The attachment members, which can include hooks, are positioned to engage tie-down anchors (strap rings) of a truck bed either directly, or through use of an associated tie-down strap or cordage that interconnects an attachment member to a tie-down anchor. 
         [0015]    The body of such a device spans generally between the attachment members and is sized to span across the secured end of a load. In some embodiments, the body incorporates multiple body segments that can be formed of various materials and configurations of materials. By way of example, some segments can be formed of metal tubing, which can be crimped at ends of the segments to provide surfaces for facilitation connection (such as by welding, for example) with adjacent components. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device can be covered in material (such as foam padding, for example) to protect the load and/or enhance frictional engagement between the device and the load. 
         [0017]    The device can be very light weight and durable (e.g., made of 14 or 18 Gauge steel tubing) to withstand impressive weight loading, while keeping the load down in the truck bed. The device can be universal for any truck that is equipped with the tie-down anchors in the bed. 
         [0018]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are schematic diagrams depicting an exemplary embodiment of a device for securing cargo. As shown most clearly in  FIG. 1 , device  100  includes a body  102  that is sized and shaped to span (preferably fully, but at least partially) a width of cargo (e.g., lumber  103 ) that is to be secured in the bed  105  of a truck  107 . In this embodiment, the body incorporates three parallel segments ( 104 ,  106 ,  108 ), with each of the segments being formed of a length of metal rod. Notably, in other embodiments, various other numbers and configurations of segments, and/or other materials, can be used. 
         [0019]    Attachment members  110 ,  112  are positioned in parallel at opposing ends of segments  104  and  106 , while proximal ends  111 ,  113  of the attachment members connect at intermediate locations of segment  108 . Additionally, attachment members  114 ,  116  are positioned at opposing ends of segment  108 . Notably, attachment members  110 ,  112  are generally perpendicular to the segments, whereas attachment members  114 ,  116  extend outwardly from a centerline of the device to form obtuse included angles with respect to segment  108 . In this embodiment, connection of the attachment members and segments is facilitated by welding. 
         [0020]    Each of the attachment members includes an attachment feature that facilitates attachment of the device to tie-down anchors of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the attachment features are configured as hooks  120 ,  121 ,  122  and  123  that can be engaged by various tie-downs (e.g., cordage or straps). Hooks  120  and  121  extend upwardly and inwardly while hooks  122  and  123  extend downwardly and inwardly. In other embodiments, various other configurations and orientations of attachment features can be used. 
         [0021]    Further, arms  124  and  126  extend outwardly and downwardly from the body (in this case, outwardly from segment  108  and downwardly away from segment  102 ). 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 2  (which depicts an installed position of the device), hooks  122  and  123  directly engage tie-down anchors  132 ,  133  of the truck. Additionally, hooks  120  and  121  are engaged by cordage  128 ,  130 , which then engage tie-down anchors  135  and  137 , as well as apertures  139  and  141 . So positioned, the device spans the width of the load while retaining the front end of the load downwardly and toward the front end of the truck bed. This retention permits a substantial portion of the load to extend beyond the tailgate of the vehicle while being securely retained to the vehicle by the device. 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a device for securing cargo. In  FIG. 3 , device  200  includes a body  202  that is sized and shaped to span a width of cargo (e.g., ladder  203 ) that is to be secured in the bed  205  of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the body incorporates two segments ( 204 ,  206 ), with each of the segments being formed of an uninterrupted length of metal tubing. 
         [0024]    Attachment members  210 ,  212  are positioned at opposing ends of segment  204 , while proximal ends  211 ,  213  of the attachment members connect at intermediate locations of segment  206 . Additionally, attachment members  214 ,  216  are positioned at opposing ends of segment  206 . Notably, attachment members  210 ,  212  are generally perpendicular to the segments, whereas attachment members  214 ,  216  extend outwardly from a centerline of the device to form obtuse included angles with respect to segment  206 . In this embodiment, connection of the attachment members and segments is facilitated by welding the attachment members at crimped ends of the segments. 
         [0025]    Attachment features  220 ,  221 ,  222  and  223  are positioned at ends of the attachment members. In this embodiment, the attachment features are configured as hooks, with features  220  and  221  extending upwardly and inwardly and features  222  and  223  extending inwardly and back toward the body. 
         [0026]    Also shown in  FIG. 3  are removable tie-down straps  224  and  225  that are independently adjustable in length. Straps  224  and  225  engage features  220  and  221 , respectively, while free ends of the straps engage tie-down anchors of the vehicle. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  depicts another embodiment of a device. In particular, device  300  is similar in many respects to device  200  of  FIG. 3 . However, device  300  additionally incorporates a covering that extends across at least a portion of the segments. Notably, covering  306  in this embodiment is formed of foam padding material that is configured to cushion contact between the device and a load. In other embodiments, various other types and configurations of coverings can be used. By way of example, coverings can be used to enhance frictional engagement of the device and the load. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a device for securing cargo. As shown in  FIG. 5 , device  400  includes a body  402  that incorporates three segments ( 404 ,  406 ,  408 ), with each of the segments being formed of an uninterrupted length of metal tubing. 
         [0029]    Attachment members  410 ,  412  are positioned at opposing ends of segments  404 ,  406 , while proximal ends  411 ,  413  of the attachment members connect at intermediate locations of segment  408 . Additionally, attachment members  414 ,  416  are positioned at opposing ends of segment  408 . Attachment features  420 ,  421 ,  422  and  423  are positioned at ends of the attachment members. Device  400  additionally incorporates foam padding material  418  for cushioning contact between the device and a load. 
         [0030]    Further, arms  417  and  419  extend outwardly from the body. 
         [0031]    Also shown in  FIG. 5  are tie-downs  424  and  425  that engage between features  420  and  421 , respectively, and tie-down anchors  426  and  428 , respectively. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6-18  are schematic diagrams depicting other exemplary embodiments that are presented for highlighting various configurations. By way of example, device  500  of  FIG. 6  includes a body  502  that incorporates an intermediate section  508  in addition to segments  504  and  506 . In this embodiment, section  508  is generally rectangular and is attached to corresponding lower sides of the segments  504 ,  506 . Notably, section  508  provides an enlarged area for engaging a load. 
         [0033]    Device  520  of  FIG. 7  includes a body  520  that incorporates an intermediate section  528  in addition to interrupted segments  524  and  526 . In this embodiment, section  528  is generally rectangular and is attached to the segments  524 ,  526  at intermediate locations thereof such that the segments and the section are oriented in the same plane. 
         [0034]    Device  540  of  FIG. 8  includes support members (e.g., member  548 ) in addition to segments  544  and  546 . In this embodiment, each support member is generally linear, with the members being attached to the segments at regularly spaced intervals along the lengths of the segments. Notably, each of the support members is generally perpendicular to the segments, with ends of the members extending beyond the segments. 
         [0035]    In contrast, device  560  of  FIG. 9  includes support members (e.g., member  568 ) in addition to segments  564  and  566 . Each support member is generally linear, with the members being attached to the segments in a chevron configuration. 
         [0036]    Device  580  of  FIG. 10  incorporates an intermediate section  588  in addition to segments  584  and  586 . In this embodiment, section  588  is generally oval and is attached to corresponding lower sides of the segments  584 ,  586 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , device  600  includes multiple circular support members (e.g., member  608 ) that span segments  604 ,  606 . 
         [0037]    Device  620  of  FIG. 12  includes an intermediate section  628  in addition to interrupted segments  624  and  626 . In this embodiment, section  628  incorporates opposing members  630 ,  631  that span the segments, and opposing arcuate members  632 ,  633  that interconnect the members  630 ,  631 . 
         [0038]    Device  640  of  FIG. 12  includes nonlinear segments  644  and  646 . Each of the segments exhibits a generally saw tooth configuration. 
         [0039]    Devices  680  and  700  of  FIGS. 14 and 15 , respectively, each include intermediate sections. Specifically, device  680  includes section  688  that is positioned along interrupted segments  682 ,  684  and  686 . In device  700 , section  708  is included that is positioned along interrupted segments  702  and  704 . Both of sections  688  and  708  include portions (e.g., portions  689 ,  709 ) that extend outwardly beyond the outward edges of the segments. 
         [0040]    Devices  720  and  740  of  FIGS. 16 and 17 , respectively, each include support members that extend between opposing attachment members. Specifically, support members  721  and  722  extend between attachment members  723 ,  724 , whereas support members  741  and  742  extend between attachment members  743 ,  744 . Notably, the support members are generally linear and intersect each other at intermediate locations. Note also that device  720  includes two segments  726 ,  728 , whereas device  740  includes only one segment  746 . 
         [0041]    Device  760  is an embodiment that incorporates a relatively small body  762  from which attachment members  763 ,  764 ,  765  and  766  extend. 
         [0042]    Device  780  is an embodiment that incorporates attachment members that are configured with an intermediate bend. For example, member  782  exhibits a bend  784 . 
         [0043]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. By way of example, various materials and dimensions can be used. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.