Cargo decking beam system
AssigneeB2B Casuals, Inc.
InventorJerrell P. Squyres
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use within a cargo container. The system comprises vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slidably disposed within the ends of the beams. In a preferred embodiment the end assemblies comprise coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force.
Claims7
An adjustable decking system for use in a cargo container, the decking system comprising:
- (a) at least one pair of vertical mounting posts configured to be attached on opposite interior walls of a cargo container, wherein each mounting post further comprises:
- (i) an elongate frame having a longitudinal cross-section with a raised central ridge flanked by first and second recessed channels on either side;
- (ii) a plurality of spaced openings along said raised central ridge;
- and
- (iii) an insert coupled to the mounting post, wherein the insert covers said central ridge with matching spaced openings and forms first and second obliquely angled capture guide channels within said first and second recessed channels, respectively, and wherein said capture guide channels angle outward into said recessed channels from the raised central ridge;
- (b) at least one hollow decking beam configured to support cargo loads;
- and
- (c) first and second end assemblies slidably disposed within opposite ends of the decking beam, and wherein each end assembly is formed from two C-shaped plates coupled back-to-back and has a latch mechanism at one end further comprising:
- (i) a tab configured to fit into the openings of the mounting post;
- (ii) a retaining lip on the bottom of the tab configured to engage said mounting post and a notch in the top of the tab to provide room for the retaining lip to be inserted into and lifted out of said openings;
- and
- (iii) an internal swivel latch sandwiched between said plates that fills a vertical space left by said notch when in a closed position, thereby providing a retaining force to prevent the retaining lip from lifting out of the openings;
- (d) wherein said decking beam is selectively adjustable in height along the mounting posts by engaging and disengaging said spaced openings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.