Patent attributes
A vehicle tie-down cleat assembly can include (i) a tie-down cleat defining an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion defines at least one aperture or member configured to receive a tying member, and wherein the tie-down cleat comprises a plastic housing and a metal insert disposed within the plastic housing, and (ii) a base assembly coupled to the lower portion of the tie-down cleat and configured to be removably coupled to a surface of a storage compartment of the vehicle, the base assembly comprising a base member, a hinge coupled to the lower portion of the tie-down cleat and the base member, the hinge being configured to allow the tie-down cleat to rotate with respect to the base assembly, and a locking system configured to lock/unlock the tie-down cleat assembly to a mounting plate mounted to a surface of a vehicle storage compartment.