Abstract:
A truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack is provided which aids in the storage and transportation of surfboards via pickup trucks and vans. Two fold up arms have three slots in each one, with each slot being padded with a weatherproof foam material. When extended in the up position, the slots allow up to three surfboards to be stored in a horizontal position on their long edge. When in the lowered position, the invention folds flat against the floor of the truck or van, to provide the maximum storage space for other items. When secured to the frame of the pickup truck or van with mechanical hardware such as stainless steel nuts and bolts, the carrier can also be used for snow boards or other similarly shaped objects.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 476,331 filed on Jul. 3, 2000. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to devices for carrying surfboards and, more particularly, to a truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     With sales at an all-time high, the popularity of pick-up trucks and vans as everyday vehicles are more wide spread than they ever have been. Their utility and convenience in hauling items coupled with the availability of luxury interiors and extended interior space have made them a popular alternative to other vehicles. There exists a wide variety of aftermarket accessories to increase the versatility of these vehicles. These accessories range from bike racks, tool boxes, equipment racks, ladder racks, and the like. All of these accessories make the transportation of specific material and objects easier. One item that currently does not have any specific carrier rack is the surfboard. Often these boards are seen hanging out the door or over the cab or tailgate of pickup trucks and vans. Such storage often leads to damage of the surfboard with a resultant high repair cost. 
     Accordingly, the need has arisen for a means by which surfboards can be transported in a quick, easy and safe manner by pickup trucks and vans. The development of the truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack fulfills this need. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. The following patents disclose a detachable roof rack for transporting surfboards: U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,354 issued in the name of Williams; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,862 issued in the name of Heftmann. 
     The following patents describe a rack for carrying surfboards on a two-wheeled vehicle: U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,001 issued in the name of Brady; U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,863 issued in the name of Morgan; U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,072 issued in the name of Gibson; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,986 issued in the name of Sirey. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,535 issued in the name of Johnson discloses a combined carrier and roof rack for a surfboard. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,055 issued in the name of San Juan describes a bracket for a truck-mounted surfboard rack. 
     Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a device which allows for the neat, orderly storage and transportation of surfboards by pickup trucks and vane in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack which can be mounted in truck beds and vans. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack which keeps surfboards handy and easy to get to. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack which prevents the surfboards from slipping and sliding all over the vehicle bed while traveling. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack which prevents damage to surfboards. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack which folds flat against a truck bed or van floor when not in use. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack with a foldable design which is quickly extended and retracted. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack with a foldable design which allows the vehicle to be used for other purposes. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device with a rack frame which bolts directly to the bed frame of the vehicle. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device with a rack frame which can accommodate up to seven surfboards. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device with a rack frame which accommodates varying surfboard sizes. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack which can be used in all types of vans and pickup trucks. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a surfboard storage rack which can be used for storing and retaining bicycles, skis, snowboards, and similarly shaped objects. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack is a device which aids in the storage and transportation of surfboards via pickup trucks and vans. The invention provides two fold up arms that have three slots in each one. Each slot is padded with a weatherproof foam material. When extended in the up position, the slots allow up to three surfboards to be stored in a horizontal position on their long edge. When in the lowered position, the invention folds flat against the floor of the truck or van, to provide the maximum storage space for other items. The invention is secured to the frame of the pickup truck or van with mechanical hardware such as stainless steel nuts and bolts. The invention can also be used to carry snow boards or other similarly shaped objects. 
     The use of the present invention allows for the neat, orderly storage and transportation of surfboards by pickup trucks and vans in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with a resilient restraining means engaged therewith; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention according to the preferred embodiment shown mounted to a truck bed; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the present invention according to the preferred embodiment shown folded to a flat position; 
     FIG. 7 is a front end elevational view according to a first alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 8 is a front end elevational view of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention shown depicting an alternate restraining means. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack  10  is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a generally H-shaped frame  20 , a plurality of foldable vertical support members  40 , a pair of horizontal post support members  50 , and a plurality of vertical post members  60  for aiding in the storage and transportation of surfboards  23  in pickup truck beds and vans. 
     The H-shaped frame  20  is constructed preferably of steel and includes a linearly elongated, hollow rectangular, central base member  22  with a linearly elongated, hollow, rectangular lateral base member  24 ,  25  welded perpendicularly to each end thereof along a linearly elongated centerline of each lateral base member at an inner portion thereof, thereby forming a frame  20  having a generally H-shape. Each end of each lateral base member  24 ,  25  is curved in an upward direction forming an L-shaped portion measuring approximately 90° . An inner portion of each L-shaped end of each lateral base member  24 ,  25  includes a pair of vertically aligned apertures  28  for receiving stainless steel bolts  30  therethrough. 
     Each of a pair of U-shaped foldable vertical support members  40  are of a linearly elongated, hollow, rectangular configuration and have a pair of corresponding vertically aligned apertures  42  formed at an end thereof so as to be removably secured to an outer portion of the L-shaped end of each lateral base member  24 ,  25  via bolts  30 . Bolts  30  are inserted through each corresponding aperture  42  of each vertical support member  40  through each aperture  28  formed in the L-shaped end of each lateral base member  24 ,  25  and is followed by washer and lock nut  31  tightened thereon, and a washer followed by a wing nut  32  tightened to the bolts  30  therebelow at the posterior end  20 b of the H-shaped frame  20 , and a washer followed by a wing nut  32  tightened to the bolts  30 , and a washer followed by a lock nut  31  tightened to the bolts  30  therebelow at the anterior end  20 a of the H-shaped frame  20  thereby securely holding each vertical support member  40  in an upright fashion. 
     Each of a pair of linearly elongated, flat horizontal post support members  50  is bolted via bolts  30  and lock nuts  31  to an upper surface of each of a pair of linearly elongated, flat horizontal post support members  51 , wherein each post support member  51  is welded end to end with an upper surface of each vertical support member  40 . The horizontal post support members  50  are positioned so as to be aligned parallel with the lateral base members  24 ,  25  and have ends extending just beyond a measured horizontal distance between vertical support members  40  bolted thereunder. 
     A plurality of linearly elongated, circular, cylindrical vertical post members  60  are welded perpendicularly to a top side of each horizontal post support member  50 , wherein the vertical post members  60  are adjacently spaced equidistance, thereby forming three surfboard receiving slots  70   a ,  70   b , and  70   c . Opposed extreme ends  62  of each vertical post member  60  include a hole  63  formed therein so as to allow connection thereto to a resilient restraining means  65 . The resilient restraining means  65  comprises an elastic cord  66  with a wire hook  68  attached to each end thereof. The elastic cord  66  is attached to the vertical post members  60  by engagement of the wire hooks  68  in the holes  63  in the extreme ends  62  thereof. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack  10  is designed and configured so as to accommodate and firmly restrain three surfboards  23 . 
     The horizontal post support members  50  and the vertical post members  60  are enclosed within weatherproof, spongy, compressible material  75  so as to prevent surfboards from being damaged while being transported. The extreme ends  62  of the vertical post members  60  are left exposed so as to allow connection thereto by the restraining means  65 . 
     When a user desires to store and transport surfboards  23  via the present invention, the user places a surfboard  23  on a long edge thereof in a horizontal position within a respective surfboard receiving slot  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c . The wire hook  68  at the end of the elastic cord  66  is engaged with the hole  63  in the extreme end  62  of the vertical post member  60  located at an end of the horizontal post support member  50 , and an opposite end of the elastic cord  66  is stretched around the surfboard  23  and the wire hook  68  connected thereto engages the hole  63  in the extreme end  62  of the adjacent vertical post member  60  nearest thereto, thereby firmly and protectively restraining a surfboard for being transported within a truck bed or van. 
     Referring now with specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, for providing permanent attachment of the truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack  10  to a bed of a truck or floor of a van, a plurality of holes  80  are drilled in the central base member  22  and lateral base members  24 ,  25  at various sections thereof so as to allow the truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack  10  to be bolted to the truck bed or floor of a van. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, to allow for maximum storage space in a truck bed or van during periods of non-use, the truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack  10  is folded in a flat position against a bed or floor thereof. A user simply removes the wing nuts  32  on the bolts  30  located in the apertures  42  of each vertical support member  40 , thereby facilitating a folding action of the vertical support members  40 . The vertical support members  40  are then folded towards the central base member  22  in an overlapping manner to a flat position. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, a first alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein eight vertical support members  40  enclosed in a spongy, compressible, weatherproof material  75  are welded perpendicularly, adjacently spaced equi-distance, to a top side of each horizontal post support member  50  so as to firmly restrain and accommodate seven surfboards  23 . 
     Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, a front end elevational view of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown depicting an alternate restraining means  90  for aiding in the storage and transportation of surfboards  23  in truck beds and vans. 
     Each of two pairs of linearly elongated, circular hollow vertical post members  60  are welded perpendicularly at ends of the top side of the horizontal post support member  50  along a longitudinal axis formed by each vertical support member  40 . Each vertical post member  60  includes a linearly elongated inner member  92  with linear detentes  93  aligned circumferentially theraround and extending an entire vertical length thereof, telescoping inside its respective vertical post member  60  for varying the length thereof, and is locked in a desired vertical position via a locking means  94 . 
     A C-shaped, hollow restraining arm  96  is welded to a top portion of each inner member  92  and serves as a firm restraining means against which a long edge of a surfboard rests, while an opposite long edge thereof rests against the horizontal post support member  50 . The C-shaped restraining arms  96 , the horizontal post support members  50 , and the vertical post members  60  are enclosed within the weatherproof, spongy, compressible material  75  so as to prevent surfboards from being damaged while being transported. 
     It is envisioned that the present invention is adaptable to be used for storing, retaining, and transporting bicycles, skis, snow boards, and similarly shaped objects. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     To use the present invention, when the vertical support members  40  are in a secured upright position, a user places a surfboard  23  on a long edge thereof in a horizontal position within a respective surfboard receiving slot  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c . The wire hook  68  at the end of the elastic cord  66  is engaged with the hole  63  in the extreme end  62  of the vertical post member  60  located at an end of the horizontal post support member  50 , and an opposite end of the elastic cord  66  is stretched around the surfboard  23  and the wire hook  68  connected thereto engages the hole  63  in the extreme end  62  of the adjacent vertical post member  60  nearest thereto, thereby firmly and protectively restraining a surfboard for being transported within a truck bed or van. 
     In the event a user desires maximum storage space in a truck bed or van during periods of non-use, the truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack  10  is folded in a flat position against a bed or floor thereof. A user simply removes the wing nuts  32  on the bolts  30  located in the apertures  42  of each vertical support member  40 , thereby facilitating a folding action of the vertical support members  40 . The vertical support members  40  are then folded towards the central base member  22  in an overlapping manner to a flat position. 
     The use of the present invention allows for the neat, orderly storage and transportation of surfboards by pickup trucks and vans in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following claims.