Multi-positional flat hook bracket

Abstract

A multi-positional flat hook bracket for cargo securement is provided. The bracket allows for the securement of tie-down flat hooks in such a way as to conform to the recent regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Namely, the tie-down will stay inboard of the trailer's rub rails, and any loss in tension to the tie-downs will not result in the flat hook coming loose.

1 . A bracket for securing a tie-down flat hook to a trailer, said bracket comprising: 
 a. a square-shaped frame;    b. an attachment means for securing said bracket to said trailer; and    c. a receiving rod transversely connecting the sides of said frame for attaching said flat hook to said bracket.    
   
   
       2 . The bracket of  claim 1  wherein said attachment means comprises a T-shaped channel disposed at the top of said square shaped frame, so dimensioned to slideably couple to a T-shaped underneath side rail of said trailer.  
   
   
       3 . The bracket of  claim 1  wherein said square-shaped frame is made of steel having a thickness between one-fourth of an inch to three-eighths of an inch.  
   
   
       4 . The bracket of  claim 1  wherein said receiving rod is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter between three-fourths and three-eighths of an inch.  
   
   
       5 . A bracket for securing a tie-down flat hook to a trailer, said bracket comprising: 
 a. a horizontal bottom plate;    b. two vertical side walls substantially parallel to one another connected at opposing sides of said bottom plate;    c. a top plate substantially parallel to said bottom plate and substantially perpendicular to said side walls connected at opposite end of said bottom plate; and    d. a receiving rod disposed in between said top and bottom plate, substantially parallel to said top and bottom plates, and transversely connecting said side walls;    wherein said bracket can be moveably attached to said trailer at said top plate, and wherein said tie-down flat hook can be attached to said rod.    
   
   
       6 . The bracket of  claim 5  wherein a T-shaped channel so dimensioned to slideably couple to a T-shape underneath side rail is disposed at the intersection of said top plate and said side walls.  
   
   
       7 . The bracket of  claim 5  wherein said receiving rod is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter between three-fourths and three-eighths of an inch.  
   
   
       8 . A cargo securement system comprising: 
 a. a winch housing a cargo tie-down having a flat hook attached at its remote end;    b. a square-shaped bracket; and    c. a receiving rod transversely connecting the sides of said bracket for attaching said flat hook to said bracket;    wherein said winch and said bracket are slideably coupled to T-shaped underneath side rails on opposite sides of a trailer; wherein said cargo tie-down is stretched over cargo resting on said trailer; and wherein said flat hook is attached to said receiving rod.    
   
   
       9 . The bracket of  claim 8  wherein a T-shaped channel so dimensioned to slideably couple to said T-shaped underneath side rail is disposed at its top.  
   
   
       10 . The bracket of  claim 8  wherein said square-shaped bracket is made of steel with a thickness between one-fourth to three-eighths of an inch.  
   
   
       11 . The bracket of  claim 8  wherein said receiving rod is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter between three-fourths and three-eighths of an inch.