Surface mountable cargo restraining device

Abstract

Disclosed is an inexpensive detachable surface-mounted cargo-restraining apparatus for use on a vehicle or vessel while in transit that includes one or more cords attached to self-retracting reels that are anchored to a surface in the cargo area of the vehicle or vessel. A suitable hook is attached to the free end of each cord on each reel. Each cord may then be pulled from its reel so that its respective hook may be engaged with a cargo item (e.g. the handle portions of a bag) to secure the item. Each reel retracts causing the hook to hold the cargo item in place. As the vehicle is driven, the hooks and cords restrain the items from opening or spilling their contents.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cargo restraining device for use on a vehicle or vessel comprising a resilient hollow body member having a plurality of cords attached to corresponding retractable reels deployed inside said body member, a corresponding plurality of openings in said body member through which said cords extend out from the inside of said body member, and a plurality of corresponding engagement hooks at the ends of said cords.  
     
     
         2 . The device of    claim 1    wherein said body member is provided with an external mount for removably attaching said device to a surface in the cargo area of a vehicle or vessel.  
     
     
         3 . The device of    claim 2    wherein said external mount includes a strip of engagement hooks on an outside surface of said body member for interengagement with corresponding loops on a surface of said cargo area.  
     
     
         4 . The device of    claim 2    wherein said external mount includes at least one suction cup for engagement with a smooth surface of said cargo area.  
     
     
         5 . The device of    claim 2    wherein said external mount includes at least one cord for engagement around a seat of a vehicle or vessel.  
     
     
         6 . The device of    claim 1    wherein said device is integrated into a surface panel of the storage area of a vehicle or vessel.  
     
     
         7 . The device of    claim 1    wherein said device is integrated into the back of a seat of a vehicle or vessel.  
     
     
         8 . The device of    claim 1    wherein said device is integrated into the back of a head rest of a seat of a vehicle or vessel.  
     
     
         9 . The device of    claim 2    wherein said hooks are made of material selected from the group of wire, resilient plastic and rubber.  
     
     
         10 . A device for supporting items of cargo in a cargo area of a vehicle or vessel comprising a hollow body member containing a plurality of cords mounted on retractable reels, a corresponding plurality of openings in said body member through which said cords pass from the inside to the outside of said body member, a corresponding plurality of hooks on the outside ends of said cords, and a support mount on the exterior surface of said body member for detachably mounting said member to a surface of a vehicle or vessel.  
     
     
         11 . A cargo restraining device for use on a vehicle or vessel comprising a resilient hollow body member having a plurality of cords attached to corresponding retractable reels deployed inside said body member, a corresponding plurality of openings in said body member through which said cords extend out from the inside of said body member, a plurality of corresponding engagement means at the ends of said cords selected from the list of hooks, magnets, straps, interengaging hooks and loops, clamps, clips, snaps, screws, glue, nails, and string, and an external mount on said body member selected from the list of suction cups, magnets, cords and interengaging hooks and loops, for removably attaching said device to a surface in the cargo area of a vehicle or vessel.