Abstract: A vehicle body barrier has a vertical support, a first non-movable board and a second non-movable board. The vertical support is configured to be received in a vehicle body. The first non-movable board is fixedly attached to the vertical support. The second non-movable board is fixedly attached to the vertical support and is vertically spaced from the first non-movable board. The movable board is movably connected to the first non-movable board between a primarily offset position and a primarily overlapping position. The movable board is disposed between the first and second non-movable boards in the primarily offset position.

Abstract: Various enhancements to the capabilities of vehicles in general, and particularly light-duty utility vehicles, which can advantageously enhance the cargo-carrying capabilities of such vehicles. The present invention provides a cargo bed insert, as well as an insert system, for removable attachment to a vehicle's existing cargo box. Improvement to a light-duty utility vehicle, where the improvement is in the form of a cargo box for the vehicle which includes one or more features of the described cargo bed insert and/or system is disclosed. The invention contemplates methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capability of a light-duty utility vehicle. In particular, methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capacity of such a vehicle beyond a manufacturer's specified cargo weight capacity are provided. Lastly, the invention includes a mounting assembly for a removable attachment to a vehicle's frame.

Abstract: The device for increasing volume of a container (24) has extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) pivotally mounted on an upper edge (31) of an upper opening (32) so as to form a cover at least partially closing the upper opening (32) when the extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) are in flat closed positions and an enlarging extension (27) for the container when the extension elements are in raised filling positions, neighboring extension elements being pivotally connected with each other, and at least one driving pivoting device (53), which pivots or swings each extension element (37, 38, 39, 40) from its flat closed position into its raised filling position (47, 48, 49, 50) out beyond a vertical position thereof in a direction toward an exterior of the container, or from its raised filling position into its flat closed position.

Abstract: An improved device for attaching a truck top or appliance fitted with an angle on its base, which rests on a profile attached to the top of the side walls of the vehicle bed and standby parts for coupling to accessories to be used, thus making possible the installation and removal thereof.

Abstract: Various enhancements to the capabilities of vehicles in general, and particularly light-duty utility vehicles, which can advantageously enhance the cargo-carrying capabilities of such vehicles. The present invention provides a cargo bed insert, as well as an insert system, for removable attachment to a vehicle's existing cargo box. Improvement to a light-duty utility vehicle, where the improvement is in the form of a cargo box for the vehicle which includes one or more features of the described cargo bed insert and/or system is disclosed. The invention contemplates methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capability of a light-duty utility vehicle. In particular, methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capacity of such a vehicle beyond a manufacturer's specified cargo weight capacity are provided. Lastly, the invention includes a mounting assembly for a removable attachment to a vehicle's frame.

Abstract: A frameless modular trailer for towing behind a motor vehicle is provided. The trailer is made of slidably coupled extrusions for easy assembly. The front and side panels include a protrusion on the top surface. This protrusion allows for the stacking of additional panels for vary the height of the trailer. Additionally, one of a variety of top panels may be stacked on the front and side panels to multiple configurations for securing objects within the trailer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a road trailer whose frame consists of profiles having a fin to support the floor and grooves on their upper and lower faces able to retain in rotation bolt heads and the lower edges of sidewalls (10). The side members and cross bars are joined by corner pieces which have a vertical orifice to receive the lower end of a post (9) comprising orthogonal grooves housing the side edges of the sidewalls (10). The corner pieces (30) have two perpendicular arms respectively fitted into the adjacent ends of profiles forming the frame. Mounting of the elements requires little tooling.

Abstract: An insert apparatus for a preexisting cart. The insert apparatus includes a support structure having a base portion and a containment portion with an inner area. The base portion operatively engages the preexisting cart. A retaining element is provided and in operative communication with the containment portion of the support structure. The retaining element retains a material within the inner area of the containment portion of the support structure.

Abstract: A bed cover assembly is provided for a vehicle, including a frame having a pair of side rails and a center rail. The pair of side rails is releasably mountable to the bed of the vehicle without leaving permanent holes in the vehicle. A pair of covers is pivotally connected to the side rails. A pneumatic cylinder operatively connected to the side rails and covers for moving the covers between an open and closed position. A soft cargo cover is mountable to the pair of covers when the pair of covers is in the open position.

Abstract: The sideboard member includes an interior core portion (32) which is made from a composite material of shredded rubber and polyurethane plastic, and other ingredients. The core portion is covered with a durable rubber layer (35) which is bonded to the core portion and has a thickness of ?-inch to ?-inch. The top surface (38) of the sideboard member is in the form of an inverted “V”, with each side extending inwardly toward each other at an angle of approximately 45°, the top edge (44) of the inverted V being rounded.

Abstract: A bed rail (10) for attaching to a sidewall (12) of a motor vehicle (14), comprising a pair of elongate members (60) held in spaced-apart relation by a leading end cap (16, 30) and a trailing end cap (18, 30), the elongate members defining a space therebetween and an ornamental indicia-bearing panel (20) disposed in the space, for mounting with fasteners to a cap of a sidewall of the motor vehicle. In one aspect, the bed rail assembles by recesses in the elongate members (60) receiving tongues (42, 44) on the end caps (30). A channel (62) in the elongate members hold the edges of the panel. In another aspect, an integral bed rail (90) defines a longitudinal slot (102) through which the panel (20) passes into the space. A method of attaching a bed rail to a sidewall of a motor vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: A cargo storage system (14), e.g. of a road freight semi-trailer (18) comprises a rectangular base (10) with telescopic support masts (12). The support masts (12), by means of height adjustment tables (82) and a rectangularly orientated support cable (70), are adapted to support a box-shaped flexible cover (50) in a raised position over the base (10). The support masts (12) may be retracted and/or the height adjustment cables (82) released to lower the cover (50) may engage against cargo loaded on the base (10). The cover includes a grid pattern of webbing straps integral therewith, which may be tensioned down so that the cover engages against and bears down upon the cargo to restrain the cargo in position. The cover (50) is removeable and foldable and the masts (12) removable for stowage thereof. The invention is also applicable to rigid vehicle, full trailer, intermodal and other freight applications.

Abstract: A vehicle body is provided which has a passenger compartment, an adjacent cargo compartment and a midgate opening at the juncture of the compartments which is sufficiently expansive to provide complete accessibility between the compartments. The cargo compartment is defined, in part, by a bed flanked by a pair of sidewalls and a tailgate. A pair of hard covers, respectively, are hingedly connected to each sidewall and are sufficiently openable in a coplanar respect to the sidewall to which it is hingedly connected so that the midgate opening is fully accessible for cargo extending between the compartments and to the full extent of the opened hard covers.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed has reconfigurable drop side and tail panels. Tail lights are incorporated within the reconfigurable panels. Each side panel is hinged with respect to the cargo bed so that the side panel can pivot downwardly to a cargo bed widening horizontal position or upwardly to a vertical or horizontal position spaced from the cargo bed. The cargo bed includes a storage box accessible through the side entrance. The side panel may also be hinged with respect to itself to form a lip or small restraining wall.

Abstract: A truck box cover/extension assembly for protecting the contents in the truck box and extending the vertical size of the truck box when needed to carry larger items. The truck box cover/extension assembly includes panel members being adapted to be hingedly attached to side walls of a truck box and to be closable and sealable upon the truck box; and also includes panel support members being removably attached to the panel members to support the panel members in upright vertical positions; and further includes stopper members for supporting the panel members in upright vertical positions.

Abstract: A pair of rails that are movable from a collapsed position to an extended position and function to increase the cargo-carrying volume and stability of a pick-up truck bed. The rails are mounted on rods which are mounted for vertical movement. In the collapsed position, the rods are nested between the outer and inner walls of the truck bed. Similar structure is provided for the tailgate. The rods are provided with vertically spaced apertures so that the cargo may be safely tied down. A wall may be attached to each rail so that the truck bed will be laterally enclosed when the rails are in an extended position. A detachable canopy is provided to span the rails and enclose the top of the bed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns that of a new and improved apparatus used to increase the capacity of a pickup truck bed. The apparatus comprises a trio of extensions that can be used on both sides of the pickup truck bed. The extensions would be mounted to the internal sides of the pickup truck bed and could be extended to different heights to accommodate a larger or smaller load. The present invention would come in different lengths for short bed and long bed pick-ups.

Abstract: A sidewall extender for a wheelbarrow for increasing the carrying capacity of the wheelbarrow. The sidewall extender for a wheelbarrow includes a flexible sheet of material having a length such that the sheet of material fastens to the side-walls and encloses about the bin and extends the side-walls to a height of approximately 3 feet with the sheet of material being made of canvas or some other type of vinyl; and further includes a plurality of fastening members securely attached along the first and second end edges and bottom edge of the sheet of material and also along top edges of the side-walls of the wheelbarrow for fastening the sheet of material to the wheelbarrow. The first and second end edges are fastened together when the sheet of material is secured to the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A bracket that is suitable for attachment to the rails of a pick-up truck or dump truck cargo body has attachment holes that support two perpendicular rails in orthogonal arrangement with respect to a cargo box railing or surface. The brackets are readily formed from low cost materials and may be stamped and formed with a minimum number of processing steps using a preferred method of the invention. When used in combination with existing cargo and dump boxes and other cargo carrying vehicles, the brackets extend the utility of the vehicle and offer a faster recovery of capital.

Abstract: A convertible trailer system for use in hauling stacked logs. The convertible trailer includes a pair of movable retaining panels mounted on each side of the trailer. Each of the retaining panels is movable between a transporting position and a loading position. When the retaining panels are in the transporting position, the retaining panels prevent stacked logs from falling off the side of the trailer. The convertible trailer includes a drive assembly operably connected to each of the retaining panels for raising and lowering the retaining panels between the transporting position and the locked position. A locking assembly is associated with each of the retaining panels to lock the retaining panel in the transporting position when the trailer is being used to transport a load of stacked logs.

Abstract: A frame construction includes at least one nodal connection element and several tube-shaped frame elements connected thereto. The frame elements and the nodal connection elements are manufactured by hydraulic internal high pressure forming and are joined via plug-type connections. Each nodal connection element has at least two connections for adjoining frame elements. The nodal connection element consists of at least two internal-high-pressure-formed tube-shaped hollow bodies in a nested configuration. The hollow bodies are made of different materials, and have different cuts in the area of the connections--viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective connection, allowing connection with frame elements made of corresponding different materials. In the area of each connection, one of the two hollow bodies, in addition to being connected in a plug-type connection with the adjoining frame elements made of the same material, is connected by an additional connection.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose truck or trailer bed cover which provides protection and security for items stored in the bed, and is openable to provide a vertical extension of the bed. In the open configuration, the cover provides support and protection for large or tall cargo which cannot be carried with conventional single-piece bed covers. In the closed configuration, the cover provides an additional cargo deck.

Abstract: An adjustable and versatile shelving system for storing articles in the cargo box of a pickup truck in an efficient manner. Brackets which support load bearing members are adjustably mounted to side rails which are connected to the sidewalls of the cargo box. The connection between the brackets and the side rails enable the height of the shelf above the floor of the cargo box to be adjustable within a range of heights. An additional shelf located a spaced distance above the first shelf can be supported by inverting some of the brackets which are connected to the side rails. The brackets can also be connected to the side rails in a manner which provides a surface for securing vertically-oriented side planks above the cargo box sidewalls to temporarily extend the cargo box sidewalls. A knock down tool chest can be provided on the shelf to store tools in a secure manner, or it can be collapsed to provide extra open shelf storage space.

Abstract: An edge support extends longitudinally along the lid opening for a bulk body. The edge support includes a wall support, a rim above the wall support, and a receiving slot between the wall support and the rim for receiving the longitudinal extending edge of the bulk body wall. The edge support is unitarily and integrally formed of a single piece, such as an extrusion out of aluminum. The edge support is strong and low cost and facilitates manufacture of the bulk body.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a bed rail to a truck box includes a mounting block (10) having a threaded mounting fastener aperture (15). The mounting block (10) also includes a groove (12) which has a configuration which matches that of the cross sectional configuration of the bed rail (30). A threaded bed rail bore (13) is positioned in the block (10) to allow a set screw (14) to firmly hold the bed rail (30) after is has been inserted into the mounting block (10). The mounting block (10) is secured to the storage box (10) by means of a threaded bolt which is inserted through a mounting fastener opening (22) in the mounting section (20a) of the storage box (20). The bolt goes through the storage box (20) mounting block (10) and is held in position by a nut (80).

Abstract: An attachment to increase the capacity of the carrying bin of a utility cart or of a wheelbarrow includes a plurality of frames with a barrier in the frames and with the frames removably connected to the carrying bin. A portion of the attachment will open at an end of the carrying bin providing for easy loading and unloading of the carrying bin. The frames connect to each other by slots that provide for the attachment to adjust to different sized carrying bins. The frames are easily removed when the extra bin capacity provided by the attachment is not needed.

Abstract: A cover system for the truck box of a pickup truck includes upstanding sides and front portion which define inwardly thereof an open area to be covered by a series of parallel edge to edge cover panels. The cover panels slide forwardly and rearwardly on a guide track and the guide track is divided at the front so that the panels form accordion folds in a fold section stored at the front of the structure. Two rear side parts at the rear of the cover can be pivoted about a a horizontal axis across the top. These rear portions carry a part of the guide track and a whole number of panels fill the area from the hinge to the bottom edge of the rear portion. Thus the rear portion can be pivoted about the hinge while the panels flex. Thus only a rear portion can be opened or the cover panels can be moved forwardly to various set locations or folded fully.

Abstract: Protective apparatus for the sidewall of the bed of a pickup truck equipped with tool boxes is disclosed. An elongate rail is mounted to the top of the sidewall by non-invasive means and one or more skirt members may be selectively, detachably mounted to the rail when desired to overlie the sidewall below the tool boxes. In an alternative embodiment a tool box for the bed of a pickup truck has a detachable skirt member mounted to the sidewall of the tool box and depending downward to overlie the truck's sidewall.

Abstract: A versatile truck body for mounting on the chassis of a truck which may be adapted for multiple end uses is provided. Storage compartments formed integrally with the body floor optimize cargo volume and payload. An arrangement of fixed and removable side and rear wall panels may be configured as desired to suit the needs of the user. Optimum visibility is provided by open mesh panels aligned to extend around the perimeter of the body at an optimum visibility height from the floor. The versatile truck body of the present invention is preferably mounted on the chassis for dumping capability.

Abstract: A rail component for pick-up and flat-bed trucks to support side or back pieces comprising a plurality of vertically disposed support rails positioned around the periphery of a rear portion of a truck, each support rail including a C-shaped channel with a back wall at its central extent and with extension plates at right angles therefrom being provided with screw holes in a vertical array, a supplemental back wall with extension plates and with the back walls spaced at right angles from each other, each back wall having at least one aperture.

Abstract: A protective cap for covering the sidewalls of a pickup truck bed is provided. The caps have a contour matching the contour of the sidewalls so as to provide a close fit, without the use of spacers or shims. The cap includes an elongated body with opposite forward and rearward ends and opposite inside and outside edges. Inside and outside lips are formed by bending portions of the respective inside and outside edges of the body downwardly. A notch is provided adjacent the rearward end of the body, to permit a rearward lip to be formed by bending a portion of the rearward end downwardly. The formation of the outside and rear lips closes the gap. The outside lip and rear lip are joined by a weld which fills the closed notch so as provide a continuous curved surface at the rearward corner of the body. The weld is polished to be visually indistinguishable from the outside and rear lips.

Abstract: An extension assembly having a pair of extension members which are pivotally mounted atop cargo box sidewalls. The extension members are automatically raised and lowered by pneumatic actuators having extendable and retractable rams. A roller arrangement is coupled with the extension members to vertically move and stabilize a roll-up tarpaulin apparatus and associated end-caps therewith. The roller arrangement moves in uniform cooperation with the pivoting extension members. Further, the extension members are laterally supported in the raised position by a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart supports which are pivotally connected to the extension members. The supports are pivotally connected to sliding collars mounted around trusses which laterally transverse the cargo box. During the raising operation, the sliding collars contact stoppers affixed to the trusses whereby the extension members are securely held in a vertically raised position.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow side wall extension apparatus (10) for attachment to a wheelbarrow (12) is disclosed herein. The apparatus (10) includes a flexible barrier (14) coupled between an upper rail (26) and a lower rail (28), the lower rail (28) being configured for coupling to the rim (36) of a wheelbarrow bin (12). A plurality of vertical support members (42) coupled between the upper rail (26) and the lower rail (28) rail add structural integrity to the apparatus (10). Each support member (42) is coupled to a corresponding reinforcement bracket (48) which provides lateral stability by abutting the walls (54) of a wheelbarrow bin (12). A tensioning device (56) draws the opposing sides (20, 22) of the flexible barrier (14) toward the inside of the wheelbarrow bin (12), thus insuring that the entire apparatus (10) remains firmly upon the wheelbarrow bin (12).

Abstract: A towable wheeled vehicle or grain cart for transporting a loose cargo, such as grain, includes a perforated panel in the front and rear walls thereof for observing the status of fill of the cargo and to permit visibility to the rear thereof when the vehicle or grain cart is in transit or is being positioned.

Abstract: A wagon is provided with a superstructure removably attachable to the bed and which includes a pair of sidewall assemblies each having a sidewall to which is pivotally attached a roof member. Power devices on each sidewall are actuated to displace the roof members between an abutting closed position overlying the wagon bed, and an open position fully above the sidewalls and laterally outside the area above the bed. Alignment and latching devices on each roof member are automatically cable controlled during the actuation of the roof members. The opening limits of the roof members is regulated by hinge plates which provide abutments against the sidewalls. An end of the wagon is closable by a pair of removable doors and when the roof members are open, the added elevated cargo space therebetween may be closed at the end of the wagon by a removable end gate removably attached to and spanning the two opened roof members.

Abstract: An anti-ingress system for the doors, the side windows and the rear window of motor vehicles, in particular pick-up trucks, has a mounting frame is secured to the pick-up truck adjacent the rear of the cab, a rear anti-ingress panel is connected with the mounting frame so as to cover the rear window of the cab, and, on each opposite side of the mounting frame, a side window anti-ingress panel is movably mounted to the mounting frame so as to permit each side window anti-ingress panel to be located in one of two positions: a first position clear of the door and its side window, and a second position interferingly located adjacent the door and the side window, thereby preventing unauthorized entry through the side window as well as preventing unauthorized opening of the door. There are several embodiments of preferred structures that provide selective, locable movement of the two side window anti-ingress panels.

Abstract: A rail attachment apparatus is set forth for use in combination with pockets formed within the side walls of a truck bed. The pockets are formed with side walls of a predetermined height. The apparatus includes an upper post integrally secured to a positioning plate overlying an opening defining the pocket with a threaded rod extending therethrough. The threaded rod extends downwardly through a depth post into threaded engagement with a latch plate integrally secured to the depth post. The latch plate is formed of a generally rectangular planar configuration with rounded corners for positioning within the pocket and rotated ninety degrees after initial positioning to engage underlying edges of the pocket walls whereupon tightening by use of an overlying threaded fastener, the assembly grasps the pocket walls and enables the depth post to be telescopingly received within the upper post to secure the latch plate in position.

Abstract: Truck rails for pickup trucks and the like include the use of swivel connectors which permit the rails to be attached concurrently to the truck sides, headache rack, and tool box.

Abstract: A flat bed vehicle such as a tilt bed car carrier vehicle has side rails which may be positionable either in a raised position disposed above the bed platform and a lowered stowed position wherein the tops of the rails are disposed coextensive with the platform. The caps or tops of the rails are supported on posts and the ends of posts remote from the caps have cam followers which are positioned within respective cam tracks extending transversely beneath the bed floor. The cam tracks are configured so that the followers may be moved between first and second ends of the cam tracks selectively. At one end of each track the follower is located such that the respective post may be either in the upstanding operative position at the side of the bed, and at the other end of the track the follower is located such that the post is in the stowed position extending transversely beneath the floor of the bed with the cap of the rail positioned on a shelf of a longitudinally extending bracket at the edge of the side.

Abstract: An improved dump body (18) includes opposite hinged side doors (34) and a hinged rear door (60). The side doors (34) include a latch assembly (42) and are particularly adapted to shed material in their down positions during unloading when the dump body (18) is level so that the side doors can then be raised and positively secured in their up positions without manual cleaning. The rear door (60) includes top and bottom hinges, and a latch assembly (70).

Abstract: A first embodiment of the pickup bed protector according to the present invention is constructed in the form of an elongated channel strip having a top wall portion with two integrally formed side walls. In use, the top wall portion is disposed over the side edge of a pickup bed, with the side walls extending along the inner and outer side walls of the pickup bed. A series of spaced apertures disposed along the inner side wall receive threaded fasteners to secure the protector to the pickup bed. In a second embodiment of the present invention, an elongated rectangular housing is formed on the top wall of the pickup bed protector and is provided with a secondary tail light and side light. A plurality of spring roll retracted straps are spaced along the rectangular housing, and in use, serve to secure loads within the pickup bed.

Abstract: A flatbed for a pickup truck has adjustable length legs that support several flat panels at the height of the pickup body sides. Two central panels are movable to permit conventional loads to be carried and to be supplemented as well. When layed flat outsize cargo can be conveniently carried. Side rails are pivotably provided along the marginal edges of the platform or bed.

Abstract: A rack for a truck bed which includes separate front and side assemblies, each assembly utilizing a lower frame having dowels for selective insertion into openings into truck bed edges or permanent sidewalls. A first rack member is pivotally attached to each frame of each respective assembly by hinges which are spring biased to cause the first respective rack member to be in folded position wherein the respective first rack member is disposed beside the respective frame and is movable to an extended position wherein the respective first rack member is disposed about the respective frame member.