Adjustable tie-down apparatus for pickup trucks

Abstract

An adjustable tie-down apparatus that is used to secure cargo in the bed of pickup truck by using an internal clamp and lever mechanism to clamp the L-shaped upper body, which rests flat against the top side of the rail of a truck bed, to the U-shaped lower body, which rests against the under side of the top of the rail and the interior of the downwardly protruding flange. The tie-down point is attached to backside of the U-shaped lower body and faces the interior of the truck bed to support the attachment of a cable, rope, strap, or similar anchor line for securing cargo placed in the bed of the truck. This apparatus may be placed at any point along the length of the rail of the truck bed and is adaptable to fit rails of varying thicknesses.

1 . An adjustable tie-down apparatus for securing cargo in combination with a pickup truck having rails and a downwardly protruding flange, said apparatus capable of being located at various points along the length of said rails, said apparatus comprising:
 an L-shaped upper body including two perpendicular extensions protruding away from said body to engage the surface of the rail and the downwardly protruding flange;   an U-shaped lower body including a lip protruding perpendicularly from the body to engage the under side of the rail;   a tie-down bar located between two braces and attached to the U-shaped lower body on the side opposite the lip to receive rope, straps, cable, or other anchoring device for securing cargo;   two internal clamping mechanisms attached to the U-shaped lower body on the lip side containing a lever and hook that engages the innermost perpendicular extension to provide a means for applying sufficient pressure to the apparatus bringing the U-shaped lower body and the L-shaped upper body against the rail.   
   
   
       2 . An adjustable tie down apparatus, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a protective pad is attached to the L-shaped body to prevent scratching or scarring when placed in contact with the rail.