Cargo shelf mountable to truck

Abstract

The invention relates to a cargo shelf mountable to a truck. A truck frame, including frame components and frame accessories, for supporting cargo on a carriage of a truck, and methods of constructing, assembling, installing, adjusting, and using the truck frame. An illustrative truck frame includes a tower and a base. The tower may have a foot and an upper end portion. The upper end portion may be configured to support a crossbar. The base may be configured to mount the tower on an upper wall region of a truck bed. The base may include a platform on which the foot is supported and at least one securing device that secures the foot to the platform. In some examples, the at least one fixture may include a clamp configured to engage opposing edge regions of the foot. In some examples, the clamp may be configured to urge the opposing edge regions downward toward the platform.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on June 3, 2019, with application number 201910478591.6 and invention title "Cargo rack that can be mounted to a truck".

[0002] Cross-reference of priority claims

[0003] This application is based on and claims the benefit of the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed June 1, 2018, Serial No. 62 / 679,481 and Serial No. 62 / 679,579, both filed June 1, 2018. For all purposes, each of these priority applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This application relates to truck frames used to support cargo. Background Technology

[0005] Pickup trucks typically have an open bed surrounded by wall structures for accommodating and transporting cargo. Cargo racks are usually installed on the truck bed to secure specific items. One method is to attach towers and crossbars to the opposite side wall structures of the truck bed (bed rails).

[0006] Sometimes it's necessary to disassemble and then reassemble the truck frame. This can be labor-intensive, requiring the frame to be removed from the truck each time, and then properly aligned and reattached. Repeatedly reassembling the frame can also damage the truck by scratching or damaging its contact surfaces.

[0007] Furthermore, depending on the type and / or volume of cargo carried in the truck bed and / or on the truck rack, raising or lowering the crossbars of the truck rack can be beneficial. Therefore, the towers supporting each crossbar are typically vertical (i.e., perpendicular to the crossbar) to allow for height adjustment of the crossbars. However, vertical towers mounted to the truck bed rails are not aerodynamic because they do not conform to the contours of the truck cab, which creates drag. Instead, the vertical towers protrude from the truck's travel envelope depending on their height, which generates greater drag as the tower height increases. Matching the height of the ends of the crossbars so that each crossbar is horizontal and at the same height can also be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure provides a truck frame including frame components and frame accessories for supporting cargo on a truck bed, and provides methods for constructing, assembling, installing, adjusting, and using the truck frame. An illustrative truck frame includes a tower and a base. The tower may have legs and an upper end portion. The upper end portion may be configured to support crossbars. The base may be configured to mount the tower to an upper wall region of the truck bed. The base may include a deck supporting the legs and at least one fixing device for securing the legs to the deck. In some examples, the at least one fixing device may include a clamp configured to engage opposing edge regions of the legs. In some examples, the clamp may be configured to push the opposing edge regions downward toward the platform. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an illustrative, height-adjustable truck rack mounted on the truck bed railing, with the truck shown in dashed lines.

[0010] Figure 2 It is attached to a pair of bases Figure 1 Exploded front view of the front crossbar assembly of the truck frame.

[0011] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The front view of the crossbar assembly and base illustrates the height adjustment of the truck frame via its tower without changing the distance between the bases (e.g., when the bases remain securely attached to the truck bed rails).

[0012] Figure 5 It is roughly along Figure 2 The line cut from 5-5 Figure 2 A partial view of the upper area of ​​the tower's crossbar assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 It is roughly along the adjustable joint that passes through the tower. Figure 5 The line 6-6 was cut Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the tower shows that, at the adjustable joint, the tower can be switched between a height-adjustable configuration and a fixed-height configuration.

[0014] Figure 7 It is roughly along the adjustable joint that passes through the tower. Figure 6 The line 7-7 was cut Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the tower.

[0015] Figure 8 It is roughly along Figure 5 The line cut from 8-8 Figure 5 A partial exploded view of the upper end area of ​​the tower.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 Another partial view of the upper end area of ​​the tower.

[0017] Figure 10 It is roughly along Figure 8 The line 10-10 cut Figure 5 A partial top view of the upper end area of ​​the tower.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A top view of the crossbar assembly and base, with the crossbar attached to the tower.

[0019] Figure 12 It is roughly along Figure 11 The line 12-12 cut Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the crossbar assembly.

[0020] Figure 13A yes Figure 12 A partial bottom view of the end portion of the crossbar assembly.

[0021] Figure 13B It is formed Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of the elongated tube of the crossbar.

[0022] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 An exploded partial oblique view of one of the towers of the truck frame and its corresponding base.

[0023] Figure 15 It is roughly along Figure 14 The line cut at 15-15 Figure 14 A top view of the base.

[0024] Figure 16 It roughly runs along the railings that pass through the truck bed. Figure 1 The line 16-16 was cut Figure 1 Partial cross-sectional view of the truck frame and the truck.

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 Another exploded partial oblique view of the tower and base, roughly from relative to... Figure 14 The opposite side is cut off and the cargo box connecting component that connects the base to the truck's cargo box railing is omitted.

[0026] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 A partial end view of the tower and base, the drawing roughly as follows: Figure 16 The image is a cut-off image, but the end plates of the base have been removed to expose the tower's legs, and the chassis connection components of the base have been omitted.

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 14 Another partial end view of the tower and base, as shown in the figure. Figure 18 The portion captured, except for the base clamps, is from... Figure 18 The tower fixed configuration was changed to a tower release configuration, and the tower legs were removed from the base.

[0028] Figure 20 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of one of the two locking bases of the truck frame, the figure focusing around the clamp actuator and the key-operated lock that restricts access to the clamp actuator.

[0029] Figure 21 It was extracted separately. Figure 20 Side view of the clamp actuator.

[0030] Figure 22 It is used to Figure 1 A side view of a truck frame mounted to another exemplary base for a different truck bed, wherein a portion of the lower end region of the truck frame's tower is secured to the base.

[0031] Figure 23 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the truck frame, the view is roughly as follows: Figure 16 The excerpt is a combination of Figure 22 The base is used to replace Figure 14 The base is installed onto the carriage railing equipped with side slots.

[0032] Figure 24 It is used for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of another exemplary component of the truck frame, consisting of the same tower and a different base, wherein the base is configured to be attached to one of the cargo box rails of a truck bed with a tonneau cover.

[0033] Figure 25 It was extracted separately. Figure 1 An isometric view of the side rails of a truck frame, wherein the side rails include a length-adjustable bar and a pair of sleeves, each of which is movable along the bar, and a frame accessory is connected to the length-adjustable bar via one of the sleeves.

[0034] Figure 26 It is roughly along the path that passes through the adjustable connector. Figure 25 The line 26-26 was cut off Figure 25 The cross-sectional view of the side railing shows that at the adjustable joint, the length of the adjustable bar changes between an adjustable length configuration and a fixed length configuration.

[0035] Figure 27 It is roughly around Figure 25 "in Figure 27 The area marked on the sign faces inwards from the side railing surrounding the adjustable joint. Figure 25 A partial exploded view of the side railing, showing that at the adjustable joint, the length of the adjustable bar can be switched between an adjustable length configuration and a fixed length configuration.

[0036] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 Another exploded view of the adjustable connector, taken from a different direction and showing only the bushing and nut of the connector.

[0037] Figure 29 It is roughly in Figure 25 "in Figure 29 The section marked "and cut from one of the two sleeves surrounding the side railing" Figure 25 An exploded view of one area of ​​the side railing.

[0038] Figure 30 yes Figure 25 Exploded view of the frame accessories.

[0039] Figure 31 This is an isometric view of the fixed-height crossbar assembly used for illustrative truck racks, except that each tower has a fixed-length middle section, and the truck rack is... Figure 1 The truck frame is the same. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This disclosure provides a truck frame including frame components and frame accessories for supporting cargo on the truck bed, and provides methods for constructing, assembling, installing, adjusting and using the truck frame.

[0041] An illustrative truck frame includes a tower and a base. The tower may have legs and an upper end portion. The upper end portion may be configured to support crossbars. The base may be configured to mount the tower to an upper wall region of a truck bed. The base may include a platform supporting the legs and at least one fixing device for securing the legs to the platform. In some examples, the at least one fixing device may include a clamp configured to engage opposing edge regions of the legs. In some examples, the clamp may be configured to push the opposing edge regions downward toward the platform when the clamp is clamped against the opposing edge regions.

[0042] The truck frame base can be designed to hold the truck bed rails mounted to the truck bed while the crossbar assemblies are detached and removed from the base, and then reinstalled. For example, each base can have a quick-release clamp that secures the corresponding tower to the base. The clamp provides the ability to quickly remove each crossbar assembly of the truck frame as a unit, and then reinstall each crossbar assembly of the truck frame as a unit, while the truck bases remain mounted in the same corresponding positions on the truck bed rails. Therefore, the truck frame crossbar assemblies can be removed and reinstalled multiple times to reconfigure the truck bed for different uses without altering any interface between the truck and the truck frame, thus avoiding damage to the truck's contact surfaces.

[0043] Each base may include a shoe member for receiving the tower's legs. The shoe member may include an upper portion situated on top of the horizontal surface of the truck bed rail and a lower portion adjacent to (and optionally facing) the inner surface of the truck bed rail. The base may have one or more connecting members for mounting the base to the truck bed rail. Each connecting member may, for example, include a slotted engagement member (e.g., a claw, bolt, or nut member) that connects to the shoe member via at least one fastener. In various examples, the slotted engagement member may be configured to engage a slot that opens at the bottom, at the top, or along one side between the bottom and top of the slot.

[0044] The base support member may include a clamp having a fixed jaw (also called a fixed cleat) and a movable jaw (also called a movable cleat). The fixed jaw may be an outer fixed jaw (i.e., relatively far from the center plane of the truck), and the movable jaw may be an inner fixed jaw (i.e., relatively close to the center plane). The tower leg can be secured to the base support member by (1) hooking the edge area and / or flange of the leg under the fixed jaw, and (2) manipulating the clamp actuator to rotate the movable jaw about the longitudinal axis. As the movable jaw rotates toward the fixed jaw, the angled surfaces on the leg and one or both jaws can interact to create a tight joint that holds the leg in place on the base support member.

[0045] Another illustrative truck frame includes a crossbar and a pair of towers. Each tower may include: a lower end portion configured to mount on the upper wall area of ​​the truck bed; an upper end portion configured to support the crossbar; and a telescopic middle section configured to extend upwards with an inward slope and adjustable length. The crossbar and towers can be designed to allow for rapid adjustment of the crossbar height relative to the truck bed rails. Unlike other truck frames, the towers can be continuously adjusted to a very precise height, as opposed to being limited to incremental steps. Furthermore, the telescopic adjustment of the middle section can be performed above the truck bed rails without intruding on the interior space of the truck bed.

[0046] The height adjustment of the crossbar can be performed when the crossbar, as part of a crossbar assembly, is connected to a pair of truck-mounted bases via a pair of telescopic towers. Each telescopic tower can be connected to the crossbar at a tower-crossbar joint, such that the linear axis of the tower is tilted to the crossbar. To adjust the height of the crossbar assembly, the user loosens each tower-crossbar joint and each tower's telescopic joint, and then raises or lowers the crossbar, causing each tower-crossbar joint to travel along the crossbar. Height markings can be laser-etched / printed on the towers, and / or position markings (centering) can be laser-etched / printed on the crossbar to help the user level and center the crossbar.

[0047] Another illustrative truck frame includes a first crossbar assembly and a second crossbar assembly, each crossbar assembly including a crossbar and a pair of towers. The truck frame may also include side rails configured to extend between corresponding towers of the crossbar assemblies, and frame attachments configured to be mounted to the side rails via slots (e.g., axial slots, which may be T-slots). The side rails may have an adjustable length, allowing a user to select the distance between the crossbars. The side rails may include telescopic bars having an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being at least partially nested within the outer tube and slidably extendable from the outer tube. The outer and inner tubes may be extrusions. One or more sleeves may be arranged around the inner tube. Each sleeve may include a slot for attaching frame attachments. The sleeves may have substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the outer tube. The sleeves may be slidable along the inner tube and are lockable to provide adjustablely positionable anchor points for the frame attachments.

[0048] Further aspects of this disclosure are described in the following sections: (I) an illustrative truck frame, (II) an exemplary base for the truck frame, (III) illustrative side rails, and (IV) examples.

[0049] I. Illustrative Truck Frame

[0050] This section provides an overview of the illustrative truck frame 50 of this disclosure; see also Figures 1 to 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 13B .

[0051] Figure 1 An exemplary cargo rack, or truck rack 50, is shown mounted on the left cargo bed rail 52a and right cargo bed rail 52b of the cargo bed 54 of a pickup truck 56. The truck rack 50 includes a front crossbar assembly 58f and a rear crossbar assembly 58r, each crossbar assembly mounted on the upper wall region 60 of the cargo bed rails 52a, 52b via a pair of bases 62 (four bases 62 in total). Each crossbar assembly 58f, 58r may have a pair of towers 64 mounted on the cargo bed rails 52a, 52b via the bases 62, and a crossbar 66 supported by and connected to the pair of towers 64. Each crossbar assembly 58f, 58r may be mounted such that the plane defined by the crossbar assembly is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 68 of the truck 56. As depicted herein, the crossbar assemblies may be substantially identical to each other, which will be more apparent if one of the crossbar assemblies is rotated 180 degrees about the vertical axis. Therefore, the crossbar assemblies can be interchangeable (e.g., when rotated 180 degrees).

[0052] Each crossbar 66 can have any suitable structure. The crossbar can be long enough to span the distance between a pair of towers. The crossbar can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc.

[0053] One or more side rails 70 may connect the crossbar assemblies 58f, 58r to each other above the truck bed 54. For example, the illustrative truck frame 50 shown here has a left side rail and a right side rail 70, each side rail extending between and attached to a pair of left towers 64 or a pair of right towers 64. Each side rail 70 may be arranged substantially horizontally, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 68 of the truck 56, and / or substantially orthogonal to the plane defined by each crossbar assembly 58f, 58r. The side rails 70 enhance the functionality of the truck frame 50, as further described below, but may be optional accessories.

[0054] Figure 2 The crossbar assembly 58f is shown in a disassembled configuration, but the two towers 64 are still mounted to their respective bases 62. Each tower 64 may have a lower end portion 72, an upper end portion 74, and an intermediate portion 76 extending from the lower end portion 72 to the upper end portion 74. The intermediate portion 76 may be elongated and substantially linear to define a linear axis 78 (see...). Figure 2 (The right side). The middle portion may include a shaft 79 (which may be interchangeably described as a leg) or a shaft 79 extending between portions 72 and 74 (see the right side). Figure 2(Left side). Angle 80 can be formed between the linear axis 78 and the intersecting vertical axis, such that the tower 64 is tilted inward toward the truck's center plane 82. (The center plane includes the truck's longitudinal axis 68 (see...) Figure 1 The central plane is vertical and conceptually divides the truck into left and right halves. The angle (i.e., the value of angle 80) of the tower 64 can be approximately 5-40 degrees, 10-30 degrees, or 15-25 degrees, etc., relative to the vertical. The angle can roughly match the profile of the truck's cab to make each tower more aerodynamic.

[0055] Each tower 64 can have an adjustable height / length to change the height of the crossbar 66 above the truck bed (see...). Figures 2 to 7 For example, the tower may include a lower portion 84 and an upper portion 86 having a retractable arrangement, wherein one portion may be at least partially nested within the other portion and is slidably extendable from the other portion (see...). Figure 2 In the depicted example, portions 84, 86 include an outer tube 88 and an inner tube 90, with the inner tube extending and retracting from the outer tube. The tower 64 is adjustable between an adjustable-height configuration (i.e., where the upper portion 86 is extendable / retractable to change the tower length and height) and a fixed-height configuration (i.e., where portions 84, 86 cannot slide axially relative to each other). For example, one or more fasteners 92 can be manipulated to change each tower 64 between these two configurations (see...). Figure 2 (Left side). In the depicted example, each tower 64 includes a pair of fastener assemblies 94a, 94b located on the inner and / or outer sides of the tower 64 (i.e., closer to and further away from the center plane 82, respectively) (see left side). Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each fastener assembly 94a, 94b may include one or more externally threaded fasteners 92 (i.e., bolt members), which engage at least one internally threaded fastener 96 (i.e., nut member) (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 In other examples, each fastener assembly 94a, 94b may be located only on one side of the tower 64 and / or may consist of only one fastener 92.

[0056] Each fastener assembly 94a, 94b may be adjustable to apply compression between the aligned wall regions of the outer tube 88 and the inner tube 90 at the joint 98 (see...). Figures 5 to 7 More specifically, the inner tube 90 may have one or more axial grooves 100a, 100b to receive one or more internally threaded fasteners 96. Each axial groove 100a, 100b may have a wider channel 102 that abuts against and is inside a narrower throat 104 (see...). Figure 6(See also:) Figure 13B (Related discussion on the transverse bar groove.) For example, each axial groove 100a, 100b can be a T-groove, wherein the throat 104 is formed by a pair of longitudinal lips 106 at the transverse periphery of the T-groove, or the throat can be formed by only one longitudinal lip 106, etc. (see...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 (Each lip 106 may be interchangeably referred to as a flange.) Tightening each fastener assembly 94a, 94b compresses the overlapping wall regions of one or more lips 106 in one of the slots 100a, 100b and the outer tube 88 toward each other to prevent the outer tube 88 and the inner tube 90 from sliding axially relative to each other at the joint 98. In some examples, the inner tube 90 may have only one axial slot 100a or 100b for receiving one or more internally threaded fasteners 96. In some examples, the positions of fasteners 92, 96 may be interchanged, wherein fastener 92 has a head in one of the slots 100a, 100b and an axis extending through a throat 104 through the slot, and fastener 96 (e.g., a nut assembly with a single hole) is located outside the slot.

[0057] Bushing 108 may be located at joint 98. During the assembly of tower 64, bushing 108 may be used to coaxially align each fastener hole 110 of each internally threaded fastener 96 with the corresponding outer tube hole 112 of outer tube 88. Bushing 108 may have corresponding fastener retaining regions 114 to receive each fastener 96 before the bushing is inserted into the end region of outer tube 88. When fastener holes 110 are aligned with outer tube holes 112, shoulder 116 of bushing 108 may prevent the bushing from advancing into outer tube 88. Inner tube 90 may then be inserted into outer tube 88 such that each fastener retaining region 114 of bushing 108 and the fastener 96 retained therein enter the channel 102 of axial groove 100a or 100b from the longitudinal end of the channel 102 of axial groove 100a or 100b. Then, the leading end of each external threaded fastener 92 can pass through the throat 104 of one of the axial grooves 100a, 100b through the outer tube hole 112 and into the fastener hole 110 located in the channel 102.

[0058] Bushing 108 can be advantageous for several reasons. First, the bushing creates a better fit between tubes 88 and 90, allowing the tubes to slide more smoothly relative to each other with less lateral play. Second, the bushing can be formed of a softer and / or smoother material (e.g., a polymer) than the outer tube 88 and inner tube 90 (e.g., metals such as aluminum alloys). Therefore, the composition of the bushing can facilitate sliding and reduce scratches on tubes 88 and 90 that would otherwise remove coatings (e.g., paint) from them. Third, as mentioned above, the bushing aligns with holes 110 and 112 for receiving fastener 92, which could otherwise be challenging.

[0059] Each tower 64 may have a height marking 118, which is configured to match the height of the tower 64 (see [link]). Figure 5 Marking 118 may be formed on the inner tube 90 and / or the upper portion 86 of the tower (see also...). Figure 2 The mark 118 may include a series of numerals 120 and reference marks 122, which may form a mark group 124. In the depicted example, the inner tube 90 has a pair of mark groups 124 arranged along the edge of the inner axial groove 100a.

[0060] Ring 126 can be passed through bracket 128 (see Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 A support is formed on each tower 64. The support can be attached to the middle section 76, for example, on one side of the outer tube 88 of the lower section 84.

[0061] The upper end portion 74 can form a saddle 130 to receive a portion of the crossbar 66 (see...) Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figures 8 to 10 The saddle 130 can be arranged substantially horizontally. The saddle can be formed by a recess 132 defined by the top side of the upper end portion 74, which creates a pair of walls 134, 136 spaced apart from each other along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis 68 of the truck to restrict lateral horizontal movement of one end of the crossbar 66. However, the saddle 130 can allow the crossbar 66 to slide longitudinally (parallel to the long axis of the crossbar) until the crossbar is securely attached to the saddle.

[0062] Tower 64 may extend between its top and bottom ends along a longitudinal axis 138 that is at least partially curved (see...) Figure 2 More specifically, the tower 64 may extend linearly upward from the lower end portion 72 at the slope already discussed, and may then smoothly curve inward along the upper end portion 74 to a substantially horizontal direction (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 8In some examples, the upper end portion 74 may be provided by a separate end member 139, which is attached end-to-end to the middle portion 76 to form a joint 140 (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 9 For example, the end member 139 and the inner tube 90 of the intermediate portion 76 can be axially engaged with each other to insert the insertable region 141 of the end member 139 into a correspondingly shaped opening in the inner tube 90 (and / or vice versa). This engagement can restrict lateral movement of the intermediate portion 76 and the end member 139 relative to each other. The intermediate portion 76 and the end member 139 can be axially secured to each other with one or more fasteners 142 (e.g., bolts) (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 10 The cross-sectional dimensions of the upper end of the intermediate portion 76 (e.g., provided by the inner tube 90) can be matched with the cross-sectional dimensions of the lower end of the end member 139 adjacent to the insertable region 141, such that portions 74, 76 are flush with each other primarily around the joint 140 to provide a smooth transition from the intermediate portion 76 to the upper end portion 74. The partially linear, partially curved configuration of the tower 64 makes the tower more aerodynamic because the saddle 130 extends inward but does not project axially outward from the tower in a direction away from the central plane 82 (see also...). Figure 2 ).

[0063] The crossbar 66 may include a tube 144 and a pair of end caps 146, the end caps 146 being attached to opposite ends of the tube via respective fastener assemblies 148 (see...). Figure 2 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 13B The tube 144 may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length (see...). Figure 13B The tube may be formed, for example, by extrusion and / or may be composed of a metal alloy (e.g., an aluminum alloy).

[0064] Pipe 144 can define a lower groove 150 and an upper groove 152, each groove extending axially along the length of the pipe (see...). Figure 13B As described, each groove 150, 152 may be a T-groove. Thus, each groove 150, 152 may open along one side to form a throat 154 adjacent to the channel 156, wherein the throat 154 is narrower than the channel 156 and is located outside the channel 156, for example, at the periphery of the tube 144. The throat 154 may be defined by a pair of lips 158 (interchangeably referred to as flanges), which may define a portion of the channel 156 and may project at least generally toward each other.

[0065] The slots 150 and 152 can be connected to each other via any suitable wall structure. For example, the slots 150 and 152 can be connected to each other via the peripheral (outer) wall 160 of the tube 144. The slots can also be connected to each other via one or more transverse (inner) walls 162. The transverse walls 162 increase the strength of the tube 144 for supporting heavy loads, but may not be necessary, especially in other slotted tubes disclosed herein for the tower 64 and side railing 70.

[0066] Each slot 150, 152 provides a continuous range of potential attachment points along its length (and therefore along the crossbar 66). The lower slot 150 can be used to attach the crossbar 66 to the tower 64, and the upper slot 152 can be used to attach rack accessories, which may or may not be cargo-specific. Exemplary rack accessories are described in Section III below. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As depicted, the upper slot 152 may be occupied by one or more removable filler strips 164 in the location where there is no attachment bracket.

[0067] Each crossbar 66 can be attached to a pair of towers 64 using at least one pair of crossbar attachment fastener assemblies 166 (see...). Figure 12 Each fastener assembly 166 may include at least one externally threaded fastener 168 (e.g., a bolt member) and an internally threaded fastener 170 (e.g., a nut member) having at least one internally threaded hole 172. The internally threaded fastener 170 may be placed from one end into the lower groove 150 and then slid along the lower groove 150 until each internally threaded hole 172 is coaxially aligned with a hole 174 defined by the saddle 130 of the upper end portion 74 (see...). Figure 2 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 The leading end of the externally threaded fastener 168 can then pass through the hole 174 and throat 154 of the lower slot 150 and threadedly engage with the internally threaded hole 172 to create a tower-crossbar joint 176. The crossbar 66 and tower 64 are slidably connected to each other to allow travel relative to each other along the lower slot 150 before the fastener assembly 166 is tightened and to lock together after the fastener assembly is tightened. In other examples, the positions of fasteners 168 and 170 can be interchanged; for example, fastener 168 may have a head in the lower slot 150, and each fastener 170 may be a single-hole nut located below the lower slot 150.

[0068] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustration shows the height adjustment of the truck frame 50 via the tower 64 of the truck frame 50, while the bottom ends of the towers remain at the same distance from each other (e.g., when the towers have already been mounted to the truck via the base 62; see also...). Figure 1Only one crossbar assembly 58f is shown here, but the same height adjustment described herein is typically performed on both crossbar assemblies. The height adjustment illustrated here can be performed while all towers 64 remain securely mounted to the truck bed, i.e., without disconnecting towers 64 from bases 62 and without disconnecting crossbars 66 from towers 64.

[0069] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The crossbar assembly 58f of the truck frame 50 is shown, and the crossbar assembly 58f is adjustable between its minimum and maximum height. Figure 3 In the middle, each inner tube 90 is fully retracted into the outer tube 88. To make the height of the truck frame 50 adjustable, the fasteners 92 at each joint 98 of the tower 64 can be loosened, and the fasteners 168 that attach the tower 64 to the crossbar 66 at the tower-crossbar joint 176 can also be loosened (see also...). Figure 2 and Figure 12 When the upper end portion 74 of the tower 64 slides axially inward along the crossbar 66 (as indicated by arrow 180), the tower 64 can then extend upward (as indicated by arrow 178). (Alternatively, from the position...) Figure 4 Starting with the truck frame 50 in the configuration, as the upper end portion 74 of the tower 64 slides axially outward along the crossbar 66, the tower 64 can retract downward to reduce the height of the truck frame 50. When the desired approximate height is reached, the height markings 118 on all towers 64 can be compared to ensure that the tower heights are equal (see also...). Figure 5 This ensures that each crossbar 66 will be horizontal and that both crossbars 66 will be at the same height. Fasteners 92 can then be tightened to secure each tower height.

[0070] Next, each crossbar 66 can be axially centered on the corresponding pair of towers 64, such that the longitudinal center 182 of the crossbar is equidistant from each of the towers 64 in the pair (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each crossbar 66 may have two sets of position indication (centering) marks 184, which are arranged along opposite end portions of the crossbar 66 and rotated 180 degrees off from each other (see [link to relevant documentation] for a portion of one set). Figure 13AEssentially identical location markers 184 can exist on both end portions, such that when each tower 64 is aligned with the same feature (e.g., the same number) of the corresponding set of location markers 184, the user knows that the crossbar 66 is centered along its long axis. In the depicted example, each set of location markers 184 has a series of numbers 186 arranged along the end portion of the crossbar 66. Each number is repeated in another set of location markers 184 such that the distance between instances of the same number in both sets is the same as the value of that number. For example, Figure 13A The set of position markers 184 depicted includes the numbers “52”, “53”, and “54”, which are 52 inches, 53 inches, and 54 inches respectively, and are the same as the numbers in another set of position markers 184. Each set of position markers 184 may be located at the bottom (as depicted), at least one outer, and / or top of the crossbar 66.

[0071] II. Exemplary base for truck rack

[0072] This section describes an exemplary base 62 for securing the tower 64 of the truck frame 50 to the truck bed; see Figures 14 to 24 .

[0073] Figures 14 to 19 An illustrative example of a base 62 (base 190) is shown, which is configured to be coupled to the upper wall region 60 of the truck bed 54 at a cargo box slot 191 (which opens at the bottom) (see...). Figure 16 The base 190 includes a base support member 192 connected to the connecting portion 194 (see...). Figure 14 ).

[0074] The base support member 192 can be configured to support and releasably secure the tower 64 (see...). Figure 14 and Figures 17 to 19 More specifically, the lower end portion 72 of the tower 64 may form a foot 196 at the bottom of the tower 64. The foot 196 may be received, supported and secured by the base support member 192.

[0075] The foot 196 can be configured to be supported and secured to the base member 192 in a substantially horizontal orientation. The foot 196 has a length (L), a width (W), and a thickness (T), where L ≥ W > T. The length and width axes of the foot can be configured to be substantially horizontal, and the thickness axis of the foot can be configured to be substantially vertical. Therefore, the foot 196 can be described as a horizontal foot that defines a substantially horizontal plane. The foot can be elongated to define a long axis 197, and the foot can be configured to be mounted to the truck bed such that the long axis 197 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the truck and / or the truck bed rails.

[0076] The leg 196 has a top surface 198 and a bottom surface 200, and a thickness axis may extend between these surfaces. Compared to the end surfaces 201 and side surfaces 202, the top surface 198 and bottom surface 200 may be the main surfaces of the leg 196 having the largest surface area. Therefore, the leg 196 can be described as a flat leg. The top surface 198 may define a plane. The bottom surface 200 may at least partially define surface features, such as one or more grooves 204 and / or one or more ridges 206, or may be planar, etc. The grooves 204 and ridges 206 may be parallel to each other and optionally parallel to the long axis 197.

[0077] The leg 196 may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape (e.g., along its length), as shown here. The leg may be an extrusion, which may be machined to change its shape.

[0078] The bottom end of the intermediate portion 76 (or shaft 79) of tower 64 can be attached to the foot 196. For example, the bottom end can be securely attached to the top surface 198, as shown, for example by welding, fasteners, and / or the like. The foot 196 can be described as a lateral foot, with the foot oriented laterally to the intermediate portion 76. More specifically, the plane (and / or long axis 197) defined by the foot 196 can be lateral to the linear axis 78 of the intermediate portion 76, where "lateral" means within an orthogonal range of approximately 60 degrees (i.e., the foot can be inclined or orthogonal). The strut member 208 of tower 64 can stabilize the attachment of the intermediate portion 76 to the foot 196. The strut member 208 can be attached to the foot 196 at one end and to the intermediate portion 76 at the other end.

[0079] The base support member 192 can define the receiving area 210, in which the support leg 196 can be received, supported and fixed (see...). Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 17 The footprint of the support leg 196 can substantially match the horizontal perimeter of the receiving area 210. The receiving area 210 can form a platform 212 as the floor of the receiving area 210, and the support leg 196 can be supported on the platform 212, optionally with its bottom surface 200 contacting and / or facing the platform. The platform 212 can be substantially horizontal and flat. The receiving area 210 can have multiple walls 214, 216, 218, and 220 extending along the edge of the platform 212 and located above the platform 212 (see...). Figure 15Any combination of the base support member 192, the outrigger 196, the receiving area 210, the platform 212, the wall 218, and the wall 220 may extend generally along the longitudinal axis of the truck and / or transversely to the plane defined by the corresponding crossbar assembly.

[0080] The base support member 192 may have a body 224 and a door 226 movably connected to the body 224 (see...). Figure 15 The main body 224 may form the end walls 214, 216 and the outer wall 218 of the receiving area 210. Each of the walls 214, 216 and 218 may be fixed relative to each other such that these walls remain stationary when the leg 196 is received and fixed by the base 190 and then subsequently released from the base 190. The door 226 may form the inner wall 220 of the receiving area 210.

[0081] The base support component 192 can form a clamp 228 to fix the support leg 196 (see...). Figure 18 and Figure 19 The clamp may use the sidewalls 218, 220 of the receiving area 210 as the fixed jaw 230 and the movable jaw 232, respectively. The door 226 may be pivotally connected to the body 224 for rotation about axis 234. A spring 236 may bias the movable jaw 232 away from the fixed jaw 230. A clamp actuator 238, such as an actuator bolt threaded to the body 224, may be actuated (e.g., rotated) to partially alter the rotational orientation of the movable jaw 232 and the door 226 by changing the compression of the spring 236.

[0082] The leg 196 may have a pair of flanges 242a, 242b arranged along opposite edge regions, for example substantially parallel to the long axis 197 of the leg (see also...). Figure 14 Each flange 242a, 242b can be configured to be received below the corresponding undercut regions 244a, 244b formed in the receiving region 210 via the outer sidewall 218 (and the fixed claw 230) and the inner sidewall 220 (and the movable claw 232), respectively.

[0083] By properly manipulating the clamp actuator 238, the clamp 228 can be fixed in a closed tower configuration. Figure 18 ) and open tower release configuration ( Figure 19 The clamp can be adjusted between the movable jaw 232 and the fixed jaw 230 by using actuator 238 to capture the foot 196 in the receiving area 210, as indicated by the rotating arrow at 246 (see [link]). Figure 14 and Figure 18The corresponding inclined surfaces formed by flange 242a and undercut region 244a and / or flange 242b and undercut region 244b can be pressed against each other to generate a downward force on leg 196. When clamp 228 is adjusted to the tower fixing configuration, this downward force pushes leg 196 tightly against platform 212, which also applies horizontal compression to leg 196 by claws 230, 232. When clamp 228 is pressed against leg 196, ridge 206 can resist slippage more effectively than a flat bottom surface by applying local pressure to platform 212.

[0084] After the leg 196 is engaged by the clamp 228, the longitudinal movement of the leg 196 in the receiving area 210 can be restricted by an internal mating structure. For example, the flange 242a of the leg 196 can form a notch 250 (or other recess) that mates with a pin 252 (or other protrusion) of the body 224 located in the receiving area 210 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 14 and Figure 17 Alternatively or additionally, flange 242a may have a protrusion that engages with a corresponding recess in receiving region 210.

[0085] Rotating the clamp actuator 238 in the opposite direction of rotation allows the spring 236 to push the movable jaw 232 away from the fixed jaw 230 to the tower release configuration, as indicated by 256 (see [reference]). Figure 19 The foot 196 is no longer captured in the receiving area 210 and can be removed, as indicated by the movement arrow at 258.

[0086] The main body 224 of the base support member 192 can be shaped to be placed on the top wall 260 of the truck bed railing 52a and abut against the inner side wall 262 of the railing 52a (see...). Figure 16 The body may have an upper portion 264 having a bottom surface 266 configured to face and optionally abut the top wall 260. A lower portion 267 of the body 224 may project downward from the upper portion 264 to form a shoulder 268 configured to be adjacent to and optionally abut the inner sidewall 262.

[0087] The connecting portion 194 of the base 190 may include one or more connecting members 270 to mount the base support member 192 to the truck bed 54 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 16Each connecting member 270 may include a claw member 272 that is connected to the base member 192 by at least one fastener, such as bolt 274 in the illustrated example. The base member 192 may define one or more holes, such as slots 276, through which the axis of each bolt 274 extends (see...). Figure 15 Each slot 276 allows the connecting member 270 to slide along the slot before the connecting member is fastened against the truck bed 54, in order to optimize the position of the connecting member.

[0088] Each connecting member 270 and the base support member 192 can cooperatively clamp the wall area of ​​the carriage railing 52a to install the base support member to the carriage railing. For example, in Figure 16 In the middle, the upper part 264 and the claw member 272 apply compression to the top wall area of ​​the carriage railing.

[0089] Each connecting member 270 can be disengaged from the base member 192 by removing the bolt 274. However, the foot 196 located in the receiving area 210 covers the slot 276 and the bolt 274 therein. Therefore, the foot 196 prevents unauthorized access to the bolt 274 and removal of the base 190 from the truck bed 54 until the foot 196 has been removed from the receiving area 210. Since the clamp 228 needs to be placed in its open tower release configuration to remove the foot 196, preventing access to and / or manipulation of the clamp actuator 238 can deter theft. Figure 17 The actuator 238 has a non-standard drive interface 278 at its head, which requires a dedicated drive to rotate the clamp actuator. The drive interface 278 is a recess in the illustrated example. A dedicated drive is available when the truck frame 50 is purchased.

[0090] Better anti-theft protection is provided by using different clamp actuators 280 and key-operated safety locks 282 (see...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 The clamp actuator 280 can be a bolt having the same external threaded shaft 284 as the clamp actuator 238, but with a different head 286 (see...). Figure 20 The head may have a radial protrusion 288 adjacent to the shaft 284. The radial protrusion 288 cannot pass through the elongated opening 290 in the door 226 through which the shaft 284 extends (see...). Figure 20 and Figure 21 Therefore, the radial protrusion 288 contacts the door 226 and resists the action of the spring 236 (see also...). Figure 18 and Figure 19The head 286 may also have a lock engagement shoulder 292 located near the trailing end of the clamp actuator 280. The shoulder 292 may be formed by a radial recess 294 and / or a radial protrusion 296. When the lock 282 is operably mounted on the head 286, a blocking member 298 inside the lock can enter the radial recess 294, such that if an attempt is made to pull the lock away from the head 286, the blocking member 298 engages the shoulder 292, preventing removal of the lock. The lock 282 covers a non-standard actuator interface 278 (or a standard actuator interface), preventing engagement with the corresponding actuator. When the lock 282 is unlocked with the corresponding key, the blocking member 298 can retract from the radial recess 294, allowing the lock 282 to be removed from the head 286, and the actuator interface 278 to be accessed with the corresponding actuator. The clamp actuator 280 and the key-operated lock 282 can be used only for one of the pairs of bases 62 below each crossbar assembly 58f, 58r, such as Figure 2 The diagram shows one of the crossbar components.

[0091] Figure 22 and Figure 23 Another illustrative example (base 300) of the base 62 of the tower 64 fixed to the truck frame 50 is shown. The base support member 192 of the base 300 is the same as the base support member of the base 190, but the connecting portion 194 is different (see...). Figure 14 More specifically, the connecting portion 194 of the base 300 has a pair of connecting members 302 configured to mount the base support member 192 to the truck bed 54 having a T-slot (i.e., the bed slot 304) (see...). Figure 23 The cargo box trough 304 has openings on its side to form a throat 306 at the midpoint between the top and bottom of the cargo box trough. The cargo box trough is shown as being integrally formed with the cargo box railing 52a, but more commonly it is created by a separate track member mounted to the wall of the truck cargo box.

[0092] Each connecting member 302 may have a pair of fastener assemblies 308, 310 (see...) Figure 22 The base fastener assembly 308 connects the body 312 of the connecting member 302 to the base member 192 via the platform slot 276 (see also...). Figure 15Bolt 274 extends through the platform groove 276 and the hole 314 in the body 312 and is threadedly engaged with a corresponding nut 316. The body 312 may define a recess 318 to receive at least a portion of the nut 316. When the nut 316 is located in the recess 318 and engaged with bolt 274, the nut 316 can travel along the recess 318, but is restricted from rotation by the recess wall 320. The recess wall 320 is oriented to match the facets of the nut 316 and prevents effective access to the opposite facets of the nut 316 with a wrench or similar tool. Thus, as in base 190, when tower 64 is secured to base 300 via foot 196, the head of bolt 274 is covered by foot 196. With this configuration, base 300 cannot be removed from truck bed 54 without opening clamp 228 via manipulating clamp actuator 238 or 280 (see also...). Figures 18 to 21 ).

[0093] The carriage slot fastener assembly 310 connects the connecting member 302 to the carriage slot 304 (see Figure 22 and Figure 23 The body tray fastener assembly 310 has a bolt 324 extending through a hole 326 in the body 312 and threadedly engaging a nut member 328 located in the body tray 304. The body 312 has a ridged surface 330 that engages with a corresponding ridged surface of a washer 332 to resist slippage. A user can select one of two or more holes 326 to receive the bolt 324 to match the height of the body tray 304. In some examples, a pair of nut members 328 may be replaced by a single elongated nut member having a pair of internally threaded holes for engaging the bolt 324. In some examples, the hole 326 may be elongated to allow the user to slide the bolt 324 along the hole 326 to select the height of the bolt 324.

[0094] Figure 24 Further illustrative example (base 350) is shown for mounting the tower 64 of the truck frame 50 to the base 62 of the truck bed. The base 350 can be used to mount the truck frame 50 to a truck bed with a rear cargo cover. The rear cargo cover can be mounted on cargo bed rails 52a, 52b using corresponding elongated rail caps having T-slots arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 68 of the truck (see also...). Figure 1 Each T-slot may have a throat located above the channel, as described in the upper slot 152 of the crossbar 66 (see, for example, the upper slot 152 of the crossbar 66). Figure 13B ).

[0095] The base 350 may have a base support member 352 that forms a receiving area 354 for the legs 196 of the tower 64. The base plate of the receiving area 354 provides a platform 356 on which the legs 196 can be supported. The end walls 358, 360 and side walls 362 of the receiving area 354 may be configured to match the three sides of the peripheral shape of the legs 196 to ensure proper alignment of the legs 196 with the base support member 352. More specifically, the legs 196 and the base support member 352 may define corresponding sets of one or more holes 364, 366 that are aligned with each other when the legs 196 are placed on the platform 356 and abut against at least one end wall 358, 360 and side wall 362.

[0096] The base 350 may include at least one fastener assembly, such as a limiting fastener assembly 368 and an accessible fastener assembly 370, to secure the foot 196 to the base. Each fastener assembly 368, 370 may have a bolt member 372 having a head 374 configured to be received in a T-slot of the rear cover. The head 374 may include a wider flange region 376 for placement into the channel of the T-slot, and a narrower, optionally tapered region 378 for placement into the throat of the T-slot and through an elongated hole 366 of the base member 352. An externally threaded shaft 380 extends from the narrower region 378 of each bolt member 372 and through the hole 364 of the foot 196. Each fastener assembly 368, 370 has a corresponding nut member 382, ​​384 for threaded engagement with the shaft 380 of the corresponding bolt 372. The safety nut component 382 can be shaped to resemble the rear region of the clamp actuator 280, except for the addition of an internally threaded hole (see also...). Figure 21 After the safety nut component 382 is secured against the support leg 196, the key-operated lock 282 can be mounted on the nut component 382, ​​as described above for the base 190 (see also...). Figure 20 and Figure 21 Nut component 384 may have a small external facet and be accessible with a wrench or similar tool. However, due to the presence of fastener component 368, removal of nut component 384 is insufficient to remove base 350 from truck bed, thus preventing theft.

[0097] III. Explanatory side railing

[0098] This section describes another aspect of an exemplary side rail 70, which is configured to attach a pair of towers 64 of crossbar assemblies 58f, 58r to the same side of the truck frame 50, and also describes exemplary frame attachments that can be mounted to the side rail 70; see also Figure 1 and Figures 25 to 30 .

[0099] The side railing 70 has a rod member 390 attached to a pair of brackets 392 at opposite ends (see...). Figure 25 and Figure 26 Each bracket 392 may define one or more openings to receive one or more fasteners for attaching the bracket to the tower 64 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0100] The side railing 70 may have an adjustable length, which is provided by the telescopic capability of the rod member 390. The rod member 390 may include an elongated outer tube 396. An elongated inner member, such as an inner tube 398, may slidably extend from and retract into the outer tube 396 to change the length of the side railing 70. The outer tube 396 and the inner tube 398 may be connected to each other at a joint 400, which has an adjustable configuration and a fixed configuration, allowing and limiting the length adjustment of the side railing 70, respectively.

[0101] The outer tube 396 and the inner tube 398 may each have at least one axial groove, which may be a T-groove (as described elsewhere herein). In the depicted example, the outer tube 396 has a pair of grooves 402a, 402b positioned opposite each other, and the inner tube 398 has a single groove 404 (see...). Figure 25 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 ).

[0102] Figure 27 An exemplary structure of connector 400 is shown, which is conceptually and structurally similar to connector 98 of tower 64 (see also...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 Connector 400 includes bushing 406, which has many similarities to bushing 108 of connector 98 (see...). Figure 27 and Figure 28 and with Figure 6 and Figure 7 (In comparison). The bushing 406 fits into the end region of the outer tube 396 and has a shoulder 408 formed by the flange 410. The shoulder 408 is configured to prevent the bushing 406 from advancing into the outer tube 396 such that the bore 412 of the outer tube 396 aligns with the corresponding bore 414 of the bushing 406. A fastener, such as a bolt member 416, is configured to extend through the bores 412, 414. The bushing 406 also has a nut positioning region 418 defining an opening 420, which is configured to receive a nut member 422 for engagement by the bolt member 416 (see...). Figure 27 and Figure 28Bushing 406 may define another opening 424 aligned with opening 420 to allow placement of nut member 422 into nut positioning region 418. Nut positioning region 418 may be configured to be received in channel 426 of groove 404 of inner tube 398. Neck region 428 of bushing 406 adjacent to nut positioning region 418 may be configured to be received in throat 430 of groove 404. Tightening fastener assembly (fastener assembly including bolt member 416 and nut member 422) secures the length of side rail 70. Head of bolt member 416 may be substantially flush with or recessed relative to rear wall 432 of groove 402b to avoid obstructing movement of rack attachments along groove 402b. Therefore, hole 412 may have countersunk hole to receive head of bolt member 416.

[0103] In some examples, the length of the rod member 390 may be determined by a pair of outer tubes 396 connected to each other via an inner tube 398 and a pair of connectors 400. Each of the pair of outer tubes 396 may be attached to a bracket 392 at its outer end.

[0104] The side rail 70 may have one or more sleeves 440 connected to the rod member 390 (see...). Figure 25 Each sleeve 440 can be configured to connect to and support a bracket accessory 442, as shown herein, which is, for example, an eye bolt member 444. The sleeve 440 can be mounted on the inner tube 398 and can be configured to be adjustable between a sliding configuration and a fixed configuration. In the sliding configuration, the sleeve 440 can slide along the inner tube 398 regardless of whether the length of the side rail 70 is already fixed at the joint 400. In the fixed configuration, the sleeve has a fixed position along the inner tube 398. The length of the sleeve 440 can be significantly less than the length of the rod member 390, the outer tube 396, and / or the inner tube 398.

[0105] exist Figure 29 An exemplary structure of sleeve 440 is shown. Sleeve 440 may include a tube member 446 having one or more axial grooves, such as two axial grooves 448a and 448b. The cross-section of tube member 446 may be substantially the same as that of outer tube 396. Sleeve 440 may form a pair of joints with inner tube 398. Each joint may be configured as joint 400 as described above, and may therefore include bushing 406, bolt member 416, and nut member 422. Sleeve 440 can be adjusted between a sliding configuration and a fixed configuration by loosening and tightening bolt member 416 of the sleeve joint.

[0106] Figure 30An exemplary structure of rack attachment 442 is shown. The rack attachment has a rack connection portion 452 and a cargo connection portion 454. The rack connection portion 452 can be configured to attach the rack attachment to any or all T-slots of this disclosure, such as T-slots 100a, 100b of tower 64, lower T-slots 150 and upper T-slots 152 of crossbar 66, T-slots 402a, 402b of outer tube 396 of side rail 70, and / or T-slots 448a, 448b of sleeve 440. The rack connection portion 452 may include a first fastening member 456, such as a member or bolt member to be received and held in the channel of the T-slot, and a second fastening member 458, such as a bolt member or nut member, engaging the first fastening member 456. A washer 460 may be provided on the tube forming the T-slot, located adjacent to the throat of the T-slot. The cargo connection section 454 may include any suitable structure for docking with cargo (e.g., recreational equipment, tools, stockpiled timber blocks, etc.) or cargo securing components (e.g., straps, belts, ropes, nets, etc.). Other suitable rack accessories may include load stops, recovery track holders, ladder rollers, bicycle mounts, wheel holders, kayak saddles, etc.

[0107] IV. Example

[0108] The following examples illustrate further aspects and examples of truck racks (including rack components and rack accessories) used to support cargo on a truck bed, as well as methods of constructing, assembling, installing, adjusting, and using truck racks. These examples, and those described above in Parts I through III, are intended to be illustrative only and should not be limiting or restrictive of the entire scope of this disclosure.

[0109] Example 1. Non-height adjustable truck frame

[0110] This section describes an illustrative truck rack 50', which, except that the height of the tower 64 is not adjustable, is similar to... Figure 1 The truck frame. Only one crossbar assembly 58f is shown. The middle section 76 of each tower is not telescopic, but has a fixed, non-adjustable length.

[0111] Example 2. Selected Examples

[0112] This example describes the selected examples of this disclosure as a series of indexed paragraphs.

[0113] Paragraph A1. A truck frame comprising: (a) a tower having legs and an upper end portion configured to support crossbars; and (b) a base configured to mount the tower on an upper wall region of a truck bed, the base including a platform supporting the legs and at least one fixing device for securing the legs to the platform.

[0114] Paragraph A2. The truck frame as described in paragraph A1, wherein the platform is configured to support the outriggers substantially horizontally.

[0115] Paragraph A3. The truck frame according to paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the legs have a bottom surface configured to face the platform.

[0116] Paragraph A4. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the tower extends along a linear axis and wherein the legs are oriented transversely to the linear axis.

[0117] Paragraph A5. The truck frame as described in paragraph A4, wherein the legs are inclined to or orthogonal to the linear axis.

[0118] Paragraph A6. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs A1 to A5, wherein the legs have a top surface that defines a plane.

[0119] Paragraph A7. The truck frame as described in paragraph A6, wherein the plane is transverse to, or inclined to, or orthogonal to, the long axis defined by the tower.

[0120] Paragraph A8. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A7, wherein the legs have a top surface configured to be substantially horizontal when the legs are supported on a platform.

[0121] Paragraph A9. A truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 through A8, wherein the tower includes a middle section defining a long axis, and wherein the legs extend laterally (obliquely or orthogonally) relative to the long axis of the middle section.

[0122] Paragraph A10. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A9, wherein the legs have a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the bottom surface is supported on a platform.

[0123] Paragraph A11. The truck frame as described in paragraph A10, wherein the bottom surface defines a plurality of grooves.

[0124] Paragraph A12. The truck frame according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A11, wherein the at least one fixing device includes a clamp configured to engage opposite edge regions of the support leg.

[0125] Paragraph A13. The truck frame as described in paragraph A12, wherein opposing edge regions each intersect the same substantially horizontal plane.

[0126] Paragraph A14. According to the truck frame in paragraphs A12 or A13, the opposite edge areas are substantially linear and / or substantially parallel to each other.

[0127] Paragraph A15. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A12 to A14, wherein the clamp has fixed claws and movable claws arranged along opposite edges of the platform.

[0128] Paragraph A16. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A12 to A15, wherein at least one of the opposite edge regions of the leg has an inclined surface that engages with a corresponding inclined surface of the base to push the leg downward when the clamp is fastened against the opposite edge region.

[0129] Paragraph A17. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A12 to A16, wherein the base includes a base support member defining a receiving area for the outriggers, and wherein clamps are configured to capture the outriggers in the receiving area.

[0130] Paragraph A18. The truck frame according to paragraph A17, wherein the receiving area includes a plurality of walls positioned around the platform, and wherein the plurality of walls are configured to restrict horizontal movement of the outriggers before the clamps are secured against the outriggers.

[0131] Paragraph A19. Truck frame as described in paragraphs A17 or A18, wherein the platform is a recessed area of ​​the receiving area.

[0132] Paragraph A20. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs A17 to A19, wherein the receiving area at its horizontal perimeter substantially matches the shape of the legs.

[0133] Paragraph A21. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A17 to A20, wherein the receiving area includes an undercut wall area, and wherein one of the opposing edge areas is formed by a flange, and wherein the flange is configured to be received below the undercut wall area.

[0134] Paragraph A22. The truck frame according to paragraph A21, wherein the flange is tapered in a plane orthogonal to the long axis of the leg.

[0135] Paragraph A23. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A22, wherein the base includes a base support member that defines a receiving area for the legs, and wherein the receiving area includes at least three walls located above the platform and extending along at least three edges of the platform.

[0136] Paragraph A24. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A23, wherein the base includes at least one fastener assembly configured to extend between holes in the base and holes in the legs.

[0137] Paragraph A25. The truck frame as described in paragraph A24, wherein the holes in the base intersect the platform.

[0138] Paragraph A26. The truck frame as described in paragraphs A24 or A25, wherein the base is configured to be mounted to a slot in the rear cargo box cover.

[0139] Paragraph A27. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs A24 to A26, wherein the base is configured to be mounted to a T-slot that is open at the top.

[0140] Paragraph A28. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A27, wherein the base includes at least one connecting member configured to attach the base to a (horizontal) slot associated with the truck bed.

[0141] Paragraph A29. The truck frame as described in paragraph A28, wherein the slot is a T-shaped slot.

[0142] Paragraph A30. The truck frame according to paragraph A29, wherein the T-slot opens at the top of the T-slot or between the top and bottom of the T-slot.

[0143] Paragraph A31. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs A28 to A30, wherein the slot opens at its bottom.

[0144] Paragraph A32. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A31, wherein the base includes a bottom support member, and wherein the base includes a connecting member having a claw member connected to the bottom support member by threaded fasteners.

[0145] Paragraph A33. A truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A32, wherein the legs cover an area of ​​the base, and wherein the covered area is wider and longer than the width or diameter of the tower of the adjacent legs.

[0146] Paragraph A34. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A33, wherein the legs are configured to prevent removal of the base mounted on the upper wall area of ​​the truck bed when the legs are secured to the base.

[0147] Paragraph A35. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A34, wherein the base includes a base member and one or more connecting members, the base member forming a platform, one or more connecting members being configured to mount the base on an upper wall region of the truck body, wherein each connecting member includes a fastener having a head, and wherein a leg is configured to cover the head of the fastener of each connecting member.

[0148] Paragraph A36. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A35, wherein the legs form a junction with the intermediate portion of the tower and extend in a plane transverse to the intermediate portion beyond the perimeter of the intermediate portion adjacent to the junction.

[0149] Paragraph A37. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A36, wherein the legs cover an area on the platform that is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the middle portion of the tower adjacent to the legs.

[0150] Paragraph A38. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs A1 through A37, wherein the platform comprises an upward-facing, substantially horizontal surface.

[0151] Paragraph A39. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A38, wherein the legs and the base have the feature of engaging together when the legs are fixed to the platform to restrict longitudinal movement of the legs relative to the base.

[0152] Paragraph A40. The truck frame according to paragraph A39, wherein the features that engage together include a recess in one of the legs and the base that engages with a protrusion formed by the other of the legs and the base.

[0153] Paragraph A41. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A40, wherein the base includes a base member forming a platform, wherein the base includes at least one first connecting member that is removably interchangeable with at least one second connecting member, wherein the at least one first connecting member is configured to attach the base member to a first slot in a first truck bed, wherein the at least one second connecting member is configured to attach the base member to a second slot in a second truck bed, wherein the first slot opens at its bottom, and wherein the second slot opens along one side of itself between the top and bottom of the slot.

[0154] Paragraph A42. A truck frame as described in any of paragraphs A1 through A41, wherein the legs are flat feet.

[0155] Paragraph A43. Truck frame as described in any of paragraphs A1 to A42, wherein the legs are plate members and / or extrusions.

[0156] Paragraph A44. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs A1 to A43, wherein the base (e.g., a bottom support member) and legs are configured to stack on the upper wall area of ​​the truck body.

[0157] Paragraph B1. A truck frame comprising: (a) a tower having legs and an upper end portion configured to support crossbars; and (b) a base configured to be mounted on an upper wall region of a truck bed, the base having clamps to engage opposing edge regions of the legs, thereby releasably securing the tower to the base.

[0158] Paragraph B2. The truck frame according to paragraph B1, wherein the clamp is configured to be adjustable between a foot-fixed configuration and a foot-release configuration, while the base remains mounted to the upper wall area of ​​the truck bed.

[0159] Paragraph B3. The truck frame according to paragraph B1 or B2, wherein at least one of the opposite edge regions extends along a linear axis.

[0160] Paragraph B4. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs B1 to B3, wherein the opposite edge regions are substantially parallel to each other.

[0161] Paragraph B5. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B4, wherein the base includes a platform and wherein the legs are configured to be supported substantially horizontally on the platform.

[0162] Paragraph B6. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B5, the base includes a base member, wherein the base member includes a body and a door, the door being pivotally connected to the body, wherein the body forms a fixed claw of a clamp, and wherein the door forms a movable claw of a clamp.

[0163] Paragraph B7. The truck frame according to paragraph B6, wherein the base support member forms a platform, the legs are supported on the platform, and wherein fixed claws and movable claws are arranged along opposite edges of the platform.

[0164] Paragraph B8. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B7, wherein the base includes a base support member that includes clamps and forms a receiving area for the outrigger, and wherein the clamps are configured to capture the outrigger in the receiving area while pushing the outrigger down against the base plate of the receiving area.

[0165] Paragraph B9. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B8, wherein the base has a platform, legs are supported on the platform, and the clamps have fixed claws and movable claws arranged along opposite edges of the platform.

[0166] Paragraph B10. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B9, wherein at least one of the opposite edge regions of the leg has an inclined surface that engages with a corresponding inclined surface of the base to push the leg downward when the clamp is fastened against the opposite edge region.

[0167] Paragraph B11. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B10, wherein the base includes a base member forming a clamp and a receiving area for a foot, and wherein the clamp is configured to capture the foot in the receiving area.

[0168] Paragraph B12. The truck frame according to paragraph B11, wherein the receiving area includes a plurality of walls positioned around the platform, and wherein said plurality of walls are configured to restrict horizontal movement of the outriggers before the clamps are secured against the outriggers.

[0169] Paragraph B13. The truck frame as described in paragraph B12, wherein the platform is a recessed area of ​​the receiving area.

[0170] Paragraph B14. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B11 to B13, wherein the receiving area substantially matches the shape of the legs at its horizontal perimeter.

[0171] Paragraph B15. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B11 to B14, wherein the receiving area includes an undercut wall area, and wherein one of the opposing edge areas of the leg is formed by a flange, and wherein the flange is configured to receive directly below the undercut wall area.

[0172] Paragraph B16. The truck frame according to paragraph B15, wherein the flange is tapered in a plane orthogonal to the long axis of the leg.

[0173] Paragraph B17. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B16, wherein the clamp includes a clamp actuator having an interface for a driver to rotate the actuator, and the truck frame also includes a key-operated lock configured to cover the interface.

[0174] Paragraph B18. The truck frame according to paragraph B17, wherein the drive interface includes a recess defined by the trailing end region of the clamp actuator.

[0175] Paragraph B19. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B18, wherein the legs are configured to prevent the base from detaching from the upper wall area of ​​the truck bed when the legs are secured to the base with clamps.

[0176] Paragraph B20. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B19, wherein the base includes a platform, legs are supported on the platform, and wherein the clamp includes a jaw that is pivotable relative to the platform to adjust the clamp between a tower fixed configuration and a tower released configuration.

[0177] Paragraph B21. The truck frame according to paragraph B20, wherein the base includes a clamp actuator that adjusts the clamp between a tower fixed configuration and a tower released configuration.

[0178] Paragraph B22. The truck frame according to paragraph B21, wherein the clamp actuator is configured to rotate to adjust the clamp between a tower fixed configuration and a tower released configuration.

[0179] Paragraph B23. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B22, wherein the base includes a platform, legs are supported on the platform, the platform extends parallel to the axis, and each jaw of the clamp extends substantially parallel to the axis.

[0180] Paragraph B24. The truck frame according to paragraph B23, wherein the base is configured to be mounted on the upper wall region of the truck bed of the truck having a longitudinal axis, such that the platform extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the truck.

[0181] Paragraph B25. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B24, wherein the base includes a base member having a body and a door pivotally connected to the body, and wherein the body forms a platform and a fixing claw of a clamp, with legs supporting the platform.

[0182] Paragraph B26. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B25, wherein the base support member has a receiving area for the legs, wherein the receiving area has a base plate and a pair of opposing sidewalls to engage opposing edge areas of the legs.

[0183] Paragraph B27. The truck frame according to paragraph B26, wherein a movable claw forms a clamp in one of the opposing side walls.

[0184] Paragraph B28. The truck frame according to paragraph B27, wherein each of the pair of opposing sidewalls has an undercut region to engage one of the opposing edge regions of the foot.

[0185] Paragraph B29. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs B1 to B28, wherein the clamp has a pair of jaws, wherein the distance between the jaws is adjustable along a substantially horizontal axis, and wherein at least one of the opposite edge regions of the foot has an inclined surface that contacts a corresponding inclined surface of one of the jaws, such that the clamp pushes the foot downward when it is tightened against the foot.

[0186] Paragraph C1. A truck frame comprising: (a) a tower having legs and an upper end portion configured to support crossbars; and (b) a base configured to mount the tower on an upper wall region of a truck bed, the base defining a receiving area for the legs, and including clamps configured to secure the legs in the receiving area while pushing them down against the base.

[0187] Paragraph C2. The truck frame according to paragraph C1, wherein the receiving area includes a floor and a plurality of walls located above the floor and extending along the edge of the floor.

[0188] Paragraph C3. The truck frame according to paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the clamp includes a pair of jaws, and wherein at least one of the jaws includes an inclined undercut configured to engage an inclined surface of the foot to push the foot down against the base plate of the receiving area when the jaw is tightened against the foot.

[0189] Paragraph D1. A truck frame comprising: (a) a pair of towers, each tower having a lower end portion and an upper end portion, the lower end portion being configured to be mounted on an upper wall region of a truck bed, the upper end portion extending upward in an inwardly inclined direction; and (b) a crossbar configured to be supported by and connected to the upper end portions of the pair of towers such that, when the upper end portions extend, the upper end portions are movable toward each other along the crossbar.

[0190] Paragraph D2. The truck frame according to paragraph D1, wherein the upper end portions are fastened to the crossbar by fasteners, wherein the upper end portions are adjusted between a fixed configuration and a sliding configuration by manipulating the fasteners, wherein in the fixed configuration each upper end portion is securely fixed to the crossbar, and in the sliding configuration each upper end portion is connected to the crossbar and slides along the crossbar as the upper end portions of the tower extend.

[0191] Paragraph D3. Based on the truck frame of paragraph D1 or D2, the inward tilt is at approximately 5 to 40 degrees to the vertical.

[0192] Paragraph D4. Based on the truck frame in paragraph D3, the inward tilt is at approximately 10 to 30 degrees to the vertical.

[0193] Paragraph D5. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs D1 to D4, wherein the inward tilting direction and the plane defined by the crossbars are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the truck.

[0194] Paragraph D6. Truck frame as described in any of paragraphs D1 to D5, wherein the height of each tower is continuously adjustable within a certain height range.

[0195] Paragraph D7. Truck racks as described in any of paragraphs D1 through D6, wherein each tower includes a retractable intermediate section.

[0196] Paragraph D8. The truck frame according to paragraph D7, wherein the retractable intermediate portion includes an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being slidably extended from the outer tube.

[0197] Paragraph D9. The truck frame according to paragraph D8, wherein the telescopic intermediate portion includes a fastener assembly partially located in a groove of the inner tube and is adjustable to secure the inner tube to the outer tube within the length of the telescopic intermediate portion.

[0198] Paragraph D10. The truck frame according to paragraph D9, where the slot is a T-slot.

[0199] Paragraph D11. The truck frame according to paragraph D10, wherein the retractable intermediate portion includes a bushing that is at least partially located within the end portion of the outer tube and extends into a groove.

[0200] Paragraph D12. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs D7 to D11, wherein the tower defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis is linear along a retractable middle portion and curved along an upper end portion.

[0201] Paragraph D13. The truck frame according to paragraph D12, wherein the retractable middle portion and the upper end portion are attached to each other at a joint, and wherein the retractable middle portion and the upper end portion are substantially flush with each other around the joint.

[0202] Paragraph D14. The truck frame according to paragraph D13, wherein the retractable middle section and the upper end section are attached to each other by one or more fasteners at the joint.

[0203] Paragraph D15. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs D12 to D14, wherein the upper end portion is smoothly curved to substantially horizontal and forms a saddle for the crossbar.

[0204] Paragraph D16. The truck frame as described in any of paragraphs D1 to D15, wherein the retractable intermediate section includes a height indicator mark.

[0205] Paragraph D17. The truck frame according to any one of paragraphs D1 to D16, wherein the crossbar includes position indicator marks arranged along opposite end portions of the crossbar to help center the longitudinal midpoint of the crossbar between the upper end portions of the tower.

[0206] Paragraph D18. The truck frame as described in paragraph D17, wherein each arrangement along the opposite end portions of the crossbar has substantially the same position indicator mark.

[0207] Paragraph D19. The truck frame as described in paragraph D18, wherein the position indicator markings include numbers.

[0208] Paragraph D20. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs D1 to D19 further includes a pair of bases configured to mount the lower end portions of the pair of towers to corresponding upper wall areas of the truck body.

[0209] Paragraph E1. A truck frame comprising: (a) a crossbar; and (b) a pair of towers, each tower including a lower end portion, an upper end portion and a telescopic intermediate portion, the lower end portion being configured to be mounted on an upper wall region of a truck bed, the upper end portion being configured to support the crossbar, and the telescopic intermediate portion being configured to extend upward with an inward slope and an adjustable length.

[0210] Paragraph E2. The truck frame as described in paragraph E1, wherein the inward slope is at approximately 10 to 30 degrees to the vertical direction.

[0211] Paragraph E3. The truck frame according to paragraph E1 or E2, wherein the retractable intermediate portion comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being slidably extended from the outer tube.

[0212] Paragraph E4. The truck frame according to paragraph E3, wherein the telescopic intermediate portion includes a fastener assembly that is partially located in a groove of the inner tube and is adjustable to secure the inner tube to the outer tube within the length of the telescopic intermediate portion.

[0213] Paragraph E5. The truck frame as described in paragraph E4, wherein the groove of the inner tube is a T-shaped groove.

[0214] Paragraph E6. The truck frame according to paragraph E5, wherein the retractable intermediate portion includes a bushing that is at least partially located within the end portion of the outer tube and extends into a groove in the inner tube.

[0215] Paragraph E7. A truck frame according to any of paragraphs E1 to E6, wherein the tower defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis is linear along a retractable middle portion and curved along an upper end portion.

[0216] Paragraph E8. The truck frame according to paragraph E7, wherein the retractable middle portion and the upper end portion are attached to each other at a joint, and wherein the retractable middle portion and the upper end portion are substantially flush with each other around the joint.

[0217] Paragraph E9. The truck frame according to paragraph E8, wherein the retractable middle section and the upper end section are attached to each other by one or more fasteners at the joint.

[0218] Paragraph E10. A truck frame as described in any of paragraphs E7 through E9, wherein the upper end portion is smoothly curved to a generally horizontal position and forms a saddle.

[0219] Paragraph E11. Truck frame as described in any of paragraphs E1 to E10, wherein the intermediate portion includes height indicator markings.

[0220] Paragraph E12. Truck frame according to any of paragraphs E1 to E11, wherein the crossbars include position indicator marks (centering marks) arranged along opposite ends of the crossbars to facilitate longitudinal centering of the crossbars between the upper end portions of the tower.

[0221] Paragraph E13. The truck frame as described in paragraph E12, wherein each arrangement along the opposite end portions of the crossbar has substantially the same position indicator mark.

[0222] Paragraph E14. Truck frame as described in paragraphs E12 or E13, wherein the position indicator markings include numbers.

[0223] Paragraph E15. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs E1 to E14 further includes a pair of bases configured to mount the lower end portions of the pair of towers to corresponding upper wall areas of the truck body.

[0224] Paragraph F1. A truck frame comprising: (a) a first crossbar assembly and a second crossbar assembly, each crossbar assembly being configured to be mounted on a pair of opposing upper wall regions of a truck body and including a crossbar and a pair of towers; (b) a side rail configured to extend between corresponding towers of the first and second crossbar assemblies, the side rail having an adjustable length and including a slot; and (c) a frame accessory configured to be mounted to the side rail via the slot.

[0225] Paragraph F2. The truck frame according to paragraph F1, wherein the side rail includes an outer tube and an inner tube that extends adjustablely from the outer tube to adjust the length of the side rail.

[0226] Paragraph F3. The truck frame as described in paragraph F2, wherein the outer tube has a groove.

[0227] Paragraph F4. Based on the truck frame in paragraph F3, the slot is a T-shaped slot.

[0228] Paragraph F5. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs F2 to F4, wherein the inner tube also has a groove, and wherein the length of the side rails is configured to be set by adjusting at least one fastener assembly that extends from the groove of the outer tube to the groove of the inner tube.

[0229] Paragraph F6. The truck frame according to any of paragraphs F1 to F5, wherein the side rail includes a length-adjustable bar and a sleeve, the sleeve being slidable along the length-adjustable bar and being secured to the length-adjustable bar, and wherein the sleeve includes a groove.

[0230] Paragraph F7. The truck frame as described in paragraph F6, wherein the corresponding bushing extends from its opposite end into the sleeve.

[0231] Paragraph F8. The truck frame as described in any of paragraphs F1 to F7, wherein the side rails include a bracket at each end for mounting the end to one of the corresponding towers.

[0232] Paragraph G1. A truck frame comprising: (A) a crossbar; and (b) a pair of towers, each tower including a lower end portion, an upper end portion, and a middle portion, the lower end portion being configured to be mounted on an upper wall region of a truck bed, the upper end portion being configured to support the crossbar, and the middle portion extending between the lower end portion and the upper end portion; wherein the towers define a longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis is linear along the middle portion and curved along the upper end portion.

[0233] Paragraph G2. The truck frame according to paragraph G1, wherein the middle portion and the upper end portion are attached to each other at a joint, and wherein the middle portion and the upper end portion are substantially flush with each other around the joint.

[0234] Paragraph G3. Truck frame as described in paragraph G2, wherein the middle section and the upper end section are attached to one other by one or more fasteners at a joint.

[0235] Paragraph G4. The truck frame described in any of paragraphs G1 to G3, wherein the upper end portion is smoothly curved to substantially horizontal and forms a saddle for the crossbar.

[0236] The disclosures set forth above may cover a number of different inventions with independent practical applicability. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific examples disclosed and described herein should not be construed as limiting, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of this invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. The appended claims specifically point to certain combinations and sub-combinations considered novel and non-obvious. Inventions implemented with other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed in applications claiming priority to this or related applications. Such claims, whether relating to different inventions or the same invention, and whether broader, narrower, equal to, or different in scope than the original claims, are also considered to be included within the inventive subject matter of this disclosure. Moreover, ordered indicators, such as first, second, or third, for identifying elements are used to distinguish between elements, and unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordered indicators do not indicate a particular location or order of such elements. Finally, this disclosure incorporates the material by reference. If any ambiguity or conflict arises from the combination of references to a term, the text of this application governs the interpretation of that term.

Claims

1. A truck frame, comprising: A pair of towers, each tower including an elongated leg, a retractable middle section and an upper end section, the upper end section of the pair of towers being connected to a crossbar; and A pair of bases configured to mount the pair of towers on the upper wall region of the truck bed. The retractable middle section of each tower: It extends along a linear axis and has an adjustable length for changing the height of the tower along the inwardly extending axis. Defines a first axial groove extending along the linear axis of the retractable intermediate portion and a second axial groove extending along the linear axis of the retractable intermediate portion, and Includes an outer tube and an inner tube slidably extending from the outer tube, the inner tube defining a first axial groove and a second axial groove; a first fastener assembly, the first fastener assembly being partially located in the first axial groove; and a second fastener assembly, the second fastener assembly being partially located in the second axial groove, Each of the first and second fastener assemblies includes an externally threaded fastener arranged to threadedly engage with an internally threaded fastener, and is adjustable between a first configuration that allows sliding between the inner and outer tubes and a second configuration that prevents sliding between the inner and outer tubes. The crossbar has an axial groove extending along a longitudinal axis, and a third fastener assembly and a fourth fastener assembly, each of which engages the axial groove of the crossbar with a corresponding upper end portion of one of the pair of towers, and is adjustable between a first configuration that allows sliding between the crossbar and the upper end portion of the tower, and a second configuration that prevents sliding between the crossbar and the upper end portion of the tower, wherein when the first, second, third, and fourth fastener assemblies are in the first configuration, height adjustment of the crossbar is allowed without disengaging the fastener assembly from the corresponding groove, and height adjustment is prevented when the fastener assembly is in the second configuration.

2. The truck frame according to claim 1, wherein, The base support member includes a fastener assembly configured to extend between the hole in the base and the hole in the elongated leg.

3. The truck frame according to claim 2, wherein, The fastener assembly of the base includes bolt components and nut components that engage with each other.

4. A truck frame, comprising: A tower having elongated legs, a retractable middle section, and an upper end section, the upper end section being configured to connect to a crossbar, the retractable middle section having a bottom end attached to the elongated legs such that the plane defined by the elongated legs is inclined or orthogonal to the linear axis of the retractable middle section. and A base support member configured to mount the tower onto the upper wall region of the truck bed; and The base support member has a receiving area between a pair of opposing end walls for receiving the elongated leg, the receiving area being matched to the length of the elongated leg to ensure proper alignment of the elongated leg in the base support member, and the telescopic intermediate portion of the tower having an end portion and a diagonal brace, the end portion and the diagonal brace being individually connected to the elongated leg between the end walls of the base support member.

5. The truck frame according to claim 4, wherein, The base support member includes a fastener assembly configured to extend between the holes in the base support member and the holes in the elongated leg.

6. The truck frame according to claim 5, wherein, The fastener assembly includes bolt components and nut components that engage with each other.

7. The truck frame according to claim 5, wherein, The hole in the base component penetrates the platform.

8. The truck frame according to claim 4, wherein, The elongated leg has opposing edge regions located around the periphery of the elongated leg, and wherein the base member includes a clamp configured to engage the opposing edge regions of the elongated leg.

9. The truck frame according to claim 4, wherein, The pair of opposing end walls and the side walls are arranged to match the three sides of the peripheral shape of the elongated leg.

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