Tailgate utility rail and attachments

A rail assembly is strapped to a tailgate and allows utility attachments to be quick-connected to the rail without the need for tools to connect and disconnect the utility attachments. The rail length can be configured for small, mid, and full-size truck tailgates. Thus, a one package-fits-all design is provided. Example features of the rail assembly include a dual buckle plate, a lock tab, one-piece rail extensions, hex key for assembly, and a trimmable strap pad.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to adapter rails for truck tailgates to hold any one or more of an ecosystem of work and recreational products.

BACKGROUND

Trucks such as pick-up trucks typically have movable tailgates to enclose the bed of the truck. As understood herein, tailgates do not offer utility beyond containment, access, and extension.

SUMMARY

As further recognized herein, it would be advantageous to provide structure on a tailgate that can conveniently hold/mount any one or more of a variety of work and recreational products. In other words, the tailgate of any open bed truck (and select other vehicles) can be used to increase functionality for a multitude of end use purposes.

As disclosed further below, advantageously present principles do not require modifications to the vehicle for installation, or specific trade skills, or tools for installation beyond those included with the product. An ecosystem of products is easily and conveniently supported by the structures described herein.

Accordingly, an apparatus includes a flat elongated rail formed with a first surface bounded by left and right edges, and along each edge a respective row of openings formed in the surface for receiving an attachment base of an implement to be carried on a truck. The rail also includes left and right-side walls extending along the respective edges and oriented perpendicular to the surface. The side walls extend the length of the surface and terminate at opposed first and second ends. Left and right flexible straps extend the length of the surface and face a second surface of the rail that is opposed to the first surface. The straps are coupled to the first end and extend to the second end. A tightening assembly receives the straps for tightening and loosening the straps to engage the apparatus with a tailgate of a truck with the tailgate between the straps and bottom edges of the side walls.

The openings may be tang and latch style openings or shear pin style openings.

Plural rubber or plastic pads may be disposed along the second surface.

At least one of the sidewalls may be formed with at least one row of plural holes. At least one extension slide may be telescopically engaged with the rail to slide along the second surface and establish length of the apparatus. Fasteners may extend through the holes to engage the slide to prevent longitudinal movement of the slide relative to the rail.

The tightening assembly may include a flippable latch movable to a tightened configuration, in which the latch is disposed substantially flush against the first surface, and a loosen configuration, in which the latch is pivoted upward from the first surface.

At least one feeder bracket may be engaged with at least one of the straps to route the strap between a bottom edge of the tailgate and a truck bed to which the tailgate is movably attached.

At least one buckle may engage at least one of the straps with the first end of the rail.

The apparatus can include the attachment base of the implement. The apparatus can include the implement. The apparatus can include the truck.

In another aspect, an assembly includes at least one truck, at least one rail strapped to a tailgate of the truck, and at least one vocational or recreational implement mounted on the rail.

In another aspect, a method includes strapping at least one rigid rail to a tailgate of a truck and engaging a mount of a recreational or vocational implement with the rail.

In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a flat elongated rail formed with a first surface bounded by left and right edges. The rail has openings in the first surface for receiving a portion of an attachment base of an implement to be carried on a truck. Left and right flexible straps extend the length of the first surface and face a second surface of the rail that is opposed to the first surface. The straps are coupled to the first end and extend to the second end. A tightening assembly receives the straps for tightening and loosening the straps to engage the apparatus with a tailgate of a truck with the tailgate between the straps and the rail. The apparatus can include one or more features selected from the group consisting of or comprising:at least one dual buckle plate comprising a unitary body formed with left and right strap slots for engaging the left and right flexible straps, respectively;at least one flippable latch of the tightening assembly that is movable to a tightened configuration, in which the latch is disposed substantially flush against the rail, and a loosen configuration, in which the latch is pivoted upward from the rail. The latch is formed with a slot for receiving, in the tightened configuration, a locking tab extending from the rail, the locking tab comprising a hole for receiving a lock to lock the rail in the tightened configuration;at least one rail extension engageable with the rail for extending longitudinally therefrom and having two side tangs with at least one hole each to receive a respective connector oriented in a first dimension to engage the side tangs with the rail and a middle tang with plural holes to receive respective connectors oriented in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension to engage the middle tang with the rail;a hex key removably engaged with the apparatus and configured to be manipulated to adjust and configure the apparatus; andat least one pad disposed along the rail and comprising material thermoformed under heat and pressure to reduce fraying when trimmed.

In an embodiment, a kit of parts includes at least one rail, at least two straps to secure the rail to a tailgate, and one or more rail extensions selectively engageable with the rail and extendable therefrom. The kit may include at least one pad to cushion the rail and at least one latch to tighten the straps.

The details of the present application, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially toFIGS.1-4for a brief overview of an example embodiment of the present rail, a preferably elongated, flat, generally parallelepiped-shaped rigid rail10is shown that may be made of metal or hard plastic. The rail10has a length “L” that is sized for the smallest/shallowest truck bed sought to be accommodated, i.e., the length “L” is no more than depth “D” (as shown inFIG.4, the vertical height when closed) of the smallest tailgate12sought to be accommodated.FIG.2best shows that an extension end is provided that can telescope to vary the length of the apparatus. In the example shown, part of the extension end may include a rail extension13, discussed further below, that can telescopically engage the rail10to extend the rail structure for deeper truck beds. Like the rail10, the rail extension13preferably is elongated, flat, generally parallelepiped-shaped, and rigid.

FIGS.1and2show that the rail10has a top surface10A (FIG.1) bounded by left and right edges14,16, and along each edge a respective row of openings18,20are formed in the surface10A for receiving an attachment base of an implement to be carried on a truck. As discussed further below, the openings18,20may be tang and latch style openings or shear pin style openings.

Furthermore, the rail10also includes left and right-side walls22,24that extend along the respective edges14,16and that are oriented perpendicular to the top surface10A. The side walls22,24extend the length of the surface10A and terminate at opposed first and second ends26,28.

FIGS.1,2, and4show that left and right flexible straps30,32that can be made of webbing extend the length of the top surface10A. As best shown inFIG.2, the straps face a bottom surface10B of the rail that is opposed to the top surface10A. The straps30,32are coupled to the first end26of the rail, in some implementations by respective buckles34. The buckles34may be implemented as Double D cinch buckles to provide an easy pull-tight lock with quick release for the straps30,32. Each buckle34may be engaged with a respective webbing leash that attaches the buckles to the rail. The buckle functionality may be built into the rail10.

As also shown, the straps30,32extend to the second end28, where a tightening assembly36receives the straps for tightening and loosening the straps to engage the apparatus with the tailgate12, with the tailgate12sandwiched between the straps30,32and bottom edges of the side walls22,24. The straps may be sewn to the tightening assembly.

In one example embodiment, the tightening assembly36includes a flippable latch that is movable to a tightened configuration, in which the latch is disposed substantially flush against the top surface10A as shown inFIGS.1-4, and a loosen configuration, in which the latch is pivoted upward from the top surface10A. The tightening assembly36provides controlled and locked final tension on the straps30,32. It is to be understood that ratchets, flipping anchor plates, etc. may alternatively be used.

In the example shown, in addition to the structure discussed above, each of the side walls22,24may be formed along their length with a respective row of spaced-apart holes38. The rail extension13that is telescopically engaged with the rail10slides along the bottom surface10B of the rail10for establishing length of the apparatus, and when the desired length is established, plural fasteners42are inserted through the holes38to engage the rail extension13to prevent longitudinal movement of the slide relative to the rail. To this latter end, the rail extension13may also be formed with side walls having a row of holes in them to register with the holes in the side walls of the rail10.

Also, an arrangement of rubber or plastic pads40(FIG.2) can be disposed along the bottom surface10B. In the example shown, two rows of spaced-apart pads40extend along each edge of the rail10. The pads inhibit motion of the rail on the tailgate and protect the tailgate from scratches. The pads40provide a contact area to transfer the holding force of the rail10to the tailgate12surface.

Concluding the discussion ofFIGS.1-4, L-shaped feeder brackets43may be engaged with the respective straps30,32to route the straps30,32between a bottom edge of the tailgate12and the truck bed to which the tailgate12is movably attached.

Now referring toFIGS.5-8, one example embodiment of the tightening assembly36is shown is an over-center latch design that provides mechanical advantage for increased final strap tension. A latch handle500can include left and right arms502and between the arms502a central mount projection504. The central mount projection504is formed with two transverse channels, one for receiving a hinge pin506that extends through the channel and eye flanges508of a mount bracket510that is configured to closely receive the central mount projection504by virtue of being complementarily-shaped to the central mount projection504. If desired, flange bushings512may be sandwiched between the eye flanges508of the mount bracket510and the sides of the central mount projection504as shown. The mount bracket510is affixed to the rail10, and the latch handle500can pivot about the pivot pin506.

A tensioning rod514may extend through the other transverse channel in the central mount projection504, with the ends of the tensioning rod514being received in or abutting against the left and right arms502. The straps30,32are routed around the tensioning rod514as shown best inFIG.7, with the straps extending between the left and right arms502and the central mount projection504. After being routed around the tensioning rod514, the ends of each strap may be sewn to a more proximal portion of the strap as shown inFIG.7.

Now referring toFIG.9, the attachment process for engaging the rail10with the tailgate12is shown. Commencing at block900, the tailgate is sized, then at block902the rail10is configured. Moving to block904, the rail extension13is set into the rail10, and at block906the feeder brackets42are positioned between the bottom of the tailgate and the truck bed. The assembly is then strapped to the tailgate at block908and the straps tightened. Blocks900-906need be executed only during initial installation.

FIG.10illustrates further details of block900. With the tailgate12up to enclose a truck bed1000, the rail10is held on the tailgate's inside surface and positioned such that the buckles34are resting on the top edge1002of the tailgate12. The distance from the lowest edge of the rail10to the truck bed surface is measured as indicated at “b” inFIG.10. A table correlating the distance “b” to various extensions of differing lengths is used to select the extension slide configuration needed.

The step at block902ofFIG.9is illustrated inFIGS.11,11A, and11B. In the example shown, assume that the step at block900indicates that a “long” rail extension13is indicated. The rail extension13is fastened to the rail10using fasteners1100that extend through both top surface openings and side rail holes of the rail10and rail extension13that are registered with each other. If desired, one or more side connector plates1102and one or more central connector plates1104may be used to interface between the rail10and rail extension13. Only a single unitary interface plate may be used. The unitary interface plate may be integral to the rail extension, i.e., made of the same piece of material as the rail extension. The tightening assembly36is then attached to the extension13using tightening assembly fasteners1106. Note that the straps30,32are not shown inFIGS.11,11A, and11Bbut that the straps at this point are looped around and hang from the tensioning rod514of the tightening assembly36. The rail extension13is telescopically engaged with an extension slide1108to establish the length of the combined rail apparatus. Thus, the extension can be created by affixing components (such as the rail extension13) to the rail10and/or engaging telescoping components (such as the extension slide1108) to the extension end of the assembly.

FIGS.12and12Aillustrate the step executed at block904inFIG.9. As shown, the rail extension13is set by first replacing the rail10-rail extension13assembly onto the inside surface of the tailgate12with the rail10along the tailgate12approximately where it will be used. This will ensure optimal setup. The rail extension13is pulled downward to within a short distance (e.g., a quarter inch) from the truck bed surface. And then the tailgate12is opened while maintaining the position of the rail extension13, which is then tightened fully to the rail10using the fasteners described above.

FIGS.13and13Aillustrate the step at block906inFIG.9. The feeder brackets are slid toward the rail extension13. With the tailgate12down and the rail10in position, the straps30,32are fed through the gap between the tailgate12and the truck bed and out toward the rim of the tailgate12. With the tightening assembly36down (FIG.13A, i.e., in the tightened configuration), the feeder brackets43are positioned on the straps30,32such that the brackets43hug the tailgate corner transition as close as possible.

FIGS.14,14A,14B, and14Cillustrate the step at block908inFIG.9. The tightening assembly36is moved to the loosen configuration and the straps30,32are fed through the buckles34. The straps are pulled tight as indicated by the arrows1400inFIG.14A. If desired the tailgate may be attempted to be closed without significant resistance and further adjustments of the straps made accordingly. In the event that the straps30,32interfere with the truck bed at the gap between the bottom of the tailgate and truck bed, the rail extension13or feeder brackets43may be adjusted to reduce interference. After ensuring that the area underneath the tightening assembly36is clear, the tightening assembly36is moved down against the rail extension13(or rail10as appropriate) to the tightened configuration as indicated by the arrow1402inFIG.14C.

FIG.15illustrates the result of the above in elevational side view.

As indicated above, the attachment openings18,20in the top surface10A and/or the holes38in the sidewalls22of the rail10may be implemented in multiple ways to hold a base of a work or recreational implement, examples of which are disclosed herein. One of the ways the openings may be embodied is a shear pin style shown inFIGS.16,16A,16B,17,18, and18A.

As shown inFIGS.16,16A, and16B, an attachment interface1600such as a flat plate has a top surface1602for mounting an implement thereon. The interface1600may include left and right sides1604in at least one of which are reciprocatingly mounted spring-loaded pins1606. The example shown, two pins1606are mounted in a side1604. The pins1606maintain the interface1600on the rail10in the presence of shear forces between the two components. The “U” channel of the interface1600formed by the top surface1602and sides1604constrains movement in the axial direction of the pins.

FIG.17is an exploded view illustrating the pins1606with respective springs1700sandwiched between the outer ends of the handles1604and respective spring blocks1702. Fasteners1704may extend through flanges1706that are perpendicular to the flat plate and through the separately formed sides (handles)1604to engage fastener channels in the spring blocks1702. The handles are connected to the pins for the user to latch and unlatch the attachment base1600from the rail10.

While two handles are shown, a single handle may be preferred. Therefore, one side would have a handle attached to spring loaded pins and the other would have short fixed pins.

FIG.18illustrates the interface1600supporting an implement1800, in the non-limiting example shown, a bicycle stand. As indicated at1802the interface1600is lowered onto the rail10on the tailgate12with the pins being retracted away from the rail using the handles. Once the interface1600is on the rail10, the handles are released, and the pins are urged by the springs into the holes38.FIG.18Aillustrates the implement in its final (useful) position.

FIGS.19,19A,19B,20,21, and21Aillustrate openings in the top surface of the rail10and/or holes in the sidewalls thereof in a tang and latch configuration. In the example shown, the openings18,20in the top surface10A of the rail10are shown with rectilinear shapes. A two-piece interface1900includes a flat parallelepiped-shaped tang base plate1902with two “Z”-shaped tangs1903extending laterally away from one side of the base plate1902. The interface1900also includes a generally parallelepiped-shaped housing1904that closely receives the base plate1902within the sides of the housing1904as shown. Two latch teeth1906on the housing1904protrude through respective rectilinear openings1908in the base plate1902on the side of the base plate1902opposite the tangs1903as shown.

As best shown inFIG.20, a respective spring2000abutting structure in the housing1904urges each latch1906laterally outward. Opposed handles2002are slidably engaged with the housing1904and are manipulable to urge the latches1906inward against the spring force. In effect, the handles2002are spring loaded and are used to retract the latches1906for disengagement with the base plate1902.

FIG.20also shows that each latch1906may be engaged with a respective lever2004that receives a respective bushing2008and then a hinge pin2006that in turn may be radially supported on the housing1904and/or by the base plate1902.

To connect the interface1900to the rail10, the tangs1903are inserted into two of the openings18,20in the top surface10A of the rail10. To do this, as indicated at2100inFIG.21the interface1900is lowered and rotated onto the rail10. As this occurs, the latches1906begin to enter two of the openings18,20in the top surface10A of the rail10. The ramped surfaces on the latches1906ride on the peripheries of the openings to automatically retract the latches against the bias of the springs2000. Once clear of intervening structure, the latches1906are free to move under spring bias to the latched position to engage the rail10along with the tangs1903. The handles2002may be subsequently used to remove the interface1900from the rail10. An implement2102typically is mounted on the interface1900as shown.

FIG.22illustrates a tailgate protector pad2200that can be engaged with the straps30,32both to protect the tailgate12and to provide a branding opportunity by printing appropriate messages or trademarks on the pad2200. The pad2200may be implemented by a sleeve of fabric that slips over the straps with a soft protective backing material. The pad2200may be extended to protect the buckles34and to extend to protect the tailgate bottom edge. The pad2200may be a single piece of fabric or may include secondary piece(s).

In some examples the rail10may be locked to the tailgate12using keyed or combination locked strap ends with cinch buckles. Cut prevention webbing such as wire embedded, or Kevlar may be used to cover certain portions of the apparatus. The interfaces that hold the work or recreational implements may also be lockable using keyed or combination locked release handles. The rail10may be energized by the vehicle's battery with plug in charging and/or a solar panel attachment in the event that an implement supported on the rail requires power. Plug-in power may be via a hitch plug with a 12V pinout and plug-in power may be via the battery or a fuse box. Note that a standalone battery pack may be contained entirely within or on the rail10. The battery pack is removably engaged with the rail and can be removed for recharging.

As described above, the rail10supports interfaces on which are mounted various types of utility attachments or implements. The attachments (or implements) may be for recreational use for hobbies, sports, activities etc. or for vocational use for construction jobs, field workers, etc. The attachments can be designed for transport purposes while the vehicle is in operation or when the user is at the tailgate while the vehicle is parked.

As can be appreciated from the above, the attachments/implements are easily interchanged, and more than one attachment/implement may be mounted on the rail10at one time via respective interfaces. Without limitation, vocational attachments/implements may include toolboxes, tool racks, worktables with storage, lumber racks, computer workstations, bench vises, work lights, shade Canopies, ladder steps, solar panels, charge stations, and tailgate extension cages. Without limitation, recreational attachments/implements include bicycle repair stands, bicycle transport frame cradles, bicycle transport fork mounts, camping/tailgating tables, water containers and mounts, umbrellas, surfboard racks, ski racks and repair forks, action camera mounts, fuel can and mount, storage containers, gravity showers, basketball hoops and other tailgating games, fishing rod mounts, and rifle rests.

FIGS.23-40illustrate additional features that embodiment may use in addition to or in lieu of above components.FIG.23illustrates a kit2300of parts that may be provided with any of the components described herein. In the example shown, the kit2300includes one or more rails2302such as any of the rails described herein and one or more straps2304to secure the rail to a tailgate. The kit2300also may include one or more rail extensions2306(three extensions shown, a short, medium, and long extension) that can be selectively engaged with the rail2302and that extend from the rail to establish a desired combined length.

Also, the kit2300may include a pad2308to cushion the straps, and a tightening assembly2310such as a latch to tighten the straps2304in accordance with disclosure herein. The kit of parts may also include at least one hex key2312and in some embodiments only one hex key2312and no other tools for configuring the rail assembly as discussed further below. The kit also may include one or more of the buckles described herein for receiving the straps2304on the end of the rail2302opposite the tightening assembly2310. The kit also may include fasteners2314to engage a select one of the rail extensions2306with the rail2302, one or more square nuts2316, and one or more twin nuts2318for purposes to be shortly disclosed. Anti-slip footings2320may be provided as may one or more extension slides2322. Strap brackets2324also may be provided in accordance with description above.

FIGS.24-29illustrate aspects of an embodiment of the strap buckle, in the example shown, a dual buckle plate2400made of a unitary metal or plastic body.FIG.24illustrates that the dual buckle plate2400is disposed at an end of a rail assembly2402opposite the end of the rail assembly at which a tightening assembly including a latch2404is disposed, to hold two straps2406between the buckle plate2400and latch2404.FIG.25is a detail ofFIG.24taken in the area “25” inFIG.24,FIG.26is a side view of that detail, andFIG.27is a rear view of that detail.

FIGS.28and29show front and back isometric views of the buckle plate2400. As shown, the unitary body of the plate2400includes left and right strap slots for engaging the left and right flexible straps2406, respectively. In the example, the plate2400includes two parallel spaced-apart right strap slots2800,2802formed in a right buckle portion2804. The right strap2406is threaded through the right strap slots2800,2802as shown in, e.g.,FIG.26. Similarly, the plate2400includes two parallel spaced-apart left strap slots2806,2808formed in a left buckle portion2810. The left strap is threaded through the left strap slots2806,2808. The left and right buckle portions2810,2804are spaced from each other as shown and are integral with a handle portion2812that spans the buckle portions2810,2804from edge to edge as shown.

Each buckle portion2804,2810is formed on its edge opposite the handle portion2812with a respective open cylindrical channel2814,2816that as best shown inFIGS.25and26extends through a respective opening2500in the end of the rail2402to rotatably engage a bar or other structure2600of the rail2402that is adjacent the opening.

The buckle plate2400provides manufacturing and inventory convenience, along with better styling and functionality for the user in that the straps can be adjusted in concert by moving the handle portion2812.

FIGS.30-32illustrate aspects of an embodiment of a flippable latch3000of the tightening assembly that can be moved to a tightened configuration shown inFIG.30and accompanying detail view inFIG.31, in which the latch is disposed substantially flush against the rail3002. The latch also may be moved in accordance with prior disclosure to a loosen configuration, in which the latch is pivoted upward from the rail.

In the example shown, the latch3000is formed with a slot3004for receiving, in the tightened configuration, a locking tab3006extending from the rail3002. The locking tab3006, which may be configured as a flat plate, is formed with a hole3008for receiving the shackle of a lock such as a padlock to lock the rail in the tightened configuration in a hasp-like structure to prevent theft and tampering. The padlock may be secured to the bed of the truck using a security cable. The same cable can be used to lock a bike or other valuable item

FIG.32illustrates that to frustrate a thief who might disassemble the main rail3002from the rail extension, the main rail3002can be separately locked if desired by means of a lock that can be engaged with one or more locking holes3200near the buckle plate2400.

Turning to a rail extension3300that may implement, e.g., any of the rail extensions2306shown inFIG.23, the extension3300includes a flat parallelepiped-shaped metal or plastic plate3302with opposed parallelepiped-shaped sides3304depending down from opposite edges of the plate3302and perpendicular to the plate3302. Extending forward of the front edge of the plate3302from each side3304is a respective side tang3306with at least one hole3308each to receive a respective connector oriented in a first dimension to engage the side tangs with the rail as will be more discussed momentarily. Also, the rail extension3300includes, between the side tangs3306, a middle tang3310with plural holes3312to receive respective connectors oriented in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension to engage the middle tang with the rail. In the example shown, the first dimension is sideways, i.e., parallel to the plate3302between the side tangs3306, while the second dimension is up-and-down, i.e., perpendicular to the plate3302. In some examples, the holes3308in the side tangs3306are not threaded, whereas the holes3312in the middle tang3310are threaded. Note further that the middle tang3310is oriented parallel to and may be co-planar with the plate3302.

FIG.34illustrates further. A rail such as, for example, the rail2302shown inFIG.23is engaged with the rail extension3300to lengthen the overall rail/extension assembly using the tangs3306,3310. Note that the extension slide2322ofFIG.23may be slid into the end of the rail extension3300that is opposite the rail2302.

In greater specificity, the side tangs3306of the rail extension3300can be positioned flush against inside surfaces of respective side flanges3400of the rail2302, with the hole or holes3308of the side tangs being registered with corresponding holes3402in the side flanges3400. A respective threaded fastener3404can extend through each side tang hole3308and side flange hole3402and engage a respective threaded square nut3406on the interior side of the flange3400, which resists rotation owing to its square shape mating with the shape of the rail2302with flange3400.

Additionally, with the middle tang3310positioned flat against the top surface of the rail2302and with the middle tang holes registered with respective holes3407in the top surface of the rail, fasteners3408(in the example shown, three) can extend through the respective middle tang holes3312and rail holes3407and engage respective rectangle nuts3410on the opposite (bottom) side of the rail2302. Each rectangle nut3410can be formed with two threaded holes for versatility of installation. Additional components fromFIG.23also appear inFIG.34.

In earlier examples tie plates are used to connect the main rail and the subsequent rail extensions, with standard nuts and bolts used to fasten them all together, whereas in the example ofFIG.34no tie plates need be used, and square and rectangle nuts are used to connect the rail to the extension without need for a socket driver to secure. Only a single tool, in the example shown, a 2.5 mm hex wrench for M4 flathead screws is needed to adjust and configure the rail. Increasing simplicity, ease of use, and decreasing cost.

Indeed and turning now to35-38, the L-shaped hex key2312shown inFIG.23may be engaged with a complementarily-shaped channel, in, for example, the underside of the latch3000shown inFIG.30, in an interference fit so that it is always housed with the rail assembly for removing by hand. The hex key2312is thus removably engaged with the apparatus and configured to be manipulated to adjust and configure the apparatus. The hex key is the only tool needed to adjust and configure the rail assembly. Also, sides3500of the latch3000may double as a blocking cap for the strap rod3502in the latch. The hex key is covered when the latch is down so that it is fully contained and lockable when a pad lock is through the lock tab. For further security, a blocking plate3504may be placed over the hex key and screwed onto the latch as shown.

FIGS.39and40illustrate features of the pad2308shown inFIG.23. The overall length of the pad2308is greater than a minimum length “L” for the shallowest envisioned tailgates, with a tail segment3900beyond the minimum length “L” being trimmable at various lengths as needed to fit deeper tailgates. To this end, the pad2308is made of material that is thermoformed under heat and pressure to reduce fraying when trimmed. It is thermoformed under heat and pressure so that the foam substrates are bonded to the fabrics and prevent fraying if the product is hand trimmed by the user. Moreover, the tail segment3900is formed with a series of parallel side-to-side depressions3902to guide trimming.

Loop Velcro tabs3904may be provided on the tail segment3900to engage hook Velcro tabs4000(FIG.40). If desired, elastic bands4002(in the embodiment shown, three rows of two bands4002each) can be provided for the straps.

Thus, the pad2308reduces manufacturing costs and improves product performance by being sized in a single length for the largest tailgates and by being trimmable to fit smaller tailgates. If the strap pad is too long, the extra length will interfere with the straps and jam the tailgate when closing it. If the strap pad is too short, it will not adequately protect the tailgate paint surface.

While the particular TAILGATE UTILITY RAIL AND ATTACHMENTS is herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.