Support bar with tie-down posts, for pick-up trucks and the like
US6176658A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60P7/0815
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rail for pickup truck side walls, made of structural steel, that does not need as many braces to ensure its strength. The rail is secured to the truck bed at the ends of the rail. Along the rail are posts, but these posts do not extend down to the truck bed sides. They end short of the bed sides, leaving a space. This space allows a rope to be passed under the post, thereby making the job of tying down objects much simpler. The posts are also tapered from top to bottom (narrower at the top, wider at the bottom). This allows the posts to be used as tie points, with the ability to keep the rope from slipping. Thus, these rails and posts have the benefits of the rails without the problems typically found with ordinary posts. The rails are sized for long or short bends. On longer beds, a double rail system can be used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.