Patent ID: 9221377
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
1. A method of loading a boat onto a bed of a pickup truck provided with a hitch receiver, the method comprising the steps: providing a rack frame assembly configured for receiving the boat, the rack frame assembly comprising a plurality of frame members configured for resting on the bed of the pickup truck while supporting the boat, said plurality of frame members comprising a pair of elongated side frame members, a front frame member spanning between ends of the side frame members, a rear frame member spanning between opposite ends of the side frame members, and a pair of angular braces, each angular brace being secured to and extending at an angle to, a respective side frame member; providing a bottom roller assembly secured to the rack frame assembly, said bottom roller assembly defining a ramp for loading and unloading the boat, wherein the bottom roller assembly comprises a generally rectangular roller frame having a proximate bar, a means for securing the proximate bar in a generally parallel relationship to the rear frame member, a distant bar positioned in a parallel relationship to the proximate bar, and a pair of side bars spanning between the proximate bar and the distant bar; providing a brace assembly configured to adjustably secure the bottom roller assembly to the hitch receiver of the pickup truck, wherein the distant bar carries a first arm, said brace assembly comprising a second arm telescopically adjustably engageable with the first arm, a third arm pivotally connected to the second arm, and a fourth arm telescopically adjustably engageable with the third arm, a free end of the fourth arm being configured for detachable engagement with the hitch receiver of the pickup truck; providing a pair of side roller assemblies secured to the rack frame assembly, the side roller assemblies defining a guide for a boat hull being loaded and unloaded from the pickup truck; providing a winch assembly secured to the rack frame assembly a distance from the bottom roller assembly, said winch assembly comprising a winch with a length of rope wound thereon; detachably securing the rack frame assembly on the bed of the pickup truck, and securing the brace assembly with the hitch receiver; lowering a tail gate of the pickup truck and allowing the bottom roller assembly to extend from the tail gate of the pickup truck; positioning the boat in general alignment with the bottom roller assembly; attaching an end of the rope to a bow of the boat and activating the winch; and causing the boat to move along the bottom roller assembly onto the bed of the pickup truck, while being guided by the side roller assemblies.