Side mounted truck tie-down rail

Abstract

This invention relates to the art of securing cargo in the bed of a pickup truck. A slotted bar is secured to the upper inside wall in the bed of a truck where the structural flange is formed around the bed. When the rail is mounted on a vehicle it provides a plurality of tie down locations and increases the structural strength of the side walls. The tie down does not interfere with a bed cover. The tie down is fabricated from one or multiple pieces that are linkable to extend the length of the tie down and allow for configuration changes based upon the dimensions of the truck bed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a vehicle tie-down rail. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tie down rail for a truck or other similar vehicle where the tie-down rail is mounted inside the bed of the truck on the upper side of the bed of the truck. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many vehicle manufacturers place stake pockets through the top rail of the pick up bed and are placed on the sides of the bed. After market tie-down devices are available for these pockets. The disadvantage if the stake bed anchors are the limited number of locations where the stake bed pockets are found on each side of the truck. A typical truck only has three pockets and no pockets are placed behind the passenger compartment or on the tale gate to allow cargo to be secured. Another consideration is with the transportation of multiple items in the bed of a truck where the tie down points must be utilized with multiple hooks all utilizing the same attachment loc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] It is an object of the side mounted truck tie down rail to provide a rail system that can be fabricated in various lengths and the lengths can be secured together to create a rail system of longer or shorter lengths to accommodate a variety of truck bed lengths. The versatility of the tie-down rail further allows the rail to be mounted behind the cab or on the tailgate.

[0010] It is another object of the present apparatus to provide multiple tie-down points along the sides and front of the bed that are easily accessible. These multiple tie-down location consists of elongated slots that provide the ability to attach hooks and or straps. In many cases securing of a load requires the use of both types of securing materials. The slotted design allows for multiple tie-down to be used at the same time or to accommodate odd size loads or different sized loads that are difficult to accommodate with tie down rails that are currently available.

[0012] It is another object of the present apparatus to provide tie-down rails that are mounted on the inner flange a tonneau, truck cap or tarps are not obstructed by the rails, nor do you need to remove the rails to install these truck bed covers. The installation of tie-down rails inside the bed produce a sleek look at the same time providing the functionality to secure cargo under the bed covers.

[0014] It is another object of the present tie-down to secure a tie down lower in the bed of the vehicle. This reduces the possibility that the load is lifted when it is being secured.

[0015] It is still another object of the present apparatus to increase the strength of the bed of the truck body when the tie-down rail is attached to the truck bed. Because the truck bed is formed from bent sheet metal the strength of the side walls is weak and when the sides are drawn together to secure a load the walls can deform. The attachment of the railing on the inside of the truck bed provides additional structural members that creates a stronger side wall to allow the load to be secured more firmly when the cargo is being strapped down or into the truck.

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage if the stake bed anchors are the limited number of locations where the stake bed pockets are found on each side of the truck.

These rails are usually higher than the side of the truck and do not allow for the load to be secured and properly synched.

These systems also inhibit the use of a bed covers, truck caps or tonneau covers.

The elongated slots further do not provide defined locations for attachment nor do they provide open slots for the securing of straps or belts.

The portable tie-down does not provide elongated slots for the securing of belts of straps.

This mounting system is not adjustable to accommodate different length truck beds.

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