Truck accessory

A truck accessory tool includes a handle and a generally planar end plate. The end plate is configured to be positioned adjacent a box or a bag located in a truck bed. The truck accessory tool enables the box or bag to be pulled out of the truck bed by contacting the box or bag while pulling the tool rearwardly. The truck accessory tool additionally enables the box or bag to be pushed into the truck bed by contacting the box or bag while pushing the tool forwardly.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an accessory for use with unloading objects from a truck bed. More particularly, the truck accessory tool includes an elongated handle and a generally planar end plate. Specifically, the planar end plate includes an attached hook that collectively enables boxes, bags with straps, and other materials to be unloaded from a truck bed.

Background Information

Conventional half-ton and three-quarter ton pickup trucks are useful inasmuch as they have truck beds configured to haul items therein. Typically, users haul loads of materials that may be stored in boxes or bags. In some scenarios, the boxes are loaded near the front end of the truck bed during transport. Because the length of the truck bed is typically in a range from about six feet to eight feet or more, it is often difficult for a person to unload the boxes of materials when they are positioned near the front of the truck bed. Further, when a tailgate is lowered, the effective length of the truck bed is increased. This makes it difficult for the user to unload the boxes of materials from the truck bed.

SUMMARY

Issues continue to exist with boxes of materials or bags that need to be unloaded from truck beds. Particularly, it is difficult to unload boxes or bags when they are positioned near the forward end of the truck bed. Thus, a need continues to exist for a tool or a truck accessory that makes the unloading of boxes, bags, or other materials from the truck bed easier. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues. More particularly, the present disclosure addresses these issues by providing a truck accessory or tool that has an elongated handle and a generally planar end plate configured to be positioned behind a portion of a box or other material positioned near the forward end of the truck bed. The generally planar end plate allows the operator to pull the materials rearwardly in order to unload them from the truck bed.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a truck accessory tool, (i.e., the “TruckBuddy”) screws onto the end of a broomstick or telescopic painter's pole (or other handle) for manually adjusting the positioning of cargo in a pickup truck bed. This would spare the truck owner from having to climb upward onto the tailgate and into the bed to directly access and move cargo where required. The device has a pushing/pulling piece and a hooking piece. These pieces face upwards and downwards depending on which is best suited for moving the cargo. In one embodiment, the pushing/pulling piece is a 3½ inch by 5 inch plastic pad or plate. The second part of the working end is a strong metal hook used to securely grab an item. The truck accessory tool is a well designed and engineered tool that will provide for strong pushing and pulling power. It is lightweight, strong, practical and easy to manipulate. Various components are made of strong Nylon and Fiberglass and corrosion resistant steel for years of reliable use. The truck accessory tool will allow the user to easily push items towards the front of the truck bed or pull them to the rear while standing comfortably behind the lowered tailgate. The truck accessory tool will save motorists time and effort. Instead of lowering the tailgate and climbing up in the bed space each time belongings needed to removed, direct access and easy pulling action is available from this tool. Within a matter of seconds the owner can reach and pull a laundry basket, tool box, gas can, sports equipment, coolers, boxes, groceries, etc. from behind the cab. The truck owner will not have to stretch and strain over the bed wall to reach items from the sides. For pickup truck owners with tonneau covers or caps, the truck accessory tool will eliminate the need to crawl or crouch when accessing items from the truck bed. The truck accessory tool allows for the user to access items from truck beds, vans, SUV's and car trunks without having to lean in and rub up against the bumper dirtying their clothes.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a truck accessory comprising: a first end opposite a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween; an end plate adjacent the first end; and a handle defining the second end connected to the end plate, wherein the handle length is sized to reach to adjacent a forward end of a truck bed so as to effectuate the removal of one of a box, bag, and bulk material from the truck bed. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide wherein the end plate is sized to be positioned forwardly from the one of the box, bag, and bulk material to pull the one of the box, bag, and bulk material rearwardly while the end plate maintains contact with the one of the box, bag, and bulk material. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a hook connected to the end plate. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a collapsed first position of the hook; and an extended second position of the hook, wherein the hook is movable between the first position and the second position. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a central portion and two linear extensions of the hook defining a U-shaped configuration of the hook. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a pivot axis, wherein the hook pivots about the pivot axis from the first position to the second position. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a first lobe extending towards the second end from a major surface of the end plate; and a second lobe extending towards the second end from the major surface, wherein the pivot axis extends transversely through the first lobe and transversely through the second lobe. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a support member extending from a connection with the end plate, wherein the support member receives the handle therein. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a first rib connected to the support member and the major surface. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide an additional rib extending from the major surface in an arcuate manner. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide wherein the first lobe defines a transversely aligned bore that is L-shaped in cross-section. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide an extension member on the end plate extending vertically above a curved surface on the first lobe, wherein the extension member is located between the first and second lobes. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a first tapered edge intermediate the first lobe and the first side, wherein an obtuse angle is formed between the first tapered edge and the first side. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide a lower edge of the end plate; and a lip projecting from adjacent the lower edge, wherein the lip is shaped to orient a major surface of the end plate at an acute angle relative to a floor of the truck bed. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide an annular flange circumscribing a support member configured to receive the handle therein; a first rib extending outwardly from the annular flange towards the first side; and a second rib extending out early from the annular flange towards the second side. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide wherein the first rib and second rib each have an L-shaped configuration with a first leg contacting the support member and a second leg contacting a major surface of the end plate.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a system for effectuating the removal and placement of a box and a bag from a truck bed via an elongated truck accessory tool having a handle, which is lengthwise sized to extend to adjacent a forward end of the truck bed, and having an end plate connected to a forward end of the handle for engaging the end plate with the box so as to enable the box to be pulled rearwardly out of the truck bed when a tailgate is lowered and pushed forwardly to the front of the truck bed, and having a hook connected to the end plate for hooking a strap on the bag so as to enable the bag to be pulled rearwardly out of the truck bed by the strap when the tailgate is lowered. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide wherein the end plate is configured to operate in at least two modes to remove the box from the truck bed, wherein when the end plate is deployed in a first mode a bottom edge on the end plate is position forwardly and adjacent a top edge on the box during the pulling of the box, and wherein when the end plate is deployed in a second mode a side edge on the end plate is positioned forwardly adjacent a side edge in the box during the pulling of the box.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method comprising: positioning an end plate forwardly from an object in a truck bed; pulling the end plate rearwardly while maintaining contact with the object; and moving a hook connected to the end plate from a collapsed first position to an extended second position. This embodiment or another embodiment may provide orienting a major surface of the end plate at an acute angle relative to a floor of the truck bed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As depicted throughout the figures, a truck accessory is shown generally at10. Truck accessory10includes a handle12, a generally planar end plate14, and a hook16. Accessory10includes a first end18opposite a second end20defining a longitudinal direction therebetween. A first side22on the end plate14is opposite a second side24on the end plate defining a transverse direction therebetween. The accessory10includes an upper edge26on the end plate14opposite a lower edge28on the end plate14defining a generally vertical direction therebetween.

Handle12includes a first end30and an opposite second end32. Second end32of handle12defines the second end20of accessory10. A generally rigid sidewall34extends longitudinally between the first end30and the second end32. In one particular embodiment, the rigid sidewall34is formed from a substantially solid material, such as wood (i.e., a broomstick). However, sidewall34may equally be formed from a hollow material, such as an aluminum tube. Furthermore, handle12may telescope between an elongated position and a shortened position. The length of handle12is longitudinally aligned such that the center axis34extends axially in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length of handle12from the first end30to the second end32may be in a range from about two feet to about ten feet. In one particular embodiment, the length of handle12from first end30to second end32is in a range of about four feet to about eight feet. In another particular embodiment, the length associated with handle12from the first end30to the second end32is substantially similar to the length of a conventional North American one-half ton pickup truck bed. For instance, some pickup trucks have a bed length that is six feet and other pickup trucks have a bed length that is eight feet. Thus, handle12may have a length in a range from about six feet to eight feet. In one particular embodiment, handle12has a substantially circular cross-section; however, other the cross-sections of the handle12are entirely possible. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the cross-sectional configuration of the handle12is uniform along a majority of the length thereof. Yet, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to envision a handle12that tapers or is shaped in a non-uniform manner such that various aspects and portions of the handle12differ from other regions thereof.

A collar38may be provided near or at the first end30of the handle12. The collar38may include an enlarged diameter greater than that of the sidewall34. The collar38may be rigidly connected to the sidewall34. In an alternative embodiment, the collar38may be formed from the same material as the sidewall34and be cut or formed in a manner such as to effectuate the enlarged circumference and diameter of the collar38. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, collar38is a strengthening collar to support forces applied to the handle12by operator when using truck accessory10as will be described in greater detail below. Handle12further includes a threaded extension40(FIG. 6) extending longitudinally outward from the collar38to define the first end30of handle12. As will be described in greater detail below, the threaded extension40on handle12is configured to threadedly mate with receiving threads86(FIG. 2) adjacent the generally planar end plate14. The longitudinal length associated with collar38may be in a range from about two inches to about eight inches. The threaded extension40may have a longitudinal length in the range from about one inch to about five inches. In one particular embodiment, the length of the threaded extension40is equal to the length of the collar38. The diameter of the threaded extension40may be slightly less than the diameter of the sidewall34of handle12. Threads on threaded extension40are formed by a helically wound groove extending into the handle12near the first end30. The pitch of the helically wound grooves extend around the longitudinal axis36in a manner as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand.

As depicted inFIG. 2,FIG. 3,FIG. 4,FIG. 5, andFIG. 6, the generally planar end plate14includes a generally vertically aligned flat and a generally planar first major surface42opposite a generally vertical and generally planar second major surface44. First major surface42is bound by the first side22, the second side24, the upper edge26, and the lower edge28. Similarly, the second major surface44is bound by the first side22, the second side24, the upper edge26, and the lower edge28. End plate14has a thickness associated therewith that is longitudinally aligned. Based on the thickness between the first major surface42and the second major surface44, small minor surfaces are created and defined at the respective first and second sides22,24and the respective upper and lower edges26,28. The minor surfaces established by the thickness of the end plate are significantly less than the surface area of the major surfaces42,44. In one particular embodiment, the surface area of first major surface42is at least ten times greater than the combined surface area of the minor surfaces established by the thickness of the end plate14. In another particular embodiment, the surface area of first major surface42is at least 20 times greater than the surface area established by the minor surfaces established by the thickness of end plate14. In one particular embodiment, the first major surface42is substantially continuous and uninterrupted across its entire surface area. However, it is entirely possible for small apertures and other interruptions to exist across the first major surface area42. One example would be if screws or apertures are needed to attach the generally planar end plate14to another device.

First side22and second side24extend substantially parallel to each other. Lower end28extends generally orthogonal or perpendicular to first side22and second side24. As depicted inFIG. 3, a first rounded corner46may connect a first end48of lower edge28to a bottom end50of first side22. A second rounded corner52may connect a second end54of lower edge28to a bottom end56of second side24.

Upper edge26is divided into three sections. While the three sections referred to herein are for descriptive purposes, it is to be understood that the upper edge26is substantially continuous. Upper edge26includes a central section58, an outer first section60and an outer second section62. The terms outer and central as used with respect to the upper edge26refer to its proximity to center plane68. As such, central section58is closer to the center plane68than the outer first and second sections60,62. Outer first section60meets first side22at a rounded corner64. Outer second section62meets an upper end of second side24at a rounded corner66. The angle defined between outer first section60and first side22at the corner64is an obtuse angle. Similarly, the angle defined between the second side24and the outer second edge62at corner66is an obtuse angle. In one particular embodiment, the angle at corner64is equal to the angle at corner66. Outer first section60extends in a non-orthogonal manner inwardly towards central axis36from first side22. Similarly, outer second section62extends in a non-orthogonal manner inwardly towards central axis36from second side24. Central section58spans across a center plane68along which the central axis36extends. Central section58is intermediate the outer first section60and the outer second section62. In one particular embodiment, the central section58of upper edge26extends vertically above the top of outer first section60and the outer second section62. Accordingly, central section58of upper edge26establishes a slight vertical extension member70extending upwardly above the top of the outer first section60and the outer second section62. The extension member70extends vertically above the top of the outer first and second section60,62a short distance. In one particular embodiment, the vertical distance of extension member70is a range of about one-half inch to about one inch. Extension member70is formed from the same material forming the first major surface42.

A first lobe72is positioned between the central section58and the outer first section60. A second lobe74is positioned between the central section58and the outer second section62. The first lobe72and the second lobe74extend in a cantilevered manner outwardly from the second major surface44adjacent upper edge26. In one particular embodiment, the first and second lobes72,74are integrally formed with the generally planar edge plate14. However, it is entirely possible for the lobes,72,74to be formed from different materials or even the same material and be attached via mechanical or chemical means to the second major surface44. Each lobe72,74defines a transversely aligned bore76that is aligned along a pivot axis78. The diameter of the bore76is complementary to a diameter on the hook16as will be described in greater detail below. In one particular embodiment, the diameter of the bore76in each of the lobes72,74is slightly larger than the diameter of a portion of the hook16such that the bores76can receive a portion of the hook16therethrough in a complementary manner. In one particular embodiment, a free rotation connection is established between the cylindrical sidewalls defining bore76on the first lobe72and the second lobe74and the portions of hooks16extending through the bore76.

In one particular embodiment, pivot axis78is located vertically above the first side22and the second side24. In another particular embodiment, the pivot axis78is located above corner64and located above corner66. In another particular embodiment, pivot axis78is located at least partially above a portion of the outer first section60and at least partially above a portion of the outer second section62. The pivot axis78may be located below central section58and below the extension member70. The first lobe72may be offset towards the first side22relative to central plane68and the second lobe74may be offset towards the second side24relative to central plane68.

A handle support member80extends from a rigid connection with the generally planar end plate14in a cantilevered manner from a first end82to a terminal second end84. Support member80is concentric about axis36. Second end84defines an opening configured to receive the threaded extension40on handle12therethrough. Threads86are formed in the inner surface of the opening defined by the second end84and are complementary to the threads on threaded extension40so as to enable the handle12to connect to support member80. In one particular embodiment, second end84mateably engages the collar38when the handle12is threadedly attached to support member80. In one particular embodiment, support member80is integrally formed with end plate14during the formation thereof. In another particular embodiment, support member80may be formed from a different material and rigidly attached to or adjacent second major surface44near the first end82of support member80. In one embodiment, a circular flange88circumscribes the outer surface of support member80adjacent the first end82to strengthen the connection of support member80with the end plate14. More particularly, the circular flange88circumscribing the outer surface of support member80strengthens the connection of the first end82to the second major surface44. The circular flange88circumscribing the support member80is located centrally between the first lobe72and the second lobe74. Circular flange88is concentric with axis36.

A first support rib90may be generally L-shaped such that a first leg92contacts the outer surface of support member80offset to the first side22of axis36. First rib90may also include a second leg94that substantially contacts the second major surface44and extends outwardly therefrom in a cantilevered manner. Second leg94extends outwardly and downwardly from central plane68. More particularly, the second leg94of first rib90is oriented at an angle greater than 90° relative to the central plane68such that the second leg94is angled downwardly when viewed from second end as best seen inFIG. 3. A second rib96is shaped similar to the first rib90having a first leg98and a second leg100that extend outwardly towards the second side24in a downward manner similar to that of second leg94on first rib90. The first and second ribs90,96are strengthening ribs configured to support the support member80when the handle12is threadedly attached thereto along axis36. In one particular embodiment, the ribs90,96are integrally formed with the end plate14such that they are fabricated from a single uniform material. However, it is to be entirely understood and contemplated that ribs90,96may be fabricated from alternative materials so long as they provide adequate structural support to the end plate14and the support member80when the handle12is attached thereto.

With continued reference toFIG. 3, additional support ribs are provided on the end plate14and extend outwardly from the second major surface44. In one particular embodiment, a lower third support rib102projects outwardly from the second major surface44on end plate14. Lower third rib102is offset substantially parallel to lower edge28. In one particular embodiment, lower third rib102is offset above the lower edge28in a range from about one-quarter inch to about two inches. Lower third rib102projects outwardly from second major surface44substantially in a continuous manner between rounded corner46and rounded corner52. Rib102provides structural support to end plate14during operational action of truck assembly10as will be described in greater detail below. Additionally, rib102creates a thickness near the lower edge28that is greater than the thickness of other portions of end plate14between first surface42and second surface44. More particularly, the region below the lower third support102and above the lower edge28creates a scraping edge for the end plate14when it is in use.

A first side rib104extends in a generally arcuate manner from corner64to the lower third rib102. The generally arcuate manner of first side rib104is that of a truncated parabolic configuration. First side rib104extends outwardly from second major surface44and begins at upper end106adjacent corner64and terminates at lower end108at a connection at the lower third rib102which is located offset from the rounded corner46. A second side rib110is shaped in a similar truncated parabolic manner such as to arcuately curve from the corner64towards the lower edge28. More particularly, an upper end112of second side rib110begins at corner66and terminates at a lower end14connecting with the lower third rib102offset from the rounded corner52. In one particular embodiment, the region between the first side rib104and the first side22establishes a first scraping edge therebetween. The region between the second side rib110and the second side24defines a second side scraping edge therebetween. The first and second scraping edges are described in greater detail below with respect to the operation of the truck accessory10.

The first side rib104and the second side rib110are integrally formed with the end plate14such that the material used to fabricate the same is monolithic between those two portions of the truck accessory10. However, it is entirely possible that support ribs104,112may be formed from alternative materials and attached to the second major surface44in order to extend outwardly therefrom.

As depicted inFIG. 3, the first rib90includes an outer terminal end at the end of second leg94. The terminal end of second leg94is positioned inwardly, relative to central plane68, from the first outer rib104. Similarly, the terminal end on second leg100of second rib96terminates short of the second outer rib110. Additionally, the terminal ends first and second ribs90,96terminate vertically above lower third rib102.

A transversely aligned width of the end plate14is measured between first side22and second side24. In one particular embodiment, the transversely aligned width of the end plate14is in a range from about four inches to about 12 inches. In another particular embodiment, the transversely aligned width of the end plate14is in a range from about four inches to about eight inches. In one particular embodiment, the width of plate14is five inches. As is described in greater detail below, the width of end plate14is sized to fit behind a box, or a bag, or other cargo material positioned within a truck bed140so as to effectuate the removal of the same by placing the end plate14forwardly from the cargo content or box so as to enable the handle12to be pulled outwardly from the truck bed140and the end plate14to pull the cargo outwardly from the truck bed140while maintaining constant contact with the same.

As depicted inFIG. 6, hook16includes a first end116and second end118and define a generally U-shaped member. Stated otherwise, hook16has a U-shaped configuration. In one particular embodiment, hook16is formed from a uniform material such as a cylindrical wire having a generally uniform cross-section and diameter between the first end116and the second end118. However, it is entirely understood that alternative configurations are entirely possible. The shape of the hook16formed by the wire is accomplished by bending portions of the wire or other metal piece as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand. Accordingly, hook16includes a first curved portion120near the first end116and a second curved portion122near the second end118. A first linear extension124extends from the curved portion120to a central cross-member126via a tapered outer section128. A second tapered outer section130connects the central section126to another linear extension132which is connected with the rounded portion122adjacent second end118. Taper sections128,130are positioned on either side of the central section126. The tapering of sections128,130offset the central section126from the linear portions124,132. Accordingly, the central section126is offset in a perpendicular manner from the linear extensions124,132. Linear extensions124is parallel and substantially coplanar with linear extension132. As such, the tapering angle by sections128,130offset central section126from the plane associated with portions124,132by a distance of about one-fourth inch to about one-half inch. The first end116of hook16is slidably received within bore76on first lobe72. The second end118on hook16is slidably received through bore76in lobe74. In order to install hook16into the respective bore16, the linear extension portions124,132may be flexibly forced and pressed towards each other so as to narrow the transverse width of the hook16at the first and second ends116,118. By narrowing the distance between ends116,118, the hook is able to flexibly fit between the first lobe72and the second lobe74. The end116may be aligned with the bore76and the first lobe72and the end118may be aligned with the bore76and the second lobe74. The forcible flexion of the linear portions124,132may be released so as to effectuate an urging of the first end16through the bore76in first lobe72and urging the second end118through the bore76in second lobe74.

As depicted inFIG. 4, the hook16is movable between a collapsed first position and an extended second position. Hook16moves from the collapsed first position to the extended second position by rotating about pivot axis78in the direction of arrow A as indicated inFIG. 4. In one particular embodiment, the degrees of travel between the collapsed first position and the extended second position is about 90°. The vertical height134of end plate14is measured between the upper edge26and the lower edge28. In one particular embodiment, the height134of the end plate14is in a range of about three inches to about eight inches. In another particular embodiment, the height134is three and one-half inches (3W). When the hook16is in the collapsed first position, height134of the end plate14equals the overall height of the truck accessory tool. When the hook16is in the extended second position, the height136of the second end of the truck accessory10is increased due to the extension and 90° rotation of the hook16about pivot axis78. The second height136of the second end of truck accessory10when the hook16is in the extended second portion is a range from about six inches to about 12 inches. Stated otherwise, the height of the second end of the truck accessory10increases when the hook16is rotated from the collapsed first position to the extended second position. While not shown, it is to be understood that various detents may be formed and defined in portions of the lobes72,74or on portions of the hook16so as to effectuate frictional interference locking of the hook16in both the collapsed first position and the extended second position. The detents establishing the frictional interference locking may be overcome by forcible urging of an operator when the operator desires to move the hook16from one position to another.

As depicted inFIG. 7, and in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the truck accessory10is a tool that enables various loads, such as boxes138, to be unloaded from a truck bed140. For example, the truck bed140of a standard American half-ton pickup truck is anywhere in a range from about six feet to about eight feet or even more. Thus, when a box138is located forwardly in the truck bed, as shown inFIG. 7, and the tailgate is lowered, it is difficult for a person to remove the box138from the truck bed140when standing at the rear end of the truck. The truck accessory10provides a tool that enables a user to effectuate the removal of the box138from the truck bed140. More particularly, the handle12provides a sufficient amount of length for the user to grasp the same and position the end plate14forwardly of the box138allowing the user to pull the box outwardly (i.e., reward) from the truck bed140.

As depicted inFIG. 8andFIG. 9, the end plate14enables the operator to position portions of the lower edge28or the side edges22,24behind the box138to be unloaded. The edges that contact the box encourage and engage the box138in a manner that enables the end plate14to remain engaged and in constant contact with the box138while the box138is being pulled outwardly from the truck bed140via handle12. More particularly, inasmuch asFIG. 8andFIG. 9are end views of the box138, the dash line portions of the truck accessory tool10shown inFIG. 8andFIG. 9are shown to represent their existence behind the forward portion of the box138that is associated most forwardly with the truck bed140.

FIG. 10depicts the hook16as utilized in instances where the load inside the truck bed includes a loop strap142. Strap142also includes a first end and a second end fixedly connected to a bag144loaded in truck bed140. The looped strap142enables and defines an aperture for a portion of the first end of the truck accessory to pass therethrough such that the hook16hooks the loop strap142and the bag144may be pulled outwardly from the truck bed140. In this embodiment, the tapered sections128,130on the hook16which offset the central section126rearwardly from the vertical sections124,132and creates an approximate 90° angle to prevent the loop strap142from slipping over the hook16during the pulling movement of the bag144outwardly from the truck bed140.

FIG. 11depicts an alternative embodiment of a generally planar end plate at14A. End plate14A includes some similar components as end plate14, wherein similar reference elements are denoted with similar reference numerals. End plate14A includes a U-shaped lip146projecting rearwardly from the second major surface44. Lip146is generally U-shaped including a lower center portion148that extends rearwardly in a cantilevered manner from lower edge28. Lip146includes a first leg extending rearwardly from the first side22. First leg150is opposite and spaced parallel from a second leg152that extends rearwardly from the second side24. First and second legs150,152extend upwardly from rounded connections with the center portion148of the lower lip146. The lip146further includes a first rounded corner154extending rearwardly from the rounded corner46and a second rounded corner156(FIG. 14) extending rearwardly from the second rounded corner52. Collectively, these elements of the lower lip146enable the lip to project rearwardly from the second major surface44so as to effectuate and enable a better scraping action of the end plate14when the truck accessory10is being utilized in the truck bed140. More particularly, the lower lip146enables the end plate14A to contact the floor158of truck bed140.

FIG. 13depicts the integral formation between the support80and the planar portion of end plate14A. A similar integral connection is also provided between support80and the planar portion of end plate14. In one particular embodiment, it is envisioned that the end plates14,14A are integrally formed via an injection molding process with support member80as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand. It is additionally seen that the interior threads86within support member80are complimentary to the extension threads40on handle12.

With continued reference toFIG. 13, the operational alignment of end plate14A relative to the floor158of truck bed140is angled relative to vertical. More particularly, the lower lip146on end plate14A positions the first major surface42at an acute angle160relative to the floor158of truck bed140. In one particular embodiment, angle160is in a range from about 45° to about 89°. In another particular embodiment, the acute angle160is in a range from about 50° to about 85°. In another particular embodiment, the acute angle160is in a range from about 60° to about 80°. In one particular embodiment, the acute angle160between the first major surface42and the floor158of the truck bed140based on the configuration of lower lip146is 70°. In one non-limiting example, the ranges of the acute angle160defined between the first major surface42and the floor158of the truck bed during the operation of the truck accessory10may be critical so as to effectuate a proper scraping action of the lower lip146. However, it is to be entirely understood that this example is not intended to be limiting or to be a complete explanation of each and every purpose of the acute angle160. Further, other acute angles are entirely possible. Alternatively, it would be possible for the angle to be an obtuse angle when the lower lip has a different configuration or if the lower lip is removed, such as in a version of end plate14depicted inFIGS. 1-10.

As depicted inFIG. 14andFIG. 15, end plate14A may further include a first lobe72A that extends in a cantilevered manner away from the second major surface44adjacent the top edge26. First lobe72may include a rounded end wall162that is semicircular in form. Lobe72A additionally includes transversely aligned bore76A that is L-shaped in cross-section. Stated otherwise, the bore76A is not circular in cross-section as bore76as described in the previous embodiment. Bore76A that is L-shaped in cross-section and has a first leg164and a second leg166. First leg164of bore76A extends transversely in a general vertical manner. Second leg166extends transversely through lobe72A in a generally longitudinal manner. In one particular embodiment, first leg164is oriented approximately orthogonally to second leg166of bore76A. The L-shaped alignment of bore76A enables either a slider168or one of the ends of the hook16to slidably move transition from the first leg164to the second leg166and vice versa as the hook16is moving from the collapsed first position to the extended second position. In one particular embodiment, one of the ends of hook116is slidably received in slider168which acts as a collar to frictionally interfere with the sidewalls defining bore76A. Thus, the first leg164and the second leg166of lobe72A act as the detents in order to lock the hook16in the respective first and second positions.

Further, while primary reference is made herein to tool or accessory10that assists with the removal of contents from truck bed140, the accessory10may additionally be used to load cargo into bed140. For example, plates14,14A can be used to push contents forwardly into truck bed140when it is necessary to load materials near the front thereof. Often, it is safer for contents to be placed forwardly in the bed to keep them more secure.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that tool10may be deployed in an inverted manner to accomplish a similar pushing and pulling motion of objects through the truck bed. For example, tool10may be inverted such that hook16engages the floor158of truck bed14. The hook may then be pulled rearwardly while engaging an object to remove the same from the truck bed.

Additionally, the method of preforming the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in an different order could achieve a similar result.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure are an example and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.