Abstract:
A telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate, in a pickup truck. The device has only one moving part which allows the telescoping grab handle to be easily raised vertically and locked into the extended position or easily lowered to the retracted or stowed position while standing on the ground outside the cargo box. The telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box also overcomes many disadvantages of tailgate mounted grab handles which interfere with cargo handling and are rendered inoperable if the tailgate is damaged. The telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box may be added as an aftermarket accessory, but the internal components of the device could also be incorporated directly into the side wall of the cargo box by the auto manufacturer during initial manufacture of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/766,671, filed Feb. 19, 2013, as well as U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/878,041, filed Sep. 16, 2013; and further claims benefit under Title 35 United States Code §120 as a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/608,805, filed Sep. 10, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,678,457, issued Mar. 25, 2014; which itself further claims benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/533,235, filed Sep. 11, 2011, the full disclosures of which are each incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to systems for increasing ease of access into cargo areas present on motorized vehicles including pickup trucks in some embodiments. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various types of motorized vehicles feature a cargo area, including pickup trucks having a cargo box. The cargo box (or cargo bed as it is sometimes called) is generally comprised of a floor bounded by a front wall, two side walls and an operable tailgate in the rear. The tailgates on most pickup trucks generally open to a horizontal position to allow easy access for the loading or unloading of cargo and close to a vertical position to retain the cargo within the cargo box. 
     Most pickup trucks are now manufactured without exterior running boards along the sides of the cargo box. Consequently, access into and out of the cargo box is typically accomplished by stepping on top of the rear bumper or on top of the tailgate when it is open or in the horizontal position. However, recent trends in pickup truck design have raised the level of the rear bumper and the tailgate to such a height above the ground that it is now difficult to enter &amp; exit the cargo box of most pickup trucks. This is particularly true of four wheel drive models which often have larger tires and higher ground clearance than other models. 
     Many schemes involving grab handles have been developed to provide enhanced stability to personnel as they enter and exit the cargo box of a pickup truck. However, most of the grab handles presented in the prior art are mounted on the tailgate and often create an obstruction when loading or unloading cargo. For example, the pivoting grab handle shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,619 could not be utilized when loading or unloading standard size sheets of plywood or other large bulky objects over the tailgate, because it would create an obstruction. Furthermore, grab handles mounted on the tailgate cannot be utilized when the tailgate is closed and they are often rendered inoperable if the tailgate is damaged. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,798 shows a grab handle mounted to the side wall of the cargo box, but it is pivotally attached at the bottom and must be folded down onto the bed of the cargo box to be placed in the stowed position. Furthermore, this particular grab handle is connected to the tailgate by a cable which is meant to raise the grab handle as the tailgate is opened (or lowered) to the horizontal position, thereby making it difficult or impossible to open the tailgate if any cargo was laid on top or against this grab handle. Consequently, any cargo resting on top or against this particular grab handle would have to be cleared away while standing on the ground outside the cargo box, before the tailgate could be opened and the grab handle could be utilized to enter the cargo box. 
     US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0104721 A1 shows a telescoping grab handle pivotally attached to a tailgate step. The telescoping portion thereof utilizes an internal spring pin (item 88) to lock the grab handle in the extended position. Such spring pins are well know in the art and are commonly utilized to adjust the height of walking canes and crutches, but only on an occasional basis to suit the needs of the individual using the device. However, utilizing a spring pin device on a routine basis would be awkward and cumbersome because two free hands are usually required to adjust telescoping devices which operate with a spring pin. One hand is required to depress the spring pin, while the other hand is required to slide the telescoping member. Furthermore, this grab handle is mounted on the tailgate and would also be subject to the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     Thus, there is a dire need in the automotive market to provide a grab handle which will not interfere with cargo handling, yet still provide assistance and enhanced stability to personnel when entering or exiting the cargo box of a pickup truck. In addition, the grab handle must be simple to use, durable and maintenance free with a minimum of moving parts, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install on a wide variety of pickup trucks. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the proposed embodiment to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a telescoping grab handle which is mounted on the side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
     Unlike grab handles mounted on the tailgate, the proposed embodiment would never interfere with the loading or the unloading of cargo because the proposed telescoping grab handle would be mounted on the side wall of the cargo box, not on the tailgate. 
     In addition, the proposed embodiment would not interfere with stowed cargo because the proposed grab handle would telescope up or down vertically and thereby occupy a very small area within the cargo box, unlike a pivoting grab handle which folds up or down and would thereby require a large cleared area in the cargo box (at least as long as the grab handle) in order to remain operable. 
     The telescoping action of the proposed embodiment has only one moving part which allows the grab handle to be easily extended or retracted with only one hand, unlike telescoping grab handles which have a spring pin and therefore two moving parts (the spring pin and the telescoping member) which require two hands to extend or retract the grab handle. 
     Unlike grab handles which are mounted on the tailgate and can only be used when the tailgate is open (or in the horizontal position), the proposed telescoping grab handle is mounted on the side wall of the cargo box and can be utilized when entering or exiting the cargo box regardless of whether the tailgate is open or closed. 
     The proposed embodiment for a telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall would also remain operable even if the tailgate was damaged or completely removed. 
     For the aforementioned reasons, the chosen location for a grab handle placed within the cargo box of a pickup truck and the type of action utilized for extending or retracting the grab handle is critically important to its successful use and operation. 
     The preferred embodiment described herein for a telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box would most likely be added after initial manufacture of the pickup truck as an aftermarket accessory, however another embodiment of the invention might also be incorporated directly into the side wall of the pickup truck by the auto manufacturer during initial manufacture of the vehicle. 
     The main components of the preferred embodiment for a telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box of a pickup truck are briefly described below. The only moving component of the preferred embodiment is an elongated round bar (or elongated round tube) which is sized so that it will rotate and slide within a square tube. The square tube is attached to a mounting bracket and the axis is oriented vertically when attached to the side wall of the cargo box, thus the square tube will hold the elongated round bar in a vertical upright position, yet will also allow the elongated round bar to rotate and slide up or down vertically. 
     A small bar herein called the “lock pin” is placed perpendicularly thru the elongated round bar and is permanently fixed into the elongated round bar so that it slightly protrudes on each side. The length of the lock pin is sized so that it will fit diagonally within the square tube, thus the lock pin will support the elongated round bar in the extended or raised position when the lock pin is resting on the side walls of the square tube, yet will allow the elongated round bar to slide down thru the square tube to the retracted or lowered position when the lock pin is oriented diagonally by rotating the elongated round bar. 
     A retaining ring is also permanently fixed to the elongated round bar to prevent the elongated round bar from being removed from the embodiment. A limit plate is also fixed to the mounting bracket to prevent the elongated round bar from striking the floor of the pickup truck when lowered to the retracted position. 
     The mounting bracket for the telescoping grab handle may also be utilized to support a cargo anchor for ropes, straps or cargo nets. The mounting bracket for the telescoping grab handle may also be used as a suitable mounting device for an extendable cargo cage, cargo rack or other auto accessories know in the art. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the telescoping grab handle the square tube mentioned above can be replaced with a triangular tube, however the lock pin would be fixed in a manner to only protrude from one side of the round bar or round tube. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate closed showing two embodiments comprising the telescoping grab handle in the extended position as mounted near the rear corners of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate open showing two embodiments comprising the telescoping grab handle in the extended position as mounted near the rear corners of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 3  is an elevation of a pickup truck as seen from the rear showing how personnel would utilize the telescoping grab handle when stepping up into the cargo box. 
         FIG. 4  is an interior perspective of the cargo box showing an exterior view of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle as mounted on the left side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed elevation or side view of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle showing the internal components in the extended or raised position. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross section of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the top showing the orientation of the lock pin in the extended position. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross section of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the side showing the lock pin resting in a restraining notch. 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed elevation or side view of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle showing the internal components in the retracted or lowered position. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross section of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the top showing the orientation of the lock pin in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross section of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the side showing the absence of the lock pin in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 11  is a detailed elevation or side view of an alternate embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle showing the internal components in the extended or raised position. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the top showing the orientation of the lock pin in the extended position. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the side showing the lock pin resting in a restraining notch. 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed elevation or side view of an alternate embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle showing the internal components in the retracted or lowered position. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the top showing the orientation of the lock pin in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the side showing the absence of the lock pin in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate closed (or up), showing two other embodiments comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted near the rear corners of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate open (or down), showing two other embodiments comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted near the rear corners of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 19  is an elevation of a pickup truck as seen from the rear showing how personnel would utilize another embodiment of the telescoping grab handle when stepping up into the cargo box. 
         FIG. 20  is an interior view of the cargo box showing another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted on the left side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 21  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 22  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the top, showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 24  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 25  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the top, showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side, showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 27  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 28  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the top, showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate closed (or up) showing two other embodiments comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted in the rear corners of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate open (or down), showing two other embodiments comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted on the side walls of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 31  is an elevation of a pickup truck as seen from the rear showing how personnel would utilize another embodiment of the telescoping grab handle when stepping up into the cargo box. 
         FIG. 32  is an interior view of the cargo box showing another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted on the left side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 33  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 34  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the top, showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 35  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 36  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the top, showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate closed (or up) showing two other embodiments comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted in the rear corners of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a pickup truck as seen from the rear with the tailgate open (or down), showing two other embodiments comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted on the side walls of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 39  is an elevation of a pickup truck as seen from the rear showing how personnel would utilize another embodiment of the telescoping grab handle when stepping up into the cargo box. 
         FIG. 40  is an interior view of the cargo box showing another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle in the extended (or raised) position as mounted on the left side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate. 
         FIG. 41  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 42  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the top, showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 43  is an enlarged view of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the extended (or raised) position. 
         FIG. 44  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the side showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
         FIG. 45  is a partial section of another embodiment comprising a telescoping grab handle as seen from the top, showing the position of the internal components in the retracted (or lowered) position. 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
         
           
               10  pickup truck 
               11  cargo box (or cargo bed) 
               12  right side wall of cargo box 
               13  floor of cargo box 
               14  telescoping grab handle 
               15  tailgate 
               16  rear bumper 
               17  left side wall of cargo box 
               18  front wall of cargo box 
               19  license plate cavity 
               20  tire 
               21  round bar (or round tube) 
               22  handle bar grip 
               23  square tube 
               24  retaining ring 
               25  limit plate 
               26  restraining notch 
               27  lower bevel 
               28  upper bevel 
               29  lock pin 
               30  mounting bracket 
               31  fastener 
               32  hole for fastener 
               33  cargo anchor 
               34  hinge point for pivoting cargo cage 
               35  triangular tube 
               114  embodiment comprising telescoping grab handle 
               121  bar or tube 
               122  handle bar grip 
               123  elongated angle 
               124  fastener 
               125  hole for fastener 
               126  lock hook 
               127  retaining bar 
               128  elongated channel 
               129  slot in elongated channel 
               130  embodiment comprising telescoping grab handle 
               214  embodiment comprising telescoping grab handle 
               221  bar or tube 
               222  handle bar grip 
               223  elongated tube 
               224  fastener 
               225  fastener 
               226  lock hook 
               227  retaining plate 
               228  embodiment comprising telescoping grab handle 
               314  embodiment comprising telescoping grab handle 
               321  bar or tube 
               322  handle bar grip 
               323  elongated tube 
               324  fastener 
               325  fastener 
               326  lock hook 
               327  retaining plate 
               328  embodiment comprising telescoping grab handle 
               329  hole in bar or tube 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical pickup truck  10  as seen from the rear. Pickup truck  10  is typically manufactured with a cargo box  11  (or cargo bed as it is sometimes called) which comprises the rear portion of pickup truck  10 . Cargo box  11  is generally comprised of a floor  13  bounded by a front wall  18 , a right side wall  12 , a left side wall  17  and an operable tailgate  15  in the rear. Tailgate  15  is pivotally attached at the bottom to floor  13 . Tailgate  15  may be opened to a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 2  in order to load or unload cargo or closed to a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 1  in order to retain cargo within cargo box  11 . In some cases tailgate  15  may be removed in order to load or unload heavy cargo with a forklift. 
     When tailgate  15  is closed (in the vertical position) as shown in  FIG. 1 , access into cargo box  11  is typically accomplished by first grabbing the top of tailgate  15  to provide stability and then stepping into license plate cavity  19  located in the middle of rear bumper  16  and thence stepping over tailgate  15  into cargo box  11 . 
     When tailgate  15  has been opened (in the horizontal position) as shown in  FIG. 2  to load or unload cargo, most of bumper  16  and all of license plate cavity  19  is obstructed by tailgate  15 . Consequently, in order to enter cargo box  11  personnel typically attempt to get a grip on right side wall  12  or left side wall  17  near the rear corners of cargo box  11  and step onto the exposed end of bumper  16  and thence onto tailgate  15 . Stepping down off tailgate  15  near the rear corners of cargo box  11  is awkward and hazardous because left side wall  12  or right side wall  17  are not high enough above tailgate  15  to provide suitable stability. 
     In order to provide assistance to personnel when entering or exiting cargo box  11  when the tailgate  15  is open (or in the horizontal position), two embodiments which comprise telescoping grab handle  14  are shown in the extended position in  FIG. 1 . One telescoping grab handle  14  is shown at the left rear corner of cargo box  11 , adjacent tailgate  15  and one telescoping grab handle  14  is shown at the right rear corner of cargo box  11 , adjacent tailgate  15 . Only one telescoping grab handle  14  is actually necessary to provide assistance to personnel when entering or exiting cargo box  11 . However for convenience, two telescoping grab handles  14  may be placed as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  to provide assistance when entering or exiting cargo box  11  from the left side or the right side of pickup truck  10 . 
       FIG. 3  is an elevation of pickup  10  as seen from the rear with the tailgate open (or in the horizontal position). One telescoping grab handle  14  is shown in the extended position as mounted on left side wall  17  of cargo box  11 . Another telescoping grab handle  14  is shown in the retracted position as mounted on right sidewall  12  of cargo box  11 . The person depicted on the left side of cargo box  11  shows how telescoping grab handle  14  would be utilized in order to provide assistance and enhanced stability when stepping up onto the exposed end of bumper  16  and thence onto tailgate  15 . Note that there are no obstructions on tailgate  15  to interfere with the loading or unloading of cargo. 
       FIG. 4  is an interior perspective view of cargo box  11  showing how telescoping grab handle  14  would appear in the extended position if mounted on left side wall  17  adjacent tailgate  15 . The arrow above telescoping grab handle  14  shows the direction of travel if grab handle  14  were to be retracted. Mounting bracket  30  is configured to fit on the interior surface of left side wall  17  of cargo box  11  and is oriented with the longest dimension in the vertical direction. Mounting bracket  30  supports the internal components of telescoping grab handle  14  and can easily be secured to left side wall  17  with a plurality of fasteners  31  such as bolts, screws or rivets. Mounting bracket  30  also serves to cover the internal components of telescoping grab handle  14  from exterior view and prevents cargo from interfering with the telescoping action of telescoping grab handle  14 . Optional cargo anchor  33  is shown in  FIG. 4  and could be secured to mounting bracket  30  by welding or other suitable means. Mounting bracket  30  might also be utilized as a suitable mounting device for a cargo net, extendable cargo cage, cargo rack or other auto accessories know in the art. Hinge point  34  is an aperture provided to accommodate a pivoting cargo cage or bed extender. 
     Although  FIG. 4  shows telescoping grab handle  14  as being installed as an aftermarket accessory, it is entirely possible that the internal components of telescoping grab handle  14  could be incorporated directly within left side wall  17  or directly within right side wall  12  by the auto manufacturer without mounting bracket  30 . 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed elevation or side view of telescoping grab handle  14  showing the internal components as seen in the extended position. In order to reduce costs and avoid manufacturing problems, the preferred material for the components of telescoping grab handle  14  would be mild steel, but other alloys, other metals or other materials such as fiber reinforced plastic could be utilized. Fixed components would most likely be welded together, but mechanical fasteners or even adhesives might be utilized. 
     The only operable or moving part of telescoping grab handle  14  is round bar or round tube  21  which is sized so that it may rotate and slide within square tube  23  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The axis of square tube  23  is oriented vertically and would be welded to the top corner of mounting bracket  30  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Mounting bracket  30  would preferably be manufactured from steel sheet and would generally take the form of an elongated angle with one short leg and one long leg as shown in  FIG. 6 . However the size and configuration of mounting bracket  30  may vary depending on the size and configuration of left side wall  17  or right side wall  12  of cargo box  11  found on various pickup trucks  10 . Mounting bracket  30  shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8  is actually manufactured to fit on left side wall  17  of cargo box  11 . However, if a mounting bracket  30  is required for the right side wall  12  of cargo box  11 , it can easily be made in similar fashion but “opposite hand”. Mounting bracket  30  would include a plurality of holes  32  for fasteners as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8  to be utilized for attachment to left side wall  17 . 
     In addition, mounting bracket  30  may be fitted with an optional cargo anchor  33  as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 . Cargo anchor  33  would preferably be a curved steel bar and would be welded to mounting bracket  30  at a location convenient to attach hooks, ropes or straps utilized to secure cargo. However, other suitable shapes and other means of attachment know in the art may be utilized for cargo anchor  33 . 
     Mounting bracket  30  may also include an attachment or hinge point  34  for a pivoting cargo cage (sometimes called a bed extender). 
     Limit plate  25  is oriented horizontally and would be welded to mounting bracket  30  near the bottom corner as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 . Limit plate  25  prevents round bar or round tube  21  from striking the floor of cargo box  13  when telescoping grab handle  14  is in the retracted position. 
     Retaining ring  24  is welded to the lower end of round bar or round tube  21  as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 . The diameter of retaining ring  24  is sized large enough to prevent passage thru square tube  23 , thus preventing removal of round bar or round tube  21  from telescoping grab handle  14 . 
     Handle bar grip  22  may be placed on the top of round bar or round tube  21  to improve grip and appearance as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 . 
     A small bar herein called lock pin  29  is placed thru round bar or round tube  21  and protrudes on both sides as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 . The axis of lock pin  29  is perpendicular to the axis of round bar or round tube  21 . Lock pin  29  would preferably be manufactured from hardened steel alloy to improve durability and would be tack welded in place to insure it would remain permanently fixed into round bar or round tube  21 . Lock pin  29  is sized so that it will fit diagonally within square tube  23  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Lock pin  29  supports round bar or round tube  21  in the raised or extended position when oriented as shown in  FIG. 6 . A plurality of restraining notches  26  are placed in the top of square tube  23  as shown in  FIG. 6  in order to prevent inadvertent rotation of round bar or round tube  21  while in the extended position. A plurality of upper bevels  28  as shown in  FIG. 7  are also provided on top of square tube  23  in order to guide lock pin  29  into restraining notch  26 . Corresponding lower bevels  27  are also shown and provide a manner of rotating round bar or round tube  21  when it is lifted so as to guide lock pin  29  to the open corner of square tube  23  to allow the pin to pass up to the top of square tube  23  where it may then be lowered into its locked position as shown in  FIG. 7 . As long as lock pin  29  is resting in restraining notch  26  as shown in  FIG. 7 , telescoping grab handle  14  will safely remain in the extended position. 
     In order to retract telescoping grab handle  14 , one merely lifts round bar or round tube  21  enough to raise lock pin  29  out of restraining notch  26  to rotate round bar or round tube  21  until lock pin  29  is oriented diagonally across square tube  23  as shown in  FIG. 9 , thus allowing round bar or round tube  21  to slide down thru square tube  23  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 10  which is a partial cross section of the embodiment comprising the telescoping grab handle when viewed from the side showing the absence of the lock pin in the retracted position. The plurality of restraining notches  26  are shown in the top of square tube  23  as shown in  FIG. 7  but without the positioning of the guide lock pin  29 . In this view, round bar or round tube  21  is in a refracted position as shown in  FIG. 8 . The plurality of upper bevels  28  are shown in  FIG. 10  and are, once again, provided on top of square tube  23  in order to guide lock pin  29  into restraining notch  26 . 
       FIG. 11  is a detailed elevation or side view of telescoping grab handle  14  showing an alternate embodiment of internal components as seen in the extended position. Note that triangular tube  35  shown in  FIG. 11  has replaced square tube  23  as previously shown in  FIG. 5 . All other components shown in  FIG. 11  are the same as shown in  FIG. 5  except for lock pin  29  which protrudes from only one side of round bar or round tube  21 . 
       FIG. 12  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment of telescoping grab handle  14  when viewed from the top showing the orientation of lock pin  29  in the extended position. Note that triangular tube  35  shown in  FIG. 12  has replaced square tube  23  shown in  FIG. 6 . Other components in  FIG. 12  are the same as shown in  FIG. 6  except for lock pin  29  which protrudes from only one side of round bar or round tube  21 . 
       FIG. 13  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment of telescoping grab handle  14  when viewed from the side showing lock pin  29  resting in a restraining notch  26 . Note that triangular tube  35  shown in  FIG. 13  has replaced square tube  23  shown in  FIG. 7 . All other components shown in  FIG. 13  are the same as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 14  is a detailed elevation or side view of telescoping grab handle  14  showing an alternate embodiment of internal components as seen in the retracted position. Note that triangular tube  35  shown in  FIG. 14  has replaced square tube  23  as previously shown in  FIG. 8 . All other components shown in  FIG. 14  are the same as shown in  FIG. 8  except for lock pin  29  which protrudes from only one side of round bar or round tube  21 . 
       FIG. 15  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment of telescoping grab handle  14  when viewed from the top showing the orientation of lock pin  29  in the retracted position. Note that triangular tube  35  shown in  FIG. 15  has replaced square tube  23  shown in  FIG. 9 . Other components in  FIG. 15  are the same as shown in  FIG. 9  except for lock pin  29  which protrudes from only one side of round bar or round tube  21 . 
       FIG. 16  is a partial cross section of an alternate embodiment of telescoping grab handle  14  when viewed from the side showing the absence of lock pin  29  in the retracted position. Note that triangular tube  35  shown in  FIG. 16  has replaced square tube  23  shown in  FIG. 10 . All other components shown in  FIG. 16  are the same as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     In another embodiment, telescoping grab handle  114  (or telescoping grab handle  130 ) as shown in  FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18  or  FIG. 19  is comprised of bar or tube  121  which is sized so that it will slide within elongated channel  128  as shown in  FIG. 21 . Elongated channel  128  is attached to the interior face of an elongated angle  123  as shown in  FIG. 22  in such a manner as to form an elongated tube. When elongated angle  123  is oriented vertically it can be mounted on the interior face of the side wall  17  of cargo box  11 , adjacent tailgate  15 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . Thus, elongated channel  128  and elongated angle  123  form an elongated tube which restrains bar or tube  121  in the vertical orientation, yet also allows bar or tube  121  to slide up or down. 
     It should be noted that elongated angle  123  protects the internal components of telescoping grab handle  114  and may also serve as a mounting bracket for a cargo anchor, cargo cage or other auto accessories know in the art. 
     A small protrusion, herein called “lock hook”  126 , is attached to the lower end of bar or tube  121  as shown in  FIG. 21  in such a manner that it will retain bar or tube  121  in the extended (or raised) position when lock hook  126  is resting on top of elongated channel  128  as shown in  FIG. 23 , thus assuring that telescoping grab handle  114  (or telescoping grab handle  130 ) will remain in the extended (or raised) position while in use. 
     To retract telescoping grab handle  114  (or telescoping grab handle  130 ) one merely lifts and tilts bar or tube  121  away from elongated channel  128  enough to allow lock hook  126  to slide down thru the elongated tube formed by elongated channel  128  and elongated angle  123 , as shown in  FIG. 24 ,  FIG. 25 ,  FIG. 26 ,  FIG. 27  &amp;  FIG. 28 . 
     A small bar or tube herein called “retaining bar”  127  is attached near the bottom of bar or tube  121  as shown in  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 27 . Retaining bar  127  is sized so that it will slide up and down within groove  129 , which is formed by the configuration of elongated channel  128  and elongated angle  123 , as shown in  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 27 . Thus retaining bar  127  limits the extension of telescoping grab handle  114  (or telescoping grab handle  130 ) and prevents personnel from removing bar or tube  121  from telescoping grab handle  114  (or telescoping grab handle  130 ). 
     Plastic handle bar grip  122  may be placed on top of bar or tube  121  to improve grip and appearance as shown in  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 27 . 
     In another embodiment, telescoping grab handle  214  (or telescoping grab handle  228 ) as shown in  FIG. 29 ,  FIG. 30  &amp;  FIG. 31  is comprised of bar or tube  221  as shown in  FIG. 33  &amp;  FIG. 35  which is sized so that it will slide within elongated tube  223  as shown in  FIG. 34  &amp;  FIG. 36 . 
     When elongated tube  223  is oriented vertically, it can be mounted within cargo box  11  on the interior face of side wall  17  with a polarity of fasteners  224  and  225 , as shown in  FIG. 32 . Thus, elongated tube  223  serves as a mounting bracket which can be placed on the left side or right side of cargo box  11  without modification and restrains bar or tube  221  in the vertical orientation, yet also allows bar or tube  221  to slide up or down. It should be noted that elongated tube  223  protects the internal components of telescoping grab handle  214  or  228  and may also serve as a mounting bracket for a cargo anchor, cargo cage or other auto accessories known in the art. 
     A small protrusion, herein called “lock hook”  226 , is attached to the lower end of bar or tube  221  in such a manner that it will retain bar or tube  221  in the extended (or raised) position when “lock hook”  226  is resting atop the side wall of elongated tube  223  as shown in  FIG. 33  &amp;  FIG. 34 , thus assuring that telescoping grab handle  214  (or telescoping grab handle  228 ) will remain in the extended (or raised) position while in use. 
     To retract telescoping grab handle  214  (or telescoping grab handle  228 ) one merely lifts and tilts bar or tube  221  away from the side wall of elongated tube  223  enough to allow lock hook  226  to slide down thru elongated tube  223  as shown in  FIG. 35  &amp;  FIG. 36 . 
     A small plate (or bar or tube) herein called “retaining plate”  227  is attached to the bottom of bar or tube  221  as shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 35 . The size of retaining plate  227  is slightly smaller than the interior dimensions of tube  223  as shown in  FIG. 34  and  FIG. 36 , thus allowing bar or tube  221  to slide up and down within elongated tube  223 . Retaining plate  227  limits the travel of bar or tube  221  when it strikes fastener  224  as shown in  FIG. 33 . Fastener  225  also limits the travel of bar or tube  221  as shown in  FIG. 35 , thus, fasteners  224  and  225  assure that bar or tube  221  cannot be removed from telescoping grab handle  214  (or telescoping grab handle  228 ). Fasteners  224  and  225  are also used to secure elongated tube  223  to side wall  17  of cargo bed  11  as shown in  FIG. 32  and thus perform a dual function. Although only two fasteners have been shown in this disclosure, three, four or more fasteners may be utilized to perform the dual function described above. 
     Handle bar grip  222  may be placed on top of bar or tube  221  to improve grip and appearance as shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 35 . 
     In another embodiment, telescoping grab handle  314  (or telescoping grab handle  328 ) as shown in  FIG. 37 ,  FIG. 38  &amp;  FIG. 39  is comprised of bar or tube  321  as shown in  FIG. 41  &amp;  FIG. 44  which is sized so that it will slide within elongated tube  323  as shown in  FIG. 42  &amp;  FIG. 45 . 
     When elongated tube  323  is oriented vertically, it can be mounted within cargo box  11  on the interior face of side wall  17  with a polarity of fasteners  324  and  325 , as shown in  FIG. 40 . Thus, elongated tube  323  serves as a mounting bracket which can be placed on the left side or right side of cargo box  11  without modification and restrains bar or tube  321  in the vertical orientation, yet also allows bar or tube  321  to slide up or down. It should be noted that elongated tube  323  protects the internal components of telescoping grab handle  314  or  328  and may also serve as a mounting bracket for a cargo anchor, cargo cage or other auto accessories known in the art. 
     A small protrusion, herein called “lock hook”  326 , is attached to the upper end of tube  323  as shown in  FIG. 41  &amp;  FIG. 44 . Lock hook  326  is sized so that it will fit within hole  329  in bar or tube  321  as shown in  FIG. 43  &amp;  FIG. 42  in such a manner that it will retain bar or tube  321  in the extended (or raised) position when bar or tube  321  is resting on “lock hook”  326 , thus assuring that telescoping grab handle  314  (or telescoping grab handle  328 ) will remain in the extended (or raised) position while in use. 
     To retract telescoping grab handle  314  (or telescoping grab handle  328 ) one merely lifts and tilts bar or tube  321  away from lock hook  326  enough to allow bar or tube  321  to slide down thru elongated tube  323  as shown in  FIG. 44  &amp;  FIG. 45 . 
     A small plate (or bar or tube) herein called “retaining plate”  327  is attached to the bottom of bar or tube  321  as shown in  FIG. 41 ,  43  and  FIG. 44 . The size of retaining plate  327  is slightly smaller than the interior dimensions of tube  323  as shown in  FIG. 42  and  FIG. 45 , thus allowing bar or tube  321  to slide up and down within tube  323 . Retaining plate  327  limits the travel of bar or tube  321  when it strikes fastener  324  as shown in  FIG. 41 . Fastener  325  also limits the travel of bar or tube  321  as shown in  FIG. 44 , thus, fasteners  324  and  325  assure that bar or tube  321  cannot be removed from telescoping grab handle  314  (or telescoping grab handle  328 ). Fasteners  324  and  325  are also used to secure elongated tube  323  to side wall  17  of cargo bed  11  as shown in  FIG. 40  and thus perform a dual function. Although only two fasteners have been shown in this disclosure, three, four or more fasteners may be utilized to perform the dual function described above. 
     Handle bar grip  322  may be placed on top of bar or tube  321  to improve grip and appearance as shown in  FIG. 42  and  FIG. 44 . 
     Consideration must be given to the fact that although this invention has been described and disclosed in relation to certain preferred embodiments, equivalent modifications and alterations may become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in this art without deviating from the inventive concepts set forth. 
     Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred and alternate embodiments, this description has been provided by way of explanation only, and is not intended to be construed as a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize modifications in the present invention that might accommodate specific pickup trucks and specific cargo bed configurations. Such modifications as to structure, method of operation, and even the specific arrangement of components, where such modifications are coincidental to the specific truck design or cargo bed structure being utilized, do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the structures of the present invention may be implemented by fitting the telescoping grab handle within the side wall of the cargo box or on the side wall surface of the cargo box. One of the key structural features is the telescoping member and lock pin action which requires only one moving part and may be achieved with a square tubular collar or a triangular tubular collar as described herein. In addition to supporting the internal components, the mounting bracket protects the internal components from interference with stowed or loaded cargo. The mounting bracket may also serve as a support for various auto accessories such as a cargo anchor, cargo rack or pivoting cargo cage.