Patent ID: 6347731
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A collapsible overhead rack for mounting over an open bed pickup truck, said open bed having two opposed longitudinal sides, said rack comprising:(a) means for anchoring said rack demountably to said longitudinal sides, said means for anchoring being located at two separated places on each side top corresponding to the expected position of the assembled rack leg members that support the rack; (b) a pair of collapsible end frame assemblies for supporting the rack top, each end frame assembly comprising a pair of leg members and a cross frame assembly, said cross frame assembly comprising two tubular members adapted to be engaged telescopically, and incorporating means for quick disconnection of said tubular members and adjustment of the overall length of said cross frame assembly; said leg members and said cross frame assembly, each incorporating at its ends, means for quick disconnection of said cross frame assembly from said leg members, said leg members each being outwardly connected at their top ends at an angle of about 105 degrees to the axis of said cross frame assembly, said cross frame assembly including paralleled stiffening gussets at each end, said gussets being shaped to connect with the top portions of said leg members at an angle and location so as to produce open corners for seating an end of a side frame assembly, said leg members each including means for bracing a leg member to a side frame assembly; one said end frame assembly being located at the front end of said open bed, and the other end frame assembly located near the back end of said open bed; (c) a pair of adjustable length, tubular side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having looped ends for use in retaining and securing carried rack loads, each said side frame assembly comprising two tubular members adapted to be engaged telescopically, and incorporating means for quick disconnection of said tubular members and adjustment of the overall length of said side frame assembly; each side frame assembly being seated in and removably fastened to a top open corner on one side of each end frame assembly; (d) four fastening screws for fastening said side frame assemblies to the top open corners of said end frame assemblies, said screws each incorporating a levered handle to facilitate tightening and opening, said screws when tightened in place, creating rigid, stiff corner structures at the top of said rack and resulting overall rack stiffness; and (e) four screw bolts for fastening said leg members to said means for anchoring said rack, said screw bolts including projecting ring ends to facilitate ease of fastening.