U.S. patent application number 14/977242 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for equipment storage and retrieval system.
The applicant listed for this patent is KURT BARATS, MARK PATTON. Invention is credited to KURT BARATS, MARK PATTON.
Application Number | 20160101740 14/977242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55654895 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160101740 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PATTON; MARK ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
EQUIPMENT STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM
Abstract
An equipment storage and retrieval system retrieves equipment
from the back of pick-up trucks and other cargo carrying vehicles.
A guide rail and a frame with attached rollers and equipment
hold-downs, platforms or carts allow for easy access, retrieval,
and storage of equipment in the bed of a vehicle. A frame extends
out the back of a pickup for access to equipment, and folds into a
vertical position for improved use of the pickup bed. A brake
system prevents locks the sliding frame in place until the brake is
released by a brake lever.
Inventors: |
PATTON; MARK; (HIDDEN
SPRINGS, ID) ; BARATS; KURT; (EAGLE, ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PATTON; MARK
BARATS; KURT |
HIDDEN SPRINGS
EAGLE |
ID
ID |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55654895 |
Appl. No.: |
14/977242 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13942976 |
Jul 16, 2013 |
9254792 |
|
|
14977242 |
|
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|
|
61679716 |
Aug 4, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
414/462 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/077 20130101;
B60R 9/10 20130101; B60R 9/06 20130101; B60P 3/122 20130101; B60P
3/125 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/06 20060101
B60R009/06; B60R 9/10 20060101 B60R009/10 |
Claims
1. An equipment storage and retrieval system for a vehicle, said
vehicle having a bed with vertical sidewalls on opposing sides,
with said sides having a top plate and wheel wells, said equipment
storage and retrieval system comprising: a mounting pad with a
front end and a rear end, a left side and a right side, said
mounting pad configured for attachment to said vehicle bed, and
removable from said vehicle bed; a guide rail mounted to said
mounting pad on one side of said mounting pad, said guide rail
aligned longitudinally from said front end to rear end of said
mounting pad; at least one attachment post adapted to secure said
guide rail to said mounting pad; a frame slidingly attached to said
guide rail, and configured for longitudinal movement from front to
back in said vehicle frame of said vehicle bed, said frame
supported on one side by said guide rail, and on the other side by
one or more rollers; a braking system attached to said frame, said
braking system adapted to secure said frame in a selected position
on said guide rail; wherein said frame is rotatably attached to
said guide rail, with said frame rotatable between a first
horizontal position resting on said mounting pad, and a second
vertical position with said frame supported by said guide rail,
with a latch adapted to hold said frame in said second
position.
2. The equipment Storage and Retrieval System of claim 1 in which
said braking system further comprises a braking handle and braking
lever adapted to simultaneously release said braking mechanism and
pull said frame toward a user.
3. The equipment storage and retrieval system of claim 1 which
further comprises a mounting pad arm which is attached to said
mounting pad and to a vehicle bed structure, for preventing said
mounting pad from moving in said vehicle bed while retaining the
removability of said mounting pad.
4. The equipment storage and retrieval system of claim 3 in which
said mounting pad arm is attached on a first end to said mounting
pad, and on a second end to vehicle side wall top plate.
5. The equipment storage and retrieval system of claim 1 which
further comprises at least one mounting pad side plate which is
extendable to contact a vehicle bed structure, for preventing said
mounting pad from moving side to side in said vehicle bed.
6. The equipment storage and retrieval system of claim 5 in which
said mounting pad side plate is configured to contact at least one
vehicle wheel well.
7. An equipment storage and retrieval system for a vehicle, said
vehicle having a bed with vertical sidewalls on opposing sides,
with said sides having a top plate and wheel wells, and said
vehicle having a tail gate, said equipment storage and retrieval
system comprising; a mounting pad with a front end and a rear end,
with said rear end adjacent to said tail gate, with a left side and
a right side and attachable to and removable from said vehicle bed
by a mounting pad arm attached to said mounting pad and to a
vehicle bed structure, for preventing said mounting pad from moving
in said vehicle bed while retaining the removability of said
mounting pad, and further attachable to said vehicle by at least
one mounting pad side plate which is attached to said mounting pad
and is extendable to contact a vehicle bed structure, for
preventing said mounting pad from moving side to side in said
vehicle bed; a guide rail mounted to said mounting pad on one side
of said mounting pad, said guide rail aligned longitudinally from
said front end to said rear end of said mounting pad; at least one
attachment post adapted to secure said guide rail to said mounting
pad; a frame slidingly attached to said guide rail, and configured
for longitudinal movement from front to rear on said mounting pad
in said vehicle bed, said frame supported on one side by said guide
rail, and on the other side by one or more rollers; and a braking
system attached to said frame, said braking system adapted to
secure said frame in a selected position on said guide rail, said
braking system comprising a braking handle and braking lever
adapted to simultaneously release said braking mechanism and pull
said frame toward a user, in which said braking system further
comprises a brake which frictionally engages said guide rail until
released by said braking handle and braking lever.
8. The equipment storage and retrieval system of claim 7 which
further comprises a pair of attachment posts mounted to said
mounting pad to which said guide rail is attached.
9. The equipment storage and retrieval system for a vehicle of
claim 7, in which said mounting pad arm is attached on a first end
to said mounting pad, and on a second end to said vehicle side wall
top plate.
10. The equipment storage and retrieval system for a vehicle of
claim 7, in which said at least one mounting pad side plate which
is extendable to contact a vehicle wheel well as a vehicle bed
structure.
11. The equipment storage and retrieval system for a vehicle of
claim 8, in which said frame is suspended from said guide rail by a
first and second rail roller and a first and second rail roller
bracket, with said rail rollers and said rail roller brackets
attached to a forward half of said frame to maximize the extension
of said frame over a tail gate or vehicle floor.
12. The equipment storage and retrieval system of claim 11 which
further comprises one or more bed rollers and bed roller brackets
attached to said frame for supporting said frame on said mounting
pad.
Description
PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/679,716, filed Aug. 4, 2012, and U.S.
Non-Provisional Ser. No. 13/942,976 filed Jul. 16, 2013, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosed technology generally relates to the field of
equipment storage and retrieval system for vehicles, and in
particular storage and loading racks for pickup trucks, sport
utility vehicles, trailers and vans.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Current slide-able truck bed extensions, truck bed
extenders, and vehicle drawer systems are very heavy, are
semi-permanent and are not easily removed for repurposing the
vehicle. Further, for removal, many systems require first the
removal of all the contents piecemeal or as one heavy load and then
removal of mounting hardware. None of the prior art meet the
requirements of being light weight and easy to install and remove.
Most are designed to take up the full space of the cargo or pick-up
bed with no other options. None are easy to disengage and move out
of the way without fully removing the system.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The purpose of the Abstract is to enable the public, and
especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is
neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the
application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to
be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any
way.
[0005] The present vehicle storage and retrieval invention is
designed to provide a storage and retrieval system which overcomes
the limitations of the previous inventions. The storage and
retrieval system is designed to be light weight and very easy to
install and remove with an emphasis on portability and customer
install-ability. It is modular in design, with one embodiment
taking up only one half of the cargo floor. More storage capability
can be added as the user requires. In addition to sliding forward
and backward in the truck bed, is can also rotate up and off the
cargo floor if more floor space is required and the user does not
want to remove the storage and retrieval system. The present
vehicle storage and retrieval system also is adapted to receive
cycle, ski, snow-board and other equipment hold-downs and clamps
currently on the market.
[0006] In one embodiment the equipment storage and retrieval system
mounts in the bed of pick-up trucks and other cargo carrying
vehicles, and carries sporting equipment. Mounting can be by use of
a removable pad, to which the rails and feet of the storage device
are mounted and connected. The disclosed technology is particularly
useful for owners of pick-ups with bed covered shells. The shell
makes it difficult to retrieve items from the back of the vehicle
such as a truck without climbing into the pick-up bed. The
technology includes a guide rail secured to the vehicle or to a pad
in the vehicle by use of an attachment mechanism secured to the
vehicle or the pad. A frame slidingly and rotatably attaches to the
guide rail and uses rollers to glide along the rail toward the tail
gate or toward the cab of the vehicle. The frame also rotates
between a first position, horizontal and parallel to the bed, and a
second position, vertical and upright from the bed. This second
position allows use of the vehicle bed with the frame rotated out
of the way. A fold up latch secures the frame in the second stowed
position. The frame is adapted to receive a number of bike, ski,
kayak and other equipment hold-downs and clamps. These fixtures
attach to the frame and enable the attachment of various types of
sports equipment for transport.
[0007] A braking mechanism is attached to the frame, and
frictionally grasps the guide rail, thereby impeding motion of the
frame along the guide rail unless deliberately released by a
user.
[0008] In addition to sporting equipment, carts, cargo platforms,
and secure storage vaults, boxes, or bins also attach to the frame
to hold other material such as tools or loose items. The vaults can
be closed and locked to secure equipment even in an open pick-up
bed. Outrigger bars can be added to the frame to support additional
bikes, cargo or other equipment on the side of the frame.
[0009] Various combinations of platforms and carts are disclosed,
providing a modular storage technology, enabling the user to adapt
the system to specific cargo combinations. In addition, a unique
mechanism allows the user to easily fold the frame up and out of
the way when not in use. This gives the user complete access to the
vehicle bed to carry lumber or other supplies when the storage and
retrieval system is not required.
[0010] The disclosed system makes storing and retrieving equipment
as easy as rolling a cart. A user may stand at the back of a
vehicle and pull the rack out to retrieve such items as tools,
bicycles, boxes, and sporting equipment. The disclosed retrieval
system enables the user to pull the frame out toward the rear of
the vehicle to access material secured to the frame. A braking
lever acts to release the frame for motion on the guide rail while
simultaneously acting as a handle to pull the frame toward the
user. Once the desired item is retrieved, the user releases the
brake and rolls the frame back into place in the vehicle bed. The
brake acts as a locking mechanism to keep the frame in place during
transit. An additional safety latch/strap is supplied, which, when
engaged, ensures that the storage and retrieval system cannot move
without the user's intervention.
[0011] The disclosed technology includes a brake which continuously
applies friction along the guide rail and may lock onto the guide
rail, thus locking the frame on the guide rail unless the brake
handle is compressed. Another important feature is that the end of
the frame can extend out past the end of a folded down tail gate.
This makes gear and equipment faster and easier to load and unload.
This capability is governed by the location of the guide bar wheel
assembly which is closest to the tail gate and its relationship
with the tail gate or mounting pad vertical mount. The frame is
suspended from the guide rail by rail rollers and rail roller
brackets. These are mounted in the forward portion of the frame,
such as the front half or front third, to allow maximum extension
of the rack. The rear end of the frame and the unsuspended side of
the frame are supported by rollers which roll on the bed or on the
pad placed on the vehicle bed. Another important feature is that
the frame rotates off the pad or vehicle bed. This is made possible
by the way the guide bar and guide bar wheel assemblies were
designed and interact. This capability facilitates full use of a
user's vehicle bed even with the rack installed.
[0012] Still other features and advantages of the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily
apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed
description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive
concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode
contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be
realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in
various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive
concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the
preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,
and not as restrictive in nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The summary above and the following detailed description
will be better understood in view of the enclosed figures which
depict details of various embodiments. It should, however, be noted
that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown
in the drawings and that the drawings are provided merely as
examples.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of
Equipment Storage and Retrieval System holding cycling
equipment.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
Equipment Storage and Retrieval System installed on a pick-up
bed.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of
Equipment Storage and Retrieval System extended out of the pick-up
bed onto the vehicle tail gate.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of
Equipment Storage and Retrieval System in a second position off of
the vehicle bed.
[0018] FIG. 5 shows an end view of one embodiment of the Equipment
Storage and Retrieval System in a second stowed position off of the
vehicle bed.
[0019] FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of frame rotation and
translation details.
[0020] FIGS. 7A through 7C show details of one embodiment of a
brake mechanism.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a view of a frame embodiment with a cart top
assembly and fold-up latch.
[0022] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the frame in a rotated up
position.
[0023] FIGS. 10A-10C show one embodiment of the mounting
mechanism.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view that shows the rack mounted to
a pad in the vehicle bed.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mounting pad arm attached
to a vehicle bed structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0026] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is
susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions,
certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the
drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the
inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the
contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s)
is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and
equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive
concept(s) as defined in the claims.
[0027] In FIG. 1 an embodiment of the Equipment Storage and
Retrieval System 50 attaches to a vehicle such as a pickup with an
attachment mechanism 200. In this embodiment the attachment
mechanism 200 is depicted as a post or stem mounted to the vehicle
bed 52. In other attachment mechanism embodiments, a clamping
system attaches to the sidewalls of a pickup and braces against the
pick-up bed without the need to drill holes or modify the vehicle.
Other embodiments include pegs that fit into the existing holes or
mounting points of vehicles. Still other embodiments can include
drilling of the vehicle where necessary.
[0028] A guide rail 100 attaches to the attachment mechanism 200 in
the front and back of the vehicle thus securing the guide rail 100
to the vehicle bed 52. A frame 300 is comprised of longitudinal
frame members 330 and transverse frame members 332. The frame 300
attaches to the guide rail 100 by means of rail rollers 320 and
rail roller brackets 322. As will be described in more detail in
the following figures, the rail rollers 320 and rail roller
brackets 322 allow the frame 300 to be rotated about the guide rail
100 or pulled out from the vehicle bed 52 to partially clear both
the vehicle sidewall 54 and vehicle canopy 56. When the frame 300
is pulled out from the vehicle bed 52, the rail rollers 320 guide
the frame 300 along the guide rail 100. The rack can be made
adjustable in width, to even take up the entire width of a vehicle,
by a version of transverse frame member 332 which telescopes out to
a selected width. The telescoping transverse frame members 332
could be secured in place by holes in the telescoping tubes,
secured by pins through corresponding holes in the tubes.
[0029] Although these components could be made of any suitable
material, and dimensions can vary depending on the particular
installation, suitable guide rails can be made using steel tubing
typically 1 inch in diameter, with a preferred rack material being
11/8 inch by 11/8 inch tubing. Obviously, square or round tubing
could be used and would still be within the inventive concept of
the disclosed technology.
[0030] Bed roller brackets 312 attached the bed rollers 310 to the
frame 300. As the frame 300 is pulled outward from the vehicle bed
52, the bed rollers 310 partially support the weight of the frame
300 on the vehicle bed 52. The guide rail 100 and rail rollers 320
support the remaining weight not supported by the bed rollers 310.
Some embodiments of the bed rollers 310 are unique in that they are
wider than normal and have a flattened bottom which allows them to
span the bed troughs that are formed in the vehicle bed 52 or by a
bed liner. The bed rollers 310 are preferably soft with a hardness
factor of approximately 95 Shore-A. This softness helps absorb
sound and adds resistance to the frame 300 translation thus adding
more control as the frame 300 is rolled in and out of the vehicle
bed 52.
[0031] Various types of equipment hold-downs or clamps 610, 620 and
630 attach to the longitudinal frame members 330 or transverse
frame members 332. These hold-downs are adapted to hold or clamp or
restrain various types of sporting or other equipment. Collectively
they are referred to as hold-downs. Hold downs exist and are
commercially available for items such as skis, snow boards,
bicycles, kayaks, and other sporting equipment. FIG. 1 shows the
hold-downs 610, 620 and 630 securing a bicycle frame 650 and
bicycle tire 655 to the frame 300.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows the Equipment Storage and Retrieval System 50
without the bicycles of FIG. 1. An attachment mechanism 200
attaches a guide rail 100 to the vehicle bed 52 or vehicle sidewall
54. A frame 300 comprised of longitudinal frame members 330 and
transverse frame members 332 glides along the guide rail 100
supported by rail rollers 320 and rail roller brackets 322 on one
side and bed rollers 310 and bed roller brackets 312 on the other
side.
[0033] A brake system 700 arrests the frame 300 on the guide rail
100 preventing movement of the frame 300 along the guide rail 100.
When the brake lever 710 is activated by the user, the frame 100 is
released and may move along the guide rail 100 on rail rollers 320
and along the vehicle bed 52 on bed rollers 310. The brake system
700 acts to prevent the motion of the frame 300 during transport
when the vehicle is in motion.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the Equipment Storage and
Retrieval System 50 extended from the vehicle bed 52. Rail rollers
320 and rail roller brackets 322 guide the frame 300 along the
guide rail 100 and partially support of the weight of the frame
300. Bed rollers 310 and bed roller brackets 312 support the
remaining weight of the frame 300 on the vehicle bed 52 and vehicle
tail gate 58. The bed rollers 310 are spaced along the frame 300
such that they support the frame 300 as it travels from the vehicle
bed 52 onto the vehicle tail gate 58. The bed rollers 310 are
located in such a manner as to minimize the impact on the frame 300
as weight is loaded onto the frame 300 and the frame 300 is rolled
over the gap that is created by the tail gate 58 and vehicle bed 52
separations. Some bed rollers 310 may actually roll off of the
vehicle tail gate 58 with the remaining bed rollers 310 supporting
the frame 300 on the vehicle bed 52 and vehicle tail gate 58. This
additional extension capability of the frame 300 from the vehicle
bed 52 enables easy access to equipment attached to the frame 300.
This extension capability is especially useful in vehicles with
sidewalls 54 or vehicle canopies 56.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the Equipment Storage and
Retrieval System 50 in a second, folded up position in dotted
lines. The frame 300 rotates about the guide rail 100 and off of
the vehicle bed 52. A fold up latch 500 secures the frame in the
second position. This second, folded up position allows the user to
access the vehicle bed 52 for hauling other cargo when the
Equipment Storage and Retrieval System 50 is not in use. In this
manner, the vehicle bed 52 is available for use without the removal
of the Equipment Storage and Retrieval System 50. However, if the
full use of the vehicle bed is needed, the Equipment Storage and
Retrieval System 50 can be removed by removing the brackets from
the attachment device 200.
[0036] FIG. 5 is an end view of the Equipment Storage and Retrieval
System 50 in a second, folded up position. The dotted outline of
the equipment storage and retrieval system shows this second,
folded up position 840. The first position 830 is shown, with the
rack co-planar with the vehicle bed.
[0037] In operation, the user rotates the Equipment Storage and
Retrieval System 50 from the folded up position of FIGS. 4 and 5
onto the vehicle bed as shown in FIG. 2. The frame 300 rotates
about the guide rail 100 and onto the vehicle bed 52. The user
releases the brake system 700 and pulls the frame 300 outwardly
from the vehicle bed 52. The brake system 700 is a "dead man brake"
in that the brake is always applied unless actively released by the
user, by incorporation of a spring in the brake handle and lever.
The extended Equipment Storage and Retrieval System 50 is shown in
FIG. 3. If not already on the frame 300, the user attaches various
types of hold downs 610, 620, and 630 onto the longitudinal frame
members 330 or transverse frame members 332. The user then secures
the sporting equipment, vaults tools or tool boxes onto the hold
downs. FIG. 1 depicts a bicycle frame 650 and bicycle tire 655.
Once the equipment is attached to the frame 300, the user releases
the brake system 700 by squeezing the brake lever 710 of FIG. 7A,
and pushes the equipment storage and retrieval system 50 off of the
vehicle tail gate 58 and into the vehicle bed 52. Once released by
the user, the brake system 700 holds the frame 300 to the guide
rail 100 preventing further movement of the Equipment Storage and
Retrieval System 50.
[0038] Once at the destination, the user lowers the vehicle tail
gate 58, and releases the brake system 700 using the brake lever
710 pulling the Equipment Storage and Retrieval System 50 onto the
tail gate 58. A major part of the equipment has now cleared the
vehicle sidewall 54 and canopy 56 allowing the user easy access to
the equipment. The user releases the hold downs 610, 620 and 630 to
access the bicycle parts as shown in FIG. 1.
[0039] When the vehicle bed 52 is needed to haul other cargo such
as lumber, the Equipment Storage and Retrieval System 50 can be
stowed in a second folded up position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
The user removes the sporting or other equipment from the frame 300
and rotates the frame 300 off of the vehicle bed 52. The Fold up
latch 500 holds the frame in this second folded up position and off
of the vehicle bed 52.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows details of one embodiment of the frame 300. The
longitudinal frame member 330 attaches to transverse frame members
332 of which one is shown. The longitudinal frame member 330 hangs
from guide rail 100 by rail rollers 320 and rail roller brackets
322. As the frame 300 of FIG. 4 is moved along the vehicle bed 52,
the longitudinal frame member 330 moves with the frame 300. The
rail rollers 320, rail roller brackets 322, and the rail rotation
blocks 325, constrain the longitudinal frame member 330 and
therefore also constrain the frame 300 itself to move in a
direction parallel to the guide rail 100. This movement parallel to
the guide rail 100 is indicated by translation arrows 340. Bed
rollers 310 and rail rollers 320 support the weight of the frame
300 as the frame 300 is moved inwardly and outwardly along the
vehicle bed in the direction of translation arrows 340.
[0041] Rail rollers 320, rail roller brackets 322 and rail rotation
blocks 325 enable the frame 300 to rotate about the guide rail 100
as indicated by the rotation arrows 350. The Rail rollers 320, rail
roller brackets 322 and rail rotation blocks 325 constrain the
frame 300 to either translate parallel to the guide rail 100 or
rotate about the guide rail 100. When the frame 300 is rotated off
of the vehicle bed 52 as shown in dashed line in FIG. 5, the
vehicle bed is available for other cargo and the frame 300 is
stowed in a second position out of the way.
[0042] FIGS. 7A through 7C show one embodiment of the brake system
700. FIG. 7A shows one longitudinal frame member 330. This
longitudinal frame member 330 rides on the guide rail 100 via rail
rollers 320 which are supported by rail roller brackets 322. Bed
rollers 310, of FIGS. 1-5, supported by bed roller brackets 312
support some of the weight of the rack on the vehicle bed 52. The
guide rail 100 of FIG. 6 passes through the space defined by the
rail rollers 320, rail roller brackets 322 and the rail rotation
blocks 325. A brake shoe 745 attached to a brake pawl 740 is
adapted to frictionally engage the guide rail 100 in a camming
movement, and constrain the translational movement described in
conjunction with FIG. 6. A brake lever 710 attaches to a brake
handle 705 and brake cable 720.
[0043] FIG. 7B shows a side view of an embodiment where the brake
shoe 745 frictionally engages the guide rail 100 to impede motion
of the longitudinal frame member 330 and therefore the frame 300
relative to the guide rail 100. The brake pawl 740 rotates about a
brake pivot 735. The brake spring 730 urges the brake pawl 740 and
therefore the brake shoe 745 toward the guide rail 100. The
embodiment shown is FIG. 7B further exhibits a cam action where the
brake shoe 745 is forced harder into the guide rail 100 when the
frame 700 experiences motion in one direction. The brake shoe 745
can impede motion of the frame 300 at any point along the guide
rail 100. The brake spring 730 pushes on the brake pawl 740
rotating it about the brake pivot 735 and forcing the brake shoe
745 into contact with the guide rail 100. Since the brake system is
always engaged unless specifically actuated by a user, it is
sometimes referred to as a dead man brake. In some contexts the
term pawl implies a member that engages specific areas of a gear or
cog, in this context there is no such restriction. The brake pawl
740 allows braking at any point along the guide rail 100. This
particular form of brake system is illustrative of one preferred
braking system, and other braking systems could also be used, such
as a locking brake lever, bicycle type caliper brakes, a wind nut,
detents and holes in a tube, and other conventional braking
systems.
[0044] FIG. 7C shows the embodiment of FIG. 7B when the brake lever
710 of FIG. 7A is actuated by a user. When the user actuates the
brake lever 710 of FIG. 7A, the brake cable 720 pulls the brake
pawl 740 and therefore the brake shoe 745 away from the guide rail
100. This actuation rotates the brake pawl 740 about the brake
pivot 735 pulling the brake shoe 745 out of engagement with the
guide rail 100. Once the brake shoe 745 is out of engagement with
the guide rail 100, the frame 300 can move freely when pushed or
pulled by the user.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows another view of a preferred embodiment of the
Equipment Storage and Retrieval System, in which a cart or tray 800
is mounted on the frame 300. The cart 800 has a cart platform 810
and cart side walls 820 of which two are indicated. The cart 800 is
for constraining boxes, loose items or other cargo that is not
readily adapted to the hold downs 610, 620 and 630 described in
conjunction with FIG. 1. Other embodiments of the cart 800 can also
have higher cart side walls 820 and a closeable locking lid, net
cover, or other type of cover. While not shown, various embodiments
of the cart 800 can take the form of one or more locking tool
boxes. Such tool boxes are readily accessible from the rear of the
vehicle when the frame 300 and therefore the attached tool box or
cart 800 is extended out from the vehicle bed 52. Carts 800 in
various embodiments can be secured to the frame members 332 and 330
from the inside making them theft resistant.
[0046] FIG. 8 also shows one embodiment of the fold-up latch 500.
The fold-up latch 500 holds the frame 300 of the Equipment Storage
and Retrieval System 50 in the folded-up or second position shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5. The frame has a unique pivot and lock capability.
When the frame is pivoted off the pick-up bed into the second
position 840, it folds up into a shelf type support with retaining
latch that secures the frame. It takes a disengagement action to
unlock the frame and pivot it back to the pick-up bed in the first
position 830. This provides for a secure method to stow the frame
assembly off the pick-up, and thus provide clearance on the vehicle
bed 52 for other uses. In this embodiment a fold-up latch mechanism
520 engages a portion of the frame 300 or cart 800 and maintains
the frame 300 in the second or upright position. A fold-up latch
clamp 510 attaches the fold up latch 500 to the vehicle sidewall 54
and/or vehicle canopy 56. In many embodiments the fold-up latch
clamp allows attachment of the fold-up latch 500 to the vehicle
without the need to drill holes or otherwise modify the vehicle.
While the fold-up latch mechanism 520 is depicted as a hook/shelf
in FIG. 8, other embodiments, not shown, can include hasps, locks,
hook and pile (Velcro), straps, bungee cords, a shelf, carabineers,
clamps, press-to-fit latches and other mechanisms.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows the Equipment Storage and Retrieval System 50
in the second position 840. FIG. 9 is similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 but
with solid lines for the sake of clarity. Note that when in the
upright or second position 840, the majority of the vehicle bed 52
is available for other cargo.
[0048] In some embodiments two equipment storage and retrieval
systems 50 are installed in a vehicle, one on the right and one on
the left. In such situations, each equipment storage and retrieval
system 50 can be independently moved outward from the vehicle bed
52 onto the vehicle tail gate 58 for access to cargo. Each
equipment storage and retrieval system 50 can also be independently
rotated from the first position 830 on the vehicle bed 52 to the
upright second position 840 off of the vehicle bed. Thus four
combinations of folded-up/down are possible, increasing the
flexibility of the vehicle.
[0049] FIGS. 10A-10C show one embodiment of the attachment
mechanism 200. The attachment mechanism 200 attaches the guide rail
100 to the vehicle bed 52 or vehicle sidewall 54. In FIG. 10A two
posts 210 are secured to the vehicle bed 52 by post mountings 220
and post mounting fasteners 222. Two post to rail adapters 230
attach the guide rail 100 to the posts 210. In some embodiments the
post to rail adapters 230 are of adjustable length to allow the
guide rail 100 to clear the wheel well of the vehicle. FIG. 10B
shows an end view of the attachment mechanism 200, while FIG. 10C
shows a plan view of the attachment mechanism 200. While the
attachment mechanism of FIGS. 10A-10C show the use of fasteners
into the vehicle bed 52 or vehicle sidewall 54, no-drill versions
are also possible. For example, a friction fit between the vehicle
bed 52 and the top of the vehicle sidewall 54 also is possible.
Clamps or expandable members can rigidly secure the attachment
mechanism 200 to the vehicle and therefore the guide rail 100.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows one variation of the Equipment Storage and
Retrieval System. In this version, the attachment mechanism 200,
and guide rail 100, are attached to a pad 540. The frame is the
same as that shown in FIGS. 1-10C, and thus has bed rollers which
roll on top of the pad 540. This configuration has a mounting pad
arm 542 which attaches to the vehicle side wall top plate. Also
shown is a mounting pad side plate 544, of which there can be more
than one. The mounting pad side plate attaches to the mounting pad
540 and extends to contact the vehicle wheel well or sidewall. It
can have a contact plate 546 at its end for pressing against the
vehicle wheel well or sidewall. The intent of this assembly is to
prevent the mounting pad 540 from moving side to side in the
vehicle bed. There are various methods to attach and provide the
variable length flexibility of the mounting pad side plate 544. One
method is to attach the mounting pad side plate 544 to an elongated
slotted hole in the base of the mounting pad 540. This attachment
method allows for extensions or retractions of the mounting pad
side plate based on where in the slotted hole it is mounted.
Another method to achieve this same type of function is to provide
for adjustability in the arm of the mounting pad side plate 544. In
this method one end is attached to the mounting pad and the other
end attached to the contact plate 546. The mounting pad side plate
is then adjusted to provide a snug fit between the mounting pad and
the vehicle wheel well or side wall.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows a closer view of the mounting pad arm 542,
which has a first end 548, and a second end 550. The second end 550
is attachable to the top rail of the vehicle bed or vehicle side
wall, by C clamps or other means. The attachment can be by an L
shaped plate such as shown in FIG. 12, which is clamped to the
vehicle side top plate.
[0052] A number of materials are suitable for the Equipment Storage
and Retrieval System 50. Examples include aluminum, steel,
galvanized steel and plastics of various kinds. Mixed material
selections are also possible. For example, the frame, rail,
bracket, retrieval and brake system might be of galvanized steel
while the rollers are hard plastic. The advantages of various
material choices are known to those skilled in the art. Tubings of
the guide rail 100 or the frame 300 can be square, round, oval, or
rectangular, as preferred for a particular model.
[0053] While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in the Figures
and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood
that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited
thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope
of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be
apparent that various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following
claims.
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