Cargo barricade for a truck bed

A cargo barricade for retaining oversized cargo within a truck bed includes a base component having front and rear sections which are secured to the front and rear surfaces of a tailgate respectively. The front and rear sections each include a male dovetail fastener to which a plurality of intermediate sections can be slidably mounted. A header is mounted on upper ends of the intermediate sections and a fastening strap is secured about the assembly to unitarily secure it to the tailgate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cargo barricade for securing to a pickup truck tailgate to retain oversized cargo within the truck bed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Pickup trucks are routinely used to transport various cargo. Often, it is necessary to transport oversized freight such as lumber or ladders that extend well beyond the tailgate. In such event, the items are susceptible to sliding or shifting thereby causing damage to the truck bed, the tailgate or possibly other drivers. Accordingly, there is currently a need for a device for conveniently securing oversized cargo within a truck bed. The present invention addresses this need by providing a uniquely designed cargo barricade that fastens to a truck tailgate to retain protruding cargo within the truck bed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cargo barricade for retaining oversized cargo within a truck bed includes a base component having front and rear sections which are secured to the front and rear surfaces of a tailgate respectively. The front and rear sections each include a male dovetail fastener to which a plurality of intermediate sections are slidably mounted. A header is mounted on upper ends of the intermediate sections and a fastening strap is secured about the assembly to firmly secure it to the tailgate.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device that secures oversized cargo within a truck bed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that eliminates the danger and inconveniences associated with transporting oversized cargo within a truck bed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a cargo barricade for a truck bed. The device comprises a base component formed of a front section1and a rear section2. The rear section is substantially L-shaped and is formed of a planar, vertical panel3with a lip4horizontally extending from a top edge thereof. A plurality of apertures5are positioned on the panel that receive fastening screws6to secure the rear section to the front section as described in more detail, infra. Longitudinally disposed on the upper surface of the lip is a male, sliding dovetail type fastener7.

The front section includes an elongated panel8having a rear surface with a plurality of tubular, hollow dowels extending therefrom9. A male sliding dovetail type fastener10is longitudinally positioned on the front surface of the front section.

A plurality of intermediate sections11are slidably mountable on either of the male dovetail fasteners depending upon the orientation of the tailgate. Each intermediate section is substantially U-shaped and includes an upper surface12that is either planar or convex with a pair of opposing upturned portions13extending therefrom. Each upturned portion includes a receptacle14for receiving a nipple15depending from an extension post16or a header17. Each intermediate section also includes a channel18formed on the lower surface thereof that is dimensioned and configured to slidably receive either of the male dovetail fasteners on the base component.

The header17includes an elongated beam19having a plurality of nipples20depending from the lower surface thereof that are each inserted into a respective receptacle on an extension section or an intermediate section. A longitudinal slot21is formed on the upper surface of the beam that receives an accompanying length adjustable strap22to retain the components in a unitary configuration.

To erect the barricade, a user places the rear section of the base component on the rear surface of the tailgate with the lip on the top edge thereof. The front section is placed on the front surface of the tailgate and the tubular dowels are aligned with the screw apertures and screws are secured therein. The intermediate sections are slidably mounted on the rear portion lip if the tailgate is to remain in a raised position. If the size of the cargo is such that the tailgate must be in the lowered position, the intermediate sections are slidably attached to the dovetail fastener on the front surface of the base component rear section. If the size of the cargo requires the barricade to be elevated, the extension posts are secured to each of the intermediate sections. The header beam is then mounted over each of the extension sections, or the intermediate sections. The strap is threaded within the beam slot and is secured at each of two ends to an end of the base component.

The above described device is not limited to the exact details of construction and enumeration of parts provided herein. Furthermore, the size, shape and materials of construction can be varied.