Truck bed support rails
US5443190A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/5863
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle article carrier apparatus adapted for use with a cargo bed of a vehicle such as a pick-up truck. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of cross rails each having a length sufficient to span the width of the cargo bed and to be supported on upper surfaces of the sidewalls of the cargo bed. A securing mechanism includes a threaded bolt and a threaded nut which clampingly secures a bracket to an inner lip portion of the sidewall and an undersurface of the cross rail to thus secure the cross rail to the sidewalls of the cargo bed. When an optional lock member is locked in place via a key, a threaded nut housed therein cannot be loosened when the lock member is in a locked position, and therefore the cross rail cannot be moved from the cargo bed. The apparatus enables objects which would otherwise be difficult to secure and transport in the cargo bed of the vehicle to be securely maintained above the vehicle cargo bed, thus leaving the cargo bed free for transporting other items which fit more conveniently therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.