Patent Publication Number: US-9884594-B1

Title: Utility rack system and attachments

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/031,471, entitled “Utility Rack System,” filed on Sep. 19, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to utility racks and more specifically it relates to a utility rack system and attachments which may allow a wide range of attachment functions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Vehicles are commonly used to transport a wide range of materials and devices to various locations. In many cases, a vehicle may not be suited to transport the type of devices necessary for some functionality. For example, a vehicle may not have the room or capability to transfer a number of snowboards or other outdoor recreational equipment. 
     To overcome this limited functionality, there are a number of different racks which may be purchased and installed on a vehicle for transporting various items. However, these racks are generally tailored to be used with a specific recreational device. For example, an enthusiast of both biking and skiing will often be required to purchase both a bike rack and a ski rack attachment for their vehicle. If that individual wishes to both bike and ski on the same excursion, it is often impossible to install both racks on the same vehicle, and thus two vehicles may be needed. 
     Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved utility rack system which may be secured to a vehicle to allow attachment of a wide range of items. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect, a utility rack which includes a base frame, a mounting member, an adjustment member, and one or more adjustable legs. The mounting member may be utilized to secure the base frame to a vehicle, such as through use of a towing hitch. The base frame is pivotally secured to the mounting member such that it may pivot with respect thereto. The adjustment member is utilized to adjust and lock the base frame into various positions with respect to the mounting member. The adjustable legs may be secured beneath the frame. The disclosure also includes a wide range of attachments which may be removably secured to the base frame for supporting various items. 
     In a second aspect, an accessory or attachment for a storage system can include at least one attachment device for attaching the accessory to the storage system. The attachment device can include a cross member retainer configured to partially retain the cross member, a hinged brace configured to move between an open position rotated away from the cross member retainer and a closed position rotate towards the cross member retainer and configured to press against the at least one cross member, and a latch configured to lock the hinged brace in the closed position and maintain a pressure of the hinged brace against the at least one cross member. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining various embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the drawings herein, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a utility rack installed on a pickup truck, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the base frame in a compacted position, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of the base frame in an upright position, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the base frame illustrating installation of the leg supports, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view illustrating a first storage attachment being secured to the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is an upper perspective view of the first storage attachment secured to the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is an upper perspective view illustrating the tray attachment secured to the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating the ski/snowboard retainers secured to the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view of a ski/snowboard retainer, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of a second storage attachment, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  is an upper exploded perspective view of a third storage attachment, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  is an upper perspective view of a retention bracket for use with the bike retainers, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  is an upper perspective view illustrating the bike retainers in use to retain a bike, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  is an upper perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the base frame utilizing a hydraulic adjustment member, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a first exemplary attachment device in an open position, in accordance to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a second exemplary attachment device in an open position, in accordance to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the first exemplary attachment device in a closed position, in accordance to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the second exemplary attachment device in a closed position, in accordance to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary tray attachment frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary tray for use with the exemplary tray attachment frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the exemplary tray in use with the exemplary tray attachment frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiments of the adjustment member of the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following description in combination with the Figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The description is focused on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings, and is provided to assist in describing the teachings. This focus should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. 
     Overview 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 8  illustrate a utility rack system  10 , which comprises a base frame  20 , a mounting member  30 , an adjustment member, and one or more adjustable legs  50 . The mounting member  30  may be utilized to secure the base frame  20  a vehicle  12 , such as through use of a towing hitch  13 . The base frame  20  is pivotally secured to the mounting member  30  such that it may pivot with respect thereto. The adjustment member  40  is utilized to adjust and lock the base frame  20  into various positions with respect to the mounting member  30 . The adjustable legs  50  may be secured beneath the frame  20 . Various embodiments also include a wide range of attachments  80 ,  90 ,  100 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140  which may be removably secured to the base frame  20  for supporting various items. 
     Base Frame 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the utility rack includes a base frame  20  which is adapted to be removably secured to a vehicle  12 , such as through use of a trailer hitch  13 . The base frame  20  acts as a base attachment point for a wide range of attachment devices which will be described herein. It is appreciated that the structure, shape, size, and configuration of the base frame  20  may vary, and thus it should not be construed as being limited by the exemplary figures. 
     In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base frame  20  comprises a rectangular frame structure comprised of a pair of rectangular portions  23 ,  24  which are linked together to form the overall frame  20 . The first portion  23  includes a first inner support  25  and the second portion  24  includes a second inner support  26 , the inner supports  25 ,  26  being spaced apart from each other to define a centralized slot  27  into which the adjustment member  40  will be positioned as best shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Each of the inner supports  25 ,  26  includes a plurality of apertures  28  extending there across for use in locking the adjustment member  40  in various locations within the slot  27 . 
     While the present disclosure refers to the portions  23 ,  24  separately, it is appreciated that the base frame  20  may be integrally formed of a unitary structure. However, in some embodiments, the base frame  20  may be comprised of discrete, interconnected structures. 
     The base frame  20  includes a first end  21  adapted to be secured to a vehicle  12  and a second end  22  which, in some configurations, may be swung into various positions. A plurality of cross members  29  extend across the base frame  20 , parallel to its respective ends  21 ,  22 . The cross members  29  are utilized both the secure various attachment as well as to mount the adjustable support legs SO as described herein. In most embodiments, the cross members  29  will extend across the slot  27 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , a stopper assembly  36  may be secured to the first end  21  of the base frame  20 . The stopper assembly  36  may be comprised of a cross bar which will restrict full rotation of the base frame  20  with respect to the mounting member  30 . Thus, the stopper assembly  36  will cause the base frame  20  to rest in a lowered, horizontal state as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Mounting Member 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the utility rack includes a mounting member  30  which is used to removably secure the base frame  20  to a vehicle  12 , such as through use of a trailer hitch  13 . The mounting member  30  extends from the first end  21  of the base frame  20  and may be integrally formed with, or removably secured!, thereto. 
     A first end  31  of the mounting member  30  will be positioned at the first end  21  of the base frame  20  and the second end  32  will be positioned outward therefrom. The first end  31  includes a pivot aperture  34  through which a pivot pin  35  extends such that the base frame  20  may pivot with respect to the mounting member  30 . The second end  32  will include a receiver opening  33  for interconnecting with a standard hitch  13 . 
     The mounting member  30  includes a first linkage member  37  and a second linkage member  38  extending upwardly therefrom. The linkage members  37 ,  38  are generally comprised of a bracket or clamp configuration when combined so as to define a central slot 
       39 . The adjustment member  40  is adapted to be secured within the slot  39  between the linkage members  37 ,  38  as shown in the figures. 
     Adjustment Member 
     An adjustment member  40  can be included for aiding with the adjustment and locking of the base frame  20  in various positioned with respect to the mounting member  30 . The base frame  20  may be positioned horizontally such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , vertically as shown in  FIG. 3 , or at various locations therebetween. Thus adjustment of the base frame  20  will allow for a wide range of attachments to be secured thereto. 
     As shown throughout the figures, the adjustment member  40  is generally comprised of an elongated member such as a rod having a first end  42  and a second end  46 . The first end  42  of the adjustment member  40  includes a first pin  44  which will extend through both the adjustment member  40  as well as the linkage members  37 ,  38  so as to allow the adjustment member  40  to pivot within the slot  39  of the linkage members  37 ,  38  where it is removably secured. 
     The second end  46  of the adjustment member  40  includes a second pin  48  which may be extended through both the adjustment member  40  as well as the desired apertures  28  of the inner supports  25 ,  26  to position the adjustment member  40  at various locations within the slot  27  of the base frame  20 . By locking the second end  46  of the adjustment member  40  within various locations of the slot  27 , the positioning of the base frame  20  with respect to the mounting member  30  may be easily adjusted.  FIG. 14  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the adjustment member  40  in which it is hydraulically-operated. In such an embodiment, the adjustment member  40  will be comprised of a hydraulic cylinder which may be operated by various hydraulic means, such as a pump. 
     Rather than using second pin  48  to attach the second end  46  of adjustment member  40  to the base frame  20 , in an alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 22 , adjustment member  40  can include a loop  2202  at the second end  46 . Receiving plate  2204  can be attached to the base frame  20  between the first inner support  25  and the second inner support  26 . Receiving plate  2204  can have a notch  2206  through which loop  2202  can be inserted. Adjustment member  40  can be secured in place by inserting a bolt, lock, clip hook, or the like through the loop  2202  while it is inserted through the notch  2206  in the receiving plate  2204 . 
     Support Legs 
     As shown throughout the figures, the utility rack can include one or more adjustable legs SG which may be utilized as a stand for the base frame  20  so that it may rest in a horizontal position, such as is shown in  FIG. 4 . Each adjustable leg  50  includes an upper member  51  and a lower member  54  linked by an adjustment rod  53 . 
     In some embodiments, the upper member  51  will be threadably secured to a first end of the adjustment rod  53  and the lower member  54  will be threadably secured to a second end of the adjustment rod  53  such that its effective length may be adjusted. The upper member  51  of the adjustable leg  50  includes a bracket  52  adapted to engage with the cross members  29  of the base frame  20  to secure the leg  50  thereto as best shown in  FIG. 4 . The lower member  54  includes a foot  55  on which will rest on the ground. 
     When not in use, the legs  50  may be secured to the adjustment member  40  through use of a leg retainer  49 . Such a configuration is shown throughout the figures and best shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The legs  50  may be stacked on top of the adjustment member  40  and secured thereto with the retainer  49 . A wide range of retainers  49  may be utilized, including clamps, brackets, pins, bolts, straps, and the like. 
     Vehicle Receiver 
     A vehicle receiver  60  may be provided to interface between the base frame  20  and the hitch  13  of the vehicle  12 . The vehicle receiver  60  aids with removably securing the mounting member  30  to a vehicle  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the vehicle receiver  60  is comprised of a rube-structure which may be comprised of various cross-sections, including without limitation square-and-circular-shaped cross-sections. 
     The outer width/circumference of the vehicle receiver  60  will preferably be slightly smaller than the outer width/circumference of the mounting member  30  so that the vehicle receiver  60  may frictionally engage within the receiver opening  33  of the mounting member  30 . A channel  64  runs through the vehicle receiver  60  for alternate embodiments in which the mounting member  30  instead fits within the vehicle receiver  60 . 
     The vehicle receiver  60  includes a first bracket  61  and a second bracket  62  extending outwardly from its respective first and second sides to aid in removably securing to the vehicle  13 . The brackets  61 ,  62  may be removably secured underneath the bumper or at various other locations along the outer frame of a vehicle  12  to act as an interface for securing the mounting member  30  thereto. An aperture  63  extends horizontally through the body of the vehicle receiver  60  through which a fastener may be extended to removably secure the vehicle receiver  60  to the mounting member  30 , which may include corresponding apertures as shown. 
     Connector Member 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 , connector members  70  may be provided to aid with securing various attachments to the base frame  20 . Each connector member  70  comprises a central portion  73  having an outer bracket  71  extending from a first end thereof and an inner bracket  74  extending from a second end thereof. The brackets  71 ,  74  are preferably vertically oriented as shown in the figures. 
     The outer bracket  71  includes at least one aperture  72  and the inner bracket  74  similarly includes at least one corresponding aperture  75 . The apertures  72 ,  75  of the respective brackets  71 ,  74  are preferably aligned so that a fastener  84  may pass therethrough. Fasteners  84  which are secured to various attachments  80  may be secured within these apertures  72 ,  75  to secure the attachment  80  to the connector member  70 , such as through usage of nuts  79  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     A retainer plate  76  is provided to engage with the connector member  70 , wherein the retainer plate  76  and connector member  70 , when assembled, will sandwich a cross member  29  therebetween. Any fasteners  84  extending from the attachment  80  will extend through the aperture  72  of the outer bracket  71 , the aperture  75  of the inner bracket  74  before extending around the cross member  29  and being terminated within the aperture  77  of the retainer plate  76  and secured therein. Thus, an attachment  80  may easily be secured to and removed from the base frame  20 . 
     First Storage Attachment 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a first storage attachment  80  for use with a utility rack. The first storage attachment  80  is comprised of a storage box which may be removably secured to the base frame  20 , preferably when in an upright position as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     The first storage attachment  80  includes an outer end  81  which may include an access door  82  providing access to an internal cavity in which various items may be stored. The inner end  83  of the first storage attachment  80  preferably includes one or more fasteners  84  which extend through the connector members  70  and retainer plate  76  to secure the first storage attachment  80  to the base frame  20  as shown in the figures. 
     Tray Attachment 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a tray attachment  90  which may be removably secured to the base frame  20 , preferably when the base frame  20  is in an upright position. While the figure illustrates the tray attachment  90  being secured to the lowermost cross member  29 , it is appreciated that the tray attachment  90  may be secured to any of the cross members  29  of the base frame  20 . In some embodiments, multiple tray attachments  90  may be secured to a single base frame  20  by using multiple cross members  29 . 
     The tray attachment  90  generally includes apertures through which fasteners  91  may be extended which will be positioned on either side of a cross member  29  of the base frame  20  before terminating into a retainer plate  76 . Nuts  92  may be utilized to secure the fasteners  91  within both the tray attachment  90  and the retainer plate  76  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIGS. 19, 20, and 21  illustrate an alternate tray attachment system  2100  including a tray attachment frame  1900  and a tray  2000 . Tray attachment frame  1900  can be adapted to be removably secured to a utility rack with attachment devices  1902  and  1904 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, tray attachment frame  1900  can include rectangular frame structures  1906  and  1908  which are joined together at right angles to form the tray attachment frame  1900 . Additionally, angled support members  1910  and  1912  provide additional rigidity to the tray attachment frame  1900 . A plurality of support members  1914  can extend the depth of rectangular frame structure  1906 . Additional support members  1916  can extend the height of rectangular frame structure  1908 . In various embodiments, support members  1914  can be constructed substantially similar to cross members  29  enabling the attachment of accessories to tray attachment frame  1900 . 
     Tray  2000  can include a tray portion  2002  and a retaining bracket  2004 . In various embodiments, tray  2000  can be positioned on tray attachment frame  1900  such that retaining bracket  2004  engages with a portion of rectangular frame structure  1904 . Additionally, tray  2000  can include one or more eyelets (not shown) to align with eyelets (not shown) on the tray attachment frame  1900  such that a locking mechanism can be used to secure tray  2000  to tray attachment frame  1900 . 
     Ski/Snowboard Retainers 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate ski/snowboard retainers  100  which may be utilized with the utility rack to ease transport of skis or snowboards  15 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , generally a pair of retainers  100  will be positioned on a single cross bar  29  in spaced-apart relationship to secure a single snowboard  15  or set of skis therein. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 9 , each ski/snowboard retainer  100  comprises a base connector  101  having a pair of fasteners  102  extending therefrom in a first direction. An upper arm  105  and a lower arm  103  extend in a second direction from the opposite side of the base connector  101  with respect to the fasteners  102 . 
     The lower arm  103  is fixedly secured to the base connector  101  and includes a latch  104  or other linkage on its distal end. The upper arm  105  is hingedly secured to the base connector  101  using a hinge  106  and includes a corresponding locking member  107  on its distal end. 
     By positioning the ski or snowboard  15  between the upper and lower arms  103 ,  105 , lowering the upper arm  105  onto the lower arm  103  to sandwich the snowboard  15  therebetween, and locking the locking member  107  within the latch  104 , the snowboard  15  or ski may be secured therein. The fasteners  102  will be positioned around a cross member  29  of the base frame  20  and secured thereto using a retainer plate  79  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Second Storage Attachment 
     A second storage attachment  120  is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The second storage attachment  120  is comprised of a storage box which may be removably secured to the base frame  20 . The second storage attachment  121  includes an outer end  121  having an access door  122  providing access to an internal compartment for storage of various items. 
     The inner end  123  of the second storage attachment  120  includes a plurality of retainer clips  124  which are adapted to removably receive a mounting plate  125  which aids in securing the second storage attachment  120  to the base frame  20 . The mounting plate  125  includes a first mounting bracket  126  having a pair of apertures  127  and a second mounting bracket having its own pair of apertures  129  extending from a rear end thereof. 
     The brackets  126 ,  128  are preferably vertically spaced-apart as shown in  FIG. 10 , though other configurations may be utilized. By using fasteners in connection with a retainer plate  79 , the brackets  126 ,  128  may be secured to a cross member  29  of the base frame  20  to removably secure the second storage attachment  120  thereto. 
     Third Storage Attachment 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a third storage attachment  130  for use with the utility rack. The third storage attachment  130  comprises a box  139  which is removably secured to the base frame  20  through use of a pair of retention brackets  131 . Each retention bracket  131  comprises a vertical member  132  and a horizontal member  133 , the horizontal member  133  extending from a lower end of the vertical member  132  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     The vertical member  1132  includes a pair of fasteners  134  extending therefrom which, in combination with a corresponding locking plate  135 , will be secured around a cross member  29 ′ of the base frame  20 . The locking plate  135  will include apertures  136  through which the fasteners  134  may extend and in which the fasteners  134  may be secured after being positioned around the cross member  29 . 
     The horizontal member  133  includes a locking clip  137  positioned on an outer surface thereof as shown in  FIG. 1I . Generally, a first retention bracket  131   a  will be secured to a first position on a single cross bar  29  and a second retention bracket  131   b  will be secured to a second, horizontally-spaced apart position on the same cross bar  29 . The box  138  is then positioned between the bracket s  131   a ,  131   b  to rest on their respective horizontal members  133   a ,  133   b . The respective locking clips  137   a ,  137   b  may be used to lock onto a corresponding locking extension  139  which extends outwardly from either side of the box  138  to secure the box  138  within the retention brackets  131   a ,  131   b.    
     Bike Retainers 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , in various embodiments, bike retainers  140  can be used to secure a bike  16  to the base frame  20 . The bike retainers  140  include a pair of retention brackets  141 , each having a vertical member  142  and a horizontal member  144  extending outwardly from a lower end of the vertical member  142 . A plurality of apertures  143  extend through the vertical member  142  for receiving fasteners  145  as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     A locking plate  146  is provided such that the fasteners  145  may extend around a cross bar  29  and be secured therearound by terminating within apertures  147  of the locking plate. Preferably, a first retention bracket  141  will be secured to a first cross bar  29  and a second retention bracket  141  will be secured in vertically spaced-apart relationship with the first retention bracket  141  on a second cross bar  29 . Each wheel of the bike  16  may then be positioned within one of the brackets  141 . A separate securing member  148 , such as a U-shaped lock, may be utilized to secure the wheels of the bike  16  to the brackets  141 , such as by using a separate locking plate  149  as shown. 
     Accessory Attachment Device 
       FIGS. 15 and 17  illustrate an embodiment of an attachment device  1500  in an open position ( FIG. 15 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 17 ). Attachment device  1500  includes a cross member retainer  1502 , a hinged brace  1504 , and a latch  1506 . In various embodiments, the cross member retainer  1502  can be sized and shaped to receive the cross member. For example, the cross member may be a square steel tube, and the cross member retainer  1502  may be shaped to fit at least partially around the square steel tube. 
     The hinged brace  1504  can include a hinge  1508  and an angled brace  1510 . The angled brace  1510  can be attached to the hinge  1508  at a first end  1512 , and can be configured to couple to the latch  1506  at a second end  1514 . Additionally, the angled brace  1510  can include a bend  1516  between the first end  1512  and the second end  1514 . The angled brace  1510  can be rotated between an open position where the bend  1516  is moved away from the cross member retainer  1502  ( FIG. 15 ) and a closed position where the bend  1516  is moved towards the cross member retainer  1502  ( FIG. 17 ). When coupled with the cross member, the bend  1516  can pressably engage with the cross member to secure the cross member within the attachment device. 
     The latch  1506  can be attached to the cross member retainer  1502 . The latch may rotate about pivot point  1518  between an open position and a closed position where it can reversibly engage, using engagement portion  1520 , with the second end  1514  of hinged brace  1504  when the hinged brace  1504  is in the closed portion. Latch  1506  can additionally include an adjustment mechanism  1522  to adjust the positioning of engagement portion  1520  to adjust the tension on hinged brace  1502 . Latch  1506  can also include eyelet  1524  that can be used to secure latch  1506  (and the attachment device  1500 ) in the closed position. In various embodiments, a lock can be placed through eyelet  1524  to prevent unauthorized opening of the attachment device  1500  and removal of an accessory from the utility rack. 
       FIGS. 16 and 18  illustrate another embodiment of an attachment device  1600  in an open position ( FIG. 16 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 18 ). Attachment device  1600  includes a cross member retainer  1602 , a hinged brace  1604 , and a latch  1606 . Additionally, attachment device  1600  includes a second cross member retainer  1608 . In various embodiments, the cross member retainers  1602  and  1608  can be sized and shaped to receive the cross member. For example, the cross member may be a square steel tube, and the cross member retainer  1602  and  1608  may be shaped to fit at least partially around the square steel tube. In various embodiments, cross member retainers  1602  and  1608  can be positioned apart at a distance corresponding to the spacing of cross members in the base frame. In this way, an accessory can be supported by two cross members, such that one cross member is engaged with cross member retainer  1602  and the other cross member is engaged with cross member retainer  1608 . 
     The hinged brace  1604  can include a hinge  1610  and an angled brace  1612 . The angled brace  1612  can be attached to the hinge  1610  at a first end  1614 , and can be configured to couple to the latch  1606  at a second end  1616 . Additionally, the angled brace  1612  can include a bend  1618  between the first end  1614  and the second end  1616 . The angled brace  1612  can be rotated between an open position where the bend  1618  is moved away from the cross member retainer  1602  ( FIG. 16 ) and a closed position where the bend  1618  is moved towards the cross member retainer  1602  ( FIG. 18 ). When coupled with the cross member, the bend  1618  can pressably engage with the cross member to secure the cross member within the attachment device. 
     The latch  1606  can be attached to the cross member retainer  1602 . The latch may rotate about pivot point  1620  between an open position and a closed position where it can reversibly engage, at engagement portion  1622 , with the second end  1616  of hinged brace  1604  when the hinged brace  1604  is in the closed portion. Latch  1606  can additionally include an adjustment mechanism  1624  to adjust the positioning of engagement portion  1622  to adjust the tension on hinged brace  1602 . Latch  1606  can also include eyelet  1626  that can be used to secure latch  1606  (and the attachment device  1600 ) in the closed position. In various embodiments, a lock can be placed through eyelet  1626  to prevent unauthorized opening of the attachment device  1600  and removal of an accessory from the utility rack. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. Aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no Legal or limiting effect. Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.