WO2006010119A2

WO2006010119A2 - Cargo retaining device for use in vehicle cargo storage areas

Info

Publication number: WO2006010119A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/024531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Norris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-09
Filing date: 2005-07-11
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 2007-01-09
Also published as: WO2006010119A3

Abstract

A mechanical cargo retention device that retains cargo that is stored or transported in the cargo area of a vehicle, in particular, the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. The cargo clamp has three main components: (1) a clamp arm assembly, (2) a pair of ratchet assemblies, and (3) a pair of mounting track assemblies. The ratcheting assemblies connect to the clamp arm assemblies to transfer a torque provided at the ratcheting assemblies to a cargo to restrain the cargo in a cargo area of a vehicle.

Description

CARGO RETAINING DEVICE FOR USE IN VEHICLE CARGO STORAGE

AREAS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[01] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application, serial no. 60/586,244, entitled "Cargo Retaining Device For Use In Vehicle Cargo Storage Areas," filed July 9, 2004. The disclosure of this provisional patent application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[02] The invention relates to a mechanical device used to retain cargo being stored or transported in the cargo area of a vehicle, in particular, the cargo bed of a pick¬ up truck. 2. Description of the Related Art

[03] Conventional techniques for securing cargo in the cargo areas of vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, often were restrictive as the types of cargo that could be restrained. For example, such conventional techniques were limited to securing cargo of only certain limited sizes and shapes. These conventional techniques often also were unable to secure cargo with sufficient force to effectively restrain heavy loads. Another problem with the conventional securing devices is that they are inconvenient to operate and often difficult to remove. Accordingly, there has been a long-felt, but unmet need for an easy-to-use device that can restrain a variety of cargo types that can be easily removed from the vehicle when not in use. SUMMARY

[04] A mechanical device is disclosed that retains cargo that is stored or transported in the cargo area of a vehicle, in particular, the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. However, the device can be used in other applications, for example, in the interior cargo area of a sport utility vehicle or van, or on the roof of a vehicle.

[05] The device disclosed herein can generally be described as a cargo clamp. The cargo clamp according to the preferred embodiment includes three main components: (1) a clamp arm assembly, (2) a pair of ratchet assemblies, and (3) a pair of mounting track assemblies.

[06] The clamp arm assembly includes a pair of arms extending along the length of the pick-up truck bed, i.e. , in a direction oriented from the front to the back of the vehicle (from the cab-end of the truck towards the tailgate) or vice versa having a loading section connected to the arms. The clamp arm assembly is mounted to the pair of ratchet assemblies via each ratchet assembly's gear shaft. The ratchet assemblies are adjustably attached to the mounting tracks. The mounting tracks are, for example, mounted along the tops of the vertical sides of the pick-up truck bed. The position of the ratchet assemblies can be adjusted along the length of the mounting track assemblies. Once in the appropriate position, the ratchet assembly can be locked into position.

[07] The clamp arm assembly is rotatably attached to the gear shaft of each ratchet assembly. The clamp arm assembly freely rotates about the gear shaft to allow the clamp arm assembly to initially engage cargo resting in the truck bed, after which the ratchet assemblies are engaged and operated to increase the restraining force on the cargo, retaining it against the surface of the truck bed, the front or rear of the truck bed, or an opposing cargo clamp. The ratchet assemblies are geared to provide a torque gain such that a reasonable hand-applied force produces a downward force adequate to hold a heavy load.

[08] A plurality of assemblies can be mounted to the tracks of the same pickup truck (e.g., one near the cab and one near the tailgate), allowing for greater capacity, and versatility. For example, dual cargo clamp assemblies can retain a load between themselves, applying primarily horizontal, instead of primarily vertical, force/retention.

[09] The device is beneficial in its ability to quickly and effectively retain a cargo for transport in a pick-up truck or other vehicle, and quickly release it for removal at its destination. In addition, the invention is beneficial in that it is easily adjustable to accommodate a variety of cargo types. It provides superior capacity and simplicity of use compared with conventional alternatives, such as tying or banding the load, or utilizing "dividers" or other similar devices aimed at making the truck bed "fit" the load being carried. In addition to its simplicity and superior functionality for load holding, it is also easily left on the pick-up in a "storage" position, or can easily be removed from the sliding tracks, leaving only the unobtrusive tracks permanently installed on the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[10] Embodiments of the invention are described below in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:

[11] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a one embodiment of a cargo clamp.

[12] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the ratchet assembly for the cargo clamp illustrated in Figure 1. [13] Figure 3 is perspective view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 1-2.

[ 14] Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a clamp arm.

[15] Figure 5 is an internal perspective view of a ratchet assembly with the ratchet assembly cover removed for the clamp arm illustrated in Figure 4.

[16] Figure 6 is a second view of the ratchet assembly illustrated in Figure 5.

[17] Figure 7 A is a cut-through view illustrating the cargo clamp shown in Figure 5 used to restrain a cargo against the bed of a pick-up truck and the tailgate of the pick-up truck.

[18] Figure 7B is a cut-through view illustrating a pair of cargo clamps being used to restrain a cargo against the bed of a pick-up truck and the tailgate of a pick-up truck.

[19] Figure 7C is a cut-through view illustrating a cargo clamp being used to restrain a cargo against front wall of the bed of a pick-up truck.

[20] Figure 7D is a cut-through view illustrating a cargo clamp being used to restrain a cargo against an opposing cargo clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[21 ] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[22] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the cargo clamp 1 has three main components: (1) a clamp arm assembly 100, (2) a pair of ratchet assemblies 200, and (3) a pair of track assemblies JUU. The arrangement and function of each of these components will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[23] The clamp arm assembly applies the required clamping load to prevent a cargo from moving about a vehicle's cargo area. Cargo clamp 1 achieves this by transferring a torque load from the ratchet assemblies 200 through the clamp arm assembly 100 to the cargo.

[24] As shown in Figure 1 , clamp arm assembly 100 is a generally U-shaped member connected to ratchet assemblies 200 at a gear shaft 206 shown in Figure 2. A torque is transferred from the ratchet assemblies 200 through gear shaft 206. This torque can then be applied to a variety of cargo to secure the cargo to or within a vehicle.

[25] Clamp arm assembly 100 is, in one embodiment, composed of several components that may be assembled to form the clamp arm assembly 100. For example, clamp arm assembly 100 can include a pair of side arm members 101, a pair of corner members 102, and a cross bar member 103. A cross bar cover 104 also can be included in some embodiments. The members 101, 102, 103 can be attached by any number of well known methods, for example, by bolting. Such a multi-component construction of clamp arm assembly 100 allows for more convenient shipping of a clamp arm 1 to customers and more convenient storage of the clamp arm 1 (because the disassembled clamp arm assembly 100 takes up less space than the assembled clamp arm assembly 100). The members 101, 102 and 103 can be attached to one another by other methods, such as welding, for example. The invention, however, is not limited to a multi- component clamp arm and can include other variations such as a one-piece clamp arm assembly, for example. [ZOj in a preterred embodiment, the clamp arm assembly 100 is made of steel tubing, however, other well known materials, such as other metals, e.g., aluminum, plastics, etc. can be used. Members having different sections can also be used.

[27] Clamp arm assembly 100 is, in one embodiment, removably attached to gear shaft 206 of ratchet assemblies 200 by a retaining knob 225. Such removable attachment allows for the clamp arm assembly 100 to be conveniently removed when not in use. This removability also allows for different clamp arm assemblies to be utilized. For example, a clamp arm assembly could be installed that is designed specifically to hold bicycles. However, when a user desires to restrain a cargo other than a bicycle, the bicycle-specific clamp arm assembly could be removed and replaced with the multi¬ purpose clamp arm assembly illustrated in Figure 1. The invention is not, however, limited to removable clamp arm assemblies and a clamp arm assembly could be permanently attached to ratchet assembly 200 or attached in another manner.

[28] Next, ratchet assembly 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be described. The ratchet assembly includes bracket 215 which has disposed thereon a ratcheting mechanism 220. Ratcheting mechanism 220 includes a gear shaft 206 which is connected to clamp arm assembly 100. Ratcheting mechanism 220 allows a user to rotate a handle 228 in a cargo-loading direction to apply a torque to the cargo. The ratcheting mechanism 220 then holds the gear shaft to prevent it from rotating, thereby allowing a user to freely rotate the handle in the opposite direction without removing the torque previously applied.

[29] Ratchet assembly 200 applies the torque force to the clamp arm assembly 100, and, consequently, to a cargo. To achieve this, a user applies force to handle 228 which becomes a torque in gear shaft 206. This resulting torque is then transferred through the ratchet assemblies 200 and applies the clamping load to a cargo. To release the clamping load from the cargo the user releases the ratcheting assemblies 200.

[30] All components of the ratchet assemblies 200, except for the ratchet assembly cover 212F, are, in one embodiment, made of steel. However, other materials, such as other metals or plastics, could be used.

[31] Now, the track assemblies 300 will be described. Each track assembly is comprised of an upper rail 301 and a lower rail 302. Rails 301, 302 are formed in or mounted to the top of the gunwales of the vehicle cargo area. Lower rail 302 is attached to the vehicle, for example, along the gunwales of a pick-up truck bed. Any number of well known methods of attachment can be used to secure lower rail 302 to the vehicle, for example, screwing, bolting, welding, or rivets can be used. However, here, countersunk screws are used to provide a removable attachment to the vehicle and to provide a flush fit with a top surface of lower rail 302.

[32] Upper rail 301 is attached to the lower rail 302. Upper rail 301 is wider than lower rail 301 , thereby creating a lip or overhang. A mounting bracket 303 has flanges along the longitudinal edges of the bracket, as shown in Figure 3. The flanges of mounting bracket 303 fit over the lip forjned by the upper and lower rails, thereby securing the mounting bracket 303 to upper rail 301 , while, at the same time, allowing the mounting bracket 303 to slidably move along the length of upper rail 301. Mounting bracket 303 is a substantially C-shaped channel section as illustrated in Figure 3. Accordingly, a user may adjust the position of cargo clamp 1 along the length of the cargo area. [33] To prevent the cargo clamp 1 from sliding along upper rail 301 once the cargo clamp is in the desired position to secure cargo, a slide prevention mechanism 210 locks the cargo clamp 1 in position along upper rail 301. In a preferred embodiment, the slide prevention mechanism has a lever extending through bracket 215 and cover 212. The lever is connected to a plunger and a plunger pin. When a user moves the lever to an adjustment position, the plunger pin is raised, thereby allowing cargo clamp 1 to move along upper rail 310. When the lever is moved to the locked position, the plunger pin engages upper rail 301 , thereby prevent cargo clamp 1 from sliding along upper rail 301.

[34] To secure handle 228 once a cargo is secured, a rotation prevention unit 230 prevents undesired rotation of handle 228. The rotation prevention unit can include, in a preferred embodiment, a pin 229 engaged with handle 228 that is configured to engage bracket 215 to prevent rotation of handle 228. To allow the handle to rotate, the pin 229 is removed from engagement with bracket 215, thereby allowing the handle to rotate.

[35] The cargo clamp 1 is then assembled to upper track 301 by sliding each ratchet assembly 200 onto either end of the upper track 301. Cargo clamp 1 can be installed with the clamp arm 100 clamping toward the front or rear of the vehicle. Adjusting the position of cargo clamp 1 allows the operator to avoid obstructions in the cargo area such as a wheelhouse and offers much versatility to the function of the cargo clamp 1. An additional benefit of the mounting tracks assembly as described herein is that a plurality cargo clamps 1 can be mounted at the same time offering even more versatility. [36] For a typical pick-up truck installation, the rails 301 , 302 would be fastened longitudinally to the top of the cargo area gunwale on both the left and right sides of the truck. Track mounting as disclosed herein provides for adjustability in the positioning of the cargo clamp 1 for various loading scenarios.

[37] It should be noted that it in certain embodiments the rails 301, 301 and mounting bracket 303 can be omitted. For example, the ratchet assemblies 200 can be mounted directly to the vehicle without use of the tracks 301. Alternatively, tracks 301. 302 can be mounted to the cargo bed of the pickup truck. As another alternative, the mounting tracks 12 could be integrally formed with a pick-up truck's gunwales. While a pick-up truck mounting configuration has been described, the cargo clamp can be mounted on a number of different vehicles in a variety of different locations. For example, a cargo clamp 1 , without or without track assembly 300 could be mounted on the roof of a car to, for example, secure skis, surfboards, or bicycles.

[38] Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cargo clamp. The cargo clamp illustrated in Figure 4 has four main components: (1) a pair of clamp arm assemblies, each of which includes a clamp arm 410 and, in certain embodiments, a swing arm 411, (2) a pair of ratchet assemblies 415, (3) a crossbar 413, and (4) a mounting track assembly 412. The arrangement and function of each of these components will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[39] The crossbar 413 is attached to the two swing arms 411 that are rotatably attached to the clamp arms 10. The swing arms 411 allow the distance between the ratchet assemblies 415 and crossbar 413 to be adjusted. When the crossbar 413 is adjusted to the shortest distance, maximum load is transferred to the crossbar 413. By rotating the crossbar 413 to the longer distance maximum reach is achieved at the loss of some load capacity. At each end of the swing arm 411, a flange 418 extends perpendicular to the swing arm 41 1. The flange 418 prevents further rotation of the swing arm 411 by abutting against the clamp arm 410. However, it should be noted that the swing arms 411 could be omitted by attaching the crossbar 413 directly to the clamp arms 410.

[40] The crossbar 413 can be covered by a crossbar sleeve 416. The crossbar sleeve 416 can be triangular in section and fits onto crossbar 413. Crossbar sleeve 416 is made of a soft core with a rubber coating which helps the crossbar 413 grip cargo. However, other materials can be used, or the crossbar sleeve 416 could be omitted entirely. When the crossbar sleeve 416 is positioned such that a flat side of the triangular section is clamped against a cargo, any rotation of the crossbar 413 will result in a pinching action that prevents the crossbar 413 from spinning.

[41] Figure 5 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of a ratchet assembly 415. The ratchet assembly 415 applies the required force to the crossbar 413, and consequently, the cargo. It maintains that force until the user desires to release the force. To achieve this, the user applies force to a ratchet lever 520 which becomes a torque in a clamp arm shaft 527. This resulting torque is then transferred through the clamp arm assembly and applies the clamping load as described above. To release the clamping load from cargo, a thumb operated ratchet release trigger 521 will disengage the ratchet lever 520 from a ratchet gear 522. Next, the ratchet lever 520 is rotated up until it is in a vertical position. When moved to the vertical position, the ratchet lever 520 disengages a ratchet pawl 523 allowing the clamping load to be released. [42] More specifically, the ratchet lever 520 has a round inner tube 525 that is disposed within a round outer tube 524. The outer tube 524 serves as the load bearing portion of the ratchet lever 520 and has at one end a ratchet lever grip 526. The inner tube 525 slides inside the outer tube 524 and is spring loaded so that it engages ratchet gear 522. The spring applies enough force to ensure the ratchet lever 520 engages the ratchet gear 522 through an engaging gear (not shown) located at the end of inner tube 525 located nearest ratchet gear 522 when the ratchet lever 520 is pushed down (i.e., brought from a vertical position to a horizontal position) but will allow the engaging gear to skip over the teeth of the ratchet gear 522 when the ratchet lever 520 is pulled up (i.e., brought from a horizontal position to a vertical position).

[43] The ratchet lever grip 526 has a recess for a thumb-operated ratchet release trigger 521 for releasing the ratchet pawl 523. To release the ratchet pawl 523, the ratchet release trigger 521 is pushed forward with the thumb releasing the ratchet lever 520 from the ratchet gear 522 and providing the proper clearance to clear the ratchet pawl 523. The ratchet lever 520 is then moved towards a vertical position until it contacts a pawl release lever 528 and releases the force applied to the cargo. Once the ratchet lever 520 is in the vertical position, the ratchet release trigger 521 can be released thereby locking the ratchet pawl 523 in the open position. When both the ratchet assemblies 415 have been locked in the open position, the clamp arm 410 will be able to freely rotate about clamp arm shaft 527. To re-engage the ratchet gear 522, the ratchet release trigger 21 is pushed forward and the handle lowered allowing the ratchet pawl 523 to engage the ratchet gear 522. [44] Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a mounting track assembly 412. Mounting track assembly 412 comprises a roll-formed cross section made of steel, although other well-known materials may be used, e.g., other metals, such as aluminum, or plastics. The hat-shaped cross section of mounting track 412 provides the rigidity required to absorb the torsional loads introduced into ratchet assembly 415. For a typical pick-up truck installation, the mounting track assembly 412 would be fastened longitudinally to the top of the cargo-area gunwale on both the left and right sides of the truck. Mounting tracks assembly 412 can be fastened to the truck with a variety of well- known techniques, e.g., screws, bolts, glues, epoxies, rivets, etc. The mounting plate 529 for each ratchet assembly 514 is designed to glide securely along the track by way of offsets formed into the mounting plates 529. Track mounting as disclosed herein provides for adjustability in the positioning of the cargo clamp 1 for various loading scenarios.

[45] When cargo clamp 1 is attached to the mounting track 412, it can be adjusted along the length of the mounting track 412 and locked into position relative to the mounting track 12 during operation and use of cargo clamp 1 by use of a number of well-known techniques.

[46] Figure 7 A shows an example of one application of the cargo clamp 1 described above. In Figure 7A, cargo clamp 1 restrains cargo 700, here, a single 2" x 4" piece of dimensional lumber. Cargo clamp 1 is positioned towards the front of the cargo bed 732 of the pick-up truck 731 and applies a downward force on cargo 700 to restrain the cargo . [47] Figure 7B shows an example of another application of the cargo clamp 1 described above. In Figure 7B, a pair of cargo clamps Ia and Ib are used to restrain cargo 700, here, sixty pieces of 2" x 4" dimensional lumber. One cargo clamp Ib is positioned towards the front of the cargo bed 732 of the pick-up truck 731 while the other cargo clamp Ia is positioned towards the rear of the cargo bed 732. These cargo clamps Ia and Ib apply a downward force on cargo 700 to restrain the cargo.

[48] Figure 7C shows yet another example of an application of the cargo clamp 14 described above. In Figure 7C, cargo clamp 1 restrains cargo 700, here, an appliance carton. Cargo clamp 1 is positioned near the middle of the cargo bed 732 of the pick-up truck 731. Cargo clamp 1 applies a horizontal force on cargo 700 to restrain the cargo against the front of cargo bed 732.

[49] Figure 7D shows an example of another application of cargo clamp 1 described above. In Figure 7D, a cargo clamp Ia is used to restrain cargo 700, here, an appliance carton, against an opposing cargo clamp Ib. Cargo clamps Ia and Ib apply a horizontal force on cargo 700 to restrain the cargo against an opposing force provide by the opposing cargo clamp.

[50] Other variations of the above described invention can be made without exceeding the scope of the invention. For example, while the above described embodiments generally describes use of the cargo clamp 1 on a pick-up truck, the cargo clamp 14 could be used in other applications, e.g., on a flat-bed truck, in a sport-utility vehicle's cargo area, on a trailer, in a box-van, or in any other application wherein it is desirable to fixably restrain cargo 700. [51 ] Additionally, in the above described embodiments the mounting tracks 301, 302 are attached to the gunwales of a pick-up truck bed. However, the mounting tracks 301, 302 can be attached to other locations. For example, the mounting tracks could be attached to the floor of a pick-up truck's bed, in a variety of orientations on the bed of a flat-bed truck or a box van or the floor of a tractor trailer. The cargo clamp 1 can also be mounted in the cargo area of the interior of a vehicle, or possibly on the roof of a vehicle.

[52] Having described embodiments of the invention as set forth above, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in their ordinary and accustomed manner only, unless expressly defined differently herein, and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cargo restraining apparatus comprising, a clamp arm assembly having a load bearing section and a first and second attachment section; a first locking assembly coupled to the first attachment section and configured to be coupled to a first surface; and a second locking assembly coupled to the second attachment section and configured to be coupled to a second surface.

2. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second surfaces are surfaces of a vehicle.

3. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising first and second track assemblies, each comprising: an upper rail member; and a lower rail member mounted on a vehicle and having the upper rail member mounted thereon, wherein each of the first and second track assemblies includes a mounting bracket configured to engage the upper rail member to secure the mounting bracket to the upper rail member while allowing the mounting bracket to slide along the length of the upper rail member, and wherein the first locking assembly is attached to the mounting bracket of the first track assembly and the second locking assembly is attached to the mounting bracket of the second track assembly.

4. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the first and second locking assemblies include ratchets.

5. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the clamp arm assembly includes two substantially parallel arms, each arm having first and second ends and the first attachment section disposed on the first end of the first arm and the second attachment section disposed on the first end of the second arm, and a load member comprising the load bearing section attached at the second side of each of the first and second arms, the load member being substantially perpendicular to the parallel arms.

6. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the load member is covered by a sleeve.

7. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the first and second locking assemblies further comprise a rotation prevention element for preventing undesired rotation of the locking assemblies.

8. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the rotation prevention element comprises a pin configured to engage a handle and a housing of at least one of the first and second locking assemblies, the pin being withdrawn from engagement with the housing to allow rotation of the locking element and engaged with the housing to prevent rotation of the locking assemblies.

9. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first and second locking assemblies further comprises a slide prevention element configured to releaseably engage the upper rail member to prevent the mounting bracket from sliding along a length of the upper rail member.

10. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the upper rail member is wider than the lower rail member, the upper rail member being mounted on the lower rail member to create an overhang on each side of the upper rail member; and the mounting bracket is a substantially "C" shaped bracket configured to be engageable with the overhang.

1 1. A cargo restraining apparatus comprising, a crossbar having first and second ends; a first clamp arm having first and second ends, the first end of the crossbar being attached to the second end of the first clamp arm; a second clamp arm with first and second ends, the second end of the crossbar being attached to the second end of the second clamp arm; a first locking assembly, coupled to the first end of the first clamp arm and suitable for attaching to a first surface; and a second locking assembly, coupled to the first end of the second clamp arm and suitable for attaching to a second surface.

12. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first and second surfaces are surfaces of a vehicle.

13. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the vehicle includes mounting tracks suitable for engaging the first and second locking assemblies to couple the locking assemblies to the vehicle.

14. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the first locking assembly includes a ratchet, and the second locking assembly includes a ratchet.

15. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the crossbar is covered by a crossbar sleeve.

16. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the crossbar sleeve is triangular in cross-section.

17. A cargo restraining apparatus comprising, a crossbar having first and second ends; a first swing arm having first and second ends, the first end of the crossbar being attached to the first end of the first swing arm; a second swing arm having first and second ends, the second end of the crossbar being attached to the first end of the second swing arm; a first clamp arm having first and second ends, with the first swing arm attached to the second end of the first clamp arm between the first end and second end of the first swing arm; a second clamp arm having first and second ends, with the second swing arm attached to the second end of the second clamp arm between the first end and second end of the second swing arm; a first locking assembly, coupled to the first end of the first clamp arm and suitable for attaching to a first surface; a second locking assembly, coupled to the first end of the second clamp arm and suitable for attaching to a second surface;

18. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the first and second surfaces are surfaces of a vehicle.

19. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the fixed surface of the vehicle includes mounting tracks suitable for engaging the first and second locking assemblies to attach the locking assemblies to the vehicle.

20. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 19 wherein, the first locking assembly includes a ratchet, and the second locking assembly includes a ratchet.

21. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 20 wherein, the first swing arm has a first flange extending in a direction normal to the first swing arm from a first side of the first end and a second flange extending in a direction normal to the first swing arm from a first side of the second end of the first swing arm, and the second swing arm has a first flange extending in a direction normal to the second swing arm from a first side of the first end and a second flange extending in a direction normal to the second swing arm from a first side of the second end of the second swing arm.

22. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the cross bar is covered by a crossbar sleeve.

23. The cargo restraining apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the crossbar sleeve is triangular in cross-section.