Rack For Elongated Article Patents (Class 224/405)
  • Patent number: 8113562
    Abstract: An apparatus for tilt-able rack system especially suited for a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The tilting rack system includes a stationary upright support frame, and a hinged upright support, with the hinged upright mounted to the vehicle rearward of the stationary upright. A slide-able and tilt-able pair of rails mount to the support frame at the hinged and stationary uprights. As the hinged uprights lever rearward and downward, by action of a hinge at the base of each upright, the rails can slide and tilt upon a sliding hinge at the top of each stationary upright. The rearward, hinged uprights may be actuated by hydraulics, manual cranks, cables, or any other such mechanisms. The entire rail and associated frame can tilt down to the rear of the vehicle, allowing the easy placement of long items on the frame, such as ladders, pipes, boats, boards, and panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jon E. Skoglun
  • Patent number: 8070028
    Abstract: A truck bed extender including an elongated support adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and a shorter upright support pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the elongated support, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside said elongated support, to an upright position extending upwardly away from said elongated support. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to said upright support, generally at the top thereof, for rotation from a collapsed position, in which the arms extend generally side by side upwardly from and generally in alignment with said upright support, outwardly to an operating position in which they extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Seg-Ins Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Segeren, Donald Segeren, Jason Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8028874
    Abstract: An L-shaped member has a forwardly extending horizontal leg and an upwardly extending vertical leg. The horizontal leg has a forward end removably couplable with respect to a hitch of a vehicle. The vertical leg has an upper end. A roller assembly includes a U-shaped support. The U-shaped support has a horizontal central portion coupled to the upper end of the vertical leg. The U-shaped support has upwardly extending vertical end legs and a shaft rotatably supported by the end legs. The roller assembly includes primary rollers rotatably supported on the shaft. A spacer is provided between the primary rollers. A bottom of an object is positionable upon the primary rollers and pushed into position upon a roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher S. Stiles
  • Publication number: 20110204109
    Abstract: A holder for transporting one or more fishing rods having first and second parallel rod supports, spaced notches in the top of the first rod support, corresponding spaced openings in the second rod support, a pair of similarly sized clamping bars each pivotally affixed at one end to opposite ends of the first rod support, compression material covering the notches in the first support, a constant support mechanism connecting each clamping bar to the first rod support, and a latch releasably securing the clamping bars to the first rod support. Fishing poles are positioned with the tips in the openings of the second rod support and the handles in corresponding notches in the first rod support, with the clamping bar maintained in an open position at any angle by the constant support mechanism. The clamping bar is closed with the compression material compressing around and securing the handle within the notch, and secured closed with the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Curt R. Knutson, Laura R. Knutson
  • Publication number: 20110186610
    Abstract: A mounting rack for mounting a ladder to a pickup truck. The pickup truck has a pickup truck bed defining a passenger side wall, a driver side wall, a front end side, and a tailgate side. The mounting rack includes a first mounting structure configured to support a first end of the ladder and a second mounting structure moveable between a storage position and an operating position. The second mounting structure is configured to support a second end of the ladder when in the operating position and abut the first mounting structure when in the storage position. The mounting rack also includes a first docking assembly configured to affix the second mounting structure to the passenger side wall and the driver side wall on the tailgate side of the pick-up truck bed when the second mounting structure is in the operating position, and a second docking assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: James C. Russo
  • Patent number: 7976089
    Abstract: A tailgate topper for a pickup truck tailgate has a transverse horizontally extending cross-bar supported by a pair of vertically movable support members which allow positioning of the cross-bar at a desired height above the tailgate. A plurality of upwardly biased popup blocks are disposed below said cross-bar within the tailgate so exert pressure upwardly against cargo extending between the cross-bar and the popup block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Marcus A. Jones
  • Patent number: 7946457
    Abstract: A truck rack (10) for a bed (14) of a pickup truck (12) in which a pair of opposing front supports (18) and a pair of opposing rear supports (20) attach at respective lower ends to the bed of the pickup truck, with the rear supports (18) each having a leading edge and a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the respective leading and trailing edges and the front supports (20) each have a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the trailing edge of the front support, with a pair of opposing side rails (22) that attach to respective front and rear supports, and interconnect by forward, intermediate, and rear transverse members (28) extending between and attached to the opposing side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Dixon Kramer
  • Patent number: 7942295
    Abstract: A glazier rack and tool chest apparatus for supporting and transporting large glass pieces, including window glass and providing a tool chest in a truck bed, the apparatus providing a hollow base and a top section. In one embodiment, the base provides two top accesses, a pair of side doors, and a front door to access the interior for tool storage and the top section provides a storage tube. The top section hingedly extends to a position atop the base to form, in conjunction with the base, a slanted surface to support large pieces of glass, including window glass, at an angle for stable transport. Tracks affixed to the truck bed and track slides affixed to the base are removably and slidingly engaged for easy removal of the apparatus for multi-use of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: John Hume
  • Patent number: 7913885
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Ron Long
  • Patent number: 7878568
    Abstract: A vehicle bed assembly includes a vehicle bed having a floor and first and second side walls, wherein the first and second side walls include a top portion with a cavity. At least one compartment is disposed below the floor of the vehicle bed. First and second rails are extendably received in the cavity of each of the first and second side walls, wherein the first and second rails are mounted in vertical tracks that provide for linear translation of the first and second rails between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yitah R. Wu
  • Publication number: 20100301081
    Abstract: A boat rack for use with a pick-up truck that will facilitate positioning and support of a small boat over the bed of the truck and onto the truck cab; the rack is inexpensive, lightweight and easy to assemble, disassemble and to put on or to remove from a pick-up truck bed; whereby a small boat placed on the rack and vehicle cab is readily tied down and secured in place while leaving sufficient clearance in the truck bed to permit positioning of one or more land vehicles in the truck bed to be transported simultaneously with the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael P. DeGroot, Matthew R. DeGroot
  • Patent number: 7802708
    Abstract: A panel truck provides a material carrier made up of a fixed frame clamped the a rain gutter of the truck and a movable frame that is able to be drawn toward the fixed frame to clamp panels between the frames. The fixed frame is further secured to the truck by a clamp leg that may be drawn toward an interior panel of the truck so as to apply clamping action between the fixed frame against the exterior panel of the truck and the clamp leg against the interior panel. Therefore, the material carrier is easily mounted on the truck and easily removed therefrom without any modification to the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventors: Zbigniew Jozef Adamczewski, Ruth Esther Gosey
  • Patent number: 7758091
    Abstract: A collapsible ladder rack system for use on pickup truck or similar vehicle. The rack system includes housings, main arms, material arms, extension arms, and supporting braces. The housings are secured to the rails. The hinged main arms rise vertically and are locked into place by braces. The hinged material arms rise horizontally and lock into place with braces. The extension arms telescope out of two of the material arms and insert into the empty material arms and lock into place. When the ladder rack is no longer needed, the steps are reversed so that the other rack components collapse into the housings on the bed rails. Accessory components can be mounted on the rack to enhance the capabilities of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Donny Allen McCall
  • Patent number: 7753425
    Abstract: Load carrier mountable above a bed structure of a vehicle having an upper surface and an internal bed rail system is disclosed. The load carrier broadly includes an upright base support member, an internal rail clamping assembly, and a clamp adjustment assembly. The upright base support member rests upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure and connects with the internal rail clamping assembly. The upright base support member has a first clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure. The rail clamping assembly is releasably securable to the internal bed rail system and includes a second clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the internal bed rail system. The clamp adjustment assembly positionally adjusts the first clamping surface with respect to the second clamping surface between clamped and unclamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Ted Niedziela, William Fortune, Kevin Harris
  • Patent number: 7753615
    Abstract: Long load racking system for vehicles, adjustable runners horizontal and vertical with telescoping members—both single rail, double rail; and trombone shaped; multi-functional, split and corner couplings with accessible transverse to coupling base friction adjustments, ramping ground to bed and bed to elevated locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Donald G. Sprague
  • Patent number: 7726719
    Abstract: A tool storage container includes a body with top, middle, and bottom sections that is elevated above a bottom surface of a pickup truck bed during transport. The top section includes a base with a lid pivotally attached thereto, and a hollow cavity therein. The middle section is disposed below the top section, and is monolithically formed therewith. The bottom section is disposed below the middle section, and is monolithically formed with the middle section. Each of the sections includes isolated compartments for housing objects therein. A mechanism independently locks the compartments, and another mechanism transports and supports the body along a ground surface when the body is removed from the pickup truck bed. The transporting and supporting mechanism is attached to a bottom surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Barron
  • Publication number: 20100072237
    Abstract: A rack for pickup trucks, SUVs and other vehicles that is configured to carry cargo above the truck bed or roof of the vehicle. The rack is easily installed on and removed from the vehicle without requiring drilling or other modifications to the vehicle and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing lightweight materials. The rack comprises a span member and a pair of rack assemblies that support the span member. The span member has dual mounting crossbars that are configured with different cross-sections to support different types of accessory attachments utilized to support specific cargo on the rack. The rack assemblies each comprise a leg member, a span clamp assembly to clamp the upper end of the leg member to the span member and a clamping assembly that clamps the lower end of the leg member to the bedrails, accessory tracks or cargo rails of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
  • Patent number: 7654424
    Abstract: A method of carrying equipment on one side of an ATV having a front top rack, a rear top rack and a foot rest on the one side comprising the following steps: a) attaching a utility box carrying bracket to an outer side portion of the front top rack, the foot rest, and the rear top rack; and, b) mounting a utility box on each of the box carrying brackets. Then equipment may be conveniently carried in and removed from the mounted box. In a preferred aspect of this invention the utility box is generally rectangular in plan view and further comprises a utility box lid hinged to one long top side portion of the box and latched to the other opposite long side portion of the box so that equipment carried in the box is protected from the elements. A lateral side of the mounted box is dimensioned to generally follow the longitudinal shape of the fenders and running board so that the box generally fills the void above the running board and a central portion of the fenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventors: David W. Kramp, Kelly G. Kramp
  • Patent number: 7644846
    Abstract: Apparatus for restricting movement of a lawn implement shaft, for use in a lawn implement support system in cooperation with a vertically upstanding support member for horizontal support of shafted lawn implements during storage or transportation thereof including a support post for supporting a first end of a shafted lawn implement in conjunction with the vertically upstanding support member for supporting a second end of the shafted lawn implement. Further the apparatus includes a shaft support hook mounted to the support post, and projecting outwardly therefrom for a predetermined distance, the support hook being curved generally vertically and at a predetermined angle away from a first generally vertical plane defined by the support post, with a distal end of the shaft support hook being curved back toward a second vertical plane defined by the support post and perpendicular to the first vertical plane to define a shaft support region intermediate the hook and the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Jungle Jim's Accessory Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Thomas Hafendorfer, Blake Thomas Whitley, David William Schardein
  • Patent number: 7641251
    Abstract: A collapsible truck rack that can be assembled and disassembled easily without the use of tools. The rack can be stored in the interior periphery of the truck bed so as not to appreciable diminish the capacity of the truck bed for the placement therein of items to be transported. The rack does not increase the profile of the vehicle when in the collapsed position and therefore reduces drag during transport. An X-load is added to reduce shift of the load during turns. An optional brace can be bolted to the top surface of the periphery of the truck bad. An optional canvas cover can be used to cover the collapsed rack to secure and protect the rack when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Goorgen Stepanians
  • Patent number: 7641086
    Abstract: A motorcycle rack for supporting a motorcycle in a generally upright position on the bed of a truck or trailer has a main support member transversing the bed to connect to and be supported by a first and second support assembly. The motorcycle rack has one or more wheel chock assemblies on the main support member for receiving a motorcycle wheel and supporting the motorcycle while the user places restraints, when necessary, around the motorcycle. The support assemblies and/or wheel chock assemblies can include loops for securing the motorcycle. One or more moveable tie-down holds can also be placed on main support member. The support assemblies can be removably mounted on the sidewall of the vehicle using a side member and clamp or mounted to the bed using a leg and receiver combination. Cradling or clamping wheel chock assemblies can be utilized to cradle or clamp the motorcycle's wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
  • Publication number: 20090302077
    Abstract: A bicycle rack made from tubular components that can be secured in the cargo bed of a pick-up truck without the use of any tools and wherein, in use, at least four bicycles, with both front and back wheels attached, are held in an upright position with both wheels down upon the truck bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Lyle Yee, Brian Yee
  • Patent number: 7581917
    Abstract: Overhead cargo rack apparatus for pickup trucks is described and includes an electromechanical actuator jack mounted onto a tiltable cargo platform and the electromechanical actuator jack actuated by a reversible switch connected to a circuit breaker connected to the pickup truck battery to tilt the tiltable cargo platform, and cargo mounted on the cargo platform and the cargo platform with cargo mounted thereon balanced on a fulcrum and the tilting raising the front end of the cargo platform and cargo mounted thereon to then lower the rear of the cargo platform and cargo mounted thereon to be in a loading or unloading mode and as an alternate the tilting action can be done manually by pulling downward the rear end of the tiltable cargo platform with cargo mounted thereon, and the electromechanical actuator jack in disconnect mode, when the tiltable cargo platform with cargo loaded thereon is balanced on the fulcrum mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel A. Depagter
  • Publication number: 20090189403
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an adjustable lift assembly for a flatbed vehicle such as a pickup truck. The adjustable lift assembly includes an extendible vertical member located at each corner of a vehicle flatbed. A frame is attached to an upper portion of each extendible vertical member. The frame rises and lowers with extension and retraction of the extendible vertical support members. Each extendible vertical member is placed through a respective support collar. The support collars support and maintain the extendible vertical members parallel to each other when the vehicle moves. The present adjustable lift assembly is lightweight and provides stable elevated support for a flatbed vehicle with little or no impediment to the storage area of the vehicle flatbed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Trevor Voglmayr
  • Patent number: 7559444
    Abstract: An ATV mounted rack includes a pair of rotatable U-shaped uprights biased toward a first position. Upon manual pivotal movement of a handle interconnected with the uprights through linkages, the handle will cause the U-shaped uprights to rotate toward a second position for receiving or releasing a hunting bow, rifle, shotgun or other equipment. Release of the handle will cause the U-shaped uprights to rotate toward the first position until further rotation is halted by engagement of the arms of the U-shaped uprights with a received hunting bow, rifle, shotgun or other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Richard H. Church
  • Publication number: 20090166390
    Abstract: A cargo carrier kit for a truck comprises a plurality of first rail sections for joining end to end to provide a first side rail. The cargo carrier also includes a plurality of second rail sections for joining end to end to provide a second side rail having a separation from the first side rail and a parallel relationship thereto. A forward load bar, supportable on the first side rail and the second side rail provides a connection over the cab of the truck, between the side rails. The cargo carrier kit also includes mounting blocks for releasable attachment of at least a first load bar and at least a second load bar to provide cross members connecting the side rails and positioning the first and second load bars respectively over the mid-section and rear of the truck bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7513548
    Abstract: Load storage enhancement apparatus for a truck having a rear storage platform or bed, the combination comprising two extension walls that have generally horizontally stored positions over the platform and generally upright extended positions projecting above opposite sides of the platform, framework attached to the walls in their upright positions, the framework including members extending laterally and supported by the walls at locations spaced both lengthwise and widthwise of the upright walls, the members blocking tilting of the walls, and mechanism resisting pivoting of the walls in upright positions. Elongated carrier structure is adjustably movable between extended position over a truck cab, and retracted position over the truck bed, to be locked in either or both of such positions. Carrier structure guides on the walls move with the walls between upright and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
  • Patent number: 7503135
    Abstract: A mobile sign carrier that mounts on a vehicle receiver hitch and method of use are provided. The mobile sign carrier has a base, a vertical piece and two cross pieces that fold down to form a cross shape. Four sliding brackets are provided, each having permanently attached a square, flat piece, which sliding brackets are mounted one each on each of the cross pieces and one each on the first end and the second end of the vertical piece. The sliding brackets are positioned and secured by means of a fastener to accommodate signs of different sizes. The mobile sign carrier provides a securing device for use on a vehicle with a tailgate. Safety chains further secure the vertical piece to the trailer hitch. A strobe light and night reflective tape are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: William Estill Chafin
  • Patent number: 7419075
    Abstract: A utility rack for pickup trucks with a pair of rack assemblies configured to carry cargo above a pickup truck bed. The rack is easily installed and removed without requiring drilling or other modifications to the pickup truck and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing relatively lighter weight materials. The rack assemblies have an elongated main body member with support assemblies at each end and a clamp assembly for securing the support assemblies to the truck bedrails. Each support assembly has two legs and a base member forming a triangular configuration with a receiver member disposed at the upper ends of the legs to connect to the main body member. The legs pivotally mount to the base member to allow the base member to correspond to the angle of the bedrails. One or both rack assemblies can be a sawhorse for use off of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
  • Patent number: 7396046
    Abstract: The cab guard for pickup truck has a horizontal base member made of square hollow structural steel; an upright structure extending upward from the horizontal base member, and two anchor brackets for attachment to the sides of a pickup truck box. Each of the anchor brackets has a stem made of square hollow structural steel and an anchor plate extending at right angle from the stem. Each stem is telescopically engaged in one end of the horizontal base member. The cab guard also comprises a pair of J-shaped hooks extending through the anchor plates and having means for attachment to the stake pockets of a pickup truck box for retaining the anchor plates to the sides of the pickup truck box. The universal cab guard is mountable to the front stake pockets of a pickup truck box and is adjustable to match the width between the stake pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Leslie Cole
  • Patent number: 7331623
    Abstract: A removable canoe transporting rack carries two canoes on the bed of a pickup truck with an upper canoe positioned over a lower canoe. A first rack having a first horizontal member mounts in the front stake wells of the pickup truck. A second rack having a second horizontal member mounts in the rear stake wells. A third rack having an upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member includes an engagement bar insertable into a hitch mount of the pickup truck. The lower canoe is supported by the bed of the pickup truck and the lower horizontal member of the third rack. The upper canoe is supported by the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member and the upper horizontal member of the third rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: K & J Outdoors
    Inventors: James O. Wall, Kyle W. Bomar
  • Patent number: 7322499
    Abstract: Provided is a sports rack configured to be mounted on a truck bed. The truck bed may have a front wall, a rear tail gate and a pair of elongate side walls extending therebetween. Each one of the side walls may have a bed rail. The sports rack comprises a front frame member, a rear frame member and a plurality of channel lengths. The front frame member is disposed adjacent the front wall and extends between the side walls. The rear frame member is disposed over the rear tail gate and also extends between the side walls. The plurality of channel lengths extends horizontally between the front and rear frame members. Each of the front and rear frame members comprises a pair of upright end plates that may be used to mount the sports rack on the bed rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ron D. Storer
  • Patent number: 7296837
    Abstract: Load carrier mountable above a bed structure of a vehicle having an upper surface and an internal bed rail system is disclosed. The load carrier broadly includes an upright base support member, an internal rail clamping assembly, and a clamp adjustment assembly. The upright base support member rests upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure and connects with the internal rail clamping assembly. The upright base support member has a first clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure. The rail clamping assembly is releasably securable to the internal bed rail system and includes a second clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the internal bed rail system. The clamp adjustment assembly positionally adjusts the first clamping surface with respect to the second clamping surface between clamped and unclamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Thule Sweden A.B.
    Inventors: Ted Niedziela, William Fortune, Kevin Harris
  • Publication number: 20070170217
    Abstract: A pivoting frame for carrying sheet material, which frame is mounted in a pick-up truck bed at one side of the bed and is adjustable for receiving various types of sheet material such as sheetrock, plywood and the like. The frame is mounted to the pick-up truck bed side and floor and is designed to pivot into a first loading and unloading configuration outwardly of the pick-up truck bed at a selected access angle and inwardly of the pick-up truck bed for transportation purposes. In a preferred embodiment the pivoting arm elements of the frame are adjustable along with the frame mount, to facilitate mounting the pivoting frame in pick-up truck beds of various design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventor: David A. Lemoine
  • Patent number: 7210721
    Abstract: A ladder rack to carry a ladder on a pick-up truck having a front and rear rack mounting openings in a top portion of the side wall of the bed box, comprising: a front and a rear ladder support each having, i) an upright insertion portion sized to be closely received within one of the mounting openings in the pick-up truck; ii) a lateral offset portion carried by, and extending inwardly from a top portion of the upright insertion portion; iii) a mast portion carried by an inner end portion of the lateral offset portion; iv) a lateral ladder carrying portion extending outwardly and upwardly from an upper portion of the mast, so that a ladder resting thereon will slide inwardly thereon to and against the mast; and, v) a ladder retention means extending outwardly over the ladder from a top portion of the mast to prevent the ladder from bouncing off the lateral ladder carrying portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: William Clinton Bell
  • Patent number: 7207615
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extension device useable to increase the load bearing capacity of a vehicle cargo bed. The vehicle cargo bed extension device includes a rectangular deck attachable to a rectangular open deck frame having a rear beam and a front beam attached by side beams. A support frame having a horizontal attachment post for attaching the support frame to a trailer hitch supports the deck frame. A rear vertical post extends downwardly from the center rear of the deck frame to the rearward section of the horizontal attachment post. A front vertical post extends downwardly from the center of the deck frame front beam to a forward section of the horizontal attachment post, and outwardly inclined side bracing beams extend from the sides of the support beam to the side edges of the deck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jackie St. Romain
  • Patent number: 7198185
    Abstract: Provided is a sports rack configured to be mounted on a truck bed. The truck bed may have a front wall, a rear tail gate and a pair of elongate side walls extending therebetween. Each one of the side walls may have a bed rail. The sports rack comprises a front frame member, a rear frame member and a plurality of channel lengths. The front frame member is disposed adjacent the front wall and extends between the side walls. The rear frame member is disposed over the rear tail gate and also extends between the side walls. The plurality of channel lengths extends horizontally between the front and rear frame members. Each of the front and rear frame members comprises a pair of upright end plates that may be used to mount the sports rack on the bed rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Xtreme Metal Fab., Inc.
    Inventor: Ron D. Storer
  • Patent number: 7128355
    Abstract: The present invention is a side access hinging truck bed rack. The device pertains primarily to a pickup truck bed rack that allows for easy loading, unloading, and securing of cargo at shoulder level through a rotating hinge mechanism. In the present invention a pair of stationary side rails, both having an inverted U-shape, are fixed parallel to each other upon the upper rims of the longitudinal sidewalls of the truck bed, so that that one of the stationary side rails is above the front wall while the second stationary side rail is above the back tailgate. A hinge at each end of the two stationary side rails pivotally attaches two inverted U-shaped side arm rails. Attached to each of the side arm rails are shelf rack rails. The shelf rack rails rest flatly upon the top of both stationary side rails when in a closed secure position. When the present invention is in this position the side arm rails rest in an upward pointing stance alongside the stationary side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Peter Christian Anderson, Christopher Timothy Liss
  • Patent number: 7121585
    Abstract: The cab guard for pickup truck has a horizontal base member made of square hollow structural steel; an upright structure extending upward from the horizontal base member, and two anchor brackets for attachment to the sides of a pickup truck box. Each of the anchor brackets has a stem made of square hollow structural steel and an anchor plate extending at right angle from the stem. Each stem is telescopically engaged in one end of the horizontal base member. The cab guard also comprises a pair of J-shaped hooks extending through the anchor plates and having means for attachment to the stake pockets of a pickup truck box for retaining the anchor plates to the sides of the pickup truck box. The universal cab guard is mountable to the front stake pockets of a pickup truck box and is adjustable to match the width between the stake pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Leslie Cole
  • Patent number: 7104429
    Abstract: A rack device with a height adjustable depending on the cargo carried and the size of the vehicle used. The rack device includes a pair of end portions each comprising a first bar and a second bar coupled to and extending upwardly away from the first bar. A third bar is coupled to and extends away from the second bar. A fourth bar is coupled to and extends upwardly away from the third bar. A fifth bar is removably coupled to and extends between the second bars of each of the end portions. A sixth bar is removably coupled to and extends between the first bar of each of the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Zealla Flores
  • Patent number: 7090105
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a workpiece adjacent an exterior surface of a vehicle, provides a stationary resting surface mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle and one or more movable clamping bars positioned adjacent to the resting surface. A driving screw moves the clamping bar in a scissors type motion, alternately toward the resting surface, so as to clamp the workpiece, and away from the resting surface so as to release the workpiece, whereby the workpiece may be safely transported by the vehicle. The apparatus may be mounted onto a panel truck, normally adjacent to one or both side panels, or may be mounted on the sides of a pick-up type truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventors: Zbigniew Jozef Adamczewski, Ruth Esther Gosey
  • Patent number: 7055844
    Abstract: A trailer hitch storage apparatus designed to carry a removable trailer hitch used in receiver type hitches. The apparatus consists of a frame comprising a mounting plate, at least one bracket for supporting the trailer hitch extending from the mounting plate, a center hanger that extends through the hitch pin hole on the trailer hitch, and a mounting arrangement for attaching the mounting plate to the vehicle. Alternative embodiments accommodate attachment to a truck or a vehicle such as an SUV having an enclosed compartment. A quick-folding collapsible apparatus having the same general structure is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas Bostedt
  • Patent number: 6983968
    Abstract: The headache rack for pickup trucks that supports and secures loads being transported while protecting the rear window from damage and the passengers seated in the cab from harm. The headache rack is adjustable in height in order to accommodate pickup trucks having varying cab heights. Further, the headache rack is provided with internal wiring pathways to safely run wiring from any lights mounted on the uppermost surface of the rack to the pickup truck's electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Knaack Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Blackford Brauer, Atul Saigal, Tony O'Dierno, Wes McReynolds
  • Patent number: 6976615
    Abstract: A vehicle load carrier including a frame adapted to support a load and mount to the rear of a vehicle, wherein the frame includes coupling member for coupling with the rear of the vehicle and a carrier section. The load carrier includes a pivot joint having locking catches and a non-removable retainer adapted to engage the catches. The retainer may have a threaded portion adapted to engaged a threaded opening in the frame. The retainer engages the catches for securing the coupling member and carrier section in a fixed position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dean
  • Patent number: 6974058
    Abstract: A load rack is for use in carrying long loads in a pickup truck having a bed and a tailgate. The rack can include a load bar supported by a left stance on one end and by a right stance on the other end. A footer section on each stance including a lower surface adapted to rest on the truck bed and a down turned portion extending below the lower surface to engage the space between the truck bed and tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6971563
    Abstract: A ladder rack assembly for a work vehicle comprises first and second tubular extrusions that are designed to extend across the width dimension of the vehicle above its roof line where the extrusion is designed to include a pair of parallel channels including a wedge-shaped flange whereby clamping plates may be coupled to the flanges for rigidly joining the extruded cross members to vertically extending support legs. The support legs themselves may have the same cross sectional profile as the extruded cross member when the ladder rack assembly is to be affixed to the box of a pickup truck. Alternatively, a special clamping mechanism is provided for coupling the cross members of the ladder rack assembly to the rain diverter rail of the motor vehicle when the ladder rack assembly is to be used with a van, SUV or panel truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Avraham Y. Levi
  • Patent number: 6955384
    Abstract: A scaffold rack system, trailer or skid mounted, consisting of support arms with retainers to hang the scaffold panels on, a trough to contain the scaffold bracing, and compartments to store and secure scaffold platforms or planks, providing a safe and easy way of handling, organizing, transporting, and storing construction scaffolding and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Terry D. Good
  • Patent number: 6913175
    Abstract: A load carrier has a pair of rails each being affixed to one of the two side walls of the open bed of a pickup truck. Each rail has a longitudinally extending slot along which a bar slides. A bracket is connected to each bar. The two ends of a stringer are connected to the two brackets so that stringer extends transversely across the open bed for supporting a load. Instead of bars, clamps are used to connect the brackets to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Martin
  • Patent number: 6866315
    Abstract: A receiver assembly (10) allows one to carry an elongated article or articles having a length exceeding a load bed/rack of a vehicle to which the receiver assembly (10) is attached. The receiver assembly includes a central frame member (14), a pair of mounting brackets (30) to secure the central frame member (14) and load bed/rack extender assembly (50). The bed/rack extender assembly (50) includes a pair of L-shaped space support members (60,62). Either end of the spaced support members may be connected into the accessory receivers (52) so that the extender assembly (50) may be selectively secured in one of two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine A. Adams, Jason R. Moldthan, Richard W. McCoy
  • Patent number: 6845894
    Abstract: A side utility rack and rack kit for trucks having a pipe carrying rack or similar bed-mounted racks employs an assortment of brackets useful with conventional pipe cut in desired lengths in construction. The side utility rack is hung by means of hook brackets from a tubular member of the pipe rack and rests against the truck bed wall at a lower end inner bracket having a rubber bumper to avoid damage to the truck bed. The rack forms forward and rear cages separated by a lengthwise pipe member. The cages accept large, flat objects such as drywall panels or plywood supporting them for safe transportation. The cages may be adjusted in spacing to fit a particular truck and rack and for carrying particular lengths of flat cargo. The rack may be differently configured to fit differing racks associated with pickup or utility trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Frank Vyvoda