Locking bar

#This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, European Patent Application No. 19198085.3, filed Sep. 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

#The present disclosure relates to a locking bar for a load securing system with lashing points, comprising at least two telescopic sections which are linearly movable to one another.

#For securing loads in vehicles, load securing systems are known in various embodiments. Lashing points which are provided on the vehicle and which permit the receiving or tensioning of lashing belts and nets, locking bars and the like are used in widespread load securing systems. Herewith, the load can be held tightly in the vehicle and be secured from slipping. For this, locking bars in known embodiments comprise end-side fittings which are each inserted into an opening of a lashing point, so that the locking bar preferably extends transversely (horizontally or vertically) to two vehicle walls which delimit the respective space of the vehicle and which are distanced to one another. The locking bars often have a changeable length for adapting to different widths of the vehicle interior and for permitting the insertion. Typically, the locking bars are telescopable counter to a spring force and consist of two telescopic hollow profiles which are arranged in one another. Each one of the fittings is located at their ends, between which fittings a spring force is active in the extension direction.

#Certain embodiments are hereinafter explained in more detail by way of an embodiment example which is represented in the drawing. There are shown in:

#FIGS. 1a and 1b a lateral view and a sectioned view of a locking bar in a retracted position,

#FIGS. 2a and 2b a lateral view and a sectioned view of a locking bar in an extended position,

#In one aspect, a locking bar for a load securing system with lashing points comprises at least two telescopic sections which are linearly movable to one another and two end fittings which are arranged at ends of the locking bar which are opposite one another, for engaging into a lashing point, and a spring element which is arranged in the locking bar, is coupled to the telescopic sections and is designed to force the telescopic sections into an extended position. In some embodiments, the locking bar comprises a locking unit which is designed to releasably arrest the telescopic sections in the retracted position for the insertion of the locking bar into two lashing points which are opposite one another.

#The lashing points can be for example openings in vehicle walls or in a rail system which is integrated into vehicle walls. The shape of the openings is of no significance to the subject-matter of all embodiments. Apart from circularly round openings, polygonal openings, oval openings, openings which are continuous or comprise a web can also be used. Other positive-fit means which permit a positive connection to end fittings are also conceivable. One can imagine providing a locking bar for different, standardized or manufacturer-specific systems. The lashing points are provided for creating a fixed, positive connection between the locking bar and a vehicle structure.

#The end fittings are designed complementarily to the lashing points. They can each engage into a lashing point and by way of this create a positive connection. The positive connection can also relate to the engagement into an undercut. For this, hook-like, cone-shaped or elongate end fittings can be used.