Freight accommodation on freight carrier – Particular article accommodation – Grouped
Utility Patent
1999-01-21
2001-01-02
Gordon, Stephen T. (Department: 3612)
Freight accommodation on freight carrier
Particular article accommodation
Grouped
C410S032000, C410S034000, C410S143000, C410S151000
Utility Patent
active
06168359
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for stabilizing a load on the flat bed of a vehicle, and more particularly, to devices for securing loads of lumber on the flat bed of a pick-up truck or similar vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many vehicles are designed to provide for the transport of cargo loads. One example of such a vehicle is a pick-up truck which utilizes a flat bed located behind the cab area of the vehicle for the transport of cargo. This cargo area or flat bed is large enough to accommodate many different types of loads, for example, lumber. In many instances, however, a load of lumber will extend beyond the length of the flat bed area, such that the tailgate cannot be closed when carrying the load. In other words a lumber load often times will extend beyond the length of the flat bed so as to rest and sometimes overhang an open (or closed) tailgate.
Other than anchor points for tying down a load, most truck beds do not readily accommodate a manner in which to secure or fasten a load of material that is placed in and may sometimes extend beyond the length of the bed. Therefore, any cargo placed on the flat bed can extend beyond the length and have a tendency to shift or slide around while the vehicle is in motion, for example, during stops and starts. Such activity, even if the cargo does not extend beyond the bed, can result in damage to the load, as well as the loss of portions of the load which may fall off of the truck bed while the vehicle is in transit. Such activity is not only costly, with respect to damage to the cargo, but can also creates a dangerous situation for other drivers that can ultimately result in serious injury.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a simple and cost effective methodology to enable the safe transport of specialized cargo loads, such as, lumber, in the flat bed area of a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a device for securing a load on the flat bed of a truck having sidewalls or other vehicle having a like cargo area. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a base member having rods extending substantially vertically therefrom. Adjustable side connectors are coupled to the base member at one or both sides of the base member in order to secure the base member to the side walls of the flat bed. A slide bar is adjustably displaced along the length of the rods to adapt to loads of varying height. The slide bar serves to secure and to stabilize the load. A fastener directs the slide bar against the load and toward the base member. Thus, the slide bar acts in a clamp-like manner to secure a load within the flat bed area of a vehicle.
The present invention further comprises extension elements which enable the side connectors to be engaged to the sidewalls of the flat bed at varying heights depending on the construction of the vehicle. A lower end of each extension element is secured to the end of the base member and the side connectors couple with an upper end of the extension element at one or more locations so that the base member may engage the sidewalls of the flat bed at varying heights.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed including a double base member and slide bar arrangement which form a dual clamp assembly. This system is implemented by placing a pair of base member/slide bar assemblies on the flat bed of a truck at a given distance apart to accommodate for the length of a load. The double assembly acts to secure both ends of a load, such as lumber. When used in this manner, the invention prevents a load from shifting while the vehicle is in motion.
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