Latching Cargo Stake

Abstract

A cargo stake is disclosed which may be secured in a stake hole without the need of inserting a pin or bolt underneath the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided internal to a cargo stake body made from box steel tubing. The latching mechanism includes a latching member which can protrude perpendicular to the axis of the cargo stake at the lower end of the cargo stake, and the latching mechanism is operable through the upper open end of the cargo stake. In a preferred embodiment the latching mechanism is spring loaded and automatically latches in place upon insertion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of the invention relates to cargo stakes; flat-bed trucks and trailers; truck bodies and trailers intended to carry glass, glass racks, and / or cases of glass; and more specifically to flat-bed cargo carrying surfaces designed to accept cargo stakes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Flat glass, as used in windows and doors (as distinct from curved glass used in automobiles and the like) is typically transported on angled racks or in cases on a flat surfaced truck body or trailer bed. Many angled racks are permanently attached to or are part of the truck body or trailer. Others are removable racks to be left at a job site; leaving a full rack at a job site makes delivery quicker and allows for a place for the customer to hold the glass until it is installed. Similarly, glass may be shipped in cases which can be carried on the angled racks or on flatbeds. Glass cases vary in size and need to be carried vertically and anchored to the transporting car...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides cargo stikes that can be easily and quickly installed and removed from stake holes in trucks and trailers. These stikes can be fastened in place without needing to install or remove separate hardware like bolts or pins. Additionally, these stikes are durable and can handle being tossed about on steel or concrete surfaces without getting damaged.

Problems solved by technology

However, in flat-bed trailers used to transport glass, because of the sizes of glass cases and the fact that they are fragile and need to be kept vertical, there need to be stake positions not only on the edge of the bed but also throughout the middle part of the bed.

Affixing stakes in the middle of the bed is inconvenient because one has to crawl under the truck or trailer to pin or bolt the stakes in place.

In the process of removing, storing, transporting, and reconfiguring cargo stakes, attachment hardware such as removable pins are often lost.

Images