IP Library › Granted Patent US 10,894,502
Granted Patent B2
US 10,894,502 · App. 15/972,289 · Granted Jan 19, 2021

Tie down systems for securing cargo within vehicle cargo spaces

Inventors: Jack Marchlewski (Saline, MI); Vince Anthony Chimento (Plymouth, MI); Robert Reiners (Grosse Ile, MI); Jeffrey Gray (Dearborn, MI)
Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
B60P7/0815B60P1/003B60Y2200/14
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,894,502
App. No.
15/972,289
Granted
Jan 19, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

This disclosure details tie down systems for securing cargo within vehicle cargo spaces. An exemplary tie down system may include a corner bracket mounted in a corner of the cargo space. The corner bracket may include a plurality of openings for tying down cargo at different heights within the cargo space.

Claims (35)

1. A tie down system for a vehicle, comprising:

a first corner bracket;

a first opening formed in the first corner bracket and disposed at a first height of the first corner bracket;

a second opening formed in the first corner bracket and disposed at a second height of the first corner bracket;

a second corner bracket; and

a tying device connecting between the first corner bracket and the second corner bracket,

wherein the tying device hooks or clamps within openings of each of the first corner bracket and the second corner bracket,

wherein the first corner bracket includes an outer face, a first side face, and a second side face, and the first side face and the second side face curve toward one another,

wherein the first side face and the second side face of the first corner bracket join together to establish a closed triangular shape.

2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the tying device includes a strap, a cable, or a cord.

3. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first opening and the second opening extend through the outer face.

4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein a gap extends between a first end of the first side face and a second end of the second side face.

5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first corner bracket includes a hollow passage.

6. A method, comprising:

positioning a cargo item within a vehicle cargo space;

tying down the cargo item with a first tying device and a second tying device that connect between a first corner bracket and a second corner bracket of a tie down system;

wherein the first and second tying devices are connected to the first and second brackets at different heights relative to a floor of the vehicle cargo space.

7. The method as recited in claim 6 , wherein tying down the cargo item includes:

connecting the first tying device within a first opening of the first corner bracket;

routing the first tying device through or around the cargo item; and

connecting the first tying device within a first opening of the second corner bracket.

8. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein tying down the cargo item includes:

connecting the second tying device within a second opening of the first corner bracket;

routing the second tying device through or around the cargo item; and

connecting the second tying device within a second opening of the second corner bracket,

wherein the second openings are positioned at a different height than the first openings.

9. A tie down system for a vehicle, comprising:

a first corner bracket;

a first opening formed in the first corner bracket and disposed at a first height of the first corner bracket;

a second opening formed in the first corner bracket and disposed at a second height of the first corner bracket;

a second corner bracket; and

a tying device connecting between the first corner bracket and the second corner bracket,

wherein the tying device hooks or clamps within openings of each of the first corner bracket and the second corner bracket,

wherein the first corner bracket is triangular shaped or rectangular shaped and includes a hollow passage; and

an end cap attached to the first corner bracket and configured to close-off the hollow passage.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 7, 2018
From: MARCHLEWSKI, JACK; CHIMENTO, VINCE ANTHONY; REINERS, ROBERT; GRAY, JEFFREY
To: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 046083/0151 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20190337441A1 · Nov 7, 2019