Abstract:
An adjustable frame, mountable on a vehicle, for releasably securing hand trucks of different sizes and configurations includes: a support platform for receiving a base of a hand truck; a first and a second side member affixed to the platform; a first bracket and a second bracket attached to the first and second side members, respectively, the brackets extending in parallel therewith; an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between a first position that retains the hand truck on the platform, and a second position, which allows access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and a latch mounted on the swing bar. The second bracket may include a strike that engages the latch for releasably securing the swing bar in the first position. Cushioned crossbars attachable to the side members dampen vibration of the hand truck during transportation.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/972,079, filed Oct. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,373 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/238,191, filed Oct. 5, 2000, herein incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a frame mounted on a vehicular body for transporting a hand truck and, in particular, to such a frame that is adjustable for accommodating hand trucks of different sizes and configurations, and to a method of adjusting such a frame. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   A frame mounted on a vehicular body for transporting a hand truck is well known in the art. Such frames are disclosed, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,530 to Boettcher; U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,342 to Pellettier; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,443,730 to Meusel, each patent of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
   Hand trucks (or “dollies”) are often carried on the vehicular bodies of delivery trucks for convenience. At each stop of the delivery truck, the hand truck is readily available to assist the driver in unloading and transporting the cargo to be delivered like, for example, boxed cans of beverages including soda and beer. 
   Each manufacturer of the vehicular body commonly includes a frame for transporting a hand truck in the design of the vehicular body. In doing so, however, the manufacturer must either predetermine the size and configuration of the hand truck that will be used with the frame by contacting the customer for the vehicular body, or the manufacturer must make a “best guess” of the size and configuration of the hand truck that will be used with the frame. Unfortunately, most often the hand truck that is ultimately used with the frame is either not the hand truck that is initially specified by the customer, or it is not the hand truck that was guessed by the manufacturer. In any event, to accommodate the customer in the interests of customer care, the manufacturer de facto will send, at the manufacturer&#39;s expense, the customer a differently sized frame specifically customized for the actual hand truck used. 
   Accordingly, a specific need exists by which a manufacturer can build a vehicular body including a frame which is adjustable and which accommodates a variety of hand trucks which the customer ultimately might use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   Generally, the present invention relates to an adjustable frame for accommodating different hand trucks (i.e., hand trucks having a different size and/or configuration), and a method of adjusting such a frame. Briefly summarized, the frame of the present invention includes: (a) a bottom support platform adapted to receive a base of a hand truck; (b) first and second side members affixed to the platform and extending upwardly therefrom in spaced, generally parallel relation; (c) a first bracket attached to the first side member and a second bracket attached to the second side member, the brackets extending outwardly from the side members in spaced, generally parallel relation; (d) an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between (i) a first position, whereat the swing bar extends between the first and second brackets for retention of the hand truck on the platform, and (ii) a second position, whereat the swing bar extends generally parallel with the brackets for access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and (e) a latch mounted on the swing bar for releasable securement of the swing bar to the second bracket when in the first position. 
   In accordance with a first feature of the present invention, each side member includes a plurality of attachment locations defined therealong at different spacings from the platform for selective attachment of the brackets to the side members at different heights from the platform. Preferably, each attachment location comprises an array of openings defined by the side member, with the array of openings corresponding with an array of openings defined by a bracket for extension therethrough of removable fasteners. 
   In accordance with a second feature of the present invention, the first bracket includes a plurality of connection locations defined therealong at different spacings from the first side member for selective pivotal connection of the swing bar to the first bracket at different depths from the first side member. Preferably, each connection location comprises an array of openings defined by the first bracket and adapted to receive the swing bar in pivotal connection therein. The attachment locations and the connection locations provide a method of adjusting, respectively, the height and depth of the frame for accommodation of different hand trucks. 
   A third feature of the present invention includes a strike mounted to the second bracket for engagement with the latch carried on the swing bar whereby the swing bar is securely retained on the frame during transportation. In particular, the strike preferably engages a latch bolt of the latch for releasable securement of the swing bar when in the first position. Moreover, the latch bolt preferably is spring-biased to engage a catch of the strike when the swing bar moves into the first position from the second position. The frame also preferably includes a backstop including a first portion mounted on the second bracket and a second portion extending generally coplanar with the swing bar when in the first position and defining an opening in register with an opening in the swing bar for receipt through both of the openings of a bolt of a lock for protection of the hand truck from theft. The first portion of the backstop preferably is oriented orthogonal to the second portion, and the first portion preferably extends between the strike and the second bracket. In accordance with this third feature and an aforesaid adjustability feature of the frame, the second bracket includes a plurality of connection locations defined therealong at different spacings from the second side member for selective connection of the strike to the second bracket at different depths from the second side member. Preferably, each connection location comprises an array of openings that corresponds with the array of openings defined by the strike. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the apparatus and method of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the front of a frame for retaining a hand truck on a vehicular body in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the front of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an elevational view of the front of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an elevational view of a side of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 1  mounted on the bumper of a first vehicular body; 
       FIG. 7  is an elevational view of the frame of  FIG. 6  taken along the line  7 — 7 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 1  mounted on the bumper of a second vehicular body; 
       FIG. 9  is an elevational view of the frame of  FIG. 8  taken along the line  8 — 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a bracket, strike and backstop of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the swing bar and latch of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 12  is an elevational view of the front of the swing bar and latch of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of the top of the swing bar and latch of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a crossbar of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the other bracket of the frame of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the backstop of the frame of FIG.  1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings, a preferred frame  20  of the present invention generally is shown in perspective view in  FIGS. 1-5 . The frame  20  includes a bottom support platform  22  comprising an elongated U-shaped ledge  24  and a flat bar  26  welded at its ends  28 , 30  to the ledge  24  to thereby form a generally rectangular opening  32  adapted to receive the base of a hand truck (not shown). In particular, the opening  32  is dimensioned to receive therethrough a plate of the base of the hand truck as is conventional. Upturned end walls  34 , 36  of the U-shaped ledge  24  each includes a recess  38  designed to conform to a surface configuration of a bumper of a vehicular body for mounting of the platform  22  thereto, all as will be more fully described below with references to  FIGS. 6-9 . 
   With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , the frame  20  includes first and second side members  40 , 42  that are affixed to the platform  22  by welding. The two side members  40 , 42  extend upwardly from the upturned end walls  34 , 36  of the platform  22  in spaced, parallel relation to each other. The first side member  40  comprises a U-shaped rail having front and rear end walls  44 , 46  and an intermediate wall  48  and, in similar manner, the second side member  42  comprises a U-shaped rail having front and rear end walls  50 , 52  and an intermediate wall  54 . Each front wall  44 , 50  includes a plurality of openings  56 , 58  respectively which define a plurality of attachment locations for selective attachment of first and second brackets  60 , 62 , as will be more fully described below. Likewise, each rear wall  46 , 52  of the side members  40 , 42  also includes a plurality of openings  64 , 66  respectively which define a plurality of attachment locations for selective attachment of a crossbar  68  to the side members  40 , 42 , also as will be more fully described below. 
   The side members  40 , 42  are joined at their upper ends by the welding of a top crossbar  70  to the rear walls  46 , 52  thereof resulting in great rigidity of the side members  40 , 42  and the frame  20  overall. 
   The first and second brackets  60 , 62  referred to above serve to support a swing bar  72  which retains the hand truck on the frame  20  during transportation. The first bracket  60  is shown in detail in  FIG. 15 , the second bracket  62  is shown in detail in  FIG. 10 , and the swing arm is shown in detail in  FIGS. 11-13 . 
   In particular, each bracket  60 , 62  respectively includes a U-shaped channel portion  74 , 76  and a right-angle mounting portion  78 , 80  welded to an end thereof. The first bracket  60  is attached to the first side member  40  at one of the plurality of attachment locations defined by two adjacent openings  56  disposed along the first side member  40 . In this respect, each attachment location thereof includes an array of openings  56  formed in the front wall  44  of the first side member  40 , which array corresponds with an array of openings  82  formed in the mounting portion  78  of the first bracket  60  whereby removable fasteners, such as bolts  84 , attach the first bracket  60  to the first side member  40 . For further support of the first bracket  60 , an additional opening  86  is defined by the intermediate wall  48  of the first side member  40  as part of the array of openings for an additional point of attachment of the mounting portion  78  of the first bracket  60  with another removable fastener  88 . The second bracket  62  is attached to the second side member  42  in like fashion with attachment locations on the second side member  42  corresponding at the same height from the platform  22  with attachment locations on the first side member  40 . Accordingly, the first and second brackets  60 , 62  are attached to the side members  40 , 42  at the same height from the platform  22 . 
   The first and second brackets  60 , 62  extend from the side members  40 , 42  in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other. The first bracket  60  includes a plurality of connection locations defined therealong for the pivotal connection thereon of a hinge  90  of the swing bar  72  at different spacings from the first side member  40 . Each connection location preferably includes an array of opposed openings  92  having a common axis through which the ends of the hinge  90  of the swing bar  72  are received. 
   The swing bar  72  itself is elongate and includes the hinge  90  on one end and a latch  94  on the other end. The swing bar  72  pivots between a first position extending between the first and second brackets  60 , 62  and a second position extending generally parallel to the first and second brackets  60 , 62 . The second bracket  62  includes an array of connection locations defined by openings  96  disposed therealong for the mounting of a strike  98  thereon at different spacings from the second side member  42 . Preferably, each connection location on the second bracket  62  includes an array of openings  96  which correspond with an array of openings on the strike  98  for mounting thereof to the second bracket  62  with removable fasteners  100 . In the preferred embodiment, the spacing of the strike  98  from the second side member  42  is substantially the same as the spacing of the hinge  90  from the first side member  40 . 
   The strike  98  is adapted to receive a latch bolt  102  of the latch  94  when the swing bar  72  moves into the first position from the second position. Specifically, the strike  98  includes a catch  104  that pivots to permit passage of the latch bolt  102  in the direction from the second position toward the first position, but which does not permit passage of the latch bolt  102  in the opposite direction. 
   The latch bolt  102  itself is spring-biased so that the latch bolt  102  prevents the swing bar  72  from moving out of the first position when engaged by the strike  98 . In order to unlatch the swing bar  72 , the latch bolt  102  must be moved against the biasing of the spring  106  toward the first bracket  60  and, thereby, withdrawn from the strike  98 , whereat the swing bar  72  is then able to pivot from the first position toward the second position. 
   A backstop  108  is provided for inhibiting movement of the swing bar  72  away from the second position past the first position. The backstop  108  is shown in detail in FIG.  16  and preferably comprises two planar portions  110 , 112  joined together orthogonal to one another. A first planar portion  110  includes an array  114  of openings corresponding to the array of openings  96  of the connection locations of the second bracket  62 , whereby the first planar portion  110  is mounted to the second bracket  62  in-between the second bracket  62  and the strike  98 . The second planar portion  112  extends parallel to the backside of the end of the swing bar  72 . The end of the swing bar  72  and the second planar portion  112  each includes respectively a coaxial opening  116 , 118  through which the bolt of a lock  120  is extendable for locking of the swing bar  72  in the first position for protection from theft of a hand truck retained on the frame  20 . 
   The frame  20  also includes a crossbar  68  provided for abutment with the hand truck when retained on the frame  20  though engagement with the swing bar  72  when closed in the first position. The crossbar  68  includes a cushion portion  122  formed of rubber for engagement with the hand truck for dampening of any vibration or rattling that otherwise might occur during transportation of the hand truck. As set forth above, the rear walls  46 , 52  of the side members  40 , 42  each respectively include a plurality of attachment locations each comprising an opening  64 , 66 . Each end of the crossbar  68  includes a respective opening  124 , 126  that is spaced from the other to correspond with the spacing between the pairs of attachment locations on the side members  40 , 42  having the same height from the platform  22 . Accordingly, the crossbar  68  is removably mounted to the rear walls  46 , 52  of the side members  40 , 42  in a generally horizontal orientation therebetween and at a selected height by removable fasteners such as bolts  128 . 
   The frame is mounted in conventional manner to the bumper  128  of a vehicular body  130  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 6-7 , and to a different bumper  132  of another vehicular body  134  as shown, for another example, in  FIGS. 8-9 . In each instance, the platform  22  is welded to the bumper  128 , 132  along the recesses  38  thereof. Additionally, gussets  136  are welded to the bumper  128 , 132  and to the side members  40 , 42  of the frame  20 . It is understood that the frame may also be mounted on structures other than vehicles. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first and second brackets are mounted at first attachment locations on the side members in order for the swing bar to have a predetermined, desired height from the platform which will accommodate a hand truck of a certain size and configuration. In order to accommodate a new hand truck of a different size and configuration, the removable fasteners are removed from the brackets and side members, the brackets are repositioned at different attachment locations along the side members at the desired height, and the removable fasteners are reinserted through the corresponding arrays of openings to reattach the brackets to the side members at the new, desired height for the new hand truck. In similar manner, the frame is also adjustable to accommodate the depth of a new hand truck. In this regard, the place of the releasable mounting of the hinge of the swing bar and the strike can be selected at one of a plurality of connection locations along the first and second brackets, respectively, with each connection location of the plurality on a respective bracket having a different lateral spacing from the respective side member. Likewise, the crossbar is removably mounted to the rear walls of the side members in a generally horizontal orientation therebetween and at a selected height by removable fasteners such as bolts. The frame thereby is even further adjustable for accommodating hand trucks of different sizes and configurations. 
   In view of the aforesaid written description of the present invention, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended nor is to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. 
   Thus, for example, the side members are not necessarily required for practicing certain features of the present invention. For example, the platform, brackets, and crossbar each can be affixed to the vehicular body without interconnection thereof with side members. Of course, in this embodiment of the present invention, the frame could be adjustable with respect to the depth of a hand truck that could be accommodated, but the height would not necessarily be adjustable. Furthermore, the frame could also include the mounting of the strike to the second bracket for secure retention of the swing arm without any features of adjustability and still fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed, a feature of the claimed invention including the mere mounting of a strike to the second bracket.