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US 9,156,392 B2Granted
Adjustable support structure for vehicle cargo bed extension
OwnerBarry Whitefordinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for adjustable support of an extension of a vehicle cargo bed. The apparatus provides a range of horizontal, vertical, diagonal and angular adjustment of a vehicle cargo bed extension deck so as to accommodate a wide variety of differently designed and dimensioned vehicles and provides other features promoting reliability and safety while minimizing unwanted vibration during use.
Claims31
An apparatus for attachment to a vehicle including a cargo bed structure, the apparatus including:
- an adjustable support structure having a first segment, a second segment and a third segment,
- said first segment having a first end and a second end, said first end being attachable to a hitch that is fixedly attached to a vehicle;
- and wherein said second end is attached to said second segment;
- and wherein said second segment is attached to said third segment via a hinge;
- and where
- said first end of said first segment slidably engages said hitch along a first axis, and wherein a sliding position of said first segment relative to said hitch is lockable along said first axis;
- and wherein
- said second segment having a first end and a second end, in which said first end of said second segment slidably engages said second end of said first segment along a second axis, said second axis being angled relative to said first axis;
- and wherein a sliding position of said first end of said second segment relative to said second end of said first segment is lockable along said second axis;
- and wherein
- said second end of said second segment is attached to said hinge, said hinge having a first end and a second end and wherein said first end of said hinge is attached to a second end of said second segment and said second end of said hinge being attached to said third segment, and wherein an angle of attachment of said hinge between said second segment and said third segment is adjustable and lockable via a link that attaches to said second segment and to said third segment.
8 more elements
An apparatus for attachment to a vehicle including a cargo bed structure and a tail gate, the apparatus including:
- an adjustable support structure having a first segment, a second segment and a third segment,
- said first segment having a first end and a second end, said first end being attachable to a hitch that is fixedly attached to a vehicle;
- and wherein said second end is attached to said second segment;
- and wherein said second segment is attached to said third segment via a hinge;
- and where
- said first end of said first segment engages said hitch along a first axis, and wherein
- said second segment having a first end and a second end, in which said first end of said second segment slidably engages said second end of said first segment along a second axis, said second axis being angled relative to said first axis;
- and wherein a sliding position of said first end of said second segment relative to said second end of said first segment is lockable along said second axis;
- and wherein
- a metal plate is attached along an inside surface of a wall of at least one of said first segment and said second segment, and wherein threaded holes are extended through at least one of said plate and said wall to enable a pressing engagement between at least one of said first segment and said second segment, and against another portion of said apparatus or vehicle;
- and wherein
- said hinge between said second segment and said third segment is adjustable and lockable within a range of lengths, via a link that attaches to said second segment and said third segment.
9 more elements
An apparatus for attachment to a vehicle including a cargo bed structure and a tail gate, the apparatus including:
- a support structure including, a first segment for attaching to a hitch of a vehicle;
- and including
- a second segment including a hinge for attaching to a third segment;
- said third segment for attaching to said hinge;
- and wherein
- said first segment and said second segment are joined via an overlapped attachment along a diagonal axis, said attachment configured to adjust a length of overlap to provide for an adjustment of a location of said hinge;
- and wherein
- said support structure is designed to support a substantial load of 500 pounds or greater upon said third segment while said support structure is in use;
- and wherein
- said hinge is designed orient and lock said third segment into multiple angles of orientation ranging between a horizontal angle of orientation and a vertical angle of orientation, and wherein said angles of orientation are adjustable and lockable via a link that attaches to said second segment and to said third segment.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.