Abstract: An arrangement for detachably mounting a platform stanchion on the edge surface of a truck platform comprises an attachment (10) which is permanently secured to said edge surface. The attachment has an upper and a lower horizontally projecting yoke (12 and 13, respectively). The rear wall (15) of the stanchion has at its lower end a tongue (20) insertable into the lower yoke (13), and an opening (25) adapted to be moved over the upper yoke (12), such that a locking key (23) can be pushed through the yoke on the stanchion side facing away from the edge surface. The wall surface of the stanchion facing said edge surface has a recess and, within the confines of said recess, a projection (22). The recess and the projection are dimensioned to receive the attachment (10) in the recess, such that the projection (22) extends through a hole in the attachment (10).

Abstract: A topper provided with a U-shaped frame that is sealingly secured to the lower coplanar edges of its side walls and the joining front wall, with the frame having a plurality of depending posts that mate with sockets along the flanged upper edges of the truck side walls. The posts serve as supports when the topper is dismounted. The frame is provided with a lower surface seal for contact with the side wall flanges, and latches releasably secure the topper in mounted condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stake pocket tie-down anchor for pickup trucks which includes an L-shaped member having a vertical leg, with a threaded hole formed therein, which extends into the stake pocket so that it lies adjacent to the inner side wall of the stake pocket on the inside of the bed; and a horizontal leg, which extends past the outer edge of the stake pocket and across the top of the side rail. A tie-down connection member, preferably a hook, is attached to the horizontal leg and extends upwardly.

Abstract: A tie down fitting adapted to fit within a stake hole in a side wall section of a pickup truck. The fitting includes a clamping plate dimensioned for insertion through the stake hole for engagement with the underside of the wall section. A cover plate engages the upper side of the section and is secured to the clamping plate by threaded fasteners. Aligned slots in the plates receive a hook member for pivotal movement between a recessed position flush with the wall section to a projected position where it is adapted for engagement by a cargo securing line or the like. A number of such fittings enable securement of cargo on the truck bed.In its recessed position the fitting is pressed to pivot it toward its projected position. Its center of gravity tends to maintain it in either its recessed or its projected position.

Abstract: An attachment for trucks, particularly tractor units associated with a flat bed trailer having removable side boards, headboard and tailgate with the attachment being in the form of a headache rack attached to the frame of the truck forwardly of the trailer and being constructed in part from the side boards, headboard and tailgate of the trailer when the trailer is converted to a flat bed arrangement. The rack includes supporting stands attached to the frame rails of the truck frame which support a bottom pan with sockets receiving the stakes of the trailer headboard and tailgate enclosing a space receiving the side boards and stakes together with a top cap removably securing these components in place.

Abstract: A storage rack with moveable lifting jacks. The rack includes horizontally extending members joined but spaced apart by a pair of upper and a pair of lower cross members. Two upright posts extend above the horizontally extending support members and are secured in place by the cross members. A powered lifting jack and a follower lifting jack each include tongues insertable between the horizontally extending support members at the opposite ends of the rack. The tongues are biased between the upper and lower cross members preventing the pivotal motion of the tongues which are mounted to wheels rotatably mounted to frames having hydraulic cylinder motors mounted thereatop. Piston rods are extendable from the hydraulic cylinder motors and are attached to the tongues to apply lifting force in an upward direction along an axis extending through the wheel axis of rotation applying lifting force to the opposite ends of the rack.

Abstract: A structure for supporting motor vehicles which can be mounted at various positions along the bed of a transport vehicle to accommodate vehicle and vehicle chassis of different lengths and sizes. The structure generally comprises a dismountable channel member which retains a support post in an upright position and can be secured to the truck bed at different locations. Slidably attached to the upper portion of the support post is an arm which extends outwardly from the post. Similarly, a platform which supports one wheel of the vehicle being transported is removably secured to the arm of the structure. All the components may be lockingly engaged during transport and the structure may be disassembled and stored within the bed of the transport vehicle. Furthermore, all of the components are adjustable relative to one another and the bed of the truck in order accommodate different vehicles.

Abstract: An anchor for insertion in, and securement to, a stake receiving pocket in a truck such as a pickup truck is provided. The anchor is used in erecting a camper, to secure tent poles or a tent frame to the truck, in order to assemble the camper unit over a bed of the truck. The anchor includes an expandable portion, a bolt mechanism for actuating the expandable portion, and an adjustable socket member for engagement with the tent frame. When used, the expandable member is inserted between generally opposite walls in the stake receiving pocket of the truck. The bolt member is actuated, causing the expandable member to expand and engage the opposite walls, to secure the anchor in position. The socket member is adjustable and may be oriented within the anchor in a preferred position for mounting of the tent frame thereon. A method is provided for assembling a camper unit on a pickup truck bed using the tent pole anchor.

Abstract: A cab guard alternatively adaptable for a wide-bed pickup truck with a pair of front stake pockets and a mini-pickup truck with a pair of bed rails. The cab guard including a rigid screen structure, a pair of rigid end brackets, and mounting means for mounting the screen structure in alternate first and second operating positions. In the first operating position, the end brackets are attached to the ends of the screen structure and extend outwardly of the screen structure in a plane coplanar with the screen mesh and the cab guard is mounted in the front stake pockets of a wide-bed pickup truck. In the second of the operating positions, the end brackets are attached to the ends of the screen structure and extend in planes perpendicular to the screen mesh and the end brackets are mounted to the bed rails of a mini-pickup truck.

Abstract: A self-latching tie-down or bolt-down anchor for use in securing loads to open truck beds. The anchor is intended for installation in the cavity commonly provided in the bed or side wall of a pickup truck to receive the lower end of the support post of a rack.

Abstract: An anchor assembly is provided for downward reception in an upwardly opening stake receiving socket formed in the upper marginal edge portion of the wall of a pickup truck load bed. The anchor assembly includes a base plate for disposition within the upper portion of the load bed sidewalls socket and the upper end portion of a pair of depending arms are shiftably supported from opposite marginal edge portions of the base plate for oscillatory movement of the lower end portions of the arms toward and away from each other. The arms may closely oppose corresponding remote wall portions of the socket and an upright elongated fastener is threaded through a central portion of the base plate and includes a lower end portion disposed between the lower end portions of the arms and having an abutment carried thereon.

Abstract: My invention makes it possible to convert a flat bed vehicle into one having panel sides, and vice-versa. In flat bed arrangement, the panels are laid flatwise on the vehicle bed, each panel having a lug or cleat adapted to seat within a trough which is formed in the flat bed and which extends longitudinally thereof. This is an advancement of the structure disclosed and claimed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,481,627.

Abstract: A support apparatus for auxiliary structural elements in a pickup truck. First and second frame members, each having a support element, a retaining element and a plurality of upwardly opening frame pockets, are supported on each sidewall of the pickup truck. Third and fourth frame members, similar in construction to the first and second frame members, are supported at opposite ends by the first and second frame members. The frame members form a deck-supporting enclosure in which an auxiliary deck may be clearingly lowered and received. The frame pockets of each frame member form a side-supporting structure in which a vertically disposed auxiliary side element may be clearingly lowered and received.

Abstract: A stake system for flatbed vehicles wherein a single size stake body can be utilized with a suitably configured adapter secured to the lower portion thereof. The adapters are each sized to fit a particular stake pocket and enable the use of the single size stake body in conjunction with differently sized pockets. The stake bodies include slots for receiving sidewall-defining panels and they also include internally positioned retainers to receive and position a fastener element to facilitate the attachment of the adapter to the stake body. Additionally, a removable corner adapter permits the use of the same stake body cross section at each corner of the vehicle bed to receive and retain sidewall-defining panels at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A flat bed side assembly including a barrier portion, a socket portion, a support portion and a holder portion; the barrier portion including a plurality of generally rectangular panels disposed generally vertically in an end to end relationship around the periphery of a flat bed; the socket portion including a plurality of pocket sections arranged around the periphery of the flat bed adjacent the lower edges of the panels, each of the pocket sections extending downwardly from a plane through the flat bed; the support portion including a plurality of elongated bar members having cross-sectional configurations substantially the same as those of the pocket sections, each bar member having its lower end disposed within one pocket section, the bar members extending upwardly from the pocket sections generally vertically; the holder portion including a plurality of bracket members with at least one bracket member engaging each of the bar members, each bracket member including a plate section, a strip section having

Abstract: A complete section of pontoon bridge carried on a support structure that is applied to existing apertures on the cargo box of military trucks. The section of pontoon bridge forms a complete weather proof cover for the cargo box and leaves the cargo area free to carry other cargo. Bullet resisting pontoon bridge decking form the sides of the weather proof cover and an inverted pontoon forms the roof. With the section of pontoon bridge removed from its s truck, an armored assault boat can be constructed from the pontoon and decking. The decking is bolted together to form a cabin which in turn is inserted in the upright pontoon. With an outboard motor applied to the stern a motorized-armored assault boat is completed.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed sidewall adaptor for a stake-frame assembly comprised of a pickup truck sidewall coupling member and a telescoping member. The coupling member has a top wall portion that in its operational position matingly rests on the horizontal top wall portion of the pickup truck bed sidewall. The top wall portion has a downwardly extending inside wall portion that matingly contacts the inside surface of the upper region of the pickup truck bed sidewall. The top wall portion also has a downwardly extending flange portion that matingly contacts the outside surface of a flange extending downwardly from the outer edge of the horizontal top wall portion of the pickup truck bed sidewall. The downwardly extending flange portion has an inwardly extending lip portion connected at its lower end that functions to grip the bottom edge of the downwardly extending outside flange of the pickup truck bed sidewall.

Abstract: An extendible bunk stake for use on a log truck and the like. The stake includes an upright post adapted to be mounted on a bunk on the truck, and an extension member telescopically extendible from the post from a lowered to a raised position. The extension member is releasably locked in its raised position by a spring-operated latch which cooperates with a latch cover on the post to indicate when the latch is in a locking position. An arm mounted on the member, adjacent its upper end, is shiftable between an upwardly projecting position and an inwardly projecting position where the arm is engageable by a log being lifted by a boom loader, to extend the extension member. The arm is held in its inwardly and upwardly projecting positions by a spring-loaded lock, with arm release from its inwardly extending position and movement toward its upwardly extending position occurring upon continued lifting of such a log beyond the point where the extension member has been fully raised.

Abstract: A panel for upright positionment on a trailer/truck flatbed to convert the ed into a cargo container. The panel is formed as a one piece high density plastic foam or fiberglass reinforced plastic element having desired characteristics of high strength and light weight. At its lower edge the panel has a relatively wide center leg and two relatively narrow end legs dimensioned for snug fit insertion into pockets on the perimeter of the flatbed. Edge areas of the panel are preferably formed as tongue and groove devices to adapt the panel for interlocking connection with similar panels positioned on the flatbed.

Abstract: Disclosed are wall stake structures adaptable for removably implanting into flat bed trailer and truck vehicles provided with a plurality of depending pockets; laterally extending sidewall paneling is supported by the upright wall stakes. Each wall stake comprises in dovetailed relationship: an implantable upright tubular primary member; and an upright secondary member cross-sectionally unitarily including a winged web, a transversely extending vertical-plate, and vertical guide-plates extending laterally in both directions from the vertical-plate. The laterally extending vehicle sidewall paneling is supported between the front-wall of the primary tubular member and the guide-plates of the secondary member. The secondary member at the winged web is tightly slidably surrounded by the post member to both strengthen the tubular post member and to define in conjunction therewith a vertical header bore to receive an end of a topbow canopy support.

Abstract: A truck mounted binding post comprised of a shank and a mast having a plurality of laterally extending pads through which a tie pin is secured to form at least one clevis or shackle. The binding post is formed with a parting line between the shank and the mask just beneath the pads permitting the shank to be molded in a variety of shapes and sizes independent of the mast. Threaded mounting holes are provided at a side and bottom of the shank for securing the binding post to a truck body.

Abstract: A stake adapted to be inserted at its lower end into pockets placed around the periphery of a flatbed trailer or truck structure is disclosed. The stake comprises an elongated hollow body of right triangular cross-sectional configuration having two right angle walls and a substantially diagonal wall joining the two right angle walls. The internal configuration of one of the right angle walls and of the diagonal wall has, over the full length of the stake, cooperating thickened portions adapted to receive the end of tarpaulin rods.

Abstract: An anchoring and locking structure for a camper body adapted to be mounted on the rear of a pick-up type truck. The structure comprises rail-like members which are secured to the underside or bottom of the camper body coupled with mating rail-like members secured to a shaft or post which extend into openings formed in the sides of the truck body. The aforesaid rail-like members engage with one another and are retained in assembled relationship by a wing nut which extends from one of the rail-like members and engages the other said rail-like member. A locking member extends within one of the openings in the side of the truck body and release mechanisms extend between the bottom or floor of the camper and the truck body sides so as to enable one to release the locking mechanisms when it is desired to remove the camper body from the pickup truck.

Abstract: A delta stake arrangement adaptable for enclosing pickup truck beds of differing length and of differing layout of the stake pockets around the raised side walls of the truck bed. The arrangement includes a plurality of delta stakes having tapered bottom ends removably seated in the pockets. A plurality of brackets are provided each defining at least a lateral groove therein for receipt and support of a wall enclosure panel. Each bracket is further either formed integral with the delta stake or equipped with at least one dovetail ridge extending along a portion of the length thereof and being slidably received within a plurality of corresponding dovetail slots formed in the wide wall of each delta stake, these slots being parallel and extending along at least a portion of the length of each stake.

Abstract: A load supporting frame particularly suited for use as a road trailer is disclosed. The frame comprises a pair of longitudinally extending transversely spaced main beams, a plurality of central transverse members extending between said main beams and a plurality of corresponding transverse outboard members outwardly extending from said main beams, and a longitudinally extending side rail secured to the extending ends of said transverse outboard members on each side of the frame. Each of the main beams has a generally I-shaped configuration and comprises a vertically disposed web having an upper edge and a lower edge and removable flanges formed by a pair of angle members along said upper and lower edges. A connector for detachably securing said transverse members defines with the detachable flanges a key and mating keyway whereby the angle members, connectors and transverse members are self-aligning with each other when assembled and secured together.

Abstract: A cargo bed having an indeterminate number of upright stanchions mounted reon to engage side surfaces of cargo components supported on the bed surface. Each stanchion includes a laterally-extending finger that registers with a slot in the bed wall. By rotating the stanchion about its axis it is possible to orient the finger crosswise of the slot, thereby locking the stanchion to the bed. The stanchion may be removed by twisting the stanchion to a position in which the finger registers with the slot.

Abstract: Vertically disposed side walls on a vehicle body are completely removable or are pivotable outwardly through an arc of at least 90.degree. and not more than about 180.degree. to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor for use with a pick-up truck stake opening and which device has side portions joined at one end capable of being removably mounted in the stake opening. Projections are secured to the side portions to engage the stake hole opening to prevent removal of the device. Stop members are also secured to each portion to limit the distance the side portions can be inserted in the stake hole. An extension is associated with at least one of the side portions to permit a rope, antenna or other attachments thereto.

Abstract: A load-supporting rack for a truck bed including a plurality of similar base members adapted for mounting adjacent the fore and aft corners of a truck bed and each having a vertically elongated opening extending to the upper end thereof; a plurality of similar elongated vertical members interchangeably mounted in the base members; and a plurality of similar horizontal members interchangeably mounted on the vertical members; the parts when disassembled providing compact stowage in a bundle of essentially elongated elements.

Abstract: A utility wagon which is adjustable has a longitudinally extensible, frame with means for locking same in any of its three dimensions. Wheels are provided under the frame. A grid-like platform of floor boards in separate sections, corresponding to the three dimensions of the frame is removably fitted on the open upper side of the frame, and a plurality of spaced upright members are mounted on the frame to support a load thereon. A removable front wheel assembly with a handle or a hitch for attaching to a towing vehicle is mounted on the frame.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer coupled to a pickup truck. The trailer has a wheel supported frame carrying a box having a generally horizontal floor and upright side and end walls. The walls are laminated panels having an outer sheet metal skin, an inner sheet metal skin and a core comprising a plurality of side-by-side plywood sheets located between the outer skin and the inner skin. Bonding materials secure the inside surfaces of the outer skin and inner skin to the plywood sheets and the plywood sheets to each other. Stakes secured to the walls are attached to the peripheral edges of the platform with hook bolts.

Abstract: Disclosed are wall stake structures adaptable for removable insertion into flat bed trailer and truck vehicles provided with a plurality of depending pockets whereby drayage vehicle sidewall paneling is supported by intervening upright wall stakes. The wall stake comprises: an upright non-metallic semi-rigid post having a header and a foot insertable into a flat bed vehicle pocket; a plurality of tubular spacers each extending transversely forwardly of the post; and an upright guide-plate abutting the respective spacers and ultimately attached to the post, the guide-plate being transversely more resilient than is the post and also being liberally wider laterally to provide two transversely resilient channels for supporting sidewall paneling. The spacers preferably comprise a plurality of vertically separated distinct tubular bushings which are removably attached to the post and guide-plate thereby facilitating manipulation of the paneling and permitting use of different thickness paneling.

Abstract: An arrangement of stakes for supporting panels on a flat bed truck. Hollow stakes with bottom ends strengthened and enlarged by tapered jackets are mounted in pockets on the periphery of the bed. The stakes have triangular shaped cross sections with the corners being thickened. Some of the stakes have integral walls projecting therefrom which define grooves which receive and support the vertically extending ends of side panels for the truck bed. Tarpaulin rods are secured to the hollow top ends of the stakes which contain a longitudinal guide member for receiving said rods. One embodiment of the stake of the invention has basically a delta T configuration while another has a winged delta configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vehicle retaining means comprising a plurality of retaining members, each of said retaining members being rotatably journalled in a bearing, each of said bearings being located proximate a side of a vehicle chassis, each of said bearings being tilted outwardly with respect to a perpendicular line to the plane of the chassis.

Abstract: A cap for a hollow stake of a highway cargo vehicle having a tarpaulin roof supported above the cargo bed of the vehicle by a plurality of stakes. The cap encloses the top of the stake to protect its interior from the elements and includes a fastening means which extends downwardly and is couplable with the inner portions of the hollow stake. The cap is provided with a bow socket portion which cooperates with a stake bow socket portion provided in the interior of the post to form a bow receiving socket for receiving a bow extending through the protector cap into the hollow stake.

Abstract: A trailer has an outer metal framework for supporting the trailer flatbed, and a series of upright sidewall sleeves mounted along each side of the flatbed frame. Each sidewall sleeve comprises a sheet piece rolled to form an elongated tubular section adjacent a generally planar flanged section extending laterally away from one side of the tubular section. The flanged sections of the sidewall sleeves are rigidly attached to the flatbed framework, and provide means for bolting the trailer side panels in place. The tubular sections of the sidewall sleeves provide structural strength for the side panels and also provide a means for holding support struts for a canopy top which covers the trailer flatbed.

Abstract: A log bunk with removable, non-trip stakes for use in logging vehicles has a rugged, easily installed interlock system to maintain the stake orientation relative to the bunk when in use. The invention utilizes a locating pin and integral structural elements in order to align and maintain the stakes on the bunk.

Abstract: The invention provides removable truck bed panels having an essentially-continuous panel surface for providing weather protection for enclosed cargo. The panels have heights consistent with the intended height of the truck enclosure and widths such that the panels can be manually transported and assembled by no more than two men without power-assist machinery. A pair of longitudinally-extending enclosed channels are disposed on the panel surface. These hollow channels greatly increase the rigidity of the panel surface without adding substantial weight thereto. The channels are spaced apart from each other and from transverse edges of the panel. Rigid mounting members protrude from the lowermost end of the panel and lock the panel to a truck bed. Interlocking means lock transverse edges of the panels to adjacent panels and the entire enclosure may have cross-bracing members spanning opposite panels on a truck bed for supporting an enclosure such as a tarpaulin.

Abstract: A stake to support vertically positioned side panels on a flatbed trailer comprising a tubular member integral with a plate member, which, together with a T-shaped member, forms grooves to receive and support the side panels. The stake is reversibly received by pockets positioned at the periphery of the flatbed, and stakes are oppositely located along the sides of the flatbed such that their upper ends may receive the ends to tarpaulin bowed rods. The tubular member includes off center stop means to stop and support the ends of the tarpaulin bowed rods. Depending upon which end of the stake is seated in the pocket and the length of the end of the bowed rod used, the height of the transverse portion of the rod from the flatbed may be varied.