Headache rack for pickup trucks

• US 6,983,968 B2
• Filed: 11/03/2003
• Issued: 01/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Werner Company (New Werner Holding Company Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Knaack Manufacturing Company
• Inventors: Saigal, Atul, McReynolds, Wes, O'Dierno, Tony, Brauer, Blackford
• Primary Examiner(s): ENGLE, PATRICIA LYNN
• Application Number:
  US10/700,165
• Publication Number:
  US 20050093320A1
• Time in Patent Office: 799 Days
• Field of Search: 296/3, 296/7, 296/26.04, 296/26.05, 280/756, 224/403, 224/405, 224/501, 224/551, 224/552, 224/500
• US Class Current: 296/3
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/0207 Connections of movable or detachable racks or stanchions to platforms

Abstract

The headache rack for pickup trucks that supports and secures loads being transported while protecting the rear window from damage and the passengers seated in the cab from harm. The headache rack is adjustable in height in order to accommodate pickup trucks having varying cab heights. Further, the headache rack is provided with internal wiring pathways to safely run wiring from any lights mounted on the uppermost surface of the rack to the pickup truck'"'"'s electrical system.

Claims

1. A headache rack for a pickup truck comprising:

a rack frame including an upper frame section;

a lower frame section including at least two bar members extending horizontally across the lower frame section and a pair of upstanding members positioned inwardly from the ends of the bar members; and

a pair of tubular members attached to the upstanding members of the lower frame section,

the upper frame section mating with the tubular members in a telescoping manner in order to adjust the height of the rack to accommodate pickup trucks of different heights; and

a rack mounting provided on the frame for mounting the frame to a pickup truck.

2. The headache rack of claim 1 wherein the upper frame section includes a pair of upstanding members, the upstanding members of the upper frame section mating with the tubular members in a telescoping manner in order to adjust the height of the rack.

3. The headache rack of claim 2 wherein a plurality of pairs of holes are provided on the tubular members and a plurality of holes are provided on the upstanding members of the upper frame section.

4. The headache rack of claim 3 further comprising fasteners, each fastener mating with one of the pairs of holes on a respective tubular member and with one of the holes on a respective upstanding member of the upper frame section in order to lock the rack in the desired height.

5. A headache rack for a pickup truck comprising:

a rack frame including a lower frame section, a pair of tubular members mounted to the lower frame section, and an upper frame section mating with the tubular members,

the lower frame section includes a lower tubular member extending horizontally across the section and a pair of upstanding members positioned inwardly from the ends of the lower tubular member,

the frame including internal wiring pathways for running wiring from any electrical devices mounted on the rack to a power source in order to protect the wiring from the elements, the wiring pathways provided through the upper frame section, the tubular members, and the upstanding members and the lower tubular member of the lower frame section; and

a rack mounting provided on the frame for mounting the frame to a pickup truck.

6. The headache rack of claim 5 further including at least one access hole through which the wiring may enter the rack.

7. The headache rack of claim 5 further including at least one access hole through which the wiring may exit the rack.

8. The headache rack of claim 5 further includes a plurality of snap bushings installed internally to protect the wiring.

9. The headache rack of claim 5 wherein the upper frame section includes an upper tubular member and a pair of upstanding members, the wiring pathways provided through the upper tubular member and upstanding members of the upper frame section, the tubular members, and the lower frame section.

10. The headache rack of claim 9 wherein each upstanding member of the upper frame section has an upper end, each upper end provided with a closure to further protect any wiring from the elements.

11. The headache rack of claim 5 wherein the upper frame section includes an upper tubular member having at least one access hole through which the wiring may enter the rack.

12. The headache rack of claim 5 wherein the lower tubular member of the lower frame section having at least one access hole through which the wiring may exit the rack.

13. A headache rack for a pickup truck comprising:

a rack frame including an upper frame section and a lower frame section,

the lower frame section including at least two bar members extending horizontally across the lower frame section and a pair of upstanding members positioned inwardly from the ends of the bar members,

a pair of tubular members attached to the upstanding members of the lower frame section,

the upper frame section mating with the tubular members in a telescoping manner in order to adjust the height of the rack to accommodate pickup trucks of different heights;

internal wiring pathways for running wiring from any electrical devices mounted on the rack to a power source in order to protect the wiring from the elements, the wiring pathways provided through the upper frame section, the tubular members, and the lower frame section; and

a rack mounting provided on the frame for mounting the frame to a pickup truck.