STOWABLE UTILITY RACK

• US 20140239025A1
• Filed: 05/14/2013
• Published: 08/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Cianni, Michael Gregory Scott
• Original Assignee: David Cianni, Michael Gregory Scott
• Inventors: Scott, Michael Gregory, Cianni, David
• Granted Patent: US 9,487,152 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/405
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/40 for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load supporting elements E04G21/14 takes precedence; signal devices to be attached to overhanging load B60Q7/02
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/00 Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/045 Carriers being adjustable or transformable, e.g. expansible, collapsible transformable into tents B60P3/36; into beds B60P3/38
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/06 at vehicle front or rear rear luggage compartments within vehicle extensible externally of the vehicle body B60R5/041
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/08 specially adapted for sports gear vehicles specially adapted for carrying aeroplanes, for carrying boats B60P

Abstract

A utility rack assembly including a first rack and a second rack that may be converted from an extended position to a stowed position. Each rack may include a base attachable to the bed of a pickup truck. The racks may further include a bottom member attached to the base and a top member pivotally connected to the bottom member. A main rack holder may also be pivotally connected to the top member. In the extended position, the base, bottom member, top member, and main rack holder form a rack to support equipment. In stowed position, the top member may pivot relative to the bottom member and the main rack holder may pivot relative to the top member.

Claims

1. A utility rack assembly comprising:

a first rack and a second rack, wherein each of the first rack and the second rack comprises;

a base configured to attach to a truck bed;

a bottom member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the base;

a top member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the top member is pivotally connected to the second end of the bottom member;

a main rack holder substantially perpendicular to the top member, wherein the main rack holder is pivotally connected to the second end of the top member,

wherein each pivotal connection comprises an extended locked position and a pivoted stowed position.

2. The utility rack assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivoted stowed position comprises the main rack holder substantially parallel relative to the top member, and the top member substantially perpendicular relative to the bottom member.

3. The utility rack assembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom member comprises:

a lower two-tier flex scope comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is pivotally connected to the base; and

a guide coupler bracket attached to the top end of the lower two-tier flex scope, wherein the top member rests within the guide coupler bracket in the extended locked position.

4. The utility rack assembly of claim 3, wherein the top member comprises:

an upper two-tier flex scope comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end of the upper two-tier flex scope is pivotally connected to the top end of the lower two-tier flex scope by a hinge and a hinge bolt; and

a three-tier main scope having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end of the three-tier main scope is attached to the top end of the upper two-tier flex scope.

5. The utility rack assembly of claim 4, further comprising a top main frame bracket configured to be attached to the truck bed, wherein the upper two-tier flex scope is locked to the top main frame bracket in the extended locked position.

6. The utility rack assembly of claim 4, wherein the main rack holder is pivotally connected to the top end of the three-tier main scope by a quick release hinge coupler.

7. The utility rack assembly of claim 6, wherein the quick release hinge coupler further comprises a reflector plate holder.

8. The utility rack assembly of claim 6, wherein the main rack holder is hollow and comprises a first end and a second end.

9. The utility rack assembly of claim 8, further comprising a telescoping rack extension having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the telescoping rack extension fits within and is slidably attached to the first end of the main rack holder.

10. The utility rack assembly of claim 9, further comprising a main rack tightner operatively connected to the main rack holder and configured to secure the telescoping rack extension in a fixed position relative to the main rack holder.

11. The utility rack assembly of claim 9, further comprising a first pivotal end rack holder and a second pivotal end rack holder, wherein the first pivotal end rack holder is pivotally connected to the second end of the main rack holder and the second pivotal end rack holder is pivotally connected to the second end of the telescoping rack extension.

12. The utility rack of claim 11, wherein each pivotal connection comprises an extended locked position and a pivoted stowed position.

13. The utility rack of claim 12, wherein each pivotal connection comprises a quick connect pin to retain the pivotal connection in the extended locked position.