US 5,662,254 A · Rack for vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle rack for ladders or other elongated cargo includes a carrying surface and a structure which permits the carrying surface to be adjusted between two fixed positions, both of which can be used for transporting ladders or other elongated cargo. The rack consists of a pair of frames, and each frame includes assemblies generally formed from elongated members. The frame's post assembly has a foot portion which can be releasably secured to the vehicle and an upper portion to which an arm assembly is rotatably connected at one of the arm assembly ends, thereby forming an inverted L-shape. A brace has one end connected to a mid-point of the post assembly and another end connected to a mid-point in the arm assembly. The brace can be attached to one or the other of two attachment areas to position the arm assembly in either of the two fixed positions.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A vehicle rack for attachment to a vehicle having opposing upstanding sidewalls and for carrying elongated cargo comprising at least one frame, the frame comprising:

a post assembly adapted to be secured within a rigid receptacle mounted to one of the sidewalls;
an arm assembly rotatably mounted to the post assembly;
means for releasably securing the arm assembly in two positions;
and
a brace having a first end rotatably connected to the arm assembly and a second end rotatably connected to the post assembly;
wherein the securing means comprises a support plate secured to the post assembly, the support plate having two attachment areas, the second end of the brace being alternately securable to one attachment area to secure the arm assembly in the first position and to the second attachment area to secure the arm assembly in the second position.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rack for vehicles

Life of this patent

Rack for vehicles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15