Patent ID: 12252097

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional ladder transport systems. Specifically, the present invention can provide for easy transport of a variety of ladders and further is easily transported and removed from a vehicle as needed by the user. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,FIG.1depicts a back isometric view of a ladder rack101attached to a vehicle103in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that rack101overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional ladder transport systems.

In the contemplated embodiment, rack101includes a base105having a connection107for engaging with a hitch receiver109of the vehicle. As shown, the base105may include a base support110having the connection107and a secondary support111extending away from the base support110. This provides for stability and a means to secure the rack101to the vehicle103.

Rack101further includes an H frame113connected to the base105and supported above the base, the H frame having one or more horizontal arms115,117,119extending between a first side121and a second side123.

The H frame may further have a lower portion125that extends from the first side121and the second side123at an angle that is not 180 degrees.

The rack101further includes a first pair of L brackets127,129attached to the H frame113and extending therefrom at a top position and a second pair of L brackets131,133attached to the H frame113and extending therefrom at a bottom position.

A locking arm135is pivotally engaged with the second pair131,133of L brackets and configured to pivot from an open position to a closed position, as will be discussed in greater detail below. A lock receiver137having a first portion501attached to the locking arm135and a second portion502attached to the H frame113closes when the locking arm135is in a closed position and the lock receiver is configured to receive a lock505to hold the locking arm in the closed position, as shown inFIGS.5A and5B.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the ability of the rack to easily be removed from the vehicle for storage or transport within the vehicle. In addition, the rack can easily receive a variety of ladders for resting within the pairs of L brackets, thereby providing for securing during transport. The locking arm allows for the ladders to be locked in place for security.

InFIG.2, a side view further depicts the engagement of the rack101with vehicle103for clarity.

InFIG.3, a side view of rack101is further shown for clarity. As shown, the connection107may include an aperture301for engagement with the hitch receiver. Further, as best shown in this figure, the locking arm135in the preferred embodiment is engaged with the second pair of L brackets131,133via a swivel bar303, the swivel bar303extending from a first of the second pair of L brackets to a second of the second pair of L brackets as shown and allowing for the locking arm135to open and close. In FIG.4, the locking arm135is shown in the open position, wherein the first and second pairs of L brackets are open to receive a ladder.

In the preferred embodiment, the locking arm135includes a first side305attached to a second side307at approximately a right angle and the second side307attached to a third side309at approximately a right angle.

Referring again toFIGS.5A and5B, the lock receiver137is shown. The lock receiver having the first portion501attached to the locking arm135and a second portion502attached to the H frame113. The lock receiver forming a circular opening507with a first tab509and a second tab511that come together to engage with lock505. The lock505then holding the locking arm135to the H frame113to lock over the top of ladders and hold them in place securely.

InFIG.6, a flowchart601depicts a method of use of ladder rack101. During use, the user will secure the ladder rack to the vehicle via the connection and hitch receiver, as shown with box603. The user will then open the locking arm and place one or more ladders on the rack via the pairs of L brackets, as shown with boxes605,607. Next the user will pivot the locking arm upwards and close the locking arm over the ladders and lock it in place, as shown with box609. The one or more ladders are then securely transported to a desired location, as shown with box611.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.