Abstract:
Vehicle accessory mounting systems are limited in the accessories mountable thereto and interfere with the use of the bed. The present invention, however, is a vehicle accessory mounting system that comprises a frame assembly having an opening and a locking cavity being in communication with the opening, and at least one accessory mounting member capable of being removably mounted within the opening to removably mount an accessory to a vehicle. The accessory mounting member comprises a body, a locking element aperture within the body, and a locking element held within the aperture, the locking element being moveable between a retracted, unlocked position wherein the locking element does not engage the locking cavity and an extended, unlocked position wherein the locking element engages the locking cavity to prevent removal of the mounting member from within the opening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/495,576 filed on Aug. 15, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/497,805 filed on Aug. 26, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/499,516 filed on Sep. 2, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/503,227 filed on Sep. 16, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/504,525 filed on Sep. 16, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,773 filed on Jun. 19, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/189,641 filed on Jul. 3, 2002, wherein each of these applications are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to the towing equipment field and, more particularly, to a system for mounting an accessory to a vehicle.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Over the years, various towing systems have been developed for mounting in the bed or cargo area of pickup trucks and related vehicles. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,509,682 and 5,707,070 both to Lindenman et al. are representative of fifth wheel hitch assemblies and U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,418 to Lindenman et al. and Des. 362,224 to McCoy et al. are representative of gooseneck hitch assemblies useful for this purpose. Such hitch assemblies are typically securely mounted through the cargo bed to the frame of the vehicle by means of a mounting system. Some mounting systems such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,682 incorporate base rails or other structures that mount above the cargo bed. Others, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,418 incorporate a structural framework that mounts underneath the bed of the vehicle.  
         [0004]     The present invention relates to an under bed mounting system of relatively simple construction. It is user friendly and provides reliable and dependable performance over a long service life. The mounting system also offers the consumer unparalleled versatility since one may mount a number of different vehicle accessories to the vehicle through the mounting system. Such accessories include but are not limited to a fifth wheel hitch assembly, a gooseneck hitch assembly and an article anchor or carrier such as a bike rack, a motorcycle stand or other useful device. Consequently, the mounting system represents a significant advance in the art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a vehicle accessory mounting system is provided. That vehicle accessory mounting system comprises a frame assembly having an opening and a locking cavity being in communication with the opening, at least one accessory mounting member capable of being removably mounted within the opening to removably mount an accessory to a vehicle. The accessory mounting member comprises a body, a locking element aperture within the body, and a locking element held within the aperture, the locking element being moveable between a retracted, unlocked position wherein the locking element does not engage the locking cavity and an extended, unlocked position wherein the locking element engages the locking cavity to prevent removal of the mounting member from within the opening.  
         [0006]     In accordance with an alternative of the present invention, a vehicle accessory mounting system for use with a vehicle having a horizontal mounting surface is disclosed. The vehicle accessory mounting system comprises a frame member mounted to the frame of a vehicle underneath the horizontal mounting surface, a receptacle carried by the frame member, the receptacle having an opening and a locking cavity, the locking cavity being in communication with the opening, the receptacle opening accessible through an aperture in the horizontal mounting surface, and an accessory mounting member capable of being removably mounted within the opening so as to removably mount an accessory to the horizontal mounting surface. Further, the at least one accessory mounting member comprises, a body having a sidewall, an aperture extending through the sidewall, and a locking element held within the sidewall aperture, the locking element being moveable between a retracted, unlocked position wherein the locking element does not engage the locking cavity and an extended, locked position wherein the locking element engages the locking cavity to prevent removal of the mounting member from within the opening.  
         [0007]     In the following description there is shown and described several embodiments of this invention, including an illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain certain principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle accessory mounting system of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic of a rear elevational view showing the under bed mounting of the vehicle accessory mounting system to the frame of a vehicle;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view showing the mounting of the mounting system frame to the vehicle frame;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an accessory mounting member of the mounting system shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is an elevational and partially cross-sectional view showing an accessory mounting member in a receptacle with the locking element in the unlocked position;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  but showing the locking element in the locked position;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of an alternate embodiment illustrating the structural relationship between the cross member of the frame, the receptacle and the member (the decorative ring is removed for clarity);  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a partially exploded side elevational view of the alternate embodiment illustrating the mounting of the member in the receptacle and the receptacle in frame.  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the accessory mounting system of the alternate embodiment on the deck or bed of the vehicle and attached to the frame;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a detailed, exploded perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the vehicle accessory mounting system of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is an additional detailed view of the alternate embodiment showing the alignment of the receptacle and accessory mounting member for purposes of interconnection;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment illustrating the accessory mounting member locked in the receptacle;  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is a schematic plan view of the locking cavity of the alternate embodiment;  
         [0022]      FIG. 13  is a schematic plan view of the mounting member of the alternate embodiment;  
         [0023]      FIG. 14  is an exploded, detailed perspective view of another alternate embodiment illustrating the connection of the locking element and member to the base plate of the accessory as well as the receiver and the bolt for securing the receiver to the frame;  
         [0024]      FIG. 15  is a detailed perspective view of the alternate embodiment illustrating the positioning of the locking element and the alignment of the member over the wide end of the keyhole slot in the receiver just prior to connection of the member to the receiver;  
         [0025]      FIG. 16  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the components of the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 17  is a detailed, exploded perspective view of another alternate embodiment showing the member mechanism;  
         [0027]      FIG. 18  is a detailed bottom perspective view of the alternate embodiment showing a single member locked in the storage position; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 19  is an end view of the alternate embodiment showing a single member locked in the storage position. 
     
    
       [0029]     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0030]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating the preferred embodiment of the vehicle accessory mounting system  10 . The vehicle accessory mounting system  10  includes a frame assembly  12 , at least one receptacle  14  carried by the frame assembly  12 , and at least one accessory mounting member  16 .  
         [0031]     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame assembly  12  includes a first mounting bracket  18  and a second mounting bracket  20 . The two mounting brackets  18 ,  20  are constructed from high strength material such as steel. They also may incorporate various notches and cutouts  21  to accommodate any vehicle channels C while allowing them to seat against the framework F of the vehicle to which the mounting system  10  is to be secured. First and second cross members  22 ,  24  extend between the first and second mounting brackets  18 ,  20 . The cross members  22 ,  24  are also formed from high strength material such as tubular steel. The cross members  22 ,  24  are of a length sufficient to just span the distance between the first and second mounting brackets  18 ,  20  when those brackets engage the vehicle framework F. Alternatively, the cross members  22 ,  24  may be made from two telescoping U-shaped or even tubular sections if desired to allow for adjustability.  
         [0032]     The cross members  22 ,  24  may be secured to the first and second mounting brackets  18 ,  20  at offsets  23  by fasteners such as bolts  26 . More specifically, the bolts  26  pass through an aperture  25  in each offset  23  and threadedly engage an aperture  28  formed in an end plate  30  in each cross member  22 ,  24 . A lock washer  32  under the head of the bolt  26  ensures the integrity of each connection. Of course, alternative means of connection could be utilized including other types of fasteners (e.g., screws, cooperating nuts and bolts) or alternative mechanical fastening processes such as welding.  
         [0033]     The first and second mounting brackets  18 ,  20  mount to the vehicle framework F by any appropriate means. This includes bolts  34 , cooperating nuts  36 , and lock washers  38  as illustrated. Alternatively, other appropriate fasteners (e.g., screws) or mechanical fastening processes such as welding could be utilized.  
         [0034]     Each receptacle  14  of the present invention includes an upper rim  40 , a sidewall  42  and a bottom wall  44 . An opening or bore  46  extends through the upper rim  40  and the sidewall  42 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a locking cavity such as a detent or continuous race  48  is formed in the inner surface of the sidewall  42  in communication with the opening  46 . A decorative ring  50  fits around the sidewall  42  directly beneath the upper rim  40 .  
         [0035]     Each receptacle  14  is mounted in a socket  52  provided in either the first cross member  22  or the second cross member  24  or both. More specifically, socket  52  is elongated and sized and shaped so as to receive a lower sidewall  54  of the receptacle  14 . When the frame assembly  12  is properly mounted to the framework F of the vehicle, the cross members  22 ,  24  are located directly beneath the bed B of the vehicle (see  FIG. 2A ). A hole H is cut in the bed B directly above the socket  52  and the lower portion of the receptacle  14  is inserted into the socket  52  through the hole H. When properly seated in the socket  52 , the decorative ring  50  extends between the upper surface of the bed B and the lower edge of the upper rim  40  so as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the receptacle  14  and keep dirt out of the hole H. The receptacle  14  is secured in the socket  52  by means of an anchor  56 . The anchor  56  is illustrated as a bolt that passes through a mounting hole or mounting aperture  58  in the bottom wall  44  of the receptacle  14  and threadedly engages an aperture (not shown) in a wall or plate  59  of the underlying cross member  22 ,  24 . Alternatively, the bolt  56  could pass through an aperture in the bottom wall of the cross member  22 ,  24  and be secured in place by a cooperating nut and lock washer (not shown) if desired.  
         [0036]     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the accessory mounting member  16  of the present invention includes a body  60  including a sidewall  62 , a first end  64 , a second end  66 , and a bore  68 . The bore  68  includes a first section  70  having a first diameter D 1  (about 0.8125 inches) adjacent the first end  64  and a second section  72  having a second diameter D 2  (about 0.5 inches) adjacent the second end  66  wherein D 1 &gt;D 2 . Two radially directed locking apertures  74  are provided in the sidewall  62  and are in communication with the first section  70  of the bore  68 .  
         [0037]     The present invention further includes a rotary locking assembly  75 . The rotary locking assembly  75  secures a vehicle accessory A to the vehicle accessory mounting system  10 . The rotary locking assembly  75  includes a locking element  76 , which may take the form of a ball bearing. The locking element  76  may be staked in each locking aperture  74 . In addition, the rotary locking assembly  75  includes a rotary actuator  78  that engages the locking elements  76 . The actuator  78  includes a head end  80  and stem end  82 . A channel  84  is provided in the head end  80 . The channel  84  includes a first portion  86  having a depth E 1  and a second portion  88  having a depth E 2  where E 1 &gt;E 2 . The channel  84  may also extend continuously around the head end  80 .  
         [0038]     When the actuator  78  is properly seated in the bore  68  of the body  60 , the channel  84  is aligned with the locking apertures  74  with the locking elements  76  engaged in the channel. Further, the stem end  82  projects from the second end  66  of the body  60 . The stem end  82  is at least partially threaded and takes the form of a “mutilated screw.” 
         [0039]     The mounting member  16  is secured to the leg L or other structure of the vehicle accessory A. More specifically, the second end  66  of the body  60  is threaded. That second end  66  is inserted in an aperture D in the leg L and a fastener such as a nut  90  is tightened on the threaded second end  66  so that the margin of the leg L surrounding the aperture D is captured between the nut  90  and an operator handle  92  at the intersection of the first and second ends  64 ,  66  of the body  60 .  
         [0040]     The operator handle  92  is secured to the stem end  82  of the actuator  78 . More specifically, the operator handle  92  includes an eccentric aperture  93  that is sized and shaped to just fit over the stem end  82 . A nut  94  is secured to the threaded stem end  82  and tightened to secure the operator handle  92  in position. As should be appreciated, the operator handle  92  may be manipulated so as to rotate the actuator  78  in the body  60  and thereby displace the locking elements  76  between the unlocked position shown in  FIG. 4  and the locked position shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0041]     More specifically, when in the unlocked position shown in  FIG. 4 , the first portion  86  of the channel  84  engages the locking elements  76 . That first channel portion  86  has sufficient depth to provide the clearance necessary to allow the locking elements  76  to retract inside the body  60 . Accordingly, the locking elements  76  do not project beyond the sidewall  62  of the body  60 . In this position the member  16  freely passes into the opening  46  of the receptacle  14 . When the member  16  is fully seated within the receptacle  14 , the locking elements  76  are aligned with the race  48  in the sidewall  42  of the receptacle  14 . The member  16  may now be locked into the receptacle  14  by rotating the operator handle  92  through an arc of approximately 90 degrees in either direction. As this is done the second portion  88  of the channel  84  is brought into engagement with the locking elements  76 . The second portion  88  of the channel  84  is not as deep as the first portion  86 . As a result the locking elements  76  are forced in an outward direction until they project beyond the sidewall  62  of the body  60  and are at least partially received in the race  48  of the receptacle  14 . Of course, the engagement of the locking elements  76  in the race  48  ensures that the member  16  is secured in the receptacle  14  and cannot be withdrawn. It should be appreciated that the operator handle  92  may be secured in the locked position by pinning or locking to a locking bracket or other structure (not shown) carried on the leg L or other structure of the vehicle accessory.  
         [0042]     When it is desired to remove the vehicle accessory, the operator handle  92  is released and then rotated through a 90-degree arc until the first portion  86  of the channel  84  is again aligned with each locking element  76 . In this position, an upward force applied to the member  16  causes the locking elements  76  to retract from the race  48  into the sidewall  62  of the body  60 . This provides the necessary clearance for the member  16  to be removed from the receptacle  14 .  
         [0043]     In a first alternative embodiment, each receptacle  114  includes an upper rim  140 , a sidewall  142  a bottom wall  144  and a threaded opening or bore  146  that extends through the upper rim  140  and is closed at the opposite end by bottom wall  144 . A decorative ring  150  fits around the sidewall  142  directly beneath the upper rim  140 . Each receptacle  114  is mounted in the same manner as the previous embodiment disclosed above.  
         [0044]     The accessory mounting member  116  of the first alternative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . Each member  116  includes a threaded body portion  162  and a projecting receiver  164 . The receiver  164  includes an aperture  166  that extends completely through the receiver. An end  168  of the receiver  164  includes a recess  170  to receive a tool for displacing the accessory mounting member  116  between storage and accessory receiving positions. Thus, for example, the recess  170  may be hexagonal in shape to receive a cooperating tool in the form of a hex key.  
         [0045]     The accessory mounting member  116  is received in the receptacle  114  by engaging the threaded body portion  162  with the threaded bore  146 . More specifically, the threaded body portion  162  may be rotated using a tool engaged in the recess  170 . Turning in a clockwise direction serves to displace the mounting member  116  downwardly into the receptacle  114  to the storage position. In contrast, turning the mounting member  116  counterclockwise tends to raise or extend the member from the receptacle  114  thereby displacing the member  116  into the accessory receiving position.  
         [0046]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , when it is desired to attach an accessory A each member  116  is displaced into the accessory receiving position. Thus, a tool is utilized to rotate the member  116  counterclockwise until the receiver  164  and more particularly, the aperture  166  just projects above the top of the rim  140 . Each leg L of the accessory A includes a base plate P having an aperture that is received over the member  116 . A fastener G, such as a pin, is then inserted through the aperture  166  and pin clip P is then inserted on the end of the fastener G to complete the secure connection. Specifically, it should be appreciated that the fastener G is securely held in the aperture  166  of the receiver  164  by the capturing of the receiver  164  between the head of the pin and the clip P. Further, the accessory A is securely held in a bed B, or horizontal mounting surface, of the towing vehicle since the base plate P of the accessory is captured between the fastener G and the bed B.  
         [0047]     In a second alternative embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 9-13 , each receptacle  214  includes a projecting rim or upper wall  230 , a sidewall  232  and a bottom wall  234 . A locking cavity  236  is acircular in cross section and, as depicted in  FIG. 12 , has a first width W 1  in a first direction and a second width W 2  in a second direction wherein W 2 &gt;W 1 . The locking cavity  236  extends through the rim or top wall  230  but the bottom wall  234  closes the cavity  236 .  
         [0048]     Each receptacle  214  is mounted to at least one of the cross members  22 ,  24  by a receiver  238 , in the form of an aperture sized and shaped to receive the sidewall  232  of the receptacle  214 . The receiver  238  is provided in the upper wall of at least one of the cross members  22 ,  24 . When the receptacle  214  is fully seated in the receiver  238 , the bottom wall  234  engages an underlying support plate  240  welded to the sidewalls  242  of the cross members  22 ,  24 . A fastener  244 , such as the illustrated bolt, passes through an aperture in the bottom wall  234  of the receptacle  214  and an aligned aperture  246  in the support plate  240 . A nut  247  is received on the end of the bolt  244  and tightened in order to secure the receptacle  214  in the receiver  238  on the cross members  22 ,  24 .  
         [0049]     The accessory mounting member  216  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 9, 10  and  11 . Each member  216  includes a body  247  having at least one locking lug  248  adjacent a first end  249  thereof and an accessory mounting shank  250  adjacent a second end  251  thereof. As shown, the member  216  includes two opposed locking lugs  248 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the mounting member  216  has a width W 3  along a first axis and a width W 4  along a second axis wherein W 2 &gt;W 4 &gt;W 1 &gt;W 3 . Thus, it should be appreciated that when the second axis of the mounting member  216  is aligned with the second direction of the locking cavity  236 , sufficient clearance exists for the member  216  to enter and seat in the cavity  236 . Once fully seated, the member  216  and the receptacle  214  may be rotated approximately 90 degrees with respect to each other so that the second axis of the member  216  is aligned with the first direction of the locking cavity  236 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , at least one locking shoulder  252  (two opposing locking shoulders are shown) is aligned with the first direction. Since the width W 1  at the top of the locking cavity  236  is less than the W 4  of the member  216  defined by the locking lugs  248 , the lugs  248  engage the locking shoulders  252  thereby securing the member  216  in the receptacle  214 .  
         [0050]     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the member  216  is secured to the base plate P of the accessory A by means of a fastener  254 . More specifically, the accessory mounting shank  250  is inserted through an aperture E in the base plate P. A control handle  256  is then connected to the member  216 . The control handle  256  is positioned so that the accessory mounting shank  250  extending up through the base plate P is received in an aperture  258  in the control handle  256 . The aperture  258  is acircular and engages a cooperating acircular shoulder on the accessory mounting shank  250 . The fastener  254  is then tightened down on the accessory mounting shank  250  so as to secure the control handle  256  to the member  216  and the member  216  to the base plate P of the accessory A.  
         [0051]     When it is desired to attach an accessory A each member  216  is aligned by operation of its respective control handle  256  so that the second axis of the member  216  including the locking lugs  248  is aligned with the second direction of the associated receptacle  214 . This provides the necessary clearance to allow each member  216  to drop into and be fully seated in the locking cavity  236  of the associated receptacle  214 . Once each member  216  is fully seated, the control handle  256  is rotated through an arc of approximately 90 degrees. Simultaneously, the member  216  is rotated so that the locking lugs  248  are now aligned with the direction and, therefore, engage the locking shoulders  252  of the receptacles  214 .  
         [0052]     This engagement between the lugs  248  and the shoulders  252  serves to secure the members  216  in the receptacles  214  and, therefore, the accessory A in the bed B of the vehicle. The control handles  256  may be secured in the locking position. In particular, the ends  260  of the control handles  256  extend through an aperture or slot formed in the leg L of the accessory A. The ends  260  each include an aperture  262 . A fastener, such as a pin, can be inserted through the aperture  262  and engages the leg L. Accordingly, the control handle  256  and the member  216  are secured in the locked position. To remove the accessory A, the opposite occurs. This is similar to that shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0053]     In a third alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , each receptacle  314  includes an upper wall  330 , a sidewall  332 , and a bottom wall  334 . A keyhole-shaped slot  336  is provided in the upper wall  330 . The keyhole-shaped slot  336  includes a first end  338  having a first width W 1  and a second end  340  having a second width W 2  where W 1 &gt;W 2 . The keyhole-shaped slot  336  is in communication with an internal cavity  342  defined by the upper wall  330 , sidewall  332 , and bottom wall  334 .  
         [0054]     Each receptacle  314  is mounted to one of the cross members  22 ,  24  by means of a fastener such as a bolt  344 . More specifically, the bolt  344  extends through an aperture  346  in the bottom wall  334  of the receptacle  314  and an aperture  348  in the cross member  22 ,  24 . A lock nut  350  may be secured to the bolt  344  in order to complete the connection.  
         [0055]     Each member  316  comprises a neck or stem  352  having a first cross section C 1  and a head  354  having a second cross section C 2  wherein C 2  has a width greater than C 1 . The end of the stem  352  opposite the head  354  is mounted to a base plate P of the vehicle accessory A. This mounting may be completed by means of fasteners such as screws, bolts, or the like or fastening processes such as welding, staking, or the like. A locking element in the form of a bolt  356  is also provided. The bolt  356  is received in a threaded aperture R of the mounting plate P adjacent the point of mounting of the member  316 .  
         [0056]     It should be appreciated that the width W 1  of the first end  338  of the keyhole-shaped slot  336  is greater than the width of the cross section C 2  of the head  354  of the member  316 . Further, the width of the cross section C 2  of the head is greater than the width W 2  of the second end  340  of the keyhole-shaped slot  336 . In addition, the width W 2  is greater than the width of the cross section C 1  of the stem  352  of the member  316 . Advantageously, these dimensional differences allow the member  316  to be received and secured in the keyhole-shaped slot  336  of the receptacle  314  by means of the locking element or bolt  356 .  
         [0057]     More specifically, the alignment of a member  316  on a support plate P of an accessory A with the receptacle  314  in order to allow mounting of the accessory A. The locking element  356  is retracted so as not to extend below the bottom wall of the support plate P. The member  316  is aligned so that the head  354  may be inserted into the cavity  342  through the first, wide end  338  of the keyhole-shaped slot  336 . Once so inserted, the member  316  is shifted until the stem  352  of the member is received in the second, narrow end  340  of the keyhole-shaped slot  336 . In this position, the upper wall  358  of the substantially T-shaped member  316  engages the lower surface of the upper wall  330  of the receptacle  314  thereby preventing the member  316  from being lifted from the receptacle  314 .  
         [0058]     The stem  352  of the member  316  is locked in the second end  340  of the keyhole-shaped slot  336  by means of the bolt  356 . More specifically, the bolt  356  is tightened in the aperture R until it extends downwardly from the support plate P into the first end  338  of the keyhole-shaped slot  336 . The engagement of the locking element or bolt  356  with the inner surface of the sidewall  332  defining the cavity  342  prevents the member  316  from being shifted thereby retaining the member  316  captured or locked in the receptacle  314 . To remove the member  316 , the opposite is performed. The accessory A is then attached as previously described and as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0059]     In a fourth and final embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , each receptacle  414  includes an upper wall  440 , a sidewall  442  and a bottom wall  444 . A bore  448  extends through the walls  440  and  444 . The bore  448  has a cross section of a first shape such as circular. Each receptacle  414  is mounted and fixed by welding, staking or other means to one of the cross members  22 ,  24  directly above a socket  452  provided in the top wall of that cross member  22 ,  24 . The socket  452  has a cross section of a second shape different from the first shape, e.g., acircular.  
         [0060]     Each accessory mounting member  416  includes a body  460  having a first, cylindrical portion  462  and a second substantially acircular shaped portion  464 . As should be appreciated, the first portion  462  is sized and shaped to be slidingly received in the bore  448  of the receptacle  414 . The second, acircular portion  464  is sized and shaped to be slidingly received in the similarly shaped socket  452 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the member  416  also includes an end  466  having a substantially H-shaped recess  468  that is sized and shaped to receive the second end  470  of a biasing element in the form of a spring bar  472  (note the opposed notches  473  adjacent the second end of the spring bar so that end corresponds in shape to the recess  468 ). The spring bar  472  has a first end  474  that is riveted or otherwise fastened to one of the cross members  22 ,  24  (note rivet  476 ). The spring bar  472  may, for example, be made from spring steel.  
         [0061]     As should be appreciated, the mounting member  416  is selectively displaceable between a storage position and an accessory receiving position. In the storage position, the member  416  is retracted into the receptacle  414  so that the top of the member  416  is substantially level with or just above the top of the upper wall  440  of the receptacle  414 . In this retracted position the member  416  is protected from damage by the receptacle  414 . Further, it should be appreciated that the retracted member  416  provides little if any interference with the use of the bed B of the vehicle.  
         [0062]     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the member  416  is locked in the storage position against the biasing force of the spring bar  472 . Specifically, a tool is utilized to depress the member  416  down into the receptacle  414 . Once the second portion  464  of the member  416  clears the socket  452  in the upper wall of the cross member  22  or  24 , the member  416  is turned or rotated 90 degrees. As a result, the second portion  464  laps the socket  452  and engages the cross member  22  or  24  at the margins  478  thereof. This engagement serves to lock the member  416  in the storage position. The member  416  is positively locked against further rotation in the storage position by engagement of the second end  470  of the spring bar  472  in the H-shaped recess  468  on the end  466  of the member  416 .  
         [0063]     When it is desired to attach an accessory A, each member  416  is displaced into the accessory receiving position. In order to do this, a tool is utilized to rotate the member  416  through a 90-degree arc until the second portion  464  is aligned to pass through the socket  452 . Once properly aligned the biasing force of the spring bar  472  pushes the member  416  upward in the direction of action arrow P so that the member  416  projects through the upper wall  440  of the receptacle  414 . As should be appreciated, the second portion  464  of the member  416  engages the bottom wall  444  of the receptacle  414  when fully raised. When fully raised, an aperture  480  in the first portion  462  of the member  416  is fully exposed. The accessory A is then attached as previously described and as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0064]     The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. The drawings and preferred embodiments do not and are not intended to limit the ordinary meaning of the claims and their fair and broad interpretation in any way.